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April 19, 2019 Travel, Within India

Things to tick-off your Bucket List in Kerala

Kerala’s languid charm and exotic beauty are because of its beautiful beaches, national parks, pristine backwaters, poetic hill stations and cobalt blue skies.

It has always been the travel and leisure hub as it guarantees lush greenery of the deep running valleys, a cool climate and a relaxed ambience. Kerala tourism awaits all travellers that are planning a rather offbeat getaway. Blessed with both, blazing heat of summers and heavy rain showers, Kerala is engulfed in the absorbing beauty of nature.

Replete with aspects in abundance, it may be heart-breaking to miss out on any experience in God’s own land- Kerala. And to make sure you that does not happen, we have jotted down a complete guide of what to do in Kerala.

Visit Tea Museums

The glorious tea plantations makes for Kerala’s most amazing tourist destination. The soil and climate of the WesternGhats are apt for tea cultivation. That is why it is grown in abundance in Kerala. A visit to the fully automated tea factory and museums gives a first-hand knowledge about the production and processing of tea and about the operations that go into the making of the finest of its kind.

Best tea museums in Kerala: Kannan Devan TeaMuseum and Lockhart Tea Museum in Munnar.

Take A Stroll At The Beach

Collecting multi-coloured seashells, wading into the sea, building sand castles and racing crabs or just a casual stroll in the sands, this is just a gist of what you can do at the beaches in Kerala. Unspoiled and spotless, words fail to label the serenity of these beaches. You can also indulge in challenging water sports activities like parasailing, banana boat ride, jet skiing and many more.

Best beaches in Kerala: Kovalam beach, Marari beach, Varkala beach, Bekal and Fort Kochi beaches.

Live In Tree Houses

Constructed using eco-friendly materials, tree houses in Kerala are tall and sturdy trees that overlook thick, dense forests. If you wish to feel closer to nature, spending a couple of nights in these kinds of accommodation is a must. It is equipped with class-apart amenities and provides for an exquisite experience.

Best tree house resorts in Kerala: Jungle Jive tree houses in Munnar, Tranquil Resort in Wayanad, Ranger Wood Nature Castle Machan Treehouse in Thekkady.

Gobble On Kerala’s Varied Cuisine

Kerala takes all its visitors on a gastronomical journey owing to the mind-boggling food varieties it offers. Due to its coastal setting, numerous lip-smacking dishes are prepared out of seafood like tiny prawns, sardines and oysters. Having said that, vegetarians also have a long list of dishes such as appam with stew, Idiyappam and Malabar paorta.

Must-try Keralan dishes: Puttu and Kadala Curry, Kerala Prawn Curry and Fish Molee

Sail On The Backwaters

The views of the majestic emerald backwaters is indeed a sublime sight for a traveller. The villages and scenic islands can be spotted as you sail. Hop on a houseboat and behold the mirrored lagoons for an experience of a lifetime. You can behold postcard-perfect views with coconut trees lined all along the houseboats. Moreover, delicious cuisines will be prepared on board and served fresh to you.

Best backwater destinations in Kerala: Alleppey, Kollam, Kumarakom, Kuttanad and Kasaragod

Get An Ayurveda Massage

Kerala has also gained popularity as a holistic health destination. Hence, many resorts and individual chains offer all kinds of Ayurvedic healing therapies, treatments and spas. Indulge in a deep tissue massage that will ease out all your stress knots. The various sought-after services that these outlets provide offer ultimate refreshment to the mind and soul.

Best Ayurveda spas in Kerala: Carnoustie Ayurveda and Wellness Resort in Mararikulam, Kalari Kovilakom in Palakkad and Nattika Beach Ayurveda Resort in Thrissur.

Experience An Authentic Village Life

Safeguarded from the ravages of industrialisation, the quaint villages in Kerala have maintained their pristine charm. You can live a laid back and scheduled life and add a definitive cultural dimension to your Kerala trip. Revisit the olden era of the rural village and its culture rich background. Indulge in activities like coir making, Canoe fishing and walk through lush paddy fields.

Most scenic villages in Kerala: Vaikom, Kumarakom, Kovalam and Thekkady

Take A Spice Tour

The intoxicating aroma of pepper, cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon and many such will take over all your senses when in Kerala. Its equable climate and matchless geographical positions has helped the state become the de facto exporter of varied spices. Wander through these plantations and you can also buy fresh spices from where it originates.

Best spice plantations in Kerala: Cinnamon Gardens Spices Plantation in Munnar, Goodly Plantations And Group Of Companies in Kochi and Green House Spices and Spice Plantation in Thekkady

Buckle up your shoes, because your bucket list for a Kerala tourism package is absolutely ready!

You may also like to read God’s own country indeed

God’s Own country indeed!

April 16, 2019 Travel, Within India

10 Buddhists Pilgrimage Sites in India

Wat Thai Temple, Kushinagar, pilgrimage site

India is a land of diversity where diverse religions can be found within the same state and the country. Hinduism, Buddhism, Sikhism, Islam, and Christianity are some of the widespread religions in India but nowadays Buddhism is quite popular among youths as its wonderful teachings of life inspire every youth. Its teaching ranges from separation from the materialistic delights of the world, truth, and non-violence.

A number of monasteries are located at the different corners of India which can be explored on your Buddhist pilgrimage tour in India, starting from Mahabodhi Temple in Gaya which is the most famous and acclaimed Buddhist Monastery in the country.

1- Mahabodhi Temple (Location- Bihar)

Mahabodhi Temple (Location- Bihar), pilgrimage site

One of the most divine Buddhist places in India which is established in Bodh Gaya, Bihar and was built by the great King Ashoka in the 3rd century. This 180 feet high huge pyramid architecture reflects the teachings, custom, culture, and tradition of Buddhists. A huge and gorgeous idol of Lord Buddha is standing majestically in this yellow stoned structure.

Specialty- the sacred Bodhi tree under which Lord Buddha attained self-enlightenment.

2- Mahaparinirvana Temple (Location- Kushinagar)

The second holiest Buddhist places in India which are not only famous for its religious significance but also for its tourism rate. This Buddhist site is not only visited by Indian tourists but also by international tourists with the same level of enthusiasm. The beautiful architecture and the spiritual aura of this site are quite appealing to the visitors.

Specialty– A huge sleeping postured statue of Lord Buddha (6 meters high) which symbolizes Buddha’s highest state of salvation.

3- Wat Thai Temple (Location-Kushinagar)

Also called as the Buddhist treasures in India, Wat Thai Temple is known for its tranquil aura. The atmosphere inside the temple makes it a perfect place for meditation as the ambience is filled with complete serenity and peace. It’s impossible for the visitors to ignore the natural charm of this Buddhist site which is studded with greenery all around.

Specialty– Designed with a beautiful combination of Buddhist and Thai architecture and its green environment all around the temple.

4- Sarnath Temple (Location-Varanasi)

The place where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon on wisdom after attaining the enlightenment and the architecture was constructed during the 3rd century BC by the great King Ashoka. Presently, it is counted among the top 5 Buddhist religious places in India.

Specialty– The first spiritual discourse was delivered by Lord Buddha after gaining the enlightenment. It also houses some other Stupas which enhance the charm of this site.

5- Sanchi Stupa (Location- Madhya Pradesh)

It is believed to be the most ancient stone monument in India built by the great emperor Ashoka. This magnificent architecture represents very beautifully the glory of Buddhism architecture and also the arts. The intricate carvings on the walls, pillars, and the gate of Stupa makes it one of the most visited Buddhist sites in the country.

Specialty– Beautiful relics of Lord Buddha, exquisite carvings on the gateways, and the huge spherical dome.

6- Rumtek Monastery (Location- Sikkim)

Rumtek Monastery (Location- Sikkim), pilgrimage site

Nestled beautifully on the hilltop in Sikkim, Rumtek Monastery was known as the Dharma Chakra Centre originally. Besides being a spiritual place, Rumtek is also known for its growing tourism rate due to its beautiful location and surrounding landscapes comprised of green mountains which gives a visual treat to the visitors coming to this place.

Specialty– Its fine architecture is quite famous in the world and the breathtaking view of the entire Gangtok town.

7- Theravada Buddhist Temple (Location- Itanagar)

Theravada Buddhist Temple (Location- Itanagar), pilgrimage site

One of the most prime Buddhist destinations in East India, Theravada is considered to be an ideal place for seeking meditation due to its serene ambience. The place holds great religious significance in Buddhism and is also known for its surreal natural beauty.

Specialty– Verdant greenery, comfortable, positive, and peaceful vibes and also the cleanliness of the structure makes it unique and special.

8- Kapilvastu (Location- Siddharth Nagar, Uttar Pradesh)

Kapilvastu (Location- Siddharth Nagar, Uttar Pradesh), pilgrimage

This Buddhist site holds a great religious and historical significance and also famous for housing numerous Stupas. Kapilvastu is believed to be the place where Lord Buddha was grown up and lived up a happy life with his son Rahul and wife before leaving for Nirvana.

Specialty– The inscriptions of Deoputra in the Stupa Complex, Palace site, and the ruins of the palace of Prince Gautam’s father King Suddhodhan.

9- Ghum Monastery (Location- Darjeeling)

Ghum Monastery (Location- Darjeeling), pilgrimage site

It is believed to be the oldest Buddhist site in the city of Darjeeling which is elevated at a great height of 8000 feet. This highly elevated monastery was established by Lama Sherab Gyatso in the year 1850. One can witness many ancient manuscripts of Buddhists inside the premise of this structure.

Specialty- the clay used to design the huge statue of Buddha in the monastery was brought from Tibet. The view of imposing Kanchenjunga is an additional treat to the eyes.

10- Ajanta Caves (Location- Maharashtra)

Ajanta Caves (Location- Maharashtra), pilgrimage site

Included in the list of World Heritage Sites as declared by UNESCO, Ajanta Cave is a beautiful Buddhist architecture which was constructed during 650 CE and 2nd century BC. The paintings and the sculptures depicted on the walls of the cave tell many stories and also numerous things about the Buddhist culture. The serenity and tranquillity of the cave is an additional feature of this Buddhist site in India.

Speciality– set of 3 rock-cut structure, the greenery of the surrounding areas, and the huge meditations halls.

Why You Should Blog Your Travels

Travelling is what most people want to do. May it be near or far, we would love the freedom to go anywhere to discover new things, places, food, culture, and many more! It gives one a new and unforgettable experience and thus, people find various ways in order to preserve their memories even longer. One of the common types is through blogging.

Are you interested in starting a travel blog but you still have hesitations about starting? Maybe it’s because you don’t know where to post your story or which website to share it to. It could be the lack of time you need in order to think and build up your whole story, or the fear of not having enough “good” writing skills which makes one not post their blog. Sometimes, it’s not about the technicalities itself, some of you may be thinking, “What’s in it for me? What value can it give to my life?”

Well, here are some reason you might want to start a travel blog:

It helps you build connections

blog helps create connections — Business Network People Business Networking

Building a travel blog helps you connect and network with people from different places. It’s not just with your readers but also with other travel bloggers, video creators, travellers, photographers, and people in the travel industry.

Nikon D3400 Digital Camera Kit (Black) with Lens AF-P DX Nikkor 18-55mm, 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3G ED VR Lens, 16 GB Class 10 SD Card and DSLR Bag

In my travels, I have gotten extended help from fellow travelers and locals because of people who have read my travel entries. They guided me on locating the best restaurants, showed me places which are not popular with tourists, and gave me more information on what a certain place has to offer.

Whether you meet these kinds of people in social media or in real, you get the opportunity to collaborate and learn travel tips from them as well.

You help contribute your knowledge to other travellers

The Internet is a digital library of knowledge and experiences. Help contribute to that library and help other people who are also curious to know more about the world.

Somewhere out there in the world, there is a person with the same sentiments, dilemmas, and musings as you. You become a teacher and a guide to others.

Posting reviews? You are letting someone know if a place is worth visiting or not. Posting your travel problems? Your posts are helping someone out there who is also a lost traveler. Posting about a bad hotel experience? Help other travelers avoid it and help the hotel improve their business.

Possibility for travel perks and sponsorships

blog helps create travel perks and sponsorships — Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay

Creating a travel blog should not be for the sole purpose that you want to earn money from it and you also should not expect that you will make lots of money with your travel blog right away. Otherwise, you might end up quitting if you do not get the results you want right away.

However, if you want to start a blog for the sole purpose of writing about your passion and love for travel, then if your travel website starts to get traction and acquire more readers, you can monetize it for affiliate marketing links related to the travel industry, sponsorships, advertisements, and travel perks.

The Prerequisites Of Planning An Adventurous Ski Trip

Planning a trip requires a lot of attention to detail in terms of what all will you be doing there and what all arrangements are to be done in advance. The issue is significant especially when it comes to planning adventurous trips. The refusal of many leads to cancellation but mostly the reasons are not known. Some people are afraid to experience the event, and some are afraid of spending more than their ability. There might be other problems according to a particular situation but the most common are the two mentioned above.

Skiing has been the most preferred adventure sport many dreams of experiencing. But not everyone has the luck to do it even for once in their life. This article has all the prerequisites to have a trip skiing exactly according to your considerations and what all you must know and carry to make it successful according to the plan made in advance. Go through each and every point to know in details what all prerequisites you must have to conduct an adventure like skiing at an exotic location like Breckenridge.

A Place To Stay

Any adventurous trip will require a place to stay. It should be comfortable and affordable having all the basic amenities you require and not go beyond your budget.

Skybags Mirage Polycarbonate 47.7 cms Orange Hardsided Check-in Luggage (MIRAGE69MOG)

All your luggage has to be kept there without any stress of losing it so that the purpose for which you have come to the trip is fulfilled. Look for places to stay in advance to avoid paying on the spot premium. The stress-free environment for you is very important so that you don’t have to think about anything else while encountering the adventure which might hinder your performance.

Arranging Equipment in Advance

In this case, when you go out for skiing, you need to look for some ski rentals in Breckenridge and pay more than the appropriate amount to carry out the adventure. This is because you didn’t have any prior knowledge about the material and these businessmen know that you won’t be leaving the place without undergoing something fresh. Many platforms provide you with an option of not having to alter any of your plans in order to have that quality equipment kit. Everything is taken care of by them right from delivery to considerations until the returns. There is an option of having ski rental delivery in Breckenridge at your place of stay which makes it even more flexible for you to explore more. Only after sales are to be considered by you because some safety measures have to be taken to keep the equipment as you accepted them.

The Mode of Transport

Planning a trip requires you to travel from one place to another in order to hunt the location appropriate for carrying out that particular adventure sport. In this case, Breckenridge is covered with snow for the most part of the year with terrains appropriate for skiing and people from far away places come to Ski and snowboard. One thing is for sure that people have started to take their comfort while travelling seriously and this is the main reason why you must book your mode of transport well in advance of the dates decided.

In conclusion, it is always recommended to plan everything in priority and organize it accordingly which provides you with a stress-free experience. Whether you are planning for the place of stay for the equipment or even for the mode of transport, everything planned in advance will give you a better experience when compared to taking decisions on the spot. In order to cut down the ski rental prices in Breckenridge, hotel prices, etc. while maintaining the desired quality, planning through trusted sources is recommended to prepare yourself for any uncertainty that may come your way.

Julie has a travel website tripoutside.com having comparison tools for various sports and adventures trips for rentals.