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The best locations to see tigers in India

The best locations to see tigers in India

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The best locations to see tigers in India

(Image via https://twitter.com/wildlifeww)

These days, alongside its rich culture around food and religion, India’s reputation is growing as a worthwhile safari destination. Of course, it undoubtedly has some catching up to do with the likes of Africa, but India is particularly popular for people who want to see a specific animal up close and personal, namely the tiger.

A speedy and deadly predator, the tiger is the largest cat found in the wild anywhere in the world and is instantly recognisable thanks to its distinctive orange look and flexible body. Throughout time, tigers have always been much loved creatures in most of Asia, with many of them thriving there. The impact of tigers is perhaps best summed up by various nods to them and their natural beauty from a variety of brands in the modern-day, be it Tiger Beer, a brand of beer from Singapore, or Red Tiger Gaming, a company behind leading casino game software. It’s in the wild where these beautiful animals really belong, though, especially if you’ve always been tempted by a safari experience.

Now, with India’s safari offering growing in reputation and tiger populations doing reasonably well in the country, it’s the perfect time to enjoy the trip of a lifetime and see some of the world’s most unique animals in the flesh. Thanks to a large selection of protected parks and a conservation scheme by the National Tiger Conservation Authority, there are plenty of options worth considering ahead of your tiger-watching getaway. Let’s take a look at some of them below.

Kanha National Park

A truly gorgeous location, Kanha National Park is home to one of the biggest tiger populations in all of India. The national park was originally created to cater to animals like tigers, with 26 villages relocating. Since then, Kanha National Park has grown in reputation and is now home to an array of tigers, all of which feast on local prey such as gaur and sambar. The area is also particularly well known for its big population of dry-land swamp deer, too.

Ranthambore National Park

Sadly, as is the case with many safari hotspots dotted all around the world, poaching is fairly prominent in Ranthambore National Park, a reserve that is close to Delhi. The fact that it’s located near the capital of India makes it seem like a tourist destination to some, but in actual fact it’s a stunningly beautiful location that is home to some tigers.

Bandhavgarh National Park

(Image via https://twitter.com/PNASNews)

Easily one of the most beautiful reserves on the list, Bandhavgarh National Park is a favoured option for many people who want to immerse themselves in nature and explore an extensive selection of wildlife. Thanks to its year-round water, it’s the perfect home for tigers, too, with one of the largest populations of tigers being found there anywhere in India. In terms of safari destinations in India where tigers are most likely to be spotted, Bandhavgarh National Park is right up there with the best of them.

Tadoba National Park

A hidden gem for many people in 2022, Tadoba National Park doesn’t offer the same all-round safari package that many other destinations offer, be it through delicious cuisine and swanky accommodation, but if you’re after a raw tiger-viewing experience then it’s a solid option. In recent years in particular, the area has been full of tigers too, making it a great option for some people. Alongside tigers, you might also see some dhole, sloth bears, and leopards.

Other locations in India well worth considering if you’re keen to see tigers on safari include Kaziranga National Park, Pench National Park, Nagarahole National Park, and Corbett National Park.

Kerala – Human By Nature

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Kerala – Human By Nature

Hi guys,

I visited Kerala last year and it was one of my most special travel trips, it’s a place I can never forget. Although I had only 6 days and I divided it between Munnar and Varkala, there is so much more I wanted to see and experience and would definitely be going back again soon!

Munnar

Kerala, popularly known as God’s Own Country had evolved a way of life that is distinct from the rest of the country – a way of life that expresses a fascinating interplay of nature and humanity across the most diverse terrains one could imagine – all in a tiny green land. Here every human act is a way of connecting with everything in nature around them. Whether it’s the vast stretch of tea estates or taking a shower in the river with the elephants or spending a night in a house boat in the beautiful back waters, you would be one with nature everywhere in Kerala.

If you have been to Kerala, I am sure you will vouch for the amazing people of Kerala. They are so friendly, warm and helpful, they will go out of their way to help you. Different religions, different ideologies, different cultures or different food habits, they still mesh together and co-habit peacefully. And not only just humans, they co-habit with the nature and animals as well.

Humanity interconnected with nature is a way of life in Kerala that also drew from its history of trade and seafaring that led to it being a melting pot where the most diverse ideologies, faiths and cultures co-existed like no other place.

This video, Human By Nature, is drawn from real stories of the land. It is an ode to the people of Kerala whose everyday lives are, in a way, epic in scale. It emerged from continual conversations with travellers to Kerala, who over the years spoke of a fascinating human’scape’, beyond the stunning landscapes.

The vast, beautiful, lush green tea gardens at Munnar or the stunning sunsets at the beaches of Varkala, I just couldn’t have enough of Kerala and I wished to stay longer.

Varkala Beach

The food of Kerala is equally amazing, although I am a vegetarian there were so many new dishes to try. I tried Ela Ada, Idiyappam, Puttu, so many things for the first time in Kerala and absolutely loved them. I love to try and experience the local food, local culture whenever I am travelling and Kerala did not disappoint in the food aspect as well.

The culture of Kerala is a fusion of Aryan and Dravidian cultures, advanced and mixed for centuries, under inspirations from other parts of India and abroad. It is well-defined by its antiquity, relic and the organic continuity sustained by the Malayali people. Any time you visit Kerala, most likely there will be at least one local festival you can experience. Kerala trace its non-prehistoric cultural genesis to its membership (around the AD 3rd century) in a vaguely defined historical region known as Thamizhagom — a land defined by a common Tamil culture and encompassing the Chera, Chola, and Pandya kingdoms. Kerala has an opulent cultural heritage with its diverse ethos is influenced by three main religions of Hinduism, Christianity and Islam. Exquisite sculptures, music and dance forms can be seen in the historic growth of Kerala’s cultural traditions. Trissur Pooram, The traditions of Kathakali and Mohiniattam are highly developed art forms that have established from their folk origins into highly evolved classical dance forms.

Varkala Beach

We also got to watch the traditional martial art form of Kerala, Kalaripayattu and it was mind blowing. Kathakali show was also on my list but the timings didn’t match unfortunately. But I have so much more to experience in Kerala, that I am definitely going back. Alleppey, Wayanad, Kumarakom, so many places, honestly you need 15-20 days to experience Kerala.

Munnar

From the wildlife, to the nature, the mountains, the beaches, the people, Kerala is so warm and lovely and one of those places you can never forget once you visit and would want to revisit again and again.

See my previous post on Kerala HERE for more places to visit and things to do in Kerala.

Have you been to Kerala? Which is your favourite place? If not, which place is on your wishlist? Let me know your experience in the comments below.

P.S.: Sponsored post by Kerala Tourism

My Sharjah Experience: Al Noor Island, Rain Room, Mleiha, Sharjah Light Festival

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My Sharjah Experience: Al Noor Island, Rain Room, Mleiha, Sharjah Light Festival

Hey guys,

If you follow me on Instagram, you know I was in Sharjah in February for 5 days for the 9th Annual Sharjah Light Festival.

We covered so many places in 5 days and also 3 evenings were dedicated to the Sharjah Light Festival where different city landmarks were lit up with the light shows created by an array of international artists. And the Grand Finale was amazing, the fireworks were spectacular.

Sharjah is UAE’s cultural capital and rightly so with some of the best museums and art galleries in the country.

Let me start with my day by day experience..

Day 1:

We checked in to the Sharjah Sheraton Beach Resort, and after resting for a while and catching a bit of sleep, we headed to Mleiha. First we were given a guided tour of the Mleiha Archaelogical Centre and Indoor Museum. We learned some interesting facts about how people formed a society, how migrants from Africa came to Gulf through Mleiha and saw some preserved tools and weapons used by people in those days.

We then did buggy bashing and dune bashing which was a lot of fun, and stopped for a few pictures in the middle. Finally we headed to the last destination for the day, Mleiha Overnight Camps where we had barbeque dinner, did some star gazing (saw a piece of meteorite as old as the Earth!) and slept in tents. I have never done camping, that too in a desert, so it was kind of an interesting experience and I did enjoy it.

Day 2:

We had breakfast at the Mleiha camps and saw the most beautiful sunrise at 5.52 am. I have not seen many sunrises in my life as I am not a morning person, and this was the most beautiful sunrise I have ever seen!

Later we came back to the hotel and after freshening up, we left for Rain Room. Rain Room was one of my favourite experiences in Sharjah. You walk through continuous downpour of rain, without getting wet! Yes! How you ask? There are sensors which detect your presence and the water stops pouring in that area. But you have to walk slow and alone, keeping distance from others, for the sensors to work.

Post the amazing Rain Room experience, we went to Souq Al Arsah in the Heart of Sharjah where we met Fatima and her colleague. They served us Gahwa (Arabic Coffee) which is their welcome drink and dates. Gahwa doesn’t have sugar and hence they drink it with a date, so it balances the bitterness from the coffee. They also explained and taught a bit about the culture and hospitality, how a glass is shaken if you don’t need more gahwa and how they eat dates in odd numbers always (it is said to balance the insulin in the body). We then headed to the Sharjah Heritage Museum which was also a part of Heart of Sharjah.

For lunch, we went to Al Bait which is Sharjah’s first luxury resort and is a part of the Leading Hotels of the World. Al Bait is a part of Emirati Conservation Project and the entire resort is made up of heritage buildings that are more than a century old. The lunch there was amazing and the entire experience was pure luxury.

By evening we came to Al Noor Island which had the most beautiful view and again one of my favourite experiences in Sharjah because it had butterfly house 😀 We played with the butterflies and clicked some pictures with them.

Then we headed to our first day of Sharjah Light Festival. We covered American University of Sharjah, Sharjah Police Academy & University City Hall. We had dinner at Sutis at Al Majaz Waterfront and it was one of the best Lebanese in Sharjah.

Day 3:

We left for lunch at the Shooting Club and also tried our hands at archery there. Shooting was the original plan but there was some technical issue, hence we tried archery.

Later we went to Kalba Birds of Prey center and Al Hefaiyah Mountain Conservation Center where we saw some rare and interesting species of birds, reptiles and animals.

In the evening, we reached our Sharjah Light Festival locations Khorfakkan Municipality, Municipal Council and Town Planning Department.

We had dinner at Fatima’s house, her house was stunning and every corner was so pretty. We even tried some traditional outfits and jewellery.

Day 4:

On Day 4, we went to the Sharjah Islamic Museum and the Sharjah Aquarium. We had lunch at Jones The Grocer which was my favourite meal in Sharjah! Everything we ordered was so fresh and full of flavours, and the desserts were mind blowing.

Then we went to Al Jubail Market and bought some Medjool dates. It was a like an air conditioned vegetable market, and had everything you would need. The variety of dates here is amazing, and the prices are really good plus the quality. I highly recommend shopping for dates in Sharjah, I regret not getting more.

We also went to Irani market and bought some Oud perfumes. This was the final day of the Sharjah Light Festival and we went to Al Qasba and Al Noor Mosque. Then we headed for the Closing Ceremony and Gala Dinner at the Al Majaz Waterfront. The lights, music, laser shows, fire crackers, it was a beautiful closing ceremony!

Day 5:

Day 5 was our last day in Sharjah. We went to Kingfisher Lodge for lunch, it’s a beautiful property and the chef was Indian, so we finally had Indian food on our last day and it was pretty good. We were supposed to do Kayaking but it was raining that day, hence we couldn’t. But we did tour the property and the luxury lodges were beautiful, definitely wish to stay there once.

We went to Sahara Shopping Centre for some shopping and then finally headed to the airport.

It was quite a different and unique experience, and I loved being a part of it. A big thank you to Visit Sharjah for having me, it was quite a memorable trip.

I am glad I could capture it all for you guys through this vlog. The total footage was of 80-82 mins, and I have cut it short to 40 mins. I know it’s a long vlog, but I wanted to show everything and I didn’t want to make two parts of it and cut the flow. Also all my Instagram stories from the trip are under the ‘Sharjah’ highlights.

I hope you enjoy this blog and the vlog, do let me know your favourite part in the comments down below or any questions/doubts related to Sharjah.

My Stay & Experience at B’Canti Boutique Beach Resort in Varkala, Kerala

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My Stay & Experience at B’Canti Boutique Beach Resort in Varkala, Kerala

Hi guys,

If you follow me on Instagram (@bhumika_t), you would know I was in Kerala last week. I stayed 3 days in Munnar and 3 days at Varkala, it was a pretty nice and relaxing holiday covering both the mountains and the beach.

Varkala is 1.5 hours away from Trivandrum airport.

At Varkala, we stayed at B’Canti Boutique Beach Resort which is a gorgeous property on the North cliff of Varkala, a short distance away from Papanasham Beach. They also have a seasonal beach attached to the property and you can get the beach view from your room and the restaurant.

Deluxe Room

They have Deluxe, Super Deluxe and Superior Sea View Rooms. The rooms are spacious and comfortable, with all the necessary amenities.

View from the Room

One can also explore the nearby beaches, Kappil Beach and Varkala Beach. We loved both the beaches, they were so clean and well maintained. Another place to explore is the Golden Island, we didn’t go there as we just wanted to relax after all the travelling 3-4 days earlier.

B’Canti also has a separate Ayurveda & Yoga Wellness Ashram where you can get different types of Ayurvedic massages and/or herbal treatments. We got the Abhyanga massage on both the days which is a traditional Ayurvedic massage with a blend of oil and essential herbs, and is followed by a steam and bath with ubtan. My skin felt baby soft and body super relaxed, post the massage. It was a nice end to the vacation.

They also offer daily yoga sessions by the beach, if interested.

Their restaurant ‘The Bait & Hook‘ serves all types of cuisines from North Indian to South Indian to continental. The vegetarian food in Kerala doesn’t have many options apart from dosas and different types of rice, so The Bait & Hook was a welcome change and we loved the food here! Even the staff is very warm and courteous and was helpful throughout our stay. I loved the pasta, gajar halwa and aloo parantha and appam for breakfast 😀 The fresh fruits and fresh bread basket every morning for breakfast was what I looked forward to!

They even arranged a candle light dinner by the beach, for us, on our last night there. The set up was beautiful, with the pleasant beach ahead.

We had an early flight and they arranged for a quick, early breakfast for us before we checked out. They do provide airport pick up and drop facility as well, on request.

Overall, I had a great time and it was a really good holiday. If you are looking for a good hotel to stay at Varkala, you should definitely check out B’Canti Boutique Beach Resort. It has a perfect blend of good food, beach view, comfortable stay and ayurvedic massages. Check them out HERE

Have you been to Varkala? Let me know your thoughts on Kerala/Varkala in the comments below.

Marbella Travel Guide: Places to Visit, Things to Do

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Marbella Travel Guide: Places to Visit, Things to Do

Puerto Banús, Photo by M. Pilar Fernández, CC0

The city of Marbella is one of glitz and glamour, dreams and dancing. It’s a favorite with tourists seeking sunshine along the Costa del Sol and with the rich and famous looking to holiday in style. With perfect summer weather almost year-round, and miles of white sandy beaches to enjoy, it’s the ideal place to kick back and relax in a lavish, indulgent atmosphere.

The Old Town by
Michael Vadon, CC BY 2.0

The Old Town

Marbella’s Old Town or Casco Antiguo is a charming area filled with colorful buildings, romantic balconies and an abundance of vibrant flowers. Its maze-like alleyways and hotchpotch of different buildings lend it a unique eccentric air that will have you wandering through the streets, marveling at the magic buzz all around. It’s a wonderful place to take a leisurely morning stroll among the boutique shops and tiny, jewel-like cafes. Or alternatively, you could partake in a sophisticated evening drink as the Old Town comes to life at sundown.

Puerto Banús

Just a 15-minute drive down the coast from the center of Marbella is the small town and marina of Puerto Banús. It’s the place to be if you want to be entertained, with its wealth of high-end shops, bars, restaurants, casinos and sports venues. Marbella has long had a reputation for being a glamorous party town with its love for all things bling, and the range of exclusive bars and clubs. The city attracts glitzy events every summer like the Global Gift Gala and Poker Stars Festival Marbella, attracting plenty of A-listers who you might just catch a glimpse of while
you’re in town. It’s the perfect area to host such events as it values so highly luxury, beauty and extravagance.

Marbella by night. by José Sáez, CC BY-SA 2.0

Check out the Nightlife

The nightlife in Marbella is one of its most talked about features. Whether you prefer a quiet glass of wine overlooking the sparkling sea or an all-night party in one of the city’s hottest clubs, there is something for every taste here. Places like La Suite, Mask Marbella and Olivia Valere offer an elegant clubbing experience in the city center whereas favorites like Aqua Mist, Pangea and Scream dominate the party scene in Puerto Banús. Wherever you choose to go, you are guaranteed the night of your life as Marbella knows how to put on a good time! A-list celebrities like Kylie Jenner and Paris Hilton have been known to stylishly jet in whereas Antonio Banderas and Simon Cowell have even made their home here.

Tour the Historical Sights

Marbella has a varied history harking back to the Romans. You can explore the city’s roots by finding surviving landmarks, such as the Roman baths, ruins and bridges, that are still (mostly) standing today. Also, there are still structures built during the Moorish rule of the town, evident in the architecture of many houses, towers and plazas dotted around the city. Planning a treasure hunt of these historical sites not only opens more of the city to any visitor but is also a fun way to learn more about how the city’s way of life developed in accordance to those who lived and loved here.

Located in the shadow of the impressive Sierra Blanca Mountains, this beautiful Spanish coastal town has so much more to offer than the obvious sun, sea and sand. It’s a hot spot for outstanding cuisine, sophisticated soirees and fascinating local history. A trip to Marbella will leave you feeling rested and refreshed, yes, but it will also feed your mind with its captivating clash of cultures and enchanting high society.

Kerala Travel Diaries- Places to Visit, Things To Do

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Kerala Travel Diaries- Places to Visit, Things To Do

By Sanchita

Introduction –

Kerala, is popularly known as ‘Gods Own Country’, blessed with a scenic beauty of green landscape, a mélange of beautiful beaches, the serene backwaters and a tradition to speak for. It is considered one of the best tourist destinations in India and truly a beautiful one. Dotted with the stunning beaches along the Malabar Coast to the fantastic verdant hillside tea gardens in Munnar, the amalgamation of rich cultures, traditions and folk dances, a land of elephants and the unique local cuisine – Kerala has it all. Kerala is a narrow strip of land with Arabian Sea on one side and Western Ghats on the other side. This place is gifted to receive the monsoon showers first in the city and thus the growth of lush greenery with its radiance and rich fertile soil has also made the land extremely cultivable. Let us see in details about the must visit places in Kerala as well the things to do when you visit the Gods Own Country.

You can either plan your holiday on your own or go for Kerala Tourism Packages.

10 Best Places to see in Kerala –

1. Backwaters of Kerala – You want a romantic and serene destination with your partner? Or, a quiet and peaceful experience for a holiday with the family? The backwaters of Kerala is the most tranquil and relaxing place that you have to visit. The sunset along with the incandescent changes in the sky and experiencing that from a houseboat along the palm-fringed Kerala canals is the best moment one can have. Also, the delicious Indian food and chilled beer on board the boat make the experience even more gratifying.

2. Tea gardens in Munnar – Munnar is the famous hill station in Kerala situated at the confluence of the three rivers Madhurapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundaly. Another must visit place in Kerala is the Tea Gardens of Munnar. This place is well-known for its extensive tea plantations where tea is being picked and processed, and you can also try fresh tea straight from the gardens. The land is truly a blessed beauty with winding lanes, misty hills, and forests full of exotic plants and wildlife. If you are an adventurer, try the trekking to Anamudi, the highest peak in south India or go rock climbing and para gliding.

3. Athirapally Falls (Athirapally) – Athirappilly Falls, known as the largest waterfall in Kerala, is situated in Athirappilly panchayath, Chalakudy Taluk in of Thrissur district. It stands tall at 80 feet. And just a short drive from Athirapally, the Vazhachal waterfall is close to lush green forests that are home to many endangered and endemic species of flora and fauna. The wild beauty is just as fascinating as enchanting over there.

4. Varkala Beach – Considered to be one of the best beaches of India, the amazing picturesque Varkala beach provides a relatively peaceful alternative to the now commercialized Kovalam. The long stretch of cliff and views that extend over the Arabian Sea is simply breathtaking. There is a paved footpath runs along the length of the cliff, dotted by coconut palms, beach shacks, hotels. Do not miss the uninterrupted view of the sun as it slowly sinks down the horizon.

5. Folklore Museum (Kochi) – If you are a history lover, you have to visit the Folklore Museum in Kochi. It has been built in true Keralan style from ancient temples and beautiful old houses. It includes over 4000 artefacts and covers three architectural styles: Malabar on the ground-floor, Kochi on the 1st, Travancore on the 2nd. Upstairs is a beautiful wood-lined theatre, with a 17th-century wooden ceiling. The Museum is a treasure trove that showcases the rich heritage of Kerala through its numerous art and dance forms.

6. Kovalam Beach (Kovalam) – this is another top rated beaches in India and one of the prominent feature of the Kerala Tourism. The relaxing sun, the Ayurvedic treatments and powerful strong deep massage on the shacks along with the local cuisine is the best thing to ask for. The crescent shaped beach has a light house on its southern side, which provides an excellent view of the city especially the moon-shaped beach and the Vizhinjam mosque. Kovalam which is derived from coconut trees is 16 kms away from Trivandrum. The rocky formations amalgams with the calm blue bay to turn the bay into a special aquarelle on moonlit evenings.

7. Vadakkunnathan Temple – The ancient temple with unique architecture – Vadakkunnathan Temple has been declared as a national monument by the Indian government, under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act. It is one of the oldest Hindu temples in Kerala, situated in the heart of Thrissur city and the temple is devoted to Lord Shiva. It is believed that the Vadakkumnathan temple was built by Parashurama. The temple exhibits the classic architectural style of Kerala. The interior of the temple is beautifully decorated with murals depicting the episodes from Mahabharata.

8. Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary (Thekkady) – the Periyar Wildlife sanctuary is one of the popular wild life sanctuary preserving various species of animals including elephants, tigers, sambars, gaurs and the very rare lion tailed macaques. The amazing cenic beauty along with its wildlife has been attracting tourists and visitors from all over the world for years and thus considered as one of the must visited place of Kerala. Take a boat trip to Thekkady Lake to experience it like never before.

9. Mattancherry Palace – Built by the Portuguese in the year 1557, Mattancherry Palace was presented to Raja Veera Kerala Varma of Kochi, the Palace was renovated in 1663 by the Dutch. It is a Bhagavathi Temple in the central courtyard is built like the characteristic Kerala style mansion – the Nalukettu – the home of the aristocracy, nobleness and upper classes, with four separate wings opening out to a central courtyard. It has the view of the panoramic Kochi backwaters and the gorgeous collection of murals collectively covering over 300 sq ft of its walls. There are some display of royal paraphernalia like weapons, swings and furniture which offer a glimpse of the lifestyle of the royal family.

10. Padmanabhaswamy Temple – the richest Hindu temple in the world, Padmanabhaswamy Temple is located in Thiruvananthapuram and is built in an intricate fusion of the indigenous Kerala style and the Dravidian style of architecture associated with the temples located in the neighboring state of Tamil Nadu, featuring high walls, and a 16th-century Gopuram. It is In terms of assets gold and precious stones, it is by far the wealthiest institution and place of worship of any kind in the recorded history of the world, with an estimated $22 billion worth of gold and jewels stored in underground vaults. However it is said that only 5 of the 6 underground vaults had been opened and explored.

Things to do in Kerala –

  • To have a look at the lush green landscape, take a house boat in Alleppey to travel through the tranquil backwaters is just as amazing as it is made out to be.
  • Visit the Eravikulam National Park because of Neelakurinji, which blooms once in 12 years and this rare view is a fascinating experience.
  • You can also having a nice trekking experience to the peak of the hill and get to see the Nigiri Thar, an endangered mountain goat.
  • Go for a Shikara rides in Alappuzha which has to offer some stunning views of the backwaters and the array of beautiful birds along with the nurturing of nature.
  • Watch the Colorful Snake Boat races during Onam festival in Alappuzha, Kerala which is held from July to September particularly during Onam festival.
  • Kerala is famous for spices. Visit the spice plantations or gardens in Munnar, Thekkady or Wayanad and experience some authentic black pepper, cardamom, cinnamon and the exotic vanilla and explore the farms on a nature walk.
  • Stay at a coffee plantation resort or homestay and it would include all the activities like trekking, night safaris, camp fire and plantation walks.
  • Watch Theyyam, a dance form staged in various temples of North Kerala, usually in front of the village shrine.

Culture –

The culture of Kerala is a fusion of Aryan and Dravidian cultures, advanced and mixed for centuries, under inspirations from other parts of India and abroad. It is well-defined by its antiquity, relic and the organic continuity sustained by the Malayali people. Any time you visit Kerala, most likely there will be at least one local festival you can experience. Kerala trace its non-prehistoric cultural genesis to its membership (around the AD 3rd century) in a vaguely defined historical region known as Thamizhagom — a land defined by a common Tamil culture and encompassing the Chera, Chola, and Pandya kingdoms. Kerala has an opulent cultural heritage with its diverse ethos is influenced by three main religions of Hinduism, Christianity and Islam. Exquisite sculptures, music and dance forms can be seen in the historic growth of Kerala’s cultural traditions. Trissur Pooram, The traditions of Kathakali and Mohiniattam are highly developed art forms that have established from their folk origins into highly evolved classical dance forms.

Cuisine –

Kerala is known as the “Land of Spices” and have a unique culinary experience, thanks to its wide variety of spices. The cuisine offers a crowd of both vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes prepared using fish, poultry and red meat with rice a typical supplement. Food is customarily served on a banana leaf and almost every dish has coconut and spices added for flavor, giving its cuisine a sharp spiciness that is heightened with the use of tamarind. Seafood is the main diet in coastal Kerala, whereas vegetables are the main diet on the plains. Meat is served as the main course in tribal and northern Kerala. Dishes range from simple ‘kanji’ (rice gruel) to extravagant feasts or ‘sadyas’.

Conclusion –

Thus, there are a million reasons to visit Kerala. From the serene view of beaches to the lush greenery, relaxing backwater and hills amalgamated with rich heritage of the land true makes it God’s own country. Unique culinary experiences combined with Land of Ayurvedha and Spices, Kerala is a must visit for everyone.

Editor’s Note: I absolutely loved this post Sanchita, so detailed! Kerala is also in my bucket list

Image Source: Google

Have you been to Kerala? If not, after reading this, I am sure you want to 😀

Greece Travel Guide: Places to Visit, Things To Do

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Greece Travel Guide: Places to Visit, Things To Do

By Sanchita

Introduction
Wanderlust is our way of escaping the mundane lives and explore of flawless beauty of the world. It is a desire that dries us, takes us to the places where you find yourself lost in the sea of history, the alluring fables, charming sceneries and you experience something like never before. This is the exact experience that would enthrall you to visit one of the Europe’s top travel destinations – Greece.

A land dotted with distinct architecture with a thousand histories, captivating oceanic views and famous islands. So, Greece has it all – from stunning landscapes, historic sites, nightlife scenes to cultural delights, so, lets an overview of the best places to visit in Greece and discover other things about this beautiful place.

Places to see

1. Meteora –

One of the most awe-inspiring religious sites on earth – the Meteora, which is a Greek word meaning ‘suspended in the air’ is a cliff more than 1,200 feet (366 meters) that rises like apostolic eagles’ nests into the air overlooking the villages of Kalambaka and Kastraki in the north central mainland of Greece. This place is dotted with monasteries which were built in and around 14th and 16th centuries. In ancient times, the monks pursuing spiritual isolation and freedom from religious persecution built these monasteries. Even though more than twenty monasteries used to be on the steep rocks, only six remain today.

2. Acropolis of Athens –

Athens is widely known as the cradle of Western civilization as well as the origin of democracy for the human advancement. The city is an astounding blend of historical and modern features in the same fold. Among the other famous archaeological ruins and monuments, the Acropolis stands tall. The Acropolis (Greek word which means highest point or extremity) is an ancient citadel located on an extremely rocky outcrop above the city of Athens and contains the remains of several ancient buildings of great architectural and historic significance, the most famous being the Parthenon.

3. Temple of Olympian Zeus –

When you are walking around the Athens, you would see the Temple of Olympian Zeus. It is a huge temple and took over 700 years to construct (dating back to the sixth century). There are a number of Corinthian columns still standing, though so many have fallen. It’s quite an extraordinary sight and counted among the must-visit place of Greece.

4. Delphi –

Delphi, with an unbeatable scenery, has always been a place of historic and spiritual significance and counted amongst the most popular archaeological site after Athens in Greece. It is situated along the slopes of the awe-inspiring Mount Parnassus, Delphi was once admired by the ancient Greeks as the center of the earth. It is dedicated to the god, Apollo, who was reached out by Delphi, a significant oracle seeking good fortune. In ancient times, the common people would come to this sacred spot to inquire of the priestess for guidance on a wide range of topics from farming to politics. Even though the eternal flame no longer burns inside, a visit to the Temple of Apollo is mandatory.

5. Mount Olympus –

Mount Olympus is the dwelling of ancient gods from believed by the people of Greece. This is the place from where the Immortal Gods would control the control the lives of mortal men. Any climb to Mount Olympus starts from the town of Litochoro. A walk up this mountain will be vigorous and mystical journey as well as experience and you would see why Greeks thought it was this mountain from which the gods ruled.

6. Cape Sounion –

Cape Sounion is positioned at the southernmost tip of the Attica peninsula which is best known as the site of the ruins of the ancient Greek temple of Poseidon, the God of the Sea. Perched on the craggy rocks of Cape Sounio, the temple is enveloped in myth and historic facts dated from antiquity until the present times. The ancient temple as a backdrop and facing the deep blue sea is a sight you would not want to miss at all! The ancient temple as a backdrop and facing the deep blue sea! The sight of the Aegean Sea during the sunset makes it a sought-after spectacle.

7. Santorini –

Santorini is one of the Cyclades islands in the Aegean Sea, was devastated by a volcanic eruption in the 16th century B.C.E. and consider it to be the most spectacular by many travelers. Aside from the beautiful landscape and volcanic presence, it is a great place for beach side camping, winery tours, scuba diving, and more. The place is all about the beauty of the ruins on the southern part of the island. One can see the clear Aegean and beaches made up of black, red and white lava pebbles.

Currency

Greece’s monetary unit is the Euro. No other currency is accepted and you can either convert your Foreign Exchange there or from here. It is also really convenient to convert the leftover Euro to INR. Greece is comparatively cheap with some travel tips.

Travel Tips

Firstly, go for the Gyros and other street snacks which are delicious and cost a few Euros and can keep you full for less than 10 EUR per day. For travelling, choose the moped renting rather than cars. Also, avoid Mykonos if you are on a budget, as it is Greece’s most expensive island with hardly any budget accommodation, but if you are a party animal, you will absolutely love Mykonos. It brings world’s most renowned DJ’s at their famous night clubs. Paradise and Super Paradise beaches at Mykonos are also worth a visit, if you happen to go.

Culture 

Existing Greek culture and traditions are very rich and varied, reflecting Greece’s location at the crossing point where the West meets the East and the country’s great and tempestuous history. It has evolved over thousands of years. This rich and tumultuous past greatly influences contemporary lifestyle, the Greek perspective on the world, Greek music, food, customs and traditions, even the way Greeks do business. The locals dress up in traditional costumes during festivals while traditional weddings that start with dressing the bride and bouncing a boy baby on the nuptial bed. One is charmed by their authenticity, the love and pride each group has in its homeland and roots.

Cuisine

The Greek diet is the perfect example of traditional Mediterranean eating. It has some similar characteristics with the traditional cuisines of Italy, the Balkans, Turkey and the Levant. Modern-day Greek cookery makes wide use of vegetables, olive oil, grains, fish, wine and meat (white and red, including lamb, poultry, rabbit and pork). The most characteristic and ancient element of Greek cuisine is olive oil, which is used in most dishes. Taramasalata, Dolmades, Fresh fish, Courgette balls are one of the most dishes of Greece.

Get well-prepared for your next trip. Our friends at globosurfer.com can help you find some great gear for every outdoor adventure.

So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and start exploring this historical place with such enriched culture and traditions along with those intriguing ruins.

P.S: Images from Google

Editor’s Note: I can say, I am in love Sanchita <3 Greece is on my bucket list.

Have you been to Greece? If not, bookmark this post 😀

Singapore Travel Guide: Things To Do, Places To Visit

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Singapore Travel Guide: Things To Do, Places To Visit

By Sanchita

Introduction – Singapore, the beauty island which is a global city in Southeast Asia and the world’s only island city-state. Be it a honeymoon trip, bachelor’s party or a simple travel destination – you will love every bit of this mesmerized landmass. From beautiful water to beaches sci-fi architecture, billion-dollar gardens, contemporary art and the wonderful places to visit – Singapore is a must-visit place in Asia for sure. Discover the beauty of this little magical island with us and read on to know more about it in details.

Places to Visit

Singapore indeed has numerous destinations for sure and I have mentioned you the notable few and I am sure you will love them as well. Scroll down for more.

• MARINA BAY – It was a quiet water but now this portion now stands as a spectacular example of how this miniscule country has come to be one of the world’s most luxurious travel destinations. Having the most iconic hotels in Asia along with the exotic Marina Bay Sands resort, this is a must visit place in Singapore.

• SINGAPORE FLYER – Singapore Flyer, the world’s largest giant observation wheel is something you can’t simply miss out if you are visiting Singapore. An outstanding experience and built over a three-story terminal building, the Flyer is 150 metres in diameter, 165 metres high, and travels at 0.21m per second. It gives a beautiful sight of the city including the as the Singapore River, Raffles Place, Marina Bay, Empress Place and the Padang.

• CHINA TOWN – As the name suggests, the place like a mini-China by culture with all the excitement and hustle. Its main focus is on the Chinese immigrants who lived a hard life and were the main group of people who founded Singapore in earlier times. It has the Chinese Heritage Centre as well as the impressive and beautiful Sri Mariamman Hindu temple and Buddha Tooth Relic temple. It has colourful shop-houses and numerous historical attractions along the walk.

• CLARKE QUAY – An enchanting riverside which is crowded with various bars and restaurants which you just can’t resist trying out. In fact, this is one of the best attractions from the tourists. The place is dotted with alfresco-style dining to be had in an endless number of eateries set around the water’s edge. This place is also a shopper’s heaven and hence if you are a shopping freak, this is a place you must visit

• CLOUD FOREST – The Cloud Forest is a 35-metre tall mountain covered in lush vegetation shrouding the world’s tallest indoor waterfall and up to 2,000 metres above sea level. It is flushed with the unique biodiversity. The best thing is to take a stroll a walkway in the clouds for an aerial view of the canopy and mountainside below. The view is like a one-time experience in life.

• MACRITCHIE NATURE TRAIL – MacRitchie provides a calming, reminiscent jungle escape by walking through the water’s edge and snake through the mature secondary rainforest along with the macaques and huge monitor lizards. It has been well highlighted with well-signposted offshoots along with a 250m-long suspension bridge, perched 25m up in the forest canopy. The best time to visit is during October-November.

Singapore has SGD as their currency i.e. Singapore Dollars which are around INR 48-49 per dollar currently. You can get your currency converted/buy forex beforehand or even once you reach there.

Ideal for Honeymoon

Singapore is also one of the best honeymoon destinations as well.

• Take a long romantic walk down holding your lover’s hand down the Changi Point with a spectacular view of the sea, offshore kelongs and boats. The best time is the sunset where you get the enthralling view of the heritage trees, the hilltop chalets and the lush greenery.

• The scenery at Bukit Batok Town Park is as breath-taking as it could be and best place for that wonderful photo sessions for the couples. The serene and peaceful picture-view is something you would love to experience with the love of your life.

• The Jewel box is the best place to take your partner for the lovely dining. It gives a beautiful picturesque view of the whole city including the harbor. Having the romantic dinner mid-air is something you have to experience, at least once!

• The Sentosa Island is famous for the pristine beaches, sea sports and retreats, enjoy a relaxed morning on the white sands with your partner and you indulge in the ‘Spa Two-Gether Day’ at the luxurious Spa Botanica for a lush experience at the end of your perfect day.

• You can also visit the tranquil settings of St John’s Island is the best place to have a quite romantic day out of the newlyweds for sure. And, if you are lucky, you might see some dolphins in the blue lagoons as well.

Shopping to do in Singapore

Yes, we girls look for this element anywhere we visit and Singapore is dotted with branded shops as well as the perky local goods. For the shoes, they have the Charles & Keith stores and the quality is unbelievable. For the street shopping you can surely visit Bugis street or China Town. It has various shopping malls as well like Suntec, Ion mall and Plaza Singapura. Last but not the least, it has Sephora with numerous brands you can’t even fathom!

Singapore Cuisine

Singapore Cuisine is largely affected by Chinese, Indonesian, Indian and Western influences. There are few notable dishes that you have to try in Singapore. One of them is the Chili Crab which is Hard-shell crabs cooked in semi-thick gravy with a tomato chili base. Then there is Char Kuay TeowBroad which is basically white noodles fried with black Soya sauce, fish cake, bean sprouts, clams and Chinese sausage. You can also try the skewered grilled meat (pork, chicken, beef or mutton) served with rice cake called the Satay.

Conclusion

All in all Singapore is an experience worth having. Be it for the romantic getaway or a serene holiday, Singapore holds a beauty on its own. This place is a melting pot of cultures with fantastic architecture. With English being one of the national languages, travellers find it

So either plan your itinerary on your own, if you have time in mind or check out the numerous Singapore packages online.

This is a fabulous post Sanchita! I so wish to go there, right now, after reading this 😀

Image Source: 1, 2, 3

Have you been to Singapore? Or planning it next? I hope this guide helps you.

All About my Kasauli & Mashobra Trip/How to Plan, What to Cover, etc.

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All About my Kasauli & Mashobra Trip/How to Plan, What to Cover, etc.

Hey guys,

So I wanted to include my vlog in this post and hence the delay to upload this post. I finally edited and uploaded my vlog, it’s a long one! 25 minutes long and snippets from all 4 days.

We had not planned on the destination and had only booked Delhi tickets in Dec, so in mid March, we finally zeroed on Kasauli and Mashobra and did the train tickets’ booking, etc.

If you directly plan to go to Kasauli or Mashobra/Shimla, Chandigarh airport is the nearest and best. Of course, then it’s a long journey by road, but for us both ways we had to take a train till/from Kalka as we had the Delhi tickets. You can also take a direct Volvo bus from Delhi but I was not comfortable with that long bus journey. We went by Delhi Kalka Shatabdi train which was superb, they have all the facilities like that of a flight. Food, water, tea, cleanliness, everything was followed well.

At first we went to Kasauli which is 40kms from Kalka station, so we had booked a cab from Kalka station. We were staying at Kasauli Regency which is a very nice place to stay. The rooms are small but the food is excellent and the service is good. We went to Dharampur the next day to see Manki Point, Kasauli Church, Kasauli Market, Sunset Point and pretty much everything in and around Kasauli.

The hotel had a rooftop breakfast and dining place which was beautiful in the morning, though unbearably cold at night. I loved having breakfast there though.

Next day we had to leave for Mashobra, so we took a train from Dharampur to Shimla. Now Shimla only has mono gauge rail i.e only a toy train can go to Shimla station. The other routes to reach Shimla is by road. But the Shivalik Express has a beautiful view and needs to be experienced once in life, which we obviously didn’t want to miss. So we went till Shimla in Shivalik Express, the train came late, runs slow and it took us about 4.5 hours to reach Shimla.

Shimla fortunately has Olacabs, so travelling there shouldn’t be difficult. We were staying at Mashobra, which is a little far from Shimla and within Mashobra too, our hotel was 3.5 km deeper inside! Well, travelling to and fro was difficult, but when you see this hotel, you will not regret a bit! We were staying at Mahasu House which is one of the best hotels I have been to, in India. What is different, you ask?! The view! It is to die for. I would literally spend my time gazing out from the window and the lawn. We even had breakfast with that beautiful view in front, it was heavenly.

The food and service is also amazing, the rooms are huge and comfortable. It was really cold there, especially during nights. They have centralized heating and also bed warmers below the mattress which was a huge relief!

Next day we went to Kufri. Started with Hip Hip Hurray Adventure Sports Resort in Kufri, it had some fun activities. I bought some jams and preserves from Fruit Bageecha Kiosk there. Post which we went to the Kufri peak and the only way to reach there was on mountain horses. The climb is steep and about 2kms but the road is full of mud and stones. And at last, we roamed a bit in Shimla from Mall Road to The Ridge and later came back to the hotel. On the way, we even went to Shivalik’s Factory and got a few more jams and plum juice,etc.

We had to leave early morning the next day as we had a 10.40am train from Kalka to Delhi and then flight at night.

It was a short trip but we pretty much covered everything that we had to. I would only wish a day more at Mashobra and at Mahasu House coz the property is mind blowing.

It was ranked above Club Mahindra and the 2nd best property in Mashobra and now I know why. If you plan to go to Shimla, I would highly recommend staying at Mahasu House coz it as an experience not to be missed. I truly felt I was in heaven and was very grateful that I could experience this in my lifetime.

You will see everything in my vlog, if you have any doubts or queries regarding Kasauli, Dharampur, Shimla or Mashobra, you can ask me in the comments below or even email me. I would be happy to help 🙂

Why Is Mauritius An Ideal Honeymoon Destination?

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Why Is Mauritius An Ideal Honeymoon Destination?

By Sanchita

Introduction

You have often heard about the saying ‘Travel is about gorgeous feeling of teetering in the unknown’. And, when it is the Paradise Island to spend the honeymoon with your beloved, you can imagine the gorgeousness of the travelogue. Mauritius a multiethnic island located on the east of Madagascar, is also the land of pristine white sand beaches with a stunning horizon of a blue sky that no brush can transform into a canvas, the legendary sunsets, and crystal blue lagoons with beautiful coral reefs. It is irrefutably the best destination for newlyweds for their honeymoon. The aura of tropical climate, indulging spas, exotic food and cultures, romantic walk to isles, the scenic beauty of the land will be an unforgettable memory, to be cherished till the end of time. So, let’s embark the journey of Mauritius and see why it is an ideal honeymoon destination.

Places to visit

  • Mauritius Botanical Garden

Located near Port Louis, it is considered one of must-visit places of Mauritius. It is the oldest botanical garden in the Southern Hemisphere and was built in 1767! From the gigantic water lilies, auspicious spice garden to the exceptional varieties of palm trees around the Indian Ocean, this Mauritius Botanical Garden (also known as Pamplemousses Garden) is beautiful in its own delicate way.

  • Île aux Cerfs Island 

A beautiful picturesque which is known as the deer island, is dotted with remarkable white sandy beaches, lagoon, magnificent view and the majestic houses the Bernard Langer golf course. Île aux Cerfs Island is the perfect place for invigorating the mind and soul with the beauty of the scenery around. There are also various fun activities around this 100 hectares of land. Do try the parasailing to unveil the beauty of the place from the bird’s view.

  • Grand Bassin Sacred Lake 

An extinct volcano, Grand Basin is now a lake in the mountains about 1700 feet above the sea level. It is considered another tourist attraction and also a pilgrimage place. Beside the beautiful lake, situated a temple with a 33mts high statue of Lord Shiva. There is a beautiful and uniqueness of the place which makes it an ideal destination of sacredness and mysticism.

  • Trou aux Cerfs

High extinct volcano located in Curepipe, Mauritius, Trou aux Cerfs is a 605 m high. It is one of the best attractions of Curepipe which allows you a spectacular view of the Island itself. This dormant volcano was active until 600,000 to 700,000 years ago and now the crater has a beautiful lake. The beauty of the place cannot be described and is a must visit of all time.

  • Ile aux Aigrettes

Ile aux Aigrettes is a tiny coral island dotted with rare and endangered natural species. It is breathtaking conservation site where you will get to see the most beautiful and rare birds like kestrel, the Green Gecko Phelsuma, etc. At the end of the Ile aux Aigrettes Island, you will be able to rediscover some of the extinct species of the Mascarene Islands in our museum.

  • Waterfalls of Mauritius

The most distinguished waterfalls of Mauritius are Chamarel waterfalls, Alexandra waterfalls, Exil waterfalls and Rochester waterfalls. The Rochester Falls, located between St Félix and Soulliac, crosses through sugarcane fields. It is the wildest waterfall in Mauritius. The abundance of fresh water crashing the old rocks from 10mts high, the setting is beauty in itself. The sound of the water crashing on the rocks and the beauty of the scenario is surely worth watching. There is a place to walk along the river bed for the romantic walk. Chamarel waterfalls is an impressive waterfall of 127m height. It also follows a road until you reach the Colored Earth of Chamarel. Due to different chemical reactions the earth has 7 different colors. It almost looks like moonscape. The Alexandra Fallsis a 105ft waterfall located on the Hay River in the Northwest Territories which is also the 3rd highest in the NWT.

Ideal for honeymoon

The scenic beauty and charisma of the Island, makes it a perfect destination for honeymoon or to propose your beloved. The allure of the white sand, the sunset, the long romantic walks and reminiscing the memories of the relationship will bring the hearts closer than you think. For couples, the foremost thing is to enjoy the beauty of the sunset on Sunset Catamaran Cruise from the South east coast of Mauritius along the east coast. From the slow setting of the sun behind the mountains, the beauty of the sky while altering colors and the reflection on the water is beyond blissful. For the adventurous couple, there are various wild sanctuary and natural reserves to explore and get to know the beautiful yet endangered wildlife.

Mauritius is also famous for shopping arena where everything from ship models and jewelry to Asian handicrafts, clothes, etc. are available. The place is also dotted with various spas and resorts providing the Indian, African, Chinese and European therapeutic traditions. So while you sip on the margarita or a wild berry daiquiri, indulge yourself and enjoy the blissfulness for a while.

It makes for a perfect honeymoon destination, you can either plan the entire trip yourself or choose any of the Mauritius Honeymoon Packages.

Things to do in Mauritius

  • Drive around. The beauty of this island is inexpressible and the only way to explore it is to drive through it. You can easily rent a car and explore the streets and the ethnicity of the place.
  • Walk through the sugarcane fields in the inland area. The place is very airy with a subtle climate and walking through the fields is nothing but a pure ecstasy! You can also visit the visit L’Aventure Du Sucre – a sugar museum with its own sugarcane fields.
  • The beaches. A heaven of white sand, sun and loads of memories. The top spots are the Belle Mare Beach, the hidden La Cuvette beach in the north, and the rugged beaches of the South, especially Le Morne. Sip on your favorite drink and enjoy the heavenly place.
  • Water sports is another great attraction for tourists. The sports includes the exciting snorkeling, exotic deep-sea diving, deep-sea fishing, thrilling parasailing and the fun of scuba diving. There is also a chance of undersea walking where one is on hold meters below the sea with an eyeshade to provide a continuous supply of oxygen.
  • Visiting the Eureka House is another exciting thing to do in Mauritius. It is a unique Creole house built in 1830 situated by the river of Moka. It is a sophisticated Créole house originally owned by British and French aristocrats in the 19th century. It is well known to be one of the largest houses on the island, with 109 doors and windows. Provides an intriguing glimpse into colonial life and has various antique photos and a beautiful garden worth visiting among other thing.

Mauritius Cuisine

Having a diverse population and a distinguished travel spot, the Mauritius cuisine is delicious. It has mostly the spicy taste of Indian, Creole, African and Chinese cuisine. The curry is the famous and a must try for every foodies. Along with that you can also try the rice, roti, niouk nien (dumplings) or mine-frit (Chinese fried noodles.). Cari poule (usually chicken curry) is accessible in most restaurants and street sellers. For curry, they mostly use tomatoes, garlic, ginger, turmeric and curry leaves.

Gateau piment or chilli cakes, is one of the famous snacks of the locals, is made with split peas (dhal or dholl), they also contain red or green chillies, coriander, onions and cumin. They are golden brown in color and deep fried. Salads are enormously popular in Mauritius. From the fruit salad to Millionaire salad, you have it all. The Millionaire salad is made from salad leaves and a palm tree heart, a vegetable taken from the inner core of definite palm trees. The dressing has oysters, shrimp, crayfish, prawns, smoked marlin and crabs. Therefore, the beautiful fusion of various cuisines is incredibly good.

Conclusion

The place is indeed called a paradise or something even better. Be it for a romantic destination with sapphire waters and alluring white sand of the beaches or simply adventurous journey among the craters, lakes, garden, forest, sanctuary – it is worthwhile to visit it once at least. The uniqueness of the place is the best attraction and the beauty is endless.

Mauritius is definitely on my bucket list, what about you?

P.S: Pics from Google