Category: Ghoomophiro Blog

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Adventure Ghoomophiro Blog Travel Tips

Chasing Raindrops: Discovering the Best Monsoon Marvels in India

Top 10 places to visit in monsoon in India

Many tourists avoid traveling during monsoons. However, traveling in India during the monsoon season can be a unique, mesmerizing, and unforgettable experience. The rains bring lush greenery to the natural beauty of the country, and the temperatures are often cooler than during the other seasons. There are several festivals and events that take place during the monsoon, making it a great time to experience Indian culture.

If you’re looking for an adventure, consider traveling to India during the monsoon season. You won’t be disappointed!

All about monsoons and traveling during the season

First, let us consider when the monsoon is. In India, the monsoon season typically occurs from June to September, although the exact timing and duration can vary across different regions of the country. The monsoon is a crucial seasonal wind system characterized by heavy rainfall and is vital for our agricultural sector and overall water supply in India.

The monsoon season is divided into two main phases: the Southwest Monsoon and the Northeast Monsoon. Southwest Monsoon falls from June to September and is responsible for bringing the majority of rainfall to the country. The monsoon winds, known as the southwest monsoon winds, blow from the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal, carrying moisture-laden clouds. These winds then move across the Indian subcontinent, bringing rain to different parts of the country. It brings relief from the scorching summer heat.

After the Southwest Monsoon season, there is a brief transitional period before the onset of the next phase of the monsoon season, that is, the Northeast Monsoon. It usually starts in October and lasts until December and brings rainfall to parts of southern India, primarily the coastal regions of Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and parts of Kerala and Karnataka.

The timing and intensity of the monsoon can vary from year to year. You can learn about the time of arrival of monsoon in any region by following meteorological organizations such as the India Meteorological Department (IMD). These organizations closely monitor and provide forecasts to help prepare for potential impacts.

Now let us consider five excellent tourist attractions that are made even more attractive during monsoon:

1. Munnar

Kerala has often been justly called ‘God’s Own country’ given its paradise-like beauty, and Munnar is the best place to enjoy this immense beauty of the state. Nestled amidst the Western Ghats, Munnar becomes a lush green heavenly abode during the monsoon. Its key attractions – the rolling hills, tea plantations, and mist-covered valleys grow even more beautiful and create a breathtaking landscape. We recommend exploring Eravikulam National Park, visiting tea estates, and witnessing numerous waterfalls like the mesmerizing Attukad Waterfalls.

2. Udaipur

The Thar Desert state, Rajasthan, might not be someplace you would think of visiting during monsoon. However, Udaipur is a true oasis in this desert. Often called the City of Lakes, Udaipur is beautiful all year around, but the beauty of its lakes and places is significantly enhanced by the rainfall, creating a romantic ambiance. We recommend exploring The City Palace, Lake Pichola, and Jag Mandir Palace. You should also enjoy boat rides on the lake and indulge in traditional Rajasthani cuisine.

3. Coorg

Also known as Kodagu, Coorg is a picturesque hill station in Karnataka. It is known for its coffee plantations, waterfalls, and mist-covered valleys and attracts numerous tourists from nearby areas, including Bangalore. During the monsoon, it transforms into a verdant paradise with gushing rivers and lush landscapes. We recommend exploring Abbey Falls, visiting coffee estates, trekking through the forests, and experiencing the rich local culture.

4. Goa

Goa is known by many nicknames like party capital of India, Holiday capital of India, Beach capital of India, etc. Each of these nicknames is more than justified by its pristine beaches and party culture. However, its beaches adopt an altogether different charm during monsoon. The rainfall brings a vibrant green cover to the whole state, and the beaches, in particular, have a serene and tranquil atmosphere. We also recommend exploring Dudhsagar Falls, and spice plantations, enjoying monsoon treks, and savoring the delicious Goan cuisine.

5. Shillong

North-East India is particularly beautiful during monsoon season, and Shillong, the capital of Meghalaya, is the best place to enjoy it. Known as the “Scotland of the East,” Shillong receives abundant rainfall, actually making it one of the wettest places on Earth. The monsoon also adds a magical touch to the lush green hills, waterfalls, and picturesque landscapes. We recommend visiting Elephant Falls, exploring the living root bridges in Cherrapunji, and experiencing the unique culture of the Khasi tribes.

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

There are several questions that the readers may have about traveling during monsoons in India. The following are some of the most Frequently Asked Questions (F.A.Q.s):

Question: What are the advantages of traveling during monsoon season?

Answer: Here are some of the benefits of traveling to India during the monsoon season:

  • The weather is often cooler and more pleasant than during the other seasons.
  • The rains can bring lush greenery to the country, making it a beautiful time to visit.
  • There are many festivals and events that take place during the monsoon, making it a great time to experience Indian culture.
  • The crowds are smaller than during the other seasons, making it a more relaxing time to travel.

Question: What are some smart tips for traveling in India during the monsoon season?

Answer: Here are some tips for traveling in India during the monsoon season:

  • Pack light, waterproof clothing.
  • Be prepared for flooding.
  • Bring a first-aid kit and any medications you take regularly.
  • Please check local weather conditions and travel advisories before planning your trip, as heavy rainfall can sometimes lead to road closures or other travel disruptions.
  • Be aware of the risks of malaria and dengue fever, and take precautions to avoid them.
  • Relax and enjoy the experience!

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

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Festival Ghoomophiro Blog

All you need to know Kawad Yatra including 2023 guidelines

While Hinduism has several pilgrimages, the Kawad Yatra has gained considerable popularity over the years, and it attracts a large number of devotees from different parts of India. It is particularly prominent in the states of Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Rajasthan, where the yatra has been a part of the local culture for generations. This blog shall cover all you need to know about Kawad Yatra, with a special focus on 2023.

All you need to know about Kawad Yatra

Kawad Yatra is a religious pilgrimage in India that is dedicated to Lord Shiva, one of the holy trinities of Hindus and the God of destruction. It is an annual event that takes place during the Hindu calendar month of Shravan. Normally, Shravan or Savan covers a period of nearly 29 days from July to August. However, this year it shall have a total of 59 days, making the Kawad Yatra even more special. The yatra involves devotees carrying water from the holy river Ganges in Haridwar or other sacred places and walking long distances to offer it at Shiva temples.

Kawad Yatar is an arduous pilgrimage, and the people carrying it are called Kawadiyas. Kawadiyas carry special pots called Kawads on their shoulders by suspending them from a bamboo pole. The awards are filled with water from Ganga, which is the holiest river according to the Hindu religion. The award is decorated with colorful cloth, flowers, and many religious symbols. The devotees must undertake this arduous journey on foot, which often involves covering long distances of several kilometers or even hundreds of kilometers, depending on their dedication.

The history of the Kawad Yatra dates back to India’s ancient times and is deeply rooted in Hindu mythology and religious traditions. The origins of the yatra can be traced at least to the Puranas, which are ancient Hindu scriptures.

The mythological legend related to Kawad Yatra is that of Samudra Manthan. Samundra Manthan literally means churning of the ocean and refers to the Hindu legend of the churning of the cosmic ocean by gods and demons who were trying to obtain the elixir of immortality (Amrit). According to Hindu mythology, a pot of poison called halahal emerged from the ocean during the Samudra Manthan. This poison was so potent, according to myth, that it had the potential to destroy the entire universe. To save the universe, Lord Shiva drank the poison. However, instead of swallowing it, he held it in his throat, which turned blue. Thus earning him the nickname “Neelkanth,” meaning “the one with a blue throat.”

The Kawad Yatra is celebrated as a way of showing gratefulness to Lord Shiva. Devotees undertake the pilgrimage to carry the holy water from the Ganges, which symbolizes the divine nectar, and offer it to Lord Shiva at various temples as a sign of their gratitude and as a small gesture of offering relief to the almighty Shiva, who still holds poison in his throat to save the universe.

By participating in this arduous journey, devotees seek blessings and forgiveness for their sins, and they express their devotion and gratitude to Lord Shiva. The Kawad Yatra is a significant event for devotees of Lord Shiva, and it is believed to fulfill their wishes and bring blessings. The yatra is also an excellent way for devotees to demonstrate their devotion and seek spiritual growth. Along the way, devotees chant various prayers and hymns dedicated to Lord Shiva, sing Shiva artis and bhajans (devotional songs), and participate in religious rituals.

As for the route of the yatra, different regions in India have their own traditions and rituals associated with the Kawad Yatra. For example, in the state of Uttar Pradesh, devotees might undertake the yatra to the famous Shiva temple in Sultanganj, while in Rajasthan, the yatra is often associated with the temple of Neelkanth Mahadev in Pali district.

The Kawad Yatra is not only a pilgrimage but also has also become a cultural event, attracting not only religious devotees but also tourists who are fascinated by the grandeur and devotion displayed during the pilgrimage.

Kawad Yatra, sometimes called Kanwar Yatra, is just one of the ways in which devotees show their devotion to Lord Shiva; there are also Sawan Somwar vets – the fasts associated with the cosmic couple, that is, Lord Shiva and his consort Maa Parvati. That is why the two-month-long Savan holds special spiritual importance for Hindus.

There are also some other reasons for the importance of this month for Shiva Bhakta. For example, Lord Shiva would go to his in-law’s house every monsoon, and he was welcomed to earth with a Jalabhishek. On Shiva Purnima, which is the full month day of this month (and will come twice this year), Lord Shiva himself takes the form of water and receives cosmic energies from the same.

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

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

Question: Why does Savan this year has 59 days? Isn’t that twice as long as a typical month in the Indian calendar?

Answer: Savan this year has 59 days which means there will be two months of Savan this year. The extra month is also called Adhik Mas (additional month), Malmas, or Purusthotam Mas. This is a periodic but rare phenomenon that occurs after 19 years. The Hindu calendar is a lunar one and has 29.5 days in a month to ensure that it doesn’t deviate too much from seasons; an extra month is added every 19 years.

Question: What are some of the rules for Kawad Yatra?

Answer: The following are rules to be followed for Kawad Yatra:

  • No transportation is allowed. The whole pilgrimage must be made by foot.
  • The pilgrim cannot drink or even touch any type of intoxication, drugs, drinks, or meat. No form of tamasic food is allowed.
  • Don’t touch Kawad without bathing first.
  • Don’t let Kawad ever be touched by leather.
  • Don’t ever place Kawad below a bed or any piece of furniture.
  • Don’t place Kawad over your head.

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

Ten Most Famous Shiva Temples of India

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Beaches Ghoomophiro Blog North-West India Solo Women Travel

Things to do in Panjim

Goa is the holiday capital of India and Panjim is the capital of Goa. That introduction should be hint enough as it’s the enormity of attractions it has to offer.

Here is what #ghoomophiro thinks must do’s while in Panjim.

Our Lady of Immaculate Conception Church

The first in our list of 12 amazing things to do in Panjim is a visit to the place that has become the face of the city – Our Lady of Immaculate Conception Church. This church that is standing here for over 400 years has not lost in its beauty and still enchants anyone and every one with its architectural brilliance.

Maruti Temple

Maruti is another name of Lord Hanumana. This beautiful saffron-colored temple grows even more beautiful at dusk when it gets it lits up and shines like a pearl in the hills. The temple is located at top of a hill and it is a somewhat hike of steps to reach there.

Adil Shah Palace or Old Secretariat

Enough with religious places, next in our list of amazing thing stop do in Panjim is a visit to the only palace in the city – that once belonged to Adil Shah. The yellow and white building is now home to some of the best art exhibitions you will see in the country.

Cabo Raj Bhawan

Cabo Raj Bhawan’s brilliant architecture of this building situated at next to the Arabian Sea makes a visit to it fourth in our list of 12 amazing things to do in Panjim.

Residence of Goa’s governor is open to the public on the last three days of weekend – Friday to Sunday. But you must book online to be able to visit it, and the booking costs 300 INR per person and you must have a photo of with you.

The tour will let you see Aushadhi Vatika (literally a herbal garden); the helipad; the cannon point where the cannons still standing to look at the Arabian Sea willing to take on perils that might come from that way; Raj Bhawan museum, church where Dona Paula is buried, Grotta and, of course, the beach.

Mahalakshmi Temple

Okay, one more temple. But Mahalakshmi temple is the most popular temples in Panaji, we just couldn’t help but include it in our list of 12 amazing things to do in Panjim. It is popular with the unique Deepstambh in brickwork here.

Goa State Museum

Next in our list of 12 amazing things to do in Panjim is Goa State Museum.  There are some amazing artifacts here – including a wooden Raath (chariot); the ancient Hindu stones that honor the brave who sacrifices there loves posthumously, etc

Sunset at Dona Paula

Next in our list of amazing things to do in Panjim is watching the sunset at Dona Paula. A perfect vantage point where all you see is sea, sky, and sun, it is a perfect place to enjoy your sunset in Dona Paula. You must arrive half an hour before the time of sunset. The sunset at Dona Paula is best enjoyed during months after the monsoon (October and November) when the sunsets are even more particularly beautiful.

Miramar Beach

Included as next item in our list of amazing things to do in Panjim is a visit to Miramar Beach. Popular for its stunning sunsets, it offers you a chance to take a boat ride deeper into the sea. And there are dinner cruises available.

Fontainhas Heritage Walk

The Fontainhas is perhaps the oldest part of Panjim and is sometimes also called the Latin Quarters. It is known for its Latin architecture and colorful houses and steep staircases that connect it to the hill above making a cultural visit here one of 12 amazing things to do in Goa

Mandovi pleasures

Mandovi river and nearby areas offer a number of experiences which together form the next item in our list . To begin with it is just an amazing place for those who enjoy walking. Walk along the shores of Mandovi river and let your eyes feast on the beautiful sights it has to offer including tranquil peace of watching the sunset (particularly at Darya sangham).

You can also hire a private boat to explore the backwaters of the Mandovi river. Organized cruises mostly start in the evenings. Who knows you might even see dolphins!

You will also have a chance to go bird watching in the Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary nearby which is home to a number of exotic birds. All these pleasures together form an item we couldn’t help but include in our list of 12 amazing things to do in Panjim.

When to visit?

Panjim celebrates a number of festivals, the following ones are especially recommended at times to be in Panjim:

New Year – the fireworks at beaches are not an awesome sight to start your new year with; especially those at Miramar Beach.

Lokotsav – a folk festival when a number of artists from all over India perform at Kala academy for a duration of 10 days or so at Kala academy. The street food from all over the country also finds its ways into the city.

Viva Goa Carnival – full of joys that best carnivals can offer whether it be colorful decorations, music, dancing food and drinks, it is celebrated in the month of February.

Shigmo  – on the 18th of June every year, the streets are filled with tradional music.

Sao Joao – The onset of monsoons is celebrated by jumping into wells and well, these days into swimming pools.

Narkasur Chaturdashi – Goan version of Diwali involves children creating a demon names Narkasur which is burnt on the day of the festival.

IFFI – International Film Festival of India held in November every year turns places like Kala Academy, ESG and INOX theatres are full of cinema lovers.

GALF – Goa Arts and Literary Festival held in December every year bring literature and art lovers to ICG (International Center Goa) for 4 days in which talks, panel discussions, workshops, networking, etc are held.

Christmas

Ganesh Chaturthi

What to buy?

Panjim is center to Goa’s and, often, national and international culture so there is no dearth of souvenirs you can buy in Panjim. Some of the places you can buy you from – Mario Miranda Gallery near Panaji Church, Wendell Rodricks Boutique in Campal, 18th June Road, etc.

What to eat?

The  Zantye is where you can buy cashew and Kokum Sherbet. We recommend trying local fusion food at Black Sheep Bistro and Fish Curry at Ritz Classic. If you are into bars or cafes, Panjim has them almost everywhere.

Hotels in Panaji

Panjim has a number of both high-end, mid-range and budget hotels. The high-end hotels (Cicaade De Goa, Marriott Resort and Spa, Grand Hyatt, etc) are often next to sea beaches and offer stunning views making the price worth it. Among budget hotels, we recommend Hotel Mandovi which offers a charming view of the river.

Conclusion

Panjim is Goa in miniature, it will take you several days to take all it has to offer. We hope this article helps you in finding the best of pleasures it has to offer. J

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Adventure Ghoomophiro Blog Himalayas National Parks Relax Travel Trends Treks wildlife

Tranquility in the lap of Nature- Great Himalayan National Park

If you are looking for a surreal getaway from Delhi at a distance of overnight travel, then Himalayan National Park is a must for you. Bus from Kullu to Aute can take you inside, from where locals can guide you to the way toGoshani or Nagini, small villages in Kullu. It is from these villages, one can get into the park with the help of porters either by hiking or car can leave you at the entrance gate. Inside the park there are various hiking trails. Neuli- Sarangarh loop, Neuli- Sainj valley, Sainj- Tirthan valley, Gushaini-Tinder village, Gushaini- Shilt Hut, Neuli-Manu temple, Siund- Pashi villages, Jiwa Nala- Parvati River valley, Gushaini- Tirthan valley and Shamshi- Kaza are some of the popular ones. We took Gushaini to Tirthan. The place is bounded by lush green forests, waterfalls, and indeed make it one of the scenic places. Thankfully, modernization has not yet reached this part of the Kullu and hence place continues to brim its beauty. Park is part of world UNESCO Site. It is the home for several endangered flora & fauna and is bird watcher’s paradise.Let this photo essay drive inspire you for your next trip to Great Himalayan National Park.

Beautiful Tirthan valley & river, which is famous for trout fishing

Several locals, shepherds can be seen inside the park with their cattle.

Entry Gate to the park. There is a small entry fee, which is been taken by the forest department. Do carry your photo ID, while you enter the park.

This is what you can expect inside this beautiful jungle. The lovely camaraderie of waterfalls, trees, and birds perching. Perfect place to find your solitude and unwind yourself.

Camping in the midst of Jungle, in itself gives you goosebumps, as you set your camp beside the flowing river, and want to get lost in the wilderness.

The place is totally unchartered and your solidarity can surely resonate with the mesmerizing and unprecedented beauty of the jungles and you would not mind coming here, whenever you are looking an escape from maddening cities.

Best time to go here is summers, though the park is opened throughout the year, but summers attract a lot of trekkers to the park.

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Adventure Central India Ghoomophiro Blog Rejuvenate Travel Trends wildlife

Highlands of Central India

Madhya Pradesh- Central India …When I took 7 days off, the first question that came to everyone’s mind was, why Madhya Pradesh? Shocked folks asked me” Actually you would like to go to MP”. But yes, me and my sister finally packed our bags, started our journey to ajab gajab state of India i.e MP. Our journey started with an overnight train journey from Delhi to Khajuraho. MP is a state of variety where one can enjoy flavors of art/culture/history/wildlife/scenic beauty. After spending 5 days there, we totally realized why the state is truly ajab & gajab, and why one should go there.

History and Architecture: Our first day was in Khajuraho, that depict an eternal celebration of love in the form of stone carved temples. The Western Group of temples, in particular, contains some stunning sculptures. One of the Unesco world heritage sites. They are predominantly Hindu temples and most of them face the sunriseYou would need at least 2 complete days to go through these temples. Moving to Mandu, which is popular as Monsoon Magic! These are beautiful Jain sculptures,that talk about the glorious past of MP. Forts at Gwalior

Nature at its best: MP gives you the chance to go through the dense Satpura forests in reality about which each one of us had been reading since childhood. A drive through these forests is beautiful. Pachmarhi, also known as “queen of Satpura” is beautiful hill station located in the adds the beauty to MP. It is blessed with rich flora & fauna and breathtaking waterfalls like befall, Duchess fall, Apsara falls. The famous Liril advert has been shot here.

Boat ride at Bhedaghat, view at Dhuandhar falls adds beauty to the state.

National Parks and Wildlife : Madhya Pradesh is The Tiger-land of India.It boasts of 4 major National parks and hence destination for folks interested in the documentary on wildlife. Though we happen to go Bandhavgarh only, but Kanha is also a good place to spot tigers. All these forests are bustling with deer, antelopes, tigers. Not only the tigers, Chambal River has gharials and Gangetic dolphins sight of which is unbelievable.

Pilgrimage:  State also attract a lot of pilgrim enthusiasts, as it boasts of having world’s finest Jain temples in Ujjain and Chitrkoot holds the importance from Ramayana as the place where Ram & Sita stayed during their exile (vanwas).

Not to miss, MP also provides ample opportunities for shopaholics like me. Chanderi and Maheshwari famous and colorful silks and every girl would love them. I am sure, the place is indeed photographer’s delight. So when are you packing your bags for Madhya Pradesh!!!

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Beaches Foodie Ghoomophiro Blog Hotel Reviews Relax Staycation Tribal Western Ghats wildlife

A Foodie evening at Ocean Deck Resort

During my recent trips to Karwar, I got to experience the amazing home stay at Ocean Deck Resort. It is a beautiful island that truly depicts home away from home. Though due to lack of time, I thought to drop the idea of going there, but after hearing so much about the place, I went, and must say, my food journey would have been incomplete, if I wouldn’t have come there. What makes this place more unique and offers comfortable stay is bcoz to its owner Mr.Vinay, who is always energized and ensures the best stay for his customers. Review here is based on my stay, food and definitely quick conversations with the people staying. The place is easily accessible with Dabolim airport at a distance of 100Kms. Pick & Drop can be arranged on request. Here are highlights of the place as experienced by me.
1) If you want to experience a homestay in Karwar, this is the place you would want to be. Listed in lonely planet, for its amazing location and hospitality, this place is always the top choice for repeat guests at Karwar.
2) Since the homestay is just 5 Kms away from Karwar Museum , Devbagh beach and 60 Km away from Gokarna Beach, there are ample places to roam around, if you have a weekend in hand and you are eager to explore the in and around the place.

3) If you are foodie, nothing can beat them in Karwar. I happen to eat vegetarian variants, which I have never heard of. Be it Karela chakri or fried bhindis, everything has its own charm. Lime water was super with perfect blend of lemon and sugar to quench your thirst. I wish I could pack some. Sea-food is good and place is heaven for sea-food lovers. During your stay, you can do fishing and can get the same for dinner. Apparently, all you need is to order for the fish you would like to eat and you can have the same in your scrumptious meal.

  

4) The place is run by the Mr.Vinay who acts as host, chef, and waiter. He stays there itself and ensures that all his guests are being taken care of properly. This is what makes the place all the more experiential and your stay more memorable.

5) The place provides plethora of activities wherein you can indulge yourself. They include Machine boat ride, beach trekking, Kayaking, wooden boat ride, river crossing, fishing.

6) Free access to Wi-fi. You can remain connected to your folks all the time and can share live updates while making them jealous

7) The place is completely in the lap of nature, with a beautiful setting. Backwaters and Devbagh beach make the place more serene and photogenic.


8) Accommodation ranges from suites to fishermen’s room. They are well-furnished with all basic amenities in them.

9) Campfires are arranged every evening upon nightfall and are a great way to relax and soak yourself in the lap of nature.


10) It is indeed value for money, that gives you the opportunity to get lost in nature.
Being a nature lover and foodie together, this place is surely my personal recommendation to those who are looking for an escape from the city buzz.
What are you waiting for? Plan your upcoming weekend to Karwar and get your bookings from Ocean Deck or call Mr. Vinay at +91-9342994358 or write to them at bookings@oceandeck.org

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Ghoomophiro Blog Techie

Getting to your roots with ToRoots.

During my regular research and satiating quest for travel domain, I bumped into this interesting start-up called toroots.. What caught my eyes was its name, or you may say name at first sight;).  My curiosity rose to the extent, that could not resist to call them up and I am glad I did.

ToRoots , is a concept, where-in they are redefining travel landscape of India to start with and take it to next level. The team is still into development phase and working relentlessly to make this concept successful. Their prime objective is to encourage experiential travelling. They are acting as mediators to bridge the gap between who want to experience, and who creates experiences.

So whether you are a person who seeks thrilling adventures or a history buff who craves culture, you’ll most definitely find your pick because there portfolio seems very promising covering experiences from all genres of travel. Some of them would be like:

Dancing around with a million fireflies at a riverside camp in a secluded village

Finding a sanctuary in the middle of nowhere, amidst the mighty ranges of the Himalayas where you can sleep under a sheet of stars

Living and breathing the authentic traditions of Goa, on an island village, away from the bustling beaches

You can find more about them at Facebook  Twitter

Keep Discovering! Keep Exploring!

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Central India Ghoomophiro Blog Hotel Reviews National Parks Relax Staycation

Getting Lost in wilderness of Pashangarh Taj Safaris.

Pashangarh wilderness lodge is located in Pashan Garh, adjacent to the Panna National Park and is a beautiful rugged property of Taj Safaris. . It is mere 50 km from Khajuraho, a famous World Heritage Site along the river Ken. It comprises of 12 cottages of stone cottage( as Pashan means stone)

The lobby celebrates Haveli design, with a spacious central courtyard. The interiors are contemporary mix of chocolate linens, block-printed black silks, celadon cottons and cotton lace chandeliers.

All suites have private veranda machaans, luxurious bathrooms with huge central showers, seperate wc, twin hand basins.  The overall design is stony and rough, with white marble, leather, ebony and chocolate highlights. Highlight is, there are no TVs in the property. When asked, I was told, we want people enjoy the beauty rather than getting indulged in TV. The interiors make for a bold statement in luxury and stone walls reduce to buttresses at the corner where two squares intersect, leaving behind glass, jaali latisse, mosquitoes screens and sliding doors. Every small item is room is well crafted and thought through. Staff is very courteous and available for the guests.

Dining

Dining in Pashan Garh is an experience in itself, not only with the vividity of menu but also in the presentation. Dining experience is also the highlight of the place. Lunch was served to us in the nearby rural settings in bitten silver cutlery. However, poolside lunch is also available. Care is taken for each and every guest separately to make sure, they have Wow experience.

What I enjoyed most was the lakeside bullock cart dinner, which not only gave us privacy but also complete freedom to gaze the stars as we had our dinner. Other option available is dinners on the deck. The presentation of breakfast next morning added to our experience.

Highly recommended property if you are traveling to Khajuraho,  if you plan to get lost in the wilderness for few days.

 

 

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Beaches Foodie Ghoomophiro Blog Hotel Reviews Relax Staycation Treks Western Ghats wildlife

All about Devbagh Beach Resort, Karwar

Devbagh Beach Resort

Devbagh is a stop for an ardent beach lover. Sun, sand, surf, sea and endless open space, Devbagh is famous for its private beaches, where you can build your dream castles, collect seashells, chase crabs, locating fishermen in boats or just soak yourself in sun and let waves wash away your worries. 3 Kms away i.e just 29 minutes ferry ride from Karwar is situated one of the finest property of  Karnataka Tourism. Devbagh Beach Resort is located in the converging landscape located in Karwar, which is 100 Kms away from Dabolim airport and located at Karnataka–Goa border. Devbagh is at its beautiful best from October to May.

Accommodation: Resort opens a world of pristine natural beauty.  It has got lovely log-hut cottages with a balcony. Rooms are spacious with all modern facilities. The Gol Ghar, is the group dining hall, serves a delectable buffet spread of both vegetarian and non-vegetarian cuisine. The seafood is highly recommended. Fishes served here are usually fresh. Dinner is served on the beaches wherein every evening bon-fire is set up with snacks. Spa here is amazing. Oils and other ingredients used are purely herbal.

Activities: Devbagh has something or the other for everyone. 24 hrs are less for you to explore the place completely. If you are an adventurous person, try parasailing, snorkeling (which is being done under the supervision of trained professionals, who ensures complete safety of its guests), banana boat ride, scooter-ride and other water sports. One can also go for speed boat cruises in Arabian sea to spot Dolphins. If you are a nature lover, get up in morning and take a stroll in backwaters and can spot rare birds in mangrove thatches. It is a paradise for bird watchers as conditions are conducive for migratory birds. If you like studying human nature, then a stroll in an adjacent fishing village is a good experience; wherein you can witness how their day starts, to how it ends. It gives a complete picture of a day in fishermen’s life. If a relaxing vacation is on your mind, then soaking in the sun or lazing on a hammock is a good option. One can also cruise up to the confluence of Arabian sea and river Kali. A trek in the jungles is highly recommended and capturing sunrise and sunset is photographer’s delight at the resort. The Place is indeed photogenic.  A day tour to the city is also organized by the resort on request, wherein you can roam around the Karwar. All activities are conducted under strict supervision and interaction with the staff adds lots of value.  The staff here is very courteous. Manager of the lodge makes it a point to spend time with each family staying and take care of their day to day needs. Personal attention is given to all guests. If you are looking for a getaway beyond Goa with all similar amenities, Devbagh beach resort tops the priority chart. You can reach out to www.dandeli.com for your bookings. They made it really simple for me when it comes to the arrangement.


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Forsyth Lodge- Experiential Lodge to get lost in Satpura Reserve, Madhya Pradesh

Forsyth Lodge, is a 2 hrs drive from Bhopal airport. It is just 10 min away from Madhai gate of Satpura tiger reserve, Madhya Pradesh.

Accommodation: There are 12 luxury cottages overlooking 44acres of land. Each cottage is well spacious, well maintained with best of fixtures. Rooms are comforting; with few of them have machan terraces. As you enter the room, you are welcomed by a beautiful message that talks about wilderness. Interiors are very artistic and remind you “welcome to jungle”. Their walls are made from packed straw, mud and cow dung (as is the local building style) and painted with wild animals and flowers, giving them a whimsical touch. Cottages have private balconies, wherein you can sip your morning coffee, read your favorite book overlooking the great jungle. Air conditioning, Fan, Mosquito net, Extra beds Terrace Bathrobes, Toiletries , Hairdryer etc are available. The highlight of the cottages are their Eco-friendliness. Every small thing kept there is well thought. Everything here is recycled, even the fixtures in washroom are such that, water can be recycled. Basic amenities like swimming pool, spa is available.


Meals: Meals (included in the room rate) are served in various locations around the lodge. Under trees, by the pool, on sofa’d torchlit terraces or in dining rooms. There are Western and Indian offerings at each meal with detailed menu laid out.
Breakfast was equally delicious and plentiful: fruit and fresh-pressed pomegranate juice, followed by eggs cooked to order, grilled tomato, bacon, mushroom ragout and multigrain toast. Out on an early safari? Then it’s a packed breakfast in the middle of the tiger reserve for you.
Afternoon tea, with its fresh-baked cookies and cakes, is nice, but it’s dinner when Forsyth pulls out all the stops: cocktails and nibbles around a roaring bonfire, followed by dinner under the stars, either on a terrace in the main lodge or out in the bush with oil lamps hung from the trees (the bar was set up on a bullock cart!). You start with a soup and then move on to succulent meat curries and fragrant vegetarian dishes served with Indian bread.
#theForsythExperience – Yes, this is what one would call #theForsythExperience, when you are greeted by wonderful hosts Rishi and his team, who work reluctantly to ensure the best experience for each guest, by their constant efforts. It seems these guys are on a mission to bring you close to wildlife. There are multiple activities, which team involves you in. The itinerary planned is power packed, and the day starts with the wake-up call at 6 AM, to go for a walk inside the Satpura Tiger Reserve. These jungle walks are accompanied by great naturalists David Raju and Surya, who let you discover the vast array of species inside the jungle. The highlight of this walk is spotted dears and breakfast in the midst of the jungle. Other excursions being organized by lodge includes Canoeing, wherein you can watch birds involved in soaking in sunlight, as you paddle the canoe nearest to them and watch the sunrise in beautiful Deneva river. One can also enjoy Jeep safari and enjoy the drive with sloth bears, spotted deer, gaurs, bisons and other wild animals in their natural surroundings. I was lucky to get hold of the mother bear with her two cubs in action. The place is a paradise for the bird watcher. Evenings are made beautiful with bonfires and bullock cart dinner experience, where you can enjoy your dinner under the sky in amazingly romantic ambiance. This dinner is usually followed by star gazing, where you are taken to the stories of greeks and Romans. 2 days are little short to complete the experience as there is a lot more to explore with eminent naturalists. Btw, not to miss is the handsome dog there, who is just adorable. It is indeed a recommended place, if you are looking for a getaway away from the city with limited access to the network, and want to get lost in the wilderness. It is the place, from where you would surely not like to come back. It is indeed bewitching and at times gives you the feeling that whole property belongs to you.


P.S-> During Monsoons, Lodge is closed for renovations.
Thank you Forsyth Lodge for the amazing experience. You can reach out to them at Facebook,Instagram,twitter.

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