All India Tours

Rameshwaram

‘Boss will remain a boss’. Seems it’s their ‘job profile’ to not grant leave to their respective subordinates. I sometimes wonder do they get special incentive for not approving leave! Well after a great deal of efforts I somehow managed to take four days leave for the Rameshwaram Tour which I had planned with my friend Pallavi. It was such a great feat for me. But the sinister forces were lying in wait to attack my happiness. At the crack of the dawn, on the same day when we had to leave for Rameshwaram, Pallavi called to say that her boss canceled her leave as she has to accompany him on an urgent business trip. This dampened my spirits but I still decided to go alone as my heart didn’t allow me to maul my dream of visiting Rameshwaram, a place I always wanted to visit.

I had heard and read a lot about the wonderful Rameshwaram town (an island) in Tamil Nadu and now I was eagerly waiting to experience its charm for real. An inexpressible feeling of joy enveloped my heart as I stepped into the beautiful land of Rameshwaram. This city is steeped in natural beauty and has great religious significance. It is affectionately dubbed as the ‘Varanasi’ of the South. It is a religious city which draws devotees of Lord Shiva and Vishnu. The Hindus believe that a visit to Varanasi( the most sacred pilgrimage of Hindus) is incomplete without a visit to Rameshwaram. According to the legend it is at this place where Lord Rama performed thanks giving rituals to Lord Shiva after his triumph over the demon king Ravana in the battle at Sri Lanka.

I was booked in the Hotel Royal Park which is a budget luxury hotel offering good services and facilities. One of my friends had suggested this hotel to me. The famous Lord Ramanathaswamy Temple of Rameshwaram is located only 2 km from this hotel.

Post breakfast I along with my guide Ramesh embarked on my journey to explore the mesmerizing Rameshwaram. I first visited Ramanatha Swamy Temple which dominates the land of Rameshwaram. It is the major draw here. Reflecting the brilliance of Dravidian architecture, the temple dates back to the 12th century A.D. It boasts of the largest temple corridor in India. Its other attractions are its 22 big wells, each having different taste of water, elaborately sculpted pillars and carvings on the walls.

Next we drove to Dhanushkodi , a scenic site located 8 km from Rameshwaram. The legend goes that at the request of Vibeeshana, brother of Ravana and ally of Rama, Rama broke the Sethu with one end of his bow and hence the name Dhanushkodi, Dhanush meaning Bow and Kodi meaning end.

We also visited Kothandaraswamy Temple which is located at 12 km from the city center. It is a historic place where Vibhishana( Ravana’s brother) surrendered to lord Rama.

My next halt was Agnitheertham. It is a place which holds immense mythological significance. My guide told me that it is at Agnitheertham where Lord Rama worshipped Lord Shiva. The water at this place is considered holy and hence devotees from far and wide come here to take a dip. With a desire to accumulate some good fortune I also took a bath in the water.

Next was my favorite attraction-the beach. The beach was peaceful and beautiful. The serene beach and shallow water make this place a perfect destination for swimming and sunbathing. The view of the dolphins in the sea was mesmerizing to the hilt. Last but not the least was the enchanting sunset view which was breathtaking. With the wonderful memories of Rameshwaram I went back to the hotel.

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Mountaineering

I have seen the beauty, I have seen the divines, I have seen the serenity, I have seen the calmness… Yes, in the picturesque land of incredible India, I have experienced the finest adventures of my life. Since my childhood, it was my dad who encouraged me for thrilling adventure of India. From snow clad peaks to the lush greens and from golden sand dunes to the serene beaches of India – everything here is full of adventure sports.

Being a hardcore adventure freak, I have explored almost all the exciting places to see in India. But this thirst has not come to an end yet. My last exploration was a camel safari in India. Wandering the golden sand dunes on the back of a camel seems like as if you are travelling across the heaven. Though one needs to take care of several things before planning such tour to Rajasthan (the hub of sand dunes) but exploring this magical realm is just incomparable.

I started from Jaipur and my tour itinerary included places like Bikaner, Udaipur, Jodhpur, Osian, Ranakpur, Jaisalmer etc. Through the entire journey, I found this desert state so beautiful that it stole away my heart. Apart from camel safari, I have enjoyed a number of adventure sports in India. Some of these are:

Mountaineering (through snow-covered peaks, crystal glaciers, rolling meadows, jagged rock faces, verdant valleys, and meandering rivers) – highly popular in hilly terrains and hills stations in India

Trekking – popular in areas like the Himalayan & the Karakoram ranges and the surrounding valleys. The Garhwal and Kumaon regions are again frequented for the same.

Camping – leads to activities like hiking, fishing and long nature walks. Highly popular in areas like wildlife sanctuaries, hilly terrains, beaches etc.

Heli-Skiing – one of the most thrilling activities; highly popular in the state of Jammu & Kashmir.

River Rafting – lets you enjoy sailing across high currents of water. Can be opted in six different grades depending upon the difficulty levels. Places like Ladakh & Rishikesh are frequently visited for the same.

Skiing – gliding over snow is a fantasy for all adventure sports lovers. Places like Dalhousie, Dharamshala, Gulmarg, Sonmarg, Pahalgam, Manali etc. are highly frequented for this activity.

Jeep Safari – name any of the wildlife sanctuaries in India or any of the national parks, jeep safaris are the best mediums to explore Indian flora & fauna.

Motor Rallying – though this sport is recently introduced to India but is getting high response from everywhere. Various rally circuits are being designed in plains, coastal areas, hilly terrains and even mountains to make it more thrilling.

Hang Gliding – this is one such activity that makes you feels like flying as a bird. This sport is getting popular in cities like Pune, Delhi, Chandigarh, Shimla, Mumbai, Devlali, Bangalore and Kalaheti.

This way, there are ample opportunities of adventure sports in India. Ranging from fishing to wind surfing, snorkelling or even scuba diving – every activity here will leave you mesmerised. The place has so much of thrill in air that it will make you fall in love with adventure sports.

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Dharamshala

On Saturday morning we a group of seven friends from Delhi boarded a bus

for Dharamshala. In the afternoon the bus stopped at a dhaba where we had rajma, rice, butter naan and salad. It was really tasty. After lunch we slept for some time and woke up to the views of lush green landscape. We reached Dharamshala after an arduous road journey of around 13 hours. But the moment we stepped into this beautiful land all our tiredness vanished like a dream.

Dharamshala is an enchanting tourist destination of North India located in the state of Himachal Pradesh. It is famous for its sheer natural beauty. It boasts of mesmerizing streams, rivers, majestic mountains, ancient temples, beautiful monasteries and waterfall. We were really excited to explore all these attractions. This destination is also a home to the well known Buddhist priest Dalai Lama. Buddhism is a major religion followed here.

As we set out on our journey we were greeted with overwhelming views of the snow-capped mountains and hills dotted with pine trees. With such an incredible natural beauty, no wonder Dharamshal has been bestowed with the title of ‘Scotland of India’. It is a wonderful town with the backdrop of Dhauladhar Mountains. This town is divided into two regions: Upper Dharamshala (popularly known as McLeod Ganj) and Lower Dharamshala.

We visited the Kangra Art Museum to see the unique arts and crafts of this region. The museum houses beautiful handicrafts such as pots, paintings, sculptures which date back to the 5th century. Then we moved on to the War Memorial which was built in honor of the soldiers of Himachal Pradesh who gave their life for their nation. After praying for them we headed towards the Dal Lake which is one of the famous spots of this region. After covering a distance of 11 km from the town we reached the Dal Lake. At this picturesque lake we sat for some time to get soaked in the natural beauty. Some of the local people had come here for picnic. We interacted with them and found them really friendly.

We also visited Kunal Pathri which is famous for its rock temple dedicated to the local Goddess Kapaleshwari. It is a beautiful temple.

Post lunch, we set out on a trekking tour to Triund which is an amazing place located around 20 km from McLeod Ganj. While trekking to this place we saw some beautiful birds, goats and pigs. Our guide told us that black bear and leopard are also found here. It is the best place for enjoying trekking in Dharamshala. After reaching Triund we treated our senses to breathtaking views, gorgeous greenery and salubrious climate. It was such an overwhelming experience.

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Kovalam Beach

‘Drudgery of daily life’. Sounds familiar na! This is something which everybody experiences but magic lies in creating some moments of happiness, punctuating the monotony. For me happiness is synonymous with traveling. And whenever I think of traveling two names bounce around in my mind; Monika and Anand as they are also absorbed in the wonder of traveling. We have been friends since college days and over the time we have also became travel comrades. Out of the three of us, Anand is the most fortunate soul when it comes to taking leave from office. History repeats itself; this time also he got leave quite easily. We asked him what spell he casts on his boss! He smiled and said, “simple, I work hard and you girls hardly work, this is the reason”. Again, as usual, he without missing the opportunity started pulling us and also gave us some funny tips on how to handle a difficult boss.

Monika and I had a hard time getting a seven day’s leave. Hold on; the worst part of the story is that we work in the same organization, which makes it all the more difficult. Jittery and hyper, we were waiting for the acceptance of our leave. Gosh! Sometimes these bosses act like a nagging mother-in-law. Finally our big boss approved our leave, but only for 4 days.

Taking glee in our victory we set out on our much-awaited journey to Kovalam. We flew down to Thiruvananthapuram airport in Kerala and after covering a distance of 16 km by car reached the mesmerizing Kovalam, the beach town. Affectionately dubbed as the ‘Land of coconut groves’, Kovalam is among the most fascinating attractions of Kerala, God’s Own Country. After refreshing ourselves we headed towards the Lighthouse beach of Kovalam.

I have always been in love with Kerala and have traveled to this place several times. It was as enchanting as ever. Every visit to this destination becomes a special memory for me. Anand hails from Kerala but because of his professional carrier he and his parents stay in Delhi. He was so happy to be here and I could clearly see it on his face glowing with joy. As we were talking how wonderful we were feeling to be here, Monika said, “ what greater delight is there than to feel in rhythm with nature, to leave behind the nagging bosses and rat-race of urban life and feel like a free bird”. With a grin, I said, “I completely agree with you sweetheart”.

Once a traditional fishing village Kovalam is one of the most fascinating destinations of Kerala which is famous for its beaches. Its vegetation, natural beauty, salubrious climate, peaceful environment, mesmerizing blue water of Arabian sea, white sand and swaying palm trees leave tourists spell bound. There are three beaches in Kovalam: the Lighthouse beach, the Hawah beach and the Samudra beach. The lighthouse beach is the largest and the most popular one and is named so because of the presence of a lighthouse here. All the three beaches are separated by rocky headlands. We reached the top of the lighthouse and enjoyed the breathtaking view of the beach and the town. The experience was simply overwhelming.

Kovalam was one of the most prominent tourist spots in India during the hippy era. To add more adventure to our visit to the beach we indulged in parasailing and the pleasure was unlimited. Next was the swimming session. Being a non-swimmer I decided to stay back while Anand and Monika went for swimming.  I could see them enjoying like kids. Sitting on the shore I was enjoying the views of extensive stretch of sand, lashing waves and limitless sky. And the cool breeze was blowing a melody into my ears. I can’t express in words what a wonderful feeling it was! A feeling which was feeding my soul with peace and joy. I also collected some sea shells to take back home as a memory of this place.

Next we went to the nearby restaurant to pamper our taste buds with some amazing south Indian dishes. After gorging on the dishes we again went to the beach to capture the beauty of sunset as the day was drawing to a close. And the sunset view was breathtaking, mind-blowing and enchanting. The rays of the sun had cloaked the sea in golden hue and the birds were freely soaring in the sky. The unfathomable waves had taken a different look altogether and the moon was slowly making its presence felt. And the ‘wow’ factor had completely taken over…

We came back walking to our hotel as it was located near the beach. Post dinner we again went to the beach for a walk. The view of the beach in moonlight was completely different. We sat there and chatted for an hour while enjoying the charm of the sea. This was the end of our beauty and adventure packed day. The next day we were slated to go for blissful Ayurvedic massage at Somatheeram ayurvedic resort which is the oldest Ayurvedic resort in the world.

I had already started dreaming with open eyes! And ended my day with a short poem dedicated to Kerala:

How heavenly Kerala is! a paradise on earth!

Epitome of natural beauty, this land transports you to the world of rapture

Relishing its glory, drunk on its beauty

Offering heartfelt thanks, I bow before almighty who festooned this land with natural wonders.

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Tajmahal

The brilliance of forts, palaces, tomb and mausoleum are the popular drawcards of Agra which lured scores of tourists since centuries. It is one of the most sought after destinations of India Tourism famous worldwide for the Taj Mahal which is the undying symbol of love. Though I had heard, read and listened about this place since my childhood days but never visited this land of romanticism ever before. Last weekend my friend insisted me to visit this place and on Friday night we left for Agra.

Early morning after taking refreshment at my friend’s house we went to see Taj Mahal, ‘the epitome of love’ and ‘a monument of immeasurable beauty’. The moment we entered in the premises we were stunned by the imposing beauty of this grand structure. The beauty of this magnificent monument is beyond the scope of words. The thoughts that come to my mind while watching the Taj Mahal of Agra are not just about its phenomenal beauty but are also about the immense love of Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan for his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal which was the reason behind its construction.

When I touched this epitome of love and romance, I felt its charismatic feature and realized that why it is so much famous round the world. The construction pattern of Taj Mahal is a fusion of Persian, Central Asian and Islamic architectures which make this monument a stupendous one. The principles of self-replicating geometry, along with symmetry of architectural elements can also be seen in the design and layout of this edifice of love.

Delicate pierce work, Arch of Jali, Inlay detail, Incised painting, Calligraphy and Herringbone are the ornamentations done on the surface of Taj Mahal. Though all these pattern of decorations are metaphor complementing this building of love but the Calligraphy work impressed me the most. The Calligraphy of the Taj Mahal mainly consists of the verses and passages from the holy book of Koran. It was done by inlaying jasper in the white marble panels. Out of 114 verses and passages of the holy Koran one can find 15 verses and passages on the wall of Taj Mahal.

This monument is the culmination of human imagination which took 22 years to be built by 20,000 skilled artisans. It is a monument of enduring love which reveals its mystery and charm when one visits it without being in a hurry. From morning till evening we stayed here seeing, analyzing and discussing its various features. The backdrop of river Yamuna and foreground of beautiful Mughal Garden add extra charm to this tombstone. Though we were physically exhausted but the soul stimulating beauty of Taj always refreshed us and insisted us to explore some more hidden aspects of this flamboyant structure.

The beauty of Taj Mahal fascinated us for hours and finally we adieu this splendid monument with a promise to visit it again. It is not possible to decipher the hidden love, romance and beauty of the Taj Mahal in a single day, though visitors do this but for me it is not the matter of a single day. After coming out from Taj Mahal premises we returned to our friend’s house where we had lip smacking food in our dinner which was cooked by my friend’s mother. The whole night I remained engrossed in the beauty of Taj Mahal which was lingering in my mind.

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Jaisalmer Sand Dunes

On our way to Jaisalmer I was chatting with Anand and Monika was relaxing her tired muscles at the back seat of our Innova car. He shared that he always nurtured a desire to travel to Rajasthan desert and experience the beauty of unfathomable sand dunes and the lifestyle of Rajasthanis. Smilingly I said, “I am hopeful that this Jaisalmer trip will show you a slice of the life, which you always wanted to see and experience”. Finally we reached Jaisalmer, the wondrous city of Rajasthan.

We were booked in Narayan Niwas Palace, which is one of the finest heritage hotel of Rajasthan. It is a majestic heritage property consisting of several sandstone structures with intricate carvings. It was a great experience to stay in this heritage hotel.

Jaisalmer is a fascinating city of Rajasthan where tourists can experience the rustic charm of sand dunes, the royalty of heritage hotels and the colorful life of villagers. The natural beauty of this place is simply mysterious and enchanting. This city is affectionately dubbed as the ‘Golden City’. It was established in 1156 AD by Rawal Jaisal. At one point of time it served as an important trade route connecting India to Egypt.

Post breakfast we embarked on our journey to explore Jaisalmer attractions. Our first halt was Jaisalmer Fort which is popularly known as Sonar Quila(the Golden fort). It is located on Trikuta Hill and is the second oldest fort in Rajasthan. The Fort was shining like a jewel in the sun rays and was looking stunning. Our guide Rupesh told us that it was once inhabited by the Rajputs and Bhati Rajput ruler Rawal Jaisal was the founder of this fort. This wonderful royal structure reflects a perfect amalgamation of Rajput and Mughal styles of architecture. There are 99 bastions inside the fort but we could see only a few. This fort with three layers of walls was mainly built for defense purpose.

After a delicious lunch at one of the restaurants in the city we were ready for the most adventurous part of our journey. We headed towards the Sam Sand Dunes which is located at a distance of 45 km from Jaisalmer. As we reached the sand dunes I felt as if I have stepped into the times of Alladin. There we enjoyed camel safari and treated our senses with a breathtaking sunset view. Captivating natural beauty, peaceful ambiance and adventurous camel ride, all this really made our day!

In the end Anand said, “ I am overwhelmed”. This one sentence was enough to express that our Jaisalmer Tour had served more than we expected.

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Jaipur City Palace

For me traveling is tantamount to my heartbeat, my breathing. When I travel  I feel in rhythm with the universe. ‘Discover India’ is one of my favorite programs on Discovery channel which never fails to capture my travel-obsessed heart. This time after watching a program on Rajasthan attractions the fancy to see the royal and opulent palaces of the raja-maharajas struck me. I, since my childhood days, cherished a grandiloquent piece of whimsy to live like a queen in a palace and to wander like a nomad on the sand dunes.

Assailed by my ardent desire I decided to visit Rajasthan. Monika and Anand, my friends who I affectionately call my travel comrades joined me on this tour. Well all three of us belong to the same breed of human beings, who get transported to the world of rapture upon hearing the word ‘travel’.

Rajasthan, the very word conjures up images of stunning palaces, majestic forts, people dressed in colorful clothes with a bright smile on their faces and last but not the least the unfathomable sand dunes. It is truly a land of contrasts. From lush green gardens to desert, Rajasthan has it all. Our first halt in Rajasthan was Jaipur , the Pink city. We were booked in one of the best heritage hotels of the country, the Samode Palace to taste royalty in plenty. Royal treatment begins at the entrance gate of the palace and it lasts till you slip into deep dreamless slumber and then again you wake up in the lap of luxury. This palace is a celebration of the rich cultural heritage left behind by the raja-maharajas of the bygone era. We reached here in the evening.

Anand had come to Rajasthan for the first time and was enjoying it to the hilt. He said, “I am completely bowled over by the extravagantly royal and traditional ambiance of the Samode palace”. Seeing his delight I said, “Dear, it is only a sort of amuse-bouche before the Rajasthan’s classy attractions are served up – City Palace, Umaid Bhawan Palace, Amber Fort and Lake Palace.

Now it was time for some rest and refreshment by the pool. The poolside pavilions done to perfection and the gorgeous green garden overflowing with scented flowers and a variety of trees were a treat for the senses. We were here for candlelight dinner. Sounds overwhelming! Enjoying the beauty, luxury and royalty of the ambiance I smilingly said, ‘ I am loving being in the lap of luxury’. And Anand, who never gives a miss to an opportunity to pull my leg, immediately replied, well, “Living in the lap of luxury isn’t bad, except that you never know when luxury is going to stand up”. Hearing his witty remark all three of us burst out laughing. No wonder we were enjoying ourselves and every moment of our tour was truly worthwhile.

To pamper our taste buds we ordered traditional Rajasthani dishes and some exciting sweet dishes. I, a fitness freak, for the first time left behind the undesirable thoughts of counting calories and was all set to give in to the temptation as the delicious regional cuisine was irresistible. After eating to our heart’s content we headed towards our respective rooms, rather royal apartments, and slipped into the bed. The next day we explored the fascinating and royal structures of Jaipur:

City Palace
It is one of the most royal attractions of the city. A perfect combination of Rajputana and Mughal architectural styles, the palace has stunning apartments such as Chandra Mahal, Mubarak Mahal, Diwan-e-Aam and Diwan-e-Khas.

Hawa Mahal
Reflecting the glory of Rajputana architecture, Hawa Mahal is an architectural marvel. The walls of this wondrous structure are pierced with more that 900 windows. These were especially designed to allow the royal ladies to see the street processions without themselves being seen.

Amber Fort
Majestic, grand and stunning, such is the Amber Fort of Jaipur. Fashioned out of marble and red sandstone, it is charming amalgamation of Rajput and Mughal style of architecture. It was built in 1592 by Raja Man Singh I. Its mesmerizing exterior and stunning interiors, never fail to impress the visitors. The huge courtyards, beautiful carvings, stunning mirror work, mosaic work, secret pathways and wonderful apartments of the fort speak volumes about its glorious past.

Flaunting the quintessential Rajasthani features, Jaisalmer is a mystic city. It was the second destination on our itinerary. With great memories of royal experiences, we bid goodbye to Jaipur and headed towards Jaisalmer.

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Darjeeling Toy Train

It is the happiest moment for anyone’s life when one gets a chance to refurbish one’s childhood memories. No wonder childhood days occupy a prized place in our lives and when we go down the memory lane our hearts get rejuvenated. Same thing happened with me when I boarded Darjeeling Himalayan Railway alias ‘Toy Train’ in Siliguri after completing my official work. During my childhood days I would always get fascinated by slow puffing of steam locomotives and its sound chuk-chuk still remains close to my heart. During those days any passing by steam train attracted me and I would rush to my balcony to see it. I used to stand in my balcony even after train moved away from my sight, lost in its left behind smoke trail.

Darjeeling Himalayan Railway alias Toy Train is a 2 ft (610 mm) narrow-gauge railway from Siliguri to Darjeeling in West Bengal which is managed by the Indian Railways. It is among the most enjoyable of India’s toy trains which connects Jalpaiguri in the plains to the lovely hill station of Darjeeling. This toy train was constructed between 1879 and 1881 by Gillander Arbuthnot & Co. in order to accomplish the vision of Franklin Prestage, an agent of Eastern Bengal Railway Company. Due to its historical, cultural and economical importance this train was declared as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999.
The train has only 2 coaches, First Class coach with capacity of 12-17 passengers and the second class coach with capacity of 30 seats. I purchased the ticket of first class and boarded the train to begin the journey of 86 kilometers. The train begins from an elevation of 100 m from Siliguri and reaches up to an altitude of 2,200 m in Darjeeling. Throughout the journey I was mesmerized by the ambiances of passing by destinations.

Through the wide glass window of the toy train one can see the majestic beauty of the Himalayas with its snow covered peaks glistering in the sun rays. During its journey train passes through Mahanandi valley, tea garden landscapes, monasteries and forests of pine and oak trees which are enough to stimulate your soul. I was completely engrossed in the natural panorama and it incited several thoughts inside me regarding the mystic nature. The journey was no less than a motion picture epitomizing natural beauty. Sometimes the natural scenic beauty was interrupted by the smiling people and running children when the train passed through some town or market.
The most interesting part of this joy ride was when train passed through the Batasia Loop. This is an interesting track-loop between Ghoom and Darjeeling where train corkscrews through a tunnel. During its turn I was enthralled by the spectacular view of Darjeeling town with the Kanchenjunga and other snowy mountains in the backdrop.

After 8 hours ride I finally reached Darjeeling at 4:30 pm. Though I was alone but I never felt it because my heart and soul were wallowing in joy as the train journey was offering breathtaking views of the fascinating places.
I took this ride to redecorate my childhood memories but this romantic journey added new section to my cherished memories.

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Udaipur Lakes

The moment I stepped into the incredible land of Rajasthan the ‘wow’ factor took over. And it did not fade away till the very end of my Rajasthan tour. As I had expected from Rajasthan, its attractions were royal, beautiful and majestic. Hospitality seems to come naturally to this land of raja-maharajas. Enveloped by the charm of the fascinating beauty of this destination I started my journey with its most romantic city, Udiapur.

My travel-obsessed heart could feel the air of classy warmth and charm in Udaipur. I was booked in The Oberoi Udaivilas, one of the finest heritage hotels in India. With its majestic aura, royal treatment, stunning interiors and warm hospitality, it had left me spell bound. After gorging on delicious breakfast I along with my guide Bhupender Singh headed towards the enchanting City Palace. Its interiors are embellished with royal paintings, mirror work and carvings. The palace complex encompasses several magnificent buildings, terraces, courtyards, corridors, pavilions, hanging gardens and museum. The Manak mahal, Mor Chowk and crystal gallery are the structures I liked the most. The palace also offers a picturesque view of the Pichola lake and Lake palace( one of the most luxurious and stunning heritage hotels of India).

Udaipur is popularly known as the ‘City of lakes’ which is famous throughout the world for its charm. Its foundation was laid by Maharana Udai Singh in the year 1568.

While coming out of the City Palace my gaze froze at a tree awash with bats. It was truly a sight to behold. From there I moved to Lake Pichola and enjoyed a boat ride. It was such a refreshing experience. Built in 1743, the Lake Palace is set amidst the lake. Post lunch I visited Fateh Prakash Lake which is a huge and beautiful water body. For a moment I felt as if I am in some southern region of India, somewhere near Kerala. Rajasthan truly has different colors and flavors to offer to tourists.

As I also had to explore some other cities of Rajasthan I decided to make a move from Udaipur towards Jodhpur. But how could I have left without enjoying shopping in this colorful city. I halted at the market and I joyfully indulged in shopping, ended up buying eight tie and dye suits and two saris. Really, it is impossible to resist shopping in Udaipur.

Sitting in the car with a mind overflowing with wonderful Udaipur memories I headed towards Jodhpur. The other cities of Rajasthan in my itinerary were Jaisalmer and Jaipur. These princely cities are the brightest jewels of this Rajput land.

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Of all my school memories, what I miss most? My answer to this, without any second thought, would be ‘Summer Vacations’. Being a wanderer and an explorer, I often feel like a caged creature after joining the corporate world. But I am really grateful to my brother who planned a relaxing

Kerala Houseboat Tour

trip to Kerala. I applied for leave in my office and contacted a reputed Indian travel agent. While going through the Kerala travel guide, we decided to opt for a Kerala houseboat tour.

We arrived at the Cochin Airport and booked in a nearby hotel. Post lunch, a travel assistant escorted us to the Cochin Harbour. We hired a houseboat (traditional Kettuvallom) there at economical rates. The houseboat, consisting a bedroom, living area, deck and kitchen, was no less than a luxurious room in a star-rated hotel. Our first halt was Fort Cochin, a renowned ancient structure. We also paid short visits to the Dutch Palace, Jewish Synagogue, St. Francis Church and Chinese Fishing nets the same day. The evening was spent at leisure, and we enjoyed awesome sea-food in dinner on our boat.

Next morning, we headed for Munnar – the famous place for Cardamom hills & green tea plantations. That entire day was devoted for trekking, so we enjoyed the best of nature walks amidst aromatic plantations there. For night stay, we were booked in an economical hotel. Next morning, we started our exploration with Eravikulam National Park. While roaming in the dense greens I clicked a few mountain goats (locally called the Nilgiri Tahr), and visited the Mattupetty Dam & Dairy Farm, Old Munnar Town, and the town market also.

Day four was completely dedicated to Alleppey – the Venice of the East! While cruising across the serene backwaters there, I had a closer look to the local villagers and their lifestyle. What I enjoyed most was the sunset. Similarly, our next destination, Kovalam was also spell-binding. The Ayurvedic resorts dotting the coastline in Kovalam add to the beauty of the place.

Lastly we preceded for Thiruvanthapuram, where we covered the Museum complex, Padmanabha Swamy Temple, Science & Technology museum, Veli tourist village, Aakulam boat club and Shangmugham Beach. So, this week-long trip in Kerala was actually a remarkable experience. I was amazed that spending days on waters could be such a unique and unforgettable experience.

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