Live like a royal

 

Jaipur is the capital of Rajasthan. It has a royal feel. It is also called the Pink City. Resplendent in the hues of its magnificent past, Jaipur is one of the most vibrant destinations in India. I wanted a royal stay so my ultimate choice was the Taj Jai Mahal Palace.

Its ideally situated just 11 km from Jaipur International Airport and 1km from Jaipur Railway Station. All the famous landmarks are nearby being 5.4 km from Hawa Mahal and 5.1 km from Jantar Mantar. Its positioned at Jacob Road in Jaipur and is surrounded by places to visit like Hanuman Temple (Approx. 0.25km) and Ramkrishna Mission (Approx. 2km).
Jai Mahal Palace, Jaipur portrays the true Rajasthani culture perfectly. The traditional touch in the decor of the room blends perfectly with the range of contemporary amenities offered. The 5-star Jai Mahal Palace offers a range of rooms featuring modern and classic Indian-style décor. Solid wooden flooring, a flat-screen TV and luxurious bathrooms with a bathtub are standard in all rooms. It is tastefully restored and decorated to reflect the Mughal-style grandeur.Its an 18th century fort surrounded by manicured gardens and fountains where regal peacocks wander.
Designed in Indo-Saracen style, it features 100 rooms that are well-decorated with miniature paintings, reflecting the richness of Rajasthani culture. All rooms are furnished with designer furniture and provided with satellite television, Wi-Fi, tea/coffee maker and mini bar.

The hotel ably meets the requirements of both leisure and business guests. A well-equipped conference hall, two boardrooms and landscaped lawns serve as ideal venues for business and party events. Indoor and outdoor games, gym, spa, beauty salon, folk dance, shopping arcade and swimming pool are the recreational facilities offered by the hotel. Additionally, the hotel provides free Wi-Fi upto 2 devices.

Giardino (Italian), Cinnamon (Indian) and Marble Arch (Indian, Oriental and European) are the three stylish restaurants at the hotel. Hawa Mahal- set amidst the garden, Pool Lounge- situated at poolside and The Terrace- located at rooftop are the open-air lounges. Marigold Bar offers refreshing drinks and cigars in a perfect ambience.

Enjoy nature walks within the boundaries of the hotel.
One can pamper at the health club or spa. I attended the morning yoga lessons and afterwards spent a refreshing time in the outdoor swimming pool. Guests can have a relaxing spa massage. Concierge services and a business centre are available. A game of chess with life-size chessmen can also be enjoyed.

The rooms in the hotel are comfortable and well furnished..

I had a great time watching folk dances in the evening while enjoying my favorite drink from the Marigold Bar. There are three on-site restaurants that serve delicious gourmet meals. I also enjoyed the wide selection of fresh cakes, pastries and breads available at La Patisserie.

The Palace has a Conference hall that can accommodate 200 people, two Board rooms that can accommodate 10 people and a Lawn that can accommodate 2000 people. It
A friendly, professional staff always there to cater to your needs

A babysitting service is also available.

Clean rooms with great décor and clean bathrooms make your stay memorable

Avery good place to stay. It’s not just a just like a palace by name but also makes you feel like one. So enjoy the food and cultural activities and live like a royal.

Located in the heart of Jaipur, it is a best mix of heritage and culture and the perfect place to be in.provides Recreational activities like Badminton, Tennis, Astrologer, Yoga and Currency Exchange facilities on request.



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

Feel pampered

My most favorite destination in India is Goa, a tiny emerald land on the west coast of India. Goa is also known

for its beaches, ranging from popular stretches at Baga and Palolem to those in laid-back fishing villages such as Agonda.

I selected The Lalit Golf & Spa Resort Goa which is richly designed on 85 acres along the pristine Goan coastline.
This hotel offers a breathtaking view of the Arabian Sea. A kilometer-long exclusive beachfront made me fall in love with this place. Its one of the most exquisite beach resorts in Goa.
I was welcomed by a friendly staff with a traditional drink which I sipped while admiring the rustic chandeliers, antique long-handled ceiling fans and a grand staircase overlooking a hand-painted tile mosaic of Sao Rafael, the very first Portuguese ship to land in Goa under the helm of Vasco Da Gama in the grand lobby.

This resort has everything which I imagined. Grand Baroque-Portuguese style architecture, meticulously landscaped gardens, international standard Double ‘T’ 9-hole Links golf course and Rejuve – the signature spa,luxury of
oceanfront privacy.

It has 255 suites, including 10 luxurious villas. A nine-hole links golf course, water sports facility, a holistic spa and six unique fine dining restaurants make The Lalit Golf & Spa Resort the perfect destination for relaxation and rejuvenation.

Lalit Goa is a huge placed with spacious rooms. One can experience a unique blend of comfort and serenity. The resort is a great place to stay, for both leisure and business purpose.

The resort is just 15 minutes drive from Palolem Beach. Colva and Benaulim beaches are 40 km away from the resort. Interesting tourist spots like Sahakari spice farms, Ponda Temples called Mahalsa and Mangueshi are located at a distance of 40 & 60 km respectively.

The resort has 255 air conditioned rooms offering 238 sea view and garden view suites, 14 luxury suites and 3 presidential suites. Internet facility inside every room keeps the guest well connected with family and friends.
All rooms have a mini bar, private bathroom, color television, telephone, refrigerator, hair dryer, telephone and newspaper.

I booked a Garden view Suite King for myself
My suite had an attached or balcony with a sea/garden view. Tea/coffee makers and a mini bar were provided for refreshments. All suites have individual climate control, color TV with satellite network, DVD player, Wi-Fi connectivity, international direct dialing facility, alarm clock, electrical adapters, safe, iron and ironing board. The well appointed bathrooms have a bath tub and shower cubicle. Guests can avail of 24
hour room service and in house laundry.
It has been amazing to spend a few days at The Lalit. The facilities are fantastitc. The restaurants, the rooms, the swimming pool, and not forgetting the golf course are marvelous. I don't play golf, but enjoyed watching a game.

Rejuva, the holistic spa offers aroma, ayurvedic and herbal therapies to the guests which I highly recommend. Fitness club is the perfect place for fitness freaks like me and one can indulge in recreational activities like swimming, tennis, squash and jogging.

There is a big Banquet hall which can accommodate around 550 persons and the resort provides all the necessary wedding services. I even purchased gifts and souvenirs from the resort's shopping arcade. The most amazing thing is that the resort has its own helipad.

In addition round the clock in room service and other services like travel desk, baby sitting, wheel chair access and doctor on call for any emergency are also provided by the resort.

In house coffee shop and 6 dining outlets with live open kitchens serve ample cuisine choices.

A private Yacht for sunset, dolphin and pleasure cruises provided by the resort are some of the best features for adventure lovers.

Great hospitality and an amazing staff and a luxurious stay will make you feel special.

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

Ways to a healthy heart

Having a healthy heart is the key to a healthy life. Today heart diseases are the demons which are responsible for many deaths. Do you know that 3 baby steps or #ChhoteKadam is all it takes to help us make our heart 50% healthier.
These small steps are ...
. Staying Active,
  Eating Better
  Being Happy
When we talk of staying active it means following a lifestyle that has lots of activity. This activity can be exercise, Yoga and playing games. Walking on the grass bare feet is very refreshing. Walking restores a sense of balance and brings an inner calm hence it is good for the heart. Do brisk walking for at least 30 minutes early in the morning since it reduces the affects of pollution on the heart
Even just 75 minutes of exercise per week which can be broken up into chunks throughout the day can do wonders for a healthy heart. Take the stairs instead of the elevator, get off your train or bus a stop early and walk the rest of the distance. These are some of the simple small steps to incorporate physical activity and staying active without making drastic changes to the work routine.
Eating better means that you must avoid the wrong foods which are rich in fats and in turn increase the cholesterol. Instead choose more of vegetables, fruits and whole grains.
The more fatty foods you consume greater is the load on the heart. So make a wise choice of foods so that they do not strain the heart. Take. a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, whole grains and fish while minimizing sugar-sweetened beverages and salt. Maintain a healthy weight. Your weight should be appropriate to your height.
Consume mixed nuts, about 25 gms of walnuts and peanuts as they help in bringing down cholesterol levels and are rich in proteins. Consume food rich in protein, like fish as Fatty acids found in fish prevents clot formation. Starting the day with a spoon full of honey- It reduces the cholesterol in the arteries and prevents heart attack
Being Happy is the magic mantra that not only keeps you stress free but also promotes the health of the heart. You can be happy by following all those activities or hobbies that give you pleasure. It can be singing, painting, reading or the like. Outings with family also make you happy. Your happiness will not only reflect in your behavior but also make others happy.
We must make sure to follow these small steps to make our heart healthy.

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

Eat Healthy for a Healthy Heart

Our heart works 24X7, beating every second, pumping blood to the other organs and keeps us alive.Are we doing enough for our heart in return.Our sedentary lifestyle coupled with the lack of physical exercises and other vices takes a toll on our heart.Its time to take care of your heart..It is not a monumental task .You only have to follow three small steps or #ChhoteKadam to make your heart 50% healthier.

1. Have a healthy breakfast

2. Make exercise a habit

3. Try weight lifting

4. Brush and floss daily

5. Keep off stress

6. Check your salt intake

7. Quit smoking

8. Watch what you eat

9. Go for a health check-up

10. Have at least eight hours of sleep

Whatever your age, start doing what you can to manage your risk factors,
Eating Better like following a heart-healthy diet, Staying Active by getting exercise, practicing weight control quit smoking and Being Happy.
Eating Better

Heart-shaped walnuts are brimming with antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids that can significantly reduce the risk of heart disease.Consuming just one ounce of walnuts five or more times a week about a handful every day can slash heart disease risk by nearly 40 percent.There are health benefits of different parts of the walnut—the skin, the “meat” and the oil— most of the heart-healthy benefits come from the oil. You can release walnuts’ volatile oils by roasting them in a dry pan over medium heat until fragrant.

Flax seeds are the richest plant source of omega-3 fats, which help reduce inflammation, ward off mood swings and help prevent heart disease and diabetes.Flax seeds make a subtle,nutty addition to smoothies, salad dressings and yogurt. But use ground flax seeds in order to get all the heart benefits the solid seeds aren’t easily digested.
Those who consume just 2 percent of their total daily calories from yogurt.and six-ounce cup of yogurt every three days have a 31 percent lower incidence of hypertension.
Sweet potatoes are loaded with fiber and nutrients and can help you burn fat. The magic ingredient here are carotenoids, antioxidants which stabilize blood-sugar levels and lower insulin resistance, which prevents calories from being converted into fat. That means they reduce your risk of diabetes, one of the greatest threats to your heart. And their high vitamin profile (including A, C and B6) give you more energy to burn at the gym.
Nuts are a great source of fiber and healthy fat, which can help fight inflammation in the body and also promote digestion.Sleep deprivation can lead to imbalances in blood circulation, increase stress, disrupts blood glucose levels all of which have a negative impact on the heart.Going for an annual health check-up after the age of 30 is a good idea. Most lifestyle diseases are silent in nature, and you only realize the severity of the disease when it has reached an advanced stage. So keep a tab on your health going for annual check-ups and discussing your health prospects with your family doctor.

 Staying Active
It is one of the most important part of your life.T his means that you must do regular exercise every day. It can be in the form of walking,jogging,doing yoga and other exercises.Walk for work at short distances,prefer to take the stairs instead of the elevator.

Being Happy
Happiness not only promotes your general well being it also works as a tonic for the heart. You can be happy doing things which you enjoy and also being in the company of people you like and love.

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

Be a responsible citizen

Every individual whose total income exceeds the maximum exemption limit is obligated to furnish his/her Income Tax Return or ITR.Tax paid is utilized for the development of the nation.Personal and financial benefits aside, filing IT returns also makes you a better citizen. Income tax is one of the sources of income for the Government, with which it funds infrastructure and welfare projects. It also is a barometer for progress, as rising income tax shows a corresponding growth in income.

E-filling or ITR has many benefits
- Standard Income Proof
ITR is globally accepted as a standard income proof.It is mandatory for or required for students looking for higher education abroad or if candidates are applying for jobs abroad.It is accepted as a income proof both in India and abroad.

-Hassle free Loan application process
Filing your ITR regularly gives you speedier access to credit.It works as an assurance to the financier that the loan applier will repay the loan within time.

-Claim your tax refund Salaried employees for whom TDS has been cut during the financial year can claim refund if the tax outgo has been more than the actual tax payable.

There is no reason why anyone should avoid filing IT returns, especially when the process can be done in a few clicks with e-filing platforms like H&R block.Its fast and secure.
Prompt processing.The acknowledgment of Income Tax Return (ITR) is quick. Refunds, if any, are processed faster than paper-filed returns.Better accuracy.E-filing software with built-in validations and electronic connectivity is seamless and minimizes errors considerably. Paper-filings can be prone to errors. Also, when any paper-based form is migrated to the electronic system, there is a possibility of human error in data entry. Convenience with no time and place barrier in filing returns online. E-filing facility is available 24/7 and one can file anytime, anywhere at your convenience.
Confidentiality, Better security than paper filings.
Accessibility to past data. One can easily access past data while filing returns. Most e-filing applications store data in a secure manner and allow for easy access at the time of filing subsequent returns.
Proof of receipt.one gets prompt confirmation of filing, both at time of filing and subsequently, via email on your registered email id.Electronic banking
Convenience of direct deposit for refund and direct debit for tax payments. You have the option to file now, pay later - decide what day to debit your bank account for tax payment.Tax paying is now easy.

“I’m taking the #TaxPledge to file IT returns with the easy Income Tax efiling option from H&R Block at BlogAdda.”

Paying Tax a samasya no more

The biggest benefit of paying tax on your income is that it helps when you apply for a loan in future or when one applies for a visa.For any home loan, vehicle loan, car loan, etc, most lenders ask for proof of tax returns of the previous three years.Even if applying for a loan as a co-borrower, the return will serve as proof of your income. Similarly, if you are planning to travel abroad, tax returns are required while applying for a Visa. It is mandatory to file returns to claim tax refund or set off losses. For instance, if one has suffered losses from stock market transactions and one wants to carry it forward to the next year, one must file for a refund, even if the annual income is below the taxable limit.Even in case one has earned some money through freelance work and the company deducted TDS at 10 per cent. But since the income is lower than the taxable limit, one is entitled for a refund. For claiming this refund, one have to file a return. If a refund is due after adjustment of prepaid taxes, it is necessary to file the Income Tax Return to get the refund from the Income Tax Department.
Visas of foreign countries: Many countries want to know if you are financially sound before they issue you a visa and for this purpose they will rely on your income tax returns.Before granting the loan, banks want to know your financial capacity and your income details as shown by you in income tax returns.However, the benefits lost on non-filing of returns are more than the penal provisions imposed for non-filing.
For Accidental Claims in Third Party Insurance: This is also one of the benefits of filing the ITR every year. It is immaterial if the income barely touches or crosses the taxable limit.You may file ITR for yourself or your spouse.in case of accidental death of any one member(s) during a road accident. At a court trial, insurance companies need the proof of income to arrive at the amount of accidental claim, and if any return is missing for the previous three years, this could lower the claim amount or even can become no claim because the court takes only ITR as evidence.Personal and financial benefits aside, filing IT returns also makes you a better citizen. Income tax is one of the sources of income for the Government, with which it funds infrastructure and welfare projects. It also is a barometer for progress, as rising income tax shows a corresponding growth in income.
So file your return and pay your tax using  e-filing platforms like H&R block and sit back in peace.

“I’m taking the #TaxPledge to file IT returns with the easy Income Tax efiling option from H&R Block at BlogAdda.”

A little masti a little gulal

Holi is the mark and a way to say good bye to the cold and chilly winter and welcoming the spring with a rainbow of colors. It is a festival of colors when all the children and adults gather on the streets and apply gulal of different colors on each other. Holi is the festival when a flood of memories transport me back to my hometown and my childhood. We children used to throw buckets of colored water and water balloons on the passers by from our terrace. The night before huge bonfires were lit, effigies of the demon Holika was burned to symbolize the triumph of good over evil. It is also the celebration of the grains having matured and they are offered to please the Gods. It is the only day when we wear our old clothes and don’t mind getting color stained. There is an atmosphere of merriment all over. It’s a day to throw away worries and enjoy. Every nook and corner presents a colorful sight.

We kids formed tolis or gangs as we sang, danced and threw colors on each other. Similar gangs could be seen every where. There was not a single lane street or compound that did not resound with the shouts of Holi Hai Holi is one of my favorite festivals. While playing Holi I was always most concerned about my hair   as I have long hair. My mother always applied coconut based hair oil as it acts as a protective layer for my hair against the colors and summer heat. We played so much with colors that it was always exhausting. But eating delicious gujiyas and samosas rejuvenated me. In the childhood Holi meant sheer fun. Our Holi day started with sprinkling gulal on the idol of Lord Krishna. Home made Gujiyas were offered as bhog. My mother used to make gulal at home by grinding dried flowers due to which the whole house smelt of flowers and
chandan. Red colour was made with rose flowers, yellow color with haldi and white
color with chameli flowers. Then we helped to make Kanji, a cool drink made with vada. A special thali filled with color was kept in the verandah. Then starting from the eldest as a sign of respect, everyone would put some color on each other. Home made Gujiya, samosas, snacks and kanji were served to everyone. On Holi day, there are no constraints. You can put as much color on anyone and drench anyone repeatedly. Nowadays the celebrations on Holi are different. Due to chemical reactions, skin allergies people stay away from colors. The times are different now. On the day of Holi people should feast together, it is a festival for all regardless of differences in age, sex, status and caste. We kids used to smear and throw colors almost everywhere and on everyone including buildings, animals and the people. For me Holi is set out with colors, water-guns, balloons, mithais, thandai and lots of excitement, and is the most awaited festival of India. Majority of the kids, like me eagerly waited for its arrival. We had a rip roaring fantastic time. I may not be a kid any more but I have decided to play #KhulKeKheloHoli

So what are you going to do this Holi?



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