Travel - Best Places of Interest

February 10, 2021 Travel, Round the world

Best places of interest in Sri Lanka

person standing on dirt surrounded by coconut trees

Situated in the Indian Ocean, Sri Lanka offers its visitors an astonishing range of environments to experience and enjoy. Cities such as Kandy and Colombo help trace the enthralling history of the island from early times to the colonial era to the present day. The country is a paradise for any beach lover since the place is swamped by some of the best beaches in the world.

Following are some of the best places of interest to visit in Sri Lanka

Colombo

The capital city blends urban amenities with colorful native and colonial history. Sri Lanka has had strategic significance for trading powers in Europe as a major stop on the spice trade routes in the world. One can observe the influence of the British, Portugal, and the Netherlands culture in arts, architecture, and food. The city has the best museums on the island and several other things and places that help you connect with the local culture.

Arugam Bay

You are sure to have the best experiences in the country at this place. It is custom-made for people who like adrenaline-pumping activities. Take your swimwear and head to the waters to indulge in speed boating, surfing, and several other activities. The blue waters and coconut tree rows make the location one of the most appealing destinations on the island.

Beira Lake

Once you are done with your shopping or sightseeing, you can hop in for a peaceful boat ride here. Located in the heart of the capital city, this lake provides green and calm waters that offer a stimulating experience. You can rent a paddle boat and go out on the lake while observing cute ducks and swans around.

Yala National Park

This national park is a well-known wildlife sanctuary situated nearly 200 km from Bentota. You can go on an adventurous trip into the forest. It is one of the perfect places to go to on the entire island and so you need to make sure you list it out in your itinerary. You will get to see some Sri Lankan leopards and elephants on your trip.

Galle Fort

One of the most famous tourist spots in the entire country, the Galle Fort was constructed during the 16th century by the Portuguese and reinforced in the 17 century by the Dutch. You can take pleasure in the stunning sea view from this fort or stroll around the cobblestoned trail around the fort area. The area surrounding the fort has several food joints, shops, and cafes. You can look at the most splendid sunset view at this fort.

Dambulla Cave Temple

You can go to this temple to get a touch of old culture and history. This cultural hotspot is one of the largest temple complexes in the country and hosts a wide assortment of paintings and statues that date back to the 12th century. This temple has 5 rooms each containing a striking statue of Buddha of various sizes. You can climb to the temple’s top to get a good view of the surroundings.

Jaffna

The capital city of Sri Lanka’s northern province has some of the finest temples. The Nallur Kovil temple is the most crowded in the area. You can visit the Jaffna Fort to know more about the rich history of Sri Lanka. The Nagadeepa Purana Vihara temple is yet another best place to go in Sri Lanka and is accessible only by boat. The calmness that you get to experience here is beyond compare.

Trincomalee

Trincomalee’s beach getaway is little known, however, a great place for spending a good time when you are in the country. It is a famous tourist spot that provides exceptional watersport activities. The perfect part of the place is the opportunity it offers for deep-sea diving. You can get in touch with the SLDT [Sri Lanka Diving Tours] to assist you to take a quick look into the marine life in the Trincomalee waters. You can indulge in beach hopping and temple sighting as well.

Pollonnaruwa

This significant city ruin site is one of the World Heritage Sites of the country. It was the 2nd capital city prospering approximately over a thousand years ago. The city is preserved, though the majority of its structures are remnants. There are palaces, gardens, and temples and while the place is compact mostly, it can be explored easily by bicycle. There is a modern, small-town located a few miles from this place with bike rentals, guesthouses, and cafes.

Polonnaruwa Sri-Lanka Buddha Asia Image by lapping from Pixabay

Ella

At times it is as much as important to consider the journey and not worry much about the destination. Ella is a good example. It is a hill-country town located amongst the tea plantations in Sri Lanka. The place is filled with amazing food, small guesthouses and friendly people. It is a place for anyone who wants to get away from the buzz of the city and enjoy hiking for a few days. The slow train goes up and down the hills, via small towns and arrives in the mountain town after nearly 6 hours.

The compact island possesses 8 of World Heritage Sites and some of the best outdoor landscapes you will ever get to see in your life. You can opt for the Sri Lanka tour package from India offered by Packyoutrail. Their team of experts will help you make full use of your time in the country at an affordable cost.

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August 29, 2020 Round the world, Travel

How to Spend 5 Days in the UAE with Family

With a plethora of places to visit in the UAE, deciding where to go on your vacation isn’t always easy. Read on to start creating your 5 days in the UAE itinerary.

Day 1 – Lost Chambers Aquarium

Built around the theme of the lost city of Atlantis, this aquarium is home to thousands of species of marine life. Wander around the 10 chambers of wildlife and 20 exhibits and see the magical wonders that this underwater world holds. Schedule a “behind the scenes” tour where your kids can talk to animal experts and learn the many secrets of what it takes to look after all the aquatic creatures. If you’re interested in a more in-depth experience at the Lost Chambers Aquarium then you can sign up for a snorkelling or diving session and get an up-close and personal experience.

Dubai Marina

If you have time left over in your day, then make be sure to add this to your UAE itinerary. The Dubai Marina is another example of Dubai’s ability to create magical structures from nothing. A waterfront that is completely man-made while being the largest of its kind. Built on Dubai’s shoreline, it runs 3 kilometers long. Take a walk on this beautiful strip while enjoying a stunning water fountain. You can bring the whole family along, as this is a parent-approved kids’ activity in Dubai. The kids can splash around and play in the water while they cool off from the heat. You can visit the Dubai Marina Yacht Club and Skydive Dubai as they are located close by. Tired after your walk? Choose from the many appetizing restaurants and cafes that are along the marina.

Day 2 –Dubai Mall

You can’t make a 5-day in the UAE itinerary without visiting the largest mall in the world. Inside the Dubai Mall you will find more than 1200 retail outlets and around 200 places that serve food and drinks. The collection of luxury brands located within the mall makes it the fashion capital of the Middle East. Are you more interested in finding kids’ activities? Take your pick. You can either take them to the aquarium and underwater zoo that contains thousands of marine life. Stroll through the 270-degree walkthrough tunnel, as you look up in awe at the animals in their natural habitat. Or spend the day with your children inside KidZania, which is a city built just for kids to educate and entertain them. You can also skate on the Olympic-sized ice rink, watch a movie in one their cinemas, or visit the VR Park.

VR Park Dubai

VR Park Dubai is an indoor gaming theme park located inside Dubai Mall. Designed with gamers in mind, this park contains 18 rides and interactive experiences to ensure each family member finds what they are looking for. Depending on what kind of game you’re seeking to play, you and your kids can choose to engage in adventure, horror, or even something more relaxing. One of the attractions in VR Park Dubai is the Black Badge where you’ll work together with your crew and be transported to the place where Black Badge’s shuttle was supposed to have landed. It will be your mission to save a comrade from an unknown enemy monster. Or try out the Paradrop where you’ll have the opportunity to experience the first Virtual Reality paragliding ride in the Middle East that combines physical movement with stunning virtual reality content. It’s an adventure that will leave you wanting more.

Day 3 – Lahbab Desert Safari

Of the many things to add to your UAE itinerary, this desert safari is quite unique. You can choose from a morning, evening or overnight safari experience. You will be transported from Dubai to the beautiful Lahbab part of the Arabian Desert. The adventure begins with dune bashing in a 4×4. Then you can either take a camel ride or a horse ride around the sandbanks followed by the fun of surfing the dunes while sand boarding. The kids can enjoy the henna art and even get henna tattoos of their very own. You’ll also be able to enjoy live shows including belly dancing, Tanoura show, and other cultural exhibitions. End your day with a delicious BBQ and a local cuisine buffet.

Day 4 – Burj Khalifa

Standing as one of the most remarkable architectural accomplishment of modern history, Burj Khalifa is the tallest building in the world (829.8 meters). It also has the highest number of stories in the world… an astounding 160 floors. This skyscraper is home to many residential apartments and commercial offices. The Armani Hotel within contains 304 luxury hotel rooms and suites as well as an exceptional spa. You can also find a fancy nightclub and world-class restaurants. The scenic views from all around are breathtaking. You can book a tour of the observation decks located on the 124^th, 125^th and 148^th floors. Or you can visit “At The Top” where you can look through a telescope to get a better view of the surrounding scenery or shop some of their souvenirs. Burj Khalifa breaks many records including having the highest restaurant in the world and the elevator with the longest travel distance. Another “must visit” destination on your 5 days in the UAE itinerary.

Day 5 – Ferrari World Abu Dhabi

Last but not least on your UAE itinerary is this one-of-a-kind theme park. Ferrari World Abu Dhabi promises you and your family a thrilling experience. Roaming around Abu Dhabi with kids just got a lot more interesting! Ferrari World Abu Dhabi was built and dedicated to the Formula 1 world and wants to offer you and your family the chance to have some of those experiences. It’s also famous hosting many Formula 1 sports events. The special touch of this theme park is not only does it offer you rides and attractions, but also provides you with knowledge about changing tires and other engineering facts regarding the racecar field. Some of the other attractions include the Formula Rossa, which is the fastest roller coaster in the world. Or how about the thrilling adventures of getting into a world-class go-kart on a 290-meter long track and competing with your family and friends!

Don’t forget to bring your loved ones along while you spend these 5 days in the UAE exploring some of the world’s most sought out attractions. Keep these places in mind the next time you’re planning your UAE itinerary!

August 19, 2020 Travel, Within India

8 Must-Visit Offbeat Destinations in Rajasthan for Unique Experiences

Rajasthan is vast, charming and all shades wonderful. The best places to visit in Rajasthan are counted among the best of India. But, beyond these touristy trails lay the real heart of Rajasthan. The offbeat destinations in Rajasthan are worth exploring as here you come across the real glorious Rajputana. The fascinating history, the incredible architecture, the legends, traditions, and culture make you yearn for the glorious grandeur of the past.

If you want to explore the offbeat gems on your Rajasthan tour, here’s where you can go:

Bundi

A picture-perfect town with its unconquerable fortress, Bundi is one of the amazing lesser-known destinations in Rajasthan. The rustic charm of Bundi is what captures the hearts. It is interesting to note that Bundi’s houses have a bluish-hue like other places in Rajasthan to stay cool during the hot summer.

Coming to the attractions of Bundi, The Taragarh Fort is a must-visit for its charm of medieval grandeur. The Sukh Mahal and the Garh Palace have a fairy tale quality about it. Visit the step-wells, the baoris for incredible architecture, and ornate craftsmanship. Glassy lakes in Bundi add to its charm as do the vibrant markets.

Tourist Attractions in Bundi

Taragarh Fort
Raniji Ki Baori
Sukh Mahal
Garh Palace
Jait Sagar Lake

Mandawa

A scenic town in the Jhunjhunu district of Rajasthan, Mandawa is one of the offbeat treasures of the land and a perfect place for City break. Located in the heart of the Shekhawati region, a part of the Open Art Gallery of Rajasthan, Mandawa is dotted with forts, palaces and splendid mansions (Havelis). Mandawa is one of the oldest cities in the region that surprises visitors at every turn.

The charming palaces, Havelis, and forts are a treasure of colourful frescoes and painted masterpieces inspired by Hindu Mythology. If you would like to appreciate art, handicraft, and a royal stay; then the Mandawa Castle is worth a stay during your trip to Rajasthan and also an amazing weekend getaway near Delhi. The royal heritage hotel with antique furniture and classic art gives you a chance to experience royal life.

Castle Mandawa, a fortress, now converted into a luxurious heritage hotel, located in the heart of the city of Mandawa, Jhunjhunu District, Rajasthan.
*IC: Raj.baishya*

Tourist Attractions

Snehi Ram Ladia Haveli
Harlalka Well
Seth Dayaram Dedraj Goenka Haveli

Kota

Painting quite a different picture from the quintessential Rajasthani image of the desert, Kota is a lush green town. Nestled by the River Chambal, the town is dotted with history, heritage, vibrant culture, and incredible experiences.

Sightseeing here includes the Kota Garh, or City Palace, the Maharao Madho Singh Museum, the 18th-century Jagmandir Palace amid Kishore Sagar Lake, tranquil Chambal Garden and more.

Tourist Attractions in Kota

Kotah Garh
Kishore Sagar
Jag Mandir
Maharao Madho Singh Museum

Bikaner

The ‘Camel Country’, Bikaner is one of the best places to visit in Rajasthan. Surrounded by the golden sand dunes of the Thar Desert, the historic town has much to offer. The 16th-century Junagarh Fort is the star attraction. Of note is the Prachina Museum that displays traditional textiles and royal portraits.

The other tourist places in Bikaner include Lalgarh Palace, Gajner Palace, Gajner Lake, etc. Nearby, the Karni Mata temple, the temple of rats is a visit for the ones who are not faint-hearted. An evening on the sand dunes of Bikaner is a cherished experience as is dining on the mouthwatering Rajasthan dishes.

Offbeat camel in Bikaner Rajasthan — Camel near jorbeed bikaner1
IC: PJeganathan

Tourist Attractions in Bikaner

Junagarh Fort
Jain Temple
National Research Centre on Camel
Lalgarh Palace and Museum
Rampuria Havelis

Alwar

Counted among the best places to visit in Rajasthan, Alwar is a city of many charms. Nestled at the lush foothills of the Aravallis, the town is one of the ancient kingdoms of the Rajputana. It is a treasure of history, heritage, culture, adventure, wildlife, and many more.

Offbeat Neemrana Fort Palace — BEAUTIFUL NEEMRANA FORT PALACE
IC: Niks324

The Neemrana Fort is a major tourist attraction of the city as is the City Palace, the SiliSerh Lake, and the Siliserh Lake Palace. Wildlife safari at the Sariska Nature Reserve is also a must-try. Alwar is among the best places to visit in Jaipur. The haunted Bhangarh Fort is for the brave hearts and another famous place situated nearby Alwar and Jaipur.

Tourist Attractions in Alwar

Sariska Tiger Reserve
City Palace
Bhangarh Fort
Siliserh Lake
Bala Quila

Deogarh

A picture-perfect royal kingdom with its own Palace, Deogarh is a charming destination to visit during the Rajasthan tour. An estate of Chundawat Rajputs, the Deogarh Mahal in the town is the most prized tourist attraction. For some serene royal vacation, this is the ideal getaway in the royal state.

Deogarh is a popular place to visit around Jodhpur. This town is situated on the eastern side of the Aravalli ranges atop a small hill. The famous attractions of this quaint little town are Kunjbihari Temple, Charbhuja Temple, and Anjaneshwar Mahadev Temple which is renowned for its Shivalinga which formed naturally as a result of rainwater dissolving calcium in the rocks.

Tourist Attractions in Deogarh

Offbeat temple in Basuki Deogarh — Basuki Nath Temple at Basuki Bihari North
IC: Sntshkumar750

Basukinath
Naulakha Mandir
Jain Tirthankar Shantinath Temple
Trikut

Dungarpur

Known as ‘The City of Hills’, Dungarpur is an exotic beauty snuggled in the lush foothills of the Aravallis, nourished by the rivers. One of Rajasthan’s best kept secrets, the town is dotted with the beautiful architecture of embellished ‘jharokhas’ (windows). You can marvel at the ornate window structures at Udai Bilas Palace, Juna Mahal, and Badal Mahal. This is one of the best offbeat destinations in Rajasthan and a perfect place to adore the architectural beauty of the bygone era.

Dev Somnath Temple, Dungapur — Dev Somnath Temple, Dungarpur by Hritik Sharma Hritiksharma

Besides enjoying the sights, enjoy the serenity of Baneshwar Temple, Nagfanji, Deo Somnath, Kshetrapal, and Shrinathji, which lies on the bank of the pristine Gaib Sagar Lake. For some memorable moments of bliss, Dungarpur is a beautiful travel getaway.

Tourist Attractions in Dungarpur

Badal Mahal
Juna Mahal
Shrinathji Mandir
Gap Sagar Lake

Churu

Known as the gateway to the Thar Desert of Rajasthan, Churu is a beautiful less-known tourist destination of Rajasthan. Snuggled on the edge of the Thar Desert and located amid the golden dunes, Churu is famous for the 400-year old fort. Typical villages, shifting golden sand dunes, grand Havelis, fresco paintings, and unique architecture make it a worthwhile vacation getaway.

Tourist Attractions in Churu

Churu Fort
Babosa Dham
Surana Haveli

Author Bio:

A soul bred in the mountains, Akansha Negi doles out travel inspiration from solo wandering, exploring heritage and culture, tasting local cuisine, adventures, and experiences of her travels. As a travel enthusiast, she loves to travel in India as this country is a sumptuous amalgam of traditions, spiritual beliefs, and magnificent landscapes. She keeps penning down and capturing her travel experiences and loves to share them with all. She wishes to travel across the globe in the years to come.

August 10, 2020 Travel, Within India

Tips on how to Travel Safely to Uttarakhand During and After COVID 19

COVID 19 had put the whole world to a sudden stop with an uncertain future. It came as a piece of heartbreaking news, especially for the travellers. However with people adopting various measures, practising social distancing norms, and diligently wearing a mask everywhere the pandemic is slowly and steadily coming under control.

Some places in India have reopened for tourist visits with a set of rules that are compulsory to follow when you are in Uttarakhand and these sets of rules are established by the government for the safety of the people there.

Devbhoomi Uttarakhand has tackled the situation very well and with a brave face on. They had already permitted inter-district travel for the locals with the help of an e-pass. However, as the situation seems to be coming under control on a daily basis Uttarakhand has now opened its doors to travellers and pilgrims from everywhere.

Devbhoomi Uttarakhand
Image courtesy- Pioneer Edge

Here is how you can safely travel in and around Uttarakhand during and after COVID

Mandatory COVID 19 Test Report

The pandemic has effected and largely changed the normal state of functioning. While travelling from one place to another it has been absolutely mandatory not only to Uttarakhand but also to various different parts of India by road.

Make sure to get yourself tested for COVID and once the reports come out to be negative be sure to carry the genuine/authentic test reports with you anywhere you travel. You will be asked at various polls and checkpoints to show the COVID negative test report as the government of Uttarakhand is very particular about only allowing people who are not a threat to their locals.

Travel In Your Private Vehicle

Do not be extremely ambitious regarding your travel plans. Be realistic and plan your trip practically to suit these uncertain times. It is not wise to be depended heavily on local transportation as nobody knows for sure the sanitization procedure the buses or shared cabs has undergone and it is better to be safe than sorry.

Travelling in your own vehicle will guarantee that you keep it sanitized, clean, and in good condition. You will also be able to get back safely to your home in case there is some dire situation suddenly.

Prepare For Lengthy Stay

Staycations or lengthy vacations have quickly become one of the most talked-about trends among travel enthusiasts. As of now, home quarantine is being levied on everyone arriving from out of the state of Uttarakhand. You should book your stay for at least 10-14 days. This is one of the most important precautionary measures that every traveller should take.

There are hotels and cottages available for longer stays that you can book by contacting a trusted travel and tours company. Apart from that as per the instructions of the tourism minister of Uttarakhand, you must present the 7 days booking of the place that you will be staying in case the authorities ask for it.

Follow All the Protocols As Mentioned By the State Government

All the states in India have come up with a list of strict rules and regulations to be followed by all tourists and travellers coming in from different parts of India to minimize the probable outbreak of the pandemic.

The rules mentioned above are some of the vital points to follow while travelling within Devbhoomi. There are restrictions on public movement as well from 10 pm to 5 am. All these rules have been created in the light of unlocking 2.0 and to provide the safest experience for both locals and tourists.

Note: Be sure to ask beforehand at the accommodation you shall be staying regarding the sanitization conditions and the date of the last person staying there.

Miscellaneous Travel Tips for a Safe Experience

Always keep a good stock of hand sanitizer with you and if possible a sanitizer spray to clean all your small items like wallet, keys, rings, Jewellery, etc.
Carry multiple disposable masks and N95 masks as well. N95 masks are the best choice for travel as advised by ICMR.
Always carry disposable paper soaps as soap water is the best defence against the COVID virus, it has also been mentioned in the Who guidelines.
Always keep yourself covered well i.e. with the help of stoles or caps keep your hair covered in order to maximize protection.
Follow all the social distancing norms and stay at least 3-6 feet away from everyone outside as you may never know who the carrier is.
Never touch your face, mouth, nose, eyes, or ears. But if you feel itchy then you can use a sanitizer and then touch your face.

Conclusion

In conclusion, you can travel safely in Uttarakhand if only you follow protocol and make sure that you are safe in order to ensure the safety of everyone around you as well. Check out the list of guidelines and rules of the state government so that you don’t end up following all the regulations to the t. Always remember prevention is always better than the cure.

We believe these points are surely to help you in taking a break from your regular life along with fighting against COVID-19 to make it one of your Best Uttarakhand Tours where you could gather some really amazing moments.

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