Chandrashila - Where the Magic Starts

I woke up to a knock at the door of my room from a fellow traveler Lalima at 4.30AM. Excited she was to announce that the sky is clear. We took no time to get up and start trekking towards Chandrashila. It was biting cold sub zero temperature. The hands, nose, cheeks and lips were all red with cold and the heart was thumping not sure from the rush of blood due to trekking or from the anticipation...

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Tungnath - Nature's Playground

I felt my lungs inflate with the onrush of scenery—sky, clouds, mountains, trees. I thought, "This is what it is to be happy" Standing on a cliff at an altitude of 3,680 m (12,073 ft), this is exactly what my feeling was. All the tiredness of 3hrs trek disappeared immediately. All I could feel was the happiness... happiness of being there at that moment. Nothing else mattered, how I reached, what...

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How to Prepare Yourself for a Memorable Homestay Experience

Homestays these days are getting quite popular; while home-stays can provide you with an amazing local experience, you must go with a right set of expectations. Here are a few pointers based on my travels and stays with host families that will help you get the best of your vacation at a homestay. FOOD Homestays are the best place to stay if you like to try local cuisine. For instance if you...

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An Appeal From a Responsible Human Being

"I think the environment should be put in the category of our national security. Defense of our resources is just as important as our defense abroad. Otherwise what is there to defend." Read it somewhere and I so agree to it. It's time we wake up, realize and  understand where are we heading. Our wrong habits have done some alarming damages to the environment and if we do not change it today...

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The Thar Experience

Suddenly in the middle of night I opened my eyes to a "Moon Halo". I had no idea what I was watching at that time but was mesmerized by the sight of it. The moon, in its full silvery glow, was surrounded by a rainbow like circle and two tiny bright stars were playfully twinkling inside the halo as if teasing the moon. I was sleeping on the dunes of the Thar desert under the sparkling star studded...

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Reasons you must visit Pushkar

There’s a lot more to the oasis town of Pushkar than just the Camel fair that it is mostly associated with. Walk through the labyrinth of alleys and lanes, its bazaars and the ghats to discover the magic of this tranquil town. Below are a few things I love to do when I am in Pushkar. #1.  Spend Dazzling Evening at Pushkar Lake The aura around the lake, the reflections of the evening...

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5 Best Road Trip Himalayan Destinations

If you are in Delhi and have passion to drive, pick your car and head to Himalayas. There are some of the world's most picturesque drives that you can do from here. #1 Leh via Srinagar  It's a dream-come-true road trip for every adventure lover. Driving through green pines and then rocky mountains... over the snow covered mountain passes... witnessing vast landscapes that change with...

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Common Myths About Homestays

As a traveller and a travel consultant I always try to make choices that are environment friendly. For instance, rather than buying plastic mineral water bottle every time I am thirsty, I prefer carrying my steel water bottle and refill it and encourage other people to do the same; I always snack on bhutta, nariyal pani, dry fruits etc that are natural and do not come in plastic packing and on group...

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Sandal Suites - A Comfortable Extended Stay Accommodation Option in NOIDA

I could imagine myself staying at the elegantly designed and furnished Studio as I hear Mr. Rattan Keswani, Deputy Managing Director, Lemon Tree Hotels and Director, Carnation Hotels Pvt. Ltd speaking at the launch of Sandal Suites on 7th June 2017. I could imagine starting my day working out at fully equipped gym; cooling myself down at the rooftop swimming pool; enjoy playing tennis or squash;...

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Pushkar Holi - Festival of Colors in True Sense

It's HOLI the next day and the holy little town is full of festivities. In all major chawks people are lighting fire for the ceremony called Holika Dahan, and rituals are being performed by the locals. People from around the world in their Indian traditional attire are gathered here to witness it. Celebration, fun, laughter and music is in the air. While purohit is busy performing rituals,...

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A Simple Girl From The Mountains

The phone beeps early morning and it flashes -  "On this beautiful day just a few years back a very special person was born with a magical wand which could persuade people to roam around the world freely and understand the love for nature... she is one of the wonder woman in today's world... and I wish this wonder woman a very very happy birthday!" Another message says "Happiieee happiieee...

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