Travel Archives - Page 6 of 8 - Mark My Adventure

Lifetime Experiences

April 14, 2018October 9, 2018 AnandPatel

Life is full of experiences & there are many ups & downs. But, still few experiences leave a mark on life. Such experiences are very rare & very memorable. These are such experiences which one remember while sitting alone & thinking about the life. Everybody has their favorites. Some related to life, some with people, some with a job or any other reason. But, as this is a travel blog. I would like to share some of my lifetime experiences related to travel thus far. I have just started my travel life & I hope there are many more experiences I will have. The instances are in chronological order from the date of occurrence.

Pachmarhi:

This is probably the first trip I had with my friends. First time without any senior guidance there were nerves & fear of an unknown place. The trip went all good, but the fun we had during the trip was just epic. The place is nice & still not commercial. I have seen some of the best waterfalls in Pachmarhi.

Mount Hua:

Most of the people are not aware of this mountain. But, there is a very particular thing about this mountain & that is plank route. A wide plank where only one of your feet can be kept & below the plank is nothing seriously nothing. One has to cross the route which is approx 20 to 25 Mts only. But, rather than walking on that plank, one has to walk through his or her fear. The fear of not looking below & fear of being cold feet at such a great height. It sounds scary & it is scary. But, this is one of those experiences which is engraved on my life forever. Check the post here.

Partying in Khao San Road:

Imagine a street hardly 100 Mts long which is being occupied by only a few people till 9 o clock & you say to yourself, this place is so dead. Then you went back to your hostel & came back by 11:30 pm & the place is completely transformed. There is music playing on both the corners of the road. The crowd is hopping from one place to other. There are plenty of offers on food & drinks. The crowd slowly getting wild, everyone is on the streets & dancing like crazy. The environment is just electric. Khao San Road is one of the most popular names one can ever come across. Whomsoever is traveling to Bangkok surely must have visited the place.

Riding Bike In Bali:

Bali has supreme landscape & riding bike on those curvy roads are one of the fun things to do in Bali. The lush green & magnetic sceneries are just amazing. Riding between the hills, mountains & villages will give enough diversity during a tour. If tired of riding bike stop on the side of roads & take few minutes to enjoy the wonderful beauty handed on a platter by nature. Too good to be missed.

Bungee Jumping In Spain:

Bungee jumping is one of the sport which raises the adrenaline. I was in Barcelona where I saw a tag of Jump from the highest point in Spain & once this is stuck in the mind, then it can’t be kept silent till the time it has been done. I booked the activity through Adrenaline Hunters & went to the place. There I saw a truss standing over the ground which eventually was a bungee jumping site & without wasting much time I boarded the lift & started ascending to the top. The trick to the jump is JUST JUMP. No thinking no nothing just the jump. I did the same, without looking down, I just jumped. The heart runs at a supersonic speed, everything passes in seconds. There is fear & there is thudding of heart. But, the moment you come down & think about what have you just done. It is an accomplishment. It doesn’t matter if the whole jump took 10 min at max. But, the memories of these forever engrave in the life.

These are some of the best moments of my life so far. I could have written more, but I will wait for some more time before posting. Every now & then people come across difficult roads. The choice of doing or not doing or traveling to a particular place or not traveling. There is always so much going on. But, during such time just fast forward your life to the end & think if doing this was worth while or not & then play accordingly.

If you like my blog subscribe or comment. This will mean a lot to me.

Best Places To Visit In Kerala

April 6, 2018November 20, 2019 AnandPatel2 Comments

Marriages are made in heaven – Right. But honeymoon is always on the best place on Earth. Honeymoon is the period you get to unwind yourself in the company of your soulmate and also the very best moment to know one another. Honeymoon destinations must be romantic, serene, and awe-inspiring. The lovely state of Kerala, specially decorated by the nature, is a fantasy location of honeymooners. From misty mountains to mesmerizing shorelines, along with rich eco-friendly wilderness to palm fringed backwaters, you will find numerous spectacular & this post will take you to some of the best places to visit in Kerala.

Why Kerala?

The Kerala Honeymoon vacations offer the couples a chance to appreciate the combined practical experience of beaches, Ayurveda resorts, backwaters, wild life, hill stations, and much more in a very short span of time. Proximity of experiences that are different can make the traveling even more comfortable. I’ve mentioned few of the very best honeymoon destinations in Kerala that can accumulate romance to the love life of yours. You might choose mutually acceptable locations and also design the journey of yours ahead of time.

Munnar – Feel the Romance on the Dream Land

Popularly referred to as the ‘Kashmir on the South‘, Munnar is an ideal honeymoon location. This great environmental friendly paradise is situated with the confluence of 3 mountain streams and therefore received the name’ Munnar’, that actually means’ 3 rivers’. This spectacular location is dotted with countless stretches of tea plantations, valleys, mountains, waterfalls and lakes. A rare floral “Neela Kurinji” blossoms here once in 12 years creating the valley an azure paradise and you can witness this if you are here during 2018 as it is the blooming year. Apart from enjoying the unparalleled beauty of nature, the couples can indulge in a plethora of recreation activities such as trekking, cycling, fishing, paragliding, paddle boating and natural walk.

Located at 1,600 m above sea level within the Idukki district of Kerala, Munnar is at 110 km from Ernakulam railway station and 130 km from Cochin overseas terminal. The secret spells encircle you immediately on reaching this place and also help you move to a fantasy world of romance. You are able to enjoy the crazy existence within the Eravikulam National Park, scream aloud in the Echo Point, savor the breath taking attractiveness of Mattuppetty dam, sip a great cup of tea from a little tea store down the tea gardens or even loosen up at the homely conveniences of the magnificent resorts. The nice climate, breath taking scenic views as well as the mesmerizing fragrance of tea and also spices dispersed through the great mountain breeze force Munnar as the pinnacle among the places in Kerala and impart an unforgettable experience for honeymooners and other travelers.

Thekkady – Nature Lover ‘s Ecstasy

Thekkady, centrally located within the Idukki district of Kerala, is among the famous honeymoon places of Kerala and a great spot for couples that like adventure, wildlife, and nature. It’s the home of the prominent Periyar National Park, in which you are able to have the unique experience of seeing wildlife from closer proximity while having an enthralling motorboat ride. Sight of tigers, lion-tailed monkeys, boars, deer, bison, as well as herds of elephants originating down to edge of the lake will provide you a thrilling experience.

Located at 114 km from Kottayam railway station and 145 km from Cochin overseas terminal, Thekkady awaits you with an assortment of activities. You can go trekking in Kurisumala and Kumily; a nature walk from the unending chains of cardamom, pepper, tea and coffee plantations; and also sense the thrill of a memorable elephant safari via the wilderness. There are many luxury hotels and resorts which offer stylish accommodation, privacy and food for the honeymooners. You can have a stroll to the nearest city Kumily to shop spice, clothes and handicrafts. The tranquil and spice scented plantations, soothing climate, calm atmosphere as well as the sensational spell of wilderness can make Thekkady one of the preferred Kerala places to see with the soul mate of yours.

Alleppey – the Hub of Kerala Backwaters

A honeymoon trip to Kerala is going to be incomplete if you don’t enjoy a wonderful cruise on Alleppey backwaters and an overnight stay in a magnificent houseboat. Alleppey (the present Alappuzha), encompassed by a great community of palm-fringed backwaters, canals and lagoons, and also blessed with the natural beauty, has acquired the name’ Venice of East’. During an enchanting houseboat cruise down the tranquil backwaters within the Vembanad Lake, you are able to appreciate the picturesque landscaping, uncommon perspective of paddy areas below the water levels. House boats are floating palaces with good amenities like air conditioning, privacy, food and television.

Alappuzha is nicely connected from various regions of the nation by air and rail. Cochin international airport is just eighty five km from Alappuzha. Alappuzha is renowned for coir industry, marine products, prawn farming and banana crops. Should you be there for the duration of Onam festival, you are able to enjoy the famous Nehru Trophy Snake Boat Race kept inside the Punnamada Lake, which is the main tourist attraction. With over thousand traditional Houseboats, the spectacular backwaters of Alleppey exhilarate a huge number of honeymooners and nature lovers from around the globe. With their distinctive backwater way of life and abundance of organic beauty, Alleppey is now among the very best Kerala places to go to for all the newlyweds and travel freaks.

Kochi – History, and Culture Romance

Kochi, the business hub of Kerala, in which past has left the footprints of the British, Portuguese, Dutch, Chinese as well as Arabs, is among the famous honeymoon destinations in India. Compared to other well-known Chinese sport fishing hubs, this particular place – “Queen on the Arabian Sea” will enchant you with the striking beauty of its, thrilling backwaters, peaceful islands, interesting shorelines, swaying palm forests, soothing climate and picturesque sceneries. You will find several ‘never to miss’ tourist attractions like the popular Marine Drive, Jewish Synagogue, Cherai Beach, Kochi Fort, Santa Cruz Cathedral, Bolgatty Island, along with many more.

Only a couple of kilometers off the Marine Drive will be the lovely Bolgatty Island, that is famous for the renowned Bolgatty Palace developed by the Dutch traders, Bolgatty Island Resorts, Kochi International Marina and also the Bolgatty Event Centre. The beautiful and luxurious Bolgatty Island Resort, having its peaceful ambiance created with the rejuvenating greenery of the island flanked by the peaceful Vembanad Lake, is popularly recognized as’ Honeymooner’s paradise’. You are able to have a fantastic shopping experience at Jew Street, Broadway, and Marine Drive and purchase enticing antique products, bamboo canes, carving things and numerous decorative handicrafts. The architectural and cultural wonders, romantic scent and freshness of the environment make Kochi top the list of the best suited Kerala places to go to for and gives an unforgettable honeymoon experience.

Kovalam – Add Liveliness to the Love Life

Kovalam, with 3 adjacent spectacular beaches, located at approximately sixteen km from Trivandrum, is a renown seaside destination, and one of the most sought after Kerala places to visit for honeymoons and tourists. Among the 3 crescent-shaped superficial beaches, a Light home beach is probably the most common. Couples can indulge in various activities at Kovalam. You can wander on the gentle stretches of softy sand shores, enjoy a rejuvenating sunbath, swim within the short beach, watch a spectacular sun set and enjoy varieties of scrumptious ocean foods. You are able to indulge in several daring sports such as kayaking, surfing or waterskiing. Relaxing with the life partner under the great cover from the sun in palm forests, listening to the rhythm of waves will give some enthralling occasions of solitude.

Kovalam is located at 16 km from Thiruvananthapuram railway station and 10 km from Trivandrum international terminal. Comfortable hotels as well as resorts for couples are available in Kovalam, beginning from pocket-friendly to luxury. Facilities such as Ayurveda massage centers, swimming pools, Yoga resorts, shopping zones and meeting amenities are on hand within the seaside complex. You are able to do shopping and also buy products like handicrafts, teak wood and rosewood statues. With their romantic surrounding, exotic beauty and tranquility, Kovalam consistently beckons couples for an interesting honeymoon experience.

Poovar Island – the Floating Cottages Beckon You

In case you’re longing for a honeymoon with a distinctive stay inside a solitary haven, peaceful and undisturbed, Poovar might be the best choice. Located approximately 30 km from Trivandrum, Poovar is a breathtakingly beautiful island, pristine and unexplored. Poovar is an all natural wonder with an exceptional congregation of ocean, river, beach and lake with the farm land. Famous because of its original beauty together with the whispering waves of the great Arabian ocean, peaceful backwaters, limitless stretch of mesmerizing golden sand seaside, stunning sunsets and swaying coconut farms, Poovar is unquestionably among the best of Kerala places to go to for the romantic vacation.

Poovar is a fishing village and there aren’t many things to do in poovar island like any water sports or beach activities. You will find some magnificent resorts and many small lodges that fit your budget and tastes. Staying in floating cottages supplied by the resorts will provide you a distinctive experience. These eco-friendly cottages with thatched roofs, and also draperies made from organic plants provide refreshing moments and also make sure fascinating scenic views. You are able to enjoy an unforgettable backwater cruise in a small canoe or a huge deluxe houseboat, revitalize with an Ayurvedic massage or even walk through the nearby fishing villages. Trivandrum to Poovar Island is less than an hour journey by boat. Never ever miss it; it is going to give you sweet memories for the lifetime.

The incredible Kerala has many more places to see together with your soul mate. They’ve a mesmerizing spell which takes you to much more romantic moods. Romance is there in the air; come here and breathe it!

Kutch Experience

March 16, 2018October 9, 2018 AnandPatel

Kutch is a barren land in the western corner of India. But, there is something special in this barren land. The specialty is White desert & this is the reason why people visit this barren land. The place only opens for a few months in a year i.e from Oct to March; which are best months to visit. We traveled to this place during our holiday in Jan. A long weekend in Jan was a perfect time to explore.

The Journey:

We total of 5 people started from Mumbai in an XUV of a friend. The time shown on google map was close to around 17 hours. The journey started smoothly but our smooth ride soon took a beating due to an accident near Mumbai. The whole road got blocked & we had to stay put for 3 long hours already adding time to our long journey. Finally, we were able to move & soon gained our speed.

The time we entered Gujrat, we witnessed some of the best roads to drive on. There were hardly any potholes or irregularities on the road. The smooth ride was blessing for such a long journey. We followed the map & crossed Surat, Ahmedabad & reached Bhuj next morning. Before we reached Bhuj we crossed barren landscapes, some windmills regions & few villages.

Bhuj Experience:

Bhuj is a small city & is not very touristic. Bhuj is famous because it is the major city near Kutch. The place has few attractions but we avoided those due to a shortage of time. If one is having difficulty in finding accommodation in Kutch then Bhuj can be the best alternative. There are many properties which provide world-class amenities. You can check out the list of hotels by clicking on the following link.

Accommodation in Bhuj

After resting for some time at our hotel which was a decent one. We left for our ultimate destination the GREAT RANN.

Rann of Kutch

Rann of Kutch is some 2 hours drive from Bhuj. We started our journey crossing barren lands. But, one such land pulled our attraction & we were too eager to miss this opportunity. We drove off road & after covering some 2 Km in a barren land, we reached in the midst of nowhere. There was a pin-drop silence, one can see miles without human intervention. The thrill of silence was an experience to have considering today’s world; where one can never shut down from the world for a microsecond.

After spending few precious minutes & clicking some selfies :D. We restarted our journey to Rann of Kutch. After offroading, the drive was pretty straight. Soon, we entered the region, there were many camps near the roads & we knew we are in the vicinity of our destination. Rann Utsav has an option to stay in camps but if one wants to experience this luxurious stay, one needs to shed extra money. The entrance has many shops & outlets which are maintained by local people. I personally felt the collection was decent.

There is a checkpoint to enter the Rann. At the checkpoint, one needs to buy a permit for vehicle & also entry charges. The entry charge of person is Rs 100 while for Vehicle it is Rs 50.

We were excited to see the place. Once we enter the region there was white salt spreading miles. We walked on the surface it was soft at some places & hard at some. So, walk cautiously. There were few points were my leg just sunk. We reached in the evening which I believe is the perfect time to enjoy the place. As the temp cools down & the sun starts to show its color.

Sunset:

Sunset is one natural phenomenon that is special to all. I truly believe that sunset of different places has its charm & Rann of Kutch sunset’s surely has its. The vibrant colors were one of the best sunsets I have ever witnessed. The hot bulb & clear sky is the perfect combo. Also, here I was actually able to see the sun crossing the horizon & getting vanished. So, if one is looking to enjoy sunsets this is the place to be in. The image of sun setting will forever grave on my mind.

“Horizon is the end of the story for some, but for some, it’s just the beginning”

If you like the way I write. Please subscribe & comment. This will help me to serve you well.

Also, there are few affiliate links on my website. If you will buy something from there it will help me to earn some extra cash.

Things To Do In Singapore

February 23, 2018November 20, 2019 AnandPatel

Parks are the sign of natural green beauty which is the actual beauty as it provides fruitful things to nature and to human beings like pure oxygen to breathe and shade from harsh sun of summers.Singapore is known for its parks and chocolates mainly. The best parks in Singapore for families and children provide a green tree and plants so as everybody can enjoy. They also have some actions which are made mainly for children like a little playground. Here is the list of things to do in Singapore .

1. Gardens by the Bay

Spreading along 101 hectares, the Gardens by the Bay is divided into 3 parts mainly –
Bay south, Bay East, Bay central. Bay South is the largest which comprises of 54
hectares. The main aim of the garden artistry is to bring the world of plants to Singapore
and hence present Singapore to the world. The entry to the garden is free but the entry to
domes is chargeable.

2. Singapore Botanic Gardens

The Singapore Botanic gardens first opened in 1859 and hence was one of the oldest
gardens in the country. One of the most important orchid research and breeding centers
in the world, this place is home to over 10,000 species. The entry to park is free and the
park is opened from 5 am to 12 am.

3. East Coast Park

East Coast Park is the largest park in the country of Singapore, covering nearly two
square kilometers of area. They also offer barbecue pit rentals which can be booked in
advance.

4. natural reserve

Bukit Timah natural reserve is the largest a

nd oldest reserve in Singapore. 40 percent of
Singapore’s flora and fauna have a home here in this natural reserve. The park is also
crowned Singapore’s highest peak and several winding forest trails.

The theme adds on the creativity and whole new level of excitement and fun to a certain place,Singapore didn’t forget to take car

e of your interests and to keep you energetic it has various theme parks. Have a look at some of them:

5. Haw Par Villa

Its built on Chinese mythology, and has various statues and figures depicting stories of
Monkey god, Lady white snake, fearless hero Wu Song. The park also has the statue of
Laughing Buddha epitome of happiness, wealth, and long life.

6. Universal Studios Singapore

Its recently opened and has 7 different themes within it based on all major hit movies.
All the sections include rides and shows to keep the visitors entertained, the Hollywood
section is mainly a shopping centre, New York-based site where you can click selfies
with the legends such as ‘Charlie Chaplin’ and ‘Marilyn Monroe’. Moving further the
Sci-fi city consists world’s largest rollercoaster, Ancient Egypt has true ancient Egypt
aura, where you can experience ‘Revenge of the mummy’ Ride. The Lost World is based
on Jurassic Park and Water world, and for Shrek-fans, Far-Far- Away is the appropriate
place having a beautiful castle and Shrek Swamp. Last but not the least you reach
Madagascar, the place that guarantees a smile on your face and joy in your hearts, you
will love the indoor boat rides.

Basic facts from Universal Studios:

Many food outlets and shopping centers to purchase T-shirts and key rings and many
more Universal Studios Goodies.
Free storage lockers to keep your extra clothes and other essentials.
Carry umbrella and Raincoats, after all its Singapore.
It’s a total fun place for couples and families avoid weekends as they are most crowded.

Universal Studios is one of the most popular theme parks

Della & Pavana Lake: A weekend Well Spent

February 16, 2018October 9, 2018 AnandPatel

There are lots of places near Mumbai where one can spend a quality time. Mumbai has a space constraints so finding an open space is a tough thing to do.Della adventure is answer for such constraints, Della has established a park in Lonavala (some 2.5 or 3 hours drive from Mumbai & 1.5 hours drive from Pune). An adventure park which offers variety of outdoor activities & surely is good place to visit.

Della Adventures:

Della Adventures is located in Lonavala. The place has many activities like paintball, wall climbing, zip line, archery, shooting, swings, obstacle, dirt bike racing etc. The prices of the activities vary. However, there is a basic plan which allows one to play games like snooker, table tennis, chess, carrom, net practice (cricket), archery. But, to play games like paintball, dirtbike racing one need to shed extra rupees. Other than this they also provide staying option if one is willing to spend another day. Click here to book a room in Della.

The basic package starts from approx 2000 excluding taxes. However, there are many offers available on online booking which can be cheaper than this price. The same can be looked by clicking here.

I went to this park with my friends, I felt the basic package was overpriced. However, it is a good place for kids, as they can ride cycles, pet a dog & enjoy some time away from honking of vehicles. But, for adults, it might be disappointing because of the rush & the price.

Carrying out all the activities in a single day is difficult. The best would be to shortlist the activities one wants to do & only perform those. Although, it is possible to cover all the activities in 2 day.

A food court is available in the park. So, there is no need to worry about the food. The cost of food in restaurant is on a higher side, but that is expected if traveling to some adventure club.

We spent one afternoon there & for us it was a decent one time visit. We enjoyed our time over there. But, will think to visit the place again. After spending an afternoon, we moved to Pavana Lake for the evening. Lake is some 1.5 to 2 hours journey from Della Adventures.

Pavana Lake:

Pavana lake is a wonderful site for camping. Located at some distance from the city. The sites near a lake are owned by local villagers. Hence, it is logical to take a camping package from them. The charges are not high, so one can afford it easily. The package includes a tent, a camp fire, bonfire (if lucky enough to get one), food & morning snacks & the cost of the package was approx 1000 per head.

The best part of camping is its view, so choose the view accordingly. Luckily, we got good location. You can search camping site by clicking on this link.

The night here was more about sitting near the campfire & chit chatting about different phases of the life or different experiences.

The morning views were mesmerizing, the never-ending landscapes & peace all around the camp is the experience which one can only dream of. I particularly enjoyed the morning scene because of the freshness in the air & nature.

The pics are clicked by me through an iphone. If you like my blog, do subscribe & comment.

Bhandardara Camping

February 8, 2018October 9, 2018 AnandPatel

How often one spends weekends just procrastinating about activities he or she wants to do. But, we hardly take any steps towards it. This point is valid for me as well. I have spent many weekends trying to imagine things I want to do during my void time. However, I did nothing to change it. But, one weekend I tried to change this habit & left home for a camping trip. Camping is becoming a new fad among the city people & why not. A place where one can sit calmly & unclutter daily life stress is a need of this hour. People are running behind fame & money & because of which finding a time for self is getting obsolete. Not going into the details of stresses & all. This post is my experience of camping near Bhandardara Dam.

Bhandardara is approx 4 Hrs drive from Mumbai & approx 2.5 to 3 Hrs from Pune. The gigantic lake has many beautiful points to explore. Most of the sites near lakes have already been taken by local villagers. Thus, one needs to contact villagers to get the best deal. Camping usually a one day, in fact, one evening thing to do & is cheap in pockets as well.

The best way to find deals near Bhandardara click on this link Camps Near Bhandardara. Usually, in a campsite, a tent is provided along with bonfire, music system (which varies with the service providers). The only drawback of these sorts of arrangement is the crowd. For-profit margins, villagers are allowing more camp than the required ones which steals the calmness of the place.

If one is looking for more of a luxurious trip then it can be disappointing as there are no proper washrooms & not so comfortable sleeping arrangements. But, some things have to be sacrificed to gain other things & this is one such part of the trip.

The Journey

We traveled to the lake by car. It took us roughly 4 hours to reach the lake. We did our booking while traveling. Luckily we got one in time. The location of the camp was superb, the water was hardly 10 to 15 Mts away from the camps. We reached around 8:30 or 9 pm in the night & it was pitch dark. The time we reached, dinner has already begun; we told him that we will be having it late in the night. So, we sat there near the bonfire & chatted. The temperature dropped drastically & after having sat there for few hours we slept in the tent.

The next morning, we woke up to the pleasant lake the temperature, the tea & the view made it a perfect morning. It was a refreshing feeling to see the water & greenery than concrete jungles & some fresh air (which is getting rare these days). The lake is beautiful & very calm. There is an island which can be reached by boat. However, due to some issues, we couldn’t able to reach the island.

People earn to enjoy a view like these. The moment you open your eyes, there is a lake surrounded by the hills. Every place has its own high & this place certainly has its. The best way to spend some quality time is by having some quality conversation.

This place is good for a day’s visit. Enjoy camping here & unclutter from the stress.

Ajanta & Ellora Caves

February 1, 2018November 20, 2019 AnandPatel

A visit to the world heritage site “Ajanta & Ellora caves” at Aurangabad, Maharashtra was truly a beginning for me. A beginning to a search that led to a lot of other interesting findings/thought processes, leaving me more inquisitive than ever.

History

Consisting of 30 rock cut caves, Ajanta was built over a period of 900 years (2 B.C to 6 A.D). Mammoth excavations were turned to fine carvings of exceptional Buddhist sculptures and what the Archaeological Survey of India states “the finest surviving examples of Indian art, particularly painting”. It is believed that Buddhism flourished at the time Ajanta caves were built and hence the caves built during the reign of different Buddhist rulers showcase various stories of the ‘enlightened one’ and selected portions of Jataka tales. The unique paintings on the cave walls, some of which has the modern day “3D” effect, makes one ponder in utter amazement at the vast knowledge of craftsmanship and artistry that their creators possessed thousands of years ago.

Dazzling in its glory on having depicted marvelous sculptures from three different religions viz. the Buddhism, the Hinduism and the Jainism, the Ellora caves too is a spectacular piece of art.

These sculptures also bring forth a lot of facets from the bygone era which are a real treasure and evoke lot of quest around them. For instance, the sculpture that shows Ravana, the king of Srilanka whisking away Sita in the so called “Puskpak Vimana”. Now this ‘pushpak vimana’ looks exactly like the present day ‘jetpack‘ in its features, size, etc. Did Ravana have a jet pack in those times and did he use the same which people back then knew about and we don’t? Well, I was so intrigued by this that I thoroughly searched the net and here’s what I found:

All the dexterously sculpted pieces of art had story in them. Did the artists of these caves know the real stories behind several myths, worn out versions of which are left for us today?

With so many small little pathways within the caves having dead ends and spots of ventilation (big holes on the ground) all across, could there have been an underground habitation also?

This was also something that caught my deep attention.

It’s said that many Muslim rulers including Aurangzeb had sent huge number of soldiers to destroy the sculptures of Ellora caves, trying as hard as they could, they could do little harm to certain structures, unable to make a dent on the rest.

If humans couldn’t destroy even half of what was built, were these structures created by humans at all? If yes, one can only imagine what would have been their built and stamina.

For so many years, Indians as well as foreigners have been exploring the caves in search of answers. Many of them keep coming to these caves repeatedly, each time discovering something new.

For me, I had sneaked out of the ‘maximum city’ with the desire to visit these exceptional creations, to bask in the glory of the past and unravel some historical stories. I did that and much more.

As one stands in awe at one of the ancient hallmarks of artistic excellence, under the clear blue sky of Aurangabad, few questions remain unanswered. Now I know why so many travellers visit this National heritage site multiple times. I wish to go back again soon to find out more.

Following is the line which is perfect for this situation.

“Ruins for me are the beginning. With the debris, you can construct new ideas. They are symbols of a beginning.”

-Anselm Kiefer

The post is written by Puja Roy; she loves to travel to historical sites and write about her experiences and revelations. An avid reader of history herself, she also blogs at speakometer.wordpress.com.

Europe Budget Trip

January 20, 2018October 9, 2018 AnandPatel

Europe is a dream destination for many people but it also among the most costliest ones. But there are ways through which one can optimize the cost & still able to enjoy most of the things. I traveled as a backpacker & thus I believe in spending less & enjoying more. I managed to complete my trip around Rs 1.2 Lacs which includes everything from Visa, accommodation & site seeing.

Accommodation:

Accommodation is a prime most important factor to keep the price low. I prefer staying in hostels because of various reasons. These hostels are fun places to stay; as people from different places come & stay here. So,the crowded the place is the more than chances of getting insight about different countries. There is enormous opportunities to meet new people while staying at hostels. I booked hostels from Booking.com. Lately, I have found one more website named Jetradar. The concept of the site is to compare hotels from different websites. I found it very cool. I would surely try this next time.

On average keep a budget of 20-25 Euros per day for staying at hostels. This budget may vary with the cities, places & seasons. However, broadly one should be able to stay in or around this budget only.

Food:

After traveling to many countries & places. I realized the best way to keep the price towards food on a lower side is by eating on streets or cooking by oneself. Hostels or home accommodation allows a person to cook. I had bought groceries from the supermarkets & cooked my own food. It was easy to find supermarkets in all the cities I traveled. The rates are also reasonable, so it won’t bite your pocket. It is difficult to put a limit on food items as the appetite of the person varies.

Site Seeings:

There are numerous sites in Europe which are worth visiting. The best way to keep the price on the check is by buying city cards. These city cards offer a great solution for a traveler. It includes commutation in public transports & also allows free entry to some of the attractions. I benefited a lot with these cards. It saves fortunes if one takes public transport. I bought cards from Iamsterdam & Barcelona.de. Usually, city cards price varies with duration & things involved in it.

There is always some cost attached to traveling. But, there are few ways through which one can reduce the expenses & still able to benefit the most of it. I traveled on a shoe string budget & was able to cover most of the things which are expected. I won’t say I covered everything & experienced everything. But, I enjoyed whatever I was able to.

Traveling solo can be a dangerous affair. However, in my experience, I felt European city were safe. I traveled in the night & walked on empty streets but never felt unsafe except for few minor instances. Overall it was a safe affair. I enjoyed my time over there & hope to keep visiting in the years to come.

I hope this will help you to plan better & in a more efficient way.

If you like my work comment & subscribe to my blog.

Paris Solo Travel: Is It Safe To Travel Solo?

January 4, 2018October 9, 2018 AnandPatel1 Comment

Paris is the by far one of the most popular cities to visit in the whole world. The place attracts thousands of tourists each year. But, is it safe to travel solo to this wonderful place? I went to Paris alone & this question was in the back of my mind because of the few stories related to the places. So, I thought to answer the question; Paris Solo Travel & is it really safe to travel?

Usually traveling solo is not an issue for the tourists. However, there are few points that one should always keep in the mind while traveling. No place is incident proof & precautions are always advisable. Thus, below are the few points which should be kept in the mind while visiting this place.

Thefts:

The most tourist place in the Paris is Eiffel Tower & it is crowded by pick pocketer. There are many such incidents of pickpocketing. Thus, it is advisable to keep valuables in check & check for your surrounding. To be on a safer side carry as fewer documents as required.

Remote Location:

Robbery is on the rise here. The best way to avoid this, is by limiting excess to a remote location. Avoid roaming in the less crowded places during night time. Always stay near the people. Traveling in the night is safe. However, there are some places which are not safe to travel during late hours. Also, use public transport while commuting. Paris transport system is perfect & it has great connectivity.

Touristic Scams:

There are many games happening near Eiffel Tower & street game like “find the ball” is very famous. At first, the host will project as if he is taking advice from you. However, if you answer they will ask for your participation & you will have to participate even if you are not willing to do the same. This is a most common scene near Eiffel Tower. Avoid these types of games.

These are the only things I can think of. Other than this Paris is the completely safe

city to travel. The beauty of the place is unmatched & unparalleled. There are only a few cities which can live up to there reputation & Paris will certainly be on that list. Enjoy the beauty of the place & share some memories with your friends & relative.

If you are looking to plan for Paris. Don’t hesitate anymore click on the below links & plan your trip in a more efficient way.

Paris Travel Guide

Things to do in Paris

Please COMMENT & SUBSCRIBE to my blog. I will appreciate if you can do the same.

Amsterdam For Solo Travelers: Is It Safe For Solo Travel?

December 29, 2017February 26, 2019 AnandPatel

The question of being safe always come into the mind while traveling solo. As there is no one to support in your expedition. New places have there own challenges & challenges broadens while traveling solo. This post will cover things to be kept in mind while traveling solo to Amsterdam or Is Amsterdam Safe for solo travelers.

Amsterdam is the capital of The Netherlands & it is one of the most visited cities in the world. The place is known for young crowd & expat culture. City’s party culture is unmatched if compared to its counterparts. Because of the nightlife, the city is operational 24 * 7. It is hard to find a silent patch while in the city.

The city favorite mode of transport is the cycles. Theft of the cycles is the most common all over the city. It is advisable to lock your cycle wherever you go. As in minutes, someone can rob you of your valuable cycle. So, take care of the same while on the streets.

Pickpocketing is not common in Amsterdam. However, there have been few incidents of the same. It is better to keep your belongings near. While boarding a bus or a tram aware of your surroundings & keep belongings at the reachable distance.

An overdose of cannabis & truffles is not advisable. As both these affect the mind directly. Losing senses are the common affairs after having these. So, the best would be to take these under some supervision. Doing it alone could create a problem.

Other than these there is hardly any problem for solo travelers. The place is super fun & mostly trouble free. If young & free visit this place. It will blow your mind with its culture.