Category: Staycation

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5 key Yoga Ashrams in India

Yoga is an integral part of Indian culture that has been practiced since centuries to free the mind, body, and soul. With its centers all over the country, it now reflects its prominent presence in the West as well. Traveling in India to delve deeper into the realms Yoga and its rich culture can be one of the most liberating experiences ever. There are plenty of Yoga Centres in India that offer a combination of in-depth classes and flexible drop-in courses. They are a perfect medium to find solace. As there are a huge number of Yoga Centres and each has different approaches and results, it’s important to know which is the best suited for you. Therefore, a listing of key Yoga Centres with their offerings can help you have a better idea about what they offer.

Parmath Niketan: Located in Rishikesh, with a stunning setting of scenic beauty covering mountains and serene lakes, this is a great spiritual place for Yoga. The ashram comprises 1000 rooms on its eight acres campus. It has an extensive program of Beginner and Advanced Yoga, Vedic Heritage, Spirituality and Teacher-oriented courses. The duration of the courses differs from two weeks to three months. The students are also provided with inexpensive accommodations during their stay. A popular attraction to the tourists is the International Yoga Festival held every year in the month of March. The ashram also performs the holy Ganga Aarti every evening and sacred wedding ceremonies. This center is open to everyone, including tourists from abroad.

Ramamani Iyengar Memorial Yoga Institute: If you are looking for a  full-on short-term and serious Yoga classes, then this is for you. Located in Pune, this renowned Institute attracts serious students of yoga from all over the world. It conducts regular classes in Iyengar Yoga (a form of Hatha Yoga which focuses on postures) for all levels. Special classes are also held for women, children, and those with medical problems. Not only that, the students need to have some substantial prior experience in practicing Iyengar Yoga for in-depth training. The courses are held for a month and you can attend 5-6 classes per week at ease.

Ashtanga Institute: This spiritual Gurukul is located in Mysore and run by descendants of the revered guru Sri Krishna Pattabhi Jois, who taught yoga there from the 1930s up until his death in 2009. The Ashtanga Institute offers ongoing intensive ​ashtanga yoga classes throughout the year. The classes are for serious students only and every batch continues for six months. It’s necessary to apply at least two months in advance. Accommodation isn’t provided but there’s plenty to be found close by.

The Yoga Centre, Mumbai: This is one of the oldest Yoga Centres of the world. This coastal Gurukul was founded in 1918 by Shri Yogendraji, a disciple of Shri Paramhamsa Madhavadasji (a renowned yoga master from Bengal). The main motive of this Yoga Centre is to alleviate the health problems of people. As a result, its therapeutic camps are quite famous in the city. This Centre offers a wide range of excellent Yoga Courses, workshops, and camps. There are also special programs for women and children. They aim to help students overcome specific ailments including heart and respiratory problems, hypertension, diabetes, orthopedic conditions, and stress-related issues. Their courses range from 2 to 21 days. A major benefit is that regular classes are also held here.

The Bihar School of Yoga Ashram: Located in Bihar, this Ashram was founded in 1964 by Swami Satyananda Saraswati, a student of Swami Sivananda Saraswati (one of the greatest yoga masters of the 20th century). This Yoga Centre mainly focuses on a full yogic lifestyle. Satyananda Yoga incorporates traditional postures, breathing, and meditation. Normally an educational institution focuses solely on academic goals, whereas a yoga institute in this ashram environment combines both intellectual and experiential learning, aiming towards the holistic growth of the student. Emphasis is laid on both the mental and spiritual development of the student. Each year, a four-month residential course from October to January is held on Yogic Studies.

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Staycation

Review: Holiday Inn Express, Gurgaon

This weekend, we don’t want to travel further, so thought to explore a relaxed weekend at Holiday Inn Express, Gurugram. It is a great place to set your camp in if you want to see Gurugram while still staying in the proximity of New Delhi and its Indira Gandhi International airport.

The hotel is a part of the IHG group and thus offers and offers a different kind of discount for eligible customers. But the best price is guaranteed for all customers.

We found that though all can enjoy staying in Holiday Inn Express, it was ideal for groups and events catering to middle-class business tourists. A self-service laundry area is one of its advantages that makes it ideal for long term stay.

Location

Holiday Inn Express is conveniently located Opposite Malibu Commercial Complex in Sector 50 at a distance of merely twenty kilometers from Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi.

Rooms

The rooms were well-lit, clean and tidy, well ventilated, spacious enough for one person. The hotel promises the best price and so we could not complain about rooms or bathrooms being too small. The beds were really cozy and really comfortable. Of course, you get free wifi access and room service.

Food

Despite its moderate price, the hotel offers a complimentary buffet with a good variety of food. We found food delicious and never failed to miss the free food.

Other facilities

The Holiday Inn, Express has a moderately sized lobby. It also has a self-service laundry area, something we personally wish to see in more hotels. It also has meeting rooms which are ideal be hired for business meetings.

Staff

One of its biggest attraction was its staff – friendly, knowledgable, eager to help and professional. We found that hotel management was very open to criticism, reviews, opinions, suggestions, and questions.

 

Nearby Attractions

The Good Earth City Center is a mere four kilometers distance from here. One of Gurugram’s biggest attraction, Kingdom of Dreams is located at a distance of mere 15 minutes by car from the hotel. The other landmarks include sacred places like Sheetla Mata Mandir and Sai Ka Angan, these two are about 20 minutes away by car.

We enjoyed a live Bollywood show in Kingdom of Dreams entertainment complex. Ambience Mall which was really fun. Another leisure attraction was Cyberhub which though on a bit expensive side, offered food and experience that more than worth the price.

Price

The hotel promises the best price for the value they provide. The rates vary depending on the kind, number, and needs of the customers. You can check their site to find out the price according to your needs. We found the price more than reasonable – what with its premium location and the facilities it provided, it actually seemed quite inexpensive.

Contact them

You can book rooms with Holiday Inn Express on the following site:

https://www.ihg.com/holidayinnexpress/hotels/us/en/gurgaon/hayge/hoteldetail#scmisc=nav_hoteldetail_ex

The reservations can be managed in the same site. It also shows the option of booking meeting rooms for groups and events. You can also check other customer reviews there. You can also check the site for other customer reviews.

They also have a helpline that you can contact if you have any inquiries: 1800 1033 066

Conclusion

To sum it up, we will say that the hotel is a comfortable, easy on money accommodation option – both leisure and business tours, but it also has some room for growth. As it is, it has our heartiest recommendation if you want a value for money accommodation.

That is all from us today. And so, have a fun holiday. ☺

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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.

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Beaches Staycation

Recommended Property : Lotus Eco Resort, Konark

Address: Konark – Puri Marine Drive Road, P.O. Khalkatapatna, Chandra Bagha Beach, Konark, 752111 

Located on the shore of the Ramchandi Beach, Lotus Eco resort is the best 3-star hotel in Konark. The hotel is ideal for leisure tourists since its location on the Konark-Puri Marine Drive Road provides a great view. It is far enough from city life to be absolutely calm and serene and yet close enough to popular tourist spots that one doesn’t have to go out of the way to go sightseeing. The resort itself is filled with trees and has a nice feel to it.

How to Reach: The distance from Puri Railway Station is 28km and from Biju Patnaik International Airport in Bhubaneswar, it is 90 km. The resort is also well connected by road with major cities. You can find it using Google Maps.

Ambiance: As soon as we entered the premise, we saw a vegetable patch and butterflies along with a lotus pond near the reception area of the resort. The entire resort is surrounded by lush greenery and the constructions have a rustic appeal to them. The cottages, in fact, look like log cabins on the ocean side. The villas are spread out with luxurious appeal.

Rooms: The hotel had options for thatched-roof cottages, deluxe cottages as well as villas. We chose to stay in the cottage which had a wooden look on the outside but was well furnished and quite modern from the inside. All the rooms were air-conditioned with a nice rusty look adding to the ambiance.  The basic amenities like flat-screen TV, kettle were all available. Nothing special there. Though it is a luxury hotel, it had the appearances of a rural setting. It was quite an experience to see the beachside in the starry night with the wind blowing as we stood in the netted balcony. The bed was not too big but for just the two of us, it was alright. For people traveling with their family or with a kid, it might not be appropriate though. There was not much walking space in the cottage either. Yet to balance that out, they had the balcony. Remember to carry your own toiletries (toothbrush and paste) and slippers.

Food and Amenities:

There were two eateries on the property. The Waterfront Grill Multicuisine restaurant which served authentic Odiya cuisines along with options for Continental and Chinese dishes. Then there was Bay Spirits Seaside Café and bar which we frequently visited more for its view than the snacks and drinks. The thing we loved at the resort was their diverse vegetarian menu and special regards to the chef for delicious meals. But they also had great options for people who want to try out seafood. Our focus remained Odiya dishes since we wanted to devour specialties of the region, but we also ordered Noodles out of habit and they were delicious as well. Noodles are usually a safe choice to order in restaurants if you are unsure about the choices.

Service:

The basic services like housekeeping, laundry, dry cleaning, and room service were all efficient. The hotel even had an in-house Ayurvedic Spa. The spa offers Panchakarma Ayurveda therapies. The hotel also has a fitness center, a children’s park, water sports activities. Barbecues can also be arranged. The guests have private beach access as well. Free parking, car-hire service, tour desk, and 24-hour reception add on to the list of services. Basically, you won’t be missing out on anything. The staff was nice and polite. Room service was quick and efficient. Even the restaurant staff was courteous.

Highlights: There was a dining area by the beach which was the perfect place for us to have dinner with the waves on the beach making serene sounds and the stars creating perfect ambiance with dim light. It would be even better for couples hoping to spend some romantic moments alone. Another thing worth mentioning is the picturesque view of sunrise and sunset from the resort which adds to the overall mesmerizing views.

What to do nearby: Since the hotel is located by the side of the Bay of Bengal, one can go sightseeing. The Konark Wildlife Sanctuary (Balukhand) is also located at a mere 3 km distance from the hotel. The hotel can also arrange water sports for you on demand. We went scuba diving and the experience was inexplicably incredible. Maa Ramachandi Temple is situated 2 km away and so is the beach where the India Surf festival happens. The major tourist attractions in Bhubaneswar which are the Konark Sun Temple and Konark Museum are also at a distance of 8-9 km. All this makes the hotel location suitable for all travelers since major attractions are all located nearby. One can also go for leisurely walks in the premise of the resort itself since the beach is nearby. The best time to take a walk would be evening when the sun is about to set since it creates a magnificent view which is picture-perfect.

Overall verdict: Our stay at Lotus Eco resort was quite uneventful and comfortable which is all one can ask for when on a relaxing holiday. The charges were adequate according to the place and service they provided. Special mention for the good food though. Another great thing was the lack of crowd. Even when we were on the beach or having our dinner in the open, there weren’t many people around to disturb us.

Tips before booking:

1.    Book early to get discounted price.

2.    You might have to do an early check-in if you require airport transfers or a car for sightseeing around the city. Talk to the hotel management about it and they will arrange it.

3.    Places to see nearby include: Kork Beach (2 Kms), Konark Sun Temple (3 Kms), Arkeshwar Temple (4 Kms), Mangulishwar Shiva Temple (3 Kms) and Kork State Museum (4 Kms).

4.    Even Jagannath Puri Temple is at a distance of 15-20 km.

5.    The parking lot is at a bit of distance from the resort so you will have to walk for ten minutes.

When are you packing your bags? Drop us a note at ghoomophirosisters@gmail.com

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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.

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
Corporate Outings Staycation

Review : Hotel Siddhartha Palace, Ahemdabad

The History of this hotel unfolds and we see a craftsman who has been working on an elephant border for about eleven years. The Palace not only presents a hospitable now but stands as a witness to the glorious past. Hotel Siddhartha Palace is an antique structure which was once the property of the Divan of Kutch. It was his dream to have such a royal structure that the coming generations would remember him by and it would go on to be praised for centuries to come. Today, Hotel Siddhartha Palace is a perfect blend of modern contemporary luxuries and ancient aesthetic and tradition.

How to Reach:

Nearest Airport is 3 km away.

The nearest railway station is 4 km away.

Address: Dafnala Road, Shahibaug | near Rajasthan hospital, Ahmedabad 380004, India

Rooms:

The Palace has about twenty-two rooms classified as Super Deluxe, Palacial Rooms, and Maharaja Suites. Out of all three, the grandest was the Maharaja Suite. While the super deluxe room was like a modern hotel room with amenities and necessities available for families, the Palacial room had its individualistic charm. We stayed in the Maharaja Suite and from its appearances to the luxury available; it did make us feel like true royalty. The room had the modern luxuries but its design and structure were elegantly traditional. The room was an eclectic blend of the forgotten era and architectural brilliance. The rooms were spacious and yet looked authentically grand and ancient. It had a huge comfy bed along with basic toiletries: bathrobe, slippers, hairdryer etc. There was a tea and coffee maker in the room. The rusty shades of the furniture matched the creamy walls. There were unique pieces of tapestry on the walls and ceiling which we liked to ogle. The whole hotel had a vintage look from its exteriors to its rooms.

Dining and Hospitality:

The Palace has an in-house multi-cuisine restaurant ‘Divan’ that serves various cuisines from Continental food to authentic Marwari dishes. We ordered some local dishes to try them out and they turned out to be delicious. We also ended up ordering Malai kofta which we were told was prepared wonderfully here and we weren’t disappointed.  The preparation was simplistic, yet the taste had an authentic Marwari touch to it. Our taste buds were flourishing after every bite. And the prices were quite low as well. The place seems to be frozen in time, except for the food which is always hot and delicious. The staff was also quite cooperative and though it took some delay in check-in, afterwards, our stay in the hotel went by smoothly with the staff being at our beck and call and always polite about it. There were some issues with the bathroom but they resolved it quickly and apologized for the inconvenience. They woke us up in time for the morning tea as well which is appreciated.

Nearby places to see:

The best part about the hotel was it being in close proximity to all the great tourist sites. It took a very little time for us to travel to the places we wanted to see. The Hatheesing Jain Temp, as well as the Camp Hanuman Mandir, are quite close. We easily walked out of the hotel and found some spots to be within walking distance or just a 5-10 min ride away. Apart from these, the Gandhi Ashram and Swaminarayan temple were also located close by. It is easy to find the marketplace and shopping areas. We would seriously recommend seeing the Calico Museum and Jhulta Minara. Located in the heart of Ahmedabad Hotel Siddhartha gave us our money’s worth.

Highlights:

The two major highlights of the palace would have to be its garden area and the top floor referred to as “Ghoomat”. As we spent some time leisurely strolling in the garden to relax, we were able to enjoy the exterior beauty and the architecture of the hotel along with beautiful views of the city. But to top it all off was the picturesque and panoramic view from the top floor. We got to enjoy the marvelous sight of the city’s skyline from the top floor. And to make it even better is the intricate detailing from the periphery. It was when we stepped on the top floor that we realized why it was called ‘Ghoomat’. It is an intricate and traditionally elegant structure dominating the patio.

Overall Verdict: Hotel Siddhartha Palace pulsates in the heart of the city always reminding us of the glorious past of Ahmedabad.  Along with wonderful staff service and hospitality, we got pampered like the royals in the Maharaja suites. It is a perfect spot to stay while in Ahmedabad and we think we will be returning to Hotel Siddhartha Palace whenever we are traveling to Ahmedabad again.

Categories
Inspiration North India Staycation wildlife

Into the Wild with Bagheera’s camp!!

Address– Kameshwarjee Road, Raghunathpura 306126, India

How to get there: It is about 160 km long ride from Udaipur by road. 

The name Bagheera has mainly become known because of the popular Indian children story ‘Jungle book’ but Bagheera is actually a South Asian name for Leopards.  Bagheera’s camp is a semi-arid wildlife camp homestay. Operated by the community itself, it preserves the flora and fauna of the place that was previously decimated and overgrazed. The place is at the same distance from Udaipur as from Jodhpur and is perfect for travelers wanting to have an authentic Rajasthan cultural, rural and local experience in the wildlife. An eco holiday for lovers of nature experiencing it in the rawest and authentic form but in a safe and healthy way.

Room: Though there were a few luxurious tents (as much luxury as you can get in the total wild) as well, we chose to stay in a room. The suite we were given was lovely but got too hot because of limited A/C. it was okay to handle since we spent most of the time wandering out or in the Verandah anyway. The scenery of Aravalli hills was beautiful. Though the room was pretty basic in facilities, we spent most of our time on safari and exploring outdoors. And it’s not like anyone would visit the place to live in luxury, we went to experience the wild and that we got.

Camp Site: There are no fences or anything by the campsite, just huge granite rocks to protect from harsh winds. There is a playground right near the site and we played volleyball there and walked barefoot on mud, looking at the bamboo plantations. The money that they earn from travelers staying here is used to maintain the Leopard reserve and so you know you’re helping a good cause. It was so refreshing to meet Princess Padmaja and her team who cared so much about the environment. It is asked of the people to be responsible and recycle waste instead of throwing it.

Food and hospitality: The food prepared is all from Ayurvedic ingredients, totally organic and we sat with the cook while it was being cooked, taking in the aroma as well as learning the tricks. The food is completely vegetarian and plentiful and the whole experience of eating under the stars is inexplicably pleasing. Oh, and we had the best cup of tea, ever. The whole staff which mainly consists of local tribesmen and villagers including the cook was very warm and took such good care of us that we didn’t feel like leaving the place. They treated us more like family than paying guests.

What to do there:

There is a Jodhpur Hunting style Camping Safari that led us into the wild. They took us out in jeeps at dusk and we spotted leopards along with a leopardess with two cubs. It was such a magnificent sight.  In the short safari that we had, we saw birds, desert fox, and crocodiles as well. Since we were more interested in bird watching, Princess Padmaja, our hostess stayed with us for hours enjoying the view.  We were also invited to a local village and saw the special sunrise celebration at a local temple nearby. That had to be the highlight of the whole trip, a real memorable view.

Highlights: The tribal people with their fascinating knowledge and talks, along with their livestock would have to be the highlight of our stay at Bagheera’s. While the wildlife provided the necessary thrill, the bonfire and BBQ sessions gave us peace of mind and relaxation. Moreover, you can’t help but admire Princess Padmaja and her family’s efforts of protecting the place.

The overall experience of us staying at Bagheera’s camp was wonderful. The picturesque views, warm hospitality, fascinating shades of nature have made an unforgettable mark on our mind and it wouldn’t be possible without Bagheera’s camp. The stories we got to hear about the leopards and how the place came to be added to the experience all the more. This place has something for everyone, the thrill for an adventurer, the peace, and inspiration for a writer and the local cuisines that dance on taste buds for the foodie. We recommend it with all our heart. Write us at ghoomophirosisters@gmail.com for your bookings to this unexplored gem in Jawai.

Categories
Culture Staycation

Review : White Rann Resort, Kutch

Address: Dhordo Kutch, Kutch 370510, India

Getting There By Air : Bhuj (80 kms), Rajkot (310 kms), Jamnagar (335 kms)

By Rail : Bhuj (80 kms), Gandhidham (140 kms), Wankaner (272 kms)Introduction:

Amidst the vast spread of sandy deserts of Kutch is this beautiful resort. White Rann resort is not only the best place to stay at but also the organizer of Rann Utsav, a festival every tourist would want to be a part of for its colors and festivities. Surrounded by amazing landscapes and beneath the moonlight, the place is vibrant with dynamism, vigour, and hospitality. The aura around White Rann as soon as the sun begins to set turns serene and peaceful. The whole ambiance is so calm and nice, making you want to do nothing but walk around or sit outside your tent absorbing in the experience. The location of the resort is quite good as well since it falls right at the edge of Rann making the trip accessible. The place is comfortable to stay in and very well-equipped for the luxury of the guests.

Rooms:

The main attraction of White Rann is its luxurious tent life. Living here at White Rann resort, Dhordo gave us plenty of opportunities to explore Kutch and enjoy its beautiful culture and breathtaking beauty. The tents have everything to ensure a comfortable and luxurious stay. Along with a twin bed, it has a coffee table with chairs. Hot water is readily available, not that we needed it. The tent was air-conditioned and also had a mirror table. The basic toiletries were given to us along with a complimentary bottle of water every day. There was also a goodie basket that we were provided with upon arrival. The tent itself was quite cozy and spacious enough to walk around. It was kept clean and in hygienic conditions which can often be the real problem with living in tents. The tents are traditionally-designed but with all the modern amenities. It had an attached bathroom along with a private sit-out space. The resort itself was as pristine as the sand of Rann and just rejuvenated us during our stay here.

Dining Experience:

The food here, with its traditional flavors and good quality, was a delight to our taste buds. The food was catered by Courtyard by Marriot and was delicious. More than that, the serving staff was also very nice and hospitable. The staff handled everyone courteously. The food cost was included in the package and we had 3 buffet meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) along with tea. The food also included many local dishes, which we were excited to try out. And glad we did because they tasted amazing. Such lip-smacking Gujarati and Kutchi food stayed on our palate long after we had left.

Things to Do

The Resort offers many excursions such as a trip to the White Desert & Kalo Dungar. A bus takes us there and we clicked some amazing photographs. Another thing included was a Rann Safari in an open-decker bus. We stopped around a lot, to do bird-watching. The resort also has some indoor sports which one can indulge in such as Table tennis, pool, Board games etc. There is also an adventure zone where one can opt for Parasailing, ATV rides etc. We went to something of a Craft Village which was a shopper’s delight with all these handcrafted pieces of art. The last day also involved a trip to Bhuj where we visited Swami Narayan temple, Bhujodi and Aiyna Mahal which turned out to be quite fun. And of course, if you decide to stay here during the Rann Utsav, it would be the most exciting and vibrant time of your life because you will get to see the festivities with such close proximity.

Highlights:

Apart from being right at the entry point of the white desert, making the resort accessible, it also had a recreation room, conference hall and dining hall. They gave cycles for moving inside the resort which was kinda fun. There was also a traditional dance and music show organized in the evening which made the stay even more memorable. We swerved to the melody and were enchanted by the dance moves.

Though there are many options for stay in Rann of Kutch, we recommend White Rann because of the ease and comfort with which we spent our time here. Along with great hospitality, there are many sightseeing opportunities and believe us, it is worth staying. The staff was very helpful and cooperative but the best part had to be the view of the sunset and the night walks beneath the moonlight. All in all, it is the perfect place to stay on your trip to Rann of Kutch.

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