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15 places in India to see before 2022

As Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged all Indians to visit at least 15 tourist destinations to promote domestic travel in India, it becomes important to list out 15 beautiful destinations one must visit before 2022. India’s tourism sector is so dependent on foreign travelers since many tourists love the idea of visiting India, yet the people of India feel the need to visit abroad before they have visited every state in India. Many places in India are worthy of international attraction, yet ignored by domestic tourists, mainly due to lack of awareness or lack of infrastructure. But the increase in the number of tourists will only boost the economy of the place, leading to better facilities and development of the locals living there.

  1. The Beach Paradise in Andaman

When we ghoomophirosisters visited Andaman we were so surprised by the underwater beauty that we had to question why Andaman wasn’t as popular as the Maldives or other international destinations. Even though afraid of water, we thought of Hrithik Roshan in ZNMD and took the plunge. For lovers of the aquamarine or people living in mountainous areas, this beach paradise will be a pleasant surprise. The best time to visit Andaman is from November to April.

What to do: Apart from water sports like snorkeling, jet skiing, scuba diving, and others, Andaman also has many other tourist attractions. There is a Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park there along with a Rajib Gandhi Water Sports Complex in Port Blair. You can spend a relaxing day at Radhanagar Beach or visit the Cellular Jail National Memorial. Andaman also has other popular beaches like Merk Bay, Wandoor and Corbyn’s Cove beach.

How to visit?

Air connectivity through Vir Savarkar Airport in Port Blair. Sea connectivity with major cities like Chennai, Kolkata, and Vishakhapatnam through Haddo Wharf Port in Port Blair.

  1. Realms of Wilderness in Binsar

Binsar is one of the lesser-known places in India that is perfect for wildlife enthusiasts. It is located in the heart of Almora in Kumaoni and is known for its wild jungles, incredible heights, and peaceful surroundings. Mark Binsar on your calendar between October or November.

What to do?

We went to Binsar during December but since it was the peak season, most of the camping sites were booked. Binsar has many incredible camping sites but they are mostly booked in advance yet we were lucky enough to get our bookings done. We also went on a Jeep Safari in the Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary and saw Himalayan Deer, Leopards, Barking Deer, Porcupine, and flying squirrel. Binsar also has other places we went for sight-seeing at like the famous Mahadev Temple, Mary Budden Estate, Zero Point and Pariyadeva Pashan.

Though not many, Binsar does have a nice vegetarian restaurant called Dolma restaurant with good food and genuine prices. For dessert, there is Baba Cake nearby.

How to visit?

Binsar is 152 km away from the nearest domestic airport which is in Pantnagar. Rail connectivity is through Kathgodam Railway Station which is 119 km away. There is also road connectivity with the nearest neighboring cities.

  1. The Coffee Plantations in Coorg

Coorg is a gorgeous hill station in Karnataka that is just a quick ride away from Bangalore. The best time to visit is from October to March. We went to Coorg mainly for the enriching Coffee Plantations which the place has plenty.

What to do?

Coorg also has many other attractive places like the Abbey Falls. We went hiking on Brahmagiri Peaks and also spent a calm day at Namdroling Monastery. A week is enough time to explore the entire place. One day we were on a Jeep Safari to Nagarhole National Park and the next we went ziplining in River Kaveri. The Nalknad Palace and Iruppu Falls left a memorable imprint on our minds.

How to reach?

By air: Mangalore is the nearest airport which is 156 km away.

By rail: The nearest railway station is 106 km away called Mysore Junction.

By road: It takes 5 and a half hours to reach Coorg from Bangalore. It is a 238 km long ride.

  1. Camp at Kanatal

Kanatal in Uttarakhand is one of the best places we have found for camping. We spent a weekend at Kanatal enjoying great weather and panoramic sceneries. Though we visited Kanatal in July, the best time to visit Kanatal is between April and June.

What to do?

38 km from Mussorie, you can only imagine the kind of beauty Kanatal possesses. At the shore of Tehri Lake, we enjoyed the rich view of the sunset and also visited the famous Sukranda Temple. The Kodia Jungle gives the place a mystic aura and the New Tehri Dam is a sight one must not miss. Go valley crossing as it is one of the most popular adventure sports in Kanatal. The charges for it are just Rs 300 for a 10-15 minute activity. To get into the “Pahari” feel, we stayed in a homestay in Kanatal. It was there that we enjoyed the delicious Pahari food.

How to reach?

By air: Jolly Grant Airport is located at a distance of 92 km from Kanatal.

By rail: Rishikesh railway station located at a distance of 75 km is the nearest railhead to Kanatal.

  1. Paragliding at Bir Billing

Bir Billing in Himachal Pradesh is the place that held the first-ever World Cup for Paragliding. If you are an adventure enthusiast and haven’t visited Bir Billing yet, book your tickets for April, May or June. Bir Billing has more than ten paragliding spots and is popularly known as the paragliding capital in India.

What to do?

First of all, go paragliding and if left with some time, visit the Billing Valley and the historic temples nearby. Bir Billing has Chamunda Temple, Bajinath Shiv Temple and a Shiva Shrine that attracts pilgrims from all across the country. You can also visit the Ahju Fort and enjoy delicious Himachali cuisine.

How to reach?

By air: Kangra airport, the nearest airport is 67 kilometres from Bir.

By rail: The nearest railway station to Bir Billing is Pathankot which is 140 km away.

By road: Bir Billing is accessible by road as it is connected with nearby cities of Delhi, Chandigarh, Manali, Shimla through buses.

 

  1. Tirthan Valley in Himachal

Who has not heard of the famous Kullu-Manali? Kullu valley is known for its beauty and in the heart of District Kullu in Tirthan Valley. We visited Tirthan in the hot summers of June and were surprised how a place can be so calm and adventurous at the same time. On one hand, the beautiful scenery of the valley laid our hearts to rest while traveling through Great Himalayan National Park was a thrill beyond imagination. Raghupur Fort embodies the rich history of Himachal while Jalori Pass Trek was both challenging and fulfilling.

How to reach?

By air: Bhuntar airport is 48 km away.

By rail: Ambala railway station is 188 km away.

By road: One can also enjoy the scenic road trip via car or bus from the nearby states.

 

  1. Ski Lovers Unite at Auli

One trip to Auli will make you never want to travel out of India. Located in Uttarakhand, the snowy mountains of Auli are best for Skiing and even if you don’t know the basics of Skiing, the activity is just as fun to watch. The best time to visit Auli is during winters when it is all covered in snow i.e from December to February. But even during the summers, Auli has its charm with captivating sunsets and mesmerizing view of the Himalayas.

Kuari Pass Trek and Pangarchulla Peak are the main attractions of Auli but one can also visit Kalpeshwar and Sri Hemkunt Sahib.

How to reach?

By air: The Nearest airport is Jolly Grant airport of Dehradun.

By rail: Haridwar railway station is the nearest railway head from Auli.

By road: Travel towards Joshimath which is well connected to many towns and cities of Uttarakhand. From here, Auli is a short ride away.

  1. See the Valley of Flowers

The Valley of Flowers has more than 300 flower species. Located in Uttarakhand, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Many travelers already have it on their bucket list and since it is located at an altitude of 3,858 meters above the sea level, families often go on this trek. We visited Valley of Flowers during the peak season in July and got such great pictures. The only issue is that travelers need to be more caring for the environment when they visit the Valley of Flowers. The untouched beauty of the various species of flowers seems to be getting polluted by plastic wrappers and traveler’s nonchalant attitude towards the environment.

How to reach:

You can book a trek and have a customised itinerary for your visit to the Valley of Flowers.

  1. The Royal Jodhpur

Known as the Blue City of Rajasthan, Jodhpur has forts that will entrap you in the history and the royal old era. From Mehrangarh Fort located at a hilltop to stone pavements and royal landscapes, Jodhpur oozes the essence of Rajasthan. The main city of Jodhpur has many restaurants and we tried the Bajre ka Sogra and Badam Halwa. Visit Jodhpur from October to February because that’s when the weather is most comfortable for the visitors. The summer months in Rajasthan are quite harsh.

How to reach:

By air: Jodhpur has a domestic airport connected to major cities.

By rail: Jodhpur Railway Station is also widely connected.

By road: Road to Jodhpur is also smooth and easily accessible.

 

  1. Offbeat getaway at Prashar Lake

One of the top tourist attractions in Himachal, known for trekking enthusiasts and gorgeous views of the Dhauladhar range is Prashar Lake in Mandi District. Trekking till Prashar Lake is a mid-difficulty level trek. There is a three-tiered temple right near the Lake that is beautifully constructed. There is also Bhutnath Temple with great architecture located on Samkhetar, Mandi.  There is a Shanan Hydel Project that is another tourist attraction in Barot village in Mandi. The best time to visit is April to July or September to November.

How to reach

By air: Kullu Manali airport is the nearest airport which is 73 km away from Mandi.

By rail: The nearest railway station is 50 kilometres away.

  1. Explore the Alpine Forests of Dhanaulti

The thick alpine forests located 2200 meters high in Dhanaulti bordering Mussorie is an offbeat destination for those who wish to live the true wildlife. The Eco Park in Dhanaulti is filled with lush green trees and it also has adventure sports for kids such as commando net, Burma Bridge and Flying Fox. It is a huge and well-maintained park. We went camping at Thangdhar Camp and also visited Surkanda Devi Temple. We visited Dhanaulti during September and September to June is the best time to visit the place.

How to reach

By air: Jolly Grant Airport is 82 km away.

By rail: Dehradun railway station is 25 km away from Dhanaulti.

By road: One can also travel via road from the nearby cities.

 

  1. The Spiritual Varanasi

The spiritual ghats of Varanasi might not call to you until you have crossed 30 but there is nothing to make you feel truly mortal as a visit to Varanasi. The Pooja Aarti, Prayers and calm banks of the holy river made us feel the essence of what it means to live in India. The Kashi Vishwanath Temple and Durga Temple and two renowned tourist attractions. Apart from that, there is Assi Ghat, Manmandir Ghat, Manikarnika Ghat and Dashashwamedh Ghat which are worth visiting. Mark your calendars between October and February.

How to reach

By air: Varanasi has a domestic airport which is Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport.

By rail: Kashi Railway Station and Varanasi Junction are the two major railway stations.

By road: Varanasi is well-connected with nearby cities via road.

 

  1. Amidst the Clouds in Meghalaya

Meghalaya is the much-awaited holiday destination on every traveler’s list. Who wouldn’t love to be amidst the clouds, surrounded by mighty green mountains? Caving in Meghalaya is also one of the greatest adventurous activities but only partake if you aren’t afraid of insects and dark spaces. Some other places to visit in Meghalaya are Khasi Hills, Garo Hills, Seven Sisters Falls. Enjoy the sunset neat Umiam Lake and feel the serenity of Nohkalikai Falls. Click the best selfies at Shillong View Point and Nohwet Living Root Bridge. Plan your visit between March and July.

How to reach?

By air: Umroi Airport is the nearest domestic airport.

By rail: Guwahati Junction is the nearest railway station with good connectivity to other cities.

  1. Land of Waterfalls- Cherrapunjee

Cherrapunjee in Meghalaya deserves a stay for at least a week. Its living root bridges made of rubber trees are the biggest attraction and seem like something straight out of a fairytale. The Mawsmai Caves and several waterfalls add to the tourism potential of Cherrapunjee. Nohkalikai Falls, Daiñthlen Falls, and Kynrem Falls are worth a visit. Since the weather in Cherrapunjee is mostly rainy, you can visit it from November to May.

How to reach?

By air: Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport is the nearest airport and is 153 km away.

By rail: Guwahati is the nearest railway station.

  1. Dalhousie

Dalhousie is known for its world-famous architecture. The Victorian era architecture amidst the refreshing green mountains and mesmerizing rivers acts as a charming spot for travelers. Go on a jeep safari in Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary. The architecture of St John’s Church will leave you awestruck. Some other places to visit are Satdhara Falls, Subhash Baoli, and Chamunda Devi Temple. Visit from March to June.

How to reach?

By air: Pathankot is the nearest airport.

By rail: Pathankot is also the nearest railway station.

By road: Dalhousie is well-connected via road.

Plan out your travels till 2022 and do visit some of these places with your entire family to support domestic travel in India!

Categories
Rejuvenate Staycation

The Gateway Hotel Gir Forest

Can you imagine luxury in a forest? But when it comes to Taj, luxury is what you get even in the most expected of places. Right across the Hiran River, near the dense Gir Forest, this leisure resort is the best in the area. Live wild without compromising on comfort, stay at The Gateway Hotel, Gir.

How to Reach?

Complete Address: Near Sinh Sadan, Junagadh, Sasan Gir, Sasan Gir, India, 362135

By Train: The nearest railway station is Somnath which is 45 km away.

By Air: Diu is the nearest airport and it is 110 km away.

By Road: It has road connectivity with nearby cities of Rajkot, Jamnagar, Bhavnagar and others.

Check-in & Check out

Check-in from 2:00 PM

Check-out till 12:00 PM

Early check-in and late check-out options available but it would be chargeable.

Best time to visit :

The best time to visit the Gateway resort is during summers. Monsoon is the off-season so you might get a discount on your booking but summers are when you will be able to spot lions in the Gir Forest. Winters are also quite pleasant here.

About The Gateway Resort:

Gir Forest was always on our travelling bucket list and when we finally visited, Th Gateway Resort looked like the best accommodation. Situated right near the forest, it had a calm and serene atmosphere. Moreover, we trust the comfort and hospitality of Taj. The Gateway Resort is located 60 km away from the city centre, in Sasan Gir. It is a premium resort with the best location, overlooking a rivulet and close to the forest. But the convenient location is the only highlight of the place as we felt after our stay that this property of Taj is quite ignored and below the usual standards. There are many facilities available as per the brochure or their website but when you visit, the situation is quite contrary.

Types of Rooms:

There are five different types of rooms available and 28 rooms in total on the entire property. There is Standard Room Garden View Queen Bed, Superior Room With Sit-out River View Double Bed, Superior Room With Sit-out River View Twin Bed, Executive Suite With Sit-out River View Double Bed, Deluxe Suite With Sit-out River View Double Bed.

We chose to stay in the Deluxe room with a Rive view. There was a balcony where we could sit out and enjoy the view of the lush green jungles. The rooms were well-furnished and had all amenities, including free Wi-fi which one wouldn’t expect near a jungle. The air-conditioning was not as strong as it should have been but perhaps the humid atmosphere of the place could somehow be responsible for it. The TV screen in our room remained turned off because we were too busy exploring everything else. The room also had a tea and coffee maker, along with iron and an ironing board. The room had a veranda and was quite spacious and clean. We stayed in the resort for the weekend and the riverside location is just a short drive away from the Safari Park. We did have 24×7 room service but it wasn’t as quick or efficient as we wanted it to be.

What does the hotel have to offer?

There are many facilities available like the fitness center that only has two treadmills, outdoor pool which is always short on towels or drinking water, spa with the masseuse being too hard on your muscles and a garden which has to be the best of all places to unwind. When we chose Taj we expected top-notch facilities but perhaps because of their lack of staff or the resort being in such remote area, it was a good accommodation but did not match to the standards of Taj. It was a homely atmosphere but not as luxurious. We spotted some leopards right outside the hotel and it was exciting to see them so close. The garden area has sitting space as well and we spent a lot of our time there. The hotel will help you book a safari in the Gir forest and bird-watching activities as well. Nature lovers would love to spend time on this property and relax in the lap of nature. The wild trees and the exotic feel of the Gir forests will render anyone mesmerized.

What to eat?

The hotel has a restaurant that serves diverse cuisines. The international dishes were not up to the mark and lacked the distinct exotic taste but the Indian dishes were delicious. They had customized their menu to accommodate local dishes and we did try some Gujarati food. The taste was delicious and it was served with a homely feel. Considering that it was a multi-cuisine restaurant, we expected even the international dishes to be of a high standard but were disappointed with what was served to us.

What needs to improve?

The facilities at the spa need to improve because the staff does not have proper training. Some of the areas were not as clean as needed to be. The fabric of the sofa and other sitting spaces was worn down. The staff is helpful when asked to do something but is unwilling to take initiative in offering hospitality. They also need to work a little harder on their international cuisines.

What did we like?

When we got ready for the morning Safari, as early as 6 am, we found coffee and tea waiting for us when we reached the lobby. The staff was courteous and though we were bummed about not getting a welcome drink after our long drive to the resort, this made up for it. Everything was hygienic, clean and well-maintained. The ambiance and the aura of the resort were rustic and serene.

Places to visit Nearby:

Sasan Gir: Go on a Safari and spot wild Asiatic Lions. Bird-watching is another popular activity in the forest. Gir National Park is huge in area and covers 1,412 sq km. As soon as you enter the forest, you are hit by the instant brown shade of everything. If you visit Gir Forest, you won’t be able to walk out without spotting a lion.

Kankai Mata Temple: 50 km from Sasan Gir, there is a shrine dedicated to Kankai Mata who is believed to be the benefactor of the shepherds and nomads.

Mahabat Maqbara and Jammi Mosque: It is an exquisite architecture built during the Mughal rule, located in Junagadh. It is situated near the Junagadh Railway station.

Overall Verdict:

Our visit to the Gir Forest was fantastic. It was all that we expected and more. Being so close to wildlife is always enthralling and we got some beautiful pictures of the area as well. And as for The Gateway Resort, it is a good accommodation with all necessary facilities. One can have a nice and comfortable stay there but do not book it expecting Taj level hospitality and facilities. More attention should be paid to this beautiful property to improve its standards. The location is its prime advantage but it needs to provide much better facilities to attract more tourists. The hotel staff should inform the people staying there about offers, safaris and what special facilities they offer. They respond when you ask at the reception but it is something they should take initiative about.

Categories
Corporate Outings Rejuvenate

Amazing things to do in Coorg

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

Barapole river rafting.

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

Visit Dubare Elephant Park

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

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

Visit Abbey Falls

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

 

Experience the Tibetian culture at Golden Temple

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

Go trekking and hiking

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

Visit Madikeri Fort

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

7. Go Microlight Flying

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

Try your hands at Rock Climbing

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

Go Kayaking

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

Take a dip in the waters of Talacauvery

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

Visit Nisargadhama

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

Off-Road Jeep Drive To Nishani Hills

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

Irruppu Falls

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

Conclusion

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

Categories
Rejuvenate Staycation

In the clouds at Genting Highland Resort, Malaysia

Address: Genting Highland Resort, Genting Highlands, Malaysia.

How to get here: Getting here is quite easy with shuttle service. With Awana Skyway Resort World Genting’s cable car system, cable cars carry the passengers every hour ascending from Awana Station to SkyAvenue station. The glass floor Gondola ride gives a great view across the 620 meters of cable. You can start enjoying the sights even on the journey. There is hassle-free transport between shuttle stations and resort. It is also conveniently accessed by a 45-minute ride from Kuala Lumpur.

The resort hotel is a bright and stylish hotel that brings freshness to its modern decor. Set amidst the majestic landscape, this hotel also provides a breathtaking view and all the cool comforts. It is a high altitude resort set amidst the Genting Highlands of Malaysia. The weather is always refreshing in this part. As you walk in, you get the view of the decent lobby and the bellman is there to help you. When we entered our room, we were delighted to see that our room gave us a lavish view of the amusement park. The elevator signs took a little getting used to but after a while, we understood the arrows and signs.

Room: The room has a modern interior and it was very clean and cozy. We had the super deluxe double bed for our luxury and the staff was cooperative and polite. The room was up to standards but the only problem was that there was no WiFi connectivity. That was only available in the lobby. There are a bunch of options available for the type of room you want and we went with the deluxe option. It suited our needs and was quite comfy. With carpet flooring, in-room safe and sitting are available, it was all one could ask of the hotel.

Amenities and Services: Highlight of the Resort is the huge Genting theme park attached to it which is surrounded by a great view. We stayed in the deluxe room and it had all the modern luxury facilities. Getting back to the room after visiting the theme park was very relaxing. The room was spacious as well as comfortable. There was one small herbal shop around the corner and we delighted in their soups. Most of the facilities are within walking distance and the staff is ever so helpful. A basic set of toiletries were provided such as hairdryer, bathrobes, along with tea/coffee maker, LCD Tv, and express laundry service. The food, however, wasn’t fantastic and we preferred to eat outside. There is a Bar & Lounge if you feel in the mood for a few drinks and a Casino for trying your hand at gambling.

Food:

Some of the best places to eat that we found were Cafes Richard. As soon as we arrived at SkyAvenue, it was the first place we went for some coffee. Here, the customers can experience genuine French art with original coffees and French food. Do try their espresso.

Later, we ended up at Motorino. That is the best Pizza place baked in wooden ovens. This is the best authentic Italian pizza restaurant chain.

We also had our meals at Food factory in Genting Highlands. There was a wide variety of food choices here and even a chocolate fountain. We had our meal buffet style. There were many options for vegetarian food and we were surprised to find Rotis available.

Highlights: The theme park, though crowded remained the highlight of our stay here. One can easily spend the whole day there, enjoying different rides and activities. Many retail shops and restaurants are also readily available without having to go too far for it.

Verdict: We had a great time during our stay at this resort and would recommend it to every fellow traveler visiting Genting Highlands in Malaysia. Just opt out of the breakfast option and instead go out and eat the local cuisines. Do try out the casino and the theme park. It is all part of the overall experience which you will not want to miss.

Categories
Culture North-West India Rejuvenate Solo Women Travel

Assagao, The flower Village of North Goa

Goa is famous for its beaches and nightlife and has won the title of tourism capital of India on the back of those attractions but they do not form an exclusive list of the pleasures the state has to offer at all. Some of its lesser-known attractions its beautiful villages, a lot of which offer a serene distraction in case you have had too much of its beaches. Its traffic-free country lanes and pretty landscape with beautiful churches and pretty flowers are a welcome change from Goa’s more mainstream attractions.

Its tranquil beauty is so different from the noise of party-loving party culture of Goa that you might think that you are not in Goa anymore. But do not be deceived – Goa’s beauty is still there but just at a different, and if we might say, and even more original wavelength.

Today, Ghoomophiro will talk about their experience in Assagoa. Assagoa is also known as ‘Fullyanchem Gaon’ or the flower village of North Goa as well as several other nicknames – “Little Delhi”, “Goa’s South Extension”, ‘Artist’s village’, “The Beverly Hills of Goa”, “Goa’s Tuscany”.. Assagoa is a village in  Bardez, Goa. It is located about 4 kilometers west of Mapusa. This flower village of North Goa was ruled by Portuguese like the rest of the state and this has left very little trace of earlier cultures that had resided in it.

History

According to a local legend, the village got its name when a prince, who had lost his way on the hills of Assagao on a dark night, heard the cock crow to signal the time dawn. Overjoyed and relieved of his fears, the forlorn prince heaved a sigh, Assa re ganv. The earliest known inhabitants of Assagao were Saraswat Brahmins of the Atri gotra among some other Hindus who all had Ravalnath as their presiding deity. There was no dearth of temples back then but none survives now – after it has survived Portegeuse rule.

How to reach Assagao?

The forty-kilometer journey from Goa airport can be made on the personal vehicle or taxi or a hired vehicle. It is best visited as a one day detour from Panjim.

What to eat?

Assagao has grown to be a full-blown tourist attraction with a number of eateries offering very delicious varieties of Indian as well as western cuisine.

What to buy?

Assagao’s shops are the best in Goa if you feel like buying souvenirs. There are shops here offering anything and everything – garments, jewelry, electronic accessories, etc.

Where to stay?

Assagao offers accommodations options for people of all budgets and pockets. Some of these offer specialized services such as spa, yoga, etc.

Places to visit

  1. Villa Blanche Bistro

A quiet eatery in a quiet village tucked right inside commercial noise of holiday paradise that is Goa, Villa Blanche Bistro was our first stop. It had mouthwatering Italian and German delicacies on offer which we munched away in our breakfast. This was the reason why we visited it on Sunday – to have a taste of every dish they had to offer.

  1. Hotel Astoria

This 250-year old heritage bungalow is the perfect place to have your evening drinks or early morning snacks while sitting in shades of mango trees and coconut palms and listening to songs of bulbuls and other birds.

  1. Purple Valley Goa

There seems something absurd in talking about ‘yoga in Goa’ but you can do exactly that at Purple Valley Goa which has a large open area for meditation and reflection. You can also stay at Ganesh House, Savasana House or cottages in here. Moreover, all the food served here is organic and vegetarian – helping you experience life from an ascetic’s point of view.

  1. St. Cajetan’s Church

St. Cajetan’s Church is one of 23 churches in Bardez built by the Portuguese. The beautiful church of Assagaon is a piece of architectural genius and greets its visitors with a rich history.

  1. Project Café

The Café that has become an attracted some of the most popular artists of the country to a small village like Assagao – the café is a cafe, a retail store, an art gallery, Whether it be writers, painters, musicians etc, Project Café is fast on the road of becoming artists’ parliament of India. Pay a trip here and if you are lucky you might come across some artist you have dreamed of meeting all your life.

Conclusion

Assagao is a beautiful little village that might have been made for lovers of beauty only. It has its own exclusive pleasures to offer even within Goa. Talking in terms of luxury hotels, we prefer ones in Assagao over those in Panjim. We even recommend making a special trip just for Assagao. Though there are no sea beaches within the village, there are popular beaches like Anjuna beach in the neighborhood.  Have you been to Assagao? What has your experience there been? J

Categories
North east Rejoice Rejuvenate Relax Travel Trends

Reasons to plan the visit to north-east India

North-East India is the one-stop destination for all travelers. There are several places to visit in North-east India. Still untouched by the bustling city life, the region of Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh, etc still have natural scenic beauty that has not been destroyed by the umbrage of travelers yet. There is a lot to be explored in North-East India which is why it becomes the best offbeat place to travel to for all those who have already seen or have no interest in seeing the “popular” places. The top 5 things that will compel you to visit North-East India are: 

The Tribal communities

North-East India is brimming with unique tribal communities. Even in the modern age, these tribals live completely cut-off from the outside world and whether it is the Apatani Tribe in Arunachal Pradesh (fascinating because of their tradition of facial tattoos) or Head hunters in Nagaland, or Galo tribes, each tribe has a unique and fascinating culture that one would love to get familiar with. But it is best to find a local guide who would inform you about the tribes and their behavior beforehand. While generally, they are welcoming to tourists, you must not do anything that they find offensive.

Rare cuisines

Being in North-East India would make you feel like you are not in India at all since the seven sisters have a unique identity. While cuisines in the rest of the country is identified by the rich use of spices, in North-East states, different ingredients like bamboo shoots are used to flavor the cuisine. Moreover, in certain areas, the cuisine is inspired by Tibetan or Nepali style of cooking. Some of the must-try dishes are Narasingha masor jhol which is a specialty of Assam, Smoked pork with bamboo shoot and Gundruk in Sikkim.

Rich scenic beauty

The beauty of North-East India is beyond what one can imagine. There is no shortage of challenging treks that one can go on, there are many offbeat destinations that make for a memorable road trip and waterfalls, pristine forests and tea gardens are a common sight to be enjoyed. You can go on The Bailey Trail Trek in Arunachal Pradesh for spectacular views or Tawang or living root bridge.  Moreover, the natural landscapes are credited with making travelers grow spiritually after their visit to North-East India.

Endangered wildlife to be seen

Along with magnificent views, North-East India is also home to endangered wildlife species like the one-horned rhino. North-East India has many National Parks where travelers can go on Safaris to see endangered animals. One of the must-visit parks is Kaziranga National Park situated in Assam. Nokrek National Park is also a good option for travelers in Meghalaya.

It is a spot that highlights diversity in India

Though a part of India, the seven sisters differ from the rest of the country in all ways. The culture is closer to that of Tibet and Nepal while the cuisines are also completely different. The people of North-East India resemble people from China or Burma in their appearances and the hassle-free atmosphere adds a fascinating element to the beauty of North-East India. Not only this, it boasts of places like Kamakya temple, which has religious importance too. And the people respect their natural surroundings a lot. Sikkim, a part of North-East states is the first state to be completely organic.

Therefore, North-East India is a crown jewel of the country and makes one feel like they are visiting a completely different country altogether. Apart from all the things mentioned above, there is a lot to be seen in North-East India. One can see the Tibetan culture reflected in people’s lifestyles and enjoy the rich handicrafts.   

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Rejuvenate Staycation

Into the wilderness of Mayfair Lagoon, Bhubaneswar

Address: 8-B, Jayadev Vihar 751013 Bhubaneswar India

How to reach: By Air: The nearest Airport is Biju Pattanaik and the hotel is just 20-minute drive (approximately 7 kilometres) away from the airport.

By Rail

Bhubaneswar is well connected by train with major cities and the nearest railway station is 10-minutes (6 kilometres perhaps) drive from the hotel.

By Road

One can also get to the hotel by road since Bhubaneswar falls on the National Highway 5 and is well connected with major cities. The hotel can be easily found using google maps thereafter.

Ambience: The hotel is located in the thriving heart of Bhubaneswar. While centred in a commercial area where the hustle bustle of the city, the best markets, shops and restaurants are just a walk away, it still maintains its stature as a peaceful oasis for the travellers. The hotel is spread out over 10 acres of land with beautiful gardens and 63 cottages, all of which face the lagoon. There are also villas and family-sized suites which you can choose according to your preference. There are many statues of Hindu deities around the place along with some life-size animal figurines and dolphins too. The hotel faces the manmade lagoon that most of the travellers come to Bhubaneswar to visit. The rooms, lobby and the restaurants also had a classy ambience of a high and mighty hotel but the staff everywhere was just as humble and helpful. The check-in and check-out took no time at all. The staff was always at our beck and call.

Rooms:

Though there were many great options, we chose to stay in a deluxe cottage because it gave us the necessary privacy, a quiet place to sit and enjoy the lagoon’s view and all modern amenities of the other rooms. It is better to spend a little extra and ensure a comfortable stay, especially if you can afford it. The breakfast buffet was also included in the room charge. The room was adorned with beautiful wooden furniture. There were a living area and a private sitting place from where we could get a clear unobstructed view of the lagoon as well as the thick bamboo forest. There was also a study room which we took to be our reader/writer’s nook and actually ended up writing some pages in our travelogue. There was also a fully-stocked mini-bar in the cottage. The bathroom was also spacious with a big bathtub for a totally luxurious experience. All necessary toiletries and hairdryer were also available. The bed was huge and quite comfy. What we found interesting was that there was a trunk in our cottage, possibly to store beddings (or clothes perhaps?) but it fits in quite well with the ambiance of the rest of the cottage. The TV was great, and an additional Blu-ray player was there for our convenience. They gave us a newspaper in the morning and free Wi-Fi was also available, along with tea and coffee maker in the room.

Food and Facilities:

The best part about the place would have to be its food options. There are just so many to choose from. From oriental to Indian, to local Odia dishes and usual coffee, you can have it all. The most interesting place for Indian food is the dhaba called “Nakli dhaba”. Despite the name, the dhaba itself is very much real and has great typical north-Indian dhaba ambiance with delicious north Indian food. Then there is Mamma Mia Café for a simple coffee and baked goods. If you wish to try out the local cuisines, Kanika is there which serves authentic Oriya food. Do try their deserts because that is the most popular thing in Bhubaneswar. For more oriental cuisines, there is Lemongrass. We ordered Chinese here and it was very well-prepared. Tea Pot is the best place for evening tea and snacks. But if you start feeling hungry between meals like us, you can always grab a quick bite at Super Snax. There is also an in-house bar called Baron and Baroness which has a Scottish setup. We didn’t try anything there but did go in to check out the ambiance. Everything looked quite vintage. The cellar is for the people looking to enjoy the nightlife. Mayfair Lagoon literally has something for everyone. No one can be disappointed here, there is just so much variety and not on the cost of quality or taste. We found affordable options for food along with delicious taste and Instagram-worthy preparations.

 

What to do nearby: We contacted their travel desk to ask about local sightseeing places and they set us up with vehicles at an affordable charge. We went to have a closer look at the lagoon which turned out to be the right decision since no words can explain the magnificent view we saw. We also visited ISKCON temple, Regional Museum of Natural History and the famous Ram Mandir, though now we wish we had skipped the museum because there was nothing worthy of too much interest to us there. The Ram Mandir, however, we could have spent a lot of time at.  We also went shopping in the nearby bazaar to get some souvenirs for back home and occasionally stopped at local food joints to try out Odia delicacies.

Highlights:

The whole hotel is some sort of retreat and not just because of the greenery all around and the amazing view of the lagoon but also because of the little sit-outs which are spread in every nook and corner. One can find a spot and just relax anywhere. There are Vintage cars, sculptures and old aircraft accessorizing the place. There are also many facilities available like spa, swimming pool, gym, jogging track etc. There is an in-house florist that you can interact with, and even a bank just for convenience. A special mention is needed for an in-house library in the hotel. Yes, you read that right and the attendant there was also very sweet and polite. This was the first time we saw an actual library in a hotel but I guess the way it was, Mayfair Lagoon could be called a small town. But the major highlight would remain the spectacular view that is provided by our cottage.

Overall Verdict: Mayfair Lagoon is the perfect place to stay in Bhubaneswar for every traveler. There is not even one facility that you can name that won’t be available here. The staff is quite polite and always ready to help. Room service was quick and efficient. It is strategically located in the perfect place since the bazaars and shops are just a walk away. The view of the lagoon along with the lush green gardens of the property just makes it even more picturesque. It is the kind of place where one would come to stay and not want to go out exploring because everything was already present within arm’s reach. Full points for the food and comfort. We definitely got our money’s worth with that visit.

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Rejuvenate Staycation

Monsoon ride to Faraway Renz : Another Recommendation in Uttarakhand

Do you keep getting that vibe to run far away from the day-to-day life, from the noises traffic make as if from despair on urban roads? If yes, Faraway Renz is just the place for you. Whether it be for some quality family time or a chance to contemplate the beauties of nature or for a chance to develop your conceptual health or a chance to pursue your artistic side or just a chance to be with yourself, Faraway is where you should go.

Started and run by Rishi Mohan Sanwal is an IIMA alumnus and his wife Nidhi Prabha Tewari  an IRMA graduate (who met while volunteering for relief after Gujrat earthquake of 2001 and left their corporate careers to follow their hearts’ call), Faraway Renz rests in cradle of Himalayas on Rani Khet Highway in Uttarakhand, just 8 hours drive from Delhi, near a small village Ghatti. It is near the words just beyond Corbett National Park and will serve as the best retreat for anyone wanting to spend their time surrounded by beauties of nature

When to visit?

Faraway Renz is located at the altitude of 4800 ft. The temperature lies in quite a comfortable range most days of the year. And summers are better than winters, which when added to the advantage of a chance to see the Melas at Binsar Mahadev Temple held in June, making it the best place to go Faraway. You might also want to attend one or other programs they are in habit of organizing at Faraway and thus keep an eye on their website to see what programs are being planned.

How to reach Faraway?.

The resort is just 8 hours away from Delhi or you can catch trains – the Ranikhet Express will take your Ramnagar from where you can take a taxi to resort while enjoying the tranquil beauty of Corbett forests. Sampark Kranti and Kathgodam Shatabadi are other options. The Shatabdi will take you to Haldwani from where you can take a taxi to be at the resort just in time for lunch.

Architecture

Faraway Renz has a bungalow and six cottages – all made of stone and designed, to both add to the beauty of Kumaon Himalayan greens and to comfort its guests’ enjoyment of the same.

The Bungalow is built on a platform at the highest point in the resort. It is furnished just like a house-made to accommodate a family of four adults and two children – two-bedrooms with attached bathrooms, a well-equipped kitchen, a drawing-room, and a big private garden.

The Corner Cottage, as the name suggests, is situated on a corner of the property. It invites nature’s beauty in itself with an open view of three sides – that of tall pines of the forests, a small lawn, and of ever-beautiful Himalayas. It can accommodate two adults and a kid.

The Family Retreat is a large cottage made for an ideal nuclear family – two adults and two children. A kitchen is provided and there is of-course the view of the Himalayan landscape.

The Duo Cottage is a simple cottage with large windows to treat one’s eyes with the beautiful Himalayas. It supports two adults and one kid, but as we mentioned before.

The rooms are all splendid with pinewood roofs. The resort gives you the option of getting additional beds in case the number of members larger than usual accommodation. A picnic table over the ridge and Kumaoni cuisine picture-perfect the picture.

What to do there?

There is no end to activities that you can do here but, if you are anything like me, you will know that the best thing to do is often nothing and that is the case here. You just sit around and watch the Himalayas unfold its different colors from early dawn to late after sunset, while birds sing to its glory, and after twilight, you lie on your back and look at stars.

Faraway avails you the option of playing games – from cricket (it has its own field!) to board games like Monopoly, playing cards, Poker and Pictionary. The kids have their own play area with swings, sandpit, an outdoor tent and some board games like Ludo and Snakes & Ladders.

It is also a reader’s paradise – providing a perfect natural background for a reader wishing to while his or her days away reading. It is appropriate enough that it comes with its own restaurant.

You can go fishing or swimming in the nearby river, Ramganga or exploring flora in the woods nearby or simply do a barbeque in light of a bonfire.

Nearby Tourist Attractions

Living in Faraway is an experience worth having on its own but the resort is ideally located near several other tourist spots like:

1. Binsar Mahadev Temple

The Binsar Mahadev Temple is at distance of a mere 15 kilometer and has an ashram of its own. A two-day Mela is organized here on Vaikunth Chaturdashi and Kartik Purnima in June – which is full of local programmers like  Mangal and Khuded songs Pandav and Chaufula dance,  etc.

2. Ranikhet

This beautiful tourist spot is just an hour’s drive from the resort. The Rani Jheel, the apple orchids, Ashiana Park, Golf course, Kali temple, Shawl factory and, of course, apple orchids at Chaubatia are some of the major attractions of Ranikhet.

3. Corbet National Park

Built by a hunter-turned- conservator, Jim Corbett, this National Park was the first in the country and offers its visitors a chance to go on tiger safari along with a chance to observe several other faunae.

Programs

There is also a program to be held on 16 to 19 September in partnership with SWAS Healthcare, HEALTHify with yoga classes from experts, cardiac exercises, Meditation Sessions, Talks on Healthy Living, Nature Walks and Individual wellness consultation in the peaceful beauty of Himalayas.

This Program is to be quickly followed by another program ‘Urja’ (20 September to 23rd September 2018) which is focused on mid-career professionals, entrepreneurs with aim of rekindling the aim of helping them deal with mid-life career crisis (The ‘Is this all?’ panic syndrome). The behavioral scientists and career coaches from Kavyata will be helping you to turn this very crisis into motivation for aspiring something new, higher, better.

Creative Writing Retreats with workshops on writing and a chance to learn from each other are often held regularly. The last one was held in April 2018

How much will it cost?

The prices depend upon the size of the group and the category of reservation. A standard occupancy (2 adults and 2 kids below 5 years of age) in Bungalow is available at a price of 14000 rupees plus taxes but a Single adult occupancy will cost 10000 rupees plus taxes. The prices are slashed to half or even lesser for cottages. All occupants are offered complimentary morning tea and breakfast. You must pay 50 percent advance and remainder at the property. All meals are free for kids up to 5 years of age and for kids between 6 to 13 years, it is 250 plus taxes rupees plus taxes. For the rest, it 500 rupees per meal plus taxes. This might seem expensive but it is a cheap bargain when compared to view and comforts on offer.

Conclusion

We can thus conclude that the experience of living in Faraway is a luxury available to the fortunate. The experience is unparallel and you can literally breathe in the joy the place will give you.

Categories
Adventure Corporate Outings National Parks Rejuvenate

Into the Wilderness of Benog Wildlife Santuary

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

What to do there?

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

Flora

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

Fauna

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

Trekking:

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

Our experience:

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

Travel Tips:

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

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

Where to Stay?

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

How to Reach?

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

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

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

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

Categories
Rejuvenate Staycation

Review : KMVN Chaukori, Uttarakhand

Chaukori is an ideal hill station destination in Uttarakhand. Set amidst the Kumaon hills, it gives a panoramic view of the hills. So, when in Chaukori, you need such a place to stay from where you can enjoy the view as well as get the complete holiday feeling. Chaukori is one such place which has Tibet to its north and Terai to its south. Chaukori is the nature lover’s paradise since located above 2,010mts above sea level, the place offers magnificent views of nature’s beauty and splendor. And since Chaukori is one of the lesser explored destinations, one would find it peaceful and free from crowds and tourist exploitation.

KMVN properties are maintained by the state government tourism department as is the case with this hotel. It is located in the perfect spot with scenic views and yet has a low price range for rooms. The beautiful garden, cottages, as well as the watchtower for a mesmerizing view of sunrise and sunset, just add to the qualities of the hotel, making it more attractive for tourists.

Address: Bageshwar-Munsyari Road, Chaukori, Sun Set Point, Almora, Uttarakhand

How to reach: Most people prefer traveling to Chaukori via road and KMVN Chaukori even has parking facilities available. But  the place can also be accessed via other means of transport like:

By Air: the Nearest airport is Pantnagar Airport which is located 205 kms away.

By Rail: Kathgodam which is the nearest railway station is located 180 kms away.

By Road: Chaukori is connected by roads with major cities of North India.

Rooms: The rooms of the hotel were of decent size, but we chose to stay in the cottage for the overall good experience. The only reason for us making that decision was that the cottages were more secluded and on the quiet side while the hotel rooms would have been noisy. And the cottages were better in appearances and provided that personal cozy spot to us. Moreover, we just liked the idea of staying in a cottage better than staying in a room and since we had the budget to make that call, we did. In any case, the rooms are also quite nice.

The view from the window right near our bed showed us the majestic Himalayas. We were in awe of the incredible scenic view and didn’t even have to move from the bed to see it. The room itself was also quite decent with a nice and clean bed. The room was well-furnished and had all the modern facilities available. Though a little washed up after being constantly used for years, we didn’t mind staying there. The best thing about the room was that it was free from the noisiness of the city. Since the hotel is situated in a hamlet, even the view was free from any distractions and instead of car horns, we could hear the birds chirping. The room was also spacious with an attached bathroom. It also had an individual verandah for us to walk around. We could see the garden that was right outside. The garden also had swings for children and just added to the already scenic view of the mountains. It also made for a perfect place to sit and enjoy beverages or click pictures.

Food and Amenities: They had both veg and non-veg options but a limited menu. The food was good like homemade. The staff was quite nice and polite, always at the beck and call, ready to help out in any way they could. The room service was okay.

Facilities: No wi-fi but great parking facilities. The breakfast was complimentary. The room also had a Plasma Tv, room heater and other basic facilities. It was comforting.

Highlights: It is quite good for a budget accommodation. Above average facilities and services at a cheap price. The location is the main plus that the hotel has. It is situated at just the right spot to give the great view to all the people staying here. A great view of the Nanda Devi Peaks can be seen from here and the sunrise and sunset views are especially remarkable. Another highlight is that the hotel is located in the calm and quiet location, so we could relax easily. Stepping right outside the hotel, we went for a walk and there are many unexplored paths that one could choose to walk on while staying here. We did come back during sunset to see it from the watchtower and it was an out of the world experience. We took in the entire view of the mountains, the garden, the scenery and how the clouds and sunrays just added to the already artistic feel of it all.

What to do nearby:

Just 9km from Chaukori is Dharamghar where the disciple of Gandhi, Sarla Behn spent her last days. The other major tourist attractions to visit nearby are Berinag, Patal Bhuvaneshwar, Gangolihat and also Hat Kalika temple. All these attractions are at a short distance from the hotel and easily accessible through roads. Out of them all, Patal Bhuvaneshwar is specifically recommended. It is a limestone cave and much popular among pilgrims.

Since it is a hill station, the best thing to do around here is just sit back and relax while reading a book with a cup of coffee. One can also choose it as a destination to test one’s photography skills or escape from a heavy work schedule or the noisy city. This is the kind of place where one comes to be alone to do some soul-searching or just taking a few days off. It can also be chosen as a honeymoon destination or a picnic spot for families.

Best Time to Visit: After the monsoon.

This leaves the weather still nice and cold while adding to the misty beauty of the place without the hassle of ruining your outdoor expeditions with rain. But if you are planning to just sit back and relax and are the sort of person who likes rain, then monsoons work great too.

Coming off-season also has its pros and cons. The pros would be complete seclusion, cheap booking and cons would be lousy service and limited food menu since the staff would not be too keen on getting things from the market. You will have to make do with the options available. But since there isn’t much of a crowd here even during the season, no point in making an off-season travel.

Overall Verdict: Though there are indoor or outdoor activities available, most of the people who travel to Chaukori, do it for the views and the weather, as a relaxing outing and with that context, KMVN Chaukori hotel is the best place to stay. Just don’t forget to bring your camera and capture the memories for lifetime.

Tips:

  • If the non-veg option is not available, you can always get the chicken from the market and the hotel staff will cook it for you.
  • Do carry your insect repellant and light woolen clothing.
  • Do not miss the sunrise and sunset.
  • We recommend it for travel bloggers who wish to add some mountains to their Instagram feed.
  • Bring a book, or better yet, bring two.

For bookings drop us a note at ghoomophirosisters@gmail.com. Highly recommended place.

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