Tag: photos

  • Wintery Destinations Of India Which You Shouldn’t Miss!

    Wintery Destinations Of India Which You Shouldn’t Miss!

    A season of a plate of hot Pakoras & hotter Chais, Winters in India are usually waited with bated breath and an inexplicable longing. Majorly experienced during the months of Dec & Jan it’s a very short affair compared to a good 10 months of sweltering heat and Blazing sun, well Monsoons do come in as a reprise but Summers in India are a non ending tale.

    Still the vast geographical expanse does give us a few places to look forward to in Winters. A colder & a harsher winter is predicted this year due to La Nina Conditions. It is a recurring phenomenon and the change in temperature is accompanied by changes in the patterns of upper and lower level winds, sea level pressure, and tropical rainfall across the Pacific Basin. It’s not good news for places with extreme air pollution especially the likes of Delhi where Covid19 has already taken a toll. Yet here are a few places in India where we have nearly dreamy Winters!

    Auli, Uttarakhand:

    Auli is a Himalayan ski resort and hill station in the north Indian state of Uttarakhand. Encapsulated by coniferous and oak forests it’s as good as a place straight out of dream. It also is surrounded by the Nanda Devi and Nar Parvat mountains. A long cable car links Auli to the town of Joshimath. North of Auli has the colorful & Divine Badrinath Temple and the Valley of Flowers National Park, with its alpine flora and wildlife like snow leopards and red foxes. With snow-draped peaks on every side and tranquility abound, Auli is the ultimate winter destination.

    Manali, Himachal Pradesh:

    A resort town in northern Himachal Manali is fondly known as the Honeymoon town. With towering snow-capped Himalayan peaks and stunning valleys, Manali is a beautiful place year-round, and perhaps at its best in winter. It is also known as the backpacking center. Located on the Beas River, it’s a gateway for skiing in the Solang Valley and trekking in Parvati Valley. It’s also a jumping-off point for paragliding, rafting, and mountaineering in the Pir Panjal mountains, home to 4,000m-high Rohtang Pass.

    Shimla, Himachal Pradesh:

    Rightly the capital of Himachal, Shimla was once the summer resort of the British. Shimla is the most popular base for treks. In winter, there is skiing at Kufri and Narkanda from January to mid-March. Shopping is a relishing experience at some of Shimla’s most lively and colorful markets like Lakkar Bazaar. The Kalka- Shimla railway line is an engineering marvel that is recognized as a world heritage site by UNESCO. Also known as the Queen of Hills, Shimla is a winter spectacle from December until February.

    Great Rann of Kutch, Gujarat:

    One of the biggest salt deserts in the world, the great Rann of Kutch in the Gujarat state of India is famed for its natural splendor. The best time to visit this Marvel is during Winters where the inhabitants organise the great ‘Rann mahotsav’. Every winter lakhs of visitors descend on the world’s biggest salt desert – Rann of Kutch stretching 7,505 square miles in the Thar Desert.

    “Have you seen this Underrated places to visit in India?“

    Gulmarg and Sonamarg, Jammu & Kashmir:

    Nestled in the pit panjal range this abode is said to be one of Nature’s creations which even God would love to visit. Popular for both family and Honeymoon trips there are a lot of winter sports activities which are organized in this part of the valley for the tourists who throng in. Trip to Gulmarg is magical year-round, but when winter arrives, it takes on new hues with the entire town blanketed in white.

    Goa:

    The beaches of Goa are somewhere you can be at any time of the year but the sweltering climate otherwise makes it a little uncomfortable during peak summers. The cool breeze and the coastal effect make it a much popular Destination during Winters. People who don’t enjoy the chills too much the pleasant climate of Goa during Winters’s would be a perfect choice with His hosting one of its biggest festivals the Sunburn festival!

    Kerala:

    Popularly known for monsoons, Winters are one time where you can catch the Scenic marvel Kerala is minus getting drenched. The climate is not very wintery but not humid or drenching either. With a pleasant one at other places. The popular ones like Munnar, Wayanad, etc are quite cold and a calming experience. If you find yourself down south during winters (December-February), then make a beeline for ‘God’s Own Country’.

    Rajasthan:

    It doesn’t call for a ‘stay inside blanket’s’ kinda climate but hop out and relish in the Colors and heritage kind of one. The colorful Rajasthan flaunts its best of colors during this season. Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Udaipur, Jaipur, or Bikaner. Go anywhere, you come back with a colorful chest of memories. Right from the cuisines to the folklore and Handloom everything in this part of the country is noteworthy! Winter is the ideal time to visit the Land of Maharajas and experience its regal culture and tradition.

    Shillong, Meghalaya:

    Extremely cold Shillong is one of the most popular honeymoon Destinations, You can Better be blanketed. One place which witnesses an array of climatic changes and kaleidoscope of nature. Winters around here are quite cold but there isn’t much of a snowfall. This capital city of Meghalaya is a picturesque hill station that is in full bloom during winter.

    Kohima, Nagaland:

    Most popular for it’s trekking Experiences and the tribal activities Kohima is one of the popular destinations in India. Dzukou valley and Japfu Peak offer one of the most breathtaking landscapes of the region. Nagaland is called the ‘Switzerland of the East’ and Dzukou valley and Japfu Peak provide solid proof to that. Kohima’s winter highlight is the Hornbill festival held in December.

    Warm up the Kulhads and get the wools ready with not much tourism happening abroad. The winter destinations in India are going to be much in demand this winter!

  • 7 Places to Catch the Fall season!

    7 Places to Catch the Fall season!

    ‘Life starts all over again when it gets crisp in the fall!’, there might not be a better season which symbolizes life as Autumn does. The riot of colors that this season brings in is a sight to behold and cherish.

    It is mesmerizing to say the least, as swathes of green trees fade away to be replaced by dazzling amber, maroon, gold, and bronze hues, with the Sun becoming less bright and intense, and days becoming shorter.

    India doesn’t get to witness much of this breathtaking season other than a few fringes of Kashmir and Himachal.

    But all around the globe, there are places where you can relish and live this fantasy in its glory. 

    Netherland:

    With Summer heat gone and winter chill yet to start, Autumn is a season where you can find yourself best placed in nature. Taking trips, picnics with your family and yourself this is a season to be all there outside. Netherlands or Holland has the best of Autumn making this already stunner of a place more dream-like. Giving in to the popularity of this season, many events are organized and there are many things to try out ranging from food to fun!

    Israel:

    From Apples to honey, from frolic to fun, Israel is a land of joy & happenings during Autumn. Being one of the favorite seasons of land Israelites welcome Autumn with arms wide open and also their gutt. Approximately they gobble up 15,000 tons of apple & 16,000 tons of honey during this season. The famous Honey festival takes place during this time. It’s the best time to Hike & bike. They also receive their first showers during Autumn.

    Japan:

    Do you want to catch the fall in Japan? We’ll make your booking in advance. Easily the most beautiful season in Japan, Tourists flock to Japan during this season to catch this stunningly beautiful place in all its Autumn glory. The famed cherry blossom happens during this season, the cherry blossoms are of pale pink color, and the foliage of all crimson, red & orange. The weather is the most pleasant and picturesque Japan makes a Perfect Destination for photographers’ delight!

    Russia:

    Not any Summer or any winter has the kind of beauty which Autumn brings if words of John Dinner has to be believed. Russia Don’s it’s best look during this season where all parks & streets are a canvas of golden, orange and crimson. As the onset of winter the weather is usually pleasant but unpredictable at times with showers springing in. The Beautiful cathedrals, Museums and parks of Russia become more inviting during this season.

    Northern Ireland:

    Ask us our top reasons to visit Ireland during Autumn?!, Well no place can be spookier than this. It’s here apparently Halloween originated. We sure would love to visit Ireland in it’s spooky best but not just the red & golden of it. Pumpkins all around and the food cooked is at it’s delicious best. With less tourists here during this time in it’s Autumn glory Ireland is all welcoming.

    Canada:

    Canadian Autumn is easily the Autumn one can ever witness. Autumn is earliest here and stays lil longer. Tourists and locals flock the hills and mountains to find their escapades into the forests. Hiking season thus, is at its peak. Moraine Lake – where natural light collides with impossibly yellow larch trees creating, to quote writer Diane Ackerman, something akin to “visual opium.” 

    Head east to Ontario, just north of Toronto, you’ll find another eye popping display – the changing of the Sugar Maple leaves in Algonquin Provincial Park. The Autumn just fleets in a jiffy bringing in the snow so make sure you breath in these stunning visuals into your soul.

    Spain:

    With major wooded areas, Spain is all about brown and orange during its Autumn. With scorching sun cooling off the temperatures are cool as well. The climate is pleasant and very less crowded. Spain is all about hearty meals. With chestnuts found in abundance. It’s the season for wine and mushroom dishes. 

    Remember to catch the fall right before it fades away to cold in a jitter, Happy colors and Happy Autumn!

  • World Tourism Day

    World Tourism Day

    ‘Stories’ the fabric which life comprises. Our lives are all about the stories lived, told, shared, and sometimes hidden. The most relevant one in this process of storytelling are Travelling. Easily Travelling takes us on trips and turns us into storytellers. Thus making it inevitable to celebrate these special criteria of life and we do with ‘World Travel & Tourism day.

    World Tourism Day is commemorated each year on 27 September. Its purpose is to foster awareness among the global community of tourism’s social, cultural, political, and economic value and the contribution the sector can make in reaching the Sustainable Development Goals.

    The aim of Tourism day is to raise awareness about the role of tourism and to focus on the fact that traveling has a major social, cultural, political, and economic effect on all of our lives.

    Travel- ‘It leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller!’, On this World Tourism Day, we reflect upon what Travel means to us?!

    The calm at top Mountains, or conquering those unachievable heights:

    ‘Mountains calling’, a kind of calling or longing most of us experience time and again. The enchantment Mountain tops have got are pulled to calm and serenity they provide. They cover 22 percent of the planet’s land surface and provide habitat for plants, animals, and about 1 billion human beings. 

    Be it the Mighty Himalayas, Mont Blanc, or Victoria peak, they never fail to enchant us. The mountaineers have found immense pleasure and satisfaction in conquering heights and observing and studying the life atop these giant structures which are also considered as pegs keeping mother Earth stable. It’s nothing less than Paradise of green and white. The higher you get the more undiscovered Vistas they offer you but hey! You gotta make your own pizza, Domino’s doesn’t have delivery there.

    The shores, the waves, the breeze, what’s there not to love about beaches? Did we miss mentioning Sunsets?:

    ‘Beach lovers’ anyone? Or everyone? We love everything about beaches. Thailand, Miami, or our very own Goa. Beaches are celebrations. The waves, the shores. Be it a party, a get-together, or just a quiet me-time, beaches answer it all. Scientific studies have proved that spending time by the beaches are good for both physical & mental well being. The reason exactly why Hawaii is the happiest state in the US. 

    The color blue has a direct impact on your mind and is associated with calm and serenity. The smell of the ocean breeze has the power to calm the negative vibes in your system and turn them positive. The perpetual ebbing and flowing of the waves and the sound of it have a positive effect on your brain so much so that you are a totally rejuvenated person after all the deep reflection you go through at a beachside. We can go on about beaches but hey a Traveller doesn’t stop at that!

    The wanderlust we are, we seek Paradise on Earth!

    ‘Jannat’ the breathtakingly beautiful Kashmir is fondly known as ‘heaven on Earth’ we won’t deny that one bit. Kashmir region is predominantly mountainous, with deep, narrow valleys and high, barren plateaus. 

    The stunning valleys and the enchanting Mountains and breathtaking scenery have earned Kashmir the title of ‘Paradise on Earth’. The long ongoing debates, wars, conflicts to make this heaven their own had been continuing since forever. But even the terrorists and bombs haven’t been able to stop Tourists and Travellers from flocking into this heaven.

    Haven’t the wonders made you wonder always?

    The Great Wall of China, the Pyramids of Giza, The Colosseum, Taj Mahal. The wonders of the world. Rightly so because they have made us wonder and have had us awestruck to say the least. 

    These structures have withstood the test of time and they continue to leave many awestruck with their brilliance. There are many in the world, but only seven are selected, which are deemed to be the best. Who wouldn’t travel all the miles to take a glimpse of them and marvel at their magnanimity? We sure would. The Seven Wonders of the World are the Taj Mahal, the Colosseum, the Chichen Itza, Machu Picchu, Christ the Redeemer, Petra, and the Great Wall of China. Added to the list is the Great Pyramid of Giza.

    Known for its architectural brilliance Taj Mahal has been very close to us. The Colosseum Is known as the Flavian Amphitheatre. Much famed artwork of Brazil is Christ the Redeemer. Petra is often referred to as ‘Rose city’ owing to the color of the stone it is carved out of. The wonders will have us wonderstruck for life but the journey doesn’t end there it’s just the beginning!

    Cuisines, where do we start? Is there an end? To love food?!

    Would it be wrong if we quote ‘Food is an emotion?’ well it won’t be. Travelling and Travellers are incomplete without a fervent love for cuisines. The regional, The global, The historical, The religious & ethnic cuisines. 

    The reasons are many, the cause one, ‘love!’

    Love for food and this emotion has bonded humans through years now. Even if not on anything we meet, agree, and relish the food.

    tacos, tamales, tortillas, and various salsas of Latin America. The Pizzas & Pastas of Italy. The Shawarma, the quboos, tandoor, and Baklava of Arabia. The Samosas, the jalebi, the pani puris, the Biryani of India. Where do we start and where do we end?

    Well, this is an indefinite search and path. But travelers can travel in search of this gastronomic treasure world wide.

    Myriad, mystical Travel has always been profound tracing us back to the roots! :

    ‘Pyramids’ what occurs to your mind when you hear or imagine about these mystical, historical structures?!

    Intriguing, mystical, mysterious, well isn’t traveling all that combined together? 

    The Egyptian pyramids are ancient pyramid-shaped masonry structures located in Egypt.  Most were built as tombs for the country’s pharaohs and their consorts during the Old and Middle Kingdom periods. Pharaohs Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure built their massive tombs to last. For more than 4,000 years, the Pyramids of Giza continue to amaze while holding on to their many secrets. The mystical and the intriguing quality of the Pyramids is best described in the book ‘A Thousand Miles Up the Nile’ by  Amelia Blanford Edwards, she writes of the hot drive to the edge of the desert, until “the Great Pyramid, in all its unexpected bulk and majesty, towers close above one’s head … The effect is as sudden as it is overwhelming. It shuts out the sky and the horizon. It shuts out all the other Pyramids. It shuts out everything but the sense of awe and wonder.”

    Pyramids have the capacity to intrigue you for life but Travellers can’t afford to do that.

    Man made colossal structures:

    Man-made colossal had also been a source of wonderment, futuristic, Travel has also been looking towards the future perpetually!

    ‘The Burj khalifa’ brings the tallest, The Empire state building of New York deriving its name from “Empire State”, the nickname of the state of New York. The Sydney Opera House is a multi-venue performing arts center at Sydney Harbour in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. Which easily is one of the 20th century’s most famous and distinctive buildings. The leaning tower of Pisa or simply the Tower of Pisa is the campanile, or freestanding bell tower, of the cathedral of the Italian city of Pisa, known worldwide for its nearly four-degree lean, the result of an unstable foundation. 

    This colossal man-made structure is a promise towards the future. A promise of better, brighter, developing things to come and a Traveller has enough reasons to travel, discover and marvel at these man-made wonders.

    Listing the reasons for Travelling is never-ending as the roads, the valleys, the treks, the shores, the waves. There is never an end to the joy, to the stories, to the memories. There is never an end to the pursuit of happiness & life. And traveling should go on as well!

    Check our Blog on top Romantic Places to visit