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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:

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.

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:

World of India

August 22, 2019November 20, 2019 AnandPatel

1. Hundreds of cuisines In India

Maybe no other nation can offer you more cuisines than india. There’s nothing of the sort as normal Indian food ; from Kerala to Kolkata there’s a buffet of impressive territorial dishes to be found, past the well-known top picks of chicken tikka masala, rogan josh, malai kofta and baked margarine naan, which can regularly be more earnestly to discover in India than in the UK. Food is a feature of any Indian outing.

2. It’s low-cost

As per the biennial World Economic Forum (WEF) Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Report, India positions is 10th best for “value intensity”. Luxurious accomodation is generally reasonable, and you can get around the nation via train for very low cost. An ongoing drop in the value of the rupee implies that trip to India is even more cheaper than usual. The pound as of now purchases around six percent more Indian cash than it completed a year prior.

3. The world’s most popular structure

“The Taj Mahal is the most popular structure on the planet and seemingly the most lovely” it is widely considered one of the most beautiful buildings ever created in history. “The design is grand yet the story the stones encapsulate that draws 7,000,000 guests every year.”

4. Also, the craziness of Delhi

India’s capital is a throbbing megalopolis that smothers and invigorates in equivalent measure (the same number of India’s urban communities do). In any case, hold on for this fuming settlement and it will gradually uncover a side you might not have expected; find verdant parks with their initial morning yoga classes, lose all sense of direction in its dusty bookshops, meander around its extravagant Hindu sanctuaries, tune in to the call to petition reverberation from timeworn mosques, shop at awesome markets, go to a satire club and take in a Bollywood appear.

5. You can observe the Wagah border function

Since 1959, at the wilderness among India and Pakistan, outskirt protects from the two countries have occupied with a strange fringe service that, as indicated by Jack Palfrey, an ongoing guest, summons “the balance and style of artful dance and the dramatic skill and hostility of expert wrestling.” Expect goose-venturing, yelling and much fervor from the groups that accumulate to observe each day.

6. And, stay in a royal castles

Live like a Mughal ruler in one of India’s previous castles, a large number of which have since been changed over into luxurious lodgings. There are such a significant number of to browse and discover some motivation further beneath.

7. The natural life is inconceivable

Experience Rudyard Kipling’s India with a natural life watching outing to one of the nation’s numerous national parks, where guests can see everything from tigers and elephants to rhinos and rufous-bellied bird of prey falcons. Eminent parks incorporate Ranthambore, Pench, Kanha and Bandhavgarh. This is not all India also has rivers which holds deity like position in India. Click here for 10 Longest river in India.

8. Indian craftsmanship is resurgent

As per the Spirit Bohemian Art manager, Alastair Smart, these are energizing occasions for Indian workmanship, which is experiencing something of a renaissance, driven by creatives in Mumbai. Peruse about it in his dispatch from the hot Indian city.

9. There are magnificent railroad ventures

Nothing very contrasts and going around India via train, an encounter that causes wonder, anxious expectation and exciting invigoration in equivalent measure. The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, a Unesco World Heritage site that breezes through the tight avenues of Darjeeling, is a conspicuous feature, yet there are numerous others.

10. You can do a boat trip on Kerala’s backwaters

Kerala’s backwaters are a labyrinth of winding streams, trenches and lakes extending about 50 miles, and they are best investigated on one of the old rice freight boats, which were earlier utilized for moving grain yet have since been changed over to ship vacationers around.

11. Or on the other hand observe Varanasi

“Varanasi is India for the accomplished,” composes Gill Charlton. “Its packed limited back streets can incite claustrophobia even in prepared voyagers: grievers convey their dead on caskets to the consuming patios over the waterway; sacred men and explorers wash in the honestly dingy waters upstream and counsel stargazers and palm perusers; and dairy animals, goats and worn out kids search for scraps on the ghats – the flights of ventures down to the Ganges.” Not for the cowardly at that point, yet a serious display.

12. There’s a Golden Triangle

The urban communities of Delhi, Agra and Jaipur are known as the Golden Triangle due to their social quality. These urban areas structure the premise of the great voyage through northern India, which incorporates the notable Taj Mahal and Ranthambore National Park.

13. You can climb the Himalayas

Despite the fact that the star fascination of the Himalayas, Mount Everest, lies a huge number of kilometers from India, on the boondocks among Nepal and China, the Indian part of this epic mountain range offers numerous eye catching vistas and fine climbing. Or on the other hand invest a little energy in the lower regions. Rishikesh, the north Indian town on the Ganges regularly called “the yoga capital of the world” ended up world-renowned gratitude to the Beatles, who came to remain 50 years back, and (with no undue surge) it’s currently benefiting as much as possible from its VIP association. The center is an intriguingly elective vacation destination – the remaining parts of the ashram kept running by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, a man with a triumphant line in moxy and a truly straggling whiskers.

14. It’s little bit French

At any rate it is in Pondicherry, a pocket-sized previous state which France administered somewhere in the range of 1672 and 1954. “They left an inheritance that uncovers itself in amazing ways,” composed Mick Brown after a visit.

“The long, clearing promenade – the Rue de la Marine – that fringes the Bay of Bengal conveys echoes of Deauville or Biarritz. The road signs would be at home in any French common town; and this is the main spot in India where the police wear red képis.”

15. There’s a cut of heaven

Goa is flawless, yet in the event that you need influencing palms, brilliant sand and turquoise waters, at that point head to the Havelock Islands. Coasting in the Bay of Bengal, this tropical archipelago offers maybe the best making a plunge India and is, by most meanings of the word, heaven.

This is a guest post by Spirit Bohemian. I am posting this on his behalf & all the content & photos is owned by Spirit Bohemian.

Handy Resources:

Best Places for Kayaking In Georgia

July 29, 2019November 20, 2019 AnandPatel2 Comments

Georgia is a land of endless wonders and adventurous activities. It is still untarnished by modern tourism and retains its authenticity to its core. Bounded by the waters of the Black Sea in the East; Turkey and Armenia in the South; beautiful Azerbaijan in the East and mighty Russia in the North – Georgia is the heaven nestled amidst the Caucasus Range.Kayaking is one of the activities that will pull you towards the nature. So, here is 9 best places for Kayaking In Georgia.

Top Places to Kayak in Georgia

Georgia offers a wide range of waterways to explore kayaking for adventure lovers. You can find scenic coastal areas, lakes, whitewater rapids, etc to match your idea of adventure in Georgia . Kayaking is a really entertaining way to explore the country’s natural beauty. Here are some of the best places to kayaking in Georgia!

1. Mtkvari River

The Mtkvari River is one of the major rivers of Georgia. Since the Soviet Union times the river has been a popular tourist attraction. The river is located in the Javakheti region which is highly forested and has deep river valleys. The paddling section for kayaking starts in Vardzia. The confluence of the Paravani and Mtkvari River is the take-out point and the location of the Khertvisi Fortress. The Fortress belongs to the 10th century and plays an important role in defending the region. It is an amazing sight during the kayaking tour. It has imposing towers and secret tunnels that can be explored while enjoying kayaking.

2. Paravani River

The Paravani River is also one among the best places to go kayaking in Georgia. It has steeps and falls in class 4 whitewater category. It offers 10 km paddling area. It is also located in the Javakheti region. The river belongs to the cave town of Vardzia. The town has a humongous cave network that was built during the 12th century. It has 3000 caves that could contain around 50,000 people. It is home to various kayakers and provides ample opportunities to enjoy adventurous rides.

3. Tskhenistskhali River

The Tskhenistskhali River is located in the lower Svaneti region of Georgia. The land is home to the typical traditional Georgian homes and has some of the most exquisite natural wonders. This reason also houses UNESCO World Heritage Sites. This river has big volume and stretches for 15 km in a Canyon. There are lots of Category 4 and 5 whitewater as well as rapids. This is one of the best places to go kayaking in Georgia that can be enjoyed by the tourists.

4. Kheledura River

The Kheledura River is also located in the Lower Svaneti Region. It is Tskhenistskhali River’s right tributary with a 7 km stretch for kayaking. The river is steep and is a category IV whitewater with medium volume.

5. Rioni River

The Rioni River is one of the best places to go kayaking in Georgia. This is also the legendary river of the country that has different sections for exciting kayaking. The river has class 2 and class 5 kayaking sections. The upper gorge is the most interesting part which stretches for around 50 km. The river is steep and continues as a whitewater kayaking destination.

6. River Mestiachala and River Tsaneri

River Mestiachala and River Tsaneri are located in the Upper Svaneti regions. They are two small rivers passing through Mestia. Mestia is yet another amazing tourist destination that houses some of the oldest remnants of Georgia’s History. Kayaking in these rivers is accompanied with gorgeous views of beautiful canyons and comprises of category 2 and Category 4 white water kayaking waters.

7. Inguri River

The Inguri River is known as the most powerful river of Georgia Country. It is also considered as the most difficult kayaking destination in the Caucasus mountain. From Category 2 whitewater to Category 4 + + White Waters; this river is the perfect site for the adrenaline junkies. The river offers lots of sections that can be explored and all of them are hidden in the breathtakingly beautiful and deep canyons. The river offers lots of places for expert Kayakers and the lower part of the river has really never been explored by many.

8. Mulkhura River

The Mulkhura River starts from the confluence of Tsaneri River and Mestiachala River. It is the right tributary of the Inguri River. The river passes to extremely deep canyons and thus offers vast stretches of category III to category V white Waters. The stretch of 12 km is really exciting and can be covered by the expert kayakers only. This section requires difficult scouting and rope work to be passed.

9. Nenskra River

The Nenskra River is also the right tributary of River Inguri. It is also famous as the most beautiful river of Svaneti Region. It has two interesting stretches that cover lots of category IV and categories IV + Rapids.

Georgia is just like heaven for the kayakers. They can enjoy an amazing camping experience while indulging in the kayaking all across the nation. There are plenty of campgrounds that are available at highly affordable prices. Hostels and other cheap accommodations are also available. There are many local and small restaurants located at all the famous kayaking spots

Why wait? Get a Georgia tour packag from UAE and unleash the adventure junkie in you.

Handy Resources:

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.

Handy Resources:

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.

Rishikesh River Rafting

May 23, 2019May 31, 2019 AnandPatel

Rishikesh is one of the few places in India which sports River Rafting; an adventure sport. Since its operation started many years back, this activity has become a crowd puller. Rishikesh on the outset is considered as a holy place & sporting an adventure activity at this city was always a far fetched dream. But, not anymore. There are many vendors which are providing this facility to the customers. During my trip to Rishikesh in the summers of 2019. I tried this activity & here is my experience along with some essential information for you. /div>

Rafting Experience

I tried 16 Km river rafting cost of which was Rs 1000. The vendor will offer pick-up & drop services. Thus, there is no worry to reach the starting point. The starting point of 16 Km river rafting is at Shivpuri which also has a camping site.

The vendor picked 6 of us from our hostels & head towards Shivpuri. The journey of 16 Km from Rishikesh is not tedious but the construction work at some part of the road made it too uncomfortable. It took us 35 to 40 mins to reach the starting point. After reaching the point, safety gears were handed to us & were directed to reach banks of the river. Standing on the banks of the river, I touched the water which was very cold quiet contrast to the temperature which was soaring at 30 odd degrees.

The captain of our raft was a Nepalese born guy who knew his craft. There was a session of 10 mins regarding what can go wrong & how to overcome if anything goes wrong. During those minutes, he will ensure that our safety is up to mark & there are no loose points & once we get the green light we boarded our raft for a memorable & probably one in a lifetime experience of river rafting. I am saying one time as there is nothing as special as experiencing something for the first time. /div>

So, by saying our prayers we started out for an adventure. By talking with our captain we realized we have to cross 6 rapids out of which 2 are the best. Soon, we witnessed our first rapid which was just a glimpse of what is in the store. Few shaky moments were the only we witnessed. Soon, we reached another one which was far better than the first one. The water was smashing the rock & then flowing through its regular path. At one point of time, it seems that the raft will smash the rock. But, as soon as the raft reaches the rock, reversing waves come to our savior & maneuvered us to the correct path.

After crossing second rapid, the flow was stable & captain allowed us to jump into the cold water which we did. After floating for few minutes, it was time for the third rapid; which is one of the scariest ones. The water was smashing each other forming few low moments where the raft can submerge. But, there are other waves to rescue us from the depth of the water. It was a rare gem adventure. After crossing this there was one more rapid with such difficulty. After crossing 4th rapid the journey was pretty smooth.

While rafting from Shivpuri to Rishikesh. A resting point is dedicated where one can also do cliff jumping. The height of the cliff is approx 3 to 4 Mts. It is fun to jump in the water from such height. If you are done with all the activities you can also have snacks at this point.

Once we crossed cliff jumping point there was one more rapid. But, our body was too tired for the last one. So, we took it easy & reached the final point.

Is River Rafting Worth It?

After experiencing this activity, it was a mixed feeling, at the start the thrill of trying new activity was confining the mind; during those dangerous manoeuvers took the breath away & then the peace of river flowing to its destination. The activity lasts for 2.5 to 3 hours. But, it was full of different emotions. I would recommend trying this activity for sure & by far one of the best activities to do in Rishikesh.

Reasons To Fall In Love With Singapore

February 15, 2019November 20, 2019 AnandPatel

What does the idea of Singapore mean to you?

Does the name make you think of a vibrant, lively and ever-growing island city-state? Or does it conjure up visions of temples, colour and golden beaches? Or perhaps lush, untamed tropical landscapes with abundant wildlife comes to mind? That’s the thing about the Republic of Singapore, it has many sides and much to offer. Not least because it covers 62 smaller islets alongside the main island.

Here are just five reasons to fall in love with Singapore.

Dedicated to delighting visitors

Singapore works hard to make sure its visitors are well looked after, extending the highest possible standards of customer service. Singapore’s Changi airport is regularly recognised as the best in the world (both from industry and consumer bodies). The airport has sleeping areas, a swimming pool, cinema, market food stalls, beauty and reflexology centres, as well as children’s play areas and a nature trail!

The best things come in small packages

This small country packs a mighty punch in its history, landscape and strong national identity, and you can see so much of this without having to travel far.

For example, though Singapore is famous for its stunning architecture and high-end shops, you can still haggle for bargains at timeless local street markets. Also, you could be wandering its bustling city streets, then within a short time move to lounging on vast stretches of flawless sand. It is easy to get around using the MRT (Mass Rapid Transit), buses, taxis and water taxis.

Singapore is simply a beach lovers heaven, especially between November and March, when the climate is perfect for swimming, water sports and other activities. However, there are plenty of places to go for privacy and long, solitary walks, too.

All that is modern and marvellous

All around Singapore you can see how visionary architects have used cutting edge creativity to develop the skyline. This is especially true of Marina Bay Sands and Sands Sky Park (nicknamed the “celestial surfboard”) with its awe-inspiring infinity pool views across the city.

Follow this link to research these world-renown developments in more detail.

Meanwhile, at ground level, strict laws and an army of 50,000 staff maintain Singapore’s reputation for having the cleanest streets in the world.

Fabulous food

If all this is not enough to tempt you to book a flight, Singapore has some of the best restaurants and national cuisine of any country. What’s even more tempting is that this diverse and delicious food is also highly affordable.

Such is the wonder of dining out in this country, travel writer Ben Groundwater believes “Food isn’t a reason to visit Singapore – it’s the reason.”

Abundant natural charms

For all the wonders that humankind has brought to Singapore, for many visitors, its primary attraction is a network of islands, places that time forgot.

One of the most popular is Pulau Ubin, which provides a charming window into 1960s Singapore. Sentosa is a well-developed island, including hosting Singapore’s Universal Studios. In sharp contrast, St. John’s Island is a former quarantine station and offers secluded beaches and havens of peace. It’s also a fishing paradise.

To explore Pulau Semakau, which is rich in biodiversity and untamed nature, you have to ask permission of the National Environmental Agency.

Do you fancy spotting seahorses or sharks on a snorkelling adventure? Sisters’ Islands is a popular Marine Park in Singapore.

Clearly, the islands hold adventures and activities, but make sure you use reputable guides and transport. Well thought out travel insurance is a must for any holiday, but particularly if you decide to explore off the beaten track on Singapore’s islands.

Read more about Singapore island adventures with this fascinating guide.

Things To Do In Da Nang

February 1, 2019February 2, 2019 AnandPatel

Da Nang has all the making of an expat town. A riverfront, great beach, world-class hotels & fantastic nightlife. The place is not so populated compared to the cities like Ho Chi Minh & Hanoi but still has great infrastructure, to say the least. Even though the place checks most of the boxes for traveling. The place somehow is not in the traveling list of the people visiting Vietnam. Enough said about the place. Here is the list of things to do in Da Nang.

Marble Mountains:

There are five elements in the world & each element has a peak dedicated to it. There are many caves in here & if you are mentally strong you can climb to one of the peaks of the mountain to enjoy the beautiful views of the city. The place was used by the Buddhist monks to pray & glimpse of it still visible. The best cave to visit in Marble Mountain is definitely Huyen Khong Cave. Many people lit a candle at this place & offer their prayers. A nice place to enjoy some peace. The view of sun rays falling from small patches of the hole on to the ground is a memorable experience to witness. Do visit this gem of the place.

Hai Van Pass:

Hai Van Pass is a major tourist attraction near Da Nang. The pass is very picturesque & mesmerizing. An unending landscape on one side & mighty hills on the other side. The pass demand to be driven on. During the monsoon, the place gets as beautiful as it can get. There are few patches in the route which is a glimpse of the best of Vietnam. The whole to & fro trip from Hai Van Pass to Da Nang will take a few hours. So, take some out to witness this bliss.

Hoi An:

Most people spend a couple of days at this UNESCO world heritage site. The beauty of the place is hard to ignore & the pleasant evenings are memorable & will have a lasting impact on your life. Most of the people will sit near Japan bridge & enjoy the calming impact of the place. The place is too beautiful to be missed.

Lady Buddha:

A white sculpture of lady buddha can be seen from most part of the Da Nang the place is located at such height in Da Nang. A short drive to this hill will amaze you with its view. The whole city can be seen from the point & most of the people apart from paying homage to God, people click their next display picture. The beauty of the place is breathtaking.

Dragon Bridge:

Probably the most famous spot in Da Nang. As the name suggests dragon bridge got its name for its shape. The dragon breath fire & water during special occasions like Sat & Sun. The show is pretty unique to watch & enjoy.

My Khe Beach:

One part of the city is surrounded by the water & its clean & long beach is pretty popular among the locals & tourists. The water is clean & so is the beach. One can enjoy time at the beach.

Nightlife:

Da Nang nightlife is as good as Ho Chi Minh. The parties last till early morning hours & one will not be disappointed with the discs & pubs. Although the clubs are on the costlier side. But, one can have a great time during the nights.

Market:

There are a number of flea markets in Da Nang & is easy to find anything you are looking for. Con Market is locals delight, it is kind of a supermarket where you can find most of the stuff for daily use. So, if you are looking to shop in Da Nang this landmark will be important to you.

My Son Sanctuary & Hue are two more places that one can visit while staying at Da Nang. My Son is the site of ruins left of Indian Hinduism, the temples are estimated to be constructed between 4-13th century. A place for historic significance. On the other hand, Hue town was the capital of the Nguyen Dynasty.

These are the best things to do in Da Nang. This post is meant to help you plan your trip in a better & fulfilling way.

Do subscribe & comment on the post. This will help me to keep on working & publishing articles.

Also, A trip is incomplete without the pics. During the time of this trip, I had iPhone 4 which didn’t have a great camera. Hence, photos are bit weird. But, last year I bought iPhone 6 which drastically improved my pictures. So, I would recommend you buying a great camera phone to take some breathtaking pics.

Apart from a phone camera, I use GoPro an adventure camera to shoot video & click photos. The product is pretty handy & captures mind blogging videos. GoPro is easy & handy to use, which makes it a must buy.