Cuddling up with your special soul is an integral part of Valentine’s Day. How about doing it in the best environment that Mother Nature could provide? Therefore, it would obviously be Ooty, Darjeeling, Jaipur, Kashmir, or Andaman. Are you fed up with these cliché Valentine’s Day destinations? India has many hidden geographical treasures that serve as excellent Valentine’s Day destinations.
If you love snow, mountain, and adventure activities, Auli is the right place to be. Surrounded by skiing routes and trekking trails, this extraordinary location is famous for its natural scenic beauty. Located near Rishikesh, this destination is known for its cool climate and adventure activities.
Tips for an unforgettable Valentine’s Day at Auli
Skiing and other snow activities for budget travelers and a luxury ski resort stay for luxury travelers
Trek through the snowy trails early in the evening to catch a glimpse of the setting sun.
Jungle trekking through oak and deodar forests for a picnic or trekking
Cable car travel to enjoy the enchanting Himalayan ranges
Visit Clifftop for a romantic view of the nature around you.
Khajjiar
Image credit http://www.visittnt.com
Located along the slopes, this is the bubbling spot of Himachal Pradesh. Sprouting with green life throughout the region, this is the nature lover’s spot with numerous tourist attractions. This destination is filled with a fusion of attractions during February.
Tips for an unforgettable Valentine’s Day at Khajjiar
Romantic nature walk at Kalatop wildlife sanctuary
Horse riding at Khajjiar Lake and a picnic lunch along the grassy slopes
Camping near Kailash village and an early morning visit to any apple orchards
Hiking at Dainkund Peak in the afternoon
Nature bath at Panchpula Waterfalls
Parwanoo
Image credit- http://www.visittnt.com
Parawanoo is a small hill village situated at the border of Haryana. It is famous for apple orchards, exotic lakes, pleasant climates, and cherishing nature. This place is a gateway for nature lovers to get their love kindled.
Tips for an unforgettable Valentine’s Day at Parwanoo
Exotic trekking through timber trail or enjoy a cable car ride through the Shivalik range
Early morning visit to the orchards in the Shivalik range. Choose apple and peach orchards, as they will be at prime beauty with many fruits ready to harvest in February.
Sightseeing and exploration of colonial buildings, Gorkha Fort, and others.
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The northeastern part of India is the most unexplored natural Narnia. If you want a unique celebration, you need to choose destinations that are not tainted with crowded places. Imphal is the capital of Manipur. This is a cultural land to enjoy blooming valleys, orchids, market visits, and much more.
Tips for an unforgettable Valentine’s Day at Imphal
The climate will be very pleasing during February. You ought to take a romantic stroll, early in the morning.
Trek through hillocks and spot rare birds and exotic flowering plants. You might even spot a couple of deers during this season.
Enjoy a romantic evening as you stroll through orchids. Choose the orchids that are in bloom during February.
Enjoy the exotic Thaba Changba folk dance at night to enjoy the culture of the land.
If you love to enjoy more time in nature, visit Keibul Lamjao National Park which is a little away from Imphal
Visit Tengnoupal for a panoramic view of the surrounding regions. Visit during sunset for a romantic time.
Poovar Island
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Located in the honeymoon state of Kerala, this serene beach location is famous for the privacy that is essential for Valentine’s Day celebrations. Poovar Island is an admirable destination for all kinds of travelers. The pleasant weather and the exotic spice plantations make your memories unique here.
Tips for an unforgettable Valentine’s Day at Poovar
Enjoy a romantic beach picnic with sunbathing, hammock time, water activities, and others
Backwater ride in a country boat for a romantic evening
Fishing with the locals
Visit the lake early in the morning for spotting birds
Enjoying exotic adventure activities like paragliding, surfing, and others.
Why choose the same destination repeatedly, get lost in the crowd of fellow romantic couples and wait in queue for enjoying a single romantic moment? Have the whole destination to yourself by choosing exotic places that are hidden away from commercial tourism.
Last week, I received an invite for an event called Knowledge Factory from Blogadda. It was a great opportunity for networking with celebrities like Riccha Chadda, Sona Mohapatra, Chairman of 5F World, were some of the speakers for the event. The event included activities like Quiz, Networking Lunch etc.
What is Knowledge Factory?
Knowledge Factory is a platform for young professionals to meet over a meaningful experience. It is an avenue for knowledge exchange through a fun and interesting way. The tagline Mind. Mischief. More is about serious fun. It leaves a lot to the imagination because the Factory is an open canvas. Much of what happens on the day is open to interpretation.
When was the event?
9 February 2017
Where?
Taj Santacruz
Arrival at the venue- Arrived at the venue as per the scheduled time.
The presenter for the event was Rini Simon Khanna who introduced us to the speakers and the sessions for the events. In her words, ‘what is Knowledge Factory’?
To summarize, Rini Simon Khanna, in short
Knowledge factory-fun way to learn #KF2018 @knowfactind
Who is Rini Simon Khanna?
Rini Simon Khanna is a noted Indian television news anchor, who worked with state-run Doordarshan (1985 – 2001) which made her a “household name”, and later started a career as voiceover professional and anchor person for various events. She started her career as a newscaster with All India Radio in 1982.
In addition to presenting news, Rini is an experienced Voice talent, rendering commentary and voiceovers for documentaries, advt films and feature-films. She also anchors international and national conferences, cultural shows and seminars for prestigious organisations, UN agencies, corporate groups and Government agencies. She has also given the female voice over for the Delhi Metro along with male voice over of Shammi Narang.
About the event–
Knowledge Factory- A day long festival of knowledge, insights, and trivia. It was not a bad way to spend a Friday! #KF2018 @knowfactind
Knowledge Factory event started with the 1st session ‘The Leadership Dilemma: Is authority an outmoded word?’ The speakers for the event were Raj Nayak, COO, Viacom 18 and Madhavan Narayan-Senior Journalist.
Kicking off the first session at #KF2018 – the Leadership Dilemma with Madhavan Narayanan and Raj Nayak in conversation. pic.twitter.com/OWPjvozJOt
Raj Nayak, COO, Viacom 18 stated that ‘Leadership does not come with title or experience. Integrity and trust are 2 most important traits of leaders.’ Success does not come at the cost of others. We can all grow together. You have to be a good human being to be a good leader. Every human being as a good and bad quality. Everyone works for respect and recognition. Respect, recognition and reward are the three things that make the younger generation empowered.
The 2nd session was “Future of travel-What possibilities does travel hold in the age of online everything?” It was a panel discussion between Malini Gowrishankar, Founder CEO F5Escapes, Rajnish Kumar, CTO and Co-Founder of Ixigo and Meena Vaidyanathan, Founder director of Nitti Consulting.
• Rajnish states that the travel agent of the future will not be a human.
• Chat bots, AR and not VR are the future of travel. Voice activated Tara from Ixigo is impressive. Alexa needs to watch out this competition if there is no collaboration.
• VR is not picked up because of lack of content and also is costly.
• A travel agency that thinks about improving your travel experience as personal choices will be a game changer.
• Content is a game changer.
• Tara is the new travel assistant for your travel needs.
• A story pops up on your handset based on GPS- how tech can aid tourism.
• Lots more stuff to elevate travel say panelists enabled by technology as a Bolton.
• AR will emerge as quality of content improves.
• No substitute for infrastructure. Infrastructure is not letting tourism bloom in India.
Rajnish states – “Imagine moving from one point on the planet to another in 2 hours. Rocket science, meet sustainable hotels.”
Networking at Tea
The 3rd session was “The Chef’s way to a healthier life: Balancing the way and the palate’
This panel included Vikas Seth- Culinary Directory, Embassy India, Gresham Fernandes- Corporate Chief, Impressario Group and Madulika Dash- Food and culture columnist.
Vikas Seth said ‘Millets are healthy as quinoa, less expensive. We can make millets interesting. Even make nachos. Millets require minimum water, less pesticides are used.”
Gresham Fernandes- “Fresh is good” “Make your own food. You want apple pie? Get your apples, knead the dough, bake it yourself. That is healthy.” “Eat what your ancestors ate, what your grandmother cooked. That’s how you will be healthy.
Vikas Seth- “Too much demand for fish has caused overfishing and this affects production. You should eat everything. Fish is healthy and light but everyone need to eat everything.
Gresham Fernandes’s health tip- “Seasonal eating in restraint’’
Madulika Dash- “Mushrooms won’t be around in a decade because it is difficult to grow.”
Dessert will vanish post meals by 2040.
Eat local, consume what you have been eating at home…Mindful eating is the key.
A health tip-“Start with dessert before you have a meal.”
Sodium in packaged food needs to be curtailed for health.
4th session “Environment and US- Quest of our young and the restless for a green, fair life” -Richa Chaddha, actor
Food choices, are also impacting climate change and a simple switch, individual decision can make a bigger impact.
Eat organic and local food produce.
The problem is not in food production but the food distribution.
We laughed at bottled water some year back, not far away, kids will be using bottled air.
Don’t confuse consumerism with development. Be mindful of the interrelatedness and consequences of nature and environment.
Technology is supposed to assist us and not make us its slave.
The 5th session was about “Gender Pay Gap: Exploring work and fair play for millions of women.”
The panel consisted of Sona Mohpatra- singer, lyricist and composer, Ganesh Natarajan, Chairman, 5F World (formerly with Nasscom) and Senthil Chengalvarayan, Former President, CNBC-TV18
We are truly regressing as we are progressing when it comes to gender equality! Sadly there are less of females given chance to go everywhere.
Women need to be part of decision-making process- Sonam Mohpatra
To highlight gender gap-a Canadian magazine publishes two issues-one for women and other priced 26% higher for men.
Ganesh Natarajan- “My belief is women have all the skills of a man and more.
Women need to support women. Women must be competitive and not put each other down.
Because inequality in decision-making is the biggest hurdle in empowerment & merely changing policies without the will to implement, visit & revisit informal cultural norms & start & sustain a dialogue is not sufficient to transform deeply imbedded power structures. #KF2018https://t.co/TLnTGR4Yg1
6th session after lunch- Terrorism through other prisms: Unravelling the individual and social
The panelists were Brahmachari Jamal Spiritual teacher, Ananda Sangha, Prof. Anil Sawarikar- Head of Psychology Department, Fergusson College, Shreya Narayan Actor, writer, Chakra Healing Follower.
• Human beings are inherently violent ~Freud
• Prof. Anil Sawarkar comes up with insight on how mass violence can be induced by manipulating psychology: an experiment backed this up.
• Energy within us defines us in terms of feeling hopelessness or positively.
• “Politicians love separating people. We are living in a dangerous age” as stated by Brahmachari Jemal. How terrorism gets mass justification.
• A terrorist is low on self-esteem
• According to Prof. Anil Sawarkar, suicide bombers have low self-esteem manipulated by terrorist leadership to extreme acts personality disorders and terrorism.
If you have critical thinking, you cannot be turned into a terrorist- Prof Anil Sawarkar on how kids need to be taught to face failure and made psychologically strong.
A measured mindful look at how terrorism can be overcome through active thinking and psychology. Intriguing though no solutions found.!
The 7th session – Theatre in the digital age with Sanjana Kapoor, Prithvi Theatre, Deepa Gehlot of NCPA and Subodh Maskara, Producer, actor, entrepreneur, Cineplay, Hotstar
Grand Hyatt Mumbai announces the splendid Valentine month offerings in Mumbai
Celebrate the season of love and create memorable moments for your beloved with the thoughtfully crafted array of special offerings and exquisite gourmet preparations in the heart of Mumbai.
Choose from the thoughtfully crafted food & beverage specials to make the special week more memorable, party like a star at our pre-valentine and Valentine Day party at China House Lounge, celebrate over Anti Valentine cocktails at The Bar or enjoy a luxurious Valentine Spa ritual at Club Oasis. The reasons and ways to celebrate are aplenty at Grand Hyatt Mumbai, this Valentine season.
The Grand Valentine Escapade at INR 999999*
There are some moments that happen once in a lifetime and to make these special moments more magical, the team at Grand Hyatt Mumbai has crafted a majestic Valentine Escape. And what makes it even more special? There can be only one couple who can experience it.
Allow us to take you on a splendid sojourn over a 2 day stay inclusive of luxury accommodation, chef crafted menus, free-flowing champagne, personalized tokens of love, makeovers and shopping, spa & relaxation, Helicopter rides, a rendezvous with Bollywood, a surprise getaway to follow and more . For more details, call 9930371004 or email neha.varyani@hyatt.com
Pre-Valentine Party at China House Lounge
Inviting all super women to celebrate and rejoice over complimentary spirits and cocktails* with the darling of Mumbai – China House Lounge at the Pre-Valentine party
10 February, 2018. 2030 hours onwards
Entry for ladies is complimentary (includes 3 cocktails* on the house) INR 5000 plus taxes per couple (can be redeemed against spirits *) *applicable on select brands and cocktails. No stags allowed.
A Sweet Celebration with sugar treats made with Love at Gourmet Store
Choose from an array of sweet offerings infused with love for a delightful confession of love this Valentine Day. Available between February 6 – 14, 2018
You can also choose from the Valentine Gift Hampers, Spa vouchers and more
Celebrate the day of love with your beloved with foot tapping music courtesy our guest DJ couple this Valentine’s Day
INR 6500 plus taxes per couple (inclusive of appetizers, cocktails and house pours and champagne on arrival) Please call 022 66761087 for special rates for booths. No stags allowed.
Choco Affair – an indulgent couple massage with a chocolate scrub followed by a relaxing massage which leaves you glowing with love. INR 8888 plus taxes per couple
GIFT WELLNESS THIS VALENTINE
Avail 20 massages for INR 102000 plus taxes *get complimentary membership to Fitness Centre for 6 months. Pre-purchased spa massages are valid for 12 months from February 2018
Individual Membership* at half the price – Pay only INR 87500 plus taxes for 12 months
Single Lady Membership at INR 75000 plus taxes for 12 months
Family Membership * at half the price – Pay only INR 160000 plus taxes for 12 months
Couple Membership * at half the price – Pay only INR 145000 plus taxes for 12 months
Swimming Sessions for one month – INR 10000 plus taxes for 12 sessions
Tennis Coaching for two months – INR 25000 plus taxes for 20 sessions
*membership includes access to wellness areas, swimming pool, fitness centre, spa & F&B discounts and more. No two offers can be clubbed. Terms & conditions apply.
CHRISTIAAN GEORGIO SALON
Avail any service* at Christiaan Georgio and enjoy a second one on us
Makeover at INR 5555 plus taxes – facial, hair ritual , haircut, blow dry
Get Groomed at INR 4444 plus taxes – face cleanup, manicure, pedicure
*above offers are applicable on select offerings and brands. No two offers can be clubbed. Terms & conditions apply. Please check with the salon team for more details
Have you ever visited a place and never wanted to get back to your normal life? Has any place made you feel like you are ready to shift there for your life? These eleven places would make you feel that way. Not just beaches and architecture; these places are filled with sensations that would bind you into them.
Goa
Goa Image credit- http://www.visittnt.com/
The warm white sand beaches, shady palm trees and the architecture that tingle the warmth in you and many others would attract you for lifetime. You would be stuck at awe by a lot of things. And, did you think that the beach is the only attraction in Goa? There are a lot of cathedrals, hot spots for enjoying night life and the irresistible waterfall.
The first point is that you might not be able to enjoy this place if you wait for a decade or so. In the list of places that would become a prey to the global warming, Maldives has a place. The crystal clear water, amazing coral islands and a diverse marine life are a few magnetisms among the many it holds. The topical fishes, turquoise sea and others would bind you to the place forever.
Kashmir
Kashmir Image credit- http://www.visittnt.com/
No, it is not a terrorism drenched place. It is the queen of beauty amidst snow capped mountains. You would feel like you just entered the land of Narnia. Starting from trekking to paragliding, you can enjoy a lot of outdoor activities in this land. The natural beauty of the place is unbeatable and would make you yearn for more.
Aerial view of the underwater waterfall and Le Morne Brabant peninsula. Amazing Mauritius landscape Image credit- http://www.visittnt.com/
It is a paradise in the volcanic island. Apart from the beaches and water sports, Mauritius is known for its magnificent lagoons. This is the place for those who love to do some exploration. The two hundred year old botanical gardens, plantation houses and the boat rides are some of the magnets in this paradise.
Kerala
Kerala Image credit- http://www.visittnt.com/
Kerala is the heaven on backwaters. The shady coconut trees, sparkling water and lush landscape would provide you a blanket of comfort. It is a mix of cool hill stations and snuggling beaches. Kerala has an earthly beauty which would sprinkle an everlasting magic on you.
This is the place for those who love adventure sports and exploration. Ladakh is filled with monasteries and other architectural marvels to lift the spirits of those who walk through. The Markha valley is known as the spot for all adrenaline filled activities. Enjoy the coldest desert in the world in the lap of Mother Nature- Leh Ladakh.
When it comes to luxurious vacation, the first choice that comes to most of the minds is Switzerland. The breathtaking sceneries, cathedral architecture and the snow covered landscape would melt you down in the first sight. This is a world-class place for some marvellous vacation time.
Greece is one of the very few places that would mesmerize the mind just with the name. With more than two thousand islands and numerous magnets of attraction, this is the place for all kinds of vacations. Are you looking for a relaxed time off? Do you want to spend some adrenaline filled time? Starting from food to festival, this is the place for everyone and everything.
Bangkok
Bangkok Image credit- http://www.visittnt.com/
This is the metropolitan city that would shine bright with bustling shrines and nightlife. You can enjoy a wide range of temples, crowded markets, exotic sceneries and other extravagances. This is one of the few places that would look different no matter how many times you visit this place.
This floating city is the romance capital of the world. With the raising temperature, this city might not be floating for long. Take your loved one on a canal ride as you watch and drench in the architectural beauty of the city. There are a lot of other magnificent places where you can enjoy the city’s culture and art.
The bluish water, misty climate, purple sunset, lush greenery and romance in air are the icons of Andaman. There might be thousands of islands with sandy beaches, but Andaman would stand as the king of lagoons and water sight.
