6 Team building Travel Excursions to take in 2022
Starting to notice some droopy shoulders around the office? Sounds like it’s time to plan a team office trip. Team office trips are a great way to facilitate bonding with your team members, reduce employee’s stress, and give them the chance to get to know one another outside of the office. Team building trips are a common corporate strategy to improve relations and productivity in the workplace as it helps colleagues bond with one another and work together towards a common goal through communication, trust, and patience outside of the office. Traveling is a passion, a hobby, an escape, a way to find yourself, and so much more to so many people. However, travel also contributes a lot to work-life balance. When employees meet each other outside of the daily routines and predictable patterns of the workplace setting, they create stronger bonds between each other and develop a better understanding of each other’s strengths and abilities. Cities we would love your team to go out to: Goa: The beach capital of India is the perfect destination to work and relax beside the smell of the sea and the cool wind. Andaman & Nicobar Islands: The islands situated in the south have the cleanest beaches and are perfect for some adventure activities for your corporate trip. Ladakh: The perfect road trip to Ladakh accompanied by a workation in Ladakh is just what your office trip requires! Dharamshala & Bir Billing(Himachal): An offbeat workation in some of the hippiest cafes in Himachal with the best view of snow-capped mountains. Mussoorie: A famous tourist destination with some of the best resorts and hotel properties for your team to just relax and chill in. Rishikesh: The place where the river meets mountains, adventure meets tranquility, perfect amalgamation of calmness and adrenaline rush for your team. Manali & Kasol: A must-visit for trekking and adventure lovers, your team is going to have the most fun working and sipping coffee in the Parvati Valley. Tirthan Valley & Jibhi: A hidden gem for a workation, you’ll get to live in treehouses besides the river with the view of the world in this unexplored valley. Plan a Corporate Workation here Such trips also build patience. While going somewhere together, you need to think about other people as well. Think about their wants and needs, constantly search for compromises as some people love taking pictures on every corner, some people are fans of eating slowly, some people are shopaholics and feel the need to go into every single shop on the street. To help you in understanding and appreciating the value of off-site excursions for your workforce in a better way, hereunder we list for you the top 6 advantages of team-building travel excursions: 1. Life in a Pahadi Village: Boosts morale and give employees a fun, mental health break A happy team is a productive team “It is the fuel that allows common people to attain uncommon results” – Andrew Carnegie We all know that working in the office can be mundane and repetitive which might lead to low morale and less motivation. This is where travel programs get in which are as much self-care as they are entertainment. This also helps employees feel appreciated for the work they do and lets them know that the company cares about them by providing unique experiences. Such experiences give them plenty of space to take a breather away from their tasks at work and provide them the chance to rest, relax, and rejuvenate their mind and body. Check out the experience of Life in a Pahadi village here 2. Workcation in Mountains: Fosters Creativity and Inspiration Encourage team to get creative and think outside the box as fresh ideas can keep the company ahead of the pack “Find a group of people who challenge and inspire you, spend a lot of time with them, and it will change your life.” – Amy Poehler Traveling allows you to experience different cultures that can provide you with a new way of looking at things and because you never know what you’ll have to deal with on the way, it can be a great way to learn effective problem-solving. Take your team out for a perfect work + travel vacation to get a sense of traveling and working. You can work in common spaces with your team in the day and explore the amazing location after your work hours. Out-of-the-ordinary team building tasks give employees permission to use their imagination to come up with creative solutions and you may be quite astonished at the innovations and improvements that come about from all that collaborative brainpower unleashed in a more relaxed environment. Check out the Workcation in Kasol experience for your office trip to the mountains to get that boost in creativity Personalize a company trip 3. Off the Grid Goa: Builds a Sense of Belonging Boosts trust and happiness in employees and builds a healthy work environment “When people are financially invested, they want a return. When people are emotionally invested, they want to contribute.”– Simon Sinek Getting to know the individuals you work with is vital to building a strong sense of trust and understanding amongst one another. Employees get a sense of belonging when building bonds with their teammates and also get more in touch with the company’s values. Such experiential travel makes them feel rewarded and appreciated, which in turn evokes a sense of belongingness towards the company which also means that they will be more dedicated to their work and you will be assured of having a group of workers whom you know you can rely on. Off the grid Goa is the best example to have some time away from the outside world and enjoy a technology free peaceful world to let go off all the toxins! 4. Workation in Goa: Encourages Teamwork When
Change the way you travel!
The lockdown and the coronavirus crisis are definitely taking a toll on people’s lives and being locked up in our houses for more than a month now can be certainly frustrating. Amidst this, the only thing which is keeping us safe from this virus is Social Distancing, which can be perfectly followed while traveling by road. Hitting the open road is a fine experience in itself. You not only get the freedom to stop at any scenic location of your choice but also get to explore its uniqueness holistically, and all of us deserve a perfect travel experience after we have overcome this. So here we have compiled a list of those ideal travel destinations in India which are least affected by the virus and should be on your bucket list once normalcy has been restored. Mapping state-wise coronavirus cases in India 1. Kinnaur, Himachal Pradesh Kinnaur: Land of Fairytales While Himachal in itself is stunningly beautiful, Kinnaur valley is a whole other world. Majestic mountains, green valleys, meandering rivers, apple orchards, vineyards, and smiling faces are synonymous with this region. It is a tiny hamlet in India where beauty resides and that is why it is acknowledged as the “Land of fairy tales.” The valleys of Kinnaur are also one of the most sought after camping destinations in India. Camping on the river Baspa and Satluj are some of the scenic destinations to pitch your tents for an overwhelming camping experience. One of the best ways to discover Kinnaur is to walk on the hilly terrains, sleep under the stars, admire the natural beauty, and exchange smiles with locals in far-off villages. Journey to Kinnaur via roadways can be worth-remembering experience as there are several places that will cast a spell over the visitors and want them to visit it again. Read more about the culture and tradition of Kinnaur in MagikIndia‘s Blogs 2. Sangti Valley, Arunachal Pradesh Sangti Valley A visit to Arunachal Pradesh is a journey into diverse cultures, delicious local cuisine, and mesmerizing valleys that will surely take your breath away. Surrounded by the towering ranges of Eastern Himalayas, blessed with pleasant weather round the year with light showers of snowfall, orchards laden with apples, kiwis and oranges, dotted with pristine forests and meandering fast hill rivers, Sangti Valley is the epitome of beauty and home to a very interesting culture and tradition. A road trip to Sangti Valley is an indescribable experience as you go through the long-isolated roads with long pine trees, exotic birds that act as beautiful garland hanging on the mountains ranges, and long meadows with horses, sheep, cows grazing on it. Shoestringsonthemove very well portrays the beauty of this hidden gem of India. 3. Jim Corbett, Uttarakhand Jim Corbett National Park Corbett’s wilderness is intriguing – leopards and tigers call it home, birds live in peace, locals enjoy the greenery, and tourists find the nature therapeutic. It is thrilling, scenic, and spectacular. Located on the banks of Ramganga and surrounded by hills, the dense forest of Jim Corbett is home to the majestic flora and wildlife, exciting every avid traveler. Beautified with an alluring landscape including rivers, forests, and hills outside the park, Corbett is more than just a national park. It is also a hub of adventurous activities like river rafting, rock climbing, rappelling, fishing, angling and more. It is a jungle retreat that offers a perfect remedy for a weekend of relaxation and natural delight. Check out Walking_wanderer‘s blog to know what things can be done when in Corbett 4. Zuluk, Sikkim Zuluk The gate of North-eastern India opens with the mesmerizing experience of Sikkim. If you need a break from your daily fast-pace life and want to explore yourself in the middle of rugged snowy mountains, then Sikkim is a perfect destination. Pleasant climate, organic vegetation, snow-covered landscape, and decent commercialization have endeared Zuluk in Sikkim as one of the best destinations for a serene retreat. While the landscape of Zuluk offers a host of adventure activities, the calm yet vibrant city life presents you with a bouquet of other experiences as well. From paragliding, river rafting, cable car rides, challenging treks, shopping, sightseeing, to birdwatching, there is no dearth of activities in the breathtaking realms of Zuluk for all kinds of travelers. A road trip to Zuluk is an amazing experience as one enjoys the scenic beauty of River Teesta on one side and soaring peaks parked along the other side of the road. Refer Travel.with.krish to know about his travel experience in Zuluk 5. Palolem Beach, Goa Palolem Beach, South Goa A kaleidoscopic blend of Indian and Portuguese cultures, sweetened with sun, sea, sand, seafood, susegad, and spirituality, Goa is India’s pocket-sized paradise. Goa’s biggest draw is undoubtedly its uninterrupted string of golden-sand beaches. It caters to every tropical whim: choose from backpacker Arambol or bolder, brasher Baga; the palm-fringed sands of Palolem, hippie market bliss at Anjuna or lovely laid-back Mandrem. Palolem normally more associated with heritage, colorful markets, and silent parties where partygoers wear headphones, it is lined with palm trees and colorful shacks which is also home to a huge variety of flora and fauna. Goa can be full of surprise for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts. The lakes and rivers form the life of Goa and offers a rich biodiversity and scenic beauty that can be enjoyed through backwater cruises, kayaking or simply canoeing through the waterways. A road trip to Goa is an amazing trip that will make you fall in love with the town as you get to travel through the highway, small villages which is a whimsical existing wonder, and that makes it ever-so captivating. Ellis.veen has very well listed out things to do in her goa travel guide. 6. Spiti Valley, Himachal Pradesh The Middle Land of India:
The Rainbow Experience in India
India, the spectacular subcontinent burrows the most magnificent regions within. We know India as a land of multiple cultures, huge population, spices, and so on but among all these things, our USP is the beautiful spread of colors through landscapes. Just like our popular spices, these colors are roaring, fine-drawn, loopy, mellifluous, toned down, etc. Are you aware of the most colorful places in India? Well, if not, we have created a list of destinations that are as bright and vivid as a rainbow. So pack your bag, grab a buddy, and just set out on a journey to experience something that’s going to leave you wanting way more than you bargained for! 1. Victoria Memorial, Kolkata Victoria Memorial, Kolkata In the state of West Bengal, Victoria Memorial stands upright in all its glory and grandeur, by the banks of the mighty Hoogly river. Dedicated to Queen Victoria, this architectural marvel is truly a poem in marble. The home of the Angel of Victory, this majestic monument sparkles with elegance and charm and quenches the hedonistic thirst of a traveler. The myriad of statues in the sprawling garden also reflects the finesse and skills of the craftsmen and impels us to rightly call it another charming Taj. Refer Tale of 2 Backpackers to know more about this beauty! 2. Kudle Beach, Karnataka Kudle Beach, Gokarna In the southern state of Karnataka, lies Kudle, a sandy beach known for its picturesque and fantabulous sunsets. Facing the raging sea in front, it is the idyllic place where calm and thrill confluences and creates a spectacular and relaxed ambiance for sightseers. In the bustling state of Karnataka, this place is an oasis of serenity. Walkthrough the sandy beaches and feel the moist breeze against your face while you listen to the melody of the turbulent waves crashing and experience the beautiful view, and the unmistakable aroma of the beach and unwind from your city life. Pixelshooter very well describes the major highlights of the temple town, Gokarna 3. Tulip Garden, Kashmir Tulip Garden, Kashmir Situated in the crown jewel of India, Kashmir, the Tulip Garden, embellishes the heaven on earth like a festoon. You will smell it before you see it, the unmistakable aroma will seep deep into your soul. The smooth and soothing scent will leave you mesmerized. You will forgo your worries as you meander lazily through the sea of tulips ruminating and inhaling the beauty, sinking in the aesthetics. The scenic sunset with its calming orange along with the velvety sky of Srinagar will be etched in your memory till you breathe and live. Check out Maverickbird to get a glimpse of Tulip Gardens of Kashmir. 4. Kaza, Himachal Pradesh Kaza, Himachal Pradesh Kaza, sitting huddled in the corner of Himachal Pradesh is a tranquil getaway on the plains of the Spiti River. Monasteries, Gompas, and other historic wonders add charm to this magical city. This city is a wonderful blend of modernity and unique ancient culture that will leave you enchanted with its mystery. Lapped by majestic mountains covered in snow, meandering, and bubbling rivers and streams and picturesque barren landscape with scattered patches of green, Kaza is a dream destination. It is perfect for those seeking tranquillity on their vacation. Travellingslacker shares her experiences with Kaza. 5. Kinnaur, Himachal Pradesh Kinnaur, Himachal Pradesh Kinnaur, once forbidden land, is now a treasure’s trove for the daring and adventurers seekers. Kinnaur or the Land of God is like a precious and rare little treasure consisting of majestic mountain ranges, orchards, undulating hills and verdant valleys, temples-towers, and picturesque hamlets with glittering slate tiles. With apple orchards aplenty, It is a lush green delight. Fairytalestudios.in shares her travel guide to Spiti 6. Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu Kanyakumari Kanyakumari, or “The land of three seas” Kanyakumari, the southernmost tip of the Indian mainland, is not just a meeting point of three water bodies but also an amalgamation of different cultures, religions, and ideas developed over centuries. It is surrounded by mountains and bordered by vibrant seashores, lined with paddy fields and coconut trees, and also boasts of aesthetically elevated patches of hills with undulating valleys and plains in between the sea and the mountainous terrain. It’s the only place in India where you can observe the sunrise and sunset at the same beach. The multicolored sand is a unique feature of the beach here. To know more about the surreal beauty of Kanyakumari, check out Footloosedev‘s blogs. 7. Pangong Tso, Ladakh Pangong Tso, Ladakh A lake is a landscape’s most beautiful and expressive feature. It is the Earth’s eye; looking into which the beholder measures the depth of his nature. Pangong Lake – A sheet of vivid blue amid mountains. It is a secluded water body tucked in the Himalayas and wears the deepest shade of azure and flaunts a beautiful scenery. The sheer beauty of Pangong Tso is the fact that the lake displays multiple colors ranging from shades of blue, green, and even sometimes appearing reddish. Pangong Tso is also known as a hollow lake and is famous for its calm, clear, and unending expanse. You could spend hours in contemplation here, and still not have enough of its beauty. Jetsetbunnies very well describes the beauty of Pangong Tso in her blogs. 8. Triund, Himachal Pradesh Triund, Himachal Pradesh Triund is a large land of green grass and pastures. One can see the mighty Dhauladhar range just in front of the eyes. Triund is a serene and alluring trekking destination. Nestled in the lap of Dhauladhar Range, 18 km from Dharamshala, it offers jaw-dropping views of the lofty Dhauladhar ranges on one side and the gorgeous Kangra valley on the other. The Triund trek route is exhilarating and super thrilling. The amazing panoramic views from the top at different times of the day – dusk, moonrise, and dawn – highlight the
The Forgotten Culture of India
Tribes of India Know more about Indian Culture and Indian Culture food and Indian Culture facts and want to know more about the evolution of Indian culture and the Indian culture food and dress – Continue Reading! Now check for few things to know about Indian Culture!! India had always been known as the land that portrayed cultural and traditional vibrancy through its conventional arts and crafts. It is a country that enjoys a unique diaspora. Geographically, we are adorned by the great heights of Himalayas, to sprawling beaches, and dry terrains. But in the midst of all this, we carefully ignore some of the backbenchers of our population, the people who reside away from the comfort of materialism, and who thrive and build their lives amidst nature, the tribals of India. Here’s a list of six unexplored Tribes of India: 1. Konyak Tribes 2. Khasi Tribes 3. Bhotiya Tribes 4. Siddi Tribes 5. Dropka Tribes 6. Kurumba Tribes Tribes of India map 1. Konyak Tribe Konyak, the last tattooed headhunters Residing in the forest interiors of Nagaland, The Konyaks also known as the warrior tribe are an isolated ethnic group defined culturally by their headhunting practice and elaborate facial tattoos. A plethora of color unfolds when you visit the Naga villages; colorful shawls, jewelry, headgear, bags, and jackets with bright colors and tribal motifs are quite a sight to behold. The Konyaks are hospitable, warm-hearted, fond of merry-making and believe that human heads exuded a mystical force that would bring prosperity and benefit local crops and are considered to be the last tattooed headhunters of India. Shubham mansigha tried to best portray the tribal culture of Nagaland in the Hornbill festival 2. Khasi Tribes The colorful Khasi tribes Know more about Khasi tribe dress and Khasi tribe festival: Over the lofty green mountains, and beneath the juniper-colored canopies breathes the high-spirited society of the Khasi Tribe. Residing, among the clouds, on the Jaintia and the eponymous Khasi Hills of Meghalaya they are one of the earliest settlers of the subcontinent. One of “The Seven Huts’ of Khasi they are distinguished by being the only matrilineal society of India. Living a life filled with music, art, and dance the Khasi people are a colorful tribe. With a fashion of long hats, silver jewelry, and prismatic dresses they are kind and warm-hearted people welcoming tourists from all around the world into their homes, giving them a chance to experience their beautiful traditions and holistic culture. Treesisters very well describes the unique culture of Khasi tribes of India 3. Bhotiya Tribes Bhotiya tribes Speaking the fascinating language of Rongba, this tribe of Shepherds is found in the various States of India, primarily Uttarakhand – which we presume has ideal weather to grow pot. Yes, the most interesting characteristic of the Bhotiya Tribal culture is the ritualistic use of marijuana – not for recreational but religious purposes. Hindu mythology and religious traditions have provided Bhotiyas with an interesting set of rituals. Lord Shiva’s association with Bhang, who uses it to keep the world safe from his anger, is a strong Bhotiya belief. Following Shiva’s example, this tribe offers Bhang at celebrations of Holi and Maha Shivaratri. Check out Nomadic shoes blogs to know more about the unique culture of Uttarakhand 4. Siddi Tribes Siddis, the lost gems of Africa found in India Gujarat, known for its scenic beauty of mountain ranges, coastline beaches, and the Great Rann of Kutch is also home to one of the most unusual tribal communities in India, The Siddhis tribe. The Siddis of Gujarat are considered to be the lost gems of ancient Africa, hidden away in India. They don’t retain much of their African heritage, neither language nor history but are guardians of a rich and unique musical tradition that is truly a hidden jewel of Indian indigenous culture. Tanayesh through his Shoestring travel blog intends to portray unique travel stories 5. Dropka Tribe The floral headdressers, Dropkas Legend has it that the Dropka also known as Bropka were the valiant soldiers of Alexander the Great, who got lost from their company. Tucked away in the Paradise of the Earth, Kashmir and the Land of High Passes, Ladakh, these dwellers form a few thousand head community that boasts having a rich culture and a traditional lifestyle. The artistic and evocative attire along with a subtle hint of simplicity brings out a sensational feeling of awe. A distinctive feature of the Bropka tribe is the importance given of flowers in their culture. Signifying purity and love, they can be seen virtually everywhere; around their homes on their motley headgears. Dropka community in Ladakh is a loving community and welcomes tourists and globetrotters with an open arm to witness their unique and eccentric culture. Check out Theiffyexplorer’s blog to know more about the Dropka Tribal culture 6. Kurumba Tribes Kurumba tribes Kurumba Tribe in the Nilgiri Hills is one of the earliest known inhabitants of the Western ghats. Hunting and collecting forest produce being the two main means of living, the tribe lives very much in tune with Nature. While Kurumba men are hunters, cultivators, and gatherers, Kurumba women are traditionally body tattooists. Music, art, religious traditions, and rituals of the Kurumbas are fascinating but the most enthralling thing is their unusual beliefs in sorcery. Their powers are believed to be so effective that other tribes fear and respect them. Illness and death are deemed Kurumba-cast spells. To know more about these unique communities of the Nilgiris, checkout Makeithappen.co.in
8 Virtual Tours to feed your Travel Bug when Stuck at Home
India has a wealth of heritage sites and iconic historical monuments, now the whole world can view these World Heritage Sites, without even having to go there, Simply Awesome. Here’s a list of 8 monuments that provide a virtual walkthrough of it. 1. Vittala Temple By: Flickr The Vittala Temple in Hampi is the highlight of the beautiful town. The ancient monument is well-known for its extraordinary architecture and craftsmanship. Vittala, after whom the temple is known, is a form of Lord Vishnu. This aspect of Vishnu was worshiped in this part of the country as their cult deity by the cattle herds. The Vittala temple complex is a sprawling area surrounded by high walls and three towering gateways. This temple has some beautiful stone structures – like the stone chariot which cannot be described in words and the interesting musical pillars. The temple is a major draw amongst the tourists who come from across the globe to witness the once-glorious Vijayanagara capital, which lies in ruins now. 2. Bhimbetka-Rock Shelters By: https://www.timetravelturtle.com/bhimbetka-rock-shelters-india/ The Rock Shelters of Bhimbetka are in the foothills of the Vindhyan Mountains on the southern edge of the central Indian plateau. Within massive sandstone outcrops, above the comparatively dense forest, are five clusters of natural rock shelters, displaying paintings that appear to date from the Mesolithic Period right through to the historical period. The cultural traditions of the inhabitants of the twenty-one villages adjacent to the site bear a strong resemblance to those represented in the rock paintings. 3. Badami Cave Temple By: https://bagalkot.nic.in/en/tourist-place/badami-caves/ Badami or The home of cave temples is located in a valley of rugged red sandstone, surrounding the Agastya Lake. It is an archaeological delight owing to its beautifully crafted sandstone cave temples, fortresses, and carvings. Once the royal capital of the Chalukyas, Badami continues to enjoy a unique place, being the home to a number of examples of Dravidian architecture which sustains and enhances instances of both south and north Indian style of architecture. There are three Hindu Temples and one Jain Temple in Badami Caves. 4. Humayun’s Tomb By: Unsplash Humayun’s tomb is sublimely well proportioned, seeming to float above its symmetrical gardens. It’s thought to have inspired the Taj Mahal, which it predates by 60 years. It is known to be the first garden-tomb in the Indian subcontinent. The design of Humayun’s tomb is a typical Mughal architecture with Persian influences. The mausoleum itself stands on a high, wide terraced platform with two bay deep vaulted cells on all four sides. Humayun’s garden-tomb is also called the ‘dormitory of the Mughals’ as in the cells are buried over 150 Mughal family members. 5. Mahabalipuram By: Unsplash Mahabalipuram is an antiquated port city in the Kancheepuram area of Tamil Nadu, close to Chennai, where a clamoring seaport and a bustling city co-exist. Famous for its intricately carved temples and rock-cut caves. Once the abode of the famous demon king Mahabali, Mahabalipuram was later renamed Mamallapuram. The serenity, the alluring atmosphere and the impressive setting with many beautiful white sandy beaches dotted with casuarina trees are all reasons as to why one would want to visit this wonderful town. Today it is an ideal destination for rejuvenation and idyllic setting. 6. Victoria Memorial By: Unsplash The Victoria Memorial, a huge monument made of white marble located in the heart of the City of Joy, Kolkata in West Bengal. It stands upright in all its glory and grandeur, by the banks of the mighty Hoogly river. Dedicated to Queen Victoria, this architectural marvel is truly a poem in marble. The myriad of statues in the sprawling garden also reflects the finesse and skills of the craftsmen and impels us to rightly call it another charming Taj. 7. Taj Mahal By: Unsplash It was built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan as a memorial for his third wife, Mumtaz Mahal. Constructed entirely out of white marble in the 17th century, it is among the finest edifices of Mughal architecture. Rabindranath Tagore described it as “a teardrop in the cheek of eternity“ Standing majestically on the banks of River Yamuna, the Taj Mahal is synonymous with love and romance. The Taj has as many shades as any kind of beauty can ever have! The Taj is pinkish in the morning, milky white in the evening, golden when the moon shines and the intermediary variants during different hours of the day and during different seasons in a year. The grace of perfection of proportions and grandeur of geometrical patterns of well appointed gardens enhancing the poise of the whole complex together add magnificence to the delicacy of this mance of love, dedication, and purity. 8. Qutub Minar By: Unsplash Standing tall and proud as the insignia of the Mughal might and dominion, Qutub Minar is an iconic monument that spells out the narrative of Delhi like no other. In red and buff sandstone it is the highest tower in India and is the world’s tallest brick tower. This is a tower of victory, a monument that signifies the might of Islam, or a tower for keeping a check for defense. Qutab Minar is a soaring, 73 m-high tower of victory and has five distinct storeys. A 7 m-high iron pillar stands in the courtyard of the Minar. It is said that if you can encircle it with your hands while standing with your back to it your wish will be fulfilled.
