It is not possible to find accommodation exactly at the banks of Tso Moriri lake because that area is reserved for migratory birds but you can opt for camping in Korzok village. You will still have a clear view of the beautiful lake in all its magnificence. Depending on your budget and the level of luxury you require, you can find accommodations ranging from Rs 700-800 per person to above Rs 5000. Since it is a remote area, your best options for accommodation are homestays or tents.
Goose Homestay
Address: Korzok, right opposite the monastery/supermarket.
Price range: 700-1000 for a double bedroom
This is a moderate and homely place to stay with a view of the lake from all the rooms. The cost includes food so it is also cheap. The place is clean and comfortable. If you are looking for a place to fit in your budget and still give you all the comfort you require, this is the right place. You won’t get customer service like in a hotel but it has a good family environment.
Mentok guesthouse
Address: Korzok, right opposite the monastery/supermarket.
Price range: 700-1000 for a double bedroom
Located right next to the above mentioned Homestay, this should be your second option if the other one is booked. The place is similarly comfortable with lake view and carpeted rooms. The homemade food is delicious and the cost is included in the room fare. Though both these homestays are equal in comfort and quality, Goose homestay is preferred by travelers.
Norling Camp
Address: Karzok Tsomoriri Lake, Karzok Gompa
Price Range: Rs 3500 for a double bed
Though the tent is average and the food (cost not included) is not exactly up to the mark, this camp area is fairly close to the lake and shows a great view especially during the night. As it is in the corner, the reflection of moonlight on the lake and the scene that unfolds can be best seen from here.
Tsomori Camp and Resort Tso Mori
Address: Korzok, Tso Mori
Price Range: Rs 2500-3000 for the double bedroom without meals.
This place is closest to Tso Mori lake with luxury tents as well as rooms depending upon your preference and budget. The place is clean and comfortable with attached toilets. Hot water is also available in buckets. You can always try to bargain for a lower price unless you have pre-booked. There are many discount options available on websites too but do not pay anything in advance.
Hotel Lake view
Address: Tsomoriri Lake Karzok
Price Range: Rs 5000 and above for a double bed
The room can accommodate up to 3 guests. They have free parking facilities and free WiFi. The breakfast is included in the package. If you think that a Hotel is a perfect place for you, the most luxurious place you can find in such remote place is Hotel Lake view. As the name itself suggests, they have a great view of the lake that you can enjoy through the window.
Places to avoid:
Nomadic life Camp: The place is too expensive and not worth it. If you bargain your way into a lower cost, they take it out on you through not providing good services.
Golden Mark camps: Extremely cold and the arrangements are not good. Avoid the place.
Additional Tip would be to avoid visiting during the winter season as it would be harder to find accommodation since camping would be out of the question. Another thing to remember is you can always bargain at these places. Reach the place early (before sunset) so if one place doesn’t pan out, you have other options to explore.
Hotel Merwara estate is a luxury hotel in Ajmer that is just 1.5 km away from Ajmer Junction. It takes roughly ten minutes to reach there. Situated near Daulat Bagh Garden, it also offers a terrific view of Ana Sagar Lake. It is at the center of all tourist attractions as they fall within 4 km radius.
Entrance: On an outer look it does not seem that impressive but as soon as you enter the place, you feel like royalty. The lobby is well decorated with chandeliers and sofas that give off an ancient royal look. There are beautiful paintings on the wall and curtains are used to highlight the look.
Rooms: Hotel Merwara offers a variety of rooms like the Minakshi suite, Suryavanshi Suite, Deluxe room and Super Deluxe room. We stayed at the Minakshi suite and it did make us feel like royalty. With copper drapes and hand carved furniture, it gave us the feeling of being the princess of Rajasthan. The Carpet also matches the whole theme of the room. The bathroom itself was very nice as well with a gold-framed mirror on the wall and a bathtub. The room was comfy and the views of Aravalli hills and the lake from the window were breathtaking.
Tourist spots Nearby: Within a 4 km distance from the hotel lies popular tourist spots like Ajmer Sharif Dargah, Taragarh Fort and Adhai Din ka Jhonpra. That is why it is an apt choice for staying while visiting Ajmer.
Special Highlights: The Madhuban Garden that the estate encompasses is a wonderful place to spend your time and soothe your mind. There is also a swimming pool. You can choose to go for a massage as well as the hotel offers that facility.
Dining: Dawat-e-Khas is the hotel’s multi-cuisine restaurant that again has a wonderful interior and ambiance. In an elegant setting, you get to taste the most delicious vegetarian food. You can also choose to dine at Disco The Rock restaurant and enjoy grilled food with live music. There are ghazal shows at weekends.
What could improve: The service was a little slow but it is to be expected since it is a big place but they should find a way to work on it. Also, there weren’t a lot of varieties on the breakfast menu which struck me as odd.
Overall verdict: It is large estate that shows true Rajasthani beauty with its ethnic interiors and set up. The rooms are so spacious and luxurious and the food is good as well. The staff is very helpful as well.
How to Reach: It is at a 10-minute distance from Ajmer junction if you are traveling by train.
From Jaipur International Airport, it is a two and half hour ride.
Since the hotel is right opposite to Daulat Bagh garden, it is well connected by roads.
Such a beautiful hotel that has heritage theme and it is the best experience to stay there. From beautiful views to all the luxuries you can expect, it does not disappoint you. It also gives you the comfort of being near the spots that most travelers wish to visit while in Ajmer.
Spending weeks in Delhi with the same monotonous routines can make anyone stressed. And if you are bored from lazing around on the weekends, here is something exciting you can try. Take a one-day weekend getaway and go camping, sit near bonfires beneath the stars with your loved ones and get some adventure back into your life. Escape from the city and get in touch with the wilderness at these incredible places just a short distance from Delhi.
Camping in Ranikhet, Almora
Distance: 360 km from Delhi
Ranikhet is also known as “Queen’s meadow” is a camper’s delight. With beautiful locales, this place is popular for its camping sites. Surrounded by lush green mountains and okay, pine and cedar trees, you will get the complete feel of the forest. There are also adventure sports options like Mountain biking and trekking available so you get the complete thrill of camping.
Camp Tikking, Gurugram
Distance: 60 km from Delhi
Just a short trip away from Delhi, Camp Tikking is a place for those who don’t wish to travel far and wide for simpler pleasures. Experience the village life with camel cart rides and nature walks. There are also options for more thrilling adventure sports like Zorbing, paramotoring, paintball etc. Since it is one of the unexplored camping sites, you won’t find yourself in a huge crowd.
Dharamsala
Distance: 270 km from Delhi
This is one of the most incredible places in northern India with spectacular hills and monasteries. The weather is ever changing and there are incredible treks open through Mcleodganj. Apart from camping in the mountains, you can go for ropeways, rock climbing or rappelling.
Mountain Camping at Mussoorie
Distance: 327 km from Delhi
Combining the mountain and forest experience, this getaway in Mussorrie is another wonderful place to go camping near Delhi. With the Himalayas surrounding the place and Deodar and Pine trees nearby, you can absorb the scenic beauty while detoxifying yourself from the city air. Enjoy the bonfires in the night sky or if you feel adventurous, go valley crossing and rafting. You can also visit the Tehri dam nearby or Surkhanda Devi Temple.
Camp Purple, Mukteshwar, Nainital
Distance: 341 km from Delhi
Camping in the Himalayas has to be the dream come true for every person. Mukteshwar is one of the high ridges in the Himalayas popularly known for its fruit orchards. The view of the snow clad Himalayan mountains along with the peach and apple orchards nearby makes the experience even more delightful. The nights spent stargazing beneath the beautiful night sky in these mountains is a memorable experience. The view from the top of the hill is absolutely breathtaking.
The Jhajhar Khas Desert Camp, Rajasthan
Distance: 273 km from Delhi
This beautiful desert side camp is the perfect spot for couples or even for friends who can catch up on each other’s lives while enjoying Rajasthani food and folk music. With the desert breeze and luxurious bonfires, who wouldn’t enjoy? You can also visit the nearby villages to get a whiff of their history or go bird watching. The camp isn’t like the usual nature camps as it gives off more of a royal vibe.
These campsites may not be popular but will give you the experience of a lifetime. Enjoy adventure sports or just spend quality time with your partner amidst nature. The weekend is coming, so start planning and pick the right spot that works for you! Take a break from the busy city life and just spend this time relaxing in forests, near streams or surrounded by forests. Drop us a note at ghoomophirosisters@gmail.com
A trip to Maharashtra is incomplete without at least a two-day stay at the heart of India’s Bollywood hub ‘Aamchi Mumbai’. The state capital of Maharashtra represents what truly being Indian means with its loud style and grandiosity. It showcases the ‘bindass’ attitude that most of us carry with us along with amazing sights to see and dishes to try. Though two days aren’t nearly enough to see everything that this ‘City of Dreams’ has to offer, we the #ghoomophirosisters will help you squeeze in most of it.
Must see:
Gateway of India
Built during the 20th century, Gateway of India is a historical arch monument which was erected for commemorating the landing of Queen Mary and King George V on their visit to India. The gateway then became a symbolical entrance for Viceroys and Generals in India. It is a popular attraction of Mumbai because of its magnificent structure and has also been called as the “Taj Mahal of Mumbai”.
Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus Railway
This Railway station was formerly known as Victoria Terminus and has a rich history as well. The railway terminal is designed in Victorian Italian Gothic style architecture and is also one of the UNESCO World Heritage sites. The majestic design of the terminal is a sight to behold.
Haji Ali Dargah
Haji Ali Dargah is one of the most popular religious spots and visitors from all over the world, no matter the religion or caste come here to visit Pir Haji Ali. If by chance you end up here on a Friday, you might also get to enjoy the divine sufi Qawalis. This place is surrounded by talks of myths and legends but most of all, stories of miracles. Even an atheist would like to visit just to satisfy his curiosity.
Siddhivinayak Temple
One of the most popular and rich temples in India is Shree Siddhivinayak Mandir dedicated to Lord Ganesha of Hindu mythology. Located in Prabhadevi, Mumbai, it is the busiest spot on Ganesh Chaturthi. The wooden doors on entrance are carved with images of Ashtavinayak and the roof is plated with gold. There is also a Hanuman temple nearby that one may visit as well.
Elephanta Caves
Elephanta Caves are another popular spot and a UNESCO World Heritage site. This collection of cave temples is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It has many rock-cut statues and shows the harmonic existence of Hinduism and Buddhism. The carvings are incredible to see.
Definite Do’s
Watch a movie at Maratha Mandir
Every day at 11:30 AM, the place shows DDLJ. This cinema hall that opened in 1958 has become one of the most iconic spots of Mumbai. It is a very valued place for the Bollywood industry, so if you have the time, enjoy the grand Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge experience.
Click a Selfie at Red Carpet Wax Museum
Located in Ghatkopar, Mumbai, this wax museum displays wax statues of many famous personalities. From the popular Avengers to many Bollywood stars, they have celebrities lined up just for your amusement. It is a great feeling standing next to Obama or Harry Potter or getting to click a selfie with the Queen.
Evening stroll at Marine Drive
An evening stroll at Marine Drive around 6 pm would give you a glimpse into the nightlife of Mumbai. As you walk down the road or sit on a slab enjoying the twinkling lights parallel to the road, you will be amazed by the beauty of it all.
Shop at Colaba Causeway or Fashion Street
If you have confidence in your bargaining skills and enjoy shopping, the street-shopping experience in Mumbai would be a memorable one for you. In Colaba Causeway, you can find anything from handicrafts to antiques or books, even clothes, and jewelry. Fashion Street is more popular with the college chaps because of the latest trends and styles hitting the street first.
Take a Bollywood tour
See the houses of Shahrukh Khan, Amitabh Bachan, and other Bollywood celebrities while getting to know about the film city on a Bollywood tour. You get to see the behind the scenes working of Bollywood movies and meet some of the stars as well. But the tour takes 7 to 8 hours so opt for it only if you have the time.
Best Eating Joints:
Seafood at Trishna
Not trying Seafood in Mumbai should be criminalized. Trishna has been a great seafood restaurant for around 23 years now with Garlic Butter Crabs being its specialty. From sports legends to Hollywood celebs, all have dined here. Enjoy a heavy dinner here and try the jumbo prawns as well.
Kebabs @ Mohammad Ali Road
Try Skewered kebabs at Sarvi located a little ahead of Mohammad Ali road near Dimtimkar road. They set the benchmark for delicious mouth-watering kebabs and have been around for 90 years. They grill the most tender and yummy seekh kebabs but get here early before they sell out.
Sukh Sagar Restaurant near ChowpattyBeach: You cannot hope to come to Mumbai and not enjoy the delights of street-side Vada Pao/ Pao Bhaji at Chowpatty. Forget about your diet qualms for a day or two and relish the tastes of roadside eateries.
When to go:
Mid-June to October: Travelling during this season is messy because of flooded streets during monsoon season. But it shows a different side of Mumbai amidst the falling raindrops. Even with the hassle, the life in Mumbai doesn’t slow down and you can always head off to hill stations like Khandala, Lonavala etc to enjoy.
November to February: the winter season is the best time to spend in Mumbai since it is a coastal region and the temperature remains mild and pleasant during this time. Moreover, spending Christmas in the beautiful churches of Mumbai as well as New Years in the City of Dreams can be a memorable event.
March to May: Summertime is very hot and humid in Mumbai and the temperature may go up to 40 degrees which aren’t the ideal temperature to head out or enjoy oneself. Remember to wear cool cotton clothes and carry sunglasses along with sunscreen.
Getting there:
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.
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.
Getting around:
Mumbai’s local trains are popular for being jam-packed so you can opt for it only if you wish to have that experience. Otherwise, buses, cabs and both public and private means of transport are easily available. But you might get stuck in traffic often so prepare yourself for that while making plans for the day.
What to pack:
If you are traveling during the summer, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen and cool cotton clothes are a must.
Monsoons can be very wet and messy so carry a raincoat and umbrellas along with waterproof jackets and shoes.
Don’t forget Mosquito repellents.
Where to stay:
Since this place is a famous tourist spot, getting prior hotel booking is always an advantage. As a visitor, you have complete flexibility to opt for 2-star hotels to 5 Star Hotels in Mumbai
Sofitel Mumbai: This is a luxury hotel located in Bandra Kurla Complex and has five-star hotel rooms with great aesthetic and services. There are many options for relaxation and enjoying the true essence of Mumbai. The main highlight of the place would have to be the varied palate of culinary delights that it offers.
Ibis Mumbai Airport Hotel: This is the nearest hotel to the airport at Nehru Road, Western Expressway. With a good location and satisfactory rooms and room service along with basic amenities like an on-site restaurant and free Wi-Fi, it is the right place to stay.
The Hotel Novotel Mumbai Juhu Beach:
The hotel offers a great view of the city and is a delight for the eyes as well. With rooms looking out to the sea or the city, and outdoor pool to provide full relaxation to its guests, this is one of the best picks for a hotel. And if sun terrace, free Wi-fi, and 24 hr service wasn’t enough, they also have a shared lounge and a hairdresser at the property. This is the perfect place to stay if you want to enjoy the beaches and the nightlife of Mumbai.The City of dreams awaits you in Mumbai with its charming lights and warm people. Embrace the soothing air and be free and wild. Take in all the history and get bewitched by stardom.
A short two-hour drive away from LA is this desert oasis known for the popular names associated with it. Be it Frank Sinatra, Marilyn Monroe or Elvis Presley, none could resist the retro charm of Palm Springs, California. The place is already popular among tourists especially girl looking for a nice relaxing vacation. It is an Instagrammer’s dream place with the legendary pink door and so many chic spots. But anyone can visit Palm Springs to just kick back on the poolside and enjoy cocktails.
Here’s a travel guide for those visiting Palm Springs for the first time, with a to-do list that you should pin to your travel guide right now. It includes when to visit, where to eat and where to stay – there are a quirky selection of hotels and, if you prefer, many cool villas in Palm Springs.
Things To Do In Palm Springs – and More
Let’s begin with the most important question of when to visit:
January to April: These months experience the winter climate and are the peak season for tourists who get to enjoy all the tourist attractions. One must not forget that it is the desert area and what’s the fun of vacation if you have to complain about the heat the whole time?
May to September: The best part about visiting during this time is that there will be no crowds and you will easily find hotels at a great price. Though, you will have to tolerate the heat during the daytime. But if you consider yourself a night owl, the evening time would be perfect to wander.
October to December: Fall is a great season to visit Palm Springs for an average traveler. Not too much worrying about the weather and there won’t be a huge tourist crowd either.
The place is filled with hipster hotels and artsy places to stay that you would not even want to leave your hotel room. And on top of the list of best places to stay in Palm Springs is:
The Ace
The hotel has such a good vibe and is the most hipster hotel in the whole area. You can pick the room with fireplace and a patio to get the better living experience. But there won’t be any shortage of photo opportunities here so keep your camera handy.
The Saguaro
If the Ace is a hip place, then this hotel is a piece of art with cute shades at every corner. It’s more of a party hotel and you can enjoy your weekends to the fullest while staying here. Staying at Saguaro is like being surrounded by rainbows. The place even has two great restaurants.
The Hyatt Palm Springs
The main highlight of the place is the pool. The good music playing around and a pool bar on weekends made the whole experience ten times better. You can also get on a retro bike (available there) and wander the roads. Their restaurant, the guard dog in the lobby, the comfortable room makes it a perfect place to spend your vacation in.
Where To Eat
This is going to be the hardest list since Palm Springs is filled with places you would want to eat at. We suggest not filling up on one meal and just trying out different things at different places so you can get the whole experience.
Koffi makes the best latte around the place but you can also try their other refreshing drinks. For brunch, we visited Cheeky’s and their menu keeps changing but you can always find something that appeals to you. Then there was Birba which was the perfect pizza place. That taste you will find nowhere else.
Things To Do:
There are as many things to do on the way to Palm Springs as to do when you are there.
Go see the world’s biggest dinosaur and click a selfie with it. Enjoy the view of Palm Springs windmills and stop by at the Morongo casino to try your hand. Maybe Lady Luck would smile on you.
And once you are finally in Palm Springs, here’s what to do:
Bike riding: Many hotels give rental retro bikes that you can just take off on with your girlfriends and see Palm Springs in its natural beauty.
Shopping: There are many thrift stores and places where you can buy cute or antique things. One of the stores we’d suggest would be Just Fabulous. You would wish to get your hands on everything.
Instapics: There are a million photo opportunities in this retro fun town and you just have to find a cute spot and pose. Your Instagram account would look like a rainbow once you start clicking pictures in Palm Springs. From Vintage cars to the 60s look, and colors spread everywhere, you won’t have to look hard to find a perfect place.
Art Museum: There are two locations of Palm Springs Art Museums and if you have time, you can check them both out. Fr an art lover, what better thing to do.
Follow The stars: There is a Walk of Stars in Palm Springs areas and what’s special about it is that it honors famous celebrities who once resided in the area. You can find famous artist names and even the former Presidents of United States.
Palm Canyon Drive: You cannot go here. It is the tourist spot where you can just grab a bite to eat, look at amazing views of the palms and even spend some money on shopping, entertainment or gambling.
Palm Springs Air Museum: The place has a collection of planes from World War II which have been restored wonderfully to give you an idea of how planes must have looked during that time.
Joshua Tree National Park: If you are in Palm Springs for longer than a weekend, you might want to go here and be part of nature. The National Park has great views of mountains and even a waterfall. But you might not want to visit during the summer season because the heat would be crazy intense at the time.
A Walk In The Desert: A 20-minute walk through the desert would take you to Tahquitz Canyon and through the terrain is difficult to endure in the heat, the walk to the falls is worth it. Just don’t forget to carry water and sunscreen.
In the end, the best thing to do while leaving Palm Springs is getting your hands on a date shake at Hadley’s. The experience is not complete until you have tried that.
Located in the Diplomatic enclave which is the heart of Delhi’s government and commercial precinct, Taj Hotel is spread across six acres of land. This luxury hotel is the ideal choice for travelers who wish to soak up the city’s history or businessmen hoping to spend a luxurious time.
Entrance: At first glance, we were mesmerized by the grand look of the hotel. It was no doubt very posh and the interiors were modern but what else can you expect from a five-star hotel? Upon entrance, we were greeted nicely by the staff and the lobby design was incredible.
Rooms:
The room was air-conditioned with an LED and a mini-bar. There was also an electric kettle. The bathroom was a real beauty with modern amenities and a bathtub along with a shower. The hairdryer was also present which shows how much they cared for our comfort. The room itself was very spacious and as luxurious as it could get. With beautiful interiors and walls with textured art, the room was a mixture of modern style with Indian art. With Indian coloured palette and motifs, we experienced swoon-worthy comfort in the huge comfy bed. There was a lot of space to move around and a fully stocked desk for any of our needs.
Tourist spots nearby:
The hotel is just a fifteen-minute drive away from the airport and 3.5 km away from Rashtrapati Bhavan. It is 6.4 km away from Jantar Mantar and India Gate as well. This makes it the perfect spot for stay for tourists. The location is one of the pros of living in the hotel since the views from the window are also charming. We were in the room with the garden view.
Dining:
There were three dining options. Masala Art was the restaurant serving delicious North Indian food and Orient express offered European cuisines. We alternated our lunch and dinner among the two and were impressed by the taste and quality of the food. Considering that it was a five-star hotel, of course, it was a bit expensive but the food was yummy with ample proportions. There was another option for Chinese food at Spicy Duck and it was equally good. Additionally, there was a tea lounge at the lobby that also served finger food. And at last, a blue bar for alcoholic beverages. The interiors of all the restaurants were fine and the service was extraordinary. There was also poolside private dining if you’re spending time with your partner.
Special Highlights:
The Jiva Grande Spa is something we have to specially mention because it was a mighty experience. With an assortment of massage therapies, relaxing facials and scrubs, we felt incredibly pampered and fresh. The hotel really focuses on your health as well as comfort. And the spa was the best in the city. There was also a salt sauna room.
With the gym room, swimming pool, golf clubs, there were plenty of things to entertain ourselves with. And the staff was always helpful and courteous. The personal butler service that Taj has going on really made us feel like VIPs
Address: Sardar Patel Marg, Diplomatic Enclave, New Delhi, India
Overall verdict:
The marvelous hospitality and luxury that Taj offers are one of a kind. They go above and beyond to make you feel at home and it is a wonderfully memorable experience. This is a fine establishment with all the qualities that you want in a hotel. So the next time you are in Delhi, you know where to go.
Located in the royal estate of Kuthar in Kasauli, this resort is 25.7 km from Shimla. Chandigarh airport is the nearest one and is 37 km away from the resort. The Spa and resort are a new construction within Kuthar Heritage Fort which is an 800-year-old property.
Location:
The main highlight of the place has to be the location. We literally got to stay inside a royal estate and though, we weren’t lucky enough to meet the current Rana Mr Arun Sen, just knowing that we were in presence of royalty was enough. Amidst the fresh Himalayan air and beautiful architecture, how can one not be happy? Plus the beautiful garden area, arches, pillars, temples and colonnades are a nice cherry on top. However, the Tanya, part from current management team has been really helpful during our entire stay.
Accommodations & Dining
The room had elegant interiors of the place with modern amenities and a spacious bathroom. There were wonderful paintings on the wall and traditional looking chairs and table. The cream and brown contrast in colour was soothing to eyes and we spent our night comfortably in the room. The window opens to a garden view and with the fresh breeze, it was a refreshing experience. The nicely furnished room with LCD TV, WiFi (at the reception), Tea and coffee maker, toiletries included made us feel pampered. Glimpses from our room
Story Behind the Scenes
Though the resort is a new construction, it derives its inspiration from the 800-year old fort with wonderfully carved wooden ceilings. That mixes luxury and simplicity in one. The Kuthar ambiance is present throughout as you walk to the games room or the tea lounge. In fact, the main building has been built over what was used as the horse stable years ago and you can sense it from the architecture. Management has ensured the place keeps the essence of heritage and this is why even furniture of the rooms has been adapted from those times.
Things to Do
The resort has all facilities to keep you engaged during your stay. There is a Games room where we spent some of our time playing Darts. There were also other games like Table Tennis, Carrom Board, and Billiards. But since we felt more adventurous, we decided to go Mountain biking afterwards. The resort had some on-site cross country trails, incredible road cycling areas, and downhill biking trails.
Another highlight was the jungle walk in the lush vine forest where we spotted beautiful birds. We saw a few people shooting cans as well though we weren’t specifically interested in it ourselves. We were lucky to visit small 800-year-old Vishnu temple during our jungle walk. You may also opt to take a walk to the organic farms too.
This small video will definitely tempt you to pack your bags for Alcor resorts in the upcoming weekend.
Relax, Rejoice & Rejuvenate
After the tiring day, it was all we could do to control ourselves before jumping into the pool. The time spent soaking in the pool truly rejuvenated us and took the tiredness away. And then a Thai Massage and body scrub soothed our skin. The pampering body scrubs made our skin glow afterward. The fresh teas in the tea lounge also added to the calming and peaceful experience.
You can also opt for Yoga and meditation or like us, just sit on the garden benches enjoying the scenery and just living in the moment. The view of mountains and trees from here was just breathtaking.
Highlight
The best part about the resort had to be the package system that includes meals and all activities, so afterward; you don’t have to pay a dime. The staff was always courteous and welcoming. They greeted us with warm smiles and polite words always. The food itself was delicious as well. Each meal was freshly prepared and up to mark. Not to miss, spa & feet, reflexology was indeed the highlight of the stay.
Ghoomophiro Verdict
Alcor Spa & resort is the perfect place for relaxing and rejuvenating. The best place to stay if you are in Kasauli. We had our fun and there is no place that you can do better than this. Take a respite from your everyday life and come here for luxury and comfort. Stay in the bar lounge on comfy sofas, walk in the garden, get a massage and enjoy being treated royally.
A Ten-minute drive away from Bandhavgarh National Park lays Kings Lodge, surrounded from all sides by forested hills and spread over an area of 14 hectares in Rancha village. We wandered over to the heart of wildlife and discovered this beautiful place. The luxury hotel has a rustic look and has 10 cottage rooms and 8 stilt cottage rooms with attached modern bathrooms.
While the place offers all the luxuries, it also gives you privacy and ambiance of being surrounded by nature. Like the name suggests, staying at this place will give you the feeling of being treated like a king, perhaps, the king of the jungle. The construction is done so well that the place almost blends in with its surrounding, becoming one with the forest and its trees and you experience wilderness in its purest form.
Let us take you through the Kings Lodge by Pugdundee Safaris and we are sure, you shall be tempted to pack your bags soon for your next vacation.
Rooms:
The rooms are what we would call a writer’s delight. With air conditioned rooms and a huge verandah from where we can enjoy views of the forest, inspiration is sure to strike and thus, the hotel provides a writing desk and chair for getting all the feelings out on paper. The cottage had wooden furniture in beautiful honey shades and cotton linen. The en-suite bathroom is modern and has 24 hr hot and cold water. The whole place is eco-friendly and has eco sensitive systems of disposal. They give you an aluminum bottle to fill with filtered water for use, avoiding the use of plastic bottles.
Dining experience
The dining hall was just as wonderful as the cottage itself. With a fireplace overlooking wild grasslands and multi-cuisine options, the dining experience was one we will remember forever. We also tried the outside barbeque and bush dinner, because that is what the trip was all about. Being out and about in the wild. The food they serve is only Indian, but it is well prepared.
What to do:
The itinerary at King’s Lodge follows Jeep Safari for spotting wildlife (which became easy as their naturalist team was with us), Elephant Safari, Bird watching, visiting of nearby villages and Craft workshops. The Naturalist team was very helpful and honestly, we would be lost without them. They heightened our overall holistic experience. And the best part about the whole safari was that they encourage cycling or walking in the wilderness. No more formal Vehicular travels. They also organize a day trip to Sanjay National Park, which is an exciting opportunity to see Sloth bear.
Our Special thanks to Mr. Amit Mukherjee for being great host at Kings Lodge, Pugdundee Safaris. We feel under his guidance lodge has been providing services in an extraordinary way to its guests and it gets reflected in every small gesture.
Highlights:
There is a small nature library which helped us get acquainted with the parts of nature we were getting to see from the watch tower. It also has an in-house spa that gave the most relaxing massages to get the stress and tiredness out of our bodies. And if that wasn’t enough already, there was a swimming pool with a sundeck which was an absolute delight.
King’s lodge supported by Pugdundee Safaris is a top class place to stay at with your family or during your solo adventures in the wild. It will give you a feeling like you are living in the wilderness of the jungle, with the upside of being safe and having the internet. What more can one ask for? Go for your perfect adventurous wild ride in Bandhavgarh and stay at this amazing place.
Amidst the trees, in the heart of Bandhavgarh, we found the perfect Hideaway. This weekend took us #ghoomophirosisters to Bandhavgarh National Park in village Vijarhia. While we looked for a place where we could stop and rest along with enjoying the beauty nearby, we came across Bandhavgarh Tree House Hideaway supported by Pugdundee Safaris. The place is within close range of the Forest reserve and 220 km away from Jabalpur. With one look, it confirmed our belief that this would be an earthly experience.
As soon as we arrived, we were given a warm welcome by the manager Mr. Ashish Tirkey. Spread over 21 acres of forest, it has various tree houses that are within close range of one another. We woke up to the chirping of birds and slept to the critters of insects as the place has its resident species of birds, reptiles, and animals. It is the perfect place for accommodation as it overlooks Tiger reserve and Bandhavgarh Fort.
Rooms:
The rooms were a mixture of nature and modernism. With a contemporary design of tree-houses, it provides all amenities without taking away the traditional jungle vibe. The rooms were air-conditioned and also had an attached bathroom with 24 hours hot and cold water. The room was spacious with a wooden exterior and a deck where you could stand and just feel one with the wind. There is also a mini-bar and living area with writing desk, loungers on the deck and mosquito netting (that one really needs). The bed had soft cushions that drowned you in a dreamless sleep as soon as you lie down. The lighting was dim so as to give more natural ambiance to it.
This small video will surely give you glimpse of the rooms and will inspire you to get your bookings
Dining experience:
There is a dining hall on ground level that offers Indian, barbeque and continental meals. Though food options were limited, what we ate turned out to be delicious. The Hideaway has an in-house restaurant and bar which, like the rest of the place, is also a blend of natural feel with all modern luxuries. The restaurant is beautifully set with comfy chairs and on the upper level is the terrace bar aka the watering hole.
What to do:
Jeep Safaris are organised into Tiger reserve and there is also an option for Elephant Safaris. The Naturalist that accompanied us was a great help throughout the Safari. We saw varieties of birds and animals and were even able to spot tigers during our safari drive. There were marvellous sightings of Langur Monkeys and Sambar deer. Other activities that one can indulge in include bamboo weaving, visiting nearby villages or a trip to Sanjay National Park.
Highlights:
From the rooms to food and the cherry on top, helpful staff, this place gave us all the luxuries we could ask for and more. With the natural ambiance, necessary amenities and close proximity to wilderness, there is no better place for one to be, while on the journey of discovering oneself or just spending time in the lap of nature than Bandhavgarh Treehouse Hideaway.
Bandhavgarh Treehouse Hideaway offers you the best opportunities to interact with Mother Nature and observe wildlife. This retreat is a relaxing place for all nature enthusiasts or people looking for a romantic getaway. If you are planning on visiting Bandhavgarh reserve, you can do no better than staying here.
India is an exceptionally beautiful country and one of the best qualities about Indians is their famed hospitality. “Athithi devo bhav”, is what we are known for. There are countless magnificent homestays in the country but there are a few that stand out among the rest in terms of facilities, location, and hosts.
Shahpura Bagh, Rajasthan- In case you are willing to spend some extra on the homestay experience, look no further than the luxurious and royal Shahpura Bagh. This magnificent property served as the summer residence of the rulers of Shahpura. Located at the exquisite Rajasthani countryside is a haven for the luxury homestay.
Kannur Beach House, Kerala- The beach house in Kannur happens to be located on the far northern side of Kerala, the most beautiful state in the country. The traditional style home has coconut trees right beside and the sweet smell of ocean coming from Thottoda beach just makes the experience far more amazing.
Fort Rampura, Uttar Pradesh- In this 700 years old fort in Lucknow, the homestay experience is one grand feeling you have as you wake up feeling like a royal. The homestay only has three guest rooms available but the ancient rugs, furniture, and the artifacts make the experience far beyond bizarre and beautifully surreal.
The Homestead, Corbett, Uttarakhand- The Homestead is categorized as a premium farm stay which lies in the shadow of the Himalayas. The 150-acre farm bordering the Corbett National Park (13 km) offers an experiential stay experience. The excellent services provided at the place make it feel more like a resort than a homestay. The great adventure sports and engaging in fun farming adds up greatly to the overall staying experience.
Vembanad House, Kerala- A place surrounded by three sides of the still water, it sounds like a dreamy place. Yes, it is! Located beside the Vembanad Lake, around the magnificent Kerala backwaters, the place is filled with traditional wood furniture and artifacts taking you to back the bygone era.
Thippanahalli Homestay, Karnataka- The magnificent red mansion located in Chikmagalur has a built up area of 11000 Sft. with 28 rooms. The place was built in 1934 and has stood since then in all its grandeur providing the tourists with the best home staying experience they can have anywhere.
Hidden forest retreat, Sikkim- This one located in Gangtok, Sikkim is especially for the ones who are nature lovers and peace seekers. Located just about 2 kilometers away from the state capital Gangtok, the place is spread over 3 acres and is brimmed with the exotic surroundings full of flowers, trees, and greenery.
The Bangala, Tamil Nadu- The Bangala, Tamil for ‘Bungalow’ is one of the oldest mansions located Deep South of the country, in Karaikudi. Brought into existence in 1910, the place used to cater to the VIP guests in the earlier days. In 1998, it was converted into a homestay and caters to the visitors and guests since then. The place has 25 air conditioned guestrooms and the brilliant surroundings make it one of the most sought after homestay places in the country.
The concept of homestay has its own set of great advantages, as you get to spend time with locals and These places provide the best homestay experience along with some added luxuries. Do give them a try!!
