Category: Rejoice

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Adventure Rejoice Travel Tips Travel Trends Treks

The most beautiful Night Skies in India

Our world is full of so many natural marvels that there is not enough time for anyone on the planet to witness them all. It may take them an entire lifetime and they won’t even be able to cover half of the natural miracles that we are talking about. In India, there are many different places where one can enjoy the star gazing. This is turning out to be a great way of feeling closer to nature in the purest form. The craze is so high that people are ready to travel thousands of miles in order to get the glimpse the starry sky in all its glory.

Ladakh– In north,  Leh Ladakh is the most favourite tourist destination not just for the younger lot, but the older ones as well. One great thing about the place that there are so many places for stargazing that one can spend all nights moving from one place to another just to look at the beautiful constellations in the sky.

Andaman– This little island located in the south most part of the country is known for its beaches in the daytime and for the star gazing in the night. Lets us not just even try to compare the experience of lying under the sky at night on the beach and staring at the clear sky with stars glimmering all over with anything else. The cosmic magic is in its full glory at night and it’s a sight worth having at least once in your lifetime.

Coorg– Coorg is one of ideal places for holidays in the summers. The daytime can be spent trekking on the Nilgiri hills while the nights can be waited all day just to have the look at the sky when the stars shine.  However, the place is yet to be recognized as one good tourist spot in the area but the star gazing alone has managed to increase the flow of the tourists to a great extent.

Spiti Valley-The famous Kibber village in the Spiti valley may very well be notorious for the drugs trade but at night, it turns into a magical place. Known as the highest motorable village in the whole world, Kibber is located at about a height of 14000 feet from the sea level.

There are many other places in the beautiful country where one can experience the magic of stargazing. One of the greatest mysteries of life and the most beautiful night skies in India are here..

  • The Milky Way in Nubra Valley, Leh
  • Sonmarg, Jammu & Kashmir
  • Shahapur, Maharashtra
  • Pangong Tso, Ladakh
  • Shanti Stupa, Ladakh
  • Spiti Valley, Himachal Pradesh

Gaze at the stars, stare into the open space and absorb everything beautiful at these places in India. And do let us know about your tete-a-tete with the stars!!

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Adventure Himalayas Rejoice Travel Trends

Adventure comes to life -Tirthan Valley

Ringed by the sprawling Great Himalayan National Park, jeweled with lush green forests, free-flowing rivers and tranquil and clear water sheet, the Tirthan valley is one of the most alluring places, resting in the lap of Himalayas.The Tirthan Valley has Charismatic ambiance and best idea to spend the weekend.
The beautiful land lies in Kullu district,Himachal Pradesh. The name “Tirthan”has been drawn from the majestic Tirthan river flowing in that region. It is an enduring river of cold and clear glacier water, which abundant with trout fish. It is the ideal place nature lovers and adventure freak.
The time as you reach the magnificent valley, you feel released from all exhaustion and frustration.
Things to do
The Tirthan Valley is an ultimate destination for many adventurous activities including, trout fishing, hiking, trekking, camping, bonfires, and photography.The last ten years has witnessed the huge rise in a number of travelers.This article is an attempt to guide you all through your travel to this alluring Himalayan valley.
Feel the thrill-River crossing.
The thrilling experience of River crossing in the Tirthan Valley is a most captivating adventure for people, who are fond of engaging in daring activity in the serene valley. You can enjoy the escapade sports, where you are tied with a rope and suspended freely to feel the cool spray of the tempestuous River Tirthan flowing underneath. Other than that you can try to cross the river with the help of a rope, where you’re tied with rope for safety.


Enjoy Trout fishing.
Get ready with your fishing tackle!! The Tirthan river is the best place for trying out explore your fishing skills. The crystal clear flowing water offers you an ideal spot to hunt trout fish. The travelers are love in love with this place and try yet another adventure of fish hunting.
Adventure at the peak- The Great Himalayan Park.
The beautiful and alluring view of the Great Himalayan Park will leave you mesmerized. It is an ideal place to experience the thrilling danger and unfold the unrevealed chapters of the Himalaya. It definitely gives you vacation goals to the adventure enthusiast. The region is loaded with amazing wildlife, Landscape, trekking, and fishing.


The refreshing and Stunning art of nature- Waterfalls
The alluring view of invigorating waterfalls is the best sight you definitely don’t want to miss. Find out some time to witness the extreme beauty of nature. Enjoy bathing in refreshing pure Himalayan water.


If you want a break from your hectic life, and need some quality time for yourself, then tour to tirthan valley in the laps of Himalaya is an excellent idea.
Travel tip
The best season to head towards this heavenly place is summers between March to June.
Don’t forget to carry your fish tackle!!
How to reach?
By Air: Nearest Airport is Bhunter near Kullu.
By Train: Chandigarh is the closest Railway Station.
By Road: Possible route(s) to Tirthan Valley from Delhi by road are
Delhi – Ambala (188 KM) – Chandigarh – Roopnagar (282 KM) – Kiratpur – Bilaspur (371 KM) – Mandi (440 KM) – Pandoh – Aut (481 KM) – Larji – Gushaini – Tirthan (511 KM)
The government Buses (Volvo) also head from Janpath, Delhi at 6 P.M daily and it takes 12 hrs to reach Aut. Next morning after reaching Aut you can hire taxi or bus heading towards Tirthan valley. It is about more 45 minutes drive from Aut to Tirthan

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Asia Rejoice Rejuvenate Relax Travel Tips Travel Trends

Go travel to these Visa free countries

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

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

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

Bhutan

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

Ecuador

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

Pic Credits- Wikipedia

Antarctica

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

Pic Credits- Wikipedia

El Salvador

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

Fiji

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

Pic Credits- Wikipedia

Hong Kong

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

Macau

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

Mauritius

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

Nepal

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

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

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Central India Rejoice Tribal

Gond Paintings and Its Intracacies

India is a land of rich culture and heritage. Several art forms are still lesser known to the outer world. Gond art is such art form, which is fondly practiced by Gond tribes from Madhya Pradesh.

Primarily, the word Gond originates from the Dravidian expression kond meaning ‘the green mountain’. This art form primarily depicts the colors of nature along with the everyday quest for life. Through Gond paintings, the Gonds primarily depicts the celebrations, human relationship etc. They are usually inspired from the belief that happy images bring good luck to their family and hence they paint their walls with vivid colorful images that relates to stories. The artists use series of dots, dashes and lines arranged meticulously to depict the story. They are very careful while adding those lines and dashes and convey the sense if movement to these paintings.

What is more beautiful with this story telling art is the vividity of colors. Gonds use bright colors like white, blues, red, yellow etc. and all of them are derived naturally from plants, soil, charcoal and even cow dung. Though government is helping out these artists by recognizing them on global level and helping this art to reach to their fans.

Thank you Singinawa Lodge for giving me opportunity to explore this vibrant art.

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Culture Rejoice South India

Tyrst with Lambani’s tribe in Dandeli

Lambani’s are the nomadic gypsies from Rajasthan, but eventually I met them in Dandeli village in Karnataka during my quest to meet these tribals. These folks have distributed themselves across India in their search of better livelihood. Though with different government policies, many of them have found o good jobs, but still a part of them still follows the old tradition where-in males are involved in agriculture while females are into wood collection and managing household.

During my brief interaction with these folks, the most striking feature I liked was their ethnic unique dress. This red heavily dress with all over work with metal along with accessories look fabulous. Be it anklets, jewelries, necklaces, all of them cost little high and this is this is why, one might not find many women in the traditional dresses. One more thing, that would strike you is the tattoos on both men and women arms and ankles. These tattoos have special significance attached and hold meanings. Women here are amazing cook and their signature drink is Arak. These Araks are popular especially during festivals. Old females miss the old culture and don’t like the way their community members are adopting western culture and city life. They still would want their community members to preserve their traditions, and this is why they recommend marriages within the community itself. It is a colorful affair with loads of dance, food and fun. Traditional songs for the well being of couple are being sung by old ladies of the tribe.

My special thanks to the organizers, so that I could spend some time with them and experience other side of these tribals. Dandeli is a great place to interact with tribals like Lambanis,Gowlis,or Medars. Do not miss the opportunity, during your next visit to the place.

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Beaches Hotel Reviews Rejoice Staycation

Ramee Guestline Hotel Juhu – Review

Ramee Guestline is located in the prime location of dream city Mumbai, i.e Juhu. Situated just 8 KMs from Airport, the hotel provides easy accessibility to several tourist places like Juhu Beach,Iskon Temple etc.

Food, Amenities, and Services – There are total 88 rooms, divided into various categories. Rooms are ok with LCD, electric kettle, refrigerated mini-bar, complimentary bottled water, locker safe, and slippers. Bathrooms are decently designed and fitted with latest fixtures. Writing desk is available. The hotel also has a spa where one can have holistic experience in Moroccan Hammam and different other treatments can relax you.  Other facilities like salon, gym, 24*7 travel desk, laundry, free wi-fi is available. The swimming pool is nice, in case you want to spend some quality time relaxing.  Free pick up & Drop available from the airport. Hotel staff is humble and courteous. Travel desk and laundry is available .The ambience revitalizes your stay and makes it calm and relaxing. Overall quality of neatness and cleanliness is maintained across the hotel.

The in-house dining options include Its Mirchi, a traditional Indian restaurant that is famous for its Kebabs and Biryanis; Buffet Breakfast is served here. Rock Bottom, the hip and happening discotheque that serves drinks too. Overall, budget property for a pleasantly perfect stay in Juhu. The place is well suited for corporate, or leisure requirements.

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Asia Itinerary Rejoice Travel Trends

A day in Singapore

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

Little India

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

 

Singapore bus tour

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

 

Shopping

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

 

Get to know Historical Singaore

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

Sightseeing from top of Singapore Flyer

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

 

Visiting Entertainment Centres

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

 

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

 

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Adventure Beaches Rejoice Travel Tips wildlife

Discovering the Picturesque Pichavaram – Second largest mangrove forest in world .

We all are aware of the largest mangrove jungle is Sunderbans delta, but very few are aware that second largest also lies in India, which is based out in lesser known areas of Tamil Nadu and is known as Pichavaram. It is spread over 3000 acres and has around 4500 big small canals, which are sun-flecked tunnels of roots and branches and some are dense to the extent that they hardly leave any space for even sunlight to pass through.

These plants together have made the place so exquisite with their viviparous roots and aerial roots. These roots are so very strong and they are in fact used to steer the boat at times instead of using the paddles.

How to reach there:  Pichavaram is just 30 minutes’ drive from Chidambaram, Tamil Nadu and around 250Kms from Chennai via East Coast Road.  The drive through ECR is beautiful, as it gives you a glimpse of the coastal culture wherein you can find paddy fields, females selling fishes, traditional houses.

You can take both paddle boats and motor boats, which are operated by the Tamil Nadu tourism department. They run on all days from 9 AM to 6 PM. watching the sunset is always scenic in these forests. What makes more fascinating is the stories, legends that boatmen will continue while they are rowing the boats. These stories range from movie shoots to religious legends attached to the place.

Quick Tips

  • Take sufficient cash, as there are no ATMs in the place.
  • Plastic is banned
  • Use paddle boats rather than motor boats, as they can reach to more interiors
  • If you would want to check the breadth and height of these beautiful forests, tipping the boatmen is not a bad idea. Afterall, they are the masters of the place.

 

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Hotel Reviews Rejoice Staycation

A day at Thakran Farms- Getting Close to Nature

Built on over 19 acres of lush green land, situated at a distance of 2 hrs drive from the buzzing city of Gurgaon, Thakran farms is a supposedly good way to get close to nature and spending day with family.

Well decorated cottages, all made of mud.

Inside paintings in the room  

We were welcomed by the owners Mr. Nakul, who acts as perfect host during your entire stay. The place simply distracts you from the noisy, polluted capital city of NCR and provides lush green surroundings. What I liked about the place is the beautiful mud huts. Interiors were pretty and rustic. Tube-well bath, mud bath, tractor ride, camel ride are the highlights of activities. Archery, Dart Shooting, Volley Ball, Badminton, Croquet, Soccer, Cricket, Sling Shot, Air Gun, Croquet, Wooden Bowling, Ball-Glass shooting are some of the outdoor sports that one can play and enjoy.  However, after an hour you are done with all and wonder what to do next. The lunch served to us was also in line with the theme of the farm. It included simple Dal, chulha roti and salad and it reminded of my childhood days. However, the quality of food was not up to the mark. Even snacks were not great. Simple pakodas offerings and chutneys were stale. Lunch could have been much better. I strongly feel the place is overly priced and need to evolve more especially in terms of quality and bringing life to the place. There is still a scope of inclusion of more activities and someone who can take you through them.   If you are tired and wish to spend the weekend here, you can opt for their beautiful AC mud huts, which will remind you of ancient village days and can force you to be nostalgic.

Activities at the farm, wherein one can unwind themselves.

Exploring how Rotis are cooked in Indian villages

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Adventure National Parks Rejoice wildlife

Relax in Aravali hills while sighting Indian tigers- Ranthambhore

About the Place: Ranthambhore is one of the largest national parks in northern India, covering an area of 392 km². It is situated in the Sawai Madhopur district of southeastern Rajasthan.

Must See places:

Forests: The Park terrain alternates between dry deciduous forests and open grassy meadow. The flora of the park includes 539 species of flowering plants.
Safari Rides: Rides are carried out at 6:30 and 14:30. Each ride lasts for about three hours. There are two options of vehicles for the safari: 20 seater open top cantor or 6 seaters open top gypsy. Each ride costs around Rs700-800 per person. The core park area has been divided into several zones and the safari vehicles go to one of those zones. There are many resorts to stay in on the way from Sawai Madhopur to the national park.

Ranthambore Fort: The majestic fort, built in the 10th century, towers over the entire park area. It stands 700 feet above the surrounding plain. Inside the fort, there are three red Karauli stone temples devoted to Ganesh, Shiva and Ramlalaji. There is a Digamber Jain temple of Lord Sumatinath (5th Jain Tirthankar) and Lord Sambhavanath. The temples were constructed in the 12th and 13th centuries.

Padam Talao: This is the largest of the many lakes located in the park. A red sandstone Jogi Mahal can be found at the edge of the lake. A gigantic banyan tree, considered to be India’s second largest, is also near the lake Good

 Time to Travel Ranthambore wildlife sanctuary is known for its tigers and is one of the best places in India to see these animals in their natural jungle habitat. Tigers can be easily spotted even in the daytime. The best times for tiger sightings at Ranthambore National Park are in November and May.

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