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8 Things You Must Do while You Spend Your Vacation in Barbados

8 Things You Must Do while You Spend Your Vacation in Barbados

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8 Things You Must Do while You Spend Your Vacation in Barbados

Barbados. The name itself takes us to some images filled up with of turquoise water, white sands, calypso, cricket, a bottle of rum and variety of fish delicacies. Let us look over some facts and funs of this little country, measuring 166 square miles in total, before you plan for your next vacation over there.

The indigenous people of this region, Kalinago, were lost to the Spanish in the 15th century. Then the British came and started sugar cane plantation and industry. Back then, they brought the African slaves to do the plantations works. British rule ended in 1966 and the people, mostly with African origin, got their independence.

British has left the power of this country more than 50 years ago. But still, more than 50% of tourists occupying the streets and cafes and restaurants and villas on the beach in Barbados are Britishers only. No wonder, why the country is called as ‘Little England’ affectionately.


Now Barbados has secured its place as the most developed island in this region. It welcomes the tourists worldwide to indulge themselves into some cracking fun with all its natural subtropical climates, beaches, colonial history, mouth-watering menus and festivals.

Time to check out 8 real points that would count in your itinerary.

1. Hit the Beaches

Though the area of this country doesn’t compare to the most ones in mainland, it has a real pride for its number of beaches along the sea among them the Crane Beach, Bottom Bay, Rockley Beach, Paynes Bay, Pebbles Beach, Mount Standfast Beach, Bathsheba Beach, Dover Beach and Carlisle Bay are most famous. Some of them are popular for their rocky facades, while the others are adorned for the white sands. Whatever it is, no one can ignore to explore by the sea when in Barbados.

2. Swimming with the Turtles

This one adds a totally new perspective when visiting a place. There is a wide range of cruises and tours that make it possible to swim with the turtles. Most turtle tours are conducted on catamarans which provide lunch, masks and snorkels. It is a great outing – sailing down the magnificent coastline, a delicious lunch, some rum and of course, seeing the beautiful turtles and snorkelling in the Caribbean Sea. Some tours include stops at the beach and snorkelling over shipwrecks.

3. Explore the Harrison’s Cave

At the heart of Barbados lies one of its greatest wonders – the magnificent Harrison’s Cave. Located in the central uplands of the island, this crystallized, limestone cave is characterized by flowing streams, deep pool of crystal clear water and towering columns. Gaze in wonder at the white flowstones and in awe at the beauty of the speleothems which adorn the cave. Harrison’s cave is a gem of an experience, so be sure to visit and unearth the adventure.

4. St. Nicholas Abbey

No, it is not a church or has no connection with religion at all. St. Nicholas Abbey is a former sugar plantation and now turned into a museum and a rum distillery. Visitors get a glimpse of the plantation life of the past centuries in the museum. There is a 1930 film also depicting many sides of the plantation. Sugar plantation here was closed down in 1947 but still one can see the mill working. There is also a rum distillery that produces St. Nicholas Abbey rum which can accompany the tourists while going through the pages of history in the museum.

5. Take a Sip of Rum at its Homeland

We already have come across rum at the previous destination and who can think of a tour in the Caribbean without rum and when in Barbados, the homeland of rum, it will be a crime to not have it at least a little bit. It is believed that rum was first produced in Barbados. And the culture of this country, or even in the Caribbean as a whole, has always been touched up with rum since then. You will find some of the oldest distilled rums here to make the spirit high while touring.

6. Flying Fish Cutter

Here comes one of the most special attractions of the country. One can never ignore seafood and fish while visiting in this region. And flying fish cutter is a speciality of Barbados as to say that flying fish are a big part of the cultural identity of the island is a bit of understatement. So never forget to have a taste of the indigenous form of sandwich which looks like a burger though.

7. Nidhe Israel Synagogue

The only synagogue in Barbados, Nidhe Israel Synagogue, is one of the oldest synagogues in the western hemisphere. Built in the 17th century, this establishment has lots of stories to be revealed to the tourists as it has turned a part of it as a museum that traces Jewish history in Barbados dating back to the arrival of the earliest Jews in 1628 and highlights their contribution to the Barbadian society. So do not miss this cluster of history.

8. Crop Over

Crop Over is the premiere summer festival of Barbados. Not only that, arguably the most colourful festival of the Caribbean is considered as the identity of the country’s people. This attracts tourists worldwide. Even the Bajans who live off the island also get back to the country in this festival season to celebrate with the family and friends. The main festival is held by the government itself but there are many other small Crop Overs take place with no government undertaking.

P.S.: Images from Google

5 Reasons Crete Should Be First On Your Travel List

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5 Reasons Crete Should Be First On Your Travel List

The sheer size of the world is both a blessing and a curse. On the one hand, you’ll never see everything there is to see. On the other hand, well, you’ll never see everything there is to see! You’re never going to get bored traveling, but there are inevitably going to be places you won’t have a chance to explore. Think about it. In a country like Greece, there are multiple islands that you can spend months exploring. To truly see everything in Europe alone will take you more time than anyone has on Earth.

Which is why we all prioritise certain countries and cities. Ultimately, however, you end up knowing that certain places will keep bringing you back. Other countries can wait, because you’ve fallen in love with a particular city.

For me, that place is Crete. I can never get enough of it and, while I know everything is a matter of personal preference in the end, I believe that Crete can be that place for almost everyone. It has everything you want in a travel destination: culture, history, luxury, natural beauty, and a vibrancy that makes me never want to leave.

I’m going to share with you exactly what draws me back to Crete over and over again, and I hope I can convince you to give it a chance sooner rather than later. There are plenty of Crete rentals available for all types of travelers, including those who like to live in luxury no matter where they are.

Living History

Greece as a whole is shaped by its history. You cannot visit without being reminded over and over again that it is the birthplace of democracy, home to some of the most important philosophers of historic times, along with the genesis of modern science. The sheer weight of its history can be enough to make it a bit of a bore sometimes, especially if you’re with someone intent on going to every museum and learning about all the mythology and everything that’s happened in the past few millennia.

But Crete is anything but boring, even if you do get caught up in the history. This is because the history is still there, both in its landscapes, its ruins, and its towns and villages. The Palace of Knossos is one of the most famous landmarks, considering it has been around for thousands of years. And it is incredibly striking and will leave a lasting impression.

However, my favorite piece of living history is the Old Town in Rethymnon. Rethymnon’s Old Town is a seaside village that dates back to the 11th century. Quaint does not begin to describe it. Renaissance architecture with Turkish influences, endless alleys to explore, and excellent food in little stores throughout. I could spend weeks there, just wandering around, and I guarantee you’ll find something there to love.

Endless Natural Beauty

While you may associate ancient history with dust and ruins, Crete’s landscape is a vibrant beauty to behold. It has a nice variety of natural wonders, which you can experience however you like.

If you just want to relax in an unimaginable paradise, Elafonisi Beach is ideal. Its pink-tinted sands make it unlike any beach you’ve lounged on before. The crystal clear water rivals any island fantasy you may have concocted. Feeling a bit adventurous? Simply cross the shallow lagoon to a small island with a lighthouse, chapel, and hundreds of interesting plant species.

Those who like getting a bit of exercise on their travels will treasure the Samaria Gorge National Park. The gorge itself is one of the longest canyons in Europe. It is a natural wonder and a sight to behold. You can spend a few hours hiking the area. It is a walk that most people will manage, but sunscreen and lots of water is recommended. It is open from May through October.

There are, of course, plenty more beaches and spots to hike. Vai Palm Beach is a particular favorite among tourists for its Caribbean-like beauty. Hiking around Balos Lagoon is a great way to get stunning pictures that will break your friends’ Instagram feeds.

Towns To Visit and Things To Do

Crete is not all about appreciating the aesthetics of ancient history and natural beauty. There is also plenty to do there. Every town on the island has its own special charm. Loutro, for example, is a tiny fishing village that is relatively cut off from the rest of the island. It is not flooded with tourists and you will feel like you’ve discovered a hidden gem. You can’t even get there by land, after all, but will have to take a boat or attempt a mountainous climb.

Then there’s the city of Chania, which is gorgeous to look at while having a heck of a lot of activities to do. It is one of the biggest cities throughout the Greek Islands, after all. The Venetian Harbour, the old lighthouse, and the Agora Marketplace are the perfect start. It has its fair share of historical attractions as well, including the 16th century Firka Fortress and the Archaeological Museum which will give you an insight into how the ancient Minoans once lived.

Some other unmissable activities include a visit to the Cretaquarium which is home to over 2,000 sea animals. The shark tank is a particular favorite with travelers, especially if you love getting close to majestic animals without giving them the chance to cause you permanent damage!

Crete is a wondrous place that will never fail to keep me coming back. In an ideal world, I would get the chance to live there for a few years. As is, I’m happy to settle with frequent returns.

P.S.: Images do not belong to me

Maldives Travel Guide: Places to Visit, Things to Do

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Maldives Travel Guide: Places to Visit, Things to Do

By Sanchita

Introduction – Maldives or the Maldive Islands (known as the ‘The Pearl Necklace’ of the Indian Ocean) is a tropical nation in the Indian Ocean consisting of 26 ring-shaped atolls and has over 1,000 coral islands. This is a tranquil haven for wanderlust lovers who crave the exotic islands, mesmerizing sea, white sands, coral reefs and a journey to remember. This one of the best tourist destinations of Asia. It is a paradise for lovers who wish to spend their honeymoon in serene and calm environment. It is dotted with incredible beauty and splendid nature. The destination is extremely enthralling and the best time to visit Maldives is during the month of December to April.

Places to see in Maldives

Utheemu Ganduvaru – Situated in the north of Maldives, this is one of the tourist attractions in Maldives. It is a historical place which is the house of the Sultan Mohammad Thankurufaan. This is indeed a great historical site known for the heroic actions of Maldivians who saved the common folk from the cruel Portuguese conquerors.

HP Reef – This is the place of stunning corals and vibrant marine life. Needless to say, this is among the top-rated tourist attractions in Maldives. The place is situated at the North Male Atoll and dotted with colorful fishes and other marine animals. The place is a protected marine site and perfect for diving. The divine blue sea and vivacity of marine life is surely going to lift your mood.

Biyadhoo Island Resort – It is situated in South Malé Atoll and has a fascinating site of Maldives. It is one of the most serene places to visit and counted among one of the best resorts all over world. It offers various activities like diving, snorkeling and many other water sports. In fact, it is often called the ‘Scuba-diving Island’. There are various luxurious hotels here but the major attraction of this place is snorkeling, scuba diving and canoe-paddling.

Hukuru Miskiiy Mosque – The Hukuru Miskiiy Mosque is also known as the Old Friday Mosque in Maldives and one of the best place to witness the Islamic culture. It is one of the oldest mosque named after the Emperor of the same name. The interior of the mosque offers outstanding architectural designs with carvings of different kinds of patterns and Arabic scripts, which is simply extraordinary. The place is extremely calm and peaceful.

Fihalhohi Island – This is the ideal place for romantic destination. It is located at the South Kaafu Atoll in Malé and offers a gorgeous place for lovers and ideal for your romantic getaway or honeymoon. The beauty and serenity of white sands, coconut palm trees and clear blue water, it is surely going to win your heart. The major attractions are Fihalhohi Island Resort, Rannalhi and Rihiveli beaches.

Things to do in Maldives –

  • Take a bike ride and explore the beauty of the city and especially, Malé which is the largest and liveliest city in Maldives. The roads are perfect for bike rides and you can explore various places as well.
  • Maldives has various local artisans in their workshops and various local arts and crafts are available. Therefore, go for shopping for the local and traditional items.
  • Since this is an island, you can also go for fishing. Take a fishing trip on a speedboat and catch fishes like tuna, sail fish, etc. There are provisions for barbecue as well.
  • There are provisions for water sports like diving, windsurfing and snorkeling, relaxation at sauna and spa, island hopping and many more.
  • The view of sea and pristine sand is serene so you can also relax on the various beaches.
  • There are provisions for spa and massages and other relaxation therapies and pampering. There is a spa at every resort in Maldives.

Cuisine

Maldives is famous for sea food for obvious reasons. Fish (tuna) is one of the important staple of the Maldivian diet. The cuisine of Maldives is a great mix of Arabic, Indian, Sri Lankan and Oriental influences. Coconuts are a key part of many dishes in Maldives. Dishes like Garudhiya, Keemia, Gulha, Mas Huni, Bajiya and Masroshi are very popular in Maldives.

Currency conversion

Currency conversion for Maldives is very easy, there are many reliable currency convertors who will convert your currency to their Maldivian rufiyaa. You can also check the rates using online currency convertor. It helps you with real time figures based on current market or bank foreign exchange rates, it would be of an excellent help while travelling.

Maldives Tourism has a lot to offer, so plan your Maldives trip soon 🙂

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.

Exotic Honeymoon Destinations In India

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Exotic Honeymoon Destinations In India

By Tejaswi

Honeymoon is a romantic chapter, which lies between the day one gets wedlocked and the days that will spent dedicated to honour the marital bond, for the rest of the life. It is a wonderful phase where you get to know more about your partner, share interesting things about each other and spend some quality time together, preferably at a tranquil location. For these reasons, you would prefer your honeymoon destination to be an exotic place preferably in the country. Therefore, to help you find the perfect place for your romantic escapade, we bring to you 10 exotic honeymoon destinations in India.

1. Alleppey, Kerala

Alleppey forms the central hub of the famous backwaters of Kerala and is best known for its houseboats and the famous Kerala boat race. You can get the best experience of Alleppey by a stay in the comfortable and cosy houseboat which even have air-conditioning.

2. Shillong, Meghalaya

Shillong is a beautiful mountainous city located in north-eastern India. This is a place which receives a good share of rainfall due to which it has numerous picturesque waterfalls and amiable weather throughout the year. For this reason, it almost has a permanent position in lists featuring summer honeymoon destinations in India.

3. Kullu, Himachal Pradesh

Kullu is a quaint town located in the Himalayas that is known for its great avenues for backpacking adventure. At Kullu, you get thrilling views of the majestic mountains and of the magnificent Beas river.

4. Ooty, Tamil Nadu

Almost every married couple, either end-up visiting this place for their honeymoon or have it as one of their options. This place is best known for its rich flora and fauna. The perennial greenery make it a great place for the nature loving honeymoon goers.

5. Mount Abu, Rajasthan

Mount Abu is a delightful idyllic hill station located in southern Rajasthan. It is a place which is surrounded by lush green hills, thus making it a place with pleasant temperatures throughout the year.

6. Ladakh, Jammu & Kashmir

Ladakh is almost every avid bike-rider’s dream destination and a great place to spend some time in peace and tranquility. It is also a great place to see naturally formed lakes and hills that form beautiful landscapes.

7. Gokarna, Karnataka

If you are looking for a place to calmly enjoy the magnificence of The Arabian Sea, then you should be heading to Gokarna. The peaceful beaches of Gokarna make a great place to spend some quality time with your partner.

8. Udaipur, Rajasthan

Nestled between the imposing Aravalli mountain range, this place is best known for its royal past and its huge pristine lakes. This is a great destination for those specifically looking for a place with impressive scenic beauty.

9. Matheran, Maharashtra

It is often referred as the smallest hill station in India because of its low sea level elevation of just 800m. It is a great place to roam around hand-in-hand with your beloved since vehicles are not allowed over here.

10. Goa

If you both like to party, Goa is the place to be. Cheap booze, no time restrictions, Goa is alive and partying whole night. And even if you like nature and backwaters, South Goa is beautiful! Here you get option of two diverse cultures.

11. Diu, Daman And Diu

If Goa has become too mainstream, yet you are allured by its Portuguese lineage then Diu will make a great replacement destination. Just like Goa, Diu has a history of being under Portuguese occupation and thus features numerous relics of that era.

12. Andamans

It’s beautiful! Serene and calm, you won’t feel you are in India. It is clean and non-commercialized. Havelock, especially is a must visit and is perfect for honeymooners.

Editor’s Note: This is a perfect post Tejaswi, you covered everything for all budgets and from small place to big. We had been to Andamans for our Honeymoon and it was beautiful, absolutely recommend! Next on my list is Alleppey.

Image Source: 1,2,3

What places in India do you recommend for honeymooners?

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

Jaipur Diaries: Part 2 (Food & More Food)

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Jaipur Diaries: Part 2 (Food & More Food)

Well if you haven’t read my part 1 yet, go HERE. And if you have, we talk about the 2nd main thing in Jaipur now, the food!

I had a fulfilling breakfast at The Bazaar at Zone by the Park in Jaipur for 2 days.

Also I am very picky about my tea, and it was perfect, just the way I like it! They serve it a mini Parle G and some crispies.

They do have buffet options for both lunch and dinner, hubby went with the buffet once. I went with a-la-carte coz I like to try different things.

I tried the Caesar Salad and Zone Chilli Cheese Khakhra Toast the first day, loved both the khakhra was real spicy and not for the faint hearted 😀

Ordered Biryani for room service once and loved it too, perfect blend of spices and served with raita, just the way a biryani is meant to be.

And also tried the Alfredo Pasta once

Not much of a fun, coz I like my pasta more cheesy. I wanted to try their wood fired pizzas which are their speciality but there was some technical issue in the oven and I could not, my bad luck!

Other items I tried were Veg. Dumplings & Noodles with Honey Chilli Potatoes, Mango Blueberry Panna Cotta, Gajar Ka Halwa and Moong Dal Halwa. I found the dumplings a bit under cooked, absolutely loved the honey chilli potatoes. The artificial mango taste killed the panna cotta but it was not the season, so can’t blame them. Love their Indian desserts, moong dal halwa and gajar ka halwa were terrific!

I recommend their buffet and Indian sweets apart from the pizzas, salads, biryani and breakfast of course is included in the stay. I saw many people visiting just at the Bazaar restaurant for the dining experience too.

Few other places that are a must visit in Jaipur when it comes to food are:

Doodh Mishtan Bhandar (DMB Sweets) for sweets of course and kachoris, mirchi wadas, all farsans are equally good.

Rawat Sweets, for their Pyaaz Kachori! They are mind blowing, even got them packed. And rest of the sweets plus ghevar, got all packed! Mawa Kachori is also good if you like sweet stuff, a little too sweet for me. The stuffed khandvi was the best! Hated the lassi, full of essence and way too sweet.

Chokhi Dhani, you cannot not come here when in Jaipur. It’s an experience in itself, a little pricey at Rs.900/- per plate, but it includes an entire experience of seeing around. You can do activities like boating, camel riding, or playing games, buying stuff,etc., at an extra cost. But looking around, watching the dances and shows, and the different historical and religious places recreated is all included in the entry. The food is amazing, authentic and pure Marwadi food full of ghee! The way they serve and feed you is amazing.

Coming back to Zone by the Park, they also have a mini infinity pool, a rooftop bar, a gym and a spa. They have a separate club area which they were making sound proof and the work would have been completed before 31st Dec.

Rooftop Restaurant & Bar

I also tried a spa service, went for the Swedish Body Massage as I wanted something with light pressure coz of my back and leg fractures. The masseuse was very gentle and I felt completely relaxed. I was a bit nervous at first since this was the first body massage post the accident, but she was quite light with her hands and I loved it! She used lemongrass oil for the body massage and it also covered head massage. My body felt light and skin felt super hydrated even in that cold climate, post bath too and without any additional moisturizer.

Swedish Body Massage at Zone By The Park Spa

I do recommend trying out the spa services too and burning all the calories from the yummy food at the gym or by swimming! You have so much to do in Jaipur outside and within the hotel too!

This was one memorable trip for me!

Have you been to Jaipur? Tried all the yummy food?

Jaipur Diaries: Zone By The Park

Lifestyle, Restaurant Review, Reviews, Travel, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Jaipur Diaries: Zone By The Park

Hi guys,

I travelled to Jaipur at the end of December, last year we went to Hong Kong, Macau and Andamans which I wanted to pen down on the blog but couldn’t coz of the accident in Jan and then it never happened.

This time I didn’t want to procrastinate one bit and made sure I post about my Jaipur trip. I always wanted to go to Jaipur (Rajasthan in General), having covered most of the parts of India, Rajasthan somehow never happened. This time it was a sudden plan at the end of November coz December was birthday and anniversary month 🙂

My trip started with this amazing take-off hyperlapse video (I love window seats!)

We stayed two days at Zone By the Park located in Bani Park in Jaipur. It’s a four star property. The rooms available are Zone Room, Zone Quad, Zone Trio and Zone Suite. We were in Zone Suite and it was huge and spacious with a beautiful living area, huge bedroom and a perfect bathroom. The rooms are modern but yet have the classic, old world charm through the paintings and artifacts. What I absolutely loved is the cleanliness and hygiene factor! The rooms were super clean and had smart, organized storage cabinets to keep your luggage, etc. I had place for my laptop, camera, bags and nothing came in between. The hotel is a bit far from the airport, the distance being about 13-14 kms but it is just 3 kms from the railway station and 2 kms from the central bus station.

The hotel has 47  rooms and they come with complimentary breakfast, fast Wi-Fi and one way airport/railway transfer. It has a restaurant named ‘The Bazaar’ which has global and regional cuisine, from the South Indian breakfast to the vast buffet spread for lunch or dinner, to the various a-la-carte options. I will share more on the restaurant and other facilities they have in my next post. It is a perfect stay option for corporates, families and even couples.

The Zone Suite room..

Here are a few pics from my Jaipur trip, some of you must have already seen the pictures on my Instagram.

Entire Jaipur view from Nahargarh Fort (Panorama)

We visited the City Palace, Amber Fort and Nahargarh Fort. Jaigarh Fort, Jal Mahal and Hawa Mahal we saw from a distance as it was not open for public. I was told the royal family lives at Jaigarh Fort and hence it is restricted. Jal Mahal was open for public untill 15 years ago.

Hawa Mahal
Sunset View from Nahargarh Fort
The Door at Nahargarh Fort
At City Palace

At Zone by the Park, they had beautifully decorated the entire lobby for Christmas.

There is also a seating arrangement outside, but we did not dare to sit out, since it was quite cold!

Zone by the Park Hotels are currently in Jaipur, Chennai and Coimbatore. They are soon opening in Raipur, Jodhpur, Goa and Mahabalipuram.

The best thing about Zone by the Park has to be the amazing staff and hospitality. They were very courteous and always smiling, you can feel the warm welcome. One of my best hotel experiences till date! I am definitely looking forward to visit more of their properties.

If you are in search of a hotel in Jaipur, you can blindly book Zone by The Park. You will thank me later 🙂

One of the best thing about Jaipur is the food! I will include it in my next post coz this post would be way too image heavy otherwise.

Have you been to Jaipur? What do you like the most about Jaipur?

Best Resorts In Goa

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Best Resorts In Goa

Hi guys,

I have been to Goa quite a lot lately, almost 3-4 times in the past 1-1.5 years. I got the opportunity to stay in some of the best Goa resorts, so here are some of the places I stayed in and some I wish to stay at.

1. The Leela Beach Resort: This was on my most recent trip, it is a huge property with over 200 rooms. Every room is a villa kind and is on some distance from the other room, so your privacy is ensured and you travel from the reception to the rooms in an eco friendly buggy. The private beach and ‘The Restaurant’ there are also amazing. Majority rooms have the pond view where you see lotus blooming every morning 🙂

2. The Lalit Golf & Spa Resort: I also went to The Lalit Golf & Spa Resort for lunchand spent some time there. Even The Lalit property is equally huge and has the most beautiful golf course I have ever seen! You only see lush greenery around and the private beach at The Lalit is my favourite! The Portuguese style architecture and paintings in the lobby are very attractive.

3. Goa Marriott Resort & Spa: I haven’t been to the Marriott yet but from what I hear, it is the best when it comes to their Spa. Also the food is equally amazing.

4. The Zuri White Sands Resort & Casino: I had been to the Zuri White Sands Resort last year, a beautiful property and a private beach with white sand all over. I can spend all day at The Zuri’s private beach. I did not like the Casino much though.

5. Santana Beach Resort: Now this one is in North Goa i.e. the happening place and the only one in North Goa in this list. I went there last year with my friends. The rooms are huge and spacious and the breakfast is good. It is the only 3 star hotel in the list but has got excellent ratings everywhere coz of their service and the way it has been maintained. I even met the owner lady who said her son and daughter in law are running the place now, she was very sweet and warm.

6. Royal Haathi Mahal: I haven’t been here, but have seen a lot of it in pictures. It is one of the places I wish to stay at in Goa. The property and rooms look quite good. Also known for its gym, spa and Jacuzzi.

7. Taj Exotica: I haven’t been to Taj Exotica too, on my wishlist again. When it comes to Taj, no one can beat it at hospitality.

Which are your favourite resorts in Goa?

P.S: First and last image from Google