Wanderlust in The Land of Ruins
Have you ever been very burdened with work or studies, meeting deadlines, and feeling bored out of your mind? Great, I’ve got company! Well, I held onto this feeling and impulsively texted a friend I’d never met before to plan a 3-day trip to Hampi. Crazy? Hold on to that thought! After what seemed like a never-ending week and a busy day, we made it. Finally, we were at Platform No 8, catching up on each other’s lives. The feeling of leaving our routine behind to explore everything that we had planned was exciting. More so, when it involves full-fledged research packed into a spreadsheet! At 10 pm, we boarded ‘The Hampi Express’ took pictures, and warmed up to our co-passengers. Our most awaited train journey began with the feeling of how when we wake up, it will be in a place we have never been to before, people we have never met, and all of the adventures about to happen were sinking in. At least, that’s what we thought. In the next 60 seconds, the air suddenly felt thicker as we realized that we had boarded “The Ajmer Express” which was taking us away from our destination at a great speed in the opposite direction. It all came crashing down on us as we were trying to stay calm to find a way out. Our co-passengers were our saviors who found us a passenger train that we could board in the next stop to reach Hospet as we earlier intended to. As we waited for the next stop, we couldn’t help but laugh at ourselves for the mess we had gotten into. It was around 11:15 pm, we were stranded in a railway station without a single soul in sight except for the shop vendors. As we stood on the skywalk overlooking the railway station in Tumkur holding tickets to the passenger train, I said, “Such a beautiful full moon, I know we messed up but I guess it’s worth the view, eh?” and we admired it for a few seconds to only realize that it was a street light and we were losing it. We were supposed to be sleeping cozily, 2 hours into our memorable train journey but we were about to board a train with no idea about when we were going to reach. In the next few minutes, our crowded train arrived with no place to sit. We managed to find a place after hours and tried staying up the entire night to get a hold of the nightmare happening around us. It was a dreadful night, to say the least, and we survived it somehow. The view of the sunrise never felt so fresh, it meant we were going to reach soon. Have you ever wondered how ‘soon’ is a relative term? Hundreds of people got in and out of the train and it seemed as if we were never going to reach but random strangers kept our hope alive. Villages, towns, and cities passed by and we finally stepped foot on the platform in Hospet Railway station after a 15-hour train journey, the first one ever for both of us. We took an auto to Hotel Malligi, a luxury hotel in the city of Hospet that we had booked a week ago. We checked in, ate to our heart’s content, and slept like sloths. We had a lot planned but we decided to go for a swim, chill in the hotel and call it a day. An adventurous one at that! A beautiful morning with a delicious breakfast overlooking the swimming pool is indeed a great way to start the day. We checked out to begin our second-day exploring Anegundi. We called up our hostel manager there and he guided us to take a local bus on its way to Gangavathi, a small town as it is cheaper and the property overlooks the main road anyway. We were a little skeptical because of the adventures we had already but the best way to experience a city is by traveling locally. So we thoroughly enquired, boarded, took pictures, and enjoyed feeling like a local away from home. Local shops, school kids in uniforms giggling, busy streets warming up to the sun, beautiful rice paddies, and scenic boulder views on both sides. We couldn’t get enough of it, or so we thought. After a few mins, the bus conductor informed us that this is indeed a bus to Gangavathi but it takes a different route to get there. Obviously, not the one we wanted. C’mon, you’ve been with me on this journey till now, you thought it would work out for us? I admire your optimism though! Without a single idea of when the next bus will be arriving, we got down in a random village. Kids gathered up as they were surprised to see tourists. They were curious about everything. The way we spoke, our attires, accent, and our gadgets. We spoke to them for hours and they waited with us for our bus which never showed. After what seemed like an eternity, a very sweet lady arranged an auto for us and we reached our hostel finally. We checked into our hostel, rented a two-wheeler, and left for the Sanapur Lake. The water was minimal due to summer and it was very hot but I had the privilege to watch my friend sketch the picturesque view of the lake and the famous boulders. We left for Hippie Island sometime later. It is usually reached by a coracle boat but we decided to take the roadways which are probably not the most ideal way but the road less taken did lead us to these beautiful rice paddies. We parked our vehicle on the side and walked over to what seemed like our own heaven. We were supposed to be at the Anjaneya temple for the sunset as it
Sustainable traveling: Everything You Need to Know!
In the wake of the pandemic, it is important to realize the impact of our actions on the environment. We might have seen social media posts about how, ‘When the world stays home, the planet benefits’ depicting the surprisingly clear water in Venice or clearer air due to the reduction of nitrogen gas emissions in most countries. All of these instances instill a responsibility in us to do better and you can do better when you choose to travel sustainably! What is sustainable traveling? Travel is all about understanding and developing a connection with the culture, lifestyles, and customs of a new place. Sustainable traveling is the concept of visiting somewhere as a tourist and trying to make a positive impact on the environment, society, and economy. Travel tips to help you travel Sustainably In a world where climate change is becoming an increasingly pressing issue, it’s more important than ever to travel sustainably. Here are some tips to help you do just that! 1. When you travel internationally, travel intentionally! Travel by flight A 2018 study published in Nature Climate Change showed that emissions from tourism add up to 8% of the global total, with flying making up the largest share of this. We often tend to hop on planes to explore different places all around the world in a single year and contribute on a major scale. You can reduce the number of trips you go on by exploring a place for a longer time or in the off-season which in turn enriches your travel experience. How we fly matters a lot too and it is always better to choose airlines that are conscious about their carbon emission offsetting and choose economy class over business class seats as they result in reduced carbon footprints. You can also consider volunteering or travel and learning opportunities to extend your stay and make it more meaningful. Sailing is a great alternative to flying and you can explore a ton of offbeat places and the vastness of the world at your own pace! 2. Exploring Locally Shop souvenirs from local handicrafts Make conscious choices of opting for travel agencies that make sustainable traveling a priority. Shop souvenirs from local handicraft stores and artists. Choose local transport or a green mode of transportation to explore the place. Several destinations are economically dependent on tourism and it is wise to visit these places and help out the local vendors, research, and learn their customs and lifestyles to make the most out of your travel experiences. 3. Do not Litter Beach clean up in Barbados We all know this one, right? But we still see tourist places flooded with plastic waste not disposed of properly and we sigh in disgust. Every tourist is a guest and we should leave the place better and not worse. So, not littering a place is good but not enough so participate in Beach clean-ups or take up an initiative to clean up a place you’re visiting. It might be a small action but it definitely matters! 4. Choose Reusables Pack your own reusable items You can choose to buy a reusable water bottle or refillable coffee mugs, or pack up your own eco-friendly toiletries and cloth bags to reduce the waste we produce at all places we love! Treat your hostel/ hotel as a way to sustainable living by using less water, cooking locally sourced food, using solar power banks, and beingUsing less water, cooking locally-sourced food, using solar-powered products, and being a good guest will help you live more sustainably. 5. Choose Experiences over Destinations Explore camping, trekking, and road trips All of us have a list of places on our Post- COVID bucket list and we often get so lost in ticking them off that we forget to enjoy the journey altogether. With the offset of the pandemic, we have to travel responsibly by exploring local places with fresh eyes! You can try camping, star gazing, trekking, and nature walks without having to travel too far. There can be a ton of hidden places that we’ve no idea about in our own cities and it’s time to explore them. You can also choose travel agencies that offer experiential travel by organizing activities involving local communities which creates a great impact. 6. Caravan Traveling Caravan Traveling Caravan traveling isn’t completely eco-friendly but it can be optimized to make it a very viable option. You can choose destinations that aren’t very far and extend your stay at the destination longer which gives you a great opportunity to explore it. Pack light and carry reusable utensils to avoid one-time plastic usage, buy local produce to cook your own food and avoid wasting food, and use less water. Caravan traveling is one of the best ways to travel as you take the comforts of your home with you everywhere go and explore at your own pace with beautiful views! 7. Let the animals just be! Elephants in their natural habitat If you love wildlife and nature, then you know better than to disturb them by locking them up in cages, going on elephant rides, feeding tiger cubs, watching trained dolphins performing tricks, or sea lions posing for pictures. They are wild animals for a reason and it’s high time we do not financially support these organizations that tend to make money off of such practices. Also, do not purchase any products made from animal skins, corals, or ivory. Research more about such places and make the right decisions. As a famous quote goes, “Leave nothing but footprints, take nothing but memories and waste nothing but time”, we hope you reduce your carbon footprints as well! If you are wondering where to travel next, do check out the experiences we offer and our travel feed for all things travel!
Weekend Road Trips from Bangalore that you must go on!
We’ve put together a list of places for your Weekend road trips/Weekend trips from Bangalore that should definitely be on your Post-COVID travel bucket list! How about some fascinating weekend getaways from Bangalore? south India road trip from Bangalore 1. Mysore (144 km): Mysore, Karnataka One of the best weekend getaways from Bangalore and a recipe for a perfect road trip within 150km is definitely Mysore. This city is known for The Mysore Palace, authentic Masala Dosa, Mysore silk, and the beautiful celebrations of the 10 day Dasara festival which attracts tourists from all over the world! If you are looking forward to a 1-day road trip from Bangalore, then how this cant be your go-to option? Things to do here: Have breakfast in Mylari Hotel to kick start your day with authentic flavors of South Indian food! Visit the Mysore Palace at the heart of the city and prepare to lose yourself in the grandeur of it. Seek blessings at the Chamundeshwari temple, Somnathpur temple, and visit Avadhoota Datta Peetham to take a stroll in the bonsai garden and bird sanctuary called Shuka Vana. Visit St. Philomena’s church, take a stroll in Brindavan gardens, explore beautiful artwork in the Jayachamarajendra Art Gallery, Railway museum. Go for a morning walk to Karanji lake to experience the local life and explore the city on a rented cycle or a two-wheeler to get the best out of it! The best time to visit is from October to February. 2. Kabini (230 km): Tiger spotted in Kabini If you are a nature lover and just can’t get enough of it, Kabini should definitely be on your Post Pandemic travel bucket list! A 230 km drive from Bangalore is the perfect place to witness wildlife in its natural habitat! Things to do here: Enjoy an early morning jeep safari at the Nagarahole National Park which is a thrilling experience Take a boat safari in the evenings to spot beautiful birds which lasts for 3 hours. Explore Nagarahole national park, Iruppu Falls, and Kabini Dam. You can shop handicrafts made by the tribals in the area if you’re lucky! You should check out beautiful tree house options for stay at safari lodges! You can also embark on a nature walk and other exciting adventure activities like trekking to explore the real beauty of western ghats! Hire a cycle to explore this place at your own pace. The best time to visit for wildlife lovers is November to January and visit in July to October if you want to witness the lush green forests in all its glory! 3. Sakleshpur (220 km): Ombattu Gudda Peak If you are missing the lush green hill station views and cold breeze, then Sakleshpur is the perfect weekend getaway for your post COVID travel plans. It is one of the best road trips from Bangalore around 200 km. If you are planning for a 3-day road trip from Bangalore why not the beautiful Sakleshpur. Things to do here: Explore Manjarabad Fort built in 1792 is a star-shaped fort known to be an architectural marvel. Seek blessings at Sakleshwara temple. Railway bridge trekking has to be one of the best things you can do here! It is a 52 km trek along the abandoned railway track with mesmerizing views of the western ghats Visit Bisle ghat viewpoint. You can trek Ombattu Gudda (9 peaks) and Bisle ghat as well! Hike to Agni Gudda hill and camp here to experience the beautiful night sky! 4. Yercaud (230 km): Yercaud, Tamil Nadu Yercaud is a hill station in the state of Tamil Nadu. It lies in the Shevaroy Hills, known for its orange groves, and coffee, fruit, and spice plantations. It is one of the best places to cool off the busy routines! why not a hill station like Yercaud if you are planning for a 4-day road trip from Bangalore by car. Things to do here: Visit Yercaud Lake and Anna Park which is located at the heart of the city. Do not miss the drive on the 32-Km Loop Road also leads to the villages of Semmantham, Nagaur, Manjakuttai, and Kaveri Peak and enjoy picturesque views of coffee and tea plantations and pause to taste and buy them as well! Pagoda point is the main attraction best visited to witness beautiful sunrise or sunsets! You can also visit a silk farm, rose garden, and a bear’s cave. Kiliyur waterfalls, located in the Servaroyan hill range of the Eastern Ghats in Tamil Nadu, the waterfall can only be reached through the rugged and rustic terrains. Seek blessings at Sri Raja Rajeshwari Temple, one of the peaceful places in Yercaud. Drive up to a sunrise point for breathtaking views and the roads are a great delight! To make the best out of an evening, visit Lady’s seat to just sit and enjoy the fog covering up all over the place with Maggi and snacks. Visit The Servaroyan Temple to seek blessings and it is one of the highest places in Yercaud for scintillating views all around! Sri Chakra Maha Meru is the World’s biggest Shri Chakra Maha Meru temple and you are bound to feel refreshed! Try Uthappam, onion dosa which is a mouth-watering local breakfast option. 5. Chikamagalur (240 km): Scenic views of Chikamagalur Famously known as the Coffee Land of Karnataka, it is a paradise for coffee lovers. Lush green forests, trekking trails, waterfalls, and serene views make it a perfect choice for a weekend getaway from Bangalore! How on earth you will say no to this 3 days tour package in Karnataka, Chikamagalur. Things to do here: Visit Kudremukh National Park Witness the beautiful wonder that is the Hebbe falls and explore the places around here. Take a dip in the Jhari falls which is one of the best waterfalls to truly experience the beauty of Chikamagalur Trek
6 Traveling styles that you should explore!
As Deborah Lloyd once said, “Travel sparks our imagination, feeds our curiosity, and reminds us how much we all have in common.” To experience this, we have curated 6 styles of traveling that you can adopt in your post COVID plans to explore places in a beautiful way! Explore different kinds of traveling to make the best out of it! Solo traveler: Breathtaking views of Spiti Valley If you have been putting off travel plans because you’re waiting for someone to go with- Stop! Just go! Solo travel gives you the ultimate freedom, pulls you out of your comfort zone, and allows you to explore places like never before! There is something amazing about spending all the time with ourselves, understanding our choices, and exploring life, one place at a time! It can seem pretty scary, exciting, daunting, and all at once but it is worth a shot! From deciding what and where to eat, exploring new places to making friends on the go, life lessons are hidden in every step you take if you dare to look for it! As Hans Christian Andersen said, “To move, to breathe, to fly, to float, To gain all while you give, to roam the roads of the lands remote, to travel is to live!” and we hope you get to experience this in your own company! 2. Family Traveler: Family traveler Travelling allows you to experience and understand new places, culture, tradition, food, language and customs of the land and it definitely gets better when you travel together with your family. Family travelling is one of the best ways to explore places as the entire family gets to try out unique things out of their comfort zone together. It can be hiking, road trips, treks, beaches or visiting a museum but all of it is worthwhile when you get to share them with your loved ones! It definitely helps you understand each other better and you will come home together as a more loving family. As Tom Lichtenheld once said, “A road trip is a way for the whole family to spend time together and annoy each other in interesting new places.” 3. Backpackers: Backpackers A backpacker is a person who can practically live anywhere in the world out of their backpack and is always on the go! They are here to travel for the long term and are fiercely independent and adventurous. They are usually budget travelers staying in hostels and surviving off of street food. Backpacking is popular because it allows you to lead a simple life in a foreign land and walk the place like you’re a local. It helps you understand yourself as everyday’s plan involves going way out of your comfort zone, all the while saving tons of money and creating memories for a lifetime! Everyday comes with a new set of friends, places and adventures and you get to live in the moment! With a new set of backpacker friends also comes the never ending adventure stories! 4. RV Travelers: RV Travelers Have you ever wondered how you miss the comforts of your home while travelling? Well, it’s time to take your home with you by travelling in an RV! By travelling in an RV, you get to save lots of money, explore your chef skills and pause your travel to have a picnic in the middle of nowhere! You also get to travel with your loved ones, it could be your spouse, children or even your pet! You can wake up to scenic views and be one with nature in your own terms! All of this at your convenience and flexibility is a dream come true, right? RV travelling is an amazing experience that you should not miss out on! 5. Photographers: Photographers Photographers are those who capture beautiful images on every trip they go. It’s all about the mesmerizing and scintillating views for them. Be it people, streets, food, monuments, nature walks ,treks or a beach, they are the ones looking for the right angle to capture the beauty of the image! As Rumi said, we take photos as a return ticket to a moment otherwise gone and these travelers live by it! For them, travel is synonymous with pictures and they explore a place through their lens adding perspective with every click! They won’t just tell you about their travel stories, it comes with beautiful pictures and makes you feel as if you were right there! 6. Groupies: Groupies As Charles M. Schulz once said, “In life, it’s not where you go, it’s who you travel with.” Groupies are those travelers who live by this and always travel in packs. They love the idea of people coming together to explore new places, be it a road trip or a hike! You can easily find them as they are visible in packs or busy being the life of the party! They are the ones planning their vacations ahead of time and make the most out of every holiday by exploring places in a group! It is bad manners to keep a vacation waiting so it’s time to plan your trips! You can check out the travel experiences we offer and our travel feed to read about all things travel!
9 Offbeat Road Trips in North India from New Delhi
As Hans Christian Andersen once said, “To Travel is to Live” and life as we know it, has come to a standstill due to the COVID-19 pandemic. As we learn how to live with the new norms of social distancing and hygienic ways of conduct, it is important to travel responsibly as well. One way to efficiently explore new places is by bringing back the old charm of road trips to unique destinations! We have made a list of the 9 best-kept-secrets that should be on your Post-Pandemic travel bucket list! Go for your most awaited weekend getaways from Delhi!! Road Trips from Delhi If you are looking forward to unwinding with surreal views and cool mountain air, then look no further and go pack your bags because adventure is out there! You can also explore these places by going on nature walks, camping, and trekking but we also hope you learn to paint with watercolors; bring your camera to explore photography, read new books, take up bird watching all the while listening to the sounds of nature because travel is more about the experiences than the destination and we hope you make the best out of it! How about a Road Trip from Delhi to these mind-blowing places or just a 1-day outing/road trip near/from Delhi or some weekend trips from Delhi 1.Kasauli, Himachal Pradesh (293 km): A small and serene hill station, Kasauli Kasauli is a cantonment and a small town in the North Indian state of Himachal Pradesh located at an altitude of 1,927 m. It is a 293km short road trip from Delhi filled with pine-scented trees and lush-green views. Indulge yourself in hot chai and aloo parathas overlooking the scenic views and staying in quaint little cottages. Things to do: Take a stroll in the Gilbert trail with views of greenery and scenic beauty which is the best way to take your mind off the routine. You can also take a morning walk to explore the local shops in the Heritage market and witness the local life unfold. Christ church and Manki point are good places to visit as well. For breathtaking sunset views, drive up to the sunset point and Lover’s lane and go to Mall road if you’re into shopping. Timber Trail is a must-visit as the ropeways are popular for natural scenic views and it is a thrilling experience. Do not miss out on visiting one of the oldest breweries in Asia, famous for its Single malt Whiskey and Scotch. Also, try bun-samosas at a chai shop and local Tibetan food (Hygienic places, of course)! The best time to visit is from March-June. To read about a weekend getaway to Kasauli, you can check out Anu‘s blog: If you are looking forward to a weekend getaway from Delhi within 4 hours, this one can be your go-to option: 2. Lansdowne, Uttarakhand(251 km): Lansdowne The Hill station Lansdowne, originally known as Kaludanda in Hindi, meaning black hills is named after the Viceroy of India, Lord Lansdowne in 1887. It is a hill station located in the Pauri district of Uttarakhand filled with thick oak trees and blue pine forests. Lansdowne is an ideal location for eco-tourism as it is well preserved by the Government of Uttarakhand and the Garhwal Rifles. It is well connected with motorable roads but remote in its own way. Also, it is one of the quietest hill stations in India! If you need a break from the 9-5 routine and experience solitude, this is the place to be as it is an easy road trip from Delhi. It would be a great 3-day road trip from Delhi to a hill station. Things to do: Take a morning stroll with views overlooking forests and hills, filled with pine trees, fresh breeze, clear blue sky with a cup of chai is all one needs! Lansdowne is an ideal location for eco-tourism as it is well preserved by the Government of Uttarakhand and the Garhwal Rifles. Visit Tarkeshwar Mahadev Temple, one of the oldest Shiva temples! It is a 36 km drive from Lansdowne filled with scenic views and cedar trees. The temple is located in a dense forest and one might witness snowfall here! This place is a must-visit to truly experience the beauty of nature. Do visit Bhulla Taal Lake, Mary’s church, Tin in tip point, war memorial, Darwan Singh Museum, Snow viewpoint, Garhwali mess, Durga Devi Temple, and others in the city. If you get a chance, try chocolate mithai from Kodwar’s Sidhi Bali sweet shop and a sharbat called Buraas, (Watch out for hygienic and unadulterated ones) The best time to visit is from October- March (winters) and April-June. Read Travel Melodies‘s blog to know about their weekend trip to Lansdowne: If you are in need of a getaway and aiming for a 3 days road trip from Delhi or 4-5 days trip from Delhi, This would be a perfect go-to choice : 3. Kanatal, Uttarakhand (326 km): Kanatal Kanatal is a small village in Uttarakhand surrounded by breathtaking views of mountains and rivers, a slice of heaven indeed! Things to do: Klaudia forest is a popular spot for hiking in Kanata. A level walk of 6kms will show dense forests with spectacular views of hills and valleys. Jeep safari is also allowed here to explore this place. You can spot a few wild animals like Kakar (the barking deer), Wild boar ghorals, and musk deer! Seek blessings at the famous Surkanda Devi temple filled with beautiful views of Dhanaulti. This is at a height of 9000ft and you need to trek for 3kms from the base being at a height of 7000ft but the view of the snow-capped Himalayas is definitely worth it! Visit Dhanaulti Eco Park, a newly developed Eco Park which houses the Deodar trees. Visit Tehri Lake, an artificial dam reservoir for boating
