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Ever since I was a kid, whenever I saw the FIFA World Cup matches being telecast on television, I dreamt of attending them live in a stadium. I wanted to feel the energy and vibe of the die-hard crazy football fans from Latin America, Africa, Europe and Asia. And Qatar World Cup, happening so close to India, gave me a chance to fulfil this dream. I felt Qatar was the closest country I could get to watch the FIFA World Cup, and in this rush, I made my last-minute bookings to Doha to witness the spectacle. I am not that big a fan of football, so my major objective in attending the World Cup was to experience the massive fandom for the game and also the transformation of Qatar from a conservative middle eastern country to a progressive nation focused on healthcare & sports it has envisioned itself to be. While FIFA World Cup is still on its way, no one can predict who will win the Qatar Fifa World Cup 2022.
Doha is the capital of Qatar, and all the planes land at Hamad International Airport. Qatar Airways is the national Flag Carrier and the Best Airline in the world as per my experience of flying in after 100+ Airlines. And I was lucky enough to get a return flight from Delhi to Doha for just Rs.28000 (340 USD) via Qatar Airways. Top Notch service and the most comfortable seats at an economical price.
As an Indian passport holder, my biggest stress with international travel comes from the visa process. Thankfully, getting a visa for Qatar from India was a cakewalk. Qatar had made Hayya Card as a substitute for Visa for World Cup 2022. Otherwise, Qatar offers visas on arrival to Indian Passport holders. The Hayya Card was issued to every passport holder who had 1 Match ticket for the World Cup and accommodation booked in Qatar for three nights in advance. The process is simple, you present your Match Ticket voucher code and accommodation booking number and a Digital Hayya Card is issued in your name within 24 Hours. This Hayya Card is mandatory for entry into Qatar, gives you unlimited access to public transport in Qatar, and is issued free of cost.
As expected, the room tariffs were touching the roof during the World Cup Schedule, so I could not find any accommodation for less than 500$ a night and even hosting Couchsurfing and Airbnbs were not allowed for World Cup without the government’s permission by citizens of Qatar. So I finally figured out the concept of Fan Villages that had been established especially for the World Cup. And finally managed to get a one-bedroom apartment for me at 128$ a night which is around Rs.10,000 a night for three nights.
One of the most important questions before booking my plane tickets to Qatar was how much the tickets for World Cup 2022 Qatar 2022 would cost. I thought the tickets would be very expensive and the process to get them would be quite complicated, but contrary to my perception, it turned out to be one of the simplest processes. While many travel agencies and companies provide all-inclusive FIFA World Cup 2022 packages, I booked everything myself. Overall the process was very simple. One should only purchase tickets from the Official FIFA Ticketing website as all the other platforms might not issue you ticket vouchers even after payment deduction. On the ticketing portal, there was a long list of FIFA world cup 2022 matches I could choose from available at different price ranges. I first zeroed in on the teams I was most excited for, and then I looked up their match schedule and the stadiums where they would play. Lastly, I scouted for tickets for those matches. Despite planning so late, I was lucky to secure two tickets for two different World Cup 2022 Group stage matches.
1. Uruguay vs South Korea – Category 3 ticket -Cost 250 Qatari Riyal equivalent to Rs.5500
2. Brazil vs Serbia – Category 2 Ticket – Cost 600 Qatari Riyal equivalent to Rs.13000.
Category 2 offered better views than Category 3, and I will specify more about this below in the blog. I also got two tickets at the last minute through the FIFA Resale platform.
3. Argentina vs Mexico – Cat 2 tickets – Cost 630 Qatari Riyal equivalent to Rs.13500
4. Australia vs Tunisia – Cat 3 tickets – Cost 280 Qatari Riyal equivalent to Rs.6000.
Flight – 28,000 INR
Accommodation – 10,000 INR
Match tickets – 38,000
Food, transport & miscellaneous – 24,000 INR
My total cost was around Rs.1,00,000 (approximately 1215 USD) for four nights, and I had a ball during these four nights.
Qatar has built eight new stadiums only for hosting the FIFA World Cup 2022 on a grand scale. In these state-of-the-art stadiums, 32 teams, divided into eight groups, battled to win the FIFA World Cup trophy.
Out of all the eight stadiums, I attended matches at three stadiums and visited two more during my travels around Doha.
There were dedicated Fan Zones developed all around Doha, offering you a Big Screen Match Watching experience. Also, there are plenty of activities organised in these zones, such as the FIFA Museum, Video Games based on Football and many more events conducted by the sponsors to enhance your community experience. These Fan zones are completely free and accessible to everyone. And plenty of food and drink options are available at all the fan zones. My favourite Fan Zone was in Lusail Promenade, where they had Ice Skating and Playstation Zone. The biggest Fan Zone is created in Al-Bidda park, right in the centre of Doha City, with the biggest screen and DJs.
They were DJs playing in Fan Zones after the matches where all the fans come together and celebrate their team’s victories. However, I really enjoyed most at the Stadiums, where there were drum circles giving exhilarating performances and cultural performances of different countries that helped fans connect with their playing nations. Also, they were a host of paid musical festivals organised in the City where EDM and Techno Music takes over. Some of them are the DayDream Festival & Arcadia Festival.
This was one of the major reasons to go to Qatar to meet people from Latin American and European Nations where they worship Football like we worship cricket in the Indian Subcontinent. I connected with many people from Brazil, Argentina, Mexico, and Uruguay as I attended their matches at the stadium. While my most memorable conversations were with African People, People from Tunisia and Morocco, who were full of passion and energy, and I was so happy to meet them. Ghana, a country, so few people even know the name of, had the most emotional fans. I met a Wales family for whom attending the FIFA World Cup is a family get-together event, and all the grandkids came from different destinations to support their home country alongside their Grandparents and Parents. Football truly brings people together.
I first stepped onto Doha, Qatar, in 2011 on a long layover flight while going to London. I went for 4 hours around the city in the cab just to get the vibe of the city, and all I saw were some buildings being constructed alongside Sea, and I rarely saw any women on the streets of Doha. Needless to say, there were a lot of migrant workers from the Indian Subcontinent who went there to earn a living. And now the transformation was surreal. The city has developed into one of the most cosmopolitan cities I have recently visited.
FIFA World Cup was hosted keeping the vision of Sheikh Hamad, who wanted to focus on Sports for the development of its people. And such grand hospitals have been built in Doha; I could not believe their scale. And with the expertise of Doctors from all over the world and the latest technology, I am sure that Doha would become well-known in the World for its treatment.
The country has not only widened its roads, but it has also created a state-of-the-art public transport system. 20+ Metro stations on 3 Different lines had been developed, especially before the World Cup. Also, the amount of investments that have gone into the development of Pearl Island in Doha deserves a special mention which is the city’s highlight. It is no less than Palm Atlantis of Dubai and offers amazing value for a living experience. Also, there are numerous residential & commercial projects that are underway and will soon be acknowledged around the world.
The museums in Doha are wow and developed keeping in mind the Qatari people’s values. I highly recommend that everyone visit the Museum of Islamic Art and the National Museum of Qatar. Even if you are not a history buff, the design of the spaces around the museum and the visual appeal promises an engaging experience.
Doha has a high concentration of expat families from around the globe. And they have invested highly in family entertainment avenues, be it malls or theme parks. One can find all international brands and access numerous beaches around the city. Katara Cultural Village, developed along Katara beach, was my favourite entertainment hotspot.
Doha has a unique identity, it might not be as glamorous as Dubai, but it is definitely a great value proposition, especially for families. Also, now the women in Doha are no longer under the restrictions of earlier Hijab and Burqa and have equal career opportunities. Doha will emerge as the future city, and Qatar will be regarded as one of the most desirable places to live in years to come.
It was for the first time that one of the biggest sporting events in the world – FIFA World Cup 2022 – was being hosted in the Middle East since the tournament’s inaugural edition in 1930. There might have been some shortcomings in the management of the World Cup as it was the first time Qatar was holding an event of such scale, but no one can deny that never before the World Cup looked so flamboyant and gave access to so many people from Asia and Africa to attend such a marquee event. The stadium experience was amazing, with the fireworks and post-match celebrations. The city was beautifully decorated with flags of the nations and lights, and it shone like strings of gold pearls when I saw my flight taking off from the airport. It was definitely once in a lifetime experience and a dream fulfilled.
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Author’s Bio
Pratik Goel
He is a curious soul looking to experience everything possible around him. Explorer at the core, a foodie by heart and a firm believer that “experiences are more valuable than things.”
He has been to 52 countries on an Indian passport and has been to all states in India. When he’s not travelling, he runs his family business of Wellness Medicines to earn a living.
Hitting headlines, attracting adventure seekers, and wooing nature lovers and photographers alike– Iceland has become a top bucket list destination for millions of travellers around the globe of all age groups and ethnicities. In this complete Iceland Travel Guide, read about my Epic 10-day Iceland road trip through spectacular landscapes of stunning waterfalls to otherworldly volcanic landscapes, from bubbling mud pots to curious lava towers, from sparkling beaches to geothermal Lagoons.
I first heard of Iceland when I played video games in childhood on those game consoles with cassettes. My Formal introduction to Iceland happened in 2010 when our Family Trip to London was postponed by two weeks due to a volcanic eruption in Iceland. The smoke took over European Airspace and forced us to postpone our flights.
Finally, I went to Iceland in 2016 for my 100-day Europe Backpacking Trip. Iceland was my final country on my Marathon European Journey, which spanned over 25+ Countries and 50+ cities. My Mother wanted to join me specifically for Iceland, as she had seen some pictures of Iceland on the Internet. So I decided to rent a car and do a road trip across the Ring Road Circle in Iceland. And it turned out to be the most beautiful experience of my life.
So let’s start from the beginning now.
There are two ways to get to Iceland—by airplane or by ferry. I chose to fly in. Keflavik International Airport in Reykjavik, Iceland, is your gateway to the country. Most European Cities have a direct flight to Reykjavik. Iceland Air is the flag carrier airline of Iceland, while WOW Air is the budget airline that offers fantastic deals. Around 20 airlines have regular flights from destinations in Europe and North America to Keflavik airport all year round.
Summers are the best time to visit Iceland as the roads are clear of snow and the weather is not that harsh. So you can witness the beautiful landscapes while travelling around the country. It would be best to visit Iceland in December – January to see the Northern Lights. I suggest visiting in May-June or September-October when the skies are clear and there are few tourist crowds in the country. Also, the days are longer, so you can travel more during the day.
The best way to travel around Iceland is by renting a car. Public Buses are available, but you will only be able to access some of the sites. You can easily rent a car in Iceland with your Indian Driving License by getting international approval from your Driving License authority and showing your passport and flight tickets. There are many car rental companies in Iceland, and you won’t have any trouble finding the right car or even a caravan for yourself, as caravan tourism is becoming popular in Iceland. I rented my Car from Lagoon Car Rental for 7 Days at Rs.50,000 back in 2016.
Iceland is home to hundreds of waterfalls, and I have a deep connection with flowing water, so I tried and explored as many waterfalls as possible during my road trip. Some of my Favorites are Gulfoss, Seljlandsfoss, Skogapfoss, and Detifoss & Godafoss. Iceland Tourism has ensured that you have a pleasant and safe experience while visiting these falls, so proper trails are made, and even my Mother was able to see all of them.
I was spellbound when I saw these enormous Glaciers for the first time in my life. We visited Vatnajokull and did a zodiac boat ride in Jokulsarlon Lagoon, where we spotted Walrus and Seals playing on the icebergs. Words cannot describe our emotions while witnessing these natural wonders. I also did Glacier Hiking which was 2 hours experience; in a group of 10, we went to walk on Breidamerkurjokull Glacier. The surprising part of this hike was the ice cave we sneaked into was formed due to crevasses in the glaciers—an extraordinarily thrilling and memorable experience for me.
The Great Geysir, part of the Golden Circle Day trip, is the Mother of all geysers in Iceland. I remember the boiling water shooting up to more than 50 meters in the air, and it was the first time I saw the water going up like this, so again a big memory for me. Strokkur is another Geysir we saw near The Great Geysir, which erupts more frequently but does not go that high. Also, they are boiling mud pools in Myvatn Region, which is also a sight that I remember very well to date.
Diamond Beach near Jokursalon Glacier Lagoon was one of the most beautiful beaches I have seen. Diamond Beach is famous because it sparkles with orbs of ice; no, you do not find any diamonds here. Another Beach I remember well is Black Sand Beach of Reynisfjara, where the sand at the beach is now black due to volcanic ash.
The Blue Lagoon is a milky blue-green bath visited by two million people a year. No wonder it is one of the most photographed sights in Iceland, and rightfully so. Here the powers of geothermal sea waters create beautiful spa experiences, which is why you need to make a reservation before because it gets completely booked on even regular days.
Iceland is one of the most active volcanic regions on the planet & is home to 32 active volcanoes. An eruption occurs every four years on Average. One can take helicopter tours over some of the volcanoes permitted by the government, but it is an expensive affair. So it is an entirely personal choice whether you would like to see them up close or you would get to see many of those while driving around the Ring Road.
So many geological wonders are packed in such a tiny country of Iceland, which is why geothermal energy is most effectively utilized in Iceland, and you can see many geothermal plants in Iceland’s national parks. One of the most beautiful Geothermal Plants was near the Kerid Crater, another sight to behold
I wish I could return to Iceland; there is so much to see in this country full of natural wonders & beauty.
Iceland is one of the major filming locations for both Hollywood and Bollywood. Batman and James Bond series was filmed at the foot of Svínafellsjökull Glacier. The “Arrowhead Mountain” from “Game of Thrones” was shot at Kirkjufell and you can even climb it. “The Secret Life of Walter Mitty” was among the first to discover Iceland has an all-around location and the movie was extensively filmed throughout Iceland at various locations such as Breiðamerkursandur, Vatnajökull Glacier, Seyðisfjörður, and Skógafoss. Director Christopher Nolan filmed both “Batman Begins” (2005) and “Interstellar” (2014) in southern Iceland. The list is endless. So, don’t forget to see at least 1-2 film locations on your Iceland road trip. If you want to know what movies have been made in Iceland check out this famous film sights article.
We mostly stayed in AirBnBs on our 10-day Iceland roadrip. In 2016, Iceland was less famous than it is today so we could book our accommodations on the go. We booked our accommodation mainly after reaching the destination, which we mapped on Airbnb App or Google.
Edda Hotels was one of the most value-for-money hotel chains where we stayed often. They had heated pools & even basketball courts inside the hotel. Nowadays, you can find Marriott and Hilton properties as well in Iceland. So, accommodations are available in all sorts of budgets you want.
One of the Edda hotels we stayed at had a full-size indoor basketball court inside the hotel.
My Mother is a vegetarian, and I am a non-vegetarian. So we mostly ended up eating at Subways and filled our stomachs with Soups, Pizza, Pasta & Burgers. Iceland has good pit stops, but there was nothing that fancy that I remember that I ate during the trip.
You should pack 4 Pairs of Winter Clothes, including Thermals, Sweaters, down jackets for extreme winds, waterproof gloves and caps as essentials. Rest everyone can figure out their fashion and the number of pairs they want per baggage size.
A good pair of walking or hiking shoes would be suitable for exploring the sights comfortably.
Since my Mother flew directly from India for the trip, I have calculated the cost for two people in 2016 accordingly.
1. Flights from Delhi to Reykjavik – Rs.50,000/- per person. Total for 2 People = Rs.1,00,000
2. Accommodation for seven nights – Rs.5000/- per night for two people. So seven nights would be = Rs.35,000
3. Food Costs – Rs.1000 per meal for two people. Total Meal Cost = Rs.25,000
4.Car rental Costs – Rs.50, 000 + Fuel Costs – Rs.25,000 = Rs.75,000
5. Activity Costs = Rs.50, 000
6. Miscellaneous Expenses = Rs.15,000
Total Costs for two people = Rs.3,00,000
Blanketed with lava fields and glaciers and simmering with volcanic activity, Iceland is full of geological surprises. While 10 days are not enough to explore its beauty in its entirety, it does give you a good taste of the diversity the country offers in terms of landscapes. If you want to explore some of the country’s less travelled corners to experience its raw beauty and the innovative culture that has developed on this far-flung island this itinerary is for you. During these 10 days, you’ll see stunning waterfalls, massive lava caves, traditional farmhouses, small communities, fishing villages, and tiny islands. Here’s a recommended 10-day Iceland Roadtrip Itinerary:
DAY 1: REYKJAVÍK, ICELAND
DAY 2: GOLDEN CIRCLE
DAY 3: HÚSAFELL
DAY 4: SNÆFELLSNES PENINSULA/HÚSAFELL
DAY 5: HÚSAFELL/SIGLUFJÖRÐUR
DAY 6: HRÍSEY/MÝVATN
DAY 7: MÝVATN
DAY 8: MÝVATN/AKUREYRI
DAY 9: HÚSAVIK/AKUREYRI
DAY 10: AKUREYRI/REYKJAVÍK
At the age of 25, going on a 10-day Iceland road trip with my Mother, who was around 50 years old, was a gratifying experience. We both enjoyed natural beauty & adapted to each other’s needs. We both are active travellers and were always ready at 6 in the morning to start our day. So it was a very enriching experience for both of us when we made this Road Trip. And Driving in Iceland is very rewarding, the sights you see and the experience of driving in a foreign land. I remember there was a time when it was only our car on the only national Highway in the country for more than 100 km. That ride gave me a huge kick, especially after driving on Delhi Roads. I want to end my Iceland Roadtrip Journey with a quote.
“Life is a Journey, Not a Destination, so enjoy the ride.”
I hope you found this post relevant and would find it useful when planning a trip to Iceland. I would love to hear your feedback or experience. Please use the comment section below to convey your thoughts.
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Author’s Bio
Pratik Goel
He is a curious soul looking to experience everything possible around him. Explorer at the core, a foodie by heart and a firm believer that “experiences are more valuable than things.”
He has been to 52 countries on an Indian passport and has been to all states in India. When he’s not travelling, he runs his family business of Wellness Medicines to earn a living.
New Year’s Eve party is probably the biggest global party and the idea of spending it in some other country excites everyone from the North Pole to the South Pole from East to West. So which of the 11 Best New Year Celebrations around the world is your favourite? What will you wear – a nice dress, a suit, your best pair of shoes? And what about your underwear?
Well, you wouldn’t raise an eyebrow at this question if you were living in Latin America or any Spanish speaking country. People here don brightly coloured underpants to ring in the New Year—red if you’re looking for love, and yellow for money.
Across the world, revellers celebrate New Year’s Eve in a similar fashion: fireworks and parties. Still, each destination has its unique rituals. Some walk around with suitcases in their houses at midnight, some eat a spoonful of lentils, some eat 12 grapes for 12 wishes for 12 months, some wear white clothes, some throw away their old stuff at neighbours, some predict the future with molten lead, some chime a bell 108 times to welcome New Year God, some send hundreds of paper lanterns up into the night sky. The list is endless.
So as you get ready for your New Year’s Eve party, here is a list of the 12 best New Year Celebrations around the world and their strange traditions:
Japan is the first place to welcome the New Year. In Tokyo, festivities start as early as the 29th, with spectacular fireworks displays every night until the 4th of Jan. Two great party areas are Shinjuku and Shibuya. New Year’s Eve celebration in Tokyo is both a time of family events as well as lively nightlife experiences. ‘Bonenkai’ (forget the old year) parties are held in December to bid adieu to past problems. A popular ritual called “Hatsumode” is followed where locals visit temples for the first time in the year. Once a temple bell rings 108 times at midnight, the crowds begin to celebrate the arrival of the New Year.
Sydney has earned a reputation as the New Year’s Eve Capital of the world, thanks to the spectacular fireworks at Sydney Harbour. For a day, Sydney becomes the melting pot for travellers across the world. Revellers start filling up the Opera House forecourt and every inch of open space around the harbour from early morning. The formalities officially kick off at 6 pm, with an aerial show. At 9 pm the family fireworks amaze the kiddies. The main attraction at midnight, the Harbour Light Parade, has made the city famous as a New Year’s Eve destination. This is one show for which preparations start two years in advance. In Sydney, the entire January is dedicated to New Year Celebration – fireworks are held every Saturday at Darling Harbour.
There is never a dull moment in ‘Pearl of the Orient’ and the New year in Hong Kong is as exciting as it sounds! This city knows how to celebrate every moment, especially new year’s eve. You start feeling the party vibes right from Christmas and lasts until the Chinese New Year, which is celebrated in February. So imagine a new year party that lasts for almost two months. Hong Kong is the city to be on New Year’s Eve. The whole city looks like a giant party place when the fireworks go up at Victoria Harbor. Other must-visit places are Hong Kong Times Square for New Year’s Ball Drop, Tsim Sha Tsui to attend Live Concerts, Lan Kwai Fong for attending Lit New Year Parties and don’t forget to ride Hong Kong’s Observation Wheel Ride to see the aerial view of the city.
This year the Hong Kong New Year Countdown Concert will be in the Art Park, West Kowloon Cultural District where several popular local artists such as AGA, Alfred Hui, Gin Lee, Jay Fung, Joyce Cheng, MIRROR and Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra among others will be performing live. Also, a countdown clock will be displayed on the gigantic facade of the newly opened M+ so that the public can welcome 2022 in unison. And, for the ones like me who won’t be able to make it to the venue, the concert and countdown moment will be live-streamed online.
Related – Where to eat in Hong Kong – 10 best restaurants to try out in 2022
New Year celebrations in Singapore is stunning like the city itself. While the year-end celebrations can be enjoyed all across the island, the Marina Bay Singapore Countdown is one of the city’s largest and grandest celebrations. Packed with a gamut of activities like a giant carnival, art markets, a visual projection showcase and, of course, spectacular fireworks showcase at the stroke of midnight, this is one countdown event that I can never forget. Before the pandemic hit the world Singapore celebrated the ‘Star Island Singapore’ – the celestial-themed spectacle – to The Float @ Marina Bay on 31 December 2019 through a 90-minute extravaganza of firework displays and electrifying performances. Besides Marina Bay, other great vantage points to enjoy the breath-taking fireworks were the ArtScience Museum™, Ocean Financial Centre and The Fullerton Hotel Singapore.
The celebrations were not limited to New Year’s Eve alone. Art projections were beamed on the facades of key iconic landmarks around Marina Bay such as the ArtScience Museum™ and The Merlion at Merlion Park, and onto The Fullerton Hotel Singapore. The best part about this ‘Build a Dream’ campaign was that while we enjoyed the projections, someone’s life was getting illuminated too – it was a collective effort to support the less fortunate and contribute to their personal growth. Besides the fireworks and light projects, there were a lot of kid-centric activities going around like carnivals, rides, games, food trucks and roving performers.
Marina Bay Singapore Countdown 2022 – Due to COVID restrictions there will be no fireworks display at Marina Bay on New Year’s Eve. But Singapore will celebrate the new year albeit in its own safe style – Shine a Light display, Share the Moment and Waterfront Promenade Light Installations.
New Year’s Eve celebration in Reykjavik is unforgettable – a show of fire and ice. Fireworks are quite magnificent but what makes this place unique is – The Northern Lights. Every year global travellers and locals combat polar cold to view this natural phenomenon. The Mars-like landscape of Reykjavik creates a breathtaking backdrop for the lights. New Year’s Eve is a prime time to see Northern lights and this is the only time of the year when fireworks are allowed. Locals have family dinners, attend the local bonfire, watch an annual TV show and at midnight entire population indulges in fireworks. But Iceland is not for the faint-hearted. Go only, if you can bear the extreme cold. Here’s a wonderful Iceland in winters guide
Thanks to the Oktoberfest, Berlin has earned a worldwide tag of a party city and it doesn’t disappoint you on New Year’s Eve. Germans have a tradition of participating in the annual pancake race – Berliner Silvesterlauf. Locals run in fancy dress for 2 to 15 km, flipping pancakes all the way. In the evening, Berlin’s biggest party takes place at the Brandenburg Gate. The 2 km stretch between the Victory Column and Brandenburg Gate is the place to celebrate Silvester (New Year’s Eve in German).
The Spanish eat twelve grapes at midnight, one grape for each chime of the clock. Symbolic of twelve wishes for the twelve months of the year. Eating twelve grapes at midnight and wearing red underwear on New Year’s Eve is said to bring good luck. People gather in town squares eating grapes together, drinking cava (Spanish champagne) and waiting to welcome the New Year. New Years time is a family get together time.
New Year’s Eve in Vienna is about music, mulled wine, balls, parties, and traditions. The Silvesterpfad (‘New Year’s Eve Path’), an annual grand street party, is the main event. The event lines up several free open-air concerts where you can listen to everything from folk music, waltz, and operetta to pop and rock tunes. Vienna’s best classical orchestras like the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra and the Vienna Symphonic Orchestra perform New Years Eve concerts. At midnight people kiss one another and feast on suckling pigs, which are a symbol of good luck. Future predictions are made by reading the shapes formed by pouring molten lead into the water.
London is a place that takes pride in marrying modernity with tradition. And the same is reflected in its New Year’s Eve celebrations too. A three-hour extravaganza along the River Thames comprises performances by thousands of artists, fireworks show at the London Eye, a midnight countdown alongside the chiming of Big Ben, and a massive group sing-along to “Auld Lang Syne.” Until last year this was a non-ticketed event but this year for the first time the event has been ticketed to prevent overcrowding, and tickets cost £10. If you are looking for some good deals on hotels, do check out حجز فنادق لندن (London hotel reservations).
Sub-zero temperature cannot tone down the enthusiasm of Scots to celebrate the New Year. The ‘Hogmanay’ celebration lasts four days and includes a torchlight parade through the city, concerts, and a massive street party on Princes Street. Scotsman Robert Burns wrote “Auld Lang Syne”, and it is a tradition to sing it on the streets of Edinburgh holding glowing torchlights. ‘Midnight Moment, the world-famous fireworks light up the skies above Edinburgh from the iconic Edinburgh Castle and Calton Hill. The Scots follow the tradition of “first-footing,” in which the first guest of the New Year should bring gifts.
Since 1907, the famous ‘ball drop’ – in which a 12-foot-wide crystal ball weighing nearly 12,000 pounds descends atop Times Square in New York on New Year’s Eve. The Times Square New Year’s Eve celebration features star-studded musical performances, balloons, confetti and a colourful pyrotechnic display. Every year, visitors from around the globe write their wishes for the New Year on colourful pieces of official Times Square New Year’s Eve confetti. These wishes are posted on the New Year’s Eve Wishing Wall called “Hopes and Dreams”.
Rio is the place for the partygoers who love to dance with the sea waves in the summertime of the southern hemisphere. The fantastic fireworks are held at Copacabana Beach. People attending the event come dressed in white and bring flowers, which they throw in the water as a ritual offering to the sea goddess. Champagne literally flows like water. Eating grapes and lentils are considered a good luck ritual.
There are many more interesting and strange New Year’s Eve rituals like in Ireland Maids place mistletoe under the pillow to find future husbands. In Denmark Dishes and crockery are broken against neighbours’ doors; the bigger the debris, the greater the luck. In the Philippines: Most people wear polka dots and eat round-shaped foods for good luck.
In Ecuador Scarecrows made of wood and newspaper bits are burnt to destroy the past and bring in the new. In Chile New Year is rung in with the dead. People head to the cemetery and start the year at the graves of their departed ones.
Related: If you have time and don’t mind travelling to a different country during holidays, check out the 15 Best European Christmas destinations filled with unexpected surprises.
Hope this article helps you decide which out of the 12 Best New Year Celebrations around the world will be yours this year. Additionally, when you visit any of these New Year’s Eve Destinations do follow the traditions of that place. Be rest assured you’d make some amazing new friends. And, don’t forget to book in advance because due to high demand it gets very difficult to find good accommodation at an equally good price.
I would love to know how you celebrate new year’s eve. Please do share your feedback in the below-given comment box.
Think about Nepal, and most of us think of lofty peaks and trekking. So, when I got an opportunity to explore the wildlife and spiritual side of Nepal, I jumped at the offer. The Himalayan country is home to an impressive array of wildlife and untouched pristine nature. Chitwan National Park is one of the premier drawcards in Nepal. Chitwan National Park safari, chitwan safari, chitwan national park hotels, elephant safari chitwan,
This UNESCO World Heritage-listed reserve protects more than 932 sq km of forests, marshland
The lyrical landscapes hemmed with forested hills, flushing rivers, verdant vegetation and the mighty Himalayas as the backdrop make the park an area of exceptional natural beauty and truly worthy of its status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Not only does Chitwan National Park attract tourists in hordes, but it has also become the epitome of sustainable tourism. Here is everything you need to know about planning a trip to the park.
There are national parks best explored on a Jeep Safari or on foot. But Chitwan National Park is best explored Canoeing, preferably at a golden hour. We got to go on a scenic canoe ride during the sunset. I remember Amandine (a friend who I met during the Kerala Blog Express also happened to be in Nepal for #BITM) pointed out across the bank and said, “Look, those are crocodiles!”
I ignored her comment, thinking she was simply pulling my leg. But indeed,d they were real. They were simply not moving and just relaxing on the bank. My eyes sparkled with joy seeing so many of them in the wild. A sense of excitement and anticipation enveloped me as a few of them swam next to my canoe.
I was shocked at how close they were. The long and narrow canoes that fit up to 10 people were a good place to take pictures. Though we were told that it was safe, Amandine and I talked about how easily the big crocodiles could topple us over if they wanted to.
In one instance, we saw a crocodile move off the river bank and into the water, heading in our direction! We could see his round, beady eyes and scaly head, and we were like, OMG! They could be anywhere at any given time—literally!
I believe the crocodiles here are mostly marsh mugger crocodiles that don’t really care much for nor come too close to people. They are known to prefer fish, other reptiles and mammals. Nonetheless, they are still powerful creatures who can get defensive if provoked, so it’s best to keep a distance.
The experience was definitely worth it, though. Plus, it was all the more beautiful at sunset when the orange lights reflected against the waters.
Aside from crocodiles, you can also see quite a lot of birds and mammals here. You can spot
Price: 500 rupees per person, per hour. Private tours are more expensive and vary in cost depending on the number of people and length of time.
If you ask any zoologist or naturalist about the state of rhino populations worldwide, they would most definitely paint a bleak picture. Unfortunately, their numbers are falling at a stupendous pace, and some subspecies are on the verge of extinction. However, exceptions are always there. Nepal’s Chitwan National Park is one such exception. Here, the Asiatic one-horned variety is not only reversing the trend and rising but actually thriving. We were lucky enough to see a rhino during our safari. I spent all of last year doing safaris in India and Sri Lanka, but even so, the last time I saw a rhino was back in South Africa, way back in 2014!
Disclaimer: Though the internet shows pictures of a lot of rhinos in Nepal, there is a good chance you will see them, but there is no guarantee. Most of the tour guides know this and will probably inform you. We personally saw three rhinos.
One of my groupmates showed me a video of a rhino sighting on the streets—right outside his hotel! The rhino experience really can vary depending on your luck and the time of day.
Like all other animals, Rhinos are peace-loving animals. They won’t attack you unless they feel threatened. If you see a rhino – stay behind or on the side. Rhinos don’t turn their heads. If you stand in front of them, it gives them the perfect position to attack you. So don’t!
This is an hour long show which takes place in the evenings. We did the same thing in Kandy, but this cultural show is rather important because you get to know all about the Tharu, which is an ethnic group indigenous to the Himalayas. Not only are they an ethnic group, but they are also considered a nationality of their own.
The show gets more interesting midway. The peacock dance, fire dance, and other dances seemed to capture the audience’s attention and elicit participation. At the end, they gift a rose to a random audience member. All in all, it was a good experience.
Tickets cost 200 rupees per person, particularly foreigners.
The sunset views at the Chitwan National Park are amazing and extremely calming, free from any unnatural colours brought about by pollution. Sunset and sunrise are best seen near the river, which has a perfect reflection on the water.
Tourism helps fight against poaching. By buying tickets to visit the National Park, the rangers working in the area are able to have the necessary resources in order to keep poachers from killing the wildlife in the area. Not only do you get to see the beauty that nature has to offer, but you also get to support a valuable cause.
We went to the first BITM conference in January, and we were told it was a good time. Usually, the best times to visit are during the dry season months—particularly towards the end of the year, when the Tigers gather around the sources of water. October to February are good times to visit.
One season to avoid is the hot season, from March to May, where the heat and humidity can be unbearable. June to September is monsoon season, when visiting the park is difficult and pretty much undoable due to flooding.
Entrance to the Chitwan National Park costs 2000 Nepalese rupees per person per entry. (For foreigners)
All kinds of accommodation options are available near Chitwan National Park, Nepal. Staying inside the park is not allowed
Before visiting Nepal, I was only aware of its adventure highlights, but wildlife tourism is an integral and upcoming draw for the country. While there has been news of Rhinos poaching, after meeting countless volunteers, conservationists, naturalists, and forest guards, I saw a light at the end of the tunnel. Rather than being relegated to creatures of the past, R
However, when you visit Chitwan National Park treat your wildlife excursion as a treasure hunt. After all, wildlife is a treasure. You should manage your expectations accordingly, especially when it comes to sighting some of the larger mammals like the rhinos and tigers. Personally, we saw three rhinos but there were others who didn’t see any at all.
All in all, your sighting experience really depends on exactly which animals you’re looking for. Aside from the Rhinos, you can enjoy watching other animals and learn all about the conservation of wildlife—safaris are different in Nepal. They aren’t only about hiking and sightseeing but also about helping out and saving the lives of the animals living in the park from poachers.
Hope this travel guide on visiting the Chitwan National Park inspires you to visit it soon. While I recommend visiting the National Park, I would urge you to also check out the following articles:
Have you ever visited the Chitwan National Park or Nepal? If yes, I would love to hear from you.
Travel See Write was invited by the Nepal Tourism Board to attend the #BITM conference in 2019 and #HTMNepal in 2017. Everything expressed above is based on their personal experiences in the country. Images used are shot by us. Please do not copy anything without written permission.
If you are planning to visit Central Europe, you should definitely consider visiting the Czech Republic for an amazing adventure you will not soon forget. While there are a lot of things to do in the Czech Republic, taking a road trip to five fantastic offbeat destinations is my favourite. Unfortunately, most people often stick to Prague and do not explore the beauty of lesser-known, extremely unique towns.
This central European gem is very easy to explore, and you’ll be amazed by its offerings. Renting a car in the Czech Republic is very affordable, and generally speaking, the roads are in good condition and easy to navigate. Here are five fantastic offbeat destinations worth considering the next time you wonder about things to do in the
Located in the eastern part of Moravia, Olomouc is one of the most charming cities in the Czech Republic. The city is a paradise for sightseers, making it a great place for a road trip. As you cruise the city, you will find historical monuments in the beautiful upper square, such as baroque fountains, the 18th-century holy trinity column, the Town Hall, the Astronomical clock and a bronze model of the city.
Aside from the upper square, Olomouc has churches that have been in existence since immemorial time, along with many parks and hills, which provide different vantage points.
If you go to Olomouc, do yourself a favour and stay at the Theatre Hotel for a nature-inspired lodging performance. Don’t miss dining at their on-site restaurant, Entrée, which is quite a performance.
The focal point for sightseers is the Lednice Château, one of the most beautiful complexes in baroque fountains Neo-Gothic style in Central Europe. It’s also one of the most popular tourist attractions in southern Monrovia. The Lednice compound is much more than just the Château; there are wonderfully massive gardens to stroll,
The grounds are expansive, so the best way to view it all is by horse carriage or by boat, which runs through the lazy river that runs through the grounds. There are miles of walking trails as well.
You will also enjoy strolling the streets of this romantic village, where you will find many shops, restaurants, and cafes to tantalize the tourists in you.
Don’t miss driving down the street a few miles to Valtice and visiting the Wine Salon; it’s an incredible wine-tasting experience. Read more about it here – Czech Republic Wine Salon.
Located in southern Moravia, Brno is the second largest city in the Czech Republic, yet most people have never heard of it. Brno has a lot of the same charm and characteristics as Prague but with way fewer visitors, which also makes it much more affordable.
Brno also makes for a great home base while exploring this lush wine region. The city centre is full of historical buildings, old churches, theatres, fountains, sculptures, clubs, and some wonderful restaurants.
If you go to Brno, I recommend staying at either Barceló Brno Palace or Hotel Grandezza, both are located near the city centre, which will allow you to explore the city easily on foot.
Mikulov is an enchanting little village in the midst of stunning countryside in southern Bohemia, which is surrounded by vineyards in all directions. Mikulov is in the heart of wine country and home to one of the largest wine barrels in the world. The dominating Baroque château in the centre of town is the focal point, with lush gardens and many places to take in the varying landscapes and stupendous views.
Just on the outskirts of the main square is a butte known asSvatý kopeček (Holy Hill), which is really worth exploring. The Holy Hill provides some stunning views of the dominating Baroque château in the centre of town, and peaceful landscapes beyond.
If you stay in Mikulov, check out the Tanzberg Hotel. The location is fantastic, the accommodations are fair, and the restaurant is quite good.
Ostrava is the third largest city in the Czech Republic, but like Brno, most people probably have not heard of it. Brno is an old industrial town in the midst of re-identifying itself. One of the focal points of town is a former steel mill turned into a convention centre and entertainment venue called “The Gong.” It’s a suburb display of how a city took blight and turned it into something brilliant.
The city has lots of interesting places to see on a road trip, which includes The Vítkovice Area, Landek Park, The Michal Mine, Silesian Ostrava Castle, The Miniuni, The Ostrava Zoo, The Ostrava Museum and the Viewing Tower of the New City Hall.
These are just a few of the fantastic Czech Republic road trip destinations. There are so many more things to do in the Czech Republic, but these five are a good introduction for someone who has never been to the country before.
If you have any questions or suggestions, please leave a comment below.
As soon as the mercury touches 40 in India, a mad surge can be seen in the number of visitors rushing to the Himalayas, to evade the unbearable heat and humidity. The Google search for places to visit near Delhi /Chandigarh /Lucknow /Mumbai /Chennai /Bangalore /Kolkata and others increase manifolds. However, most tourists still stick to the same old hill stations such as Shimla, Manali, Dharamshala, and Mussorie. Thereby putting way more pressure on Himalayan hamlets than what they are capable of handling. Consequently, the destinations have to battle all kinds of short term and long-term issues like the water crisis, accommodation shortage, long traffic jams, increased tariffs, below average service and climate change, among others. When I was searching for a summer weekend getaway option for a family of three (me, my wife and the kiddo), we didn’t want to be a part of the problem. So, we decided to opt for an alternate destination and more eco-friendly accommodation. While there are a few nature resorts near Shimla, we settled for a treehouse in Shogi located in the state of Himachal Pradesh. It was like going back to our roots and trying a stay option we had never experienced before.
Being close to Shimla, we opted for a self-drive weekend trip. Fully tanked up, our SUV cruised at a decent speed that allowed us to enjoy the paradisiacal views on the way. We took around five hours to cover a distance of 227 Km.
While the journey was breath-taking with views of towering peaks, blue-greyish sky studded with fluffy clouds, fruit-laden orchards, and crystal transparent water bodies, it was the anticipation of staying in a treehouse that we were most excited for. Our excitement further enhanced on the last stretch of the journey – 4 km from the resort – we took a diversion path from the highway that led us into the Forest Area and eventually to the Tree House resort. It was one of the most serene and tranquil drives I had taken lately. I would any day choose this drive over a flight.
As our vehicle gently glided into the resort, our exhilaration reached an all-time high. We couldn’t wait to check our home for the weekend.
The treehouse offered a choice of five cosy Pinewood Chalets, perfect for couples or small families like us, and three duplex chalets, ideal for large families or group of friends. We stayed in the former, which was a stilt-perched treehouse that married the traditional Himachali architecture to Scandinavian minimalist design.
An all-wood treehouse, right in the middle of a forest, embraced on all sides by greenery and nature evoked a feeling of living in the clouds. Though it was not a Treehouse in a literal sense as it had steel columns inside, yet it didn’t feel any less divine.
And the room’s balcony was the most exclusive corner in the house. We were left dumbstruck when we heard the melodious sounds of birds we had never heard before. Matching their melodies were their eye-catching vibrant feathers and beaks. Mesmerized by the atmospheric sounds, we ended up spending maximum time in the balcony and savoured several rounds of tea and snacks.
Although we did take many photographs, yet no camera can showcase the beauty of what we witnessed. With no trace of pollution, every moment spent there was highly refreshing and rejuvenating for both the mind as well as the soul. A feeling akin to meditation.
If like us, you crave for a quaint stay in the Himalayas, away from the crazy gadget-savvy world, a treehouse stay is for you. Our stay was a blissful rendezvous with mother nature. Our room with more than 85% wood as a construction material, gave a very raw and surreal experience. We slept like babies.
Overall, it was a fantastic experience of staying in a luxury nature resort, and we would highly recommend the visitors to let go of the usual stay options in Shimla and go for Suro Luxury Resort in Shoghi for a surprisingly pleasant stay amidst nature.
About 16 km from Shimla, 100 km from Chandigarh, 347 km from New Delhi
Drive to Shogi or fly to Shimla followed by a taxi ride
Have you ever stayed in any luxury nature resorts near Shimla or anywhere else, if yes, please do share your feedback in the comment box.
Rahul is a Civil Engineer by Profession and a Blogger by choice. He is an ardent Traveller and a promising Travel writer. Besides Travel, he writes about resort and restaurant reviews and Spiritual write-ups. You can check his work here.
Hi, I am Scott, half of bobo and chichi and we specialize in hyperlapse photography. In the last three years, we have been traveling around Asia, talking about hyperlapse photography at conferences, as well as well of having the great luck to be featured on national tv.
But today I am here to tell you of a funny story of how we almost stopped doing hyperlapse photography while traveling after the first time doing it abroad.
We had just begun an 8 month trip through S.E. Asia. I know, how original. My hyperlapse skills were in their infancy and the first quiet, uncrowded place I felt confident trying it was in Don Det, Laos.
It was this beautiful little Island, with a cute little windy footpath and at the end of the path was this adorable row of homes on the other side of the water that I just loved. The goal was to make a 15-second Instagram video sharing that journey to also be a part of a compilation of these that would lead to me proposing to Megan.
Seemed fun right.
Little did we know it would be a hilarious nightmare. Here’s what happened.
When we began shooting the hyperlapse a group of cute little kids came out and started to watch us. Which to be honest we do look super weird because at this point we weren’t very fast at making these videos.
At the time Megan would stand still, I would aim and take a photo. Say “OK,” both Megan and I would take one step. Then I aim and take another photo. Say “OK” and repeat until we made it to the end. It took forever.
So naturally these kids are looking at us foreigners saying “Ok” taking a photo and a step. Of course, what do little kids do? Repeat us.
Ok, this was totally adorable. A bunch of little kids next to us just saying ok, ok, ok, ok, ok and giggling and running around. Totally fun.
At this point we are thinking, these kids are cute, they are having fun and they will really be cute in the video so let’s keep shooting, this will be awesome!
But the kids led by the little devil in the pink Minnie mouse shirt got more and more comfortable with us.
So, of course, the next step from repeating ok over and over again is to sneak up and slap a boob and then run away right.
That’s exactly what she did. Just look at that expression on the photo below.
So there is no way around it, this is hilarious in hindsight. Like what in the actual hell is going on. But we have just begun this shoot, and Megan is not sure what to do because she keeps getting her boobs slapped.
It happens so fast in the video that you can’t really see it. But we slowed it down into a gif to visualize the scene.
We literally just came from teaching English to little kids in Korea, so of course as the full grown adult I am, I know exactly what to do. I calmly make an x in the ground so I know where to begin from again. I raise my camera and tripod as high as I can. Then I start sprinting at the kids and yelling “AAAAAAAARGH.”
Pretty much the textbook scenario of what your supposed to do right?
It was definitely a sight to see. My intentions were just to scare them away so they would stop slapping Megan’s boobs. Not to actually do any real harm.
They ran off and we began shooting in peace. For just five minutes.
When they came back they stayed farther away so they couldn’t do any slapping so we thought ok cool. Whatever this is fine. They are just watching this is perfect.
Eventually, we realize they are throwing water buffalo shit at Megan!
So I make another x. Again raise the tripod and run after them yelling like a pirate. This time I run a bit further.
Finally some peace. This time it lasts for eight minutes.
A routine is born. Every time they would come back into the picture, I would make an x to remember my spot and chase them away. Megan would hold back laughter at the absurdity of it all, and we would continue shooting.
The kids eventually thought I was playing with and got over their fear of me as well. But they would run just for the sake of running. All in all, we repeated this process for about one-in-a-half hours until we got closer to where they lived and when they finally came back we were done with the shoot and it was time for a refreshing beer-lao.
The amount of effort that went into making that very first 15-second video made us hesitant about doing any more on our travels. So I started scheming other fun ideas for proposals. Luckily we kept trying, we got better, faster and eventually did finish the proposal video below.
If you liked this post please consider sharing. You can find Scott & Megan on their travel blog boboandchichi.com, see what their up to on instagram and youtube. Scott also has a site teaching hyperlapse photography.
“Life is a road less traveled, to the beaches and the mountains, where the waves hit the shores and the stars light up the beach, and where the unsettling pace of city life comes to a halting screech”
“Gokarna”– To translate, that would mean go and do it and that is what it exactly means. Carved from mountains and cut by rivers, it is probably one of the most beautiful places on earth that can boast of two of earths’ most magnificent creations – mountains and water.
Nestled between the Western Ghats and the Arabian Sea, Gokarna is a must visit place, both for short trips and really long ones. Here are the 4 reasons to visit Gokarna – The land of unspoiled beaches:
If Bangalore Traffic is a nightmare for drivers, the drive from Neelamangala to Hassan via Tumkur toll gate is like a dream. The roads have improved remarkably. As you get away from Bangalore, the hustle, bustle and pollution gives way to serene countryside, dotted with trees and small hills. The drive will lead you through Sakleshpur (a remarkable place in itself) and then onto the Ghat sections of Mangalore. Sharp turns, hairpin bends, the odd langoor and many vehicles, all a part of the drive. The drive to Mangalore also takes you through several bridges across rivers that pour their heart out into the Arabian Sea.
The scenic view while driving to Gokarna
If Goa is known for its “party till you drop” beaches, Gokarna is definitely for those who are seeking calmer pastures. The beaches in Gokarna are not easily accessible though. What they lack in party is more than compensated by the views. The beaches are like hidden treasures, protected by the mountains. The three major beaches in Gokarna are Om, Paradise and Half moon. The main Gokarna beach is not in the list because, quite frankly, it is incredibly crowded, partly because it is located near the temple and also because many “tourists” frequent it. Having said that, there is a beautiful trail from the Gokarna beach that leads to the Kudle beach. Kudle beach has the best of both worlds, sandy beach combined with a couple of decent options to eat and drink. Two turns away (through the open sea) lie the Om Beach, paradise and half moon beaches. These are pristine, clear and more importantly less crowded (except for Om Beach, which is synonymous with Gokarna)
Om beach is the most famous of the lot, for some unique reasons. The beach looks like the Hindi word Om when viewed from a distance towards the sky. The beach is rocky and has the famous Namaste cafe alongside. Not to miss them, there were cows on the beach, which was a first for me. (Have you seen cows at a beach?)
Halfmoon Beach, Gokarna
Kudle View, Gokarna
Om Beach, Gokarna
Well, a visit to the beach(es) is incomplete without a fast paced boat ride. I’ve never been a fan of the wishy washy cruise ships that take you through the sea, all mollycoddled with no adventure. Kudle beach had the most amazing setting for a fast paced boat ride. The ride covers Om beach, Paradise and Half moon beaches, leaving you with a view of the Aghanashini River and the beaches on the Kumta side. The beaches on the Kumta side are deserving of a few days themselves. After some heavy turning and churning on the sea, the boat man stopped dead in the middle of the sea and yelled “Dolphins”. I was surprised! This trip was getting better. I turned to catch a fin here and a tail there. When the engine stopped, all I could hear was the sweet sound of waves crashing against the boat. I wish could have recorded the sound and played it every time, every single time.
Take the boat ride to:
Boat Ride, Gokarna
The Boat Ride, Gokarna
Maravanthe and Murdeshwar, the renowned temple villages, lie to the south of Gokarna, en route from Mangalore. Maravanthe is a sandy beach that is not wide but a long strip of white sand. Maravanthe begins at the very spot where the road from Mangalore meets the coast. Not many people stop there because so called ‘better’ spots await them but they couldn’t be farther away from the truth. Maravanthe is an incredible spot to stop and soak in the first instance of the sea. The sea teases you all along, from Mangalore but Maravanthe is where the tease ends and the sea says hello, in all its glory. Stop there for a brief tete-a-tete with the beach and also some coconut water.
Murdeshwar is a well-known spot on the way to Gokarna and Goa. What I did not know about it was that its beaches are probably the cleanest in the country
Boat at Murdeshwar, Gokarna
Maravanthe Beach, Gokarna
Maravanthe Beach, Gokarna
Top View from Murdeshwar, Gokarna
The world’s second largest Shiva Statue, Murdeshwar, Gokarna
Murdeshwar, Gokarna
Now stop reading and start planning your trip to Gokarna. Use the comments section to find out some more interesting secrets about Gokarna 🙂
Source: Wikipedia
Most of the people in Mumbai never truly get enough of the city, so they never step out of it. They are not to be blamed. There is so much beauty in Mumbai that there are very few reasons to leave this amazing city.
‘The 50 plus travel destinations around Mumbai, you ought to visit’ mentioned in the below list are just the reasons to leave this amazing city for a while. These destinations are suitable for every kind of traveller. Travelling is an adventure everyone needs to experience at least once in their life. Apart from being relaxing and rejuvenating, it teaches us how to be more confident and independent. Thus, one must travel!
The below list has some of the most picturesque and must-visit destinations around Mumbai. So, if youíre looking for a destination to visit near the city, then you must scroll through the list below. The destinations mentioned here are according to the time it will take for one to drive to these locations from the city. The closest destinations are Panvel, Karnala, Karjat, Alibaug and so on, while the furthest are Vengurle, Kolhapur, Amboli, Sawantwadi and more.
Looking for a fun road-trip with your friends? Then Diveagar, Daman, Dahanu are just for you! There are many of such amazing destinations listed with some more information in the detailed article of the below image. The detailed article speaks about the notable fact of the place, the ways you can travel comfortably and much more.
This guest post is contributed by Nirav Dave of Zara Hutke. The original post can be found here.
‘Incredible’ is a name given to India for a reason. Think of a fairytale fantasy, a dreamland scene or a heavenly abode; it’s a bet you will have no issues finding such offbeat travel destinations in India. Beauty is in abundance in this country, whether it is in the people, places or the sceneries. There are a few places in India that appear surreal and their beauty is hard to even imagine. You have to see them to believe it.
Here is a list of some offbeat travel destinations in Incredible India that will sweep you off your feet and give your imagination a new horizon.
One of the few offbeat travel places where nature is divine, the Laitlum canyons in Meghalaya has a surreal beauty with its dewy hills, bamboo plants, charming orchids and hazy clouds. If you have a hankering for panoramic views, mystical mists and nebulous fog, head to the Laitlum Canyons. Home to the abundance of natural beauty, Laitlum Canyons is sure to make you bow your head in the new found respect for nature and God’s choicest creations.
Distance from Shillong by road: 101 kms
Best time to visit: October to February
Things to know:
It is one of the five highest peaks of the world and is created by nature with patience and lots of artistry. It is hard to find such diversity in the natural beauty anywhere else in the world. If you like orchids, then this place is a must visit for you as here you find 600 odd and rare varieties of Orchids. Any time of the day or night, the beauty of Sandakphu is priceless and unparalleled.
Distance from Darjeeling by road- 83kms
Best time to visit– any time of the year
Things to know–
Unarguably one of the most surreal places in India, Majuli in the Assam state is the largest river island in the world. A UNESCO world heritage site, Majuli is connected only with boats from the small town of Jorhat and is still unknown to many tourists. Visit this offbeat travel destination during monsoon and witness the most picturesque and paradisiacal scenery on earth.
Distance from Guwahati by road: 349kms
Best time to visit: October to March
Things to know:
Wake up to the surreal beauty of the white salt desert as far as your eyes can see in the Rann of Kutch. Spread in the western district of Gujarat, the sprawling beautiful desert looks blissful in the full moon night and gives you a feeling of solace. Every year world famous ‘Rann Utsav’ festival is organized and tourists from all over the globe come to enjoy the colorful festival on the white sands of the great desert.
Distance from Ahmedabad by road: 272kms
Best time to visit: October to February
Things to know:
You will never be able to appreciate the man-made bridges after you see the living root bridges in Meghalaya. With roots as long as a hundred feet, the bridges thus made are strong enough to support 50 people at a time on it. What appears to be scary to even look at, you will see small kids in Meghalaya walking over these living root bridges like a cakewalk. This place is under the UNESCO world heritage site listings.
Distance from Cherrapunji by road: 82kms
Best time to visit: Any time of the year
Things to know:
You might mistake it as a honeycomb if you look at it from a distance. With a history that dates back to the 12th century, the Phutkal monastery in Ladakh boasts of an intriguing architecture and surreal surroundings. The simplicity and charm of this place are infectious. The entire monastery is built on the sharp edges of a giant mountain and is home to around 70 monks.
Distance from Srinagar by Road: 192kms + a day-long trek to the monastery
Best time to visit: April to August
Things to know:
Not necessarily an offbeat travel destination but being home to the best backwaters in the world, Alleppey is a gem of the Kerala state of India. It mesmerizes you with its charming lagoons, flak canals, swaying beautiful palm trees and postcard perfect lakeside views. Alleppey treats you with tranquility and peace through its untouched simplicity.
Distance from Cochin by road: 53kms
Best time to visit: September to February
Things to know:
Situated in the village of Abhaneri in the state of Rajasthan, Chand Baori is considered to be the deepest well in the world. However, it looks nothing like a well; instead, it offers a majestic view of ancient architectural marvel. Chand Baori was constructed to provide a dependable water source to the village and neighboring areas under the rule of Nikumbha Dynasty. Built over 1000 years ago, the well was a dependable source of water for the area for centuries and now when modern ways of water delivery have come into existence, it is no longer used. But this doesn’t diminish its importance. Abhaneri is one of the best but most underrated places in India.
Distance from Jaipur by road: 90 kms
Best time to visit: November to February
Things to know:
Incredible India is one of those few countries on the planet where you can still find a lot of secret places. Right from the highest peak to the largest river island, best of crowded and secluded beaches to the most picturesque waterfalls. Every season in India marks for the best travel time and every travel makes for an unforgettable memory. India in every way is a traveler’s paradise. The soul of India resides in the offbeat travel destinations. In your next travel try to walk on that offbeat path. After all the best holiday destinations in India or anywhere else are the ones where you can enjoy the most.
The expenses that are involved from the time of planning a holiday, to till you end the trip can add up, but if you are anything who wants to make your holiday the best and most affordable – this is the article for you.
These travel tips to save expenses will help you in bagging more savings! Whether you are mulling over the travel destinations that are on your mind or you are almost set to take a trip to your best-loved destination; get rid of the nuisance of planning your next travel holiday with these incredible money saving tips while traveling.
Keep away unwanted expenses on your baggage. The best way to do is, share your larger travel bags amongst your family members and ask them to check in. You may also consider using a carrier service that you’ve been a loyal customer with and request them to dodge extra fees. Plus, most of these companies offer reward points which can be redeemed towards next flight. Take advantage of these perks.
Travel Tips to Save Expenses – Chuck Unwanted Fees
Not just flash sales on flight tickets, but you can receive a great range of offers by signing up to deals or coupons site like GrabOn. The site brings in much discounted offers from various travel portals including – Yatra, Goibibo, Makemytrip and more. So don’t wait, time it right.
Tips to Save on Travel Expenses – Sign up for alerts
Well, who would say no to freebies, especially when it comes to booking big-ticket hotel accommodations, cruises expenses and more? This is such a great moment to rejoice. Search for hotels that offer free wi-fi, vehicle parking, breakfast and more to save on extra expenses when you stay at home. It’s way cheaper to use the free wi-fi to communicate to your folks back at home through Whatsapp calling, Skype calling or Viber calling than burning cash on exorbitantly expensive roaming.
Tips to Save on Travel Expenses – Look in For Some Free Stuff
For deeply discounted airlines and accommodations, there’s is no better way than getting social. Airlines like SpiceJet, JetBlue, and more promote offers on Twitter, Facebook and other major social channels. Most of the travel sites, hotels and tour companies announce their offers on social media and are usually real time responsive.
Tips to Save On Travel Expense – Look offers on Social Space
Check out your hotel desk menus and pricing online. This will help you understand how much budget of your trip you got to allocate for food. Check out for coupons for nearby restaurants in case if you find the pricing of the hotel’s menu is a way unaffordable. Instead of buying food at a theme park or nearby destinations, try to stock up some snacks or beverages. Try local street food. It is both cheap as well as gives the authentic local taste.
Tips to Save on Travel Expense – Save on Meals
So these were just few travel tips to save expenses, I am sure you’ll have many more to add.
Look forward to hearing from you.
Most of us travel to learn, to explore and to see the new. A few friends and I travelled for the above mentioned reasons and also, to raise funds for a few charitable causes. In addition to discovering the beauty that India is, we also learnt quite a few things about ourselves and our country. Below is what we discovered.
What is life that is not lived with passion, said somebody great. At first there was just one person who had this crazy idea. He met up with his friend and that became two.A couple of Facebook posts later we became four and so on.In the end we were 10 of us and over 800 people followed our trip on our Facebook page.
How did this happen?
I attribute this to sheer passion of everybody who was involved in this trip.
It is not easy to be passionate about something that is both dangerous and monotonous at the same time but for us, the passion came in the form of the change we could bring about in the lives of our benefactors — the families in south India who could now build toilets, the kids in Orissa and Tamil Nadu who now have a stronger reason to study and become what they dream of.
Travelers are seekers of passion and nothing can stop them.
We traveled through six states, covering more than 80 per cent of the distance from Kashmir to Kanyakumari. We met some amazing people, starting from the 104-year-old caretaker of an ashram in Tumkur to the old man near the Haryana-Rajasthan border who was taken for a ride by a hospital.
People are generally suspicious about people.We would also be so but what we observed was quite contrary and extraordinary.When we told people why were riding, teas came for free, biscuits were on the house, two rotis ordered became four and a indifferent face turned into a loving and smiling one.People never cease to surprise.We learnt this first hand.
The kids on the field who posed for photos, the forest guard who offered his dinner to a hungry rider, the truck driver who helped us carry our cycles into the city, all of these people had no reason to help us but they did.So much so that, when we set out, we hoped that most people we encounter were good.
They surpassed our expectations. We never met a single bad person on the trip. When you travel to discover, you always find help in the most unexpected scenarios.
The most important part of the journey was the cycle and its pedals.The pedals were the most used equipment in all we carried.The pedals must have turned over more than a 100,000 times in the entire trip and yet, they remain as fresh as ever, willing to take us on another trip. Pedaling persistently makes distances seem small.We kept pedaling, uphill and downhill, through rain and sunshine, through dense forests and sparse plateaus, through people-filled roads and empty dustbowls but we continued to pedal. Pedaling became our expression.It became symbolic for our mission and goal.
With every pedal, we were moving into new terrain and a new time frame.When things got stuck, all we said to ourselves was “Pedal for a few more minutes”.Life is very similar.You got to keep pedalling till you find your expression and destination.But before you find your destination, remember to enjoy the journey.
Pedal till your legs say no more
Pedal till your breath runs out
Pedal till your existence’s core
But pedal till you clear that doubt.
We are what we are today because of our efforts but the very efforts would total to a grand sum of zero if we weren’t raised in households that could afford our whims and fancies.Each one of us comes from households that could afford to build toilet, send us to good schools and colleges and give us the chance of finding our expression.
But what about the millions of others who put in the effort but cannot succeed because of the environment?In this game, luck seems to be the only differentiating factor between us and them.But then when we ask ourselves, why luck?Don’t we as the benefactors of this luck have a responsibility to make it redundant? Shouldn’t we remove luck from the equation so that everybody deserving gets an equal chance?
We found that education and sanitation were key impediments to this equality and we decided to ride to show the world that we should come together and change it.
Giving back can be as simple as buying a pair of shoes to a school student who cannot afford one (or) spending some time with the homeless on the road.
This trip taught us that large gestures are great but small gestures that put a smile on people’s faces go a really long way.
Also, don’t forget to read What Motivates People to choose Adventure Travel.
Life is not one long journey but one of several small journeys cobbled together. These journeys are made of moments that sometimes take your breath away and sometimes make you wonder about the very reason of your existence. Some moments leave you enthralled to an extent that you want to always come back to them and some of them leave you quizzical. In my travels across countries and continents, on the sturdy seat of a cycle and the comfortable seat of an airplane, I’ve come across incredible travel moments that have left an indelible mark. All of these travel moments belong to one or the other options mentioned in the list below
Two instances in the last one year have left me shaken and my soul stirred from within. One was a chance meeting with an 80 year old tea stall owner at the border of Haryana and Rajasthan. The man was fighting fit and a conversation with him left me dumbfounded. On asking the location of the tea stall, he responded, asking me if my God in my hands did not answer this. I did not understand and asked him to clarify. He looked at the mobile phone in my hand. I smiled. This was going well till we spoke for a few more minutes. He mentioned about how the doctor and the hospital administration in his native village had falsely diagnosed him of cancer and swindled him of hundreds of thousands of hard earned money. This was my first BBAR moment.
An 80 year old tea stall owner who gave me my first BBAR moment
While travelling in an unreserved compartment to a destination in South Tamil Nadu, I had my second BBAR moment. The unreserved coach was empty. I found myself looking at a blind man who had boarded the train. The RPF constable was shouting at him, constantly asking him to leave the compartment. I intervened and told the constable that if he had not ticket, I would buy him one or pay the fine. This was an unreserved coach. NO ticket checker in the history of Indian Railways has ever checked and here the RPF constable had a problem with a blind man AND not with the 20 other ticket less travelers in the coach.
There has never been a sight more terrifying than landing in the Nigerian City of Lagos. Even before getting out of the airport, I was frisked twice, asked for “gifts” for being the Indian friend of Nigerians and asked to produce the yellow fever card, despite 100 others not being asked. Not to worry, as I said to myself because I had the card on me! What left me amazed beyond amazement was the very sight of more AK47’s than human beings en route to the hotel.
Murtala Muhammed Airport at Lagos
Adelaide CBD
On my first travel to Adelaide, I knew what to expect- clean cities, incredibly helpful people and an amazing culture. I checked into the hotel in the CBD and was all set for my first night in Adelaide. I was not able to sleep for a good few hours and I tried to find out the reason why. It was only after a few days that I realized what I was going through. I had the same exact moment that Kamal Hassan had in Pushapk. The absolute silence in the night did not allow me to sleep. The zero traffic, zero noise CBD of Adelaide had taken its toll on me. I could not sleep in silence, for I needed noise.
My first trek in the Frozen Ladakh
Do you remember climbing the first mountain or celebrating your birthday on a boat ad mist a bevy of dolphins? Well, I do! On my first trek to the Himalayas in the Ladakh region of India, I was thrilled beyond any measure. On seeing the snow capped peaks on my flight to Leh, I felt like the 4 year old child who had gotten hold of his favorite candy, after seeing its picture a million times. The first trek was an incredible personal triumph and also an occasion to celebrate joy. The joy of trekking at 17000 feet and braving -30 degrees was beyond any comparison.
In 2010, my friends decided to drive me to what could possibly be defined as the best birthday ever. I lived in Dubai and we decided to drive down to Musandam, an exclave belonging to Oman. The Musandam peninsula is a drive that cannot be described in words. It combines two of nature’s best – mountains on one side and the Persian Gulf on the other side. The rolling mountains and the sea meet in a peninsula formation, the mountains forming a U shape, allowing the sea to rest. This creates a perfect location of salt water dolphins to revel and enjoy.
Celebrating my birthday with dolphins dance in Penninsula
On the trip, we rented a boat and rode deep into the peninsula, only to discover even more variety of sea life and more dolphins. I capped my birthday by witnessing their beautiful dance mid sea and also touching them. Joy was never better.
Have you had any such moments? Are there any other moments that you have experienced while travelling? Do share it with us
PS: This post is contributed by Siddarth Dudheria
I started my Ladakh Trip in style and pomp!
A flight about to land on the Leh Airstrip, Ladakh Trip
There are mountains and then there are the Himalayas. The mountains are nature’s creations that sober you down and make you feel like a tiny part of the universe. On one such trip to Ladakh during the peak of winter, I felt my ego burst, my self-importance go away and my sanity, mental peace return. I learned, un-learned and re-learned a few things on this trip of self-discovery and mental peace.
Frozen Timasganv, Ladakh Trip
When you are busy working the corporate life, you stick to a schedule and no matter what comes you stick to it. You start believing that you can control time. If you want to have breakfast at 8:08 am, you have it at the appointed time. You feel that you are in control of life. But on this trip, I discovered that of all things that I had control on, my life surely was not one. At 17000 feet and -3o degrees, the mountains shape your life like never before. One moment the mountains allow the sun to warm you and in another, they hide the sun and leave you at the mercy of the cold. I was humbled because I had no choice and sometimes when you are left with no choice, you start using that brain of yours. I had to accept the superiority of the mountains over me and it was only then that I could conquer them. If you love the mountains, they love you back and let you explore their inner crevices like nobody else.
Beauty of nothingness, Ladakh Trip
The idea of visiting Ladakh in the winters was to experience how humanity survives in probably one of the harshest climes world over. Ladakh is an interesting place because it is the highest desert in the world and also is very cold in the winters. Very cold. I trekked through quite a few villages and discovered the following
Whereas this is what I do in the city
The list is endless but you get the drift. All our vanity, our so-called lifestyles, our cars, and phones are all frills that come in between us and life. The ladakhis have none of these in the winters yet have a smile and a heart wider and warmer than most of us.
Finding inner peace in solitude, Ladakh Trip
While most of us spend a lot of time getting stressed about the color of our tie or the boss’s mood or the color of the biryani served as lunch, there are a few people who have *mental peace*. I have been very envious of them. When the whole world was going bonkers, these individuals would see through the crap and live their life. Live their life. I wanted mental peace like a kid who wanted his favourite candy at any cost. I did not know where to find it and quite frankly did not go to the Himalayas to find it. I would rather say, it found me. Not under a peepal tree because Leh Ladakh has only trunks of trees in the winter.
I found mental peace when I stared long and hard at the mountains and found that they withstood everything thrown at them. I spoke to them and they echoed back to me. I realized that the problem was not outside but inside and I could solve it. Not only did they stand it but they also stood tall and brave without flinching a muscle. When I left for the trip, I was a bundle of nerves and contradictions. I had my own devils to face and my doubts to challenge but the city life with its pace never allowed me the time to face them. The mountains slowed down my sense of time and once you realize that time has slowed down, there is enough time for everything, even for you to challenge your worst fears.
Strangers made Friends in Leh Ladakh Trip
Not many take the risk of showing up at Leh Ladakh trip in the winters for reasons already described. Those who don’t show up are sane, thankfully and those who show up are insane, like me. The insane ones are the people I like. Folks who follow their passion right up to other people’s asses are the ones that get me going. On this trip and trek, I made friends with some wonderful people. Some of their perspectives to life have stuck to me like fevicol to a piece of paper, not willing to let go. And in the end, life is all about having met some wonderful people and lived with different perspectives. Most of whom I met were city slickers but had the spark of life in them and they wanted the spark to go on and on and on.
Hat tips to Archana, Jalaj, Swapnil, Sneha and the rest of the gang for allowing me to peep into them and steal some of their energy!
And lastly, travel is not discovering the place; it is discovering you in that place.
——-A Travelogue by Siddarth Dudheria
There is a certain beauty that Frozen Himalayas ooze out.
And for the first time ever in my life I’ll be exploring that beauty from real close quarters. I will be attempting to do Chadar Trek on the frozen Zanskar River.
Read on to know what chadar Trek is.
The fabled musk deer searches the world over for the source of the scent, which comes from itself. In the same way hoards of tourists visit Manali every year but very few go beyond visiting the uber-popular tourist spots and enjoy the hidden beauty around Manali.
For me, Manali is not any other hill station. It is home for me. In spite of visiting it quite often, I have found hidden gems here. The joy of exploring the unexplored paths is unparalleled. And I often bypass the touristy spots to tread on unknown paths that lead to hidden treasures. My plans are mostly fluid and depend on local knowledge of local people and Google baba – my 24×7 Travel Guru.
The Snowcapped Manali
Here are 8 offbeat places near Manali and most of them are best explored on foot.
A 2 km scenic trek through apple orchards and pine trees from Manu Temple leads you to Goshal village. It is a trek mostly frequented by foreigners. Not many Indians explore this gorgeous route. Don’t be surprised if you get invited for a cup of tea and biscuits at any local’s house. And if you are lucky, you might get to taste freshly brewed chang. Some of the houses in this ancient village are as old as 600-700 years. The Beas stream separates the Goshal village from Bhang. When you visit Bhang, don’t forget to have the finger-licking tasty sarson ka saag and makki di roti from ‘Ludhiyana Ki Rasoi’ dhaba.
The top view of Goshal – a scenic village near Manali
Away from the hustle-bustle of Manali lie the picturesque villages of Shanag and Burua. The driveway through apple orchards is something that dreams are made up of. This a place where most of the high-end luxury cottages are coming up and in the next 5-10 years this will be the most sought after place in Manali. Near Burua village is the famous Nehru kund from where Pandit Jawahar Lal used to drink water. The sturdy suspension bridge over the river Beas at Burua is a picturesque spot that offers the majestic view of Rohtang Range and nearby flowing river Beas.
Burua village near manali
As the name suggests, Gulaba is famous for Himachali Flora and Fauna and is often referred to as the valley of flowers. It is a good picnic, photography and paragliding spot. The trek for Bhrigu Lake starts here. In winters, this is the last point up to which vehicles are permitted to go. In winters, from November to May, when Rohtang is inaccessible due to snowfall the skiing and winter sports are held at Gulaba.
Gulaba – A photography & Adventure heaven
Around 3km from Manali, across the Beas River, is Vashist. A small village is famous for natural Sulphur Springs. The Vaishisht Sulphur Springs have amazing medicinal and healing properties, curing all kind of internal and external pains. The Vashisht temple here is believed to be more than 4000 years old and is significantly popular amongst the locals for giving a bath to their local Devta (deity) before any big or small puja. When visiting Vashisht, do check out the World Peace Café, a rooftop café in Hotel Surbhi, that offers amazing Mountain View along with Italian, Mexican and Israeli food. And if you like walking in the wilderness, then be amazed to find two beautiful waterfalls in the vicinity. By trekking for 2 km from Vashisht Temple you can reach Jogini Falls and if you trek straight for 2kms you can reach the Vashisht waterfalls.
Vashisht Temple – A Kullu Devi (local Deity) Puja
Located on the left bank of the Beas, Jagatsukh is one of the largest villages in Kullu district. A road from Naggar to Manali runs through the village. It is 12km from Naggar and 6km from Manali and is famous for its 5000 years old ancient temples like Jagatsukh Siva Temple and Saraswati Gayatri Mata Temple.
The ancient Jagatsukh Shiva Temple
A historic place glorifying the past through the stunning Naggar Castle, Roerich Art Gallery and various antique temples like Gauri Shankar Temple, Tripura Sundari Temple, Vishnu Temple and Jagtipath Temple, which is located in the castle premise itself. Nestled on the left bank of Beas, Naggar is slowly becoming a preferred destination for travellers who want to spend some quality time in the lap of nature. The Naggar Castle offers the most splendid Kullu Valley view. Watching the sunset while sipping your evening tea or having dinner under a blue star-studded sky is something that you should not miss. And, if you drive a little bit more you’ll reach Banjara Camp’s Sonaugi Homestead, a great place to spend some quaint time away from the hustle-bustle of Manali.
A Kully Valley View from the Naggar Castle
If you walk 4 km ahead of Naggar you reach Rumsu, a 1000 years old ancient village, which has still not lost its unique old-world charm. Like Malana, Rumsu village too worships Jamlu Devta. It is a base camp for the Chandrakhani Pass trek that leads you to Malana.
Temple dedicated to Jamlu Devta at Rumsu
This was a serendipitous discovery for me. Not even locals knew much about it. It is close to Patlikuhl, 30 km south from Manali. The Kullu Valley view that you get from the Pangan Gompa is completely out of the world. The Pangan Monastery houses 80 nuns and monks. In the second week of November, a weeklong death anniversary celebration of its founder Khenchen happens every year. I was fortunate enough to enjoy the festivities there.
Pangan Monastery secluded spot near Manali
So next time when you plan a Manali trip, go beyond the obvious. Explore the hidden beauty around Manali and evolve from being a tourist to a traveller.
Explore. Experience. Evolve.
This article was featured on holidify.com. Below is the link of the same:
https://www.holidify.com/blog/hidden-beauty-around-manali/
New Year is a time to start things on a fresh note. So why not start afresh with the way we celebrate new year? Lets explore the little known destinations of Himachal this New year in a season when the Himalayas look the best.
Presenting a 4 Nights 5 days trip to Manali, Naggar, Kasol and three extremly beautiful tiny hamlets.These places have been handpicked and will leave you spellbound with their beauty. Meticulous planning has gone towards making this trip most comfortable and memorable for you.
Here is the trip itinerary:
30th Dec 2014: Board Delhi-Manali Volvo in the evening
31st Dec 2014: Reach Manali. Take rest. Attend the New Year Party
1st Jan 2015: Discover a hidden Hamlet near Manali
2nd Jan 2015: Visit an ancient village near Naggar. Leave for Kasol. Stay on the banks of river Parvati
3rd Jan 2015: Embark on a short journey to reach a quaint village in the Parvati Valley
4th Jan 2015: Choose between a session of shopping or chilling in the morning. Start your onward journey to Delhi
So what are you waiting for?
For more details and bookings please read the attached mailer or call us at +91 9871324628 or 09823079079
Malana – The moment you hear this word, Malana Cream comes to your mind. But there’s more to this ancient village in Himachal Pradesh of India than just being world’s heaven of Marijuana.
Malana lies in a side valley of the Parvati Valley. The majestic peaks of Chandrakhani and Deotibba shadow the village. Unaffected by the modern civilization, Malana has an impeccable lifestyle and social structure guided by the spirit of village God Jamlu. Jamlu Devta’s word is the last word. They speak Kanashi language, which is unintelligible for anyone outside the village.
Standing isolated from the outside world for several thousands of years, the mystical Malana village is gradually but reluctantly opening its doors to the outside world. Malana’s two coveted commodities – Marijuana and the beauty of innocence, enamor the outside world.
I too was intrigued by it’s mysticism and had a question in my mind – is Marijuana leading to the loss of innocence and loss of unique culture in Malana?
On 8th November 2014 I decided to seek an answer to this question. An impromptu trip to Malana was made. After hitchhiking and boarding three local Himachal Pradesh buses, reached Jari at 4pm. A lousy meal at a Nepali Dhabha, disguised as a Punjabi dhaba, couldn’t deter my enthusiasm to see the solitary village, which attracts more backpackers and travelers than tourists.
After whiling away time for a bit, finally boarded the only bus service available for Malana at 6pm. Jari to Malana was a 20 kms arduous journey. However, the route was scenic in the backdrop of snow-capped mountains, fall colours of the valley, waterfalls and rivulets flowing underneath. After reaching Malana hydro power plant, road turned really rough, treacherous, steep, rocky and dusty. The bus slowly but steadily moved on the serpentine winding road, which had more potholes than coal-tarred surface.
At 7:30 pm, the bus dropped us off at Naarang where the climb to the village starts. Besides both of us, two more people were going to Malana. One was a teenager and other a middle-aged man. However, soon the boy disappeared into thin air. It was pitch dark and the gurgling sound of Malana river and chilly wind made the setting look scary. The first 10 minutes of the trek involved going downhill and then crossing the torrential Malana river with the help of a narrow bridge. The middle-aged man tried to be over-friendly, asking all kind of weird questions. We had no option but to walk with him, considering there wasn’t a soul in the sight. His intentions, conveyed via his body language and words, didn’t give a favourable impression. Besides quizzing us like an attorney, he tried to scare us by saying things like
Kabhi bhi raat mein idhar nahi aana chahiye. Zamana bahut kharab hai. Kya pata kab kahan kya ho jaaye. Yahan kitne log gayab ho gaye. Kitne mar gaye (You should not visit this area at night. Who knows what can happen So many people disappeared so many died.
We tried to give him an impression of poor travellers who were prebooked in a guesthouse in Malana and our friends were to join us the next day. And thanks to Airtel, my mom called and I gave her all kind of relevant and irrelevant information about my current state of affairs, just to back off that man. When he was getting too much on my nerves, I politely asked him to shut up, which pissed him off. That scared the hell out of us. Thankfully two local boys came to our rescue. One of them helped us with the route and my bag. The cobbled climb was an uphill trek. I was running out of breath but the fear of something bad happening to us, kept us on our toes.
Maintaining a constant rhythm, we reached the outskirt of the village in an hour. The village was properly lit and local music was blasting at full decibel from the ‘Family Guesthouse’. We checked for the night stay charges. The guy had blood-red eyes and, like the old man, didn’t give good vibes. So we ditched our plan to stay at his guesthouse. We were so tired that were ready to spend the night anywhere but were told by the local boy that we can only stay in guesthouses meant for outsiders.
A single uphill path lead us towards the top of the village where most of the guesthouses were located, namely, Malana View, Dragon and Cosmo. We were asked not to stop anywhere or touch anything. Our young guide told us that any local who comes in contact with outsiders or goes to guesthouse has to wash his hands properly before entering his house. The seldom talking local boy was sweet enough to leave us to the guesthouse. When we tried to tip him and ask for his number, he simply whizzed away, without saying a word. Bewildered, we were left.
We got dingy rooms on the third floor of Dragon Guesthouse for Rupees 300 each. However, before check-in, the guesthouse manager asked us if we wanted some maal. When we replied in non-assertion, pat came his reply
Kutch lena nahi hai to phir yahan aaye kyun (If you don’t have to buy, why did you come here?
After freshening up, we came down for our dinner. In a dimly lit room trans music was playing, huge posters of Shiva and Dragon Guest house adorned the Deodar walls of the room. There was more malana cream in the air than oxygen. Tourists from Canada, France and India were busy smoking chillum. After spending half an hour, we retired to our rooms. I was sleeping in the most basic and most unhygienic bed but it didn’t matter to my tired limbs. I slept like a baby in the abode of Shiva.
Next morning the beautiful views of snow-capped mountains greeted me but I was in for a harsh reality check. A tiny, mysterious village, supposedly inhabited by descendants of Alexander’s army, looked in ruins. Thriving Malana Cream trade and rampant construction with no focus on cleanliness now plagued the land, once popular for its secretive, unique culture, and a society that shunned physical contact with outsiders to remain pure.
Malana, once known for its wooden houses built in the beautiful kathi-kuni architectural style, was destroyed in a massive blaze in January 2008. From the ashes, a new Malana – solid concrete and asbestos – emerged. The encroachment of modernity was evident through mobile towers, electricity, satellite dishes, and televisions.
From ancient times there is no caste responsible for cleaning of the village therefore there is no sanitation system in place. Packets of Lay’s chips, chocolates, biscuit wrappers and snack items were littered around.
Women did most of the work. Men were either chatting or smoking up. In fact everybody smokes in Malana – right from women to kids. Education is non-priority. There is one school, recently upgraded to tenth grade from fifth grade, but not many children were seen going to school. They were all playing in the centre court of Jamlu devta ground. When requested for shutterbug, some obliged and some plainly refused. Elders were more cordial than teenagers and kids. Perhaps too much of easy money is corrupting innocent minds. Similar to their urban counterparts, they too are dreaming to own luxury items – swanky cars, expensive clothes and accessories. Fashion has made inroads in the forbidden land. The crime rate has shot up. Politics, drug mafia and police are corrupting the innocent minds and culture of Malana.
The descending walk from the outskirts of Malana to Naarang roughly took us 45 minutes. Once at Naarang, we looked for a shared taxi. But were lucky to be given a hitch by two young Malanese teenagers who in return just asked us to pray for the success of the work they were going to. Their eyes were bloodshot red and were carrying malana cream with them. When we tried to enquire about their work, education and job they dodged the question hinting towards the open secret – they were the new age drug dealers and were perhaps on their way to crack a deal.
On our way back to Jari, the car stopped to catch up with the young village shepherd whose job was to take the entire village sheep and goats down to Jari, Kulu, Bilaspur etc. for grazing. This boy was drop dead gorgeous with Aryan features and looked different from the rest of the Malanese boys. He still had that innocence in his eyes.
Wonder how long can the unique identity of Malana be maintained by such few innocent eyes when the Malanese themselves are succumbing to the evil of modernization and unsolicited means of progress. Malana is consuming a slow poison of sociocultural degradation and if this continues the day may not be far off when it will lose its unique identity.
Hope that day doesn’t arrive!
If Shimla is the queen of hill stations, then Manali is indeed the king!
You must have visited Manali in the summers when it’s crowded and packed with tourists. Time has come for a change to visit the majestic Himalayas in the winters to welcome the New Year with a bang!
10 reasons why you should bring in the New Year in snowy Manali:
So what are you waiting for? Start the New Year on a snowy note…
Reclaim your life; come to the Himalayas with us!
Some come to Rishikesh to explore their adventure side…some to connect with spirituality…some to find Nirvana…some to simply lose or find themselves. Whatever might be your reason, whenever you might come, from wherever you might come; Rishikesh always welcomes you with open arms.
Rishikesh has a lot to offer, but very few go beyond the routine river rafting and temple visits around Ram and Lakshman Jhullas. Here is my list of 10 things you must do in Rishikesh:
Yoga Ashram at Rishikesh
Beatles Ashram Pathway
Rainforest Guest House Open Air Dinning Hall
Parmarth Niketan Evening Ganga Aarti
That’s me taking the leap of faith at Jumpin Heights
Top View from Kunjapuri Devi Temple
Little Buddha Cafe
Indian Classical Music School
Garur Chatti Waterfall
Rishikesh is immensely popular both in India and abroad but very few people have explored it in the truest sense. Next time instead of ticking tourist spots off a list, try exploring the unexplored in the explored. Who knows somewhere you might find a part of yourself that you never knew existed.
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