Category: Itinerary

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Architectural Beaches Itinerary South India

Travel Guide To Visit Mahabalipuram

Mahabalipuram

Since ages, Mahabalipuram has served as the seaport of India. Apart from being important from a commerce point of view, the place is equally vital from the tourism viewpoint. The historical touch associated with the place along with a plethora of tourist activities to do there, just like anyone else, we (Ghoomophiro sisters) too got fascinated to plan a trip to Mahabalipuram and believe us when we say that the trip was one of the most amazing times of our lives. Having gained a lot of experience, we are nowhere to offer you splendid guidance to prepare your visit to Mahabalipuram so that you do not miss out on important things and most importantly so that you can plan excursions accordingly to the time available with you.

How to reach Mahabalipuram

Around 58 km from Chennai, Mahabalipuram is easy to access via road, rail, and air. Chengalpattu is the closest railway station and the Chennai railhead is the nearest major railway station to which you can take trains from major cities including Bangalore, Delhi, Mumbai, and Kolkata. From the railway station, you can take a cab to reach Mahabalipuram. However, we (Ghoomophiro sisters) resorted to taking a bus the ticket of which cost us INR 80 each. Choosing to self-drive via your own car or ZOOM Car will give you an opportunity to halt at numerous places to enjoy the beauty. Ola Outstation is another option if you want to hire a taxi.

Best time to visit Mahabalipuram

The place remains worth exploring throughout the year in case you have no option to be choosy with the months. However, we recommend visiting the place in the months that mark the end of summers and the onset of winters and again before the onset of summers. To be specific, you should be planning a trip between the months of October to March. During these months the climate remains awesome with warm days in addition to cold nights. The weather during these months is ideal for performing all the outdoor activities as well as for exploring the beautiful town.

Where to stay at Mahabalipuram

Comfortable stay is an important aspect of our entire trip. Only if we are able to have a peaceful sleep at night, are we able to explore the place wholeheartedly the next day? So, be very careful about choosing the place to stay. From as expensive as Radisson Blu Resort Temple Bay Mamallapuram, to as pocket friendly as Vinodhara Guest House, there are plenty of options for you to stay. To list a few names that will not disappoint you are Mamalla Beach Resort, Hotel Mahabs, Vinodhara Guest House, and many more. However, we resorted to staying at Bay Inn as it was within our budget and close to the major attractions.

Things to Do In Mahabalipuram

Believe us, there are literally a lot of activities and sightseeing to do in Mahabalipuram. Not only will you find visitors from across different states of India but also from across the globe. This is one of the most happening places that stand quite against our belief of this place being more spiritual and historic.

Religious touch at temples

The Panch Ratha (five chariots) is the first thing that we (Ghoomophiro sisters) explored in Mahabalipuram. It is a monolithic temple where five rathas are carved, amazingly with a single stone. Having clicked few pictures there are appreciating the architecture we (Ghoomophiro sisters) headed towards shore temple which contrarily is a masonry temple having a diverse construction. We suggest visiting the temple early at 6 am when it is blessed with the resplendent morning glow. To enter both the premises we paid INR 30 each. The two temples are at a distance of 1.8km which makes covering both sides convenient. Arjuna’s penance and Butterball are again a must-have sight if you have ample time to spare.

Lighthouse and Mahishamardini cave

Lighthouse is an important sightseeing point. However, we were lucky enough to find a way to Mahishamardini cave close to Light House, free of cost and facilitating a view of beautiful sculptures, namely, reclining Shiva and reclining Vishnu. Not many people are aware of Mahishamardini cave and honestly, we weren’t either. We (Ghoomophiro sisters) halted for snacks at a place where the owner of the stall suggested us to go to the cave and believe us it is worth seeing. The entry to the cave is free of cost. Side by side, be aware that you are strolling across the hill area that is again one of the must-do things at Mahabalipuram.

Sculpture museum

Having a lack of time, we (Ghoomophiro sisters) were not able to explore the sculpture museum in depths but it is a really good place for those who are extremely fond of sculptures. Also, you can buy marvelous sculptures from the shops that offer them forsake.

Ayurvedic Message

We (Ghoomophiro sisters) are a diehard fan of Ayurvedic therapies so missed getting one at Mahabalipuram neither. There are some of the most stunning Ayurveda centers in the city, highly professional implying that you need to ask them to give you a piece of cloth to cover some portions of your body in case you do not mind it otherwise. Mostly, the centers charge you around a grand for a massage of an hour.

Sea surfing

Last but not least, we (Ghoomophiro sisters) also tried our hands at sea surfing at a Surf Club situated on the East Coast Road connecting Chennai to Pondicherry. It is undoubtedly one of the must-have experiences. There are experts available there to give you detailed guidance on how to go about doing the activity. To those who simply want to enjoy the lukewarm water can have a dip at the sea.

 

Things to eat in Mahabalipuram

There are plenty of French cafes as well as restaurants in Mahabalipuram serving not only amazing French cuisine but also stunning French wine. Apart from this, you will also find good Italian, Chinese, Punjabi, and South cuisines. There are plenty of stalls also set up around the places that offer street food at very affordable prices. We (Ghoomophiro sisters) tried French Cuisine at Le Yogi Restaurant, Chinese at Sea Shore Garden Beach restaurant, and Indian cuisine at Hotel Mamalla Bhavan during our entire stay. You can also explore Moonrakers Restaurant, Bambino Beach Restaurant, and Searock Restaurant also among many that offer lovely food and drinks.

Shopping places at Mahabalipuram

It is obvious that we (Ghoomophiro sisters) could have not returned home without buying beautiful things and obviously the souvenirs from this mesmerizing location. So, we (Ghoomophiro sisters) went for some Street Shopping Close to the Shore Temple ad bought some really nice stuff for ourselves ta a very reasonable price. Local people also guided us to explore Babu Stores that are popular among them. Other places that we explored were Sri Krishna Shopping Centre and sri shakthi Handicraft.

This is our story of travel to Mahabalipuram. We (Ghoomophiro sisters) have tried listing each and everything that a tourist usually needs to know. However, in case you feel we have skipped something you can surely add your reviews in the comment section below and we will surely add the same to our article. Also, if you have some questions to ask regarding the trip to Mahabalipuram or Do’s and Don’ts then feel free to use that little comment box below, we will revert to your queries as soon as possible

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Itinerary

Shimoga is much more than just a land of satiating beauty- Hidden facts unleashed!

Apart from being the ‘Gateway to Malnad,’ Shimoga is a pride to Karnataka with its eye-captivating natural beauty and wonder landscapes. Shimoga stands for the purest form of nature that is a feast of the soul with its scenic beauty and architectural grandeur. Unexplored and unknown, Shimoga is still not a popular tourist spot and retains its untouched beauty with plush greenery and adventurous mountain ranges. But we would discuss many other facts that are least known to the world. Shimoga district restores the ‘Sanskrit‘ legacy of India in its Mattur village that is one of its kind. Many others never heard facts are yet to come.

There are many gateways in this district of Karnataka that start right from the world-famous railway line, which passes through strolling waters and splendid greenery. Many popular attractions, unknown facts, and real vibe of Shimoga are our take today. 

List for ‘Marvels of Shimoga’

Mattur- An epitome of Sanskrit in India

The rarest village from across the world where every person communicates is our oldest lingual, ‘sanskrit.’ It nurtures the Indian values and passes on with galore to coming generations. With a little strength of 5000 people, Mattur preaches the Vedas and Puranas right from the age of 10. If you visit Mattur, gestures like Katham Asti (How are you) Shubham Bhavatu (May all good happen to me) would mesmerize you and allure you to the cultural roots. 

One IT engineer is in every family of Mattur, and it portrays the power of education and culture. This Sanskrit village is into existence since 1981 when an organization named ‘Sanskrit Bharati’ did a ten-day workshop, and people in the town got overwhelmed with the idea. Most villagers speak Sankethi, a sporadic dialect spoken that is a combination of Kannada, Sanskrit, Telegu, and Tamil. Residents of this village own a firm belief in Vedic literature and absorb it as a part of their lifestyle. Sanskrit resides in their music, dance, art, and expression! Youngsters of Mattur empowers and promotes Sanskrit at job hubs like Cisco and Infosys. Isn’t that worth a pride?

Unveil the trekking thirst at Kodachadri range

With close vicinity to western ghats, Kodachadri ranges are a real thrill to trekkers. Magnificent landscape embarks you to avail the best of this experience. Amongst the highest peaks in Karnataka, it is also a heaven for crazy trekkers. The trail journey towards the peak adorns exotic greenery and greenery abundance that captures the hearts away. Your eyes could not escape the sparkling waterfalls that are milky white and cover the beautiful meadows. Sunset view through the trek marks a memorable moment to your journey. 

Jog Falls- Crown of Shimoga

Jog falls can beat any other famous waterfalls with its gurgling glory and squashing waters. Coming from the height of 253 m, this place signifies India’s natural wonders, and viewers stay awestruck with its grandeur. Jogada Gundi or Gersoppa waterfalls are another name and begin from the Sharavathi river. Monsoons give them a vigorous flow, so it is better to skip the deep plunges. 

Tiger roars at Shettihalli wildlife sanctuary

Next delight to Sanskrit hub Shimoga is its jaw-dropping wildlife sanctuary that restores the thrilling forest wonders. If you are lucky enough, a striped leopard might cross your view or some giant bears goosing in the greenery. Being a secure home to abundant wildlife of this region, it is a beautiful habitat for animals like leopard, deer, jackal, elephant, and langur. It is apt to unite with real nature with some unfiltered backdrops for a perfect wildlife photography session. 

Explore the bird fiesta at Mandagadde Bird Sanctuary

Summon the union with exotic birds waving around freely at Mandagadde bird sanctuary. This island’s scenic beauty highlights when a flock of chirps from far away region comes for a native rest at this place. With the Tunga river by its side, you get a magical vision for these pretty creatures and their queer traits. For a hungry camera lens, this island of exquisite bird beauty is a desirable spot. Median Egrets, Snakebird, Darter, and Little Cormorant are a treat to bird-watchers!

Honnemaradu- Perfect for nerve cracking thrills with water plays

If you are an adventure fanatic, these small villages coasted near Sharavathi River are a delight to campers and sports freaks. Resting in the lap of nature with enthralling landscapes and water noises around, it is a paradise for camping creatures. Range of sports activities to enjoy at Honnemaradu include kayaking, surfing, canoeing, trekking, coracle water tours, and windsurfing. It’s an endeavor to travelers who are in the hunt for something distinct!

Keladi- Signifies the majestic culture and architecture of Shimoga

For a die-hard devotee of culture and traditions, Keladi is sheer fun and achievement of glory. Also known as a temple town of Shimoga, Keladi signifies the Dravidian and Hoysala architecture. You cannot miss a visit to its main attraction from the 12th century, Rameshwara Temple. Intricate ornate on pillar and walls carved with the glory of its traditions are a must-watch. Lord Shiva is their deity following the idols of Lord Veerabhadra and Lord Ganesha. 

Slice of history at Nagara Fort

Next up in the Sanskrit district is the famous Nagara fort. You can hunt for a glimpse of the olden Shimoga era with a mesmerizing visit to this fort. Standing tall since the 16th century, the famous ruler Shivappa Naik of Keladi made it. With a water cover all around, high flowing water currents are its natural protectors. While walking through this majestic palace, you can witness the castle, king’s court, water tanks, and cannons of the fort. Holding the panoramic eye to nature, all around would remain in your memory forever. 

Visit Heggodu

Heggodu is a vibrant hub of culture and heritage. It exhibits a plethora of art and cultural pursuits from across the world. Many performances from local dance troops and a variety of theatre artists make your trip a memorable one. 

Languages spoken in Shimoga are Kannada, Telugu, and Sanskrit, specifically spoken in Mattaru. With the advancement of tourism, people now also understand Hindi and English as well. Cuisines from Shimoga are all unique and pertain to a different local touch. Like most Southern states, this place also serves you with all the meals in a beautiful leafy platter. Every bite of this place conquers nature, and food is no exception. With an exclusive dish list including Bisi Bele Bath, Saaru Jolada roti, Davanagere Benne Dosa to Uppittu, there are many options to pamper your hunger cravings. 

 

Wrap up

Starting from Mattur, A Sanskrit village of Shimoga to other exorbitant attractions of the district, this place has many decorative elements to explore. If you crave for the majestic landscapes and beautiful surroundings, it is an absolute delight. This district holds a specific significance for the waterfalls and natural wonders. Scientists and scholars from a Sanskrit village ‘Mattur’ have spread the glory and majesty of this place worldwide. The lingual Franca of this place is evident from shopkeepers or home keepers. Shimoga restores the untouched beauty that replicates the aura of real India. Visit this place could fill for appetite for the thirst of landscapes, forests, and waterfalls. Filled with explicit beauty all around, it is an excellent place for a thrilling trip!

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Itinerary Rejoice Rejuvenate Solo Women Travel

Explore the Morocco tour with Ghoomophirosisters

MOROCCO TOUR 14Days from Casablanca- TREK MOROCCO DESERT TOUR

We, the Ghoomophirosisters, made up a plan to explore the splendid landscapes of Morocco and took a ‘Trek Morocco Desert Tour’. The excitement was on the verge to witness the beauty of sea, oasis, atlas, and Sahara in Africa. It’s a royal city with vicinity to the Atlantic and Mediterranean coastline. Being a North African country, it has a fantastic mountain and desert views, and the add-ons are the Berber villages via the Kasbahs, castles of Morocco and the souk selling Arabic jewelry, lanterns and a lot more. 

You can check with the tour operator for the variety of packages to make the most of this beautiful location, and our choice was trek-morocco desert’s 14-day extensive tour to capture every bite of this beautiful country. We took the services of Travelers who are fond of landscapes can take up a 7,8, 10, 13, or 14-day package as per their preferences. 

Our flight schedule is from Indira Gandhi International Airport and would reach Casablanca (CMN) in 15h 45min. You can hunt for flights from other cities in India as well. To catch up on a direct flight, opt amongst Gulf Air, Turkish Airlines, Capital Airlines, Delta, Oman, and KLM. May is the time when your Morocco trip falls cheap. 

DAY 1: CASABLANCA 

Our journey to ‘Trek Morocco Desert’ begins with a warm welcome at the Casablanca airport. Hotel pick up was at the wait, and we were first taken to Hasan II mosque, DinnerDinner, and the overnight stay at the hotel. Through the journey, we got some mesmerizing views of Casablanca city and awestruck views of cornice and sea. Hasan II is the second largest mosque of Africa and 7th largest in the world. We were taken away by the sight of its minaret, which seems to blend with the skies. It was a privilege to witness such magnificent architecture, and the beautiful route further took us to DinnerDinner at a veggie where we pampered our hunger pangs with tasty cuisines following the leisure time at the hotel. 

DAY 2 : Casablanca-Marrakech:

After the morning breakfast, we had a departure to Marrakech via Sidi bouatmane. It was a soul-soothing 3h long drive to reach the red city, and Ghoomophirosisters has a fun time with chic talks throughout the way. Our local guide took us to witness the picturesque town, and the popular attractions included Jemma el-Fnaa, a part of Medina and colourful souks where you get the real essence of authentic spices with shouts of merchants giving you a call. Bahia Palace, Ben Youssef Madrasa, Saadian Tombs, El Badi Palace and the famous Marrakech museum that depicts the galore and culture of this country. After the whole day of pondering, we took a horse carriage ride in the night at the new city gueliz to conquer the night views as well. Later, we had DinnerDinner on the way to the hotel and the overnight stay. 

DAY 3 : Marrakech-Atlas mountain(imlil)  

With a tasty morning breakfast at the hotel, our journey begun with a long car drive to Imlil at the atlas mountain. It is a perfect destination for trek lovers and thoroughly had the most of it. A 2-hour walk within the small town and the majestic view to the Atlas mountains was breathtaking. View to Peak Toubkal is a pleasant sight from the village. Our next plan was to trek through the atlas. So we had a sound overnight sleep with enthusiasm for the following day. 

DAY 4 :toubkal peak 4167m- Imlil Atlas

For the next two days, we will stay in the lap of the atlas at Imlil and explore the authentic villages of Berber. Hiking and trekking in this region is a perfect experience for trek lovers like us. Our women gang decked up in trek gears to explore the mountain ranges that have a distinct scent of purity. We spent a good time while hiking and trekking in the atlas and its villages and also got up the mounts using mules and horses. Views and landscapes you witness while trekking through the mountains is a sight for life. It further led to walk around Imlil or the armed villages. There’s a small tea spot known as ‘hamou house’, and you can have amazing sips of refreshment over there. 

DAY 5 : imlil to Ait ben haddou kasbah

After the morning breakfast, we took the grandeur of Atlas Mountain via Tizi and tichka 2260m. A drive towards telouet off-road allows to capture the scenic beauty, and the next stop was Kasbah of ait ben haddou. It is a magnificent castle that depicts the glory of the picturesque town. On the way, we had a refreshing tea at Rue de Kasbah that gave us a quick boost of energy. The tea stall person also gave a quick brief about the history of that place. 

DAY 6 : Ait ben haddou kasbah-fint oasis-ouarzazate

After a silent night at the Kasbah, Ghoomophirosisters woke up with a ray of fresh morning sunshine and had a veg breakfast to charge up for an exciting day. Our next drive was towards the cinema area at Hollywood African city. Ouarzazate is the door to a desert area that takes increases the anxiety for stepping ahead. We got a few pictures at the door, and it was a memorable day for us as something very grand and majestic was at our sight. It is a must-visit attraction while being in Morocco. Later, our local guide took us to the oasis and film studios. Our night stay at Ouarzazate made us felt closer to the heavenly landscape, and we had fun hanging out during the night time. 

DAY 7: OUARZAZATE-ROSES valley 

Early morning breakfast kicked us to depart from Ouarzazate, and we head towards Kela MGouna. This is also known as the Roses valley due to the rose festival held here each year. You can explore here with a visit to divine Kasbah and other historic attractions over there. With a visit to amridil ksar and skoura oasis. Further, we had an eye-pleasing sight to discover the roses valley in that region. 

DAY 8: roses valley-Merzouga desert

With a new day, a new journey starts for Ghoomophirosisters. Our girl gang took a drive to Sahara and initiated the prime attraction, ‘Trek to Morocco desert’. A gentle, soothing camel ride towards the golden dunes of Merzouga was a real sense of achievement for us. It was a raw journey through Sahara desert trek towards the todra and Dades gorges. With some free time, we captured the sunset and sunrise at the golden land that was miraculously marvelous. During the luxury night camp in the desert, we also had some fun dance and singing activities for sheer entertainment.

DAY 9 : Merzouga Desert-Kasbah Zagora:

We took breakfast at the camp, and the drive towards Zagora towards the Draa valley was on. A glance to Mustapha tent at the Draa valley was a thorough delight that followed with Arabi chief Kasbah. A plethora of culture, art and architecture was at our display. With the movement ahead, we also got to explore the longest river Draa in Morocco. 

DAY 10:Zagora-AGADIR

With the next morning, we went to Agadir and lead to the top of fort Agadir (oufella). View to Atlantic coast and seamless blue seas was a soothing sight. We had some rest moments over there to capture a sunset that holds our memories for quite long. Next road trip led to taznakht cooperative where incredible carpet displays were awaiting us. Besides, many varieties of saffron is a peculiarity here and spices to delight your taste. Whenever you visit here, do not skip to sip the saffron tea that is one of its kind over here. 

DAY 11:AGADIR-MARRAKECH

Next day, we drove back to Marrakech and follow the visit to Tizi n tasst, ouirgane lake and the Atlas mountains. We had a grave sight to Ourika valley and later an escort to plateau de Kik. 

DAY 12 : MARRAKECH- ESSAOUIRA

We had a morning breakfast and the head with a departure to Essaouira. During the afternoon, a city tour with rull at Medina of Essaouira or Medina of jews was a terrific experience. Later half was well spent in exploring the Portuguese town that has exquisite handicrafts, silver jewelry, and the inlaid wood of Thuja at the display. We, women, had some excellent shopping of fancy chunks that we also bought as memorials for friends. Argan trees and the cooperative of women was a fascinating visit followed by DinnerDinner and the overnight stay. 

DAY 13 : ESSAOUIRA – EL JADIDA – CASABLANCA : 

Breakfast led by departure to Casablanca through El Jadida with a lunch treat at El Oualidia. After that, continue along the Atlantic coast via El Jadida that takes us back to Casablanca. Along the road trip, we had incredible sightseeing while driving through popular cities of El-Jadida and Essaouira. Dinner and night stay.

DAY 14: CASABLANCA – MOHAMED V AIRPORT

We were quite tired after the long roller coaster trip and took breakfast before heading towards Mohammed V airport Casablanca. From there, we took a direct flight back to New Delhi and revived the fun moments.

Ghoomophirosisters would recommend this trip from Trek Morocco Desert to all their readers, as our experience in Morocco was sheer pleasure!

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Asia Beaches Itinerary Rejuvenate

Things to be done at Bali 

There is so much to Bali that even after weeks of wandering, one wouldn’t get tired of the natural spirit and charm of the place. With nature and water all around, one feels calm and serene down to the core as if the waves are washing away the exhaustion of the soul. But it can get hard to figure out what to do and where to go when in Bali. New travelers get confused and sometimes just stick to the holiday pamphlet. 

But here, with this post, we will take you through the entire Bali region, answering all your questions about how to make your trip to Bali memorable:

Beginning with South Bali, the region of Kuta, Legian and Seminyak spreading out for 12 kilometers is a place for having fun. With diverse shopping spots, beach bars, and local food stalls, it is the spot for people-watching near the Kuta Beach. Out of the whole trip, we found our time in South Bali to be the least exciting but that is mainly because there are much better places to see and explore. 

Where to stay: There are many places to stay around here, luxury resorts and hotels like The Legian Bali and Ananta Legian Hotel.

Must-Do things include conga lines and trying coconut cocktails. Do try the food at Eat Street or Jalan Kayu Aya. Since this is a shopaholic’s paradise, make a shopper’s stop at Jalan Laksmana. 

Canggu Enclave is a hub for creative Bohemians who hang out at the La Laguna, driving around in their scooters, drinking at Finns Beach Club and enjoying the view of the beaches. Greater Canggu houses Echo beach, Berawa beach, Umalas, and Pererenan beach among others.  We also went to the Canggu club to enjoy the water park, trampoline and try our hand at bowling. It was an entertaining day overall, so afterward, for some spiritual relaxation, we also went to the nearby temple that sits atop an isolated rock amidst the waves.

Where to stay: Tugu Bali for a luxurious experience or Frii Bali Echo Beach as a cheaper accommodation.

Must-Do: Enjoy the seaside feast at La Laguna.  

 

Bukit Peninsula, Nusa Dua, and Jimbaran Bay

Bukit Peninsula offers diverse versions of beaches for tourists. The famous waves of Ulu-Watu are popularized through the holiday brochures of Bali. Another main attraction is the Rock Bar at Ayana Resort. It overlooks Jimbaran Bay and is a glamorous venue. It was great finding out that the hype was real. 

Jimbaran bay also offers delicious seafood cuisines and we also went to Seasalt for a different dining experience. Nusa Dua also has many five-star resorts and top-of-the-line golfing experience. 

Must Visit: Bingin, clear waters if Dreamland as well as Padang Padang. 

 

Then comes the Central Bali, beginning with Ubud which is also known as Bali’s heartbeat. With vintage shops and vegan cafes, we felt like we had come to a spiritually cleansing place. Then we actually came across a chakra cleansing workshop. 

But there is more to Central Bali than just Ubud. There are Gunung Batukaru Valleys and botanical gardens and lakes in Bedugul. We also journeyed to the rice terraces of Munduk and then ended it with a holy bath at Tirta Empul Temple. The crowds in central Bali made it clear to us that this was the true Bali tourist destination. The places thrived with many tourists and at every step, there were plenty of places to explore. 

Where to eat: Locavore, La Cevicheria to try ceviche. Another nutritious meal at Paradiso Ubud with a rich organic and completely vegetarian meal along with a movie experience.  

East Bali is not to be forgotten. While there is a lot to see in Southern and Central Bali, East Bali has a charm of its own. It has the best dive spots in the entire Island whether it is the shores of Amed and Candidasa or the high point of  Gunung Agung. 

The special highlight for us turned out to be the floating palace of Puri Taman Ujung and also the Amed fishing village. As we walked through gardens of Aiona, it was a naturally pleasant experience. 

The main attraction of East Bali would have to be Sanur. While on one hand, it is a laid-back fishing village, it also offers great dining and lodging. We heard great stories about the Kite Festival in Sanur but unfortunately were not visiting at the time it happened. 

Must eat: Mahi Mahi

Where to stay: The Griya Vilas and Spa

North Bali is the place for the nature lovers. With dolphin-watching in Lovina, while floating in canoes and bathing in the waterfalls of Sekumpul, Sambangan and Gitgit, we spent the day completely in the lap of nature. We also made a pit stop at Singaraja which is a town near the administrative center and offers a direct peek into Bali’s history and past.

Where to stay: The Lovina Bali Resort

Must Eat: The Le Jaenzan restaurant in North Bali offers delicious cuisine. It had the best tuna and great lobster ravioli.  

In the end, there is West Bali. West Bali often is the spot for surfers who blaze their way to Java or Madewi. We explored the wild and stunning Taman Taman National Park of Bali which had incredible beaches and wild deer.

Menjangan Island in West Bali is one of the best dive spots in the island because it is least crowded and also has the appeal of marine life. 

Must eat: Ayam Betutu which is a wood-smoked chicken broth. Do visit Bali Tower Bistro and Puri Dajuma Beach Eco Resort. 

Where to stay: Watu Dodol Hotel or Baru Dua Beach hotel.

There are also off-shore options such as Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Penida which are around 30 to 40-minute boat ride away. They made our Bali experience a true vacation because we spent most of the time in our days relaxing, snorkeling, diving and kayaking. Another great experience was walking on the yellow suspension bridge. 

Where to stay and eat in Nusa Lembongan: Le Pirate Beach Club in Nusa Ceningan.

Nusa Penida is larger than Nusa Lembongan and the main thing we enjoyed there were its white-sand beaches. There were also coastal cliffs, temples and limestone caves to explore. The place is also a birdwatcher’s delight with varied species of endangered birds. 

Where to stay and eat in Nusa Penida: Agung View offers sea-viewing accommodation. There is also a Penida Colada which is a charming little café that also offers seafood barbecues and cocktails in the evenings. 

In the end, our trip to Bali was refreshing, enthralling and a spectacular delight. If you ever decide to visit Bali, do visit the places mentioned above for a complete holiday experience. Bali is not only a great place for solo travelers but also popular as a family tourist spot. With great beaches, huge waters and so many refreshing things to do daily, surrounded by nature it is the one-stop destination for all passionate travelers. There are places that have crowds, but you can also easily find a secluded spot to spend some isolated time. Bali offers something for all kinds of travelers. 

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Central India Itinerary

5 days itinerary for Punjab

Punjab is called the land of five rivers. And Punjab has a unique combination of culture and beauty of nature that interacts with many peoples. Every year many visitors visit Punjab. I recently have been Punjab and in this article, I’m sharing my experience. I’m sharing with you what I visited in five days’ holiday and what I learned from the people of this city. If you don’t visit once in your life then I think you don’t enjoy your life. No doubt Punjab is famous for its culture but also famous for its delicious food and tests as well. So I suggest If you plan for any trip then you have to visit this time Punjab and spend some time here.

Day 1– Arrived at Chandigarh

When I was visiting Punjab, first I reached Chandigarh airport then I booked a cab to reach the hotel. Many people think that you are new then a taxi driver traps you. But no my dear friends I personally feel that they also take care of their passenger. You can hire a guide as well if you want. They visit you with all the important places that you should visit. So back to my talk, when I reached the hotel then I took breakfast. And ready for the visit to Punjab, I was really excited because I love to meet new people and see the culture. I went to the sheesha mahal, qila Mubarak and NIS and our guide explained to us why it is famous. In the afternoon, I ate chole bhature that famous and really delicious. I still remember the taste of Punjab’s food. After ate lunch, I spent my afternoon in kali Mata temple, dukh niavran gurudwara and then I visited the local market of Patiala. And also buy some stuff for me. If you visit Punjab then you can buy a handmade sari or handmade decorative things that suites in your house. I enjoyed very much in Patiala market and captured some pictures. When I visited the local markets of Patiala then it was 5 o clocks, I can’t imagine time ran out so fast. Now I left the market and reached the garden in the Chandigarh. So I visited the rose garden, it is famous for its natural beauty. Next, I went to a rock garden, and sukhmana lake after 7 o’clock and sector 17 as well at night. Now I feel too tired then I returned the hotel and took my dinner and then took rest because I had to wake up early morning for visiting the next day.

Day 2- Patiala to Fatehgarh to Ludhiana

The second day I woke up at 5 a.m. I felt very tired because I roam too much the first day but also very excited to visit new places. I ready for leaving the hotel packed my bag. In the morning I had a heavy breakfast because I had to travel long-distance approximately 30 km. During traveling Patiala to Fatehgarh I visited tohar mal haweli, Amm khass bagh, joty swaroop, as well as organic gill farm that is located in the sanhali village. I enjoyed so much of my journey Patiala to Fatehgarh now I reached here finally and I was very much hungry. So I ate lunch in a restaurant and then started the next journey that is Fatehgarh to Ludhiana. The distance between Ludhiana to Fatehgarh is 60 km. I reached Ludhiana at night so I took my dinner and went to the room for taking rest.

Day 3- Ludhiana to Jalandhar

So this time I was in Ludhiana, I woke up and took heavy breakfast in the Ludhiana hotel. After took breakfast I left the hotel and enjoyed my further journey. During traveling Ludhiana to Jalandhar, I enjoyed it really and on the way, I visited so many places like malerkotta and gurudwara mehdiana. This gurudwara is famous for its architectural carved creativity on the walls. Next, I saw a nur mahal located in doaba. When I reached Jalandhar so it was a time like approx 8 pm so I just took my delicious dinner in the magnificent haveli. During dinner, I enjoyed Punjabi folk music, bhangra dance which is famous and unique of Punjab. After enjoying all the dance and music I stayed a night in this haveli.

Day 4- Jalandhar to Kapurthala to Amritsar

I woke up early morning and left for the next journey. I took my breakfast on the way of Jalandhar to Kapurthala. And also visited some places like panch mander, Jagatjiit place, factory of rail coach, durbar hall Moorish. I ate my lunch during traveling Kapurthala to Amritsar that is located 60km away.  I reached Amritsar at night so I went to the golden temple that is famous in Punjab. Many pilgrimages come here to pray to god. Moreover, the golden temple holds the attraction of tourists. Next, I went to the Jallianwala bagh and visited the old market of Amritsar. Next, I ate dinner with Punjabi special tadka.

Day 5- Amritsar to Anandpur sahib

This was my last day so I check out from the hotel and went to the Paonta sahib village. This village is famous because of guru Gobind Singh and also visited the Anandpur that is the birthplace of Shri keshgarh sahib. So I spent my whole day in both villages and stayed in Anandpur hotel.

Departure-

I took a heavy breakfast from the Anandpur hotel and check out from the hotel. And I traveled Anandpur to Chandigarh airport and finally I back to my home.

I really enjoyed the 5 days itinerary for Punjab. Hope you also enjoy my journey!

Categories
Adventure Itinerary Solo Women Travel South India

The best of Karnataka: A 7-day itinerary

Karnataka is increasingly growing popular venue among tourists because of the diversity of geography, wildlife, natural vegetation, food, art and culture, mountains, valleys, rivers, sea beaches,  historical sights, temples, shrines, adventures ….. and well everything that the state offers. Today Ghoomophiro brings you a 7-day itinerary that will with least of effort from you will try to ensure you get a bit of, preferably the best of all the pleasures this state has to offer.

How to reach Karnataka?

We recommend setting your first camp in Bangalore, the silicon valley of India. It has its own international airport 40 kilometers away from the city and a railway station right at the heart of the city. Air, rail or road – the city is well connected by all those ways to the rest of the world.

Day 1

Brunch at MTR

Okay before you head to the most iconic place of the city, you might be hungry in that case we recommend to let your first meal in the state be Mavalli Tiffin Rooms (MTR) – a south Indian legend and the best place to enjoy authentic Udupi food.

Afternoon- Bangalore Palace

Okay now your bellies full, you can easily spend your afternoons in Bangalore Palace. An amazing palace that needed 80 years to be completed and has courtyards that are reminiscent of the Victorian era. We won’t go into details and let the beauty of the palace speak for itself.

A late lunch – Street Food

Before moving to the next destination, we recommend trying some street. Otherwise, if you are more into luxuries the ITC Pavillian about 20 minutes from the palace is a good alternative.

Evening – ISKCON Temple

The ISKCON temple at Yeshwanthpur Industrial Suburb has a building which shows architectural genius and is the perfect place to spend your first evening in Karnataka. The temple opens at 4:15 p.m. and is bound to impress you especially if you have a religious bent of mind.

Nightlife

From temples to night clubs, may gods forgive us but then Bangalore is not seen if you have not seen its nightlife and for this you must head to MG road where you can visit a number  of clubs (Arbor, Hoppipola, Indian Brewing Company to name a few) – we suggest trying more than one of them

Day 2

Breakfast and Head to  Mysuru

Since you must be tired or having a bit of hangover from last night, we shall start the second day a bit late but not too late for you can rest a little in your three hours long ride to Mysore after having breakfast in hotel itself. We recommend hiring a personal ride especially if you are traveling in groups.

Early Lunch

Take lunch in one of the local food points, preferably Vinayaka Mylari. For the sweet dish, try Mysore’s own invention – Mysore Pak.

Afternoon attractions – Mysore Palace

Mysore Palace will make you forget the Bangalore Palace a little. It attracts the second largest number of tourists in India, second only to Taj Mahal among monuments.

Mysore Palace. Those facts should be enough for you to imagine the aesthetic pleasure the palace has to offer to its visitors.

Afternoon attractions  – Saint Philomena Church

Also known as St. Joseph’s Cathedral is one of the tallest in Asia. This church is designed with Neo-Gothic architecture that takes its inspiration from the Cologne Cathedral in Germany.

Evening Attractions

And now is the time you get yourself shopping – maybe buy a few souvenirs too. We recommend rosewood artifacts, Mysore paintings, small stone sculptures, etc for souvenirs. Shoppers might want to buy sandalwood products (you can buy the government factory and see them manufactured), coffee powder (brought here from Croog, famous for its coffee plantations), and Mysore sarees.

Dinner – Tiger Trail

What makes Tiger Trail amazing is the sights you will be feeding your sights on as you eat your food. We highly recommend getting your hands on famous Mysore Paan as a sweet dish.

Night attractions – Karanji Lake

The beautiful Karanji lake is surrounded by a butterfly park, India’s biggest walk-through aviary and a little further is located a natural museum of History. Take your time and enjoy all these as much as you can before setting to rest for the night.

Day 3

Breakfast – The Old House

The old house is exactly what the name suggests – an old house only also an amazing food point to enjoy breakfast.  The trouble is you will have to be here early to find a seat or you will just have to settle for some other food point.

Morning  – Chamundeshwari Temple

Breakfast is done. Drive the 13km to the Chamunda Hill and keeps your eyes open to enjoy the enchanting views that will greet you in the one-hour journey. Chamundeshwari temple is one of the 18 Shakti peeths of the country and is one of the important places of pilgrimage for Hindus.

Lunch – Foodie Restaurant

This semi-popular food restaurant falls on your way back to Mysore and is a great place to have your lunch.

Afternoon – Jaganmohan Palace and Art Gallery

The Jaganmohan Palace used to be the home to the famous Mysore royal family (of which Tipu Sultan was the most famous ruler) before the construction of the Mysore Palace. The palace has now been turned into an art gallery. This is just the place for the art lovers to lose themselves in.

Evening – Drive to Hasan and see Bhagawan Bahubali temple en route

Once you have been able to break away from the art gallery. Drive for 3 hours to reach Hassan. The Jain temple Bhagawan Bahubalit temple falls in the way and it has a gigantic Gomateshwara statue that was carved out of a single stone as far back as in 981 A.D.

Dinner at a local’s house

There are not a lot of commercial entities, thus we recommend having some packed food with you or eating at a local’s house. You can go to bed early tonight.

Day 4

Early Morning – Vasantha Mantapa and Chennakeshava Temple

Hoysala is famous for its ancient temple Vasantha Mantapa. Visit the temple after having some local breakfast or snacks. Then head to Belur and see Chennakesava Temple there which has been recommended as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Then head to Chikamagalur – a one and a half hour drive away.

Lunch and afternoon attractions – Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary

We know you must be tremendously hungry by this time. First, have your early lunch at Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary.

And once you are full, spend the afternoon exploring this amazing sanctuary full of exotic flora and fauna after wishing for yourself luck good enough to see a tiger.

Trek to Kudremukh

Spend the evening hiking on the trek to Kudremukh. The trek is surrounded by brilliant vegetation and is quite easy.

Dinner and Nightime

Take a guest house here and after dinner, request your guesthouse to set a campfire out in open. While your night away doing lazing bonfire things, playing antakshari, telling stories, etc.

It’s time for some backpacking, to experience nature up close and personal. A visit to Kudremukh can only be possible via an easy trek. Once up there, you’ll thank yourself for going ahead with it.

Day 5

Morning – Kudremukh National Park

After having an early breakfast, you can try your luck once again at spotting a tiger in Kudremukh National which has countless other gifts endowed to it by nature for every visitor here to enjoy.

Lunch

Mangalore is a coastal town and thus it has delicious seafood to offer. Thus unless you are a vegetarian, we recommend some local seafood, fishes in particular specifically at Machali, a famous local restaurant.

Afternoon – St. Aloysius Chapel

Constructed by Italian Jesuits who have played a tremendous role in education and general social upliftment of Mangalore’s Catholic community, the church is an architectural marvel with beautiful paintings done all over the walls that are

Evening  – Sultan Battery and Tannirbhavi Beach

As evening arrives, head straight to Sultan Battery to enjoy the tremendous sight of sunset from the Batterywatchtower. Once done with that, go to Tannirbhavi Beach and while away your time lazying around the beach.

 

Dinner

Have your dinner by poolside in the Cardamom Restaurant and make sure to follow it up by Pabbas Ice Creams

Day 6

Morning  – Mangala Devi Temple

The temple is dedicated to Mangaladevi. after whom the city is named. It was built by great Hindu saint Lord Parashurama. This brilliant piece of architecture is mostly made of wood staying true to the region’s ancient traditions.

Once you have your fill with the temple, head straight to Coorg.

Lunch

Eat at some local food joint of your preference.

Afternoon – Madikeri Fort

Madikeri is a hill in Coorg and its top has the fort that has in it artifacts that once belonged to the legendary local ruler Tipu Sultan.

Evening – Go microlight Flying

Microlight Flying is one of the rarest experiences to be had in India but Coorg, the adventure capital of the country, offers it for you. The microlight gliders can hold up to two people and have the ability to rise up to 5000 meters and fly at an impressive speed of a hundred kilometers per hour. Please note that there are a number of other adventures you can have instead – rock climbing, river rafting, kayaking, Quad Biking, etc. The choice of adventure is up to you.

Dinner

Have dinner at a food joint nearby and go to bed early in order to be freshened up for the last adventure of the trip and journey back to home.

Day 7

Morning – Dubare Elephant Park

This elephant Park is one of its kind in India – and a must-visit place for the elephant lovers of the country. The elephants are groomed, trained, fed by naturalists in a natural environment and you can participate in these activities under their guidance.

Once you are done here, if you still have time before your flight back home, you can head to a coffee plantation and experience walking amidst them.

Conclusion

We have tried to bring as much of best of Karnataka as possible to you in these 7 days. You can change this itinerary according to your wishes. Nature lovers may want to spend more time in Mangalore or Coorg; while adventure lovers will definitely wish to spend more time trying their hands at adventures Coorg has to offer and a lover of urban nightlife won’t find just one night at Bangalore sufficient. If, on the other hand, you are greedy for all those things like us, you may want to elongate your trip or visit it again. After all, you can never have enough of Karanatka. J

 

Categories
Architectural Itinerary

Unexplored Bhubneshwar that you should visit!!

Think of Bhubaneshwar and you imagine temples – after all, it has been called temple city for a good reason. Even if you can look past that, you are still thinking of museums, monuments, etc. And those are the major attractions of the city. But there is always a needy tourist crying “I need more” (okay, often that is me, but you get the point) and Bhubaneshwar, like any tourist spot worth the name, has that ‘more’ to offer. Here we take a look at that more.

1. Caves of Khandagiri and Udaigiri

Perhaps because of the amount one has to walk, it is not the first thing a tourist will want to visit. These caves, which are home to an ancient monastery, had some of the most splendid cravings that I have seen in Odisha outside of Konark Sun Temple and are much older than that belong to golden ancient ages of the country. The scenic beauty from the top of hills is itself awesome. It is not the most tourist-friendly spot as there are always monkeys ready to steal stuff and you should remember to carry your own water bottles but the view of setting sun from the top is just splendid.

2. Go to the old town

Rickshaws have so long been a part and parcel of Indian society that a journey to some of its major historical towns will be incomplete without being driven around on rickshaw for some people. Bhubaneshwar is one such city. Though rickshaws are becoming a rare sight, this is still something you should definitely try at least once. Hire a rickshaw to visit the by now forgotten parts of the old town to see the old-style settlements not far from the temples that makes the chief attraction of the city.

3. Kanjia Lake

After rickshaw we now wish you to ride a bicycle. Ride the cycle by Kanjia lake on well-preserved roads inside the botanical gardens. Some of these gardens include Japanese Garden, Orchid Garden, Mughal Garden, Rose Garden, Medicinal Garden,  Butterfly Garden, Heritage Garden, Dry Garden, Evolution,  Garden,  Bougainvillea Garden, Arboretum etc. Enjoy looking at colorful flowers and migratory birds. The beautiful lake has been declared a “Wetland of National importance” and is home to several migratory birds, reptiles, amphibians, fishes and pawns.

4. The thorny garden

The last thing you will hope to see in Bhubaneshwar is a garden dedicated to cacti and other thorny plants.  But you will be wrong, the Regional Plant Resource Center (RPC) of Bhubaneshwar has Asia’s largest thorny garden with over a thousand varieties of cacti and other succulents, of which the RPC itself has engineered two hundred. The garden also has an orchidarium, bamboo septum, medicine plants wild fruit garden, seed banks etc. It also has a lake which is home to migratory birds.

The garden was started in 1985 as a research center and has, ever since, evolved to become a research institute.

It provides facilities for a morning walk (allowed in specific times only – (5-30 am to 7-30 am for March to October and from 6-00 am to 8-00 am for November to February), boating in the lake inside the garden, a play area for children, etc to name a few.

5. Medicinal Garden

Ekamra Van (literally ‘one tree forest’) Medicinal Plant Garden is situated on the bank of Bundusagar. The garden houses more than two hundred varieties of plants. The garden has a lotus pond and (well, is there a place in Bhubaneshwar where you won’t have them?) some stone sculptures. The layout of the garden is divided into three division – Shiva pindi (where plants used for worshipping Lord Shiva are grown), Parvati Pindi (where plants useful for women healthcare are planted) and Ganesh Pindi (where plants promoting intellect are planted – from Ganesh’s being the god of wisdom). The garden offers you fresh air, a majestic view of Lingaraj temple and a chance to learn about plants.

6. Simlipal and Bhitarkanika

These are home to a number of Mangroves and Crocodiles. Nature lover in you will love the environment, the wildlife, and vegetation of this area.

7. Odisha Modern Art Gallery

Though we talk a lot about art in connection with Bhubaneshwar, it is rarely modern art. A visit to the Modern Art Gallery of the city will remind you that Odisha people are awesome with modern artwork too.

8. Regional Museum of Natural History

A step away from other museums devoted to human history, this natural history museum has taxidermy displays of various animals. It also enshrines numerous endangered species. For a nature enthusiast, this museum offers a lot to learn.

9. Go on a Picnic

Both of these are minor dams and not far from Bhubneshwar and can be a great spot for going on a picnic with your family and friends. Another major Picnic spot is Budha Jayanti Park. The park devoted to Budha is a great place to visit for a refreshing evening. It also has a fish pond.

10. Take your kids to Pathani Samanta Planetarium

Here is something for your children as well as the child inside you. Enjoy the shows here and learn a bit about the universe. 

And of course, go Shopping

It amazes me how people always forget to talk about Bhubaneshwar’s markets. The urbanized part of the city has markets selling products of widest range – from luxury products to cheap products. The phrase I market is most popular among the middle-class shop alcoholics for its cheap products. Buy clothes, accessories, makeup products etc here at the cheapest rates. Another affordable stopping point would be Station Square. There is also a market ‘Saree Mandir’ selling quite a huge variety of sarees. When shopping in these markets, bargain – as shopkeepers put high prices on their products anticipating that you will bargain. Also, be extra careful about your possessions. If you are looking for something to remember the city of Bhubaneshwar by, we recommend that you consider buying Patthachitra paintings, palm leaves carvings and other such handicrafts.

Conclusion

There is so much to do in Bhubaneshwar. It would take weeks to explore all that the city has to offer. It is unfortunate that the city’s image as a temple city keeps visitors from enjoying this great variety of experience. But not you, you know better. So what are you waiting for? It is time to get going.

Categories
Culture Historical Itinerary National Parks Relax

5 things not to miss in Bhubaneshwar

Bhubaneshwar (literally ‘king of land’) is the capital of Odisha and one of the major tourist spots of the country. With Puri and Konark, it forms Swarna Tribhuja (the golden triangle) – which is one of the biggest tourist attractions of the East. The attractions of the other two edges of this triangle – Puri, and Konark can be summed up in two words – temples and beaches but Bhubaneshwar is so much more.

There is so much to do in this city but here are the five things that we ghoomophirosisters, personally have enjoyed doing a lot

1. Visiting Temples

The place where Bhubaneshwar is now was once called Ekamra Kshetra meaning temple city. In fact, Bhubaneshwar continues to be called the temple city. There are over a thousand temples in the city and it is next to impossible to visit them all but some of the best ones definitely deserve attention.

The Lingaraj temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is the most popular temple in the city. Other famous temples are Rajarani Temple Muktesvara Temple, Ananta Vasudeva Temple etc.

Rajarani temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and has some of his amazing images doing various dance mudras. It was once called Indreshwara and drives its present name from the rock with which it is built ‘Rajarani’. Locally though it is known as ‘love temple’ because of several erotic cavings made on the walls.

Muktesvara temple is second only to Lingaraja temple in terms of architectural beauty and is called ‘gem of Odisha architecture’.

Ananta Vasudeva Temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna. Krishna, Balarama and Subhadra are worshipped in this temple built in the thirteenth century. Balarama stands under a seven hooded serpent, the image of Subhadra shows her holds Jewels pot and lotus in her hands while keeping her left foot over another jewel pot. The image of Krishna holds a mace, chakra, lotus and a conch

One of the chief attractions of temples is the food on offer. Abadha of Lingaraj Temple and Ananta Vasudeva Temple serve for their devotees is considered a vegetarian culinary delight. Other vegetarian dishes include Dalma (made of lentils and vegetables boiled together and then fried with other spices) and Santula (lightly spiced steamed vegetables).

2. Tribal Research Institute Museum

Tribal Research Institute Museum, also known as ‘Museum of Man’ and get a chance to observe and study tribal art and artifacts, displayed in its five different parts You will find Personal Adornments in first Hall, Belongings, Arts, Paintings & Photographs in second Hall, Hunting & Fishing Implements & Weapons of Offence and Defense in the third hall, Household Objects and Agricultural Implements in the fourth hall and Dance, Musical Instruments and Dhokra Items in the fifth hall.

A visit to this museum gives you a chance to observe closely the culture of the tribal population which, despite so much focus on our own heritage, has not to get the attention it so well deserves.

3. Dhauli hills

Visiting Dhauli Giri makes you feel that you have been kidnapped in the TARDIS and dropped in ancient India The site is of great historical importance, as it was the place where the famous Kalinga was taken place. The war that melted the heart of great King Ashoka, and made him convert to Buddhism. The Shanti Stupa here is mesmerizing. Among other attraction of this place are other Ashoka edicts Budha statue, Shiva temple, and white peace pagoda. Many of these are supposed to have been built at the end of war ushering an age of prosperity and peace for India.

4. Local Cuisine

We have already mentioned the food served at temples but now for foodies who want something non-vegetarian. A fish curry known as Machha Jhola is a must if you visit the city. You can combine it with yummy items like Rasagola, Rasabali, Chhena Jhilli, Chhena Gaja and Chhena Poda.

Gupchup which is a deep-fried crêpe, stuffed with a mix of mashed potatoes and boiled yellow peas, and afterward, dipped in tamarind-infused water is a locale special. Other street food items include more widely known food items of the country like Cuttack-chaat, Dahi Bara, Aloo dum (a deep-fried lentil dumpling marinated into the yogurt-infused water, and served along with potato curry) and Bara-Gauguin

Dahi-Pakhal (rice soaked in water with yogurt and seasonings)  is considered as a body coolant, accompanied by Badi Chura or saga are consumed during months of April–June. If you visit Bhubaneshwar and are unable to bear the heat, you now know what to eat.

And a visit to Bhubaneshwar is incomplete if you haven’t tasted the huge variety of sweets it has to offer.

5.Nandankanan Zoological Park

India’s first zoo to join  World Association of Zoos and Aquariums, the Nandankanan ( literally ‘garden of paradise’ ) zoo and botanical garden is home to several rare and endangered species like Asiatic lions, Indian crocodilians, big rock Pythons, White tigers etc. White Tigers are always majestic and also scary! There is an aquarium too and a reptile park here too. One of the most fun things was that the reptile park was guarded by a Tyrannosaurus Rex!

And it is time for your bonus –

Biju Patnaik Park

Biju Patnaik Park is named after a chief minister of Odisha.  The park has a lake – you can a walk around or boating in it. The best attraction of the park though is the refreshing way in which water of the fountain dances to music. Don’t miss the splendid evening it has to offer.

Conclusion

This is just the tip of the iceberg. Bhubaneshwar has far, far more to offer. I have just run out of my fingers. Among the other tourist spots are included Odisha State Museum,  Pathani Samanta Planetarium, Regional Museum of Natural History, Regional Science Center and State Handicrafts Museum. Day girl and Khandagiri Caves etc. Also, make sure to go shopping in urban half of Bhubaneshwar to get some souvenirs. Definitely consider buying Patthachitra paintings, palm leaves carvings and other such handicrafts to be able to take something of the city with you. If you are into Odishan movies, Ollywood might also interest you. Odissi dance is generally accompanied by Odissi music. Srjan, the famous Odissi dance academy founded by Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra, the legendary Odissi dancer is found here. The Rabindra Mandap in central Bhubaneswar might also interest you, do check if it might be hosting some cultural program, dance, theatre or private function which it frequently does. .There is so much you can do – why haven’t you already started backpacking?

Categories
Adventure Itinerary Relax Treks

Brahmtal Trek, amid snowy fields and a frozen lake

Having been to many treks in our lifetime, mountains and breath-taking views are nothing new to us ghoomophiro sisters. But when it comes to the Himalayas, we always feel the challenge enthralling us, tempting us to come to see what lies beyond the city life. Brahmatal is a trek with the most fantastic views of Mt Trishul and Mt Nanda Ghunti. So let’s take you on the journey to the Brahmatal summit with us.

Overview

Brahmatal is easy to a moderate winter trek. With two frozen lakes and panoramic views of the mountains, one has to walk approximately 24 km to undertake this 6-day trek. Situated in Uttarakhand, the Brahmatal Lake surrounded by snow-covered forests is at its grandest during December, January, February, and even March. The maximum altitude you have to endure is 12,100 ft.

How to Reach?

By train, via Kathgodam railway station which is connected to Lucknow, Delhi, and many other places. Train ticket for both sleeper and A/c class is cheap from Delhi with costs ranging between Rs 180 and Rs 450. But remember to book in advance.

By Bus, it is an 8-hour journey from Delhi to Kathgodam.

Day by day Itinerary

Day 1- Kathgodam – Lohajung

Our journey began once we reached Kathgodam from Delhi by train. We had already booked a trekking organization and many options are available online. As soon as we reached the station, we saw that the vehicles were waiting to pick us up and take us to Lohajung. It was 15 of us who were going on the trek. The road journey from Kathgodam to Lohajung was nothing but exposure to the beauty of Uttrakhand. The view was fantastic as we saw the marvels of nature on both sides. While the mountains stood tall and proud, the river flowed gently by. We crossed the Bhimtal Lake, Kausani and Dhewal on our way to Lohajung. It was a long and wonderful journey that took approximately 12 hours. We did stop at different places to have breakfast, lunch and the occasional tea. Once we reached the base camp at 7 in the evening, we ate dinner and were briefed about the upcoming days. We, the trekkers had already gotten familiar with each other. We sat and listened calmly about medical tips, trekking etiquettes, staying hydrated, etc. The day-long travel had already tired us and so we got inside our blankets and went to sleep.

Day 2- Lohajung – Bekaltal

The second day, our actual trek began and it spanned five hours with us trailing in and out of the treeline, all exposed to the marvelous views. The snaky trail took us firstly to a village called Mandoli. That was our first rest stop after moving from Lohajung. The trek got gradually harder as we ascended the mountain and we saw a breath-taking valley formed by the confluence of Mountain Kali and Pindari. There were many muddy huts on our way and we did stop to take pictures with them. From there, the rhododendron forests began which are a treat to the eyes. They grow red during February but while we were trekking, it was a light trail. The rhododendron trees are not too tall but give ample shade while walking. The oak forests and rhododendron forests right on our first day of trekking was proof that this trek was going to be memorable. As soon as we moved out of the forest cover, we saw a wooden bridge and reaching Begum, our next resting spot. Then on, we saw Gujrani Stream and many other streams. Then finally our long trail had ended and we ate dinner before resting for the rest of the night.

Day 3:- Bekaltal to Brahmatal

The next day when we woke up, we saw snow all around. There was snow on our tents and even though we felt like sleeping in for a little longer, we had to wake up at 6 in the morning and head out for our journey. There was no internet access but we chatted among the other trekkers and mainly enjoyed the walkthrough meadows of Telandi, all spread like a snowfield. After we crossed the meadow, the highest point in the trek, we started feeling the altitude shift since now we had to descend to reach the basecamp of Brahmatal. The atmosphere at Brahmatal was fantastic. There was a small temple there with bright yellow flags. Brahmatal Lake was a small walk from the temple and it was frozen in the stone-cold weather. We were surrounded by the Almora and Nainital valley as the Mountain peaks of Trishul, Nanda Ghunti and Himalayas stood strong and tall. As far as eyes could see, there was a soaring beauty of nature. The aura of Brahmatal Lake was simply incredible.

Day 4- Bramhatal – Bramhatal summit – Bramhatal

The next morning we woke up to the beauty of the frozen lake with the sunlight falling on it. As we walked ahead seeing streams being made out of melting snow, we felt like each slope was going to be the last. We had essentials in our backpacks and sometimes the beauty of trek was overshadowed by the tough times but the will to reach the top kept us going. The last 1 kilometer to the top was the hardest and a fight between going on and giving up. As the final walk ended, we sighed with relief. It was an inexplicable experience making it to the top as there we saw magnificent views of the mountains from the Brahmatal summit. The feeling of finally accomplishing what we had come to achieve was beyond imagination. It was one of the moments we would cherish all our lives.  The trail down is different than the trail that got us there since we saw a 180-degree view of the Himalayan Range. Click fantastic pictures of Nilgiri mountains, peaks of Mandi, Mana, Maitoli, Haukhambha and Nanda Ghunti.

Day 5: Brahmatal – Lohajung

Now it was the last day of walking and we were supposed to descend to Lohajung. It was a 10 km long trail with villages like Wan on the way. We started the trek back early in the morning and though the trail was mostly downhill, somehow we weren’t motivated enough for it. We wished to explore the trek, even more, stay there for little longer and capture as much as we could both on our cameras and our mind. The mental struggle of not wanting to leave with the physical struggle of hurting limbs and knees was weighing us down but our fellow trekkers and trek leader kept us going with fantastic mythological tales of Brahmatal. Time seemed to pass a little slower than expected and it was still an hour till we reached the basecamp and yet we already wanted to pass out in a tent nearby. When we finally reached Lohajung, it was still an accomplishment since now we had finished the complete trek successfully. Despite the adversities, we had made it back.

Day 6:- Lohajung to Kathgodam

Our last day was spend travelling back to Kathgodam from Lohajung. The night before, we had slept like dead horses with our limbs aching and us knowing that there was no more walking to be done the day after. We moved from Kathgodam after breakfast and said goodbye to the beautiful Uttarakhand. The trek wouldn’t have been truly complete without our pitstop at Kausani where we went souvenir shopping to commemorate a successful trek. After reaching the railway station, we were off to our journey back to Delhi.

It was when we were on the train that we thought about our entire experience. Life in the mountains is entirely different from city life. While city life is stressing, busy and challenging, the mountains challenge more than just your brains. They calm your soul, challenge your body, can be exhausting but the trekking experience is addictive. Trekking makes you feel closer to nature and also makes you realise how close you can be with the earth. The sight of clouds so near to us, marvellous sunset and grand mountains left an imprint on our hearts. Go Trekking towards Brahmatal whenever you wish, though we definitely recommend the winter trek. It might be harder but the views of snow-covered peaks and snowfields are worth it.

 

 

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Best of Amritsar in 24 hours

Amritsar in Punjab is more than just a city filled with history, it is the cultural capital of Punjab. When we planned to visit Amritsar, we just had 24 hours to explore the best of the city and since there was so much to do, we prioritized the top-places to see. We landed in Amritsar via road early morning at 6 am. The sky was filled with the hue of sunrise and the entrance of Amritsar is adorned by a beautiful dome-shaped welcome sight. Amritsar, the place that played an important role in Indian history during British Raj got its name derived from a lake surrounding the Golden Temple. Amrit Sarovar, literally meaning a holy pool of nectar surrounds the Harmandir Sahib. These stories were told to us by our cab driver who was a resident of Amritsar, so we left it up to him to let us experience the food, culture, sights of Amritsar in the best ways possible.

1 Golden Temple aka Harmandir Sahib Gurudwara

We started our day with a visit to the iconic Golden Temple. Thankfully, we were already dressed in traditional Indian clothes so we already had a dupatta to cover our heads which is mandatory before you enter the Gurudwara. Since it a popular pilgrimage and we were there on a Sunday, we had to wait in long queues before we got inside. But even there, we were just enjoying the architecture and observing how immersed people were in their prayers. After paying our respects, we moved to the langar area and had prasad. The community meals are offered to every person who visits the Gurudwara and the langar was delicious. Moreover, the halwa (known as kada in Punjabi) is given as prasad to everyone. The Gurudwara also allows people to stay there for free if they offer service at the temple in return. We did not have much time or we would have loved to experience that as well.

  1. Jallianwala Bagh

The next stop on the tour was the infamous Jallianwala Bagh. Though Jallianwala Bagh is just one km away from the Golden Temple, it takes some time to reach there because that area remains quite crowded. As soon as we entered the garden, we were reminded of the heart-wrenching tragedy that took place there back during the British rule in 1919. There is a memorial in the garden commemorating the Martyrs who were massacred there. The well in which people jumped to save their lives can be seen but one look inside the dark well is enough to give you a nightmare for days. We could also see the bullet holes in walls and there are boards everywhere to help tourists who do not know what happened in Jallianwala Bagh. Paying our respects to the martyrs of Jallianwala, we refrained from clicking many pictures there as we usually do. But just being in that space reminded us of how far India has come and how many people have laid down their lives to make it independent.

  1. Maharaja Ranjit Singh Museum

After Jallianwala Bagh left us reminiscing on the History, we visited the Maharaja Ranjit Singh palace which is now in the shape of a museum. The Palace is preserved as it was 400 years ago when the king used to live there. Now, the swords, armors and other historical artifacts are kept there for the visitors to see. There were many paintings in the Museum as well, along with other belongings of the King like the old currency. It was quite a quick visit to the museum before we went to the most-awaited spot on our visit to Amritsar- The Wagah Border.

  1. The Indo-Pak Border

Right after our tour of the museum, we went to the Wagah Border. The Wagah Border has a parade that starts at 5 pm and we were lucky enough to reach there by 4:30 pm so we could still watch the hour-long parade live. We could not find good seats since people start coming in from 2 pm to find a seat. There is a huge rush on the Indian side of the border. There is tight security present there but we were allowed to carry essentials like water bottles, our sunglasses, and phones. The entire parade is a sight to behold and afterward, one the crowds started to disperse, we went and clicked some pictures with the soldiers. From the Wagah Border, we could easily see the other side- Pakistan and wondered why there wasn’t as big a crowd gathered on that side of the border as well.

  1. Go shopping

No trip to Amritsar is complete without shopping for Amritsari jutti. There is a Kapra Bazaar near the Golden Temple where we went to buy the famous Phulkari cloth and look for Amritsari Jutti. The -Kameez, Dupatta or Phulkari-cloth. We also bought some dresses from the Kapra Bazaar but the best place to buy Amritsari Jutti, as suggested by many locals there is the Raunak Store in Pink plaza. Amritsari Jutti is leather footwear traditionally called Jutti. It complements the traditional Indian-wear and is a great ethnic-wear accessory.

  1. What’s Punjab without Punjabi Food?

Throughout the day, we munched on local Amritsari cuisine. The day began with Aloo Parantha with extra butter and a glass of Lassi for breakfast at a local Dhaba. Then the langar at Golden Temple worked perfectly as lunch and for snacks, we had jalebi and Amritsari Lassi at a Dhaba near Golden Temple. For dinner, there are plenty of options in Amritsar but it is a bit hard to find pure vegetarian restaurants. There is a place called Brother’s Amritsari dhaba that serves delicious Paneer Butter Masala, Daal Makhani, Channa and Naan. We got the veg thali which had salad and raita as well as Amritsari Papad.

When it was finally time to leave Amritsar, we realized that within 24 hours, we had seen most of the popular places in Amritsar, shopped and enjoyed Punjabi delicacies while being entertained by our cab driver’s Punjabi commentary on everything.

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