Top 4 places to visit in Sikkim

Break the monotony this summer and head to the North Eastern part of India where the picturesque beauty will enchant you! Yes, we are talking abut the second most smallest state of India, Sikkim. With endless number of things to do and places to explore for every traveler, you will surely have innumerable treasures and sights to behold. Sikkim is sure to leave a permanent mark on your soul! Here's our favorite four:

1) Gangtok

Gangtok is the hub of Sikkim’s tourist activity and the most prominent of all places in Sikkim.

The place is a visual wonder – with breathtaking views of the Kanchenjunga surrounded by scenic landscapes and geographical terrain making it an ideal holiday hot-spot – with perfect climate, the cleanest of surroundings, friendly people and innumerable things to do and places to explore!


2)YUKSOM

The town of Yuksom is also known as the “gateway to the Kanchenjunga”. Not just that, the place also houses significant Buddhist centres symbolic as the “third eye of Sikkim”.

One can also take up treks along the Zongri Pass or Goche La Passes and indulge in trekking.

3) Pelling

The scenic town of Pelling is bestowed with several waterfalls, breath-taking views, natural beauty and adventure options like rafting, kayaking, trekking, mountain biking etc. 

It has innumerable tourist attractions like Buddhist pilgrimage centres, natural havens of the Darup village, Kaluk, the Sewaro Rock Garden etc. and breathtaking sights like the Singshore Bridge, the Rimbi and Kanchenjunga waterfalls to name a few.

4) Trip to Gurudongmar Lake


Gurudongmar Lake is said to be one of the highest fresh water lakes in the world. 

While one plans their trip to the strikingly beautiful Gurudongmar Lake, you can stop over at places like Lachen and Thangu trailing through the lush greens and beautiful landscapes surrounded by snow-capped peaks in the background.

Top 6 places to visit in Ooty

Ooty, also known as the queen of hill stations is a perfect getaway from the hustle and bustle of city life. We decided to opt for this place as it had plenty of places to visit and the weather is fairly nice as compared to Bengaluru. The route to Ooty has Mysuru and Bandipur Tiger Reserve on its way so you could see certain spots on the way! Though the number of places mentioned in the Ooty's day trip are many but honestly I came down to just five of them worth visiting based on popularity and view. So, here's a list:

1) Doddabetta Peak

It is the highest peak of Tamil Nadu and hoards a great number of tourists round the year.

2) Pykara Lake and Water Falls

This place is a true treat to eyes. The fall, the breeze, the view everything is just mesmerizing.

3) Ooty Lake

Lake, games for kids and adults, some shopping, haunted show, mirror maze, 7D show and small toy train type ride, this place is a must for everyone.

4) Benchmark Tea Factory

Learn the making of packaged tea here and try out the famous Nilgiri tea also! This place also has some good shopping for all products famous in Ooty such as Tea, homemade chocolates, eucalyptus oils and joint pain oils, ayurvedic creams and medicines, woolens etc.

5) Pine Forest

6) Botanical Garden

It is a lush green garden with lots of visitors at all times. People come here to relax and enjoy.

Avalanche Lake is also a place worth going but the lake is dry during summers. Best time to visit the lake is in monsoons. You can let us know if you liked any other place in Ooty in the comments below.

Beach Vacation Travel Checklist

Summers are here and don't we all need a beach therapy? Here's a checklist of what you ought to carry!

1) Beach Bag
2) Flip flops
3) Spectacles or contact lens (extra pair)
4) Sun glasses
5) Hat
6) Swimsuit
7) Swim cover up/towel
8) Power Bank to keep your phone going
9) Extra battery for electronics/cameras if operated
10) Phone Charger
11) Hair Dryer
12) Sun screen
13) Comb and brush
14) Body Lotion
15) Face Cleanser
16) Deodorant
17) Lip balm
18) Personal Hygiene items
19) First Aid Kit
20) Shampoo and Conditioner

Hope this comes handy!! :)

Checklist for traveling with a toddler!

A mother first before a traveler, I always keep handy a checklist of what's going in my baby's bag when we are planning for a short vacation. It saves a lot of time and also there are no last minute hiccups. Lets look at mine:

1) A toothbrush, tooth paste, small shower gel/baby soap, body lotion, shampoo, comb and baby powder if you use! (Bathing & brushing sorted)

2) Now, extra diapers, Sanitizer, polybags to dispose diapers, wipes and tissues, extra pair of clothes (two per day is good), handkerchiefs, bibs.

3) Some snacks/ fruits which your baby is fond of, chocolates (though it is not advisable but comes handy if baby gets cranky),  mineral water, powder milk (That's my list, you could add on items depending on what your baby likes)

4) Medicine kit- Vomit, loose motions, stomach ache, fever, cold are some of the common medicines you need to take with you, other than that keep a picture of baby's prescriptions on your phone just in case you forgot anything.

5) A bowl, a mug, bottles, baby bottle cleaning brush, spoons to feed the baby anytime, anywhere. I usually carry a small tiffin and bottle as well if anything is left over, you can keep it. Also, an electric kettle sometimes depending on where you stay.

6) A blanket, socks, extra pair of shoes, mittens, coats, hats, swim wear. All this depends on which place you are heading to!

7) Toys which your baby likes the most. Lastly fill your phone with good learning offline videos which your baby likes. This surely helps and I believe everyone would agree on this one!

This is my list of items, you are free to add or subtract depending on the need.

Golden Chariot-Travel with Royalty

Golden Chariot, by the name only suggests something to do with royalty. It is the South India's very own luxury tourist train. Named after the Stone Chariot in the Vitthala Temple at Hampi, it is an experience both inside and outside the train. To experience South India's beaches, backwaters, history and architecture, this chariot is just the right way to travel. It connects major tourist spots of southern part of India such as Karnataka, Goa, Kerala and Tamil Nadu as well as Pondicherry, depending on itinerary you select.

Some facts about Golden Chariot:

• It has 44 cabins in 11 coaches which are named after dynasties that ruled the region.
• It has two multi cuisine restaurants named Nala and Ruchi.
• It also houses a lounge bar, conference room and spa.
• It has two tours namely: Pride of the South and Splendor of the South.
• Pride of the South covers Bengaluru (Day 1), Mysore (Day 2), Nagarhole National Park (Day 3), Hassan, Karnataka, Belur and Halebidu (Day 4), Hospet and Hampi (Day 5), Aihole, Pattadakal and Badami (Day 6), Goa (Day 7), and back to Bengaluru (Day 8).
• Splendor of South takes you to  Bengaluru (Day 1), Chennai (Day 2), Pondicherry (Day 3), Tanjavur (Day 4), Madurai (Day 5), Thiruvananthapuram (Day 6), Alleppey and Kochi (Day 7) and return to Bengaluru (Day 8).

It is one of a lifetime experience that every individual should go in for!

Top 5 Adventure destinations in Uttarakhand

Uttarakhand is popularly known as the Land of Gods (Devbhumi) and at the same time, it is also famous for the adventure activities it offers such as trekking, mountaineering, rock climbing, White Water River rafting, camping and many more. It is a nature's paradise for travelers and offers unique beauty and adventure at the same time. Some of my personal favorites are:

Rishikesh:

If you like water sports, then Rishikesh is a perfect destination for you. Rishikesh is a spiritual city and is famous as Home of Yoga and Water Adventure sports. 

It is located at a confluence of River Ganga and Chandrabhaga. White water river rafting is the most popular adventure activity of the region and camping, rappelling, rock climbing, trekking are other attractions for adventure lovers.

Roopkund:

Roopkund is a mysterious glacial lake, situated at an altitude of 5029 m above sea level and located amidst Trishul and Nanda Ghunti peaks. 

It is said that over 500 people were killed due to a hailstorm around the lake and skeletons of these people can be seen here. It is a must for people who love trekking.

Milam Glacier:

Milam Glacier is the largest glacier of Kumaon area covering an area of 37 square kilometres and is situated at the base of Mount Trishuli. 

Trekking, sightseeing, waterfalls, forests, cliffs and panoramic views are the main attractions of the place. Munsiyari is the starting point of the Nanda Devi trek and the trip includes a visit to the Nanda Devi base camp followed up by a trip to Milam glacier.

Valley of Flowers:

Valley of Flowers as the name suggests is a botanists delight and will definitely enchant you. It is located in Chamoli district of Uttarakhand. 

Trekking and camping near the Valley is most favorable in monsoon. More than 500 species of flowers and endangered animals like Asiatic black bear, snow leopard, brown bear and blue sheep inhabited this valley.

Ali Bedni Bugyal:

Ali Bedni Bugyals are two high altitude meadows. Bedni and Ali Bugyals are listed in India as the most beautiful meadows.Trekking, camping, panoramic view of Nanda ghunti and Trishul peaks, chilled breezes will enthrall you. 

It is a perfect place for wildlife and nature photographers. You have to trek upto 11 km from Van (a village connected with road) to reach Bedni Bugyal. Ali Bugyal is a twin meadow of Bedni Bugyal and located at a distance of 5 km.

Must Know Taglines of Indian States!

India is a land of Diversity, each state having its own identity and specialty. How many of us know our state's tagline? Here's a list:

• Indian Tourism – Atithi Devo Bhava
• Andhra Pradesh – The Essence of Incredible India
• Arunachal Pradesh – The Land of Dawnlit Mountains
• Assam – Awesome Assam
• Bihar – Blissful Bihar
• Chattisgarh – Full of Surprises
• Dadra and Nagar Haveli – The Land of Natural Beauty
• Goa – Go Goa
• Gujarat – Vibrant Gujarat
• Haryana – A Pioneer in Highway Tourism
• Himachal Pradesh – Unforgettable Himachal
• Jammu and Kashmir – Chalo Kashmir
• Jharkhand – A New Experience
• Karnataka – One State. Many Worlds.
• Kerala – God’s Own Country
• Lakshadweep – 99% fun and 1% land
• Madhya Pradesh – The Heart of Incredible India
• Maharashtra – Unlimited
• Manipur – Jewel of India
• Meghalaya – Half Way To Heaven
• Nagaland – Land of Festivals
• Orissa – Scenic, Serene, Sublime- The Soul of Incredible India! 
• Puducherry – Give Time a Break
• Punjab – India Begins Here
• Rajasthan – The Incredible State of India
• Sikkim – Small But Beautiful
• Tamil Nadu – Enchanting Tamil Nadu
• Tripura – Visit Agartala
• Uttar Pradesh – Amazing Heritage Grand Experiences
• Uttarakhand – Simply Heaven
• West Bengal – Beautiful Bengal

6 Best places for Wedding shopping in Jaipur

1) Nikhar Fashions:
Nikhar Fashions deals in wholesale and manufacturing high quality Indian ethnic wear like Sarees, Lehengas, Suits, Tunics, Kurtis etc. Hand embroideries being their forte, they specialize in bridal wear, creating exquisite and delicately handcrafted masterpieces that are classic and timeless.

2) Pratap Sons:
Founded in 1954, Pratap Sons has carved out a niche for itself in the Jaipur fashion market. Pratap Sons is a designer showroom with all the trapping of good fashion you'll need - designer sarees, silks, lehengas, salwars, unstitched suits and indo-western wear. Rich, intricate designs delicately crafted onto bright fabrics exhibits ethnic fashion in all its grandeur. You will just fall in love with everything here!

3) Kishori Sarees:
Established in 1984, Kishori, today is one of the Rajasthan's most preferred Store for ethnic wear. Kishori has evolved to become a leading traditional wear retailer with already being a pioneer in manufacturing, wholesaling and exports. An equally tough competitor in the ethnic market, Kishori has carved out a niche for itself.

4) Vasansi:

A relatively new player in the bridal market, this place is heaven for all. It has expanded its stores in cities like Pune, Delhi, Indore and Ahmadabad.They also put week-long exhibitions annually all over India from Mumbai, Hyderabad, Chennai, Surat, Delhi, Kolkata etc. We are regular participants at BRIDE Dubai and various other international lifestyle exhibitions.

5) Roop Laxmi:

Roop Laxmi was established in Jaipur in the late 1960's and has been one of the first stores to offer ethnic women wear. Since then it has been a name to reckon with. Roop Laxmi provides an impeccable and unmatched variety of Sarees, Stitched and Unstitched Suits and Wedding Lehengas. Roop Laxmi today is a brand in itself and is popular country wide for its designer wedding lehengas.

6) Nikhar Creations:
Nikhar Creations was established in 1987 and is today one of the premier destinations for wedding sarees, suits and gowns. It is mainly into wholesale market with retail counters as well. Nikhar Creations does not have a social media/Internet presence as much as other competitors but certainly stands high in the ethnic market of the Pink City.

Nature's basket-Kumaon

Snuggled in the foothills of Himalayas, the Kumaon hills casts a magical spell on your senses as you step into the crisp and fresh air of the region. A six hour drive from the capital city New Delhi takes you to the land of wonders. The Uttarakhand state is divided in two divisions – Garhwal & Kumaon.

The Kumaon district is famous for its fruit orchards where one can visit and explore the hills enriched with these precious drops of nature like – apples, pears, peaches, apricots, plums and chestnuts, some of the common fruits grown in this region. The fertile land of Kumaon is rich and diverse in its fauna & flora and far away from the tourist rush making it a perfect escape.

The region richness is seen in its abundance in lakes, rivers, temples, wildlife and the rich culture of its people. Every district of Kumaon has a soothing beauty of it own. The region has various peaks and mountains which are somehow connected to some myth or on the name of a God or Goddess.

The Nainital district is a true treat to the eyes being dotted with several lakes. Further ahead of Nainital is the bustling region of Almora rich in its culture heritage and also Pithorgarh, an abode to the divine deities, splendid glaciers and natural reservoirs.

Take up an exceptional journey to the Kumaon to experience a quaint lifestyle amidst nature gifts of fruit orchards and temples.

6 Must visit places to visit in Mussorie

Mussorie, the hometown of the famous author Ruskin Bond, is a picturesque hill station with views of Shivalik range that captivates both our heart and soul. It is an escape from the urban life and perfect gateway from the scorching summers of North India.

1) Kempty Falls:
It is a popular picnic spot for all the Mussorie goers. It is a cascading waterfall in which you can sit under the streams, enjoy, play with the water and get clicked. It is perfect day out place at a distance of about 15 kms from Mussorie.

2) Gun Hill:

It is second highest peak of Mussoorie and has nice view point. You can take ropeway to reach there and enjoy coffee and Maggie with nice hill view. The point has many shops, restaurants and stalls where one can indulge in games like balloon shooting and hoopla.

3)Mall Road:

The Mall road runs through the town of Mussorie and stretches from Picture Palace in the right to Library Chowk at the west. It has plenty of souvenir shops, winter wear shops, restaurants, bakeries, video game parlors. It is the heart of the town and looks beautiful in the mornings and evenings.

4) Jwala Devi Temple: 

Dedicated to Goddess Durga, this temple houses a stone idol of the goddess in the inner sanctum. A must visit for inner peace and beautiful view of the town.

5) Camel Back Road:
It is a road around a small camel back shaped ridge near Mussorie. You can easily witness sunrise and sunsets here. Ideal for a stroll.

6) Lal Tibba: 

It is the highest most point of Mussorie. You can feel the freshness and calmness of mountains here. Ideal for photography. There is a little cafe where you can enjoy snacks.

6 Markets to check out when you're in Chandni Chowk

Chandni Chowk is located close to Old/Purani Delhi Railway Station, It is one of the oldest and popular market in Delhi. It has different markets for just about everything one could ever think of. Be it books, toys, gift items, wedding cards, jewelry, fabrics, electronics, Sarees, Suits, lehengas, Spices, Dried fruits, it has everything fr everyone. Some of the famous sub markets or Katras as they are popularly called are:

1) Krishna Market:
Krishna market is a ladies suits, salwar kameez, fabric market. There are umpteen shops where you can choose and buy suits for different ocassions. Many boutiques purchase bulk suits from here.

2) Chawri Bazar:
Chawri Bazar is ideal market for people who are looking for their wedding cards. You can get very cheap bulk deals here. It is generally a market for all kinds of paper, stationery items and musical instruments.

3) Kinari Bazar:
Kinari Bazar as the name suggests is a market for zari, zardosi and other fancy borders and laces. Other than that, one can find lot of shops of packing materials, latkans, handmade envelops, malas, gota jewelry (trending these days). It is a typical wedding/event prep market. 

4) Nai Sadak:
Nai Sadak connects Chawri Bazar to Chandni Chowk. It is a hub for second hand books to new ones, stationery items and musical instruments. It is a very long street and there are lot of fabric shops and popular saree and lehenga shops like Arun Vastra Bhandar and others.

5) Dariba Kalan:
Dariba Kalan is a lane full of silver items right from silver crockery to silver jewelry. It has many shops of imitation jewelry in Kundan, Meenakari, Polki and Diamond.

6) Khari Baoli:
This street is famous for varieties of dried fruits, pulses,  food grains, spices and saffron, just about everything in terms of condiments. It is located at the Western end of Chandni Chowk.