Category: Asia

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Asia Beaches

Asia’s 4 Lesser Known Honeymoon Destinations

Selecting a honeymoon getaway for yourself and your partner might be little tricky as that trip is supposed to be the most romantic and memorable one of your entire life. There are some conventional holiday destinations in Asia like Maldives, Bali, Mauritius and Phuket but listed below are 4 offbeat ones that are excellent options for you to visit in the new phase of your life.

Hoi An, Vietnam

This is a 15th century UNESCO World Heritage town famous for its traditional Vietnamese homes and colossal French colonial houses. Here you will get a chance to completely travel back in time and enjoy delicious food in top class restaurants. You can also relish the lip-smacking street food that this pretty little town has to offer. You should stop in at one of the town’s numbers of tailors and cobblers, where they create something completely bespoke for you to embellish your wardrobes. Staying at the Nam Hai Hotel will give you the added benefit of the beach and a pool

Isle East Indies

You can rent a private island here for yourself and your better half. The feeling of waking up all alone on a marooned island with your husband/wife and the amazing natural beauty is surreal. The island can be reached via Raden Mas, a vintage wooden sailing boat and the house you will be sleeping in is a Javanese Joglo, an antique and ornately hand carved timber structure that was erected in Central Java and brought over to the island piece by piece. Through the house, the natural sea breeze flows and there is a euphoric view of the turquoise sea. Sports lovers can make the most of the activities such as scuba diving, waterskiing, snorkelling and kayaking to neighbouring islands. Alternatively, you can chill and relax on one of your private beaches in peace. Couples must have barbeque dinner onboard Raden Mas boat. Some of them are known to have fallen asleep on deck under the canopy of the twinkling stars.

 Tugu Hotel, Lombok

Known as Puri Dadap Merah, this Honeymoon House is based on the architecture of Java’s Red Aksobya Temple and is filled with antiques from Java and Bali. This makes it a place for veritable and unique experience. It also boasts of a mosaic pool facing the ocean, a private spa and dining terrace as well. Tugu Hotel is located on the beautiful and immaculate white sand beach of Sire and has fishing villages and traditional homes near it that can be visited by foot or a two- wheeler. A horse drawn carriage ride during the sunset is a must here for the couples.

Kyoto, Japan

If you visit Kyoto in Japan in between the last week of March and the mid of April, you will witness the popular cherry blossom season. The place is blissfully serene with its Buddhist temples and Zen gardens offering peaceful moments. You may row around the lovely Hozu-gawa area in a rented boat and spend quality time with your spouse. To make this an even more memorable experience, you should stay at Tawaraya which is known for being one of the best ryokans in not only Kyoto but also in the entire country. It is a world-class accommodation frequented by celebrities, aristocrats and politicians

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Adventure Asia Himalayas Spiritual Hubs Treks

Everything you would like to know about Tiger’s Nest Monastery

Mythological Importance:

The Tiger’s Nest is another name of Paro Taktsang or Taktsang Palphug Monastery. It is a sacred temple of the Buddhists that was built in 1692 in Bhutan, around the Taktsang Senge Samdup Cave. It is believed that Guru Padmasambhava had meditated in these caves for three years, three months, three weeks, three days and three hours in the 8th century. Today, Paro Taktsang is famous for the 13 ‘tiger lair’ caves in which he had meditated.

A temple which is devoted to Padmasambhava (also known as the Temple of the Guru with Eight Names) is a classic structure built around the cave by Tenzin Rabgye in 1692. Therefore, it is Bhutan’s cultural icon.

According to legends, Guru Padmasambhava came here from Tibet, on a tigress’ back from Khenpajong.

There is also an alternative story by another legend that stated that the former wife of the emperor Yesh Tsogyal willingly became the disciple of Guru Padmasambhava. She transformed into a tigress and carried him on her back. Consequently, the place came to be known as the ‘Tigers Nest’.

It is also believed that Tenzin Rabgye, the builder of the monastery in 1692, was the reincarnation of the Guru Padmasambhava.

How to reach the Tiger Nest Monastery?

The Monastery is 10 km to the north of Paro in Bhutan, at an elevation of about 10,000 ft. You can reach the Tiger’s Nest by walking or on horseback. It is a quite challenging trek, you gain merit with every step but the view of the Paro Valley from the monastery is worth the endeavor. The trek starts from the valley floor which is at about 7000 ft and it takes about 2-3 hours (on an average) to complete the hike. It starts with slow climbs into serene pine forests where you will find water- powered pray wheels and flags. It is said these are for trekkers to be bestowed upon with power and stamina to complete the forthcoming journey. From here onwards, the climb becomes steep, arduous and steady up to a ridge. Horse- ride is only allowed till the second viewpoint due to some accidents that took place in the past.Once you reach the monastery you will find the atmosphere to have become mystical; you will find a deep sense of calmness and peace. Also, you should seek blessings from the monks. It is the true feeling of being a pilgrim!

Travel Notes:

  • Wear hiking shoes and it is better to wear thick socks as you have to remove your shoes at the entry.
  • Bring your hiking poles. If you forget, you can buy a wooden walking stick at the parking lot.
  • Bring your rain gear as the weather is unpredictable.
  • The hike should be done at the end of your trip to give you more time to acclimatize to the altitude.
  • Walk at a steady pace and avoid walking fast and resting too much.
  • It is recommended to start the hike early in the morning.

So get set and go to the Tiger’s Nest Monastery in Bhutan if you want to have an adventurous cum religious trip!

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Asia Beaches

48 hours of an offbeat trip to unexplored Thailand

Thailand is a country that offers diversity to its tourists. Beautiful shorelines, Thai massages, exquisite cuisines, and sensuous escorts- all of them make it one of the most preferred tourist attractions in the world. Here are two unappreciated places in Thailand which should be on one’s itinerary if one loves to stand out from the herd.

 The Railay beach near Krabi

This is a beach which is not accessible by any modes of transport but boats. After the initial hesitation of getting into the small vessels, one is left awestruck as the destination comes closer. The sight is just breathtaking. Railay Beach boasts of clear blue sea and tranquil atmosphere. One can soak oneself entirely in the solitude of bliss.

For those who crave adventure, the beach  offers a host of activities as well .The humongous limestone cliffs intrigue the keen rock climbers but those who want to have fun in the water, the options are not restrictive either. From Kayaking in the caves to Rafting and other water sports like Quad bikes to a family sunset cruise, all options are available. An Elephant Trek is situated 7 km away and one can make the most of the day from it.

That is just not it! Other than serving your eye, the beach also provides tourists who have a gargantuan appetite with a stupendous list of food items and one of the recommendations is papaya seafood salad which you can even see getting prepared.

Chaweng Regent Beach Resort

Another unnoticed place is the Chaweng Regent Beach Resort in Koh Samui which is five hours away from the Railay beach. This resort is known for its salon and exotic spa services with a variety of more than fifty massages to choose from. Here, authentic Thai spa and massage are highly preferred by the majority of the tourists. The resort also provides customized spa packages for couples and families.

The resort is also a host to a variety of services like Scuba Diving classes, Yoga sessions and Airport Limousine provision for those who want to pamper themselves.

Mostly these two places will keep one occupied for two days but for those who find time can also visit the nearby Big Buddha temple. Its courtyard is filled with vendors selling amulets and cultural art crafts which act as souvenirs for tourists. The area is always buzzing with the local crowd, happily savoring dishes like tuna tartar, oysters, sausages, sushi and what not. In the evening the Buddha statue looks magnificent under the lights of nearby hotels and if the weather is right, it becomes one of the most peaceful soul bewildering sites.

For those who are not interested in the Temple, the Samui Aquarium and Tiger Zoo is a good alternative. The zoo has daily shows of tigers, sea lions, and some birds. The best part is one can get photographed with them at chargeable prices and one can even hand feed the sea turtles.

Thailand is a place that cannot be fully covered in two days but certainly the above- mentioned recommendations can be kept in mind while organizing an offbeat getaway here.

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Asia Rejoice Rejuvenate Relax Travel Tips Travel Trends

Go travel to these Visa free countries

Everybody knows that getting a visa on an Indian passport can be a real pain. We all wish we could go on a vacation just like that, just pick a destination, plan a trip, pack our bags and simply go for it without any hassle. God, why is it not that easy!!

The process, in reality, requires first to look for options then choose a getaway based on the size of the hole it will burn in your pocket. By chance, if the chosen place is abroad then you have to apply for a visa and then the problem of obtaining it starts. Day in and day out you have to go to the visa office for various verification formalities.

So here are some places abroad where Indians can go to without getting a visa, and they will amaze you with their landscapes.

Bhutan

A visit to Bhutan, the land of happiness, from India requires just the payment of a certain amount of money. The perk of an Indian’s passport is that you pay a lesser amount as compared to people of other countries. While in the beautiful country, you get to explore the Switzerland of the East, visit the peaceful Tiger Monastery and relish the spicy local food. If you drive from India to Bhutan, you get an entry for 7 days without a passport and if you fly to the place, you get an entry for 1 month. Both of them are extendable, though.

Ecuador

Ecuador which is considered as the equatorial paradise of South America can be toured by the holder of an Indian passport without getting a visa from beforehand. It is the place to behold and enjoy in the vast Amazon rain forests, the sensational beaches, the Andes Mountains, the isolated Galapagos islands and the world’s highest capital city of Quito. Indians get free visas if they show valid return tickets or the visas of any other place that they plan to visit from Ecuador.

Pic Credits- Wikipedia

Antarctica

Being the last land on the earth, it is a place for people who want to see mighty glaciers, icy white landscapes and plenty of penguins. It may be the only place on the planet where there is minimal human involvement and boasts of untouched natural beauty. You can go to Antarctica via the USA, Argentina, Chile, South Africa and New Zealand. Since it is uninhabited, there is no visa regime for visiting it.

Pic Credits- Wikipedia

El Salvador

With an insane number of volcanoes, El Salvador is amongst the smallest countries in Central America. The tropical paradise has hospitable people along with a diverse culture, natural beauty, beaches, volcanoes, lip- smacking food, nightlife and much more to offer to its visitors. Indian citizens get a free visa for a maximum of 3 months, depending on the show a valid return ticket or a valid visa for the next destination.

Fiji

The honeymooners’ destination Fiji is a coral paradise of South Pacific. Imagine yourself flopping on a beach sipping Pinacoladas and relaxing with your family or going scuba diving in the exquisite coral reefs and enjoying the natural beauty under the sea. Indians can get a free visa for 4 months if they show a valid return ticket and have sufficient funds for their stay.

Pic Credits- Wikipedia

Hong Kong

The amazing skyline, the awesome shopping venues, the delicious Cantonese food and the fact that it is nearest to the gambling hub of Macau make Hong Kong one of the most favourite spots for Indian tourists. They can get a free visa for 14 days after showing a valid return ticket with sufficient funds for the stay and a valid hotel booking.

Macau

It is the place where you can go to try your luck at Blackjack, Poker or SOT machines. It is also the place to witness rich Portuguese history and relish Portuguese food. Indians do get a free visa for up to 30 days on showing valid return tickets with sufficient funds to cover their trip.

Mauritius

Mauritius  is one of Indian Ocean’s top holiday spots. Its water sports and scuba diving spots are amazing. If you are planning for a relaxed beach vacation, this is the perfect spot. Here you will find a mixed culture of Indians, French and Africans. Indians can stay here visa- free for a minimum of 90 days and a maximum of 180 days on the condition of showing a valid return ticket along with sufficient funds for their trip.

Nepal

India shares its border with Nepal which means you can drive, ride or fly into the country. Indians do not even need a passport for the purpose; having a voter’s ID card or a driving license is sufficient. You can go to Nepal to trek or to visit the Buddhist temples or to enjoy the beauty of its capital city Kathmandu. As mentioned above Indians don’t need a visa, they can visit Nepal with a valid voters ID card or driving license. Also, they can stay and work there for 6 months.

So what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and go for them..!!

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Asia Travel Accessories Travel Tips Travel Trends

#ghoomophirosisters Packing List

We usually keep getting the request to share our packing tips from naïve and pro solo travelers. This blog typically talks about packing details while we are on the road. Happy Reading! as we as #ghoomophirosisters understand that packing right stuff is very important and is challenging too for solo backpacking females.

Every time we travel, we discuss a lot on what need to be taken and what needs to be left behind, and over the 8 years of journey, we realized our bags are getting lighter and lighter.

Here you go!!

Bag or Day Pack – Apart from your backpacks, don’t miss to carry a small sling bag/day pack. This helps to keep the small stuff like sunscreesn/lip balms, shades, watch, one pair of clothes, water bottle, wallet etc within reach,

Travel Documents: Don’t miss to carry important documents like passport, requisite visas, extra photos, local currency, health insurance, traveler cheques, local guide book, emergency numbers. These all can be accommodated in your day bag.

Travel Clothes: Wrinkle-free washable pants/trousers (with a zipper to turn them into shorts and preferably with plenty of pockets) – we stay away from jeans in the tropics: they stay wet forever (if you’re traveling in cities, jeans are perfect if that’s what you usually wear),  wrinkle-free washable blouses (one short and one long sleeves), pair socks (get special walking socks, not cotton ones)1 pair hiking sandals (for beach, town, and shower) or walking shoes. Cold weather clothes, a lightweight fleece jacket – or something warmer if you’re heading where it’s really freezing. Large plastic poncho or lightweight waterproof (carrying an umbrella can be cumbersome). Some scarves, and other accessories that can be mix and matched.

Personal Items: Nail clippers, Small bottle of antibacterial soap ,Small tube of moisturizing cream or lotion, comb or hairbrush, Toothpaste, toothbrush, Viscose or microfiber travel towel , Deodorant or talcum powder, Hair clip or barrette (if you have long hair), Eye mask and ear plugs, Eyeglasses, contact lenses and supplies, Sunglasses, sunscreen. Wristwatch with an   alarm function (Fastrack has come out with real swanky collection), small candles and waterproof matches, toilet papers, sanitizers, mosquito repellent.

Getting Technical: a small LED, plus a headlamp , Individual country plug adapters , Pens , A small penknife or Swiss Army , Cell phone/phone cards/charger (make sure you pack it in something waterproof).

Travel Money belt, First aid kit, and your credit cards are other things which you would not like to miss.!!

Go pack and travel!!

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Asia Itinerary Rejoice Travel Trends

A day in Singapore

Never go on the size of Singapore. It might look small than a city, but Singapore Tourism offers power pack bouquet of items to keep you engaged throughout your stay. This blog lists down some of the must do’s while you are in town to make the most of it. I am sure, as you shall be going through the post, you shall be looking for Singapore Packages.

Little India

It is one of the most famous market for Indians. “Mustafa Centre”,the  famous landmark for Little India. One can find here everything, from clothes to souvenirs to perfumes to groceries and yes fortune tellers as well. As the name suggests, the place describes India in all aspects. One can find vegetarian dishes and few good places to try here are Raj restaurant, sidewalk café etc

 

Singapore bus tour

Singapore is very well connected. Put on your glasses, sunscreen along with an umbrella and get on to hop on-hop off bus tour. The narration given en route is interesting and tells you architectural and historical aspects of Singapore. Cruise on Singapore River is also included in this service. The time on the cruise is relaxing. Try to grab a seat on the deck, so that you can click a lot of pictures.

 

Shopping

Orchard’s street, Mustafa market, Arab street are few of the shopper’s paradise. You can find everything and anything at discounted prices. They also have malls dedicated to electronics.

 

Get to know Historical Singaore

Apart from high-rise buildings, there are historical aspects attached to the place. Monolithic Buddha Tooth Relic Temple in Chinatown is an example. The temple has a 27-foot statue of Buddha and his one teeth. Sri Mariamman Temple is one of the oldest Hindu temple. Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay, is another must visit. It’s often known as “Durian”; have converted into shopping mall though

Sightseeing from top of Singapore Flyer

Watching Sunset from Singapore Flyer is something you would not like to miss. The beautiful landscape is indeed picturesque.

 

Visiting Entertainment Centres

Universal Studio & Sentosa are world renowned entertainment centres. At universal studio, you can witness several theme parks with extraordinary rides to keep your entire day engaged, whereas Sentosa is full of rides, botanical gardens, clubs and beaches. Cable car from Mr.Faber to Sentosa is also popular among tourists for the breathtaking views.

 

Last but not least, do get your signature selfie at Merlion park. Mythical half lion, half fish creature is an iconic landmark of the place.

 

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Asia Itinerary Travel Trends

5 Things to do in Mauritius for Honeymooners

Mauritius is an idyllic escape for two. It is a beautiful conglomerate of crystal blue lagoons, coral islands and white sand beaches, where you can soak yourself in sun for hours. Having said that, it is just not about beaches. There are multiple activities where-in one can get indulged in. This article pens down must do’s for two, while you celebrate your togetherness with Mauritius tourism.

1.Nature

There is abundance of landscapes in the region. One can walk through or drive through these beautiful tea plantations, palm trees or sugarcane fields with your loved ones. Getting lost in mise-en-scene at Bois Cheri Tea Plantations is indeed magical and leave memory forever. Places like Chamoral, which is geological oddity in itself can surprise you with the vividity of colors it offers. Other places include Pamplemousses Botanical Garden, which, is the oldest of its kind in the southern hemisphere. Guided tours to these places are available, and do not miss the opportunity to get clicked.

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2.Go Adventurous

Having long coast-line, place offers variety of water sports. This can range from snorkeling, deep sea diving, water-surfing and not to miss under sea-walk. These water sports lets you explore the water

You can also hike the different mountain trails at Black River Gorges National Park, and can see almost extinct pink pigeon. Also, sky diving is one experience you would not like to miss.

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3.Shop till you drop

Being on special date, one has all the reasons to shop. One can choose to stroll arm in arm through Curepipe or enjoy shopping on Grand Baie Bazar, Goodlands, Quatre Bornes and so on. Place is famous for handmade Asian handicrafts.

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4.Satiate your Food Cravings

If both of you are foodies, then you will surely enjoy both street food and fine dining in Mauritius. Must try is doll puri served with hot chilli plates. Place offers unique blend of African, Indian & Chinese spices and this is what makes the food here special. When comes to fine dining, all good resorts and properties will plan perfect romantic dinner nights for you propose your better half and fall in love all over again.

5.Celebrate Togetherness

Mauritius is a perfect place to celebrate your togetherness. There are multiple spa centres, where-in two of you can relax together and plan for your next honeymoon.Mauritius Honeymoon is incomplete without midnight candle light dinner or blissful time spending on white sand beaches soaking in sun. Grand Bay, Pereybere, Belle Mare, and Blue Bay are few of the finest beaches to make your partner feel special. If you love kite-surfing, Le Morne is the place for you.

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While reading the post through, I am sure, you will be tempted to book Mauritius Honeymoon Packages

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