The Charminar is a must-visit attraction in the city of Hyderabad and is arguably the pinnacle of Old Hyderabad. The structure is surrounded by other important landmarks such as the Mecca Masjid and Chowmahalla Palace.

Note that the Charminar is closed to visitors during Islamic prayer times, however, these timings are subject to change, so plan your itinerary accordingly.

The Virupaksha Temple is perhaps the most iconic structure in the lost city of Vijayanagara. Hampi's skyline is dominated by the main *gopuram* of the temple, which is what is pictured in the image above. Even though the sheer size of the structure will astonish you, make sure to look closer and admire the minuscule reliefs that pepper the surface of the *gopuram*.

Each visit to Hampi is sure to result in some new discovery.

The Gateway of India is perhaps the most iconic structure in Mumbai. It was built to commemorate the arrival of George V, which was the first time that a British monarch set foot in India. You can catch ferries plying to various attractions near Mumbai, including Alibag and Elephanta Caves, from the harbor right next to the Gateway. The promenade runs parallel to the Gateway and it is a great place to sit and enjoy the views. 

Note that the landmark is almost always crowded, and heading there early in the morning might allow you to skip much of the crowd.

If you're feeling hungry after a day spent exploring Mumbai and want a unique meal, head to Sassanian, a restaurant run by members of the Parsi community of the city. The eatery is about 2 km (1.24 mi) from Victoria Terminus (Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus) and specializes in Indo-Iranian cuisine, a tradition the Parsi community cherishes.

Beyond just a meal, you should also try out the unique Pallonji Soda served here, which is a nostalgic element of the city's food history. Make sure to carry cash as they may not accept UPI or card payments!

Bandra Beach and the Bandstand Promenade are right next to the Bandra-Worli Sea Link. The beach is composed of rocky outcrops weathered across millions of years by the sea. It is not advised to swim here, as the waters are regarded as polluted. 

However, during low tide, you can hop across the rocky outcrops, venture deep into the sea (and collect corals along the way), and surround yourself with the tranquility of the sea. You'll also have exceptional views of the Sea Link Bridge and the city from here.

Take caution to not get stranded as the tides rise, and make sure to return to the promenade before the rocky outcrops submerge again.

St. Andrew's Church is a charming place of worship that's almost lost in the chaos of Bandra, however, it maintains its own sense of tranquility against the urban bustle. The church is attached to a small cemetery that abounds in greenery, and you can rest here for a bit after an afternoon spent exploring Bandra.

The parvis or forecourt is laid out with graves of the faithful, so make sure that you are respectful while walking around. Mass is held in the morning and the church is usually closed at other times, so make sure you time your visit accordingly if you want to admire the interiors of the church.

The Basilica of Our Lady of the Mount is a spectacular structure and a popular place of worship in Bandra. If you're not planning to get here by car, it would be best if you ascend Mount Mary via St. Stephen's Steps to get to the Basilica. The interiors of the gothic-inspired structure are filled with frescoes and murals, and those to the sides of the structure depict significant events from the New Testament.

The Basilica is usually open throughout the day, and mass timings are subject to change. Make sure to check out The Oratory of Our Lady of Fatima, which is right across the road from the Basilica. It houses a spectacular marble statue of St. Mary and offers great views of the Basilica.

St. Stephen's Steps, as its name suggests, leads to the historic St. Stephen's Church in Bandra. However, the Steps have become an attraction in itself due to its wide open layout and tastefully graffitied walls. Bound on both sides by tall trees, the steps have become more like a park, and you can see people casually hanging out and having a chat as the sunlight seeps through the trees.

You can also take the steps to get to the Basilica of Our Lady of the Mount.

While driving up to Athirapilly Waterfall, you'll notice scenic date palm plantations lining the street, and at some spots, you can even see the river right beside the plantations. Just stop by the plantations and trek inside and you'll be on the Chalakudy River, just downhill from the waterfalls. In the summer or late winter, when the rains are far gone, you can cross across the rocky outcrops of the river and settle down in the middle.

Be very careful while trekking along the river and the plantations as they are very much part of the wilderness, and it is not unusual to see snakes slithering across the undergrowth. If you can brave the crossing, you can lounge in one of the rock pools and experience the natural equivalent of a jetted tub as the rapids pass by you.

If you can't get enough of the regal interiors of Sheraton Grand Pune Bund Garden Hotel, head to Shanivar Wada, situated about a 10-minute drive from the hotel. The palatial structure attests to the status of the city as the erstwhile capital of the Maratha Empire. However, don't mistake it for a humble palace as the structure was instead a full-fledged city, and the tour guides here love talking about how the thick foundations inside the walls held aloft towering residential buildings where lived the Peshwas and their cohorts. The fountains and gardens inside the walls attest to this status of Shanivar Wada, and it is a lovely green space where you can relax in the evening.

I loved walking along the battlements and eyeing the traffic as it flowed by, and if you're lucky enough to be here during golden hour, you can take some great photos

Tokyo Bakery in Baner, situated about 3.5 km (2.17 mi) away from Orchid Hotel, is a must-visit eatery in the city whether or not you're new to Japanese cuisine. It even bears a plaque from The Japanese Embassy praising the authenticity of dishes, so you know you're going to get good food here.

It's a casual place, so it's best suited for getting an afternoon snack. You must try out the Japanese cheesecake and the fried curry bread while here.

Pagdandi Bookstore Cafe, which is about 2 km (1.24 mi) away from OYO 7275, is a quaint little place that's perfect for a fun evening for book lovers. It has great volumes that you probably won't find anywhere else in Pune, and there's a cafe or sitting area right outside where you can just order a coffee and read. There's a book lending area as well from where you can take any book you like and read in the cafe.

If you're lucky, the bookstore might even have a few signed copies that you're sure to cherish for life.