Category: Corporate Outings

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Corporate Outings Group Travel

Incredible Benefits of Corporate Trips

corporate travel packages for team building

Travel has acquired many forms, especially corporate travel. Traditionally underrated, it is gaining increasing attention as one of the most incredible team-building experiences. Corporations are earning that investing in these travels can let one reap incredible benefits.

Corporate trips offer incredible benefits for the management and the company as it offers several advantages including the following:

1. Know thyself through corporate trips.

The benefits of corporate travel extend to the teams as a whole and individual team members. At an individual level, it is an opportunity for your employee to discover something about themselves by applying themselves to new things, trying new activities, etc. ‘Know thyself’ is a literal translation depicted on doors of the temple of famous oracles of Delphi and the wisdom of these words has stood the test of time as the first step or gateway to further self-development.

2. Self-development

Corporate development is also an incredible way of developing the personalities of various individuals on the team – that stems directly from self-knowledge but also in other ways as one learns to work better in teams or with other people. Communication skills may improve and individuals may get a chance to develop those aspects of their personality which usually remain undeveloped in their day-to-day life. It must be noted that even these benefits for individual employees ultimately end up helping the company.

3. A break from a monotonous routine.

We hope that your employees love their jobs per se and find them challenging and fun, but one can get bored of doing even the things one loves – like one would if one was to eat one’s favorite dish every day of one’s life. Corporate travel provides a welcome break from that dull routine, and at the end of travel your employees return to their work with new vigor and refreshed energies.

4. Increases motivation of employees

Another incredible benefit of corporate travel is that it increases the motivation of employees. That is the direct consequence of some of the previously mentioned benefits and also due to other benefits mentioned below. Additionally, the very idea of travel is a great motivator for your employees – and it can also be used as a sort of incentive like an on-target incentive.

5. Reduces stress levels

Stress is known to be the most common psychological problem – and unkind work life is one of the leading causes of this problem. Stress is known to cause several physical as well as psychological problems and can also increase human resource costs. Corporate travel is an incredible way of letting your workers have fun and let off steam.

6. Team-building

Corporate travel tips should be comprised of several team activities which shall turn a group of workers into a team. That can later help in their day-to-day work life.

7. Better communication

Team and other games also force workers to open up with each other – that opens informal communication channels, which help provide a better flow of information in the company.

8. Leadership skills

Corporate travel is an excellent way of finding natural leaders in your team and fostering leadership skills in others. Thus your company finds its future leaders.

9. Foster better bonds

Working in teams also helps employees help foster bonds between team members and each team member with the company creating a family-like bond. These bonds can help let you retain your employees longer and reduce labor turnover rates and HR costs resulting from them.

10. Better productivity

Corporate travel leads to better employees due to the above-mentioned reasons who are more productive. The revenue of the company too may increase as a result.

Frequently Asked Questions (F.A.Q.s)

There are several questions readers may have about corporate group travel. The following are some of the most Frequently Asked Questions (F.A.Q.s) :

Question: What are corporate travel managers?

Answer: Corporate travel manager is a new position created in large companies for the sole purpose of managing and organizing corporate travel in their Human Resources development. This is one of the best ways of organizing corporate travel – other ways are to have travel agents, self-planning, or use HR resources.

Question: How does COVID-19 affect corporate travel?

Answer: COVID-19-related restrictions affect corporate travel but it is still possible to have fun travel as long as one chooses the destination carefully and follows instructions carefully.

Question: Isn’t it better if I just give my employees time off instead?

Answer: It is possible and it may save companies some money as well but the benefits such as team-building, personality development, etc. will not be achieved.

If the reader has any other questions, they should feel free to ask them here.

The Bottom Line

One can easily wrap up the above discussion by concluding that corporate travel offers incredible benefits and all corporate whether startups or well-established ones should organize them

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Corporate Outings North India

Top 5 things to do in Dehradun   

A classic and iconic holiday destination in Uttarakhand, the cozy and scenic hill town of Dehradun boasts breathtaking beauty of the Garhwal Himalayas. Sitting at an altitude of 1400 feet, the town offers panoramic views, 365-days of perfect alpine weather, and natural wonders.

Traveling to Dehradun

The city of Dehradun is well-connected to major towns and cities in northern India by railways, airways, and roads. But the best experience comes from a road trip. Even the journey to Dehradun is equally fascinating, with roads passing through quaint villages and towns surrounded by forests and hilly areas along the way. The nearest metro city is Delhi, at 283 KM and takes about six hours to reach. You can easily book a top-rated and licensed Delhi to Dehradun cab for your one-way or round trip travel. Alternatively, you can also book tour packages which will cover your travel and local sightseeing tours. If you are traveling exclusively for treks, you should sign up with local adventure groups and the get the best deals on tours.

The best of Dehradun

Whether you are visiting Dehradun for the first time or returning to rediscover its beauty, here are a few things you would not want to miss.

Explore the Robber’s Cave

At about 8KM from the main town, near the Dehradun Clocktower, you will find this naturally-formed caves enveloped by mountains and streams. Locally called Gucchupani, It is technically an enclave of crags and hills with a mountain stream running through. The 600-meter-long passage has two parts. A locally popular picnic spot, Robber’s Cave and its surroundings is a great place to walk around and explore the wilderness. You can trek for a few kilometers and reach the surreal spot, where a mountain stream flows into an underpass and disappears, only to reappear a few yards ahead. Or you can explore the ruined fort, which sits centrally in the cave.

If you walk further into the forests nearby, you will reach the Malsi Deer Park. A reserve forest, it is a habitat of spotted deer and antelopes, which you might be able to spot in the warmer months.

Seek serenity at the Mindrolling Monastery

At about 7KM from Dehradun town, you will find the largest Buddhist vihara (learning center) of India. The Mindrolling Monastery is home to a huge school of monks, preachers, and Buddhist masters, who conduct religious discourses, ceremonies, and training. The monastery is also known for its impeccable architecture, designed in Zen style. The interiors portray wall paintings, narrating stories of Buddha and his journeys. Surrounded by greenery and mountain views, the monastery is the most tranquil corner of Dehradun and offers the perfect place for peaceful introspection.

Take a jungle safari

The forests of Dehradun is home to a huge population of wildlife and lets you enjoy a tryst with the wild side of nature. You can opt for a stay at places like the Tiger View Jungle Camp, known for wildlife spotting and camping. It is located about 10 KM from the town, in a secluded village called Goolar Kalla. The camp organizes jungle safaris, wherein you can spot tigers, leopards, Himalayan bears, among other endangered species. You can also go for birding tours in the late winter months when migratory birds flock from colder northern locales.

Get some thrill with trekking

Dehradun serves as the base for several exciting treks around the Garhwal Himalayas. Ranging from easy to highly difficult, these trek routes pass through various terrains, offering endless views of snowy mountains, grassy meadows, blooming valleys, alpine pastures, and sleepy villages in between. Har Ki Dun, Roopkund, Valley of flowers, Nag Tibba, Chakrata, Dhanaulti, Rishikesh, etc. are some of the most popular treks conducted from Dehradun. The best time to explore these trek routes is between June and December. For more adventure and professional level expeditions, sign up for treks through the Bali Pass, which connects Har Ki Dun Valley and Yamunotri Glacier, or the snow trek to the Kuari Pass, which happens only in the peak winters.

Spend a day in Mussoorie

A trip to Dehradun is incomplete without paying a visit to its sister-town Mussoorie. Sitting at a stone-throw distance from Dehradun, the quieter settlement of Mussoorie makes you travel back in time and makes for a great day trip. You can book a reliable and comfortable Dehradun cab service and easily reach Mussoorie is less than an hour. The mansion of Sir George Everest, Kempty and Bhatta Falls, Christ Church, and Mussoorie Lake are some of the iconic sites you cannot miss in the town. Don’t forget to stop by the 100-year old bakery in Landour.

With traces of a long-lost colonial vibe, exotic flora and fauna, and endless opportunities for the adventurous soul, the capital city of Uttarakhand will make you want to lose yourself in its dreamy atmosphere and never wake up.

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Corporate Outings Rejuvenate

Amazing things to do in Coorg

Coorg is one of our getaways. Nature smiles at Coorg and despite being a rural district of Karnataka it has managed to attract tourists on the back of countless attractions. Wildlife lovers, nature lovers, adventure lovers – there are attractions enough for all of them in Coorg. There are so many things we have loved doing, Here, we bring you a list of amazing things to do in Coorg:

Barapole river rafting.

One of the most favorite amazing things to do in Coorg is Barapole river rafting. Barapole has challenging and untrustworthy water which makes it perfect for adventuresome river rafting. The river passes through Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary which added to the spirit of adventure and we came across an elephant who was drinking water at the shore of the river and a Nilgiri Langoor during rafting.

Visit Dubare Elephant Park

If you love elephants the way we do, then you just can’t skip over a chance to visit Dubare Elephant Park. Naturalists here try to train elephants in as natural a manner as possible. In an environment surrounded by natural vegetation, we could see how elephants are fed, trained and groomed and ask questions and the best part was participating in it ourselves. In particular, we loved bathing those giants.

Please note that the park is open only between 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM and 4:30 PM to 5:30 PM

Visit Abbey Falls

Abbey Falls offers some of the most beautiful picnic spots we have come across. – it is a perfect place to go click happy. It is opened from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and we took Jeep ride on your way there and to back from Mandalpatti, which was an amazing way to enjoy tranquil sunrises and sunsets.

 

Experience the Tibetian culture at Golden Temple

The Namdroling in Arlikumari, better known as Golden Temple is surrounded by the only Tibetian settlement in South India. Located at a distance of about 6 kilometers from Kushalnagar, this amazing work of architecture is home to about 7000 monks. There is a number of food stalls around the temple from where we tasted the delicious Tibetian food and bought some souvenirs.

Go trekking and hiking

Next in our list of amazing things to do in Coorg is to trekking and hiking. The Western Ghats offers amazing treks that offer a totally different kind of challenge in winters and summers. We ourselves went hiking on Brahmagiri trek and it offered us several astounding views. Some of the treks include adiandamol, Kodachadri, Kumara Parvatha, and Mullayanagiri.

Visit Madikeri Fort

Taking a break from nature, we now chose to turn to next in our list of things to to do in Coorg by visiting Madikeri Fort. Madikeri is a hill in Coorg and its top is the fort famous for carrying in it artifacts that once belonged to the legendary local ruler Tipu Sultan. The fort was first built by Mudduraja but Tipu Sultan and later Linga Rajendra brought several renovations. It also has a church built by East Indian Company.

7. Go Microlight Flying

Microlight Flying is one of the rarest experiences to be had in Coorg. It was definitely one of the most thrilling experiences we had in here. These gliders can hold up to two people, can rise up to 5000 meters and fly at a speed of a hundred kilometers per hour. Microlight Flying gave us a way of looking at things, figuratively speaking, from a bird’s point of view.

Try your hands at Rock Climbing

We had long wanted to try our hands at rock climbing and we got a chance to do so in Honnamanna Kere.  The rocks of mountain ranges that define typography of the area are just perfect for the experience. Of course, you will need to avail yourself with necessary safety equipment, gloves, shoes, etc. But as far as we are concerned it is one of the must-do things in Coorg. There are instructors there to facilitate your experience and ensure your experience – so pay heed to their instructions. They were of tremendous assistance to us.

Go Kayaking

At Madikeri, we also went Kayaking. It is one of our favorite activities – there is nothing so adventuresome and tranquil at the same time as when our arms strike a peace with the paddling motion and we could lose ourselves to natural incredible views that surround us. Madikeri is not the only place in Coorg where you can try your hands at Kayaking, you can also try it at other places like Kushalnagar or Kakkabe, but it must surely make it to your list of amazing things to do in Coorg.

Take a dip in the waters of Talacauvery

Next in our list of amazing things to do in Coorg was Talacauvery. Located unparallel natural scenery just about 45 kilometers from Madikeri, Talacauvery is considered to be the source of river Kaveri and is, thus, of great spiritual importance to the devotees of Goddess Kaveri, one of the holy rivers of the country. We highly recommend visiting the place to have a dip in its waters, the way we did. We visited it during the festival of Tulasankaramma which is the best time to visit this holy place.

Visit Nisargadhama

Next in our list of amazing things to do in Coorg that we loved most is a visit to Nisargadhama. This small island is approached by crossing a hanging garden.  We were enchanted by the spell-binding views of nature it had to offer. It also had an ecological park. Surrounded by bamboo trees and scenic vegetation, the island offers perfect photography and picnic opportunities. We clicked scores of pictures during the few hours of our trip there.

Off-Road Jeep Drive To Nishani Hills

Another amazing adventure that we could not help adding to our list of amazing things to do in Coorg is the Offroad Jeep Drive to Nishani Hills. If like us, you have wanted to experience the ruthless driving in the rough natural terrains of the kind that we often see in so many action movies of Hollywood and Bollywood. Then, this guided tour through the deciduous forests of Coorg is just the thing for you. I don’t think we ever stopped screaming throughout the drive.

Irruppu Falls

Perhaps nowhere else does the Western Ghats shows its beauty in all its wildness as in Irruppu falls which shall form penultimate item in this list of amazing things to do in Coorg. Located amidst natural vegetation, the waterfall mesmerized us with its breathtaking views.

Conclusion

There is a good reason why Coorg is Called the adventure capital of India. But as you can see that though it offers unique adventures and is thus worthy of the title, its attractions are not necessarily limited to adventures. Our trips to Coorg have given us some of our best memories. J

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Corporate Outings Itinerary

Don’t miss these places in your Kolkata sightseeing checklist

Regarded as the subcontinent’s London, Kolkata capital city is a potpourri of Indian heritage, culture, and coming to age lives. The city of palaces boasts a unique history closely knitted to the shadows of the British Indian era. The city is also an Indian hub of art and literature. Some of the most famous artists including Nobel laureate Rabindra Nath Tagore were born in Kolkata. This is what intrigued ghoomophirosisters to plan the trip to the place. The next step for us was to fly from New Delhi to Kolkata via Cleartrip in another half an hour we were all ready for our epic journey to the city of Joy. Local sightseeing in Kolkata spawns an unforgettable experience for travelers. If you have a penchant for discovering solace in different realities of life, then Kolkata is the destination for you.

Pay a Visit to Indian Museum

Care for a date with dead Egyptian mummies? If you do, then you should not miss a visit to the Indian Museum when in Kolkata city. It earns its reputation for being the oldest museum in the Asia Pacific Region. Founded by the Asiatic Society of Bengal, the museum hosts dinosaur fossils as well. The locals also call it the house of magic for its out-of-the-world collection.

The museum has been divided into six central departments: Zoology, Archaeology, Anthropology, Geology, Art, and Economic Botany.

A Date with the Iconic Howrah Bridge

Howrah Bridge is one of the first engineering marvels of the world of its time. The spot enthralls you with its exotic views and life that keeps on going around unawares. Tourists are not allowed to take pictures of the bridge. You will often be stopped by guards if you try to take pictures with your camera. You can click pictures from ferries, though.

Feed Your Senses at Marble Palace

This landmark palace was built by King Rajendra Mullick in the year 1835. It hosts a variety of exotic sculptures, antique paintings, small menagerie and aviary off Chitranjan Avenue in North Kolkata. The mansion earns its reputation for boasting a range of more than 50 marbles.

The Victorian Taj Mahal: Victorian Memorial

Modeled on the Taj Mahal, Victorian Memorial is the homage to Queen Victoria who left for her heavenly abode in 1901. The entire model was a brainchild of Luz Curzon. The memorial takes you through an array of paintings of British families, miniature paintings of the Mughal School, oil paintings of the company school, historical artifacts such as the Throne of Nawab of Bengal, the document of historical significance amongst many other things.

Set up in exotic lawns, the Victorian Memorial is a sight to behold especially at night when it is lit up. A part of the Victorian Memorial is believed to be haunted. It has been quoted in some books and magazines.

Living it Up at Esplanade

This is one of the most happening spots in Kolkata city. Right in the heart of Betnick Street, the place oozes out life in different colors. It is often regarded as the Fun adda (spot) by local people. There are loads of activities that you can do here such as shopping and playing. It is also a hot favorite picnic spot surrounded by some of the best eateries. You can indulge in indoor sports and outdoor sports.

Some of the major attractions of the spot are Hotel Taj Bengal, Shopping Chains, Sri Ram Market, City Mart, and Big Bazar amongst many others.

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Adventure Corporate Outings National Parks Rejuvenate

Into the Wilderness of Benog Wildlife Santuary

Located 11 km away from the Library point in Mussoorie is Benog Wildlife Sanctuary, surrounded by pine trees and views of snow-capped mountains. This sanctuary is a part of the Rajaji National Park in the ‘Queen of Hills’. The place is popular among bird-watchers since it is a haven for rare bird species. Set among dense forests, it also gives the nature lover something to be enthused about and also the mesmerizing sights of the peaks of Chaukhamba and Bandar Punch.

What to do there?

Benog Wildlife Sanctuary is a beautiful place and there are plenty of attractions here, of course, everything is connected to nature because that is the biggest highlight of the place. Major ones being:

Flora

The whole sanctuary is surrounded by pine-covered slopes and there are plenty of medicinal herbs and plants in the area as well. Benedictory pines old cedar trees and Fir trees are seen all around the place and as we walked amidst that dense forest, we felt like we were lost in a fairy tale.

Fauna

This is one of the major attractions of the place—its wide range of rare and beautiful bird species. It is a hub for bird-watchers who can spot White Capped Water Redstart birds, mountain quails and Red Billed Blue Magpie among other wide variety of birds. There are also many wild animal species such as Himalayan bear, deep, leopard and panthers that can be spotted.

Trekking:

The sanctuary offers multiple trekking opportunities for the area within or surrounding areas. We took a trek from cloud’s endpoint to Benog Sanctuary, watching amazing views on the way. Since the sanctuary is located amidst the solitary region of Mussoorie, it is perfect for people looking forward to spending some alone time in solace. It is away from the hassle of the crowded city.

Our experience:

The place gave us a complete ‘Into the wild’ feeling as we explored the wilderness on foot, with our camera in our hands. There were just so many places where we just wanted to sit and not move for hours at end. Benog Wildlife sanctuary is one place that is still unmarked by degradation through heavy tourism. Everything is still natural and raw there. There were so many beautiful birds, some of which we were able to capture in our camera. Trekking with such incredible views was a delight as well, and the snow-capped mountains just added a cherry to the top. It is the perfect place to escape from the city and take a day off. Mussoorie is one of the top tourist attractions, and this wildlife sanctuary showed us exactly why that is. Our visit to Benog Wildlife sanctuary turned out to be a perfect mix of leisure and adventure holiday.

Travel Tips:

The timings for the sanctuary are 7 am to 5 am so it is preferred to leave early since vehicles are not too easily available and one should have enough time to explore the place.

Best Time to visit would be April to November, though the sanctuary does remain open throughout the year.

Where to Stay?

There are plenty of accommodation options near the sanctuary itself ranging from luxury hotels, resorts to budget hotels.

How to Reach?

From Library point, public and private buses are easily available and it is 11km away by Road.

The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport which is 60 km away from Mussoorie.

The nearest railways station is Dehradun Railway Station which is 30 km from Mussoorie.

So hurry up and start planning your next getaway to Mussoorie! The natural beauty, scenic views, natural wilderness is all worth it.

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Central India Corporate Outings Culture Deserts

Ultimate Guide to Rann of Kutch, Gujarat

If not for the persistent advertisements by Amitabh Bachchan popularizing this spot, this land would have gone unnoticed for a long while. The vast white land merging with sky blue horizons was no less than a wondrous sight. While seeing this part of the Thar desert, one can be reminded of the Rajasthan’s sand dunes. As we were guided on camel-backs throughout the desert, a conversation kept brewing, telling us about the place. When monsoons hit, the place gets covered by Arabian sea and when the summers come, the water dries up, leaving behind salt marshes.

On our visit to the district, we found so many reasons to visit Rann of Kutch. And if you do believe in the truth ‘Nature is beautiful”, Rann of Kutch will prove you right. One look at the vast panorama was enough to convince us that ‘Kutch nhi dekha toh Kuch nhi dekha’. Though popular belief says, the real view of the shallow marshlands are seen under moonlight, we preferred the views of sunrise and sunset. The orange hues on clear blue sky contrasting with the white of the lands made for a picturesque scene.

The White Rann

It has to be the major highlight and yes, the biggest reason we found for our memorable trip to Rann of Kutch. As we stood there in the morning with the cold wind blowing, and the rays of sunlight brightening up the salt crystals, it was the most mesmerizing scene ever. We had goosebumps as we saw the beautiful transformations of the skies. The white desert of Rann of Kutch is something of an enigma with its calmness and charm.

Mandvi

Getting to dip your feet in the Arabian sea is an entirely different feeling than watching the sunset in the White Rann. Mandvi is one of the old ports in Gujarat and used to be a summer retreat for Maharajas. There are so many fascinating things to see over here, like the 400-year-old industry that built ships, Vijay Vilas Palace, and the harbour. As we walked around, we saw many ships in different stages of completion and the bird flocked to them.

Bird-watching

We didn’t have to go specifically for bird-watching because here in Kutch, these water birds flock together in abundance. All around the lakes, marshes, oceans, and swamps, you can see the variety of birds. We saw many pelicans as well as flamingos in the lakes near Mandvi. There were other birds like spot-billed ducks, black-winged stilts, and red-wattled lapwings as well, among other water birds. We did nothing but sit there for hours watching the birds and soaking in the sun until it got too much to handle and then we finally moved away.

Dhordo – Rann Utsav

Most of the tourists that do come to Kutch do it during the Rann Utsav which takes place mostly during the winter months. Starting from Bhuj, it covers entire districts and finally stops in Dhordo for the grand finale.

Amenities

There are many tents available in Dhordo that go from basic necessities to luxurious, depending on your requirement. It is established so as to be able to keep up with extreme temperatures of Kutch and provides basic comforts like air conditioners as well as heaters and hot water supply. Even the marketplace, adventure sports and exhibition centres are not far away placed. We stayed at White Rann Resort and had a great experience.

Exhibition and shopping

The exhibition centre showcases the real Kutch with its history, culture and traditions. It is such a vibrant place to be that we often forgot that we were there on a barren land.  We were amazed by the varieties available to us on sale. The selection of things you can buy in the markets is dazzling. Those handcrafted pieces with intricate work on them is a feast for the eyes. Most difficult part is trying to decide what to buy and what to leave behind.

Food

There are huge dining halls serving authentic, yummy Kutch delicacies and it doesn’t matter whether you are a foodie or not, you will want to eat everything. There are food corners all around and one can find something to munch on at all odd hours.

Culture

The evenings in Kutch are when we got to soak in the culture. With beautiful cultural performances going on, with music and dance by local artists, we couldn’t help but be dazzled. Those tunes are the kind we carried in our hearts for a long time and the whole performances were a nice mix of modern and ancient styles making it even more interesting.

Sightseeing

There is so much to Kutch that you cannot expect to see it just wandering around the ‘city’. So we decided to do what seemed the best idea at the time: Hot air ballooning.  A beautiful view of the whole of Kutch from amidst the air. It is a sight to behold. Don’t forget to visit the Narayan Sarovar and Charl Dhand. There are just so many places in Kutch that one can’t afford to miss out on. Just keep your camera handy because you don’t want to miss capturing the perfect shot. And those views are ones that will be imprinted on your memory forever but it is still better to capture the moment.

Adventure

Whether it is kids or adults, the Rann Utsav has something for everyone. The bikers get to have a solo ride on the desert on a Desert Patrol Vehicle. That is always a fun thing to do. There are also pool tables, paragliding and other modes of entertainment available.

Craft of Kutch

You can’t go to Kutch and not go Village hopping. As we went to the heart of Kutch, visiting village after village, we saw such beautiful craft and every hamlet specialized in one kind of craft. But the number of practitioners was so low. We saw weavers working in Bhujodi and printing practices in Ajrakpur. One of the must-see villages that we recommend would be Nirona where they still use castor oil for their art which is in Persian style. There were many other villages with their own specialization and we visited to see the craftsmen at work while getting tempted to buy some of the things.

Some Things to Know:

1.    You can fly straight to Bhuj and then travel to the venue. Also, there is a Kutch Express rail that travels from Mumbai to Gandhinagar. There is also a direct train to Bhuj. The place is well connected by roads as well.

2.    Look for the best packages and book them for Rann Utsav in advance.

3.    Do not miss the sunset from Kalo Dungar which is the highest point.

Everyone should get to experience the vibrant festivities of ran Utsav or witness the beauty of the White desert in Rann of Kutch. It is a sight to behold and you will leave with a light heart and a mind full of memories, each beautiful and unique. For any queries related to Rann of Kutch, drop us a note at ghoomophirosisters@gmail.com

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Corporate Outings Staycation

Review : Hotel Siddhartha Palace, Ahemdabad

The History of this hotel unfolds and we see a craftsman who has been working on an elephant border for about eleven years. The Palace not only presents a hospitable now but stands as a witness to the glorious past. Hotel Siddhartha Palace is an antique structure which was once the property of the Divan of Kutch. It was his dream to have such a royal structure that the coming generations would remember him by and it would go on to be praised for centuries to come. Today, Hotel Siddhartha Palace is a perfect blend of modern contemporary luxuries and ancient aesthetic and tradition.

How to Reach:

Nearest Airport is 3 km away.

The nearest railway station is 4 km away.

Address: Dafnala Road, Shahibaug | near Rajasthan hospital, Ahmedabad 380004, India

Rooms:

The Palace has about twenty-two rooms classified as Super Deluxe, Palacial Rooms, and Maharaja Suites. Out of all three, the grandest was the Maharaja Suite. While the super deluxe room was like a modern hotel room with amenities and necessities available for families, the Palacial room had its individualistic charm. We stayed in the Maharaja Suite and from its appearances to the luxury available; it did make us feel like true royalty. The room had the modern luxuries but its design and structure were elegantly traditional. The room was an eclectic blend of the forgotten era and architectural brilliance. The rooms were spacious and yet looked authentically grand and ancient. It had a huge comfy bed along with basic toiletries: bathrobe, slippers, hairdryer etc. There was a tea and coffee maker in the room. The rusty shades of the furniture matched the creamy walls. There were unique pieces of tapestry on the walls and ceiling which we liked to ogle. The whole hotel had a vintage look from its exteriors to its rooms.

Dining and Hospitality:

The Palace has an in-house multi-cuisine restaurant ‘Divan’ that serves various cuisines from Continental food to authentic Marwari dishes. We ordered some local dishes to try them out and they turned out to be delicious. We also ended up ordering Malai kofta which we were told was prepared wonderfully here and we weren’t disappointed.  The preparation was simplistic, yet the taste had an authentic Marwari touch to it. Our taste buds were flourishing after every bite. And the prices were quite low as well. The place seems to be frozen in time, except for the food which is always hot and delicious. The staff was also quite cooperative and though it took some delay in check-in, afterwards, our stay in the hotel went by smoothly with the staff being at our beck and call and always polite about it. There were some issues with the bathroom but they resolved it quickly and apologized for the inconvenience. They woke us up in time for the morning tea as well which is appreciated.

Nearby places to see:

The best part about the hotel was it being in close proximity to all the great tourist sites. It took a very little time for us to travel to the places we wanted to see. The Hatheesing Jain Temp, as well as the Camp Hanuman Mandir, are quite close. We easily walked out of the hotel and found some spots to be within walking distance or just a 5-10 min ride away. Apart from these, the Gandhi Ashram and Swaminarayan temple were also located close by. It is easy to find the marketplace and shopping areas. We would seriously recommend seeing the Calico Museum and Jhulta Minara. Located in the heart of Ahmedabad Hotel Siddhartha gave us our money’s worth.

Highlights:

The two major highlights of the palace would have to be its garden area and the top floor referred to as “Ghoomat”. As we spent some time leisurely strolling in the garden to relax, we were able to enjoy the exterior beauty and the architecture of the hotel along with beautiful views of the city. But to top it all off was the picturesque and panoramic view from the top floor. We got to enjoy the marvelous sight of the city’s skyline from the top floor. And to make it even better is the intricate detailing from the periphery. It was when we stepped on the top floor that we realized why it was called ‘Ghoomat’. It is an intricate and traditionally elegant structure dominating the patio.

Overall Verdict: Hotel Siddhartha Palace pulsates in the heart of the city always reminding us of the glorious past of Ahmedabad.  Along with wonderful staff service and hospitality, we got pampered like the royals in the Maharaja suites. It is a perfect spot to stay while in Ahmedabad and we think we will be returning to Hotel Siddhartha Palace whenever we are traveling to Ahmedabad again.

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Beaches Corporate Outings Relax South India

Give that tight work schedule and plan a team outing in Chennai

Chennai is one of the four Indian Metropolitan cities and one of the busiest Indian cities in general. The stress and the pressure on them to perform are quite unimaginable and it becomes more ruthless, given the amount of competition that those people may have to face on a daily basis. But thankfully, there is a concept of corporate outings to make things easier for them, if not completely tolerable. And there is no dearth of perfect spots for that in the city. Let’s take a look at a few of them.

Radisson Blu temple bay- The Radisson Blu hotel range may very well be the most famous and the best one in the country in terms of services. The resort in Mamallapuram is not only having all the facilities for a 5-star resort but also provides enough ways for the corporate teams to enjoy some spare time. The place is very close to the main city and a perfect location for holidays as well.

Ideal Beach Resort- Offering a great view of the surrounding beaches, the Ideal beach resort happens to be located near the very famous Mahabalipuram. The team outings are perfect here as they offer some great features and services along with some really good options for having fun and entertainment.

Beachside Frolic resort- This is one of the best affordable venues for the teams and corporate groups. It also acts as one of the UNESCO world heritage sites and that just enhances the importance of the place as a tourist spot. There is also a museum on the premises of the resort to cater the more curious ones of the people.

Indeco Resort- Indeco Resorts has a great reputation of being one of the most important heritage hotels in the entire area. The iconic shore temple is also nearby in the celebrated tourist spot Mahabalipuram. The rugged beauty of the surroundings makes it easily one of the very best group outing spots in the area.

This place is ideal for a team outing as it offers a relaxing and serene environment to the people as well as offers activities good for team members to de-stress. The hotel possesses the necessary infrastructure to organize picnics and get-togethers. The hotel at Mahabalipuram is at a walking distance from some of the important historical tourist attractions in the area.

Sparsa Resort- Thiruvannamalai is the place where the resort is located and is known to be the premier leisure resorts nearest to Chennai. The place is filled with the corporate teams, families and international tourists all the time. The entire duration of the stay is eco-friendly and amazing. The team can relax and soak in the tranquil and zen-like atmosphere and cherish their break time away from deadlines, client pressures, and the likes. The resort will be your new favorite spot for excellent vegetarian food and dishes that are wholesome and healthy to eat. The conference hall in this resort can accommodate close to 100 people easily. The resort is a team friendly place to vacation much ideal for team gathering, other fun indoor team activities and team-building exercises. The team will love the resort to the hilt.

Adventure Arena- It is located in the very beautiful Andarkuppan village, which happens to be located at a few kilometers away from Anna Nagar. The place secured a place in our list because it has come up with some great activities that can be done by the families and corporate teams together. What makes this place idyllic for team outings is that it provides a specially designed outdoor training program so that the team members get a chance to enhance camaraderie and team spirit.

If you think team gathering should be much more than just camaraderie, this place offers activities for different age groups and skills which different people possess who are on the visit to this resort. The resort has a specially defined area for training and character development that you would never want to miss out. Also, it has a well-equipped and well-furnished accommodation for the entire team.

Le Pondy- Located at a few kilometers distance from Chennai in Puducherry, the Le Pondy is one of the most favorite tourist destinations in southern India. It also happens to be the one and only historical resort in the entire area and offers some great luxury services to the people who come here in corporate groups or even individually.

There are many more places near Chennai where the groups can spend some great time filled with fun and adventure, and most of them are located in Puducherry. These events are gaining much popularity and many more such places are growing at a rapid pace near the metropolitans. The resort also has a spa which provides soothing treatments from well-trained therapists that help ease the body and mind making it the favourable spot for couples.
The Windflower Resort, Puducherry
The multi-cuisine restaurant in the resort has an attached lounge for casual gatherings perfect for team bonding. What more? Soothing spa treatments await you, inspired by the Balinese school of massage.

VGP Golden Beach Resorts, Injambakkam
VGP Golden Beach Resorts situated in picturesque Injambakkam is one of the more well-known resorts in Chennai perfect for a team outing. The resort emanates its grander in a striking manner where all the rooms (65 in total) offer an impressive view of the beach. It’s a pure joy to wake up to the gratifying sounds of the birds chirping and the cool sea breeze softly tapping at your window. Being host to some of the unique settings, the resort also serves a variety of food options for the team members.

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Adventure Corporate Outings North-West India

Kuskem Waterfall

Located in the Canacona region of South Goa, Kuskem Waterfalls is one of the most scenic falls in the state. The waterfall lies in the Kuskem village which is located at a distance of 12 km from Hathipal, the entry point of Cotigao Wildlife sanctuary. This makes for a wonderful pit stop while on the way to the sanctuary. It is a monsoon attraction though tourists need to trek a little bit to reach it. The ride to the Kuskem village itself is filled with beautiful sceneries of forests and green fields.

It is 30-meter deep waterfall which makes it a small waterfall but the fact that works in its way are that it is completely natural.

 

How to Reach:

Thought Kuskem Village is 28 km away from Canacona Bus stand, public transportation to the village is poor. It is better to have a private or rented vehicle. The route up to the Cotigao Wildlife sanctuary is on the National highway and easy to travel. We were able to see the landscape view of the waterfall even before reaching the village. The view filled us with vigor for the 2 km trek ahead through unsafe thick vegetation. There were no sign boards and no way to know the way apart from consultation with the villagers before embarking on our way ahead.

Tricky Trek

The trek is an easy walk till midway when we reached a slippery path. Since the water flows deep next to the path, it is better to stay cautious. There are few tourists nearby and no help in case of emergencies since phone networks don’t reach the area. Better to walk carefully and take care of belongings as well.

When we heard the sound of falling water and the path got a little rocky, we realized that we had reached our destination. It was a mesmerizing view of the waterfall. The water was white as milk as it slipped between the rocks plunging to the ground.

What to do:

Apart from enjoying the sights and the sound of the roaring waterfall, adventurous spirits can always stand beneath it and get drenched in nature’s gift. We took a couple of pictures and added another memorable experience to our travel memories.

Nearby places:

For those wishing to get out of the choking city noise, Kuskem waterfall is the perfect little hideout place. It is a hidden gem that is less known to tourists and thus, one can easily spend a day amidst the greenery and the fall. And once you are done here, Cotigao Wildlife sanctuary is nearby. They have many wild species as well as a beautiful butterfly garden one can visit.

Safety measures:

Since there are no boards or signs, it is better to have a talk with the villagers before proceeding. Take their advice before proceeding on foot. Since the area is not covered by cell phone towers, one must be extra-cautious. There are no safety instructions and the area near the falls is slippery. You also need to cross knee-deep water to reach the actual fall. Take all the precautions you can. Further, plan ahead in case you encounter sudden rainfall and take care of your cameras and electronics.

Kuskem waterfall is a wonderful place in South Goa for all nature lovers and once you are done enjoying the fresh water and cool breeze here, you can move further ahead to the Colva beach. This place is a delight for Trekkers, tourists, nature enthusiasts and environmentalists spending their vacation time in Goa. Since it is still mostly an undiscovered spot, you can find solitude here.

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Adventure Beaches Corporate Outings Itinerary Travel Trends

3 days in Goa is never enough!! Check out this itinerary to make sure you hit all the must-see spots

Goa is one such place where you can be for days as much as you want- a day, 10 days or month.  So if you have three days in hand for a destination like Goa, well plan your itinerary to cover most of it.

Day 1

Goa is well connected to other parts of the country by a network of rail, road, and air. Upon your arrival at Goa airport or railway station, take a taxi or avail other public modes of transportation to reach your hotel. To avoid the later hassle looking for hotels, make the prior reservation. Depending on your stay, north or south Goa, start your trip by exploring the nearby places on the first day. On your arrival, check-in to the hotel and take rest.

The best mode to go around in Goa is by renting a bike or scooter. You can start exploring from the south and eventually head towards north. South Goa is comparatively quieter than North Goa. Some of the popular beaches here are Colva, Agoda, Varca, and Benaulim. These beaches are home to some amazing shacks, discos and resorts, and ideal for honeymoon couples and those who want to spend some alone time away from the crowd. End the day with dinner at Curly’s or Mambos.

Day 2

Dedicate your entire 2nd and 3rd day for North and Old Goa, as it has a lot more to explore. Rent a bike or car to reach old Goa. Take a historical walk at the Latin Portuguese quarters, witness the grandeur of historical monuments and pay a visit to the ancient cathedrals. There are century old cathedrals such as Basilica of Bom Jesus and Chapel of St. Francis Xavier. Apart from the churches, there are some famous forts from the Portuguese era. One of them is Fort Aguada that has been majorly converted into a luxury hotel.
Spend your day exploring the ancient architecture and Portuguese colonies or Fountainhas areas of Goa. Passing through the streets of brightly colored houses, makes you gaze in wonder.  After devouring on sumptuous Goan food from any of the famous restaurant Gene or Ritz, head to Dona Paula to experience the sunset.


Day 3

For all those who want to see the fun side of Goa, head to North Goa. It is lined with beautiful beaches that abound in the number of water activities, pubs, and shacks offering delectable Goan cuisine. The popular beaches here are Anjuna, Baga, and Calangute where you can get indulged in in water sports such as Parasailing, scuba diving, and water skiing. This part of Goa attracts major tourist population all year round. You can even purchase some funky jewelry, spices, handicrafts, and souvenirs for your loved ones from the popular Anjuna Flea Market organized every Wednesday evening. Keep the night for the crazy trance parties that take place along the shore or at some popular clubs. Club Cubana at Arpora Hill in North Goa is a must place to be.  Another popular market is the Saturday Night Bazaar.

A 3 days trip to Goa if spent wisely can be a great one for holidaymakers to enjoy the sun, sand, and surf. Reach out to us for further bookings at ghoomophirosisters@gmail.com

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