Tag: ghoomophirosisters

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Travel Tips Travel Trends

How ghoomophirosisters survived solo travel!!

The very idea of traveling solo is pretty much like watching an old Martin Scorsese horror flick in an empty movie theater. It sends a chill down your spine and makes you imagine traveling to some of the darkest places on the earth infested with man-eating creatures like those in Wrong Turn movies. However, traveling solo is a blown out of proportion concept based on some rare whimsical experiences of insecure travelers from different parts of the world. It is not really related to any third-grade gory movie’s plot, which has travelers chopped in pieces innovatively by zombies.

Traveling solo is rather a divine experience that can answer some of the most beautiful mysteries of your life. But to be on your feet and exploring, you need some real motivation that may come in the form of a good way to spend your free time. Here are a few good tips for you to pass your time while traveling solo.

Read about the city

If you are an avid reader then this can come in handy. Buy a book or read online about the city you are traveling in to pass your time when you are not traveling.

Strike a conversation with local people

Once you are done traveling for the day, strike an unforgettable conversation with the local people of the city. Local people can sometimes unveil an unknown side of the city that nobody finds in books or just anywhere in the world.

Explore the city on your feet

Traveling solo actually gives you more time to explore a city your way. So there is no chance you will require a piece of advice on spending your free time in a good way. Inhale a handful of fresh air, taste their local delicacies, drink a cup of tea or coffee or just whatever they have on offer for you. Remember food is the best way to know a city and by walking around like a local you embrace the city.

Document your travel

If traveling solo is boring, it is time to indulge in some real adventure. How about giving birth to a photographer in you? Pack your camera one more time, set out to some mysterious destinations, and capture the memories with colors designed by you. Or just start writing down your experience on a diary or click pictures.

Do Your Homework before booking your trip

Thanks to the Internet which has made easier to read more your potential destination. Usually, official tourism websites showcase the rosiest of pictures to attract visitors. Blogs like ghoomophiro.com can be a real help for in-depth information from locals about safety and culture.

Pack Smart
When traveling solo make sure you pack all of your essentials in your carry-on in case your luggage gets lost. Carry a complete set of clothes for different weather conditions such as for hot, cold, and wet weather. Don’t forget your walking shoes, medication, and all of your identification documents and everyday technology items.
Always have some emergency cash and keep it in a secret place.

Be Aware
Personal safety and protection of your belongings can be a big concern but needn’t be such a fear that so that you become obsessed with it. Don’t dress like an obvious “tourist” with all those fanny pack cameras swinging and don’t flash money, expensive technology or wear expensive jewelry. Dress up simple like a local.

Traveling solo is a boon in disguise. Very few have this opportunity in their lives. Our tips above won’t let you waste it.

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Travel Tips Travel Trends

Why Travelling with your Sister is always Fun!!

We often come across this question, that what pushed us to choose our sister as travel partners. #ghoomophirosisters. Here you go..

You already know each other inside out

Travelling is a rigorous process consisting of a lot of sleepless nights and hurdles to overcome. It comes in handy to know each others’ habits, likes & dislikes, and strengths & weaknesses from beforehand. In such a case, there remains no room for unpleasant surprises when you already know how the other person reacts in similar situations. God forbid, if there is a crisis, you both can make a good pair ward off the trouble and emerge out of the negativity because of your mutual understanding and coordination.

It is easy to share money

It is much easier to share costs with your sister as compared to any other person. If you lend and do not get the money back in time, you know whom to catch hold of in financial crisis. You can vouch for her to pay your bills too as that is what at least an elder sister does! If you both are not earning as of now and your parents are funding the trip, there is no need for even splitting the costs; the payments can be done from one common source only. All these things add- on to the simplicity of the trip and hassle free travelling.

You both can be brutally honest with each other 

There is a certain element of openness and frankness in the relationship of two siblings. They can criticise each other with ease when the need arises and be appreciative too with the same amount of comfort. The thought of the other person getting awkward usually does not arise.

Your sister will tell you when you behave irrationally or may be when your clothes do not look right! She might be savage in her delivery, but her intentions will always be altruistic.

Fights cannot go on for too long between you two

Quarrels with your family especially your siblings do not last for long. One moment you yell and shout on the other one and the very next moment you can be seen laughing together. That is how the relationship with a sister is! They are not serious and do not last for very long. You tend to forget about them soon and do not hold long- term grudges against each other.

 Both of you will look out for each other

It is because you trust your sister with crucial things of life, you feel safe with her during travelling too. You can depend on her for all the important stuff like booking tickets, carrying documents and protecting you from unwanted circumstances. She will always have your back.  Also, it is nice to have someone to take care of your belongings and watch your bags while you run to the restroom!Convinced !! Plan a trip with your sissy soon then!

Convinced !! Plan a trip with your sissy soon then!

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Adventure Ghoomophiro Blog Himalayas National Parks Relax Travel Trends Treks wildlife

Tranquility in the lap of Nature- Great Himalayan National Park

If you are looking for a surreal getaway from Delhi at a distance of overnight travel, then Himalayan National Park is a must for you. Bus from Kullu to Aute can take you inside, from where locals can guide you to the way toGoshani or Nagini, small villages in Kullu. It is from these villages, one can get into the park with the help of porters either by hiking or car can leave you at the entrance gate. Inside the park there are various hiking trails. Neuli- Sarangarh loop, Neuli- Sainj valley, Sainj- Tirthan valley, Gushaini-Tinder village, Gushaini- Shilt Hut, Neuli-Manu temple, Siund- Pashi villages, Jiwa Nala- Parvati River valley, Gushaini- Tirthan valley and Shamshi- Kaza are some of the popular ones. We took Gushaini to Tirthan. The place is bounded by lush green forests, waterfalls, and indeed make it one of the scenic places. Thankfully, modernization has not yet reached this part of the Kullu and hence place continues to brim its beauty. Park is part of world UNESCO Site. It is the home for several endangered flora & fauna and is bird watcher’s paradise.Let this photo essay drive inspire you for your next trip to Great Himalayan National Park.

Beautiful Tirthan valley & river, which is famous for trout fishing

Several locals, shepherds can be seen inside the park with their cattle.

Entry Gate to the park. There is a small entry fee, which is been taken by the forest department. Do carry your photo ID, while you enter the park.

This is what you can expect inside this beautiful jungle. The lovely camaraderie of waterfalls, trees, and birds perching. Perfect place to find your solitude and unwind yourself.

Camping in the midst of Jungle, in itself gives you goosebumps, as you set your camp beside the flowing river, and want to get lost in the wilderness.

The place is totally unchartered and your solidarity can surely resonate with the mesmerizing and unprecedented beauty of the jungles and you would not mind coming here, whenever you are looking an escape from maddening cities.

Best time to go here is summers, though the park is opened throughout the year, but summers attract a lot of trekkers to the park.

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Adventure Central India Ghoomophiro Blog Hotel Reviews National Parks Relax Staycation Travel Trends wildlife

Forsyth Lodge- Experiential Lodge to get lost in Satpura Reserve, Madhya Pradesh

Forsyth Lodge, is a 2 hrs drive from Bhopal airport. It is just 10 min away from Madhai gate of Satpura tiger reserve, Madhya Pradesh.

Accommodation: There are 12 luxury cottages overlooking 44acres of land. Each cottage is well spacious, well maintained with best of fixtures. Rooms are comforting; with few of them have machan terraces. As you enter the room, you are welcomed by a beautiful message that talks about wilderness. Interiors are very artistic and remind you “welcome to jungle”. Their walls are made from packed straw, mud and cow dung (as is the local building style) and painted with wild animals and flowers, giving them a whimsical touch. Cottages have private balconies, wherein you can sip your morning coffee, read your favorite book overlooking the great jungle. Air conditioning, Fan, Mosquito net, Extra beds Terrace Bathrobes, Toiletries , Hairdryer etc are available. The highlight of the cottages are their Eco-friendliness. Every small thing kept there is well thought. Everything here is recycled, even the fixtures in washroom are such that, water can be recycled. Basic amenities like swimming pool, spa is available.


Meals: Meals (included in the room rate) are served in various locations around the lodge. Under trees, by the pool, on sofa’d torchlit terraces or in dining rooms. There are Western and Indian offerings at each meal with detailed menu laid out.
Breakfast was equally delicious and plentiful: fruit and fresh-pressed pomegranate juice, followed by eggs cooked to order, grilled tomato, bacon, mushroom ragout and multigrain toast. Out on an early safari? Then it’s a packed breakfast in the middle of the tiger reserve for you.
Afternoon tea, with its fresh-baked cookies and cakes, is nice, but it’s dinner when Forsyth pulls out all the stops: cocktails and nibbles around a roaring bonfire, followed by dinner under the stars, either on a terrace in the main lodge or out in the bush with oil lamps hung from the trees (the bar was set up on a bullock cart!). You start with a soup and then move on to succulent meat curries and fragrant vegetarian dishes served with Indian bread.
#theForsythExperience – Yes, this is what one would call #theForsythExperience, when you are greeted by wonderful hosts Rishi and his team, who work reluctantly to ensure the best experience for each guest, by their constant efforts. It seems these guys are on a mission to bring you close to wildlife. There are multiple activities, which team involves you in. The itinerary planned is power packed, and the day starts with the wake-up call at 6 AM, to go for a walk inside the Satpura Tiger Reserve. These jungle walks are accompanied by great naturalists David Raju and Surya, who let you discover the vast array of species inside the jungle. The highlight of this walk is spotted dears and breakfast in the midst of the jungle. Other excursions being organized by lodge includes Canoeing, wherein you can watch birds involved in soaking in sunlight, as you paddle the canoe nearest to them and watch the sunrise in beautiful Deneva river. One can also enjoy Jeep safari and enjoy the drive with sloth bears, spotted deer, gaurs, bisons and other wild animals in their natural surroundings. I was lucky to get hold of the mother bear with her two cubs in action. The place is a paradise for the bird watcher. Evenings are made beautiful with bonfires and bullock cart dinner experience, where you can enjoy your dinner under the sky in amazingly romantic ambiance. This dinner is usually followed by star gazing, where you are taken to the stories of greeks and Romans. 2 days are little short to complete the experience as there is a lot more to explore with eminent naturalists. Btw, not to miss is the handsome dog there, who is just adorable. It is indeed a recommended place, if you are looking for a getaway away from the city with limited access to the network, and want to get lost in the wilderness. It is the place, from where you would surely not like to come back. It is indeed bewitching and at times gives you the feeling that whole property belongs to you.


P.S-> During Monsoons, Lodge is closed for renovations.
Thank you Forsyth Lodge for the amazing experience. You can reach out to them at Facebook,Instagram,twitter.

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Adventure Deserts Rejuvenate

The “Haunted Place” of India- Bhangarh, Rajasthan

About the Place: Bhangarh Fort is situated on a hillside in the deserted town of Bhangarh, Rajasthan. Bhangarh is a ruined town between Jaipur and Alwar in Rajasthan and is located at the edge of Sariska Tiger Reserve. Bhangarh fort is a major tourist attraction and is said to be one of the most haunted sites in the world. Many legends are associated with the haunted folk.

It was established in 1613 by King Madho Singh. It might be renowned for its haunted and spooky presence but it can be visited as the place is beautiful and tranquil. There are several spooky stories attached with it. Entry for bhangarh is prohibited between sunrise and sunset.

Legend belives that the city of Bhangarh was cursed by the Guru Balu Nath, who sanctioned the establishment of the town with one condition, saying, “The moment the shadows of your palaces touch me, the city shall be no more!” When a descendant raised the palace to a height that cast a shadow on Balu Nath’s forbidden retreat, he cursed the town as prophesied.


Good Time to Travel:Place can be travelled any time and good getaway for Delhi folks.is one of the largest national parks in northern India, covering an area of 392 km². It is situated in the Sawai Madhopur district of southeastern Rajasthan.

How to reach from Delhi:

Delhi-Gurgaon-Bhiwadi-Alwar-Sariska-Thanagazhi-Pratapgarh-Ajabgarh-Bhangarh.
It’s a nearly 300-km drive.

Must things to carry :

1. Always carry a spare tyre as there are stretches where for kilometres there are no petrol pumps or habitations.

2. Always carry some dry food as good dhabas and eateries are rare.

3. Carry a torch with you as the fort does not have electricity and even in day time, a torch will help you to see parts of the fort better.

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Rejoice

Enthralling historical city & the gateway to India’s most flamboyant state-Pink City Jaipur

About the Place:Jaipur is the capital and largest city of the Indian state of Rajasthan in Northern India. Known as the Pink City because of the colour of the stone used exclusively in the walled city, Jaipur’s bazaars sell embroidered leather shoes, blue pottery, tie and dye scarves and other exotic wares. Western Rajasthan itself forms a convenient circuit, in the heart of the Thar desert which has shaped its history, lifestyles, and architecture.

Must See places:City palace, Jantar Mantar, Hawa Mahal,  Jaigarh fort, Amer, Nahargarh fort, Central Museum, market. This place reflects beauty.

Good Time to Travel:The best time to visit this place is between October and March. Since the weather is pleasant during these months, that allows one to explore more of this place without getting scorched in the seething heat.This city of Rajputs is well known for its fairs and fests that are held on a grand level. The festivals include kite festival, camel festival, teej, gangaur, elephant festival, to name a few. The city witnesses maximum tourists during these days. To add on to its liveliness, this place has brilliant bazaars filled with bright turbans and ethnic attire, hand-dyed and embroidered textiles, pretty jewellery and delicious food.

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Adventure Himalayas Rejuvenate Relax

Another of those cool hill retreats left behind by the British; Dalhousie

About the Place:Dalhousie is a gateway to the ancient Chamba Hill State, now Chamba District of the state of Himachal Pradesh of India. This hill region is a repository of ancient Hindu culture, art, temples, and handicrafts preserved under the longest-running single dynasty since the mid-6th century.

Spectacular snow-covered Dhauladhar mountains are also visible form this enchanting town. Dalhousie was popular with the British Army personnel in 1860’s. By road Dalhousie is about 550 km from Delhi, 52 km from Chamba via Banikhet and 43 km via Khajjiar and the nearest railheads at Pathankot & Chakki bank railway station are approximate 85 km.

Must see places:Kalatop, Khajjiar, Jandari Ghat, Bholani Mata, Sach Pass

Good Time to Travel:Summer months from March to June are the best time to Visit Dalhousie

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Adventure Himalayas Rejoice Relax Spiritual Hubs Travel Trends

5 Safest places to travel solo for women in North India

#travelsolo, is the upcoming buzzword in female fraternity. Unless one takes the plunge, issues like security etc are on their mind. But let’s face the fact that not all places are same, and one should not miss the incredible India because of our assumed apprehensions.
1. Nainital, Uttarakhand:
Nanital is a lake district of Uttrakhand. Its beauty lies in the warm people who made you feel comfortable with their smiles. It has several mythological stories attached to itself. Niani lake is the prime attraction, whereas you would not like to miss on Bhimtal, Khurpatal and Sattal. Place is well connected via motorable roads with important destinations across India. It is just 9 Hrs drive from Delhi.
Quick To-Do’s
• Trek to China Peak
• Shop at Tibetan Market
• Take a Boat Ride at Naini Lake
• Go for Horse Riding
• Take a Cable Car Ride to Snow View
• Eat Sonam’s Momos
• Sip on the Coffee by Lake Side with a book
• Visit Balram Heritage Hotel
2. Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh:

Khajuraho, the UNESCO world heritage site always reminds us of erotic temples, is indeed beautiful and great place for solo female traveler. Winter is a good season to explore the place. It is well-connected to roads and Khajuraho airport. Lakshmana Temple, Kandariya Mahadev Temple, Old Village, Lakshmi Temple, Matangeshwar Mahadev Temple, Parshwanath Temple, Lord Mahavira Temple and Adinath Temple are major attractions of the place.
Quick To Do’s
• Shopping at Shilpgram and Mrigyananni
• Visit to temples to witness exemplary carvings
• Coffee at Raja’s Café
• Sound & Light Show at Western Group of Temples
• Yoga Sessions at Yoga Meditation Centre
• Visit to Archaeological Mueseum
• Visit to Panna National Park
3. Udaipur, Rajasthan:
Udaipur is highly hospitable city and is a place known for its maginificence and elegance. Place is surrounded by beautiful lakes. People within the city make it easy for you to travel solo. September to March is the best season to be here. It is around 700 Kms away from Delhi and can be drove easily overnight, if you enjoy roadtrips.
Quick to Do’s:
• Shop in Hathi Pol, Bada Bazaar, Rajasthali, Sadhana Emporium
• Go for Sunset Point
• Visit to Udaipur lake Palace
• Visit Udaipur Solar Observatory
• Other Major attractions around the place includes City Palace, Lake Pichola, Ahar Museum, Sajjan Garh/ Monsoon Palace, Bagore ki Haveli, Sunset Point & Machla Magra, Fateh Sagar Lake, Jagdish Temple, Saheliyo ki Bari and Jag Mandir

4. Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh:
Varanasi in itself is an experience. It is an amalgam of culture, colors and spirituality. Though the general notion about the place is, it is unsafe due to crowd, but if you make sure what to say and what not, you can surely make your way out and come with mesmerizing experience for lifetime. It is one of the holiest cities for Hindus and you can easily fly to the place.
Quick to Do:
• Take a walking tour
• Evening Aarti at Ghats
• Visit to Vishwanath Temple, Durga Temple, Bharat Mata temple
• Apple Pie at Pizzeria Vatika café
• Silk Shopping at Baba Blacksheep
• Meal at Brown Bread Bakery
• Boat Trip at Assi Ghat, Manikarnika Ghat during dawn.

5. Rishikesh, Uttarakhand:
Rishikesh is termed as the yoga capital of India. If you are looking for peace and tranquility and some adventure at the same time, this is the place to be. Place is overnight drive from Delhi.

Quick to Do’s :
• White Water Rafting
• Fox-flying
• Bungee Jumping
• Cliff Jumping
• Eat at Little Buddha Café
• Have Coffee at Devraj Coffee Corner
• Practice Yoga
• Camping by the River and watch the moon
• Other Attaractions include Swarg Niwas Temple, Shri Trayanbakshwar Temple, Swarg Ashram, Lakshman Jhula, Maharishi Mahesh Yogi Asharam, Neelkantha Mahadev Temple.
Note: Though all the above places have been visited by author herself, but would request you to dress appropriately to avoid unnecessary attention and just be polite to the locals to have lifetime memories.
Hola!! Where are you vacationing next?

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Ghoomophiro Blog Hotel Reviews Staycation

Tulip Inn, Ahmedabad

Few kms from Chandlodia Railway Station, 8.6 km from Sabarmati Ashram, few steps away from Sola Cross BRTS Bus Stop, Tulip Inn Ahmedabad enjoys accessibility to important corporate offices, shopping malls and entertainment hubs of the city and hence is amongst visitor’s choice. It took me 15-20 min from airport to reach to the hotel

Food, Amenities and Services – I stayed at deluxe room during my business trip. Room is with all modern amenities like LCD, electric kettle, refrigerated mini-bar, free bottled water, locker safe, DVD player etc. Attached bathroom has rain shower, bathrobe, slippers, shaving and dental kit, to give complete experience to its guests. All toiletries were of natural product like shea and cocoa. An executive desk to pen down notes is also available. 24*7 room service and reception desk with courteous staff improves the overall experience. The hotel offers roof top gymnasium for work-out enthusiasts and has all modern equipment. Concierge services like Travel desks, doctor on call and laundry is available. Venue and Avenue are meeting rooms where-in business conferences can be conducted. Both of them provide high quality tech support and audio-visual equipment. Hotel has in-house event planning team, which can plan end to end event/meeting for the guests as requested.

Hotel has The Red Sun restaurant, which offers decent buffet breakfast layout. Interiors of the restaurant are stylish and contemporary. It has theatrical lighting with a large window providing a striking city view. This was something really peculiar I liked about the place. It serves both Indian and international cuisines on ala carte basis. Food quality is good and waiters are helpful and give due diligence to guest service. Cheese chilli toast is quirky bite to try.  Overall good budgeted hotel that can promise comfortable, relax and peaceful stay in Ahmedabad.

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Ghoomophiro Blog Hotel Reviews Relax Staycation

Hyatt, Ahmedabad

The hotel Hyatt offers a spectacular view of the Vastrapur Lake. I happen to stay at this place during my exploratory visit to Ahmedabad. Hotel is just next to the shops and cinema at Alpha Mall, as well as 2 km from Ahmedabad City Centre. It is 9 km from Ahmedabad Railway Station and 15 km from Ahmedabad Airport.

Food, Amenities and Services – The room I stayed has got elegant décor and it is evident from the moment you enter the lobby. The ambience revitalized my stay and made it calm and relaxing. The hotel room has all major amenities that include individually controlled air-conditioning, LCD TV with satellite channels, mini-bar, tea/coffee maker, and electronic safe.  The hotel offers a relaxing swimming pool, great fitness centre and spa which can rejuvenate and can have a soothing effect on its vacationers. Not to miss, one can choose anything from the salon menu to pamper thyself at reasonable rates.

Spa

The highlight is free wi-fi in all rooms. The office staff is humble and courteous and ready to help their guests 24*7. The vividity of services that let the guests say “wow” includes room service, limousine facility on request, 24-hours concierge, doctor on call, currency exchange, sightseeing tours, valet parking and much more. The hotel also has banquet halls, which can be used for business meetings, parties, or birthday celebrations. Hotel offers bouquet of dining options from Multi-cuisine to authentic Pan-Asian. For an informal dining experience, Collage offers an extensive spread, which includes Indian selections, with a beautiful view to the Vastrapur Lake. Nonya, which serves authentic Pan-Asian cuisine has a beautiful ambiance.  Chocol’art is the ideal choice if chit-o-chat is on your mind and serves freshly brewed coffees, pastries, sandwiches and other munchies. Indeed a beautiful, cosy and luxurious property in Ahmedabad for both business and leisure vacationers.

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