Tag: India

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Adventure Corporate Outings South India Treks Western Ghats

Adventure, nature’s beauty and fun at Jogigundi Falls

Situated in the heart of Karnataka’s dense Western ghats, Jogingundi Falls is one of the most loved tourist’s attractions, a scenic small but wide waterfall in Karnataka, about 3 km from Agumbe which is sometimes called the Cherrapunji of the south due to the amount of rainfall it receives. Therefore the waterfalls are blessed with a large volume of water flowing throughout the year. One of the main reasons why this fall is so popular amongst local people is its uniqueness. It is a completely different experience from what you normally see elsewhere in and around the region.

Unlike your traditional waterfall where water falls from a height or in multiple tiers, the cave is a unique one as this one flows out of a cave that runs through the hill and hence is known as a cave waterfall. This is what makes Jogigundi Falls a treat to your eyes. People are thrilled to experience the sheer excitement of a fall flowing out from the mysterious cave. The whole concept runs a chill down your spine and makes you feel the adrenaline rush. Tourists can indulge in a variety of adventures here. You can spend a whole day here basking in some other activities.

This picturesque destination basking in the glory of sparkling nature is situated about 4 kms from Agumbe. You will have to cover 3 kms by your vehicle and the last km should be trekked down. Trekking to reach Jogigundi Falls is not less than an adventure in itself. You will have to cross several steep and narrow trails.

Once you complete your trek down the trail you will be welcomed by a majestic natural pool brimming with loads of adventures. You can indulge in activities such as swimming. You can comfortably swim in the very pleasing swimming pool there in front of the waterfall, but be careful as the waters here are pretty deep, upwards of 50 feet and the edges of the pool have sharp rocky edges. It is advised that you don’t use soap, shampoo, detergent, and other chemical stuff while bathing in the pool. It will not only pollute the water but also harm the environment in many ways.

This exotic place is surrounded by green forests. It is made up of dark rocks. There is a small stream that you will have to cross to have a full view of the landscape. After crossing this stream, you will spot all small caves (holes) in the rocks below. You will be thrilled to see the water flowing from these caves.

There is enough water to swim in the front of the waterfall. However, the water here is as deep as 50 feet. So make sure that you take all the precaution before setting out to swim in the water. The edges of the rocks are sharp. You can collide with them anytime. Apart from indulging water sports, you can even set out to wildlife safari of your own style. There is lot to explore in the forest. You can spot some rare birds and animals too.

Local people in Agumbe explore the waterfall during dry season. They climb all the way up to the cave and jump from there to the pool. This is truly one of the most beautiful experience one can have.

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Foodie Western India

The cafe scene in Darjeeling

Cafes in Darjeeling

As beautiful a place Darjeeling is for the nature lovers, it can also be seen as a foodie’s paradise if anybody wants to look at it that way. Everybody knows what exotic taste the home grown tea from here possesses. Other than the very delicious street food, carrying all the Bengali flavour, there are many different cafes in the city that are amazing. The new ones are opening up every day and it becomes hard to choose the best ones among them. But we have given it a shot and here is the list of top 5 cafes in Darjeeling that you must visit in order to satisfy your taste buds.

Gatty’s Cafe

Located on the famous Dr. Zakir Hussain road, this lounge cum cafe offers a lot of things to the visitors. From the shows of international and Indian cinema, delicious tea, some live music combined with some great food; this is one in all deal. From the homemade Indian cuisines to the international items such as pasta, sandwiches and pizzas, the place serves everything and as long as you stay here, there will be no moment of boredom. The great crowd in here makes the experience all the more vibrant.

Sonam’s Kitchen

Also located on the Zakir Hussain road, a few metres away from Gatty’s cafe, Sonam’s kitchen is also one other crowd puller in the place. The city is known for the tea, but the coffee right here in this little cafe will make you forget that fact. The coffee in your mouth is all you feel. They have an interesting collection of books and they deal mostly in the fast foods and stuff, but healthier and delicious to their core.

Foodsteps

The waffles and pancakes that are being served here are so delicious that people don’t mind standing in the lines to get their turns. The breakfast here along with a great cup of coffee is inhumanly tasty here. The different variety of the tea that gets served here reminds you very well of what this place is famous for. The waffles, grilled sandwiches and multigrain breads are the highlights of the vivid menu that includes purely vegan dishes. The Foodsteps is located at the Nehru Road.

Kunga’s

If the craving for some local food takes over, do visit Kung’s cafe located at the Gandhi Road. Deals mostly in the Tibetan meals, the noodles and the steamed momos here are just pure delicious. While Ranbir Kapoor, the bollywood actor, was shooting for his movie Barfi here, it is said that he fell in love with the food here and visited at least once a day despite the busy schedule.

Hot Pizza Place

HD Lama Rd is not known for so many good cafes but this one is an exception. Deals in Italian cuisines mostly but you can find almost anything here. Pasta, Panini, sandwich and noodles are the highlights of the restaurant and there are so many different varieties of pizza that one can get lost in all the taste and brilliant baking aroma.

Frank Ross Cafe

One of the very few restaurants in Darjeeling serving both the non veggies and the vegetarians alike is Frank Ross Cafe which happens to be located on the Mall Road. The global menu includes the native Indian dishes along with the international ones. A perfect amalgamation of class and style can be found here.

Revolver

As unique is the name of this cafe cum restaurant, so is its class. The gun themed place is sort of a museum for the tourists. Beetles are the biggest inspiration for the name of the place as it’s named after one of the most popular song from the rock band. Pancakes, mashed potatoes and soups along with a lot other items are the biggest highlights of the place. The cafe is located at Gandhi Road behind Union Chapel.

So these are the top 7 cafes one must visit during their next trip to Darjeeling. Delicious bites, piping hot coffee and friendly services in these cafes is sure to leave all the foodies in awe.

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Adventure Corporate Outings South India

A Drive to Pearl Valley, the popular picnic spot

One of the best ways to explore Pearl Valley in Bangalore is by driving to this precious gem in your car or bike. You get to experience the world that surrounds it with its majestic scenic views. However for a road trip to Pearl Valley, you got to keep a few things in your mind and plan your itinerary accordingly.

First of all, plan things in advance so as to avoid last minute rush. This way you will not forget things essential to your trip and save your experience from ruining. Plan your trip on a good weather day so that you can save yourself from applying sunscreens. Otherwise, you can really have sun burns as the distance to Pearl Valley from Bangalore is quite long.

Leaving early in the morning for the trip is advisable. It will help you avoid unnecessary traffic that you anyway will face during the afternoon on the highway. So at least have a good congestion free start by kicking off your trip in the morning.

On the way, you will pass through one of the most popular temples—Meenaskhi temple. You can stop here for a while to experience the serene surroundings and to let yourself drown into the silence of the peace. You are likely to get confused if you are driving to Pearl Valley for the first time. It has a number of cross roads. However, you can ask for directions to any passerby as it is very famous. Everybody knows it in Bangalore.

On the way, you will be required to pay a toll to enter a barricade. It costs Rs 30/- only. Remember, this is not a toll to the government. For parking, you will have to pay Rs 10/-.

You will not spot any restaurant and hotel on the way. However, there is a number of them at Pearl Valley. There is a privately run KSTDC restaurant beside an array of some pretty good shops. It is advisable that you visit this place with your own food and drinks arrangements. You might not like the menu of the hotel. Some of them are bars and pretty expensive. So pack your food before you leave for this place.

Once you reach Pearl Valley you realize why it so famous amongst nature lovers. It is one of the most popular picnic spots for people in Bangalore. This beautiful getaway boasts a number of sparkling waterfalls. The most interesting part is that the water falling from the valley, when it is splashing down on the rocks, will look like pearls. This is why this place has got its name Pearl Valley.

This exotic picnic is around 5 km away from Anekal, South Taluk of Bangalore.

Tips while you are there

  • It would be a good trekking place for young and adventurous visitors. So do try trekking once you are at this place. You will find many visitors climbing down the hills through the rocks and shouting in joy although it’s a quiet and calm place.
  • You can find many monkeys around at Pearl Valley so be careful while you are having your lunch.

The Pearl Valley can be described as a paradise for people who are fond of exploring natural beauty.

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Foodie North India

Dilli Haat, INA, a traditional village market that fully satisfies your love for crafts and food

Dilli Haat – an open-air craft bazaar cum food plaza that attracts many international and national tourists throughout the year in Delhi. You would be thinking why to waste your bucks without having the idea of how the place is. Right?

 

Here is Dilli Haat for you from the viewpoint of the visitors who visit the place often to buy authentic wares.

Middle-aged singles

  • Visited more than 20 times.
  • Say it is peaceful and relaxed.
  • The place is away from corporate hustle- bustle.
  • These people also come here for their passion of photography.

Family

  • Quite a safe surrounding
  • Dilli Haat- INA is better than other Dilli Haat
  • Prices are at least 50% higher but still eager to come back here.

Foreigners

  • Hotel staff’s always suggested them to visit the place
  • Happy that there are no pushy salesmen
  • Mostly are in search for textiles for their wife.
  • Found the prices cheap and appreciated the quality.

Senior citizens

  • They love morning time to visit the place.
  • The good place to buy gifts for people outside India.
  • Quality is satisfactory.
  • Happy with the variety of products available.

College students

  • The primary purpose is the availability of good food.
  • Love to see products from different states.
  • Prices are a bit high for students who are not earning yet.
  • One suggestion they give is to add theme music at the place.

Couples

  • They are regular visitors.
  • Most visits are for buying raw silk and silver jewelry.
  • They enjoy the shows organized by the authority.

Some key highlights: 

  • Dilli Haat, INA is said to be the best as compared to Dilli Haat- Pitampura, Dilli Haat Janak Puri and Suraj Kund Mela.
  • Occupies 6 acres of land which was salvaged by a land reclamation project.
  • Craftsmen who are registered with D.C.Handicrafts are eligible to find aØ place here.
  • Some of the exhibits includeHandcraftedØ items, antiques, rug and carpets, leather articles, silks, furniture, silver, pearl and shell jewelry, traditional footwear and fabrics from across India.
  • Food stalls are representative of many Indian states such as Nagaland,  Maharashtra, and Uttarakhand.
  • Festivals and events are held throughout the year in this place which also retains its rural look and feel.
  • People love the diversity of food at INA and some are regular to the place for the food & sight- seeing.
  • All the three Dilli Haats are administered centrally with DTTDC inviting bids for tendering stalls and exhibitions.
  • Stalls are only allotted to vendors selling ware created in cottage industries or by individual craftsmen/artists.
  • These have to be either handmade or created using traditional handlooms or casts.
  • Sometimes foreigners bargain too much for authentic and exclusive fabrics like Pashmina because of the image that ‘Indian sellers fleece foreigners’.
  • Cleanliness and ambiance of INA were appreciated by all.

Now I guess I have the right to say- if you are still untouched with the ambiance of Dilli Haat, you are missing out something.

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North east Tribal Uncategorized

Dirang Monpa, one of the major tribes of the Monpas

The Dirang Monpas are identified as the major division of the greater Monpa Tribe belonging to Tibeto – Burman language family. These tribal people are Tibetan Buddhist and inhabit the north eastern area of India. The Dirang Monpa tribe has been granted the scheduled tribe status in India. During the 1981 census, their total population was 3599, which crossed 5000 in one decade’s time.

The other name used commonly for the Diran Monpa tribe is Tsangla, which suggests that these people are maybe in some aspect, related to Tsangla tribes of Bhutan, China and India, which numbers more than 250,000 people. But when it comes to the language spoken, the difference is vast. A research has been taking place in order to determine the relationship between the two ancient tribes.

History

In India, for the most part, the Dirang Monpa people inhabit the Dirang circle which happens to be located in West Kameng district of Arunachal Pradesh. The tribal people claim that they are the very first people who inhabited the area which takes their origin to a thousand years back. Some of their elders reveal that their forefathers originated primarily in Bhutan and they moved to India later when their native land was constantly being bombarded by the outside invasions.

Customs

When it comes to cuisines, the Monpa people survive majorly on cereals, fish, vegetables, chuung, rice, maize and wheat. Maize happens to be their staple item food. When it comes to meat, they are known to consume everything from beef, pork, mutton, yaks and mithuns to deers and in some areas, there are tribal people who eat snake as well. Bananas, apples and peaches are the fruits most consumed by them.

To perform the marriage rituals, a lama gets hired in order to consult the horoscopes and determine the most auspicious time and day for the marriage to take place. On the day of marriage, the family of the bride moves to groom’s house. The marriage is considered as a simple procedure where a lama simply places a white scarf called Katha around the necks of the bride and groom, showers blessings on the couple and in no time, the marriage formalities are completed. A huge feast is held after marriage at which all the people, including children, often become indulge in consuming copious amounts of strong rice whisky.

Lamas play many other roles as well. When a woman gives birth to a child, she is considered to be in a state of spiritual and physical pollution and nobody is allowed to visit her. On the third day, a lama is invited to name the child and prepare a horoscope for the baby. The lamas are not only present at birth, but they also carry out the funerals. When there is a death in this tribe family, ‘the body is carried to a nearby river and thrown into the water after being cut into 108 pieces as Tibetan Buddhists consider 108 to be an auspicious number. The lamas recite a prayer and on the seventh day, a tree gets erected in front of the house of the deceased to satisfy the soul.

Religion

Tibetan Buddhism has the greatest influence on the Dirang Monpa tribes. At the time of the 1981 census, 99.69 per cent of the Dirang Monpa expressed their belief in Buddhism. The previous Indian census, in 1971, had returned 100 per cent of the Dirang Monpa as Buddhists.

Culture / Belief

The Dirang Monpas feel that the caste Hindus are superior to them, while the Lish Monpas, But Monpas and Mijis are considered inferior.

Occupation

Agriculture is the chief occupation. The people practice both jhum(shifting cultivation) and settled cultivation and also domesticate yaks, cows, sheeps, pigs etc. The cattles and yak are reared for milk and meat, while the sheep is credited for producing wool and meat.

Conclusion

Northeast India boasts of incredible linguistic and cultural diversity out of which the Monpa tribes make up for five percent of the total population of tribal communities spanning the whole Arunachal Pradesh. These tribes are known for their own and unique system of the practices. The tribes are also famous for their artistic creations that include beautiful Thangka painting, carpet making, weaving, and wood carving.

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Adventure

The spectacular Nelong Valley is another Ladakh for tourists

The one place in Uttarakhand that remains untouched from the interference of human race is Nelong Valley. Also known as the Leh-Ladakh of Uttarakhand, the place is located near the Indian China border and offers some of the best picturesque visuals to the beauty seeking tourists. Due to the heavy segregation, the place looks more like a desert and while it must be brimming with the chaos of the tourists, it remains silent for the most part of the year.

How to reach

The nearest airport to the valley is Jolley Grant airport which happens to be located at about a distance of 380 kilometres from the valley and you then have to take a bus or hire a taxi that will bring you here in about 5 hours. The place is well connected by roads to Haridwar, Rishikesh and Dehradoon. So travelling to the valley shall not be difficult.

About the place

The virgin natural beauty of the place has compelled more and more tourists to come visit the place and as a result, the tourism has begun to rise in the beautiful valley. Located at an altitude of about 11,000 feet above the sea level, the valley looks like a snow desert, much like Leh Ladakh. And as a result, Nelong valley is slowly becoming to be the best alternative for the tourists looking to visit the hard and unbearably cold terrains of Leh Ladakh.

Along with the charming landscapes, with the pure natural beauty all around, the valley also houses some of the rarest and exquisite wild animals such as snow leopard, the musk deer, and Himalayan blue deer. The lucky tourists can easily get a glimpse of these animals every now and then, in case they pay proper attention to the surroundings.

Road trips are quite popular to the valley, much like the Leh Ladakh trips that the youngsters have become accustomed to. The recommended period to stay in the place is about a day as in that time, you would see almost everything the valley has to offer in terms of the snow capped mountain peaks, delicious flora and fauna, the wilderness in their pure natural habitat among other things.

Best time to visit

Winters are the worst time to come to the place, so the tourism board of the state recommends that the place must only be visited only between the months of May-November. Although, being a politically significant place, the government has allowed only a limited number of vehicles to enter the valley.

Travel tips

-The tourists can not bring their personal vehicles inside the valley. The forest vehicles, total six in numbers will bring you here.

-The valley is available for the sightseeing by the Indian tourists exclusively, due to its closeness with the Indo-China border.

The tourists will need to go through a fitness test before entering the valley.

The strict laws imposed by the government are one of the main reasons for the place being deserted to a large extent. But despite all that, the place remains as beautiful as a place can be and the increasing number of tourists per year is quite hopeful.

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Adventure Corporate Outings Rejoice Western Ghats

Places where you can indulge in team sports in Pune

To discover an enthralling paradise and a peaceful retreat with your team, Pune is one of the best highlights. It lets you indulge in a lot of adventurous activities and enriching moments. So why wait? Take a day or two away from work and head off from Pune to taste some fun. Below are some of the things you can do in Pune as a team.

Corporate Day Outing and Team Building activities near Pune

The day begins with your arrival at Golewadi at around 10.30 am. The much-needed break from corporate life begins here. Following, allocation into smaller groups, engage in Raft Building and compete with your opponents.

Embark on the breathtaking river-crossing at the Dhom Dam, and indulge in a delicious lunch for a change.

Participate in team building activities like Australian Plank, Egyptian Walk, Bomb in the City, Caterpillar Walk, and 3D Pool with colleagues for enriching moments.

Kamath Residency Resort- Located right next to the very famous Alibaug beach, the resort is a pure fun place to hang out with your office mates. Raigad fort is also quite nearby to serve the history enthusiasts quite well. There are a few beaches around the place and a lot of other places which can prove to be great for some refreshments and sightseeing. This retreat offers the much-required change for the corporate team with a host of activities such as white water river-rafting on the River Kolad, It offers adventure activities such as ziplining, rock climbing, rappelling, rifle shooting, water sports and sightseeing for guests.

Della Resorts- Situated in Lonavala, a great picturesque location and one of the most important tourist attractions in the state, Della resorts is another superb place to satisfy your cravings for some unadulterated fun. There are more than 100 adventurous and fun activities which can be performed in groups. A restaurant, a coffee shop and other symbols of convenience are also there. Its an iconic place to bond with your colleagues over several adventure games be it on land, water or in the air. Chase adventure sports activities like zorbing , ziplining, bungee jumping, treasure hunt, and keep the fun going with several rides that will blow your mind away. The Della Adventure Resort is unquestionably one of the best resorts for the corporate outing in Pune.

Empower camp- Kolad has this wonderful camp where office and the college groups can be seen crowding the place almost all the time. The place is located at a very short distance from Mumbai and Pune and a great place to release the clustered stress due to the insane working hours. Sumptuous Buffet meals are just add ons to the services that are made available for the visitors. The camp is the perfect option to immerse in unlimited fun, thrill, and enthusiasm with activities like raft building and rafting.

Water Rappelling and Trekking in Lonavala- One other super fun activity that could be done in Lonavala is the trekking and waterfall rappelling. The trek will begin at 9 in the morning and will take you through some great locations and adventurous spot to tickle the risky bones inside you. Lonavala is one of the most picturesque hill stations in the entire country and trekking in here is a mind blowing experience. The waterfalls which cascade down the ridges of Sahyadri Ranges offer charming views of the valley below. One can indulge in climbing up the forest trails and rappel down with a harness through the refreshing falls.

Adventure Plus- One of the most popular spots for team outings near Pune and the biggest adventure camp in the entire country, the Adventure plus is the perfect place to spend a good day at. Very nice accommodations are provided to the visitors and a host of services along with the great visuals is the highlight of this wonderful camp. The site offers numerous water activities right from Hydro Bike rides, Kayaking, Paddle Boating, Paddle Caddie, Water Ball to water inflatable sports. Air based activities comprise aero modelling and zip lining. Group activities comprise army obstacle course, excursions, forest walk, paintball and treasure hunt.

Tapola River Camp- Also known as Mini Kashmir, the Tapola river camp is located near the great tourist destination Mahabaleshwar. The comfort and enjoyment factor is quite high in this one and it offers some great fun activities to do in teams. The madness and stress from the tiring work routine takes a backseat here as the groups enjoy themselves to their fullest.

Water scooter rides, kayaking or swimming, you can enjoy a horde of activities as you soak in the natural beauty of the region. In addition, there are several tourist destinations in the vicinity of the resort which are perfect for sightseeing and trekking trips. The adventure begins here at Tapola. It serves as the base camp for several trekking trails.

Team outings are important on so many levels. For one, they give a chance to the employees to connect on a wider level outside their small offices. Also, the productivity increases as the manpower goes to spend some quality times in the arms of nature.

 

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Beaches Corporate Outings Foodie North-West India Rejoice Travel Trends

From the popular beaches to the famous nightclubs, North Goa has a hang of everything

From lively beaches to the ancient historic churches, North Goa has a plethora of options for all those who want to see Goa from their perspective. North Goa stretches from the Fort Aguada at the tip of Panaji city to the borders of Maharashtra. It attracts the maximum crowd all year round and especially during the peak season of winters.

Baga Beach

For all those party animals out there, Baga Beach is a must visit for them. This is the place from where the hippie movement actually started. The beach is named after the Baga Creek, which empties into the Arabian Sea at the north end of the beach. Don’t forget to visit the flea market organized every Wednesday on the shores of the beach. Pick souvenirs, funky jewelry, fashionable clothes, devour some authentic Goan food at the shacks and party all night at the party hubs like Titos. For adventure lovers, the place offers a lot of water sports like para-sailing, banana rides etc.

Dona Paula

Named after a girl named Dona Paula de Menezes, with a tragic love story, this place is a lover’s paradise. This is an ideal place for couples to relax and sunbathe on the beach. There is a famous bird sanctuary, Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary where you can spot migratory and local birds. It is a perfect escape for all wildlife lovers. Dona Paula is quite popular for its water sports as well.



Calangute Beach

Another discovery of the hippies in the late ’60s was Calangute beach which is a paradise for nature lovers. Alongside the main road of the beach, you will find showrooms of handicrafts from Indonesia, Tibet, and Kashmir. Pump up your adventurous spirit and hop into water activities like kayaking, sailing, windsurfing, water snorkeling, water-skiing, and fishing. You can even simply relax and laze around in the sun at the lounge areas that are spread on the stretch



Vagator Beach

Lined with an umpteen number of nightclubs along its shore, Vagator Beach is a hub for late night trance parties. Local art, music, and nightlife are what defines the place well. The beach stretches for almost 30 kms and is distinctly divided into big and small Vagator. Head to those big cliffs of red rocks if you want to spend some alone time and enjoy the magical view of the sunset.

Some of the adventurous water sports that you must try on the beaches of, Goa are Jet Skiing, Banana Tube Boat Ride, Parasailing, Flyboarding, water skiing, paddleboarding, kneeboarding, kayaking, bumper, speed boat, scooter.

Backwaters of Chapora River

Yes, you heard it right. Goa is not only about sand and beaches. Experience the rustic beauty of Goa in the serene backwaters of Chapora River. Hire a boat for a day to sail in the river or stay in a houseboat, it is up to you. Let not the party fever churn all your time, it is equally important to spend some quality time with your loved one in the solitude of nature.

Fort Aguada

An uphill drive from Sinquerim Beach through the backwaters and lush greenery of Goa will take you to Fort Aguada. The road ends at Fort Aguada lighthouse which offers a breathtaking view of the coastline of North Goa. It is a Portuguese fort that was originally constructed in 1612 to protect against the Dutch and the Marathas.

The Church of Our Lady of Immaculate Conception

The first church in Goa, Church of Our Lady of Immaculate Conception is an example of simple yet fine architecture. The church has two altars, the one on the left dedicated to Jesus Crucified and on the right to Our Lady of Rosary. Don’t miss to visit the church on your next trip to Goa.

Nightclubs

SinQ – Located in Sinquerim, North Goa, near the Taj Holiday Village at Candolim, is the SinQ Beach club. It’s not just a club to experience but a perfect combination of a Goan tavern, a poolside deck, and lounge plus a nightclub.

Love Passion Karma –LPK at Nerul is one of the most exotic party destinations in Goa situated on the banks of the river Candolim. The view of amazingly sculpted terra cotta statues all around and the incredible water-front with a 400-year-old Indo Portuguese church in the backdrop will make you fall in love the moment you step here.

Club Cubana – Situated at Arpora Hill, North Goa, Club Cubana is Goa’s pride, the best place to party and let loose. Experience a night under the starlit sky along with white canopied loungers and beach-styled cabanas. The place also boasts a tempting Jacuzzi to cool off fevered brows and poolside.

Apart from the above listings, there are an endless number of places to go in Goa. So choose the ones you want to go and plan the itinerary in a way that you get to explore the maximum you can.

Categories
Corporate Outings Travel Trends

Some great and enchanting weekend getaways near Kolkata     

Kolkata weaves a magic of surprises with it the offering of a unique cultural heritage. It exudes an aura of British Indian era through an array of timeless landmarks sketched in its heart. The city of palaces is surrounded by exotic destinations unfolding unforgettable experiences for their travelers.

Apart from the historical treasures in its heart, the subcontinent’s London boasts some of the best getaways in the country. We have compiled you a list of these hot getaways from Kolkata.

Digha, West Bengal, 171 km from Kolkata

Regarded as the Beach Town of West Bengal, Digha is one of the most popular tourist destinations in West Bengal.. The town is visited by thousands of tourists from the state for its exotic beaches and scenic views. This destination is a hot favorite amongst families looking to spend some quality time together.

This beach town blends a diversity of major attractions. From religious temples to untouched beaches to research centers, there is a variety on offer for people of all age groups.

Sundarbans, West Bengal,125 kms from Kolkata

Regarded for the largest mangrove forest in the world, Sundarbans is a UNESCO heritage site. The site turns out to be one of the best getaways for people looking for some peace, natural beauty, and dynamic flaura and fauna. It is a wildlife sanctuary that is home to over 400 Royal Bengal Tigers and 30,000 spotted deer.

The site is shared by both India and Bangladesh. One of the best ways to explore Sundarbans is by exploring the site. From roaring rivers to wildlife safaris, the experience of being in Sundarbans is mind boggling.

Santiniketan, West Bengal, 179 kms from Kolkata

Santiniketan is mainly popular for being the home of Rabindra Nath Tagore. It has now been converted into a university called Visva Bharati University. It is a small town right in the heart of Birbhum district.

This university was established by the father of Rabindra Nath Tagore. The university got popularity for spreading a different the concept of education in the country. This town has now become one of the most popular tourist destinations in West Bengal. It combines the art and exotic locations like no other spot in the country.

Shankarpur, West Bengal, 161 kms from Kolkata

The world is currently noticing a surge in synthetic pools made out of natural beaches. However, Shankarpur is one of the most precious luxuries you can ever have when it comes to the thrill of beaches. The best part about being in Shankarpur is that you get a chance to explore the pristine surroundings with a tinge of sun dipping in the sea.

Situated right in the heart of East Medinipur district of West Bengal, Shankarpur is a hub of isolated beaches that gives you the luxury of scenic beauties, calmness, and introspection.

Bishnupur, West Bengal, 150 kms from Kolkata

Often regarded as the town of terracotta temples, Bishnupur is one of the most popular tourist destinations in West Bengal mainly for its art, handicraft, and architecture.

This small town in the heart of West Bengal boasts a historical heritage of the country. It presents a mystique aura around its arts, culture, architecture, and music. You can feel it all in the music and Baluchari Saree of the town. Some of the most popular temples of the town are Jorbangia Temple, Rasmancha Temple, and Shyamrai Temple amongst many other.

Categories
Adventure North India Treks

A Snowy adventure trek to Kedarkantha

As winter takes it full form in the Himalayas, it opens its gateway for the adventure seekers to the Kedarkantha Trek. This trek is especially meant to be experienced during winters when the meadow is completely under the blanket of snow. The trek lies in the Govind Wildlife Sanctuary and National Park in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand.

The Trek

Day 1
The Kedarkantha trek starts from Sankri that goes via Mussoorie, Barkot, Purola, Mori, Netwar along the Tons river. Once you reach the campsite, set your camps to stay overnight. The campsite is surrounded by lofty snow peaks and is a perfect space for bird watching.

Day 2
Resume your journey next day for a destination known as Juda Ka Talab. The picturesque place is surrounded by huge pine trees and provides beautiful views of snow clad peaks right in front of you from the camp.

Day 3
The day three is a trek to Kedarkantha Peak base, which takes approximately 4 hours to reach. Spend rest of the day enjoying the beauty of nature in its full form.

Day 4
Gear up in full form for the next day as it is going to be a long day trek up to the summit of Kedarkantha peak.  The same day you can come back to the base camp. On your way back from Kedarkantha to Sankri, follow the route via Hargaon.

Difficulty level of trek

As compared to other snow treks, Kedarkantha trek is one of the easiest treks in the Himalayas to explore under the blanket of snow. This could be your first snow trek. The duration of the trek is less, but the altitude goes above 2000ft every day you trek.

Who can all go for this trek?

Anyone who is above the age of 7 and is physically fit can go for this trek. Make sure to start working out on regular basis 2 months prior to the trek.  As most of the trek is a steep climb, start preparing by climbing flights of stairs or jogging about 4 km every day.

Best time to go for trek

The best time to go for the trek is during winters. Here, the snow starts in the middle of December and stays until the third week of April. So it is ideally the best time to go on a snow trek.

Risks/ Precautions/Tips

Like any other trek, Kedarkantha trek also demands precautions as there are the number of risks involved.

1. The temperature ideally falls below zero, so it is advised to carry more minus degree clothes
2.  Starting from soil to snow with micro spikes, it might take time for one to get used to it.
3. Temperate at night falls below -7 degree and so there are chances of hypothermia. Prevent it by wearing dry clothes especially before going to sleep.
4. Start working out regularly at least two months before the trek.
5. Purola and Sankri have last mobile connectivity and ATM point. So make sure to make all important calls before you proceed.

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