Guest Post || Unforgettable Moments_ a Traveler’s Diary of St. John Villa Experience by James Sullivan

It was time to pick a vacation destination for our family. This year we decided that we wanted to go somewhere warm. As much as we loved skiing, the thought of easing our cold feet out of ski boots and waiting for them to warm up lost its appeal.

After some looking, we settled on St. John. But where to stay? We ultimately decided to do a search for “St. John Villas” and found an almost bewildering list of places that we could rent. There were so many of them and they all had their own unique features and great views.

High or Low Season?

The first thing that we had to figure out was whether we were going to go during the high or low season. We live in New York, which gets cold at times, so we figured that we’d really appreciate the warm weather in February, which is when we went. It was worth the roughly $300 extra a night, in our opinion.

The Accommodations

This is where the villa that we chose really stood out. The name of it was Paraiso Azul and it was gorgeous. There were five bedrooms, which really pleased everyone, since it was us, our two teenage kids, and another family which had another teen. There were two rooms near the pool deck.

We were in love with the architecture, starting off with some really nice Moroccan iron gates. The rooms were spacious, the beds luxurious, and the kitchen was really nicely put together. Everything made us feel like we were in a home away from home – though at home we don’t have 24-hour service for things that we need.

Of course, there were modern amenities – like WiFi. Even on vacation, we love spending time on our electronics. There was something peaceful about resting on the reclining lounge chairs looking at our tablets and feeling the cool tropical breeze as we also had a view of the sea.  

The Experience

The people there were so friendly. They made every effort to make sure that we had a great time. Also, we loved being able to see breathtaking sunrises and sunsets from our villa — along with some really gorgeous nighttime skies, since we didn’t have any light pollution.

As far as the temperatures went, it felt like summer every day. We felt sad packing on the last night of our stay, knowing that we’d be going back to the cold days of New York, counting down the days until summer.

It really was a great time and we highly recommend a visit to St. John. 

Author Bio-

James Sullivan from St. John Ultimate Villas has been helping with travel tourism for the past 12 years. He now wants to share his knowledge and expertise with others.

Disclaimer: *Contents of this story is Authors personal views and presentation.

**Photos from the guest Author / Google

If you also want to get featured as a guest author on yatripandit.com, share your story with us on info@yatripandit.com

Guest post || Must-See places and fun activities to do in Dubai 2021 by MONICA

The year 2020 played a spoilsport. It was indeed an unusual year where travel ceased to a halt. But now that the world is slowly coming back to normal, globetrotters are longing to travel beyond their countries to exciting destinations. Dubai is one of the global cities that has opened its borders during the pandemic and welcomed discerning travelers. The Emirate’s optimism is strong-willed, ready to face challenges, and looks forward to 2021 with buoyance. For those looking for a 2021 getaway to Dubai, here are the top attractions and activities to include in your Dubai holiday

At Dubai Marina

Dubai Marina Walk

Dubai Marina is that one place in Dubai that aptly captures the urbane flair and extravagance of Dubai. Flaunted blatantly, the opulence is enticing to witness. Saunter through Dubai Marina’s serene promenades to experience the luxe life of yacht-lined harbourfront, soaring skyscrapers that dazzle at night, and a range of cafes, fine-dining restaurants and shopping arcades.

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Dubai Marina

Sunset Dinner Cruise on Dubai Marina

The scenic vistas of a brook meandering through high-raised skyscrapers can only be imagined in Dubai. Visit this man-made creek at night which looks absolutely magnificent with shimmering waters reflecting a kaleidoscope of hues from surrounding illuminated structures. Take a gentle cruise down the Dubai Marina in the evening to enjoy a gorgeous sundowner experience along with scrumptious dinner on board.

Dubai Marina, Boat, River, Water, Night, Lights

Zero Gravity Beach Club

You can spend an entire day at Zero Gravity Beach Club. A leisure retreat that comprises a beachfront, pools, club and restaurant, and a concert venue, Zero Gravity Beach Club is one of the most happening hotspots in Dubai Marina. It is famous for its nightlife and parties where you can dance all night and groove to the beats of famous DJs from around the world.

Dubai, Dubai Marina, United Arab Emirates, Marina Boat

At Palm Jumeirah Dubai

Aquaventure waterpark and Lost Chambers Aquarium

Step away from the city life and venture out to experience the ultimate adventure and leisure moments at Aquaventure Waterpark. Located at Atlantis the Palm, get ready for a day where you slide, tumble and plunge exhilarating water slides and rides. Your day at Atlantis Aquaventure waterpark will only get bolder and adventurous. Boasted as the best waterpark in the Middle East, Aquaventure deserves the praise for keeping its guests excited and invigorated throughout their time spent here. Located next to Aquaventure Waterpark is an aquatic experience you have never experienced ever. The Lost Chambers Aquarium takes you up, close and personal to the enigmatic realm of the underwater world filled with awesome varieties of marine creatures of the ocean.

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The Palm Fountain

 The brand-new attraction that took everyone’s breath away with its spectacular performance,  The Palm Fountain is now the world’s biggest dancing fountain. Breaking its own record held by Dubai Fountains, Dubai unveiled the next big thing of the emirate – the flamboyant Palm Fountain in October 2020. Located at the boulevard of The Pointe at Palm Dubai, enjoy an enchanting evening viewing the spectacle of Palm Fountain sashaying to music and colorful jets of water shooting up into the starry sky. This is one magnificent show that lingers on in the mind long after you have experienced it. 

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At Zabeel Park

Dubai Frame

There are many ways to view Dubai’s awe-inspiring skyline but Dubai Frame is an extraordinary spot to witness the city’s splendor. Dubai Frame in actuality frames the beauty of New Dubai and old-world charms of Old Dubai. It beautifully captures the past, present and also gives an insight into the future of Dubai. Standing at 150 meters, Dubai Frame is the world’s largest Frame that appeals to visitors with its architectural wonder. It is one of the unmissable spots to visit in Dubai. 

Dubai Frame, Dubai, Uae, Emirates, Architecture

At Old Dubai

Al Seef

The old meets new at Al Seef Dubai. This fascinating stretch located on the shores of Dubai Creek offers a blend of Arabic heritage and culture with western contemporary comforts.  Lined along the shoreline, you can enjoy fabulous vistas of Old Dubai architecture and vibes while enjoying international dining, café culture and retail therapy. The Arabian heritage stands out in Al Seef and lets its visitors explore souks, Emirati traditions and old-world charms of Dubai’s bygone era.

Tea, Arab, Saudi, Dubai, Morocco, Arabic, Marrakesh

Al Bastakiya Quarters

Step back into the past when Dubai was mellower and a simple village in the desert. Amid the towering skyscrapers, Al Bastakiya stands out as a starkly contrasting change of scenery. Preserving the ancient traditional roots of Emirati culture, Al Bastakiya Quarters gives you an insight into the life before modernity took over in Dubai. The monotone structures with wind towers and quaint narrow alleys exude memoirs of Dubai’s precious olden days and heritage.

Dubai Souks

Steer away from the glamourous malls of Dubai and wander through colorful alleys of Dubai Souks. Shop for glittering gold jewelry, aromatic spices and perfumes and hand-crafted textiles at reasonable prices. If you are good at haggling, then you are in for a treat for some bargain retail therapy.

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At Downtown Dubai

Burj Khalifa and Dubai Fountain

The tallest tower in the world – Burj Khalifa is one of the most popular landmarks to visit in Dubai. Right next to it Dubai Fountains adds an extra grandeur to the whole scenario. Together, Burj Khalifa and Dubai Fountain dominate the scene at Dubai Downtown and at night the whole arena lights up into an illuminated spectacle. Don’t forget to take a trip to the top of Burj Khalifa to witness a scintillating view of the Dubai city skyline and the dancing fountains below.

Dubai, Desert, Burj Kalifa, Emirates, Vacations

Dubai Mall

One of the most popular activities to do in Dubai is shopping! However, no other mall comes close to comparison against the extravagance of Dubai Mall. Sprawling over 500000 square meters and brimming with over 1000 retail outlets, Dubai Mall is a shopper’s paradise. Once you enter this magnificent mall, apart from shopping you can enjoy a host of recreational activities such as VR Park, KidZania, Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo to name a few. 

Shopping Mall, Layer, Dubai, The Glass Ceiling, Man

About the author:

Monica Singh is a freelance travel writer by profession. She is particularly fond of traveling and loves to jot down her experiences and cultural diversities of different countries.

Guest Post || Adventure to Havelock (Swaraj Dweep) Island by ridhi

I and my partner got married in February 2020. Between mountains and beaches, we agreed upon beaches as our honeymoon destination. After considering all options while surfing on the internet, we both agreed on Andaman and Nicobar Group.

On checking the pictures of that place, we were mesmerized and surprised that India has an island group that beats the beauty of most of the renowned foreign countries. We found Havelock as the most beautiful island in this group. The pristine turquoise water of Radhanagar Beach lined with lush green forest and premium water sport activities on Elephant Beach with jungle treks and exquisite coral life offers a refreshing experience in the natural habitat.

Even if one is not interested in water sports, he or she can enjoy the luxurious resorts along the beachside and have a serene experience of the sea waters. Havelock has now been named as “Swaraj Dweep” Island.

 Best Time To Visit

November-March

 Places visited

We started our journey by taking a flight to Port Blair. From the Veer Savarkar International Airport, we headed to Phoenix Bay Jetty to reach Havelock Island through Makruzz Ferry. I was very excited to use the ferry as I have never been to one. The ferry is pretty close to the airport and can be reached through any commercial vehicle. We completed the check-in formalities. After that, we walked towards the ferry. Luggage was loaded separately and we ensured to tag our names to avoid confusion while traveling.

The journey through the ferry was full of excitement. The best part was window seats where one can enjoy the motion of the waves. The interiors are designed more like a flight except for water instead of clouds outside the window:D. It is fully airconditioned, has televisions to watch recorded programs, a café to supply snacks, pastries, and beverages. One could easily wander in the Ferry without having to worry about any kind of turbulence.

After about one and a half hours, we reached Havelock Jetty. We checked into Hotel Seashells which had its private beach.

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Day 1: Radhanagar Beach

We started our Day 1 by visiting Radhanagar Beach which is the Seventh Best Beaches in the world and its beauty is such that you might wonder how can there be any beach better than this. Radhanagar Beach has both beauty of the beach and lush green forest.

One can swim, enjoy the rushing waves, walk with the loved ones, and enjoy the sunset and take shed in the lush greenery. We had also booked a photographer from VsnapU to get our best moments captured in the best beach of South-Asia.

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 Radhanagar Beach, Andaman and Nicobar Islands

The funny part of this beach is the care-taker of the restroom. One can easily use the restroom and changing room and also avail locker facilities. One has to pay a nominal price of Rs.10/20 to use the restroom and the caretaker keeps yelling “Joota Chappal Dho ke Jaiye” which means clean your footwear with water before using the restroom. I am sure you will laugh when you pay a visit next time when you meet that man who keeps cleaning after every visitor.


In case you get hungry, fruits and snacks are available outside the beach though things are pretty expensive, we preferred to help them in their small business and me encourage you to do the same.


I would love to share the best moments spent there through the perfect shots taken by VsnapU at the

 Radhanagar Beach, Andaman and Nicobar Islands
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At around 06: 00 P.M. we went back to Hotel Seashells.

Day 2: Elephant Beach


We went through a speed boat. One has to remember its boat name and would be called by not its name but boat name while returning. The Beach has a mobile network issue so take care when the boatman calls you as the Beach closes by 03:30 P.M. I remember our boat name was “Sri”.

Video Link: Speed Boat Ride to Elephant Beach
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Elephant Beach is renowned for its premium watersports activities. I thoroughly enjoyed scuba diving and snorkeling at Elephant Beach with my partner. All activities are done under the supervision of professional trainers and you don’t need to worry even if you don’t know swimming.
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Scuba is the best way to witness the vibrant marine life of Havelock Island. The captivating views of beautiful and colorful fish, swimming around the stunning corals will surely make you gather moments to add to the album of life.  If you are not a fan of going underwater then you can go for a glass-bottom boat ride, Jet Ski or Banana Boat rides. 

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 Elephant Beach, Port Blair, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India
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Snorkeling is a complementary activity with the boat tickets to Elephant Beach. Deep-sea snorkeling is however chargeable. Price varies for all activities and has to be paid in cash instantly. Do not register for too many activities as you won’t have enough time to stay on the Beach.

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Shacks have been set up to provide refreshments, fruits, and coconut water.

 Transportation

1. Reach Port Blair by air

Havelock Island doesn’t have an airport of its own. One can reach Port Blair by air from various cities. Most of the flights are scheduled for the morning. Port Blair Aiport is also called Veer Savarkar International Airport.

2. Take a Ferry from Port Blair to Havelock Island.

From Airport take an auto/hired car to Phoenix Bay Jetty which is pretty close to the airport. From the Jetty, one has to take a ferry. There are both Government and Private Ferry. The latter one is expensive. Seaplane is also available with seating arrangements for eight guests and offers exciting aerial views of Island landscapes but is a bit expensive. The Government Ferrys are pretty good. All bookings have to be made in advance. Schedule of the two Government Ferrys are given below:

Schedule for Green OceanBoardingArrivalDuration  6:00 AM8:00 AM2 hours6:30 AM9:00 AM2 hours 30min12:15 PM2:15 PM2 hours12:30 AM2:45 AM2 hours 15min

Starting Price  RefreshmentsSeaviewEconomy- Rs. 1044/-Not servedNot available in Economy ClassLuxury- Rs. 1103/-Not served Available Royale-Rs. 1692/-Not served Available 


Schedule for Makruzz

BoardingArrivalDuration
7:15 AM8:45 AM1 hour 30 min
8:00 AM9:30 AM1 hour 30 min
2:00 PM3:30 PM1 hour 30 min
Starting Price  RefreshmentsSeaview
Economy- Rs. 1457/- Purchase from Mak CaféAvailable
Luxury- Rs. 2008/-Refreshments served.Available
Royale-Rs. 3218/-Refreshments served.Available

We made our bookings for Makruzz and reached the Jetty through a hired car. The experience from Ferry is a fantastic one with clean and air-conditioned cabins, cafe, window-side Seaview, arrangement for luggage. Don’t forget to properly tag your luggage as the same are boarded separately.

3. Havelock Island to Elephant Beach/ Radhanagar Beach and other beaches like Kalapathar Beach, Vijaynagar Beach and Govind Nagar Beach

Check into the hotel and use any commercial vehicle like speed boat/auto/ hired two-wheeler or four-wheeler/trekking hill to reach the beaches. The best experience is definitely through a speed boat.

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 Pro-tips

Traveler’s Tips

  • Mobile connectivity is an issue on this island, so make all bookings in advance.
  • Keep the tickets handy. Wifi available in hotels also do not work sometimes.
  • Carry cash as you may not be able to use your debit/credit cards.
  • As one will be indulged in water activities, do not forget to carry medicines. No medical shops are available on this island.
  • Carry a water bottle wherever you go. Though coconut water is available after every short distance to keep you hydrated.
  • Visit the beach as per the timings so make sure you plan in advance. Elephant beach closes around 03: 00 P.M. while Radhanagar Beach remains open till 06:00 P.M.
  • Carry a bath towel, an extra pair of clothes, a swimming costume, a pair of flip-flops, sunscreen lotion, a hat, sanitizer, and shades. There are changing rooms and washrooms available on the beaches. Comfortable footwear is an added advantage.
  • People here are very friendly and welcoming. They try the best to keep the beaches pollution-free and the same is expected by us.

Author Bio – 
Ridhi loves trying out new foods, seeing iconic landmarks, meeting lots of people, and of course, has a huge sense of adventure. Traveling is one of the best ways to fulfill her need for adventure because so many activities can be considered “adventurous.” Trying out new foods, skydiving, water sports, cultural clothing and salsa dancing in the street can all be considered adventurous parts of her travels. The most fascinating place for her are the beaches. The crystal clear water, roaring waves and lush green forest by the beach is the place where she finds herself at serene.

Guest Post || Italian coffee culture by Emma..

The history of the appearance of the French press

In 1852, the French inventors Mayer and Delforge presented an interesting novelty to the public: a cylindrical vessel with a press designed for brewing coffee. But the adaptation was not successful: due to the imperfection of the press, too much coffee grounds slipped into the cup.

It wasn’t until 1928 that Italian designers Atilio Calimani and Giulio Moneta patented an improved French press. In the new model, not just a metal plate was attached to the piston, but a filter mesh, which made it possible to carefully separate the liquid from the thick. In the following decades, the design of the fixture was improved by attaching a safe handle and a stable base to protect the tabletop from heat.

The real popularity came to the manual coffee maker in 1958, when its design was finalized by Faliero Bondanini, and two European companies were engaged in production at once: the French – Martin S.A. (Chambord brand) and English – Household Articles (La Cafetiere brand). The original owner of Household Articles, L.J. de Ville-Castel, was one of the investors in Martin S.A., but in the 90s of the XX century, the French company was bought out by the Danish holding Bodum.

How Italians choose the French Press

flask material: glass, stainless steel, ceramics. Heat-resistant glass flasks are most often found, but they are fragile, and cheap models are sensitive to sudden changes in temperature. Therefore, it is good if the kit includes a spare glass container. The vessels made of stainless steel and ceramics are stronger, but the color of the drink is not visible when brewing. It is believed that the most delicious coffee is obtained in French presses with ceramic flasks;

1. Double-walled flasks retain heat better, which is very important for correct coffee extraction;

2. The stainless steel filter is designed for medium and coarse coffee. Fine powder can be brewed with a nylon filter;

3. The handle of the french press must not heat up. Polymer coated handles are preferred. Sometimes on sale there are teapots with bamboo handles;

4. The base of the French press must be stable.

How coffee is made at the French Press in Italy

A classic French press is a cylindrical container made of heat-resistant glass (less often – made of stainless steel or ceramics) with a lid, where a piston (plunger) with a filter is inserted. It would seem that everything is simple. Ground coffee needs to be poured into a vessel, closed, lower the press – and an invigorating drink is ready. But the taste of coffee brewed in a French press depends on many little things: the type of beans, the method of roasting, grinding, water quality, brewing time.

Choosing coffee for a French press

The coffee made from a blend of Arabica and Robusta, prepared in a French press, is too bitter. But even bitterness lovers are not recommended to use blends that contain more than 10% robusta. The best coffee for  French press which you can find at MyFriendsCoffee is made up 100% Arabica, and experienced baristas prefer single varieties, although mixtures are also acceptable. Delicious coffee is made from medium roasted beans: Vienna, Full City. If you like sourness, then you can use coffee and a lighter roast.

Burr coffee grinders grind beans much more evenly than knife grinders. If you have a choice, then it is better to grind coffee for brewing in a French press on a grinder.

In stores, ready-made ground coffee is sold, but the drink from the beans, ground immediately before preparation, turns out to be more aromatic. At home, ground coffee is stored in hermetically sealed vessels for no longer than 2 weeks

Selecting water for coffee

Tap water, even boiled water, is not suitable for brewing coffee in a French press. In extreme cases, such water can be purified using an aquafilter or ozonizer. But bottled water with a mineralization index of 150 mg / l (or at least in the range of 70-200 mg / l) is much more preferable.

Step-by-step recipe for preparing iconic coffee in the French press

1. Before brewing coffee in a French press, rinse the flask of the French press with hot water at a temperature of about + 70 ° C (it can be slightly lower or higher, but in no case with boiling water).

2. Put in a flask 7-9 g of ground coffee per 100 ml of water. In one teaspoon without a slide, about 3 g of crushed beans is placed, with a slide – up to 5 g. If you need to prepare a full container of the drink, it is easier to focus on the handle of the French press: pour coffee powder exactly to the level where its lower part is attached …

3. Pour some room temperature water into a flask (just to moisten the ground coffee) and stir.

4. After 15–20 seconds, add hot water with a temperature of +85 to +9 to the flask 2 ° C. The water level should not be higher than the top edge of the handle. Under no circumstances should you brew coffee with boiling water! If the vessel is glass, then before pouring hot water, put a metal spoon in it: even heat-resistant glass does not always withstand temperature drops

5. Stir coffee and cover. Do not lower the piston. The filter should be 1 cm above the water level.

6. The brewing time is 4-7 minutes. After 4–5 minutes, a moderately strong, aromatic coffee with a noticeable acidity is obtained. If you want to get a stronger drink, it is allowed to extend the brewing for a few minutes. But starting from the 4th minute of brewing, the bitterness of coffee increases significantly, the concentration of not only caffeine, but also harmful substances increases in it.

7. Slowly lower the plunger and immediately pour the brewed coffee into the cups, it cannot be left in the flask. Add sugar to taste.

8. After making coffee, the French press should be washed as soon as possible: no matter whether in the dishwasher or under the tap. If there is no time to wash the dishes, then you need to at least leave the flask open: let the coffee grounds dry better than the vessel and filter acquire a musty smell, which is difficult to get rid of !!

Disclaimer: *Contents of this story is Authors personal views and presentation.

**Photos from the guest Author / Google

If you also want to get featured as a guest author on yatripandit.com, share your story with us on info@yatripandit.com

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Guest Post || A Perfect Guide to Travel in Dubai by Kritika

Culturally rooted and yet deeply modern, Dubai is the perfect holiday spot for families, honeymooners and even a group of friends. Be it a short stopover between flights or a proper long vacation, this guide would help you to have a memorable Dubai holiday.

When to Visit

The best time to visit Dubai is between the months of November and March, when the climate is the most pleasant. However, as this is the peak holiday season, expect the city swarming with tourists from all over the world. If you want to save yourself from the crowd and also save some money, plan your trip during the summer seasons between April to October. However, the temperature can be quite high during this time.

Where to Stay

When it comes to accommodation, Dubai has everything from budget to luxury hotels. If you are planning to stay in Dubai for a long time, AirBnB is also a good option.

How to Travel

Taxis are the quickest way to travel in Dubai. However, if you have time in your hands and want to save money, the Dubai metro is a reliable and efficient way to travel within the city. Local buses are great to travel to most of the popular locations.

What to Eat and Where to Eat

When it comes to food, you are spoilt for choice in Dubai. Right from the local Emirati cuisine to Indian, Japanese and European, there is rarely a cuisine on earth that you would not find in the city. Although you have several options, do try the local Mediterranean cuisine at least once during your tour. As for where to eat, there are endless choices here too. Depending on your budget, you can eat anywhere from small restaurants and food courts to quaint cafes and high-end restaurants in the city.

What to See and Do

Dubai thrives on tourism, and the city strives to make it interesting for the tourists by adding unique and thrilling places and activities to it, almost every year. Some of the things that you should not miss in Dubai are as follows.

Burj Khalifa: Apart from being the tallest building in the world, Burj Khalifa has broken several world records and is worth the visit. Containing 162 floors in total, the Burj Khalifa is home to high-end restaurants, a 5-star hotel, luxury apartment complex, corporate offices and two observation decks. You can book your tickets online to avoid standing in queues.

Desert Safari: For the most authentic Arabic experience, going on the Dubai desert safari is necessary. The desert safari is a mix of thrilling adventure, good food and fantastic entertainment. You can choose amongst evening, morning and overnight desert safaris.desert-safari

Dubai Museum: There is so much more to Dubai than its shiny glamour, and to know more about it, you must visit the Dubai Museum. Located inside the Al Fahidi Fort, the Dubai Museum takes you back in time when the city was a simple fishing village.

Dubai Mall: One of the largest malls in the world, the Dubai Mall is the epitome of shopping, entertainment and great food. Apart from the 1200 retail stores, Dubai Mall Aquarium, KidZania Dubai, Dubai Ice Rink, the food court, etc. are some of the other popular attractions of the mall. Do check out the Dubai Fountain Show that happens every day from 6 PM to 11 PM (every 30 minutes), right outside the Dubai Mall.

dubai-mall

Dubai Miracle Garden: Spread around 72,000 square meters, the Dubai Miracle Garden is the largest flower garden in the world. You would find more than 109 million flowers here arranged in beautiful and unique designs.

 

Dubai Frame: The largest frame in the world, the Dubai Frame is strategically placed so that you can see the old Dubai from one side and the new and modern Dubai from the other. You can get your Dubai Frame tickets online to avoid standing in line.

dubai-frame

Few other places that should be on your itinerary include Kite Beach, Dubai Creek, Dubai Marina, Bastakiya Quarter, Jumeirah Mosque, etc.

Conclusion

Dubai is one of the finest Arab city, where the old blends beautifully with the new, making it ideal place for a holiday.

 

Disclaimer: *Contents of this story is Authors personal views and presentation.

**Photos from the guest Author / Google

If you also want to get featured as a guest author on yatripandit.com, share your story with us on info@yatripandit.com

Please click on the ads which appear on the website. This blog is still very young and growing. If you like the story, do not shy away from reciprocating your love in form of likes comments and sharing on social media

Guest Post || Recreation And Safari In Tanzania. What You Need To Know When Sending Tourists To Africa by Emma

TANZANIA OR KENYA?

 

To choose the right destination for an exotic vacation, you first need to know what its features are, what is seasonality, what a destination can offer travelers. Most tourists do not associate Tanzania with a separate destination, they mainly combine it with Kenya.

 

Recall that we wrote in detail about Kenya here. Nevertheless, Tanzania is not inferior in some respects to its “neighbor” in the geographical map, but somewhere surpasses it. A travel agent can safely offer its tourists Tanzania as a separate destination. Keep on reading

tez-travel original info

WHY GO TO TANZANIA

 

Tanzania is not only the largest country in East Africa but also one of the most attractive in terms of its versatility. Your tourists will have the opportunity to combine the incongruous. These are fantastic beaches with white sand of the island of Zanzibar, and lakes (among them the largest lake on the continent of Victoria), and volcanoes located in the mainland, and national parks with beautiful views of Africa’s highest mountain Kilimanjaro and thousands of exotic animals and birds.

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Among the undoubted advantages of Tanzania for Russian tourists are the facilitated visa regime (a visa is issued at the border), the lack of time difference with Moscow, the absence of a pronounced seasonality, and security.

 

This direction is universal: holidays here can be offered practically for any category of tourists. Experts advise against taking very young children (under 5-6 years old) with them but not because of safety issues. The fact is that Africa is a very bright and emotional direction, and young children simply will not be able to remember these truly unique impressions.

 

HOW TO PREPARE FOR A TRIP TO AFRICA: VACCINATIONS, MEDICINES, REPELLENTS

 

No special preparation for a trip to Tanzania, contrary to rumors circulated on the Internet, is required. Tourists here do not expect any dangers if you follow all the instructions of the guides.

 

There are no special medical requirements. Pay attention to your tourists that vaccinations, including yellow fever, according to the Rospotrebnadzor, are not mandatory, but advisory in nature.

 

Those who will be calmer with the vaccine can, of course, do it. Since last year, such a vaccine has been given for life, before that it has been in effect for 10 years. Moscow residents can get this vaccine for free. You can get vaccinated in the infectious clinical hospital №1, city polyclinic №5, etc. Also, advise tourists to undergo antimalarial prophylaxis, it is advisable to use tablets from European manufacturers, or a new Russian drug – coartem .

giraffe-1330814_1280do not need to be taken from Russia: they are more convenient and cheaper to purchase locally. But the medicines that are necessary for the tourist (painkillers, stomach pains, etc.) must be taken care of in advance and be sure to take a safari tour from Russia with you since there are no doctors in the savannah.

 

HOW TO APPLY A VISA TO TANZANIA AND WHAT TO FLY FOR

 

A visa to Tanzania can be issued before departure, in Moscow, or, which is very convenient, get a sticker on arrival at the Zanzibar International Airport or other Tanzania air harbors.

 

The cost of a visa at the border is about 50 euros, it is issued for 90 days, in Moscow – 60 euros, is issued per day. A transit visa costs 30 euros, its validity is 14 days.

 

If desired, the direction is easily combined not only with Kenya but also with Mozambique, Uganda, and other countries bordering Tanzania.

 

Coral Travel tours to Tanzania are formed based on regular transportation (using GDS dynamic packaging technology). Connecting flights are operated daily by British Airways, Qatar Airways, Ethiopian Airlines, Air France, KLM, Flydubai, Turkish Airlines.

 

Experts advise, if possible, to give preference to carriers that fly through the Middle East. The average travel time, in this case, is 10-15 hours, including connecting.

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All Coral Travel safari programs start from the city of Arusha in northern Tanzania, which is sometimes called the “tourist capital” of the country.

 

SEASONS IN TANZANIA

 

As for seasonality in the ordinary sense of the Russian tourist, it is practically absent. Highlighted seasons, such as winter and summer, do not exist in Tanzania. The climate of Tanzania ranges from humid and hot in the lowlands, for example, in Dar es Salaam, to hot in the afternoon and cool at night in Arusha.

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In general, during the year in Tanzania, it is either hot and dry or hot and humid (“rainy seasons”). There are two such seasons in Tanzania: short, from late October to late November, and long – from late March to May.

 

At the same time, the “rainy season” is not a reason to refuse a trip, because it does not rain on the wall and around the clock. On the contrary, a trip at this time is a great opportunity to save a lot, since in the low season the cost of a vacation in Tanzania becomes much more attractive.

 

TO AFRICA ON SAFARI WITH GROUP

 

Probably the first idea of Tanzania you have already appeared, it is time to determine the details. First, we will consider the popular types of safari programs presented in the Coral Travel assortment, and then we will pay attention to beach vacation options: after all, combined tours combining safaris in Tanzania and holidays on the Zanzibar coast are also very popular.

 

Tanzania is rightfully considered one of the best countries for a safari in Africa. Her wildlife is very rich and diverse. Here you can find both the famous “Big African Five” (lion, rhinoceros, elephant, leopard, buffalo) and anthropoid apes, there are many birds and there are more than 1,100 species registered in the country.

 

Tours to the Great migration of the animals are very popular among tourists. Also, safari tours provide an opportunity to see the fantastic nature of Tanzania: Mount Kilimanjaro, Ngorongoro Crater, Serengeti Park, and other attractions remain in the memory of tourists for life.

 

To date, the Coral Travel reservation system has more than 20 options for safari programs in mainland Tanzania, in 2019 their number will increase.

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It is important to note that the company offers both safari tours with English accompaniment, and guaranteed group excursion programs with a Russian-speaking guide – and this is a unique offer on the Russian market.

 

SHORT SAFARI TOURS

 

These Coral Travel programs involve visiting the northern national parks and reserves – Serengeti, Tarangire, Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Manyara. If your tourists want a safari but are worried that for the first time they will not be able to withstand a full weekly program, recommend them a 2-3-day trip to the mainland from the resorts of Zanzibar Island.

 

In the assortment of the tour operator, there are short tours for two days, during which tourists visit the Tarangire National Park. The evening safari is planned on the first day of the program, and the morning on the next day.

 

All safari programs are held twice a day. It is very hot during the day, there is no point in a safari since the probability of meeting animals at this time of day is extremely small. The cost of such a trip is $ 585 per person for double occupancy. The price includes 3 meals a day, all transfers according to the program, entrance tickets to the national park, an English-speaking driver-ranger works with tourists.

 

There is a three-day program with a visit to Ngorongoro. Cost – from 920 dollars per person for double occupancy. The price tag of the three-day program, in which tourists visit the Ngorongoro Reserves and Lake Manyara, starts at $ 1,250 per person for double occupancy. All tours start in Arusha.

 

LONG SAFARI TOURS IN TANZANIA

 

If your tourists want to take part in a full-fledged safari trip, recommend them a 6-day tour with a visit to Lake Manyara National Park, Serengeti National Park, and Ngorongoro Crater. Cost – from $ 1,690 per person for double occupancy.

 

If tourists want to be accompanied by a Russian-speaking guide, advise them to a guaranteed Coral Travel group program with a Russian-speaking guide. For seven days spent in national parks – Lake Manyara, Serengeti Park, and Ngorongoro Nature Reserve – the supplier asks for $ 2,380 per person for double occupancy.

 

Note that the distances between the parks are impressive, the parks are at least 3.5 hours from each other. The nature in Africa is amazing and time will fly by, of course, unnoticed, especially since stops are made for photos.

 

If the tourist still has no desire to go in jeeps, you can offer him a flight on a small plane. However, as practice shows, mainly this type of transport is preferred by individual tourists. We will return to transport a little later, but for now, we will get to know better the main national parks.

Author Bio

author image (2)

Jacklin is the author of the site Easytravel which is about safari travel. She usually travels a lot around the world and almost experienced a lot. Usually people travel a lot to experience different phases of life. So for traveling we need a perfect guide. Here she comes with lots of stuff about various safari travel around countries and also more about travelling around the world.

Guest Post || A short trip to Kailasagiri by Lakshmi

Where there is a hill, there is a temple! Very much true about the hills in India, right? So, this time let’s travel to a cave temple built on top of a hill, known as Kailasagiri. Not only temple but also there are other surprises on the go. Of course, a great place for photography! Come on guys… rock rock rock! I mean this place is full of rocks ahh 😉

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As usual, this is also a ‘not so crowded’ weekend getaway from Bangalore. Apt for a short day trip. My brother and his wife came for a weekend and it was their 2nd wedding anniversary. So we thought of taking them to a place nearby where they can have a photo shoot as well. This time we did not have kids with us. It was a couple’s day out.

Let’s jump in to the route and other details.

Situated at : Chikkaballapura District, Karnataka

Distance : 70 km

Known for : Trekking, Cave temple, Reservoir

Best time to visit : Mostly during winters. Preferably in the mornings and evenings as it will be too sunny during the mid day. We went on Feb 2nd 2020.

Estimated travel time : 2 hrs. We started at 6.45 am and reached by 8.45 am.

 

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We had a stop by on the way to have our breakfast.

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Route : Varthur, Balagere Road(Our place) – Whitefield – Hoskote – straight through Kadappa Bengaluru Highway – take left where you will see the big board ‘Kailasagiri’ – one more left from the next ‘Y’ intersection.

Expenses : Hoskote-Chinthamani toll plaza – Rs 55(double side, no Fastag here), Hoskote Highway Toll -Rs 20 (one side), Parking at Kailasagiri – Rs 10, Kaivara Reserve Forest(Kaivara Thapovana) – Rs 10 and other expenses for food.

Commute : Apt for bikers. We anyways, went in our own car. The village roads are best for countryside cycling (Carry one if you are a cycling enthusiast. Would give you a wonderful experience)

Temple timings : 9.30 am to 8 pm, Pujas and rituals are performed here.

We reached the foothills around 9 am and the temple was not open. So, here comes the surprise as I said. There is a reservoir just nearby known as Ambaji Durga Reservoir. It’s such a beautiful place with the lake and rocks.


It was perfect place for a photo shoot. Anyone planning for one, note this place. We took a cam full of photos, enjoyed the view and tranquility of nature. There are few rocks where you can climb on it. Ended up as an adventurous photo session 🙂 Plus point is, not at all crowded so enjoyed our sweet time.

We had parked our car near the entrance of temple where the stone paved path begins. As expected, here as well we encountered the monkey army. The beautiful stone paved path will take you to the top where the cave temple is. Though I saw few old age people, I felt it would be difficult for aged people. This spot is best for youngsters and kids. I heard trekking is also an attraction here. We did not go for it anyways.

Once you reach the top it’s such an amazing view. The breeze makes you feel ease.


The twin rocks sits together like someone had glued them many moons ago! It is believed that the Pandavas lived here for sometime during their exile.

Just below these huge rocks there are blue metal gates(doors) which are the entrance of cave temple. This cave is a recent man made construction and still going on.

The deities are Sri Jagadambe, Sri Vallabha Ganapathy and Sri Chathurmukhalingeshwara (Shiv linga with faces carved on 4 sides).
I must say how cool it feels inside. It’s so refreshing. We took a walk inside and saw the main part of cave. A stage and hall where people can meditate peacefully. Photography is prohibited inside. Still managed to click few pics.
Post this, as usual we went to explore nearby places.

Found Kaiwara Thapovana which was a complete time waste. The place would have been a good spot if they had maintained well. Don’t know for what purpose are they collecting Rs.10 per person as entrance fee! We saw two young couples inside and few swans caged inside a small pond. Took few photos here as well. Nothing much to explore.

Though we did not go, I will hint you few nearby places here you can visit.

– Vaikunda Betta ( This temple is just opposite to Kaiwara Thapovana)
– Ambaji Durga Betta with a Fort (Not suitable for families, apt for trekking)
– Bhima Bakasura Betta / Chamundi Betta (climb is around 500 steps, Lakshman Thirtha is here)
– Bheemeshwara Temple
– Sri Amaranarayana Swamy Temple
– Sri Yogi Narayana Mutt (Dedicated to Kaiwara Tatayya)

Tips :

– There are few small shops nearby. Still advisory to carry water bottles.
– cap/hat, sunscreen (those who really worry about tanning 😉 )
– Wearing your sport shoes will do good.

 

Story By

Sreelakshmi

About the Author
Sreelakshmi
Ten years of journey in HR/Quality field and 5 years in teaching came to an end few months back. Now as a homemaker I enjoy the quality time with my family. I also loved doing part-time jobs with All India Radio as a RJ and few other private radios in Kerala. Writing and travelling are my passions. Do visit my story blog as well.
Below is my travel blog. Please take a look.

Guest Post || A trip to a unexplored paradise – Shillong by Misha

Shillong is a beautiful, clean and picturesque capital city of the state of Meghalaya, which means abode of clouds.

A lot of natural beauty has been bestowed upon this place and is called the Scotland of East. But I am pretty sure if you happen to visit Scotland sometime, you would not mind calling it Shillong of the West.

No amount of words I write here will ever be able to describe the real beauty and the surreal experience you have when you visit this place. Nature has shown all its love to this place through the beautiful mountains, rivers, forests, waterfalls, lakes and a lot of greenery to witness which is a treat to the eyes.

WHERE, HOW AND WHEN– This capital city is surrounded by the Assam hills which comprise of Jayantia hills, Garo hills and Khasi hills on the three sides and Bangladesh border on the fourth side. The best route to get there is through an awesome road trip from Guwahati to Shillong. It is a four hour drive through and the scenic beauty along the whole trip is definitely worth the drive. The weather is cool and pleasant and the best time to visit this place from October to April.

ACCOMODATION– Being a tourist place, there are a variety of options are available for accommodation but homestays are the most preferred options. Hotels and resorts are also available but homestays provide you the local feel and touch. Although I stayed at the Army Holiday Home, but it is not available to people without reference from an army personnel.

SEEING AROUND– There are a lot of places to visit in and around Shillong. If you love trekking and are a nature’s person, this is just the right place for you. You atleast need five whole days to go around and visit all the places. Savour each moment you spend looking at the magnificence of nature which you will frequently witness when you go around. Every place is worth capturing. I am mentioning few of the places which you should definitely visit.

  1. Dauki– Dauki is a four hour drive from Shillong. You should dedicate one whole day to this place as there are many places on its way which are worth visiting. The drive itself is an experience and you will definitely remember the road trips from the movies Dil Chahta hai and Zindagi na milegi dobara. When in Dauki, make sure to visit Mawlynnong, which is the cleanest village in Asia. This village is immaculately clean and is well maintained by its people. There are various souvenir stores in this village if you wish to purchase something. Apart from this few other places worth going are The Living Root Bridge, which as the name suggests is a bridge made by the people through the roots of a huge old tree on a river. This is bridge definitely worth going to. While on your way to Dawki, comes the Dawki river which has such clean water that you can literally see the bottom of the river while boating on it. But make sure you visit this place before the monsoons hit Shillong, as once the rains start the water becomes muddy and you will miss this once in a lifetime experience. Another place you would like is the India Bangladesh International border. It’s a few kilometers ahead of Dawki.
  2. Cherrapunjee– or as the locals call it Sohra is known to be the place with the heaviest rainfall on the earth. I personally enjoyed Cherrapujnee more than I liked going to Dawki. The main reason being waterfalls. This place has a plethora of such huge and gorgeous, waterfalls that you are awestruck each time you see any waterfall. Every waterfall has a history or a story behind it which make it all the more interesting when you visit these. Starting with the Elephant falls which is in Shillong on the way to Cherrapunji. The rest waterfalls I am mentioning are in Cheerapunjee. Among which the most famous ones are, Wakaba falls, Seven Sister falls, Nohkalikai Falls, Wei Saw Dong and Dain Thlen Falls. Except for the Wei saw Dong falls, rest all the other waterfalls can be easily seen from the top of the mountains. Wei saw Dong Falls is the most beautiful of all the falls I visited and the most difficult to reach too. To reach the deepest level of the waterfall, it is a difficult trek down the mountain. It is not completely visible from the top. But after you reach the lowest level, the beauty you witness is worth the trouble you go through during the trek.

After all the waterfalls, come the Mawsmai caves. Visiting these caves is a thrilling experience. These are long and narrow caves and the more we go inside these, the narrower the passage becomes. And it is just impossible to walk straight in these caves. You have to bend, kneel and at some point even crawl in these caves. If you are claustrophobic, I would suggest you to not go into these.

  1. Shillong- The beautiful city of Shillong is well established on the mountains and the people there are really nice and cordial. There are many places in the city and also nearby which are huge tourist attractions and should be on your list too if you plan to visit Shillong. We started with the Mawphlang sacred Forest which is a wonderful place to visit. This forest is on the outer of Shillong and is spread over a huge area of land filled with beautiful and exotic trees. It is taken care by the the local tribal people, the Khasi tribe. As the name suggests the forest is considered to be a sacred place by the Khasi people, as according to their beliefs, is the place where the kings, in the ancient times would go to perform their scared rituals. Among the many beliefs is one that you are not supposed to bring out anything from the forest. Anything you find there has to be left there. Even the fruits you find in the forest are supposed to be eaten in the forest itself. If you bring out anything intentionally, then it may be inauspicious and may cause you some trouble. This is what the people strongly believe in. Any outsider can easily get lost in the forest and it may become very difficult for them to come out on their own. Hence it is recommended that you take a guide with you when you go to the sacred forest. The local people are the guides and will guide you properly in and out of the forest. The visit to this forest is an unforgettable one and should not be missed at any cost.

On our way back from the forest we went to Shillong peak. This is the highest peak in Shillong and the whole city can be seen from this point. It is splendid experience to witness this. There are small shops on the peak where they serve eatables and also there are shops where the traditional khasi attire is made available for the tourists to dress up and click pictures to make the whole trip more memorable. I would suggest you to experience this. The local Police Bazar was the next place we went to. It is the the main market of Shillong and everything is available here for shopping and entertainment. It is a must visit. If you wish to buy anything then this is the place to visit. Anything you need, you will get here. We ended our day at the Cathedral of Mary Help of Christians. Visiting this lovely church was a divine experience. You have to go there to feel it. Photography inside the church is not allowed so unless you see it for yourself; you will not be able to understand how enticing the whole experience is.

My trip ended in the most awesome way. I visited the Umiam lake. Although this lake will be mentioned in a local place to visit in Shillong but it was more convenient to go to Umiam lake on our way back to Guwahati as it is just on the way. This man made lake is an impeccable piece of work. Your trip will never be complete without seeing this lake. Make sure you go boating on this lake. It’s too much fun.

Apart from all these places I am mentioning a few other places which are worth seeing.

  1. Jayantia hills
  2. Double root bridge
  3. Don Bosco Centre for Indigenous Cultures
  4. Air force museum
  5. Village of Smit in Laitlum
  6. ML 05 café

These places I have mentioned are only a few of the famous places to visit in and around Shillong. But these are worth mentioning. When you plan a trip to Shillong, these places are must visit places.

Author

Misha DP

Misha Dsouza

Gemini ♊.. Realist.. Feminist.. Dentist 🦷..!!
@misha_aashna my instagram account for the amateur writer in me.
Show your love in comments if you like what I write.

 

 

 

 

 

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Misha

Edited by 

Utkarsh

Guest Post || What I learnt from my travels by Naina

27 years old, 15 countries, 8000+ miles, 11 times circled the globe, 700+ hours, 23 mountains hiked, 9 different time zones..and the list goes on!!

Jet lag — That’s the 2nd most common word in my life.

Over the years I have been traveling to different countries on business or tourist/pleasure while sometimes just to escape the reality and find my focus.

While some people think travel is to : pack all the essentials, just hop on the plane, put your phone in the airplane mode, take that cozy blanket, put on your favorite movie and enjoy glass of fine vintage Château Côte de Baleau Grand Cru.

For me, travel= magic. So quick summary of the things I learnt from my travels :

1.You meet interesting and unforgettable people :

Once I was flying from Munich to New York, and met a very interesting student. She was quite intrigued by the book (Murder on the Orient Express) I was reading. I asked her name and then she introduced herself. As we continued to talk for the next few hours, she told me about her life, how she left everyone to pursue her dreams and how she is working as a part time bartender to make sure she pays her bills and completes her education. While I could see some hesitation in her voice, I was also impressed by her determination to be better in the life.

Life is not “bed of roses”, but how many do you think are determined to make it better every day?

Just 2 months back, I was flying from Shanghai to New York ( business class) and met an investor, must be in her 50’s. While she was happily enjoying her wine, after 50 minutes into the flight, we started talking and that’s when she shared her “grand perspective” towards life and startups. While she had few hiccups as an investor previously and on the personal front due to her marriage yet she never bogged down. I shared few start up ideas, why I thought it can be next the “big thing” and to what level it can succeed or fail. She asked me to send her a business plan. Just few days back I sent her the plan with an empty feeling that she must have forgotten me. I have always been a person who cared about time and details, she replied to me after 3 days and I was completely amazed by her detailed feedback. I thanked her later!

2. You find your “why”

There was a point in my life when traveling wasn’t just a hobby but a therapy. I called it my “inflection” point and it helped me in finding my why. I found myself and it made all the difference in my life.

3. Started writing a book

I have always been an avid reader (completed reading my 457th book recently). Having met so many people in my life and been through so many experiences, I started writing a book ( which I’ll publish soon). Experiences ranged from going on date with an absolute stranger — discovering different “kind of personalities” — an emergency landing — hitchhiking in a new country at 3am — — hiking with different group of people — camping with strangers— drinking wine with guys I never met in my whole life — diving 10 m deep in the sea — — ending up getting hitched for fun in a chapel in the Vegas and many more…

4. You feel “unstoppable”

Someone said it right that if you are feeling over confident, hike a mountain because mountains have a way of dealing with overconfidence. Till now I have hiked 23 mountains and that created all the difference in my personality. One such place where I exhausted myself was “Pinnacles in Borneo”. Sharp blade like rocks ( pic below) tested everything I had in me. I cried with happiness when I completed the hike after 9 hours of climb and descend. It made me feel “unstoppable”.

Pinnacles

5. Humbleness and Grateful

More than 8 billion people on this planet from different countries, religion and cultures. Different cuisines, celebrations and colors, I have experienced it all and I cant be more grateful. I became more open to people’s opinion, appreciate the fact that different people react to the same situation in a different way. In short I became more acceptable to the fact that I can be wrong in someone’s opinion and can be idolized in someone else’s mind. Having met so many people I learnt how to be grounded and be a better listener even when I’m talking. Everyone has a story, perception of reality, opinion, experiences and thoughts. There is no right or wrong opinion.

6. Get out of your comfort zone and try new things

Travel allows you to experience living in conditions that you never thought you could survive. But you will. Only when you step out of your comfort zone, then can you really push yourself to your limits and discover what you can achieve. Now whenever I feel I cannot do something, I replay those moments when a task/situation seemed utterly difficult and the way I accomplished it.

“Your strength lies in all those things you completed which once deemed impossible”

7. Finding the way on your own after getting lost.

Ever got lost? No phone, no maps, language barrier, no one to help? Take a deep breath and look around. What do you feel? I felt like wandering on my own.

There is nothing like being lost in Rome where every street corner has another spectacular sculpture; or being lost in Brussels where every neighborhood has a cluster of bistros or bakeries.

By the end of the day, I explored more than I planned. Some one said it right :

“Not All Who Wander Are Lost”

8. Knowledge and fearless mindset

I faced language barrier many times especially when I was in China and Korea. So I learnt Mandarin and Korean. Life is full of adversities and I’m not new to such situations. Bus broke down? Train delayed? Road block? Severe food poisoning? Lost your way? It’s okay, slow down and find an alternative way out.

Many times I asked myself “What’s the worst that could happen?” and that’show I developed a “fearless mindset”.

9. Living the moments

This one is my favourite. I was just out of my cocoon and in Singapore. Like any amateur traveler I was clicking the beauty Singapore has to offer. A European guy was watching me. He came to me and said something I’ll always remember. He said “ Sometimes we are so engrossed in capturing/clicking things that we forget to live the moments and beauty the place has to offer”. He was right! From that time on, I started living in the moments and in my perspective it’s beautiful!

Living in the moments

“An amateur traveller tries to capture everything amazing in his/her camera whereas a mature traveller live those amazing things and moments”

Oh did I forget to tell you about the spectacular vast and infinite “ Sky views”?

Pics I clicked)

View from Plane

Why I wrote this post? Some day I’ll be 80 years old and still be traveling. When I’ll look back, I will read this post again and say to myself “The journey is more beautiful than the destination” and I lived every moment of it.

**** This is my first post, apologies if you find any error/mistake. And, if you like it and want me to write more posts, please don’t forget to “like & comment” because your appreciation would motivate me***** 🙂

Keep traveling !!!

Love Naina 🙂

 

Disclaimer: *Contents of this story is Authors personal views and presentation.

**Photos from google

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Guest Post || Things you should Know before Booking your Resort in Wayanad by Krishnendu

Nestled in the unparalleled beauty of the Western Ghats, lies a scintillating place teeming with natural splendours – Wayanad. Offering some of the most exquisite gems in the form of natural sights, water bodies, flora and fauna, Wayanad is one of those places that will never let you forget it! From mystical and deep forests that are full of millions of different forms of life to streams and rivulets that have been nourishing them; from wonderful remnants of the past to the ancient caves that have once housed people – the list of tourist attractions in Wayanad is impressive and unique. 

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Image Courtesy – Youtube(google)

Well, Wayanad is a place that offers a totally new side of the coastal State of Kerala. So, if you are looking for travel destination inspirations, stop doing that and visit Wayanad. And, to make your stay in Wayanad a truly exotic experience, read the following post. It comprises the things that you should know before booking a resort in Wayanad. 

So, here we go!

Nature Resorts in Wayanad – Why not hotels?

Whenever we travel we opt for hotels for accommodation which is a satisfactory choice. However, Wayanad is a place that offers many boutique nature resorts that offer much more than a standard hotel. Further, a hotel will not be able to give you the feeling of staying the lap of luxury and nature. The nature resorts are surrounded by forests and trees on all sides. There are plantations and farms to enjoy long walks and fresh organic produce. 

wayanad - Pic Courtesy Kerala tourism
Image Courtesy – Kerala Tourism

Most of the reputed nature resorts offer the in-house spas where you can enjoy traditional Kerala Ayurvedic Massages and therapies. There are many resorts that offer complimentary packages as well. There are dedicated areas for playing, recreation and swimming pools etc. So, all in all, a resort is much better than a typical hotel. 

Now, let us move on to know more about booking a resort in Wayanad. 

Services and Features to look for:

Before booking the nature resorts in Wayanad you must check the service portfolios. The service portfolios will offer you a better overview of the property and you will be able to make a better decision. Instead of settling for some average accommodation that offers generic services; plan your stay at the resorts that offer commendable services. Laundry, Safety Deposit Boxes, Airport Pickup, Non-Smoking Rooms, Tours and Concierge etc are some services that you should look for. 

You must check the customer reviews for the resort. Almost all the major resorts are listed on the travel information websites and you can find genuine customer feedbacks there. So, you must read them before making the final bookings. 

Checking the photos uploaded by the previous visitors is also a must. These pictures will be the actual representation of the property and will show you how the property actually looks. You will be able to check whether the property suits your requirements and expectations or not. Hospitality Services offered at the Resorts vary greatly from one place to another. So, check them in order to avoid any troubles later. 

Wayanad is a premium holiday destination for honeymooners as well. So, if you are looking for the honeymoon resorts in Wayanad, then you must pay attention to safety and security as well. 

If you are travelling for business or you are going to Wayanad on a Corporate Tour, you need to book a resort that offers MICE or equivalent services. Finally, if you are travelling with your family, then you must book the best resorts in Wayanad for family. You cannot take risks with family at your side.  Having covered the things that should be considered while booking the Resorts in Wayanad, let us move ahead. 

Resorts in Wayanad – The Best Options:

You can find a good number of resorts in Wayanad that offers a perfect mix of luxury and nature, this is one place that you can trust when it comes to quality. While choosing the resort, make sure that it offers a pleasant stay, tours, satellite TV, Swimming Pool and amazing balconies to enjoy the surrounding nature in the best manner. 

Abad Brookside is a perfect destination for honeymooners and families. Apart from the very many facilities, this resort has a large hanging pool that overlooks the nearby forest and is a mesmerizing sight. Corporate travellers, business people and travellers that are seeking refuge in nature with all luxuries available at their disposal – Abad Brookside is a place that you can book without thinking twice.

There are many tourist attractions nearby that you can explore. Pookode Lake, Kuruva Dweep, Lakkidi View Point, Edakkal Caves, Soochipara Waterfalls and Banasura Sagar Dam – all of them can be explored while staying here. 

Wayanad is an excellent place to enjoy nature at its best. If you are planning to explore Wayanad and its nearby place, you just need to hire any car rental service in Kerala and experience this amazing land of beauty. 

 

Disclaimer: *Contents of this story is Authors personal views and presentation.

**Photos from google

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