Thimpu: Modern Bhutan

Buddha Dornema Statue

The capital city of Thimpu is a 4 hour local bus ride or 2 hours by taxi away from Paro. I opted for the 70 BTN bus ride, where I had some college going girls for company. The journey took us through lush green valleys, with mighty mountains in the backdrop; intricately designed Bhutanese homes, chortens and prayer wheels. My eyes were peeled outside throughout the journey, with my favourite songs playing in the background.

A huge billboard of the King & the Queen welcomed us to the vibrant city of Thimpu. This was the only place in Bhutan where I encountered plenty of people and traffic. I stayed at IMTRAT, the Indian army quarters bang in the centre of the city. After freshening up, I hired a cab and started my sightseeing tour. The City Palace, Buddha Dornema Statue, Tashichho Dzong and Takin Zoo were some of the places I visited on the first day. I could have gazed at the world’s largest Buddha statue for hours. Tashichho Dzong was enchanting, the largest Dzong I visited there. Takin – Bhutan’s national animal, a goat-cow hybrid is indeed a unique beast; unlike any other mammal I had ever seen. 

Dzong Courtyard

Takin

The next day I took a stroll around the city, visiting the National Archives library and the nearby Folk Heritage museum, offering an insight into rural Bhutan. I wandered around for a bit, trying to find my way to Little Bhutan museum. After walking around in circles, I finally got there. I was famished and decided to have a quick bite at their café. This museum was definitely worth the effort; I got to wear the national dress and try my hand at Bhutan’s national sport – Archery. 

Trying my hand at Archery

I even visited Junghi Handmade Paper factory and got a chance to learn about how paper is made. You can buy intricately designed diaries, cards and handmade paintings at subsidized rates here. I picked up a beautiful card on which the Bhutanese flag had been painted. My shopping didn’t end there; I bought some traditional crafts and souvenirs at the Handicrafts Market. Ambient café in the city centre was the perfect place to unwind after a tiring day, with some Bhutanese pasta and Italian coffee!

The helpful staff at IMTRAT had arranged for my Punakha permit saving me a lot of trouble. Back at the room, I quickly penned down events from the day, packed my bags, read a little and then called it a night.

Takhtang Monastery (Tiger's Nest): Into Misty Mountains

 Day 2

Trek up to Takhtang Monastery

I saw a picture of Tiger's Nest a few years ago; it beckoned me ever since.

I woke up early and called the hotel reception to check if any group was headed to Tiger's Nest, that I could take a lift with. Taxi was quoting 600, which for one person was steep, especially since I was on a budget. In the end, I had to take a taxi alone.

It was one of the most scenic, quiet and clean drives I had taken in a long time. With the river on one side and the rolling countryside (or should I say mountain side) on the other hand, we passed several chortens and houses with colourful dragons/ other deities painted on their walls.

Slowly, we started climbing up a winding road. As we passed through a thick forest, I spotted a huge, golden prayer wheel in a green field adjoining a small monastery. The driver dropped me off at the starting point and I starting walking in the same direction as other tourists. I met an Indian gentleman from Delhi, exchanged pleasantries and kept trotting on.

We passed a stream rivulet where people were posing for pictures; I stopped to take a selfie. On the trek up, I encountered a dozen horses, oodles of fresh horse-shit and their upbeat masters dressed in gho’s (their national dress). I took a few breaks along the way to sip water and rest my legs. As I hadn’t been exercising much prior to the trip, I could feel the strain in my calve muscles and even pulled a thigh muscle which started to hurt every time I took a step.

The last mile was particularly taxing. I had to climb up and down 700 steps, passing a lovely waterfall to reach up to the monastery. The muscle pain in my right thigh was really beginning to hurt; I had no choice but to carry on. Finally, I was there. Exhausted, I went to the locker room to store my handbag. The staff was pleasantly surprised to meet an Indian girl travelling alone, that too without a guide. A rare sight in Bhutan. 

There were deeply cut steps made out of stone leading up to the door of the monastery. I slowly hobbled my way up. As soon I walked in and turned right, I saw eople standing in a line and walking to a hole in a rock with their eyes shut. The Buddhist believe that whoever manages to place their finger inside the hole will get the same set of parents in their next life. I tried my luck but to no avail. I would still like to have the same set of parents in my next life though, anyone up there listening?

I went inside various prayer rooms, painted with colourful deities and golden statues of various gods. I didn’t have a guide so didn’t get into the depth of what each deity signified. There were lots of prayer rooms with large steps leading to them, I went to only 4 – 5 as I was lacking the energy to do so. In between various selfies and getting pictures taken by other people, I made my way down in good time. I stopped to use the restroom at the only café, en route Tiger’ nest. It started to drizzle, drizzle turned to rain shortly afterwards and didn’t stop. As I had forgotten to carry my umbrella, I got drenched. It was quite an experience, something I wouldn’t want to repeat. Funnily enough, on all the days that I did remember to carry my umbrella, it never rained.

The other trekkers seemed well prepared with their waterproof cover whereas I huddled under my scarf, trying not to fall on the slippery, muddy path. Once I reached the car, I just wanted to get back to the hotel, get into dry clothes and snuggle up in my warm bed. 

In the Land of Happiness: Bhutan Diaries

Day 1

I had been wanting to go to Bhutan since a while now. Had heard innumerable tales from people about the hermit kingdom’s untouched beauty. Luckily, Bhutanese laws allow Indians a free visa on arrival without a minimum daily tariff (which is $250 for foreigners). After getting my work leave sanctioned, booking flights and preparing a rough travel itinerary, I decided to book hotels. For the first time I found it difficult to find much if any information about hotels there. It was not possible to book anything online as no website had such an option. I spent a lot of time trying to find hotels there, but could barely find much information. To top it all, you couldn’t book anything online. The only way to contact a hotel was by calling them or sending an email, most of which bounced back. I booked Sonam Trophel Hotel in Paro after getting a response via email, albeit over budget. I didn’t want to land in a foreign country and then go hotel hopping to find an appropriate one.

View from the cockpit

The flight from Delhi to Paro is a little under two hours. It is definitely one of the most scenic flights you will ever take in your lifetime. You get an eagle’s eye view of the world’s three highest mountains - K2, Kanchenjunga and Mount Everest. Lucky for me, I got a great shot of Mount Everest from the cockpit! 

Up close with Mount Everest

                  Hello Kanchenjunga!

Paro Valley

Needless to say the holiday got off to a great start; having entered Bhutan’s airspace we were flying low over thickly forested misty mountains, deep valleys and houses dotted all over lush green fields. 

The plane descended low into a narrow valley, took a U turn; the wings of the plane dangerously close to the mountain on my side. I made a silent prayer, hoping we would make a safe landing. I think I was paranoid as my father and brother had told me that it is one of the most difficult aircraft landings in the world. Dad being a passionate flier, had seen videos about most dangerous landings in the world - Paro being one of them. It was a small airport with a grand entrance with colourful, Buddhist deities welcoming us to Bhutan. A large billboard of the smiling royal couple welcomed us as well.

After completing legalities, I got myself a local SIM so that I could keep in touch with family back home. Once I walked out of the airport, the quietness around me overwhelming - No horns, traffic, barely any people; quite a pleasant change from my home in Gurgaon, India. 

When you are in Bhutan, you automatically feel calmer, much more at peace and happy. It is true that Bhutan is one of the happiest countries on earth, you will feel it once there. It is one of the poorest countries, yet, people are happy. In fact, I asked almost every local I met about whether they were happy living there. I got a resounding ‘Yes’ every time.

  

                            

Paro Tso 

Paro is a very small, picturesque town (city, according to the Bhutanese). There is one main road with lots of overly priced souvenir shops, convenience stores, cafes and hotels. It took a little over an hour to go through wander through the market. I bought presents for friends and family, Bhutanese snacks for workmates and some wine to indulge myself with. I had Chicken Chowmein for dinner as I wasn’t feeling particularly adventurous to try out Bhutanese dishes. I was in bed by 9 30 pm as everything shuts early there, besides a few dance bars, one of which was in the adjoining building. The music beat resonated through the thin walls of the hotel. The Simpsons movie was on and I enjoyed watching it till I fell asleep. 

I was planning to trek up to Takhtang Monastry, also known as Tiger’s Nest, the next day. 

CONTEST ALERT: Win a FREE trip to Kerala, sponsored by Kerala Tourism

               

Hi guys,

Hope your week is going well. Here is something that will make it even better!

The Kerala Tourism department has launched an online bidding game offering holiday packages to the state at virtually no cost.The bid, aimed at domestic travellers, is organised as part of the 'Visit Kerala 2015' campaign. 

The details of the game are as follows:

1. Tour packages provided by accredited service providers of Kerala Tourism will be uploaded on a dedicated Facebook app. 

2. Facebook fans of Kerala Tourism can bid for the package.

3. The bid is open only for a certain amount of time

4. The person with the lowest unique bid will be awarded the package

For example:

A person 'X' bids for a package worth Rs. 20,000 with Rs. 10. The package will be awarded to him if no other bid is made which is less than or equal to Rs. 10.

5. The person who won the package will be directly paying the bid amount to the service provider who gave that package.

An Android based application has also being developed which will allow the Kerala Tourism Facebook fans to bid for packages right from their mobile devices. 

Here are the links for you to check out:

Kerala BidWars Facebook app

Kerala BidWars Android app

Get cracking! This gorgeous state is waiting to be explored.

Contest ends December. 

Eleven Months Hence :)

Chasing stars

Lying on the wet grass

Underneath a blanket of stars

Stories unfolding

Sharing a laugh

Nip in the air

Wild boars scare

Warm beers by our side

At Twilight

Searching for Ursa Major

In the night sky

Not wanting to move

But time cries.

- Saachi Dhillon

A Weekend in Agra

Wah Taj!

As cliche as it may sound, the above title seemed the most appropriate for this post. After twenty some years of having lived in India, I had never seen the Taj Mahal in person.

Earlier last month, I finally made a trip down to go and see one of the most photographed and talked about wonders of the world. The epitome of love. Mar(b)elous beauty. Her whiteness shone bright in the rays of the rising sun. We braved the soaring June heat to have a tour of the much talked about wonder.

I was awestruck at first. It looked exactly like I had seen it in movies, making me feel like a part of the 35 mm screen. 7 am and it was over flowing with tourists like myself. I managed to click a few shots without people getting in my way. We took a tour ourselves as advised by our friendly taxi guy.What really stood out to me was the empty space marked off for the Black Taj Mahal on the other side of the river Yamuna, where Shah Jehan had wanted to be laid to rest, right across from his lady love - Mumtaz Mahal. Of course, it never was built once his son, Aurangzeb came to power.

I could see quite a few love stories blooming there. Young couples walking hand in hand, taking selfies. Of course, it was tough for us (i.e. me) to resist taking pictures as well. As grand as the Taj Mahal is from the outside, it is equally humble inside. Stark white walls, minimal stone work and small prayer rooms is what you encounter inside.

The beautiful Mughal gardens must be a delight to walk around in, on a cool winter evening. 

Till next time!

Seasons

Seasons come and go
The road gets thinner, the light gets dimmer
In the moonlight, your smile glimmers
Makes me feel like a winner.

Trails blazed, paths chased
Sunrises glazed with warmth.
Countries beckon, reason reckons
Life opens a brand new door.

- Saachi Dhillon

Around Kerala in 7 Days - In a Caravan - Munnar

   

We passed a lot of fruit plantations on our way from Kochi to Munnar. You could see tiny pineapples, bananas and guavas peeking out from under the trees. A delightful sight which you wouldn't come across in normal life. Bananas in all colours were being sold on the roadsides. I even saw some fruit I did not recognise, looked a lot like custard apples. 

On the way to Munnar

Being the rainy season, there were waterfalls of all sizes that had sprung up on hill sides, adding charm to the already breathtaking scenery. We stopped at a big one to take pictures. Greenery surrounded us. We passed through some thick forests and could feel a dip in temperature. Our driver suggested we stop at a Spice Garden to pick up fresh spices. It was a well laid out nursery with medicinal herbs, herbal plants, flower plants and spice plants. The owner gave us a tour of the nursery; while sharing valuable information about the healing properties of various plants. My friend picked up a herbal face creme. I picked up a lot of fresh spices for home.

                        

We reached our guest house late evening. It had a beautiful garden and a fantastic view of the unending tea plantations. The next day, after breakfast, we set out to explore Munnar. It was a lovely, sunny day. The air was cool and crisp. We went to Eravikulam National Park, home to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr as well as several species of rare animals, birds and butterflies. We were enveloped by the mist once we reached the park entrance. We walked about 500 mts to catch a glimpse of the  very unique looking - Nilgiri Tahr and took a few pictures. 

View from the hotel

Mist everywhere

Nilgiri Tahr

After this, we went to the Tata Tea Museum & Gardens for a stroll and got some lovely shots of us. In the evening, we treated ourselves to an authentic Shirodhara Ayurvedic massage in a blink-and-you-will-miss-it massage parlour, recommended by a local. It was definitely the strangest massage experience I have ever had. I was made to lay on a wooden bed, which wasn't comfortable for obvious reasons. I couldn't switch off and enjoy the experience as I was very aware of my surroundings. This was also the first time I left a massage parlour with oil all over my body. I would still recommend it though :p

Later,we got some funny, oily pictures out of it. 

Tea Gardens everywhere

Thekaddy, Periyar National Park, was our next stop. 

Around Kerala in 7 days - In a Caravan

A few friends and I decided to make a trip down to Kerala - Venice of the East, as it is fondly known. Pristine white sand beaches, charming backwaters and Ayurvedic retreats lured us to explore this southern gem on the western coast of India. We took the train from Mumbai all the way down to Kochi.

This was one of the most scenic train journeys that I have ever undertaken. Passing through rolling hills, flat land, the ocean on one side for some part of the journey; and fruit plantations marking the entry into Kerala. The tourism guys have got it spot on. It indeed is; God's Own Country.
We were lucky to find a cheap hotel next to the train station. The room was fairly clean. Without wanting to waste time in exploring Kochi, we freshened up and made our way to the harbour. We got a fantastic view of fishing boats, ships, tankers and islands dotted around in the distance. Surprisingly, we didn't find any restaurants serving local fare in the vicinity; and ended up eating at a food court instead.

Hello Kochi!

Kochi market

The next day, we set off to go and explore Fort Kochi - famous for its sights, cafes and fishing nets. The 15 - 20 minute ferry ride from the harbour to Fort Kochi is joyful. We passed a couple of islands on our way there, including one which is inhabited by an indigenous tribe which has little to no contact with the outside world. Everything they need is on that little island, I was told by our guide. The Chinese fishing nets, St. Francis Church, Mattancherry Palace and the beach there are definitely worth a visit. A one day trip to Fort Kochi is enough to visit all major attractions here. It is also a foodies paradise, known for its eclectic cafes and restaurants.

The ferry

Chinese Fishing Nets

As we were planning to travel from Kochi all the way down to Kovalam, we asked around for a good deal on a cab. In the end, we got a plush caravan with leather seats, a TV, driver and a fantastic music system. All this in 10,000 bucks! We also got good discounts on hotels and sightseeing because of our driver's contacts.

The gorgeous tea county of Munnar was our next stop.

Travel like a lady

As we celebrate International Women's day across the globe today, there are inumerous stories on successful and brave women across the internet and print. These women inspire millions to follow their dreams, disregard the gender divide and work their way up to financial and personal freedom & happiness. 

Needless to say, I am inspired by the solo women travellers who have braved all odds to explore far flung places in remote corners of the world. Challenging the status quo, withstanding language barriers, surviving on limited money and support, enduring advances from men; it is not smooth sailing for a female traveller. And yet, there is no stopping us. For we travel for travel's sake. 

There is something liberating in the air of a new place; a sense of freedom and curiosity that leads us to explore different cultures, cuisines and traditions. It helps to be on your guard, of course- small precautions such as carrying pepper spray, avoiding a lonely or unsafe part of town at night, informing dear ones about your whereabouts or itinerary on a regular basis or not accepting a drink from a stranger go a long way in ensuring a happy experience. 

As more and more women jump onto the solo travel bandwagon worldwide, it reflects a change in ideologies and opportunities for safe travel for us; women folk. So, get your backpacks or suitcases out and start packing. Plan a trip to a country that has always intrigued you; get an itinerary together with the help of forums, apps, travel websites and bloggers like myself. Sort out your work leave, book your tickets and look forward to a suitcase full of memories and experiences that you will cherish till times immemorial.

Make sure to keep some space in your backpack/ suitcase for travel memorabilia. Travel light. Travel like a lady.

“She is free in her wildness, she is a wanderess, a drop of free water. She knows nothing of borders and cares nothing for rules or customs. 'Time' for her isn’t something to fight against. Her life flows clean, with passion, like fresh water.”
― Roman Payne

Most Romantic Places to Visit Around the World

With Valentine's Day drawing in closer, all love - struck couples must be planning something special for their better halves. While a bouquet of red roses, chocolates, a gift and a dinner date seems to be the norm, some of you may want to break away from the usual. As 14th Feb conveniently falls on a Saturday this year, a romantic getaway can be easily planned. 

The world is full of wondrous, picturesque places for couples and below are my favourite romantic destinations to choose from (in no particular order), depending on where in the world you are.

1. Bruges, Belgium - is definitely the most magical place I have ever visited. Dating back to the 9th century, this delightful city has a canal running through it and is often referred to as the 'Venice of the North'. Stroll down the cobble stone paths, munching on some Belgian chocolate, taking in the old world charm all around you. A candle lit dinner at Markt (the main square) with traditional music playing in the background, followed by a ride in a horse carriage will be a unique experience that both of you will treasure forever. 

2. Paris, France - fondly known as the City of Love, has a warm aura about it, even in the peak of winter. Take her shopping in the fashionable French capital, dine at the restaurant at Eiffel Tower (58 Tour Eiffel) and end the evening on a musical note by catching the late night Moulin Rouge show. Being a popular destination for lovers from all over the world, book early to avoid disappointment. 

3. Provence, France - Endless lavender fields, rolling hills and quaint, old villages is what you will find in this South Eastern part of France. Book yourself a cottage and explore one of the picturesque old towns with your partner, on foot or cycle. As this is truffle season, you are bound to indulge your taste buds in gastronomical delight.

4. Queenstown, New Zealand - is my favourite place in New Zealand. It offers a plethora of options for adventure junkies, foodies and nature enthusiasts. Take a Hot Air Balloon ride together, taking in the beauty of Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu. Go for a scenic cruise to Milford Sound, gaze at the mighty Mitre peak and watch dolphins swimming in the distance in Tasman sea. Later, dig into a delicious meal back in town and make the most of Queenstown's lively nightlife.

5. Alleppey, India - Located in South India, in the state of Kerala, Alleppey, known as the Venice of the East, is a must visit. Famous for its backwaters, stay in a houseboat which comes with it's own cook, and devour Kerala's delicacies on board. Your cook will even procure fresh fish from a fish farm while you're enjoying your cruise. Or you could have him cook the fish you caught, while on board this luxurious houseboat. 

6. Fowey, England - is a lovely English town situated on the south coast of Cornwall. Wander around the harbour, gorge on Fish n Chips and wander around the small town centre consisting of cute little shops, tea rooms and a pub. Take a walk up to St. Catherine's castle for a panoramic view of  Fowey and the nearby fishing village of Polruan. Be sure to stay in a cottage, there are various options to choose from, some of them offering modern amenities such as a jacuzzi. 

7. Rome, Italy - Steeped in history, Rome has much to offer, in terms of great food and sightseeing options. Stay in a historic hotel that offers a mix of old world charm and contemporary luxury in the heasrt of the Italian capital. Watch the sunset at the top of the Spanish steps, wine and dine at one of the many fantastic restaurants/ bars at Campo de' Fiori or Trastevere. Do remember to try the Gelato while you're there!

8. Bangkok, Thailand - Although known for all the wrong reasons, Bangkok can be a great romantic getaway. A foodie's heaven, shopper's paradise, interesting night life and most importantly, fantastic hotels at reasonable rates. If you want to go all out, stay at the Lebua and enjoy a fantastic evening at one of the world's best rooftop bars - Sky Bar, known for its eclectic cocktails and live jazz. It will surely take your love to new heights with a panoramic view of the city from the 63rd floor. 

9. Nagarkot, Nepal - is a delightful hill station on the outskirts of Kathmandu. Early morning views of the world's highest peak, Mount Everest, from here are simply magnificent. Stroll around the quiet village, snack on some buff momos (Nepal's specialty!) and relax in your cottage. International wines are much cheaper than India here so do try a few.

10. Kashmir, India - is undoubtedly the most breathtaking state in India. It's beauty beckons tourists from all over the world, whether you want to stay in a shikara/ houseboat in picturesque Dal Lake in Srinagar or visit the never ending rugged beauty of Ladakh, you are bound to have an experience like never before. The following lines from Led Zeppellin's song Kashmir sum it up:

My Shangri-La beneath the summer moon, I will return again 

Sure as the dust that floats high in June, when movin' through Kashmir.

Travelling this winter? Don't leave home without these

I'm writing this post on a bitterly cold day huddled up in front of a heater sipping a hot cup of tea. The red roses on my desk add a bit of colour to the otherwise dreary day. The weather got me thinking about things you should not leave home without, while travelling this season. Be it a trek, a camping holiday or a weekend getaway, remembering to pack the following every day essentials will go a long way in ensuring that you enjoy your holiday.

1. Mobile charger - It is advisable to have a fully charged phone while travelling and even more important to carry the charger with you. Your smartphone can be very handy when it comes to navigation via Google maps, hotel booking confirmation receipts, insurance details and of course, Whatsapp to keep in touch with loved ones.

2. Moisturizer - It's handy to carry a moisturizer and lip balm in this weather. It will keep your skin hydrated in the cold weather and make you feel refreshed during long journeys.

3. Towel - A light towel is useful to carry during long journeys and is generally required if you are staying at a hostel or similar low cost accommodation where you won't be provided with one.

4. Hand Sanitizer - is a must for any journey or holiday, as you are unlikely to have immediate access to a washroom.

5. Tissues - are necessary to carry in winter and can be used for a variety of purposes, ranging from cleaning the spilt cola to keeping away the sniffles.

6. Woollen socks and cap - Don't forget to pack these in your suitcase as they will help you keep warm and enjoy your holiday, without worrying about the cold.

What do you not leave home without before stepping out for a holiday?

A Hidden Himalayan Jewel

Tucked away in the panoramic Himalayan valley, on the banks of the Sutlej, lies Tattapani, one of India’s lesser known natural wonders, blessed with natural hot sulphur springs. Tattapani which means Hot Water in English will warm its way into your heart with the snug hospitality of its people and sublime natural beauty. According to local folklore, a dip in Tattapani’s hot springs can cure you off any joint pain, stress, fatigue or any skin disease, leaving you completely refreshed. My crick in the neck disappeared completely after a dip in the hot springs, leaving me calm and relaxed after a long journey. The months’ of January & February are considered auspicious, when a dip is believed to cleanse you off your sins. 

The quaint village of Tattapani is located 51 kms from Shimla and 29 kms from Naldhera, at an elevation of 655 metres above sea level. The 6 hour drive from Chandigarh is delightful; offering scenic views of Kasauli, Shimla and Naldhera along the way. 

EXPLORE

REJUVENATE Start your day with yoga, taking in fresh mountain air and watching the picturesque valley spring to life with the first ray of sunlight softly caressing the majestic mountains, adding various hues of orange to the surrounding green meadows and forest. After greeting the sun with a Surya Namaskar, treat yourself to a hot, relaxing thermal bath followed by a healthy breakfast. Later in the day, book yourself for an Ayurvedic Shirodhara massage to revitalize your senses. Tattapani is the perfect place to unwind leisurely in the lap of nature, without burning a hole in the pocket. Hotels here offer a variety of Ayurvedic and beauty therapies to choose from, from Mud Therapy to Reflexology, in the price range of Rs 500 – Rs 1750. So, take your pick. 

GEAR UP FOR SOME ADVENTURE A paradise for outdoor enthusiasts - rappelling, kayaking, rafting and mountain biking are some of the activities that Tattapani has to offer. White water rafting is an all time favourite here, choose between the 6km and 12 km stretch. Opt for a Mountain biking expedition and enjoy scenic views of the surrounding mountains, villages and wildlife. For experienced riders, there are trails leading all the way up to Chindi at 1950 metres, 30 kms from Tattapani, passing through lovely apple orchards, temples and scenic meadows. Bookings for these activities can be easily made at the hotel. 

TREAD ALONGSIDE MISTY MOUNTAINS There are many trekking routes in this beautiful Himalayan valley, offering ample opportunities for bird watching and photography. A short 6 km trek to Shiva Caves, open all year long, is quite popular. You also have the option of taking your car till there and walking up 450 stairs to the holy cave. Experienced trekkers have a bounty of options to choose from, the Shikari Devi Peak trek is well recommended. A 6 -7 hour trek from the nearby picturesque village of Chindi, through thick woods of pine and deodar and myriad apple orchards, takes you to the highest mountain peak in Mandi district, Shikari Devi at a height of 3360 metres. There is an ancient, roofless temple there dating back to the times of Mahabharata. From there, you can enjoy panoramic views of the Greater Himalayas.

HOOK UP A CATCH Tattapani offers some great fishing spots for Trout (Rainbow and Brown) as well as Mahseer. Bask away in the sun, waiting for the perfect catch and if you get lucky, you can enjoy devouring into your fish, specially cooked by the hotel chef. Fishing is a great option for those looking to enjoy the outdoors without doing any strenuous activity.Trout fishing season begins in April and ends in October. Mahseer fishing season is during winter months, from November to February. Fishing equipment is available to rent from the hotel you are staying at.

3 Travel Resolutions in 2015

We are 4 days into the New Year; some of us are still recovering from the mayhem that was 31st night. A lot of people have made resolutions regarding their personal and professional lives, where Travel seems to be gaining importance. There are 3 Travel Resolutions every traveller should follow this year.

1. Travel Solo

A lot of people I know want to travel, have adequate finances and time to do so but yet never end up taking that dream trip to Europe or Machhu Pichu. For lack of a travel companion(s). Year after year, they defer their travel plans in the hope that they will find someone to go with. If you are one of those people, I urge you to drop the fear and book yourself a ticket to your dream destination. It can be nerve wrecking, wondering about what to expect and how to get around a new place. Make preparations in advance and you will be fine. You will meet people there who will be happy to guide you; whether it’s your hotel, a café or a shop owner, or a fellow traveler you come across on a busy street. Who knows it might also be the start of a great friendship or a love affair! 

I was very nervous myself on my first solo trip, but it just lasted for the first hour or so, after which I was busy exploring the city, with a map in hand. 

2. Go to little known places

There is nothing more charming than staying at a quaint little cottage by the river in a remote New Zealand town or watching the sunrise over majestic Himalayas in a little known village, away from the crowds. There are way too many places that are waiting to be discovered, the world over. Websites like awayfromthecrowds.com in Spain, theroadlesstraveled.com in USA or indiauntravelled.com in India offer custom made packages to discover lesser known domestic and international destinations, helping you embrace and discover the vibrant culture of places you visit. So, bunk the crowds, make your own path and take the roads less travelled by.

3. Plan and check

Make sure to book flights, trains in advance as you are likely to get a much lower fare and guarantees your place, especially useful during the busy tourist season. Check with the airline at least a week in advance about any change in flight schedule. There are too many stories of people who have missed flights and had to dish out a huge sum for an alternative flight because they were unaware of the change in flight timings. Recently, a family of ten had a miraculous escape from the ill fated crash of Flight 8501 as they had missed the airline’s communication about change in flight schedule. 

Travel Insurance is very important for international trips. All Schengen countries in Europe have a mandatory requirement for valid Travel Insurance, whenever applying for a visa. Make sure to get into the habit of purchasing adequate travel insurance for your trips as a lapse on your part can cost you a fortune in medical expenses abroad, should the need arise.

“Travel brings power and love back into your life.”
― Rumi