A Solo Traveller: 25 Countries Explored: 170 more to go! Currently, on a travel spree to India!
24 COUNTRIES EXPLORED. 146 MORE TO GO.
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Surrounded by the beautiful and unbelievably gorgeous Great Rann of Kutch, Dholavira is a heaven on the earth with its unique geographic location. Located 250km away from the Burj district near Khadir Bet in Kutch, Dholavira is the most popular archeological site of the Indus valley civilization or Harappan civilisation dating back to about 4500 years ago.
Being the second largest Harappan site in India and the fifth largest in the sub-continent, it passed through all the 7 stages of the Harappan civilisation (the world’s first great civilisation) from 2900 BC to 1500 BC. It is considered to be the grandest and the richest cities of its time.
In 2021, Dholavira of Kutch has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site making Gujarat, a state with four World Heritage Sites.
Locally known as Kotada Timba, Dholavira is the only place which marks the presence of Harappan culture. Dholavira became the fourth site from Gujarat and 40th from India in the list of UNESCO World Heritage sites. This place is a must-visit especially for those who want to know about the culture, history and archeology of the place.
Dholavira is the largest excavation site of Harappan culture. The excavation takes you through the 7 stages of the Harappan civilisation, from development to maturity to decay. The site offers you a unique insight into Harappan culture. Around 2500 BC, the Harappans started settling in the Kutch, brought their full culture and lived here for almost a full life till their culture declined, and it is when Dholavira became temporarily deserted.
The town of Dholavira is divided into three parts:
Dholavira has two water storm channels, the Mansar in the north and Manhar in the south.
The ride from Dasada to Dholavira itself is enthralling which takes you through the beautiful patches of the Great Rann which is a large area of salt marsh.
Dholavira has excavated one of the world’s earliest and best water conservation and harvesting system of channels and reservoirs, which made the settlement flourish besides the scarce rainfall in the desert. In 2014, a 5000 year old stepwell was found in Dholavira which was 73.4m long, 29.3m long and 10m deep.
In 1967, Archeologists unearthed the area and dug out terracotta pottery, beads, gold and copper ornaments, tools, fish hooks, animal figurines, urns and some imported vessels. These items are now displayed in the museum.
Dholavira was once an important trade center between settlements in south Gujarat, Punjab and Sindh and Western Asia. UNESCO, during its release, named Dholavira as the most exceptional and well-preserved urban settlement in South Asia dating from the 3rd to mid-2nd millennium BCE.
So, next time when you’re in Gujarat don’t forget to visit Dholavira. It will take you back into the pages of history!!
Here is my Video on Dholavira:
Gujarat is marked by beautiful landscapes, rich culture and history, ancient temples and shrines, heritage buildings and architecture. Centuries-Old temples have always been the most incredible threads of Gujarat’s culture and history. Gujarat is filled with the most gorgeous array of temples, Sun temple of Modhera is one of them, known as one of the best examples of the Gujarati architecture.The Modhera Sun temple was built by King Bhima I of the Chalukya dynasty in the early 11th century. Located on the banks of river pushpavati around 100 km from Ahmedabad, Sun temple is built to honour the Sun God or Surya. Modhera is even mentioned in the ancient books of Skanda Purana and Brahma Purana. The whole structure of the temple is towered on a lotus-shaped structure and each and every wall of the temple shows the detailed carvings of our culture from the human lifecycle to kamasutra, from Ramayana to Mahabharata.
The temple is divided into three parts-
In this temple, no one worships anymore.
According to hindu mythology, it is believed that the walk from Gudha Mandapa (the shrine hall) to Surya Kunda (the reservoir) through the main temple is perceived as the journey from death to moksha.
Presently, the Archeological Survey of India has taken on the temple for renovation and refurbishment.
In 2014, the UNESCO World Heritage Sites added the Modhera Sun Temple on its list.
Visiting this magnificent structure of Modhera will leave you wonderstruck and amazed. Besides all the ruins, you’ll still see and feel the depth of the history and the tremendous hard work behind its architecture.
The majestically peaceful ambience of the temple will take you away from your stressful daily routine to the splendid times back in the golden era. The tales and stories of the temple will leave your heart with a mixed feeling of both surprise and anguish.
So, if you are planning a trip across Gujarat, don’t forget to add this to your list.
Here is a video of my Gujarat Trip:
A picture of vibrance that comes alive in various sparkling colours – Gujarat is not to be missed for countless reasons.
My recent trip to Gujarat has made me think about many things. Primarily why did I always had this urge to explore places outside India, when we have such incredible places in India? You may actually need an entire lifetime to explore the complete beauty of our country.
There are many places that are unbelievably gorgeous, incredibly breathtaking and are as good as any foreign location – infact better! Gujarat is one such place, with a rich culture and a number of beautiful attractions, this place is amongst the most popular tourist destinations in the world.
Believe me, there is some magic in this place which will keep you wanting to come back again and again. My experience with this place was beyond belief.
Though my trip was a short one, I got to cover some of the most gorgeous, and unexplored places.
I cannot thank Gujarat Tourism enough for giving me this opportunity to explore so many beautifully carved, culturally rich, architecturally diversified and naturally gorgeous offbeat places in the state.
Now, without any further delay let me take you through my day-wise itinerary.
Day 1:
We landed in Ahmedabad. After getting some rest, we went out to explore Rani ki Vav, located on the banks of Saraswati river, it is the largest and one of the finest stepwells in Gujarat. It is the only glory of Patan’s former state which is situated about 125km from Ahmehdabad. Rani ki Vav has seven levels of stairs with lines of carved pillars and more than 500 sculptures of Gods, Goddesses and Deities. When you are in Gujarat, it should definitely be on your list.
In the evening, I went to the famous Sun temple: a temple built to honour the Sun God in Modhera village situated on the banks of river Pushpavati. The temple is divided into three parts – the shrine hall, the assembly hall and the reservior. It is built in a way that the first ray of the sun would fall on the diamond placed on the head of the Sun God which lights up the shrine hall. The assembly hall is built on 52 pillars with the carvings of the Sun on the walls which represents 52 weeks in a year. Here, no one worships anymore. It is believed that the walk from the shrine hall to the reservoir through the main temple is perceived as the journey from death to moksha.
Visiting the magnificent Sun temple will leave your mind astounded.
That evening, we stayed in a resort called Rann Riders Resort in Dasada located on the edge of little Rann of Kutch. After an amazing dinner, we had a cultural performance by the village dancers arranged for us. Enjoyed and Loved every moment of it.
Day 2:
We started our day with a safari in the Wild Ass Sanctuary, which lasted for three to four hours and the route covered a cross-section of habitats like salt flats, wetlands, scrublands and grasslands. The sanctuary is the last refuge for Indian Wild Ass. The wetlands near sanctuary are the ground for hordes of migratory birds like Greater and lesser flamingo, pelicans, ducks, etc.
Post that we left for Dholavira, located in the Kutch, 250 km from the Burj district. It is the most popular archeological site of the Indus Valley Civilization dating back to about 4,500 years ago.
Dholavira, a UNESCO site – declared in 2021, is surrounded by the Great Rann of Kutch and offers a unique insight into the Harappan civilization.
The journey from Dasada to Dholavira is breathtakingly beautiful, taking you through the beautiful patches of the Rann of Kutch which is a large area of salt marsh. The sunsets are the best at Rann and not to be missed. They are just magical and something that cannot be experienced and witnessed anywhere else! The reflection of the sun on the white dessert is absolutely mesmerising: the shades changing every 5-10 mins as you unbelievably keep on soaking the beauty of the site. You will see shades of red, blue, purple, green, yellow, pink, orange and many colours! For a min, your eyes will actually not believe what they are witnessing – that beautiful Rann is!
Dholavira is an archaeological site where a part of the Harappan culture exists. It is the second largest Harappan site in India and the fifth largest in the sub-continent. Dholavira became the fourth site from Gujarat and 40th from India to be recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This place is a must-visit especially for those who want to know about history, culture and archaeology of the place.
We stayed at Dholavira Tourism Resort there.
Let’s move on to Day 3.
Day 3:
On the last day, we went to the fossil park and a place called Sunset point early morning, it is here you get a mesmerizing view of the Great Rann of Kutch. I haven’t witnessed anything this beautiful so far. Miles of nothingness, tranquility and serenity and the glittering desert during the sunrise promises to take your breath away.
The fossil park contains Jurassic age plant fossils and has been built by the Forest Department. It has fossils of a 16 million years old tree trunk. This park is also called a Jurassic Park in Kutch.
The northern boundary of the Rann forms the India-Pakistan International border. In the summers, Rann of kutch is a marshland and in the winters, it is transformed into a barren desert.
Our next stop was the one that I had been dreaming to see since I read about it in my history book in 6th standard! It was the Harappan civilization site, the world’s first great civilization. Around 2500 B.C, the Harappans started settling in the Kutch, brought their full culture and lived here for almost a full life till their civilization declined. What this site offers you, in the intense ambience that comes with being surrounded by the white lands of the Great Rann of Kutch, is a truely an unique insight into the great and advanced Harappan culture, with one of the world’s earliest and best planned water conservation systems and what might be the world’s first signboards, written in ancient Indus script.
The excavation of this site also tells the story of the 7 stages of civilization, from development to maturity to decay.
I was left mesmerized beyond words there. It was a dream come true for me and I just couldn’t hold my breath while the pictures from my History book were coming alive in front of my eyes!
In the evening, we went to Chippar point, located in Khadir. It is an uphill point from where you can get a clear top view of Rann of Kutch.
After that, we went back to the same point of Rann of Kutch that we stopped at while on the way to Dholavira. It was so beautiful that we couldn’t stop ourselves from visiting it and giving our eyes the pleasure of witnessing the absolutely astounding sunset once again.
Day 4:
We started early in the morning for Ahmedabad, which is a 7 hour drive from Dholavira. On our way back, we actually spotted a Hyena, many peacocks and other colorful and beautiful birds, and then we ate delicious Gujarati authentic food (mostly Fafda and Dhokla) at Avadh food Mall.
We reached Ahmedabad at noon and to experience the true glory of the city,, it is absolutely necessary to take the heritage walk which starts from Swaminarayan Temple and ends at Jumma Masjid. You get to experience the history, architecture and the fabulous mix of cultures during the walk. It will take you through narrow streets, usually terminating in a square with community wells and chabutaras for feeding birds, gates, numerous pols, self-contained neighborhoods, temples, and secret passages!!
During the walk, you will cover several Pols which are basically the gated neighbourhoods that were born out of a sense of community feeling and safety. Usually, every Pol was lived in by people belonging to the same caste, community or profession.
The City of Ahmedabad has some of the finest Indian, and Islamic monuments and exquisite Hindu and Jain temples. Its carved wooden houses are another unique architectural tradition. And they are beautiful beyond words!
No wonder In July 2017, the 600-year-old walled city of Ahmedabad became the first city in India, to win the UNESCO World Heritage Site tag. Well-Deserved!
So if you are in Gujarat, do not forget to take the walk – it will take you back to the pages of history and our rich glorious past! The heritage walk takes about two to three hours to cover around 20 places altogether and is organized by Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation. You cannot afford to miss this walk if you’re visiting Gujarat.
If you need any help planning your trip to any of these places in Gujarat, please feel free to comment or email me.
Thats all for today. See you next time in another post covering another beautiful place.
Till then, Goodbye and take care.
My recent visit to Rajasthan has certainly been one of my most memorable trips. Before starting, I would like to thank Rajasthan Tourism for giving me the opportunity to explore and promote one of the most beautiful states of India: A place that need no adjectives to describe, a place that is unimaginably stunning and a place that has a rich culture, tradition and history.
On my very first visit to the ‘City Of Lakes’, I was spellbound by the charm and the royal beauty of this place. This city is impossible to not to fall in love with, with all its beautiful forts, stunning lakes, gorgeous palaces and rich culture and history. Crowded by tourists from all over the world, this city is popular for its exquisite arts and crafts, handprints and bandhani clothes, pottery items, miniature paintings, marble paintings, silver jewellery and household items.
You’ve probably heard the city named as ‘the Venice of the East’ because of its pristine lakes and beautiful architecture. The best part is – this place holds a balance between keeping up with the modern advancements in lifestyle and conserving the old rituals and traditions. The people of rural areas still wear kurta and dhoti (men) and ghagra choli (women) with lots of oxidised jewellery. The throbbing dance music and the colorful folk dance performed at the times of fairs, festivals and other ceremonies reflects the traditional and the cultural roots of the place. Udaipur is the city that transports you back to history the moment you set your foot here.
Things that made me fall in love with this beautiful city:
1) The City Palace: It is one of the majestical marvels of Rajasthan. Located on the banks of Lake Pichola, it is an attractive, pleasing and remarkable sight to the eyes. The architecture of City Palace is a beautiful assortment of Rajput, european and mughal style. The palace has vast courtyards and museums surrounded by a number of arched smaller palaces. City palace has three gates which leads to Tripolia gate, Virendra Pol and Udai Pol. The courtyard of the palace has four small gates which leads to the Chandra Mahal. According to Hindu mythology, it is believed that these gates were constructed to represent four Hindu deities – Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu, Lord Ganesha, Goddess Parvati. The palace has maintained the history of the city and is a symbol of grandeur, extravagance and royalty. So, if you are in Udaipur, you should visit this place.
2) Lake Pichola: As the title ‘the City of Lakes’ itself describes, Udaipur is surrounded by a number of mesmerizingly beautiful lakes. Lake Pichola is one such artificial lake that is situated right in the middle of the city popular for its sunrise and sunset captivating views. The pristine blue waters and the scenic views of this lake will leave you mesmerized. Surrounded by islands, palaces, mansions, ghats, temples, this lake is one of the most popular attractions in Udaipur.
Places you should not miss when you are at Lake Pichola::
3) Taj Lake Palace: Towering right in the middle of Lake Pichola, Taj Lake Palace is a sight of elegance and extravagance which symbolises royalty. It offers you astonishing views of City Palace, Jag Mandir and Aravalli hills. The walls of this magnificent beauty are made of white and black marble and are embellished with stones and ornaments. The Palace comprises beautiful gardens, courtyards, fountains, pillared terraces and has the most unique view with the lake and the Aravalli mountains. Taj lake palace is a unique blend of tranquility and opulence. It is perhaps Rajasthan’s most iconic and luxurious choice to experience Udaipur in royalty.
4) Kumbhalgarh Fort: Located on a hilltop of the Aravalli range, Kumbhalgarh is the second most magnificent fortress after Chittorgarh in Mewar. The hill serves as an unbreakable boundary as it has witnessed innumerable wars. The fort has seven gates and 360 temples within. It offers a picturesque view of the dunes in the Thar Desert. The wall of the fort is considered to be the longest wall in the world and is popularly known as the ‘The Great Wall Of India’. A visit to a kumbhalgarh fort and attend the remarkable sound and light show should definitely be on your list.
5) Udaipur Food with a view: When it comes to Udaipur food, you can savour the culture of Rajasthan in their food. Rajasthani cuisine boasts the specialities like Daal Baati Churma, Dabeli, Gatte ki Sabzi, Pyaaz ki Kachori, Malpua and is famous all over India. From street food to fine cuisine, there is nothing that won’t satiate your hunger. A trip to Udaipur gives you a break from your boring regular menu and can be the best treat for a foodaholic.
My recommendation for street food would be Sukharia circle chaupati.
And if you want to have a royal evening with a perfect view and romantic music. I have quite a few recommendations:
These are my recommendations for appetizing food with the best views and service. Also, for an authentic Rajasthani meal with an amazing view, do visit the Jaiwana haveli.
6) Ambrai Ghat: Ambrai Ghat also known as Manjhi Ghat is the most popular ghat located near the waterfront of Lake Pichola, opposite to the Gangaur Ghat. It is known for its location and is surrounded by a number of famous hotels and restaurants. It offers you a panoramic view of Udaipur, City palace and the lakes nearby. This place is filled by local residents and tourists after the sun goes down. In the early hours, you can enjoy the sunrise, do yoga, meditate, bathe in the lake and do a few other activities. Six aartis take place at the ghat starting right at 5:30 in the morning till 6:30 in the evening. So if you are in Udaipur, this place is a must-visit.
7) Fateh Sagar Lake: Located in the north of Lake Piachola, Fateh Sagar Lake is an artificial lake which is tourists one of the favorite spot in Udaipur. This lake is the second largest glistening lake and it offers a view as pretty as a picture. Encompassed by the Aravilli hills, this place provides tranquility and serenity which is enough to fall in love with it. The lake comprises of three small islands and offers a number of water activities. Being one of the most popular destination, people drive here to enjoy boating on the crystal clear water and look at the beautiful view it provides. You should definitely visit this place to witness beauty, happiness and fun all at one place.
8) Handicrafts: If you’re a shopaholic, you cannot miss exploring shopping streets and bazaars in the quaint lanes of Udaipur. People from all over the world admire the arts and crafts of Udaipur which reflects the Rajasthani culture in them. Udaipur Handicrafts market, apart from the show-pieces includes footwear, books, clothing, jewellery, bags, paintings everything.
I’ve accumulated some of the best places to shop:
Udaipur is a place which you would promise yourself to come back to. This place has reserved a special place in my heart and I would love to visit here again. Plan a visit to this place to learn about new traditions, rituals and culture, to be lost in the beauty of the mesmerisingly beautiful palaces, stunning lakes, old temples and panoramic views of the city.
That is all for today 🙂 Do comment if you want to know more about Udaipur or if you need any help with the Itinerary.
Below are some pictures from the city:
Banswara – The City Of 100 Islands is located around 150 kms from Udaipur, Rajasthan.
It is called so due to the presence of various islands on the Mahi River named Chachakota – the place where the islands are located. During monsoons, the region is surrounded with natural waterfalls including Kagdi fall, Juha fall, Kadeliya fall, Bhuadara fall, Jhulla fall and cha-cha falls.
Do you know, tropic of cancer passes through this district! Yes! Also since antiquity, Banswara has been the land of tribes. The city is actually named after King Bansiya Bhil or the “bans” or bamboo forests in the area…
So during my trip, I went to Chachakota, Kadeliya falls, and many temples.
The district is a mix of different geographies with fertile plains of many crops covering the entire central and western regions, while the Aravallis range make up the eastern side.
It is a land of grass-covered hills rising slowly from the lush green landscapes, rivers, lakes, islands, mysterious forests, astonishing waterfalls which hold within its bosom many unseen and unexplored natural things.
It is an unseen beauty of Rajasthan!
Everything from the ancient temples, the landscapes, the scenic beauty and its colorful and unique culture make this place as one of the best tourist places near Udaipur. The city has something for everyone – families, backpackers, honeymooners, solo travellers and more.
Banswara has many fascinating things to see and experience. Travel to Banswara and you will find everything, from spectacular scenery to vibrant cultures and soul-stirring places to mouth-watering food.
So if you are in Udaipur next time, do not forget to make a trip to Banswara. You will be absolutely amazed to see its vibrant and colourful culture, places and people!
Below is a video of Banswara:
Below are some pictures that will blow your mind away:
My recent trip to Rajasthan was no less than a beautiful journey down the pages of history.
The trip started on a high note with one of the most majestic palaces in Rajasthan – Udaipur City Palace. Honestly, my words (whatever and how many so ever I use) will fall short to describe the beauty and the vastness of this palace. It’s beyond any thing that can be described in words – it’s magical, majestic, glorious, grand, splendid! Any number of adjectives will not be able to do justice to the kind of view that your eyes will witness – a living example of a grandiose and fascinating heritage that can help you explore the city’s roots and its people’s past!
Built on the banks of Lake Pichola, it is one of the architectural marvels of Rajasthan and is considered to be the largest royal palace in the state. This out of the world and magnificent palace was built in 1559 by Maharana Uday Singh. City Palace was the main seat of power, where the rulers lived and administered their kingdom from. The palace is nestled in the bosom of the Aravallis, and lies on a bed of lush green garden, Overlooking Lake Pichola, and several other historic monuments like the Lake Palace, Jag Mandir, Jagdish Temple, Monsoon Palace, etc.
City Palace comprises of 11 wonderful palaces, which were built by different rulers, but they still resemble each other. You will be in awe with the sheer glimpse of unique paintings, antique furniture and exquisite glass mirror work of the palaces. The intricate architecture of the palace has a subtle mix of Rajasthani, Mughal, Chinese and European influences and is filled with various domes, and towers.
The City Palace in Udaipur was built in a flamboyant style, and provides a panoramic view of the city and its surroundings. A beautiful mix of architectural genius and rich heritage, the City Palace of Udaipur will take you on a glorious and a beautiful trip down the pages of history. The Palace is an example of the splendour architecture of centuries ago, and it still appears to be just as majestic as it would have been in those days.
So if you are in Udaipur, you should definitely visit City Palace. Without it, your trip would certainly be incomplete!
Below is a video of City Palace:
Below are some photos:
Rishikesh, a sacred place of Hindus, is equally popular for its yoga, holy expedition and adventure sports. It is situated in the himalayas of Shivalik range on the banks of river Ganga in Uttarakhand. This place is famous world-over as the birthplace of yoga, meditation, ayurveda and spirituality and people from all around the world come here to learn and practice the ayurveda, yoga and the meditation. Rishikesh always comes to my mind when I feel the urge to re-energize my body, mind and soul. This place holds a special place in my heart, the reason being is I used to visit Rishikesh every six months with my family. It was our go to place. In all those years, it had made a deep connection with my heart and soul.
The city is a perfect blend of spirituality and adventure. It is widely known as the “Yoga Capital Of The World”. It offers a plethora of adventurous activities: bungee jumping, cliff jumping, kayaking, rock climbing, zip lining, rafting, flying fox, mountain biking and body surfing.
If you want some time off from your busy life and nurture yourself through meditation and yoga then this place is the answer. Sometimes disconnecting from the outer world for a while and looking within yourself is all you need for your mental health. This place will rejuvenate your body and soul and will help you to find your inner peace and tranquility.
I went to Rishikesh in January. It was a short weekend trip. I wanted to stay at some place where I could connect with myself and enjoy nature at its best. So I found “Rishikesh Valley Resort” which was surrounded by the natural waterfalls and an undisturbed tranquility that allows you to be engulfed by nature. It is located on a hill, 6 kms from Rishikesh. You need to park your car down the hill and walk around 1 km to reach the resort. It’s a perfect off-beat place if you want to experience living in the midst of nature.
The best part is- they have a pool with a natural waterfall where you can easily meditate and sit with yourself. The food was so homely that I didn’t feel I was away from home even for a second.
I loved staying there. I would totally recommend you to stay there if you’re in Rishikesh.
Places to see in Rishikesh:
Below are a few pictures:
Sometimes all you need is a laid back life close to nature, absolutely away from all the hustle bustle of the city, where you can feel the silence, hear the chirping of the birds and the sound of the flowing water.
If you’re looking for such a place then, i am going to tell you about this amazing camp which is not too far from Delhi.
In March, I went to this beautifully done place called Camproxx in Kangojodi which is in the middle of a pine forest surrounded by majestic mountains and lush green fields near Nahan, Himachal. It’s a perfect off-beat place in Himachal if you are seeking some peaceful and stress free time with yourself. It gives you plenty of time to go deep and find yourself basically to make a real connection with yourself.
The best part is – it is not at all overcrowded or commercialised like any other hill station. If you wanna be adventurous, they also offer you some activities such as single rope walk, monkey bridge, burma bridge to name a few. You can also go for a small trek into the forest or just sit by the stream and relax. If you wanna have some fun, don’t worry, they can plan a perfect party ambience for you.
It was a short trip and we were there for three days. Let me tell you about my day-wise itinerary :
Day 1: We left around 7 in the morning from Delhi and reached the camp at around 3. In between we took a long break for breakfast. And some small breaks for refreshments.
After reaching Camproxx, we were served a delicious lunch – homemade food! After getting some rest, somewhere at 7, we sat down by the stream to chill out. It was so serene and filled with tranquility that I cant tell you.
At night, we had a bonfire which was beautiful – we sang, danced and just had a beautiful time away from the bustling city. We partied till our bodies actually started freezing. By the way, the place has 5 adorable super friendly dogs who are an absolute delight as pets. They can also accompany you wherever you go. If you’re a dog lover then this place has an additional reason for you to visit.
Day 2: The next day, as super excited as I was, I got up super early and went for a small hike to an open field area (at the backside of the camp). All I did was sit there and meditate and seriously it was one of the best meditations that I ever had! It was just so easy to meditate there because there was so much peace and absolutely no noises. Everything was so calm and I just felt super relaxed. I was there for some 3 hours – sitting there in tranquility.
Anyway, so when everybody was awake we went for an awesome breakfast. Post which we went to the backside field again and played some games there – it had already become my fav place!
We came back, had lunch, took some rest and then went for a hike in the forest. It was a long one, but the surroundings made it all worth it! Such superb green lush forests, absolutely clear blue sky, chirping of birds, and serenity! I had an awesome blissful noon.
At night, we again went to the backside of the camp (by now you would know that it became a fav spot for all of us) to experience the extreme silence of the forest and to watch the beautiful clear blue sky. And I cannot tell you in words, the thing that I experienced that day – in complete silence, complete – absolute darkness – not fear but magic amidst the whispering sound of the leaves, the stars and the sky. Everything felt so close. We sat there for a while in absolute silence for a really long time.
Day 3: The last day, it was raining so couldn’t go to the field to meditate but I got up early, sat by myself and watched the rain, played with the dogs, just strolled around aimlessly. Then we went for breakfast.
Soon after it stopped raining and the sky became clear. That day we had a plan to try some of the adventure activities available but the trainer couldn’t come due to some reason. So we went for a stroll in a nearby forest, came back and had lunch. At night, we watched a movie on a projector setup near the bonfire. And that is how we called it a day!
Everything was super awesome about that trip. The host, Saurabh, took care of our every small need and detail and treated us with great hospitality – he made sure we were super comfortable and enjoyed our stay.
I would totally recommend you to visit there.
One suggestion: Always carry a jacket or a pullover otherwise you’re gonna freeze there – even in summers. As the sun goes down, it becomes quite chilly.
How to reach Camp roxx:
It is located less than 300 kms from Delhi, a drive of 5.5 hours by road. The best way to reach kangojodi is to drive or hire a cab or else you can take a bus from ISBT and get off at Ambala and from there you can hire a cab or ask the property owner to arrange a cab for you till the camp roxx.
Website: https://camproxx.com/
Contact no: 099110 24426
Places to visit near Camproxx (in Nahan): Rani Tal, Churdhar Peak, Jamu Peak, Renuka Lake, Rajbans, Triloknath Cave Temple, Jaitak Fort, Girinagar
BTW, it was my first family trip!
Here are some pictures for you:
By now, you all must be aware of the fact that I have a travelling bug but do you know that I am a bike lover too? Yes! You heard it right. My passion for motorcycles has been a huge obsession since my Dad brought a Royal Enfield popularly known as “bullet” when I was in college. At that time, I couldn’t ride it as my parents gave too much importance to my safety which was fair, I guess but that was the time when I promised myself that I am going to own a bike of my own one day. So, here I am with my favorite bike, “Royal Enfield Bullet 350 ES”. I haven’t been on a long solo trip on it yet but I am planning for that soon. The feeling when you ride a bike is the best feeling in the world. You feel like you are unstoppable. The breeze you feel on your face makes you forget all your problems.
Before buying a bike, I did some research as my budget was under 2 lakh and my research brought me up with a list of the best 10 bikes under 2 lakh which I would love to share with you:
2. Royal Enfield Classic 350: The Royal Enfield Classic 350 is the most popular model which has seen some advancements in its dated design. It has an engine of 346 cc. This bike gives a mileage of 41.93 kmpl and weighs 195 kg. It has a power of 19.36 PS @ 5250 rpm and torque of 28 Nm @ 4000 rpm. It is available at an ex-showroom price of Rs.1,79,782. The front and rear suspensions of the classic 350 are outstanding and it offers you a comfortable ride on potholes and bumpy roads.
3. KTM RC125: KTM RC 125 is a sporty bike which shares its bodywork with the larger KTM RC 200 and RC 390. It offers the most advanced 125 cc engine and has a power of 14.5 PS @ 9250 rpm and a torque of 12 Nm @ 8000 rpm. It gives a mileage of 44.95 kmpl and comes at an ex-showroom price tag of Rs.1,80,538 in India. It has a fuel tank capacit\y of 9.5 litres and weighs 164.4 kg.
4. Royal Enfield Meteor 350: Royal Enfield meteor 350 is a cruiser bike which is powered by a 349 cc BS6 motor and is available at an ex-showroom price of Rs.1,83,589 in India. It has a power of 20.2 bhp and a torque of 27 Nm. The Meteor 350 bike has a fuel capacity of 15 litres and weighs 191 kg. It gives a mileage of 25 kmpl in the city and 35 kmpl on the highways.
5. Honda H’ness CB 350: Honda H’ness CB 350 is a cafe racer and is available at a price of 1,89,026 (Ex-showroom) in India. It is powered by a 348.36 cc BS6 motor which produces a power of 0.5 bhp @ 5500 rpm and a torque of 30Nm @ 3000 rpm. This bike has a fuel tank capacity of 15 litres and weighs 181 kg. It gives a mileage of 35 kmpl.
6. Suzuki Gixxer 250: Suzuki Gixxer 250 is a street bike which is powered by a 249 cc BS6 engine. It produces a power of 26.1 bhp @ 9300 rpm and a torque of 22.2 Nm @ 7300 rpm. This bike gives a mileage of 35 kmpl and is available at an ex-showroom price of Rs.1,69,956 in India. It has a fuel tank capacity of 12 litres and weighs 156 kg.
7. Yamaha YZF R15 V3: Yamaha YZF R15 V3 is available at an ex-showroom price starting at Rs.1,54,600 and goes up to Rs. 1,56,600. This bike is powered by a 155 cc engine which produces a power of 18.6 PS @ 10,000 rpm and a torque of 14.1 Nm @ 8500 rpm. It gives a mileage of 48.75 kmpl and has a fuel capacity of 11 litres. This bike is not good for daily commuting as leaning for hours will make your back ache. It is basically a track friendly bike.
8. TVS Apache RTR 200 4V: TVS Apache RTR 200 4V is a great city bike which is available starting at a price of Rs. 1,33,065 (Ex-showroom) and goes upto Rs. 1,38115 (Ex-showroom). It is powered by a 197.7 cc engine which produces a power of 20.82PS and 17.25Nm in sport mode. In rain and on urban roads, it produces 17.32PS @ 7800 rpm and 16.51 Nm @ 5750 rpm. This bike has a fuel capacity of 12 litres and weighs 152 kg. It gives a mileage of 37 kmpl.
9. Bajaj Avenger Cruise 220: Bajaj Avenger Cruise 220 is a great touring bike and is available at a price of Rs. 1,31,942. It is powered by a 220cc engine which produces a power of 19.03PS and a torque of 17.55Nm. It weighs 163 kg and has a fuel capacity of 13 litres. It gives a mileage of 40 kmpl.
10. Royal Enfield Bullet 350 ES: Royal Enfield Bullet 350 ES is a great daily commuting bike which comes at a starting price of Rs. 1,38,726 and goes upto Rs. 1,60,493. It is powered by a 346 cc engine which produces a power of 19.3 PS and a torque of 28Nm. It has a fuel capacity of 13.5 litres and weighs 191 kg. It gives a mileage of around 35kmpl.
Hope this helps you in your own research if you are planning to buy a bike in the near future. I will see you on the road once the Covid-19 situation calms down 🙂
Covid-19 has been a great fear for us to travel around to explore and relax. Masks and sanitizers gave us a thought of not leaving our home. This pandemic was a difficult period, mainly for travelers. Even when the cases were rising in India, many countries banned their entrance for us. But surprisingly, it is not the same anymore! Now we can travel the world safely if we follow the guidelines and rules given by nations’ governments.
Many countries eased their restrictions for travelers, but the rules and procedures differ as the cases even rise suddenly. Below are some of the countries that are open for travel now from India:
United Kingdom
To fuel your wanderlust UK announced the ease for Indian travelers by moving India from high alert “Red list” to medium risk “amber list.” As per the announcement of Covid-19 rules on 8th august 2021, fully vaccinated (vaccinated with two doses) Indian travelers are no longer obligated to undergo a 10-day quarantine rule in hotels. But on arrival in England, for your safety and hygiene, it is required to quarantine at home for at least eight days and take the Covid-19 test after two days from arrival or at the end of the quarantine period.
Spain
Spain is wholeheartedly welcoming Indian travelers after a long break due to Covid-19. It has already opened the consular offices so one can apply for a Spain visa. As per guidelines, only fully vaccinated people can fly to Spain jabbed with Covishield whereas, Covaxin (type of vaccine provided to Indians) is not approved there yet. Now, nothing can stop you from safe traveling. Go, pack your bags!
United States of America
Isn’t this exciting that the USA has eased Covid-related restrictions on travelers from India. As per the rules provided by the United States of America government, fully vaccinated people can fly there with a report of Covid-19 as unfavorable. After arriving, one should quarantine himself at home for seven days and take the Covid-19 test for further confirmation. The USA has also eased their in-country rules for Covid-19 for people jabbed with two doses. All public places are open, and masks are not mandatory for anyone now. Anyone can freely move there for wandering around.
Maldives
The tranquil water and calm beaches is all you need to relax after a stressful lockdown. The island, which earned lakhs of tourists during the Covid-19 period due to fewer cases, allows tourists from India who are fully vaccinated. On arrival at the island nation, the quarantine is no longer mandatory. All you need is a negative RT-PCR report which should not be more than 96 hours old.
Russia
Hub of vibrant cities, Russia is now open for Indian travelers. However, several steps are there to keep in mind while traveling to the nation. Firstly, the travelers need to present the RC-PCR report as unfavourable to enter the country, and this test must be done within 72 hours before arrival. In the end, when the traveler lands there, they have to undergo post arrival test, and if found positive, they will be hand over to Covid testing facilities.
Thank God for digitalization, thank God for all the innovations that are happening in the field of IT and thank God for so many brilliant apps that are there on our fingertips to help us wherever we are, whatever we are doing.
As most of you know, I started traveling in 2010 and that time there were no apps, absolutely no assistance to help people with different things on the go.
But today, we are so blessed to have multiple options that help us to make our journey non-bumpy and stress-free. And this further enables us to enjoy our travels without any frustrations and tensions. Am I not right?
So, here are my fav 10 travel mobile apps that are always there on my phone and help me whenever wherever I go!
Few other apps that I keep handy apart from the above ones are:
Metric Conversions: Helps me do those confusing metric conversions in seconds.
Couchsurfing: If you’re looking for some free stay with no accommodation cost and also, meet locals while you travel, this is the app for you. Couchsurfing basically connects you with locals who have space in their home for travelers to stay for free. I have never tried it-> it somehow feels scary. But trust me one day, I will for sure!
Other apps that I love while traveling are Happy Cow, Audible, Kindle, GlobeTips, etc!
I hope this will help you plan your mobile apps the next time you travel. Feel free to contact me or comment below if you have any questions related to travel 🙂
Happy Travel
I recently went on a solo trip to the Scandinavian countries. I am going to write everything about the trip in another post. But in this one, I really want to talk about the most important thing of any trip: Accommodation! Yes, sometimes we take it lightly but then if the place you are staying is not good enough, it can really ruin your trip.
This was the first time ever I tried Airbnb. I have always stayed in hotels. Somehow the idea of sharing a house/apartment with a stranger was never appealing to me but then this time, I thought and convinced myself for a change.
So, I went to 4 countries, Sweden, Denmark, Norway and Iceland and I booked Airbnb in all of them. Let me start right from the beginning.
How did I find the right accomodation?
So you need to be clear of your priorities. As in you want to stay near the airport or in the city or in the suburbs. That also depends on other things like in my case:
In Sweden: I was landing in the night at 10 PM, so I wanted to book something very near to the airport and metro.
In Denmark: I was landing in the evening at 6 PM, so again thought to book something in middle of the city and the airport
In Norway: I was arriving at 10 AM in the morning, so there was absolutely no issue! It gave me a chance to book something in the suburbs, not in the city and not even close to the airport.
In Iceland: You do not have much choice, almost every thing is in Reykjavik. There is nothing near the airport.
So once you are done deciding this thing, just go to Airbnb and start searching for the accommodations with city names. You can put filters as well. But before booking anything, always check on the map – the distance from the city center and from the airport – just in case. I learnt this hard way. In Copenhagen, I booked something in Malmo, Sweden. The two cities are just connected by a bridge but then why would I want to stay in Malmo, while I want to see Copenhagen. So before booking any place, please check the map – this is really important. Trust me.
So now, once you are done with location etc, how do you select the place to live?
I went with the number of ratings and off course – The Rating! My criteria was simple, I wanted something with above 4.5 rating and at least with 100 reviews. Read the reviews just to make sure they are genuine.
If you have any doubts, you can also contact the owner. Generally, they respond really fast! Almost like immediately!
Now next thing that you would want to check is the washroom! Most of Airbnbs have shared washrooms. So, if you are not comfortable with that – check it before hand. From my 4 accommodations, only 1 had my private washroom – rest everything else was shared.
Now, the most important thing is to check is the neighbourhood. Again I learnt it hard way! I don’t know why, just before starting my trip from the airport, I sent my accommodation details to one of my friends who stays in Stockholm and when I landed I had a message from him saying – ‘Stay with us. Come home.’ He did not mention anything at that time. But later he told me the place where I booked my Airbnb is little notorious and is not famous for good reasons. So, I was saved! After that I rechecked and did a bit of research on the neighbourhood of all the places I was going to stay.
My Accomodations
In Copenhagen, I stayed with a family. It was an independent house with a room outside – with separate entrance. That room had a washroom – though very small but it was perfectly fine.
In Oslo, I booked a room in an apartment in Roa. It was a shared place with the owner. Again, I loved it! Though it had a shared washroom, I did not face any problem. It was indeed great!
In Reykjavik, I had to book 2 rooms. My first accommodation was not available for the last 2 days, so I had to shift. But I am glad this happened because I got to see 2 very different parts of the city: One was located in absolutely new city and other was in the old city. My first accommodation was a kind of a hostel with 2 floors, 4 bedrooms and a shared bathroom on each floor. My second apartment had 2 rooms, with a shared bath. The other room was for another guest.
My Experience
My experience was extremely amazing! Even with the accommodations that had shared washrooms, I did not face any problem or issue.
All my places were extremely clean.
The best part that I loved about Airbnb was the human connection. I love talking to people while travelling, it helps me to know and understand the local culture. And Airbnb made it so easy for me. The owners were really cool, we spoke for length. I asked them questions on local food, culture, people, history and they actually explained it!
Not just that, you have someone to help you with basic things like what all to see in the city, how to go to places and everything else. It seems strange, but you kind of have a phone number that you can call in case of an emergency and that is a huge respite! May be it is just a feeling but then still, as a solo traveller that is something that helps.
Another best part was the kitchen! It is really fun to have a complete working kitchen while travelling. I never thought I would ever enjoy it. Rather than having the same hotel food, it was really fun to cook and enjoy your meal. May be just bring a bottle of wine and cook good food – and your evenings are sorted out, even in a foreign place!
Another thing is you are not confined to just a room! You have the whole house, with balcony, lawn, kitchen etc. which is really good. Specially in cold places, where you come back little early and you have the whole evening to yourself 🙂
So I would any day give Airbnb more points than a hotel. I agree that Airbnbs are not as luxurious and probably comfortable (in terms of bed, washrooms etc) as hotels. But if you look at the pros and cons, I would any day give Airbnb more points.
But again check everything properly, even the minute details before booking a place. Otherwise it can come as a shock to you.
Also, I will not suggest to book it for honeymoons – only if you are thinking of it 🙂
Also, in terms of price, Airbnb certainly saves you money. I will not say it makes a huge difference, but you will for sure save some money. For me, money was never a point of concern. But just in case.
For me, it was more about having a local experience and to have someone local to talk to, to get to know how people live in the countries I travel and all this certainly helps in getting a taste of the local culture.
Hope this article helps. Please comment if you want to know more 🙂
Ciao!
Well, I am! What is responsible travel? And why is it becoming a buzz word lately? Well, to start with responsible travel is simply to respect a place and its inhabitants. It just means assessing and evaluating our impact on the environment and local cultures and economies – and acting to make that impact as positive as possible.
Thats it! And that is not tough – trust me! I can help you to start you journey in becoming a Responsible traveller.
The funny part is people think responsible travelling is about never travelling on a plane locally because of the carbon emissions. Or doing a backpack trip for low budgets, and keep your travel as basic as possible. No, responsible travelling is much much bigger than these!
I have written a lot about it and you can read about it all here
Let us all bring a change through awareness!
So I get so many messages from various people asking me about the best romantic places for honeymoon on the planet and so, I thought to write about it.
Also, the places that I am going to mention here are not just from the places that I have visited, but also from inputs that I took from my friends.
Without wasting any further time, lets dive into it. So here is the list:
Maldives: You must have certainly heard about this: it is said to be romantic. I have never been to the country, but I have many friends who visited the place on their honeymoon and they just cannot stop talking about how beautiful it is. Maldives is known as one of the most romantic archipelagos in the world. Its actually a paradise with white sand beaches, incredible marine life and a crystal clear blue sea, with a color so intense you won’t believe is real!
Paris, France: How can someone not mention Paris, while talking about love and romance. I have been to this place few years back and I can vouch for the fact that it is one of the most romantic places on this planet! You can literally feel love in the air in this city and witnessing Eiffel tower in the dark with all those lights can easily be the best romantic experience for anybody!
Venice, Italy: The floating city of gondolas and canals is the epitome of romantic! It is a city between dreams and reality. The timeless beauty of this city is bound to seduce you, it is beautiful and out of the world!
Bali: Again I have never been to Bali, but my friends have and the experience that they narrate surely makes it in my list of the most romantic places on this planet. Catch a fast boat from Sanur and escape the main island of Bali for a few days. Explore the smaller islands of Nusa Penida and Nusa Lembongan. Take a romantic stroll along the iconic yellow bridge to Nusa Ceningan or take a day to explore Ceningan Island and ask friendly locals the prime, secret spots. They say it is all heaven!
Santorini, Greece: Santorini is said to have an irresistible appeal for love and romance. With its whitewashed houses, blue-domed churches, the city is one of the most popular honeymoon destinations. Enjoy a scenic walk along one of the many trails, watch the sunset sipping fine wine while eating some delicious food, hand in hand with your partner! Doesn’t it sound like a perfect romantic holiday?
Seychelles: My sister went on honeymoon to Seychelles and her pictures made me crave to go to the place so badly! The place is known for its quixotic beauty and monumental luxury. Seychelles offers everything you’d want on your honeymoon – glimmering beaches, exquisite beauty, relish delicacies, heart-warming people and carnival-like spirit of the place.
Cinque Terre, Italy: Often described as paradise on earth, the towns encapsulate mesmerising beauty with the sparkling blue ocean coastline and stone-carved beaches. The vineyards, ancient towers and castles, churches and secluded beaches are breathtakingly stunning! This is one place you’ll be happy to get lost wandering about, only to stumble upon new surprises at every turn.
Scotland: From its grand Old Town medieval architecture to the sleek modern New Town, Scotland is a feast for the senses that can delight anyone. Having earned a reputation as one of the most beautiful and romantic places in the world, Scotland exudes a special charm, encased in a thick shroud of culture, history and tradition.
Brussels, Belgium: The city is the best to stroll through and live the romance. Chocolates, pralines and blossoms: this city has everything that has to offer for honeymoon couples!
Switzerland: It is one of the top choices for honeymoon couples because the country is home to such beautiful and stunning places. It deserves all the attention it gets! Here are a few top honeymoon places in Switzerland for you to visit:
Capetown, SA: People who know me are very well aware of my love for this city! Its my fav city in the entire world and it is such a beautiful mix of everything: picturesque views, blue oceans, remarkable peaks, french ambience, vineyards and exciting spots. Cape Town is home to scenic waterfronts, divine seafood and spellbinding sunsets. Its perfect for honeymoon!
Caribbean Islands: Now while talking of romance, one cannot forget about Caribbeans! I am so lucky to have been to few Caribbean islands and I cannot describe in words: how beautiful and serene they are! There are many choices when it comes to romantic getaways, but when it comes to pure bliss, no place can beat the Caribbean. The best Caribbean islands for couples range from vibrant spots like the Bahamas to secluded luxury on St. Lucia. Sink into the soft sand and sip on cocktails in the warm breeze at these top Caribbean islands for couple: Cuba, Tobago, Curacao, The Bahamas, Guadeloupe, St. Lucia
So this is my list of few of the best places romantic places on this planet. Do let me know in comments if you think I have missed out something!
Ciao 🙂
You know what is one of my favourite things about travelling? It is is that I suddenly have so much time to read.
Whether it’s on a plane or a cruise, an overnight train or probably just while waiting at the airport, a good book can really keep yourself entertained and spare you from getting bored. And I am going to give the list of my fav books that have really helped me to sail through those boring parts of my various journeys.
So, without further delay, below is the list:
Shantaram by Gregory David Roberts: I finished this one my trip to Trinidad. The journey was long and this book is actually massive so they both complimented each other. They say you either love this book or hate it. And I loved it totally! Its engrossing and unputdownable. It is a story of an escaped convict from an Australian prison, hoping to hide in India’s vast populace. I simply loved the complexities and nuances beautifully embedded throughout this piece!
The Notebook by Nicholas Sparks: I am a sucker for romantic novels, yes guilty as charged but can’t help it! Even if you have seen the movie, please read this book, its beautifully written. The story will take your breath away! Well, I am assuming you know the story about Noah and Allie so will not dig deeper but if you are a lover of love stories like me – take this one with you in your next travel!
A Fine Balance by Rohinton Mistry: Well, I might be a bit biased towards this one as Rohinton Mistry is my fav authors! I love his work, its intense, its dipped with the right amount of reality and clarity. And A fine balance is my fav piece from Rohinton. This magnificent piece captures all the cruelty and corruption, dignity and heroism, of India in the 70’s and 80’s.
The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini: This is a beautifully crafted story in a country that is in the process of being destroyed. Its emotional! While reading this one, be ready to shed few tears because at few place, it will rip your heart. It is an unforgettable, heartbreaking story of the unlikely friendship between a wealthy boy and the son of his father’s servant. Its one of all time favs
A Song of Ice and Fire by Ken Follett: Once in a while a book comes along that grips you entirely, making it impossible to concentrate on other mundane things. Well, this series of epic fantasy novels did exactly that to me. The series deals with the economic, political and social incidents that marked the last century. The wars, the cold wars, the conflict between communism and democracy, fights for the civil rights, Revolutions in different parts of the world etc. Go read it!
Roll of the Dice and Rise of Kali by Anand Neelakantan:This book is enough to alter and shake all your prejudices and beliefs about Indian mythology. There is nothing new in the story or the incidents, Its Mahabharata, which we have grown up reading and watching again and again… The same story, same incidents, same characters, same drama, same plot, same conspiracies, same events, there is nothing different, absolutely nothing, apart from one thing, and this one thing has the capability to change your perspective about the ‘same’ old story and ‘same’ monotonous incidents entirely! And the thing I am talking about is that this Mahabharata is written from Suryodhana’s (yes it is not Duryodhana) point of views, the view of the fallen, the view of the defeated. This book, somehow makes you believe in a very old saying, “The history is written by the people who are left and not by who are right”
Timepass: the memoirs of Protima Bedi: Its beautiful, emotional, different, unique and yes, insane. This lady has lived many lifetimes in just one lifetime! Was fearless of everything. So bluntly, she has mentioned each and everything about her life in this book: her affairs (with the names: few famous ones!), her feelings, her fickle mindedness, her search for the perfect man, the ‘n’ no of times she had fallen in love. If you are a crazy person like me who just hates to be live the cage this world has set us to be in, then this book is for you!
The Fountainhead by Ayn Rand: If you haven’t read this one, please take it to your next vacation. Its a classic and aa must must read. Believe me, this novel has a power to change a person’s prospective towards life. I would say this is a very strong, influential and intense piece which really deserves a lot of appreciation. It is a story about an architect Howard Roark who is also the protagonist. Its about his individualism and perseverance.
The Immortals of Meluha (Shiva Triology) by Amish Tripathi: So I am a big big fan of Indian mythology, specially when its told from a very different perspective, and this one tops the chart – hand down! It will keep you engaged till the last word – trust me. Amish Tripathi weaves a splendid but totally fictional & fantasized account of Shiva’s travails. But use of the same characters, places and names which are associated with Lord Shiva -Mansarovar, Sati, Nandi, Daksh, Gunas, makes the whole story very believable and easy to relate to. This novel will compel you to fantasize and image the whole setup while reading!
Ram, Sita, Raavan by Amish Tripathi: These are 3 different books called as The Ram Chandra Series and narrates the story of the protagnists (well, the names of the book) from a very different perspectives – that you would have never thought or heard about. You will enjoy reading these
Not without my daughter by Betty Mahmoody: This is one of fav books of all times. This is one book which shook me from head to toe!This is said to be a true story of a woman Betty Mahmoody who goes to Iran with her Iranian husband to meet his family. It a story of hardships, survival, cultural differences which a woman face on a land which she would have never imagined if she wouldn’t have experienced the same by herself! It’s a sad story. You just feel almost in tears at many stages but then the ending surely makes you smile!
Empire of the Moghul (Ruler of the world) by Alex Rutherford: Now another genre that I love is period drama! And this book is such a perfect eg of it. The novel gives a very detailed reflection of Akbar’s life, about his thoughts, about his personality, his likes, dislikes, his priorities etc. If you like reading history, you will surely love this one book. I specially loved the War scenes, they have been so amazingly described by the author that at times, you imagine the war being happening in front of your eyes. I even loved the way the author had woven the whole thing of relationships. He has so beautifully described the feelings and the emotions that bound different relations of a mother and a son, a husband and a wife, a ruler and his concubines, a father and a son and an emperor and the people. Its simply fabulous the way the author has described the feelings and insecurities of young Salim. It is just incomparable to anything! Ruler of the world is actually 3rd novel in the series of Empire of the Moghul. First one being Raiders from the north and second one is Brothers at war. The former one is about Babur who was the first Mughal emperor and the later one is about his son and his successor Humayun.
Few other favs of mine that I read recently are:
So thats my list! Do let me know about yours 🙂
Ciao!
Today I will be writing about one of the most important concerns that we all have while travelling: Saving money!
I believe in Budget/affordable travelling and save money where ever i can while I am on my feet.
So, I thought to mention few things that I do to make my trip affordable here. Well, below they are:
Create a budget and stick to it!
The biggest costs in traveling are transport and accommodation. If you can figure out these 2 things before your trip starts: you are sorted out!
Do comment if you think I have missed out something!
Ciao 🙂
I always insist on the idea of smart packing while travelling, because it is one of the most important things! You really need to pack smart and less to make sure your trip is hassle-free.
And when you are travelling alone, the problems amplify! And you surely do not want to deal with an extra problem of extra luggage.
Whatever you are keeping in your bag has to has some use during your trip otherwise drop the idea of carrying it. So leave behind the extra jackets, heels, extra handbags, all those extra cloths. No matter how despirately you want all of these for your poictures, extra luggage is never worth it! Just make sure you choose things that you want to carry efficiently.
Do it exactly the way KonMari decluttering method suggests. Take every item into your hand and ask if it is a necessity for my trip? If the answer is yes, put it in the suitcase else drop it from wherever your picked it up!
Second, just make sure you can carry everything on your own without realising the burden and WITHOUT any help! Trust me it is very important. For me, it is a mid-size suitcase and a backpack that I carry with a fanny bag to keep my essentials.
Below are few things that I think are the most important ones to carry while you are travelling alone, apart from your regular stuff (cloths, shoes etc):
So this is a small check-list of things that you need to carry while travelling. Comment below if you think I have missed out anything!
Ciao 🙂
Now, this is a very tricky question. Some people will say it is quite simple while there are many others who will say its a pain!
Well, my take is it is actually simple – its touch till you are done with all the documents. Why am I writing this post? Because we think it is simple but attimes, we dont realize we miss small things and boom! the visa gets rejected! Unable to believe my words? Well, let me tell you – so it was me and one of my friends who applied for Schengen Visa in Dec 2019. And we were very sure we were all done with the documents etc. While I got the visa, my friend’s was rejected! Yes! That is why I am writing this post.
I will keep it very very simple. I will tell you what all documents to prepare for, where to apply and how to get through the whole process and I am also gonna give you my sample documents. Good News – Right? Well, that is what I am here for. Making your life simple while planning for a travel.
So let us begin:
So, all Schengen Visas are done through VFS. We start from identifying which country to apply the visa for. If you are travelling to many countries in Europe during your trip, then there is a need to work on which country to apply the visa from.
So, there are 2 things:
In our case, it was none, because were planning to visit for 4 countries and we were supposed to stay in Iceland for the longest. But there is no visa services for Iceland through VFS in Hyderabad (till Jan 2020), so we had 2 options:
Now thats what i said, you really have to figure out which embassy to apply for your travel. You can call VFS – their customer care is amazing and very helpful. They will help you for everything you need to know.
Now, lets get on to the documents. Below is the list of the most common documents required (there might be some addditional required – depends of the country you are applying for – so you might wanna cross-check the same. The information will be avialable on the VFS site of that country. Yes, VFS has a different site for every country.
Also, I would advice to apply for 3-months in advance
Go to the VFS site of the country you are applying the visa from and click on ‘Book Slot’. Select the slot and confirm. Download the slot confirmation letter. You can also apply by calling them.
Now, you need to go to Denmark visa site and register yourself (with some very basic details). Once done, you can login and start filling in the information. It is all self-explanatory. While filling in the accommodation details, it is advisable to give the contact details of your hotel or where-ever you are staying. Once done, you need to do the payment of some 4,800 INR. They only accept credit cards so keep it handy.
Once done, download the application and reciept.
Following are the documents that you would require:
If you are working somewhere:
Now, just got the VFS center in your city, reach atleast 20 mins before. You will be given a token no, just keep an eye on the called no. You just have to go to the designated counter and submit your documents.
I will suggest to opt in for SMS services-> so basically you will get messages on: once your passport has been dispatched for the embassy and also, when it is dispatched back. They will charge you some 320 INR
Also, you can opt in for the passport to be dispatched at your address for 2400 INR. Else you will have to go to the VFS center and pick it up. Now if you opt in for passport to be sent to your house – BE AVAILABLE on the tentative date (once you receive the sms – it takes 1 day), they do not hand it over to anybody else!
And give the biometrics and thats it, you are done!
Now let me also tell you the mistakes that my friend had done, because of which her visa was rejected.
Above are few mistakes that we could figure out.
Now what to do if your visa is Schengen Visa is rejected. Don’t be heartbroken, don’t panic! Good news is there are options available and they are
Now you would be thinking what happened with my friend? So, we re-applied and we are still waiting for it to arrive. We are hoping it will happen this time (fingers crossed). I will update this space once we have some news.
So this is it! Comment below is you need any other info 🙂 Cheers and enjoy!
When I was planning my trip to Egypt, the biggest question that I had was what to wear in Egypt because its a culturally-sensitive country.
Now, I tried to search on internet but really did not get anything useful. Trust me. So here I am writing about it so that girls travelling after me will have something to refer to.
Now, let me tell you how I planned it. I did not want to take the risk so I carried a lot of long dresses, skirts etc which are not exposing and look stylish as well 🙂 But I took a pair of shorts as well (just in case you know!) and thank God I took them.
When you visit The Pyramids, you can wear anything! I mean not bikini off course! But trust me there were so many foreigners who wore short dresses, skirt, hot pants and nobody really looked bothered about it!
The only thing is if you are planning to go in the internal parts of Cairo or even Giza, then please wear something that hides all your body parts. Those are little conservative areas. People of Egypt are extremely sweet and awesome! They will not say anything or do anything – you will just get a lot of stares which will eventually make you feel uncomfortable!
Now, if you are taking a cruise from Aswan to Luxor (I took a cruise) – then you DO NOT have to worry about anything! You can wear literally while on board. Most of the cruises have jacuzzis so carry your swimming costume – yes, I regret of not carrying a swimming costume! You can enjoy the evenings on the cruise in your bikinis ladies!
Now, if you are going to the temples of Luxor or Aswan, wear anything but try not to show cleavage! And do not wear dresses that are very short! Otherwise you can wear whatever you want – nobody cares.
I went in the peak summers in July, but it was dry kind of heat with extremely low humidity so it won’t feel as hot as it actually is.
Still, places like Cairo, Aswan, Luxor or the famous Valley of the Kings can become unbearable! So try to go prepared!
In the tourist regions or on the beaches or in the hotel or on the cruise it is totally acceptable to wear whatever you feel like. In mosques, women are required to cover their shoulders & wear a veil.
In markets like Khan el-Khalili, please wear something smart and kind of covered otherwise you will garner some unwanted attention. I will give the same advice while visiting museums as well.
Please plan it well in advance, I ended up taking 2 suitcases and more than half of the things were not even used. The problem was I really did not know what to wear there. All the blogs mentioned that you need to wear decent/covered etc etc cloths! So, I carried a lot of jackets, shrugs, scarves etc, which I did not use at all!
Now below is the list of clothes that you should carry:
And Voila! you are done.
Do let me know how did you find this post. Also comment below if you have any questions 🙂
See you next time
Few pics of my dresses:
Imagine you have only one day in Hong Kong! What all would you do? What all would you cover in that one day?
Do not under estimate the place, Hong Kong has much to offer within one day. Sitting across the windows of Hong Kong International Airport while waiting for my next flight, I remember catching that first glimpse of the Hong Kong skyline through the steamy windows. And boy! I knew I will come back to explore this country!
So now if you just have one day in Hong Kong, what all would you explore? Let me help you with that. But first a bit about the place. Hong Kong, officially the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China, is a special administrative region on the eastern side of the Pearl River estuary in southern China (- as per Wikipedia). However, in its day-to-day existence, Hong Kong actually operates like its own country in many ways.
Let me tell you about the main places in the country that you definitely need to explore:
1. Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade
Plan for an early day and head towards Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade. You can have one of the finest view of the city’s skylines from here. At its eastern end is the Avenue of Stars, with handprints and statues of celebrities like Jackie Chan.
2. Star Ferry:
No visit to Hong Kong would be complete without at least one trip across Victoria Harbour aboard one of the famous Star Ferries, which have been plying the waters between Hong Kong Island and Kowloon since 1898. Catch the historic Star Ferry over to the Kowloon side, taking in the stunning views of the harbour in all directions. The ferries are colonial relics but also happen to be one of the quickest ways to get across the harbour.
3. Victoria Peak: The pinnacle of Hong Kong Island, offers breathtaking views of the harbour and city. A journey to Hong Kong is not complete without experiencing this place. It offers a view that encapsulates Hong Kong in just one single image!
4. Hong Kong Museum of History: It is a museum which preserves Hong Kong’s historical and cultural heritage. It is located next to the Hong Kong Science Museum, in Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon. I love going to Museums so I loved it.
5. Nathan Road
It is called the Golden Mile of Shopping for its endless string of shops selling everything under the sun: electronics, jewellery, cloths! This place is Kowloon’s most famous street.
6. Temple Street Night Market
From the northern part of Nathan Road it is just walking distance, and for me, this place was more for the view it offers: colorful, chaotic and beautiful! The market opens daily at 4pm, but the real action starts at 7pm.
7. Knutsford Terrace: It is a terrace street, north of Kimberley Road. It is famous for its open-fronted bars, pubs and restaurants.
You can also pre-book a night tour around the city. It can be an evening cruise or just a guide to take you through the coolest areas of Kowloon by night including Yau Mau Tei and the lively Mong Kok area!
Whether it is one day or a long trip, you will love Hong Kong! I really want to go back to explore the place more – to know the culture!
If you plan a trip to Hong Kong, do not forget to comment 🙂
Ciao!
Petra, the great Ancient City is a wonderland of an ancient civilization! It lies half-hidden in the wind-blown landscape in southern Jordan and is one of the world’s most treasured Unesco Heritage Sites. Voted by popular ballot in 2007 as one of the ‘New Seven Wonders of the World’, it is carved into the rock face by the nomadic Bedouin tribe and remained hidden from the West until 1812. As much hard I try, I do not think I can ever describe what I feel for this city! Its a miracle – trust me! Its epitome of beauty and magic. I have never ever seen anything like this place in my entire life. It’s beyond words!
Petra is a massive site that stretches over 60 square kilometers. yes, it’s huge! It’s going to take some time getting from each of the main sites. The most popular ways to get around Petra are:
Walking: I wanted to see everything – so I walked down. Though it was very very tiring but I wanted to cherish everything. All you have to do is wear a comfortable pair of walking shoes and try not to carry much luggage. It’s free, and you’ll get to wander around at your own pace.
Take a Carriage Ride: If you want to save time, you can get a carriage ride from the visitor’s center to the Treasury. The trip costs 20 JD ($28).
Hire a Camel: There are camel handlers around all the major sites of Petra, you can hire one!
And yes, do not forget to carry enough water!
The site is open from 6 am to 7 pm in summers and from 6am to 5 pm in winters. A one-day ticket costs JD50 ($70) per person, but a two-day ticket is JD55, and a three-day is JD 60.
The tickets can be bought at the visitor’s center. You can also buy maps and tour guides for easy access through the site.
They say the best time to visit Petra is during cooler spring that is from March to May and autumn from September to November months. On the contrary, I went in July and I think it was fine. There was not much crowd (thank God!!) and I could see everything at my own pace. If you can handle the summer heat, I will suggest going from June – July – the place is not crowded and you’ll have this beautiful lost city all to yourself.
Start early so as to avoid the heat and crowd.
Now what all to see while in Petra, I am listing it down:
Now let me give you a brief about the history of Petra (It is important!). Nabataeans, a community of master builders whose skills included hydraulic engineering, iron production and copper refining, use to work from Petra. It was a trade route from Damascus to Arabia from where caravans used to pass.
The city was destroyed by an earthquake in AD 555, they say. But most of Petra’s most impressive structures remain intact, making it a treasure trove of architectural sites, hidden along the Siq
The Ancient City is approached through the 1.2 km-long, high-walled Siq. When you walk there, you feel its unending! But then the moment you catch breathtaking glimpses of the most impressive of Petra’s sights, the Treasury, you feel alive!
From the Treasury, the way broadens., riddled by more than 40 tombs known as the Street of Facades. Just before you reach the Theatre, there is the way to climb up to the High Place of Sacrifice.
Just opposite to the Theatre, the steps go to the Royal Tombs, where access city’s mystic high places lie.
There are the Great Temple and the Temple of the Winged Lions on the opposite side of the wadi. At the end of the colonnaded street, is the imposing Nabataean temple known locally as Qasr Al Bint – one of the few free-standing structures in Petra.
There are two restaurants there: Nabataean Tent Restaurant and Basin Restaurant.
Beyond the restaurants likes Wadi Siyagh and the path the Monastery. From there you can see the magnificent rock formations of Petra, Jebel Haroun, and even Wadi Araba.
So this was all about how to travel to Petra. Do comment if you are planning a trip there!
Ciao!
Seeing the pyramids was a dream for me – a dream since I was capable of start dreaming! Yes… Since I don’t know when. I still remember the day I saw the photo of The Pyramids in one of my text books and boy, I was instantly fascinated!
They were built during a time when Egypt was one of the richest and most powerful civilizations in the world. Pyramids are one of the most magnificent man-made structures in the historyof humankind – Specially the 3 pyramids that are called The Great Pyramids of Giza.
Their massive scale reflects the special role that the pharaoh, or king, played in ancient Egyptian society. They were built so high because it was believed that after-death, the king’s soul ascend to heaven to join the God Sun, called God Ra in Egypt. Why? Because the kings were expected to become gods in the afterlife. To prepare themselves for the next world’s journey, the Pyramids, they built massive pyramid tombs for themselves. It seems The Pyramids were filled with all the things each ruler would need to guide and sustain himself in the next world.
More than 4,000 years later, the Egyptian pyramids still retain much of their majesty, providing a glimpse into the country’s rich and glorious past. They are just not sky-touching structures that were erected, they are an incredible work of engineering, Egyptologists are still discovering more about these structures with each passing year. I got to know this from local people – how almost every year there is a new thing that is discovered in Giza.
One of the biggest mysteries about the Pyramids is the construction techniques used to erect them. Over 2 million limestone and granite blocks were used to build the Great Pyramid of Giza. Each piece of masonry weighed about 2.5 tons!! So how were these giant blocks moved? Unfortunately, there are no written records, and many theories have been proposed over the years.
The Great Pyramid of Giza is not only the most recognized of Egypt’s pyramids, it’s also the only of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The Great Pyramid is incredible and can also tell time. The structure actually acts as an enormous sundial, with its shadow telling the hour by falling on marks made in the stone.
Of course, being the Great Pyramid, it couldn’t be just any old sundial. Its level of sophistication meant that it not only told time, but was able to signal solstices and equinoxes. It helped the Egyptians define their solar year.
Tomb robbers and other ravagers, in both ancient and modern times stole/destroyed most of the bodies and funeral goods from Egypt’s pyramids and plundered their exteriors as well.
The Great Pyramids no longer reach their original heights, because most of their smooth white limestone coverings were removed! Nonetheless, they still stand tall, astonishingly – narrating the story of their glorious past! Millions of people continue to visit the pyramids each year, drawn by their towering grandeur and the enduring allure of Egypt’s rich and glorious past.
I was in Giza for a day and was assisted by a tour guide. I actually booked a tour from Sakkara Tours, Egypt! I had one full day to see the in and around of the city. We started off by 9.30 AM, for our exploration! We first went to the Great Pyramids: The Great Pyramid of Giza is the main part of a complex setting of buildings that included two mortuary temples in honor of Khufu (one close to the pyramid and one near the Nile), three smaller pyramids for Khufu’s wives, an even smaller “satellite” pyramid, a raised causeway connecting the two temples, and small Mastaba tombs surrounding the pyramid for nobles. One of the small pyramids contains the tomb of queen Hetepheres (discovered in 1925), sister and wife of Snefru and the mother of Khufu.
While in the Great Pyramid, I will suggest you to please climb it up (from inside). It is honestly little scary but the climb is worth it – an experience. Though, there is not much to see when you finally reach up in a room (after a painful climb!) but you need to experience it!
Then we moved on to the Lord of the Sphinx. The word “sphinx”, which means ‘strangler’, was First given by the Greeks to a fabulous creature This had the head of a man and the body of a lion of Egypt, there are numerous sphinxes, usually with the Head of a king wearing his headdress and the body of a lion, the head and face of the Sphinx certainly reflect a style that belongs to Egypt’s old kingdom and to the 4th dynasty in particular.
Its a beautiful piece of architecture and you definitely need to see it to believe it! Once done with the Lord of the Sphinx, we went to The Egyptian Museum. It is a fascinating tour of more than 7,000 years. The museum has the world’s largest collection of ancient Egyptian artifacts (more than 145,000 items on display) featuring the famous Tutankhamen collection with its beautiful gold death mask and sarcophagus and the royal Mummy room, which houses an additional eleven Pharaonic dignitaries.
And in the end, we reached the fascinating Khan El-Khalili Bazaar: Reputed to be the largest bazaar in the Middle East, it is filled with colors and bustles of life! Originally founded as a watering stop for Caravanserai in the 14th Century, the bazaar has now grown to vast Proportions. As you wander through the labyrinth of narrow Streets, you will find workshops and stalls selling all kinds of things: from woodwork, glassware and leather Goods to Perfumes, Fabrics and Pharaonic Curiosities.
It’s everything you would hope for in a souq (marketplace). It’s a shopping mecca. It’s a perfect place to practice your haggling skills.
The Khan Al-Khalili is also an ideal place to get sugar cane juice or something healthier.
Few other things that I did in Giza were:
After you’ve seen those three or four impressive and overlooked pyramids, you can see three sites in Cairo itself.
To understand Egypt, you must dive into Islam. In some countries, a non-Muslim cannot enter a mosque. Fortunately, in Cairo, men and women can visit the Mosque of Ibn Tulun. It’s one of Cairo’s oldest and most expansive mosques.The well-guarded Coptic zone contains the Saints Sergius and Bacchus Church, which has the site where some believe that baby Jesus rested during his family’s perilous journey into Egypt. Coptic Cairo also contains a Jewish synagogue.The first we went to was the Coptic quarter in Cairo. About 95% of Egyptians are Muslim but the Coptic Christians are an important minority.
Amsterdam: The financial & cultural capital of the Netherlands. The city is beautiful and stunning with brick buildings, open skyline, rich history, canals, museums, parks, vintage shops, food, beer, streets, quirky festivals, theatre, live music, laid-back bars, and delightful restaurants – Everything about this place is beautiful!
The best way to experience Amsterdam is on a traditional canal cruise. These glass-topped boats offer unobstructed views of the splendor of Amsterdam. The canals of Amsterdam are incredibly beautiful, and there’s nothing like seeing the city from a boat.
You can also hire a bike. Nothing like it!
Let’s talk about places to see in the city:
Amsterdam is a very special place and it is one of those rare cities where I would love to go again! It holds a beauty – that you would never see or find in any other city!
Do comment if you plan to travel to Amsterdam!
Ciao!
Nestled on the western fringes of Germany, Cologne is the fourth largest city in the country and a popular tourist destination. The city was founded by the Romans in 38 BC and given the lofty name Colonia Claudia Ara Aggripinensium. It grew into a major trading centre, a tradition that continued in the Middle Ages and is upheld today.
The city bustles with life and has an aura of its own. There’s an incredibly diverse mix of great beautiful cathedral, world-renowned museums, amazingly cute cafes and aesthetic architecture. Cologne is like a living textbook on history and architecture.
Cologne is well-connected when it comes to public transport: Trams, buses etc. There are plenty of options available. Also please keep a navigator app always on – it will help. As of July 2019, Uber has resumed operating in the Cologne metro area.
For staying there are loads of options available for both luxury and budgeted hotels. Now, there is not much difference in prices when it comes to staying in the main city or little far off.
But, if you want really cheap and affordable accommodation, you can lodging near the park belt on the city’s west side, known as Little Belgium, The area is east of Hiroshima-Nagasaki park. There are also many Airbnb options available in the city.
Now, let me tell you about the places that you need to visit at any cost when in Cologne. I am listing them down:
The city has so much to offer right from food to history to culture to monuments, that even 1 week is not enough to see it all. And you need to live there to completely imbibe and understand its culture and live it!
I loved the city. Do comment if you plan a trip to Cologne!
Cape Town is fondly known as the Mother City. A coming-together of African and French cultures, cuisines and landscapes, there’s nowhere quite like Cape Town, a singularly beautiful city crowned by the magnificent Table Mountain National Park.
Cape Town has it all: from breathtaking scenery to historic architecture mixed with minimalist modern design. Its buzzing and busy harbors and streets house nightlife, its beautiful french aura, restaurants, hotels and its beaches and mountainous surroundings are a perfect place for a vacation.
The city is set against the backdrop of the iconic Table Mountain and blue Table Bay, which famous for its seal population, penguins and great white sharks.
Cape Town’s rich history, modern culture, and incredible attractions make it a true metropolis on the coast. If you’re making your vacation plans, it should be to Cape Town. Also generally our summers are their winters, and vice-versa
As incredible as the city of Cape Town is, the wine farms nearby are equally worthy of a day or two of your time. You have to visit the wine yards.
Cape Town may have incredible restaurants and museums, and some fascinating indoor activities, but to take full advantage of the city you’ll want to spend time outdoors.
Few places to see in Cape town are:
Public Transportation might be a problem so better to hire a cab. Even Uber is a great option while in Cape Town.
Go ahead and plan a trip to South Africa – trust me you will not regret! And yes, do not forget to comment!
Innsbruck, the capital of Austria’s western state of Tyrol, is a colorful and picturesque city nestled in the Austrian Alps. They say ‘Past and future meet in the heart of the Alps – in Innsbruck’.
Innsbruck sits right in the middle of a valley and it surrounded by enormous, snow-capped mountains. This is a city with endless views – it is a sight to behold! Its beautiful!!
Coveted by empires and republics throughout its history, Innsbruck was the seat of the imperial court of Maximilian I by the end of the 15th century.
The alpine scenery of Innsbruck together with its charming meadows set against snowy peaks is a sight to behold. Nestled amidst snow-capped mountains, the city of Innsbruck is spread out along the banks of the River Inn.
The city is known for its Imperial and modern architecture, there are many beautiful seeing sights such as Goldenes Dachl – Golden Roof, Hofburg, Hofkirsche, St. Anne’s Column, Stadtturm, Triumphpforte, and Helblinghaus.
Another amazing place to visit is Swarovski Crystal museum & showroom at Wattens – to look at the amazing collection of precision-cut lead crystal glass and other related products. You can admire and shop here to your heart’s delight, amongst the largest exhibits of the Swarovski Crystal collection.
Innsbruck is located on the long, skinny tail of Austria that is right between Italy and Germany. If you have a car, in just 30 minutes you can be in either Germany or Italy (take an international driving license and hire a car and drive down through Europe!).
If you are traveling by rail, the Innsbruck station connects European cities such as Venice, Munich, Salzburg, and Zurich. There is also an airport in Innsbruck.
Let me list down few places that are must-see in this marvellous city!
There are many options for stay in the city ranging from Luxury hotels to mid-range hotels. If you are looking for a budget hotel then there are many hotels just beside the river like Basic Hotel Innsbruck, Hotel Heimgartl and Pension Bistro.
Trams make getting around the city quick, efficient and cheap. You do not have to worry about the transport!
Austria is one of the best places to visit and enjoy in Europe and Innsbruck is its its heart and the amazing number of places you can see there makes it a perfect place!
So, if you are planning a trip to Austria, do let me know in the comments section 🙂
Paris the fashion capital of the world and also, capital to one of the most enchanting country: France. It is a major European city and a global center for art, fashion, gastronomy and culture.
Paris is a dream – yep! I cannot describe it in any other words. From its wonderful monuments to its exceptional cuisine, it is a destination like no other.
The city is aesthetic! Its marvellous architecture is breathtaking. Everything about this city is musical and magical: The museums, cafes, markets, beautiful gardens, designer boutiques, fashion and romance of the city.
First let me tell you the places that you need to see in Paris. The city is filled with such beautiful architectures – trust me – there are soooo many of them unlike any other city. But there are few places that you cannot miss! Few of them are:
And off-course the most famous landmark of Paris, the Eiffel Tower: The cloud-piercing, wrought-iron structure. You have to climb up to get the a panoramic view of the city – It is so amazingly awesome! Do not miss it! The tower is built in 1889 and designed by the young engineer, Gustav Eiffel, the tower stands 324 metres (1,063 ft) tall.
There are some stunning modern and contemporary icons, too, from the inside-out, industrial-style Centre Pompidou to the mur végétal (vertical garden) gracing the Musée du Quai Branly, the glass sails of the Fondation Louis Vuitton contemporary-art centre, and the gleaming steel egg-shaped concert venue La Seine Musicale.
The night life is Paris is fabulous! You have to experience the glamour and lights of Paris in nights. Opt for the some Illumination Tour of Paris. There are many online travel agencies providing that. You cannot miss upon the dazzling illumination of the famous monuments and buildings of Paris at night. Specially Eiffel Tower! It is so romantic and enticing!
Later, you can go for one of the most famous night shows in the world called Lido De Paris. This is the place to enjoy life like a true Parisian sipping a glass of champagne and enjoying scintillating performances.
For staying, I would suggest to take an Air bnb. There are beautiful homes listed down on Air bnb – they are affordable and beautiful and will let you explore the authentic culture of Paris
The city is more or less safe, just try not to indulge in frank conversations with strangers – that can be a little risky. Else, its a beautiful place – even to stroll around in the night on your own!
The best time to visit France is in the spring (April to June) or fall (September to November) when there are fewer tourists, lower prices, and moderate temperatures. The summer months can be hot, crowded, and expensive.
So, do leave a comment – if you plan a trip to Paris 🙂
Switzerland – a landlocked country in the cultural and geographical centre of Europe. Renowned for its snow-capped Alps, lush green meadows and fresh water lakes, the prosperous country of Switzerland is blessed with a distinct character and dynamism.
Lucerne is a beautiful city located at the northern tip of Lake Lucerne. It is a compact city in Switzerland known for its preserved medieval architecture and elegant historic buildings, sits amid snowcapped mountains.
Lucerne is compact and easy to explore, with the old town and all the main sights within walking distance of the railway station.
Lucerne is a city of town squares and churches. And if you are someone who loves mountain scenery and snow (like me), your search for a spectacular hill tops ends here. Lucerne is home to magnificent regional mountains,: Mt. Rigi, Mt. Pilatus, Mt. Titlis, and Jungfraujoch.
Apart from the mountains (about which I will be writing separately), let me list down few places that are must-visit when you are in this town!
You can cover it all in one day! So, guess 2-days are enough to explore this town. You can also shop at the famous “Bucherer” for Swiss watches, jewelry and souvenirs.
Its not cold in the afternoons so you can wear regular cloths, but evenings tend to get a bit chilly (even in summers) so always carry a jacket when going out!
Do comment if you are planning to go to Switzerland! I will be happy to help 🙂
Switzerland: Is there a need for an introduction for this beautiful country? Its heaven on earth! Simple… I don’t think I can find any other adjective to describe it! Its gorgeous!
Now this post is about Mt Titlis so will stick to that for now. Will write another post on Switzerland travel.
So, Titlis is the highest mountain in the portion of the Uri Alps north of the Susten Pass.
The adventurous journey to Mt. Titlis is one hair-raising and unforgettable 45 minutes long ride to the top, switching three different cable cars, the ride is nothing short of awe-inspiring as you’ll witness the scenery change from green meadows and scenic lakes to snow clad mountains.
The last leg of the ride is on the famous Rotair, which is the world’s first revolving cable car that offers beautiful panoramic views of the surrounding glaciers, mountains and scenery. Once atop Mt. Titlis, what awaits visitors is breathtaking views of the Alps from either the sun terrace or from the famous “south face window” of the mountain. However, there’s more. There is a thrilling ride on the famous ‘Ice Flyer’ along with the snow park (weather permitting).
It is a lifetime experience. Things that you need to do there:
There are several shops and restaurants there so do not worry about anything. Several hiking trails start or end at the mid station of the cable car, Trübsee. One can walk to the Trübsee and combine that with a visit to the Titlis. In Summers specially, there are many activities that takes place near Trübsee. You can enjoy the spectacular zipline or rent a rowing boat to explore the Trübsee, the lake near the mid station.
But please do the booking in advance for the activities.
Few tips:
So, what are you waiting for? Plan your next trip to Switzerland now and do not forget to include Mt. Titlis in your itinerary! And yes, do comment and tell me about your trip 🙂
Brussels is Belgium’s capital and home to the European Union headquarters. Guess, the first thought that comes to mind when you visit Brussels is that it is very picturesque! And is filled with loads of delicious chocolates, beer and food. The city is filled with rich historic places and yet it is so modern.
Brussels have striking architecture, especially around the Grand Place where there is guildhalls and the opulent Town Hall. Everything is within walking distance there: sublime art collections, impressive churches, shops, museums and everything! When you go away from the centre of the city, you find Art Nouveau buildings, and one of the best train museums in the world.
Brussels is a beautiful city which is so majestic and yet, so quirky. Its Grand Place is surely one of the world’s most beautiful squares. It has beautiful and famous guild houses, the City Museum, the Town Hall, the house of the Dukes of Brabant, Manneken Pis – the symbol of Brussels, the Royal Palace, the Royal Park, the Palace of Justice, and the Museum of Fine Arts.
BTW, Brussels is any foodie’s dream! Why? It has countless numbers of restaurants, hotels and bars.
Now, what all to see in Brussels? Well, I am listing them down for you!
Well, The best time to visit Brussels is between May and mid October, the shoulder seasons. This city also experiences all four seasons, and rain is a possibility year-round.
BTW, do not forget to try waffles, fries and beer when in Brussels! They are world-famous.
It’s like trying to describe what you feel when you’re standing on the rim of the Grand Canyon or remembering your first love or the birth of your child. You have to be there to really know what it’s like.
– Jack Schmitt
I love traveling and you know it!… And that too if its a solo trip then I cant tell you the levels of my ecstasy! Last year in the month of September, I planned a trip to the US.
Anyway, so I thought to write a post on one special part of my trip – visiting the Grand Canyon – South Rim! First of all, it is one of the most majestic and stunning things my eyes have ever witnessed. Trust me, it’s beautiful and definitely worth a visit.
Anyway, let me directly jump to how I planned my trip
So I planned my trip from New York. From New York, I took a flight to Phoenix with American Airlines and from Phoenix to Flagstaff.
From Flagstaff airport, you need to book a cab (please pre-book it). I booked mine at Arizona Shuttle (https://www.arizonashuttle.com/)
I wanted to stay a night in Flagstaff as I really wanted to experience the small town feel in US. So, I booked my room at La Quinta Inn & Suites Flagstaff through bookings.com and the place was so serene and beautiful that I cannot tell you.
Next day at around 11 AM, I checked out and took a bus. There are frequent buses from this place to Grand Canyon – you need to take a pass for $25. I should also mention here that My credit card did not work at the swiping machine – just next to the hotel there was a place where there were machines to get the pass. I went to a shop nearby and asked them for help. They had the passes and gave me one in exchange for cash. They charged a fee of $10, which seems ok to me – given the conditions.
Oh, I forgot to mention, I planned to visit the south rim because they say its the most beautiful one.
So, in Grand Canyon, I booked a hotel called Xanterra Grand Canyon South Rim (https://www.grandcanyonlodges.com/who-we-are/about-xanterra/)
I called them and booked it directly (well in advance). The price was $100 per night which I think is brilliant!
It’s a very nice and a safe place to stay. Beautiful rooms they have which is like so close to nature that you would just want to spend all your life there.
Inside the canyon, they have free buses to travel inside, Just grab a map and it will lead you to wherever you would want to travel.
First day, I just wanted to see the space around – the forest etc. I explored that.
Second day, I trekked a bit, I just went some 9-12 Kms down, enough to have a glimpse of Colorado river. Also because I was wearing my regular shoes and not trekking shoes. Few things to take care of:
Most importantly, enjoy every view while trekking. Do not rush. Trust me, every frame from every inch of your walk is different and beautiful!
Third day, I just wanted to soak in the beauty of Canyon so I woke up at 5, grabbed a book and went and sat on a very beautiful peak, where I could see the whole of the canyon. It was serene! It was a MOMENT of life
While coming back, I booked a bus to Las Vegas via Grand Canyon Tour Company. Please carry your passport throughout.
That was my grand moments in the Canyon!!! And I am surely going to visit that place again 🙂
Hope this post helps you in planning your trip and yes, do not forget to comment if you are planning a trip there
Is the city safe??? What all places to see in the city?
Bogotá is Colombia’s sprawling capital. The city is the heart of the country: an engaging and vibrant sophisticated urban cool place surrounded by chilly Andean peaks. Bogotá is a vibrant, lively city I couldn’t get enough of.
The city is a safe place with easy an access to many hotels and restaurants. You should definitely take precautions with your belongings like any other place. The only thing is at nights try not to stroll around the city alone! And there are few areas that you should avoid visiting. If you take these few precautions, your stay in the city will be as smooth as staying in any other place.
The city has a myriad of carefully preserved colonial buildings and is home to an excellent and stunning museums, restaurants, hotels, old houses that are as old as 300-year-old, and churches.
Actually of you ask me, almost all of Bogotá’s traditional attractions are located in Bogota.
The city is still battling with it reputations for drugs and crime, but you will see such a genuine attempt that the whole city is making towards the cause!
You will see beautiful old houses to Bogotá’s Andes-hugging residential buildings – a beautiful amalgamation of old and urban cool! The city is filled with incredible history, art, an exciting food scene, a wild nightlife, and super welcoming people.
When in Bogota, I will suggest few places that must-visit. I am listing them down:
The best time of year to travel to Bogotá is probably during the months of December, January, February and March. These are the months when the weather is driest. April and May usually have the highest amounts of rain, with June and July following. December, January and February are traditionally the months when it rains the least.
Bogotá is an edgy city with loads of petty crime, but you will love the atmosphere and vibe of the city. You will love the art, the museums and the food. The city has so much to offer travelers.
Do not forget to leave a comment if you are planning to go to Bogota! I will be happy to help 🙂
Ciao!
Imagine you have only one day in Venice!
How would you plan a perfect trip?
Venice – the city of love, the city of canals! Also fondly called La Serenissima, Venice is built on 180 islands that are connected by over 400 bridges with hundreds of canals criss-crossing the town.
For more than a thousand years, the city was one of the most enduring mercantile sea powers on Earth.
Venice has a charm that no city has! I am sure “Love is in the air” phrase is somehow associated to this romantic city! You can imagine how beautiful a place would be if instead of roads, it relies on a series of waterways and canals.
Very few cities can claim to have such an enticing beauty which comprises of everything: priceless art, history heritage, rich culture, and beautiful scenic views! But Venice has it all.
This special city with its magical, spectacular and heavenly scenery is not just beautiful; it is magic! Yes, the city is a real magic: a city built on mud, sand and the slime of a difficult, inhospitable landscape. Imagine, how genius that person who would have been who articulated and built it!
Anyway, I was in Venice for a day (yes!). If I had known before that the place is so charming, I would have definitely extended my trip. I am planning to go there once again – just for Venice (and thats the impact the city will have on you).
Its a small city so you can definitely cover it all in one day – but with this city – it is not about just site-seeing – it is about experiencing their culture and exploring those narrow lanes with cute little cafes!
If you have just one day, first thing you need to do in Venice is sail through in a special water taxi to the St. Marks Square, which is considered to be one of the world’s most beautiful squares with its boutiques, traditional cafes, and historic buildings. And it is also the main area in Venice! Its filled with history – and if you are a lover of history and old architectures like me then dude, you are there for a treat!!!
Do not miss on:
Bridge of Sighs
The Ducale Palace
St. Mark’s Basilica,
The Clock tower
The Murano Glass showroom
Also, please spare sometime to stroll around the narrow and beautifully carved and decorated lanes of Venice! Please do it – you have an experience like none!
The most beautiful bridge in all of Venice is the Rialto Bridge. It connects San Polo to the sestieri of San Marco, and it a treat to the eyes!
Now, if you are staying there, then go for an evening of ballet or live music at Teatro La Fenice, which is a truly magnificent theatre. And if you’re interested in the history of Venice, a trip to either the Lace Museum or Fortuny Museum will take you through the complete journey that this place has covered since centuries.
And no trip to Venice should be done without a trip to Ca’ d’Oro — a Venetian-Gothic palace that also happens to be home to Renaissance art.
The best season to visit Venice is from May end to July. Though it will be very busy in this time of the summer but then its worth it!
During winters, from Nov to Mar, there is a phenomenon called the acqua alta occurs in the city that floods few areas of Venice, and it can certainly disturb your trip!
And if you’re looking to party during the Venice Carnival, then plan your trip in Feb.
Go on, plan a trip to Venice and do not forget to tell me in the comments!
What all to do in Joburg? Is it safe? How to travel and what all to see!
Johannesburg is the largest city in South Africa and is also the capital of the country.
I was in Joburg (thats what I call the city with love – it still holds a part of my heart!), for around 6 months – yes! I was on a project there and was based there for few months.
6 months is actually a long time to know a city, to imbibe its culture, to understand its people and start loving the place.
So, first let me tell you few important things you need to take care off if you are travelling to Johannesburg:
Now lets dive into the places that you are must-see in Johannesburg. Few of them are:
Gold Reef City
Montecasino: You cannot miss this place. It is a leisure complex designed like an Italian village, housing a casino, 2 theaters, cinemas and a mall.
Johannesburg Zoo
Mandela House
Suncity
Nelson Mandela Square: It is one of the busiest shopping hubs of South Africa. But it doesn’t end with shopping here. Its location being in the very center of the city makes it quite convenient and easy reachable spot for all. Try out some food in the local restaurants there.
Soweto township: The town lies 20 kilometers southwest of Johannesburg and offers a journey into the soul of the fight for freedom. It was also the birthplace of the struggle for democracy. But please go with a local guide there. I will not suggest to fo there alone
The Apartheid Museum
Pilanesberg National Park
Pretoria
Walter Sisulu National Botanical Gardens
These are few places that you should aim for while travelling to Johannesburg. Have a local guide – that would be helpful.
The city is beautiful! Its just that it is too empty! Its so vacant that you can feel the void sometimes. The culture is nevertheless, amazing and colorful. I love the people there – literally!
The city is for sure worth travelling and exploring once in a lifetime!
Do leave a comment if you plan a trip to Johannesburg – I would love to help!
Hampi is an ancient city in the south Indian state of Karnataka.
The place is filled with numerous magnificent ruined temple from the Vijayanagara Empire. It is located on the south bank of the River Tungabhadra and is around 300 kms from Bangalore and 371 kms from Hyderabad. Its proximity to the major cities in South India makes it very approachable and convinient.
We travelled from Hyderabad and hired a mini-bus. Thats all – we had put in google maps and it took us around 7 hours to reach the place. We stayed in Sri Laxmi Golden Beach Resort and it was beautiful! Just behind the resort is the shore and you will totally love it. Even the resort is very rustic, raw and wonderful. Do not expect any luxuries – it is a place in the middle of the nature, just enjoy that!
There are other good hotels as well like Kishkinda Heritage, Clarks Inn. But I will suggest to stay in a resort.
And if you want to go for some adventure, Hampi is a great place to camp at. Matunga hill is one of such great spots in the city
Places to see in Hampi:
Vittala Temple Complex
Virupaksha Temple: 7th century hindu temple and its a MUST-WATCH!
Lakshmi Narsimha Temple
Elephant Stables
Monolithic Bull
Queen’s Bath
Balakrishna Temple
Do not miss to watch the sunset at the hilltop
Best time to visit Hampi is from August to March. The weather during this time stays very pleasant and makes it easy for the travelers to explore Hampi, otherwise the city can get really hot and uncomfortable.
Also, will suggest to take enough cash with you needed to survive for your trip. Because there are hardly any ATMs (you may have to travel long distances for to find one) and there might be dearth of cash in them as well! So, if you want to have a smooth trip without huddles, carry cash 🙂
You can wear whatever you want there. But then, when you are going to temples – I will suggest to wear something not revealing. Also, take cotton light cloths – something with very easy-breezy fabric. The place is hot even in pleasant weather.
Rest: cabs is the best mode of transport there – you can go wherever you want!
Comment and do let me know if you are planning a trip to Hampi! I am here to help 🙂
A French colonial settlement in India until 1954 and now a Union Territory town bounded by the state of Tamil Nadu is at everybody’s list when it comes to travelling across India.
It is a quaint and a picturesque little place. You can actually see everything there is to see in Pondicherry in just two days – trust me its that small. But then more days in a vacation never hurts. Right? If you have more time, you can just relax, enjoy, sip wine, sit on those beautiful unique rocky beaches and do nothing!
In Pondicherry, you will find everything. By everything I mean, from yoga and meditation to shopping or just sitting by the beach, Pondicherry is an excellent place to visit and enjoy! The French had Pondicherry as their home for decades and you can see it even now in almost all parts of the city: the perpendicular streets, French style villas, colourful colonies and cute little cafes: they are all beautifully infused with the local south Indian culture!
Let us discuss the travel part of the place. I went their with 2 friends and we stayed there for 5 days. The place is safe to travel alone! Completely safe. We used to travel in the nights on our own and it was a fantastic experience. You have many modes of transport, but I always preferred to use an auto – our own open AC rickshaws 🙂
When it comes to what to wear in Pondicherry. I will say when you are in the main city and going to a beach – wear anything that you want. You might get a stare or two, but then it is not that bad. It is definitely not like Goa, where nobody cares about cloths. Though I wish it was.
Anyway, while going to a church or the old city, I would suggest you to wear something that is not very revealing. In old city, you might get uncomfortable when people stare at you – it happened with me. I went in a shorts and the feeling was not that great! So, while going for shooppong or any relihious place or in the old city – try to wear a normal dress or something that not too exposing!
Now, coming to the places that are must-visit in Pondicherry! They are:
Auroville
Beaches: There are 4 main beaches: Promenade beach, Paradise beach, Auroville beach and Serenity beach. Promenade Beach is a must-visit!
Churches: There are many churches in Pondicherry . I will suggest you to visit: Church of Our Lady of Angels, Sacred Heart Church, Dupleix Church, Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and Immaculate Conception Cathedral These are the biggest and oldest churches in the city
Aurobindo Ashram
Old Lighthouse
French War Memorial
Ousteri Lake
Gingee Fort
Tamil, Telugu, and Malayalam are the regional languages spoken in Pondicherry but the locals are quite familiar with the English.
When I say Pondicherry is a must-visit place in India – I mean it. Its colors will take your breath away! Book your tickets now and drop a comment when done 🙂
Andaman and Nicobar is one of the Union Territory in India. It is an amalgamation of some 572 breathtaking islands located in the Bay of Bengal. However, only 28 out of so many Island are inhabited and are open to visitors. These islands are covered with dense, and evergreen forests and endless varieties of exotic flora and fauna.
Its exotic beaches blessed with coral reefs and amazing marine life makes the landscape exquisite and enticing. Andamans can be a perfect beach holiday away from the hustle and bustle of your regular life – with limited network.
Andaman is just not confined to beaches. The islands are blessed with lush flora including evergreen tropical rainforest canopy making it one of most beautiful islands in the world.
Some of the best places to see in Andaman and Nicobar Islands are Neil Island, Havelock Island (it is a must!), Ross Island, Cellular Jail, Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park, Anthropological Museum, Indira Point and Car Nicobar
The island has no scarcity of adventure activities. There are various adventurous activities that are offered here like Scuba Diving, Snorkeling, Camping, Surfing, and Trekking. Being blessed with sublime landscapes and equipped with wonderful flora and fauna, Andaman and Nicobar Islands are perfect destinations for vacation away from home.
I was there for around 10 days which were more than sufficient. The islands are very small and you can cover 1 island each day. But I will still suggest to keep atleast 3 days Havelock Island – because it is a beauty to watch, explore and enjoy! Its clear beaches will take your breath away – trust me.
I booked my vacation through Make my Trip and loved the way they planned things for me – I had a driver at my disposal so I cannot comment on the local transport. But I will suggest to hire a cab.
There is a problem of mobile network at most of the places (apart from Port Blair which is the main city). The islands has tropical monsoon climate which means you can visit it throughout the year. However, the best time to visit is the summer and winter months (from October to May) as they are ideal for tourist activities. You also find glimpses of the history and culture in the region.
The Aberdeen Bazaar forms the centre of this town that is a good spot to stroll around and shop
Though there are many beautiful beaches in Andaman – but there is one beach I would really like to recommend. It is Radhakrishna Beach! I have never seen a beach like that – its beauty is indescribable. It is just awesome. Other beaches that you can think about are: Elephant beach, Vijayanagar Beach and Wandoor Beach.
Also, when you are in Ross Island – do not forget to go at the back side of the island – it is a little long walk but worth it. The view from there is breathtaking!
Do let me know in comments if you are planning a trip to Andamans – Let us see if I can help you plan it better 🙂
I wish I could describe Kathmandu in one word, but that would not be enough! The city is beautiful on one hand but Crazy and chaotic on the other. It is filled with historic places and temples.
The city is spiritual, haphazard, fascinating and vibrant. Even all these adjectives are not enough to describe Kathmandu. It is absolutely unique and different. Its beautiful and wonderful in every way!
Nepal is one of the most fascinating places to visit on earth.
I was in Kathmandu for a few days and they were totally amazing! Given Nepal’s incredible terrain, it‘s no surprise that it is one of the world’s most popular destinations for travel.
Let us dive straight into the complete details.
So, lets discuss the must-visit places first. While in Nepal, you have to visit:
Pashupatinath Temple
Boudhanath Stupa
Thamel
Kathmandu Durbar Square
Kumari Bahal
Budhanilkantha Temple
Hanuman Dhoka
Kopan Monastery
Taudaha Lake
Phulchowki
While in the city, don’t miss the incredible street art and gallery scene.
Let us talk about the other facilities. Transport can be a problem there. Though there are buses and other form of transports – but it can be a problem to get them. You will have to get onto an overcrowded minibus or flag an overcharging taxi. Buses are cramped, and so cabs are the best form of transport within Kathmandu. It’s also the cheapest way to get around town. It is a safe place to travel solo, but just be careful (like for any other city). You can stroll through the backstreets and explore Kathmandu’s timeless cultural and artistic heritage. And trust me, the sights that will get revealed will be unbelievable. There are hidden temples overflowing with marigolds, and tiny cute hobbit-sized workshops.
Now the last and the best part. Go hiking! You have to! Explore the hills, trek through or cycle along the hills and that is when you realize that Kathmandu is just not about temples, historic squares and ancient monuments.
There are four big hills around Kathmandu: Phulchoki, Shivapuri, Nagarjun, and Champadevi.
Hike the trail from Sundarijal to Chisapani, in the northeastern edge of the valley, If it is a clear day, you can see the Langtang mountain range, and you may see those amazing beautiful birds in the woods.
This fascinating and enticing city has enough to keep you busy for atleast 10 days. I will suggest to just do a backpack trip to Nepal and that will make your experience much better!
Cheers and do let me know in comments if you need any information about travelling to Nepal.
Have you heard about this beautiful island with pristine and clear beaches tucked into coves, an island that has expansive coral reefs rich with marine life, an island that also has beautiful architecture? Well, that is Curaçao for you. A small beautiful Caribbean island off the Venezuelan coast. I happened to be there only for a day, but that one day in that beautiful country is one of the most precious moments that I have saved for life in my memory!
So, here I am telling you all about what to do in Curaçao if you only have one day in hand!
So I landed in the morning, and had to leave next day afternoon so I had a few hours over 24 hours! And boy, I wanted to make the maximum use of it.
I hired a cab and asked her (and my cab driver was a beautiful woman) to take me around the best places in Curaçao. Locals are obviously the best guides!
She first took me to Explore Willemstad, the capital city and I tell you it was one of the most beautiful places I have seen with such colorful buildings! Now let me tell you the places that I visited:
We covered the craft market and floating market,. BTW, do not miss the amazing street art and quaint architecture while travelling. Then we went to see Queen Emma Bridge towards Otrabanda.
We also saw Kura Hulanda Museum, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Now, I am a total beach person and I had to visit a beach in Curaçao, I did not want to miss it for anything! So, went to Mambo Beach Boulevard.
Few more places that I remember visiting: Rif Fort, Wilhelmina Park and Kura Hulanda.
It is a completely safe place: I went through the whole place alone in just a cab! And I wouldn’t miss to mention that the people of Curaçao are just so amazing!
And you know another best part of this island? there are so many beautiful cute cafes out there!
I think if anytime, you plan to go to Caribbeans, you should definitely cover Curaçao. It is a gorgeous country with stunning beauty!
And now time for the worst part: I lost my camera on the way and lost alll my pictures! Yes, and since then I have stopped using cameras! I just use phone… I had some pictures in my phone and posting just them 😦
Anyway, if you plan a trip to this beautiful island, leave a comment 🙂
Caribbean really resembles the wildest imagination.
– Gabriel Garcia Marquez, Author and Nobel Laureate
They call it a lonely planet: Caribbean, I call it the doorway to music, love, nature and dreams!
Why? Because the Caribbean is a paradise of raw beach and mountain landscapes, natural reserves, festive culture, and exotic islands. And 2 of such islands that I traveled are “Trinidad and Tobago”. They are dual-islands situated near Venezuela, with distinctive Creole traditions and cuisines. Trinidad is one of the most unknown countries in the Caribbean, where mass tourism has yet not started. And that is the reason it is still beautiful!
You can explore and discover a country that is still so much close to nature and is so much unaffected by the outside elements.
Trinidad is still like any other normal city by the ocean with buildings and bustling with people and regular life. While Tobago has the beauty that you’d expect from a Caribbean island, with palm trees and white sand aplenty, and beaches with different colors! Combined, this twin-island offers unparalleled adventures, tourist spots, waterfalls, beaches, and luxuriant rainforests perfect for a vacation! And BTW, their carnival is something that everyone has heard about: its electrifying and fabulous.
Trinidad has several beaches – and I loved all of them – totally! They are so clean and pristine that being an Asian you would just fall in love with their natural transparent beauty! But then it is actually Tobago that takes away the breath and points too when it comes to beaches. Its shores are unimaginable and indescribable. Its lush flora and fauna, waterfalls, lovely people, amazing colorful culture! How can one resist all of it??
Now let me tell you some places that you definitely need to visit and things you cannot miss if you are in this island.
The place is safe – from my point of view. Again, I always write this in every post of mine. You always have to be cautious, no matter where you are! Just that while in Trinidad, I used to get this advice of avoiding few places – just not to near-by as well. Transport is also not an issue: you easily get cabs there. I took a local sim from TSTT, which is a local operator there and it was not at all expensive.
So, this is all I have to share about Caribbean in this post. Do let me know if you want to know something in specific or if you are planning a trip to Trinidad and Tobago
Cheers!
Tanzania was my first trip to Africa and it is needless to say, it was surely one of the best too! Africa is a raw beauty, its still so unexplored and untouched by human intervention that it looks and feels serene!
So, Tanzania happened for me few years ago. But the memory of its rugged yet mesmerising beauty is still so fresh! I still remember my first feeling when I landed in Dar es Salaam – It was a bout of fresh air. And when I started seeing around – I realised that Africa is like no other place in the world.
Tanzania is a beautiful country with all the best things wrapped up in one adventurous package: Wildlife, beaches, awesome people, fascinating culture, Safari etc with beautiful scenic places like Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Mt Kilimanjaro, Zanzibar Archipelago – the country has all!
Let me not waste another sec now and take you directly into what and how you should be planning your trip to Tanzania.
So I was there for almost a month – went for work. The place is very very safe as I used to roam around alone – without anyone. I used to just take a cab and go where-ever I wanted to and whenever – trust me I have gone to dinners and all alone in the nights. Not even once, I felt unsafe there. I don’t know why people have this notion about Africa that it is dangerous and all. It is just about taking those little precautions and be little cautious (that you have to do anywhere in any country of the world!). That is it! Tanzania is one of the safest countries in the continent. While safari areas are quite safe, you need to be extra careful when on roads.
Talking about language: People speak Swahili there so you might feel a little out of place sometimes – but guess, it is manageable!
Food: You just do not have to worry about it! You get everything there- specially Indian food. The hotels and restaurants provide cuisines from all around the world, so you can relax in that area!
Anyway, so few places I would suggest you should definitely go when you are in Tanzania are:
Serengeti National Park
Mt Kilimanjaro National Park
Ngorongoro Crater
Zanzibar
Ruaha National Park
Lake Victoria
I booked an Emirates flight, with a halt in Dubai. Tanzania has two main airports – Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar es Salaam, and Kilimanjaro International Airport near Arusha. These are the two main ports of entry for international visitors. With the exception of a handful of African countries, most nationalities require a visa for entry into Tanzania. Indians can apply online for Tanzania Visa . Through an online application, Indian nationals can easily obtain their visa to travel to the country.
What time to travel to Tanzania? Well, the best wildlife viewing months in Tanzania are during the dry season: late June to October. The best chance of seeing the wildebeest migration in the Serengeti is during June and July. The dry season also brings with it cooler temperatures and lasts from June to September.
Now, Tanzania lies just south of the equator and on the whole enjoys a tropical climate. The heaviest rain in Tanzania falls from March to May, while a shorter rainy season occurs between October and December.
For experiencing Safari, I will suggest to book a package well in advance. There are some aweosme pre-created packages available. The range depends on you: there are delux or luxury packages, family packages, romantic packages and explorer packages available pre-trimmed as per your need.
And you can book them from:
As driving distances can be quite long while on safari, it is advisable to dress light and comfortable. Also carry some warm cloths for the evenings, because they tend to get a bit cold
Tanzania is a little conservative country, so I would suggest not to wear very revealing cloths, but shorts, tees, dresses are perfectly fine!
One more important thing, always keep your first aid kit with you – always. There are several vaccinations recommended for travel to Tanzania, including hepatitis A and typhoid. Depending on where you’re going, anti-malaria prophylactics may be necessary, while proof of yellow fever vaccination is compulsory if you’re traveling from a yellow fever endemic country.
Regarding the connectivity, there are four mobile providers in Tanzania: Zain, Zantel, Vodacom, and Tigo; all of which offer roaming services. I would suggest to take a sim from any of the these providers and get a 15-day package – thats the best and the cheapest option! Mobile network coverage for both data and phone calls is quite good across Tanzania. You should still be able to access your phone while on safari, although some areas of the national parks do not receive coverage.
I hope this article was of help! Do not forget to let me know in comments – if you need any more information or if you are planning for a vacation to Tanzania.
Enjoy!
It will not be an exagerration to say that New York is one of my fav cities in the world! Yes, it is!
Famous by the name of The Big Apple, one has to really see this place to believe it: its diversity, its colors, its theatres – everything is mesmirizing!
It is an iconic destination — that can certainly be overwhelming to visit as well. Let me tell you how I planned my trip to New York!
So, I took a flight from Hyderabad and landed in Chicago – was there for a week – which I will write about in another post. Then, I went to Cleveland and finally I took a flight to New York and spent around 5 days there.
I mostly traveled by the train – subway or by cabs. Cabs can be little costly there but then, I took them whenever I was lost or had no option. I in-fact, covered a lot of places on foot!
What all to do in New York!
The first place you need to go and see in New York is the Times Square – its is one of the most vibrant places that I have ever seen. The square is at the meeting point of Broadway, 7th Avenue and 42nd street.
Many popular places are there in or near Times Square, such as Top of the Rock and Madame Tussauds. And the best part about Times Square is that it is a hub for broadway! And experiencing a broadway show was in my bucket list since I don’t know when and I must tell you I was not at all disappointed!! I saw “The Phantom of the Opera” and the experience was beautiful!
Now, the most important places you need to visit in New York are:
Statue of Liberty
Central Park
Brooklyn Bridge
Rockefeller Center
The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Washington Square Park
Now if you have time (only if you have time), you can plan a visit to:
Little Italy
Brooklyn Botanic Garden
Flushing Meadows Corona Park
I love to travel alone: explore those cute little cafes, talk to people and all and that is why I genrally do not prefer taking a city tour. But if you are in New York just for 2 days, I would suggest to take a city tour bus. You can book it from here
We stayed in The Westin, Times Square. But there are many good options available at a much cheaper price. You can try for an Air B&B accommodation as well. I have heard really good things about the same.
Now, the last and the most important question: Is New York City safe?
It’s a question that I am asked all the time and, I always say that I found it to be really safe! However, notorious elements can spot out of towners in the city so a little precaution is certainly required.
I love to call myself a ‘Solo Traveller’
A marketing manager and a graphic designer by profession, I love to sketch, write and explore different places!
My love for travel comes from my experiences in my first company, where I was fortunate enough to get to go to some very exotic locations for work.
I actually cannot thank them enough to give me those chances which led me explore this passion of mine!
I have realized that travelling for me is just not for leisure or a get-away from the grind! It is something that I love doing, it’s my passion! I love going to different places, interacting with people from different cultures, having my coffee in those cute little cafes. These experiences give me immense joy and happiness!
When work or travel is not keeping me busy, you will find me sketching or reading.
I am a firm believer and follower of travelling responsibly and taking care of all the aspects of the country you visit! Do not abuse, do not be a burden.
Traveling the world had been on my wish list since I was old enough to dream. Thats the dream I am living and will continue to live till I die.
I love to explore cultures, have my coffee in those cute little cafes. Travel gives me immense joy – joy that is hard to explain!
I am here to share my experiences and also, I would be very happy if by this medium, I can help someone plan their trip!
Hope you will enjoy this place!!
Whims That Woo