Year: 2017

Categories
Corporate Outings South India

These hill stations around Chennai are a picturesque retreat

A landmark is known not only for its culture & education but also for its beauty all around. For example, the beauty of the hill stations here is up to the grim which can steal your soul. It is the city of echoes, illusions & yearning which makes it one of the favorite tourist’s spot.

It is greatly said that ‘life is not always perfect, but the beauty is’. Such beauty can be seen here by the God’s grace. Here are the few reviving hill stations which are the worthy competitors to artificial breeze:

Yelagiri It is a summer retreat surrounded by lakes, hills& valleys located around 230 km far away from Chennai. It is mostly visited by people fond of trekking & hiking with the colorful summer festival. Your soul would be filled with happiness after seeing the plenty of beauty here.

Horsley hills It is a hilly destination located in Andhra Pradesh which is far away from Chennai approx. 279 km. It has become a residence place of the governor of Andhra Pradesh, attracted by its beauty. It is a summer retreat for people who visit Tirupati during summers.

Yercaud Also known as the jewel of the south is famous for its enchanting surroundings located approx. 367 km far away from Chennai. It has the large variety of flora & fauna. Attractions include Anna park, Servaroyan temple & Ben cave. No one can leave the place without admiring it.

Kolli hills It is a charming hill station which is located around 380 km far away from Chennai. It is a charming hilly destination which makes you lost in its visual imagination. It offers a clean, lush green environment to the visitors. The tour gets more picturesque during monsoons when the valley is streaked with several streams.

Ooty A more photographed place than any celebrity is located approx. 558 km far away from Chennai. It is a place, you can never regret & forget your whole life. It is called as the queen of southern hills and everyone dreams of visiting it again & again. The name itself brings a spark in the eyes of the people. Nobody can stop himself from appreciating the beauty of this place.

Kodaikanal It is the second most visited hill station after Ooty, located in Tamil Nadu which is approx. 527 km far away from Chennai. It is also known as GIFT OF FORESTS, surrounded by flowery meadows & grasslands which make it a home to several eyes-catching natural attractions.

Coonoor It is the second largest hill station in southern India located around 531 km far away from Chennai. It is widely popular for being a starting point for trekkers & hikers & for being a chief producer of Nilgiri tea. It has marvelous viewpoints which make the visitors stunned. The place is full of beauty and the word-mouth of visitors are the proof of this.

Thus above are some of the places around Chennai where, ‘when sunlight hits the trees, all the beauty and wonder come together’ which make every form of life beautiful to meet one’s peace of mind.

Categories
Adventure Western Ghats Western India

Camping getaways in Mumbai that are a promising stress buster

So where are you heading this weekend? We all plan in advance to explore new things on weekends. But sometimes things get really monotonous as we indulge more often in things we have done before. If your idea of outing is to unwind yourself and breath in the goodness of pure nature, then camping is the right deal for you. So let the fragrant breeze touch your face and enjoy the warmth of bonfire in the dark chilling nights. We bring some of the hottest camping gateways near Mumbai for you. Here we go:

Blend the Warmth of Thrill and Tranquility Together in Kolad

Situated on the banks of picturesquely Kundalika river, Kolad camp is an exotic treat for travelers from around the country. It is a haven for kayaking, rafting, and boating enthusiasts. You can also trek to the hills, explore the villages, and experience the spirituality of nature scattered around. Some of the adventure activities at this spot, to boost your adrenaline are white water rafting, boating, kayaking and many others. As the night unfolds its charm, you can listen to the music of the river as you sit in the company of friends with a bonfire warming you up. You are bound to return with a handful of unforgettable memories. Kolad is at 130 km from Mumbai. If you are driving to Kolad, you can reach the destination in approximately 2 hours 30 minutes or also board a direct train.

A Night in Cave at Gorakhgad Fort

What makes this spot stand out is that you spend a night in a cave, not in your camp. The very idea of camping in a cave is thrilling and trekking to Sahyadri Mountain just adds to the fun. Touted as more than 100 years old, you can have ane experience of a lifetime as you view the world from the pinnacle of the mountain. This camping site is one of the most popular near Mumbai. Loads of people come here for camping on and off. Chanting of shlokas and music of devotional Shiva songs sung by villagers from distance in the night leaves you mesmerized.

Gorakhgad fort is an ideal place for those friendly bonfires with beers and ghost stories. Kalyan station is located at the central line of Mumbai Local system. One can easily get an ST bus from outside the Kalyan station and reach Murbad in about 45 minutes. From Murbad, one has the option to board another bus to Dehri village or one can hire a tum-tum (local transport).

The Barbecue World at Pavana

Right in the heart of Lonavala, this place is a rage amongst the youth of Mumbai and Pune. They throng this camping site on weekends to escape the monotony of a fast paced life in cities. This place also makes for a great barbecue site. You can gaze at the clear sky, experience the beauty of the open vast lands, and enjoy the breeze. Forts like Lohagad, Tikona, and Tungi are also in the vicinity of the site. You can explore and have your share of some history.

The driving distance between Mumbai and Pavna lake is 109 kilometers and it takes about 3 hours to cover the distance between Mumbai and Pavna. One can follow Sion-Panvel Expressway and Mumbai – Pune Expressway to NH4 in Khandala, Lonavala. Next take an exit from Khandala-Lonavala exit ramp from the highway and continue on to NH4 to arrive at your destination in Kol.

In the Heart of Green Hills at Karnala

A few kilometers away from Mumbai, it is every Mumbaikar’s dream gateway to escape from the hustle and bustle of the city life. It is also a bird sanctuary where you can listen to their exotic music or simply watch them in their natural habitat. Karnala sanctuary is a popular destination for amateur bird-watchers and ornithologists. People who decide to camp at this destination do indulge into some bird watching for a delightful break. You can trek to Karnala fort and also enjoy a waterfall during monsoon. Karnala is located at a driving distance of 60 Kms from Mumbai and it takes 1.50 hours to reach here.

A Trip Down the Orchards of Strawberries in Panchgani

Panchgani is one of the most popular gateways near Mumbai. You can spend some really good time trekking into the wilderness without any feeling of guilt. The place takes you back to the old British era in no time. You can explore the strawberry gardens, hit some stores to shop for jams and jellies, lay back and enjoy the pleasant view of this gorgeous hill station and explore the wonderful trekking trails that this town has to offer. Visited by a large number of tourists, it Panchgani makes your camping experience a blissful one. The road distance between Mumbai to Panchgani is 259 km, and also there are 7 direct buses plying between Mumbai to Panchgani.

These camping sites jotted with nature’s beauty also offer mind blasting activities for adventure junkies which add to the fun factor.

Categories
Foodie Travel Trends

Spend many a happy and delicious evenings at Vagator, Goa

Goan cuisines are quite famous for a decent mixture of many cultures and races of people who have ruled over the place. With the essence of it Indian, Italian, continental and Chinese food can be found easily anywhere. Vagator beach is one essential tourist spot and before you plan your visit there, you should know about different eateries options that could come in handy for your visit.

Burger factory- Located on the Anjuna main road, the Burger Factory is a fast food joint that serves some of the most delicious burgers. Choose yours from a wide variety of menu and taste some of the most delicious burgers. The average two people dining cost are about 1100 INR.

Thalassa- Located in Small Vagator, Thalassa is a cafe dealing mostly in the Greek and Mediterranean cuisines for the most part. The food is delicious and the location is just perfect, in small Vagator. The view of sunset from the cafe is amazing and 1500 INR is what you have to pay for a decent meal for two.

Gunpowder- Despite the nearness from the southern India, it is not very easy to locate some good south Indian food places in Goa. Located on Anjuna-Mapusa road, Gunpowder is one simple and delicious exception. Get here to satisfy your cravings for some great south Indian cuisines, by spending 1000 INR for two.

Baba Au Rhum – As the name suggests itself, the restaurant is a sure shot stop for the hippies. The coffees combined with the European food items is just mesmerizing and leaves your mouth with a taste that is practically unforgettable. You would need to spend about 800 INR for a meal.

Lila cafe- Among the cluster of European food serving eateries in Goa, here comes another one. Lila cafe serves German, Italian and continental food on a great variety. This can also be called as one of the most affordable eateries in town as the average per plate cost stands at INR 800. The restaurant is located at Arpora-Siolim road at Anjuna Goa.

Anand Seafood Restaurant- Like the name suggests, Anand is a seafood joint serving some great dishes full of fish, prawns, lobsters and other seafood items. Other than that, the lovers of Chinese food could also visit here. The per meal cost for two people is INR 600.

Antares- This could be called as one of the most famous restaurants in the entire region. For the love of sunsets, you must head here at least once. Sitting outside, taking in the amazing view of the sunset, have a delicious plate of sea food. Just perfect and that too at a cost of 2000 INR, that’s the money well spent.

German Bakery- Ironically, the place doesn’t serve so much of German food. The highlights of the menu are Italian, north Indian and continental food items which are as delicious as they get. The average cost for two is 700 INR and the place is filled with north Indians almost all the time.

Food is an essential part of any journey and in a foodie’s paradise like Goa, your trip could turn into a delicious one.

Categories
Inspiration

Sulabh International Museum of Toilets: A museum of its kind

About the museum
With an aim to deal with the current scenario’s most crucial issue of hygiene and sanitation, The Sulabh International Museum of Toilets was founded by Bindeshwar Pathak, a renowned social reformer of modern India. The one of its kind museum laid its foundation in the year 1992 and is run by the Sulabh International. The first initiative to public sanitation and hygiene was taken by the introduction of pay-to-use public toilets in a small village in Patna, Bihar.

The chief aim of the Sulabh International mission is to promote sanitation and hygiene habits and provide public toilet facilities throughout the nation. The museum has been listed under the category of “10 museums around the world that are anything but mundane” by Time magazine. It is the world’s only toilet museum and is probably why to hold so much importance in modern times.

Location and How to reach
The museum is located in the suburbs of New Delhi. The best mode to reach the museum is by metro. The nearest metro station to the museum is Dwarka Sec-9 from where you can take an auto/cab to reach.
What is inside?
The museum is not a very big one with a lot of storeys and many rooms, it is a small place with just one long room that displays all the exhibits. From Ancient to Medieval to Modern, it has exhibits from almost 50 countries. On the walls of the museum, you will find short poems, jokes, and cartoons related to toilet humor displayed on the boards.

Here you will find and learn about the different stages of the development of toilet system, of last five thousand years from the third millennium B.C. to the 20th century. These include brick commodes of the Harappan Civilization, modern toilets which have the electrically controlled flush system, toy-commode from China, and the model of the world’s biggest toilet complex at Shirdi in Maharashtra.The most amusing display of all is a replica of a full-size throne from the court of the French King, Louis XIII, which has a hidden commode underneath it. It is believed that the King used it to relieve himself while he uses to sit on the court.
Some interesting displays

Some of the interesting displays of the museum is a flush pot devised by Sir John Harrington, a courtier of Queen Elizabeth I in 1596. Apart from that, you will find here a gem-studded bided of Queen Victoria, highly decorated commodes from Austria and table-top toilets from England. Some of the toilets of this period are such disguised that it hard to believe for anyone. One of them is a french toilet that looks like a stack of books, and an English one which resembles a treasure chest.

A lot of visitors from all across the world come to study about the interesting facts and learn about sanitation safety and hygiene methods. So when are you visiting next to gain some educational facts?

Categories
Adventure North east

The wettest state of the country, Meghalaya has an abundance of natural attractions

If Kerala is god’s own country than Meghalaya must be the goddess he fell in love with. You cannot help yourself from not being bewitched by Meghalaya’s magic spell.The place that literally means the home of clouds is a tourist’s delight. Not often you find majestic hills, gushing waterfalls, tranquil lakes, exotic flora and fauna in the same place.

How to Reach

The nearest railway station is Guwahati, at a distance of 180 km.While Shillong is the epitome of most travelers map, there are these 5 offbeat places that certainly deserve your footfall.

MAWJYMBUIN

Why date the World’s Second wettest place when you can romance the first! Yes Mawjymbuin, as it is known locally, has officially dethroned the famous Cherrapunji as the wettest region on planet earth. For honeymooners, this is a wet dream. The underplayed romance in the lush greenery vouches for it.

You don’t need to be a poet to appreciate it, it just brings out that poetic side in you that for years has been buried under those office files and house bills.

The Mawjymbuin Cave there is something not to be missed out. It’s made of calcareous sandstone, one of its stalagmites has shaped into a Shiv Lingam and holds a highly divine place for the Hindu devotees.

MAWLYNNONG

After playing dirty in the world’s wettest place it’s but natural to visit the cleanest village of Asia. Despite that tag, it’s a place still off most tourist’s radar. The landscape and more importantly its native; the Khasi people hold so much of love that even their small gestures will touch you in a big way. They make sure that their abode is free of plastic and other wastes.

Try staying atop a tree house after a tiring day of hiking across the dense forests. Away from the polluted sky of cities, there are countless stars waiting for you!

DIRANG

Best known for its orchards and hot springs, this is a remote village in Ranikhor tehsil, its strategic location is great to watch the eastern range of the Majestic Himalayas.Bird watchers will be glad to meet many feathered friends who visit the various water bodies. There are some places so serene that you feel like completely surrendering yourself. This is one of them!

MAWSHAMOK

A picturesque hamlet on the East Khasi Hills, inhabited by mere 38 houses to be precise and to meet them you will need to cross the ‘Living Root’ bridges that Meghalaya is famous for. It connects the isolated village spread in the cluster of houses. Trust us, Mumbai’s sea link and Kolkata’s Howrah Bridge are no matches for these ‘Organic’ bridges made of Ficus Elastica (Indian Rubber Tree.

Away from the internet, wifi and mobile signals. This is how you need to detoxify, the digital life you have been living in cities

DAWKI

As you reach Dawki you realize that you are a shout away from the Bangladesh border. Best known for exporting coal to Bangladesh which is mere 2 km away, Dawki is a next door neighbor in true sense!

The boat ride across the emerald colored river Umngot introduces you to this small town engulfed by the Jaintia hills. There is a suspension bridge over the river that connects India and Bangladesh. Summer holds special interest for the locals and tourists as an annual boat race is organized amidst much fanfare.

Cherrapunji

Cherrapunji in Meghalaya sits on the edge of the Himalayas and is known as one of the wettest places on the planet. It is the only place in India to receive prodigious rain throughout the year. Cherrapunji is famous for its living root bridges which are the most fantastic sight around. These root bridges form natural pathways and can bear 50 people at a time.

Mawsmai Cave

Situated around 6 Kms from Cherrapunjee, the Mawsmai Caves is a popular spot for domestic tourists. Mawsmai Cave is known to be the only cave in Meghalaya that is lit enough to allow tourists to enjoy the natural formations. Another reason why they are a major crowd puller is that it remains the most accessible cave for many travelers and one can explore it without a guide.

Eco Park

Designed by the Meghalaya government to facilitate tourists to cherish the ‘Green Canyons” of Sohra, Eco Park is a popular tourist attraction of Cherrapunji. There is also a crystal clear water stream inside the park that one can enjoy. You will have to cross a bridge to get near the edge of the canyon and admire the scenic beauty from the edge.

Sitting by the riverside, doing nothing but looking at the serenity all around you wish you had planned a longer holiday!

Categories
Asia

Borobudur is a majestic 9th century Buddhist temple and one of the Seven Wonders of the World

Borobudur temple located in Java, Indonesia is a famous Buddhist temple which dates back to the 8th and 9th centuries and is known to be among UNESCO’s world heritage sites. It is the single largest Buddhist structure anywhere on the earth and that makes it an essential pilgrim site for the Buddhists.

How to reach here

The nearest airport to the place is the Yogyakarta’s Adisucipto international airport and Solo’s Adisumarmo International Airport. Both are international airports and a few hours ride from the airport will take you to the temple complex in no time.

About

The site is open to public visits from 6AM-5PM.

The place reeks of Buddhism through every corner and there are more than a hundred little and big statues of Buddhas seated inside perforated stupas and then comes the biggest stupa of them all, located right in the center of the massive complex. The stupas have been here for more than 1200 years in total and are still standing, clearly passing the every test of time put before them.

The Buddha statues are in the universal posture in which Gautam Buddha has been seen, the Chakra parivartan mudra. However, most of the idols are in good condition but a few of them have no heads over them. The local government decided to let them be in order to ensure the authenticity of the monument. Some of the heads have been stolen while some are placed in high-end history museums across the globe.

Each of the stupas mentioned above has a lotus base, telling a lot about the ancient architectural prowess Indonesians had possessed. And the more surprising thing is that there no mortar or nails that were used in sticking the stone together. The stones have been interlocked in a certain way to give it an illusion of being mortared. There are tiny spaces here and there in the stones, giving and impression that the entire structure could fall any minute but as it happens to be the case, it hasn’t and it won’t.

At the top three levels, there are stupas, while there are circumambulation paths on the next six levels. As you walk around, you can clearly see walls around you with scriptures written on them. They talk about the life of Gautam Buddha and some of his most ardent followers.

History

The temple was built around 800 CE by the Sailendra dynasty, making it one of the oldest Buddhist monuments in the world. It has been said that it took around 75 years to make the temple. For the stone interlocked structures, the architects from all over the world were invited, and they performed a great task of merging science with architecture in order to give the world a monument that is as pleasurable to the sense as is a source of wonder.

Tip

If you are still at Borobudur during the late afternoon, at the time nearing sunset, then do not miss the experience and visit the top level for sunset. You will find the surroundings to be very quiet at this time, and the sunset view behind the mountains to the west is quite mesmerizing and magical.

Best Time to visit

The best time to visit the monument is around May to September, and you should carry water with you as there is none available at the monument.

This magnificent piece of architecture has always been a tourist magnet and will continue to do so, as long as the world keeps respecting the sheer power of architecture combined with religion.

The Borobudur Temple, located at Borobudur District, South of Magelang is not the only sight to visit. Besides Borobudur temple, the waterfall named Kedung Kayang should be on your list of things to do in Magelang. This beautiful waterfall is definitely a hidden gem for tourists and remains pretty busy with locals. Besides the waterfall, you should also check out the Setumbu Hill where you can enjoy the glorious sunrise overlooking Borobudur temple.

Categories
Foodie North-West India

We bring to you 15 dishes from Bihar which are a must try !!

Bihar, famous for its rich culture and heritage, does not only produce IAS officers but also gives us lip smacking dishes to devour. If you are planning to visit Bihar, here is the list of dishes from Bihar that you must try:

Litti Chokha

A food for all occasions in Bihar, Litti Chokha is the brand ambassador of Bihari cuisine. Baked with wheat flour dough, litti is served with side dish chokha that is prepared with baked and pulped vegetables.

Thekua

It is a sweet snack made with wheat flour and jaggery molded in round shape and deep fried. If you ask your Bihari friend, Thekua is a mandatory sweet dish made on every occasion in every household.

Til laddu

The soft, sweet balls of khoya covered with a good coating of sesame seeds are something you will find hard to keep your hands from. It is the famous mithai in the Land of Buddha and a sweet winter delight.

Sattu

Wonder why Bihari people are always high on energy? It is because of Sattu that is packed with nutrition. Made with roasted gram powder, water, rock salt and roasted cumin, it is a breakfast on the go for busy people.

Daal Pitha

You have had Chinese dumpling. Now have the Bihari version of dumplings known as Daal pitha. This delicious snack is made with rice flour, stuffed with Bengal gram paste and then steamed. It is a delight to taste buds.

Shakarpara

Bihari people have a big sweet tooth. Hence, a number of sweet delicacies. Shakarpara is a sweet-salty snack which is made with flour, sugar and salt and then deep fried. You cannot stop munching on this amazing snack.

Malpua

The best Malpuas that you can find  is definitely in Bihari. It is the royal sweet delicacy made on every festival be it Diwali or Rakshabandhan. Crispy on the edges and soft in the center, Malpua will be your new-found love once you taste it.

Dal Puri

There is puri and then there is Dal Puri that only Biharis know how to do it right. This sumptuous delicacy is filled with the goodness of Bengal gram stuffing which makes it yummier and healthier. It is a Dusshera special food item.

Balushahi

Balushahi is without any argument the Indian father of donut. Prepared with flour and buttermilk in the goodness of desi ghee, this sweet dish just melts in your mouth. Grab your share and have it in the piece.

Kheer Makhana

Only Biharis can do Kheer Makhana right. It is a royal delicacy made of fox nut and milk. If you think it tastes like the normal kheer, then it is suggested to keep all your judgments at bay before you try it.

Parwal ki Mithai

Yes, parwal ki mithai! You might not have an appetite for the vegetable, but you will definitely love parwal ki mithai which you will only find in Bihar. Stuffed with khoya, it is a perfect balance of sweet, healthy and yum.

Khaja

Another salivating sweet dish from the land of Biharis that you won’t be able to refuse to taste. Khaja is sweet wafery snack made with flour and sugar.

Kadhibadi

A common savory dish made in most households of Bihar, it is the staple diet of the majority of the state. You must have tried different versions of kadhi before, so try the savory Bihari version too

Ghugni

Made with soaked black chickpeas, This is not just your usual black gram recipe.  Ghugni is a mouth-watering preparation which is relished with puffed rice, chirwa, paratha or poori. For the people, who like spicy this is a must-try dish.

Choora Badam

A staple, quick-do recipe for breakfast, choora badam is made with deep fried poha and almonds. The dry fruits make it high on energy and full of nutrition. It is a perfect chai time snack.

Already drooling? I know I am. Be right back! Booking my tickets to Bihar. 😛

Categories
Travel Tips

Stay Healthy While on the Go

For all those who think traveling is their staple of life often gorge on too much of it like Hulk on the food strike. This leads them to some unexpected health crisis on the go, ruining their entire travel experience completely. We bring you a few basic tips to keep you in the pink of your health no matter which part of the world you are exploring. Here we go:

 Take time for at least one fresh and healthy meal daily

While traveling we want to try every new food our eyes see but we should not abandon healthy food while traveling. One should experience all the amazing dishes a new city of the country can offer but without compromising on the health. One should take time for a healthy break and curb the big heavy meals by planning for at least one healthy meal a day.

A healthy eating diet plan in a new destination may not be as challenging as there are many places you visit who will have outstanding local markets where you can grab fresh local produce, meats, grains and seafood as healthy snacking options.

Carry packaged drinking water

The thumb rule is that you should always drink packaged drinking water of a trusted brand while you are traveling. But if you can’t always do that then carry your own reusable water bottle wherever you go that will be endlessly useful while traveling.

Always stay hydrated while traveling or on the plane. One of the simplest ways do is that as soon as you get through the airport security line; fill up your bottle at the nearest water fountain. Continue the practice till you are out for the vacation. Most travelers fall sick after returning from their holidays. The main reason is contaminated food and water.

Do not drink the water of local food stalls. The quality of water may not be good enough for your health. Drink only from the trusted sources.

Don’t Indulge in Too Much Alcoholism

Traveling is all about exploring a new place, meeting new people, and having loads of fun without any restriction. The concept of fun gets to our head sometimes and we indulge in drinking way more than usual with our new brotherhood in the foreign. Too much drinking can wear your energy off and make you sick in an environment you are not used to. It also dehydrates you. Limit your alcohol consumption.

Stick to your routines

We run ourselves down so much during the trip that you are too exhausted to stick to your daily routine

Little things like skincare routine especially night skincare routine and vitamin regimen should not be ignored even while traveling. Travel time as an off-time from usual activities but taking care of yourself is important. In fact following a regular routine and practicing total health during your trip will make your vacation all the more pleasant.

If you take vitamins or medications on a regular basis, be sure to pack them in a travel container so that it does not take up much space in your suitcase and when you’re traveling especially on an airplane, these are easily accessible.

Daily Workout

Exercising on a holiday is more difficult than breaking Da Vinci Codes. Some people think that working out puts stress on body and soul, which is opposite to the idea of traveling. However, this is not true. Workout helps detoxify your soul of all the impurities it has accumulated so far.

It fills you with instant energy to take on a variety of daily challenges on the go. The bad effects of eating contaminated food are subsided if your body is functioning properly. Daily workouts even on your exotic holiday can double your fun.

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