My Life This Year

"This being human is a guest house. Every morning a new arrival. A joy, a depression, a meanness, some momentary awareness comes as an unexpected visitor. Welcome and entertain them all! Even if they are a crowd of sorrows, who violently sweep your house empty of its furniture, still, treat each guest honorably. He may be clearing you out for some new delight. The dark thought, the shame, the malice. meet them at the door laughing and invite them in. Be grateful for whatever comes. because each has been sent as a guide from beyond." ~ Rumi

My year 2020 stared with this beautiful thought and as the year progressed, it became more and more relevant not just for me but for the whole world. For me personally 2020 was like a roller coaster ride. There were days when everything seemed lost and there were days when I felt on top of the world. There were all kinds of emotions and feelings at different times of this year. Peace, fulfilment, happiness, frustration, anger, sadness I experienced it all, and as Rumi said I took it as a guide and learnt something from each. I surely am a better and a matured person today. Thanks to 2020!

THE COVID STORY

March started with the sad news of COVID spreading world over. And in mid March lockdown was announced in India. The life came to a stand still. 

This gave us an opportunity to slow down and be with our families. Our homes and gardens saw more of us. We enjoyed bluer skies, empty roads, silent atmosphere and purer air. 

And we gradually started spending more time doing what really matters. Cooking, painting and gardening took major part of our time. Online family get togethers became a regular. For me personally, paintings became a major stress buster.

But this all seemed good for some time then frustration started to take over. People lost their jobs, some lost their loved ones. Most of us were pressed for resources. May was the Month of Confusion and chaos. 

By June & July, got a little settled in the new lifestyle. We started brainstorming and changed strategies in work. At HOI, we introduced new concepts like workation and added more homestays to our network.  The concept got recognized and was covered by many publications like Times of India, Financial Times, The Better India and Dainik Bhaskar.

RESTARTED TRAVELLING

Post June, I restarted travelling and took many short road trips around Delhi to clear the confusions and inspire people to start traveling safely with confidence. Rather than avoiding to travel I did cautious and careful travel. Took a trip to Lotwara in July,  Dwarahat, Mirai and Mangoli in August, Pushkar in Sept, Kotabagh in Oct and Bikaner and Corbett in Nov. Stayed at Homestays all through.

2020 - THE YEAR OF ACHIEVEMENTS 

The year has taken a lot from us, but to me it has also given a lot. If I say 2020 has been an year of achievements for me, that would not be an exaggeration. Some of my personal and professional gains during 2020 include: 

• Receiving 'NATIONAL WOMEN EXCELLENCE AWARD - 2020' organized by Indo European Chamber of Small and Medium Enterprises (IECSME) for empowering rural women through developing homestays. I shared the stage with personalities like Padma Shree Phoolbasan Yadav.

• Getting investment for our venture HomeStays of India. 
  
  
• My entrepreneurial  journey got featured in Makers India, Your Story, Heya_Girl, KaroStartup

WISH YOU ALL A HAPPY 2021 

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My First Trip in COVID Times

Pre Journey Preparations…

The excitement started right after I confirmed with the host that Lotwara Heritage Homestay is prepared to welcome guests now. The mere anticipation of traveling after almost 4 months was exhilarating. We knew we would need to be very careful while traveling in these times and we were prepared for that.

All Set for an Epic Trip

The preparations started with planning what all food we pack for the way. It was in childhood that I last did this. But COVID has brought us back there, where we feel safe to eat our own food rather than stopping at roadside eateries. It was decided that we will pack vegetable sandwiches and chicken cutlets for breakfast and Puri-Aalu for lunch. Mango will be our in between snack. Thermos was dug out from the bed box and was filled with tea. And we got the chance to use a water jug that was lying idle in almirah for ages. Better we do not rely on the mineral water bottles on the way. Who knows how many people have touched it before reaching us.

We started the drive early in the morning. The air was cool and fresh, roads empty and hearts happy!

The Journey...

Hearty Breakfast on the Car Top

The drive was enjoyable. There were long discussions on topics starting from politics to COVID to travel to business; we seemed to discuss almost everything on earth. There was not a single silent moment.  And in between were the little fights over songs to be played. Everyone had their own favorites and no one wanted to miss the chance to play them before we reached. Our first break was somewhere on the Agra expressway. The car roof was made table and the sandwiches, cutlet and tea was laid out nicely. The cups that resembled kullar were specifically picked for the journey, so we do not miss that kullar wali dhaba chai on the way. After a hearty breakfast, we resumed our journey. And the discussions and the music continued.

The scene on roads completely changed the moment we left the expressway and took the road to Mathura. The roads were full, shops were open and people were sitting and chatting outside the shops without any mask. The scene was like nothing ever happened or this part of the world does not know what has happened to the rest of the world. We drove past all of this and took our second break near Bharatpur, this time near an old house with huge open space in the front. Table was laid out on the car seat itself. Aloo Puri was served in disposable plates along with tea. Post meal those who were comfortable dirtying their hands with mango pulp, had mangoes and others had chocolate as dessert. We reached Lotwara Heritage Homestay around 2 PM. It just took us 6 hrs to reach with all the breaks

Lotwara Heritage Homestay with Minimum Staff and Maximum Safety

A Warm Welcome…

No Touch Sanitizer at the Entrance

We were welcomed by the lovely sight of dancing peacocks. The host was expecting us and was all set to welcome his first guests in COVID period.  I was impressed to see the sanitizer dispenser that operated from foot. It was a no-touch technique as were all other formalities.

We chose to pick our luggage ourselves for obvious reasons.  I was glad to see that the staff maintained the required distance.

Since we reached around lunch time, lunch was ready and was served on the dining table in our family room. The host himself was there to oversee the arrangements.
We enjoyed the simple home-cooked meal (prepared by someone else) that included Gatta Curry, Moong Dal, Rice, Roti, Raita and Salad, post which the obvious thing to do was to lie down and relax.

The Relaxing Stay…

I was overwhelmed to have traveled after such a long period and could not believe that the bed I am sleeping on is not my own. It was such a welcome change. The evening was spent on the terrace with a glass of beer and snacks. It was the full moon night and the clouds were hovering over the moon creating interesting patterns. I quietly watched the play of the moon and the clouds till I got a call from the kitchen to have my dinner. I was so relaxed, I slept like a baby.

The King Room

We woke up early to the screams of a peacock. A cool breeze of fresh air brushed my hair as I peeped out of the window. It was amazing to see a peacock dancing on the terrace of the house next door.  It was a perfect morning to roam around and soak in the beauty of the place. So I went to the terrace without any second thoughts. It was a pleasant morning unlike the hot mornings in Delhi. The morning hunger was satiated with hot aloo parathas with a variety of pickles and adrak wali chai. And some were packed for our journey that was equally interesting.

Open Seating Area on the Terrace 

And thus we completed a super awesome trip. I am glad we did this. It made me realize that it is possible to travel while taking all necessary precautions and keeping a safe distance. We cannot control when will this pandemic end but we can definitely learn to live with it and make our lives better. And I am glad to see that homestay hosts are also now fully equipped and trained to handle the guests.

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How to cope with WFH

Are you one of those to whom WFH sounded easy and fun in the beginning but now it's taking a toll on you? Don't worry you are not the only one. There are many like us. And with no house help these days, most of us have to handle both house work and office work. So we need more time. And it's getting difficult.

Below are a few tips on how I managed it:

1. While we are inclined to sleep late and get up late. Self discipline is the key. Watching a movie till late night thinking you don't have to get up for office tomorrow can spoil the next whole day. Getting up on time is a best start you can give to your day.
2. Have a fixed schedule for every day. Make a timetable like we used to in childhood and follow that religiously. Changing it everyday will create more chaos.
3. Write the tasks you want to complete in the day in a diary (not on mind). Keep ticking them off the list as you complete them. This gives a different kind of high. And you will be able to manage time more efficiently when you know how much more is there to do for the day.  It is important step to be productive. 
4. Do not overburden yourself. Give yourself proper breaks. Do not work late hours. Close the day as per your timetable. You are home doesn't mean you can do late nights. Your mind and body need proper rest. 
5. You are with your family and they might need your attention at times. Don't worry about that. We are not that bad in time management after all ;)  

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2019 - Laying Foundation for Future

Some of my Experimental Looks of 2019

Every year has a different feel, a different pattern to it. Some years are full of opportunities and growth while some are slow; some are full of travel while some are dull; some bring lots of joy while some bring sadness. But one good thing is with every passing year we grow a little.

I always say take journey not just outside but inside as well... this year was more of taking the journey inside. Tried to understand myself better so as to improve my behavior, my relationships and my life in general. At professional front got things systematic and met some people who might influence my professional growth in big way.

I see this year as laying foundation for a better tomorrow - both personally and professionally.

SOME THINGS THAT MADE ME HAPPY THIS YEAR...

Developing Terrace Garden

  

Revisiting my forgotten hobby - Painting

Trying Switchboard Art

Learning to Play Guitar

Contributing to the society - Sehat Ki Shala at Sinkiya Village

Travelling with Family and Friends

Getting Appreciated For My Work

Creating My New Workspace

Receiving National Business Leadership Award

Catching up With Old Friends

Getting Published in Bengali Magazine for the first

Always around Dec I get a feeling nothing much happened this year but when I start recalling, I end up saying hell of a year it was!

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Aahana - The Perfect Retreat Just 5 hrs From Delhi

The days were going very hectic when I got an invite for the experiential stay at Aahana. It is a good opportunity to take a break from my hectic schedule, I thought, and decided to head to one of the finest Luxury Eco-resorts in Corbett. And, no surprise, I had the most calm and dreamy time of my life!

RELAXING ENVIRONS

Spread over a sprawling 11 acres amidst the wild environs of Corbett Tiger Reserve, it is a perfect place to unwind. The morning walks, simple yet delicious meal served with lots of love and care, the cozy afternoon siesta, the evenings spent by the pool side listening to mild tunes on guitar and the mesmerizing star studded nights - all of this made my stay perfect!

The cool seating arrangement by the pool 

The property overlooks the Bijrani forest and is ideal for bird watching. More than 173 bird species frequent the property.  Just sitting in my balcony I could see more than 15 varieties of birds. 

Morning walk in the campus breathing fresh air laden with lemony scent of citronella, listening to sweet bird songs and cherishing the variety of tree plantations with more than 200 species, I was refreshed to the core. 

 A Well Planned Walking Pathway in the Midst of Nature 

ECOLOGICALLY RESPONSIBLE RESORT

Being a responsible traveler, I was thrilled to know it's an ecologically responsible resort. And its not just a claim I saw many such initiatives in the property:

 - The water conservation and waste management system. 

The water treatment plant here is one of the biggest of its kind in Asia. The plant effectively recycles waste water and is used for gardening etc. The pathways have been constructed in such a way that it allows rainwater to seep in and thus maintaining the underground water table. 

The Water Treatment Plant - Biggest of its kind in Asia 

- The Waste Management System

All the biodegradable waste generated within the property is decomposed and utilized as manure for gardens and organic farming. 

The non-biodegradable waste is collected, segregated and sent for recycling, maintaining the ecological balance within the resort. I was highly impressed to see the way my breakfast for the journey was packed in paper bags are made of used newspapers and biodegradable plates made of Areca Nut Palm leaf.

- The Organic Garden

There are gardens that grow organic vegetables, spices and medicinal plants and herbs as well that are used for treatments and therapies in the spa. 

It was interesting to see how the cow urine mixed with neem leaves is used as pesticide for the plantations. 

COMFORTABLE STAY, DELICIOUS FOOD AND CORDIAL STAFF

Last but not the least, the comfortable well equipped rooms with every minute detail taken into consideration. Like umbrellas in the room, a disposable bag in the bathroom and the usual - robes, slippers, locker and other required accessories.

Comfortable Room Opening Up to The Forest

Another highlight of the stay was simple delicious food cooked from fresh seasonal vegetables locally sourced or grown in in-house organic kitchen garden. Got the taste of local flavors in their Kumaoni cuisine. 

The Multi Cuisine Restaurant

Its good to know that the resort support locals. Out of 105 staff members, 90% are locals. And all of them extremely hospitable. 

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Living in Harmony with Nature

Recently I was on a trip to village Sunkiya near Mukteshwar. While roaming around in the village, the heaps of Oak leaves mixed in cow dung made me curious. It looked like something I have never seen before. Can you guess looking at the picture below what this might be and what is being done here?

Its the organic manure in making. Vermi-composting of leaf litter mixed with cow dung and other waste.  

So here goes the process - 

The oak leaves and bark are collected from all over the forest during autumn (April - May).

          

These are then used as bed for the cattle. 

  

The leaves/ bark etc mixed with cow dung and urine are then collected and stored. 

It takes a few months for it to convert into organic manure. Litter of the Oak tree leaves is composted and then converted into vermicast by the action of earthworms. This manure is the basis for soil fertility and the renewal of degraded soils year after year.

Yes, it’s so simple yet so alien to city people. We keep talking about organic food, but do not really know what it means. The food grown using natural fertilizers. And here's this natural fertilizer in making.  These simple village people do it so naturally, without even knowing the importance of it. 

It’s amazing to see how the villagers live in harmony with nature. Nature provides them with all they need and inturn they have taken the responsibility of conserving the surrounding forest. They do not let anyone cut the trees and new trees are planted every year.

May this relationship between villages and forests keep flourishing in times to come. 

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Homestays – A Perfect Option for Long-term Stays

An old couple enjoying their last inning in a cozy home watching birds and butterflies on the hills without actually spending their life savings in building a house there; a research scholar coming back to a caring family after a hectic day’s work; a developer writing codes while sitting in a balcony with a view of snow covered Himalayas and a writer getting her/ his creativity boosted while watching sunset on a hill. All thanks to the concept of homestays where you can live with a family in their homes. 

Why are Homestays a good option for long staying guests?

1. Stay under the safety and care of a family.
2. Be easy on your tummy and relish homemade local delicacies.
3. Enjoy respect of the neighborhood for being a locals’s guest.
4. Be a part of local festivals during your stay.
5. No disturbance of loud tourists unlike in hotels.
6. You might as well be able to negotiate a good deal for long stay from the owner.

Students who have to live in foreign city or country can be sure of their safety at homestays. When they return to their stay after a hectic day, there will be someone to ask them tea and snacks. They will get home-cooked meals on time. So rather than staying in a hostel or a rented room, homestay is a better option for the students.

In the world where everything is digital, working remotely is trending. You no more need to be in confines of your office to earn. Today when connectivity is nearly universal, you can easily chose where your current month’s office will be. And homestays are the best option for digital nomads as well.

For retired people, building a home in the location of their choice, hills or near beach may be, can mean using up all their life savings. Staying in a homestay for long-term is a good option. They can spend every summer in different location. Not just that staying with a family will make sure they have someone to take care in case of any emergency.

Check out top 10 homestays in India ideal for long-term stay in summers without making a hole in your pocket. They will cost you anywhere from 15,000 to 30,000 a month for a person, depending on your month of visit, location, duration etc. Click on the title for details of the homestay.

1. LIATUMKHRAH, SHILLONG

Centrally located in the city of Shillong, this beautiful old colonial house is deal for students and researchers. The host will never let you feel home-sick, with her love and care.

2. RAILA, UTTARAKHAND 

This 100year old traditional mud-and-stone house and organic farm exotically located in a small village of Uttarakhand will give you ample opportunities to learn organic farming and live in harmony with nature. 

3. KYARI, UTTARAKHAND 

Not very far from the capital city Delhi, live in a peaceful village environment with tradional joint family and enjoy home cooked pahari meals. 

4. OLD MANALI, HIMACHAL PRADESH 
How would it be to live with locals in Old Manali? Enjoy the comfort and care of a home while getting all the facilities of a hill town. 

5. PALAMPUR, HIMACHAL PRADESH 
It is a beautiful home nestled in pine forest in the shadow of Dhauladhars. You can expect a super comfortable stay with soft spoken hospitable Himachali couple. 

6. MUKTESHWAR, HIMACHAL PRADESH 

Live with hospitable farmer family of Uttarakhand in this cozy little home surrounded by Oak and rhododendron forest. If you plan to spend your summers here, enjoy crunchy fresh fruits that you have plucked yourself. The highlight of the stay here is delicious food made from farm fresh vegetable 

7. ASSAM LINGZEY, SIKKIM 

Home to a cheerful and knowledgeable local person, you can spend your days relaxing here in the lap of nature and living simple life enjoying organic traditional Sikkimese meals.

8. MUNNAR, KERALA 

This can be you home in the outskirts of Munnar. Positioned strategically on the top of a mountain, the homestay is a nest-in-the-woods kind of experience, ideal for those who want to escape the city crowd and live amidst nature. 

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How to Best Spend 5 Days in Kolkata and Around

Unending addas with countless cups of tea, a nice spread of multi-course meal, variety of sweets, Victoria Memorial, Maidan, Howrah, yellow black taxi, tram... these are a few things that come to mind when we think of Kolkata. Yes these are the highlights along with a lot more that this city offers. Jotting down a plan that will help you explore the city if you have a few days and want to get the essence of place. I feel experiencing Kolkata will be incomplete without a visit to Shantiniketan. So I have kept 2 days for that. Plan in such a way that you get 1 day in Shanti niketan on a Saturday. Shonbarer haat is something that I highly recommend.

DAY 1: Plan the first half of the day getting to know the surroundings. It will be fun talking to people around, having tea on road side stalls or just talking a walk to get the feel of the place. Go to Princep ghat post lunch. Located along the banks of the Hooghly, the ghat is surrounded by greenery and overlooks the Vidyasagar Setu. This is a place that distinctly depicts the city. Cool breeze, view of the Howard Bridge and the tranquil boat ride will make your evening.
You could take a drive on red road past Eden gardens and all India ride and go to Park Street for a late dinner.


DAY 2: Spend the day around Chowringhee, the swankiest promenade in town, lined with colonial-era buildings including the Indian Museum, the Chowringhee Mansions and the Asiatic Society, as well as markets, shops, movie theaters and restaurants.  You can take local bus/ tram ride as well.

 If you're interested in theater the academy of fine arts and Kala mandir you can check the schedule and attend a show. Or you can just go to Nandan and gorge on the fish fries and coffee. Your Kolkata visit will be incomplete without shopping at New Market.


DAY 3: Start your day at the Maidan, Kolkata's 400-hectare green lung, which boasts a race course, countless social and sports clubs, a cricket venue, several football stadia and the Victoria Memorial, a grand marble monument to imperial ambition completed in 1921 which now serves as a museum displaying Raj-era paintings and an excellent permanent exhibition on Kolkata.

Then visit Kalighat Kali Temple, Dakshineswar Kali Temple and Belur Math. You may also visit Nirmal Hriday, formerly Mother Teresa's Kalighat Home for the Dying.


DAY 4: Drive on highway through beautiful countryside to reach Shanti Niketan. Lunch on the way. Get fresh and visit Sonajhuri forest and Kopai River. Take a rikshaw ride to feel the cool breeze from green fields on your face and appreciate the unadulterated greenery around you.

Visit Shonbarer haat at Khoai that is a platform for local artisans to showcase their art works. The usual items include ethnic jewelry, showpieces, local artworks, garments and even local ethnic Bengali dishes like pithey and payesh. The Haat starts to gather from around 03:00 pm and ends at around 06:00 pm. End your day listening to the Baul singing to you a song on life.

DAY 5: The early mornings are really nice for village walks along the tribal villages and the Khoai region.  Spend the day roaming around Vishwa Bharti campus. Visit Uttarayan Complex to see the five houses of Tagore’s family set in beautiful olden days’ architecture styled and designed by him, the Rabindra Bhawan Meuseum and Upasana Griha.
Have a  relaxed evening looking at the dipping sun at Sonajhuri. 

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Snow Destinations Near Delhi

Imagine enjoying star gazing on a chilled night and chatting around bonfire. And the next morning when you wake up the whole valley is covered in white sheet of snow as if some fairy has waived her magic wand at night and magic dust in the form of light fluffy snowflakes is still floating in the air. It's not a very difficult-to-achieve dream. There are many places around Delhi where you can experience snow. 

And staying with a local in a homestay will further enhance your experience. You can use their knowledge about the place to have an offbeat experience.

MUKTESHWAR

Mukteshwar is a quaint little hill town in Nainital district just 8 hrs drive from Delhi. Kathgodam is the nearest railway station from where you can hire a cab. It is just 2 hrs drive from there.

Crisp mountain air laden with the fragrance of oak and pines and stunning views of snow clad Himalayas will welcome you to this sleepy hamlet. 

Spend quiet holidays with your family at a secluded homestay located in oak forest where you can enjoy fresh organic meals and mesmerizing sunset views. 

While staying at this little paradise you can do day trips to Bhimtal (37 km), Naukuchiatal (41 km), Sattal (41 km), Nainital (47 km) and Almora (52 km)

NADDI

Naddi is a small village in kangra valley, Himachal just 4 kms from McLeodganj. 

The best way to reach Naddi is overnight bus from Delhi to Mcleodganj. Start your journey with traffic and noise of the city and wake up in a quiet paradise.With amazing views of Dhauladhar ranges on one side and the stunningly beautiful kanga valley on the other, Naddi is a perfect place to spend a few days in the lap of Himlayas.

Stay with a local family who can guide you with some amazing nature trails. Enjoy your morning tea with spectacular view of snowcapped Dhauladhar range and a mesmerizing sunset with a bowl of hot maggi or pakoras.

While staying here you can plan excursions to Mcleodganj (4km) • Dharamshala (13km) • Palampur (42km) • Bir-Billing (75km)

RANGRI

Rangri, a small village just 13kms from Manali, Himachal Pradesh, is perfect to experience the winter snow charm of Manali while staying away from the crowds. Take an overnight Volvo bus from Delhi to Manali. Post the snowy season in Manali, the snow-filled peaks and valleys are perfect for outdoor activities. With the slopes covered in snow, you can indulge in snow sports like skiing and sled in day and cozy around bonfire at night.

Stay at a traditionally built cottage style home far away from noise and crowd.

Plan to visit Rohtang, Gulaba, Solang Valley and Bijli Mahadev during your visit to Rangri.

 UKHIMATH

And if you want to snow trek, you will love Ukhimath. It is 455 kms from Delhi. You can break the journey at Rishikesh if required. Below is the trail to follow:

Delhi -Haridwar – Rishikesh – Devprayag – Srinagar – Rudraprayag – Agastyamuni - Kund – Ukhimath. Ukhimath is base for treks to Madhmaheshwar, Tungnath, Deoria Tal and many other picturesque places. All these treks are full of snow between November and March.

Stay at a 60 yrs old pahadi village home nestled in dense forests of Oak and, Rhododendron.

Below are the places you can visit from Ukhimath:

Vishwanath Temple Guptkashi (15 km) • Kalimath (15 km) • Deoriya Tal (15km) • Chopta (17km) • Tungnath (23km) • Chandrasila (24.5 km) • Rakeshawri Temple (Chandramaa) (30 km) • Madhymaheswer Temple (45 km) • Triyuginarayan (Wedding place of Shiva and Parvati) (52 km) • Kedarnath (60 km)

KALPA

If you have more time and want to go on a longer vacation Kalpa is perfect place. 565 kms from Delhi, Kalpa is a small town in the Sutlej river valley in Kinnaur district of Himachal. It is located in the shadow of mighty Kinner Kailash. There is no rail or air connectivity to Kalpa. The only option to reach there is either by the public buses to Rekong peo which is 5 kms from Kalpa or the private vehicles on the below trail from Delhi. 

Delhi - Shimla – Rampur – Karchham- Recong Peo – Kalpa.

Take a night halt somewhere around Shimla.  Chitkul and Sangla can also be clubbed in the same tour if roads to Chitkul are open.

The village has an exquisite scenic beauty. Enjoy the magnificent view of snow covered mountains while having tea in the garden of your homestay. Witnessing the sun rising over the Kinner Kailash ranges and the changing colors of the peak while sun sets.  There is a possibility of snowfall at Kalpa till March.

*Pictures are sourced from the homestay owners

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