House Arrest!?
Dear Diary #1 As you already know that the past couple of weeks have been completely overwhelming for me. I have been doing back to back shifts in my office, and I hardly have any time for myself. I know, I know that this is good for my future, but god! at what cost? XD So today I didn’t go anywhere, I was at my home, on my couch, and just relaxed and took a step back. I did not think about work because God knows I’ve done my fair share. I think today was the first time I was living in the moment, enjoying all the little things. LOL, #DeepTalks 😀 OMG! I completely forgot I watched Before Trilogy today. The movie was so good. Though it had no story it made perfect sense. I don’t know what was good, the acting or the dialogues!!! Sorry, got too excited 😛 PS. I think I am not going to go tomorrow as well, today was fun 😛 By: chatelaine.com Dear Diary #2 Hi! So today, I got up late. I was still tired because I didn’t sleep early yesterday because of the movie. Also, I had the ingenious idea to start cooking, so as you very well know, I opened up Gordan Ramsay’s video of ‘How to make a Scrambled Eggs’ on YouTube, and man! That brit knows how to cook :O I think my eggs were good but it was too salty XP Nevertheless, not bad for my first try. After breakfast, I continued with my tv show, Peaky Blinders. Dude! You have to see that show. It’s about this gang which uses blades and all. The show is based around their criminal empire between the two wars. I know!! Unmissable. For lunch, I just ordered in, nothing too great. Dinner too, I ordered in from Dominoes, and before you judge I think Dominoes is better than Pizza Hut. #ISaidIt Being at home for the second day was not that bad. 😛 By: in.pinterest.com Dear Diary #3 Hiiii! If you think I am excited, you should have seen me this morning. I was playing Call of Duty!!!! That too online with my friends. I had the highest number of kills brooo XD. My friend, disconnected after I killed his player 6 times back to back, straight. Also, I saw Downfall. The most brilliant film ever made in the entire freaking cinematic universe! It is about the last ten days of Hitler in his bunker. Damnnn, his acting was so gooood. I don’t think much else peculiar happened today. Dear Diary #4 Hey dude. If you think today was a good day then guess again, because you could not be more wrong. Today my boss called me. I was only half awake when he asked me where I was for the past few days. I wanted to lie to him, but noooo, I had to tell him that I was taking some ‘ME’ time. I could hear the silent judgment emanating. It was awkward. After this terrible ordeal, I went back to sleep. When I woke up, I saw that I have received a mail from HR. I have been called to the freaking HR because I just wanted some time to hold myself together. Damn those capitalists. #ISayThisAsIDrinkCoke TTYL. In no mood to write anything else. Dear Diary #5 Hii! I wanted to tell you I won. I wrote an elaborate e-mail to the HR, explaining my circumstances and they agreed and sanctioned a 14 days sabbatical. I was in such a good mood that I wanted to commemorate this win by actually doing something productive, and that is why I have decided to start learning Spanish online. I have been told that it is the second most spoken language, so, it would be great for my C.V and personal growth as well. I am also thinking about learning sign language. I think it is so unique and interesting. It opens up so many avenues. I just hope that I can manage all this. By: storiesfromschoolaz.org Dear Diary #6 Greeting old friend! I did it! I completed the first lesson in Spanish. It was sooo easyyyy. I just hope the rest of it as easy. I couldn’t find any sign language workshops online. I think I might have to be more, you know, determined or you can say resolved to undertake this thrilling endeavor. Loool #heavylanguage I also wanted to ask you a question, since you know I am a chain smoker, so I think this might be the perfect time to at least try to quit. What do you think? LMAO! You can’t even speak. I also played COD today, none of my friends were online 🙁 I had to play with random people. Also, I played online chess. Lost 3 games, won 1 😛 Dear Diary #7 Today, I decided to make my lunch. As you might have guessed, virtual Mr. Gordon Ramsay helped me. I made chicken pot roast. I did not have chickpeas so had to make use of just normal green peas. X( Also, what the hell is with those complex names of dishes? Why can’t they just call it chicken and be done with it? What is with these people? What the hell do you mean by ‘Chicken pot roast, with scented mashed potato puree with cinnamon powder’? This is beyond me! Also, the second lesson of my Spanish class was tougher than I expected. But I aced it XD. Alsoooo, Peaky Blinder dudeeee!!! #SpoilerAlert Capmbell dieeeessss. I did not freaking see that coming. By: skinnyms.com Dear Diary #8 You will never believe what I did today, I started baking! I sucked at it though. I don’t know what the hell happened, I added the eggs, the butter, the flour and put it inside the oven, and all hell broke loose. :O I tried making cupcakes but it was more like
Urban Legends: Surviving the Night
It was a rough year for Mr T, he lost his mother, and his younger brother in a terrible car accident. The death of his mother particularly shook him up, they were very close. Unable to process this tragedy he lashed out in his workplace. He was subsequently fired for disorderly conduct. He also went through a heartbreaking divorce from his high school sweetheart. Life, he thought, couldn’t get much worse. Two months passed by. In the meantime, he had bought a new car. He had successfully bounced back and landed another job. But it was a hectic one, he was constantly traveling and buying a new car made sense to him. But it was not just the practicality, he wanted to buy a new car for some time now. Driving was the only thing that stopped his mind from wandering off. He liked the way the wind felt in his hair when he drove swiftly in the empty roads of the night, he loved to smell the aroma of the new leather. The reflective blue color gave off a particular shine to the eyes of the onlookers. Mr T was racing his car in the eerily empty roads of Darjeeling that fateful night that made the oblivious Mr T shudder. The deafening silence was broken only by this solo traveler. Going up and down these isolated hills would have been dangerous but Mr T was not scared. He had just closed an important business deal in the morning. He was in line for a promotion in his new job. Things were finally taking a turn for good. By: ak0.picdn.net He was two hours away from his destination, but the weariness was growing on him. He could feel his eyelids getting heavy. The chilly wind was not enough to keep him awake. The large cup of strong coffee from his travel mug was proving inefficient. All the signs were compelling him to stop driving and rest his eyes. To his cheerful surprise, he saw a light bulb glowing in the distance. Like a glimmer of hope, he rushed there only to find a gloomy and secluded hotel. By: rojakdaily.com It looked like it was there for more than a century. The paint was scraped off the walls. The glass windows were shattered as if some mischievous boys threw stones at it. The glass door had a bell attached to it to notify the old and aged manager sitting dolefully within. One could feel the melancholy and spooky atmosphere emanating through the hotel. Mr T parked his car and stepped out of the vehicle. He walked towards the door and climbed up the porch to reach the door. Instead of the bell, it was the creaking sound of the door that alerted the manager. By: in.pinterest.com He was an old man with porcelain skin, his wrinkles were visibly frightening and his pure spectralon hair made him the perfect caretaker. He limped over and walked towards Mr T, and before he could utter a single word the manager said “This place is haunted. You should not stay here.” “It is 2 o’clock in the night. Where am I supposed to find a hotel now?” retorted Mr T sharply. “Anyways, I don’t believe in ghosts,” said Mr T in a dismissive tone. “Sir, that room is out of bounds. The owner has specifically ordered us not to rent out that room.” Mr T thought this was a clever strategy to drive up the price, so he was adamant and kept demanding a room for the night. “Look, I am going to pay you twice the amount, but I want to have that room for the night. It has already started to rain and I can’t go anywhere farther, hoping to find a hotel. I will leave early in the morning and I also do not require any room service.” The exhausted manager realized that his warning was in vain. So, he submitted to Mr T’s demands and prepared the room for him. But, Mr T was perplexed by his behavior. The manager gave him the key but refused to enter the room. As Mr T settled and tried to close the door to take his much-needed sleep, he was interrupted with a grave warning. “Whatever you do, do not enter the storeroom.” That was it; after this, the manager left in visible haste. Mr T didn’t want to lose any time. He freshened up and went straight to his bed. As he lay down, he sunk into his marshmallow-soft bed. The curiosity of what was inside the storeroom didn’t seem to bother him, and the thought of checking was completely absent from his mind. Within moments he was fast asleep, snoring like a giant resting after a hearty meal. He woke up to the distant sound of a girl singing. Annoyed, he got up and peeked through his balcony to see the scoundrel singing at 3 am and decided to give her a piece of his mind. But he couldn’t find anyone. Now wide awake, Mr T felt his throat was parched, maybe from the excessive drinking earlier that day. He wore his rubber slippers and went to the kitchen to fix himself a hot cup of tea. Suddenly, there it was again. The sound of a girl singing. Mr T this time didn’t do anything but tried to find the source. He found that the girl wasn’t singing but actually sobbing. But this was not the only confusing thing. What was more perplexing was the fact that it seemed to be coming out of the storeroom. By: theoccultmuseum.com Mr T put down his cup and started walking towards it. The volume kept on increasing as he started taking steps one by one in the direction of the storeroom’s door. He thought that there is someone kidnapped over there and the manager is in cahoots with the owner.
7 Exciting Things to Do in Ladakh (India’s Hidden Gem!)
Ladakh is a hidden gem in India that is often overlooked by travelers. But those who take the time to explore this region are rewarded with some of the most spectacular scenery and experiences in the country. From trekking in the Himalayas to visiting ancient monasteries, Ladakh has something for everyone. A trip from the Twitter- Romasahani The northernmost region of India, Ladakh is surrounded by Pakistan on the west and China on the east. This arid region may not be filled with lush green forests or waterfalls but its beauty lies in its simplicity. The arid and mountainous terrain with aesthetically pleasing natural formations fills joy, calm, and serenity in the hearts of all tourists who visit this magnificent place. Located away from all the ruckus of modern society, this is the highest settlement in India which is heavily influenced by its rich culture, traditions, and religion. Visiting Ladakh may not be as lucrative as visiting other places like Goa, but only a true traveler will recognize the fact that one travels not just for the rave or party or adventure but also to find oneself in this chaotic world. In this blog post, I am here with a list of some of the most exciting things to do in Ladakh & I hope this list will help you discover Ladakh in every aspect. 7 Exciting Things to Do in Ladakh Do you want to know about the beautiful top 6 tourist places in Ladakh? or the best time to visit Ladakh? or probably want to just read about the destination Ladakh and check out the Ladakh map for your next trip? Yea!! Continue reading to find the most beautiful spots of Ladakh and see the most exciting things to do in Leh Ladakh. 1. Explore the beauty of Tso Moriri Lake A pic from the Unsplash-Top five buzz travel magazine The Tso Moriri Lake is one of the most beautiful and serene lakes in India that is often overlooked by travelers. But those who take the time to explore this region are rewarded with some of the most spectacular scenery and experiences in the country. Located in the Changthang region of Leh, the beautiful Tso Moriri lake is the epitome of calm and serenity that paints the perfect picture of tranquillity in one’s mind. The Aegon color embellishes its crystal-clear water and makes it awe-inspiring for all the dienophiles, who get wonderstruck by its immense allure and placid beauty. Flaunting a picturesque location on top of the beautiful multi shades of blue color offered by this lake emanates a romantic aura that globetrotters around the world will surely not want to miss. Nestled amidst the snowcapped mountains at a spectacular height of 4,000 meters it rightly gets named The Mountain Lake of India. Home to a wide variety of flora and fauna, this breathtakingly beautiful lake is the largest high-altitude lake in India and part of the wetland reserve under the Ramsar site. If you visit Ladakh in summer, then this is the place that you cannot afford to miss. This Lake is located in the Ladakh region of India and is a popular spot for trekking, camping, and photography. The lake is surrounded by stunning mountains and is a great place to relax and take in the natural beauty of the area. 2. Visit the Diskit Gompa (Diskit Monastery) A picture from the trip-hop website. Considered to be one of the oldest and largest monasteries in Ladakh, Diskit Gompa is a resplendent piece of architecture that is famous for its 100-foot-tall Maitreya Budhha statue perching proudly on top. Constructed by Changzem Tserab Zangpo, and inaugurated by his holiness Dalai Lama in the 14th century, this grand monastery is one of the prime attractions for tourists visiting Ladhak from all over the world. Facing the Shyok river, a visit to this monastery provides one with the stunning opportunity to subsume the breathtaking, sensational, and scenic view from one of the highest points in Ladakh. Located in the Nubra Valley of Ladakh, this grand monastery is revered as sacred by the local populous as is apparent by the number of ancient Sacro sanctimonious texts and shrines of the Tibetian and the Mongol culture featured in its storehouse. If you want to visit this monastery, then we recommend you visit during the summer months as this place remains closed in the winter owing to heavy snowfall. But, if you are serious to experience the cultural festival, Dosmoche at the Diskit monastery, then please be careful with your trip as it takes place in December and January. What are you waiting for?? find out Leh to Diskit distance on google. 3. Lamayuru Monastery Lamayuru Monastery A confluence point of religion and spirituality, and a kernel of cultural and historical significance, Lamayuru Monastery is situated in the Lamayouro at a spectacular height of 11520 feet, overlooking the breath-taking emerald blue rivers, and a range of arid and lofty hills. Believed to be situated at a place where once a mighty river stood, a lot of history is associated with this place and people all over the globe visit to witness and experience that beautiful chronicle. Famed as the ‘place of freedom’ this is the oldest and one of the largest monasteries in Ladakh. The peace and tranquillity emanating from the halls of this grand monastery attract spiritual leaders and philosophers, like bees gravitating towards sugary water, from all over the world alike. The picturesque beauty is also nothing to be trifled with, the scenic moonscapes, and the odd, yet aesthetic geographical formations all add to the sacred aura and tranquil ambiance. The best time to visit this place would be in the summer months of April to June when the weather is pleasant and the roads are cleared. 4. Visit Hemis National Park A picture
Urban Legends: Satanic Sacrifices
Mr. A was over the moon! Obviously not literally, but after many unsuccessful relationships, things finally set the chord after he met Zara. She was the prettiest girl he had ever seen. Her apple green eyes reminded him of the forbidden fruit planted in the Gardens of Eden. Her chocolate brown hair, falling messily on her tanned face, made her look like Aphrodite, the goddess of love. The dark brown freckles, around her face, gave her that exotic look Mr. A was longing to see his whole life. It had only been 2 weeks since they had started dating, but Mr. A was already in love. By: www.pexels.com This is what he used to do with every other woman he met. Spontaneity was kind of his thing, but he often confused it with stupidity. He broke up with his now ex-girlfriend for someone he met over coffee. Love, for him, was like the noisy and fierce, but fleeting froth of an instant coffee. Sure, you do like it, but the ‘instant’ gratification is after all temporary. But it wasn’t just her looks that left Mr. A spell-bounded, it was the fact that she was like him in many ways and unlike him in other ways. Sure, the animal magnetism also played its part, but it was her personality that left him speechless. She was relentless, steadfast and tenacious. She was serious about a lot of things but goofed around a lot. With her, Mr. A wasn’t just happy but felt joyous. The first time in his life, he felt that this was something real. Something worth holding onto. Little did he know that Lucifer plays with his puppet by giving him the freedom to reach where he was wanted in the first place. By: www.inc.com It was a Sunday and Mr. A was supposed to meet Zara for coffee. She was ten minutes late, but that didn’t bother him, she was always late. He thought he might as well order coffee to pass the time. He went over to the barista and ordered whipped coffee with almond milk, her favorite and an espresso. He wasn’t even finished when he felt a tap on his shoulder. He turned, and he found Zara, in a white shirt and denim shorts, smiling at him. He realized something at that moment, that this smile was worth millions. They both sat at their table and began sipping and suddenly Zara, out of no-where, blurted out. “Let us go on a trip!” “What? Why?” responded Mr. A “Why not?” asked Zara. “Well, for one thing, I have a job!” “Didn’t you tell me that you have a lot of vacation days left?” Asked Zara in a dismissive yet endearing tone. “Yes, but I’ve saved them for emergencies or in the rare case I go to Vegas!” replied Mr. A cockily. “C’mon! We will have so much fun. You don’t even have to pack! I’ll do all the packing! I just want to travel with you!” “Where will we even go?” asked Mr. A weakly after realizing that this was a lost battle. “I have just the place!” After a day of packing, Mr. A and Zara were ready. Mr. A was surprised that how did she manage to book all the tickets so quickly to which she replied that she used The Tarzan Way app. Although suspicious at first, he came to ease after she swore that all the travelers use this app. They were supposed to board the bus to the destination, still unknown to Mr. A, on the evening of Tuesday. It was a sixteen-hour long journey. Mr. A thought that now he had a real opportunity to know the person he likes so much. He wanted to know everything about Zara, who for some reason never opened up about her past in particular. She also used to go suspiciously silent when asked about her family or friends. The only thing she would talk about was all the places she had visited and all the guys she had dated. This also made Mr. A jealous, but he convinced himself that Zara was genuinely interested in him as was apparent by the trip she had planned for them. During the bus ride, they got into talking and all was going well. They were talking about all the things they would do once they reached there. The conversation was sparkling until Mr. A asked “Where are we going, babe?” “What do you mean babe?” “Umm, nothing I just thought….” “What did you think? That I am your babe!?” “I didn’t mean to offend you.” “Well you just did, right?” “I am sorry.” Mr. A’s heart just sank. He couldn’t believe what just happened. Although he knew this wasn’t a big deal he felt uneasy. He just didn’t understand what happened. Not only what, but why did it happen. He felt this sudden urge to breathe in the fresh air. It was what he would do anytime he couldn’t think. He opened his window and gazed outwards. He could see that the bus was riding on a mountain, and the best-educated guess he could make was that they were going to the Himachal. Where? That was still a mystery to him. As he looked outside, he saw majestic snow-capped mountains standing proudly at a distance. Near to him were smaller hills covered with lush green and dense forests. He could hear the gushing sound of the water, suggesting a river nearby hidden by the canopy cover of the forest. By: www.journeytoexplore.com He thought that this picturesque location was worthy of being captured by the photographic technology also known as the camera. After he clicked a dozen of pictures, he looked at Zara, who was fast asleep. Looking at her face, he felt that she was looking adorable beyond imagination, so, he took a picture of her too. As time passed by, Mr. A dozed off to sleep with the help of the gentle rocking of the
The Contemporary Traveler!
If you are at all present in the world and see cheesy movies then you must know that traveling is all the rage now. Young people want to work hard not to settle but travel the whole world. With the ever-improving technology and an exponentially increasing access to it this, once a herculean task, has now become a relatively smaller one. Photo by Charlotte Noelle on Unsplash But what is it that attracts the Gen-Y and the Gen-Z people to travel? Is it the cheap airline tickets or the affordable railways fare? Is it just an overly spread out viral challenge? What is it that traveling does? If at all it does anything. After traveling to more than a dozen places, ranging from beaches to mountains and deserts to forests myself, I’ve developed strong opinions on this issue. I do not claim that the reasons I am about to give you are right, but I know that they make sense to me, and are true to my very best knowledge. I think that the current scenario is so not just because of several individual factors but a long list of reasons intertwined in a very complex web structure. I also want to be clear on the fact that I will be as elaborate and clear as possible to explain properly what I am trying to convey. Photo by Priscilla Du Preez on Unsplash Starting from the first question which pertains to the appeal traveling has for the younger generation, the answer is very clear. We are at the meeting point of technological revolution, globalization, and the culture of risk-taking. Individuals have developed this curiosity which has effectively changed the culture of settling down to the tradition of trying and testing out things before. The younger generation is not interested in the old ways but wants to try out new things. The individuals want to witness different cultures, traditions, cuisines. They feel that they are part of something much bigger than their national identity. They feel that they are truly a part of this greater society and not experiencing each integrant of this beautiful and magnificent global village is inherently sinful. The elaborate interconnectedness which allows a person to reach from one place to another in just a matter of days is also a compelling reason. Adding on to this are the massive drops of the prices of airline tickets, and railway fares across the world. Traveling or vacationing is not just a rich man’s dream, but well within the grasp of the middle class as well. But, in all this reasoning we have forgotten about the most important element. The growth of an individual’s personality, the change in his character, his perception after traveling is not only apparent but can-do wonders for him. Photo by Taras Zaluzhnyi on Unsplash The first thing that comes to mind is that it increases happiness, boosts confidence and morale, and improves self-satisfaction. It provides you with an outlet to bust out your stress in a productive manner. Traveling to a foreign country also exposes you to different cultures and norms which also helps you to rewire your brain, making you more perceptive and provides a much-needed change from your mundane and monotonous lifestyle. In the expressive words of writer Patrick Rothfuss: A long stretch of road can teach you more about yourself than a hundred years of quiet. Photo by Anastasia Petrova on Unsplash Traveling to someplace new and unknown can simultaneously make you feel intimidated and excited which in turn helps by making an individual more adaptable to a difficult situation and teaches them how to deal with them. This imparts the ability, to a person, to mentally and emotionally deal with tough situations. It makes them more flexible in difficult situations and also allows them to operate far beyond their comfort zone. Traveling to different places also stimulates creativity. Interacting with the local culture allows you to subsume different and previously unknown stimulants that increase the depth of your thought and productivity. Traveling also can make you realize what is important in your life. It helps you figure out what you want rather than let you continue to do what is expected of you. It teaches you how to make decisions and then prepares you to face the consequences of your actions. Traveling is also responsible to help you find yourself; this sui generis personality dancing to the rhythm of his soul in a sea of banality. It helps you realize that you are unique and your thoughts matter, your ambitions matter and that you play an important role in this grand and carefully woven tapestry, known as the universe. Last but not the least, there is also no denying the fact that traveling makes you more interesting and sexier. With several funny, adventurous and life-altering tales to tell, it automatically puts you on top of the dating pyramid. It will make you look young, radiant and carefree. Traveling with your partner also helps to strengthen your relationship as the much-needed carefree time is hard to get, and if you are a solo traveler then it provides you with ample opportunities to take selfies at picturesque locations. Photo by Taras Zaluzhnyi on Unsplash So, in the end, I hope that I have answered most of the questions related to the culture of traveling and the reason for its boom. I hope that what I said was sound and made sense. If it did not, do not worry, more is yet to come. Also, I would just like to say that even though I have listed several reasons supporting the fact that traveling is good for an individual there might be some people who wouldn’t believe me or choose to experience this on their own, to them I say “Be an open-minded person and then make your decision. A decision that will change your life. Go ahead! See the world, Explore different cities, experience different cultures. Trek in the
7 Places to visit when in Goa
Goa might be the smallest state of India, but, for a traveler, it is one of the grandest state considering its rich history, picturesque landscapes, and the continuous rave culture. The state tells a beautiful story from the times of ancient Hindu rulers to the Portuguese settlers. The amalgamation of different ideologies, customs, and traditions with the loving and welcoming nature of the Goan people, this is truly a heaven for all the travelers who are looking for the perfect meal of adventure, thrill, solace, and serenity. Read more about the travel experience from Goa in the blog written by Siddhartha!! 1. Dudhsagar Falls By Soumyajit Pramanick, Wikimedia Commons Literally meaning a sea of milk, this great waterfall is located in the tiny state of Goa. Cascading down the steep, vertical, and rocky mountains of the Western Ghats, it owes its name to the white foam it forms after its water gushes down, piercing, into the lake below. Standing at a spectacular height of 1017 feet, it is one of the tallest waterfalls in India, and, being surrounded by the thick and lush green forest of the Ghats adds to its breath-taking beauty and transforms it into a surreal object of aesthetic and transcendence. Although it makes for one of South India’s most popular treks throughout the year, it exhibits unrealistic allure in the monsoon season when its pulchritudinous is at its zenith. Visiting this picturesque and awe-inspiring waterfall is something that is on the bucket list of every traveler, and a trip to goa will be incomplete without experiencing its captivating beauty. If you’re looking for the best information on anything related to Dudhsagar Falls, we would recommend you check out the blog of Sandeepa and Chetan where the extensively describe everything related to Dudhsagar Falls. 2. Sahakari Spice Farm By Michele Grif, Inspirock Located amidst the lush greenery at Curty, it has, seemingly, endless rows of India’s most cherished spices including turmeric, cardamom, nutmeg, and cinnamon, as well as a that of fruits. The heavenly aroma emanating from the various spices in the plantation, sprawling over an impressive 130 acres of land, is divine, and, one can verily imagine savoring them in their utopian dreamland. It is a widely popular spot and one cannot hope to give this place a miss. Not only does obe learn about different spices but also get to relish some of the tastiest and luscious food from the in house restaurant located within its boundaries. You can obtain a lot of information about the culture and the overall ambiance of the farms by following the blog of Sapna, who has eloquently and beautifully written about this beautiful venture. 3. Se Cathedral By Mihir Vaidya, Wikimedia Commons Since time immemorial, Se Cathedral de Santa Catarina has been serving as a place of worship, togetherness, and love. Considered to be one of the largest catholic churches throughout Asia, this grand structure was dedicated to St. Catherine of Alexandria. The off-white cathedral, which sits atop a sprawling garden had two towers when it was first constructed. One of the two towers, which survived, houses the Golden Bell which has the loudest ring in the whole world. The beautiful woodwork adds to the beauty of this elegant and marvelous piece of architecture and gives you a sense of the finesse of the craftsmen involved. Owing to its beautiful, intricate and grand design and the history of Portuguese triumph associated, it has been listed as a World Heritage Site. Incorporating gothic and Portugues architectural styles, this cathedral is one of the most beautiful and awe-inspiring buildings which one cannot hope to miss when they are visiting goa. If you want a personal account of this beautiful structure we recommended you visit the blog of Manthal Bhansali, who has beautifully written a first-hand account of his visit to this church, and effectively established that Goa is not just about beaches. 4. Palolem Beach Palolem Beach By Mahabalaindia, Wikimedia Commons Considered to be one of the most beautiful beaches in the whole region, this relatively virgin beach is a large stretch of white sand that attracts thousands of tourists from all around the world. With a welcoming tropical climate almost throughout the year, this beach is known for several intriguing activities like the Silent Disco, which entails the people partying, wear headphones and dance. Lined with palm trees, and, the calm waters surrounding it, this place becomes a haven for all those who just want to enjoy the serene and aesthetically pleasing sunset. If you are planning to visit goa then this definitely is the place for you to enjoy, and, spend at least a minimum of two days, to settle in and absorb the aura and euphoria of this beach. If you want to, further, know more about this beautiful beach, we recommend you check out the blog of Nicole and read about her adventures in this thrilling beach. 5. Singbal’s Book House Singbal’s Bookshop By Shambhavi Karapurkar, Wikimedia Commons Located in the Church compound of Our Lady of Immaculate Conception, this deceptively small blue building houses the greatest collection of books and magazines stuffed and packed into their heaving racks. A treat to the bibliophiles all around the world, this bookstore dates back to the 1930s making it one of the oldest book stores in the country. It is also known that, this store shelters some of the fabled and rare books in its tiny shelves and with some patience and a lot of browsing you could find something of real value in here. If you visit goa and even if you are not an avid reader, this place definitely warrants a visit, and without this, your travel plans are incomplete. If you thought Goa was is beaches, think again. Check out the “Goa Beyond Beaches” blog by Siddhartha Joshi where he recommends the unexplored streets and places
