Category: Travel Trends

Categories
Corporate Outings Staycation Travel Trends

Camping Getaways near Delhi !!

Spending weeks in Delhi with the same monotonous routines can make anyone stressed. And if you are bored from lazing around on the weekends, here is something exciting you can try. Take a one-day weekend getaway and go camping, sit near bonfires beneath the stars with your loved ones and get some adventure back into your life. Escape from the city and get in touch with the wilderness at these incredible places just a short distance from Delhi.

Camping in Ranikhet, Almora

Distance: 360 km from Delhi

Ranikhet is also known as “Queen’s meadow” is a camper’s delight. With beautiful locales, this place is popular for its camping sites. Surrounded by lush green mountains and okay, pine and cedar trees, you will get the complete feel of the forest. There are also adventure sports options like Mountain biking and trekking available so you get the complete thrill of camping.

Camp Tikking, Gurugram

Distance: 60 km from Delhi

Just a short trip away from Delhi, Camp Tikking is a place for those who don’t wish to travel far and wide for simpler pleasures. Experience the village life with camel cart rides and nature walks. There are also options for more thrilling adventure sports like Zorbing, paramotoring, paintball etc. Since it is one of the unexplored camping sites, you won’t find yourself in a huge crowd.

Dharamsala

Distance: 270 km from Delhi

This is one of the most incredible places in northern India with spectacular hills and monasteries. The weather is ever changing and there are incredible treks open through Mcleodganj. Apart from camping in the mountains, you can go for ropeways, rock climbing or rappelling.

Mountain Camping at Mussoorie

Distance: 327 km from Delhi

Combining the mountain and forest experience, this getaway in Mussorrie is another wonderful place to go camping near Delhi. With the Himalayas surrounding the place and Deodar and Pine trees nearby, you can absorb the scenic beauty while detoxifying yourself from the city air. Enjoy the bonfires in the night sky or if you feel adventurous, go valley crossing and rafting. You can also visit the Tehri dam nearby or Surkhanda Devi Temple.

Camp Purple, Mukteshwar, Nainital

Distance: 341 km from Delhi

Camping in the Himalayas has to be the dream come true for every person. Mukteshwar is one of the high ridges in the Himalayas popularly known for its fruit orchards. The view of the snow clad Himalayan mountains along with the peach and apple orchards nearby makes the experience even more delightful. The nights spent stargazing beneath the beautiful night sky in these mountains is a memorable experience.  The view from the top of the hill is absolutely breathtaking.

The Jhajhar Khas Desert Camp, Rajasthan

Distance: 273 km from Delhi

This beautiful desert side camp is the perfect spot for couples or even for friends who can catch up on each other’s lives while enjoying Rajasthani food and folk music. With the desert breeze and luxurious bonfires, who wouldn’t enjoy? You can also visit the nearby villages to get a whiff of their history or go bird watching. The camp isn’t like the usual nature camps as it gives off more of a royal vibe.

These campsites may not be popular but will give you the experience of a lifetime. Enjoy adventure sports or just spend quality time with your partner amidst nature. The weekend is coming, so start planning and pick the right spot that works for you! Take a break from the busy city life and just spend this time relaxing in forests, near streams or surrounded by forests. Drop us a note at ghoomophirosisters@gmail.com

Categories
Adventure Corporate Outings Travel Trends

10 Beautiful lakes in India

Lakes are a serene source of relaxation, near the water but away from the crowds like on a beach. Because of the wide and vast landscape of India, there are many natural as well as man-made lakes in India, where one can sit by the waterside to relax or go boating. Each lake on this list of top 10 exudes a different kind of charm that can only be experienced when one is present there.

  1. Dal Lake, Srinagar

This lake has been named as “Srinagar’s Jewel” and is one of the most popular tourist attractions that bring tourists to Jammu and Kashmir. You can ride a shikhara for the whole day and stay on a houseboat. With the Azaan resonating all around and the water reflecting the sun rays, it is one of the most beautiful experience ever. You also get to see the Mughal Gardens like Shalimar Bagh, Nishat Bagh, and Chashme Shahi.

How to reach: Srinagar is well connected to the road and is just 298 km away from Jammu. The nearest railhead is Jammu Tawi (165 km) and Srinagar is the nearest airport, connected by Indian Airlines.

  1. Pichola Lake, Udaipur

Pichola Lake is a place of serenity and raises the beauty of Udaipur. You must reach the lake before sunset so you can enjoy its beauty at sunset and during the night. Otherwise, you can go during the day and admire the islands that are on it like Jag Niwas, Mohan Mandir, and Arsi Vilas.

How to Reach: The lake is located 3 km away from the bus station as well as the railway station and 25 km away from the Airport. Udaipur is connected by NH8 and Indian Airlines.

  1. Loktak Lake, Manipur

Loktak lake is one of the most serene and unaltered lakes in Northeastern area of India. This lake is popular for its floating swamps also known as Phumdis. The largest of these floating islands also has a floating park named Keibul Lamjao National park. This place is where you go to get a break from loud hectic cities.

How to Reach:

It is located a few kilometers away from Moirang Bazaar and the floating islands can be reached through a boat ride.

  1. Vembanad Lake, Kerala

This is the longest lake in India situated in Kerala. There is also a bird sanctuary nearby and you get to hear birds chirping and witness various species along with the pristine lake. You can also spend a day or two on water by hiring a houseboat.

How to Reach:

The nearest airport is Kochi Airport (133 km away.) You can get a train to Kottayam railway station which is 10 km away. Regular buses also come from major cities.

  1. Gurudongmar Lake, Sikkim

Enjoy the snow-capped mountains surrounding the lake as well as the semi-frozen lake. And for a little excursion to the Indian-Tibet border that lies just a few miles away. It is an exotic yet unexplored place located at a height of 5210 meters above sea-level.

How to reach: The nearest railway station is Jalpaiguri which is 168 km away. You can reach Gurudongmar via road as it is connected to all major cities. The nearest city is Guwahati which is 672 kms away.

  1. Chilika Lake, Odisha

Chilika Lake is Asia’s largest brackish water lagoon and popular among tourists who come to watch bird species that it inhabits. It is also popular among honeymoon couples for its boat rides. It offers a spectacular display of hues and charms that are sure to leave an imprint on your mind.

How to Reach:

Chilka Lake is collected via train to Chilka Railway Station and the nearest airport is Bhubaneswar which is 95 km away. The nearest bus stand is Satapada.

  1. Pangong Tso Lake, Ladakh

This lake extends from India to China and was made popular by the movie 3 Idiots. As the sky’s reflection falls upon the lake, it creates a spectacular view. It is a calm and serene place where you can sit all day and admire the beauty. Though, Sunrise and sunset are the best times to visit.

How to Reach:

Regular flights are there linking Leh with Jammu, Delhi, and Srinagar. Kalka is the nearest railways station. And from there, buses can be hired to Manali and then to Leh. Pangong Tso is 5 hour drive away from Leh.

  1. Venna Lake, Maharashtra

The lake is located in Mahabaleshwar and makes an important addition to the hill station. You can try fishing here or go boating. The lake dates back to 1842 when it was built by the king of Satara.  The lake is surrounded by trees all around.

How to Reach:

Buses stop at Venna Lake while going to Mahabaleshwar. It is 2 km away from the bus stop and easily accessible through roads.

  1. Tam Dil, Mizoram

This lakeside is the perfect spot for bonfire and camping. It is a 7-hour ride from Aizawl. It is not only a popular place for tourists but also a great picnic spot for the locals. It is definitely one of the most beautiful lakes in India.

How to Reach:

Lengpui Airport is just 1 hr away from Aisawl and the nearest railway station is Silchar in Assam which is 6 hour drive away.NH54 connects Aizawl and the rest of the main cities.

  1. Prashar Lake, Himachal Pradesh

Prashar Lake appears to be a blue mirror set in greenery. It is a lake with the mystery surrounding it, as it has undetermined depth. It is a moderately popular tourist spot. It also has a sage temple near it that is worth a pit spot. Talk to the locals and hear some interesting myths about this water body.

How to Reach:

Prashar Lake is 49 km away from Mandi and no public transportation is available. From Mandi, you can hire a cab to reach the lake.

That wraps it up. Enjoy wandering near these lakesides and take in the serene atmosphere. Go boating, fishing, camping or just sit back and relax. For all bookings write to us at ghoomophirosisters@gmail.com

Categories
Adventure Central India Corporate Outings South India Travel Trends

Best waterfalls in the country

Waterfalls are beautiful, wherever they are. In a country like India, where there is no lack of natural marvels and thick forests, there are many waterfalls that could make the visitors have their mouths open with all the magnificence and brilliance. India is one of the very few countries that have been blessed by the Mother Nature herself. Even after all the economic and financial growth, due to which most of the natural beauty has been destroyed; there are still many places in the country that offer some excellent time spent in the arms of mother nature.

Speaking about the waterfalls, there are many in the country that may make you get lost in the magnificence and here are a few of them.

Jog Falls- Located in the breathtaking south Indian state Karnataka, the Jog falls a thing of pure bliss and beauty. There are many great waterfalls in the country, but this one located in Shimoga takes the cake to be the most beautiful one of them all. The second-highest plunge waterfall in the entire country, it falls from a cliff that is 300 meters high. You can imagine the speed at which the water touches the ground and the effect that erupts out of it.

Dudhsagar Falls- Goa is known as the perfect holiday spot for the western Indian states. And no wonder it looks all filled with people from different walks of life. But we are not sure how many of those people are aware that there is a natural marvel in the place worth a visit. At Mollem, Goa, the falls come down from 300 metres high cliff and the name that translates to an ocean of milk is enough for us to understand how beautiful it looks.

Iruppu Falls- Coorg is one of the most beautiful places in the country and also the most visited ones. The Iruppu falls located in the city is very close to a national park and serves as a great spot for hanging out or setting up the camps. People come here to take dips in the holy water before going to the nearby Shiva temple.

Jang Falls- From the tourism point of view, the eastern India remains largely unexplored, but that doesn’t mean that it is devoid of all the beauty that rest of the country has been blessed with. One such example is the Jang falls. The waterfall also serves as a source of electric power production for the local villagers.

Dhuandhar Falls- Located in the central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh, this can be termed as the most magnificent and massive waterfall in the entire country. The Jabalpur district is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the city and a big reason behind all that popularity is the Dhuandhar falls. The smoke erupts out as the water touches the ground and it gives away a psychedelic effect.

Waterfalls are a great gift of nature to the humanity and other than soothing their eyes and other senses, they can also be used for many other purposes. Many falls in India are being used for electricity production, and this is why we are on a progressive rampage.

Categories
Adventure Himalayas Inspiration Travel Trends

8-mountaineering-movies to get your heart pumping

No one just climbs a mountain with no preparation. Every mountaineering enthusiast prepares and explores all paths and researchers about mountaineers who have already made their names in history. Mountaineering is a risky hobby and through mountaineering movies, it is possible to see the sights of what a mountaineer goes through. These documentations provide instructions as well as inspiration to rookies who want to delve into mountaineering. Here’s a compilation of some incredible heart-pumping movies:

Vertical Limit

The vertical limit is a survival flick and provides you with a spectacle. It is a thrilling movie of a young climber who must climb K-2 for the purpose of rescuing his sister and her summit team. There are treachery and extraordinary effort involved and you will not be able to take your eyes off the screen.

Cliffhanger

This one is a tricky movie about a mountain ranger who sets off on a rescue mission but later finds out that the crash survivors were crooks who were using him to find their loot. The movie showcases great acting by Sylvester Stallone.

K2

This movie got great reviews and appreciation for its effects and filmography. The story is that of a rescue mission conducted on K2 which is world’s most difficult peak to climb. It is still a classic movie and a favorite among mountaineering enthusiasts.

 

Everest

Everest is a movie based on a true event whereby a group of mountaineers who take on the next to impossible task of climbing the mighty peak of Everest get trapped in a snow storm. The highest peak in the world is no joke and the dangers it entails is higher than any other mountain peak.

A lonely place to die

This is a movie set in Scottish Highlands and tells the story of five mountaineers who find themselves in the midst of a kidnapping scheme after they rescue a kid who had been buried alive. It is a British thriller with more substance than action.

The climb

Two rock climbers form a pair for a rescue mission and things are tense between them. While rock climbing with a partner, the thing needed most is cooperation and complete faith. This movie deals with that human aspect of mountaineering. These men push their lives to the edge just to test each other.

High Lane

Another thrilling movie about a group of friends who just wander off to an abandoned mountain trail and encounter grave obstacles in their path of survival. It is originally a French horror film titled Vertige directed by Abel Ferry. It is a real horror story with dangers of a psychopath combined with that of the mountains.

The Eiger Sanction

This is a Clint Eastwood movie about a retired assassin who, in trying to avenge the murder of an old friend, travels across a treacherous mountain passage. He is blackmailed back into his job for this last task. The shooting is done on the Eiger Mountain and Zurich in Switzerland. A young British climber died during the shoot.

If you wish to take up mountain climbing as a way of pumping adrenaline, better watch all these movies for a cautious approach. And if you are just a regular rock climber, then these movies will thrill you up just right. Just clear your weekend and binge watch them all and order your hiking tour by writing on ghoomophirosisters@gmail.com

Categories
Travel Trends

Why travelling triumphs a massive paycheck

he growing forces of capitalization have turned the scene around. Gone are the days when spirituality was considered as important as other aspects of human life but when exactly did we begin to transform? Here we are now, stacked in closed walls just for a decent amount of money for which we work all day all night. Is that all worth it? Why do we earn, to make our lives better! But are we really doing that? There are certain things that the world needs to speak out loud but nobody does that really. We have learned to become content with our 9 to 6 routine and the weekends, where we are tired enough to get out of our beds.

What is traveling in that scenario and where it is? A traveler’s mind is wired differently from the rest. He is the risk taker; he doesn’t care about the money. Take a passionate travel blogger for example, he will work at the prices which are just enough for his survival but he doesn’t bat an eye, why? Because he is content with himself, with what he doing rather than what rest of the world is doing. So that, when he lies on his deathbed, about to die, he can smile and say to himself- Hey, don’t worry, you have lived a wonderful life!

Here we list a few reasons, why traveling is way more important as a lifestyle rather than staying whole day inside closed walls and what eventually inspires us to travel.

It relaxes the soul and the mind. It makes you feel all refreshed so that you can go back to your work with enhanced productivity. In the end, we are all humans, we all need breaks. But then there are some stubborn people who consider it a waste of time and money. Well, that is just their personal opinion really and we shouldn’t be bothered but someone needs to take them to a trip to Himachal to let them know what they are actually missing.

It’s the money well spent, yes it is there. The money spent on a small trip to a nearby hill station doesn’t really come with a feeling of guilt, like alcohol, where you wake up next day cursing yourself for wasting hard earned money while making it difficult for your liver to work effortlessly.

You grow as a person! The more you travel, the more you interact with people from different walks of life which is not possible working in some office where you see the same faces every day again and again. You feel mature, responsible and most importantly, you feel happy, which money can’t provide.

You feel alive- Even a computer lives its life working, sitting in an air-conditioned office, but does it ever feel alive? Sometimes, we just have to let it go and following your passion is one thing that is worth letting everything go. It makes you feel like a risk taker, a rebel and a living breathing soul finally freed from the cage.

You have new experiences – Travelling is the best way to enrich your life with new experiences and new memories. One must choose at least a few years or few months to experience this beautiful planet, climbing a mountain or going for a walk on the beach, or visiting a museum or see what’s out there in a national park. Travelling opens up infinite possibilities and leaves one with many experiences.

There are countless reasons that we can list here in order to state the advantages of having a trip or two every month without worrying about the salary cuts that will follow. But they aren’t needed, we just need to realize the need to follow our hearts, for whatever it takes and start traveling.

Categories
Travel Trends

5 Reasons why Traveling in India is super safe for women solo travelers

The #ghoomophirosisters have been traveling all over India for a while now and we have heard from fellow travelers about how they hesitated before their trip to India because of the rumors regarding safety issues. We ourselves as women traveler had heard and read up about harassment, frauds and all sorts of dangers the country posed to solo travelers especially women. But the reality is always more than what you can find on the internet.

The first trip is always the scariest. You feel as if every single stare from a stranger or even a little sign of oddness is a danger. The paranoia soon fades off once you start meeting people and talking to strangers who are more likely to be helpful fellows than thugs.

Here are five reasons why India is a super safe country for travel:

Special treatment for women

It is true that if you a women traveler in India, you find yourself having many perks. There are women-only reserved areas in transportation (buses and railway), separate queues and a single woman can always opt to sit in a family corner in a restaurant without any complaint from anyone. Feminists may argue against this but for solo women travelers, this is a boon.

Crowd

India has a huge population. So you will hardly ever find yourself alone in an isolated spot. You would have to go out of your way to be alone on an off-road trail. You will come across many other travelers along with friendly local faces. Moreover, it is also a positive thing because if you do find yourself in an uncomfortable situation, you can always take advantage of the crowd. More people also mean more chances for interactions and making more friends.

Indian Hospitality

In India, we believe in “Atithi Devo Bhava” which means the guest is God. And all travelers who come from another country or another state to travel at a particular place in India is a guest. You might find yourself stranded in a place but you will always be welcomed by locals with food and shelter. There is no place that practices hospitality like Indians and since the popularity of homestays is growing in India, you will get many chances to experience it.

You’ll be taken care of

People are super nice to foreign travelers because they want you to have a good image of their country on your mind. You are sure to have lots of warm memories on your trip to India. Along with the rich history and culture, the people of India and the chaos is what you should embrace. Most people would take it upon themselves to ensure that you have a safe and comfortable journey. Because even the people who live here know the dangers and thus they will try to protect you from it. India will teach you how to be loud and how to take care of yourself. Don’t be gullible and always act tough.

Reminders

There will be reminders for your safety everywhere. To protect your property, against theft, against fraud, on risky roads, just keep an eye out for the warning signs and notices. Also, carry a pepper spray. You will often hear words of advice from locals who will warn you about things and also advise precautionary measures.

Do not let your fear talk you out of a great adventure in this fun-filled country. The time you spend in India will be unforgettable and you’d wonder why you never visited sooner or stayed longer here.

For any solo women travel query, drop us a note at ghoomophirosisters@gmail.com. We welcome you wholeheartedly in the country of diversity.

Categories
Travel Accessories Travel Tips Travel Trends

Gifts you can gift to your Traveller Buddies

Every family has one traveler who is almost never home and same is the case with every friend circle, where one guy/girl is known to make all the plans and seems enthusiastic almost always. If a special occasion is approaching, you may be looking for a kickass gift to give it to them but you want to give something useful for his alter ego who is a crazy travel freak. Here are a few things that can be given be to the travel junkies which they would love absolutely.

Tickets to someplace – Domestic Flight tickets can be shared with your family members that can push them to travel & explore on their special days.  Air India Flights usually have such available gift vouchers.

A travel book- A traveler while traveling, reading a book about traveling, it sounds funny but amazing at the very same time. There is no better gift than a great book or novel really and if that is about the love for traveling, that is just an icing on the cake. So, yes, get them a book full of stories or essays about the travels and you will be in their good books for a very long time.

Scratch Map- The goal of every traveler is to see the whole world. Almost all of them have the ‘travel the world’ part at the top spot on their wish list. The scratch map would make them very happy and even more determined to fulfill their goals. As they keep scratching off more and more destinations, you will be there with them in their proud moment which also includes a gift you gifted them.

Kindle- This is one of the most sophisticated gifts that you can give to your loved ones really. It will help pass the time during the long trips in the bus, flights or trains. While carrying books may be a little more uncomfortable for them, a kindle can come in really handy. And the best things would be uploading a few of their favorite books in there.

Travel Mug- Gifting coffee mugs on the birthdays are pretty routine. Everybody does that. A travel mug can be a pretty kickass gift for somebody who is almost always out traveling, whether it’s a business trip or a holiday. The stainless steel travel mug will come in handy to carry hot coffee or cold water for long period of times.

Sleep masks with earplugs- A good sleep is what everybody desires. The need is even higher in the case of the travelers. They don’t have much time to sleep on their trips, so they take rest while on road or in the air. The sleep mask can aid them in having a peaceful sleep.

Small hair dryer- Especially for the women, hair is something they want to make look perfect almost all the time. Gifting them a small hairdryer may make their life a little bit easier while they are away on travel. As it doesn’t take much space in the travel pack, it’s perfect on-road accessory for travelers.

Travel Backpacks – A good travel backpack is often the most important item for a traveler. It’s a travel companion that carries the most needed things for you, most importantly it fits your laptop and a DSLR camera and anything else that you would like to carry for the trip.

DSLR Lens – It’s an incredible thing to gift to your friend who has a passion and love for photography and loves taking incessant photos of anything and everything.  What best gifting a DSLR? You can pose too for a picture along with your friend 😉

Travelers are different, so are their preferences, surprising them with something different will make them really happy to have you as a friend or family.

Categories
Travel Tips Travel Trends

Tips for travelling on the economy budget

One question that often pops in #ghoomophirosisters’ inbox is how to plan a budget trip or say, how we manage so many trips in a year. We thought to cater to this question through this post with the tips and hacks that we personally execute while we plan our travel.

Plan ahead: All plans made at the last moment would cost you much more than if you plan ahead for the future. Playing your cards right can lower your cost and you can get the cultural experience that you always wanted. Use the best time to book tools to take advantage of travel packages and early deals. So decide a destination and then start scouting deals.

Off-season: Everything is more expensive during peak season. It is better to travel offseason. By peak season, I mean apart general holidays, spring and summer holidays. Booking your flight ticket and hotel reservations during the off-season can cut down your costs.

Flight price alerts: Flight ticket prices fickle frequently and they keep changing. So to get the best deals you need price alerts especially if you are planning your trip in advance. This way when the prices drop, you will be the first one to know.

A Bed and Breakfast Versus a luxury hotel: A BnB will offer you comfort and warmth at half the price. In most countries, you can easily find cheap and comfy Bed and Breakfast.

Avoid eating out or at touristy restaurants: If you are traveling to a new place, the best thing to do is try the cheap street food. That would tell you more about the eating culture of the place than any high priced restaurant. Moreover, locals will serve you better food for less money. Better yet, order the daily special.

Baggage: Travelling light and checking your luggage limitations by weighing and measuring your luggage can help avoid any nasty overcharges. We love Vistara Airlines for this.

Cards with incentives: Some credit card companies offer additional incentives like international travel insurance and often tie up with flights so that you get incentives on flight tickets. Therefore, you will be making huge savings by using these Gold, Diamond and Platinum cards.

Utilize free internet connections: Avoid additional roaming charges by utilizing free internet/ Wi-Fi whenever available. Airports are the best places to leverage this facility.

Additional benefits: If your holiday destination/ hotel offer additional benefits like free complimentary meals and accommodation for kids that would help your budget. Food and accommodations make for a huge part of holiday expense, so it is also essential to know that lunches are cheaper than dinner.

Check for hotel offers Packaged deals for hotel prices like “buy two nights and get one free” or “free spa services” are always a good idea to explore.

Embrace Public Transport: Buses and trains are much cheaper than cabs and taxis. A journey on an overnight train can save you one less night in a hotel and might cost you cheaper than a plane.

Use ATMs instead of traveler’s checks: You can get cash cheaper and faster and if you make less and larger withdrawals, you will have to pay less transaction fee. Just remember to keep that cash safe.

If you are a frequent traveler, you can avail loyalty points offered by flights and hotels to save even more. Vistara Airlines offer some great deals for their frequent flyers. The best thing you can do is making smarter choices. And in the end, it is all about having fun. Sometimes you can have more fun by exploring places on foot and blending in with the locals. Learn about the tax refund schemes for foreigner’s retail purchases. Try luxurious camping options and have a fun filled, cheap and unusual trip.

We wish your travel gets easy, economical with the above hacks and you do not think twice while planning your vacations.

Categories
Adventure Inspiration Travel Tips Travel Trends

Letter to Indian Parents: Let your daughters travel solo

Dear Indian Parent,

We all know the bond Indian parents have with their kids. Moreover, the way they keep their child a part of the family even after he has become self-reliant and starts a family of his own. That bond between a parent and a child is incomprehensibly strong but the second you told your daughter that she couldn’t go on that weekend trip with her friends, you broke her heart.

We understand you are being protective. The world is a big harsh place but if you don’t let your child go out into the world, face those hardships, travel across borders and see the kindness of strangers, you will be robbing them of the simple joys of life.I understand your mentality of having your kid get good grades, join a stable job, start a family but

We understand your mentality of having your kid get good grades, join a stable job, start a family but traveling is not a ‘luxury’ for the rich like it was before. Now, it is a necessity for the wandering soul. Today, the youth is more curious and hates to be confined. You could see the wanderlust in your child’s eye when they mention some far off place. And you can see the sadness too when you shoot down their hopes at ever being there.

Today, technology had made it too easy to stay in touch and the internet has made it convenient to know all you can about the place you visit. So, even with all these precautions, if you don’t let the apple of your eye, get on a bus with a backpack and go seek out the greater perhaps, then what is the point of all those years of education and nourishment?

Humans weren’t meant for routine and staying at the same place. In the heart of every one is a little spark of passion towards seeing the whole world and its wonders. And life is the greatest teacher imaginable.

When you send your daughter to go see the world, she will come back a more compassionate, self-reliant and gentle soul than when she left. Despite all the fears of uncertainty that one is thrown in the midst of in the start, most of us, we make it in the end. We adapt and adjust. You pamper your kids, indulge their every wish, teach them to be fair, strong and kind but don’t allow them the freedom to ever be that. How can they be with you always behind them, supporting them when they fall, correcting them when they go wrong?

Some lessons, one needs to learn on his own. And the world is so wide, its secrets vast and beautiful. Don’t you wish to let your child witness all of it, before they go back to the mundane routine and stability which is a cage from which there is no escaping?

Being a travel blogger myself, this is the one question that I have come across a lot. I am an Indian. How do I persuade my parents to let me travel? Even self-reliant independent people have asked this question which makes me wonder, what keeps them from just walking out of their families and just doing what they want anyway?

Love and respect.

So, shouldn’t you consider their feelings as well? Yes, they will have to take on many responsibilities and be careful. There will be times when they struggle but in the end, they will come back with a smile on their faces and lots of experience tagging behind them. Even you would be amazed at the stories they will have and the transformation that would have occurred. They will become everything you wanted them to be, and more.

So the next time your child asks you, “Can I go on this trip?”

Say yes.

Happy Travelling

Ghoomophirosisters

 

Categories
Adventure Inspiration Travel Trends wildlife

Naturalist- The New Scope to your Travel Career

Looking for some career options in travel industry? The first thing that may strike you will be a travel agent or an approved tour guide. To your surprise a lot of unconventional choices are becoming popular nowadays. One of them is a naturalist.

Read further to know more about it
Who is a Naturalist?
It is a stream of those people who share a common interest in nature and understand the world of plants, birds and animals and their interdependence. They travel to a region of rich flora and fauna, for example, National Parks or Sunderbans, study about them and introduce the naive to this world.

What do they do?
Though the core job of a naturalist may remain same, with experience and tenure their role keeps changing. Some of them are:

  • Taking students and tourists on nature trails.
  • Teaching others about the environment- its importance and steps how to protect it through seminars, discussions, and workshops.
  • Provide consulting services to government agencies and nonprofit organizations.
  • Studying and teaching about the climate change and weather patterns.
  • They take up projects that aim at protecting and preserving geographical areas such as forests, parks, rivers, and wetlands.

What are the Skills required to be a Naturalist?
There are a certain set of skills that are required to be a Naturalist. Some of the most important ones are:

  • Passion towards nature.
  • Ability to work long hours and stay in isolated locations.
  • A multilingual- especially if you know the local language.
  • A keen observant.
  • Some of the added advantage goes to those who know driving, storytelling, writing & photography.
  • Physically fit and active to explore the jungle.
  • Flexible to work with people from around the world.

How much do they earn?
The starting salary of a naturalist may vary between Rs 20,000 – 25,000, excluding accommodation and food. As compared to the corporate world, the growth and perks here are much less, but still, people opt for it. It is because not money but passion drives people towards this career. Aiming a life towards the betterment of environment and mankind is not a cup of tea for everyone. Those who do something exceptional or go out of their league in their field are accorded with TOFT Awards, as the Naturalist of the year.

Where all can they work?
A lot of resorts and lodges in jungles have their well-experienced team of naturalists. Wildlife agencies like WWF hire nature specialists on their different projects. Apart from that you can work with National Parks, forest departments and be a nature entrepreneur.

After a few years of learning and experience, you can even set up your own NGO and start training those who are new to this field.

Educational Requirements and Courses in India
To be a naturalist, one must pursue bachelor or master’s degree in any of the following field- environmental science, forestry, botany, outdoor recreation or similar fields. You can even opt for subjects like ornithology, plant taxonomy, and urban planning.
There is no specific course as a Naturalist, but some of the ones that can be beneficial are

  • Bombay Natural History Society
  • Nature Conservation Foundation
  • Nature Foundation India
  • Salim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History

So if you feel that nature inspires you, and travel is all that you aspire then this is something you can go for.

Exit mobile version