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How Expensive Is Cape Town?

October 4, 2019October 4, 2019 AnandPatel

Budget is an important point in planning a trip & most of the people avoid traveling due to financial constraints. But, is it possible to travel to a place on a budget? For anyone who is wondering is it possible or not; this post is for you. Cape Town is one of the most beautiful cities in the world & I completed it on budget. So really how expensive is Cape Town? & how much budget you should keep in mind while planning a trip to Cape Town. PS: I completed my trip in approx 50,000 INR.

There are many aspects of traveling, below is the list of things which will cover most of the budget & how can you get the best deals to help you manage the budget.

Flights To Cape Town:

There are direct flights from all over the world to Cape Town. But, from Eastern countries the best route would be to reach Johannesburg & from Johannesburg to Cape Town, this will save you a lot. Further, always book to & fro ticket this will help you to save extra bucks. There is an article about how to find cheap international flights which will help you to find great flight deals. I booked a flight from Mumbai to Johannesburg to & fro for approx 25,000 INR & from Johannesburg to Cape Town to & fro for approx 8,000 INR.

Cape Town Visa Process:

South Africa visa cost varies from country to country. From India, the price of visa processing is approx 2,000 INR. VFS is a global service provider for processing your application. Check this link to know how to get South Africa Visa from India.

When the most important part of planning a trip is completed. It is time to look to some other points where one can actually save some bucks. As flight tickets & visa process is a fixed cost.

Stay In Cape Town:

Cape Town in the summer season is pretty costly. However, if you travel in winters the cost of a dorm bed will be half the cost in the summers. This is one of the important aspects that will help you to save some extra bucks. The best place to book a hostel is Hostel.com or booking.com. However, there are many other websites which will help you to book great accommodation. Check this link for the same.
I booked hostel accommodation at Long Street Backpackers. For 8 days I paid approx 4,000 INR which was a great deal considering the location of the hostel. Check the review of the place here.

Sight Seeing In Cape Town:

Most of the natural activities like table mountain, lions head, signal hill, etc are free. There are many other things to do in Cape Town like Cape of good hope, boulders beach, Kirstenbosch botanical garden which will charge some admission fee. Typically, the cost of all these activities will be around 4,000 INR. One can do many activities in Cape Town for all those activities, you can check the link Things to do in Cape Town. But, choose your activities wisely, as this will not only save your time but lots of cash as well. It is advisable to choose activities as per interests & only pursue those.

Getting Around Cape Town:

The best way to get around Cape Town is by MyCiti bus. It is one of the easiest ways to get around Cape Town & apart from this Uber is one more convenient option to get around the town. There are 3 days, 5 days 7 days pass which will save a lot during the travel. There is one option of a single journey which will cost 150 INR per journey. Renting a motorbike will cost you around 1500 INR per day. I rented a motorbike for a day so I saved a lot here. I traveled mostly by MyCiti Bus. If you are in the city the local attractions are at a walkable distance.

Food In Cape Town:

There are many cheap options to eat in Cape Town. I mostly cooked food at the hostel, kitchen facility was available which help a lot. Buy groceries from the local supermarkets & cook your food. This will help you to save. Further, if you are willing to eat outside, expect to spend 150 INR for a meal. The cost of a beer can is 60 INR. I spend somewhere around 3000 to 4000 INR in food & alcohol.

So, this is how I completed my trip at approx 50,000 INR for 8 days. One more reason for such a budget trip was that I was not able to do shark cage diving which was my main motive & the cost of doing it was approx 13,000 INR. Because of which I was able to complete my trip on the budget. So, if anyone asks you how expensive is Cape Town? you can share this link with your friends.

Handy Resources:

Below are the few resources you should check before making an itinerary.

Cheap Internation Flights: Best place to find cheap international flight tickets.

Best Deals On Hotels: Places to find best deals on hotels.

Amazon: Best place for all your needs. Also, find best travel accessories.

Agoda: Best place to book hotels of your liking. Agoda provides the best solution & great offer while booking a hotel.

Skyscanner: Skyscanner compares various sites & sort the flights based on the rates. A great way to check flight cost. Although the only drawback is that rates are flexible. Hence, the cost might change while you are making the payment.

Jetradar: Jetradar is a comparing site which is just like Skyscanner. But, is much more accurate & much more handy in use.

Booking: Best place to book hostel rooms. There are plenty of options available & with so many properties booking becomes much easier.

Couchsurfing: Best place to find free accommodation. It is as easy as filtering people & messaging. If you will get lucky you will find free accommodation in local resident house.

Travel Insurance: There are numerous options available to get one. So, you can choose anything which suits your requirement. Make sure you read the terms & conditions before buying one.

5 Must-Have Travel Items for Backpackers 2020

September 24, 2019November 20, 2019 AnandPatel

Travel is always an adventure. Every year, we have updated travel gadgets and gears in the market. Most of the items have changed with the fact that I bring a lot of devices related to traveling. I learned a lot about traveling since last ten years.

After my 10-years traveling experience, I have traveled with less than 30L backpack and everything in between. I also have learned many packing techniques from the past traveling experience. There are some items that you did not hear about them, and others are common, but I think they should be necessary for long and fantastic travel.

Today, I want to share my traveling experience with you.

In this article, I am going to list the 5 best travel items that we have in our backpack. We cannot travel without these five essential items and hope so you should either.

1.Robo Twist Automatic Jar Opener:

Robo Twist Automatic is the best jar opener for backpacker item during traveling. You must have this jar opener when you are going for traveling because of its durability and automatic system. It also requires batteries, and anyone can use it easily without any hard physical effort. You can use it with one hand easily and also useful for those suffering people that have not strength in their hands. According to small dimensions, it takes minimal space and easily adjustable anywhere. It is made with solid plastic and having a long-term investment. You have just button for opening the jar and releasing the lid. So due to my past experiences, I must go with this outstanding jar opener, and you can use it during traveling with enjoyment.

Pros:

It is ideal for people who travel

It is also providing a secure grip

It can be used by everyone

It has a small size

Cons:

It cannot be used with plastic jars

2. Eagle Creek Zipper Cube Set:

The cube set properly keeps your bag and confirm that it should pack down everything. You can pack more things in your pocket like rolling clothes inside. We are using Eagle Creek Zipper Cube Set since 2014 because of its durability. We have packed them tight and loose when we require. After many years, the zipper is working excellent and still looking new. According to Eagle Creek, the fabric is translucent, which is right, and this cube set is a fantastic addition in our traveling setup. We also found some compression system which was worthy and out of budget. There are lots of brand in the market, but we have ever used Eagle Creek, and we know it very well.

Pros:

It is easy to use and also durable

It has 100% nylon lining

It has three different sizes for clothing and accessory organization.

It is light weighted and designed very well

It is also a budgeted item.

Cons:

None

3. Noise Cancelling Headphones:

We have not confirmed the troubles around us “noise canceling” up to we used a pair of Bos Quietcomfort 20 Noise Cancelling Headphones. The earbuds are comfortable to wear, having a good sound, and also offer noise cancellation. Some other models jam into your ear, but they rest loose, which makes it more comfortable. It is not only used to listen to music for noise reduction, but it has a noise cancellation feature. You can just put earbuds and turn on this feature; it will show you the desired results. It is powered by a rechargeable lithium Polymer battery that facilitates you up to 15 hours of battery life. The earbuds work excellent, and you need during traveling.

Pros:

It is more comfortable noise reduction product.

It has incredible, sound quality

Aware mode keeps you alive

It is durable and straightforward

Cons:

The battery module is huge

4. JBL Flip 4 Waterproof Portable Bluetooth Speaker:

Now a day, Bluetooth Speaker is an essential item for traveling. When you are planning to go out for the night or just enjoying on the beach, having background music which can make your mood amazing, every Bluetooth speaker cannot provide you quality music. The design of this speaker is small and easy to carry everywhere. It can cover a large area with sound and also hold it outside. If you want to have excellent music during traveling, so this product is best for you. JBL Flip Bluetooth speaker can be used with a wet hand, especially at the beach and will not damage because it is waterproof. So, it is an outstanding portable outdoor speaker that carries the bass without weighing you down.

Pros:

It is supportive for all kind of music.

It has a water resistance feature.

It can be connected up to 2 devices.

The rechargeable Battery support up to 12 hours

It has the loud music volume

Cons:

No Track forward/ back control

JBL Flip 4 Waterproof Portable Bluetooth Speaker

5. Power Bank:

If you are going for traveling, so you must keep the power bank with him. It’s imperative because smart devices hardly last a day; we are useless and dead without them. Without a power bank, you cannot enjoy your traveling, and it’s a total wastage of your time and money. The first power banks are purchases for those who travel a lot or work outside, so it supports you to top up your device’s battery while you are staying out. Here a wide range of power banks in the market that can create difficulty in selecting the right one. That’s why we are providing you guide about best power banks of 2019 for travel.

Pros:

It has a huge battery.

It has speedy charging.

It provides maximum safety.

It is compatible with most of the devices.

It’s a budgeted product.

Cons:

It’s a little bit large.

We write these articles because we think there is no perfect way to show you the items for backpacker during traveling. This is my small list that you must carry during traveling. But the main point which I want to highlight that you do not require a lot of things when you travel. You never keep as much as you think. If you are more curious for in-depth learning about different unique gadgets that you can take along with you in your travel Backpacks, you can have a look at dapper reviews . we always recommend and get inspired by this site as it provides unique and altered ideas for backpackers. So, this was 5 must have travel accessories for backpackers. Also, you can check best travel accessories list here.

Handy Resources:

Best Things To Do In Cape Town

September 20, 2019September 20, 2019 AnandPatel

Cape Town is full of effluents activities which will keep you busy throughout the days & nights. But if you are traveling only for the limited time then you will have to make a list to prioritize the things you want to do during your trip to Cape Town. So, here is a list of best things to do in Cape Town that you can do while staying at this beautiful place which is also known as Mother City.

Table Mountain:

It is a landmark place in Cape Town & a trip is not complete if you don’t visit this beautiful place. There are two ways to reach the top; one is by hiking to the top of mountain which will be time consuming & enduring & other one is by using cable car which will cost you some money but will save time & energy. It is recommended to hike this moutain it is very beautiful turst me.

Lion’s Head:

Another hiking place is Lion’s head which is simpler than hiking table mountain & unlike table mountain, there is no short cut to reach the top of the peak. The hike is pretty simple except the rare end of the trail. This is a half-day hike & can be carried out on holidays.

Signal Hill:

Popularly considered as a sunset point in Cape Town. The place is also home to paragliding. So, the sunsets are very beautiful here. You can drive your car to the parking point & from there you can walk enjoy the beautiful city of Cape Town.

Cape To Good Hope:

The southern west point of Cape Town. This point is practically the endpoint of the continent. The place is under the table mountain national park & it requires a vehicle to reach this point. It is very windy & secluded. The roads will run forever & many times you will feel that you are in between nowhere but you should drive to the place roads will take you. The endpoint is mesmerizing & one of the most beautiful sites you will ever visit. There is an entrance fee of R300 onwards applicable.

Simon’s Town:

Simon’s town will hardly ring any bell but boulder island surely will. This town is home to one of the rarest species on the planet earth & this is a great place to view these rare species in the wild enjoying life. This cute species is a major attraction & you should never miss an opportunity to visit this place. There is an entrance fee of R150 onwards applicable.

Robben Island:

Who would have thought that people will queue up in large numbers to visit a jail? But, this is not an ordinary jail it is a jail where the great Nelson Mandela was held during his jail time. He stayed here for 18 long years. A remote island near Cape Town is a major tourist attraction & it will take a step closer to the hard-lived life of Mr. Nelson Mandela. There is an entrance fee applicable. Check out the fee here.

Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden:

If you like gardens, trees, greeneries & some jungle portions. This place is heaven for you. This place is awesome to spend some quality afternoon time. You can find one of the rarest of trees & flowers. The whole place is close to nature; so you will be having a great time. There is entrance fee of R65 applicable.

Marine Activities:

Shark cage diving & whale watching are the two fabulous experiences that are a must. But, both these activities don’t happen in Cape Town. For these, you need to drive to the Gansbaai, a small town near Cape Town. If you are not sure of driving then it is advisable to book to pick up drop service with the vendors. But, the cost of the same will be high.

Helicopter Ride:

Helicopter rides are very famous in Cape Town. Throughout the day, you can witness helicopters flying across the city to pamper you with the views. One can see the whole city which is basically the point of this ride. The ride is very fancy & I would recommend trying only if you are having spare money.

Chapman’s Peak:

It is one of the most beautiful roads in the world. The scenic view is mesmerizing & road craved out on the cliff & vast ocean on the other will last an impression over you. The view gets beautiful with each passing curve & you will be finding it difficult to describe the beauty of the place.An entrance fee of R30 onwards is applicable.

Six District Museum:

Six districts is a very popular place in Cape Town. The place is converted into the museum. The museum covers the timelines & events that took place in the city. The bloody past of the city & why the discrimination was at such a prime high. An entrance fee of R55 onwards applicable.

Bo Kaap Museum:

Bo Kaap is one of the most color neighborhood in Cape Town. There are many houses soaked in vibrant colors. This is open to all & it will take hardly 1 hour to cover the area.

Camps Bay & Cliffton Beaches:

These two are the beach area in Cape Town. Camps bay is much more commercialized one & crowded with tourists & locals. However, the best of the lot is Cliffton beaches. These secluded beaches are surrounded by millionaire mansions & is treat to eyes. These beaches should not be missed in Cape Town.

V & A Waterfront:

V & A waterfront is shopping destination of Cape Town. One can still see shipyard & people working on it. The shopping center has all the reputed brands. The shopping center is a wonderful place to buy something & eat some local food. Don’t miss visiting this place.

These are some of the activities which one should keep in mind before planning a trip to Cape Town. Many people say Cape Town is good enough for 3 to 4 days which I highly disagree. I spent 1 week here & still missed on many things like Shark cage diving, whale watching, Robben island, etc. One can easily spend 2 weeks & cover all the activities mentioned above. If you have completed all these below is the list of few other things that one can do in Cape Town.

Stallenbosch wine yards for tasting best wines
Aquila Safari for a step closure to nature
Muizenberg is a surfing center in Cape Town

Handy Resources:

Hostel Review “Long Street Backpackers”

September 11, 2019November 20, 2019 AnandPatel

Long Street is a street which is lively & rocking throughout the night. If you want to stay in Cape Town; this street is one of the options you should look up to. Although, it is not near the coastal region this street has its highs. However, places like Signal hills, lion’s head , table mountain & city’s central are nearby this area. Hence, this can be a viable option to stay in Cape Town. During my trip to Cape Town, I stayed at this place & here is “Long Street Backpackers Hostel Review”

Long Street Backpackers Cape Town Hostel Review

Location:

The best way to reach this place is by bus or uber. So, if you are coming from the airport. Take a bus to the civil center & from there to long street. From the long street, the hostel is at walkable distance. The hostel is surrounded by many great pubs & bars. Thus, you won’t feel bored ever.

Why Chose This Place?

Young vibes, vibrant culture & great bartenders are some of the high points of staying at this place. Also, there are various night activities which will keep you active & full of energy. Also, the following points can help you to decide on the place.

Staff:

The staff is super friendly, they will go the extent possible to help you. There is no such issue here. They can book tours for you & will also help you to plan your evenings.

Travelers:

Being a hostel you can expect lots of crowd in the room, which can be great if you are traveling solo. Even during the off-season, the place was filled with the backpackers. It was quiet but you can expect a whole lot of crowd during the summer season which is also the peak season.

Rooms:

Rooms are bit compact, there are too many beds in a single room. It is like that 3 Bedrooms are converted into the hostel & people in these rooms use one toilet among them. So, this might be a disappointment while staying in the hostel.

Hostel Room Long Street Backpack Mark My Adventure

Cost:

The cost of the place is a touch on a higher side but this is the among the cheapest you can get. Expect to pay something around Rs 850 per bed per head. However, the price may vary depending on the season you book the place. Expect to pay a higher price during the peak seasons.

Extras:

There is a locker available for which you require a padlock. It is better to carry a padlock with you during your trip. It is among one of the most essential accessories while traveling. Also, you will need to deposit 50R for the key in case you miss it, you will lose on your deposit.

Kitchen:

There is an option of kitchen available. So, you can cook your meal. There is also a fridge where you can keep your food. This will certainly help you to keep your cost in check.

This is probably the best-located hostel at long street & may be among the wildest ones as well. You can spend quality nights here as all the major pubs & bars are at a walkable distance. So, next time if you are visiting Cape Town do plan to stay here for some time at least.

Do share your thoughts on Hostel Review of Long Street Backpackers in Cape Town.

Handy Resources:

Lion’s Head Cape Town Hiking Guide

September 5, 2019September 6, 2019 AnandPatel

Cape Town is known for its beautiful nature & there is no hiding from this fact. Cape Town is also known as, Mother city. At one end of the city, there is a vast ocean & on the other side are two major attractions Table mountain & Lion’s head. Lion’s head hiking is great outdoor sports for the locals during the holidays. The peak probably got his name because of its structure. From Cliffton beach, the peak will give you an impression of Lion sitting. Maybe because of this fact the peak is known as Lion’s Head & any person who visits Cape Town will hike Lion’s head for sure. So, here is Lion’s Head (Cape Town) Hiking Guide.

How To Reach Lion’s Head

The best way to reach Lion’s head parking lot is either through MyCiti Bus or by Uber. Check for Kloof Nek stop if you are traveling by My Citi Bus. Reaching Lion’s head is easy & so is the climb.

Lion’s Head Hiking

The starting 20 min of a hike is pretty simple & easy. You only have to walk on the elevated path which doesn’t require any skill set. You walk & encounter some of the best scenes of Cape Town City. While the first corner will give you a glimpse of a chain of mountains on one side & secluded Cliffton beaches on the other. Another corner will give you a glimpse of Robben island which is located in the middle of an ocean & can be reached by ferry.

Hiking Lion’s head is pretty simple & beautiful. Just below the difficult hiking point, there is a bench placed. The bench overlooks the massive ocean which from that altitude looks like a flowing river & Cape Town city which seems to be insignificant in such beauty. With no object to disturb in front of you this bench is perfect to watch the sunset during summers.

After this point the real hike begins, the sedimentary rocks are solid & bit slippery at few places. After hiking for about half an hour from the start point there are two paths to the top; one is a tougher one which includes climbing a ladder & staplers which saves 15 min of your hike time with ease & other one is much simpler but is longer. So, depending on your liking for an adventure & strength you can take either one of them. I took the longer route. There are few high steps that one have to take. This half of the hiking is difficult & with each passing step, one is closure to the top. The more upwards you hike the more beautiful the scenes get. After 45 min one only checks how far the top is as the energy is draining. During one such point, an Asian origin man was descending & he said, “Man, we are not meant for such things; but hang on you are about to reach the top.”

Later did I realize that Indians are not walking enough, not doing enough of outdoor activities. Thus, the sentence is appropriate. It is an irony that we have youngest of the population & still, we are not on the list of happiest, healthiest countries of the world.

The ascending is gets tough but after overcoming all the obstacle I reached the top of the hill & from there I can see table mountain on one side, ocean on the other, city of Cape Town on the other & Cape Town famous beaches on the other. The view is just mesmerizing from the top. You will want to spend some quality time at the top.

My Experience of hiking Lion’s Head:

I did Lion’s head hike on the last day of my trip as I wanted to enjoy the sunset from the top of the peak. However, it was cloudy so I missed the opportunity to watch it during my expedition. The first half of the hiking is pretty simple & easy there is a slight gradient walk. But, the real fun starts once you reach the stairs from where the real hikes begin. Steps are generally tough for new ones because of strength and endurance & not most of us are built for this hardship. But, with all the strength I went ahead expecting whirlpool ride. There is a bench in the middle of the path which overlooks the ocean. I sat there for some time & started thinking about all the possibilities in the world. This is what, a good place does to you. It makes you think about the things that you don’t do during your day to day life.

Walking upwards in slippery rocks are difficult & scary. There are few edges from where you need to step upwards; the path is very well marked so there is no problem in getting the right direction. At some of the places, you will have to use a little bit of rock climbing techniques to climb some of the rocks. But, this all is manageable. Reaching the top is a memorable experience. In the background, there is a mountain, ocean, city & whatnot. You can easily spend quality time & many people do this. I sat there wondering about my trip & how I came from a small town to my 7th country.

It is funny how things fall into the pattern. You know nothing is happening on a daily basis. But, soon you are 1 year older, 365 days gone from your life & you are one year wiser. This was my that moment where I thought how far I have come rather than thinking about how far I have to go. Here it was a short guide about Lion’s Head Cape Town Hiking.

Handy Resources:

Cape Town Experience For The First Time

August 29, 2019September 2, 2019 AnandPatel

I reached around 9 in the evening & it was dark & quiet. Cape Town doesn’t have a great night vibe. Many people will preach you to stay safe & use public transport to the maximum extent possible. I knew about My Citi Bus which is a public transport running across different routes inside Cape Town, I took a ticket to my destination which was long street & here is experiencing Cape Town for the first time.

There are hardly any bumps on the roads & people are following lane discipline which seems to be out of this world as the place from where I come is full of rush & haphazard driving methods. Soon I reached my destination in the loop street. It was Sat night so the night was still very young.

Cape Town Parties:

I changed & went to a pub. The place was dead & I thought this is not good; I stayed there for 1 hour & then the magic happens. Slowly the crowd grew bigger & bigger & by the 12 there was not an open space to keep your feet stable. It was so crowded. The DJ played his beats & people danced to his tunes. I have witnessed many parties each one was unique in some sense or the other. Here it was a mixture of all such parties. Few people danced, few people flirted with hot girls, few excess drunks & one or two arguments. Long street is known for its raunchy dance clubs & there are many pubs & clubs which run till 4 or 5 in the morning. But, this usually happens only on weekends unlike many other places in the world; where the party runs throughout the week.

Cape Town South Africa Mark My Adventure

Cape Town City:

Cape Town is known as a mother city & with so many things to experience it is surely a mother city. The nature adds beauty to the city; there is an Atlantic ocean on the one side & mighty mountain like Table Mountain & pristine beaches like Cliffton beaches along with few peaks. If you are an adventure freak you will be amazed by the beauty of this place. It is a picture-perfect city & demands visiting once for sure.

Numerous Indians are staying in the city & the influence of these people are pretty evident on the food. There are plenty of good restaurants which serve Indian foods which taste really good. You will never get disappointed with the quality & quantity of the food.

Cape Town Surroundings:

Cape Town has not so colorful past at one point of time, slaves were transported through the port & impression of which is still visible. The colored people were thrown out from their home & forced to relocate to the new colonies. However, now the time has changed & discrimination is vanishing. The gap between rich & poor is like every developing country which is the reason for the crime. During the nights, it is recommended to be safe & roam in groups. For commuting it is better to take an uber. Avoid going to dark places alone & check before going to any such places.

The people are nice & smiling & ready to help. But, you have to be aware of people you asking help from. The basic vibe of the place can be a bit rough. So, make sure you are aware of things & your surroundings. There is some disparity between rich & poor class so the crimes are still prevailing. But, if you are aware & sure of your surroundings you can avoid it with ease.

So, this is my experience of traveling to Cape Town for the first time. I liked the city for its closeness to nature which is just awesome to experience. But, only sad point is safety concerns.

Handy Resources:

Places Worth to Visit in India and Few Tips to Enjoy Your Trip

August 26, 2019November 20, 2019 AnandPatel

India is a diverse country with a rich history and beautiful landscapes. It has mountains, rivers, deserts and everything a man can imagine. It is bordered by Nepal, Pakistan, Myanmar, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and China. It exhibits great diversity with more than 15 languages spoken and a wide diversification in cuisines in each state we go.

Well, spending holidays in India could be a time taking thing so it is suggested to carry a bit extra things with you. There isn’t any need to take stress about the weight of your luggage because now there are many cargo companies who take great care of your this problem by sending excess luggage to India by air cargo and sea cargo as well.

One can visit a wide variety of possible destinations in India. From the chaos of cities to the relaxing scenery of the hills, this country has all one wants to see. Following are the best places to visit in India.

1. Ladakh

Ladakh is located in the north-most areas of India with beautiful snow-capped hills, jaw-dropping beautiful valleys and several monasteries that belong to the Buddhists It is located in Kashmir, which holds great significance due to it being a disputed territory. The town of Leh is the ideal place to visit in Ladakh, which is situated at a high elevation from sea level. Ladakh is full of Buddhist monasteries and temples, which are centuries old and hold great significance in Buddhism. The best natural places to visit in Ladakh are Pangong Lake, Nubra Valley and Zanskar River. The Hemis Festival held in Leh is also something a lot of tourists must experience when coming to Ladakh.

2. Jaisalmer

Jaisalmer is a beautiful city located in Rajasthan, which is also known as the ‘Land of Golden Sand’. It is located in the Thar Desert, which never disappoints you with its golden sand and enchanting beauty. There are many places to visit in Jaisalmer like ‘Salim Ji Ki Haveli’ and ‘Patwon ki Haveli’ which shed a great deal of light on the wealthy grandeur of Rajput Merchants. The desert festival held annually in Jaisalmer makes it a great occasion, and one which makes it a worthwhile holiday trip. Jaisalmer is one of the most vibrant places in India, and surely one of the most striking ones. Apart from Jaisalmer there is Udaipur which is a royal place to visit.

3. Sikkim

Sikkim is a beautiful city located in North-East Himalayas. It has beautiful snow-capped hills, immaculate lakes and wonderful monasteries belonging to the Buddhists. If someone wants to find peace and be alone for some time, Sikkim is one of the best spots to do so. Sikkim is famous for its Yak, so it is great to experience the ‘Yak Safari’. You’ll get hypnotized in the enchanting enchantress of the Lake Tsomgo, Gurudongmar Lake and Khecheopalri Lake. Overall, Sikkim is one of the best places to visit in India being a tourist, and if you’re looking for an ideal holiday destination, Sikkim is going to be one of your top priorities.

4. Goa

Goa is a holiday destination famous for late-night festivities and its beautiful beaches. It is a former colony of Portugal which attracts both national and international tourism. If you’re seeking a romantic place to spend your holidays, Goa should be the best place that comes to your mind.Candolim Beach and Anjuna Beach are one of the best sites to visit in Goa. To have a look at the beautiful coastline of Goa, you can always go to the Chapora Fort to have a look at the beauty of the Goa beaches from a new angle. If you’re still not satisfied, Palolem beach will make sure to satisfy you by all means.

5. Varanasi

Varanasi is also called the Spiritual Capital of India. It is situated on the bank of River Ganges. The city is more than 3100 years old, which also makes it one of the oldest occupied cities in the world.The biggest attraction in Varanasi is religious buildings. From Temples to Mosques, you’ll be amazed by the antiquity of the city. The main attraction is the Alamgir Mosque and the Sankat Mochan Temple. This temple is famous because it is full of monkeys. More than 65000 people go every day to take a bath in the Ganges River.

6. Agra

Agra is a city in Uttar Pradesh, located approximately 200km from Delhi. Generally, you can reach Agra from Delhi in under 3 hours by road. By train, you can take a train and reach Agra Cantt, the main station of Agra. The best time to visit Agra is from November to February with some great discounts as well due to November being the off-season. Agra is known for the Taj Mahal. It is located on the bank of Yamuna River. It was built by Shah Jahan who did it to house his wife’s tomb Mumtaz. It was built in between 1631 and 1648. It is a great attraction and is currently part of UNESCO World Heritage.

7. Dharamsala

Dharamsala is known as the residence of the Tibetan monk Dalai Lama. It is located at a distance of 18km from Kangra City in Himachal Pradesh. The city is comprised of two parts; the upper-division and the lower division. The upper area is Mcleodganj while the lower town is known as Dharamsala.

The best time to visit Dharamsala is in dry and sunny days as this city is also one of the wettest cities of India. The winter in Dharamsala is very cold while the summer is very rainy in the end.

Things to keep in mind while travelling to India

There are a few tips that will help tourists when they visit India. They are explained as follows:

1. Plan your trip

After you have finally decided to visit India, the next thing that should be in your mind is to plan your trip. India is a very big country so you should prepare a plan for yourself which contains the places which you will visit during your stay in India. If you’re not coming with a travel agency or a tourist group, then you need to plan your trip accordingly.

2. Learn how to bargain

India is one of those places where people adjust the rates of certain products by just looking at tourists. So, one needs to learn how to bargain with the Indian shopkeepers, which can save a lot of money for tourists. Visiting people can ask locals about the actual prices of products to know the difference and then bargain accordingly.

3. Go outside cities

The main beauty of India is not in its hustling and bustling cities. Its real beauty can be felt and seen by visiting villages outside the cities. Villages are much calmer than cities and their air is fresh. You get to feel the love and hospitality of the villagers, which gives a real sense of belongingness and importance.

4. Be a traditionalist

When you go to tour different places in India, try to blend in with the locals. This can only happen by wearing local clothes. Wearing skirts or other dress that doesn’t cover your body is not recommended at all because this can attract unwanted attention. Try to be as conservative as you can and be communicative to the locals.

5. Beware of pickpockets and scammers

India, like many tourist destinations in the world, is a place where pickpockets thrive especially in congested areas full of tourists. Beware of all kinds of pickpockets and keep everything you have in check. Make sure that your surroundings are safe.

Another issue that sometimes demotivates a lot of people from travelling is scams. Scams in tourist destinations are very common and tourists must keep their eyes open when touring places in India.

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This guest post is from Isla Oliver.

Rishikesh Budget Trip

July 25, 2019July 25, 2019 AnandPatel

Rishikesh in Uttrakhand is a popular touristic destination in India. It has many essences apart from being a holy place, yoga, river rafting, riverside camping is some of the city newer attractions. Being touristic means it will be pricey. But, is it so? Here is a post on how to plan Rishikesh Budget Trip in a shoestring budget.

Rishikesh Travel Guide Mark My Adventure

Steps For Rishikesh Budget Trip

Reaching Rishikesh:

First thing while planning Rishikesh budget trip is finding the cheapest way to reach Rishikesh. So, the best way to reach Rishikesh is through Haridwar. Board a train to Haridwar & from there take a bus to Rishikesh which will be Rs 30 per seat. Haridwar is another major town near Rishikesh which is famous for holy reasons.

Accommodation In Rishikesh:

Accommodation is one of the prime aspects of any place, which eats up your budget. Although there are many luxurious options like Ganga Aloha available for the wealthy ones. However, if you are traveling on a shoestring budget there are still many options to choose from. Hostel culture is slowly but surely picking up in the town. I stayed at Live Free Hostel near Lakshman Jhula which was a great place to stay. The price of one dorm bed for a night is somewhere around 500 Rs. You can also check the article on How To Find Cheap Hotels.

Commutation:

The best way to travel inside the city is by using a scooty. It is easily available for Rs 400 per day. Just fill up your tank & roam freely around the city. It is the cheapest & easiest way to roam across the city.

Rishikesh Attractions

The most precious things to do in Rishikesh is its river banks which are free to access. However, for an attraction like the Beatles Ashram, you will have to spend some minor amount of Rs 150 (for Indians) & Rs 600 for other nationals which is very affordable.

Things To Do In Rishikesh Mark My Adventure

I spent less than 10,000 Rs on my trip. The expense hugely depends on the spending nature of a person. But, this is the minimum you have to pay during your trip. This is a broader expense for you to get some hint about the place & its budget. So, this is how you plan Rishikesh Budget Trip all by yourself.

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Best Fun Things To Do In Rishikesh

July 11, 2019July 11, 2019 AnandPatel

Rishikesh has a lot to offer to travelers. There are numerous activities which one can try here. It has some of the unique experiences like river rafting, bungee jumping, camping, etc. So as a first timer what all should you try. Here is a post on the Fun Things To Do In Rishikesh.

1. River Rafting:

Without any second thought, this is the best activity to do in Rishikesh. Riding a raft in volatile waves is a thrilling experience. It has some danger attached, which is also the reason for trying this activity. A thrill of the unknown will always be a surprising factor. No matter how many times you will try this, you will encounter some unique experiences each time you start. The waves, the water & the thrill of water splashing on your face is a rare gem.

River Rafting Rishikesh things to do in Rishikesh Mark My Adventure

2. Beatles Ashram:

Beatles with their music were a calming factor for so many people. But, they also wanted to calm their mind. For that, they visited an Ashram in Rishikesh. An ashram operated by the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. They spend some quality time while practicing the Transcendental Meditation technique. After their visit, the ashram soon got famous & people started recognizing it as Beatles Ashram. Visiting the ruins is great to get some insights of the past. The halls, the rooms, the views each one has its story to share.

Beatles Ashram Rishikesh Mark My Adventure

3. Selfie At Lakshman Jhula:

Lakshman Jhula is a prime location in Rishikesh which is probably one of the most visited places in the city or most clicked attraction. A selfie at this bridge is a must. This bridge has some stories as well. As per the mythological text, Lord Lakshman built a jute bridge at this place. Now a suspended bridge this is a great place to click some really nice pics.

4. Witness The Magic of Ganga Arti:

Ganga has a special position in India culture & it is one belief that Ganga washes all your sins. None of the rivers in the world has the same following or celebration. In Rishikesh, you can witness devotees praying the river. It’s kinda small fare & it attracts lots of crowds. Witnessing it once will surely a pleasant experience.

5. Yoga:

Rishikesh is also known as Yoga Capital of the world & there are many ashrams which will teach you this master art. An art which will balance your life & thoughts. Yoga is an art to know your body through motions. Many people come here to learn this fantastic art & nothing can beat learning yoga on the banks of Ganga.

6. Bungee Jumping:

Bungee jumping is slowly picking up the pace in India. At this place, one can try bungee jumping. Not many people try this activity due to fear & the fear is real. It is hard to jump into the unknown. I have previously tried bungee jumping in Spain & it was very scary for sure.

7. River Side Camping:

A more relaxing activity to do is camping. You can camp on the banks of Ganga & relax. There are many activities like beach volleyball, bonfire, music, etc all come complimentary with camping. A great way to relax & think about life. Nowadays, it is hard to find time for yourself. But, with this activity, you might be able to do this. It is essential to think about life now & then. As this will help you to find your happiness & satisfaction.

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My Rishikesh Experience

July 7, 2019July 8, 2019 AnandPatel

Rishikesh is a small town in Uttarakhand, India; it is also known as a Yoga Capital of World. Apart from teaching this unique art of yoga to the world; Rishikesh has some spiritual roots as well. This city is also a starting point for a holy trail which consists of Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri, also known as Chota 4 Dham. If you are feeling spiritual && assume yoga is the only aspect of this city. Then think again; Rishikesh is also known for River Rafting which makes it only one of the few places where you can experience this thrilling sport. How is the experience of traveling to such a unique place? Here is my take.

Rishikesh City

The city is flooded with the pilgrims may be too much for the liking. The narrow roads are choked with all sorts of vehicles which gets into your head after a certain point of time. The main attraction of the city is its bridge or famously known as Lakshman Jhula & because of which staying near this place is certainly the best option. The main roads are too crowded with tourists which will hinder your peaceful time & at times it will get difficult to even walk. If you want to spend some peaceful time then head towards the bank of the Ganga where you can enjoy the scenic beauty of the city, some cold water & lots of peace.

Lakshman Jhula:

Walking on the bridge is a great experience & if you believe mythology then the place of Lakshman Jhula is at the same place where once Lakshman shot an arrow & made a bridge via jute. A visit to this place is a must & the view from the bridge is too good to be missed. But, good luck in finding an empty bridge. Throughout the day it is crowded with the people.

River Rafting:

River rafting in Rishikesh is one of the rarest of experiences one can witness in life. There are many variants for river rafting based on the distances. One can try any one of these & fun is guaranteed. This was my first time of river rafting & I really enjoyed the experience & it is a must do activity in Rishikesh. If you want to fancy something else. There is a cliff jumping option available as well

Food:

Food is never a disappointment in any part of India. There is always something that will satisfy your food buds. One of the oldest food chains Chotiwala is in this place. The food is pretty yum & a visit is a must. Apart from this, there are many small restaurants which are very good. So food won’t be an issue here. You can fill your stomach at very reasonable prices.

The Mighty River:

Ganga is considered in high regards in India & it is considered to wash away all your sins which is why many people want to take a dip in this pure water. The water is spine chilling even during the summers as it receives its water via the melting of ice. Taking a dip is essential. Further, if you want to enjoy some peacetime alone, head towards the banks of the river, find a quiet spot & enjoy nature.

In the midst of valleys, there is a river flowing across the city. One side of the city is crowded & the other one is pleasant & calm. While traveling to Rishikesh one should be aware of the surroundings. The view is too good to be missed.

Rishikesh is an average place to visit many people get bored here as there is not much to do. One of the biggest setbacks of visiting this place is nightlife. There is hardly anything to do during nights & its a dry place which means no alcohol. So, if you are only here for chilling then it will be worth it. But, if you are expecting something exciting then you will be disappointed.

I enjoyed my stay here. But, will I be traveling to the place again? I highly doubt that as the way is too tedious & there is no direct & easy mode to reach this place. I will probably skip it next. Although, visiting any place for the first time is never bad. So, explore the place & make some memories.