Travel – Page 3 – Yatripandit

Guest Post || Italian vs. American Coffee Culture: 3 Tips for Your Next Trip to Italy by Anna Kay

If you’re making plans to travel to Italy, then there should be one must-have experience on your to-do list: enjoying a coffee in an authentic Italian bar, or café as the Italians call it.

However, while the Hollywood movies and sitcoms have popularized large cups, takeaway coffees and lavish spaces of Starbucks brand cafés, actually the true Italian coffee culture is very different. Here are 3 key tips on how to immerse yourself in the local culture on your next trip to Italy:

Design and size of coffee shops – small is beautiful

There are just a handful of huge cafes in the major cities of Italy. This often comes as a surprise to travelers, since most coffee shops are small, tiny establishments, with limited seating and swift service. These places are loud with locals talking to each other or to the barista whom they usually know quite well.

In contrast, the popular American coffee chain, Starbucks, has set the standard with its larger shops, modern design, plenty of facilities and lots of space available. However, the opposite is what makes Italian cafes quite charming, romantic and picture-perfect for your selfies. 🙂

Coffee types and sizes are very different

It’s a known fact that Starbucks, a brand present in nearly every corner of the world, has little connection with authentic Italian coffee. And while many assume that ‘frappuccino’ is a word with Italian origins, it is actually not.

In Italy, if you order a latte, you will likely get just a glass of milk. Also, there is little similarity between an espresso served at Starbucks and one served in a local Italian café. The National Institute of Italian Espresso informs that a traditional espresso shot is approximately 29 millimeters (Italians finish it in three quick sips); but at Starbucks, you will get a generous, larger portion with quite a different taste.

Multiple, quick trips to a café per day is how Italians do it

Even the culture of drinking coffee at a Starbucks outlet and an Italian café is poles apart. While you may take your time lounging on a comfortable sofa, sipping on your Grande or Venti size drink and making use of the Wi-Fi at a Starbucks, an Italian café is hardly a place to hang around. People walk in, grab their standard size coffee and chat for five to ten minutes before making their way out (soon to be back for more!).

If you want to learn more about the intriguing coffee culture of Italy, then take a look at this Med Cruise Guide’s infographic below. It illustrates the key coffee drinking rules that help you avoid looking like a tourist on your next trip to Italy. Enjoy!

Bio: Anna Kay is an avid traveler, photographer, and editor at MedCruiseGuide.com. She loves exploring and island-hopping across the Mediterranean and enjoying local food specialties.

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

**Photos from pixlebay.com

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Guest Post || The Bahá’í Gardens in Haifa by Iman Zahirfar

Imagine the way a waterfall flows: as the water hits each level of earth, it cascades down, never stopping or ceasing, and in perfect harmony with its surroundings. Now superimpose this image with a series of perfectly manicured gardens flowing down the side of a mountain, each slope containing a beautiful and unique layout. What you’re imagining now are the Bahá’í terraces found on the slopes of Mount Carmel.

Nineteen terraces, combining both the mountain’s landscape and nature with detail and precision in order to create an exquisite work of art. The gardeners are the painters and with each stroke of their brushes, they create forms pleasing to the eye.

It’s not surprising, that with all of the loving labour that the gardeners (volunteers coming from all corners of the earth) put into these gardens, that the gardens are always in such pristine condition no matter what time of the day you visit them.

Much thought has been put into every aspect of the gardens. The flowers and the plants have been chosen in such a way that no matter what time of the year you find yourself walking in the gardens, there will always be something in full bloom. And how remarkable it is that when you walk throughout the terraces that these very flowers create the sweetest of smells wafting within the air.

As you walk around, you’ll hear the pebbles under your feet, reminding you to walk thoughtfully and respectfully. And throughout the terraces, you will see and hear the fountains, which paired with the breeze coming up from the sea will make you feel as if you’ve entered an otherworldly plane.

Within the center of the terraces stands a Shrine robed in white and crowned in gold. A Queen of Carmel, looking over the city of Haifa and pulsating at its heart. This beautiful structure is the Shrine of the Báb, and is both the resting place of the Prophet Herald of the Bahá’í Faith and that of the son of the Prophet of the Bahá’í Faith.

Pray, meditate, or contemplate life – the quietness seeping through and around the Shrine will help you come up with an answer to the challenges you face or will give you a moment in the day to get wrapped up in peaceful thought.

* * *

Additional Information

Location
80 Hatzionut Avenue, near Shiffra Street

Visiting Hours
9:00am – 5:00pm daily
Note: The inner gardens near the shrine close after 12:00pm.
The gardens are closed on Bahá’í holy days and Yom Kippur. May be temporarily closed during rainy weather.

Admittance Fee
It is free. A free walk-in tour is also offered daily (except for Wednesdays).

Dress
Clothing that covers shoulders and reaches the knees.

For more information, please visit the official website for the gardens.

Author Bio:

Iman Zahirfar is a blogger who enjoys exploring the hidden corners of the world. In her spare time, she’s an avid book reader, and when no one’s watching she’ll eat as much ice cream as humanly possible.

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

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 || Feast Yourself: The Best of What You Can Eat in Frankfurt – by M Taha Khan

Whether during the lunch break or in the evening – food from the buffet has advantages. You can taste as many delicacies as you like for a fixed price, get to know many new delights or eat more of your favorite food. And the offer in Frankfurt ranges from sushi to Mongolian and oriental cuisine to pasta and tapas.

Sushi Circle

Behind the counter of the Sushi Circles, you can watch the sushi master at work, as soon as the little appetizers are done; they drive past you nicely lined up. You just have to grab it. The assembly line holds good sushi in all variations, but also all sorts of other trifles.

Especially recommended is the black seaweed salad with roasted sesame. Who after so much fish & Co on sweets would like to change, also will find it here – because between the eccentric, which you simply take off the tape, depending on your appetite, hunger and mood, also go treats like baked banana or warm, filled with bean curd sesame balls past you. For All, You Can Eat there is a soup included, which you can order just like the drinks at the table at the friendly service. The sushi, also vegetarian, you get here to take away.

Iimori Patisserie

The Café Iimori in the old town of Frankfurt is wonderfully nostalgically furnished; the restaurant on the upper floor exudes the charm of a Parisian salon.

Every Saturday welcomes owner AzkoIimoriand their guests with a well-stocked buffet filled with heavenly delicacies: fresh sushi, Japanese and French tapas and sweet temptations from our own patisserie as green tea tart, apple or chocolate tart. Caution, addictiveness! Please reserve Sundays as there is a Sunday brunch.

Tapas Locas

In the nice pub Tapas Locas with wooden tables and friendly service, you get the little Spanish delicacies every Tuesday night as a buffet presented. Aioli, olives, tortilla, patatas bravas, fish, and meat – here you can feast as much as you like.

The selection of food and matching wines is great, the prices are fair. If you do not feel like having a buffet, you can also order a la carte. Sometimes a musician comes by with his guitar and sings wistful songs from Spain on wine and good food.

Cron at the harbor

An All You Can Eat Brunch Fine Art offers the Cron at the port on every Sunday, as well as on selected holidays, you can have a tasty brunch with friends or family from 10:30 to 16:30. You can choose from delicious fresh antipasti (fish, meat or even vegetarian options), a homemade soup of the day, a wide selection of cheeses and meats with their own bread station and cereal, yogurt as is for a fortifying meal, fresh fruits, and even Italian desserts.

The delicious fun costs € 17.50 for adults, € 8.50 for children from 7 to 12 years. Per person, the buffet also includes a hot drink and a stir or mirror from the menu. If you want, you can order the pasta of the day (5 €) or a fish or meat dish (10 €).

Joe Peñas

The wide range of Fajitas is highly recommended. On top you will find the best what Tex-Mex cuisine has to offer: beef and chicken, seasoned with leaf salad and home-made dressing. There is also a quesadilla, a grilled wheat tortilla stuffed with red onions and cheese.

Also, the traditional appetizer specialty “Tamales Vallarta” (8 €) from the province of Chiapas is outstanding. Served here is a filling of ground corn, fresh vegetables and chicken in a corn leaf coat, which is steamed over a water bath and refined with spicy salsa.

Shangrila

The Shangrila wants to introduce its guests to the diversity of Chinese-Mongolian cuisine. During the week, there is a Chinese lunch buffet, and on Friday and Saturday lunchtime, as well as every Sunday evening, Mongolian cuisine is served with Chinese dishes.

A special feature is the live cooking: You select the ingredients at the buffet, such as crisp-fresh vegetables, fresh seafood, fish or meat and the chef prepares you personally on a 400-degree hot plate stainless steel your Mongolian court in minutes. The finished dish will be served at the table. You will also find here all sorts of other Asian appetizers and desserts.

Rodizio Grill

Originally, only beef was grilled from the South American pampas for the dish “Churrasco”, a kind of spit roast. Today you can find other varieties of meat over the fire in the Brazilian ChurrascariaRodizioGrill. You can choose anything from pork, beef, and lamb to poultry and sausages. With a table lamp, you show the staff, if you still want meat (green) or if your needs are covered (red). The meat can be served at the salad buffet, as well as a side dish of black beans (feijoada), rice, fried yucca root (mandioca) and fries served. This place is especially for real meat lovers!

Kish

Take a trip to the Orient during your lunch break – that’s what the Kish restaurant in Bockenheim is all about. There is a Persian buffet each afternoon with dishes such as lamb and chicken skewers, saffron meat, falafel and vegetarian vegetable dishes with oriental spices such as peppermint, coriander or turmeric.

The lunch buffet takes place daily from 11: 30-15 o’clock. Unusual, but now has proven the payment model: you not only eat as much as you want, you also pay as much as you like and can.

AUTHOR BIO:

This article is written by M Taha Khan. He is a professional blogger and content writer who writes for different blogs as a guest author.

He is a passionate traveler, football lover and a digital marketing executive at Flights to Frankfurt from London.

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

**Photos from pixlebay.com

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

YP Original || Rules of the Jungle by Abhimanyu

Spotting wild animals in the wilderness and sleeping under the sky full of stars, is what every traveler dreams of.

Running behind the colorful butterflies during the day and chasing a group of fireflies during the night hours, is what fascinates the kids when in Jungle.

Shooting (with camera) animals during an act and waiting for that perfect shot of a rare bird for hours is a photographer’s passion.

We all love jungles, don’t we?

That blissful morning with chirping sounds, that peaceful night around the bonfire, that cool breeze and the rough forest trails are the things what we crave for in cities. Don’t we?

But to keep our jungles and its inhabitants the way they are, we must abide by the some jungle rules.

We at yatripandit, have learnt these rules after our various trips to the wild.

Let them cross, you must wait – We must understand the forests belong to animals like the towns belong to humans. While on a jungle safari, if you see any animal crossing the way, kindly stop the vehicle, switch off the engine and just wait till it crosses the way. However, I am sure it won’t mind you clicking some good pictures 😛
No-Honking – The only noise signal valid in the wild is the sound of the birds and animals. Please do not demonstrate poor manners by honking and spoiling the melody of the silence prevailing around.
Do not jump out, stay in your safari – If you spot a tiger or any creature which excites you, please calm down your adrenaline rush and stay inside the safari because neither the animal nor your guide shall be responsible for any fatal accident.
Do not litter – Trash, especially plastic is the biggest enemy of forests and the residents. Always carry a bag to collect trash back with you and never throw any waste in the jungle. It’s our moral responsibility to keep our jungles clean and green.
Be nice to your guide – Being a Jungle guide is a tough and risky job. Jungles are usually closed for tourism during rainy season and guides and jobless. Ask a lot of questions but at the same time be nice and respectful to them. Give them some tip and wishes before bidding adieu, let your guide remember you forever.
Never try to scare animals – Always remember jungle belongs to animals, never try to scare them by any weapon or especially fire. Karma is a bitch and it bites back.
Do not loose heart – If you could not spot a tiger, rhino or an elephant; do not be disheartened because of 2 reasons :-
– Their population is not as huge as ours

– They want you to come back soon to their territory

And as they say, “You might have not seen the tiger, but he has surely seen you.” Always leave the jungle with a smile and a promise to come back.

We would love you to read our stories on some of our amazing jungle trips by clicking

Story By : Abhimanyu_Yatripandit

Images : Google Images

Guest Post || 7 Things to do in Hong Kong – By Arliss

Hong Kong is one of the most vibrant places in the world, having more than 7 million people. According to Wikipedia, it is also one of the world’s most important financial centers. If you are travelling to Hong Kong and are still unsure as to what you should do, that is probably because you couldn’t eliminate your choices (it is one of the most amazing places and the safest to visit). To ease your decisions, here are the seven things you should do in Hong Kong.

1. Experience Victoria Peak

Victoria Peak is probably the first thing you should visit. The Peak grants a grand view of Victoria Harbor, Central, and other surrounding islands, and is one of the most notable places for tourists.

Also, if luck is on your side, you will even witness Kowloon’s eight mountains. Take the Peak Tram, and enjoy the ride to the top. Once you get there, you will experience one of the most amazing views!

2. Try Local Cuisine

Cuisine is an integral part of every culture. If you do not have any particular restaurant in mind, just enter the one that seems appealing to yours. It is likely the restaurant serves somewhat unusual food (like chicken feet dim sum) but trying it will change your perception of the food.

If possible, try the Sweet and Sour Pork, the most notable food of the region. If you don’t want to go to restaurants, there are plenty of street options if you’re adventurous, the most notable being the fish balls, a snack made of fish meat (served cooked or uncooked).

3. Experience The Everyday Street Life

If you are an easygoing person, just pick a sidewalk and start walking. The point of travelling is that you experience new things, relax and enjoy yourself, and walking the streets of this fantastic city. You will hear people conversing and merchants and traders yelling at each other.

Moreover, you will smell and taste the food that is made right before your eyes, buy souvenirs in antique stores. However, this is probably not for everyone; if you are only interested in taking pictures of famous sites and sharing them on social media, then walking the streets is not something you should do, especially overnight. However, if you want to experience the life in this city, even for a few hours, then you have to try this, especially at night.

4. Enjoy the Star Ferry Ride

Starry Ferry functions for over a hundred years, transporting millions of people across Victoria Harbour. The ride will also allow you to have a better look at the Victoria Harbor and will distant you from the city itself, providing you with a new perspective of the city.

The price is reasonable for both day and night rides, and if you can, you should try both trips. It will also allow you to witness the city from a distance, with the focus on its skyscrapers (the city has the most skyscrapers in the world).

5. See the Tian Tan Buddha

Made entirely of bronze, the Tian Tan Buddha is the world’s most gigantic statue of Buddha in the world. The way you get there is by taking the Ngong Ping 360 Skyrail, a cable car that will provide you a fantastic view as you are travelling towards the destination. You have two options: you can take a regular ride or a ride in a glass bottom cabin.

Latter is more expensive than the first, but it does provide you with a unique view of the environment. Be aware of the fact that you will be floating in the air in a glass cabin, which can be pretty scary for many people.

6. Attend the Happy Valley Racecourse

Happy Valley Racecourse is the primary destination for everyone who loves to gamble, especially on a Wednesday night. Moreover, even if you do not care that much about gambling, horse races, or gambling on horse races, visit this place if you have the time for it. Find a seat in the stands (you can sit in a garden), order some food and beer and soak up as much as you can: the sounds, the smells, the overall atmosphere.

Note that this is one of the most popular places to go to amongst local population as well as tourists, so make sure that you book your ticket on time, especially if you are planning to visit the place on Wednesday. Why Wednesday? Happy Valley Racecourse hosts a total of eight races on that day; it can turn into a pretty crowded place!

7. Visit the Wong Tai Sin Temple

The Wong Tai Sin Temple is the city’s famous and busiest shrine. According to the kau cim practitioners, you make a wish, and your wish will be granted (“What you request is what you get.”) It is a top-rated tourist attraction. You will walk through the religious history, see The Nine Dragon Wall and lamp holding statues.

If feeling ambitious or adventurous, you should also try the fortune-telling stalls (you can also find your fortune on the streets of the city). The shrine was built to honor the shepherd boy that supposedly had healing powers. Whether you are religious or not, it is a place to visit if you are interested in the Taoist culture, its architecture, and art.

About the author : Arliss is the Managing Editor here at trekbible as well a social media editor at IncomeStore. She is also a writer and aspiring novelist. Arliss has family all over the world including the Ivory Coast, Denmark, Germany, and the Dominican Republic, a fact that greatly contributes to her passion for travel and culture.”

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

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

Trimbakeshwar & Sula vineyards

It was our 1st road trip in my new I-10. We started off early and straight hit the Nasik highway from Ghansoli. 1st hault taken after about an hour for breakfast (vada pav and Chai) on a roadside Tapri. The taste was good as the vada’s were served to our plates straight from kadhai.

While on the way to Trimbakeshwar temple near Nashik, we saw a huge water body and were fascinated to go there. It was Lake Vaitarna, serene and a landscape worth capturing.

We left for the ancient temple of lord Shiva again, which is of great mythological importance and 1 of the 12 Jyotirlingas. Kusavarta, a kunda (sacred pond) in the temple premises is the source of the Godavari River, the longest river in peninsular India. The current temple was built by Peshwa Balaji Baji Rao (Nanasaheb). Finding a parking space close to temple entrance was a tough task as it was a weekend. After reaching the temple gate we found out that the entry was closed as it was already too crowded. Then 1 of our hyper exited friend went on a pass search mission and came back victorious. There we were in the queue for darshan and came out in about hours time. The temple is made of black stones.

Our next destination was Sula vineyards in Nasik. After entering this place you will feel as if you have reached some vineyards in Switzerland. Widespread grape farms and breeze rustling through the leaves will leave you mesmerised. Hurry up and register for the next wine tasting tour, which allows you to see the wine manufacturing process and also taste some of the finest wines produced in the Indian sub-continent. White harvest and Dindori are must haves. Also they have an excellent restaurant serving stuff with cheese as a prime ingredient because as they say, wine tastes best with cheese.

Sula vineyard also provides staying options but being frugal we did not opt for it. Sula fest is an annual music fest and a must visit.

While returning back we had enjoyed a tasty Maharashtrian meal comprising of bhakri, pithla, dal, jwari, kadhi and bhaat.

Guest Post || 8 Things to do in Barcelona – By Daniyal

When traveling, one of the objectives is to make the most of the time and to return home with the feeling of not having lost anything in the newly discovered city. It’s a complicated task, I know, so I’ll give you a hand with this selection of the 8 things you can do in Barcelona. If you have many on the list you can always come a second time.

Walk to discover the city:
Barcelona is a big city, but it is perfect to witness beauty while walking. Forget about a day of the subway or the tourist bus and re-cross it by giving nice walks and wandering around the roads. You can choose to visit the most important buildings and parks of the city such as Citadels, Joan Miro Park or Montjuic castle, but there is also a Barcelona that does not come in the guides. We encourage you to go up to Horta, to know the charm of the Saint Andreu neighborhood, to see a side of the lesser known Example and enjoy unique panoramas.

Go to concerts:
Barcelona has plenty of live music venues such as Razzmatazz or Sala Apollo, but it also has wonderful concert halls. The Gran Theatre Del Liceu is a splendid survivor decorated with gold leaf, luxurious red carpets and lots of ornamentation. Check the schedule since the tickets are not always as expensive as it may seem and is a place worth a visit.

On the other hand is L’Auditori, an elegant space with capacity for 2,400 spectators that not only program concerts of classical music but also jazz or world music. The Palau de la Musical Catalonia’s is famous for its modernist architecture and the number of activities it hosts. Barcelona also hosts various festivals from Primavera Sound to Barcelona International Jazz Festival, Sonar and Cruilla, and others.

Gaudi and Modernism:
Undoubtedly, one of the tourist attractions (and also for those who live here) is to admire the modernist architecture and the works of Gaudi in particular. You can find several examples of his work throughout the city, whether civil or religious buildings. The most famous is the Sagrada Familia, impressive on the outside and inside; The Park Guell, a place almost of the story that emulates an English garden or the Pedrera, but do not miss the opportunity to visit other buildings of Gaudi that sometimes occupy a smaller place in the guides.

Discover the Barcelona of the young Picasso:
Picasso remembered Barcelona as beautiful and brilliant, a city where he spent his first years. Follow the steps of the genius by visiting the regions that marked his youth. Walk along the street of The Queen Cristina and then cross to street number 3 (street of Merce) where his family lived, although the building was destroyed. If you need to stop on the way, get closer to Ells 4 Gats, a place where artists of the time met for dinner parties, dinners, and art meetings. Finally, visit the Picasso Museum, a gallery that houses
the works of Picasso’s formative years.

Try the seafood cuisine:
Nobody should leave Barcelona without trying their seafood cuisine. The city offers Rias de Galicia, in Poble-sec and Cachitos which is famous for its fantastic variety of fish and seafood. Cal Pep, in La Born, is known for its three-phase, a mixture of fried chanquetes, squid and shrimp and exquisite noodles. In La Barcelonnette, you will find La Mar Salada and Can Sole with fresh fish and seafood every day.

Climb the mountain of Montjuic:
The Montjuic Mountain is perfect for strolling through trees and having a great view, but it very costly to access… There are facilities that were built for the 1992 Olympic Games, including the Palau Saint Jordi or the telecommunications tower designed by Santiago Calatrava. Those who have more energy and climb to the top of the hill will find the Olympic Stadium and the Jardi Botanic at its feet, Plaza de Espanya is the most popular entrance to the mountain, and you can also take advantage of the Pavello Mie’s van der Rohe and the Caxias forum cultural center.

Bath in the Mediterranean:
Barcelona has a little more than 4 kilometers of beaches in which to stretch the towel, plant the umbrella smeared with cream and put the backpack to a good collection is a good choice. With just a few minutes by train or a short drive, you can visit other coastal towns with dream beaches. The Mediterranean is a gift!

Approach the sky:
Even if you are not a loyal believer, you should visit the magnificent churches of Barcelona for pure artistic and architectural pleasure. Saint Pau del Camp is a rare example of Romanesque architecture with a fantastic cover-up and superb pathway and the elegant Basilica of Santa Maria del Mar is perhaps the best example of the survived Catalan Gothic architecture and is a place of peace up to the atheists. The Gothic religious building par excellence is the Cathedral of Barcelona, dedicated to Santa Eulalia, the
patron saint of the city. The majestic Gothic with a monastery is famous for its 13 white hollows.

About the author in his own words: This article has been written by Daniyal Buksh a professional content strategist and digital marketer at flights to Stockholm from London. You can catch him on Facebook.

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

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

Cheers !!

Guest Post || 5 Offbeat Places To Visit Near Delhi By Yashita

The hustle and bustle of the everyday city life in Delhi wears us all down. And the end of a long working week calls for a calm and blissful holiday. Doesn’t it? Escape from the boredom of your monotonous life, and let The Happy Wanderer recommend the trip you have been thinking about since so long!

We bring to you the most exotic off-beat locations near Delhi:

#1 Surajgarh Fort, Rajasthan

Property of the luxurious Kangra Group of Hotels, the Surajgarh fort lies approximately 190 kms from Delhi. The name of the palace literally means “The Castle of The Sun”. This 4 acre fortified palace gives its guests the experience of living like a Maharaja. It has fine and colourful architecture, a beautiful swimming pool and the essence of history. You can easily visit the locals there, explore the nearby forts and exotic locations on a camel back or just chill in the luxurious hotel.

#2 Shoghi, Himachal Pradesh

Approximately 345kms from Delhi, and 15 kms from Shimla.

Located in the Solan district of Himachal Pradesh, Shoghi is an ideal destination for a family holiday. Sprinkled with numerous temples like the Taradevi Temple, unexplored countryside and stunning views of the breathtaking Himalayas, Shoghi is an excellent weekend getaway. Perfect for trekking and adventure walks through the jungles ,this place is far away from the hustle of Shimla.

#3 Dholpur, Rajasthan

Dholpur is a city in eastern most parts of the Rajasthan state of India. Only 260 kms away from Delhi, Dholpur has several tourist spots like the Van vihar Wild life sanctuary, ravines of Chambal, National Chambal wildlife Sanctuary, The Machkund temple etc. With a vibrant history and rich culture, this beautiful place takes you to a mesmerizing journey back in time.

#4 Chakrata , Uttrakhand

A secluded hillstation with a peaceful environment, Chakrata is a fascinating weekend destination in the Dehradun district of Uttrakhand, approximately 310 kms away from New Delhi. It is a picturesque place with splendid places like The tiger falls, , and is an ideal destination for nature lovers, bird watchers and adventure enthusiasts.

#5 Kasol, Himachal Pradesh

Kasol is a small village in Himachal Pradesh, stretched along the Parvati River. With the view of snowy mountains this place is a famous travel place for explorers and travelers. This village also known as Mini Israel is situated approximately 520 kms from Delhi. You’ll find cuisines from all over the world here. Low on rates and high on value, this place is a must go for you all!

You can easily reach there either by your own car, or by taking a Volvo. The nearest airport is located in Bhunttar (Kullu) (but the flight rates might just create a hole in your pocket!)

Yatripandit’s addon- If you wish to camp – the hippie style please click Secret Camping Destination

And if “mainstream” is your style of travel, click on Raiding Mighty Himalayas

Got bored of mainstream so fast !! Read about this “offbeat” place called Lanjhini

About the author in her own words:

Yashita Mahajan, 22 –

My love for exploring the world makes me write, click and follow my dreams. And this is the reason why I started my blog The Happy Wanderer. I am currently pursuing my MBA from Hyderabad. I believe that it’s the little things and experiences in life that keeps us going, so live each day, and keep the negativity away! You can reach me on yashita0405@gmail.com

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

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

Cheers !!

Guest Post || 3 Days of Grace @Goa by Rommanne

Goa is one of the most beautiful and popular destinations of India! Planning a romantic outing, Go Goa! Reunion with school friends, Go Goa! Family holiday where the planned destination is a beach, Go Goa! You want to go parasailing with your loved one or go for a beautiful boat-ride to watch the sunset with dolphins jumping in the background, Go Goa! If you want to try your luck at a casino and let your hair down, Goa it is! If you want to be a part of rave parties to enjoy the nightlife of the place, Goa definitely is the best place. If you are fond of sea food, then this is the place to be! And if you are looking at having a relaxed weekend with chilled beer, then you are in luck as the taxes levied on alcohol is much less than any state in the country!

Here’s a list of activities to do in Goa. Before I share my itinerary, I would like to give you the various options Goa has to offer so that you can decide to tweak your itinerary to whatever suits you. I have divided the place into three categories, so that you can choose where to spend most of your time.

North Goa:

North Goa is famous for a number of beaches which is a must visit! This place is lively, full of folks in a holiday and merry making mood! There are a few activities on the beach like parasailing. If you wish to be a part of the hullabaloo then you should be at the Baga beach around 4:00 pm and wait till the sun becomes a huge red ball of fire and sets into the horizon.

Places to see in North Goa:

Baga beach
Calangute beach
Vagator Beach
Anjuna Beach
Fort Aguada (Fisherman’s Cove)
Chapora Fort
Arambol Beach – know why Arambol beach is so awesome by clicking Arambol

Restaurants to eat in North Goa:

Tito’s
Ratnasagar Hotel
Suza Lobo
The Capricorn

Blueberry cheese cake under attack at Titos!

South Goa:

If you like your beach less crowded and want a quiet walk holding hands with your loved one, then you must be at the southern end of Goa. If you dream of beautiful candle light dinners by the sea under a starry night then you have chosen the right place. There are local boat rides available to watch dolphins play in the sea, and to the virgin beaches situated a little away from the shore. Crystal clear water and warmth of the sands makes one wish that time stops for some time while they soak in the bliss of the tranquil surroundings. South Goa is definitely home to the best beaches of the Konkan coast of India.

Places to see

Palolem Beach
Candolem Beach
Colva Beach (Babumoshai)

Places to eat

The Pentagon
Palacio do deau

A romantic candle light dinner at Palolem beach. Flames from the sea shell buried in the golden sands made the evening even more romantic and beautiful

Get set and eat! You can choose the fish you want ( read prawns and crabs also), the choice of sauce and ask them to barbecue it! Tastes delicious.

Panjim:

The capital of Goa, Panjim houses the most beautiful and quaint churches in the area. Vasco-da-Gama arrived at India in the 15th century but has left behind a Portuguese culture in the streets of Panjim.

Places to see

Church Square
Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Church
Goa State Musuem

Places to eat

Fisherman’s Cove
Anantashram

Feasting on Fish Fingers! At the Fisherman’s Cove.

How to travel in Goa?

The best and most pocket friendly option is to rent a bike. That is the best way to go around Goa. You could also rent a car. Remember to keep your driving license with you since the Goan Traffic Police is pretty strict when it comes to checking documents. Buses are a very few, and getting public transport during the night can be difficult, plus they charge you exorbitant rates.

Shopping at Goa

Flea markets are very popular in Goa and you will find a lot of stalls on the road and in crowded destinations. You don’t have to visit a shopping area as such. Plenty of beautiful skirts and blouses are available in floral patterns along with accessories. If you haven’t had the time to pack beachwear, you will find it in plenty on the streets of Goa.

Goan specialities

Thanks to the international tourist population, you will find all kinds of cuisines in Goa. There are plenty of restaurants serving continental food. However, do find time to taste the coconut gravy delicacies of the Malabar Coast which will steal your heart. Also try the local liquor Fenny (also called Feni), made of cashew or toddy palm.

What to carry?

Beachwear
Sunscreen
Good Camera
A small torch
Cash as not many places accept cards
A good book
Light music

My itinerary in Goa:

Day 1:

Relax in South Goa. Run to Colva beach in the morning and be back by noon before the sun sets ablaze. Post a shower you can dine in one of the restaurants in South Goa. I loved the restaurant called Babumoshai in Colva beach for serving delicious pomphrets. But you can pick any restaurant of your choice.

Move to Palolem beach in the evening.Be there by 4:00 pm. I would highly recommend a boat ride to Honeymoon Island. Tip the boatman to take you to areas where you can see dolphins play and lap in nature.

Watch the sunset from the beach. If you’re lucky on a non-cloudy day, the red ball disappearing into ocean blue is a sight to behold. Take a walk by the beach line. Find yourself a restaurant on the beach and enjoy candle light dinner.

On a boat ride, heading towards the orange sun before it kisses goodbye!

Ensure you have a rented bike or have booked a taxi back. You may not find transport if you are really late. Also, lock your rented bikes well. People often find fuel stolen while they were away and are stranded at night.

Tuck in!

Day 2:

Book a cab and go towards Panjim. Leave early morning, and see if you could carry your bags with you.

Once in Panjim, visit the church square and eat at Anandashram near the Honda showroom. Walk down the narrow lanes with Portugal influence. Visit the church and head to North Goa beaches.

Baga beach is a good place to be. Try some water sports activites and enjoy the view of the crashing waves. Tito’s, at Baga Beach must be in your bucket list.

If you are a party lover, you must visit Anjuna beach. Curly’s is an awesome place with great music and good food. There are other places in the neighboring region as well.

Crash!

Day 3:

Visit Chapora Fort and Fort Aguada. Do not miss Fisherman’s Cove, a lovely restaurant on Fort Aguada Road.

Spend some time in the flea markets and shopping centres and relax.

Head back to the beach in the evening! You can visit Calangute or Vagator beach.Or go back to Baga! Plenty of good food in the vicinity there.

Have a great trip to Goa and bring back wonderful memories. I am sure it will be worth a thousand smiles and wonderful moments that you will cherish in the years to come. Do mention what about Goa intrigued you the most!

About the author in her own words: A Bengali brought up in the cosmopolitan city of Bangalore, I believe in living life to the brim. I have spent years to hone up my technical skills to get the coveted tag of an “Engineer + MBA” and worked with some of the best brands of the corporate world. I love to splash colors on canvas, disappear into a different world by picking up a good book and flipping a few pages, put together some spices and meat to please my taste buds, sway to my favorite tune each time I hear good music and of course explore a new place every time I get a chance! Well, this doesn’t even sum up 0.1% of me! Each article here is a bit of me, a bit of what I think, a little of what I feel and are pieces of the jigsaw puzzle which makes me, Me!

This is her second featured post on yatripandit.

You can check other amazing stories by Rommanne at http://www.rommanne.com

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

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Cheers !!

Hawa Mahal- An Architectural Marvel

When we visited Jaipur Pink City last time, our schedule didn’t allow us to visit Hawa Mahal, but this time we made sure it is on our list.

Hawa Mahal is an architectural marvel, you will be in awe after witnessing the beauty and engineering of the palace.

The structure was built in 1799 by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh. It was designed by Lal Chand Ustad in the form of the crown of Krishna, the Hindu god.

Its unique five-story exterior is akin to the honeycomb of a beehive with its 953 small windows called jharokhas

The original intention of the lattice was to allow royal ladies to observe everyday life in the street below without being seen since they had to obey strict “purdah” (face cover).

Windows (Jharokha) has colorful panes so it will light the hallways with different colors.

Stay tuned for our upcoming story on Garadia Mahadev – Grand Canyon of Rajasthan

Story & Pictures by Utkarsh

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1. Experience Victoria Peak

2. Try Local Cuisine

3. Experience The Everyday Street Life

4. Enjoy the Star Ferry Ride

5. See the Tian Tan Buddha

6. Attend the Happy Valley Racecourse

7. Visit the Wong Tai Sin Temple

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