The Andaman and Nicobar Islands is an idyllic destination for nature lovers. Thanks to Toroots to give me an opportunity to explore this pristine beaches more closely including the interaction with local Sentinelese people. Blog post brings out the best that I experienced during my stay.
As you land at Portblair airport, you can take a day out roaming around the place, wherein Anthropological Museum & Visit to Cellular Jail are must. This will surely let you speechless and gratitude towards our freedom fighters. The place is a conglomerate of beautiful islands that can be relaxing and adventurous at the same time.
Water sports like snorkelling lets you get the depth of marine life and Andaman beaches offer one of the best views in the world.
Day spent at Havelock also stays memorable for its pristine beaches and beautiful sunsets.
Never go on the size of Singapore. It might look small than a city, but Singapore Tourism offers power pack bouquet of items to keep you engaged throughout your stay. This blog lists down some of the must do’s while you are in town to make the most of it. I am sure, as you shall be going through the post, you shall be looking for Singapore Packages.
Little India
It is one of the most famous market for Indians. “Mustafa Centre”,the famous landmark for Little India. One can find here everything, from clothes to souvenirs to perfumes to groceries and yes fortune tellers as well. As the name suggests, the place describes India in all aspects. One can find vegetarian dishes and few good places to try here are Raj restaurant, sidewalk café etc
Singapore bus tour
Singapore is very well connected. Put on your glasses, sunscreen along with an umbrella and get on to hop on-hop off bus tour. The narration given en route is interesting and tells you architectural and historical aspects of Singapore. Cruise on Singapore River is also included in this service. The time on the cruise is relaxing. Try to grab a seat on the deck, so that you can click a lot of pictures.
Shopping
Orchard’s street, Mustafa market, Arab street are few of the shopper’s paradise. You can find everything and anything at discounted prices. They also have malls dedicated to electronics.
Get to know Historical Singaore
Apart from high-rise buildings, there are historical aspects attached to the place. Monolithic Buddha Tooth Relic Temple in Chinatown is an example. The temple has a 27-foot statue of Buddha and his one teeth. Sri Mariamman Temple is one of the oldest Hindu temple. Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay, is another must visit. It’s often known as “Durian”; have converted into shopping mall though
Sightseeing from top of Singapore Flyer
Watching Sunset from Singapore Flyer is something you would not like to miss. The beautiful landscape is indeed picturesque.
Visiting Entertainment Centres
Universal Studio & Sentosa are world renowned entertainment centres. At universal studio, you can witness several theme parks with extraordinary rides to keep your entire day engaged, whereas Sentosa is full of rides, botanical gardens, clubs and beaches. Cable car from Mr.Faber to Sentosa is also popular among tourists for the breathtaking views.
Last but not least, do get your signature selfie at Merlion park. Mythical half lion, half fish creature is an iconic landmark of the place.
Mauritius is an idyllic escape for two. It is a beautiful conglomerate of crystal blue lagoons, coral islands and white sand beaches, where you can soak yourself in sun for hours. Having said that, it is just not about beaches. There are multiple activities where-in one can get indulged in. This article pens down must do’s for two, while you celebrate your togetherness with Mauritius tourism.
1.Nature
There is abundance of landscapes in the region. One can walk through or drive through these beautiful tea plantations, palm trees or sugarcane fields with your loved ones. Getting lost in mise-en-scene at Bois Cheri Tea Plantations is indeed magical and leave memory forever. Places like Chamoral, which is geological oddity in itself can surprise you with the vividity of colors it offers. Other places include Pamplemousses Botanical Garden, which, is the oldest of its kind in the southern hemisphere. Guided tours to these places are available, and do not miss the opportunity to get clicked.
PC- Wikepedia
2.Go Adventurous
Having long coast-line, place offers variety of water sports. This can range from snorkeling, deep sea diving, water-surfing and not to miss under sea-walk. These water sports lets you explore the water
You can also hike the different mountain trails at Black River Gorges National Park, and can see almost extinct pink pigeon. Also, sky diving is one experience you would not like to miss.
PC- Wikepedia
3.Shop till you drop
Being on special date, one has all the reasons to shop. One can choose to stroll arm in arm through Curepipe or enjoy shopping on Grand Baie Bazar, Goodlands, Quatre Bornes and so on. Place is famous for handmade Asian handicrafts.
PC- Wikepedia
4.Satiate your Food Cravings
If both of you are foodies, then you will surely enjoy both street food and fine dining in Mauritius. Must try is doll puri served with hot chilli plates. Place offers unique blend of African, Indian & Chinese spices and this is what makes the food here special. When comes to fine dining, all good resorts and properties will plan perfect romantic dinner nights for you propose your better half and fall in love all over again.
5.Celebrate Togetherness
Mauritius is a perfect place to celebrate your togetherness. There are multiple spa centres, where-in two of you can relax together and plan for your next honeymoon.Mauritius Honeymoon is incomplete without midnight candle light dinner or blissful time spending on white sand beaches soaking in sun. Grand Bay, Pereybere, Belle Mare, and Blue Bay are few of the finest beaches to make your partner feel special. If you love kite-surfing, Le Morne is the place for you.
The place is primarily known for water sports especially river rafting in river Kali. It is a paradise for birdwatchers that keep themselves in thick deciduous forests. However, very few people are aware that these forests are inhabited by the tribes, who have a little world of their own in these jungles. During one of my trips to Dandeli, I got the chance to spend time with these folks and learn about their cultures. This post is about my experience with Gowli Tribe, as they celebrate Vijayadashami, one of the famous festivals in India marking the triumph of good over evil.
Apparently, Gowlis is a pastoral community found in the states of Goa & Maharastra. Gowlis of Dandeli has their strong roots from lord Krishna community of Yadavas, whose major occupation is animal herding and selling milk in the surrounding areas. They are Hindus by religion and make sure, their religious ceremonies, traditions remain undiluted.
They celebrate Vijayadashami 2 days later the usual dates. Preparations start a week before and festivity takes place at the “Mukhiya’s” house, which also performs the festivity on the D-day and guides the people of tribes. Cow Urine is considered to be sacred and all the goddesses etc are washed with the same. House is decorated with the paper cuttings created by the females and kids around.
Even though the Government is making an attempt to bring them out of the jungles and providing them basic education, so that they can be part of the crowd, but it seems they are happy being the Gowlis and have no regrets in life. They live each moment with passion and are absolutely non-complaining. These folks are extremely nice and hospitable to the guests
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.
Located in Arunachal Pradesh, Tawang is one of the most picturesque places in north-east. What makes is more beautiful is the variety of scenic landscapes you get to witness during your journey. Color, landscape changes with every curve. From Bright yellow mustard fields merging with orchids that suddenly morph into dense forests and then to snow clad mountains. “Journeys are more important than destination”- this holds true for road trip to Tawang. Surrounded by Tibet to its north, Sela range of West Kameng to the east and Bhutan in the southwest direction in itself makes it a surreal place. Though you will be rewarded by stunning waterfalls, mesmerizing valleys, here is my quick Must-visits, while you in Tawang.
Sela Pass
Situated at the height of 13,714 ft above mean sea level, Sela pass connects Tawang to Tezpur and Guwahati and one of the highest motorable pass in the world. On the way to Sela pass is Paradise Lake. While summers at Sela Pass are not very cold, but temperature goes to as low as -10 degree in winters. The place is rightly called as “heaven on earth” due to its breathtaking views.
Tawang Monastery
As the birthplace of the sixth Dalai Lama, Tawang boasts of being the holy site for Tibetan Buddhists and a prominent center for Gelug or Gelugpa, the pre-eminent Buddhist school in Tibet. This monastery is the 2nd largest in Asia & largest in Asia, and one of the oldest monasteries as well. It is also known as Golden Namgyal Lhatse . The story behind the monastery is interesting. It is believed that Merak Lama Lodre Gyatso, could not find a suitable place for monastery, so he decided to pray for guidance. When he opened his eyes, he found his horse was on the top of hill, where present day monastery is there. It is the main venue of Torgva festival. Several manuscripts, religious books can be found in the place.
Gorichen Peak
Located at a distance of 160 Kms of Tawang, this peak has religious sentiments attached to it. It is also known as Sa-Nga Phu, which literally means the Kingdom of Deity, and is assumed that it protects the place from evils. Place is hikers’ paradise. The entire trek journey is amazing and adventurous. Once you are at the peak, the entire journey seems worth because of the splendid views.
Shonga-tser Lake
Alternatively known as Madhuri Lake, is located at a distance of 40Kms from Tawang. It is the best example of how nature changes the landscapes. It is the resultant of a massive earthquake, which was otherwise grassland for local cattle. Lake is highly photogenic and boasts of being photographer’s delight. Stroll around the lake is indeed soulful and enticing.
Nuranang Waterfalls
Located 40 Kms away from Tawang, this is another spectacular waterfall, which you will not like to miss. Known as Jang falls, due to its proximity to Jang, small township between Tawang & Bomdila..There is a Hydel power station nearby, which can be visited. River Rafting can be done in summers. For SRK fans, this is the place where Koyala was shot.
Pankang Teng Tso Lake
Surrounded by the Himalayas, Pankang Teng Tso Lake, also called as Ptso Lake is situated 17 km from Tawang. It’s all about the nature that speaks at the lake. It is frozen almost half of the year and is good ground for skiing. Calm water, moving clouds, grazing animals, all look like scenery which can be painted only in mind. Place is highly recommended for all nature shooters.
Jaswant Garh
Built in the memory of Paramvir Chakra recipient Jaswant Singh, it is a must visit place. It is believed, he still protects the Indo-China border. Apparently, he fought for 72 hrs alone during Indo-China war in 1962 and is duly respected within Indian and Chinese army fraternity.
Tawang is one place, which will always refresh you from the city buzz and offers the nature at its best. This summer, don’t wait!! Just pack your bags and go to Tawang.
Madhya Pradesh- Central India …When I took 7 days off, the first question that came to everyone’s mind was, why Madhya Pradesh? Shocked folks asked me” Actually you would like to go to MP”. But yes, me and my sister finally packed our bags, started our journey to ajab gajab state of India i.e MP. Our journey started with an overnight train journey from Delhi to Khajuraho. MP is a state of variety where one can enjoy flavors of art/culture/history/wildlife/scenic beauty. After spending 5 days there, we totally realized why the state is truly ajab & gajab, and why one should go there.
History and Architecture: Our first day was in Khajuraho, that depict an eternal celebration of love in the form of stone carved temples. The Western Group of temples, in particular, contains some stunning sculptures. One of the Unesco world heritage sites. They are predominantly Hindu temples and most of them face the sunriseYou would need at least 2 complete days to go through these temples. Moving to Mandu, which is popular as Monsoon Magic! These are beautiful Jain sculptures,that talk about the glorious past of MP. Forts at Gwalior
Nature at its best: MP gives you the chance to go through the dense Satpura forests in reality about which each one of us had been reading since childhood. A drive through these forests is beautiful. Pachmarhi, also known as “queen of Satpura” is beautiful hill station located in the adds the beauty to MP. It is blessed with rich flora & fauna and breathtaking waterfalls like befall, Duchess fall, Apsara falls. The famous Liril advert has been shot here.
Boat ride at Bhedaghat, view at Dhuandhar falls adds beauty to the state.
National Parks and Wildlife : Madhya Pradesh is The Tiger-land of India.It boasts of 4 major National parks and hence destination for folks interested in the documentary on wildlife. Though we happen to go Bandhavgarh only, but Kanha is also a good place to spot tigers. All these forests are bustling with deer, antelopes, tigers. Not only the tigers, Chambal River has gharials and Gangetic dolphins sight of which is unbelievable.
Pilgrimage: State also attract a lot of pilgrim enthusiasts, as it boasts of having world’s finest Jain temples in Ujjain and Chitrkoot holds the importance from Ramayana as the place where Ram & Sita stayed during their exile (vanwas).
Not to miss, MP also provides ample opportunities for shopaholics like me. Chanderi and Maheshwari famous and colorful silks and every girl would love them. I am sure, the place is indeed photographer’s delight. So when are you packing your bags for 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.
Dandeli, is a small river side town in North West Karnataka is very popular with tourists from Mumbai, Pune and Bangalore. The modern town on the river is surrounded by deciduous forests and a renowned wildlife habitat where one can spot rare animals and birds, roam in deep valleys and hilly terrain. It is around 4 Hr. drive from Goa Dabolim airport and the road trip from Goa to Dandeli is very scenic. Though place is famous for white water rafting and tree-houses, but apart from the same, there are few must to do’s at the place. Kayaking on the Kali River
If you are white water lover and want to be high on water sports, then kayaking on the Kali river can offer lot to you. Options available are from class 4 rapids for professionals to calmer beds for beginners.
Rafting on the rapids of the Kali River
River Rafting are a great team activity and the class 4 rapids on the Kali offer the perfect group getaway. There are half day or full day options and the river has water for most time of the year as the dam above the river is opened every morning to generate electricity.
Bird watching at old magazine house resort
The place is always surrounded by variety of birds and is heaven for bird watchers. At any season, you can find their naturalists spotting more than 150 different birds a day. Place is famous for hornbills but if you are true birder, this place is must for you in the list. It is surrounded by birds endemic to Western Ghats. If lucky, one can spot rare birds too.
Visit some of the unique tribes of Dandeli
One must always feel the locals and engage themselves with their lifestyle. Spending time with them gives the tourists true flavor of the place. Dandeli offers four different tribal experiences. There is famous Lambani tribe, who comes are nomad in nature. Then, there is the very famous Siddi tribe, who are people of African origin and who were brought to India as slaves. Then, there are the Gowli tribes who manage cattle and earn their living by selling milk and milk products. There is Medar tribe who works in the forest and is bamboo craft artisans.
Watch the sunset from Ganeshgudi Hill
Ganeshgudi hill can be reached after hiking for 40 minutes from Old magazine house. Usually they have their groups going for hiking around 4 PM in evening. From the top of hill, one can witness the conglomeration of 4 beautiful rivers and the view as sun sets down is beautiful. During hiking, if lucky, one can spot wild sloth bear and other small birds and natural flora and fauna. Sitting and waiting for sun to set at the hilltop is photographer’s paradise.
Taking a coracle boat ride on the Kali
If you are not a water sport fan, but still want to experience Kali River, one can take a ride in coracle boat. Options available are for half an hour to one hour. During ride, one can spot crocodiles basking in sun and hornbills. The ride in itself is very scenic with trees around.
Whenever you are going Goa, do make sure to add 3 more days to visit this beautiful but silent place called Dandeli, which will let you lost in the wilderness.
Why not plan a vacation to this beautiful gateway Dandeli. Thank you for the wonderful stay team Dandeli. They can be contacted at +919483940400
Karwar is an idyllic island getaway situated 20kms south of the Goa–Karnataka border. It is often known as Queen of Konkan for its scenic beauty. The place is all the more famous, due to the confluence of the Arabian Sea and River Kali, and as per FengShui, such places are assumed to be peaceful. Famous poet Rabindranath Tagore wrote many of his famous poetries near Devbagh beach. 24 Hrs are not enough to get all from this place, but let me pen down things, which you should not miss, while you are here. The best time to be here is between Oct to May. Stay at Devbagh Beach Resort
It is one of the beautiful properties by jungle lodges, where-in you can experience beaches and get lost in the wilderness at the same time. The place is complete in itself and gives you a soulful experience. I will definitely recommend at least one night stay in the cottages amidst jungle facing sea.
Stroll at Fishermen’s village
Adjacent to Devbagh Resort is the Fishermen’s village, you can take a morning stroll in the village and going through their daily lifestyle, knowing their culture so closely, watching the fishing sessions and quick conversations with them in itself is an enriching experience.
Sea-food at Ocean Deck
If you are sea-food lover, this is indeed the place for you. For all foodies, this is another recommendation from my side. Situated barely at a distance of 100 Kms from Dabolim airport, the place is heaven for sea foodies. Sitting in the midst of back-waters and enjoying your food is a unique experience. What makes this place more unique is its owner, who is very hospitable. You can read more about the ocean deck. For dessert, try out the local Gadbad ice-cream – a combination of local ice cream with nuts and fruits.
Go for Water Sports & Dolphin Spotting
Devbagh being the secluded beach offers an array of water sports. One should go for snorkeling and scuba to experience the beautiful underwater flora and fauna. Devbagh beach resort provides trained professional instructors to make this smooth for you. Apart from this regular sports like Kayaking, Banana boat ride, parasailing, water-scooter, Speed boat ride, watching dolphins, fishing are a few of the options you can indulge yourself in.
Soak yourself in sand and sun.
Karwar is a land of beaches where you can soak yourself in the sun and can relax watching the waves clearing the sand from your feet and taking all your worries. You can build sandcastles, combine the shore for seashells, and play endless beach volleyball games on the beaches of Devbagh, and Karwar Beach. Karwar beach is popularly known as Tagore beach and is surrounded by beautiful coconut groves. Devbagh beach can be reached via ferries and is popular amongst scuba divers as it has rich underwater flora & fauna along the coastline.
Sadashivgad Fort
Sadashivgad Fort is situated in the Sadashivgad Village of Karwar. Located on a 200 ft high hillock, the fort is surrounded by deep and dense forest areas, and lies along the bank of river Kali.
Bird Sighting at Mangrove Backwaters
If you are a bird lover, then you can take a morning stroll at the mangrove thickest and can sight rare birds. White-bellied Sea Eagle, white-breasted Kingfisher, hornbill, spotted owl are the few amongst many. During winters, flocks of migratory birds can be seen around.
Other Attractions
Other places include the museum, KotShiveshwar, Durga Devi temple, Nagnath temple, The islands of Kumaragarh, Oyster-rock, Anjudeep and Sanyasi that lie off the Karwar coast and can mesmerize you with their scenic beauty.
I would like to thank Dandeli Tourism for giving me an altogether soulful experience in the lap of nature. It is worth a try. Folks!! Pack your bags and get on vacations to Devbagh. www.facebook.com/traveldandeli.
