8 ‘Unusual’ly perfect holidays to add to your bucket list’

There’s nothing better than doing something completely unique on your vacation. I love researching new ways to spend my holidays, and here I’ve identified some awesome spots to add to that never ending bucket list. This goes out to the explorer in you.

1. Surround yourself with sparkling blue water, and marine life in Raja Ampat, Indonesia: If it’s some serious marine life you want to see, Raja Ampat is the place for you. The islands are rather difficult to reach – if you live outside Indonesia you need to take at least 2 flights and 1 boat ride to get here, but it’s well worth it, this archipelago is heaven on earth. With clear blue waters and marine life that includes bright coloured corals, manta rays, sea turtles and even sharks, you are guaranteed to see hues that no city person is used to. If you wish you can even visit some hidden beaches, waterfalls and snorkelling sites at Sapatu Island. With limited cellular connectivity, basic home-stay arrangements and a limited population, Raja Ampat is the dream vacation where you get to switch off real life, and switch on paradise.

Tip: If you choose a home-stay in Waigeo, organise it in advance; given the low range to cellular connectivity in Raja Ampat, the home-stay owners may take time to respond.

Marine Life in Raja Ampat

2. Trek on (and along) the historic Great Wall of China: Rather than see this Wonder of the World from afar, why not enjoy the grandness and magnanimity of the architectural marvel by actually trekking on it? Originally used to protect China from various invasions, this historic wonder has been built and rebuilt many times. Now a major tourist attraction, a trek on the Great Wall will have you seeing a number of little villages and magnificent landscapes of the Chinese countryside. The Great Wall stretches across over 8000km making you realise just how impressive ancient Chinese architecture was. The path is stony and steep, and you can choose your trek depending on how many days you have, and how much stamina you have. The most recommended is the 10km trek from Jinshanling and Simatai (4-6 hours) for simple visitors, or the 10 day trek of wilderness wall in the Beijing municipality for adventure junkies.

Tip: Different parts of the Great Wall are accessible from different areas. 8 of the tours are accessible from Beijing, but if you know the specific portion you wish to trek on, find out which city it is closest to and plan accordingly.

Along the Great Wall of China

3. Go back in time riding camels and camping under the stars in the Sahara Desert, Morocco: What happens when you remove motorised vehicles and modern luxuries from your holiday. Well, you travel the old fashioned way. The best way to enjoy the ever changing landscape of the Sahara Desert is via a camel ride, and a night camping under the stars. There are plenty of tours that drive you out from Marrakech to the edge of the desert from where you can ride the back of a camel and imagine what it must have been like to live in the yesteryears. The Erg Chebbi dunes known for their size are the perfect starting point. So go on, its time to be Lawrence of Arabia.

Tip: Camel riding and camping is usually just an overnight trip, make sure to add in a few days in colourful Marrakech to offset the desert during your trip here.

A Camel ride in the Sahara

4. Swim with green Sea Turtles & see the worlds largest tortoise in the Galapagos Islands, Ecuador: Although the islands are known best for the green sea turtle found there, they are also home to the world’s largest tortoise, the only marine iguana, as well as whales, penguins, sea lions, dolphins and a number of endemic birds. In fact it was after studying the unique wildlife in the Galápagos that Charles Darwin developed his Theory of Evolution. The islands form an archipelago west of Ecuador and can be best enjoyed on a cruise which will take you from one island to another. Described as a trip to paradise by most visitors, the Galapagos Islands are a must for marine life lovers.

Tip: Since there are huge efforts on conservation and protection for wildlife, land based staying is possible on four of the islands – San Cristobal, Santa Cruz, Floreana and Isabela.

A Green Turtle in the Galapagos Islands

5. Trek a growing ice body, and use some of its ice for a drink in Perito Moreno Glacier, Argentina: If you’re looking for pristine beauty, some adventure and the prettiest landscape you might ever see, Perito Moreno is for you. The ragged edges of this marvellous ice structure form a white-blue landscape that is a photographers dream come true. The glacier is accessible by road from the pretty Patagonian town El Calafate. The best way to enjoy it is the 6 hour long Big Ice trek. The trek starts off with a boat ride, followed by a trek to reach the glacier. You are then fitted with crampons, taught how to walk on ice, after which its time to enjoy the pristine white perfection. The trek is very safe, it’s just important to follow your guide because the paths change every day, and the crevices may be 1000s of feet deep. So if you have the stamina and can tolerate the cold, get ready to trek the Big Ice.

Tip: Don’t forget to carry a hip flask of whiskey or liquor; your tour guide will help you break 300 year old ice for you to enjoy your favourite drink with.

The Perito Moreno Glacier

6. Check out the unexplained underwater frenzy during the Sardine Run in South Africa: Every June, sardines swim northwards in great numbers perhaps to move to warmer climates. While the exact reason for this frenzy of movement is not yet known, this activity has become a fantastic tourist activity. Since there are so many sardines, and they feed on plankton close to the shore, there is an unusual amount of activity very close to shore. During the sardine run, you can see millions of the tiny fish swimming together in perhaps the largest shoal man has ever seen. Schools of sharks as well as some marine mammals follow the shoal for a feast of unlimited sardines making the spectacle all the more fascinating.

Tip: There have been a few years (like 2003 and 2006) where the Sardine Run did not happen, so read up all you can before you make the trip, and wish for the best.

The Sardine Run

7. Step into your childhood stories in the Lake District, England: Ever wondered how Enid Blyton and J.K. Rowling came up with those picture perfect countrysides? Ever wondered where it was possible to find a bar call ‘Stags Head’, an old style raised bathtub and a beautiful countryside? Visit the Lake District in England and find the backdrop to all your favourite childhood stories. Every element of the countryside including the beautiful Lake Windermere and the vanilla fudge you can buy at every street corner add to this idyllic perfection. The Lake District is the perfect vacation to put your feet up, feed some birds, and appreciate nature and old world beauty.

Tip: While there are other ways to reach here, the drive up from London is the best way to enjoy the exquisite English countryside.

The pretty little town

8. Get within a few inches from the greatest predators on earth – Shark Diving in Cape Town: If you’re the adventurous kind, you can visit the largest and scariest sea creatures known to man. Gaansbai, 2 hours away from Cape Town is the perfect place to go visit the Great White Shark. It’s actually quite safe. The tour boats take you out to the sea, throw in a ‘chum mix’ (fish oil + fish guts to attract sharks), and wait for the sharks. Once sharks come toward your boat, you can jump into a very safe and solid cage underwater, and have a look at the 21 foot creatures up close. The sharks usually won’t even see you (if they do, you are completely safe within the cage), but you can take some nice pictures and get your adrenalin pumping. So go check out the triangular teeth of the worlds scariest fish, just don’t watch Jaws the night before.

Tip: If you are even more adventurous, you can visit the less scary sharks like white tip and black tip, right by Durban. These aren’t man eaters, so just by following a few rules, you can swim by them cage free, and even touch their backs.

Shark Cage Diving

Images Courtesy Google

In search of wildlife – 14 perfect spots in India

Stretching across 3,200kms in length, it is not surprising that India has a variety of climates, influences and even wildlife. India has a number of wildlife sanctuaries and national parks which are home to tigers, elephants, rhinoceros’, dolphins and some very exotic birds. Here I’ve handpicked some of the very best for sightings and holiday experiences; so you can switch off the Discovery Channel and go make some of your own discoveries.

• Sit on the back of a 3000kg elephant to go see a 2000 kg Rhinoceros in Kaziranga, Assam: Situated along the Brahmaputra river, the 430 sq. km Kaziranga National Park is one of two homes for the one horn rhino in India. With visits guaranteeing rhino sightings, huge open spaces, and a variety of animals, it is no wonder that the park is often compared with wildlife sanctuaries in Africa. In addition to rhinos, you may see India’s only ape the Hoolock Gibbon, the Barahsingha (swamp deer), the wild water buffalo, tigers and a variety of birds. With convenient places to stay and enough wildlife to fill up a picture book, Kaziranga is the perfect family vacation. So pack your (and your kids) bags, and get ready to visit the 2000kg beasts. Weighing scale anyone?
• Tip: Travel around Assam before or after your visit to the National Park

A Rhino in Kaziranga

• Get your fill of greenery, rivers and tigers in the lush forests of Kabini, Karnataka: Situated within the beautiful Nagarhole National Park, on the banks of the river of the same name, the Kabini Wildlife Reserve is popular because of its frequent wildlife sightings, luxurious staying options and its easy accessibility. Kabini has gained popularity in the last few years, and is rather expensive to visit; but the frequent tiger, leopard, elephant, wild boar and langur sightings make it well worth it.
• Tip: Depending on whether you want luxury or a simple stay, you can choose from a variety of options

Elephants in Kabini

• Contribute to turtle nesting in the Cuthbert Bay Wildlife Sanctuary in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands: Such is the flora and fauna of the Andaman islands that unique experiences are guaranteed with every visit. One of the many rare experiences you can have in the Andamans is seeing a large variety of turtles come to shore to lay their eggs, and help in the nesting process by releasing the eggs to the sea. This is of course in addition to the unimaginable marine life and fauna you get to see on any visit to the islands. Go ahead, book that ticket and contribute to making a beautiful species grow.
• Tip: Take your scuba diving gear for the best holiday experience in the Andamans.

A turtle going back into the sea

• Visit Bagheera, Bhallu and all your favourite Jungle Book characters in Pench & Kanha, Madhya Pradesh: Being Rudyard Kiplings inspiration for Mowgli and all his friends, Pench and Kanha in Madhya Pradesh still boast of a storybook-like beauty. Having a high density of herbivores (including sloth bears, porcupines, monkeys and barking deer), and of course some tigers, it is no wonder that Mowgli had such an exciting childhood. So go visit Mowgli land, and write your own story.
• Tip: Drive down 2 hours from Nagpur to reach Pench; Kanha is just 2 hours away from Pench

Tigers in Pench

• Visit river dolphins in the Vikramshila Gangetic Dolphin Sanctuary, Bihar: Located in the Bhagalpur district of Bihar, this sanctuary stretches 50kms of the Ganga from Sultanganj to Kahalgaon and is home to a very rare species of dolphins. You can visit here on rafts made by locals, and attempt to catch a glimpse of these playful creatures jumping in and out of the water.
• Tip: Be patient, it may take 2-3 days for just 1 dolphin sighting.

Gangetic Dolphins

• Wait for tigers, and even crocodiles in Tadoba, Madhya Pradesh: Like most safaris, you need lots of patience here. If you have the patience, you may see a tiger strolling right in front of you, giving you the perfect photo opportunity. Or, you may catch a crocodile killing its prey. Add to that the beautiful forests, the high chances of seeing wild dogs, langurs, barking deer and a variety of birds, and you can see that this really is the perfect place to see nature in all its glory.

Crocodiles in Tadoba

• Plan to see tigers, land up visiting bears in Ranthambore, Rajasthan: A beautiful wildlife park in Rajasthan, Ranthambore actually has a record of their tigers increasing in number rather than dwindling. With 61 tigers in the park, tiger sightings are common during safaris. Tigers are the reason to visit Ranthambore, but if you are really lucky, you may even see a rare black bear. The tigers here are familiar with safari jeeps driving by, and they often walk by, as if posing for you to take the perfect picture. So pack that camera, and make some memories.
• Tip: Drive down from Delhi or Jaipur to visit Ranthambore

A tiger sighting in Ranthambore

• Visit the home of snow leopards in snowy Manali: If it’s an adventure trip with treks and wildlife spotting you are looking for, the Manali Wildlife Sanctuary is perfect for you. The park allows camping and trekking around it, and if you are lucky, you may see brown bears, flying foxes, flying squirrel and leopard pug marks. If you venture higher, you may even see ibex. Given how stealthy leopards are, the chances of seeing a leopard are slim.
• Tip: Though the wildlife park is really small, given the variety of animals, do check with a tour operator on safety before your visit.

Ibex

• Go bird watching in the hills in Chimmony, Kerala: With over 160 species of birds including  the Malabar Grey Hornbill, the Sri Lankan Frogmouth, the Malabar Whistling Thrush, and a beautiful location in the middle of the hills, right by the Chimmony lake, this makes for a beautiful and peaceful break. Activities during your visit can include bird trails, bamboo rafting and nature walks.
• Tip: Go in a large group, Chimmony is a great place to go camping

Bird sightings in Chimmony

• Enjoy a rainbow of colours with blue peacocks, orange tigers and green trees in Sariska, Rajasthan : Home to the largest number of peafowl in the country, Sariska National Park almost guarantees sightings of these magnificent birds in their natural habitat. Add to that a chance sighting of tigers, leopards, wild dogs, langurs and hyenas, and Sariska is definitely worth a visit.
• Tip: Don’t miss out on camel rides while you are here.

Peacocks in Sariska

• Bow down to the king of the jungle in Gir, Gujarat: As the sole home of the beautiful Asiatic Lion, Gir is the only place you can visit these beautiful cats up close, and see why they have been christened King. With at least 300 lions, Gir is the perfect place to spot packs of lionesses go out for a hunt, bringing back a kill for the male lion. Go on then, visit his highness.
• Tip: While booking a safari, ask if you can see a ‘Lion Show’ which can organise a lion sighting at a close range

Lions in Gir

• Enjoy the unique views of the mangroves in the Sunderbans, Bengal: This area of thick impenetrable mangrove forests is shared by India and Bangladesh. Sunderbans is home to 250 tigers, and because it is by the sea, these adaptable tigers are able to swim long distances and even feed on fish. Tigers here are far more aggressive and dangerous than tigers elsewhere, perhaps because drinking saltwater leaves them in a state of constant discomfort. Tour operators are cautious, and tiger sightings are rare.Yet, a holiday to the Sunderbans makes for a unique experience, with simple campsite stays and kingfishers and other beautiful birds flying all around.
• Tip: Stay safe, and don’t ask your tour guide to go further than they are allowed. Campsites have watch towers which you can look through, and you may be lucky to spot a tiger through this.

• Visit paradise with waterfalls, lush green forests, elephants and tigers in Simlipal, Odisha: Known more for its natural beauty than likelihood of a tiger sighting, this beautiful nature park actually looks like a picture from your storybook. With 12 rivers cutting across the plain area, and the beautiful waterfalls of Joranda and Barehipani, you may not see tigers, but you are guaranteed to have some beautiful memories from this trip. So if its pictures you want to add to your already beautiful collection, go visit Simlipal.
• Tip: Be prepared for a very basic stay, because the options are simple government run hotels

Simlipal, Odisha

• Visit the historical Bandhavgarh, Madhya Pradesh and catch a glimpse of a tiger: This historic jungle has a fort right in between, which is said to have been built during Lord Ram’s time. In addition to the parks’ history, there are a number of tigers which are frequently spotted, as well as chinkara, leopards, blue bulls, antelopes and foxes. Over 240 species of birds just add to this historical and natural treasure.
• Tip: You need half an hour to complete the formalities at the gate of the park so plan your time accordingly

Bandhavgarh Fort

Do note, most of these parks are closed through the monsoon and can be visited from October to May only.

Images Courtesy Google;

Kaziranga Rhino Photo Credit- Chunchreek Singhvi

Road Tripping Down the Great Ocean Road, Australia

We knew we were to expect a beautiful drive, lovely beaches and the 12 Apostles. What we didn’t know is how mind blowing the trip would actually be. The Great Ocean Road is by far the prettiest road trip we’ve ever done.

The Road Less Travelled

TO DO:
Rent a car and enjoy the most scenic road trip in the world. We started off at a car rental in Melbourne at 9am (we had booked online in advance). This was easy enough- it took all of 30 mins from when we entered the outlet till we were on our way.  We mapped our drive and knew it would be 2 and a half hours till our first stop.

The first hour and a half were regular city sightings. The second hour was when the beauty started. Driving into Anglesea was the first breathtaking view of blue water and white sands. This continued through the rest of the drive. After this, any stop we made was a treat for the camera, every angle postcard ready.

The Lovely sea side view along our drive

The lovely salty air greeted us as we made our first stop in the little sea side town of Lorne. We had decided to have lunch, check into our hotel here before continuing on our way for the rest of our drive. I’d highly recommend the Lorne stop over- for the lovely beach you can go swim in, the excellent fish and chips, and the highly intelligent cockatoos who have figured out how to hold and eat french fries.

Intelligent cockatoos eating their own french fries

After our lunch break we continued driving down the exquisite road. Throughout the road we noticed tiny walkways and paths through forests and down to the beach. We stopped by at one and trekked through a forest for half an hour where saw some unique vegetation before returning to the road.

A pretty trek through the forest

The drive was gorgeous; we kept stopping for pictures along the way, until we finally reached the 12 Apostles. We’d been on the road for hours, but one look at the beautiful sight in front of us, and our tiredness disappeared. All around us was perfection- beautiful limestone stacks emerging from the lovely white waves. In spite of only 8 limestone formations, the name ‘12 Apostles’ has stuck for this remarkable wonder of nature.  We spent over an hour here walking from end to end and stopping by at the visitors center.

12 Apostles – The beautiful limestone structures

On the drive back, we made only one stop – a lovely little petting zoo, where we fed kangaroos & wallabies and pet koala bears. This was far better than a regular zoo, because we got to interact with the animals rather than just see them.

Feeding a kangaroo in the petting zoo

The following day, we had a quick swim in the beach at Lorne, and headed back to Melbourne. It was a perfect 2 day vacation.

TO STAY:
We treated ourselves to a lovely sea view room at the Cumberland Lorne Resort. The room was huge, with a large tub for a bath and a nice large balcony frequented by cockatoos. It was the perfect location – right on the Great Ocean Road overlooking the ocean, and a street of restaurants all along the road.

TO KNOW:
Night driving here is really dangerous because of kangaroos that cross the road at any time. Make sure you leave early morning if you want to go to 12 Apostles and back in the same day.

TO SPEND:
Car rental costs were standard at INR 8,000 per day for a luxury car plus fuel. The hotel was INR 10,000 per night for a basic room, and INR 16,000 for an ocean view room.

9 Off-the-hook trips to take in your lifetime

What’s a holiday if it isn’t a bit crazy? For me a holiday is going out and doing something I wouldn’t otherwise do, experiences which are new. Here I’ve picked out the most interesting ways to spend the precious days when you get that long awaited break:

1.  Drive from Europe to Asia for charity: How about a crazy drive across 10+ countries in a 1200cc vehicle through a variety of terrain where you only know the start and the end. Sounds silly? Well actually it’s the greatest adventure on the planet. If you love driving and have a crazy streak, try the Mongol Rally, an unusual rally in which you drive from a European country (France, UK or Spain) to Mongolia, make your own staying arrangements and cross a number of Asian countries along the way. The most number of countries done in the Mongol Rally is 21, and the time frame is approximately 2 months. The awesome part- you do this for charity. So go ahead, be a bit silly, and have the experience of a lifetime.
Tip: Check visa requirements for every market, and make sure your paperwork is intact to go through every country on your list.

A tiny car on the tough road in The Mongol Rally

2. Touch the end of the world, literally, in Antarctica: With a landscape like nowhere else in the world, seals & penguins everywhere and of course the lowest human population, Antarctica is a treat like no other. Previously a place no one would visit casually; Antarctica is now frequented by cruise ships and smaller expeditions. Cruises depart regularly from Ushuaia, Argentina, which is an easy flight from anywhere else in Argentina. If you can deal with the cold and the high budget to get here, Antarctica is a must-do once in a lifetime experience.
Tip: Paradise Bay, Petermann Island & Neko Harbor are must visits during your time there.

Breathtaking views while reaching Antarctica

3. Teach school kids in the midst of mountain beauty in Ladakh, India: Imagine being able to combine the beautiful views of the Himalayas with actually doing something good. The 17,000 foot foundation is set up to help school children with their education in remote villages through Ladakh. There are a number of workshops to help out in, and volunteers can spend 10 or more days working with these kids in the midst of pristine beauty. So if you can handle the altitude at 17,000 feet, this one’s for you.
Tip: It’s more economical to go in a group than alone, so try to take some friends along.

Mesmerizing views in Ladakh

4. Live on the edge (of the Great Barrier Reef) in Australia: Take a break from the regular world, and go live on a tiny island made of dried bird droppings and dead coral. Seriously. The Lady Elliot Island is a geographical marvel at the edge of the Great Barrier Reef with clear blue waters teeming with marine life like corals, mantarays & reef sharks. They have an eco friendly resort to live in and in exchange for simple services like working for the resort, you get to stay and dive for free. So if it’s a long break from work you have been pining for, go spend it in paradise.
Tip: There are options to go to the mainland once a day; and you can go to the Gold Coast or Hervey Bay close by for a city life recharge if you ever need it.

Clear waters around the Lady Elliot Island

5. Ride Camels in the deserts of Khuri, Rajasthan- India: If it’s some quiet alone time that you are looking for; there’s nothing better than the desert. With miles of sand all around you, beautiful landscapes, and a calm that’s hard to find anywhere else in India, Khuri is a perfect weekend break. So go back in time and live the desert life- complete with camel rides through the day, camping out under the stars or a lovely home stay at night. If you’re lucky, at night you can get a view of the entire Milky Way.
Tip: Khuri is best in October where a blanket at night will be sufficient to keep you warm and the afternoons are not too hot. The summer months are too hot, and winter months too cold.

The beautiful deserts of Khuri

6. Climb an active Volcano in Chile: Yes, yes, it sounds really risky to climb an active volcano in the Patagonian Andes, but it does make for the hottest hike. For the thrill seekers out there, all you need to climb Volcan Villarrica is equipment like crampons, an ice axe and waterproof clothes which are available for hire in the closest town Pucon. Chances are that you may even hear the volcano rumble on the day you visit. The fun part is after all your effort of climbing up; you get to slide down the ice. The climb up can take 6 hours, but sliding down just 30 minutes.
Tip: Check the weather forecast, because hiking up in the rain is not possible

The active Volcano Villarrica

7. Live like an Eskimo in an Igloo Village in Finland: Live the Eskimo life complete with staying in igloos, riding on reindeer safaris, ice fishing and falling asleep under the mesmerizing Northern Lights. To complete this perfect Christmas story, you can even visit Santa’s home out here in Saariselka, Finland. December sees snow sculptors from the world over who come in and build sculptures and even restaurants made of snow, which last all through winter. Add in some of the best ski slopes in the world and it’s no wonder that the Igloo Village is the perfect winter break. So bundle up and go say hi to Santa.
Tip: Summer is as fun as winter with activities like gold panning and ATV rides

Glass Igloos that give you a view of the Northern Lights

8. Learn to be a Ninja in Japan: The powers of the mysterious Ninjas can be yours in a trip to Japan. With training in the martial arts and the sword dance, visits to the lovely cities of Kyoto and Tokyo, followed by some Zen meditation, you can come out feeling like you just played the lead in an old Japanese movie. So go on, visit the sensei.
Tip: If you don’t have too much time for this trip, it is advisable to do this through a tour operator

Ninja Training in Japan

9. Sail in the deep blue sea in Europe: Pick a boat, grab a few friends, and sail into the sunset. Literally. Imagine sailing all around Spain, stopping at lovely little beaches along the way, each one prettier than the last. You can have breakfast in Formentera in the morning, sail through the day and party in Ibiza at night. Sailing is a perfect 1 week break – its economical because you stay on the sailboat, it’s beautiful because you’re surrounded by the ocean, and it’s customizable because you get to visit as many places as you want.
Tip: Choose the months of August and September for perfect weather to sail away.

Sailing around Spain

 

 

Images courtesy Google

 

Corals, Turtles, Sharks & the Deep Blue Sea in Lady Elliot Island, Australia

I never knew what paradise was till I visited Lady Elliot Island. But as one of the lucky people who have been all the way there, I now have a mental image of water- clear and blue, teeming with fish and corals that fits my description of paradise. 90 minutes away from Gold Coast, 40 minutes away from Hervey Bay, this little bit of paradise is at the southern tip of the Great Barrier Reef. Formed from corals and hardened bird droppings the Lady Elliot Island is a geographical marvel.

The Speech mark shaped Lady Elliot Island

Going under water here is indescribably beautiful – a world of its own. You see marine life all busy with their own daily business – fish of different sizes, swimming at their own pace. The small fish race toward the corals to get their share. The large fish catch the smaller ones. A sea turtle swimming lazily, slowly enough for you to go pat its back. A manta-ray coming toward you with its mouth eerily resembling divers’ glasses. And a huge (but safe) reef shark that just passes by you nonchalantly, not realizing he just made you have your heart in your mouth. Life under the water is incredible, beautiful, wondrous, busy and best of all, uninterrupted and unspoiled by man.

The Eerie Manta-ray

TO DO

Snorkeling and diving are allowed all around the island, and given that fishing and even taking dead coral is prohibited, the ever increasing marine life is all there to explore. There are a couple of staying options at the largely solar powered resort ranging from staying a few days, to volunteering and working on the island, allowing you to stay for months. We chose the day trip which only allowed snorkeling.

We landed like royalty right onto the island, and we were in the water all of 10 minutes later.

The glass bottom boat was a fun way to start. The boat took us in fairly deep where we saw colourful coral below. After that we jumped off the boat for some deep sea snorkeling and saw a number of fish, manta ray, turtles & even the shark. Snorkeling can be done at the shore as well as deeper in the water after the glass bottom boat ride.

With snorkeling doing such justice to the exquisite marine life, we could only imagine how incredible diving would have been.

The Reef Shark

TO KNOW

The only way to reach the island is by flight. In collaboration with private airline Seair, the company operates 14 and 9 seater planes back and forth from the beautiful island. Flying and diving are not allowed in the same day. So if you’re looking at diving, you must stay overnight at the island. Day guests are only allowed to snorkel.

The tiny plane that got us there

Morning is the best time to visit. For a day trip from the Gold Coast we left our hotel by 6am, and left the island by 2.30pm. We were back at our hotel before 6pm on the same day.

TO SPEND

Getting here is expensive, but that’s expected when you take a private plane. It’s approximately 600 AUD per person for a day trip, which includes transport – to and from the airport, as well as the flight. Your lunch and snacks, snorkeling gear and a tour guide through the day are also included.

Heaven on Earth – Skiing in Gulmarg, Kashmir

If there is heaven on Earth, it is here…it is here… it is here. The words of the Mughal emperor besotted by Kashmir immediately came to mind as we drove into Gulmarg. In a landscape that could inspire fairytales, every bit of Gulmarg is like a postcard. A thick layer of pure white snow covered every inch of the ground, every roof, with a little left over dotting pine trees, making it the perfect white and green landscape. The sun peeping through the mountains added to the perfection making it not too cold for us city dwellers.

The picture perfect landscape

TO DO:

Ski, walk around (with trekking shoes and many layers of clothing), drink some yummy kava (Kashmiri tea), repeat. With some of the best natural slopes in the world, regular snowfall, and economical trainers, Gulmarg is an excellent ski vacation. Adventure seekers the world over choose Gulmarg as their ski spot, we met tourists from New Zealand, Australia and Canada who had come for month long ski trips in the hills of Gulmarg.

With ski-instructors and bunny slopes for novices, as well as steep expert slopes, you had a variety for all levels of skiers. We were only in Gulmarg for 3 days, but we found this enough time to visit the slopes, see the main market place and enjoy a couple of sled rides.

It was the first time we attempted skiing. Since we had only 2 full days, we decided being on a bunny slope would be a waste of time. I know this sounds like a silly decision, but one trip down the intermediate slope with an instructor in tow, we realised it was the most fun way to begin. From a novice like me, here’s lots of advice:

• Skis are available for rent on the top of every slope you would want to ski down, so there is no need to rent skis in advance and carry them around everywhere
• The best time in the day to ski is between 10am and 4pm. Most ski lifts shut for lunchtime, and end their day at 3.30pm.
• Water-proof clothes are a must, just make sure your final cover-up is water-proof, even if you don’t have fancy ski clothes
• You need an instructor to teach you. It is perhaps more sensible to learn on the bunny slopes, rather than an intermediate. But if you prefer a bit of thrill like us, make sure you have an instructor to be by your side throughout to help you through the difficult parts. Our instructor would hold our ski sticks from behind on a very steep slope, slowing us down the right amount.
• The bunny slopes involve lots of waiting time, because of scores of people learning along with you, and long lines before the ski lifts
• Phase 1 from the Gondola is a must do when you have learnt to ski a little bit, this is a beautiful slope with some steep sections, a few pine trees, and lots of soft snow around to break a fall
• If you’re going too fast and can’t seem to stop, try to make yourself fall gently. Make sure you fall into some soft snow so you don’t hurt yourself (I did this 5 times)
• For walking in the snow when you are not skiing, wear a good pair of waterproof, high ankle trekking shoes, or gumboots. Gumboots are available for rent at most ski stores

TO GO

Gulmarg is beautiful throughout the year. Skiing is possible from Jan to May, depending on the amount of snow. We were lucky to choose the perfect time- while still snowing, early March was not too cold the way January is. Temperatures ranged from -4 degrees celsius to 4 degrees celsius and with light flurries of snow falling every day, it was the perfect time to make a snowman. Or given the beautiful mountainous landscape, the best time to go skiing.

TO REACH:

Srinagar is the closest airport, and the drive from the airport to Gulmarg is approximately 2 to 3 hours, depending on traffic and the arrival time.

Snow season makes the Gulmarg road very icy, and other than needing an experienced driver, you must ensure to reach Gulmarg well before sunset. If you choose a morning flight out of Srinagar, it makes sense to stay in Srinagar the night before, given the icy roads, and the required 2 hour check-in time for flights out of Srinagar.

SAFETY:

Our biggest fear was safety given the unrest in Kashmir in the recent past. What we realised once we were there was that there are parts of the cities which are unsafe, but a tourist destination like Gulmarg is untouched. The only specific security process we encountered was a 2 hour advance arrival time before flights out of Srinagar. Security is strict here, and you need adequate time, given that even checked-in luggage, and the car you arrive in need to go through the security scanners.

Having said that of course, do stay in touch with the events in Kashmir before your trip, it’s always better to stay safe.

TO STAY:

There are 2 clear winning options for staying in Gulmarg- the quaint but newly renovated Highlands Park, or the modern 5 star Khyber. Both are relatively expensive options- Highland Park at INR 14,000 per night, and Khyber at INR 16,000 per night. The difference is Khyber is all in 1 building, and far more kid friendly, while Highland Park has a number of separated cottages, and you need to cross the snowy path to reach the restaurant or your room. We chose Highland Park, because of its fantastic view and proximity to the slopes. The rooms were well heated, and with heated beds we had no winter worries when inside the room.

TO SPEND:

This is one of the cheapest ski vacations you can have. Besides our stay which was a little expensive at INR 14,000 per night, the rest of our vacation was quite economical. Guides are available at INR 600 per day, and they can take you to all the key tourist spots. Skis + ski the instructor cost approximately INR 1,500 per day after bargaining. Reaching up to Phase 1 on the Gondola was INR 400, and unlimited ski lift usages were INR 100 for half a day.

A quick break by the lakes- Sattal & Naukuchiatal, India

An exhausting 8 hour drive followed by a moonlit ride across the lake, and a short trek was not the way I was expecting to start a vacation. But the minute we reached our campsite at Sattal, the exhaustion disappeared.

A little over an hour away from Nainital, Sattal and Naukuchiatal are part of the beautiful series of lakes that takes over most of this region in Uttarakhand.

Sattal Lake, Uttarakhand

Further away, hard to reach, and smaller than the others, Sattal is far less commercial but every bit as beautiful as its nearby lake sisters. With campsites rather than hotels, trekking spots rather than restaurants, Sattal is a must visit if your holiday plan is back to nature

We spent 2 nights in Sattal, followed by a drive to visit the nearby Bhimtal, and ended our trip with a night in Naukuchiatal. We found Naukuchiatal just as pretty, but far more modern.

TO DO:

In Sattal, you can trek, rappel, kayak through the day, and follow it up with a simple dinner by the campsite at night. We were really lucky to get a fantastic guide who knew the area, so we spent a rather active day in the hills and around the lake. Trekking is a must do; just an hour climb gives you a view of the Bhimtal lake and the Sattal lake.

The forest we trekked through

Rappelling was a first for us. Our guide asked us to follow him to the forest, where he identified a bunch of trees. After which he checked the height (a good 20 feet), tied rope around the tree, tested the strength, and asked us to climb backwards. This was definitely the most rustic way to go, and added to the fun of the whole experience. Needless to say, it was very safe.

Rappelling

Once we reached Naukuchiatal, we decided it was time to put our feet up and have a lazy day. Our only activity was kayaking around the tiny lake.

TO STAY:

We loved the atmosphere at the Getaway Jungle camp in Sattal. The tents were comfortable, but of course we needed to carry our own sheets. The toilets were clean.

Getaway Jungle Camp

We chose the Lake Village in Naukuchiatal, and absolutely loved it. With a beautiful lake view, and amazing music, it was peaceful and perfect. During our stay, we found out that the owner ran a music school in the hotel, guaranteeing that you had some talented future singers serenading you while you enjoy your meal.

View from Lake Village

TO SPEND:

The camp cost 60 USD per night, with meals included, and our hotel at Naukuchiatal was 150 USD per night with breakfast and dinner included.

5 Indian Vacations NOT to do this summer (and the ones to do instead)

I’ve come to realize that some of the most beautiful places from 10-15 years ago are now over crowded, or have lost their charm. Luckily, India being such a huge country with varied landscapes, there are many newer options to visit. Here are some Indian summer destinations I would choose over the ones I picked 10 years ago.

Sattal instead of Nainital, Uttarakhand– Nainital started out as a gorgeous hill station with a beautiful lake, 6 hours away from Delhi. The prettiest and largest of the 9 lakes in the area, it became the perfect summer break. Till it opened more hotels, sold more land for summer homes and just had more visitors than it could handle. Luckily for us, the close by Naukuchiatal and Sattal have similar beauty and far less people. Choose Naukuchiatal if you are looking for a peaceful summer break in a nice hotel, or Sattal if you would like to go camping by the lake

Sattal, Uttarakhand

Kasauli rather than Shimla, Himachal Pradesh– With its lovely cool weather even in the summer, Shimla was an obvious choice for summer vacations. In fact it was chosen as the summer capital by the British during their time in India. Till it reached a point where walking in the main town area was no longer fun. The newer spots are now Chail or Kasauli. Both are perfect for a weekend of long walks, lazing around and beautiful scenery.

Kasauli, Himachal Pradesh

Pawna Lake over Khandala town, Maharashtra– Khandala used to be the little hill station 2 hours away from Bombay, the perfect break for any season. Unfortunately too many people thought so, and many bungalows were replaced by hotels so much so that the main street of the town now looks more like a crowded city. For close by options, try Pawna Lake. Or if you are willing to drive a bit longer, try Bandhardhara instead. While it is further away, its lush green landscapes and minimal population make it completely worth it.

Pawna Lake, Maharashtra

South Goa rather than North Goa– Don’t get me wrong, I still love Goa. Its just parts of Goa like Baga and Calangute beaches which were my favourite a few years ago are now crowded and filthy. Definitely not what you expect in a beach vacation. Luckily for us, Morjim has become the new hot-spot with its beauty and a great vibe. Else there is the always gorgeous South Goa with its white sands and calming waters. Or a beautiful, more recent discovery is Ganpatipule a few hours drive away from Goa.

Leela, South Goa

Pushkar over Mount Abu, Rajasthan– Yes, there are beautiful old palaces converted into hotels, the lovely Dilwara temple, and crocodiles to see at Mount Abu. But unfortunately, the temple is crowded, the crocodile tank is dirty, and just beautiful hotels don’t make for a perfect holiday. Overall, Mount Abu is not terrible, but compared to the better options today, it’s disappointing. But with a state that has so much to offer, there are many more options in Rajasthan. Pushkar, with its lake and temples is a perfect spiritual break, and with its colourful streets, a treat for the eyes.

Pushkar, Rajasthan

2 Weeks in New Zealand – Breathtaking views & adventure sports

If you are looking for breathtaking landscapes, fantastic food and wine peppered with some exhilarating adventure sports New Zealand is it.

The best way to enjoy this beautiful country is to drive right through it. We spent 2 weeks, and loved every minute. Here’s our guide to the perfect 2 week trip:

Day 1: We reached Christchurch in the morning, hired an SUV and drove to Mount Cook. The drive was 5 hours long during which we drove past the beautiful Lake Tekapo and stopped for lunch at MacKenzie’s cafe bar and grill. We carried on to Mt Cook where we stayed the night.
TO DO: Must see the Mount Cook Aoraki glacier. Although the lake is beautiful we found the boating trip quite boring.
TO STAY: We chose the Hermitage, and picked out a room that faces Mt. Cook.
TO EAT: Steak of course. We ate the pork belly at the Panoramic Restaurant at our hotel and would highly recommend it.

Day 2 to 6: The next place on the list was the lovely quaint Queenstown where we spent 5 days. The drive was 4.5 hours long, and as expected beautiful.
TO DO:
1. Wine tasting: While there are regular tours, the best way to do this is book Funny French Cars – the personalised wine tour in vintage Citroen cars
2. Arrowtown: We took a lunch trip to this historic gold mining town where you can watch movie in old style cinema.
3. Bungee jumping: We jumped from the first ever bungee jumping location at Kawarao Bridge

4. Rafting: We rafted through the day, a must do at the Shotover lake
5. Sky diving: The ultimate thrill jumping off a plane. Unfortunately we missed this
TO STAY: The Rees is fantastic. Do choose an apartment facing the lake
TO EAT: We tried every kind of meat. We would recommend eating the leg of lamb at Botswana Butchery, trying the insanely large burger at Fergburger, and the venison burger at Devil Burger 

Day 7: We left Queenstown for Wanaka where we stayed the night.
TO DO: Walk by the lake on the beautiful walking track, stop, breathe in the air, and take some pictures.
TO STAY: We loved Ferryman’s cottage which was an adorable bed and breakfast run by a wonderful couple. Don’t miss their signature breakfast.

Day 8 to 10: We drove to Franz Joseph Glacier and stayed here for 3 nights
TO DO: Check out the phenomenal expanse of white, either from the air by a helicopter tour, or by foot with the walking tour. Both are fantastic, and we would recommend doing both.

TO STAY: We had 5 star luxury in a little wooden lodge at the Westwood Lodge
Day 11: We then drove to the quiet seaside town of Greymouth

TO DO: Visit the seals at Seal colony, drive by the apostles on the sea front, take in the natural wonder of the Pancake rocks and refresh yourself with a sampling beer platter at the Monteith’s Brewery

TO STAY: Breakers Boutique Resort, it is a beautiful sea facing resort

Day 13: We drove back to Christchurch and stayed for 1 night
TO DO: Unfortunately this beautiful quaint city was almost destroyed in the earthquake, so there was not much to do besides visit a few pubs and restaurants.

TO STAY: The George – a lovely 5 star hotel facing the Hagley Park.
TO VISIT: Black Betty which has a relaxed environment with live music (visit before 4pm). Other than that we liked the very ‘propah’ Strawberry Fare and tried the brunch at Under The Red Verandah

 

Guest Blogger- Gaurav

Serenity and Beach Love in Redang, Malaysia

The South China Sea has the most beautiful deep blue water. The clear kind so you can see fish a couple of feet under you. And the little island of Redang is right in the middle of this sea. Redang is an incredible place to dive. Or relax. Or get away from it all by surrounding yourself with miles and miles of perfect blue.

TO DO:

Dive, snorkel, play beach volley ball or lie by the beach and stare at the idyllic blue. There are diving courses for amateurs depending on how many days you spend in Redang. All divers and snorkelers definitely see the beautiful corals. The lucky ones see sea turtles.

The main tips for amateur divers are- find a good buddy, ensure you have no ear pressure issues, take the training class very seriously, and stay calm in the water.

Jet Skiing and Water Skiing are banned to protect the corals, so the only other water activity you can try out is kayaking.

TO STAY:

We landed up staying at a secluded diver’s lodge –Redang Kalong which would have been a better bet for serious divers rather than us casual holiday goers. In fact diving is such serious business here that the owners of the lodge are called fish whisperers because they can spot or hear any fish.

A day into our holiday though, we discovered another beautiful resort – Laguna Redang Island Resort– literally across the thicket of trees that we assumed led into more seclusion. It became the perfect mix of isolation and activity, as and when required. Redang is a must visit if you’re a beach person and/or a diver.