This edition of our Bhutan trip is meant for the backpackers, for the budget travelers, and everyone in between. Take part in this 1-week adventure in the land of happiness with EIT and explore the vast mountains, the royal monasteries and so much more!
Day 01:
Arrival at Phuentsholing. Transfer to Thimphu. Travel Time – 6.5 – 7 hours.
Check into hotel
Day 02:
Local sightseeing after breakfast (Memorial Chorten, Buddha Statue, Thimphu Dzong, Takin Reserve,
National Museum of Textiles)
Evening sightseeing (Changankha Lhakhang and sightseeing left over from previous day) and shopping etc.
Day 03:
Mild hike to a monastery near Thimphu
Personalised postal stamps at Thimphu Post Office, and evening free for rest and shopping
Day 04:
Check out of hotel after early breakfast & leave for Punakha district. Travel time – 2 hours.
All sightseeing in Punakha via Dochu La Pass (Chimi Lhakhang, Punakha Dzong & iron suspension bridge)
Evening free for rest after a hectic day
Day 05:
Early breakfast & leave for Paro Travel time – 3 hours
Local sightseeing at Paro (Paro Dzong, Dungtse Lhakhang, Kichyu Monastery)
Evening free for rest
Day 06:
Early breakfast and begin climb to Tiger’s Nest/Taktsang. Climb will take about 2.5 – 3 hours.
Evening visit National Museum and thereafter go shopping/exploration in Paro town
Day 07:
Departure from Paro after breakfast
This itinerary can be customised to include a longer stay in Thimphu, especially for first time visitors to the country. However, the Price Tag will then change
Note: Bhutan trips are planned in association with our travel partners, Easeindiatravel
For reading a traveler’s 1st hand experience please click Here
you can directly contact our tour partners, “EASEINDIATRAVEL“on info@easeindiatravel.com. Mention Yatripandit’s name to get special tarrifs.
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We know you liked our last story, kuch khaas hai kaas on Kaas Plateau published in September 2017 and as promised here we are sharing the 2nd phase of that amazing Road trip with Sandy. If you missed reading the preceding story, click here and then read the current one.
Here you go, After dumping the idea of quitting jobs and realizing that its getting dark, we hit the road again to reach our final destination- Guhagar. It was about 180 kms drive from Satara via karad and Chiplun. The roads were not in a good condition throughout the journey and there were some steep ghats, then we reached to the pre booked Nilambari Resort.
Abhimanyu
Utkasrh
Sandy
Where to STAY: It was a 3 bed non AC room with attached toilet and television. The resort owner is very friendly and we could bargain and get the fare down to Rs 1000/- from Rs.1500/-. After having typical Konkani poha and tea served at the Resort, we headed to the beach which is about a five minute walk from the resort.
What to EAT: While in Guhagar, one must try Konkani vegetarian food like ukdi chamodak, sol kadi, Bhaves, kokam sharbat and Thali-pith of Suruchi hotel is a must eat. Konkani sea food is globally recognized for its taste and while in this part of the sub-continent, one cannot afford to miss: kalva, mhakala, vaghal, bonbil, kolim, kombadi vade, mori mutton, Ghol, Rawas etc.
We were awestruck after feeling the smooth white sand on this virgin Guhagar beach. The water was clear and so was the beach. It felt as 3 of us were the only tourists. After having a dip in the Arabian sea, we headed towards the famous Gopalgarh fort which has great historic significance. It is believed to be built at the start of 16th Century by the Siddis. It was captured by Shivaji Maharah in 1660.
Being one of the most important lighthouses of India, Anjanvel Light house is a must visit. The lighthouse operator explained us the technicalities involved in signaling and controlling the ships. We halted at an unknown and unnamed venue on the hill and facing the mighty Arabian Sea for some time and did not realize when we ended up halting there for hours. The air was the freshest that we ever had inhaled and the breathtaking view was the best ever experience we could have captured in ours lens, eyes and hearts. The thought of quitting job was dwindling all over again. We enjoyed some late night drinks on the beach in the moonlight and under the sky full of twinkling stars.
Vyadeshwar and Velaneshwar temple: Both are temples of Lord Shiva and are the Kuladaivat of a lot of Kokanastha Brahmins.
Next morning we were all set to hit road and decided to take the road less traveled, where we had to cross Dabhol creek on a ferry along with our car, which was a superb experience to reach Ratnagiri. Visited an ancient Chandika Devi Temple to reach Pune via not so easy to drive Tamhini Ghat. The ghat is full of waterfalls and scenic beauty during the monsoon. We drove back to Mumbai with a lifetime experience, much improved bond of friendship and promises for the many more upcoming roadtrips.
Must carry stuff on a roadtrip: Aux cable, cigarette point charger, knife, water, jacket, extra pair of shoes, sunglasses, sunscreen, old newspapers, mat, bedsheet, nail cutter, mug, DSLR, football, snacks, beachwear (if the place you heading to has a beach)and hell lot of great music.
Do not miss to listen to the music what we love on roadtrip by clicking HERE
Story by: Abhimanyu
Pictures by: Utkarsh & Sandy
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You all would agree with me for the title if I tell you I am talking about no place other than Himachal Pradesh known as devbhoomi (land of devatas). There is this different sense of calmness once you cross the Punjab border and enter into Himachal.
I recently got a chance to visit this paradise and trust me if you are expecting me to talk about Mcleodganj, Dharamshala, Shimla etc, I am going to disappoint you because Himachal is not just these places(for a trip to Shimla you can read Yatripandit’s Story). There is much more to it and that is still hidden on the hill tops, inside the forests and God knows where else. So let’s take you to these serene villages of Himachal (They are no villages) and absorb the tranquility of these plush green places. As you enter the Himachal border from Pathankot , you are welcomed with a cool breeze usually every time of the year and long deodar trees. It will take you around an hour or two to reach banoi chowk if you boarded the Kangra bus from Pathankot. Usually these chowks are named after the names of rivers flowing there or nearby, and let me remind you throughout the way the rivers are not gonna leave you, from the bus you can follow the river waters and it might not be surprising if the bus stops suddenly on the road side and conductor gets down to fill his water bottle from the water seeping through the roadside hill. Yeah, it’s the purest water – chilled and all for free. On the way there are many dhabas (Unlike Karnataka) to serve you delicious tandoori roti along with Kadi and Rajma and this hot meal is exactly what you need on those hilly cold Raasta.
As you reach banoi chowk, you have to get down and take a jeep to Lanjhni (It’s a village on the hilltops in district Dharamshala and tehsil Kangra with around 150 houses , built almost one or two per hill ) Usually the locals living there provide guest houses for rent to travelers, but it’s hard to find on your own since it’s almost a non-traveller zone, so you have to make arrangements in advance or you could even take help from the drivers or hotel owners in Dharamshala as this place is just 10 KM from Dharamshala.
Once you are set in that cozy room of your guest house facing tall deodar trees and pin drop silence you have all the time in the world to be face yourself. The silence here is not deafening, it’s music to your ears when you can hear your own heartbeat. I would suggest to reach the guesthouse before the sunset just to be on a safer side (Although people here do not lock their homes..)
Enjoy a great adrak wali chai and let the artist within unwind. (That’s my personal touch to it)
Next morning , it’s an advice to wake up early because you surely would not like to miss one of your life’s best sunrise, the first rays breaking through the clouds(although you are on cloudsJ ) and sun rising behind that green cover of trees . After making up your morning, the walk through the hills between the clouds would lead you to a soul awakening path, the cool breeze and the warm sun is the perfect combination for the awakening. No need to rush, nowhere to hurry for…Just Live and by this I mean actually LIVE LIFE.
You have all the time to explore the village now and you would really be astonished to know that this village is built much better than many of the cities we live in, with all the amenities and yes there is hardly any power cut happening in this village. Please take your time to talk to the elderly people here, you will fall in love with the sweetness of their language and affection , they will tell you how their ancestors bought these hills and constructed those houses which are more robust than many of our recent constructions, they have the plethora of stories some depicting their ancient beliefs and you will feel how innocent and pure their hearts are while some will tell you some daily tales about myths which might scare you a bit,but overall this is gonna be a lifetime experience for you.
If you craving for the outside world , you can anytime tale a local jeep or cab to Dharamshala and ahead to Mcleodganj and have a gala time, do a real time cheap shopping ,enjoy your time with little cute monks in Dalai lama temple , visit the famous Shiva Café and Bhagsunag temple and Falls.
This trip would give you a soul stirring and calming experience or I should say ‘A Murakami experience’.
Please do write to me if you need any details for this place in case you are traveling.
About the Author:
Name: Lekha Mishra
Job: Who cares
Ethnicity: Is often misconstrued and lead to miseries, so don’t have one.
Loves: Time I cultivate the dreams and nurture the art within and love to love the loved ones who make life a lovable livable affair for the downtrodden too.
Outlook about Life: A cup of hot ginger tea and a big window seating with a book or a calm listener or a healer
Do you cry: Often! Yes it cleans the slate.
Shopping: Need more almirah maa!
Yatripandit addon: Lekha is an amazing soul who believes in LMAO theory showing her all 32. She always carries a full of life attitude and is ready for all challenges. We wish her all the best for all future journeysand life.
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
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In the winter, most people are looking to visit warmer destinations and escape the snow. These people are missing out on opportunities to make the most of the weather, and do the things they can only do one season of the year. Canada gets some really cold winters, and the locals have found a lot of ways to embrace and celebrate that weather. Instead of heading for an island, set out for a snowy adventure.
The Carnival
If you’re traveling with your family, the Quebec Winter Carnival is a must-do. It runs in January and February, and it’s all about traditions. Toboggan races are a major draw, though most families come just to see the ice palace. The kids will have a ton of fun, but there’s also plenty of things for the adults to do. The festival’s signature cocktail, the Caribou, is a concoction of whiskey, red wine, and maple syrup. There’s never been a more Canadian drink.
The Skiing Opportunities
Skiing is fun for everyone. Whether you’re vacationing with your family, your friends, or your coworkers, you’ll all enjoy yourselves while you’re getting a little adrenaline rush. There’s no shortage of excellent places to ski. Mont Sainte Anne boasts some incredible views of Quebec, and it offers over a dozen trails in varying difficulties.
Everyone will be able to find the right trail, and if you’re staying for a while, you might start to feel comfortable enough to take on some of the big ones.
Eating and Drinking
Every year, Nova Scotia holds the Winter Icewine festival. It’s a foodie’s dream come to life. Boutique winemakers from the area, as well as some of the region’s most esteemed chefs, come together to create magic in the tummies of locals and tourists who come to eat and drink. This is a ten day festival and exhibition with dozens of events.
If you’re more interested in eating and drinking in style, La Bodega Tapas Bar and Grill builds an ice bar every winter. Even the stools are carved from ice. Save the regular table for any other time of the year – how many opportunities will you have to dine on ice?
Pond Hockey
Sports lovers rejoice. In New Brunswick, you’ll be able to attend the World Pond Hockey Championships. Over a hundred teams come out to participate, and you can take part in the fun. It’s the only sport that can’t be played at any other time of year. Pond hockey has deep roots in Canadian culture, and it’s just as enjoyable for any hockey lover from any other part of the world. Sports fans will want to hang around for all four days of festivities, and they should bring a pair of skates.
Ice Climbing
Ice climbing probably isn’t for everyone, but people who are on the hunt for a great adventure won’t be able to pass up the chance. Thrill seekers from far and wide come to Canada to ice climb in the winter. There are designated safe places and instructors for first timers, so everyone who has never climbed before will have the opportunity to learn how to do it the correct way. You can go hiking or mountain climbing anywhere, but you can only scale these ice walls in Canada.
If you’ve ever wanted to walk in a real winter wonderland, bump Canada up to the top of your list for your next winter vacation destination. You’ll get the experience that world famous Canadian hospitality, and you’ll be glad that you did.
About the Author:Savannah is an experienced traveler who loves winter sports and mountains. Whenever not working, she’s at the slopes in the US, Asia or Europe. She’s also interested in photography and film-making.
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
Please click on the ads which appear on the website and help us earn some money to travel. 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
A family vacation is tough enough to plan without age difference consideration. Meanwhile, many families use their vacations as an opportunity to spend time with their parents and children.
Going on a holiday with all the family members is fun and exciting. However, the lack of planning may lead to disaster. If you are responsible for the planning part, the below tips can help you come up with a vacation that will satisfy everyone.
Know That Ideal Vacations Don’t Exist
An ideal multi-generational vacation exists in the same magic universe as Santa Claus and the tooth fairy. If you are planning to go on a vacation with a big family, someone will always find something to be upset about.
Your goal is not to plan an ideal for everyone. It’s to find an option that will satisfy most of the family members.
Plan Ahead
Start planning the vacation as far in advance as possible. People have a way of changing their plans so make sure you set the dates early. The earlier you start planning, the better chance it will be that everyone will make it to the vacation.
Meanwhile, you can get some early booking deals. Early planning allows you to take things slow and avoid being in a constant rut.
Ask for Everyone’s Opinion
Before booking, ask everyone what they want from a vacation. The best way to go about it is to have them make a wish list. Let them know that all the wishes are impossible to consider but you’ll try to factor in at least a couple.
This way you’ll get an idea of what to look for when planning while satisfying at least some wishes of each family member.
Don’t Hesitate to Get Help
If you are the designated vacation planner, it doesn’t mean that everyone else should sit around and do nothing. Delegate some of your responsibilities to the others. While you are busy with hotel booking, someone else can look for car rental options, museum discounts or interesting places to visit. Once they have the options ready, you can proceed to incorporate them into your plan.
Choose Accommodation Wisely
Large multi-generational families usually go on a vacation together in order to spend some quality time with each other. That’s why you should consider accommodations that allow everyone to live close. Townhouses and villas are great choices. Such accommodations usually have large common areas such as kitchens and backyards. Meanwhile, everyone gets his or her own room.
However, some families prefer not to have a common area. They’d rather go to a restaurant and spend quality time there. Ask everyone for their accommodation preferences when they are making their wish lists.
Optimize Your Packing
When several adults from one family are traveling together, they can optimize their packing list. There is no need to bring 3 scissors, 2 tweezers, 2 flat irons, and 4 boxes of Advil. If you are planning to live in the same villa, this over packing is not necessary.
Talk to the family members and designate someone responsible for each shared item.
Consider the Expenses
Since you’ll be living together as one big family, you need to discuss the finances. In most cases, someone pays for the trip (hotel and tickets) but the expenses incurred during the vacation are distributed among the family members. Talk about the financial part in advance in order to avoid misconceptions during the vacation.
Financial matters have a way of ruining even the best of times. A great way to avoid financial complications is to book an all-inclusive vacation, just make sure you pick a family-friendly all-inclusive, not an adults-only resort. When everything is covered in advance, most of the money questions become irrelevant.
Plan For Some Time Apart
Even if you consider all the wishes, it’s hard to plan an ideal vacation for everyone. So occasionally, you need to spend some time apart. Grandparents might feel like taking a nice walk in the park while the kids can take advantage of a water park nearby. Spending a little time apart can make your family vacation even more exciting.
Do a Final Check
Before the trip, make sure both grandparents and children have all the proper documents with them. Check for the requirements in advance. If you are traveling to another country, consider checking up on the rule and law differences that don’t appear intuitive.
Some countries require additional documents for children traveling with just one parent. So if you are divorced, you may need permission from your ex-spouse to travel with the children abroad.
Get Ready to Be Flexible
When going on a vacation with a large family, unexpected things are bound to happen. Besides coming up with Plan B and Plan C in advance, you have to be in the right mindset.
When it comes to large multi-generational groups, ideal planning doesn’t exist. Get ready to make changes along the way.
Have Fun
Multi-generational vacations are not a burden. They exist to allow the family members to spend quality time together. The only way to do it is to relax and have fun. After all, such vacations don’t happen more often than once a year.
Even if you get tired by the end of the trip, you know you have just created unforgettable memories.
About the Author:
Kiley Morrow is a travel/lifestyle expert. She’s spent the past 3 years traveling the globe and sharing all the experiences she had through tips and guides.
PS: Special thanks to Emma Johnson (Digital Marketing Coordinator-Sandals Resorts) for facilitating this brilliant story. 🙂
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
Please click on the ads which appear on the website and help us earn some money to travel. 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
Did you ever wish to visit heaven prior to death? Yes it is possible and is situated in a very close proximity to Mumbai. I am talking about “Kaas plateau” aka “The valley of flowers.” The Plateau has been recognized as “bio diversity heritage site” by UNESCO.
A car, 3 friends, a DSLR, some beer and kickass music what else do we need for a road trip! All of us being fresh graduates did not own a car but we hired a self-drivediesel car from Girikand cars and headed straight to Mumbai-Pune expressway and reached Satara town in about 6 hours(it’s not that far but we took a couple of breaks to enjoy the journey). Being a national highway, the roads were smooth and there was no scarcity of eateries. We halted at one of the dhabas to fill our tummies and kept moving. It was an uphill journey from Satara to 1 of the 7 wonders of Maharashtra – The Kaas Plateau. This 22 KMs ghat is not a very tough one to drive on and its full of scenic beauty. As we went closer we could seethe blossoms and suddenly it started drizzling making the journey more pleasing. Car parking space is after you cross the valley of flowers and you have to walk back to the valley. Once we reached on the plateau, all we witnessed was an endless carpet of colorful blooms on both sides of the road. It seemed as if the rainbow has been laid on the ground.
The whole stretch was so refreshing and rejuvenating that for once, we thought of quitting our jobs and stay in the valley forever. It is a surely a paradise for shutterbugs and can be an inspiration for poets and painters. Kaas also endorses a breathtaking aerial view of Shivsagar lake. The Kaas plateau is known to be home to around 850 varieties of plants of which around 600 are flowering plants and about 40 of which are only found in Kaas. The volcanic soil i.e. rich in natural minerals is the reason for such wide floral diversity. This plateau is surely an ocean of learning for botanists and researchers. Being a weekend it was crowded.We were luck to visit the heaven in the days when there was no entry fee but now a days, a very minimal fee of Rs 100/- is charged per person. We are sure you won’t mind this once you soak yourself in the carpet of flowers.
Humble Suggestion: Do not pluck or disturb the blossoms and walk only on the pathways marked with stones. Also, buy some stuff(snacks, etc) item from the local vendors as tourism is probably the only source of income.
When to Go: Best time to visit is end august to November as the flowers bloom during these months. Do check this website https://www.kas.ind.in/ before visiting Kaas to see the current pictures of Kaas.
Kaas Lake
Where to stay: There are a few stay options on the way to Kaas plateau but we went further downhill to a laid back village called Bamnoli and stayed at a local home stay on the lake side. Check our story on this pretty lazy village.
Must carry stuff on a roadtrip: Aux cable, cigarette point charger, knife, water, jacket, extra pair of shoes, sunglasses, sunscreen, old newspapers, mat, bedsheet, nail cutter, mug, DSLR, football, snacks, beachwear (if the place you heading to has a beach)and hell lot of great music.
After experiencing Kaas and staying at Bamnoli, we headed to an un-touched white sand beach on the Konkan coast. Stay tuned for next story to know more about this virgin beach.
Story by: Abhimanyu
Pictures by: Utkarsh
Please click on the ads which appear on the website and help us earn some money to travel. 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
Get a comfortable and spacious car’s gas tank full, holler up your friends and just leave. That’s all you need to do enjoy a perfect DIY road trip which saves you from a crazy mess of plane tickets and visas. So the next time you’re looking for some fun on a road trip, follow these simple six steps and you’ll have an awesome trip, without any doubt:
Always Keep A Backup Plan:
Road trips are full of unexpected happenings and events; you cannot quite predict a predetermined way in which the trip might go. You need to have your car in the right condition, always keep a spare tire. Keep an eye out for hotel deals because you might need to spring into a hotel room for a night if you lag up due to traffic jam or simply because you couldn’t drive. Keep your car’s security your top priority. Consider getting a good quality alarm for it.
Be Spontaneous:
Always leave room for spontaneity, unlike train and plane trips you do not have preset schedules and you do not need to stick to conventional ways of travelling. Take this opportunity and step out of your comfort zone, and just go with the flow. Make random stops, if you come across different places that are not very famous. This is something you might never regret in the future, so make the most out of these unplanned moments.
Divide Responsibilities:
As much as the element of spontaneity is essential to keep the trip’s fun intact, planning out certain things like designating each traveler their tasks and their responsibilities leaves no room for mismanagement and everyone plays their roles effectively to ensure the trip remains fun. And this way, the whole burden is not laid upon one person altogether so that they don’t feel all worked up.
Find Entertainment On The Way:
Don’t forget to enjoy the roadside sights. It might seem really childish but spotting the world’s largest dinosaurs or stuff like that can be really enjoyable. Check out if you can find some applications which let you know what sights you could come across when you hit the road. Look out for restaurants that provide ethnic food while on the way, often you’ll find specials of an area. Cherish the culture you across while on road trips, the native dialects of standard languages and much more.
Keep Snacks Stocked!
Make sure you have enough snacks and drinks stocked up in your icebox. Having snacks helps you avoid roadside patrol pump shops with aisles full of candies. Find a couple of recipes that you can put together easily and stock up for some time. So do not sacrifice your health and wellness goals and routine for a road trip, you can definitely manage to maintain along.
Manage The Expenses:
You have to figure out a way to keep your expenses in track because chances are; you chose a road trip because it saves from soaring airfares. Have one person in the group keep a track of all the spending so it splitting the money doesn’t become a problem later.
Yatripandit’s add-on: There are many apps available these days for managing the expenses for e.g. Splitwise and settleup which can be downloaded from the app stores on your cell phones.
About the Guest Author: Jonathon is an IT expert and a researcher. He is obsessed with cars and all the digital accessories. He regularly posts at www.sakerracing.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
Please click on the ads which appear on the website and help us earn some money to travel. 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
As many have said and all who’ve been there know, New Zealand is one of the most beautiful places on earth. Crystalline lakes reflect the sky like a polished mirror, lush green rainforests shimmer with dew, fur seals cavort on pristine shores and soaring, snow-caped mountains pierce the sky. All these sights can be experienced within short distances of each other on scenic route 6. New Zealand’s South Island is truly an outdoor paradise.
THE GLACIER TOWNS
Start at Greymouth on the island’s west side and head south on route 6 for about two hours. You will come to the small towns of Franz Joseph and Fox Glacier, New Zealand equivalents of the wild west. The surrounding area forms part of the Te Wahipounamu World Heritage park hosting glaciers descending from the Southern Alps.
During the day, most travelers hike the many, well-marked trails or go on helicopter rides to get a birds-eye view of the glaciers. Some rides include glacier hiking. I took one of these exhilarating rides over the mountain peaks landing and hiking on a glacier and saw some of the most spectacular views I’ve ever experienced. I felt my heart pound like never before when the helicopter soared off a cliff over a bottom-less precipice. That’ll give you about a month’s worth of cardio workouts.
The other must-do experience in either of these towns is a temperate rain forest hike, geographically the opposite of walking on a glacier. The humidity here is almost 100%. Surrounding vegetation is thick with exotic insects. Giant ferns and other bizarre plant-life loom overhead. Everything is carpeted with a moist moss in every variation of green. It’s like walking in a film set of Jurassic Park.
During the day, this makes for a fascinating hike in alien-like surroundings. But if you go on a midnight forest hike, the glow worms put on a “light show” for you. Bring a flash light, walk deep into the forest on the hiking trail then turn off the light. You will see thousands of lightning bugs twinkling in the total, absolute darkness like stars over a moonless desert sky.
WANAKA
Continue south to the town of Wanaka on the shore of a lake created by a receding glacier. The main street fronts the lake and has funky little cafes and restaurants with pretty lake views where you can idle with a glass of one of New Zealand’s crisp, white wines.
While in Wanaka, or anywhere else in New Zealand, be sure to sample one of the country’s signature dishes, lamb. Once New Zealand had up to 80 million sheep. Since dairy production has become more profitable, however, the sheep population has decreased to about 30 million. But lamb remains a local favorite in its many culinary iterations. One lamb dish I loved in Wanaka was lamb curry at The Spice Room, one of four, count them…FOUR Indian restaurants in town. Another good option for lamb dishes is Public Kitchen and Bar with branches throughout the country.
Stop by the Visitor Information Center on Main Street and book something that will get your heart pumping like a helicopter flight, hand-gliding over the mountains or a 4WD safari tour. We booked with Wanaka River Journeys and were glad we did. We opted for a jet boat ride on the Matukituki River in Mount Aspiring National Park piloted by a funny Maori guide. The tour included a wilderness walk to see waterfalls, forests and wildlife.
Route 6 in New Zealand is truly a wonderland of exciting and educational activities.
Read Part Two of NEW ZEALAND, ROUTE 6, THE ULTIMATE ROAD TRIP here.
About the author: In college I determined that whatever I studied would have to lead to the ultimate goal of traveling. I obtained a Masters in International Relations from the University of Pennsylvania but felt that alone could not guarantee me a career that would enable me to travel as much as I wanted, so I got an MBA in International Business. My Spanish language background and love of languages also helped me. Over the years I learned Italian, Portuguese and enough French to manage. To know more details about this interesting traveler click HERE
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
Please click on the ads which appear on the website and help us earn some money to travel. 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
There’s no place like Rome. The impressive showcase of ancient history, celebrated monuments, and bustling city vibes are the ingredients for an ideal city break for anyone with an appetite for world culture.
There are relics of old worshiped gods dispersed across the city and cafe bars where both young and old take their espresso exchanging the latest news. Morning traffic is colored up by well-dressed business people on Vespa scooters, and upscale locals stroll the elegant shopping streets looking for the most recent design pieces. Rome is full of stereotypes and of world-famous attractions that visitors want to see with their own eyes, from the Colosseum and the Roman Forum to the Pantheon, and the Vatican; they are all extraordinary sights you can’t miss when you are in Rome because each of them is unique. We suggest however, also to go off-the-path for a little while to uncover alternative things to do beyond the famed churches and museums and archeological ruins. It will show you a different aspect of the city and you experience what Rome is about and what it feels like.
Here our recommended seven things you cannot miss on your next trip to Rome.
The Colosseum & Roman Forum
The Colosseum is the most abiding sight in Rome and still remains in its perfect condition after about 2,000 years. Back then, it was the largest amphitheater, seating up to 80,000 Romans. The design of the magnificent three-tiered structure conveyed the wealth, might, and power of the city of Rome and the Roman Empire. Holding lots of history about the city, The Colosseum is such an important landmark that you simply must visit when in Rome.
There is likely to be long lines to enter the Colosseum, so to save time choose the Palatine Hill entrance at the Roman Forum (at a less than 5 minutes walk). Here you can purchase a combined ticket for the Roman Forum, the Palatine Hill, and the Colosseum, which is valid for two days. The Roman Forum is one of the most prominent archaeological sites on earth, as it was once the epicenter of the massive Roman Empire. Here elections, public speeches, and important events took place.
As there is not that much of information we would recommend investing in an audio guide when visiting the Roman Forum, to help give you some context of the impressive sprawl of ruins in front of you! Also, we advise to visit the (fully intact) Pantheon first, so you get a better feeling of the grandeur this ancient Rome’s center used to be.
Photo by: Bjarki Sigursveinsson / Wikimedia Commons Licensing: Public Domain
The Pantheon
The Pantheon is an architectural marvel, that looks today – inside and outside – much the way it has been for almost 2,000 years. Imagine that on the marble floors people have been walking for two thousand years and that the building still possesses its original bronze doors! When you are inside (entrance is free) gaze at the domed ceiling and watch the sunlight entering the room.
Photo by: Ian Monroe / Wikimedia Commons Dual-licensed as GFDL and CC BY-SA 2.0
The Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel
The Vatican has a lot to offer to visitors, particularly if you are interested in the history of the Catholic religion. Inside the city walls, there are some fantastic museums with a seriously impressive collection of artwork and it is the home of the Sistine Chapel famous for its breathtaking ceiling painting by Michelangelo.
Laocoon Sculpture in the Vatican Museum, Rome. Picture by Benutzer / Wikimedia Commons Licensing: CC BY-SA 3.0
For most travelers, visiting the Vatican is one day out of their city trip to Rome, and that’s what we believe is the right time to spend in Vatican City. In addition to dedicating a day for the Vatican, we also recommend reserving a good guided tour here. This will not only facilitate navigating the labyrinth of the Vatican Museums but will also help you understand the context of what you see as well. Be aware that there is some serious walking involved on this day, so make sure to get out in the morning with your comfy shoes! If you book online for the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel, you will be able to skip most of the lines to make your way inside.
Get lost in the labyrinthine streets of the historic center
Rome’s medieval “Centro Storico” (historic center) is a maze of narrow alleys and cobbled streets filled with churches and palaces dating from the Renaissance and Baroque eras. The only way to explore it is on foot, and the best time of the day to do that is in the evening. Its heart is the bustling Piazza Navona, home to Bernini’s Fountain of the Four Rivers. It is a beautiful place to enjoy an excellent meal and a delicious “Tartufo” (a traditional chocolate ice-cream dessert) at Bar Tre Scalini. The wine bars and cafés around Piazza Navona are definitively chic, trendy and as well excellent spots to watch people. Head over the Trevi Fountain, Italy’s largest and most famous Baroque fountain, an ensemble of mythical figures and wild horses that is dominating the small Trevi Square located in the Quirinale district. Toss a coin in the fountain to ensure a trip back to Rome, as the original legend says. Continue your walk to the square in front of the Pantheon (Piazza della Rotonda) which is a cool hangout spot on a warm summer day.
Explore the Trastevere streets
If you need a break from the city vibes of Rome, go to the relatively peaceful Trastevere neighborhood on the west bank of the Tiber. Trastevere is a little unconventional, has a real Roman appearance, but is at the same time very international. The cobblestone streets are mostly car-free, the restaurants serve up excellent (and cheap) dishes, and there a plenty of good pubs and wine bars for an aperitif. The piazza in front of Basilica of Santa Maria (which is beautiful) is as charming and splendid as you would find in any Tuscan hilltop village. After nightfall, the Trastevere becomes the place to be for young locals and travelers alike, who love its original scene and relaxed atmosphere.
Stroll Rome’s food markets
Rome is a perfect city for a picnic lunch, and its food markets are ideal places for filling up your basket. The oldest market in all of Rome, and undeniably one of the most famous, is the open air market, Campo dei Fiori. Colorful vegetables and fruits, beautiful flower shops, ham and cheese to enjoy at your picnic, as well as clothes, and souvenirs. You can find all kinds of goods in this market. In the heart of Rome’s most multi-ethnic neighborhood, nearby the Termini train station, you find Nuovo Mercato Esquilino. Here you feel the atmosphere of a multicultural hub; usual grocery stands are complemented by exotic produce, perfect for an international meal.
Then there is the Mercato in Testaccio where you will experience a real taste of Rome’s authentic food and soul. Get some olives, fresh mozzarella, and bread before heading out to the gardens of Villa Borghese – the largest public park in Rome – for your picnic.
Cultural lovers should not miss the Borghese Gallery inside the park, featuring some of their most exquisite (and famous) works of Bernini and Caravaggio and offering one of the best collections of art related to sculpture, painting, and architecture (the building itself is one of the attractions.) If you plan a visit to the Gallery, buy your ticket online to avoid the long, long wait to enter.
Go shopping
Rome is well known for its luxurious shopping; the city has many beautiful streets that are home to glamorous designer boutiques and flagship stores, while in others small exclusive stores with an authentic style are hidden. For the best upscale shopping head to the prestigious and famous Via dei Condotti and Via Borgognona near the foot of the Spanish Steps. Wander to the lively Via del Governo Vecchio for trendy boutiques and to beautiful Via Giulia for art and antiques. When it’s time to take a breath, go to Via Vittorio Veneto. Walking down this elegant boulevard – as well renowned for its stylish hotels and lively bars – it will showcase some truly unique and exclusive stores from high fashion to authentic Italian boutiques.
Piazza Venezia with Trajan’s Column, seen from Vittorio Emmanuele II monument photo by Markus Bernet / Wikimedia Commons Licensing: CC BY-SA 2.0
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If you are looking for the definition of cool transformed into a city, then you are looking for Melbourne. The capital of Victoria, and Australia´s second biggest city (after Sydney), is one of the trendiest cities in the world (even being 20+ flight hours away from London, Berlin or NYC). Of course, if a city is cool, trendy and far away, it is a flashpacker’s paradise!
Melbourne has been appearing as the world´s most livable city in many rankings during the past few years, and this is just a way to say it is full of cultural spots such as libraries, museums and theatres, good transport, amazing parks, top universities and sport venues plus a vibe that transmits the sensation that there is always something happening in the city.
After almost a year and a half living in Australia (in Perth, to be specific), we decided it was about time we travelled to Victoria to see the city with the world´s largest urban tram network…and guess what? We loved it!
We started by taking an awful overnight 3.5hs flight that arrived at 6am, so with close to zero hours of sleep, we decided to start exploring the marvelous Melbourne.
We decided to stay in an AirBnB apartment in the CBD, so it would be easy (and free) to move around mostly all important places in a first visit. The apartment was located in the Chinatown area, which as you can imagine is full of great places to eat. Also, as Chinese influence in Australia is huge these days, it is a great place to see that influence.
As mentioned, Melbourne has a Free Tram Zone, so you can just jump on and off the tram without paying as long as you stay within that area. It is well signaled in the stations and also, in case the tram you are on gets to the end of the FTZ, it will be announced on the speakers.
Day 1 – Melbourne 101
So, as said above, we arrived in Melbourne early in the morning, and we took the Skybus from the Melbourne Tullamarine airport to the city. Skybus costs 19 AUD per person, so normally taking Uber would be cheaper when 2 or more people are going to the CBD. However, when requesting from the Airport, you can only request Uber deluxe service, so it is more expensive than taking the Skybus. This being said, we took the bus to the Southern Cross Station, and from there, the free tram to get to the apartment.
After leaving the apartment, we did one of the Melbournians favorite things: meeting with a friend for coffee. In our case, we went to one located in Centre Place. One of the cafes, close to Flinders Lane, has a great deal of coffee + muffin for 5 AUD. And coffee is really good.
Centre Place: coffee, coffee, coffee
Once coffee was running through our veins, we decided it was time to start the real walk. We took the tram on Swanston St and went all the way up north of the Hoodle Grid (name for Melbourne´s CBD), to see the State Library of Victoria on La Trobe St. Beautiful building, the gem there is the La Trobe reading room. Amazing place to enjoy quietly, the views from the higher balconies are really nice. Also, right in front of the Library on La Trobe St nice Victorian buildings that are part of the RMIT University campus can be seen. Good place for photographs.
From there, we took La Trobe St to the east, towards the Carlton Gardens. The Royal Exhibition Building is located within the gardens. This Building was constructed for the Melbourne International Exhibition in 1880, and is currently used for diverse events closely related to the Melbourne Museum located right behind.
After walking through the gardens, we went to see St. Patrick´s Cathedral, on Albert Street. A Victorian Era building, it is Melbourne´s Roman Catholic Cathedral, and considered the biggest church in Australia. We kept onto MacArthur St., to see The Old Treasury building (to our left) and the Parliament House. Both nice buildings, what we enjoyed the most was the view of Imperial Hotel with the Old 35 Tram coming by on Spring St.
The Melbourne Tram
By that time we entered into the “Huddle” again, especially to start discovering Melbourne´s famous lanes. The city is so full of those alleys full of urban art and hidden bars and cafes you can never get tired of exploring them. Some of our favorites during the visit were Hosier lane, AC/DC lane, and Tattersalls lane. One tip: go really early in the morning, so you can find them as desert as possible. We came back on Sunday morning to have the chance to find them that way 🙂
Hosier Lane
Within the CBD, we also visited Federation Square, which is the heart of Melbourne´s city, right in front of Flinders Train station and St. Paul’s Anglican Cathedral. On peak times, the spectacle of people crossing the street after the lights change can be pretty intimidating if you are not used to huge cities. At Melbourne Visitor´s centre, located on Federation Square, you can get maps as well as lots of discounts for different attractions. Good to have a look there.
Federation Square
After walking through that area (and having lunch), we headed to see two of Melbourne most famous Arcades: Block Arcade and Royal Arcade. The first one was built in the late 1800s inspired in Milan´s galleria Vittorio Emanuele, and is a classic of Victorian architecture. The second one, the Royal Arcade (Main entrance on Bourke st., but also can enter opposite to Block Arcade on Little Collins St.), is the Oldest Surviving Arcade in Australia, having been open since 1870. In the same area, corner of Bourke and Elizabeth St., the former General Post Office can be found. Nowadays a flagship store for Swedish fashion brand H&M, the building is very nice and worth a visit.
Royal Arcade
After that, we took the tram on Bourke Street to head south west to visit the new development known as “the Docklands”. It is full of super modern buildings, a multiuse stadium and the Melbourne Star, Southern hemisphere biggest Ferris wheel.
As you can imagine, it was almost 5 pm, Friday, in Australia, so it was beer time! We met friends at the Southbank area, in a Pub named Munich Brauhaus with 5 AUD pints from 4PM to 7PM (great deal!). We enjoyed a few of those and walked over the Southbank, passing through Melbourne´s tallest building, the Eureka tower, as well as enjoying a lovely skyline lit up.
Night City Skyline from Southbank
As already mentioned a million times in this blog, Australia is possibly the most multi-cultural country in the world. And one of the biggest influences is Chinese, so we decided it was a good opportunity to have Chinese food. We took the tram and went back to Chinatown to have dinner at a place on Little Bourke St and Celestial Ave. The place has Mao´s face in the logo, and is right in front of Vintage Cellars. This last thing is an important tip for Australia. Many restaurants, mainly Asian ones, have the BYO policy, meaning you can bring your own beer or wine from outside and you can drink them there. Eventually, they might charge you a corkage fee, but it is still cheaper than buying it at the restaurant (if they sell it).
After dining dumplings and sweet and sour pork, it was time to call it a day. We were too tired to continue so we went to bed. Next day, new adventure: the Great Ocean Road!
Day 2 – The Great Ocean Road
One of Australia´s must visit, the Great Ocean Road disserves more than one day to enjoy it fully. As our first visit to the state of Victoria was just for three days, we decided to struggle it in just one. It is doable, yes. But if possible, it is good to have an overnight stop in the area (we will go for it again!). Read about our visit here.
Day 3 – Market, Parks and Sunday life.
Day number three in Melbourne started with a photo tour of the lanes we had seen on Day one. Yes, as mentioned we wanted to see them empty, so we went there 7.30am. And it was a good decision that can be seen in our picturesJ.
After enjoying the lanes, we took the train south to see the Brighton Beach Boxes. One of Melbourne classics, it is possibly more enjoyable in Summer than in July, however, we could see them all, have a nice walk on beach and take the glimpse of one of Melbourne´s nicest suburbs. The boxes, particularly, are used by their owners to change when they go to the beach, to keep some belongings and to provide shade. Sadly, it is impossible to rent one, as they are only allowed to be used by owners approved by the city council. To get there to see them, take the train to Sandringham and get off at Middle Brighton Station and walk towards the beach.
Brighton Beach Boxes
The train took us back to Flinders, from where we took the tram to the Shrine of Remembrance located within the Royal Botanic Gardens. The Shrine, erected as a memorial for all Victorians who served in World War 1, is now a memorial for all Australians who have served in War. While the building itself is impressive, our favorite thing was the view of the city from the balcony.
View from the “Shrine of Rememberance”
To return to the city, we took the tram again. It left us close to the Queen Victoria Markets, which we visited with friends. The Market has been there since late XIX century, and currently is an experience itself with different stores from fresh markets to deli and clothes shops, as well as some food trucks and food stalls. One funny story, the name is not directly after Queen Victoria, but instead it gets the name from the location on the corner of Queen and Victoria Streets.
When it was about lunchtime, we headed to Fitzroy. This former working class neighborhood is currently one of Australia´s most trendy and bohemian areas, with lots of bars and eateries on the Brunswick street area. We ate at Vintage, which had a great deal of a Chicken Parma + Pot for 12 AUD (meaning Chicken Schnitzel with Cheese, tomato and fries, and half pint of good beer!). Highly recommended.
After lunch, we walked all the way to the Fitz Roy Gardens. James Cook´s family house, brought from England, is located there. Captain Cook was the first European to make contact with Eastern Australia, making him very important for Oceania´s history, but as per the house, we don´t think it is worth to visit. The park is nice.
Fitz Roy
Our next to final stop in Melbourne was the Sports and Entertainment Precinct. Containing the Olympic Park – where 1956 Olympic games took place- as well as the Melbourne Park -where the Australian Tennis Open is played-, and the Yarra Park – where one of the world’s biggest stadiums, the Melbourne Cricket Ground, is located- this is a central part in Melbournians life, and a must for any sports fan.
Finally, last stop was one more coffee in the lovely lanes, before heading back to the airport. While we still have so much more to visit in Melbourne, these three days have given us a great first glimpse of this amazing city.
Have you been to Melbourne? Are you planning to go? What are your impressions? Tell us!
About the authors in their own words:We are a young Argentinean couple who have been enjoying traveling for a while. We have visited several destinations on our own (or with friends and family), and in the past few years, a lot of destinations together.
Flor: Born & raised in Buenos Aires, my first backpacking experience was with friends in Argentina’s Northwest, followed by a couple other trips around South America. As I grew older I was more than happy to switch backpack for wheels, considering I could afford a more “comfortable” style of travel. Now I realize that traveling light (no more than 8kilos) is part of “comfortable” if you are planning to travel a lot! An amateur photographer, I enjoy capturing moments in the places I visit.
Born in La Plata, Argentina the same year Back to the Future was released (don’t look online, it was 1985). First travelled at the age of 6 to Rio, Brasil. At 12 took my first ‘long’ flight to Florida, US, and since 21, travelling has been one of my top priorities, mixed with work and study. Visited 30+ countries in 4 continents, and always plan to add more. Besides travelling, huge fan of association football (soccer), history and long discussions about “what is your favorite city”.
Disclaimer: *Contents in this story is Authors personal views and presentation.
* All pictures by flashpackermemories.com
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Everyone will be able to find the right trail, and if you’re staying for a while, you might start to feel comfortable enough to take on some of the big ones.
About the Author:
About the Guest Author: 
About the author: In college I determined that whatever I studied would have to lead to the ultimate goal of traveling. I obtained a Masters in International Relations from the University of Pennsylvania but felt that alone could not guarantee me a career that would enable me to travel as much as I wanted, so I got an MBA in International Business. My Spanish language background and love of languages also helped me. Over the years I learned Italian, Portuguese and enough French to manage. To know more details about this interesting traveler click 
About the author: 
Flor: Born & raised in Buenos Aires, my first backpacking experience was with friends in Argentina’s Northwest, followed by a couple other trips around South America. As I grew older I was more than happy to switch backpack for wheels, considering I could afford a more “comfortable” style of travel. Now I realize that traveling light (no more than 8kilos) is part of “comfortable” if you are planning to travel a lot! An amateur photographer, I enjoy capturing moments in the places I visit.
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