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5 Reasons Crete Should Be First On Your Travel List

5 Reasons Crete Should Be First On Your Travel List

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5 Reasons Crete Should Be First On Your Travel List

The sheer size of the world is both a blessing and a curse. On the one hand, you’ll never see everything there is to see. On the other hand, well, you’ll never see everything there is to see! You’re never going to get bored traveling, but there are inevitably going to be places you won’t have a chance to explore. Think about it. In a country like Greece, there are multiple islands that you can spend months exploring. To truly see everything in Europe alone will take you more time than anyone has on Earth.

Which is why we all prioritise certain countries and cities. Ultimately, however, you end up knowing that certain places will keep bringing you back. Other countries can wait, because you’ve fallen in love with a particular city.

For me, that place is Crete. I can never get enough of it and, while I know everything is a matter of personal preference in the end, I believe that Crete can be that place for almost everyone. It has everything you want in a travel destination: culture, history, luxury, natural beauty, and a vibrancy that makes me never want to leave.

I’m going to share with you exactly what draws me back to Crete over and over again, and I hope I can convince you to give it a chance sooner rather than later. There are plenty of Crete rentals available for all types of travelers, including those who like to live in luxury no matter where they are.

Living History

Greece as a whole is shaped by its history. You cannot visit without being reminded over and over again that it is the birthplace of democracy, home to some of the most important philosophers of historic times, along with the genesis of modern science. The sheer weight of its history can be enough to make it a bit of a bore sometimes, especially if you’re with someone intent on going to every museum and learning about all the mythology and everything that’s happened in the past few millennia.

But Crete is anything but boring, even if you do get caught up in the history. This is because the history is still there, both in its landscapes, its ruins, and its towns and villages. The Palace of Knossos is one of the most famous landmarks, considering it has been around for thousands of years. And it is incredibly striking and will leave a lasting impression.

However, my favorite piece of living history is the Old Town in Rethymnon. Rethymnon’s Old Town is a seaside village that dates back to the 11th century. Quaint does not begin to describe it. Renaissance architecture with Turkish influences, endless alleys to explore, and excellent food in little stores throughout. I could spend weeks there, just wandering around, and I guarantee you’ll find something there to love.

Endless Natural Beauty

While you may associate ancient history with dust and ruins, Crete’s landscape is a vibrant beauty to behold. It has a nice variety of natural wonders, which you can experience however you like.

If you just want to relax in an unimaginable paradise, Elafonisi Beach is ideal. Its pink-tinted sands make it unlike any beach you’ve lounged on before. The crystal clear water rivals any island fantasy you may have concocted. Feeling a bit adventurous? Simply cross the shallow lagoon to a small island with a lighthouse, chapel, and hundreds of interesting plant species.

Those who like getting a bit of exercise on their travels will treasure the Samaria Gorge National Park. The gorge itself is one of the longest canyons in Europe. It is a natural wonder and a sight to behold. You can spend a few hours hiking the area. It is a walk that most people will manage, but sunscreen and lots of water is recommended. It is open from May through October.

There are, of course, plenty more beaches and spots to hike. Vai Palm Beach is a particular favorite among tourists for its Caribbean-like beauty. Hiking around Balos Lagoon is a great way to get stunning pictures that will break your friends’ Instagram feeds.

Towns To Visit and Things To Do

Crete is not all about appreciating the aesthetics of ancient history and natural beauty. There is also plenty to do there. Every town on the island has its own special charm. Loutro, for example, is a tiny fishing village that is relatively cut off from the rest of the island. It is not flooded with tourists and you will feel like you’ve discovered a hidden gem. You can’t even get there by land, after all, but will have to take a boat or attempt a mountainous climb.

Then there’s the city of Chania, which is gorgeous to look at while having a heck of a lot of activities to do. It is one of the biggest cities throughout the Greek Islands, after all. The Venetian Harbour, the old lighthouse, and the Agora Marketplace are the perfect start. It has its fair share of historical attractions as well, including the 16th century Firka Fortress and the Archaeological Museum which will give you an insight into how the ancient Minoans once lived.

Some other unmissable activities include a visit to the Cretaquarium which is home to over 2,000 sea animals. The shark tank is a particular favorite with travelers, especially if you love getting close to majestic animals without giving them the chance to cause you permanent damage!

Crete is a wondrous place that will never fail to keep me coming back. In an ideal world, I would get the chance to live there for a few years. As is, I’m happy to settle with frequent returns.

P.S.: Images do not belong to me

Top 10 Locations for the Perfect Destination Wedding in India

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Top 10 Locations for the Perfect Destination Wedding in India

By Sanchita

Wedding is a ‘once in a lifetime’ kind of affair and every one desires to have this day perfectly of what they have pictured so far. Indian weddings are mostly known to be larger than life with all the pomp and show and what makes it even more splendid and magnificent is the perfect destination. India is a country of races and communities and every corner of the nation offers excellent wedding destinations with choices variegating from the wedding beside the pristine white beaches, magnificent forts or the serenity of mountains and rivers.

Every destination is breathtaking and thus the destination of your choice which will make the wedding a cherished event forever etched in your memory. So, to narrow down your lists, here’s the compilation of the list of ten wonderful sites for a Destination Wedding in India.

1. Goa

This is India’s one of the trendiest and splendid location for a destination wedding. If you want the exotic feel of the grand affair with the beauty of pristine beaches, palm trees, mouth-watering sea food, wine, music with serenity and calmness all around, Goa should on top of the list. The dream fairy tale wedding you have been planning with the magnificently decorated beach is surely one of the best things in the world. You can also have the quiet ceremonial rituals of the old churches with ethnic beauty.

It is surely breathtaking to tie the knot against the backdrop of beaches that are flanked by the gleaming blue water. For location if you want a luxurious place, you can go for Park Hyatt Goa, Taj, Leela, and Radisson Resorts or choose the peacefulness and gentle waves of Arabian Sea. The best time for the wedding in Goa is between October to January. With the pleasant cool climate.

Also Read: Mumbai Bridal Diaries

2. Udaipur

Do you remember Kalki Kochelin’s Wedding from the movie Ye Jawani Hai Deewani? Udaipur is one of the finest destinations for Indian wedding. It is known as the “the “Venice of the East” due to its rich heritage, culture and architectural splendour. It is surrounded by lakes on all sides and this romantic destination is perfect for tying the knot. The royal palaces, castles, splendid lakes and sheer beauty of the place will give you the extraordinary fairy-tale wedding one can hope for. The popular venues in Udaipur for weddings are Jag Mandir Palace or the Oberoi- UdaiVilas, Devi Gargh, Fateh Garh Palace, Chunda Palace, Leela Palace Kempinski. The best time would be August to December. However, make sure you do the bookings early.

3. Jaipur

Jaipur is another royal location for destination weddings. This royal capital of Rajasthan is often known as the ‘Pink City’ that offers a mélange of heritage and exquisiteness for all the grandiose marriage celebrations with the authentic ostentatious palaces or erstwhile mansions. The majestic wedding with nothing but be a royal affair with the aristocratic decorations. The best places for the destination wedding will be the Raj Palace, Rambagh Palace, and Jai Mahal Palace. The best time would be early November or late February but make sure you plan everything well in advance.

4. Jodhpur

Jodhpur, serves as the gateway to the mysterious land of boundless sands, is again situated in Rajasthan, which clearly has no earth of exotic and regal destination for the big fat Indian weddings. The grand palaces are great for extravagant weddings in the beautiful ‘blue city’. The beauty, magnificence and sheer royalty of this place is outstanding and a dream destination. The suitable places in Jodhpur will be Ranbanka Palace, Mehrangarh Fort, Umaid Bhavan Palace and Ajit Bhawan. The best time would be September to November. However, do confirm with the venue officials for customizing your wedding package if you are on a budget.

5. Agra

Agra sounds one of most clichéd destinations for wedding but the splendid beauty of the place cant be ignored at all. The place is itself the epitome of love with the beauty of the Taj Mahal and has a touch of historic and ethnic beauty to it. Thus, the opulent and royal wedding ceremony can easily be conducted here with numerous wedding venues. This city has many gigantic hotels and resorts looking across the Taj. The best time for the wedding in Agra is between October to January.

6. Hyderabad

Hyderabad is known as the “Pearl City” and indeed it is a city of pearls and nizams. Thus, this is surely one of the dream wedding destinations with a real and the romantic one. The best and opulent venue would be the Taj Falaknuma Palace surrounded by the rich culture of Nizams. The palce is situated majestically on the hills of about two-thousand- foot high and the grandeur celebration with be eye catching. The Main Lawns holds a capacity of 1500 guests. The other places would be the Chowmallah Palace in Hyderabad. The time for tying the knot would be October onwards.

7. Kerala

Kerala, one of the best destinations for wedding, is also commonly known as ‘God’s Own Country’. The serenity of sprawling backwaters and various inland water bodies is the beauty one can crave for. One of the best resorts in India called the The Leela, located at Kovalam, is a perfect pick for destination wedding. Apart from that, there are various beaches, straggling tea gardens of Munnar; or in the heritage building of Kochi fort. The best time to tie the knot in Kerala is from September to March.

8. Andaman and Nicobar Islands

Go a little offbeat and tie the knot amidst the white sand beaches, possibly in an astonishing private resort. The place is surely a paradise with the charm of idyllic beaches and lush green forests. One of the famous places for wedding is the Havelock or the Ross Islands. You can also go for the Munjoh Ocean Resort which is a luxuriant and lavish property that is one of the most remarkable and unique resorts in Havelock. The best time pick would be in winter months.

9. Shimla

If you want a summer wedding yet a comfortable weather to begin with, Shimla is the best place for a destination wedding. The alluring mountains and the delightful city is going to make this memorable event etched in your heart forever. The beauty of tying the knot in a forest guest house or campside with rivers flowing by is going to make the wedding look extraordinary and unconventional. Woodville Palace and Radisson Hotel are some popular venues in Shimla for arranging wedding ceremonies.

10. Rishikesh

Marriage is a holy union to two souls and what place, other than the highly religious place like Rishikesh, can be an option? The pleasing, sacramental and splendid backdrop of the banks of the holy river Ganga in Varanasi or Rishikesh adds devoutness and sanctity to the ceremony. The bets place would be the banks of River Ganges, Ganga Kinare which is a fascinating haven for wedding celebrations. Apart from that, you can also choose The Hotel
Ganga Kinare. Traditional wedding ceremonies are also held under the open skies. October to March would be the best time but make your bookings well in advance.

So, which is your favourite destination for your big day?

Bangkok Haul: Daiso, Wet N Wild, Mistine, DHC

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Bangkok Haul: Daiso, Wet N Wild, Mistine, DHC

Hi guys,

I went to Bangkok in December and since I was there only for a day and got just few hours to shop, here are the things I bought..

  • Daiso Brown Mat Tray
  • Daiso Pink Jewellery Organiser
  • Daiso Eyebrow Pencil
  • Daiso Brown Eyeliner Pen
  • Daiso Eyelash Glue
  • 3 pairs of False Lashes
  • Set of 3 Facial Razors
  • Daiso Makeup Brush Cleanser
  • Mini Tripod

All the things from Daiso were 60 THB (i.e. Rs.112/-) In terms of organisation stuff, it was heaven! They had so much and I didn’t have space, so had to restrict myself. It’s like a dollar store, so everything is flat 60 bahts mostly, and then in denomination of 60. It’s a Japanese 100 yen brand/store, I so wish they come to India and have the flat 99 price, that would be amazing. They are in talks with Reliance Retail to enter India and I hope that happens soon.

Then I got two Mistine products from Beauty Station..

  • Mistine 3D Brows Secret Eyebrow Set – Around Rs.500
  • Mistine Eye & Lip Makeup Remover- Around Rs.400-450/-

There was a Wet N Wild Kiosk and I got 4 things from Wet N Wild, which was very reasonably priced.

  • Wet N Wild Mega Glo Contouring Face Palette Rs.560
  • Wet N Wild Eyeshadow Single Brass- Rs.185
  • Wet N Wild Megalast Lip Colour Bare It All- Rs.260
  • Wet N Wild Eye Pencil in Calling Your Buff Naturel- Rs.223

And lastly I got the DHC Deep Cleansing Oil. I have heard so much about this and I am glad I finally found it. It’s a much raved product and deep cleanses your pores and removes makeup, dirt, grime, everything from your pores. This was a little on the expensive side, costing around Rs.850-900 but the quantity is pretty good. They also gave a few samples.

That’s it for beauty and makeup part. I got a lot of food items i.e. candies and knick-knacks which I will do a separate food tasting video for, on my YouTube channel.

I hope you liked the haul, do let me know your favourite item in the comments below 🙂

Maldives Travel Guide: Places to Visit, Things to Do

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Maldives Travel Guide: Places to Visit, Things to Do

By Sanchita

Introduction – Maldives or the Maldive Islands (known as the ‘The Pearl Necklace’ of the Indian Ocean) is a tropical nation in the Indian Ocean consisting of 26 ring-shaped atolls and has over 1,000 coral islands. This is a tranquil haven for wanderlust lovers who crave the exotic islands, mesmerizing sea, white sands, coral reefs and a journey to remember. This one of the best tourist destinations of Asia. It is a paradise for lovers who wish to spend their honeymoon in serene and calm environment. It is dotted with incredible beauty and splendid nature. The destination is extremely enthralling and the best time to visit Maldives is during the month of December to April.

Places to see in Maldives

Utheemu Ganduvaru – Situated in the north of Maldives, this is one of the tourist attractions in Maldives. It is a historical place which is the house of the Sultan Mohammad Thankurufaan. This is indeed a great historical site known for the heroic actions of Maldivians who saved the common folk from the cruel Portuguese conquerors.

HP Reef – This is the place of stunning corals and vibrant marine life. Needless to say, this is among the top-rated tourist attractions in Maldives. The place is situated at the North Male Atoll and dotted with colorful fishes and other marine animals. The place is a protected marine site and perfect for diving. The divine blue sea and vivacity of marine life is surely going to lift your mood.

Biyadhoo Island Resort – It is situated in South Malé Atoll and has a fascinating site of Maldives. It is one of the most serene places to visit and counted among one of the best resorts all over world. It offers various activities like diving, snorkeling and many other water sports. In fact, it is often called the ‘Scuba-diving Island’. There are various luxurious hotels here but the major attraction of this place is snorkeling, scuba diving and canoe-paddling.

Hukuru Miskiiy Mosque – The Hukuru Miskiiy Mosque is also known as the Old Friday Mosque in Maldives and one of the best place to witness the Islamic culture. It is one of the oldest mosque named after the Emperor of the same name. The interior of the mosque offers outstanding architectural designs with carvings of different kinds of patterns and Arabic scripts, which is simply extraordinary. The place is extremely calm and peaceful.

Fihalhohi Island – This is the ideal place for romantic destination. It is located at the South Kaafu Atoll in Malé and offers a gorgeous place for lovers and ideal for your romantic getaway or honeymoon. The beauty and serenity of white sands, coconut palm trees and clear blue water, it is surely going to win your heart. The major attractions are Fihalhohi Island Resort, Rannalhi and Rihiveli beaches.

Things to do in Maldives –

  • Take a bike ride and explore the beauty of the city and especially, Malé which is the largest and liveliest city in Maldives. The roads are perfect for bike rides and you can explore various places as well.
  • Maldives has various local artisans in their workshops and various local arts and crafts are available. Therefore, go for shopping for the local and traditional items.
  • Since this is an island, you can also go for fishing. Take a fishing trip on a speedboat and catch fishes like tuna, sail fish, etc. There are provisions for barbecue as well.
  • There are provisions for water sports like diving, windsurfing and snorkeling, relaxation at sauna and spa, island hopping and many more.
  • The view of sea and pristine sand is serene so you can also relax on the various beaches.
  • There are provisions for spa and massages and other relaxation therapies and pampering. There is a spa at every resort in Maldives.

Cuisine

Maldives is famous for sea food for obvious reasons. Fish (tuna) is one of the important staple of the Maldivian diet. The cuisine of Maldives is a great mix of Arabic, Indian, Sri Lankan and Oriental influences. Coconuts are a key part of many dishes in Maldives. Dishes like Garudhiya, Keemia, Gulha, Mas Huni, Bajiya and Masroshi are very popular in Maldives.

Currency conversion

Currency conversion for Maldives is very easy, there are many reliable currency convertors who will convert your currency to their Maldivian rufiyaa. You can also check the rates using online currency convertor. It helps you with real time figures based on current market or bank foreign exchange rates, it would be of an excellent help while travelling.

Maldives Tourism has a lot to offer, so plan your Maldives trip soon 🙂

Kairali Ayurvedic Healing Village Experiential, Vlog

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Kairali Ayurvedic Healing Village Experiential, Vlog

Hi guys,

So last to last weekend I was in Palakkad in Kerala at The Kairali Ayurvedic Healing Village. Those of you who follow me on social media already know that and have been seeing the live updates.

Since there was no network and WiFi there, I couldn’t update much, but of course I captured everything for the vlog.

About Kairali: Kairali Ayurvedic Group’s signature resort ‘The Ayurvedic Healing Village’ is situated int Palakkad, just a few kilometers from the world’s biggest mountain pass between Kerala and Tamil Nadu. There is no better place to get inside nature and rejuvenate with natural medicine than the sweet scented forests of Kerala’s Pala trees. Time spent at this unique jungle paradise will allow you to experience the authentic healing practices of ancient India, while relaxing in the lap of modern holistic luxury.

They have different packages for different treatments, yoga therapy, yoga training, ayurveda training, etc. They get patients from all around the world for hypertension, anxiety, nervous breakdown, facial paralysis, weight loss, etc.

You can of course also go there to detox, relax and rejuvenate. A break like this is very refreshing.

We were welcomed with the sandalwood tikka, small white shawl like silk cloth and fresh coconut water. Once you check in, the first thing is consultation with the doctor as your stay, food and everything that will follow will be according to the doctor’s guidelines. The doctor checks your blood pressure, weight and asks for your entire medical history and specific concerns and issues.

Treatment/Massage room

She also prescribes ayurvedic medicines, if required. Apart from that, there are 1-2 massages/treatments everyday as per your package and medical requirement.

We had two massages and we tried Abhyangam on Day 1 and Shirodhara on Day 2. I absolutely loved the massages, they use warm oil very generously and each patient has two attendants and they both do it in perfect sync.

Abhyangam is massaging each and every body part with a lot of warm oil, from head to toe. Shirodhara as the name suggests is flow of oil on your head. They do start with the body massage at first, which is followed by Shirodhara. After the massage, we have to sit in the steam chamber for about 5-6 minutes, followed by the bath. They give a special ubtan (which has green gram powder) to bath with, it gets rid of all the oil without stripping any moisture from the skin. I did not require any moisturiser while I was staying there, because of the generous oil during the massage on both the days.

Outside my villa

There are 30 villas in the Kairali property right now, I loved how each villa was at a distance and each villa had a nice verandah outside to relax and admire the surroundings. The entire property is lush green with a lot of different trees and waterfalls around. You can also find a lot of rare birds and butterflies.

Breakfast (Wheat Upma)

Food is all organic made with very little oil and less salt and spices. There is no sugar used in anything, you can get palm sugar if needed. All desserts had jaggery in it. You get fixed portions if you are here for weight loss program. But you get everything from soup, salad, roti, 2 veggies and one dal and rice, followed by dessert. They grow all fruits and vegetables in their own organic farm behind the property. Morning breakfast starts with a plate full of fresh fruits and fresh fruit juice, followed by one main dish and toast/butter.

The water served here is special herbal water. There is red sandalwood based pink water which everyone can drink, it tastes just like regular water. And there is Niranjal (not sure if this is the correct spelling :/) which is light yellow in color and meant for weight loss and increasing metabolism, it has a slight jeera water taste.

They also have a herbal garden which has one herb plant each, it is only for training purpose. Their main property where they grown all the herbs is near their factory. We also visited the factory where they make all Kairali products and saw the entire process how each product is made. We were allowed to click only in two rooms, hence the part you see in the vlog is only half of the process.

We also met the founders Mrs. Gita Ramesh and Mr. K.V Ramesh, it was so good meeting them. They were very warm and down to earth. We chatted for about 45 minutes with them. There was also a cooking demo by the main chef and an astrology session later on.

While you are staying there, each day 6.30 to 7.30 is yoga practice and 6 to 7 in the evening is meditation. In between you can have your breakfast, lunch, relax and get your massage treatments done. They also have an entertainment room where you can play a few games and a gym.

You get WiFi access only at the reception area and not in the rooms, so you have to come to the reception to use WiFi. I had no network, so was almost without internet the 3 days. I actually liked this small little break/detox. I am online 24/7, so it was difficult at the start but I was liking it after a day.

The only thing I would have liked better are the rooms. The interiors could have been much better, and same goes for the bathroom. Bathroom didn’t have proper drainage system. Since we were occupied on both the days and were out the whole time, it didn’t bother me much but if someone comes for the 7 days/14 days package, they have to be comfortable. I wish they work on the interiors and bathrooms, because everything else is just perfect!

Overall, I loved the experience and highly recommend going there for a treatment if you are suffering from something specific or just for a detox. Also for elders who are suffering from arthritis, diabetes, blood pressure, etc, it’s an ideal place to visit.

See more/book the place here www.ayurvedichealingvillage.com

We also got a few products during the factory visit. I have been using them since quite some days and I really like them. This Grapeseed and Almond body lotion was a part of the toiletries in the bathroom and had used it during the stay too. I absolutely love the smell. It looks rich but is water based and gets absorbed instantly.

I have used the Kairoil hair oil and the Kairkare body massage oil just once, so will update on that later. I absolutely loved the sandal soap, it smells really good and doesn’t dry the skin at all because of the glycerin in it.

Also the herbal powder for body wash is really good. It exfoliates the skin gently and does not strip the natural oils from the skin. The lemon anti-dandruff shampoo is refreshing and works on keeping the scalp clean and dandruff free.

The products are slightly expensive I would say, but since they are all herbal and natural and if they work, all up for it. Since I saw the factory and how the products are made, I would really love trying more of Kairali products and definitely will. Highly recommend them. I am looking forward to try Kaircin which is a facial oil for glowing skin 🙂

Products/Medicines/Oils can be bought here: www.kairaliproducts.in

P.S: I went to Kairali Healing Village as a part of Ayurveda Sutra Wellness Bloggers meet Edition 2

Have you been to an ayurvedic/health resort before? How was your experience?

Monsoon Getaway with American Tourister #PlanATomorrow

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Monsoon Getaway with American Tourister #PlanATomorrow

Hi Guys,

So I went for a really fun one day monsoon getaway last to last Saturday with American Tourister. We went to Khambale at Igatpuri which is about 3 hours from Mumbai.

The view on route itself was so beautiful, road trips during monsoons are absolutely amazing and a mesmerizing experience.

We left from Santacruz at around 7.30 am and reached Khambale at 11 am, we even took a break in between for some vada pav and chai, of course! You can’t miss that when travelling across Maharashtra 😀

After reaching Khambale, we hiked about 1-1.5 kms and most of it was pretty easy and smooth, except for one steep slope. But then that was the most fun part! Once we reached on top, the view was mesmerising. We just couldn’t stop clicking loads of pictures.

I took some panorama shots, boomerangs and a lot of Snapchat pictures and videos of course :p If you follow me on Snapchat (bhumika_t) or Instagram, you must have already seen those.

We enjoyed the view and sat there for some time. We even planted some trees. The entire area has tree plantations and there were quite a lot of pot plants kept aside, which you can plant anywhere you like.

I am glad that not only did we enjoy and had a fun trip, we even did something to give back to the nature. While we were coming back, it started raining heavily and we got completely drenched. Now you cannot go for a monsoon getaway and not get drenched, right? 😀 That was fun too, basically I enjoyed every part of the trip and Mother Nature made sure it included every element.

We left Khambale and had a proper Maharashtrian thali for lunch at a nearby restaurant. We were so hungry after the hike that the hot, yummy food seemed perfectly appetizing!

It was a fun day and I so needed a break, thank you American Tourister for this fun getaway. American Tourister also has a #MonsoonTourister contest going on, where you have to just send in your monsoon getaway pictures and you can win American Tourister merchandise! Join the contest on their Instagram (@amtouristerin) or twitter (@amtouristerin)

Where have you been to this monsoon?

Kerala Travel Diaries- Places to Visit, Things To Do

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Kerala Travel Diaries- Places to Visit, Things To Do

By Sanchita

Introduction –

Kerala, is popularly known as ‘Gods Own Country’, blessed with a scenic beauty of green landscape, a mélange of beautiful beaches, the serene backwaters and a tradition to speak for. It is considered one of the best tourist destinations in India and truly a beautiful one. Dotted with the stunning beaches along the Malabar Coast to the fantastic verdant hillside tea gardens in Munnar, the amalgamation of rich cultures, traditions and folk dances, a land of elephants and the unique local cuisine – Kerala has it all. Kerala is a narrow strip of land with Arabian Sea on one side and Western Ghats on the other side. This place is gifted to receive the monsoon showers first in the city and thus the growth of lush greenery with its radiance and rich fertile soil has also made the land extremely cultivable. Let us see in details about the must visit places in Kerala as well the things to do when you visit the Gods Own Country.

You can either plan your holiday on your own or go for Kerala Tourism Packages.

10 Best Places to see in Kerala –

1. Backwaters of Kerala – You want a romantic and serene destination with your partner? Or, a quiet and peaceful experience for a holiday with the family? The backwaters of Kerala is the most tranquil and relaxing place that you have to visit. The sunset along with the incandescent changes in the sky and experiencing that from a houseboat along the palm-fringed Kerala canals is the best moment one can have. Also, the delicious Indian food and chilled beer on board the boat make the experience even more gratifying.

2. Tea gardens in Munnar – Munnar is the famous hill station in Kerala situated at the confluence of the three rivers Madhurapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundaly. Another must visit place in Kerala is the Tea Gardens of Munnar. This place is well-known for its extensive tea plantations where tea is being picked and processed, and you can also try fresh tea straight from the gardens. The land is truly a blessed beauty with winding lanes, misty hills, and forests full of exotic plants and wildlife. If you are an adventurer, try the trekking to Anamudi, the highest peak in south India or go rock climbing and para gliding.

3. Athirapally Falls (Athirapally) – Athirappilly Falls, known as the largest waterfall in Kerala, is situated in Athirappilly panchayath, Chalakudy Taluk in of Thrissur district. It stands tall at 80 feet. And just a short drive from Athirapally, the Vazhachal waterfall is close to lush green forests that are home to many endangered and endemic species of flora and fauna. The wild beauty is just as fascinating as enchanting over there.

4. Varkala Beach – Considered to be one of the best beaches of India, the amazing picturesque Varkala beach provides a relatively peaceful alternative to the now commercialized Kovalam. The long stretch of cliff and views that extend over the Arabian Sea is simply breathtaking. There is a paved footpath runs along the length of the cliff, dotted by coconut palms, beach shacks, hotels. Do not miss the uninterrupted view of the sun as it slowly sinks down the horizon.

5. Folklore Museum (Kochi) – If you are a history lover, you have to visit the Folklore Museum in Kochi. It has been built in true Keralan style from ancient temples and beautiful old houses. It includes over 4000 artefacts and covers three architectural styles: Malabar on the ground-floor, Kochi on the 1st, Travancore on the 2nd. Upstairs is a beautiful wood-lined theatre, with a 17th-century wooden ceiling. The Museum is a treasure trove that showcases the rich heritage of Kerala through its numerous art and dance forms.

6. Kovalam Beach (Kovalam) – this is another top rated beaches in India and one of the prominent feature of the Kerala Tourism. The relaxing sun, the Ayurvedic treatments and powerful strong deep massage on the shacks along with the local cuisine is the best thing to ask for. The crescent shaped beach has a light house on its southern side, which provides an excellent view of the city especially the moon-shaped beach and the Vizhinjam mosque. Kovalam which is derived from coconut trees is 16 kms away from Trivandrum. The rocky formations amalgams with the calm blue bay to turn the bay into a special aquarelle on moonlit evenings.

7. Vadakkunnathan Temple – The ancient temple with unique architecture – Vadakkunnathan Temple has been declared as a national monument by the Indian government, under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act. It is one of the oldest Hindu temples in Kerala, situated in the heart of Thrissur city and the temple is devoted to Lord Shiva. It is believed that the Vadakkumnathan temple was built by Parashurama. The temple exhibits the classic architectural style of Kerala. The interior of the temple is beautifully decorated with murals depicting the episodes from Mahabharata.

8. Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary (Thekkady) – the Periyar Wildlife sanctuary is one of the popular wild life sanctuary preserving various species of animals including elephants, tigers, sambars, gaurs and the very rare lion tailed macaques. The amazing cenic beauty along with its wildlife has been attracting tourists and visitors from all over the world for years and thus considered as one of the must visited place of Kerala. Take a boat trip to Thekkady Lake to experience it like never before.

9. Mattancherry Palace – Built by the Portuguese in the year 1557, Mattancherry Palace was presented to Raja Veera Kerala Varma of Kochi, the Palace was renovated in 1663 by the Dutch. It is a Bhagavathi Temple in the central courtyard is built like the characteristic Kerala style mansion – the Nalukettu – the home of the aristocracy, nobleness and upper classes, with four separate wings opening out to a central courtyard. It has the view of the panoramic Kochi backwaters and the gorgeous collection of murals collectively covering over 300 sq ft of its walls. There are some display of royal paraphernalia like weapons, swings and furniture which offer a glimpse of the lifestyle of the royal family.

10. Padmanabhaswamy Temple – the richest Hindu temple in the world, Padmanabhaswamy Temple is located in Thiruvananthapuram and is built in an intricate fusion of the indigenous Kerala style and the Dravidian style of architecture associated with the temples located in the neighboring state of Tamil Nadu, featuring high walls, and a 16th-century Gopuram. It is In terms of assets gold and precious stones, it is by far the wealthiest institution and place of worship of any kind in the recorded history of the world, with an estimated $22 billion worth of gold and jewels stored in underground vaults. However it is said that only 5 of the 6 underground vaults had been opened and explored.

Things to do in Kerala –

  • To have a look at the lush green landscape, take a house boat in Alleppey to travel through the tranquil backwaters is just as amazing as it is made out to be.
  • Visit the Eravikulam National Park because of Neelakurinji, which blooms once in 12 years and this rare view is a fascinating experience.
  • You can also having a nice trekking experience to the peak of the hill and get to see the Nigiri Thar, an endangered mountain goat.
  • Go for a Shikara rides in Alappuzha which has to offer some stunning views of the backwaters and the array of beautiful birds along with the nurturing of nature.
  • Watch the Colorful Snake Boat races during Onam festival in Alappuzha, Kerala which is held from July to September particularly during Onam festival.
  • Kerala is famous for spices. Visit the spice plantations or gardens in Munnar, Thekkady or Wayanad and experience some authentic black pepper, cardamom, cinnamon and the exotic vanilla and explore the farms on a nature walk.
  • Stay at a coffee plantation resort or homestay and it would include all the activities like trekking, night safaris, camp fire and plantation walks.
  • Watch Theyyam, a dance form staged in various temples of North Kerala, usually in front of the village shrine.

Culture –

The culture of Kerala is a fusion of Aryan and Dravidian cultures, advanced and mixed for centuries, under inspirations from other parts of India and abroad. It is well-defined by its antiquity, relic and the organic continuity sustained by the Malayali people. Any time you visit Kerala, most likely there will be at least one local festival you can experience. Kerala trace its non-prehistoric cultural genesis to its membership (around the AD 3rd century) in a vaguely defined historical region known as Thamizhagom — a land defined by a common Tamil culture and encompassing the Chera, Chola, and Pandya kingdoms. Kerala has an opulent cultural heritage with its diverse ethos is influenced by three main religions of Hinduism, Christianity and Islam. Exquisite sculptures, music and dance forms can be seen in the historic growth of Kerala’s cultural traditions. Trissur Pooram, The traditions of Kathakali and Mohiniattam are highly developed art forms that have established from their folk origins into highly evolved classical dance forms.

Cuisine –

Kerala is known as the “Land of Spices” and have a unique culinary experience, thanks to its wide variety of spices. The cuisine offers a crowd of both vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes prepared using fish, poultry and red meat with rice a typical supplement. Food is customarily served on a banana leaf and almost every dish has coconut and spices added for flavor, giving its cuisine a sharp spiciness that is heightened with the use of tamarind. Seafood is the main diet in coastal Kerala, whereas vegetables are the main diet on the plains. Meat is served as the main course in tribal and northern Kerala. Dishes range from simple ‘kanji’ (rice gruel) to extravagant feasts or ‘sadyas’.

Conclusion –

Thus, there are a million reasons to visit Kerala. From the serene view of beaches to the lush greenery, relaxing backwater and hills amalgamated with rich heritage of the land true makes it God’s own country. Unique culinary experiences combined with Land of Ayurvedha and Spices, Kerala is a must visit for everyone.

Editor’s Note: I absolutely loved this post Sanchita, so detailed! Kerala is also in my bucket list

Image Source: Google

Have you been to Kerala? If not, after reading this, I am sure you want to 😀

Greece Travel Guide: Places to Visit, Things To Do

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Greece Travel Guide: Places to Visit, Things To Do

By Sanchita

Introduction
Wanderlust is our way of escaping the mundane lives and explore of flawless beauty of the world. It is a desire that dries us, takes us to the places where you find yourself lost in the sea of history, the alluring fables, charming sceneries and you experience something like never before. This is the exact experience that would enthrall you to visit one of the Europe’s top travel destinations – Greece.

A land dotted with distinct architecture with a thousand histories, captivating oceanic views and famous islands. So, Greece has it all – from stunning landscapes, historic sites, nightlife scenes to cultural delights, so, lets an overview of the best places to visit in Greece and discover other things about this beautiful place.

Places to see

1. Meteora –

One of the most awe-inspiring religious sites on earth – the Meteora, which is a Greek word meaning ‘suspended in the air’ is a cliff more than 1,200 feet (366 meters) that rises like apostolic eagles’ nests into the air overlooking the villages of Kalambaka and Kastraki in the north central mainland of Greece. This place is dotted with monasteries which were built in and around 14th and 16th centuries. In ancient times, the monks pursuing spiritual isolation and freedom from religious persecution built these monasteries. Even though more than twenty monasteries used to be on the steep rocks, only six remain today.

2. Acropolis of Athens –

Athens is widely known as the cradle of Western civilization as well as the origin of democracy for the human advancement. The city is an astounding blend of historical and modern features in the same fold. Among the other famous archaeological ruins and monuments, the Acropolis stands tall. The Acropolis (Greek word which means highest point or extremity) is an ancient citadel located on an extremely rocky outcrop above the city of Athens and contains the remains of several ancient buildings of great architectural and historic significance, the most famous being the Parthenon.

3. Temple of Olympian Zeus –

When you are walking around the Athens, you would see the Temple of Olympian Zeus. It is a huge temple and took over 700 years to construct (dating back to the sixth century). There are a number of Corinthian columns still standing, though so many have fallen. It’s quite an extraordinary sight and counted among the must-visit place of Greece.

4. Delphi –

Delphi, with an unbeatable scenery, has always been a place of historic and spiritual significance and counted amongst the most popular archaeological site after Athens in Greece. It is situated along the slopes of the awe-inspiring Mount Parnassus, Delphi was once admired by the ancient Greeks as the center of the earth. It is dedicated to the god, Apollo, who was reached out by Delphi, a significant oracle seeking good fortune. In ancient times, the common people would come to this sacred spot to inquire of the priestess for guidance on a wide range of topics from farming to politics. Even though the eternal flame no longer burns inside, a visit to the Temple of Apollo is mandatory.

5. Mount Olympus –

Mount Olympus is the dwelling of ancient gods from believed by the people of Greece. This is the place from where the Immortal Gods would control the control the lives of mortal men. Any climb to Mount Olympus starts from the town of Litochoro. A walk up this mountain will be vigorous and mystical journey as well as experience and you would see why Greeks thought it was this mountain from which the gods ruled.

6. Cape Sounion –

Cape Sounion is positioned at the southernmost tip of the Attica peninsula which is best known as the site of the ruins of the ancient Greek temple of Poseidon, the God of the Sea. Perched on the craggy rocks of Cape Sounio, the temple is enveloped in myth and historic facts dated from antiquity until the present times. The ancient temple as a backdrop and facing the deep blue sea is a sight you would not want to miss at all! The ancient temple as a backdrop and facing the deep blue sea! The sight of the Aegean Sea during the sunset makes it a sought-after spectacle.

7. Santorini –

Santorini is one of the Cyclades islands in the Aegean Sea, was devastated by a volcanic eruption in the 16th century B.C.E. and consider it to be the most spectacular by many travelers. Aside from the beautiful landscape and volcanic presence, it is a great place for beach side camping, winery tours, scuba diving, and more. The place is all about the beauty of the ruins on the southern part of the island. One can see the clear Aegean and beaches made up of black, red and white lava pebbles.

Currency

Greece’s monetary unit is the Euro. No other currency is accepted and you can either convert your Foreign Exchange there or from here. It is also really convenient to convert the leftover Euro to INR. Greece is comparatively cheap with some travel tips.

Travel Tips

Firstly, go for the Gyros and other street snacks which are delicious and cost a few Euros and can keep you full for less than 10 EUR per day. For travelling, choose the moped renting rather than cars. Also, avoid Mykonos if you are on a budget, as it is Greece’s most expensive island with hardly any budget accommodation, but if you are a party animal, you will absolutely love Mykonos. It brings world’s most renowned DJ’s at their famous night clubs. Paradise and Super Paradise beaches at Mykonos are also worth a visit, if you happen to go.

Culture 

Existing Greek culture and traditions are very rich and varied, reflecting Greece’s location at the crossing point where the West meets the East and the country’s great and tempestuous history. It has evolved over thousands of years. This rich and tumultuous past greatly influences contemporary lifestyle, the Greek perspective on the world, Greek music, food, customs and traditions, even the way Greeks do business. The locals dress up in traditional costumes during festivals while traditional weddings that start with dressing the bride and bouncing a boy baby on the nuptial bed. One is charmed by their authenticity, the love and pride each group has in its homeland and roots.

Cuisine

The Greek diet is the perfect example of traditional Mediterranean eating. It has some similar characteristics with the traditional cuisines of Italy, the Balkans, Turkey and the Levant. Modern-day Greek cookery makes wide use of vegetables, olive oil, grains, fish, wine and meat (white and red, including lamb, poultry, rabbit and pork). The most characteristic and ancient element of Greek cuisine is olive oil, which is used in most dishes. Taramasalata, Dolmades, Fresh fish, Courgette balls are one of the most dishes of Greece.

Get well-prepared for your next trip. Our friends at globosurfer.com can help you find some great gear for every outdoor adventure.

So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and start exploring this historical place with such enriched culture and traditions along with those intriguing ruins.

P.S: Images from Google

Editor’s Note: I can say, I am in love Sanchita <3 Greece is on my bucket list.

Have you been to Greece? If not, bookmark this post 😀

Singapore Travel Guide: Things To Do, Places To Visit

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Singapore Travel Guide: Things To Do, Places To Visit

By Sanchita

Introduction – Singapore, the beauty island which is a global city in Southeast Asia and the world’s only island city-state. Be it a honeymoon trip, bachelor’s party or a simple travel destination – you will love every bit of this mesmerized landmass. From beautiful water to beaches sci-fi architecture, billion-dollar gardens, contemporary art and the wonderful places to visit – Singapore is a must-visit place in Asia for sure. Discover the beauty of this little magical island with us and read on to know more about it in details.

Places to Visit

Singapore indeed has numerous destinations for sure and I have mentioned you the notable few and I am sure you will love them as well. Scroll down for more.

• MARINA BAY – It was a quiet water but now this portion now stands as a spectacular example of how this miniscule country has come to be one of the world’s most luxurious travel destinations. Having the most iconic hotels in Asia along with the exotic Marina Bay Sands resort, this is a must visit place in Singapore.

• SINGAPORE FLYER – Singapore Flyer, the world’s largest giant observation wheel is something you can’t simply miss out if you are visiting Singapore. An outstanding experience and built over a three-story terminal building, the Flyer is 150 metres in diameter, 165 metres high, and travels at 0.21m per second. It gives a beautiful sight of the city including the as the Singapore River, Raffles Place, Marina Bay, Empress Place and the Padang.

• CHINA TOWN – As the name suggests, the place like a mini-China by culture with all the excitement and hustle. Its main focus is on the Chinese immigrants who lived a hard life and were the main group of people who founded Singapore in earlier times. It has the Chinese Heritage Centre as well as the impressive and beautiful Sri Mariamman Hindu temple and Buddha Tooth Relic temple. It has colourful shop-houses and numerous historical attractions along the walk.

• CLARKE QUAY – An enchanting riverside which is crowded with various bars and restaurants which you just can’t resist trying out. In fact, this is one of the best attractions from the tourists. The place is dotted with alfresco-style dining to be had in an endless number of eateries set around the water’s edge. This place is also a shopper’s heaven and hence if you are a shopping freak, this is a place you must visit

• CLOUD FOREST – The Cloud Forest is a 35-metre tall mountain covered in lush vegetation shrouding the world’s tallest indoor waterfall and up to 2,000 metres above sea level. It is flushed with the unique biodiversity. The best thing is to take a stroll a walkway in the clouds for an aerial view of the canopy and mountainside below. The view is like a one-time experience in life.

• MACRITCHIE NATURE TRAIL – MacRitchie provides a calming, reminiscent jungle escape by walking through the water’s edge and snake through the mature secondary rainforest along with the macaques and huge monitor lizards. It has been well highlighted with well-signposted offshoots along with a 250m-long suspension bridge, perched 25m up in the forest canopy. The best time to visit is during October-November.

Singapore has SGD as their currency i.e. Singapore Dollars which are around INR 48-49 per dollar currently. You can get your currency converted/buy forex beforehand or even once you reach there.

Ideal for Honeymoon

Singapore is also one of the best honeymoon destinations as well.

• Take a long romantic walk down holding your lover’s hand down the Changi Point with a spectacular view of the sea, offshore kelongs and boats. The best time is the sunset where you get the enthralling view of the heritage trees, the hilltop chalets and the lush greenery.

• The scenery at Bukit Batok Town Park is as breath-taking as it could be and best place for that wonderful photo sessions for the couples. The serene and peaceful picture-view is something you would love to experience with the love of your life.

• The Jewel box is the best place to take your partner for the lovely dining. It gives a beautiful picturesque view of the whole city including the harbor. Having the romantic dinner mid-air is something you have to experience, at least once!

• The Sentosa Island is famous for the pristine beaches, sea sports and retreats, enjoy a relaxed morning on the white sands with your partner and you indulge in the ‘Spa Two-Gether Day’ at the luxurious Spa Botanica for a lush experience at the end of your perfect day.

• You can also visit the tranquil settings of St John’s Island is the best place to have a quite romantic day out of the newlyweds for sure. And, if you are lucky, you might see some dolphins in the blue lagoons as well.

Shopping to do in Singapore

Yes, we girls look for this element anywhere we visit and Singapore is dotted with branded shops as well as the perky local goods. For the shoes, they have the Charles & Keith stores and the quality is unbelievable. For the street shopping you can surely visit Bugis street or China Town. It has various shopping malls as well like Suntec, Ion mall and Plaza Singapura. Last but not the least, it has Sephora with numerous brands you can’t even fathom!

Singapore Cuisine

Singapore Cuisine is largely affected by Chinese, Indonesian, Indian and Western influences. There are few notable dishes that you have to try in Singapore. One of them is the Chili Crab which is Hard-shell crabs cooked in semi-thick gravy with a tomato chili base. Then there is Char Kuay TeowBroad which is basically white noodles fried with black Soya sauce, fish cake, bean sprouts, clams and Chinese sausage. You can also try the skewered grilled meat (pork, chicken, beef or mutton) served with rice cake called the Satay.

Conclusion

All in all Singapore is an experience worth having. Be it for the romantic getaway or a serene holiday, Singapore holds a beauty on its own. This place is a melting pot of cultures with fantastic architecture. With English being one of the national languages, travellers find it

So either plan your itinerary on your own, if you have time in mind or check out the numerous Singapore packages online.

This is a fabulous post Sanchita! I so wish to go there, right now, after reading this 😀

Image Source: 1, 2, 3

Have you been to Singapore? Or planning it next? I hope this guide helps you.

Exotic Honeymoon Destinations In India

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Exotic Honeymoon Destinations In India

By Tejaswi

Honeymoon is a romantic chapter, which lies between the day one gets wedlocked and the days that will spent dedicated to honour the marital bond, for the rest of the life. It is a wonderful phase where you get to know more about your partner, share interesting things about each other and spend some quality time together, preferably at a tranquil location. For these reasons, you would prefer your honeymoon destination to be an exotic place preferably in the country. Therefore, to help you find the perfect place for your romantic escapade, we bring to you 10 exotic honeymoon destinations in India.

1. Alleppey, Kerala

Alleppey forms the central hub of the famous backwaters of Kerala and is best known for its houseboats and the famous Kerala boat race. You can get the best experience of Alleppey by a stay in the comfortable and cosy houseboat which even have air-conditioning.

2. Shillong, Meghalaya

Shillong is a beautiful mountainous city located in north-eastern India. This is a place which receives a good share of rainfall due to which it has numerous picturesque waterfalls and amiable weather throughout the year. For this reason, it almost has a permanent position in lists featuring summer honeymoon destinations in India.

3. Kullu, Himachal Pradesh

Kullu is a quaint town located in the Himalayas that is known for its great avenues for backpacking adventure. At Kullu, you get thrilling views of the majestic mountains and of the magnificent Beas river.

4. Ooty, Tamil Nadu

Almost every married couple, either end-up visiting this place for their honeymoon or have it as one of their options. This place is best known for its rich flora and fauna. The perennial greenery make it a great place for the nature loving honeymoon goers.

5. Mount Abu, Rajasthan

Mount Abu is a delightful idyllic hill station located in southern Rajasthan. It is a place which is surrounded by lush green hills, thus making it a place with pleasant temperatures throughout the year.

6. Ladakh, Jammu & Kashmir

Ladakh is almost every avid bike-rider’s dream destination and a great place to spend some time in peace and tranquility. It is also a great place to see naturally formed lakes and hills that form beautiful landscapes.

7. Gokarna, Karnataka

If you are looking for a place to calmly enjoy the magnificence of The Arabian Sea, then you should be heading to Gokarna. The peaceful beaches of Gokarna make a great place to spend some quality time with your partner.

8. Udaipur, Rajasthan

Nestled between the imposing Aravalli mountain range, this place is best known for its royal past and its huge pristine lakes. This is a great destination for those specifically looking for a place with impressive scenic beauty.

9. Matheran, Maharashtra

It is often referred as the smallest hill station in India because of its low sea level elevation of just 800m. It is a great place to roam around hand-in-hand with your beloved since vehicles are not allowed over here.

10. Goa

If you both like to party, Goa is the place to be. Cheap booze, no time restrictions, Goa is alive and partying whole night. And even if you like nature and backwaters, South Goa is beautiful! Here you get option of two diverse cultures.

11. Diu, Daman And Diu

If Goa has become too mainstream, yet you are allured by its Portuguese lineage then Diu will make a great replacement destination. Just like Goa, Diu has a history of being under Portuguese occupation and thus features numerous relics of that era.

12. Andamans

It’s beautiful! Serene and calm, you won’t feel you are in India. It is clean and non-commercialized. Havelock, especially is a must visit and is perfect for honeymooners.

Editor’s Note: This is a perfect post Tejaswi, you covered everything for all budgets and from small place to big. We had been to Andamans for our Honeymoon and it was beautiful, absolutely recommend! Next on my list is Alleppey.

Image Source: 1,2,3

What places in India do you recommend for honeymooners?