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Are you visiting Bangkok for the first time and unsure where to stay? Here is a list of the 11 best areas to stay in Bangkok, ideal for luxury travellers to backpackers.
If you have been to Thailand, you’d have heard the infamous phrase, “same same, but different.” This Thailish phrase sums up Bangkok accurately, a city of contrasts where the familiar and the unusual collide like the flavours of Pad Thai. The contradictions provide the City of Angels with its complex, multifaceted personality. Bangkok has it all. Bangkok has everything from high-class shopping malls to wholesale markets, striking ancient temples to glitzy skyscrapers, and from luxe fine dining to cheap street food. You’ll never get bored when you hit the streets of Bangkok. However, one crucial decision that can enrich or ruin your experience is the neighbourhood you choose to stay in Bangkok.
I have a simple philosophy when choosing an accommodation – a central location when it’s a city stay and an offbeat location when it’s a scenic stay. So, I followed the same rule this time as well. After my relaxed stay at Phuket, my main agenda was shopping and easy connectivity to major attractions in Bangkok, so I decided to stay at Amari Watergate Bangkok. You can read more about it here.
Despite being a popular tourist destination figuring out where to stay in Bangkok can be overwhelming. There are 50 districts (khet) in Bangkok and an infinite number of options available. Still, it’s not always easy to know what to pick. So, in this post, I’ll try to help you make that decision. Here’s a list of Bangkok’s 11 most popular neighbourhoods where you can stay, depending on your interests and budget.
If it’s your first time in Bangkok, you will find Sukhumvit very charming and perfect for your stay. You will be in the heart of the most dynamic area for tourism with easy access to other districts. Sukhumvit is a lively neighbourhood with an excellent array of historical and cultural attractions along with a strip of skyscrapers housing great bars, fine restaurants, lifestyle shopping malls, green spaces for recreation and a vibrant entertainment and nightlife scene, making it the best area to stay in Bangkok for first-time visitors.
Bangkok’s BTS Skytrain runs along Sukhumvit Road. You can easily catch it at stations in Ekkamai, Thong Lo, Phrom Phong, Asok and Nana.
When I first asked my friend where I should book my stay in Bangkok, her answer was – Bangkok Riverside. And, why not. After all, Bangkok’s riverside is the historic core of this magical city. Home to some of Bangkok’s best five-star hotels offering resort-style accommodation with incredible river views in a romantic setting, Bangkok Riverside reflects a constantly changing scene day and night. The area comes alive, especially after dark, with its glittering temples, shrines, and the Royal Palace.
Although some of the plushest condominiums and corporate towers have been built over the past decade, the area has retained its unique cultural identity, exclusiveness and seductive charm. You’ll find many of Bangkok’s finest luxury hotels straddling the river, with generations-old restaurants and shops hemmed in between. It’s undoubtedly one of the most atmospheric neighbourhoods in Bangkok.
However, due to its prime location, Bangkok Riverside charges a premium over other areas for hotels and restaurants. Also, the district does not have Subway MRT and only one Skytrain station, Saphan Taksin.
The royal district of Bangkok is home to the Grand Palace and Wat Pho (Temple of the Reclining Buddha). If you have been to Ayutthaya, you’ll notice the similarity between the layout and architecture of Rattanakosin with that of Ayutthaya, the former capital of the Siamese Kingdom, making it a must-visit district for history buffs.
While I took a cab to come here, on my way back, I took the more scenic ride – Chao Phraya Express Boat. Arun Residence offers striking views across the river and Wat Arun, one of Bangkok’s oldest and most iconic temples, for a romantic evening in Rattanakosin.
One of the main reasons why so many families love going to Bangkok is the fantastic shopping culture the city has developed. And Siam is the thriving heart of the shopping culture in Thailand.
On the one hand, there’s Siam Paragon – home to well-known luxury brands. On the other hand, you have MBK Center – one of Bangkok’s megamalls catering to budget-conscious shoppers. While some may complain that Siam has little to offer in terms of sightseeing, it’s arguably one of the top shopping destinations in Thailand and Southeast Asia. Be prepared to get swamped by crowds at the busy malls and the BTS Siam Skytrain interchange.
And, once you are done shopping, you could check out other attractions such as Madame Tussauds and Siam Square. Like Sukhumvit, SIAM has a great dining scene.
Pratunam is an excellent alternative to the Siam Area as it is more affordable and within walking distance to all Siam Square attractions. It isn’t quite as expensive as the Siam area, and there are some great wholesale and retail markets where you can get great bargains. Pratunam Market is open 24 hours and is Thailand‘s largest clothing market. The name Pratunam means ‘water gate’.
I stayed here – Amari Watergate Bangkok, opposite the Pratuman Mall. Here’s a video about my experience at the hotel.
At Pratunam Market, you’ll be spoilt for choice. An endless display of clothes, fabrics, textiles, watches, handicrafts, and more at wholesale prices. After a day (or days) of shopping at Pratunam Market, head to Prego, the Italian restaurant at Amari Watergate, for a sumptuous Italian fare or to the 304-metre-tall Baiyoke Tower II, which was Bangkok’s tallest skyscraper until 2016. The place offers superb panoramic views of the city from its 77th-floor observation deck.
One neighbourhood that you are guaranteed to find in any major global city is China Town. And Bangkok is no different. Chinatown in Bangkok is truly unique. You’ll be greeted by the colourful lights and vibrant colours, fascinating Chinese temples and the massive choice of street food. On a tour of the Chinese Quarter of Bangkok, you will get to know the Thai capital from a different side.
People come here to enjoy delicious street food available at countless food stalls. Another big attraction of the Chinatown area is the Wat Traimit temple, bejewelled with a 5.5-tonne Golden Buddha.
Don’t forget to try Yim Yim Restaurant for authentic home-style Chinese fare.
If you ask anyone in Thailand what’s Bangkok’s Backpackers Den, you’ll get to hear one name – Khao San road in Banglamphu. It is a place where backpackers from across the globe come to party until the wee hours. And, it’s not that Khao San Road only offers budget-friendly bars, nightclubs and food stalls; the Banglamphu district is home to some beautiful cultural attractions such as Wat Saket and Wat Suthat.
Tip: visit Banglamphu in the morning to beat the heat, queues, and touts. Evenings are to soak up the party atmosphere at Khao San Road.
During the day, Silom is a busy financial hub. After sundown, the area transforms into a vibrant and buzzing nightlife destination. There are plenty of late-night clubs and vivacious LGBTQ+ venues on Soi 2 and 4. Silom also boasts a vibrant dining scene, where you’ll find cuisine from Thai fusion to Greek.
Silom is easily accessible by both BTS Skytrain and MRT underground trains. You’ll find plenty of rooftop bars here, and must-try sky bars in Bangkok include Sky Bar, Distil Bar, and Mahanakhon Bangkok Skybar.
Named after the Lumphini Park, Lumphini is one of Bangkok’s few green spaces where you can escape the madness of the great City of Angels. You could go boating on its lake or run and cycle along tree-lined pathways. Once you are done with a walk or a jog, you enjoy a cold drink at nearby bars and restaurants on Soi Ton Son street.
Also, you could participate in regular events held at Lumphini Park, which could be anything from morning aerobics to free evening concerts.
Watthana is one of Bangkok’s most lively and best-developed areas, a hub for fancy international restaurants, designer hotels, and a hotspot for high-end shopping and nightlife. Thong Lo is renowned for its Japanese restaurants. At the same time, neighbouring Ekkamai is home to swanky cocktail bars and nightclubs. If you are someone like me who likes Mexican, Italian and local cuisine, head to the W District. Shopaholics would love the Emporium and EmQuartier shopping malls. Both complexes are located opposite each other and easily accessible via the Phrom Phong BTS Skytrain station.
If you are someone who values peace over a lively atmosphere, then look further than Thonburi. It is one of Bangkok’s top residential areas, where you can enjoy relative calmness compared to Bangkok’s central districts. While sightseeing options are limited here, you can always sail on longboats through the district’s narrow waterways. You can enjoy the traditional wooden houses, and visit the iconic Wat Arun temple and its towering pagoda.
If you arrive early, you can see the top sights of Thonburi and neighbouring Rattanakosin (Bangkok’s royal district) in a single day. When you need to refuel, you’ll find plenty of street stalls selling local delicacies ranging from coconut pancakes to grilled sausages.
These are just a few districts where you can stay in Bangkok, depending on your budget and interests. One thing I can guarantee you is that wherever you stay, Bangkok will be abuzz with life. You’ll find friendly people and delicious food everywhere.
I hope you found the above article on where to stay in Bangkok helpful. Please share any questions or feedback in the comments section below. Save this post to Pinterest if you like it!
15 big mistakes you should avoid in Phuket
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Phuket is a tropical paradise famous for its beaches and resorts. In fact, Phuket is the most visited island in Thailand. It has everything you expect from an island getaway: beautiful beaches, lush green hills, and turquoise waters. There are so many things to see and do in Phuket that it can be overwhelming at first. While it’s very easy to fall in love with this island, there are also some pitfalls many travellers tend to overlook when planning their trip to Phuket. Here we list things not to do in Phuket and 15 mistakes you should avoid when travelling to the island if you don’t want a disappointing experience.
As soon as you enter Thailand, you’ll see larger-than-life portraits of the Royal Family everywhere. That’s because the Thai people hugely revere the monarchy, and strict customs towards it are followed. Any sign of disrespect towards monarchy is a criminal offence and can land you in jail with an imprisonment of three to fifteen years.
If you are on a packaged tour, most travel agents and booking engines will try to sell you the tourist trap areas like Patong and Kata because these places have plenty of hotels, restaurants, beaches and everything a package holiday maker desires. However, these places are run-down and have a sleazy side too. If you are visiting a couple or family, it is best to avoid them for your stay. By all means, visit them for some time. They have a cultural side too that shouldn’t be missed.
Phuket Town is a heritage heart of the island with many charming places to explore, but as a first-timer, you can be misled into believing that being in Phuket Town means you’ll be closer to the beach. On the contrary, Phuket town is 20 km from the nearest beach, i.e. Patong, and traffic can sometimes be a nightmare. It is better to stay near the beach and take a day trip to Phuket town to enjoy the famous weekend markets and heritage streets! There are many great places to stay near the sea like Bangtao Beach, Surin Beach, Kamala and many more. If you are looking for a more laid-back experience, you can choose places like Kok Phu, Rawai, Hat Mai Thon, Nai Thon or Mai Khao.
One mistake that most tourists make is that they don’t go beyond the beach where they book their hotel or resort. Usually, that beach would be Patong, Kata, Karon, or Kamala Beach. That’s really sad, considering there are over 40 beaches in Phuket and the most beautiful ones are the ones where most people don’t go. Rent a bike and go beach hoping, as I did! Some beaches to explore are Banana Beach, Laem Singh Beach, Sai Kaew Beach, Freedom Beach, Naithon Beach, Ao Yon Beach, Ao Sane Beach, Layan Beach and many more.
One of the most common scams you’ll come across in Phuket is the motorbike rental scam. Upon bringing the bike or car back to the rental company, you’re told that you have damaged the vehicle and are given some outrageous figure to cover that damage. And the worst affected are the ones who have submitted their passport as security for the rental. NEVER EVER leave your passport with the rental company. Not only is your negotiating position weakened, but you could also get into serious trouble if you are ever caught in any untoward incident.
The best solution to avoid the motorbike scam in Phuket is to ask your hotel for recommendations. They will usually have a good reliable firm that rents motorcycles. I did the same at Cassia Phuket and got a good deal. Another vital factor to consider is to get a rental contract signed before giving the deposit. Read the rental agreement properly, including any fine print they may include, as you don’t want to be surprised by them in hindsight. Most importantly, take pictures of the vehicle from all sides to determine the presence of any (or no) damages that existed before renting the car. And, do not delay in returning your motorbike; otherwise, you’ll be charged for an extra day.
Travelling well is the best revenge. If you want to avoid the mistakes listed above, do your research before you go to Phuket. A little research can save you a lot of last-minute hassle. Learn about the different places in Phuket, their attractions, the best times to visit, and how to get there. Most importantly, don’t forget to check the weather forecast and the best times to visit Phuket. I made the mistake of visiting the famous ‘Plane spotting at Mai Khao beach‘ during lean season – June – when planes don’t land but take off. Thus I could not get those Instagram-worthy pictures that made this beach so famous among the locals and tourists.
Also, it’s a good idea to check out the local festivals or events during your trip. You can also read travel blogs and watch vlogs to learn about the different experiences people have in Phuket. There are many reviews and recommendation platforms like TripAdvisor, Facebook groups, or Expedia, where you can read reviews and suggestions from other travellers. These reviews can help you avoid the common mistakes people make when travelling to Phuket.
There’s no right or wrong time to travel to Phuket. However, if you want to avoid crowds, you should travel to Phuket during the off-season. The dry season in Phuket starts in November and goes until May. But this is when the island is flooded with tourists. If you want to enjoy the tropical weather and avoid crowds, the best time to travel to Phuket is from September to November. If you want to enjoy the beautiful tropical climate, spring is the best time to travel to Phuket. The weather is pretty warm, and it is the best time to enjoy water sports like scuba diving, snorkelling, and water skiing. If you want to enjoy the sea, beaches, and tropical weather, you should travel to Phuket between April and June. The rainy season in Thailand begins in June and lasts until October, but it doesn’t rain for 24 hours. The rain comes and goes in breaks, and you still have time to go outdoors. I went during the monsoon season and could still do all the outdoor activities.
Weather is unpredictable. But if you check the weather forecast before you go to Phuket, you can avoid last-minute changes in your plans. I was stranded on Big Buddha for three hours because of this mistake. Firstly I reached the temple’s closing hours, thanks to Google maps which took me elsewhere. The temple closes at 6 pm, and I arrive at 6 pm. On top of that, I was on a Scotty, which made it impossible for me to leave the premise when it started raining cats and dogs. I had no option but to wait for the rain to get over.
Also, you should wear weather-appropriate clothes. If you visit Phuket during the monsoon season, you should remember that the weather is unpredictable, and you may encounter heavy rainfall and strong winds. If you visit Phuket during the dry season, you can expect a tropical climate with average temperatures between 24° and 35° Celsius. If you visit Phuket during the hot season, you should wear light and loose clothing. You can also use a good insect repellent spray to avoid getting bitten by insects. You can find out about the climate conditions in Phuket by checking the weather forecast before you go. Sand, under no circumstances, miss applying the sunscreen of at least 50 SPF.
Most flights from India to Phuket will reach the early morning, which means you are half asleep when you land. And, when you are not 100% in your senses, you could make mistakes you would otherwise never even think of making, like mistaking someone else’s luggage for yours. I am guilty of doing the same. I realised when I reached the hotel, and the other party had called me. The Phuket airport staff was kind enough to bring me the right luggage. But as a penalty, I had to cough off almost 5000 INR for the luggage mix-up.
Don’t get me wrong, I love Pad Thai and highly recommend trying it out if you haven’t already. But please don’t make all your meals Pad Thai meals. Thai cuisine has a lot more than noodles. One great thing to eat in Phuket is the seafood, considering Phuket is an island surrounded by the Andaman Sea. If you are a non-vegetarian, try out Tom Yam Goong, Mee Hokkien noodle, Massaman Curry, Kanom Jeen, Khao Man Gai, Por pia, and Satay, among other foods. If you want to know what are some good restaurants to try out in Phuket, check out 10 Phuket restaurants you’ll like to fly for.
Unlike the perception, Thailand can be as gratifying for vegetarians as it is for meat and seafood lovers, but it takes a bit of caution. Fish sauce is used like salt here, and chefs consider shrimp paste and oyster sauce vegetarian. So, before ordering any food, tell them not to put fish sauce, oyster sauce or shrimp paste. If you are looking for some vegan or vegetarian restaurants in Phuket, check out Happy Cow. I always use it to find vegetarian and vegan restaurants whenever I travel abroad, which has never disappointed me.
And, if you want to try out other cuisines with memorable experiences, I highly recommend trying out multiple restaurants in Laguna Phuket, such as Azura, Atoll, XANA Beach Club, Albatross café etc.
On a beach holiday, it’s hard to resist swimming in the sea. However, swimming during monsoon can be dangerous, and people who ignore warnings often get drowned. Phuket is no exception, as rip currents are found on many beaches during the monsoon season from May to November. Many people, mostly tourists, have been caught in rips and drowned. So, no matter how good a swimmer you think you are, you will probably lose. Remember, Red flags on the beach mean NO SWIMMING. Yellow and red flags indicate that you can swim between the flags where lifeguards are on duty. So, pay attention to the flags when you are on the beach.
What else can you do if you can’t swim in the sea or go on an island hopping tour? You can get a beach massage done. Beach massages are cheap and available on almost every beach in Phuket, even the most remote! Many types of massages are available in Phuket, and you should try as many as you like. From foot massages to traditional Thai to spa experiences, each type will have its benefits. It rejuvenates you from the exertion of a long flight or too much sightseeing and prepares you for the next day. Another bonus of getting a massage in Thailand is that, compared to many other areas in the world, Thai massages are economically priced, starting from as low as 200 baht, which is 6 US dollars and 441 Indian rupees. However, the massages can be as luxurious and expensive as you want. For example, I was in the mood for pampering, so I got a 60-minute Thai Classic Full Body Massage at the 5-star Banyan Tree Spa in Phuket that cost around 5000 TBH. I cannot tell you how wonderful the experience was. I would highly recommend trying it if you can splurge on wellness. Totally worth it.
Although Phuket is not necessarily a destination for shopping, Bangkok is. But if you are in the mood to shop, don’t shy away from bargaining. It’s a part of the shopping experience in Thailand, but don’t bargain too much or at every place. You could start at 50-60% of the demanded price at the night market and settle on the price you feel comfortable with. But don’t overdo it.
Elephant rides in Phuket are one of the major tourist attractions in Thailand. Still, as a supporter of ethical tourism devoid of animal cruelty, I would highly recommend you avoid riding an elephant in Phuket or anywhere. Instead, you can visit a sanctuary or rehabilitation camp, feed the elephants and see them play by themselves in the water and mud! There are four elephant sanctuaries in Phuket that you can visit – Phuket Elephant Sanctuary, Paklok, near Phuket Town, Elephant Jungle Sanctuary, Phuket, Naithon Beach, Elephant Retirement Park, Phuket, Bangtao Beach, and Phang Nga Elephant Park
Like India, Thai Temples are highly revered religious places, and people are expected to dress appropriately before entering them. Unfortunately, many travellers casually walk in with sleeveless shirts or revealing outfits. Please respect the local customs and wear at least a T-shirt with sleeves, skirts or short pants that reach knee level, and remove hats or caps.
When you visit Thailand next time, I hope you’ll remember these 10 big mistakes you should avoid in Phuket and have a wonderful time there. If you need help planning your Phuket trip, read the Phuket Travel Guide.
Beyond Bangkok: 10 Hidden Attractions in Thailand for laid-back travelers
Are you planning to visit Phuket, Thailand, soon? And, wondering what is Phuket best known for or when is the best time to visit? In this ‘Phuket Travel Guide’, you’ll find everything you need to know to plan a memorable trip at a budget price.
Amazing Thailand is one of the most visited countries in the world, welcoming a whopping 40 million foreign arrivals every year, of which 10 million visited Phuket in 2019. Compare this to the 0.50 million foreign visitors to Goa. According to a report released by Columbus Direct – Phuket gets the highest number of visitors per square mile per day in the world – an average of over 25,452 visitors per day. So, what is it about Phuket that attracts tourists so much?
Located in southern Thailand, Phuket is the biggest Island in Thailand and sits on the Andaman sea. Being an island paradise, Phuket is surrounded by many magnificent Beaches such as Rawai, Patong, Karon, Kamala, Kata Yai, Kata Noi, Surin, Bangtao, Mai Khao, and many more. Phuket is renowned for its exotic islands, blue ocean waters, white sandy beaches, exciting adventure activities like snorkelling and diving, and spicy Thai cuisine. It isn’t all just beaches though; Phuket is also known for its culture, amazing temples, and vibrant nightlife. By observing Phuket’s rich culture, welcoming atmosphere and colourful history, you can see why the island is a hotspot for tourists in Thailand. Phuket has a considerable Chinese influence, so you will see many Chinese shrines and Chinese Restaurants around the City. I also loved Phuket for being a tropical paradise. It is almost as big as Singapore, covering more than 5,800 square feet of area. Wherever your eyes go, there is greenery all around.
Phuket has so much to offer that it’s impossible to cover everything in 3-4 days. Therefore I decided to explore Phuket differently this time, and here is what I did.
During my ten days trip to Thailand, I kept four days exploring Phuket. Being a nature and adventure lover, I kept a mix of activities that could give me a decent taste of the island in a non-hurried manner. My ‘4 days in Phuket’ itinerary consisted of a blend of a few ‘must-visit places in Phuket’ and some hidden explorations. Health and Wellness programs balanced the adrenaline rush of the adventure activities. And, if days were so action-filled, nights were an equally fun affair with stunning night shows.
Here’s a YouTube video of my experience in Phuket
Before I share more details about my trip, let me tell you some crucial points.
Getting to Phuket from India or any other destination is not difficult. There are several ways to reach the island.
The fastest and often cheapest way to reach Phuket from Delhi or anywhere else is by flight. There are also direct flights to Phuket from India, Australia, Malaysia, Singapore and Germany, among other countries. Some airlines with frequent routes between India and Phuket are Go First, IndiGo, Thai Smile and Thai Airways. Many websites claim that the cheapest month to fly to Phuket is August. If you are not flying directly to Phuket, you can also fly in from Bangkok as there are regular flights from the capital. At times you can get a flight ticket as cheap as 1500 INR for one way.
Another option to reach Phuket is taking a minivan or bus from other regions of Thailand, including Bangkok, Krabi, Phang Na and Surat. Buses in Bangkok take up to 13 hours to reach Phuket. Both air-conditioned, as well as non-air-conditioned buses, are available at different prices. Thailand is generally very safe but beware of pickpockets at bus stations and touristy areas.
Phuket is an island with a good road network. Commuting within the island isn’t difficult at all. You can either hire a cab or a scooter. We hired a scooter @400 THB per day plus petrol costing around 100 more. This was enough for exploring the island from North to South in 24 hours.
A Taxi from the airport to your hotel could cost anywhere between 500 THB to 1250 THB, depending on where your destination is. For more details, check out Phuket airport taxi prices. You can either hire a local cab or call GrabTaxi. The taxi fare in Phuket charges a minimum fare of THB 50 plus THB 8 per Km, costing you a total of THB 58 Km. For details, check out the Taxi Auto fare website.
The most often asked questions are ‘what can you do in Phuket in 4 days?’ or ‘what are the best things to do in Phuket?’ Well, a lot, depending on what’s your appetite and interest. This fabulous island has gained tremendous popularity because of its incredibly vast range of attractions, activities and tours – from stunning white sand beaches and natural wonders to glittering temples and buzzing nightlife. And, the best part – unlike other expensive destinations, Phuket has tons of attractions for every kind of traveller – from budget backpackers wanting to party hard to adventurers seeking some epic outdoor action to those just looking for a relaxing luxury getaway for a few days. So, if you are looking to spend a few days in Thailand, here are some of the things you can try:
Here are the Top 10 Things to Do in Phuket Thailand Right Now
Phuket is particularly special because of the hundreds of islands surrounding it, many uninhabited and surrounded by some of the most spectacular coral reefs in the world. Therefore island hopping is one of the most popular things to do in Phuket. The island hopping activity is usually a full-day activity, depending on which islands you want to explore. Phi-Phi islands, Maya Bay, Maiton Island, Khao Nai Island, Similan Islands, Racha Island, Koh Lipe, and Koh Lanta are just a boat ride away. The half-day tours start at 1500 THB/person and go up to 13000/person, depending on what you want.
The jaw-dropping limestone cliffs and flooded caves are on every traveller’s list visiting Phuket. Though extremely touristy, you can book a Phang Nga Bay tour even one day before you plan to visit it. Thankfully, this attraction is open throughout the year.
The 45-meter tall white marble statue sitting atop the Nakkerd hill in the south of the island is a must-visit site in Phuket. Although the road to get up here is steep but well-paved, the panoramic view from the top is worth the climb. Once you reach the top, you can see the whole of Chalong Bay to Phang Nga in the North and Kata Beach in the south. While descending, I recommend stopping at one of the many little panoramic bars to get a bird view of Karon Beach.
If you like to imbibe the local culture vibe, then you must experience the nightlife of Phuket, where you’ll be greeted by colourful lights and smiling faces, inviting restaurants, tempting salesgirls, alluring bars, and of course, dancing girls. The night could be as sober or as wild as you want. You can party in Bangla Rod, or if you feel a bit more adventurous, you can visit a Go-Go bar to see what the fuss is all about. But if you are not a party animal, you can enjoy the Sunday Street Market on the old Thalang road of Phuket Town or try the local delicacies at many of the town’s night markets. Some are only weekend markets. Also, if you can take the time out, you must check out the Simon Cabaret. But make sure to book in advance.
If you have time, check out the Old Phuket Town, Chalong Temple, Karon Beach, Karon Temple and Karon Viewpoint. From the latter, you can enjoy a panoramic view of three magnificent bays – Kata Noi Beach, Bay of Kata and Karon Beach. If you love sunset, you must check out the Laem Phromthep viewpoint, which features the most beautiful sunsets in Thailand.
But if you are someone who wants to give the touristy activities a pass and try out some offbeat adventures in Phuket, then here is what I recommend:
Besides snorkelling and scuba diving in the Andaman Sea, you should try out sailing, kayaking and SUP paddling in Phuket lagoons, lakes or rivers. I had a great time trying them out at Angsana Villas Phuket under the supervision of my guide, Kiattisak, who is lovingly called ‘superman’. He is an ex-Mai Thai Boxing champion.
Phuket is exceptionally green and very picturesque. Some of the most stunning and tranquil beaches with hardly any crowd are tucked away in North Phuket, such as Mai Khao, Khao Lak, Nai Harn, Nai Yang, and Banana beach.
If you want to create some fantastic memories, then ATOLL is the place to be. Imagine sitting in the heart of Laguna Phuket’s gorgeous lagoon, watching the golden sunset while sipping your vibrant cocktail and relishing the contemporary chic cuisine with a once-in-a-lifetime flyboard show being the highlight. And you are getting served champagne from your flyboard artist. Sounds fun, right?
If you love visiting hidden spots, you should absolutely check out an old wooden staircase leading to “Naithon Beach,” one of Phuket’s best beaches. Enjoy a dramatic shade of sunset over the Andaman Sea while strolling down.
Plane spotting is a popular activity in Phuket. The hotspot for watching planes coming into land is at the southern end of Mai Khao Beach. One word of caution – the best season to see them landing directly over the beach is during the high season (December to April), especially between 10 am and 2 pm. So, make sure you plan accordingly.
Get clicked at one of the most instagrammable spots in Phuket, where an artificial lake is covered with unusual giant circular floating leaves called Victoria Amazonica, the largest of giant water lilies. Ma Doo Bua Cafe is highly photogenic, with traditional Thai wooden houses and a long pier creating an illusion that the selfie’ models’ are in a local village. The resulting photos are beautiful, but the reality behind the photos is a little different. There is often a long queue to stand on that pier waiting for their turn, and the restaurant is crowded so getting a table takes time. Also, the restaurant has found a way to earn from Instagram crazy people by offering two photo options that you can’t do by yourselves. The drone photo starts at 500 baht for one person, 800 for 2, 1,000 baht for 3 and 1,200 baht for four persons. Standing on a leave costs 350 baht. I found the photo charges more expensive than the food, so I dropped the idea of getting clicked. The food here is Thai.
One important point, before booking your trip to Thailand don’t forget to read the 15 BIG MISTAKES YOU SHOULD AVOID IN PHUKET
One of the most important decisions to make while planning a holiday to Phuket, Thailand, is to pick the right area to stay in. While there are dozens of beaches around the island, each main resort area has a different and unique character catering to different kinds of travellers. If you choose the right one matching your needs and preferences, you should have a great holiday. Pick the wrong place, and it could ruin your trip. So, here are some areas that you could pick from depending on what you like:
If you want to experience the touristy side of Phuket, then head to Phuket’s southwest coast. Most of the beaches like Patong, Karon, Kata, Kamala are concentrated here. This area is the busiest, flanked by beach bars, cafés and jet ski operators. If you are someone like me who likes picturesque, pristine, quiet places, head to Phuket’s west coast, such as Surin, Bangtao and Layan. If you want a low-key experience away from the noisy tourists, go further up to the North West coast – Mai Khao, Nai Yang, Nai Thon beach.
If you are looking serene yet exciting area to stay in Phuket, Laguna Phuket could be a perfect place for your next trip. A holiday paradise spanning 1,000 acres of lush tropical parkland with 3 km of pristine Bangtao Beach. Featuring more than 1,400 guest rooms across eight deluxe hotels, Laguna Phuket offers an abundant variety of choices for travellers. You can choose from any of the 8 world-class hotels – Banyan Tree Phuket, Banyan Tree Veya Phuket, Angsana Laguna Phuket, Angsana Villas Resort, Dusit Thani, SAii Laguna Phuket, Laguna Holiday Club Phuket Resort, and Cassia Phuket, all unique hotel resorts within Laguna Phuket are only minutes away from each other via complimentary shuttle bus or boat. Besides the hotels, Laguna Phuket also features beautiful lagoons, tropical parkland, an award-winning 18-hole golf course, tranquil spas, restaurants, bars, boutique shopping, and daily water sports activities.
While all the eight hotels are unique in their own way, I chose to stay at a budget property – Cassia Phuket. This elegant six-storey hotel built in modernist architectural style starts as low as 899THB. Room rates depend on the dates, room types, and the number of guests, so please click online to see the latest and best offers! I had a fantastic experience staying at the lagoon-facing, all-suite hotel that delivers an idyllic beachfront living experience. There was a free shuttle service to take guests to the Bangtao beach or other nearby Laguna Phuket hotels.
What I loved about this hotel was that it had a very perky personality, and the suite was outfitted with a fully equipped kitchen where I could cook my own meals. The staff was accommodating and courteous, and I even enjoyed a memorable sunset barbecue dinner fire dancers show. If you ever want to stay at a property that feels like a home. Try this one.
Phuket has a lot to do, and you can easily spend as much time as you want. The ideal time to enjoy its various islands, culture, food and nightlife would be seven days, but if you are hard-pressed on time and want to enjoy the highlights of Phuket, four days are enough.
How to Spend Perfect 7 Days or less in Phuket Thailand:
Day 1
Morning: Reach the hotel and relax
Afternoon: Hire a two-wheeler or a car to visit the Big Buddha, Wat Chalong & Kata Noi Beach.
Sunset: Enjoy the sunset from the Karon View Point
Evening: End the day by visiting Karon Temple and Karon Market
Day 2
Morning and afternoon: Start early morning for Island Hopping and Snorkelling.
Evening: Visit the Chillva Market or return to your hotel and enjoy a Barbecue dinner with fire dancers
Day 3
Morning: Water sports at Angsana Villas, Laguna Phuket or anywhere else you like
Lunch: Azura at Laguna Phuket
Post lunch: Spa at Banyan Tree or anywhere else you like
Evening: Dinner and Flyboard show at Atoll, Laguna Phuket
Day 4
Morning: Take a Thai cooking class
After lunch: Visit the Old Phuket Town
Afternoon: Visit the Chalong Bay Rum Distillery
Evening: Enjoy the Simon Cabaret Show
Late: Enjoy the nightlife of Bangala Road
Day 5
Morning: Explore Phuket on a 2-wheeler or car. Visit the old wooden stairs at Nai Thao Beach, and enjoy plane spotting at Mai Khao Beach (make sure you reach by 10 am in the peak season)
Afternoon: Explore Srinath National park – a coastal park – where you can walk on the white sandy beach and watch aircraft flying low over Mai Khao Beach for landing, kayaking or snorkelling. Another option is to go waterfall chasing like Kathu waterfall, Tonsai waterfall etc.
Evening: Watch the sunset at Bangtao Beach
Day 6
Morning: Visit the Racha Yai Island on a Catamaran. Snorkel and kayak
Lunch: Enjoy a seafood feast on the catamaran
Evening: Dinner at one Chun restaurant in Phuket Town
Day 7
Fly home or your next destination
I hope the above itinerary can help you plan your Phuket trip. In case you are still wondering what can you do in Phuket in 4 days, 3 days or less, just mix and match a few of the above activities in the number of days you have in hand, and voila you have your perfect Phuket trip itinerary.
Phuket is a destination that is neither too expensive nor too cheap. Here’s a rough estimate on how to make a 4D3N budget trip to Phuket, Thailand, in under 50,000 INR
International Flights: 15,000 – 40,000 INR depending on your travel season
Accommodation: 12,000 INR @ 3000 INR per night for three nights at a 4 star hotel/apartment
Local transportation: 5000 – 10,000 INR depending on whether you hire a motorbike or a car for two days
Food – 5000-10,000 INR
Activities – 5000-10,000 INR depending on what kind of island tours or activities you sign up
To know the average price of things and services in Phuket, do check out this link.
The best season to visit Thailand is during the dry season, November – March, when the weather is pleasant and it doesn’t rain. The temperature at this time varies from 23°C to 30°C and is drier with no monsoon showers. However, it is rainiest from October to December in the Lower Gulf regions such as Ko Samui, Ko Phangan, and Ko Tao.
Phuket has excellent connectivity to most of the country. So it depends on what you want to explore further. Mountains and valleys characterize the North; the south boasts stunning beaches and turquoise seas. The difference in landscape and experiences allow you to enjoy different activities.
North of Thailand – If you love history, heritage, ruins, mountains, and national parks, you should go here next. The best places to explore in Northern Thailand are Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai and Pai.
South of Thailand: A paradise for beach bums with turquoise waters, white sand beaches and stunning islands. Besides Phuket, some of the most spectacular islands in the Andaman Sea include Koh Phi Phi, Koh Lipe and Koh Lanta. The most popular Gulf of Thailand islands as Koh Samui, Koh Phangan and Koh Tao.
Central Thailand: Central Thailand is mainly plains and is a massive area of rice farming and agriculture. It is centred around the large urban agglomeration of Bangkok. The best places to visit in central Thailand are Bangkok, Ayutthaya, Kanchanaburi, Phra Pathom Chedi, Bang Pa-In, and Damnoen Saduak floating market in Ratchaburi Province.
Find more details about various regions of Thailand on the Tourism Thailand website.
While searching online for my trip, I came across many good Thailand Bloggers. You may want to check out the blogs of these top Thailand bloggers for more in-depth information about Thailand:
Related:
Beyond Bangkok: 10 Hidden Attractions in Thailand for laid-back travelers
I hope you found the above ‘Phuket Travel Guide’ helpful. And, you’ll be able to enjoy the island adventures and scenic beauty of Phuket at a budget price. Please share any questions or feedback in the comments section below. Save this post to Pinterest if you like it!
Do you love travelling and want to get paid for it, this step-by-step guide is for you on how to become a successful travel influencer on Instagram and other social media platforms.
One of the most often asked questions on my social media channels is – “I want to travel the world like you. How can I become a travel influencer?”
The answer is pretty simple and complicated, and I try to answer as many people as possible. I decided to pen everything down in this detailed blog post to save time and provide all the relevant information on becoming a paid travel influencer. Here you’ll find information on how to start, build your brand, and eventually how to start earning from influencer marketing. But before sharing that, let me give you some idea about how big this industry has become in the last few years.
Five years back, when I was in the advertising world, influencer marketing was a negligible part of the marketing budget of just a few big brands. And a decade ago, the phrase ‘influencer marketing’ was unheard of. Cut to 2022, it has since become one of the fastest-growing industries in India and across the world. The influencer market grew from $1.7 billion in 2016 to $13.8 billion in 2021. This year, the market is projected to expand to a whopping $16.4 billion industry. The industry is expected to grow at a CAGR of 32 per cent to reach USD 24.1 billion by 2025. The Indian influencer marketing industry is also keeping pace. Valued at Rs 900 crore, it is expected to grow at a CAGR of 25 per cent to reach Rs 2,200 crore by 2025.
The shift from relying on celebrity endorsements to employing influencers for product placements has been massive and noticeable. Unsurprisingly in 2021, celebrities held only 27 per cent of the market share of marketing campaigns, while influencers had the bigger piece of the pie at 73 per cent. The spectacular growth of influencer Marketing is attributed to the increasing popularity of short video formats on platforms like Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube, the effect of the global pandemic on consumers, which catalysed social media consumption, and the optimisation of data collection, which marketers used for social media ads. Instagram is the Preferred Social Media Channel for Brands Who Engage in Influencer Marketing.
Influencers are no more a homogenous group, but they have become brands themselves. While there are no strict definitions of follower numbers, there are generally five types of Influencers:
Moreover, the growth of influencers is also not merely limited to traditionally dominant sectors like food & beverage, personal care, fashion and technology. It is now noticeable among other sectors like BFSI and fintech too.
Now, becoming an Instagram influencer is no longer a hobby but a career. So, if you are still sitting on the fence and evaluating your options, this post will help you.
Want to know how to become a successful Instagram or YouTube influencer? Start by giving up procrastination and taking action. Don’t wait for the perfect opportunity to knock on your door. Don’t wait anymore. Start today.
According to Earth Web, there are between 3.2 million to 37.8 million influencers globally. So, if you want to be one of them and a good one, you have to find a niche. A unique spot where you can create your own identity. Start creating content on one thing – travel, food, culture, fashion, finance or something else. In travel, what is it that you are good at or like – it could be anything like solo travel, adventure travel, couple travel, backpacking, luxury or something else.
When working on your niche, find something that fits you and that you want to create content about! Then ask yourself if you love it enough to devote time and resources to it. Also, if you think people would like to see it. If, in both cases, the answer is yes, you found your perfect niche! Once you have found your niche, keep peeling the layers to further fine-tune it. For example, I only talk about offbeat travel, and I am now leaning towards sustainability.
The next big decision for you would be finding a catchy yet simple enough to remember a name that stands out from 3.2 million influencer handles. If possible, look for a word related to travel in your name. It would do three things – your name will immediately make apparent that you create travel content. It would be good for SEO if you want to expand to other channels. It would establish you as a brand from the beginning and not just an individual. For example, anyone who comes on my page would know that I post content about travel by just looking at my username ‘Travel See Write’.
The secret to good organic growth on Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, TikTok or any other social media is to create and post regularly. More importantly, you want to approach your account more professionally to be a travel influencer. Create content that is high quality and would be of interest to your audience. Do look up trends and hashtags to come up with fresh content ideas. Instead of posting stand-alone content pieces that look haphazard, create a series with a unique brand look for your gallery. Use presets or filters or apps like lightroom, snapseed etc., to edit your pictures professionally and have a uniform look. Plan your content calendar for at least 6-9 posts in advance. Use a mix of content pieces like Instagram reels, static posts, carousel posts, IGTVs and stories. Instagram is promoting reels big time, so focus more on that.
Brands would not line up to sponsor your travel when you are just starting up. You’ll need to invest from your own pocket on your travels and in your photography gadgets. As you start shooting professionally, you’ll need to regularly upgrade your equipment – from mobile to DSLR to mirrorless. All that costs money, which is where your day job will come in handy. I kept blogging for two years before taking up a travel blogging career full-time.
Once you have zeroed on to becoming a travel influencer and have done the groundwork to start off, it’s essential to start thinking and strategising on building your brand. Don’t look at Instagram or any other social media channel in a silo. Instead, consider them as pillars of running a successful business. A passion that can earn money for you. But like all businesses, it requires a lot of hard work and planning. Here are a few things you should do to build your brand:
Your bio is the first thing people mostly see when checking out new Instagram profiles. Along with your profile photo and feed, it gives the first impression of your account and what it stands for. This combo will decide whether people would follow or not follow you. It is essential to think about what you write down in your bio. For example, you can specify what your Instagram page is all about. Or you can give some information about yourself and share your contact information for potential brands to reach out for collaborations. Since there is a word limit, I use a linktree in my bio to share my latest works and social media presence.
Even if Instagram or YouTube is your primary channel, having a website is essential. Here you can give all the relevant information about yourself, post your portfolio and past achievements, and show how people can get in touch with you. This is great for your followers and the brands you work with. Buy a domain name (ideally, use one brand name across all channels, be it your website or social media handles). And link your website in your bio. Also, don’t forget to list your business on Google even if you are not selling anything yet.
In 2014, each person had approximately 4.8 social media accounts, and in 2020, that number went up to 8.4 accounts per person. As social platforms and usage continue to increase, content creators must embrace a cross-channel approach to reaching out to a broader audience. While some platforms share similarities, they’re not necessarily the same. For example, Twitter content speaks to a different audience—users who most likely want to be interested in political or newsy affairs. At the same time, Instagram is more appealing to those who prefer entertaining content.
For content creators to stay relevant, we should be able to generate content that’s tailored for each type of social media platform. Duplicate content can be repurposed and tweaked for each media. Also, cross-promotion can help in driving traffic from one platform to another.
Even if your vision is to become a successful company, do not let go of your authenticity in the long run. Be yourself and be relatable. Never forget why people followed you in the first place. Many influencer marketing studies have shown that people are more likely to follow influencers who look like “everyday people”. Contrary to popular belief, most consumers prefer following influencers who look and act like us instead of celebrities. The key to winning people’s hearts and growing your followers’ list is by personalising your content and engaging with your audiences on a more human level or through a down-to-earth approach. Always reply to your comments or DMs, howsoever trivial they might sound.
The entry barriers in influencer marketing are almost negligible. Anyone with good creative skills and a business mind can make it big. It’s very easy to earn through social media. But the trick is how to stay relevant when trends and platforms change. So, suppose you see Travel Influencer as a long-term career. In that case, you have to invest in continuously upgrading yourself and staying ahead of the curve. Learn photography, video making, SEO, travel writing, and social and media management. There are many free and economically priced courses available on platforms like Simplilearn, Coursera, HubSpot Academy, Alison (Free Online Courses), Udemy, Reliablesoft Academy, Udemy, MasterClass, Google Skillshop, LinkedIn Learning, Skillshare, SEMRush Academy, Udacity, edX, Google Digital Garage, Facebook Blueprint, Harvard University (Online Courses), Microsoft Learn, Shaw Academy, Google Primer, and many more.
As your brand will start getting built and you’ll start getting recognised as a successful travel influencer, you find yourself struggling for time. While it’s important to be hands-on in all aspects of your business. It’s simply not viable to perform everything by yourself. Outsource whatever you can that can help save time for you and not hit your bottom line. Collaborate with other content creators to get an additional reach and learn new skills. For example, before going on a new trip, I search for instagrammable spots and local photographers who would know those local places better than I would. In Varanasi, I collaborated with two local photographers, and the results were wow.
Also, video editing is not my skill, so I outsource it.
So now you have learnt how to become a successful travel influencer. Once you have mastered the art of travel influencing, it’s time to get paid! There are different ways by which you can earn from social media, but before that, you have to be ready with your media kit and a rate card. Through a well-designed Media Kit, you can show brands a summary of your brand, your past associations, awards and achievements, reach and engagement insights, and your services. Also, don’t forget to create a work portfolio that you can include in your media kit or have a separate portfolio.
Here are the possible ways by which you can earn as a social media influencer, travel blogger, travel writer, photographer, and videographer.
Once you would have become a micro or a mid-tier influencer, you’ll start getting requests from brand promotions through in-feed sponsored posts. Sponsored posts are the posts that appear in your feed. An example of an in-feed post is me talking about the Adani Airport mother’s Day initiative. You are required to hold the product or talk about it in your reel, post, stories or IGTV video. When posting a sponsored post, it is normal to tag the brand’s Instagram account in your photos and use the relevant hashtags provided by the brand. That way, you are honest with your followers about what brands you are promoting. You must specify your paid in-feed posts are paid. You could use #ads or #sponsored hashtags when posting a paid in-feed post or Instagram’s paid promotion tools.
Besides posting sponsored posts in your in-feed, there are other ways by which you can earn as a travel influencer. You can also make money as a travel influencer through product photography and product videography. You can shoot exclusive content for brands that won’t get posted on your own Instagram account. Follow Jordi.koalitic, imagelicious, taraherron_photography, Colette.peri and many more talented creators.
If you have been regularly working with a client, then propose a Brand ambassadorships proposal to them. More companies are embracing an always-on approach to influencer marketing, which helps establish a brand’s consistent presence on different social media platforms. By selecting a strong, long-term relationship with influencers, marketers look to turn opinion leaders like us into true brand advocates. For example, I have worked as a Brand Ambassador for Northern France, Panasonic Lumix and OECS – a United Nations Sustainable Development Program in Africa.
Once you are an established travel influencer, you will have acquired a lot of experience with social media and how to grow on Instagram and other social media channels, which is where many brands struggle. They might need someone that can make their Instagram profile pages better. You can reach out to such brands and handle their social media.
Content has always been the king, and today it’s even more critical. Suppose you are good at writing short and long format content. In that case, you can do content writing for brands ranging from different industries, be it travel, technology, hospitality, Edtech or anything else.
You can also do freelance writing for publications. Start with smaller ones.
Besides the above, you can also earn by selling your presets, luts, merchandise, affiliate marketing, online courses, etc.
As a travel influencer, you can work with different kinds of brands. The travel brands such as tourism boards, hotels, restaurants, tour operators, train companies, and more are the easiest to work with! Besides brands related to travel, you can work with brands that might not be directly linked to travel but your lifestyles, such as clothing brands, makeup, mobile phones, camera brands, insurance companies, telecom operators, luggage, apps, and jewellery a lot more. These are only a few examples of all kinds of companies that travel influencers can work with. The possibilities are endless.
When you want to earn as an influencer, your primary source of income will come from brand sponsorships, Here are three main ways to reach out to them:
One of the ways to get in touch with brands is by sending them an email. Do a bit of research about the brand and see if there are synergies between you two, and then you can approach them through email by sending them a proposal. Here is a template if you are looking for a hosted stay with a hotel:
Media Request: Hotel Name
Hi [name of marketing manager],
I’m a [travel writer, digital content creator, just say anything here but “influencer”] visiting [destination] this month, and I wanted to reach out about a potential collaboration.
I’m [writing travel articles / creating a video series ] highlighting the best places to stay in [destination] and was hoping to include [hotel name]. [detail about the property here. Explain why you wanted to include them in your content based on your research]
The [article you’re writing / photos you’re shooting] usually reach between [monthly blog traffic / Instagram stats].
I’ll be in [destination] between [your dates] and would love to work with you — please let me know if you’re accepting any collaborations!
I’d be thrilled to create a content package for [hotel name] in exchange for [2-3 nights] accommodation. I usually offer [3-6] in-feed Instagram posts or reels and Instagram Stories throughout my stay, plus a feature in my blog post.
Please let me know if you are open to collaborations currently! I’d be delighted to work with you.
Thanks so much for your time!
Warm regards,
Many hospitality brands would sponsor your stay but might not pay you. Nonetheless don’t forget to tell them about your rates and what you can offer for that.
Nowadays, many influencer networks connect brands and influencers. They usually keep a database of the influencers and reach out to you whenever they have a requirement or see a fit. Sign up with these Influencer Networks. But be prepared to not hear 90% time after they take quotes from you, and many times they are only fishing to get quotes from influencers.
By following the above tips, you can start as a travel influencer, build your own brand, and earn through Instagram and other social media channels. The desired growth may take months or years, but by starting today, getting started well (by picking a good username, well-written bio and posting content regularly with well-chosen hashtags), and focusing on small but significant steps like connecting with your followers and reaching out to other collaborators and brands, you can begin building momentum to grow your travel influencer profile.
It’s never too late to start – even if your account never explodes in popularity, a travel Instagram can work as your own travel journal. Consistently creating travel-related content can build followers and engagement over time to launch our travel Instagram to success.
Hope you found this post helpful. Please share any questions or feedback in the comments section below.
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Are you looking for the best non-vegetarian feast in Delhi? There is no better address than Jama Masjid street. Famous for its exceptionally delicious and mouth-watering Mughlai food, Jama Masjid Delhi foodwalk is on top of every foodie’s list. And, the place has an entirely different vibe to it throughout the month of Ramzan. Muslims from all over Delhi NCR make their way to their favourite restaurants in Jama Masjid to break their daily fast. Usually, they start with a single date and a glass of water, followed by a lavish Iftar spread.
As much as Ramzan is a time for fasting, it is also a time for feasting when the old city of Shahjahanabad unravels its gastronomical secrets. In the evening, the congested bylanes of Jama Masjid come alive with food stalls serving old heirloom recipes in dekchis and bhagonas simmering with flavours. The strong wafts of the kababs and biryanis won’t let you move ahead without looking at every stall. Even at midnight, you won’t find a single inch not occupied by people. Come empty stomach to enjoy the seekh kebabs, fried chicken, shahi tukda, kulfi falooda, Mughal-era sherbet-e-Mohabbat, and a lot more. The food options are never-ending, with some dishes available only at this time of the year, like keema samosa. If you plan to do a Jama Masjid Delhi Food Walk, this post is for you. Here is my experience of visiting Jama Masjid during Ramadan 2022.
The best way to reach Jama Masjid is by taking the Delhi Metro, as parking is always an issue in the cramped streets of Old Delhi. During Ramzan, the entire area is decked up with streamers and festive lights. Although the road to the gate is barricaded, electric rickshaws ferry customers around. Even when the road opens on ordinary days, cars aren’t permitted beyond the gate, so touring the streets on foot remains your best bet. If you want to know more about Jama Masjid history or who built it, where is it located, this article could help.
As soon as you cross the Jama Masjid Metro station, the food street will attract you like a beehive studded with restaurants, cart vendors, stalls and squatters. A multi-sensory food experience awaits you with the street offering an unparalleled array of choices, be it fruits and nuts, traditional bread, flower syrups and lassis and vegetarian spreads of chaats, savouries, confectionery, of course, an extensive non-vegetarian platter. From biryani and kebabs to Shahi Tukda, here are the best places to eat in Jama Masjid, Old Delhi:
While there are a lot of Kabab shops in old Delhi, Qureshi kabab Jama Masjid serves one of the best kebabs in Delhi. Started by Abdul Ghani Qureshi, this shop offers an assortment of delectable buffalo meat kebabs. Over the years, the institution has split into two shops a few metres apart, both managed by Qureshi’s two sons. Still, the original remains unmatched, according to locals. These melt-in-mouth kebabs owe their delicateness to hours of pounding by hand and the right kind of marinades. The Mutton Kebabs will surprise you with their flavour and texture. The best way to eat is to bite into kebabs without Rumali roti and experience the juiciness of kababs in your mouth.
Location – Gate no. 1, Near Jama Masjid, Urdu Bazar, Chandani Chowk, Delhi
Famous for – mutton seekh rolls and buffalo kebabs
Founded before 1947, Babu Bhai Ke Sutli Kebabs near Masjid Sayed Rafa at Bazar Chitli Qabar are so tender that a string is needed to hold them around a seekh. When the meat begins to fall off the skewer, you know kebabs are ready to be popped into your mouth.
Location – 1465-B, Near Masjid Sayed Rafa at Bazar Chitli Qabar, Jama Masjid, Delhi
Famous for – Dora and sutli kabab
Although Jama Masjid food street is majorly known for the non-vegetarian fare, it’s not that vegetarians have no option here. A small hole in the wall stall outside the Hamdard shop in Chitli Qabar sells something vegetarians like me absolutely love: Laung Churey Kebab, made from besan, atta and onion.
Location – Outside Hamdard shop in Chitli Qabar, Jama Masjid, Chandani Chowk, Delhi
Famous for – veg kebabs
If you love tandoori chicken and fish, you must stop at Rafiq Chicken Corner. Famous for juicy fried chicken, chicken lollipops, fish Shami kabab, chicken tikka, malai biryani, and more. Definitely try their fried chicken and malai tikka served with rumali roti, onions and spicy, tangy chutney. It’s a must-try food item in Old Delhi this Ramadan or anytime you visit old Delhi.
Location – 4162, Meena Bazaar, Urdu Bazar Road, Jama Masjid, Delhi
Famous for – Tandoori chicken and tikka
Another popular place to try is Haji Mohammad Hussain Fried Chicken, serving heaven on the plate since 1975. Coated with chickpea flour and marinated in spices for hours, fried chicken at Haji Mohammad has given the same taste for the last 40 years. Talk about consistency. Forget KFC; it’s HFC that rules the roost at Old Delhi.
Location –113, Matia Mahal Road, Bazar Matia Mahal, Jama Masjid, Delhi
Famous for – fried chicken and keema goli
If Butter chicken brings a smile to your face, then it’s time to try the best Butter chicken in Delhi that will blow away your mind. In the true sense, Aslam Butter Chicken serves tandoori chicken tikka in a gravy of curd and chutney with plentiful melting butter on top of it. Chicken pieces literally swim in curd and butter. Delhiwallahs now call it Butter Chicken here, rather than chicken tikka or tandoori chicken. It is best enjoyed with rumali rotis and gulped down with cold drinks — no tomato purees here, only butter and chicken, as the name suggests.
Location – 982, Matia Mahal Rd, Bazar Matia Mahal, Jama Masjid, Delhi
Famous for – butter chicken
Established in 1990 by Mohammed Bilal, the two-storeyed Bilal Hotel is the place for nalli nihari—a slow-cooked stew made from the shank. Here, the nihari is truly a labour of love – cooked in 65 spices for 12 hours. Head here in the morning or right after dusk for the freshest serving. Other dishes worth trying are Mutton Biryani, chicken korma and beef korma. Bilal Hotel is blissful for mutton lovers – serving great food at economical prices. So brace yourself to make your way through hordes of people scrambling for a bite and space here.
Location – Bilal, Matia Mahal lane, Urdu Bazaar, Jama Masjid, Chandani Chowk, Delhi
Any feast at Jama Masjid is incomplete without trying the Biryani of old Delhi. Mohd Taufiq’s Dilpasand Biryani Point is a hole in the wall eatery that serves one of the best biryanis in the city. Unlike the Hyderabadi or Lucknowi biryani, biryani served in old Delhi is devoid of dry fruits and rich textures. Here you’ll get traditional lashkari biryani, which used to be made for the soldiers with golden sela rice instead of the usual basmati rice. Yellow chilli is balanced with a dose of ghee and complemented by tender chicken pieces.
Location – 735, Gali Haveli Azam Khan, Bazar Chitli Qabar, Jama Masjid, Chandni Chowk, Delhi
Famous for – Biryani
In addition to these, Mutton Biryani at Rahmatullah and Pehelwan ki Biryani are also recommended. Their Mirchi Masala Biryani is must try.
If you want to have all your main course items in one place, there can’t be a better place than Jawahar Hotel or Al Jawahar. Inaugurated by the first Prime Minister of India, Jawaharlal Nehru, the restaurant is named after him. It used to be one restaurant, but now it’s split into two. Cooking food in massive traditional vessels, the fantastic food taste here is something you would never forget. From their Mutton Stew to Kaleji Gurda to Karahi Chicken and Mutton Korma, this place is a gastronomic experience like no other. Al-Jawahar is considered one of the best places to eat in Delhi.
Location – Jama Masjid, Matia Mahal road opposite gate no.1, New Delhi
Famous for – Chicken Biryani and chicken Jehangir. Of course, Khameeri Roti is best
Starting at 7 am, Kallan Sweets, a 75-year-old traditional sweets shop, gets busy selling sweet and savoury items such as minced Keema Samosa, Khoya Samosa and Paneer Jalebis. Their melt-in-mouth samosas get out of stock in a flash.
Location – Shop No.4-5, Matia Mahal Road, Chandani Chowk, Delhi
Famous for – Keema samosa, Paneer pakora, Khoya Samosa, and Paneer ki Jalebi
Another equally popular shop – Ameer Sweets House – has been selling sweet and savoury items for more than 100 years.
Location: 958, Haveli Azam Khan, Chitli Qabar, Jama Masjid
Once you have gulped down all the savouries and snacks, it’s time for some sweets. The most famous shop is Cool Point for shahi tukda, rabri, phirni, mango ice cream and Badam Milk.
Other evergreen shops are Rehmatullah Hotel for sheermal and Sheeren Bhawan in the Chitli Qabar area for some chilled ras malai. Come winter, the sweet shop starts selling centuries-old recipe of gajar ka halwa that is sought after by tourists and locals alike.
The best way to end the Jama Masjid food trail is by gulping down a glass of chilled Watermelon-Rooh Afza milk sherbet, a staple during Ramzan. This refreshing drink is called Mohabbat ka sharbat, prepared by mixing milk, water and Roohafza and topped with chunks of watermelon.
Location: 1149, Matia Mahal, near Jama Masjid
If you are interested in knowing the four hundred years of history and food gems packed into one long food trail, you must plan a Jama Masjid foodwalk soon.
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I hope you find this post helpful and that it inspires you to go to Jamia Masjid for a food walk soon.
Have you been to Jamia Masjid, or if you have any more suggestions for me to add? Let me know in the comments section below.
Are you planning a trip to Kerala and wondering whether Kochi (Cochin) is worth visiting or not? Read my complete travel guide answering all your questions, including the best places to visit in Kochi and Fort Kochi, where to stay, eat, and when to go.
After spending a week in two different destinations – Bangalore and Coorg – I thought I had experienced two very unique holidays. Nothing could match them in my two-week-long South India Trip. Still, both Fort Kochi and Kumarakom exceeded my expectations. In this post, I’ll tell you why I fell in love with Kochi and what are the best things to do in Kochi in 2 days.
This was a question that grappled my mind when planning my trip to Kerala. I wanted to know what’s special about Kochi that makes it a must-visit destination in Kerala. I must admit Kochi, also known as Cochin, is one of the most picturesque destinations on the southwest coastline of Kerala. Known as the Queen of the Arabian Sea, the city also flaunts one of the world’s finest natural harbours. And, why wouldn’t it? After all, it has been the centre of the world spice trade for many centuries. Old Kochi (presently called West Kochi) loosely refers to a group of islands which comprise Fort Kochi, Mattancherry, and Willingdon Island, among others. Fort Kochi is a small fishing village that became the first European township in India, where you can still see the vestiges of several cultures and ethnicities.
The city is also referred to as the gateway of Kerala because whether you plan to go to Alleppey, Thekkady or Munnar, your starting point will most likely be Kochi. And, if you want to go to Lakshadweep, your journey will also begin at Kochi. Therefore it makes sense to start at least a day or two here. There are many things to do in Fort Kochi, so here is a travel guide curated by me to help you plan your time in this historic city.
Fort Kochi is a cultural vessel shaped by many historical influences dating back to 2000 years. Its streets exude that old-world charm. The Jewish, Arabs, British, Chinese, Dutch, and Portuguese all impacted the history and development of Cochin. At Kochi, you see a hodgepodge of cultures and traditions co-existing with ease – whether the Catholics of Kerala, Kashmiris, Jews, Konkanis, Gujaratis or Marwaris. The English claimed Cochin as “Mini England”, The Dutch called it “Homely Holland’Holland’ and the Portuguese referred to the port as “Little Lisbon”.
Here is a detailed vlog about my visit to Kochi and discovering whether Kochi is worth visiting.
The best time to visit Kochi depends on your interests and what you are looking for in your travels. Most people prefer to visit between October and March as the weather is quite pleasant, ranging from 17 to 33 degrees Celsius. I was there at the beginning of March, and it was quite pleasant to explore the town on foot. But suppose you are someone who doesn’t mind the heat and humidity. In that case, you can visit between April to June when the average temperature ranges from 20 to 37 degrees Celsius. The best part, it is a lean season, which means you can get better hotel deals. Lastly, plan your trip between July and September if you love the monsoon. The average temperature is between 24 to 27 degrees Celsius, and the city turns green. Also, a great time to get good hotel deals.
If you are interested in exploring just the city’s historical side, then I would say two days are enough for Kochi. But if you have time and want to explore the city and around at a slow pace, then 5-7 days should be good. I had two days in hand, and I could explore quite a bit in those two days. But the credit goes to Forte Kochi staff, who put an excellent itinerary for me that was neither too rushed nor too relaxed to miss out on any of the best places to visit in Kochi in 2 days.
Kochi is like a treasure trove filled with a historical and cultural richness reflected in its architectural marvels from different eras. I had a fantastic guide called Vijesh from Day in Cochin Tours who made me experience the heart and soul of Fort Kochi and Mattancherry. Here are some of the places worth checking out if you are looking for ideas on how to spend 48 Hours in Kochi.
The Chinese Fishing Nets are the most popular tourist sights in Kochi, so if you are only making a one day trip to Kochi, this should be number one on your list of things to do in Fort Kochi. Vijesh, my travel guide, said, “Many believe the name Co-chin means like China. The Chinese explorers who landed here in the Portuguese era installed these fishing nets that have since become the symbol of the place.” It is believed the first Chinese Fishing Nets were installed in Fort Kochi in the 15th century, and they are still in use. Refurbished several times since then, but their technique is still the same that the first traders used. If you want to see that old technique of catching fish, just head to the Vasco da Gama Square, a narrow walkway that runs along the Fort Kochi beach. The best time to visit the Chinese Fishing Nets and Kochi Beach is during the sunset time when the entire area glows in the golden light. Usually, the fisherman would expect a tip of 100-200 rupees for letting you take pictures of their nets. As you step outside of the Chinese Fishing nets boats, you are greeted with stalls for food, local drinks, souvenirs etc. There are a few benches as well for sitting.
One of the most prominent tourist spots in Fort Kochi is Fort Kochi Beach, next to the Chinese fishing nets. Equally popular among tourists and locals for evening walks, this beach might be small but has many unique factors that differentiate it from other beaches in Kerala or Goa. The presence of the Chinese fishing nets is definitely a highlight. The presence of giant old trees and the greenery on the promenade adds to the serenity of the beach. The seafood, the Vasco da Gama Square adjacent to the beach, a lighthouse and a granite walkway are other attractions that make this place a must-visit place in Kochi. The remains of Fort Immanuel can also be seen here.
If you happen to travel to Kerala during the new year, don’t forget to attend the famous Cochin Carnival on New Year’s Eve.
The origin of Fort Kochi’s name lies buried under the ruins of this Portuguese fort which was also one of the first in Asia. It was the first place where Europeans set their first foot, and it became the battleground for Europeans. Fort Emmanuel was built twice by the Portuguese and then by the Dutch.
Initially built in 1503, St. Francis Church is popularly known as the first church Europeans built in India and has enormous historical relevance. Interestingly, it has served as a Roman Catholic church, a Dutch Reformist church and an Anglican church during different eras depending on the European nation in power at each given time! St. Francis Church became a mecca for travel buffs worldwide because the Portuguese explorer Vasco Da Gama was first buried here after his death in Kochi in 1524.
Behind the St. Francis Church on Rose Street is Vasco House, which is believed to have been the residence of the great Portuguese explorer, Vasco da Gama. Vasco House is one of the oldest Portuguese buildings in Fort Kochi, built in the early sixteenth century. Vasco House sports the typical European architecture – white paint, high wooden ceilings, old stone-staircase, large glass windows and balcony cum verandahs characteristic of those times. Today, Vasco House is converted into a homestay with all modern amenities and is owned by Santosh Tom. The story around the building has made it one of the top Instagramable spots in Fort Kochi.
Located on Bastian Street, Santa Cruz Basilica is one of the oldest Catholic Churches in India and one of the eight basilicas in Kerala. It is one of the few buildings built by the Portuguese here that the Dutch spared. Later, demolished and rebuilt by the British in the 19th century, it was proclaimed a basilica by Pope John Paul II in 1984. Built originally in the gothic style by the Portuguese, it is an interesting piece of architecture and artistic grandeur – one of the must-see places for every visitor to the city!
Sandwiched between Mattancherry Palace and the 14th-century Paradesi Synagogue, Jew Town is a living testimony of Kochi’s rich Jewish legacy. Once a spice market, Jew Town today is an eye-catching touristy place in Kochi for those of you always on the lookout for antiques, quirky art pieces, handicrafts, jewellery, clothes, souvenirs, and fusion food for curious tourists. It’s a great shopping place in Kochi. The small market is full of stunning art pieces with a rich history and exciting stories.
One of the most remarkable landmarks of Kochi is the 14th-century synagogue that is open to visitors every day except Fridays, Saturdays and any Jewish holiday. The Jewish synagogue was built in 1568, almost 1500 years after the beginning of the Jewish connection with Kerala. Like other buildings in Kochi, the synagogue was destroyed by the Portuguese in 1662 and then reconstructed two years later by the Dutch. Vijesh told me that Paradesi is one of the oldest synagogues in India that still holds mass. Kochi once had a large Jewish population that has been dwindling for decades, and in 2015 there were only 6 Jewish members left in the city. You can read more about it in this BBC article.
Also known as Mattancherry Palace, the Dutch Palace was built by the Portuguese in the 16th century. Later, it was presented to the King of Kochi and renovated by the Dutch in the 17th century. Now converted into a museum, it houses a great collection of portraits of Maharajas, mythological murals, old Dutch maps, royal palanquins and period furniture.
My trip to Kerala would have been incomplete without watching a performance of Kathakali, a traditional dance form from the 17th century. And the most popular and famous place to watch Kathakali in Kochi is Kerala Kathakali Centre, situated on KB Jacob road near Fort Kochi. Built as a traditional arts centre, this place has daily performances of Kathakali, Kalaripayattu, and other classical dance and music forms. And, don’t forget to reach half an hour before the performance to see the elaborate make-up process that takes roughly three hours.
Kochi has a great art culture, and every two years, the city celebrates the Kochi-Muziris Biennale. It is the largest contemporary art exhibition in India and the first of its kind held in the country. Indian and international artists exhibit artworks across various mediums, including film, installation, painting, sculpture, new media, and performance art. Alongside the exhibition, one can attend talks, seminars, screenings, music, workshops and educational activities for school children and students.
Kochi is one of Kerala’s biggest and most densely populated cities; therefore, plenty of stay options. You can choose from Fort Kochi, Mattanchery, the mainland Ernakulam, the suburbs of Edapally, Kalamassery and Kakkanad to the suburb of Tripunithura. Too many options often lead to confusion. Therefore it becomes a tricky task to choose the best place to stay in Kochi. I was more inclined to explore the historical side of Kochi, so I decided to stay in Forte Kochi. Here is my experience of staying at this boutique heritage hotel.
The city of Kochi was once the hot spot of the historic spice route attracting traders and travellers from more than 30 countries across Europe, the Far East and Asia. Even today, you can see the hodgepodge of cultures and traditions co-existing with ease. You can see the architectural and cultural influences peppered throughout the city – be it the Jewish, Arab, Portuguese, Dutch, British or Chinese influences on architecture or culture.
And the best way to experience this potpourri of cultures is by staying in the city’s heart. So, I booked myself at Forte Kochi, a 150-year-old boutique heritage hotel in the heart of Fort Kochi, from where most attractions are within walking distance. The Forte Kochi stands in the quaint environs of Fort Kochi, the most historic area of Kochi. Forte Kochi hotel is located on Princess Street, which happens to be one of the oldest streets of Fort Kochi, lined with colonial structures. Most of the places to see and things to do in Fort Kochi described above are within 5-10 minutes of walking distance from the hotel.
As I walked toward the bright yellow and white building, I knew I was in for a big surprise. The history of Forte Kochi is as fascinating as the building itself. The hotel Manager, Sajeesh Nadakath, gave us a quick crash course about the historical relevance of the building in which I was staying. I learned that the heritage building in which the hotel is located was originally built by the Portuguese in 1860. This historic building was once a stately mansion owned by an eminent Jewish family. Although the owners had migrated to Israel a long time back, the building was taken on lease by the Paul Group of Hotels and carefully restored to its original structure. Even though the building acts like a time machine letting you enjoy the art and architecture of the bygone colonial era, it is well equipped with all contemporary luxuries and turned into a boutique hotel. No wonder Forte Kochi is one of the best 5-star hotels in Kochi.
Being a boutique property Forte Kochi has well-appointed 27 colonial-style rooms. You can book yourself in any of the three kinds of rooms – Classic rooms that accommodate two people, Imperial King rooms that accommodate four people, and the Sovereign Suite that can accommodate four people. While my room had an antique and traditional look, it also offered all modern amenities like an LED TV, Refrigerator, Coffee/Tea Maker, Air Conditioning, Mini Bar, wi-fi etc. As I entered the room, I was greeted into a room reminiscence of British elegance and luxury. The room was elegantly designed with colourful tiled floors, large arched tinted windows, colonial-era lamps, and cushioned wicker sofas. The bathroom was well-equipped with a nice bathtub, hand shower, hairdryer, and required toiletries, dressing gowns, and slippers. All the colonial-styled rooms face the central courtyard and swimming pool.
Apart from the in-room amenities, the hotel has an inviting swimming pool where one can take a dip or relax by the poolside. You can borrow a book from the in-house library or lounge by the poolside with a drink. I really loved sitting in the courtyard, where I could hear the birds singing. Kochi gets really hot and humid in summers, so returning to the sea green-blue pool was like returning to an oasis of calm after a hectic day of sightseeing. There is an in-house bar where you can order your favourite drink.
What surprised me the most was the presence of the holy spring of the Jews right in the courtyard where a beautiful tortoise lives. You had to walk down a few flights of stairs to get to the spring that dates back to over 200 years.
Food served at Forte Kochi is a sensory pleasure for your taste buds. I’ve to admit this was the place that gave me food comma. Everything right from simple buttermilk is made with so much precision and care that flavours have a field day in your mouth. My first meal in Kochi was at Jetty restaurant, and man, it was mindblowing. The restaurant serves a varied fare to its guests – from local Malabar delicacies to Continental cuisine, from Pan Indian dishes to a tempting seafood spread. The appams I had here were the softest and most flavourful I ever had. The food is exceptional, and there’s so much variety available. Credit goes to Chef Jejo Joseph for being so consistent with taste. I stayed at the hotel for two days and had all my meals here because I loved it so much! Everything from prawn curry to pasta was delicious. And the desserts are to die for.
Breakfast is a combination of buffet and à la carte. One can order from a selection of Indian or European breakfast options and beverages, juices, and shakes.
Another interesting feature that I loved about this boutique property was the High Tea. Served in the evening by the poolside at a small recreated local Kerala style tea shop known as Thattukada. Along with tea, filter coffee, and local snacks.
The cost of a vacation in Kochi depends on your budget, and you can go as high or as low as you want. But if you’re going to have a holiday similar to mine, then this is what it will cost:
Accommodation in an imperial room – Rs 10030/- per night (including Bed & Breakfast)
Guided Heritage Tour – Rs. 3540 for two people
Kathakali Show – Rs. 1180 for two people
Kalaripayattu Show 1180 for two people
Airport Pick Up & Drop by Innova Crysta – Rs.9000/-
Food – Rs. 2500 for two people
Total cost for two people (minus the flights) – 37460 (inclusive of taxes) / USD 490
Besides Forte Kochi, the other hotels worth checking out in Kochi are Brunton Boatyard, Fragrant Nature Kochi, Ramada by Wyndham Kochi Resort, Kochi Marriott Hotel, Grand Hyatt Kochi Bolgatty, and many more.
While most of my meals were at Forte Kochi’s Jetty restaurant, you can try any of the following places considered the best to eat in Kochi. Here are some of the best places to eat in Kochi. Sri Muruga Café for pazhampori and beef fry, Grand Pavillion at the Grand Hotel for their karimeen (pearl spot) pollichathu (beef fry) with Malabar parotta, Kayees Rahmathulla Café for Biryani, Ojeen for thirty different variety of traditional Malabari Mappila snacks, Armoury Café at The Brunton Boatyard Hotel for first-class railway curry, Daal Roti for North Indian fare, Ginger House, Café Crafters, Kashi Art Café, and a small outlet at Neroth John Chandy & Co (Mattachery) for coffees, shakes, juices and western snacks etc. They serve really good ginger soda and carrot cake.
There are four ways to get from New Delhi to Kochi – by plane, train, bus or car. Like most tourists, I arrived in Kochi on a flight that takes around 3 hrs 10 mins and costs between 5000 to 12000 INR. The nearest airport to Kochi is Cochin International Airport, located about a 1-hour drive from Fort Kochi. In peak hours, it can take more than 2 hours to reach the hotel or vice versa. The train is the cheapest mode to reach Kochi but takes around 43-hours and costs anywhere between one thousand rupees to five thousand rupees. The bus will take 2 days 12 hours, and would cost anywhere between 5000 rupees to 8000 rupees. If driving nonstop, it would take you approximately four hours and cost anywhere between 19000 to 30,000 rupees.
If you are planning to explore only Fort Kochi, you don’t need transportation as it is quite a small area that you can easily explore on foot. To explore other parts of the city, you can get an Uber or an autorickshaw or even a ferry. Also, check Kochi’sKochi’s new metro line. Kerala’s first metro rail runs from Aluva to Petta (22 stations) and only has one line. As of now, the Kochi metro doesn’t reach Fort Kochi, but there are plans to expand it over the years. The nearest metro stations to Fort Kochi are Maharaja College Metro Station and M G Road Metro Station. Both are approximately 3 km away from Fort Kochi.
If you want to explore Kerala further, I highly recommend experiencing the Kerala backwaters in Kumarakom. They are less touristy than Alleppey.
I hope you find this post helpful and it inspires you to experience the best things to do in Kochi in 2 days!
Have you been to Fort Kochi, or if you have any more suggestions for me to add? Let me know in the comments section below.
Are you looking to visit Coorg and unsure where to stay or what to do? Read my detailed review about Coorg Wilderness Resort and the best places to visit in Coorg.
Road trips are tempting and hard to resist, especially for someone like me who prefers being on the road to indoors. So, when the opportunity came in February to visit Coorg, I latched on to it. After all, I had planned to visit Coorg for a long time, and I didn’t even bother to check when was the best time to visit Coorg or the best places to visit. Guess my regular readers would know that I am more of a spontaneous traveller who goes by the flow and recommendations of the locals. And that’s precisely what I did on this trip to know. For people who don’t know much about Coorg – Bestowed with lush green landscapes and acres of coffee and spice plantations. Situated in the Western Ghats of the Sahyadri Mountains in South Western Karnataka, Coorg is blessed with the natural beauty poets use in their poems. Coorg has an undulating variety of options to cater from cascading milky white waterfalls to dense forests to gurgling rivers to adventurous trekking routes to fascinating caves to traditional temples to ancient-era forts to meticulously preserved museums to all kinds of travellers. So, in this post, I’ll share my experience of visiting Coorg and how you, too, can have a great trip.
Also, since I was visiting South India after almost two years and am pretty conscious about my carbon footprint, I decided to cover at least four places instead of one. My first destination was Bangalore, followed by Coorg, Fort Kochi and Kumarakom. You can read more about the Bangalore experience here – Hotel review: is Paul Bangalore one of the best 5-star hotels in Bangalore or not?
Now let me share my experience of visiting Coorg. Here’s a detailed vlog about my 5 days trip to Coorg.
After a relaxed two day staycation at the Paul Bangalore Hotel, I was ready for an adventure-filled vacation in the lap of South India’s famed hill station – Coorg. To beat the crazy Bangalore traffic, I left my hotel at 8:30 am. And, somewhere between my car naps, conversations and coffee breaks, the cityscape gave way to emerald landscapes and hectares of plantations on either side of the state highway 17. Six hours, one nariyal pani stop, two chai stops, five-car naps, and several spontaneous camera moments later, we were at our destination. On a winding road off the highway, about four kilometres from the main Madikeri town, there stood Coorg Wilderness Resort, my den for the next five days.
Coorg Wilderness Resort, genuinely living up to its name, is nestled amid Western Ghats’ deep valleys and majestic hills. The fourth luxury offering from Paul John Resorts & Hotels, the resort is located just 3kms from the city centre. Yet, it feels like you have entered a world of true wilderness as your car enters the property premise. As I stepped out of the car at the reception of the luxury resort after a six-hour journey, I was greeted by a refreshing cool towel and a rejuvenating hot locally blended coffee. A perfect mix to perk me up from my slumber.
We finished the check-in formalities in no time, and within minutes I was in a “buggy”. A golf cart-type electric vehicle is the only mode of transport around the 40 acres of the resort property. I rode a few hundred metres uphill to reach my 1350 sq feet Hillview Suite perched atop a natural slope. Coorg Wilderness Resort offers three different types of accommodation for guests; Grove View Studios, Grove View Suites and Hill View Suites.
The elegant European-style Hill View suite reminded me of my stay at a Swiss Alps Chalet in Zermatt. A spacious birchwood suite decked up with stately interiors and furnishings had traditionally designed electric fireplace and gothic-styled chandeliers. The well-lit suite opened up to a large bay window and a sun deck offering panoramic views of the famed Coorg forest and valley. The best part of the suite was the bathroom – way larger than an average bathroom, fitted with luxurious Jaguar bathroom fittings and a bathtub near a big window. There was a large vanity area where you could sit for hours dressing up or reading a book. The suites in the property are non-air-conditioned given the cool weather Coorg is known for and enjoy the different sounds of nature. Construction is done in such a way that the buildings blend in with the surroundings – roofs are green in colour, and no trees were cut for building the resort.
As the night fell, the resort wore a magical attire adorned with dimly-lit paths leading up and down to the various villas, activity centres and restaurants. Although there was an option to call a buggy, I loved walking on the winding pathways lined with manicured gardens on both sides.
Coorg Wilderness offers two dining options to its guests – Habba restaurant offers Italian, American, pan Asian and Indian cuisines with a lavish buffet spread. Vembanad, a speciality restaurant, offers coastal dishes with a Coorg and Kerala influence. There are two bars; the Tipsy Bar and the Hunters Lodge. I was pleasantly surprised to find a lady bartender at Tipsy Bar.
After a hearty breakfast and some rest, I decided to try out the recently opened Nikaay Spa at the resort, where I could choose from a range of rejuvenating experiences ranging from facial treatments to full-body massages and therapeutic yoga rituals. Being a Spa Enthusiast, I’ve tried a lot of treatments at different places. Still, Nikaay stood out with its wholesomeness and spa rituals. The process started with pre rituals, including a cold water shower and Swedish sauna for 15 minutes, followed by a 60 minutes massage (I chose Swedish massage). The spa process ended with fifteen-minute post spa rituals, including a spa drink, fruit platter, steam room and shower. After the treatment, I felt feather-light and totally rejuvenated.
From one kind of rejuvenating experience, I moved on to discover the other rejuvenation for which Coorg is famous for. Coorg is the Coffee Bowl of the country as it accounts for nearly 40 per cent of the country’s total coffee production. Therefore it would have been blasphemous to visit the region and not visit a coffee plantation. One hour away from the resort lay Mercara Gold Estate. Spread across an area of 30 acres, it is an ideal place to get a crash course on how coffee is made right from the berry picking stage to the moment it reaches you in a cup. Murudeshwar, our walk guide, gave us a one-hour-long insightful tour of the estate ending with a delectable Coorg coffee! Even the minimalist me couldn’t stop myself from shopping for the fragrant spices and coffee from the estate.
Around 5:30 pm, we returned to the Coorg Wilderness Resort to witness a glorious sunset at the viewing deck, offering a 360-degree view. We finally wrapped up our glorious day with Paul John Whisky and vintage collection Big Banyan wine at Tipsy bar.
The next day I woke early to attend an early morning guided walk with a Naturalist in the forests known to house over 350 bird species. Post the walk and delicious breakfast; I decided to test my adrenaline rush by spending a few hours in the Adventure park trying out different activities such as a 5 rope course, rock climbing and Zipline along with one rope course at the exit.
Post lunch, I just let my weary muscles recoup from exertion by enjoying a bathtub therapy.
And the coastal cuisine at Vembanad restaurant was a perfect way to end a perfect day at Coorg Wilderness Resort. We started with one veg and one non-veg starter – the Hurule Cheer Vada (horse gram fritters with local spinach, served with spicy roasted tomato chutney), Kodanari Toppu Mean (curry leaf marinated fish wrapped in banana leaves, cooked to perfection on the griddle) followed by the main course – Malabari Pachakari Kurma (vegetables simmered in a thick spicy coconut based gravy) and Prawns Mappas (prawns cooked in coriander flavoured thick creamy gravy mildly spiced and served with appam)
Coorg is fondly called the “Scotland of India” for its sheer natural beauty. Hence I decided to spend the last day of my trip exploring the great outdoors of Coorg. While there is no shortage of best places to visit in Coorg, I could only pack a few in my limited time. Thanks to Anthony D’Souza, the travel and activities in charge at Coorg Wilderness Resort, who ensured Coorg left a lasting impression on me. I couldn’t have asked for a better itinerary.
My day started at 5:00 am with an early morning drive to Mandalpatti Peak, which is one of the best places in Coorg for sunrise and sunset. Situated approximately 30 kilometres from Madikeri in Pushpagiri Reserve Forest, Mandalpatti Peak is at 4050 feet above sea level. You can hike up the 4km trek from the main entrance, but we decided to take an off-road jeep to reach the peak before sunrise. There was an entrance fee of INR 25/-, and Drones were not allowed inside the forest area.
While returning, we stopped for a short Tea and Maggie break at Kota Abbey Waterfall. The water cascading over rocks into the pool had an excellent therapeutic feel. It is a great picnic spot. The best time to visit Kota Abbey falls is early winter or during monsoons when the water level is high.
Entry fee – Rs. 20/- per person and Rs. 300 for Drone
After quickly freshening up, I decided to explore the best attractions of Coorg and around.
We started the exploration of the town by visiting the revered Omkareshwara temple, the famous Siva temple in Madikeri built by Linga Rajendra in 1820 as penance for killing a brahmin. The architectural beauty of the temple is worth observing – the temple has both Islamic and Gothic styles of architecture. Another noteworthy architectural feature of the temple is the water tank in front, inhabited by different varieties of fish. There are four Minarets around and a dome in the centre of the temple. A footpath leads to the Mandap. Here the Sivalinga was named Omkareswara. Regular rituals are performed here, and I highly recommend visiting it at Pooja hour.
TSW Tip: No cameras are allowed inside the temple, and it closes at noon after the afternoon prayer. The temple is open every day from 6:30 am to 12:00 pm and 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm.
If you like to be mesmerized by the scenic beauty and enchanting views, you’ll love Gaddigey, which literally means “Seat of the Kings”. As the name suggests, Raja’s Seat used to be a favourite place of kings of Coorg. The sunset and sunrise view from Raja’s seat is exceptionally captivating and mustn’t be missed. Golden sunlight falling on the lush greenery offers fantastic photographic opportunities as well. The calmness of the place and the scenic beauty of the well-maintained park makes it a fantastic nature retreat for morning and evening walks. An area for children’s amusement makes it perfect for a family outing. There is a toy train that goes around the Raja Seat and is something that attracts both children as well as adults.
Entry fee – Rs. 5/- per person
Tucked between a lush coverage of bamboo groves and a serene Kaveri river, Nisargadhama Park is 28 km away from Coorg. Spread across 64 acres of land, this place is abundantly blessed with a good variety of flora and fauna. As soon as you reach here, a hanging rope bridge connects you to Nisargadhama. The place is home to rich wildlife and birds – deers, peacocks, rabbits, etc. Nisargadhama is covered with a thick foliage cover of sandalwood and teak trees, and bamboo groves. You could spend time boating, elephant riding, or simply sightseeing on foot.
Entry fee – Rs. 10/- per person, Rs. 25/- for Elephant Ride, Rs. 100/- for Boating and Rs. 700 –
1000 per Night for Forest Resort Accommodation
This place was one of my favourite places around Coorg. Situated in the Hudgur village near Kushalnagar of Coorg District, Harangi Dam was built across the tributary of River Cauvery. It was the first dam built across River Cauvery, creating a stunning view of the forceful stream of water. It is a slightly offbeat place that most tourists do not frequent. If you are looking for some break from the usual hustle-bustle of tourist spots, Harangi dam is your place. The best time to visit the Harangi dam is from August to September when the reservoir is brimming with water.
We then passed through Honnamana Kere Lake and a few other places before reaching our destination, Dubare Elephant Camp.
Managed by Jungle Lodges and Resorts, Dubare Elephant Camp is located on an island in the Cauvery River. You can get really close to the gentle giants under the supervision of trained naturalists, who help you observe, learn, and participate in numerous elephant-centric activities. Since the water level was relatively shallow, we crossed the river barefoot (carry floaters or shoes that you won’t mind getting wet) to reach the Dubare Elephant Camp, which was quite an adventure. Once we reached the camp, we watched the pachyderms being bathed, groomed, and fed. Though extremely touristy, the camp is a big hit among the kids and families.
PS: I’ve my reservations visiting places where captive animals are kept. So, personally, I would not recommend it.
Entry fee – Rs. 20 per person, Rs. 30 per person for a boat ride, Rs. 100 per person for Elephant bathing and Rs. 20 for Elephant feeding activities. The daily Elephant interaction at Dubare Elephant Camp occurs from 9:00 am to 11:00 am and again from 4.30 pm to 5.30 pm.
We started at 4:30 am the next day to reach our next destination, Fort Kochi. We drove for approximately two hours and thirty minutes from the resort to get to the Kannur International Airport.
The total Package cost me around 2,10,520/- plus taxes for two people.
The kind of luxurious experience I had, the cost is worth it. It’s a holiday that you won’t forget for a long time.
When you think about Coorg, plenty of clichéd adjectives come to mind – picturesque, tranquil, joyful and much more. But the core appeal of Coorg remains simple – a quiet hill station that’s easily accessible via a well-connected road network, offering one of the best cuisines available in the south. If it’s a self-driven vacation you’re looking at, all roads lead to a perennially green pocket in southwestern Karnataka. And, if you are someone who enjoys a luxurious stay amidst the wilderness, then there can’t be anything better than Coorg Wilderness Resort. Here are the top reasons why I recommend this resort
You can book directly by visiting the Coorg Wilderness Resort website or through any third-party aggregator like Makemytrip, Yatra, Agoda, TripAdvisor etc. Use discount code INF20 to get an additional discount while booking any John Paul Properties.
If you want to read some more stories from Bangalore and around, don’t forget to read the following stories.
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Are you visiting Bengaluru soon and looking for one of the best 5-star hotels to stay in Bangalore? Read my detailed review of the Paul Bangalore hotel before booking your stay.
Bangalore, the silicon valley of India, is a hub of start-ups and technology firms. One of the most visited cities in India by business travellers, it soon started feeling the crunch of space. As the city’s start-ups ecosystem flourished, space became the biggest luxury. I have been to Bengaluru innumerable times on business and have stayed at several luxury hotels. But this time, the purpose of my visit was completely different. I decided to take a staycation in the heart of the city without stepping out of my hotel. As I didn’t want to sleep in a cramped 200 sq. ft hotel room, I opted for a business luxury hotel where space wasn’t a constraint. The Paul Bangalore Hotel became my default choice. Now you’ll wonder why I chose this hotel when there is no shortage of the best luxury hotels in Bangalore.
Here is my honest review of why the Paul Hotel is one of the best hotels in Bangalore.
Here’s a detailed vlog about my stay experience at the Paul Bangalore Hotel.
Whenever booking a hotel, location becomes my number one factor to consider. Whether I am on a work trip or leisure trip, I try to stay in the city’s heart as I don’t want to spend unnecessary money and time on transportation. And this time was no different. I asked around which is the best location to stay in Bangalore. I got many options to choose from – Koramangala, Indiranagar, M.G., Malleswaram, HSR Layout, Kammanahalli, Rajajinagar and a lot more. Finally, I settled for ‘The Paul Bangalore’ because it is strategically positioned in the heart of the city. Located in the CBD of Bangalore, the hotel is 3.5 km from Bagmane Tech Park, which houses major Fortune 500 companies. Baring the Bangalore International Airport (which is 43 km from the hotel), everything seems to be nearby – whether it is the Bangalore Railway Station (12 km), M.G. Road (4 km) or the major shopping areas of Indiranagar and Koramangala. Next to the property, there are both residential areas and tech giants.
As my car approached the hotel, I was a bit confused traversing through the residential area lanes, but as I entered the hotel, I was in for a big surprise. The first feature of the property that captured my attention was the soaring atrium. The spacious atrium is tastefully designed to create the setting of an oasis through the use of lush indoor foliage of a rainforest, clusters of palms, gurgling fountains, and natural materials, such as wood, slate and granite. A large fabric roof—reminiscent of tents in a desert—covers the atrium, allowing the space to be used in all weather conditions. The best part about the atrium is that in a time when Climate change is such a big issue, the Paul Bangalore has found a way to keep a large open area naturally air-conditioned, well ventilated and lit by a semi-open, tensile fabric covered top. Thus, saving electricity used for air conditioning and lighting. The atrium holds the Sidewalk Cafe & Bar, lounge, reception and concierge desk.
Being part of the Paul John Hotels, the Paul Bangalore too is designed in a way that is very luxurious but not in your face. Unlike other five-star hotels in Bangalore, the hotel is very chic and modern but aesthetically understated rather than colourful Baroque. You see a lot of beige and cream hues that are pleasing to the eyes. I couldn’t help but notice the magnificent artworks collected from different parts of the world.
The Paul Bangalore is an all-suite Luxury Business Hotel with 57 suites. There are four room categories ranging from 600 to 1250 square feet – Studio Suite, Two-bedroom Executive Suite, Two-bedroom Premium Suite and Two bedroom Club Suite. I stayed in the Maharaja Club Suite, which could house a big family. It had two bedrooms with attached balconies and bathrooms, one spare bathroom, one living room with a dining hall and kitchen and a well-stocked bar with premium alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.
Besides an outdoor pool, the hotel has a fitness centre with state-of-the-art equipment, steam and a sauna.
If Paul Bangalore’s architecture and rooms can be so well thought of, how can food be less? The hotel offers multiple dining options, including three speciality restaurants, Bangalore’s only hotel based Microbrewery called Murphy’s Brewhouse and 24-hour room service.
I’ve to admit Paul Bangalore knows its flavours pretty well. Even a mundane thing like a welcome drink is prepared with a lot of thought, and I still remember the refreshing litchi and dragon fruit welcome drink. The head chef Mukesh Jha and his team ensure that you never forget the deliciousness of their restaurants long after your trip is over.
Now let me share my experience of trying out their various restaurants.
Nestled at the hotel’s atrium, the Sidewalk Café & Bar has a warm and cosy ambience. Designed like a European bistro, you can feast on an array of sumptuous international cuisines, including Italian, Pan Asian, American, Continental, Indian, and more. Their breakfast buffet spread is incredibly lavish with live cooking stations and a separate health zone filled with different kinds of fruits, salads, cold cuts, and juices.
They have a daily rotating menu and pocket-friendly price, making it a hit amongst corporate lunches and weekend brunches. The Sidewalk Cafe is open round the clock, and you can either opt for a buffet at mealtimes, order ala carte or room service.
TSW Tip: Don’t forget to try their Horlicks barfi, moti choor ladoo, and two types of sambhar (Kerala and Karnataka). Their wood-fired oven pizzas are also delicious and of enormous size.
Located on the fourth floor of the Paul, Vembanad is a multi-award-winning fine dining coastal restaurant. Named after a very picturesque Vembanad Lake that happens to be the longest lake in the country and the largest in Kerala, the restaurant would leave you enthralled with its food quality. As I walked into Vembanad restaurant, I felt I had entered a “Tharavadu” house in Kerala.
The decor was quintessentially Kerala style, with a lit Nillavillaku (traditional brass lamp) placed at its entrance and a wooden snake boat decorated with flowers and candles. The moody, warm lighting in the restaurant enhanced the beauty of the carved wooden ceiling, wood-panelled walls, terracotta-tiled floors and heavy antique-styled teak furniture. The female staff were dressed in the traditional Kerala saree – Kasavu saree. My local friends had told me that this is the best restaurant for coastal cuisine in Bangalore, especially their fish and prawns. Being a vegetarian, I enjoyed my Vazha Koombu Cultlet, cheera pakora, and Pachakari Istew with freshly prepared appams on a live counter.
This happens to be my local friends’ favourite hangout place, and all of them had recommended me to visit it. So, I did, and this is what I found. Murphy’s Brewhouse, the first Irish microbrewery in Bangalore, is an excellent place to hang out with friends. Although I am not much of a beer person, I admit Paul Brewhouse does serve good Irish stout beer (saying from experiencing the beers in Ireland). My favourite of their four home-brewed beers was their Holy Sally, a Belgian wheat beer that was refreshing and flavorful!
I even took their Microbrewery tour, which I found pretty interesting. Arun and Karthik, the brewers at the microbrewery, are really very knowledgeable and passionate about brewing beers (do watch Karthik spill the beans in my vlog.)
Unfortunately, I couldn’t try this speciality restaurant that serves Indian Mughlai cuisine. But there’s always a next time to try.
Last but not least, my review would be incomplete without mentioning the people behind the impeccable service I got. I must say the staff of the Pual Bangalore are gold class when it comes to high standards of running a hotel. From the front desk to the chefs, all the staff members were very friendly and genuinely caring. Special mention to Sridhar, Naveen, Chef Mukesh, Chef Bino and Karthik (both the brewer and the front office executive) for providing me with a delightful experience.
I truly enjoyed my stay at the Paul Bangalore Hotel. What really stood out to me was the quality of service, the food and beverage, and the classy design of the hotels. My only qualms were that I wish I were travelling around Onam time because, at that time, the ambience of the hotel, especially Vembanad, is very festive and their sadhya is the best in the town. Also, I wish I was there to enjoy their Sunday brunch at Sidewalk Cafe. But there’s always the next time.
So, are you ready to stay at the Paul Bangalore next time you are in the city?
If you want to read some more stories from Bangalore and around, don’t forget to read the following stories.
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Nizamuddin Basti Renewal project – find out how the mystic abode of Sufi saints got a mammoth makeover while rebuilding lives in Delhi.
Named after the Sufi saint Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya, Nizamuddin Basti is one of the oldest inhabited areas of Delhi. It gained spiritual significance in the 13th century when it became the final resting place of the famous saint and his spiritual disciple, poet Amir Khusrau. While Basti has been forever popular among saints and spirituality seekers, its appeal increased when Imtiaz Ali shot the famous ‘Kun Faya Kun’ song from Superhit Bollywood movie ‘Rockstar’ at Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya dargah. Besides the dargah, the area is home to Delhi’s two top heritage attractions – Humayun’s tomb and Sunder Nursery.
As you enter the Basti, you are greeted into a world of colour, culture and chaos. Over seven hundred year old crammed streets and winding lanes convey history lessons. While walking the narrow alleys, you realise that the Basti is not only rich in the built heritage but is a treasure trove of living cultural heritage. A heritage represented by old traditions, delectable cuisine, soul-stirring Sufi music, and intricate handicrafts.
Unfortunately, three decades ago, Nizamuddin Basti’s image took a downward plunge – from a thriving cultural hub to a crime-ridden ghetto, discouraging visitors and encouraging criminals. But then something remarkable happened, and to everyone’s surprise, Nizamuddin Basti got a mammoth makeover that stunned everyone. History was revived, and lives were rebuilt through a Nizamuddin Basti Renewal project that achieved 15 out of 17 sustainable development goals. Besides restoring over 20 historical monuments, the basti was sustainably developed, providing a better life to the local communities. A crumbling society grappling with social issues such as unemployment, illiteracy, poverty, gender discrimination and inadequate healthcare facilities got a new lease of life.
In 2008, through an innovative People-Public-Private Partnership model, the Nizamuddin Basti Renewal project achieved the unthinkable – placing heritage at the heart of sustainable development. The project overcame significant socioeconomic challenges by working on three core areas: health, education, and environmental sanitation. The initiative included the conservation of several important monuments, cultural programming, training of guides, creating a public school and toilet facilities and skills training, particularly of youth and women. The project has become a successful template for others to follow and won hearts globally. In 2021, Delhi’s Nizamuddin Basti won two UNESCO Asia-Pacific Awards for Cultural Heritage Conservation – Award of Excellence and Special Recognition for Sustainable Development Award.
To understand how this miraculous transformation happened, Travel See Write reached out to Aga-Khan Trust for Culture (AKTC) and the locals of the Basti. Ratish Nanda, the CEO of AKTC, shared the underlying emotion behind the project.
All of us at Aga Trust for culture are working towards improving the quality of life of communities through culture. Take, for example, Nizamuddin Basti. One of the biggest assets of the Basti is their culture – both the built heritage and living heritage like music, food, traditions, beliefs etc. Yet these are poor communities.
The trust is trying to improve the community’s quality of life by restoring monuments and building toilets, health clinics, primary schools, improving houses, and a lot more. Shedding light on how the project incorporated community development into heritage conservation, Nanda said,
Through this project, we wanted to develop a historic city centre model where conservation and development including education, sanitation, employment, and urban development go hand in hand. We look at heritage as an asset, not as a burden.
Nizamuddin Basti Renewal initiative went beyond monuments restoration to the holistic and sustainable development of the basti by working on five key pillars – Livelihood generation, environment sanitisation, Education, Healthcare, and heritage appreciation.
In 2008, AKTC formed a women’s self-help group named ‘Insha-e-Noor’ to train and create employment opportunities for the women of the Basti. To date, over six hundred women have attained economic and social independence by choosing to be part of this initiative. They create beautiful, handcrafted textile and paper products inspired by Nizamuddin’s rich cultural and architectural heritage. 48-year old Zaida started learning tailoring here in 2008 and has become an essential part of the organisation since then. She feels joining Insha-e-Noor was one of the best decisions of her life. She attained financial independence, but she also gained a lot of self-confidence and respect from others. With a twinkle in her eyes, she told how proud her children are of what she has achieved,
Bacchae Bhi dusro ko kahte hai ki Hamari Ammi yeh sab karti hai.
From being one of the first members of the women’s self-help group to becoming its board member, she shared how Insha-e-Noor has made a difference in her own life and community. Local women, the actual shareholders, run the organisation, and the profits are equally shared. They collect money and help each other whenever required without charging any interest. They earn by selling their handicraft items online and participating in various exhibitions and melas like Dastakar, Diwali Mela, Basant Bazaar, etc.
Besides lack of livelihood opportunities, another big issue that the basti faced was the absence of safe and hygienic toilets. Over 25% of households in the Basti didn’t have toilets and were dependent on the two public toilets, which were terrible to use, especially for the women. 35-year-old Anisa recounts the unpleasant old days,
Diwaren bahut chotti thee jinpar ladke chaddh kar humein chedte the. Subah Shaam akele Jaane main bahut darr lagta tha. Bahut ganda rahta tha aur badboo ki to baat hi mat Karo
(The walls of the toilet were too low on which boys would climb and eve-tease us. We were scared to use it, especially during morning and evening hours. It was too dirty and too smelly”.
AKTC formed Rehmat Nigrani Samooh (RNS) to improve and maintain the condition of the community toilet. It has become South Delhi’s model toilet with thirty toilet seats and a bathing and washing area from being a dirty toilet. Usually, it remains open from 6 am to 10 pm, but it remains 24hrs open when over 10,000 people use it during festive times. The locals are trained to take care of the public toilet and educate the visitors to maintain cleanliness. Besides the toilets, the Nizamuddin Basti Renewal initiative also undertook the landscaping and beautification of Barapullah Nalaah, Nizamuddin Baoli, local parks, streets and schools.
The municipal primary school has transformed. Hyder Rizwi, who works at SDMC School, revealed that in 2007/08, the Baseline survey on Education of Delhi revealed that out of the total population of 15,000 in the Basti, only 150-200 children were enrolled in the schools. The reasons were aplenty–shabby school premises, lack of teachers, lack of midday meals, and mothers working as maids in other houses, so no one was there to drop the children at the school. AKTC revamped the school using the building as a learning aid (BALA) to make learning fun for children. The walls were coloured to depict nature, rows of low blackboards for children to scribble on, counting and tables were written on stairs, and measurement charts on the walls, among other fun learning things. New teachers were hired, and other infrastructural issues were taken care of by AKTC.
Before the project took off, the healthcare conditions in the Basti were abysmal. Unsurprisingly, pregnant women and children were found to be the most vulnerable. A path lab was set up, and fifty local women were trained as health workers called Sehat Sahelis (40) and Sehat Aapas (10). Each Saheli looks after 40 homes reaching out to 14,000 permanent population and 7000 floating population. They report to Sehat Aapas, who in turn reports to the doctor or public health specialist. 39-year-old Saira Qureshi, a single mother of six children, joined the organisation ten years back when her husband expired. She has singlehandedly raised her family. Today, her eldest daughter is in college and pursuing theatre. Qureshi’s job involves going door-to-door and ensuring that everyone gets medical and nutrition help in time. According to her, fewer maternal deaths or malnourishment cases have occurred in the last ten years.
Hazrat Nizamuddin Basti is a custodian of 700 years of living cultural heritage. And one of the main objectives of the Nizamuddin Basti Renewal project was to generate awareness about the tangible and intangible heritage of the Humayun’s Tomb – Nizamuddin Basti area amongst people especially the school children. And, thus ‘Sair-e-Nizamuddin’, a Self Help Group comprising Basti youth, was created in 2010 to promote heritage appreciation and provide employment to the young boys from Nizamuddin. Since then, the group has regularly conducted heritage walks through the Hazrat Nizamuddin Area, including the World Heritage Site of Humayun’s Tomb and Rahim’s Tomb. 35-year-old Md. Rashid Siddiqui, who has been one of the founder members of the ‘Sair-e-Nizamuddin’ self-help group, shared the success of his eleven member team. He said,
To date, we have taken over 50,000 school children on our heritage walks. We not only tell them about the monuments but also introduce them to our cultural activities like lime plaster, honey-bees, sanjhi (paper stencilling), and aari embroidery, among others.
According to Rashid, the main characteristic of these walks is to showcase the social life, tradition and customs of the Basti while giving equal importance to written history. Over the years, the heritage awareness programme has been established with many government departments, schools, hotels, and the tourism industry. Besides aiding the tourism, education and cultural sector, these walks have also provided an alternate career option to the youth from the community.
Nizamuddin Basti Renewal project has created a blueprint on how organisations can use conservation for people’s social and economic upliftment.
If you are planning to visit Nizamuddin Basti to know its history and the best things to do and see, keep in mind the following things:
Hope you liked the amazing work that the Nizamuddin Basti Urban Renewal project has done. Please let me know in the comment box below how you find the article or anything you want to know more about.
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In this post you’ll read about the top things that to-do in Varanasi as per the locals.
Varanasi is sacred, soulful, scrumptious and spectacular but most importantly, it is the spiritual capital of India. What Mecca is to Islam and Jerusalem to Christianity, Varanasi is to Hinduism. Lord Shiva’s city has been known by many names such as Banaras, Kashi, Avimukha, Anandavana, Rudravasa, and Mahashmashana. The current name Varanasi comes from Varuna and Assi, the two tributaries of the Ganges that come together in the heart of the holy city. Here pilgrims come to wash away their sins in the sacred Ganges waters, to cremate their loved ones, or simply to die here in a hope to attain moksha (liberation from the endless cycle of rebirth and union with the divine).
Varanasi is mystical and one of the most visited cities in India. However, it is definitely not for the faint-hearted. At first glance, it will enthral you with its intensity, colours and chaos. But once you get past the initial culture shock and dig deeper, you’ll see an immensely exhilarating and captivating side of the city. Here is how not only to survive but thrive in the spiritual Capital of India
Here’s a vlog about my experience of exploring Varanasi with the locals:
As one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, Varanasi appears to be crumbling, whimsical, and eccentric. The maze of pedestrian alleys or ‘galis’ can feel claustrophobic and crowded. But this is where the heart of the city lives. Very little has changed in these tightly woven streets since the medieval ages. They have been home to more than a hundred cultures, traces of many of which can be found in the labyrinth of little lanes occupied by 3.5 million locals who call this bustling city their home. The city might not serve you the upmarket creative cocktails, however, it might teach you a few things about the cycle of life and death.
Besides the ghats, one must relish the food, architecture and weaving industry of Banaras. And, how can you forget the Banarasi paan? Here are the top things to do in Varanasi.
There is no dearth of things to do in Varanasi. From doing temple trips, attending yoga classes to witnessing prayer ceremonies on the riverbank, there’s always something or the other happening in the city. Here are the top ten things to do in Varanasi
The heart of Varanasi lies along the river, on ghats — a series of steps leading to the river’s edge—each staircase divided by history, religion, livelihood, and legends. A linear walk through the ghats is the best way to see the city’s multi-cultural fabric. From early morning till late night, the ghats are flooded by devotees, sadhus (holy men), fortune-tellers, yoga practitioners, beggars, boat operators, trinket vendors, snack-sellers, and visitors. The ghats are most atmospheric at dawn, when pilgrims gather at the riverbank for morning Puja (prayers), offering water from the sacred Ganges to the rising sun and taking a dip in the river to cleanse their souls of sins. Start walking from Assi Ghat, via Dashashwamedh and Manikarnika to Scindia Ghat, where an ancient stone Shiva temple is slowly slipping into the mire, and Panchganga Ghat, crowned by a stone mosque built by the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb. Despite the crowds, the smell of spirituality is all-encompassing. While clicking of pictures is allowed almost everywhere, show respect to devotees and avoid taking photos of funerals.
Every evening a mesmerising aarti ceremony takes place at Dashashwamedh Ghat and the air is filled with prayers, chanting, music and incense. Bells ring, drums bang, cymbals crash, oil lamps are thrust skywards and floating lights are cast into the Ganges. A festival-style atmosphere pervades and the ghat is chock-o-blocked by pilgrims and sightseers. It is the best time to capture the spiritual essence of the city. Taking a boat ride on the Ganges often provides a better vantage point. Make sure to reach early to get a better place to see the prayer ceremony.
Whether you love photography or not, a dawn boat ride on the Ganges is highly recommended. It will give you an unmatched view of the ghats and temples from a more serene vantage point than observing from crowded land. Watching the morning bathing rituals is a very surreal experience and provides a lot of good photo opportunities. Witnessing cremations taking place at Manikarnika Ghat is a poignant experience that is not everyone’s cup of tea. An evening ride for uninterrupted views of the aarti ceremony at Dashashwamedh is a must-do. And, you don’t have to go hunting for a boatman. Walk along the embankment anywhere in Varanasi and a boatman will be sure to find you. You can also ask your hotel to arrange a boat trip.
Varanasi’s twisting, turning maze of alleyways can be perplexing, but getting lost is all part of the authentic Varanasi experience, and you only need to find the nearest ghat to get your bearings. The alleys are lined with shops, food stalls, tucked-away shrines, candlelit deities in alcoves and homes painted in vivid colours, plus you’ll definitely see the revered cows jostling for space in cramped lanes. Prepare yourself for the galis’ pungent smell of incense, spicy food, cow dung, and waste – it will certainly awaken all your senses.
Although it’s not possible to visit all the hundreds of temples in the holy city, make sure to visit the gilded Vishwanath Temple. With its gold-plated spires, Vishwanath is one of India’s most revered temples. Other temples are scattered through the streets of the old city. Every few metres you’ll see the tiny shrines venerating orange boulders, worshipped as Hanuman.
Varanasi is not just limited to Hinduism. The city has been a Buddhist city for almost as long as it has been a Hindu city. Take a rickshaw 6km north through Varanasi’s busy streets to an island of calm at sacred Sarnath, where the Buddha preached his first sermon after achieving enlightenment. It’s a welcome change from the crowded streets of Varanasi. Once the centre of a huge monastic community, today the ruins of 2000-year-old religious buildings sprawl across a peaceful park, rising to the 34m-high Dhamekh Stupa.
Here’s a short video about what to see in Sarnath.
If you are a culturephile, Varanasi is a great place to learn about Indian culture as it is one of India’s most important centres of learning. Take a visit to the learned precincts of the Benares Hindu University, join a yoga class on the riverbank, or enrol on a course in Carnatic classical music at the International Music Centre Ashram. There can’t be a better place to learn Indian classical music than here since Varanasi is the home town of sitar-maestro Ravi Shankar.
There are a number of street foods in India that are famous, but nothing can beat the hot and crispy kachoris and samosas from Varanasi. The city will turn you into a foodie even if you aren’t one! Little shops line little streets with sweets of all shapes and sizes. And, there are free samples too. Varanasi is not big on sit-down restaurants. You will find those, but they are dull and ordinary in comparison to street stalls. Stick to the streets and eat like a local. The city is a paradise for vegetarians. Most delicacies are prepared in desi ghee and mustard oil, be it sweet or savoury. Walk the streets and you will find kachori sabzi—fried, flaky bread with steamy curries, tikki ke chaat—fried potato cutlets with chutneys and yoghurt, and other kinds of chaat: quick street food, usually sweet and sour concoctions of various deep fried snacks topped with onions and tomatoes. Other must-try snacks are Chena Dahi Vada, Makhan Malaiyyo or Nimish, Choora Matar, Dahi Chutney Wale Gol Gappe, Laaiya Chana, Baati Chokha, and Tamatar Chaat among others. Gulp down all these lip-smacking snacks with a glass of Banarasi Thandai or Lassi. The desserts this city offers are sinful. Some of the most delicious ones are lavang-latika, rabdi and kesar doodh (saffron flavoured milk). And, don’t forget to round off the meal with a Banarasi paan. The interesting secret that most non-paan eaters don’t know is the fact that the Banarasi paan, iconised by Amitabh Bachchan in 1978 through “khaike paan banaras Wala” song in the movie Don is not from Banaras at all. But that shouldn’t stop you from trying it. Banaras holds the highest variety of Paans and there is no gali where you couldn’t find one. Paan is a Hindi word for Betel leaves laced with areca nut and Pickling Lime. A pan can cost anywhere between INR 5 to INR 5000, depending upon the ingredients and making of paan
A trip to Varanasi is incomplete without roaming the streets of the old city to find that perfect Banarasi sari. Gold and silver brocade work and intricate designs are handwoven on pure silk, organza, georgette and other fine quality materials. Don’t forget to ask for the quintessential ‘ring test’ to affirm the quality of silk, where a whole sari is passed through a small ring. Also, look out for hand-knotted carpets and shawls from Mirzapur. The rhythmic sound of looms fill the tapered streets of Gowdowliya, Lalapura and Madanpura in Varanasi. It draws you into cosy shops, tucked into snug floors of weathered buildings. For quality products, head to Jaharlall & Pannalall, one of the oldest establishments in the busy Gowdowliya market. Other places worth checking are Pandey Sari Industries near Manikarnika Ghat, Baba Black Sheep in Bhelupura Crossing and U.P. Cottage Emporium run by Nawal Kishore in Tripura Bhairawi. The city is also a great place to buy musical instruments and brassware.
The architecture of Kashi reflects diversity in construction and detailing. Ancient buildings falling to ruins, traditional balconies, red brickwork, sturdy pillars, connected congested lanes, indiscreet modern buildings, soot-covered temples and carpets of ash are what you’ll see when you explore the Land of Spirituality. The course of the River Ganges has lent itself to the step-like constructions of the Ghats. Some ghats consist of buildings from the Rajput era – large Havelis with big domes. Some are tall buildings from the Vijayanagara Empire. Sometimes modern glass structures can be found standing next to ancient monoliths. Unlike other ancient cities, Varanasi is not preserved or UNESCO-guarded, so buildings are built on top of others, and sometimes inside other buildings.
Visiting Varanasi is no ordinary tour. It is a spiritual journey of time, emotion and transcendence. As the Beatles say: “Roll up!”
The best time to visit is between November and March.
You can travel either by plane, train or bus to Varanasi.
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Banaras Tourism – a complete travel guide to Varanasi, including how to reach, the best time to visit, top places to visit, shop and eat, and accommodation in Varanasi, India.
After several years of planning and cancelling, I landed in Varanasi thanks to an impulsive decision. I was randomly scrolling when Varanasi popped up on my mobile phone, and the next thing I knew, I had booked my air tickets. Everything within 10 minutes. I arrived with high hopes, but Varanasi didn’t disappoint.
I’ve to admit that Varanasi is one of the most overwhelming cities in India and probably in the whole world. Everything could give me a panic attack – too noisy, too smoky, too congested, and too crowded. Yet, there is an order in the chaos. A city that has to be seen to be believed. But let me share what I experienced. Here’s a Varanasi travel guide that will answer all your questions about visiting the holy city.
Famous by monikers such as Banaras and Kashi, Varanasi is one of the world’s oldest continually inhabited cities. It is believed to date back to the 12th century BC. A sacred place for Hindus to die – it is believed that if you die in Banaras, you are liberated from the cycle of birth, death and reincarnation. My local friend and a fellow photographer, Aryan Thakur, told me that funeral pyres have burnt here nonstop for thousands of years. Irrespective of the fact whether ghats flood or an emergency arises. But death and cremation are not the only reasons millions of pilgrims come here every year. Some visit to wash away their sins in the holy waters of the Ganga and to worship the river itself. And, some people (like me) come here to capture the mystical beauty of the city and gorge on its delicious food. It’s a marvellous city where both life and death are celebrated in Kashi.
Ghats are the riverfront steps leading to the banks of the River Ganga. The soul of Varanasi lives on its ghats, which are buzzing with life 24/7. People taking early morning holy baths to wash away their sins, priests performing rituals, cremations happening round the clock and people practising meditation and yoga. While all this is happening, Banarasiyas are doing their daily chores – laundry, fixing boats and boys jumping into the river. It is incredible to see so many different worlds and activities co-exist in one place.
Out of 88 ghats, most are used for bathing and puja ceremonies; only two ghats – Manikarnika and Harishchandra – are used exclusively as cremation sites. Although the city is more than 900 years old, most Varanasi ghats were rebuilt in the 18th century under the Maratha patronage. All the 88 ghats are worth visiting, but if you are hard-pressed for time, I’d highly recommend you visit Dashashwamedh Ghat for its evening Ganga Aarti, Assi Ghat for morning Ganga Aarti, Manikarnika and Harishchandra for pyre burning, and Darbhanga Ghat for Instagram worthy pictures.
TSW Tip: the morning time is a better time to witness the complete Ghat action than during the day. Walk from Assi Ghat to Raj ghat or vice versa.
Skip anything but a sunrise boat ride in Varanasi. River Ganges is the core of Varanasi, and this is where life and death unite. And the beauty of Varanasi is best observed from a boat when the sun rises above the vast horizon, painting the sky in dazzling shades of amber and red at the crack of dawn. The river and the ghats glow in the golden light at sunrise and sunset. Not only do you get the best views of Varanasi from the River Ganges, but you also get to see the centuries-old Hindu way of life still being practised along the banks of the Ganges.
TSW Tip: If you want stunning Instagram pictures with dozens of birds flying in the background, don’t forget to buy the bird food before hiring a boat. The boatman selling bird food on boats charge double the regular price.
With approximately 3,000 temples and shrines dotting the city’s landscape, Varanasi is often touted as the City of Temples. The most famous temples are Kashi Vishwanath, Bharat Mata Mandir, Sankat Mochan Mandir, Kaal Bhairav Mandir, Durga Mandir, Mrityunjay Mahadev Mandir, Annapurna Devi Mandir, and Tulsi Manas Temple. If Varanasi is the Spiritual Capital of India, then Kashi Vishwanath Temple is its most precious jewel. And, now it has become more popular after the inauguration of the Kashi Vishwanath Corridor by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Situated on the western banks of the River Ganga, it is one of the twelve holiest jyotirlingas or sacred centers of Shiva worship spread across India.
TSW Tip: photography (even on mobile) is banned in most big temples. So, leave your gadgets behind.
One of the main reasons I wanted to visit Banaras so badly is its food. Like the city itself, the food reflects its people and visitors. Marwari traders and people from nearby states added their regional touch to the local cuisine. The vegetarian delicacies are primarily prepared in desi ghee, and most Varanasi sweets have a milk and ghee base. The must-try food items in Varanasi are – tamatar chaat, Allu-Tikki, Dahi-chutney waale Gol Gappe, Chena Dahi vada, kachori sabzi, malaiyyo (served only for two months in winters), thandai and lassi, banarasi paan, baati chokha, Choora Matar (Benarasi twist to the Poha), chai-bun, banarasi marwadi thali, and the list continues.
Many people ask whether non-veg or alcohol is allowed in Varanasi. Well, the sale and consumption of liquor and non-vegetarian food are banned within a 250-metre radius of all temples and heritage sites in Varanasi. Therefore most Old City restaurants and hotels situated on Ghats are vegetarian and alcohol-free. However, Cantonment and other areas are less constrained.
TSW Tip: best places for Banarasi street food are Kaashi Chaat Bhandar, Vishwanath Chaat Bhandar, Ram Bhandaar (Kachori Sabzi), and Blue Lassi.
While I am not big into shopping, I also bought a Banarasi skirt and dupatta (stole). The best shopping areas are the Thatheri Bazaar (for brass), or Jnana Vapi and the Vishwanatha Gali in Godaulia with its Temple Bazaar (for Banarasi silk brocade sari and jewellery). If you are looking for souvenirs to bring home, check out Crystal and Stone Shivalinga, Gulabi Minakari, colourful glass beads, rudraksha mala, wooden toys, and flutes, among other items.
TSW Tip: Be prepared to bargain at least 50% of the quoted amount.
Contrary to the din of the Banaras city, Sarnath seems like a different world with its peaceful vibes. Located 13-km from Varanasi, it takes around 45 minutes to 1 hour to get here. Sarnath is one of the four most important pilgrimage destinations for Buddhism globally. It’s relatively small, but it has a special meaning for Buddhists worldwide because it’s the place where Buddhism was born. The must-visit places in Sarnath are –
TSW Tip: Do check out the temples and museum closing hours and days before visiting. Temples have different opening and closing times. Also, the museum is closed on Friday.
The spiritual capital of India, Varanasi, is also the “Music City.” In 2015, the city of Varanasi was chosen as the “City of Music by UNESCO. Music, indeed, is an integral part of the city. Therefore your trip would be incomplete without experiencing the musical notes of Banaras. The city is renowned for its music – both vocal and instrumental. The city has a music heritage tracing back to the Puranic literature, attributing the development of music to Shiva. But it was during the times of various Kashi Naresh (Kings of Kashi) who patronized music and helped in the growth of Banaras Gharanas. The Gharana system started shaping up 600-700 years ago in the city. The musicians who began the Banaras Gharanas came from places such as Lucknow, Azamgarh, Bhagalpur, and Samastipur. These Gharanas have given notable musicians, such as iconic sitar player Ravi Shankar, the Shehnai maestro Bismillah Khan, Pandit Kishan Maharaj, Rajan-Sajan Mishra and singer Girija Devi among many more. Music is like air in Banaras. From dawn to dusk, sitars are being tuned, sarods rehearsed, tablas mastered, and the nuances of various ragas discussed minutely and passionately. Classical music echoes everywhere in Varanasi. It is in the temples, weekly performances in the restaurants and hotels, live music played on the ghats and rooftops, large scale annual music concerts, music shops, and boats. Don’t forget to hear the melodious voice of the Bhoomi boatman.
TSW Tip: If you have time, enrol yourself at a music school or just catch a live performance at your hotel. Suryauday Haveli has daily two hours long classical music performance from 7-9 pm by legendary musicians.
Why should I visit a university in a historic city? That was precisely my expression when Aryan Yadav recommended visiting it. The reasons he gave were enough to plan a trip – incredible architecture, beautiful setting, lush greenery, and mouth-watering street food. Established in 1919, the university has given many renowned scientists, scholars and artists to the nation. Even its campus has historical and cultural significance. Inside the BHU complex, you can visit the new Viswanath temple and archaeological museum, Bharat Kala Bhavan. The university is open for Tourists between 10 am and 6 pm throughout the year. And, while you are exploring the area, don’t forget to try the street food in Lanka. Lanka is the “mall road” equivalent, situated in front of the BHU (Banaras Hindu University) gate. You would find all sorts of eateries and roadside stalls serving lip-smacking street food such as kachori, chaat, samosa, pao bhaji, burger, noodles, pizza, dosa, pakodas and everything else.
TSW Tip: Do try Chachi ki Kachori and jalebi at Lanka. A small hole in wall kind of shop became famous because of an old lady fondly called “Chachi” (aunty) by students. Although she is no more now, her sons still serve crispy kachori and piping hot jalebis.
Here’s a vlog of my experience in Varanasi:
Hope through this travel guide on Banaras I’ve been able to answer all your queries about the best things to do in Varanasi in 3 or more days. Please let me know in the comment box below how you find the article or anything you want to know more about.
Har Har Mahadev! Har Har Gange!
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Tired of visiting touristy places and want to explore off the beaten track in Rajasthan? Visit Banswara – an oasis in a desert.
There is an area of Rajasthan that is little-known and even less visited. Deep in the southern side of the state, surrounded by the Aravalli Hills and Mahi Dam, lies the tribal district of Rajasthan – Banswara. If one was to judge the place based on pictures, Banswara could have been mistaken for the North Eastern state of Meghalaya or the Lake District of England. Until I saw it myself, I, too, couldn’t believe a city of hundred islands could exist in a desert state.
What separates Banswara from the rest of the state is the amount of rainfall it receives annually. As compared to Jaisalmer that gets an average of 146.88 mm rainfall annually, Banswara receives 900mm. As a result, when the rest of Rajasthan reels under drought conditions, Banswara stays lush green and brimming with water. Quite fittingly, Banswara has earned the nickname of ‘Cherrapunji of Rajasthan’ due to receiving the highest rain in Rajasthan and is also called the greenest city of the state. However, the nickname that stood out the best for me was the ‘City of Hundred Islands’ because of the hundred small islands on the River Mahi, which flows through the region. Let me take you on a virtual voyage of this hidden gem of Rajasthan.
Some 165 km from Udaipur lies the Banswara district. The four-hour road journey was comfortable and brought alive the joy of road trips. It would have been a crime to go on a road trip and not enjoy the kadak Dhaba chai with piping hot kachori. So, my first pit stop came relatively early, just 20 km from Udaipur, when we stopped at a local tea stall, ‘Kewada Ki Naal’. The humble tea stall has gained popularity among locals for the special tea made from locally grown herbs, mainly lemongrass. The Tea stall has been there for 15 years, and a father and son duo runs it.
https://www.instagram.com/reel/CSyIgqSCLqm/
On the way, we passed through tiny villages, gingerly flowing river tributaries, ponds blooming with water lilies, and tribal groups herding their cattle. Although I enjoyed the countryside scenery and cool breeze, I felt a bit hungry when I saw villagers gorging on freshly prepared local snacks. Gluttony took over me, and I gulped down two plates of Dahi-kachori and samosa chaat before reaching my guest house.
I was inquisitive to know why Banswara got such a unique name, so after a quick lunch, I was off to explore one of the most stunning parts of Banswara – Chachakota. As we approached our destination, my local guide shared how the district got its name. He said there are two famous legends. One says it was named after King Bansiya, the ruler of the Bheel clan, who established Banswara on the day of Makar Sankranti on 14 January 1515 AD. The other theory credits the bamboo trees (known as bans in Hindi) that once grew here in abundance. Banswara literarily means ‘Land of Bamboos’ in English.
As we drove on the serpentine road passing through rolling green hills, the pint-size villages with mud houses kept popping up here and there. Inhabited by Bhil tribals (popularly known as the bowmen of Rajasthan), this place was so remote that there was no other vehicle in sight, and it felt as if we had gone past a few centuries. Our car wasn’t driven on the road but was flying through misty cotton candy clouds.
We reached a point where you could see the panoramic view of the entire Chachakota, but the whole area was enveloped in a mist. As I walked out of the car, suddenly it started pouring heavily, and I had to take refuge in a humble tarp of a village boy. Initially, the boy was too shy to speak, but slowly he opened up. We talked about his school, family, life, and a lot more. His innocence made him look as if he was from a parallel universe, utterly oblivious to the perils of social media and PUBGs of the world. After half an hour rain stopped to let the sun take centre stage. Along with it came the hens, roosters and goats. I could finally see the beauty of the place.
A cold breeze was blowing, and clouds were hanging low. For a moment I felt as if I was at some hill station in the Himalayas. There was a huge water body around me – the backside of Mahi Dam – where some boats were docked. I was surprised how a place this beautiful was still not on the tourist map.
As I sat down to enjoy the view, my local guide shared how Banswara’s fertile plains are used to grow maize, wheat, rice, cotton, soya bean and gram. Known to be a mango hub of the state, around 46 varieties of mango are produced here. Out of which 18 are indigenous. The region is rich in teak forests, khajur (date), and mahua trees besides mango trees. The tribal area is said to be the home of wild animals like leopard, and chinkara (Indian gazelle), choosing (four-horned antelope), Sambhar (Asiatic deer), wild boar (Susscrofa cristatus) and cheetal (spotted deer). For bird lovers, there are Jungle crows (Corvus macrorhynchos), red vented bulbul (Pycnonotus (cafer), myna (Acridotheres tristis), red spurfowl and black drongo (Dicrusrus adsimilus), grey shrike, green bee-eater, parrot, house sparrow, purple sunbird (Nectarina asiastica), woodpecker, and the white-spotted fantail. I spent a few hours meeting the locals and enjoying the Bhil tribal hospitality.
As the golden hour wrapped a hundred islands in its golden glow, we returned to our guest house. While returning from Chacha Kota, we stopped near Bai Talab Lake to see the rare species of 350-year-old Kalpa Virksha trees. Usually found in a pair as male and female, this sacred pair of divine trees are revered for fulfilling people’s wishes. There are very rare, and some say there are only 10 pairs left in India.
The next day started with an adrenaline rush at Kagdi Pick up point located on Ratlam Road, 3 kilometres from the central part. While there was a lot to see and do, I was most excited to do zip lining on the calm waters of Kagdi lake at Thrill Adventure Zone. The park overlooking Kagdi Lake is part of the Mahi Bajaj Sagar project. It has many charming fountains, walkways for daily joggers, gardens, a play area for kids and leisure activities like boating.
Kagdi Fall was just a few kilometres from the park, but we decided to visit another waterfall that’s very popular among locals for picnics – Kadeliya waterfall. Usually, the water level is shallow, but in monsoon, this waterfall’s beauty increases manifold.
The rest of the day was spent chasing more waterfalls and visiting naturally gifted places like Jagmeru Hills and Singapura. With beautiful water bodies, hillocks, a forest, and greenery all around, Banswara offers a much-needed break from the regular holiday spots. It’s quite a miracle like a place – an oasis in the desert. Where else can you find so much greenery as in Banswara?
After two eventful days in Banswara (which were clearly insufficient), I started my return journey to Udaipur. However, I took a detour to follow the footsteps of Roothi Rani before arriving at the city of Lakes. Some 200 km from Banswara, I took the road to Jaisamand Lake (Dhebar Lake). The Lake is renowned for being the Second Largest Artificial Lake in Asia. Spread over an area of 36 square miles (93 square km) the lake is 102 feet deep and has three islands. On the northern end of Lake are the two summer palaces of Rana Jai Singh – Hawa Mahal and Roothi Rani ka Mahal. Legend says that the youngest queen, Kamladevi, got angry with the King and left the palace to live in a forest. In a bid to appease his angry wife, Maharana Jai Singh built this palace surrounded by a lake on all four sides. And, thus this palace came to be known as Roothi Rani Ka Mahal. The palace was in a dilatated stage, but the sweeping views of the Lake and islands took my breath away. One has to walk 2.5 km from the Jaisamand Lake entrance to reach here and cannot stay here beyond 4:30 pm as many leopards, and other wildlife animals have been spotted here.
Banswara and Jaisamand Lake make for a great escape from the bustling crowds of urban life. So when are you visiting these offbeat gems of Rajasthan?
Visiting Banswara, the greenest city of Rajasthan, is fairly easy.
Being an offbeat place whose tourist potential has not yet been realised, there are only budget accommodations available in Banswara. You can stay at hotels like Kushalbagh, Surya Palace, Amardeep Palace or a Government-run Circuit House.
Visiting Banswara, the greenest city of Rajasthan was one great experience. Along with Banswara, you can visit more places like Udaipur, Kumbhalgarh Fort and many more nearby places. Here are some posts that you may find useful in planning your trip to Udaipur and other nearby places.
The best places to visit in Udaipur in 24 hrs to 7 days
Is Ambrai worth the hype? Here are the 10 best restaurants in Udaipur
Why Tree of Life Vantara Resort is one of the Best Hotels in Udaipur?
Rethinking tourism could save Udaipur from its pressures
HOW TOURISM SAVED THE ROYALTY OF RAJASTHAN
Welcome to the Circus – Ranthambore Jungle Safari, India
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I was invited by Rajasthan Tourism to explore the state. However, like always, all the views expressed and pictures clicked are mine. Please do not copy anything without my written permission.
Wondering where to spend a weekend in Delhi? Here are the ten best parks in Delhi for weekend picnics and outdoor photography.
As soon as the nip in the air sets in Delhi, the vibrant sweaters, jumpers, mufflers, jackets, gloves, caps, boots, and all the winter paraphernalia comes out. Healthy eating takes a break when it’s the season of gazar ka halwa, Makki ki roti and Sarson ka saag. And, how can you forget the piping hot gulab jamun and stuffed paranthas with adrakwaali chai? Besides the calorie-laden food and colourful winter wear, I like winters for one more reason. It’s the perfect time to be outdoors. And, the best place to get your fill of vitamin D while having a great time are the parks and gardens of Delhi. So whether you are looking for a picnic spot for a family or friends, couples or students or want to have a peaceful me-time amidst nature, Delhi parks are the best bet. Besides concrete buildings and heritage monuments, the capital city of Delhi is renowned for its list of gardens and parks too.
The gardens of Delhi also have a historic allure apart from their natural beauty. Some of these gardens are a product of Mughal architecture and carry forward a rich heritage like Sunder Nursery, and some are simply a delight to the eyes like the Garden of Five Senses. These parks provide a respite to city folks away from the pollution and population. Popular among people of all age groups, these parks are frequented by kids, adults and couples alike. You’ll be surprised to know more than 18000 parks and gardens in NCT spread in about 8000 hectares in various locations throughout Delhi. If you are planning to explore some of these beauties, here are the best picnic spots in Delhi:
One of the most famous gardens of Delhi, Lodhi Gardens, is my favourite park in Delhi for a weekend picnic. And I discovered it in a different light during the pandemic. Located in the heart of Delhi, this luscious garden houses the tombs of Sayyid ruler Mohammed Shah and Lodhi King Sikandar Lodhi. You can also find Shisha Gumbad and Bara Gumbad here. The contrast of bygone-era mausoleums against the lush greenery of the gardens makes it worth visiting, especially for morning and evening exercise—also a great place to hang out with friends or take your pets out for a walk. You could play sports here or jog around on well-paved walking tracks. Lodhi Garden is undoubtedly one of the best weekend picnic spots in Delhi for all age groups. The perfectly-manicured lawns are an excellent place to bask in the warmth of the winter sun before heading to nearby Khan market bistros or high-end restaurants of the Khanna Market.
Entry Fee: No charges
Lodhi Gardens Timings: 6:00 AM – 7:30 PM
Nearest Metro Station: Jor Bagh Metro Station & JLN Metro Station on Violet Line
In the Chanakyapuri diplomatic area near Ashoka Hotel, Nehru park sprawls over 85 acres. A nicely landscaped and well-maintained garden is a popular picnic spot in Delhi and a hub for recreational and professional runners. The joggers and walkers warm up in the well-manicured grass lawns and then take rounds of the jogging path. The park became the first central park in Delhi to get a synthetic jogging track that doesn’t pressure knees while running. Also, Nehru Park has ample hills suitable for strength and conditioning exercises. There was a time when Nehru Park was used as the training venue for some of the country’s best athletes, such as the legendary middle-distance runner Sriram Singh, who held the 800m national record for over four decades.
But if you want to enjoy the sunny winter afternoon, pack a picnic basket and plank yourself in any of the lawns. As the sun sets, you can enjoy the symphony of colourful water fountains. The park blooms with indigenous flowering plants and exotic species in winters to give a European look to Lutyens’ Delhi. During that time, the endless green grounds of Nehru Park double up as the popular venue for many events and festivals such as the Nehru Place Jazz Festival, ‘Morning Ragas and Evening Ragas Concerts, the annual ‘Bhakti Festival.’
Entry Fees: Free.
Timings: Open 24 Hours on Mondays and 5 AM to 9 PM on other Days
Nearest Metro Station: Lok Kalyan Marg Metro Station – 25 min walk (Yellow Line)
Although the renovated Sunder Nursery Heritage park opened in 2018, it remained one of Delhi’s best-kept secrets until the pandemic abruptly halted our fast-paced life. Dubbed as Delhi’s Central Park Sunder Nursery is famous for its gardens, water bodies, monuments, and biodiversity. Created and managed by the Agha Khan Trust for Culture (AKTC), once barren land, the park has quickly grown to become the city’s most sought after outdoor recreational place. The most fantastic thing about this 16th-century urban oasis is that it has risen from ruins to become the green lungs of Delhi. A decade of painstaking restoration work has resulted in a 90-acre (36 hectares) biodiversity park, dotted with 20 historical monuments including six UNESCO World Heritage sites, 27,000 saplings, 4,500 trees, 100 bird species, 40 butterfly species, two amphitheatres, a bonsai enclosure, a peafowl zone and plenty more.
The park has been winning hearts and awards all around the world. In 2018, the park was chosen by ‘Time Magazine’ as one of the 100 world’s greatest places to visit. Recently in 2020, it became Delhi’s first heritage complex to receive two UNESCO Asia-Pacific awards for Cultural Heritage Conversation 2020 – the ‘Award of Excellence and ‘Special Recognition for Sustainable Development. Its popularity can be gauged by the fact that despite a year of lockdowns, Sunder Nursery was visited by over 300,000 visitors in 2020. Within a short time, this 16th-century heritage park has become so popular that you could take half an hour to get inside the park on weekends. Therefore try to visit it either early morning or on weekdays. However, you’ll miss the Earth Collective farmers market that happens every weekend.
Entry Fee: Adults – INR 50/-, Children 5-12 years old & Sr. Citizens – INR 25/-
Timings of Sunder Nursery: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Nearest Metro Station: Lajpat Nagar Metro Station – 14min walk. (Pink line and violet line)
If you want to know more about Sunder Nursery and its fantastic story of sustainable development, check this story out.
The Deer Park in Hauz Khas is an absolute treat not just for picnic-goers but also for joggers, walkers, couples, Instagrammers and photographers. It provides excellent opportunities to capture pretty sunsets, birds of several varieties, deer, ducks and the Hauz Khas Fort. If you are an animal lover, you would love to see many deer inside the park. Pretty gardens and simmering Hauz Khas Lake make it a perfect haunt for nature lovers. As a photographer, I’ve always liked shooting Deer Park’s historical and natural beauty. The park is green and serene and is especially pleasant towards the end of the day (during summers) and throughout the day during winters. The green cover at this park is fantastic, and it also has a skating rink for all your restless friends. It’s a vast park and can take close to two hours to explore entirely. It’s an ideal picnic spot, and if you just want to spend some alone time, then you can go with a book and sit in one of the gazebos and enjoy a quiet read. The park has four different wings, i.e. Rose Garden, Deer Park, Fountain & District Park, Old Monuments and Hauz Khas Art Market. You can reach the park from anywhere – Hauz Khas Village, Safdarjung Enclave and Delhi Lawn Tennis Associations Courts.
Interestingly, Deer Park happens to be a b-boying hub where 14-to-25-year-olds gather in the evening to practise b-boying and also show off their latest moves. There are no instructors here; the group has learnt b-boying through YouTube videos.
Entry Fee: Free
Timings of Deer Park: 5:00 AM – 8:00 PM (summers) and 5:30 AM – 7:00 PM (winters)
Nearest Metro Station: IIT Metro Station (Magenta Line)
Located in Said-ul-Ajaib village close to the Mehrauli heritage area in New Delhi, the twenty-acre park was opened in 2003, and since then, it has become one of the best picnic spots in Delhi. As the name suggests, the Garden of Five Senses is designed to stimulate your senses of touch, sight, smell, sound and taste. The park has different themed zones – Mughal Baghs, pools of water lilies, cascades of sparkling water, a solar energy park, an amphitheatre, a humongous yet charming food court, in addition to umpteen majestic sculptures, rock carvings and themed decor. About 25 different sculptures and murals have been set up in the garden, making it one of the country’s largest public art collections. Earlier, there used to be Fio restaurant, an ideal place for weekend brunches. Although Fio has moved out, you can still picnic in the Garden of Five senses with your gang.
Entry Fee: Free
Timings of Garden of Five Senses: April to Sept: 9 AM – 7 PM, Oct to March: 9 AM – 6 PM
Nearest Metro Station: Saket (Yellow Line)
Did you know that Delhi has the original Bodhi tree under which Lord Buddha had done penance and received enlightenment? Yes, our very own Buddha Jayanti Park situated in the southern part of the Delhi Ridge, which lies close to Dhaula Kuan in New Delhi, has it. Sanghamitra, Emperor Asoka’s daughter, took a sapling from the ancient original Bodhi Tree to Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka, where she used to preach Buddhism under this very tree that exists even today. A sapling of the Bodhi Tree in Sri Lanka was planted at Buddha Jayanti Park by the then Prime Minister of India Shri Lal Bahadur Shastri on 25 October 1964. Spread in over 81 acres, it is an absolute delight to walk in this scenic park. As soon as you enter, you are greeted by lush green trees of Keekar and Jamun and a lush green carpet of grass. This garden houses almost all types of trees found in Delhi NCR, such as Kelkar, Babool, Gulmohar, Amaltas and Kareel, which attracts many species of birds like Woodpeckers and Barbets Herons and Peacocks. Also, there’s an elevated platform resembling an island, right in the middle of an artificial lake with a beautiful golden statue of Lord Buddha surrounded by water and long shadows of trees, which makes it a mystical sight.
Although Buddha Jayanti Park is one of the most popular picnic spots in Delhi, it is equally popular among joggers, walkers and fitness enthusiasts. The park regularly organises Buddhism classes for people who want to know more about the religion.
Entry Fee: Free
Timings of Buddha Jayanti Park: 5 AM – 7 PM
Nearest Metro Station: Rajendra Place station (Blue Line)
This place comes alive during winters when plenty of migratory birds are seen in bulk. Roughly 4 square kilometres in size, the Okhla Bird Sanctuary (OBS) is situated at the entrance of NOIDA in Gautam Budh Nagar district of Uttar Pradesh. The Sanctuary is located at a point where the river Yamuna leaves the territory of Delhi and enters the state of Uttar Pradesh. A hit for all the Delhi and Noida-dwellers, you can chill with your picnic blankets and baskets. Remember to carry your cameras along since winter is the time of the year when you will spot plenty of migratory birds here. More than 324 bird species have been reported from Okhla Bird Sanctuary. Out of these, about 50% are migratory birds. Forty per cent of the total birds are common locally, and the rest are uncommon or rare. The complete bird list includes two Critically Endangered, nine vulnerable, seven Near Threatened and one Conservation Dependent species.
Due to the unique positioning of the Sanctuary, you can see different bird species from different habitats – thorny scrub, grassland and wetland. This wetland was formed due to the creation of the Okhla Barrage. In 1990 the Uttar Pradesh Government notified this as Sanctuary, and it is now one of India’s 466 important Bird Areas (IBAs).
Besides birds, this place is also rich in flora – more than 188 species of plants are recorded here. About ten species of mammals include nilgai, Indian mongoose, blacknaped hare, jackals, 08 species of reptiles, and 02 species of amphibians, have also been recorded here.
Wear comfortable shoes when you visit this place, and don’t forget to bring in your telephoto lens and binoculars.
Entry Fee – Free
Timings of Okhla Bird Sanctuary: April to Sep: 9 AM – 7 PM, Oct to March: 9 AM – 6 PM
Nearest Metro Station: Okhla Bird Sanctuary (Magenta Line)
Imagine coming face to face with leopards, mongoose, golden jackal and civet cat. Yes, you can see all of them in your very own city – Delhi. Asola Bhati Wildlife Sanctuary is a unique habitat reclaimed from mining activity. Even today, you can see deep gorges where mining activity once happened. With an area of 32.71 km², the Sanctuary lies on the Southern Delhi Ridge of Aravalli hill range at the tri-juncture of three cities – Southern Delhi, Faridabad and Gurugram. Asola boasts of a healthy avian life and butterflies. When it comes to wildlife, striped hyena, leopards, mongoose, golden jackal jungle cats, hog deer, Indian hare, nilgai, blackbuck and spotted deer, porcupines, and the crested Grebe (a migratory bird) have been sighted here along with reptiles. Besides the wildlife, the most feature of Asola Wildlife Sanctuary is a 1.5-kilometre lake called the blue lagoon. The Sanctuary comprises the semi-arid forest area, and the nature trail here is a must walkthrough. Still, it can get a big thorny and lonely. So, be careful when you get here. Asola Wildlife Sanctuary is worth a visit for lovers of nature and Delhi Ridge!
Entry Fee: INR 100 (approx.) for the tickets.
Timings of Asola Bird Sanctuary: April to Sep: 9 AM – 7 PM, Oct to March: 9 AM – 6 PM
Nearest Metro Station: Tughlakabad Metro Station (Violet Line)
Millennium Park, also known as Indraprastha Park, is a popular weekend picnic spot for Delhites in the heart of New Delhi. Established in 2004 by the Delhi Development Authority (DDA), the most remarkable thing about this 34 hectares park is that it was built by transforming a stinking garbage dumping landfill site into a breath-taking landscape. The eco-friendly park is well-maintained and has a children’s playground, amphitheatre, and the 30 feet high Shanti Stupa built in white marble. The statue of Buddha adds to the serenity and positivity of the place. The Japanese garden is next to the stupa, perfect for relaxing and meditating. The park is centrally located and is well connected by bus and metro to all parts of the city. Being located near the prominent tourist attractions of Delhi like Humayun’s Tomb, Akshardham Temple, India Gate, Connaught Place, and Jantar Mantar, it draws many tourists – both Indian and foreign. Several food courts around the park offer various mouth-watering snacks and local delicacies.
Entry Fee: INR 50 for adults and INR 25 for children.
Timings of Millennium Park, Delhi – 6 AM to 7:15 PM
Nearest Metro Station – Hazrat Nizamuddin station (Pink Line)
You would see some places every day, but you would never notice them. Astha Kunj Park, next to the Nehru Place Metro station, is on such a park. I discovered this park by chance when I was sitting at one of the cafés in Epicuria Mall with a friend. He asked me to take him anywhere outdoors, which is close by. And, so I took him to Astha Kunj Park. While I had seen it several times from outside, I never explored it until December 2020. And then I loved it so much that I had visited it several times. Situated in South East Delhi between the neighbourhoods of Lotus Temple, ISKCON temple and Nehru Place, Aastha Kunj Park sprawls over 200 acres of land peppered with lush green lawns, flowering shrubs and green trees. Bejewelled with huge boulders and green cover, this park is on a hillock from where you can get a panoramic view of the high rises and religious places around. There is an amphitheatre, well-paved pathways and ponds inside. The park has a vast area to maintain and could be maintained better, especially the pond. People visit the park for a morning walk and yoga and meditation. Because of the large spacious garden, this place is also the best picnic spot for families and children.
Astha Kunj Park is definitely one of the most underrated picnic spots in Delhi. You can either get your picnic basket or order in from the cafeteria inside the park, and it serves piping hot drinks along with your favourite snacks.
Entry Fee: Free
Timings: 4 AM – 9 PM
Nearest Metro Station: Kalka Ji mandir metro station (Violet and Pink line) and Nehru Place metro station (Violet line)
Besides the above ten parks, there are many more popular picnic spots in Delhi, such as Mughal Gardens, India Gate Lawns, Jahanpanah Forest, Sanjay Van, Japanese Garden, and many more. You’d be surprised to know that Delhi itself has seven biodiversity parks spread over an area of 1000 hectares in Delhi – Yamuna Biodiversity Park, Aravalli Biodiversity Park, Neela Hauz Biodiversity Park, Northern Ridge (Kamla Nehru Ridge), Tilpath Valley Biodiversity park, Tughlaqabad Biodiversity Park, and Kalindi Biodiversity Park. Nestled away from Delhi’s bumper-to-bumper traffic snarls and high-rise buildings are lush green pockets of carefully planned nature retreats that are helping maintain the ecological balance of the national capital. Moreover, they have been helping to bring back the lost fauna and flora of Delhi.
So, if you are wondering where to go this weekend, why not check out any of the above best picnic spots in Delhi?
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How SARAS Mela is empowering rural artisans of India
I hope you liked the post. Have you been to any of these parks? How was your experience? Please do leave your comment in the below comment box.
Wondering where to eat In Hong Kong? From Michelin-starred restaurants to the best dumpling eateries in the town, we’ve rounded up the best restaurants in Hong Kong where even celebs have been spotted dining.
The Pearl of the Orient: Hong Kong is truly the world city of Asia where you are greeted by soaring skyscrapers, streets lined with plush malls and luxury boutiques, high-end hotels and Michelin-star restaurants, and a forever bustling art and culture scene. Hong Kong’s colonial past has contributed immensely to embedding various cultures and traditions in the city’s DNA. The best way to experience the soul of the city is through its food. And, Hong Kong’s food scene is so vibrant, vast and diverse that you can dine at a different restaurant every day for a decade and still have new eateries to explore. In Hong Kong, you find restaurants to suit every palate and budget. While it’s good to choose, sometimes it becomes a daunting task to select the right restaurant. Especially if you visit the city for a few days or during the festive season, such as Hong Kong Winterfest for the Christmas-New Year holidays or Chinese New Year Celebrations. To help you navigate through this web of choices, we’ve rounded up some of the best restaurants in Hong Kong. And, sometimes you might just happen to run into some local or international celebrities here.
Go for – Their modern European cuisine.
If you are a fan of modern European cuisine, then look no further – Arcane is the place for you. Tucked discreetly in the city’s heart – Central – food here is anything but ordinary. The restaurant reached new heights of success when its Aussie Michelin-starred chef Shane Osborn appeared on reality TV as part of Netflix’s The Final Table. Since then, the popularity of the restaurant and its chef has skyrocketed. Thankfully, the food quality hasn’t dipped at all. Instead, it has gone a few notches higher.
Arcane serves modern European cuisine presented in an A la carte menu, alongside daily specials and a set lunch menu. Menus are seasonal, utilising the finest produce from Japan, France and the UK. And, if you are a vegan or vegetarian like me, don’t worry. The restaurant features the city’s first vegan and vegetarian fine dining tasting menu, whose preparation you can observe through the open kitchen.
Decorated with contemporary artworks, this 2000 square feet restaurant features an outdoor English tropical garden terrace. Book in advance to avoid last-minute hassles and check out their special and seasonal menus before booking.
For more details, check out their website: https://www.arcane.hk/
Go for – Their iconic Cantonese flavours with a French foundation
If you are an indecisive eater who can’t choose between Chinese and European cuisine, you can never go wrong with Roots. Located on Sun Street in Wan Chai, the menu at Roots creatively incorporates the city’s global view – East-meets-West cultures. You can choose from small plates or opt for sharing options. The food marries iconic Cantonese flavours with a French foundation. Roots was started by chef Stephanie Wong, who quit her banking job to pursue her culinary dreams. After training in France and then at Amber, Wong set her own restaurant. Eating at Roots is like experiencing the rich Hong Kong food culture through the lens of French culinary art.
They have launched a special Christmas and New Year menu, so don’t forget to ask for the same and book in advance as it gets filled up very soon.
Go for – their classic cocktails and excellent whisky collection.
I noticed about Hong Kong that some of the most beautiful restaurants and bars are located in some easy to miss locations. 001 is one such example. While centrally located along with the market stalls on Graham Street, 001 hides behind a featureless black door with a dim spotlight and an antique brass doorbell. As the door opens, you’ll be guided down a flight of steps into a classy vintage gentlemen’s hide-out bar in the basement. The ‘no standing allowed’ policy gives a touch of private members’ club. Wood, green leather armchairs, and velvet furnishings will circle you back to the 1920s. They have some fabulous, well-crafted classic cocktails and excellent whisky collections like its dark and stormy atmosphere. At times you can even find the elusive Pappy van Winkle bourbon in stock, provided you’re willing to pay the high price, of course. Complimenting the drinks, superior snacks, and shareable plates menu needs to be carefully watched by the people on a diet. Occasionally you can enjoy the live music played in the form of a jazz duo or chanteuse. Before you leave the bar, don’t forget to click some pictures of one of Hong Kong’s original hidden cocktail bars and let the prohibition-era vibes take over your Instagram feed.
For more details, check out their website: https://www.at001.xxx/
Go for – their beers served in traditional tea houses and Chinese temple settings.
Inspired by traditional tea houses and Chinese temples, local craft brewery Moonzen’s beer bar in Mong Kok on Shantung Street offers glimpses of the olden times. Designed by HEED Studio, the bar’s interior features large vermilion columns and emerald green colours indicative of Chinese temples. The bar serves a great selection of 12 beers on tap – local Moonzen beers and beers from other breweries. Sit by the bar for a cold pint and tasty bar bites and take tons of pictures to post on your ‘gram. The bar is exceptionally LIT and will set your Instagram feed on fire.
For more details, visit their page: https://www.facebook.com/moonkok.hk
Go for – their modern Italian cuisine with a Japanese twist.
An acronym for Asia, Modern, Museum and Original, AMMO is an Italian and Japanese fusion restaurant inspired by its botanical surroundings that hope to blend the art of food and nature. The eatery’s copper-clad and cinematic interiors take inspiration from the 1965 film noir masterpiece, Alphaville, which is also about its location on the heritage site of a former 19th-century explosives compound. AMMO’s menu exemplifies the most exemplary fashion for modern Italian cuisine with a Japanese twist. The restaurant is located in Admiralty and demonstrates the perfect balance between traditional and contemporary style.
For more details, visit their website: https://ammo.com.hk/
Go for – their innovative menus with art.
Cobo, which is a short form of the ‘Community of Bohemians’, is a restaurant meant to tantalise the senses where it feels like you are not seeing the visual artworks but having them too in the form of edible art. Hemmed by Hong Kong chef duo Ray Choi and Devon Hou, Cobo regularly surprises its guests with its innovative menus presented with an artistic flair. Their unspoken menu named “The Knife & Spoon” is a journey divided into 9 different chapters. Each chapter features an option of a six to eight-course tasting menu that changes every 6 weeks. Each chapter focuses on a single ingredient as the story’s star – the underdogs of home-grown ingredients. Cobo house has a bright and airy space fitted with floor-to-ceiling windows, marble tables, and a natural and earthy colour palette that allows the art to speak for itself.
Go for – their ‘all you can eat dim sums.’
Your visit to Hong Kong is incomplete without trying its delectable dim sums, and one of the best places to try them out is Dragon – 1. While Dragon-I is a popular Central nightclub after the sun sets, it is home to one of the town’s longest-standing all-you-can-eat dim sum feasts. You can enjoy four hours of unlimited refills of steamed, deep-fried, and baked treats that are made to order all afternoon long. Dim Sum is the main star at Dragon-I’s all you can eat menu, but you can also order Cantonese snacks such as stir-fried string beans with minced pork and deep-fried Bombay duck with salt and pepper as an add-on the dim sum treat. And, don’t worry if you are a vegetarian or vegan; they offer Dragon-I features vegan options and a few vegetarian dim sums now. The restaurant has eclectic interiors and if you are looking to try a lot of different dishes in a fun environment, try out this restaurant!
For more details, check their website: https://www.dragon-i.com.hk/
Go for – an unforgettable romantic evening.
If you want to have an unforgettable romantic evening with your loved one, go to the Peninsula’s Felix. Blessed with a magnificent panoramic view of Victoria Harbour, Felix has long been a city’s favourite restaurant for soaking in the spectacular skyline of Hong Kong. And, during the festive season, they have special menus. But book in advance. Sometimes the restaurant is booked months in advance.
For more details, check their website: https://www.peninsula.com/en/hong-kong/hotel-fine-dining/felix
Go for – all-day dining at the beachside restaurant.
Whenever I visit a big city, I make it a point to check out alternative eats away from the town. One such find is Bathers, located conveniently along Lantau’s Lower Cheung Sha Beach. Here you can enjoy all-day dining while taking in the ocean views. Bathers is perfect for sangria sunsets, early morning breakfasts, and family-friendly lunches. You can play on the beach or just relax on the restaurant’s terrace or comfy seats sprawled on the sand to enjoy the best beachside view. Make sure to book ahead to secure a spot, especially during busy, sunny weekends.
For more details, check their website: https://bathers.com.hk/
Go for – freshly baked artisanal breads, pastries, pizza and other Italian delights by the sea.
Pane e Latte serves artisanal baked goods perfect for breakfast, all-day dining, and takeaways from sunrise till sunset! Stanley is one of my favourite places in Hong Kong to enjoy the beach, and this corner bakery is the perfect stop to make before heading to the beach. The restaurant’s interiors – floor-to-ceiling windows, genuine Italian terracotta Italian flooring, pink columns, soaring drapes and antiques from Milan – reminded me of sitting in Italy and not Hong Kong. This Italian Bakery & Patisserie is a dog-friendly family place.
For more details, check their website: https://www.paneelatte.hk/.
Hong Kong is a very vibrant city, and there is never a dull moment, especially if your visit coincides with the festive season. Currently, Hong Kong Winterfest is going on – from 26 November 2021 to 2 January 2022. A special Christmas Town has been set up amidst the brand-new international art and culture hub of Hong Kong. Throughout the city, Christmas holiday events are happening. All shopping malls, shops, restaurants, hotels and outdoor spaces have brought their ‘A-game’ to showcase their best festive decorations. From gigantic cookie penguins and Disney princesses to whimsical wonderlands, there’s a dizzying array of Christmas displays for you to soak in the festivities this year. Wherever you look, there is an instagrammable spot to shoot.
Moreover, all hotels, restaurants, and bars have introduced special festive menus to celebrate Christmas and New Year. If you are looking for unique Christmas or New Year brunches or dinners, check out their individual websites or Discover Hong Kong’s website or this post.
So, what are you waiting for? Immerse yourself in a merry Hong Kong holiday season!
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After months of fighting the pandemic with lockdowns and vaccine rollouts, many countries have stabilised their epidemiological situation and are slowly reopening their borders once again.
The first few countries in Southeast Asia that announced plans to reopen were Singapore, Thailand, and certain provinces in Vietnam.
Now, Cambodia is joining its neighbours with a reopening plan of its own. The country is starting off with a small pilot project, which currently includes a handful of designated areas, that is designated to gauge the situation. If all goes well, the country will fully reopen in several stages.
This is great news for intrepid travellers who are planning to apply for a visa for Cambodia from the USA and want to trek through its national parks, see the majestic Angkor Wat, and enjoy the country’s rich culture.
Although Cambodia is still fairly off the beaten path compared to its neighbours, its tourism sector was greatly impacted by the pandemic.
Before the coronavirus took hold of the world, Cambodia received more than 6.5 million visitors that accounted for almost $5 billion in revenue. Out of those, 2.6 million visitors visited Cambodia’s most famous attraction, Angkor Wat! However, that number sharply dropped to only 1.3 million visitors in 2020, and revenues sunk to about $1 billion.
The country has managed to effectively fight the pandemic until March of this year, when cases began rising and hit an all-time peak of 1,130 new cases on June 30.
After a widespread vaccination rollout — 90 per cent of the population has one vaccine, and 85 per cent are fully-vaccinated — daily cases have dropped to the low 100s.
Cambodia launched its reopening program on November 30 with two seaside provinces: Sihanoukville and Koh Kong (which includes the extremely popular Dara Sakor).
Although details are scarce and the program is still in development, there is some information that is already known about Cambodia’s reopening.
To enter Cambodia under its reopening scheme, visitors must be fully vaccinated; take out appropriate travel insurance that will cover the cost of treatment for COVID-19; test negative before departure and after arrival.
Travellers will need to start their Cambodian vacation with a 5-day stay at one of the designated locations before they are allowed to visit other parts of the country. Otherwise, they will be required to quarantine.
If the program is successful, Cambodia’s Tourism Ministry stated that other destinations will be added to the approved list, with the goal of opening the entire country once the pandemic is under control.
After Sihanoukville and Koh Kong, the province of Siem Reap (home to the famous Angkor Wat temples) is expected to open to tourists in January.
If you’d like to take advantage of the reopening and see Cambodia for yourself — or simply want to do a bit of armchair travel for the time being — there are plenty of amazing sights in the country.
Perhaps the most popular attraction in the entire country is Angkor Wat. In fact, it’s so famous that its silhouette is on the national flag! As one of the biggest religious structures in the world (by land area), Angkor Wat was originally built in the 12th century and features more than a thousand buildings spread over 400 acres.
For something a little more off the beaten path, head over to northeast Cambodia and take part in the Elephant Valley Project. This program was developed by an NGO that helps rehabilitate elephants, conserve their natural habitat and support locals who are part of the program. One of the best things about the program is that travellers can walk around the complex with a local guide, who introduces each elephant and gives a little background on their story.
In the heart of the country is Phnom Penh, the capital and largest city in Cambodia. Thanks to its location, Phnom Penh’s involvement in Cambodia’s history has led to many beautiful buildings, including the Royal Palace of Phnom Penh. This magnificent complex once served as the residence of the head of state, although today some parts have been opened to the public.
After a long day of sightseeing and learning more about Cambodia, it’s time to refuel with some local cuisine.
The dishes of Cambodia can be considered a tourist attraction in their own right, especially since everything is made from local ingredients, diverse, and most importantly, delicious.
The most famous dish across all of Cambodia is amok, a type of steamed fish curry. It can be found in virtually every restaurant and cafe, and it is believed that amok was even a favourite dish of the royal Khmer family!
Most Cambodian dishes will usually include a type of meat (the most popular being chicken or fish) along with a side of rice or noodles. However, vegans and vegetarians shouldn’t worry, as the two biggest cities, Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, are very vegetarian-friendly.
To finish off their meal, Cambodians will usually opt for the most famous dishes across Southeast Asia (mango sticky rice), or enjoy a local favourite: rolled banana cake, which is also eaten during festivals.
While most Asian countries are still on the backfoot after the new omicron variant and are taking baby steps to reopen, a few are planning to do it systematically and slowly. Thailand has announced Exemption from Quarantine (TEST & GO) entry rules from 16 December 2021 which include indian tourists. Also, The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has launched the the 7 Greens Concept to promote environment friendly safe and sustainable travel for all – residents, travellers and business partners.
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India is renowned for festivals such as Mysore Dusshera Mela, Kolkatta Durga Puja, Pushkar Cattle Fair, Surajkund International Crafts Mela, Indian International Trade Fair and many more. But have you heard about Saras Aajeevika Mela? Read how a government initiative led by Self Help Groups is empowering India’s rural women.
It is 11 am in the morning, and Chandrakala from Chikmagalur district of Karnataka is busy selling her handmade paintings to prospective buyers at Saras Aajeevika Mela 2021. She is explaining the intricacies of painting on goat leather and how much effort goes into making one piece – from sourcing raw leather to curing, painting, dying and finally converting it into sellable handicraft items. Her entire stall is beautifully decked up with different kinds of handicraft items such as lamps, purses, puppets, wall hangings and much more. The money earned from the sale of handicraft items feeds twenty-five families part of the SRI Maruti Self Help Group.
Chandrakala is a member of one of the many Self Help Groups (SHGs) that participated in the recently concluded Saras Aajeevika Mela 2021. The Mela was organised in Pragati Maidan, New Delhi, as a part of the 40th India International Trade Fair (IITF 2021) from November 14 to November 27, 2021. There were around 300 artisans at 130 stalls showcasing and selling handicrafts, handlooms, home decor items and food products from 28 states and 3 Union Territories of India.
SARAS Mela is a women empowerment initiative by the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana National Rural Livelihoods Mission of the Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD) to bring the rural women self-help group members under one platform where they can showcase their skills, sell their products and build connections with potential market players at fair prices. The organisation trains women in different livelihood craftsmanship skills and gives them a platform to market their products. Their stalls are entirely free, and all their expenses, including their stay, is borne by the Mela organising committee. The SARAS Mela is organised by the National Institute of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj (NIRDPR).
Saras Mela comes under Aajeevika – National Rural Livelihoods Mission (NRLM) – launched by the Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD) in June 2011 to support the livelihood of rural India. In November 2015, the program was renamed Deendayal Antayodaya Yojana (DAY-NRLM). Aajeevika mission set out to improve the lives of 7 Crore rural poor households in 6 lakh villages through self-managed Self Help Groups (SHGs) within 10 years.
34-year-old Sujata hails from Sasroli (Sasrauli) village in Matanhail tahsil of Jhajjar district in Haryana. Still, she is adept in the famed Madhubani painting from Bihar. Two years back, her village self-help group hired a Madhubani artist from Bihar to train these women. And today, they have become the masters of art. They sell everything from a fifty rupees face mask to a 3,500/- INR saree.
A few lanes away from Sujata’s Stall was a Manipuri handicraft stall where Laishram Sandhya Rani Devi from Thoubal, Manipur, sold her products. The items displayed at her stall ranged from baskets to hats, mats and other things, all made from water hyacinth. She told Travel See Write that last year was very difficult for her family due to Covid19. Then this year, in February, she started a local self-help group of ten women and started creating the products currently displayed in her stall. She is hoping to earn well from Saras Mela and has also made some friends from other states.
This exhibition-cum-sale under the brand name of SARAS puts forth a grand display of products handcrafted by the artisans from across the country right from the Banarasi Sarees of UP to Sambalpuri of Odisha; Kantha stitches of West Bengal to Maheshwari Sarees of Madhya Pradesh; leatherwork of Rajasthan to Madhubani paintings of Bihar along with Natural and Chemical free spices, food produce and product from Southern, Himalayan and North Eastern regions of the country. My favourite was the mouth-watering authentic delicacies of different states that not only satiated my taste buds but also turned me into a hoarder. I just couldn’t stop tasting and shopping.
Pramila Tai from Jalgaon district in Maharashtra sold her homemade chutneys and pappads of different kinds – from spicy peanut chutney to flavourful curry leave chutney. Her products were fresh, organic, and had a unique flavour that is impossible to get anywhere else.
Saras Melas are regularly organised across India throughout the year. So, keep a tab on the Aajeevika – National Rural Livelihoods Mission website and its various social media handles. Who knows, next Mela could be near you next month itself.
Have you been to Saras Mela yet? How was your experience? Do share it in the comment below.
Here are some more postcards from the event.
Other stalls at Indian International Trade Fair 2021
Camera – Panasonic Lumix S5 full-frame camera, Lenses – 24mm F1.8 lens and 20-60mm F3.5-5.6 Lens.
Here’s a small video on my visit to Saras Aajeevika Mela 2021:
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Udaipur is a city in India where you can either dine like a maharaja relishing a multi-course feast or enjoy a simple ‘unlimited food’ thaali in a budget family restaurant. Wherever you might eat, one thing is assured – the food will always be delicious. All your taste buds will be rewarded – be it hardcore non-vegetarians looking for famous Rajasthani Laal-maans or vegetarians searching for the 800/- per kilo ‘Ker sangri’ (my favourite Rajasthani dish) along with daal baati churma. Whether you want to go on a romantic couple dinner or celebrate someone’s birthday or simply enjoy a fun meal with friends, Udaipur will have a restaurant just right for you. While circumventing the narrow lanes of Udaipur, be ready to get surprised by its culinary offering. You’ll be amazed to see how the city’s food scene go beyond Rajasthani fare. From picturesque fine dining restaurants on the lakeside to chic European-style cafes — the possibilities are endless. Here are the best restaurants and cafes of Udaipur that Travel See Write highly recommends:
Besides the above, I tried ‘Soul Bistro and Lounge’ by Sun and Moon Udaipur on a local friend’s recommendation. They claim to be one of the best rooftops café in Udaipur but, frankly, didn’t find them extraordinary. In fact, the food and drinks were pretty average, and the environment was quite loud. Maybe it’s meant more for a younger audience looking to party and not a visitor trying to soak the romantic vibe of the city.
While there is no shortage of the best fine dining restaurants in Udaipur with a great view, the city also has a rich legacy in street food. Your craving for street food items such as samosa, kachori, aloo bada, vada pav, or dabeli will get fully satiated at Sukhadia Circle, Chetak Circle or Mumbai Market. Some places worth checking out are Bohra Ghanpati Mishtan for samosas, Shri Lala Mishtan for kachoris and Bhole Nath Nashta Center for poha.
And, if you are looking for some cheap but good quality restaurants in Udaipur, you can’t go wrong with Natraj Dining Hall and Restaurant. Their thali is a must. Places like Bawarchi Restaurant, Queen Café, and Jasmin are worth visiting too.
A few Rajasthani dishes that are an absolute must-try in Udaipur are Gatte ki sabzi, Ker Sangri, Laal Maans, Mawa Kacchori, Pyaaz Kacchori, Samosa, and Mewari Styled Curries.
Have you been to Udaipur? How was your experience? Do share it in the comment below.
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As the mercury level falls in Northern India, the tourists start flocking Rajasthan. The land of Maharajas is famous for splendid palaces, imposing forts, vibrant culture, spicy Laal-maas daal baati churma, rich heritage and marvellous stories of bravery. Rajasthan is all this and a lot more. There are so many beautiful places in Rajasthan, each with its unique charm and appeal, that it’s almost impossible to cover all in one trip. Imagine exploring the pink city of Jaipur, the blue city of Jodhpur, the dunes of Jaisalmer, havelies of Bikaner, ghats of Pushkar, tigers of Ranthambore, and more in 7 days deeply. Hardly anything will register. You’ll just be doing touch-go at every destination that deserves at least 3-4 days per destination. Therefore choosing one place and exploring it slowly and deeply is a better idea. And that’s what I did on my last trip to Rajasthan when I decided to visit – Udaipur in monsoon season. In this travel guide you’ll find places to visit in Udaipur in 2-7 days and much more:
Here is a short video about my trip to Rajasthan in this monsoon:
Udaipur lies in Mewar, the land of bravery and chivalry, a treasure of impregnable forts and grand palaces. The saucer-shaped fertile valley, often referred to as the ‘Venice of the East, is most famous for its azure water lakes and lush green hills of Aravallis. While Udaipur has a plethora of star attractions, some of the prime sites are – Lake Palace, strategically located in the middle of Lake Pichola, which is considered one of the most romantic hotels globally. City Palace and (Monsoon Palace) add to the architectural beauty and grandeur of the city. Jaisamand Lake is claimed to be the second-largest man-made sweet water lake in Asia. The city is also known for its abundance of zinc and marble reserves.
Despite visiting Udaipur several times (staying for at least 7 days each time), I have barely scratched the surface. Here are some I would highly recommend you to visit whether you are looking for places to visit in Udaipur in a single day or 2-7 days:
Udaipur got its moniker, the city of lakes, owing to over seven fresh-water man-made lakes in and around the city. The interconnected, cascading lakes around Udaipur were primarily created by building dams to meet the city’s drinking water and irrigation needs and its neighbourhood. So, every time I visit Udaipur, I make it a point to see at least 3-4 lakes. The best lakes to visit in Udaipur are Pichola, Fateh Sagar, Udai Sagar, Doodh Talai, Jaisamand and Badi Lake.
An imposing architectural marvel towering over the Lake Pichola on a hill surrounded by crenellated walls, it is a conglomeration of courtyards, pavilions, corridors, terraces, rooms and hanging gardens. The balconies, domes, and towers of the palace give an excellent view of the lake and the surrounding city. “City Palace is the largest palace complex in Rajasthan and was built in 1559 by Raja Udai Singh II. The original palace expanded, and successive generations added 11 new palaces to the original structure”, said the Culture and heritage promotion Assistant Manager of City Palace, Poorva Bhatia. Twenty-three Royal families have lived in this 462-year old palace, including the current one who now resides in Shambhu Palace. This is now a major tourist attraction and a much sought-after wedding venue of the Haut monde.
The old complex consists of four major and several minor palaces that collectively form the magnificent City Palace. The central part of the palace is now preserved as a museum displaying artefacts.
Timings – 9:30 am to 5:30 pm on all days of the week
Entry fee – City Palace Museum fee is 300 INR for both Indian and well International guests. Children from the age of 5 up to 18 years is 100 INR and senior citizen 200 INR.
Now a hotel owned by the Taj Group, it was initially called Jag Niwas and served as a summer palace of Maharana Jagat Singh. Built between 1743 and 1746 on an island in Lake Pichola, the palace is a majestic marvel of architectural beauty. The walls of the Taj Lake palace are made of black and white marbles adorned with semi-precious stones and ornaments. Courtyards of the restored palace are lined with well-manicured Gardens, fountains, pillared terraces, and columns. Restored to its original glory, this spectacular palace became world-renowned when the James Bond film ‘Octopussy’ was filmed at it. Equipped with well-appointed 65 luxurious rooms and 18 grand suites, this heritage hotel in Udaipur is a destination in itself.
However, the Taj Lake Palace is a resident-only facility. All hotel services and facilities are solely for in-house guests. So, you can enjoy its beauty from outside only unless you are staying here.
One of the best places to see the aerial view of Udaipur without taking a helicopter ride is from the top of Karni Mata Temple. And that’s what I did. I have always visited this temple constructed from 1620 to 1628 by Maharana Karan Singh in my last three trips. But the temple never came into the public’s eye until 1997, when the Manshapurna Karni Mata Development Committee decided to redevelop the temple. A well-paved path was developed with stairs and resting areas at various spots on the way to the temple. For those who didn’t want to hike, a ropeway was installed. It takes anywhere between 20-25 minutes to reach a staircase and around 5 minutes by ropeway.
Once you reach the top of the Karni Mata Temple, you see a panoramic view of the entire Udaipur City. Starting from Dudh Talai Lake, Pichola Lake, Lake Palace, City Palace, Jagmandir, and a lot more. From the backside of the temple, you get to see an aerial view of the residential areas of Udaipur.
Situated just outside Udaipur, the 19th-century Sajjangarh Palace is built on top of Bandara hills. Used as a monsoon palace and hunting lodge, Maharana Sajjan Singh originally planned to make it an astronomical centre. The plan was abandoned with the king’s premature death. However, it is still an awe-inspiring sight on the Udaipur skyline. It offers spectacular views of the city, Sajjangarh Wildlife Sanctuary, and areas around.
Just beneath the Monsoon Palace lies Udaipur Biological Park, also known as the Sajjangarh Biological Park. The Sajjangarh Biological Park is an ecotourism site built to conserve the threatened flora and fauna within the area. While it’s open all around the year, the best time to visit this park is during the monsoon season (July to September). The biological park is home to over 60 wild animals from 21 species, making it a haven for wildlife and nature lovers. It’s a plastic-free area where you are not allowed to carry any plastic item with you.
If you love heritage architecture, you must visit Jagdish Temple, a prime example of the Indo-Aryan style of architecture. This multi-storied temple was built by Maharana Jagat Singh I in 1651; to date, it continues to be one of the most visited temples in and around Udaipur. Devoted to Lord Vishnu, the structure of Jagdish Temple is an architectural marvel with carved pillars, elegant ceilings and painted walls.
What do women do in Rajputana kingdoms to pass their time? They would visit gardens. One such garden was built by Maharana Sangram Singh II – Saheliyon-ki-Bari or the Garden of the Maidens. There is a small museum, marble elephants, fountains, kiosks, and a lotus pool within the garden.
Udaipur and nearby areas have a rich cultural heritage. One place you must visit in Udaipur is Lok Kala Mandal. Dedicated to studying folk art, culture, songs, and festivals of Rajasthan, Gujrat and Madhya Pradesh. This autonomous institution is mostly self-reliant and provides livelihood to over 40 artists from across the region. Daily there are cultural shows and puppet shows. The institution also houses a museum that exhibits a collection of folk items from Rajasthan like rural dresses, ornaments, puppets, masks, dolls, folk musical instruments, folk deities and paintings.
This place was a complete surprise package with its authentic Rajasthani food and adventure activities. Visit this place if you want to try your hand at adventure activities like Zipcycle, Zoombike, Rope course, Rocket ejector, Wall climbing, etc.
I found above the best places to visit in Udaipur in the monsoon, but you can see them in any other season. Below are some more options.
Besides the above, the other places worth visiting in Udaipur are Bagore-ki-Haveli, Shilpgram – the Rural Arts and Crafts Complex, wax museum, Ambrai ghat, and old city, Phoolon Ki Ghatti in Cheerwa, among many other places. If possible, visit Shilpgram during the ten-day Shilpgram Festival, which starts from 21 Dec to 30 Dec every year.
Udaipur has a lot of exciting places around to visit, such as Eklingji (22 km), Nagda (23 km), Nathdwara (48 km), Haldighati (50 km), Jaisamand Lake (50 km), Rajsamand Lake (66 km), Kumbhalgarh (84 km), and Banswara (160 km).
Being a tourist magnet, there’s no shortage of accommodation options in Udaipur for every budget:
When it comes to spoiling the guests with luxury, very few cities in India do better than Udaipur. Whether you are seeking a romantic plush experience in Rajasthan or wish to relish the royal hospitality, there are the best 7 star and 5-star hotels in Udaipur that will satiate your needs, whatever they may be. Almost every prominent hotel chain in India has a presence in Udaipur. While there are beautiful properties all around, the heritage hotels are the showstoppers of the city. These properties are either run by the erstwhile royals or were once their residences. One thing is common about all of them: all of them are near Lake Pichola. Once the grand homes of the Maharajas of the bygone century, these hotels now serve tourists seeking regal experience.
Here’s a list of the best luxury hotels in Udaipur with lake views- Taj Lake Palace Udaipur, the Oberoi Udai Villas, Aurika by Lemon Tree, Raffles Udaipur, Taj Aravali Resort & Spa Udaipur, Jagmandir Island Palace – Grand Heritage, The Leela Palace Udaipur, Trident Udaipur, Taj Fateh Prakash Palace Udaipur, The Ananta Udaipur Resort & Spa, RAAS Devigarh, TatSaraasa Resort and Spa, and many more. The price of high-end 5-star luxury hotels such as Taj Lake Palace Udaipur, the Oberoi Udai Villas, Leela Palace etc., starts around 50,000 INR per night. In contrast, the price for the next tier of luxury hotels can be anywhere between 12,000/- INR to 30,000 INR per night.
When people visit Udaipur, the most sought after hotels are around the lakes. There are a lot of 5-star hotels in and around the lakes, namely Taj Lake Palace Udaipur, the Oberoi Udai Villas, Jagmandir Island Palace, Jag Niwas Palace, the Leela, Udaipur. Then there are many touristy Havelis and hotels near the lake cater to all kinds of budgets like Jaiwana Haveli,
There are many good hotels in Udaipur that are worth spending a few days. Udaipur welcomes a budget traveller with as much attention and warmth as it does a luxury traveller. These budget properties are well equipped with all the essential facilities required for a smooth stay. Most of these accommodations offer fantastic views of Lake Pichola and Lake Palace from Mewar Haveli. They are close to the bus stand and the railway station. Don’t be fooled by the ‘budget’ hotels tag – they are no less than any charming haveli of the yore. But if you like to stay away from the hum-drum of city life, the properties such as Tree of Life Vantara, Udaipur are a great option to stay.
Udaipur is a city where you can dine like a royal. While navigating through the narrow lanes of Udaipur, you are bound to get surprised by its culinary offering. You’ll discover that the city’s culinary offerings go beyond Rajasthani fare. From chic European-style cafes to picturesque fine dining restaurants on the lakeside—the possibilities are endless. I’ll highly recommend some restaurants and cafes: Ambrai Restaurant, Khamma Ghani, 1559 AD restaurant, Upré by 1559 AD, Udai Kothi, Millets of Mewar, Neel Kamal Restaurant, Darikhana, Savage Garden, and Enigma.
You can know more details about the best restaurants in Udaipur here.
Apart from plush restaurants, Udaipur has a rich legacy in street food as well. You can gorge on street food items such as hot samosa, crispy kachori, delicious aloo vada, tasty vada pav, or delicious dabeli at Sukhadia Circle, Chetak Circle or Bombay Market. Some worth mentioning places are Bohra Ghanpati Mishtan for samosas, Shri Lala Mishtan for kachoris dipped in curry and Bhole Nath Nashta Center for poha. One place that you shouldn’t miss out on is Natraj Dining Hall and Restaurant. Their thali is. A must. Places like Bawarchi Restaurant, Queen Café, and Jasmin are worth visiting too.
Shopping and travelling go hand in hand. And, Udaipur doesn’t disappoint when it comes to shopping. The famous markets of Udaipur are:
Day 1 – as above
Day 2 –
Day 1 & 2 – as above
Day 3 –
Day 1, 2 – as above
Day 3, 4 & 5 – Banswara
Day 5 –
Day 6 – Visit Kumbhalgarh
Day 7 – Local sightseeing, shopping and departure
By flight
I took Vistara’s afternoon flight from Delhi, which took around 1hr 25 minutes to reach Udaipur’s Maharana Pratap Airport, about 22 km away from the city centre. By flight: Udaipur is well connected with flights from all over India. While I had a pickup arranged from the airport, you can easily hire a taxi or an auto from outside the airport to reach your destination. Pre-paid taxi costs approx. INR 700-800 and a prebooked OLA or UBER might cost around INR 400-500.
By road
Udaipur has good road connectivity. You can reach Udaipur from Delhi in 11 hrs, 13hrs27 mins from Mumbai, 6hrs 46 mins from Jaipur, 4hrs 59 mins from Ahmedabad, 7hrs 45 minutes from Indore, and 4hrs 49 mins from Kota. The roads are well maintained, and there is also an extensive network of regular bus services on these routes. Depending upon your budget and requirements, you can choose from air-conditioned coaches, luxury buses or state transport buses. The Rajasthan State Road Transport Corporation (RSRTC) buses connect Udaipur with places like Chittorgarh (115 km), Jodhpur (260 km) and Bhilwara (166 km), among others.
By train
Another easy way to reach Udaipur is via train. You can find frequent trains from Jaipur, Delhi and Mumbai. Trains such as Mewar Express, Ananya Express, Gwalior-Udaipur Express and Chetak Express run daily, connecting the city with Ahmadabad, Sealdah and Ajmer. Suppose you want to travel in a truly luxurious style. In that case, you can choose to travel in any of the luxury trains that cover Udaipur as a part of their itineraries, such as Maharaja Express, Palace on Wheels, Golden Chariot and Deccan Odyssey. Upon arrival at the Udaipur Railway Station, you can hire a cab or an auto-rickshaw to explore the city.
I hope you liked this travel guide for a trip to Udaipur.
The best restaurants in Udaipur, Rajasthan
Why Tree of Life Vantara Resort is one of the Best Hotels in Udaipur?
Banswara – the city of 100 islands
Ranthambore National Park, Rajasthan, India
Castle Kanota, Jaipur – How tourism saved the royals of Rajasthan
Rethinking tourism could save Udaipur from its pressures
I had visited Udaipur on the invitation of Rajasthan Tourism but all the views expressed above are solely based on my personal experience. All the pictures and text written above is the sole property of Travel See Write. Please don’t copy anything without prior written approval.
Hotel Review: Are you planning a holiday in the city of Lakes and looking to stay in one of the best hotels and resorts in Udaipur? In this post, you’ll read about my honest review about staying at Tree Of Life, Vantara Resort in Udaipur.
The magnetism of the exotic city of Udaipur is so intense that it lives in your mind long after you have left the place. And, one of the most important decisions to take while visiting the royal city of lakes is where to stay in Udaipur. While there are ample options to choose from the best houses and resorts in Udaipur, it could get confusing. From enjoying a royal stay at the aristocratic and illustrious Taj Lake Palace of Udaipur on Lake Pichola to finding a nature retreat in the Aravalli mountain range; Udaipur has ample options to suit every pocket. Some of the top hotels in Udaipur for couples, families and weddings are newly opened Raffles, Leela Palace, Oberoi Udai Villas, Aurika by Lemon Tree and many more. During my last visit to Udaipur, I stayed at two different hotels and resorts. One was in the city’s heart, next to Fateh Sagar Lake, and the other away from the hustle-bustle of the city, in the middle of lush Aravalli hills. If you are looking for the Best Hotels in Udaipur for couples and families, this post could help. Here are my reasons to choose Tree of Life Vantara Resort, Udaipur over any other 5-star hotels in Udaipur:
Related – the best places to visit in Udaipur in 24 hrs top 7 days
Being a nature lover, I prefer places that are peaceful and unobtrusive, where I can be one with nature. That kind of tranquillity is difficult to get in the bustling’s heart of Udaipur, therefore I stayed with Tree of Life Resorts, Udaipur. Nestled among the undulating forested Aravalli hills, the resort is strategically at Debari. A village lying midway between the airport (13.3 km, 25 mins) and Udaipur city (approx. 11 km, 25 mins). Reaching here itself was like a mini adventure—driving on a mud road with trees all around made me feel as if I was on a jungle safari. I got a grand welcome when, along with the welcome drink, the heavens opened their floodgates. Despite heavy rains, the resort looked extremely gorgeous with all the greenery and open spaces around. As I entered, I couldn’t stop myself from noticing the architecture that was built to blend in—made entirely in Jaisalmer stone. The resort reflects Rajasthan’s architectural style and design.
Travel Tip: Since the resort is in a secluded area, therefore, getting public transport or even an uber can become an issue. The best is to share your travel plans with the front office and they can arrange a taxi for you, in case you don’t have your own conveyance.
Unlike big hotels with 150+ rooms, Tree of Life Vantara Resort in Udaipur doesn’t intimidate you with its size. You feel you are staying in a nature retreat for relaxation with just 16 hideaway rooms spread over 4 serene acres of picturesque land on two floors. I stayed at one of their Superior Hideaway Rooms on the ground floor. My room had a large sit-out area with an all-encompassing view of the forested Aravalli Hills. I spent a lot of time here just marvelling at the serene beauty of the landscape. With around 400sq. ft. area, my room was very spacious, well-lit and fully equipped with all modern amenities. The bathroom had a separate closet area and individual WC and shower areas.
The resort has all the amenities that you look for in a mid-range resort starting from 24-hour security, daily housekeeping, taxi service, express check-in/check-out, luggage storage, free parking, free High-Speed Internet (Wi-Fi), outdoor swimming pool, game room, airport pick and drop, restaurant, conference facilities, dry cleaning, and Laundry service.
Also, the resort is pet friendly. So, you can travel with furry babies without worrying.
No travel experience is ever complete with good food. Thankfully, the food served at Tree of Life Resorts was freshly cooked and delicious. Made as per the guests’ liking, it provided the best of both worlds – a variety of restaurant menus and quality of home-like food. You could either eat at the buffet or order à la carte. I tried and loved both. You could order anything from the carefully selected menu of Rajasthani, Continental and Gujarati cuisine. I tried Rajasthani and continental cuisine. Both were delicious. Daal-baati-churma, Gatte Ki Sabji, ker Sangri, Laal maans, were served with great love and care. I ate so much that it became difficult to move after lunch.
The breakfast was well laid out with South Indian, continental and North Indian food to choose from. One evening, I had an outdoor dinner with my friends. The candlelight setting next to the outdoor pool was splendid.
For me, the staff in a hotel or resorts are the unsung heroes. And, I have to say, the staff at Tree of life Resorts is one of the best I have come across lately. Not only they were respectful, courteous, and mindful of my needs, but they went out of the way to arrange things that were not even part of their service. Here’s an incident I would like to narrate. While checking out, I forgot some stuff in my room, which by mistake was carried home by the guests who stayed in my room once I checked out. Kudos to the Property Manager, Mahendra Singh, for checking with the other guests and ensuring I get my stuff back. This kind of commitment is something you don’t see often. Even during my stay at the property, Mahendra Singh and his team ensured I had a comfortable stay.
The reason I thought Tree of Life Resort, is one of the best hotels in Udaipur for couples and families is because of the experiences it provides. The provided experiences are unique, sustainable and bespoke. They can be organised both inside and outside the property at a nominal extra cost. Some experiences include a soft trek in the hills, which is led by a Bhil tribal, who call the Aravalli hills their home. The trek takes you to a hilltop from where you can enjoy a panoramic view of the hills and Fateh Sagar lake.
If you are amused by temples, architecture and culture, you would enjoy ‘A day with the Gods’ day trip taking you on a temple trail of temples from 724 AD to the 17th century. Besides that, you can go on a village tour to meet the tribals or see the village life. Other than that, you can always enjoy a special high tea or cocktail by the pool.
There are different room packages available at Tree of Life Vantara Resort, Udaipur. You can choose either of these:
You can book directly on the resort’s website or through a third-party website like tripadvisor.com or booking.com. You can also book my calling up the Tree of Life Vantara Resort, Udaipur contact numbers – 9116104009 or 9015242000. For more information, either visit their website or write to them at unwind@treeofliferesorts.com
Varsha, 36, presents the sales strategy to the management on Google Meet while her dog, Whisky, sleeps on the grass nearby. Her presentation goes well, and she is excited about the new role. In January this year, the IT professional during the week and hobbyist photographer during the weekend traded off her high rise apartment in Bangalore to one of the luxury beach cottages in Goa. Out of all the things that bothered her the least was the flight charges from Bangalore to Goa. Staycation in Goa for a month amid a raging pandemic was a big decision, and initially, she was a bit apprehensive about how it will work, but eight months later, she couldn’t have been happier. While she hasn’t shifted permanently to Goa from Bangalore, the move is on her mind. The several luxurious and cheap staycations in Goa have helped her make the decision. When I asked her what prompted her to shift to Goa, she said,
The Work From Home came as a blessing in disguise. I could work from anywhere. All I wanted was a peaceful, stress-free environment, fresh air and stable Wi-Fi. An outdoor space to take my dog for walks. Goa has it all.
Varsha is not alone. After the Covid-19 Pandemic hit, the four-walled city life of metros became suffocating for many Indians, especially the ones in the corporate and creative fields. Overnight, the life of going out, parties, dinners, meetups, travel and even work became inaccessible. As the COVID numbers started going down and states started opening up, more and more people began escaping to either the hills or the beach for workcations. Susegad, the Goan concept of sense of contentment, fulfilment and relaxation became even more appealing.
Bhawna, 27, a media professional from Delhi, finally decided to take the plunge and move to Goa in January 2021 to open a Café with her partner. She loved the chill vibe of the place, and more importantly, she didn’t have to deal with Delhi’s pollution anymore. She chose South Goa to fulfil her dream of becoming an entrepreneur. She says her dream of opening a café had not taken wings if the pandemic didn’t happen. In a way, it helped her to make the big move. She was more than happy to leave her cramped 2BHK rented house behind for a spacious beach cottage in Goa with a private pool and garden.
Domnick Mendes, who owns Paloma De Goa Resort in Colva, Goa, had seen an uptick in the long-term staycation trend. He says most of his guests are from the IT industry in Delhi, Mumbai and Bangalore. They usually book a room for a month, and their number one ask is always an excellent stable Wi-Fi. They are not very fussy about the rest of the stuff. They love to work from goa for a month or less as they really enjoy the relaxed, tension-free life of the party-state of India. During the day, they’d be glued to their screens but come evening; they’d head out for long walks on the beach or chill out in beach shacks. They can take time to pursue their passions like photography, writing, reading, painting, dancing, and music.
Sam Varghese, who now runs Aspirerz Event Management company in Panaji Goa, moved to the sunshine state from Madhya Pradesh in July 2021 after visiting Goa every few months since 2008. He says,
“As a guy with a nomadic heart, roots belonging to the South but raised in Central India and having the desire to scale mountains up North, I found Goa to be a charming place. A place that has it all – to chill, to thrill, to explore, to venture into adventure, waterfalls, old relics, wildlife sanctuaries, spice plantations, local beverages and Konkani styled dishes.”
Varsha, Bhawna and Sam are not the only ones whose heart was stolen by Goa. There is a reason why Goa is a favourite of Indians. The people of Goa are non-judgemental, chilled out and laid back. Nobody will bother you unless you encroach on their private space and indulge in some socially irresponsible act. As someone once said,
Goa is not only the land of beaches or city of churches, it’s a feeling that defines thrill in the most amazing way.
But not all is great in Goa. For big-city folks, there are some trade-offs too. Chetna Chowdhary, who moved to Goa a few years back, lists the things she misses in Goa:
“I really miss the good public transportation, well-equipped hospitals, glitzy shopping malls, and easy connectivity of Delhi. Unlike Delhi, I can’t order food any time I feel like eating. Moreover, the locals are very strict about the restaurant timings, and you get the set food menu only at a set time. For example, I can’t have a samosa or momos at lunchtime. It’s easy to find local food like Goan seafood but difficult to find international cuisine in the neighbourhood.”
Being close to nature also brings unwanted guests such as spiders, lizards, frogs, mice, mosquitoes and snakes. City Dwellers used to 24*7 power back have to face frequent power cuts and sketchy internet service.
And there is another concern that many have raised – integrating into the community. Chetna shared that despite being a resident of Goa for several years now, sometimes she is made to feel like an outsider. Goa is in India, yet at times you feel like an expat here. Take for instance her last week incident when she went waterfall chasing with her family in South Goa. The locals had closed several waterfalls including the Tiger waterfall for outsiders as the tourists and other villagers leave the party waste behind at the falls. Despite knowing she is a Goan herself and her failed attempts to convince them she won’t litter, the locals didn’t relent.
The ever-escalating property prices have become another headache for the locals. Goans say the pandemic increased the demand for land, and property rates shot up astronomically. Navneet Kapoor, a builder of 12 high-end luxury villas in North Goa, says, “pandemic fuelled a high demand for luxury homes with private gardens and pools in big cities. As a result, the cost of property has gone up 20-25 per cent in Goa.”
So, if you are considering renting a house in Goa or booking a hotel for a long-term staycation, weigh in the pros and cons of Goan life before going online to check the flight.
Let’s Go, Goa!
Here are some common questions people ask when they are thinking to work from Goa for a month or less:
Depends on your interests and budget. North Goa is very different from South Goa when it comes to attractions, affordability and services. If you love the parties and touristy vibes of Goa, then Calangute or Baga are good areas to stay in Goa. If you are a peaceful and relaxed stay by the beach kinda person, then Colva and Palolem are a good choice. People often ask which part of Goa is best for activities. I would say go to Cavelossim and Mobor for Beaches, Baga for shopping and water Sports, Candolim and Calangute for other Outdoor Activities, Panaji for Sightseeing, Old Goa fort history.
Before booking any villa, apartment or homestay in Goa do read reviews and check with your friends and family. Getting villas, apartments or homestays on rent in Goa is not a problem. Also, check for the Goa WFH package. Many properties provide discounted rates to people looking for workation in Goa for a month or less.
There is a lot you can do in Goa depending on your interests. You can go for long walks, biking, hiking, bird watching, enjoying water sports, reading, boating, visiting spice plantations, attending yoga classes, participating in musical gigs and partying all night. But all this depends on the current COVID situation in the state. So read COVID guidelines before making plans.
Goa is great in every season but November to February is the best time for the party people. Usually, the weather is pleasantly cool during this time.
If you are looking to do offbeat things to do in Goa this post would be very helpful.
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