Chris Rathore
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Visual Diaries for Travellers | Interview with Sakal Times, Pune, India

10/10/2015

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Cover story on a Sunday, could it get any better?

Wake up on a Sunday morning just to see your photograph on the front cover of a newspaper with a readership of 6 million people. Lucky? very! I am thankful to my dear friend Rajlaxmi Arora for making me part of her Plus 8 article in Sakal Times, Pune. 
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Sakal Times did a cover story, explaining the fact how Instagram is changing the way people are traveling and how smoothly people connect with stories of other travellers. The article features a spectrum of great Instagrammers including; @namansaraiya, @siddharthajoshi,
@anushree_fadnavis and of course, you're very own @traveller.chris. The cover photo features my latest click of Westminster, London.Here is a preview of my take on the story.
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Thank you Rajal aka Rajlaxmi Arora for giving me this opportunity. Make sure y'all follow her on Twitter @rajalarora.

And finally, thank you all for being part of my travels and following my journey on Instagram. You know I wait to hear about your travel memories, so please leave a reply/email when you get time.
​Till then, never stop travelling.
To read more work by Rajlaxmi Arora click here.
View the full story below:
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My top 10 bucket list destinations to see before you die

10/7/2015

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Top 10 Bucket List Destinations Not To Be Missed: Cities

We all have that bucket list in the back of our heads or at the last page of our notes. You might be unsure when, where and how you can mark "check" that list but these destinations are a must to be added for all the travel fanatics out there. Time to update that list:

1. Marrakesh Morroco

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Koutoubia Mosque, Marrakesh | Image Source: Pinterest​
Why I want to visit Marrakesh

I personally love the stunning architecture of this city. The traditional Moroccan patterns are a feast for the eyes. The warm colors and complex patterns wrap the entire city in a harmonious way. 

I was so inspired by the architecture that I decided to redesign my entire living space with a Morrocan design with a zest of Indian patterns making a perfectly timeless living space. 

Also known as The “Red City”, Marrakesh is an exotic destination, sculpted by colorful markets, gardens, Moroccan palaces, and mosques. A day spent in the intricate courtyards and stretched alleyways of the ancient Medina is a day well spent. Take a peaceful peek at Jardin Majorelle or soak in the vibes of one of the city’s historic mosques (note: unless you are Muslim, you are not allowed to enter). 
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Image Source: Pinterest​
Image Source: Traveller.Chris

​2. Siem Reap Cambodia

This magical ancient destination is an escape to the 12th century. When these majestic temples light up every morning, simple Angor Wat sunrise becomes a profound event. These are one of the largest religious complexes in the world. Apparently these were Hindu temples which were abandoned and later became Buddhist temples. Although the architecture has not been disturbed in any way and has been left to nature. 
Angkor Thom royal city are considered the main reasons to visit Siem Reap.

Why I want to visit Cambodia

Most of the population lives in urban well-developed areas, including myself. Therefore, this left to nature place brings in a wave of freshness and a face off to reality of a harmonious blend of cultures, rituals, religion and faith bonded by mother nature. Number 2 on my list this place is a must for nature lovers.
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Angor Wat | Image Source: Pinterest​
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Image Source: Pinterest​
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Angor Wat | Image Source: International Living

​3. Turkey Istanbul

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Blue Mosque  | Image Source: Divas Hotel
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Get ready to absorb the mosques, bazaars, and Turkish baths of Istanbul. Experience the breathtaking architecture and delicious Türk mutfağı (Turkish cuisine). Kick off at the visually stunning Sultan Ahmet Camii (Blue Mosque), visible from various points in the city. Take a relaxing walk at the Galata Bridge and stop by the Miniaturk Park to admire the tiny artifacts. Shuffle through Grand Bazaar while bathing in the fragrant orchestra at the Egyptian Bazaar of spices and fruits. 

Why I want to visit Istanbul

Having an Indian Passport, I can get a visa on arrival for this beautiful country (more info on Visa on arrival). This makes my travel file less of visa red tape and more of city maps and reservations. Being a photographer the Muslim architecture of this city is a paradise for my lens. After seeing this city in movies including 007 and having a visa on arrival option, there is no way I would miss this travellers paradise in this life.

Blue Mosque (Inside) | Image Source: Pinterest​

4. Agra India

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The Taj Mahal | Image Source: Amir G
The majestic Taj Mahal, how can this not be on my list. Ranked third in the list of top 25 landmarks in the world by TripAdvisor and being one of the 7 wonders of the world. 
The spellbound allure of the Taj Mahal attracts tourists to Agra like bees to a flower. Along with the Taj stands the legacy of the Mughal empire represented by its fascinating tombs and mausoleums, and the fun that awaits in the colourful chowks (marketplaces).

Many tourists choose to visit Agra on a whistle-stop day trip from Delhi. This is a shame. There is much more of interest here than can be seen in that time. In fact, you can enjoy several days’ sightseeing with side trips to the superb ruined city of Fatehpur Sikri and the Hindu pilgrimage centre of Mathura. 

Agra rests on a large curve in the holy Yamuna River. The fort and the Taj, 2km apart, both overlook the river on different parts of the bend. The main train and bus stations are a few kilometres southwest. - Lonely Planet
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Image Source: Pinterest​
Why I want to visit Agra, again!

I remember on 7th July 2007 (7.7.7), visiting the iconic Taj Mahal as a little child. I was mesmerized by this gigantic shimmering marble architecture. Massive pure white marble domes wrap the ambience just to take you back to the royal Mughal era. Back then I was not equipped with the photographer's skills and eye but now I can't wait to capture this iconic wonder with my Nikon.
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The Taj Mahal | ​Image Source: Amir G

5. Santorini Greece

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Oia | Image Source: Traveller.Chris
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Oia | Image Source: Traveller.Chris
Talk about endless ocean blues and white washed towns and not mention Santorini? is no less than a crime. When it comes to the Greek islands one must not miss the iconic town of Oia, sitting on a hilltop. Read more about the village of Oia here. 
Why I visited Santorini

My initial plan to visit Italy was immediately extended to visit the greek islands as soon as I started browsing the map of southern Europe. White washed houses and the blue skies were only seen virtually but became a reality in July 2015. The simple, aesthetic and relaxing beauty of Santorini was just enough reason to visit this absolute heaven. I would revisit the Greek Islands time and time again. 

6. Paris France

Read it so many times, with love from Paris. After visiting the intricate streets of the French capital, I was left in a moment of awe at every corner. The sky piercing Eiffel Tower could be viewed from our apartment in Rue Terrage. The night sky image below was taken from our balcony. The grandeur of this city was like no other I had ever seen. On the downside what I really did not like was the bland food experience I had at one of the restaurants near the Tower. But overall it's an absolute must visit for Europe lovers around the globe. 
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Eiffel Tower | Image Source: Traveller.Chris
The architecture in this city is one of the most beautiful I have ever seen. Not to forget Versailes Hall of Mirrors is hands down a must visit if you come to Paris.
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Eiffel Tower | Image Source: Traveller.Chris
Why I visited Paris
The ultimate tourist destination. The amount of tourists at the Eiffel Tower is something I have never seen in my life. The painfully long que to climb up this french tower was absolutely demotivating. Instead of going up Eiffel I went up the Observatory Tower building, tallest in Paris, this building gave the stunning view of the city with the Eiffel Tower in it. Although visiting the Eiffel will always be on my bucket list and I hope to do it one day. 

7. Prague Czech Republic

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Image Source: Traveller.Chris
The bohemian charm and gothic features of Prague, #5 in the World by Travellers' Choice Destination Awards, making it a perfect destination for gothic lovers wanting to bath in 12th-century culture. Spend a full day exploring Prazsky Hrad (Prague Castle), then re-energise over a dinner at a classic Czech tavern. Don't forget to miss the iconic Old Town Square (image below) before heading over to The Old Town Hall and the world famous Astronomical Clock.

Why I visited Prague
 This might sound a bit cheesy, but Prague was my first ever bucket list destination in Europe. Why? A Bollywood movie named Rockstar. The movie showcases Prague as a tour destination for the singer. Once I saw the town on the silver screen, it was pinned right away back in 2012 and I lived my dream destination in 2015. 

Image Source: Traveller.Chris
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Prague Castle | Image Source: Traveller.Chris
This gothic town is a visual treat in itself. The cuisine is mouth-watering and can be enjoyed with gorgeous views if you get a chance to visit any restaurants on the high altitudes. Overall Prague is a backpacker friendly city. I enjoyed this Gothic town 200% and will never forget the times spent and the friends I made here.
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​8. Venice, Italy

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Image Source: Traveller.Chris
Think abracadabra and I say Venice. Get ready to have your travel expectations reach a new high. This compilation of almost 115 islands, 400 Venetian bridges, 150 canals and hundreds of Gondolas is a place like no other. Over 15 million travellers flock to Venice every year, making it another popular destination and traveller friendly location in  the World.
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Image Source: Traveller.Chris
Why I visited Venice

Venice! Of course, Venice. How could I visit Italy and not travel to this magical city floating over waters of blues. Street jungles, vanishing marble domes in misty fog and sparking into the setting sun is the most surreal scene I have ever seen. Step into this web of beautiful streets and forget the world. Enjoy perfect Italian cuisine in the homely squares with the view of the moody street or slurp down that spaghetti with the buzz of St. Marks Square. Venice is a perfect place to relax for travellers of all kinds. Even after my sojourns, I don't think I will be tired of this magician anytime soon.
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Image Source: Traveller.Chris

9. London, England

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View from Tower Bridge | Image Source: Traveller.Chris
The Queen, Buckingham Palace, Camden Market, Harrods, The Shard, Big Ben and the London Eye. The list can go on and on when it comes to spending time seeing these world famous places. A week is an absolute unjust to London. 
One of the world's most visited cities, London has something for everyone: from history and culture to fine food and good times - Lonely Planet
An incorporation of leafy escapes and densely crowded explorations, Central London is a place of museums, galleries, expensive high streets, fast supercars and buzzing English pubs. 
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Big Ben | Image Source: Traveller.Chris
Why I visited London
Technically, London was my second home for 3 long years. I did my bachelor's in science degree in Business and Management and spent the entire course living in Zone 6. That's 45 mins from Piccadilly Circus you visited last summer when you were in London. So yeah, not the best but a sweet spot to live I would say. 

London is a lot more than simply a destination for me. The times I spent growing up in this city is something so remarkable, words can never do the justice. I was just 17 when I came here and now almost an adult few years down the road, this city and culture has shaped me in so many better ways I never imagined I would experience. More about my life in London can be read here.

But if you are not planning to live in this expensive Kingdom keep reading. The cultural cuisine is Fish and Chips, everything else is an add-on. But you must give it a try in a traditional English bar with a pint of beer. The best season to travel is mid-summer during the months of June until late August. The skies are clear and the wind is warm. Have a view of this historic city from the London Eye or the famous Shard, it's a visual treat from every high point. My 3 years passed by in a flash, but I will visit this place again if I get a chance.
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10. New York, USA

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Image Source
London-Paris-New York, we all have heard these words more as a phrase. Sometimes it feels incomplete not to say all 3 places in a go. Let's not forget, I have lived in London, been in Paris and now all that is left to finish my rhyme is NYC. We know NYC from film, TV and music and is one of the most visited places in the world after London. 
This is a restless, energetic city with culture, sports, history, restaurants and shopping in abundance. After visiting the landmarks: Empire State Building, the Statue of Liberty and the Metropolitan Museum of Art, you can step off  in thousands of directions: the medieval Cloisters museum in upper Manhattan, Yankee Stadium in the Bronx, a tour of pizzerias in Brooklyn... just to name a few. 

The night is born again when the sun sinks into the far concrete jungle. 
This is a city of experimental theater, improv comedy, indie cinema, ballet, poetry readings, burlesque, world music, jazz and so much more. If you can dream it up, it's probably happening in NYC.
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Image Source: iliketowastemytime
Why I want to visit NYC

I don't think my list would ever be completed without the Times Square. Every Hollywood series and TV show I watched growing up always had a scene of the iconic Times Square, busy streets, people rushing to work or simply relaxing in the lush green parks. I want to see this restless, energetic city with culture, sports, history, restaurants and shopping in harmony. Although I do feel that London was quite similar but I also believe that the American and English culture is a bit different. 
Waiting for that day when I book my tickets to NYC and also meet my friends in California.
What are some of your favourite destinations you visited or want to visit in the future.I would love to hear your travel adventures and wishes. Please leave an email or comment in the section below.

Till then never stop travelling.
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    Chris Rathore aka @traveller.chris on Instagram

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