Category: Relax

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Rejoice Rejuvenate Relax Travel Tips Travel Trends

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
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.

 

 

Categories
Adventure Group Travel Himalayas North India Relax Solo Women Travel

5 Must see destinations in North India

North India is one of the most gifted lands when it comes to natural beauty – whether it be in its beautiful Himalayas offering Panoramic views or historical cities like Delhi or Agra. Delhi, Agra, Kashmir, Mussoorie, Chandigarh, Jammu, Nainital, Ladakh, Dehra-dun, Lucknow, Ayodhya, Vrindavan, Rishikesh, Mohali, Amritsar, etc the list goes on and on. Today, we will bring you a list of 5 must-see destinations in North India.:

1.    Mussoorie

Aptly dubbed as the Queen of hills, Mussoorie is the first destination in our list of 5 must-see destinations in North India. It might as well be called the travel capital on North India for it is a favorite tourist spot for people of Delhi, Chandigarh, NOIDA, etc looking for a hills station getaway for a weekend. The Kempty falls of Mussoorie is a really fun picnic spot if you are traveling with family or friends. The spirituality important Jawalaji temple of great spiritual importance for Hindus is not much far. You can do your shopping at Mall road and the best of it all is that you can do all this and much more within two or three days and still be back home in time to find enough rest before you start on your next week.

How to reach Mussoorie?

Mussoorie is connected by roadway to Delhi via Saharanpur-Delhi road – a distance of only two hundred and ninety kilometers from Delhi. The nearest railway station and airport though both at Dehra-dun from where you will have to get a taxi or a bus to Mussoorie – a bus leaves for Mussoorie every hour or two.

2.    Chandigarh

Next, in our list of 5 must-see places in North India is Chandigarh. A union territory and a capital of two states, Chandigarh is one of the few planned cities of the country and one of the cleanest. Thus it is no surprise that it is one of the most favored destinations in Western India. The Rose Garden,  Sukhna Lake are some of the major tourist attraction but its strength lies in its markets (especially popular is the market in Sector-17). Being the educational capital of Punjab and Haryana, It has developed a very active nightlife too.

How to reach Chandigarh?

National Highway 1 connects Chandigarh to New Delhi. The green city is well connected by rail, road, and air with all major cities in the region.

3.    New Delhi

How can the capital of the country be left out of our list of 5 must-see places in North India? New Delhi has a rich history and thus have many historical landmarks – Qutub Minar, Lal Kila, India Gate, Jama Masjid to name just a few and there are several museums making it a great destination if you are interested in country’s rich history. In case you are out for fun and partying, its pubs and nightclubs ensure a rich a nightlife.  The street food here offers a great variety and is a tourist magnet in itself. And there are different markets selling almost everything on the planet and catering to consumers of different budgets.

How to reach Delhi?

Delhi’s international airport connects it to the rest of the world. It also has brilliant road and rail connectivity to the major cities of both North and South India

4.    Jaipur

It seems preposterous not to include at least one of the amazing array of tourist destinations of the Rajput state of Rajasthan in our list of 5 must-see places in North India. And the city to get this credit is Jaipur. Dubbed as the pink city, Jaipur deserves the honor. Its popularity is owed mostly to its forts and historical sites – Jantar Mantar, Hawa Mahal, Amber Fort, Jal Mahal,  Jaigarh Fort, City Palace, Nahargarh Fort to name only a few as well as to the friendly people who live here. One also gets a chance to enjoy the delicious street food and you can get photographed in traditional Rajasthani dresses. You can also buy locally handcrafted goods as souvenirs.

How to reach Jaipur?

In terms of convenience, nothing beats traveling by road – by bus. Sanganer airport that is only 12 kilometers away handles both local and international flights. However, we highly recommend trying a ride on Palace on Wheels at least once if you can.

5.    Agra

Any list of 5 must-see places in North India would be incomplete without a mention of Agra – the city that is home to one of the seven wonders of the world – Taj Mahal. Taj Mahal was built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory and love for his deceased and beloved wife Nur Jahan. It is a stunning wonder in marble which is said to be the result of the labor of over twenty thousand masons, jewelers, workers, artists, etc whose hands, so the local legend tells us, were ordered to be cut off Shah Jahan after the construction was complete. The city is thus a magnet for romantic and honeymoon tourism among both local and international tourists.

How to reach Agra?

Agra’s airport hs flights to and from New Delhi. By railways, it is connected with major cities throughout the country while by road it is well connected to the surrounding region including Delhi.

Conclusion

How did you like this list? What places will make it to your list of 5 must-see places in North India? Do write to us in comments below. 🙂

Categories
Beaches Culture Festival Relax Travel Trends

Cashew Trail in Goa

In many ways, Goa is a fragment of West dislocated to the shores of India. The state has a culture as diverse as it’s cuisine – finding its inspiration from the Portuguese that once ruled it, Hinduism which was once prominent religion here, Christianity which has dug its roots deep inside its soil, the English speaking world which the youth here or the tourists have adopted themselves into.

There are many unique things in which this unique mixture of culture and values shows itself. One of them is increasingly popular Cashew Trail festival. If you have been to Goa, you probably would have drink feni, Goa’s national drink. Feni is made out of cashew.

Cashew Trail Festival is a 10-day festival organized by Park Hyatt Goa Resort & Spa. The festival celebrates cashew and drinks created from it – and their rich history.

Cashew tree was brought to Goa by Portuguese over 500 years ago. The impact of this fruit, well, technically it is not fruit but you know what I mean, Cashew’s impact on local culture has been so strong that it has inspired Thomas Abraham, general manager, Park Hyatt Goa to trademark the phrase ‘Cashew trail’ and initiate efforts to turn the harvesting time into a cultural event.

Launched in 2017 in collaboration with Vazs — Valentino, Mac, and Cedric of Madame Rosa Distillery, which Goa’s largest feni maker; Cashew festival refuses to be just another encyclopedic or museum activity. Instead, what we got to experience here was a diverse range of activity – cooking classes, cocktail lessons, cycle rides, barbeques.

You do however get to see the entire process from harvesting of cashews to the creation of Feni. The cashew orchids are a world apart from the rest of the Goa, suddenly you are in a place that doesn’t look like Goa or for that matter anywhere in India. The orchids present amazing sights of tranquil beauty to feed one’s eyes upon. And you can just pluck a fruit straight from the tree and start sucking on it! (Yummy!)

The cashew fruits are only used when ripened, they are thus picked from ground Instead of being plucked. A long stick with a pointed end is used for the purpose which is called Kanta

The feni-appreciation is probably the biggest highlight of this annual festival. With 42 percent liquor content, it tastes delicious and can easily make you tipsy if you drink too much of it which you probably will because like we said … Delicious. Just one sip of any of countless variations it comes in will help one realize that no other drink deserves to become a cultural symbol of Goa than Feni.

It is thus natural that the 10 day festival of Cashew Trail should make one forget all about everything else, the rest of world simply must lose itself to irrelevance as Goa gets high on its Feni lust.

There are two more drinks that we must mention. One of them is Urrak – formed at first distillation of Cashews. It has lower alcohol content (about 15 percent) and goes well with lime or lemonade substitute. If you were looking for a stronger drink, Goa’s special brew King’s bear beats them all.

Where to stay?

Park Hyatt Goa is a natural favorite for residence. The hotel is expensive but the experiences it offers are more than worth it, especially during this festival. The rooms are spacious, clean and full of all kind of amenities and there is also a spa facility available.

In so many ways, it has an experience you can’t put into words – a ‘you have to be there to know about it’ thing and we do hope that this article inspires you to be in Goa in time to experience this unique festival.

Conclusion

Cashew Trail festival is a uniquely Goan experience and something that, because of its amazing combination of experiences must be a part of everyone’s bucket list items. Are you already considering it to ornament your next trip to Goa or not? 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.   

Categories
Itinerary Relax

A Roadtrip from Delhi to the Manali

As they say, the real joy is in the journey. That’s why I love road trips, especially around the Himalayas. So, this March, my best friend and I headed for what would be a fun-filled ride to Manali. This time of the year is perfect to hit the mountains; the temperature is perfect to enjoy the outdoors, the sun doesn’t feel harsh, and the spring bloom just makes the drive all the more scenic.

It was going to be a really long journey. The end-to-end distance from my home in Delhi to Old Manali, where we had booked a cottage, is 550 Km and takes almost an entire day. So we booked a comfortable Delhi to Manali taxi and planned to break the journey into two/three parts, stopping at important places on the way. This would keep us from getting any travel fatigue and also let us explore these in-between places, which otherwise we would never visit.

First Stop

We first went to Chandigarh. Though the drive to Chandigarh is not exceptionally scenic, it was more of a strategic decision. The road from Chandigarh to Manali is faster and better (in terms of traffic and road conditions) than that from Delhi. We were lucky to have found a reliable cab service which came with an amazing chauffeur. Friendly and experienced, he was the perfect guide for the long journey ahead.

After an overnight stay in Chandigarh, we headed back on the road towards Manali. We were discussing with the driver about interesting places to stop at, when he suggested a detour to Kalka, only an hour away from the city.

Second stop

It was the coziest little place tucked inside the mountains. Surrounded by endless greenery, this natural exclave seemed like the perfect break from the city of Chandigarh. The town is famous for a wildlife sanctuary that awakens after the monsoon. We went for a short drive on the misty trails around the town and stopped for our morning tea. I had visited Kalka long ago, as a child and traveled to Shimla on a toy train. That train still runs and I really wanted a ride, but time did not permit me that extra little luxury.

So, we were soon back on our highway to Manali. As we crossed the urban perimeters of Chandigarh, it felt like an entirely different world. The wide, sun-kissed roads, the clear blue sky, wide fields on either side and old Bollywood songs on the car radio, made me feel like I was in one of those music videos. In no time, we were driving through Punjab. The landscape here looked exactly as you would see in Bollywood movies- the yellow mustard fields lined with colorful brick houses, and tractors rolling along the fields. Although we were traveling along the fringes of the state, it gave us a flavor of what lied in its core. It was the most relaxing and refreshing sight I have had in a long time.

Third Stop

But I couldn’t be relaxed for long, as hunger pangs set it. Our dear driver was a local and a Punjabi, which made it easier to stop at the best place. We stopped at Rupnagar, at the famous Haveli Dhaba for our first food break. This vintage place had also fed some celebrities throughout its tenure. After a typical Punjabi-style brunch, we were back on the road.

Fourth Stop

Around late afternoon, we crossed Bilaspur. One of the busiest settlements in Himachal, Bilaspur is famous for two things- the historic Bhakra-Nangal Dam, and the Govt. Engineering College. We had been traveling for quite a few hours and needed a break and nothing seemed better than taking a breath of the fresh air near the river. The dam and its adjoining reservoir were 26 Km off the main highway. The Gobind Sagar Lake was a beautiful nature spot and the perfect place to unwind. The clear lake with the mountains in the background was just the trailer of what we were soon to find at our destination. I inhaled the fresh air as much as we could before we were back on the road.

Last stop

In was nearly sunset, when we crossed Sundernagar. From this point onwards, I actually felt the pressure of the altitude. The roads here were not that great but thankfully we had rented a bigger car which could tread the mountain terrain. Around late evening we passed through Kullu. It was late for hill station standard and shops were closing, except for a few small street-side stores and tea vendors.

Always ensure that the Delhi to Manali taxi fare is reasonable otherwise a road trip like this can be heavy on the pockets. In a couple of hours, we reached Manali town, at our resort. We had been on the road for two days but not for once was I exhausted. That was the magic of the mountains which I look forward to experiencing all over again.

Categories
Asia Relax

Weekend Getaways from Singapore

Singapore is an amazing place but one can always get tired of the city life. That is your cue for a weekend getaway to sandy beaches and other exciting places located near Singapore. Enjoy scenic views and ocean life or other destinations that suit your taste. Singapore can be the perfect launch pad for weekend getaways that are just a few hours away because no one wants to waste the most time of their weekend on the way to their destination.

1.Bali, Indonesia

For many people, the name Bali immediately strikes an image of wide beaches with an expanse of soft white sand along with clear blue water. There are a number of gorgeous beaches in Bali and it makes the perfect stop spot for your ‘Beach Weekend Getaway’. The place is easy, affordable and relaxing. You can go there with your family or just soak in the sun while catching up on a book you’ve been meaning to read. Go café-hopping or try jumping off a waterfall. There are also a couple of popular tourist spots like Water Bom and Echo beach.
How to get there: Get a direct flight from Denpasar to Bali.
Average time: Two hours and 40 minutes.

 

2.Macau, China

This may not be the place that comes to mind when you think of a relaxing getaway but since Macau is China’s Las Vegas, it will be adventurous and filled with exciting times. You can come across delicious food, get to know about the culture, shop till you drop and of course gamble if that’s what you like. This place as all the right ingredients for a perfect weekend getaway with your group of friends. This is the one place where you can go absolutely crazy and there will be no holding back. Macau is one of the places that give off the exotic East-meets-West vibe.

How to get there: Get a direct flight to Macau.
Average time: Three hours and 55 minutes.

3.Batam, Indonesia

If you don’t want the hassle of booking flights and travelling long distances, Batam is the place for you. You can get a wonderful massage here, try different eateries (do try their special dish Honey Cake) and go shopping at various malls. There are many shopping malls around the Nagoya region and also some clothing stalls clustered around. For an affordable shop till you drop weekend, Batam is the right place.
How to get there: Get a ferry from Singapore.
Average time: 45 minutes.

4.Lombok, Indonesia

This is one of the less popular beach spots and is situated to the East of Bali. The place may be less popular in comparison but is in no way less beautiful. Plus, it just means you won’t be surrounded by crowds and can enjoy your weekend in peace. You won’t be stuck on a beach full of strangers that you can’t help but rub your shoulders with.
How to get there: Get a direct flight from Singapore.
Average time: 2 hours 40 minutes.

5. Kuala Lumpur

This is the perfect weekend spot for you if you are a foodie. Because Kuala Lumpur is known for its delicious local and international cuisines. It is a convenient hop from Singapore and has other luxuries like plush hotels and glitzy shopping malls. This is one of the modern and developed cities and if you do visit, remember to ask for the local opinion on where to get the best Yong Tau and Kut Teh food.
How to get there: Catch a train from Singapore.
Average time: 4 hours.

Be it bustling city life or secluded beach getaways, it is all a flight, bus ride or ferry away from Singapore. Enjoy your weekend to the fullest by hopping off to these destinations and taking full advantage of your time in Singapore.

Categories
Relax Staycation

Evolve Back Resorts, Hampi- Modern day recreation of Vijaynagar empire.

With Evolve Back resort, relive the 14th-century Vijaynagar Empire. Just 4 km away from the UNESCO World Heritage site Hampi, it takes its inspiration from the ruins of Vijayanagar and it is evident in their arched hallways and Jal Mahal rooms inspired by Queen’s Palace. The resort is at a short distance from Vijayanagar ruins and Tungabhadra dam in the state of Karnataka. A six-hour drive from Bangalore will land you straight at the resort.

The entrance:  As soon as you enter those grand archways, you are received with their traditional way of greeting ‘Namaskara’ with towels, flowers and vermilion powder along with refreshment of Coconut Milk with jaggery. Their white corridors with floral arches and eardrop shaped balustrades give you the feeling of a royal palace.

Rooms: The rooms itself are huge and comfortable with an ensuite tub, twin Jacuzzi, and shower stand. The granite and wood floor add to the decor of the room. We had a private balcony as well as basic necessities like Flat screen TV, coffee etc in the room. But who would want to watch TV with such a great ambiance outside? The room itself has a big comfortable bed with a canopy and drapes hanging on the wall add to the royal vibe. We relaxed in the Jacuzzi before our night sleep. The Nivasa room that we stayed in is perfect for couples with a separate living, sleeping and dining area. It is very spacious as well as comfy.

Sites around: The resort is at a short distance from the UNESCO World Heritage site as well as Tungabhadra dam so a short drive will take you to all the site-seeing areas.

Other amenities: The Ayurvedic spa is absolutely delightful and relaxing. With the four-hand massage, all your tense muscles are loosened and as they chant Sanskrit chants in harmony, your soul feels lighter as well.

Food: For food, they have two options Tuluva Restaurant and Bahmani Speciality restaurant. Even the names of these restaurants are taken from the Vijayanagara dynasty. Tuluva restaurant offers a good view of the infinity pool while you enjoy a variety of food from their menu. The Bahmani restaurant looks like a mixture of Persian and Hyderabadi architecture and it has the same vibe of royalty. The food was included in our booking. We got the breakfast buffet which was usual eggs, bread, and the general breakfast.  For lunch, you can try the candlelight dinner at Bahmani. Try their variety of paneer cheese, dal, naans and Yakhni Lamb. Among Tuluva and Bahmani, we found Bahmani to be better with food. The flavor of the food was delicious and then we tried some Indian desserts which turned out to be good as well.

Final verdict: Evolve Back was a good resort and we were treated well by the staff who were good in their hospitality. The resort is beautiful to look at as well as at a short distance from the sights which saves a lot of time.

Cost: Three-day stay package at the place is more cost-effective and would end up costing 27000 INR per night. But for that comfort, you would easily pay that price.

P.S-> Recently they have changed their name from Orange County to Evolve Back Resorts.

Categories
Beaches Corporate Outings Relax South India

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Categories
Relax Uncategorized Western India

The hidden treasures of fashion city Mumbai

Exploring the unconventional places in a city that are traditionally famous for its commerce, finance and entertainment, is another experience altogether. Apart from the common tourist spots, there a lot of other places in Mumbai those are worth visiting. They range from waterfalls and beaches to places of historical importance. One should include them in one’s Mumbai itinerary. Some of them which #ghoomophirosisters recommend is what this blog is all about.

Dana Pani Beach:

Dana Pani Beach is located at the end of Madh Marve Road in Malad. This secluded beach is surrounded by resorts thereby making it the best place to chill.

Kanhoji Angre Island – Across the Mumbai harbour:

This island is one of the places which has history attached to it. Earlier it was known as the Khanderi Island. The Portuguese had built this fort and the Marathas were held here. One can find ruins of cannons and a fully functional lighthouse. It is expected to be made into a tourist spot soon.

Arnala Fort – North of Vasai:

This island fortress is another Portuguese creation. The attractions on the island are the octagonal water reservoirs and various temples and tombs of the rulers. One will find comfortable accommodation at the resorts on the nearby Arnala beach.

Mahakali Caves – Andheri East:

These are also called Kondivite Caves. They have the oldest rock cut Buddhist monastery in Mumbai and boast of carvings of Buddha and Buddhist mythologies.

Global Vipasna Pagoda – Gorai:

Located next to Essel world, this is another place which pays gratitude to Buddhism and its teachings. It is amongst the largest dome structures in the world and also has a separate room for monks to meditate in. There is no excuse to skip it.

Vasai Fort – Vasai:

Also called Bassein Fort, the Portuguese had a strong hold over this place back in the old days. This is one spooky fort.  Because of having national importance, it is taken care of by the Archaeological Survey of India.

Banganga Tank – Malabar Hill:

One should not mistake it for a normal water tank because there is a mythological connection to it. It is believed that when Lord Rama felt thirsty, Lakshman launched an arrow into the ground and thus came out a tributary of Ganga. This is from where the name originated- Banganga Tank.

Pandavkada Falls:

Measured to be 350 metres high, Pandavkada Falls flow in Khargar, Navi Mumbai. During the monsoon time, the falls are covered by lush greenery and also they cover the Buddhist caves behind them making the view serene.

Gilbert Hill:

This structure is made up of frozen molten lava. With a height of 200 metres, it stands tall in Andheri. One will get a great bird’s eye view of the city from the top. Also one will find two temples on the top dedicated to Gamdevi and Durgamata.

Although the list of such places goes on, these are the top ones that deserve a visit!!

How to Reach Mumbai

 By Air: Mumbai has Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport with its two terminals being Santa Cruz and Sahara International airport. It is connected by domestic as well as international flights. Flight Tickets are pretty reasonable if booked early.

By Road: One can travel from Nashik which is 170 km away via Nashik-Mumbai Expressway. Buses also travel from Nashik to Mumbai within 2 hours and 20 minutes.  Mumbai is also connected via road to Pune, Aurangabad, Goa, etc It has a well-connected bus network.

 By Train:  If you’re traveling by railways, you can choose among Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminal, Mumbai Central, Dadar Railway station or Kalyan Railway station. It connects Mumbai with all major cities of the country.

 Where to stay:

Since this place is a famous tourist spot, there is no dearth of good Hotels in Mumbai.

Hyatt Regency: Situated on a short drive from airport, it delights is guests with the contemporary interiors and cuisine restaurants

The Lalit Mumbai: This is a great place to stay in Andheri. The highly recommended hotel as it offers a luxurious stay to its guests and staff is very cooperative.

Ramada Plaza Palm Groove: The location of this hotel makes it perfect to stay. The place offers serene views of the Arabian Sea. It is located in the plush location of Juhu and offers the luxurious stay with value for money. Its food joints, The Oriental Bowl, The Tangerine and The Deck Bar are must try.

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