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Litchfield National Park| 5 Must-Have Experiences in Darwin
lifestyle

5 Must-Have Experiences in Darwin

Known as the jewel of the Northern Territories, Darwin is a tropical city like no other, with a state population close to 140,000 in 2021, most are living in Darwin. The tropical climate consists of a wet and a dry season, with the wet season arriving at the end of November/start of December; before this, humidity levels rise, which can be a shade uncomfortable. The locals seem to handle it without any effort, indeed, the NT people are extremely resourceful and if you are planning a visit, here are a few experiences to add to your schedule.

1. Litchfield National Park

About one and a half hours on the road from Darwin you enter the amazing Litchfield National Park. If you stay at one of the holiday apartments in Darling Harbour, this would be a perfect day trip; leave early in the morning and enjoy the drive. Huge termite mounds make it look like a scene from Mars and you can stop at some of the waterholes, where wildlife is abundant. Crocs are part and parcel of life in NT, always check with a local regarding going in the water!

2. Mindil Beach Market

Thursday and Sunday evening, Mindil Beach hosts a great market where you will find local arts and crafts. You can enjoy the sunset across the Timor Sea, which is Instagram-worthy, as the shimmering red ball slowly drops over the horizon. This market is only open between April and October, which is the dry season.

3. George Brown Botanical Gardens

Located within Darwin, these 42 hectares contain many tropical species, making them a must for all nature lovers; you can marvel at how Mother Nature adapts species to survive in a changing world. It is a great picnic venue and there are refreshments in the form of coffee shops and bakeries. Definitely worth a morning or afternoon, the cooler time is early in the morning. Click here for information about Victoria Falls in Zambia.

4. NT Museum & Art Gallery

The cultural centre of NT, the gallery hosts a great collection of Aborigine art, both traditional and contemporary. You could easily spend a few hours immersed in cultural art and discover how Darwin was rebuilt after Cyclone Tracy, while a huge croc named Sweetheart will send shivers down your spine.

5. Darwin Waterfront Precinct

This is definitely the place to go in the evenings; overlooking Darwin Harbour, there are restaurants and cafes, a very popular wave pool and a saltwater lagoon where you can swim. Enjoy craft beer as you watch the sun go down and explore the waterfront. There are a few entertainment venues where you can drink with the locals.

The Northern Territories are amazing and Darwin is the perfect place to rent a holiday apartment at reasonable prices. A treasure trove of natural beauty awaits the tourist, with abundant wildlife as you would expect in the tropics.

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Victoria falls, Zimbabwe
Travel

A First-Timer’s Checklist for the Ideal Destination in Zambia: Victoria Falls

Victoria Falls is an ideal place for anyone seeking an exciting vacation. With good cause, tourists from all over the world come to see this natural wonder in Zambia (actually, on the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe), one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World!

Zambia Victoria Falls Guide
Screenshot youtube.com/@SandraMarkusTrachsel

With one million visitors annually, Victoria Falls is undeniably the top tourist destination in Zambia and Zimbabwe. Dr. David Livingstone, a Scottish explorer, missionary, and abolitionist, named Victoria Falls after the current Queen of England. The falls are known locally as “Mosi-oa-Tunya,”  which translates to “smoke that thunders.”. This moniker, which aptly captures the force of the falls tumbling onto the canyon floor, is still used frequently.

In terms of both width and height, Victoria Falls is the biggest waterfall on Earth. It’s 108 meters (360 feet) high and 1.7 km (one mile) broad. In 1989, Victoria Falls was inducted as a World Heritage Site, signifying that its ownership is universal, regardless of the region it’s located in.

Victoria Falls provides an incredible experience for everyone, regardless of whether they are honeymooners, experienced wildlife enthusiasts, or addicts to extreme sports. We’ve compiled a list of must-see sights for those making their first trip to the location that’s becoming more and more popular and which is practically shared by the two nations at the intersection of Central, Southern, and East Africa in this blog.

Sunset Sail on the Zambezi River

Every traveler should plan to take a Zambezi River sunset tour. Settle back and relish the breathtaking views of the setting sun while enjoying a mixed drink. Along the journey, you might come across a few crocodiles or hippos. You may recreate David Livingstone’s epic trek down the Mighty Zambezi with the Ra-Ikane riverboats.

The boats, which bear his guide’s name, are charming and evocative, creating a cozy and romantic atmosphere as you relax and take in the breathtaking scenery. The Ra-Ikane, which has an upper limit of 16 seats, provides a special vantage position for seeing wildlife and birds up close on the river’s islands.

Have Dinner Beside the Zambezi River

Bask in a unique dining experience beneath the glittering stars on the tranquil banks of the Zambezi River. With freshly made food barbecued over open coal flames and traditional Zimbabwean flavors, The Riverside Dining Experience serves a typical African barbecue-style evening. If fortune favors you, you might even get the opportunity to dine alongside inquisitive elephants, hippos, or buffalos.

This exclusive dining experience is offered to all visitors staying at the Ilala Lodge Hotel, Palm River Hotel, and Kingdom Hotel throughout the year, weather permitting. If the weather doesn’t go into your favor for this adventure and you’re accommodated in the last-mentioned hotel, you might want to activate your competitive spirit and try your luck at numerous games of chance at the renowned Makasa Sun Casino, which gathered the top casino games and sports betting offerings found on the Zambian betting sites from the Bookmaker Expert’s list all in one place.

Go Swimming in Devil’s Pool

This intense exercise isn’t recommended for the timid. Swimmers can float on the brink of the waterfall in Devil’s Pool, a naturally occurring rock pool on the far side of Victoria Falls. To ensure your safety, a guide will accompany you, but be ready to swim in the Zambezi River.

Note: Only accessible from mid-August to mid-January, during the dry season.

“Flight of Angels”

Seeing the breathtaking Victoria Falls from the air is undoubtedly one of Africa’s most exciting and memorable adventures.

With views that come just once in a lifetime, the “Flight of Angels” helicopter trip over the falls is without a doubt the most popular option among tourists. The typical flip lasts for 12–13 minutes, although a 25-minute helicopter ride is also an option for those looking for a longer trip.

“Smoke That Thunders”

A trip to the notorious “Smoke That Thunders” is a must-do when at Victoria Falls.

Visitors can get a broad perspective of Victoria Falls in all its splendor by strolling along the cliff walk. You’ll see the falls’ utter majesty and might, and if you’re lucky, you could even catch a glimpse of a rainbow. Take a photo of the famous “poncho” standing in front of the waterfall to round off your journey.

Take a Stroll Across the Bridge That’s More Than a Century Old

The Victoria Falls Bridge, which crosses the Zambezi River 156 meters below Victoria Falls, connects Livingstone, Zambia, with Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe. Its construction started in 1903, and now it serves as both a vital thoroughfare and an intriguing site.

A visit to this well-known site is essential, regardless of whether you decide to take a leisurely stroll over the entire span, experience the Historic Bridge Hour, board the Bamba Tram, or go for the more exhilarating Bungee Jump.

Conclusion

Every traveler should include a trip to Victoria Falls on their bucket list since it’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. There’s something to suit everyone among the variety of activities offered, which includes helicopter flights and sunset cruises. Remember to include your camera so you can record these priceless moments.

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Best Female Solo Travel Destinations in India
Travel

Best Female Solo Travel Destinations in India

Every once in a while, we all crave to shove our daily routines of life and run away from people and duties around us. This is seen to be common among men but very rare for women. But things are changing, and many are opting for female solo travel in India. It has nothing to do with the warmest people around us. It is just that there are times when we girls prefer to spend some quality time with ourselves and to let us fall in love with ourselves. 

To be independent and explore every corner of a new city without anyone second-guessing our decisions is a dream come true for us girls. Solo travel is empowering. It enables one to embark on a journey of self-discovery. However, for a very long time, India has been regarded as an unsafe place, especially for women. That is why we were often stopped from venturing out alone. But things have changed, and for good. Solo travel experiences for females in India have been gaining momentum in recent times. 

These are just a few places in India meant for safe female solo travel that you might want to discover all by yourself:-

1. Ladakh 

Best Female Solo Travel Destinations in India

Ladakh is one of the ideal places for females travelling solo. Huge snow-covered mountains, arid plains, serene valleys, a cold desert, and the crystal blue waters of Pangong Lake are what make Ladakh one of the best destinations in India. Located in the heart of the Himalayas, Ladakh is truly a paradise on earth. Some popular destinations to explore in Ladakh are –

  •  The Deskit Monastery, 
  • Nubra valley, 
  • Shanti Stupa,
  • Double-humped camel rides,
  • Pangong Lake,
  • Star watching at night

How to reach:

  • By Air: The nearest airport to Ladakh is Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport in Leh.
  • By Train: The closest railway station is Jammu Tawi, followed by a road trip (708 km long). It is better to fly and save time as one has to stay at Leh to acclimatize to the environment and altitude.
  • By Road: A lot of people prefer to ride on bullet bikes all the way from Chandigarh to Ladakh via Manali & Jispa, and they are considered to have one of the most memorable rides in life.

Coorg, Karnataka

Best Female Solo Travel Destinations in India

Coorg is known as the Scotland of India. It is one of the most visited hill stations in Karnataka. Home to three wildlife sanctuaries, the pleasant little hill station lies between the arms of the western ghats, 300 km from Bangalore. Despite being crowded all year long, Coorg is one of the safest destinations for female solo travel. Some of Coorg’s must-visit places are –

  • Raja’s seat, 
  • Abbi falls, 
  • Nisargadhama, and 
  • Tadiandamol Peak is the perfect place for nature and coffee lovers.

How to reach:

  • By Air: Either land at Bangalore airport or Mangalore airport, from which you can board a bus or hire a taxi.
  • By Train: The closest railway station is in Mysore.

Sikkim

Best Female Solo Travel Destinations in India

Buried deep in the Eastern Himalayas, Sikkim is like the ‘abode of God’ itself, with untouched surroundings, pleasant summers, snowy winters, incredible places to visit, and rich Buddhist culture. To visit the northern parts of the state, you will need a government permit, but all of the formalities won’t seem like a hassle when you explore the paradise that is Sikkim. 

Must visits are –

  • Gurudongmar Lake, 
  • Yumthang Valley, 
  • Tsongmo Lake, 
  • Yuksom, 
  • Nathu La, 
  • Gangtok, 
  • Pelling, 
  • Singalila National Park, 
  • Goecha La, 
  • Rumtek Monastery, 
  • Do Drul Chorten.

How to reach: 

  • By air: Bagdogra is the nearest airport. You can book a car from there to your hotel in Sikkim or take a bus. You can also take a helicopter ride. 
  • By Train: The nearest station is the New Jalpaiguri Railway Station. There are many options by road from there. 
  • By Road: Once you reach Siliguri or New Jalpaiguri, you can travel by road. You can even reach Siliguri by bus or car from Kolkata.

Pondicherry: 

Best Female Solo Travel Destinations in India

Pondicherry is famous for its peaceful ambience and picturesque beaches. Its French-inspired culture and streets, Parisian cafes, colourful houses, and quiet, serene environment attract many soul searchers. Relaxing on its shores, visiting ashrams, cycling tours, and pub hopping are some incredible experiences that female travellers look for in Pondicherry. The must-visit place is Auroville, the safest place without any politics or religion.

How to reach:

  • By Air: The closest airport is Chennai International Airport. You can book a cab or a car to reach Pondicherry. 
  • By Train: Villupuram Junction railway station is the nearest railway station. 
  • By Road: You can book a car from Bengaluru and go to Pondicherry. There are many options like this in other neighbouring cities. 

Goa:

Best Female Solo Travel Destinations in India

When talking about female solo travel, you can never ignore Goa. From lazing around on beaches, indulging in adventure sports, and partying like crazy all night and day to exploring its architectural wonders, churches, and wildlife, and eating amazing seafood – there are endless things to do in Goa. You might want to plan a longer holiday than a quick getaway because, after all, it’s Goa! Must-visit places in Goa are –

  • Baga Beach, 
  • Aguada Fort, 
  • Basilica of Bom Jesus, 
  • Dudhsagar Falls, 
  • Anjuna Beach, 
  • Calangute Beach, 
  • Se Cathedral, 
  • Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception,
  • Sinquerim Beach

How to reach:

  • By Air: Dabolim Airport serves as the main gateway for both domestic and international flights. The new Manohar International Airport, built at Mopa, North Goa, started its commercial operations on January 5, 2023. Most flights plying to Goa from Indian cities are direct and operated by IndiGo, GoAir, and SpiceJet.
  • By Train: Goa enjoys extensive rail connectivity with the rest of the country. Goa has two major railway stations, Madgao and Vasco-da-Gama, both located in the southern area of the state. 
  • By Road: Goa is connected with all the major towns in India via the National Highways NH4A, NH17, and NH17A. In most places along the way, the highway roads are in excellent condition and motorable at fairly good speeds. 

Solo Travel Safety Tips for India 

But if you are a female travelling solo – you need to keep these things in mind – 

  • Research thoroughly about the place you are visiting, gathering knowledge about the locals, their culture, and the region you are staying in for your own safety. 
  • Avoid public transport and book a car or two-wheelers.
  • Choose accommodations with good reviews that are solo-friendly. 
  • Get along with the staff, as they can be very helpful.
  • At night, try to visit crowded places. 
  • Be proactive and confident, as that will keep unnecessary attention away. 
  • Stay alert and cautious of your surroundings. 
  • Carry all essentials and maintain hygiene. Keep a notepad handy with a to-do list and a not-to-do list too. 

So, all you lovely ladies out there, I am sure by now you are super excited and feeling like booking the tickets, packing your bags, and just leaving all the work and tension behind and travelling solo. Well, I surely do! So, what are you waiting for? You must have a travel bucket list! Share the list in the comments section. Let’s find out how many of them have been checked. 

 

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VIP Guest Entertainment Sydney | entertaining luxury business trip with limousine and helicopter rides in Sydney
Travel

VIP Entertainment in Sydney – The Best Venues for your Guest

If you are an Australian business owner who has a VIP guest arriving soon, you will obviously be planning to wow him or her with an experience they will never forget. Perhaps a huge contract hangs in the balance, and pulling out all the stops when the CEO arrives should get you over the line, whatever the reason for the visit, here are a few options for VIP guest entertainment Sydney:

Luxury VIP Guest Entertainment Sydney

  • Theatre at the Sydney Opera House – There are numerous performances every evening, and being dropped off by a limousine chauffeur in Sydney will definitely impress your guest. Prices range from deluxe boxes to regular seats, and we recommend one of the boxes where you have the best view. As to whether or not your guest would like to attend such an event, the Sydney Opera House is the first on everyone’s list.
  • Corporate helicopter tour – Several providers of helicopter tours are based at Sydney Airport; you and your guest can experience the harbor from the air, with several passes of the bridge and the Opera House, then a low fly over Bondi Beach before heading off to the Blue Mountains and a champagne lunch in Hunter Valley. Your guest will forever remember this experience, and seeing Sydney from the air is a surreal way to view the city.
  • Dinner cruise in Sydney Harbour – What better way to experience Sydney Harbour than a dinner cruise? There are a few operators of first-class dinner cruise ships, and you can reserve the best table for your VIP guest. Live music and great wines from Hunter Valley add up to a spectacular evening with a stunning backdrop, let’s hope you choose a dry evening!
  • Royal Botanical Garden – Covering an area of 30 hectares, the Royal Botanical Garden is a stone’s throw from the Sydney Opera House and is an ideal place for a lunchtime picnic. The well-manicured lawns, fauna, and flora make for the perfect backdrop for a memorable picnic. Click here for reasons why solo-travel is character building.
  • Chinatown – While every Western city has a Chinatown, none are as vibrant and colourful as Sydney’s Chinese zone. The reason for this is the huge number of Chinese immigrants that arrived Down Under in the 19th century, many of whom remained. Here you will find the Chinese Garden of Friendship, which is well worth a visit.

As you can see, there are quite a few locations in Sydney that are worthy of including in your schedule for hosting a VIP visitor. Of course, you should get as much information about your guests as possible, which might help you to plan the perfect VIP guest entertainment Sydney, while you can hire a chauffeur-driven prestige car to take you and your special guest to the many great attractions.

Hopefully, your carefully planned schedule will impress your guests to the point where they are ready to make a business deal, and your company will greatly benefit.

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what makes solo travelling so important
Travel

The Power of Solo Travel: Finding Self-Love and Confidence

Solo travel can be an incredible adventure that offers more than just visiting new places. It can be a journey of self-discovery, allowing you to step out of your solace zone and connect with yourself in ways you never thought possible.

Taking the time to travel solo is a valuable opportunity to unwind, gain independence, and build self-love and confidence.

This article will examine the various benefits of solo travel and how it helps build self-love and confidence. So, what’s the wait for? Let’sLet’s dive in!

 Time for Self-Reflection

Time for self-reflection during solo travel provides a chance to step back from the hustle and bustle of daily life and connect with yourself on a deeper level. Without the distractions of others, you can take time to think about your goals, values, and aspirations.

This can lead to insights and a better understanding of your thoughts and feelings. With this understanding, you may discover new passions or interests, set personal boundaries, or gain clarity about what you want.

Reducing Stress and Anxiety

Solo travel can also significantly impact mental health by reducing stress and anxiety. When you travel alone, you can set your own pace and decide where to go and what to do. Additionally, solo travel provides much-needed alone time to recharge and rejuvenate.

In fact, many women also take the time to listen to their bodies and relieve tension through self-love using adult toys such as real whizzinator xxx, blindfolds, and other items to pamper their bodies. The pampering releases endorphins and happy hormones that relax the body. This practice can be a powerful way to reduce stress and anxiety, promoting relaxation and well-being.

Increasing Creativity and Productivity

Traveling solo can also increase creativity and productivity. When traveling alone, you can design your itinerary and explore at your own pace. This sense of control can stimulate creativity and help you generate new ideas.

Moreover, it provides a distraction-free environment, allowing you to focus on tasks without interruptions. By eliminating distractions and immersing yourself in new experiences, you may also increase your productivity and accomplish more than you would in your everyday environment.

 Embracing the Unknown

When you travel alone, you can face challenges and confront the unexpected. This can be scary, but it can also be exhilarating and empowering. Embracing the unknown can help you build resilience, confidence, and adaptability.

It can also foster a sense of curiosity and wonder about the world. By stepping out of your comfort zone and embracing the unknown, you may discover new passions, skills, or insights you would never have encountered otherwise.

Trusting Your Judgment

Traveling alone teaches you the skill of trusting your judgment. Without the input of others, you must rely on your own instincts and decision-making skills. This can be daunting, but it can also be empowering. By trusting yourself, you can gain greater self-reliance and confidence. You can also take ownership of your travel experience and create a trip that truly reflects your interests and values.

Bottom Line

As the saying goes, “life is a journey, not a destination,” and solo travel is the perfect way to embody that philosophy. So go ahead, take the plunge, and embark on your solo adventure – the world is waiting for you with open arms (and plenty of unique experiences and memories to be made)!

 

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best swimming camps in the Caribbean | cherry on top
lifestyle

Top swimming camps that you can’t miss in the Caribbean

The Caribbean is one of the best vacation destinations on the planet for outdoor activities and watersports. Everywhere you turn in this beautiful corner of the world there are top quality camps and clinics dedicated to everything from open water swimming to kite surfing.

For water sports fans, a Caribbean vacation is a perfect opportunity to really get to grips with your passion.

So if you are packing your bags and heading off on a Caribbean cruise in 2022, check out these top camps and clinics that you can’t afford to miss.

Odyssey Expeditions

Odyssey Expeditions, based out of Tarpon Springs in Florida, runs a great series of camps that operate in the British Virgin Islands every summer. More than just a sports clinic, the kids live together and work together, learning a huge range of skills and abilities. The camps themselves focus on a variety of activities, including swimming, scuba diving, sailing, and hiking, but the real value is the softer social skills students learn as they interact with each other throughout the courses.

Swimtrek

With swimming tours in both the British Virgin Islands and St Kitts and Nevis, Swimtrek is one of the Caribbean’s most reputable and exciting swimming camps. Over the course of a week, you’ll get a unique perspective on these gorgeous paradise islands, paddling your way through warm, calm, crystal-clear water and getting to see a completely different side of the Caribbean. Swimming up to 6km per day, you can choose from the stunning white sand beaches of the British Virgin Islands or the more dramatic volcanic landscapes of St Kitts and Nevis, but whichever you choose you’ll discover an unforgettable experience.

15 Knots Kiteboarding

Based out of San Juan in Puerto Rico, 15 Knots Kiteboarding offers a wonderfully hassle-free summer camp experience – you don’t even need to bring your passport! With some of the friendliest instructors around, 15 Knots are dedicated to making kitesurfing simple and accessible at every level, from complete beginner to seasoned veteran. Their long-running Discovery Course is regarded as one of the premier kiteboarding clinics in the Caribbean. Best of all, they are located on La Plage, one of San Juan’s most beautiful spots, and the ideal location to chill out after a hard day’s boarding with a cool, refreshing drink.

Broadreach Sailing Camp

Aimed at middle school kids, Broadreach Sailing Camp operates throughout the Leeward and Windward Islands, providing educational, adventurous, and above all fun two-week experiences for students. Their main offer is sailing, but they also provide a number of snorkelling schools as well. Most importantly, they go above and beyond the usual summer camp experience, giving their kids a complete, holistic package that helps them be more independent, understand more about the world they live in, and develop leadership skills.

Sail Caribbean

Sail Caribbean has been running camps in the British Virgin Islands for over 30 years, taking on students from as young as 11 to as old as 22. Far more than just a sailing school, they combine practical learning with environmental awareness, as well as offering more advanced courses that include navigation, docking, boat safety, and passage-making.

For anyone interested in improving their skills and discovering exciting adventures in one of the most beautiful places in the world, then a summer camp or clinic in the Caribbean might just be the best vacation you ever take!

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Travel

A Trip to Lansdowne

I have mastered the art of isolation, and mountains have always helped me externalize my emotions. The few friends that I am left with, they keep telling me that I rubbed off my personality from a mountain. I usually take that as a compliment. Mountains were my first love – the only constant that I have opened my heart to.

I have travelled to almost all the recognizable hill stations across the country. I used the word recognizable since the place that I am about to talk about is often overlooked, even though it is quite a convenient place. Lansdowne, unlike Manali, Shimla, or Rishikesh, deserves the same amount of attention and ardour – I think it does except it has managed to keep itself secluded from the mainstream at the height of 1700 meters.

Hike, Pray and Love

I think I had a brief moment of epiphany when I realized that corporate life was not meant for me. Not to romanticize, but Delhi is a sentient being, it speaks volumes to me. And, when you are a loner, you do get to observe these small details. So, I had to test this theory out and see if the travel life wants to choose me. Lansdowne seemed like a quaint place for me to know if I wanted to travel for the rest of my life.

Lansdowne can be reached by road – located in the Himalayas; the streets are only convenient routes. It is roughly a six hours drive from Rohtak, which is why I booked a convenient taxi service in Rohtak. Delhi to Rohtak takes about an hour and a half. Rohtak might seem like an inconvenient route for me, but I had to make the detour – there was some personal business that required my attention. (See, even in writing, my loner instincts won’t let me divulge details of my life)

Lansdowne – a slow respite

People often say that you aren’t to be left alone with your thoughts. But Lansdowne is for folks who’d love to be left alone with their thoughts. Don’t misplace it as an ideal tourist spot; it is neither commercialized nor urbanized. This place served as a recruitment ground for British forces to supply the workforce to the Garhwal rifles. So, I knew what I was getting myself into. Even though it is a place of respite, I had to make a travel itinerary. I wasn’t just going to sit around and brood.

 A bit of leftover colonial history

Lansdowne is a fading reminder of the colonial history left behind. Named after the then Viceroy Lord Lansdowne, its resonating silence is the most beautiful part.

Quitely Exploring Silence

Navigating silence is an art, so is silence. After a good night’s sleep, I woke up early to walk around the town.

I was suggested by a group of travellers that I visit old St. Mary’s church. The church stands erect like a goth queen, which harmonizes with the town’s residing tranquillity. I walked around the church and was able to catch a glimpse of the Himalayan mountain range. The peace here is addictive, almost makes you lethargic, normalizing your inner monologues. By the time I left St. Mary’s, I had enough monologues to add to a feature film. I did not feel like visiting the Bhulla Tal – not a massive fan of water bodies.

I started to retreat for the day, reaching the Mall Road late in the evening. I managed to get some snacks and some dinner. The city life seemed to have spoilt me; everything here closes down by 7:30.

Trekking at Kalagarh Wildlife Sanctuary

I decided to go for a small trek since what’s the point in just loitering around. Before I went for the trek, I decided to make a stop at Tip n Top to view the majesty of snow-clad Himalayas. Don’t worry, Himalaya is the kind of cameo that will keep appearing throughout the journey.

Kalagarh Wildlife Sanctuary is a part of the Corbett landscape and a natural haven for wildlife of Lansdowne. Although it seemed a bit far away from Lansdowne, I did not mind this subset of a trip to Kalagarh.

The theory of a choice

After Kalagarh, I planned for my return to Delhi. I think I am ready to travel. And, this trip helped me realize that. This perhaps is my calling – not being a white-collar corporate slave.

Note: If you want a smoother travel experience, try booking a cab from Delhi to Lansdowne. It will recommend the following route – Delhi – Ghaziabad – Modinagar – Meerut – Khatauli – Mirapur – Bijnor – Najibabad – Kotdwar – Lansdowne.

That’s it for today’s post. I hope you found this article helpful. Make sure to share it with your friends and family if you did. Your comments encourage me a lot. So, pour in your thoughts in the comments. Subscribe to our Newsletter so that you get notified whenever there is a new post on the blog! Will talk to you in my next post. Till then, be happy and keep smiling! Follow me on Facebook, Instagram & Twitter and also Subscribe to my YouTube channel for beauty & fashion related videos and vlogs.

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Best Places to Visit in Leh/Ladakh | Cherry On Top
lifestyle

Best Places to Visit in Leh/Ladakh

Everyone wishes to visit Ladakh at least once in their life. It is one of the dream destinations for travelling enthusiasts. Not only is Ladakh famous for its top attractions and amazing weather, but this place has Gompas and Buddhist Monasteries too. The landscape, atmosphere, mountains, and the overall Tibetan environment are extremely appealing. Located at a whopping height of 3,000 meters above the sea level, Ladakh has amazing surprises for all its tourists. The place is a dream vacation spot for people who want to explore the natural beauty of the mother earth.

Ladakh is mostly visited in summer. Though winter or monsoon isn’t the bad visiting time, it is better to play safe since roadblocks are common in Leh-Ladakh during monsoon. Read on to know about the best places that make Ladakh the most pristine tourist destination.

Leh Palace – The Royal Mansion Built by an Ancient King

Best Places to Visit in Leh/Ladakh | Cherry On Top

Commonly known as Lhachen Palkhar, Leh tops the list of Ladakh’s most popular tourist places. Located in Leh, this beautiful structure was constructed by Sengge Namgyal in the 17th century. The building is a Royal Palace that holds a great history. The builder of this Royal Mansion i.e. the King Sengge Namgyal along with his family was the first-ever residents of the palace.

Leh Palace is one of the tallest Tibetan buildings. The height of this mansion makes it a viewpoint for tourists who want to admire the beauty of the whole of Ladakh from a height. If you get a chance to visit Ladakh, head to Leh Palace in the evening and watch the sunset view from the top. This Royal Mansion looks more magnificent when the locals light up the entire palace during special events and festival seasons like the Galdam Namchot festival. In this festival, people living around Leh and Ladakh gather near this Palace and celebrate the occasion.

You might have heard of the major Kashmir attack in the 9th century? Well, it damaged the significant parts of Leh Palace. However, this Royal Mansion still looks wonderful.

Magnetic Hill

Best Places to Visit in Leh/Ladakh | Cherry On Top

Image source- inyminy.com

You can avail a car rental in Leh with a driver to explore Magnetic hill and watch some magic happening around the place. As soon as the vehicle is parked, it moves up towards the hill (opposing the force of gravity). At a height of 14,000 ft and a distance of 30 kilometres from Leh, you will find this Magnetic Hill – which is known for its magnetic power that catches the attention of tourists from different countries.

Chadar Trek

The Frozen River Expedition is a 6-day trekking trail that begins during the end of January and ends in February. The people residing in and around Leh take the Zanskar road in summers. However, the Zanskar River cannot be explored in the winters as a strong layer of ice is formed over it. The frozen lake looks like a white blanket, which is also called Chadar in the local language. Hence, the name Chadar trek.

The trek route looks like the most difficult of trails, but it only involves a flat stroll. The trek is perfect for tourists who want to explore tall mountains covered in snow and Zanskar River. The only mode of transportation to Leh is by flight. Since a considerable part of the city is covered in snow, there is no way a train or local bus can take you to this heavenly destination. But, the city and its amazing attractions can be explored via roadways. Avail a reliable Leh taxi service and visit all the beautiful places in Ladakh.

Tso Moriri

This 100 ft deep lake is identical to the Pangong Lake in Ladakh. Tso Moriri is not a popular tourist destination, but the scenic view and tranquillity are top reasons that make it a must-visit place. The background features snow-covered mountains and the surroundings boast of the beautiful hills.

As it is a less-popular destination, Tso Moriri does not receive a lot of crowds. To explore the picturesque mountains of Ladakh and the serene atmosphere of the hill station, this can prove to be a perfect destination.

Pangong Lake

Best Places to Visit in Leh/Ladakh | Cherry On Top

Located at a height of 4,350 meters, Pangong Lake is a popular tourist destination in Leh-Ladakh. The length of the lake is approximately 12 kilometres. Pangong Lake is especially famous for its length that connects India to Tibet. Roughly two-thirds of the Pangong Lake is in the Tibet region. The speciality of Pangong Lake is the colour of its water, which keeps on changing every hour. It turns from blue to light blue, green, and grey. The water changes colour several times, making it a magical lake for Ladakh tourists.

Considering the height, the temperature around this area is -5 degrees to 10 degrees Celsius. Pangong Lake is not open for tourists in winter since heavy snowfall and a freezing temperature freezes the lake. The place garnered the attention of the tourist after getting featured in many movies.

Let me know if you liked this piece on Leh-Ladakh!

 

 

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Bharatpur: Witness the Migration

Image: By Nikhilchandra81 – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0,
https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=14870519

As someone who loves birds, my constant endeavour has been to protect the avifauna by bringing birders and nature lovers together through social media. And the fact that I am a member of a bird-conservation community in my city, just adds to my effort. So, when the members of that community decided to visit the Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary last winter and do a little research on the current status of migratory birds in India, it was obvious that I would never leave such a chance for such an adventure.

For those who are unaware, the Bharatpur Sanctuary has been renamed to Keoladeo National Park and is the country’s largest avifauna reserve. Situated in Agra, this is the second biggest highlight of the historic city after Taj Mahal.

Reaching Bharatpur

Equipped with our cameras, binoculars, and recorders (to record bird sounds and their calls), our group of 8 people headed to Agra on a cold January morning. It takes 1.5 hours to reach Bharatpur from Agra city. The best way to travel to Bharatpur is to book a taxi in Agra from a reputed service provider, especially if you are travelling during the winter holidays.

We reached Bharatpur and settled ourselves at the Bharatpur Forest Lodge. This is a convenient lodging option for birders since it is right inside the sanctuary, only 1.5 Km from the main safari section. Once inside the sanctuary, you can take a Jeep or Elephant Safari. But since we had to be awfully quiet and take a lot of photos and record sounds, we chose to explore on foot.

A day the sanctuary

Every year, as some of our group members mentioned, thousands of birds from Siberia, Central Asia, Mongolia, Europe and other colder regions in the northern hemisphere would come down to the warmer tropical mountains of north India and stay throughout the colder months. For over 200 years, Bharatpur has been witnessing the migration of more than 230 species of exotic avifauna but their number has reduced over the years, with lesser forested areas to nest in and too many tourists exploring these areas.

There is a concrete road that runs throughout the park and is mostly for vehicles, with nature trails on either side. The path we took on, cuts through small pockets of marshy lands where groups of painted storks were resting and feeding amidst the reeds. These black-necked birds are the quintessential members of this sanctuary and come every year to nest in the forests of Bharatpur.

A 10-minute walk further ahead led us a bunch of Kingfishers waiting for their catch, a few stray Siberian Rubythroats, Moorhens, and a couple of Herons wading through the muddy patch. My birder friends divided into two groups- one went towards the outer fringes and managed to spot the Greater Painted Snipe. And I with the group continued on our walk inside and noticed a peahen trying to perch on a tree. On hearing our footsteps on the dry leaves, the national bird flew away but managed to give us a long shot photo.

There were also one or two Flycatchers, Wagtails, and larks, lurking randomly around the forest. Once in few years, the forests of Bharatpur are replete rosy pelicans, different species of cranes, geese, ducks, warblers, eagles, pintails, darters, and more, and I promised myself to keep coming back until I see them all.

Birding tips:

To all fellow bird-lovers, here are few tips from our community for a successful tour of Bharatpur:

  • Get a good start and book a taxi with a trained driver from Agra to Bharatpur to avoid unnecessary hassle.
  • Opt for a stay closest to the sanctuary, so you cut down on travel (even if it’s walking) and have more frequent trips throughout the day.
  • Avoid taking the Jeep Safari, since vehicle sound can drive the birds away.

Hope to see your pictures from your next trip to Bharatpur.

Disclaimer: Guest Post

 That was it for today’s post. I hope you found this post helpful. Make sure to share it with your family and friends if you did. Pour in your thoughts in the comments. Your comments encourage me a lot! Do subscribe to our Newsletter so that you get notified whenever there is a new post on the blog. Will talk to you in my next post. Till then, be safe & keep smiling! Follow me on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram for regular updates and also Subscribe to my YouTube Channel!

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Great Tips for Booking Cheap Flights to Canada | Cherry On Top
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Great Tips for Booking Cheap Flights to Canada

Booking tickets to Canada can sometimes be very expensive. Since you desire to save every coin when travelling to exotic destinations like Canada, where you will definitely have the need for money, it is always a good thing to take advantage of every saving opportunity you get. Canada already helps you by not charging a lot for a visa, especially if you are from visa exempt countries, all you need to do is fill up the Canada ETA form and that’s as far as the visa. Below is a look at some of the tips you can employ when booking your air tickets so that you realize incredible savings on the same-:

Book early

Great Tips for Booking Cheap Flights to Canada | Cherry On Top

The first secret to getting cheap flights to any destination is to book early and this also applies when you are considering flying to Canada. If possible, check your schedule and once you ascertain the travel date, go get your air tickets immediately. Preferably, you should book at least one month to your travel date if you want to be a beneficiary of the low rates. If you wait till the last minute, there is no way you will be getting cheap tickets since the demand for them will be high, and the airlines know that this is the time they should be making a lot of money?

Set price alerts

The travel industry is such a massive one, and there are lots of technologies you can use to your advantage and for your convenience. When it comes to booking cheap flights, one of the best technology resources you have at your disposal is price alerts. As a person, it is nearly impossible to be calling airlines or visiting their websites every now and then to check if the rates have gone down. With price alerts, however, you will be informed every time the prices of tickets go down or they get into a range you are interested in. Whenever you get alerts for the price ranges you were looking forward to, don’t waste any minute. Grab your tickets and wait for the travel date.

Be flexible with your travel plans

Great Tips for Booking Cheap Flights to Canada | Cherry On Top

The other way you can use to get cheap tickets is not to be rigid with your travel plans. There are certain days of the wee when the air tickets are expensive because so many people are travelling and there are certain days when the rates are relatively low because there is a low number of people travelling. For example, you don’t always have to travel during the weekends or at the start of the week. Everyone is travelling at this time and the airline knows it. You will be very ambitious if you think you can get cheap tickets around these times. What you ought to do is plan your travel right in the middle of the week, on a Wednesday or a Thursday. Additionally, you don’t have to travel around major holidays. This is because most people will also be travelling and as the laws of supply and demand dictates, the rates will just have to go up.

Consider connecting flights

If you are not in any particular hurry to get to Canada, you can opt for connecting flights instead of taking non-stop flights. This is because connecting flights are relatively cheaper due to some of the subtle inconveniences they have compared to the direct flights. All you have to do is use the flight search engines to filter and compared the options and see which best options will help you save money. With this approach, you may give up some of your time, but if it can save you a couple of hundred dollars and you are not in a hurry to reach your destination, then you should just go for it.

Use multiple travel portals

Great Tips for Booking Cheap Flights to Canada | Cherry On Top

If you will be using travel portals, then you should consider using more than one portal. You should know that most of these portals are nothing but estimates, though they normally try to as correct as possible when they are doing the aggregation. Using just a single portal may not give you all the correct information about the tickets you are considering.

In case of a glitch or an error, you can rely on wrong information that might make you pay even more. But when you use multiple portals, you have a way to compare the results you are finding and you will also be in a better position to have a good grasp of where the rates are going, thus helping you be well equipped when it comes to making the final decision.

Check out for airline specials

Great Tips for Booking Cheap Flights to Canada | Cherry On Top

If you choose to wait and book on the final week of your trip, be sure to check out for airline specials. There are some occasions when you can land very good deals on the very last minutes with an airline. This is especially when they have lots of empty seats and there day is fast approaching. With such, you can be lucky to travel so cheaply. However, this is never a solid strategy because it depends on luck – you are hoping that not many people will buy the tickets. You may wait all that time and end up buying the tickets even more expensively. But you can give it a try if you have to wait until the very last minute to purchase your ticket.

Shop for flights incognito

While you are shopping for cheap flights, be smarter than the internet and shop incognito. This means that you browse when your browser is in private mode. The reason for this is so that your computer is not “cooked” by the sites you visit so that you can always see new price changes and not the same ones you had seen simply because the site you visited placed a cookie on your browser.

Don’t be afraid of package deals

Depending on how long or the nature of your business in Canada, strongly consider using package deals since they will not just help you save money on flights, but also on other aspects of your travels such as accommodation.

Disclaimer- Guest Post

That was it for today’s post. I hope you found this post helpful. Make sure to share it with your family and friends if you did. Pour in your thoughts in the comments. Your comments encourage me a lot! Do subscribe to our Newsletter so that you get notified whenever there is a new post on the blog. Will talk to you in my next post. Till then, be safe & keep smiling! Follow me on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram for regular updates and also Subscribe to my YouTube Channel!

 

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