Category: Staycation

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Rejuvenate Staycation wildlife

Experience Wilderness at its best in these eco-resorts situated in the jungles of Madhya Pradesh

Madhya Pradesh is one of the green states in India,that can offer you wilderness at its best. If you are tired of city hustle bustle and want to spend some time getting lost in the jungles, then these resorts from Madhya Pradesh are definitely should be on your list as they not only offer spectacular hospitality but also let you explore the wildlife in its natural habitat.
Pashangarh by Taj Safaris, Panna National Park

Taj Safaris wildlife lodges are in Panna, Kanha Bandhavgarh & Pench. Each of these are based on themes. Pashangarh, as the name suggests is made out of stone inside the jungles of Panna National Park.One can walk down for jungle safaris, experience the signature dinners or else can enjoy the wilderness of the national park. Place is luxurious in itself and hospitality from staff makes the stay all the more memorable. Trained naturalists can take you out on safari and let you know the fine intricacies of these jungles.
How to get in– 70 kms away from Khajuraho airport, drive is smooth through the jungles.

Forsyth Lodge, Satpura National Park

This is an outstanding property in the Satpura jungles. What make it all the more luxurious is the staff. Once in, you shall be mesmerized by the awesome staff that makes you feel at home. Either you can spend a day at leisure looking around for butterfly park or spending time with school kids from near by village, or you may go to watch sunrise/sunsets at Denva river. Not to miss, this is one of the regions where you can walk down inside the thick Satpura jungles and look around for tigers, bears. Naturalists will amaze you with their knowledge as they explain about the flora & fauna of the jungles. One can also opt to walk uphill to Pachmarhi. Each cottage is made out of cob and is eco-friendly. They have machans above every cottage, which makes the evenings more beautiful. Forsyth also serves signature breakfasts inside jungles while you busy spotting sloth bears.

How to get in– Nearest airport is Bhopal airport, from where you can drive down in 4- 5 hrs.

Singinawa lodge, Kanha National Park
Singinawa Lodge is a palatial retreat near the outer edge of Kanha Tiger Reserve. Nearest airport is Jabalpur airport.
There are total 12 sumptuous cottages, that offer stunning view of the forest. Large part of lodge’s energy is met through solar power and appropriate methods are been used for water harvesting. Guests at Singinawa can engross themselves in safari with trained professionals or cycle to a nearby village or the forest department nursery. There are a few rock formations nearby, one of which is used for regular campfires. And if you are looking for a relaxed vacation, you can choose to stay at lounge and enjoy the spa.

Pic Credit- Singhniwa Lodge

How to get in– You can drive from Jabalpur airport which is nearest to the lodge and takes around 4-5 hrs.

Sarai at Toria, Panna Tiger Reserve
The Serai at Toria is a luxurious yet charmingly earth-friendly property situated on the banks of the Ken River. Cottages and dining halls are overlooking river, which gives glimpses of wide flora and fauna of jungle. You can get lucky to find jackal, mongoose, jungle cat etc. There are no plastic mineral water bottles (only filtered water), and chemical-free toiletries are purchased in bulk and decanted into glass vials. Most of the staff is from the neighbouring areas. Guests can go for excursions into the Panna Tiger reserve or opt for boat rides and fishing on the pristine Ken river. One would not like to miss the walk on these wet-lands.

Pic Credit- www.scottdunn.com
How to get in– Place is located at 20 min drive from Khajuraho airport/railway station.

Mahua Kothi, Bandhavgarh National Park
Mahua Kothi is another luxurious property from Taj Safaris in Bandhavgarh and wildlife lovers’ delight. These are beautiful Kutiyas, with all amneties and lets you remind of rustic surroundings. This property has been inspired from beautiful Mahua trees and it is reflected across property. Guests can indulge themselves in Yoga, tiger sightings, elephant safaris, open jeep safaris, as bandhavgarh boasts to have best tiger sightings across India, cycling etc.

Umaria railway station is the 35 kms away from the park and is nearest mode to get in there.

This summer, pack your bags to these unusual properties and have luxury vacations.

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Hotel Reviews Staycation

Experiencing Colors of Rajasthan at Choki Dhani, Jaipur

Choki Dhani Jaipur, meaning “special village”, is a true representation of Rajasthani village. Located at Tonk Road in Jaipur, it is a famous getaway for Delhites. Apart from this rural village concept, Balaji Mandir (Approx. 1km) and Khumbheshwar Mahadev Temple (Approx. 5km). Amber Fort, Nahargarh Fort and Jal Mahal can also be visited.

Food, Amenities, and Services

Guests can choose from Haveli Suites, Royal Cottages, and Cottage Room. Prior reservation is recommended. Rooms are well furnished and the ambiance is ethnic. The whole set-up of room makes you feel at Rajasthan. Place live up to the theme to the core. The first thing you will notice here is the architecture of the place, which can take you back in time. One thing that will attract you is the perennial smile on the staff. Very friendly and ready to help. Usual 5 star amenities like Room service, internet, business center, gym, pool, 24-hour front desk, 24-hour security, air conditioning, babysitting, beauty salon, doctor on call conference facilities, disco, elevators, laundry, non-smoking rooms, parking, shopping, travel desk, wheelchair access are all available. Guests have a variety of food options available to choose from. Aarogosa Restaurant, Bindola Chandi Mahal, Besar Kyari and Chaupal are most popular amongst guests. The breakfast buffet spread is large. Each of the restaurants specializes in different cuisines to satiate food cravings of all guests. Once you are settled to eat, you will be amazed by the servers’ hospitality. They will make you wash your hands before you begin your meal, and will keep you persuading to try every bit of it. Must try is bati, churma, Mawa Kachori from Jodhpur, Alwar ka Mawa, Malpuas from Pushkar, Rasogullas from Bikaner, Ghevar etc.

You will be spell bound and will be mesmerized with the Countryside games, traditional folk songs, magic shows as well as puppet shows and much more in evening shows. These events keep the guests/visitors glued to the supreme rural and rustic legacy of Maharajas.

Chokhi Dhani is a great initiative to encourage rural art and also to bring younger generation closer to the village life. An indeed recommended property, if you want to get crash course in Rajasthan Culture. The place has a charm you will never forget. Definitely visit the place to experience the elaborate thali, welcoming staff, true Indian hospitality and an amazing experience. This weekend, drive through the Jaipur highway and check-in at Choki Dhani, Jaipur!!!

 

 

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Beaches Hotel Reviews Relax Staycation

Hyatt Place, Goa – Review

Hyatt place is located in the serene beach of Candolim. Within 5 kms of range places of attraction includes St. Anthony’s Chapel, Candolim Beach, Calangute Beach. Sinquerim Beach and Fort Aguada. Transport facility for tourists is well available here and hotel is well connected to railway station and around 1 hr drive from Dabolim airport. Drive is smooth with greenery around and is picturesque.

Food, Amenities and Services – There are around 145 rooms, divided in various categories. One thing that will attract you is the small creative iron man kind of structures throughout the building. Lobby is okayish, and breakfast is served there itself. Lot of open space near pool to laze around. The Gallery Café offers a delicious selection of Indian and international cuisine for lunch and dinner, while the convenient 24/7 Gallery Market provides takeaway snacks, salads, sandwiches and beverages. In room dining is available. Rooms are ok with LCD, electric kettle, refrigerated mini-bar, complimentary bottled water, locker safe, and slippers. Bathrooms are decently designed and fitted with latest fixtures.

Stayfit gym is there, in case you don’t want to miss out your work-out session.  Other unique facilities includes free access to wifi and computer systems kept in lobby. Overall a place for vacation with family where you can relax, meet, dine and explore.

 

 

 

 

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Beaches Hotel Reviews Rejuvenate Staycation

Luxury Vacation at Taj Exotica at Goa

Taj Exotica is located at Benaulim in South Goa. Popular sightseeing places close to the hotel are Varca beach(6 km) and Colva beach(5 km).  It is like 45 min drive from Dabolim airport. For me, it is one of the best properties in Goa, which is truly luxurious due to its exotic location, grand architecture and a sun drenched atrium. Once inside, you wouldn’t like to move out due to the ample number of activities place can keep you indulged in

Food, Amenities and Services – Taj Exotica has around 140 air-conditioned guestrooms with personal balconies or patios. The room category can be sea-view/garden –view or pool view. We took sea-view room. Bathrooms are spacious with separate bathtubs, showers, designer toiletries, bathrobes and makeup/shaving mirrors. Basic amenities like tea/coffee makers, color television and complimentary bottled water in addition to complimentary newspapers and desks. Interiors of rooms are neutral and exotic. Housekeeping is available round the clock. You can spend the sunny afternoon by lazing around the beach or by playing golf or rejuvenating yourself at Jiva spa or playing indoor games or reading a book on the hammock.

Taj Exotica has event space as well consisting of ballroom, banquet facilities and conference/meeting rooms. The hotel offers a complimentary airport shuttle which is available on request. Additional hotel amenities comprise a library, a coffee shop, and a concierge desk. Special arrangements can be done for birthdays and anniversaries on payment. The experience at the Taj becomes all the more special with the variety of cuisines place has to offer. Guests can enjoy fresh seafood at the beachfront Lobster Shack while Mediterranean cuisine is served at Miguel Arcanjo. Traditional Goan dishes are offered at Allegria. For a nightcap, Adega Cameons Bar serves a variety of drinks. In case, you would want to go ahead with traditional Indian food in Goa, Eugenia should be a good choice.At Eugenia, guests can explore multiple cuisines from Indian to south-east Asian. Buffet breakfast is served at Eugenia and the spread is quite large. An overall property gives an amazing and luxurious ambience to unwind and relax.

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Beaches Hotel Reviews Rejoice Staycation

Ramee Guestline Hotel Juhu – Review

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

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

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

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Hotel Reviews Relax Staycation

An experience in itself- Treehouse Resort

Treehouse resort is on the way to Delhi-Jaipur Highway and is just 3-4 hrs drive from Delhi. Nestled in beautiful surroundings of Syari valley, stream flowing, it is surely a delight for city dwellers of Delhi –Gurgaon, who keep looking for idyllic getaways from NCR. The resort provides end to end facilities from stay to meals to games to its guests; so that they can have they can wholesome unique experience at the resort.

   

Rooms available at Tree House Resort are Luxury cottage, Deluxe, and Private Suite. The cottages are made of wood and balanced upon tree trunks. This is the highlight of the resort. All Basic room amenities hair dryer, iron, minibar, newspaper, private bathroom, refrigerator, bathtub, bathrobe, bedside lamp, ceiling fan, complimentary mineral water bottle, DVD player, flat-screen TV, full length mirror, hangers,in-room heating, in-room menu, in-room safe, laundry bag, luggage space, rollaway bed, table lamp, tea/coffee maker, temp control, turn down service, windows open, Wi-Fi access on charge, wooden flooring and writing desk are available. Bathrooms are big and luxurious and so are the cottages.  Outdoor games like archery, camel ride, cycling, pool table, swimming pool are also available. One can also opt for jungle safari during morning & evening.  The Gym is well maintained and has all modern equipment. Resort looks beautiful especially during evenings, as little lamps are lightened without electricity.

The Hotel has a tree-house restaurant, Machaan which serves a combination of Indian and international cuisine and The Peacock bar which usually opens in the evening to its glory and flaunts its interiors which have legendery stories attached to them.

So, visitors to The Tree Houses, come, sit back, enjoy and get addicted to the beautiful and pristine  property called “Tree House Resort”, which will give them the feeling to be in the nests of luxury

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Hotel Reviews Rejoice Staycation

A day at Thakran Farms- Getting Close to Nature

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

Well decorated cottages, all made of mud.

Inside paintings in the room  

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

Activities at the farm, wherein one can unwind themselves.

Exploring how Rotis are cooked in Indian villages

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Beaches Foodie Ghoomophiro Blog Hotel Reviews Relax Staycation Tribal Western Ghats wildlife

A Foodie evening at Ocean Deck Resort

During my recent trips to Karwar, I got to experience the amazing home stay at Ocean Deck Resort. It is a beautiful island that truly depicts home away from home. Though due to lack of time, I thought to drop the idea of going there, but after hearing so much about the place, I went, and must say, my food journey would have been incomplete, if I wouldn’t have come there. What makes this place more unique and offers comfortable stay is bcoz to its owner Mr.Vinay, who is always energized and ensures the best stay for his customers. Review here is based on my stay, food and definitely quick conversations with the people staying. The place is easily accessible with Dabolim airport at a distance of 100Kms. Pick & Drop can be arranged on request. Here are highlights of the place as experienced by me.
1) If you want to experience a homestay in Karwar, this is the place you would want to be. Listed in lonely planet, for its amazing location and hospitality, this place is always the top choice for repeat guests at Karwar.
2) Since the homestay is just 5 Kms away from Karwar Museum , Devbagh beach and 60 Km away from Gokarna Beach, there are ample places to roam around, if you have a weekend in hand and you are eager to explore the in and around the place.

3) If you are foodie, nothing can beat them in Karwar. I happen to eat vegetarian variants, which I have never heard of. Be it Karela chakri or fried bhindis, everything has its own charm. Lime water was super with perfect blend of lemon and sugar to quench your thirst. I wish I could pack some. Sea-food is good and place is heaven for sea-food lovers. During your stay, you can do fishing and can get the same for dinner. Apparently, all you need is to order for the fish you would like to eat and you can have the same in your scrumptious meal.

  

4) The place is run by the Mr.Vinay who acts as host, chef, and waiter. He stays there itself and ensures that all his guests are being taken care of properly. This is what makes the place all the more experiential and your stay more memorable.

5) The place provides plethora of activities wherein you can indulge yourself. They include Machine boat ride, beach trekking, Kayaking, wooden boat ride, river crossing, fishing.

6) Free access to Wi-fi. You can remain connected to your folks all the time and can share live updates while making them jealous

7) The place is completely in the lap of nature, with a beautiful setting. Backwaters and Devbagh beach make the place more serene and photogenic.


8) Accommodation ranges from suites to fishermen’s room. They are well-furnished with all basic amenities in them.

9) Campfires are arranged every evening upon nightfall and are a great way to relax and soak yourself in the lap of nature.


10) It is indeed value for money, that gives you the opportunity to get lost in nature.
Being a nature lover and foodie together, this place is surely my personal recommendation to those who are looking for an escape from the city buzz.
What are you waiting for? Plan your upcoming weekend to Karwar and get your bookings from Ocean Deck or call Mr. Vinay at +91-9342994358 or write to them at bookings@oceandeck.org

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Central India Ghoomophiro Blog Hotel Reviews National Parks Relax Staycation

Getting Lost in wilderness of Pashangarh Taj Safaris.

Pashangarh wilderness lodge is located in Pashan Garh, adjacent to the Panna National Park and is a beautiful rugged property of Taj Safaris. . It is mere 50 km from Khajuraho, a famous World Heritage Site along the river Ken. It comprises of 12 cottages of stone cottage( as Pashan means stone)

The lobby celebrates Haveli design, with a spacious central courtyard. The interiors are contemporary mix of chocolate linens, block-printed black silks, celadon cottons and cotton lace chandeliers.

All suites have private veranda machaans, luxurious bathrooms with huge central showers, seperate wc, twin hand basins.  The overall design is stony and rough, with white marble, leather, ebony and chocolate highlights. Highlight is, there are no TVs in the property. When asked, I was told, we want people enjoy the beauty rather than getting indulged in TV. The interiors make for a bold statement in luxury and stone walls reduce to buttresses at the corner where two squares intersect, leaving behind glass, jaali latisse, mosquitoes screens and sliding doors. Every small item is room is well crafted and thought through. Staff is very courteous and available for the guests.

Dining

Dining in Pashan Garh is an experience in itself, not only with the vividity of menu but also in the presentation. Dining experience is also the highlight of the place. Lunch was served to us in the nearby rural settings in bitten silver cutlery. However, poolside lunch is also available. Care is taken for each and every guest separately to make sure, they have Wow experience.

What I enjoyed most was the lakeside bullock cart dinner, which not only gave us privacy but also complete freedom to gaze the stars as we had our dinner. Other option available is dinners on the deck. The presentation of breakfast next morning added to our experience.

Highly recommended property if you are traveling to Khajuraho,  if you plan to get lost in the wilderness for few days.

 

 

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Beaches Foodie Ghoomophiro Blog Hotel Reviews Relax Staycation Treks Western Ghats wildlife

All about Devbagh Beach Resort, Karwar

Devbagh Beach Resort

Devbagh is a stop for an ardent beach lover. Sun, sand, surf, sea and endless open space, Devbagh is famous for its private beaches, where you can build your dream castles, collect seashells, chase crabs, locating fishermen in boats or just soak yourself in sun and let waves wash away your worries. 3 Kms away i.e just 29 minutes ferry ride from Karwar is situated one of the finest property of  Karnataka Tourism. Devbagh Beach Resort is located in the converging landscape located in Karwar, which is 100 Kms away from Dabolim airport and located at Karnataka–Goa border. Devbagh is at its beautiful best from October to May.

Accommodation: Resort opens a world of pristine natural beauty.  It has got lovely log-hut cottages with a balcony. Rooms are spacious with all modern facilities. The Gol Ghar, is the group dining hall, serves a delectable buffet spread of both vegetarian and non-vegetarian cuisine. The seafood is highly recommended. Fishes served here are usually fresh. Dinner is served on the beaches wherein every evening bon-fire is set up with snacks. Spa here is amazing. Oils and other ingredients used are purely herbal.

Activities: Devbagh has something or the other for everyone. 24 hrs are less for you to explore the place completely. If you are an adventurous person, try parasailing, snorkeling (which is being done under the supervision of trained professionals, who ensures complete safety of its guests), banana boat ride, scooter-ride and other water sports. One can also go for speed boat cruises in Arabian sea to spot Dolphins. If you are a nature lover, get up in morning and take a stroll in backwaters and can spot rare birds in mangrove thatches. It is a paradise for bird watchers as conditions are conducive for migratory birds. If you like studying human nature, then a stroll in an adjacent fishing village is a good experience; wherein you can witness how their day starts, to how it ends. It gives a complete picture of a day in fishermen’s life. If a relaxing vacation is on your mind, then soaking in the sun or lazing on a hammock is a good option. One can also cruise up to the confluence of Arabian sea and river Kali. A trek in the jungles is highly recommended and capturing sunrise and sunset is photographer’s delight at the resort. The Place is indeed photogenic.  A day tour to the city is also organized by the resort on request, wherein you can roam around the Karwar. All activities are conducted under strict supervision and interaction with the staff adds lots of value.  The staff here is very courteous. Manager of the lodge makes it a point to spend time with each family staying and take care of their day to day needs. Personal attention is given to all guests. If you are looking for a getaway beyond Goa with all similar amenities, Devbagh beach resort tops the priority chart. You can reach out to www.dandeli.com for your bookings. They made it really simple for me when it comes to the arrangement.


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