One day in Washington DC is actually enough time to see and do a lot. Don’t believe me? This one day itinerary for visiting Washington DC includes the best sightseeing around the US capitol, best things to do in DC, and an overall plan for an easy day trip to Washington DC.
Washington DC for Gay Families
We partnered with Best Western to visit Virginia and Washington DC, so for our recommendations for where to stay, check out our “hotels” section at the end!
VISITING THE SMITHSONIAN MUSEUMS
If you’re planning a day trip to Washington DC, you have to make time for at least one or two of the many Smithsonian Museums. Whether you’re looking for art or history, science or culture, there is a museum for every interest.
Most of the Smithsonian Museums are located along the National Mall, which is the long lawn between the Capitol Building and the Lincoln Memorial. Several have cafes, so if you want to stay in the relative area, it makes for an easy day full of museum-going.
Touchdown in Delhi, the first thing we see are men walking the streets holding hands…
This is a tradition so deep-rooted in the culture of India: men are very docile around each other, whether straight or gay. It’s not a sexual thing, simply one of those cultural norms that caught our eyes!
India is often a monstrous feat for tourists. It’s so big, so full of culture, so diverse, that it’s impossible to decide where to visit if you’re going for a short trip. Which is why we didn’t just go for a short trip; we went on a month-long journey covering as much as we could from north to south. From cruising along the backwaters of Kerala, taking in the sounds of wild birds and air whistling through the trees, the Ghats of Varanasi, to the fiery food, that would burn the tongue of any ole’ Westerner (where the hottest spice we’re used to is salt!), India sets out to transform your perception of the world.
What called us to gay India in the first place? Was it the Taj Mahal, with its monumental appearance, a marble fortress set against the dazzling blue sky? Perhaps it was the jumbled landscape, with the extremes of sparse open fields lying next to a never-ending jungle, that lies adjacent to a labyrinth of a city filled with delicious smells, ancient temples and busy markets? Or the people: full of colour, sass, lots of head wobbling and plenty of smiles.
Famous for their unwavering hospitality, Indian people welcome tourists with an open embrace. Everywhere we went, we were met with smiling eyes and greetings of warmth. Chatting to merchants in the street we got to hear all sorts of fascinating stories about their local lives. The hustle and bustle, people brushing past you in tight quarters, and avoiding pickpockets were no mean feat but when matched with the gentle and beautiful hearts of the majority of Indians, it’s all so worth it.
All About Gay India
To learn more about all things tourist-y, food-y, and party-gay-centric around India, check out our ultimate gay country guide right here!
The Yunyansi Pagoda on Tiger Hill in Suzhou is China’s Leaning Tower of Pisa. Well, you won’t really notice it if you’re not standing on the right side below the tower.
I went there with no idea that this was a leaning pagoda. I gradually noticed it as I went around the structure. The photos below don’t really give justice, but you’ve got to see it yourself if you’re intrigued.
The pagoda is sitting on Tiger Hill, a tourist attraction in Suzhou. There are a few hills in the area with other interesting sites to visit. However, the leaning Yunyansi Pagoda is the most visited one.
Mumbai is an exciting city, bursting with energy, history, art, and awe-inspiring architecture. Previously known as Bombay, the city is the birthplace of Bollywood and home to the countries financial district. It is also famed for having a relaxed cosmopolitan vibe.
But what is it like to be Gay in Mumbai? Is the attitude towards the LGBT+ community as liberal as Mumbai’s reputation suggests? We travelled to Mumbai to find out. We learnt that following the historic 2018 decision to decriminalise homosexuality in India, the gay scene in Mumbai is in fact on the rise.
Truth be told; this was a surprise. In our experience, India was still very socially conservative. We certainly hadn’t heard of any hint of a gay scene in the likes of Jaipur, Varanasi, or even Goa! But with LGBT organisations such as ‘It Gets Better India‘ and the ‘Keshav Suri Foundation‘ continuously fighting for visibility and acceptance, times ARE changing.
As it turns out, Mumbai is indeed a city full of surprises. Asides from the gay scene, she is a paradoxical city. One that gives with one hand and takes with the other. An extreme divide between rich and poor; A city that makes dreams or breaks them; A fast-paced lifestyle that can exhilarate or exhaust. Mumbai is the epitome of crazy/beautiful India, and we loved every intoxicating minute of it.
In this travel guide, we will outline all the best places to go in Mumbai as an LGBT+ traveller. You’ll find a list of gay-friendly hotels and bars and our top tips as an LGBT couple in Mumbai. We will also touch on LGBT+ rights and social opinions in India, to help you prepare for an incredible, and most importantly, a safe, trip of a lifetime.
Lesbian Mumbai & LGBT+ Rights in India
When it comes to LGBT rights in India, the past 20 years have been a long and volatile road. A series of significant wins and disappointing setbacks saw LGBT activists taking one step forward and two steps back again.
The Shanghai Oriental Pearl Tower was once the tallest building in China – from 1994-2007. Then, it was later eclipsed by the modern Shanghai World Financial Center.
Today, the tower is the 5th tallest in the world.
A friend of mine once told me that his Shanghainese friend told him that the tower resembles that of twin dragons playing with pearls.
Karni Mata Temple in Udaipur overlooks the city of lakes and the surrounding landscapes. While the temple itself is only small and modest, the view from the fort is one of the best sunset points in Udaipur. After experiencing a magical sunset at Karni Mata Temple, we consider it to be one of the top places to visit in Udaipur in 2-days.
To capture awe-inspiring views of Udaipur, Karni Mata Temple is up there with the Monsoon Palace, as one of the best viewpoints in the city. Located on the Machla Magra Hills, east of Lake Pichola, you can access the temple via a short hike or ropeway.
In this guide, we advise everything you need to know ahead of visiting the Karni Mata Temple in Udaipur. Including entrance fees, opening times, what to expect & more.
Karni Mata Temple Udaipur
How to Get To Karni Mata Temple
Udaipur is an essential addition to any Rajasthan itinerary. It is one of the most popular tourist cities in the country and forms a part of our suggested one month in India Route. You can conveniently reach Udaipur via bus, train, or plane from all over the country.
Set East of Lake Pichola, Karni Mata Temple is accessible via foot if you don’t mind working up a bit of a sweat. From Udaipur City Palace, the distance is approximately 2km. It’s a pleasant walk as you pass through various boutique stores and restaurants that you miss in the center of the town.
On Pingjiang Lu, you can still relive the Old Suzhou you are looking for. However, it’s not a kind of experience that will fully give you a satisfying experience. Though the street is lined with white-washed houses of old yore, many are turned into businesses that cater to tourists. There are cafes, street food stalls, a few high-end fashion silk brands, and restaurants. And oh, Starbucks invaded this street, too.
Pingjiang Road is a well-preserved street that is part of Old Suzhou. Record shows that the street’s history dates back to Song Dynasty. At first glance, you’ll find the street to be made-up to attract tourists. The good news, however, is that there are no aggressive hawkers and vendors here.
The Udaipur City Palace is a top tourist attraction and architectural marvel in Udaipur. Located on the banks of Lake Pichola, the opulent building is a seamless blend of Medieval, European, and Chinese architecture. Of all the palaces in Rajasthan, Udaipur is the largest, and arguably the most impressive.
Building works for Udaipurs’ City Palace commenced in 1559, although renovations and additions continued well into the 19th century. Today, the complex is made up of a series of exquisite palaces, gardens, and courtyards. No sightseeing tour in Udaipur is complete without visiting the City Palace, which provides a fascinating insight into the cities history.
In this guide, we advise everything you need to know ahead of visiting the Udaipur City Palace. Including entrance fees, how to get there, what to expect & more.
Udaipur City Palace – Getting There
Udaipur is an essential addition to any Rajasthan itinerary. It is one of the most popular tourist cities in the country and forms a part of our suggested one month in India Route. You can conveniently reach Udaipur via bus, train, or plane from all over the country.
Set peacefully upon the eastern banks of Lake Pichola, the City Palace can easily be reached on foot if you are staying in the city. Alternatively, you can take a rickshaw or taxi which are easy to come by in Udaipur.
The Reichstag Dome in Berlin is a symbol of the unifying force of what used to be the East and West Berlin. The glass dome is above the Reichstag Building that houses the German Parliament. If you are standing in front of the building, you might think it’s just another dome in Europe. But, hey, it’s not one of those domes! This one is, believe me, one you’ll never forget too soon. You’ll forget about other places you’ve visited in the city but this. This tourist attraction in Berlin is just a few steps north of Brandenburg Tor.
Book Your Visit to the Reichstag Dome
It is recommended to book your visit here, especially in summer. If you’re lazy to do it online, you can always line up at the reservation booth on the right side of the building. If you’re lucky, you might get in on the same day, if there are available time slots. However, you’ll probably get the next-day reservation. You can visit it from 8:00 in the morning until midnight – with the last admission at 10:00 in the evening. Bring your passport – and oh, it’s free!
Visiting the Ahar Cenotaphs is one of the more unique things to do in Udaipur and could be considered somewhat of a hidden gem. Yes, despite being a spot of historical significance, many tourists erroneously it. While we, on the other hand, regard Ahar Cenotaphs to be one of the top places to visit in Udaipur in 2 days!
You see, Ahar is essentially a Royal cemetery for Udaipur’s late Maharajas. However, what might sound like a dark place on paper is, in fact, a spot of peace and serenity. Furthermore, if you are at all interested in Rajasthani architecture, you are sure to be left in awe by the intricately carved stone tombs.
In this guide, we advise everything you need to know ahead of visiting Ahar Cenotaphs in Udaipur. Including entrance fees, opening times, what to expect & more.
Ahar Cenotaphs Udaipur – A 2019 Sightseeing Guide
Udaipur is an essential addition to any Rajasthan itinerary. It is one of the most popular tourist cities in the country and forms a part of our suggested one month in India Route. You can conveniently reach Udaipur via bus, train, or plane from all over the country.
Set on the outskirts of the city, 2km away from Lake Pichola, the Ahar Cenotaphs can easily be reached on foot if you don’t mind working up a sweat. Alternatively, you can take a rickshaw or taxi, which are both easy to come by in Udaipur.
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