My Travel Blogs

Wednesday, August 31, 2022

Rich cultural heritage of Kerala comes out in its best form and spirit during the ten day long festival. It is indeed a treat to be a part of the grand carnival. People of Kerala make elaborate preparations to celebrate it in the best possible manner.

The most impressive part of Onam celebration is Onasadya, prepared on Thiruonam. It is a nine course meal consisting of 11 to 13 essential dishes. Onasadya (special meals) is served on banana leaves to have people sit on a mat laid on the floor. Another enchanting feature of Onam is Vallamkali,the Snake Boat Race, held on the river Pampa. It is a colourful sight to watch the decorated boat oared by hundreds of boatmen amidst chanting of songs and cheering by spectators.

Kuttanad is a favorite Kerala backwater destination and is ideal for leisurely cruising. Kuttanad is also known as the "Rice Bowl of Kerala" and is characterized by its green landscape. Travelling to Kuttanad is a must for visitors who don’t want to miss the scenic beauty of this verdant backwater destination in Kerala.

Kuttanad is crisscrossed with waterways that run alongside fields of cassava, banana and yam, as well as emerald green fields of paddy. A unique feature of Kuttanad is that many of these fields where farming is done are below sea level. The fields are surrounded by earthen bunds and crops are grown on the low-lying ground. This is similar to the polder regions of the Netherlands where land is reclaimed from the sea and crops are grown. You have to see the amazing below-sea-level fields of Kuttanad to get an actual feel of the place.

Onam Celebrations in Houseboat: Kuttanad Houseboats

The residents of Alleppey are close to nature and have a preference of a simple, healthy and peaceful lifestyle. Their traditional outfit of Alleppey is white Mundu and Neriathu; a plain white dhoti embroidered with golden silk lining for men and cream colored sari with golden border for women. The Alleppey cuisine can purely be classified under the typical Kerala food which mainly consists of rice and fish. The menu of these people lists Rice, Fish, Idli, Dosa, Vada, Sambhar, Uthapam, Appam, Kappa, Karimeen Pollichathu, other Sea Food, Kallu, etc. The economy of this region is mainly based on agriculture, back water fishing, shell collection, coir based industries, handlooms and handicrafts, and to top them all, tourism. Tourism is the most significant component of the economy of Alleppey. Tourists throng the Alleppey backwaters almost all round the year and the houseboats that cruise in the backwaters earn the boatmen substantial revenue.

Apart form the common Indian festivals Alleppey celebrates the traditional Kerala festivals, the most noteworthy amongst them being; Ugadi and Onam. Onam is Kerala’s biggest festival that falls in the month of Chingam according to Malayali Calendar and in the month of August or September according to the English Calendar. Onam commemorates the home coming of the legendary King Mahabali when along with the rest of the Kerala Alleppey hosts snake boat races which are ardently attended by a large number of residents as well as tourists. The Snake Boat Races of Kerala comprise the integrated part of the culture of Alleppey.

At the time of Onam, the backwaters of Alleppey are ignited by the vigorous boat races which is reckoned as the largest team sport in the world. Masses of elaborately carved long black wooden snake boats participate in these boat races. Besides the snake boats, other boats typically used for fishing or transportation such as Kettuvalam, Kochu-odi Vallam, Odi- Vallam, Irrutukuthi Vallam and Churulan or Chullam Vallam also participate in the boat races. By and large, a snake boat is ridden by 4 helmsmen, 25 singers and 100 to 125 oarsmen who row the boat to the rapid rhythms of the traditional boatmen song known as ‘Thevanchipattu’. Inestimable onlookers gather at the edges of the rivers or backwaters and cheer the boatmen as the enormous snake boats skillfully slice through the waters.

Onam In Alleppey!!

Onam is one of the most splendiferous festivals of God’s Own Country which is religiously as well as culturally significant celebrated with great grandeur and pomp. It is celebrated each year from late August until early September and it is observed by Keralites all over the world to commemorate the annual homecoming of the legendary King Mahabali. It is believed that on the festival day he will bless the people with happiness. It also marks the harvest festival of the state.

Thripunithura:

Thripunithura which once served as the erstwhile capital of Kochi is one of the best places in Kerala to experience the grandeur of Onam festival. The celebrations of Onam kicks off at Thripunithura near Ernakulam, with a spectacular cultural fiesta called the Athachamayam.

Thrikkakara:

A must-visit place during Onam festival is the Thrikkakara Temple which is dedicated to Vamana avatar of Lord Vishnu. The Onam festival is believed to have originated at Thrikkakara Temple. The celebrations of Onam at this temple also starts on the Atham day with a special flag hoisting ceremony. The festivity continues for nine more days with special cultural events, music and dance performances. Another highlight of this temple is the Pakalpooram which takes place on the day before Thiruvonam.

Thrissur:

To drench in the festive spirit of Onam, you should be in Thrissur, at the Swaraj Round where you bear witness to one of the most electrifying art form of Kerala called Pulikali (Tiger dance). I’m pretty sure you will lose yourself watching the vibrant Pulikali where the tiger-clad men mimic the movement of tigers to the throbbing beats of percussion music.

Trivandrum:

Another best place to indulge in the Onam celebrations is the capital city of Kerala, Trivandrum. The city wears a festive look with decorative lights for 10 days hosting various cultural activities, Pookalam contests, stage shows, dance competitions, folk arts, handicraft fairs, food stalls, etc at around 20 venues across the city.

Places To Visit In Kerala During Onam Festival

Cambodia has a unique and ancient food culture all its own, and unlike Thai and Vietnamese it's probably fairly difficult to find a bowl of it in your local neighbourhod. Using pepper rather than chilli to add spice, Cambodian cuisine is laden with fresh herbs, spices, rice, freshwater fish and condiments. And while there are influences from French and Thai styles, Cambodian food has a distinct style and flavour that's best experienced while seated at a local beer hall or family home. While travelling from Phnom Penh through to Siem Reap, discover the sights, sounds and flavours of Kampot, Battambang, Banteay Chhmar and Angkor Wat, and marvel at a cuisine, culture and population so special that you will very quickly be won over for life.

Food in Cambodia is a revelation. Fish, curry, pork, and some of the most divine spicey pastes you could hope for. Although if you don’t like too much spice, this country is for you, because they keep a lot of them on the side, and chilli isn’t a big thing. Travel the length of the country on a food tour, stay in homestays and learn the inside secrets or go tailor made and get cookery lessons every day if you like.

Cambodia : A Food Lover's Paradise

Lalbagh is one of the oldest botanical gardens in India and is also a major tourist attraction in South India. Located in South Bengaluru, the Lalbagh Botanical Garden is not only one of the largest botanical gardens in India, but also the first of its kind, with planned routes, glasshouses and ornamental flowers growing throughout the property.

The garden itself is spread over an area of 240 acres and its construction was commissioned by the famous ruler Hyder Ali. It was finally completed by his son- Tipu Sultan- who designed the gardens keeping in mind the beautiful gardens of Sira in Tumkur District in Karnataka. Lalbagh is home to exotic flowers that were imported by the Sultan from countries like France, Persia, Arabia, Afghanistan, etc. Therefore, flowers that were previously never seen in India were first witnessed in this historical garden. Trees that were imported by Tipu Sultan from all over the world can still be found growing here.

Apart from the exotic trees, visitors can also catch sight of some rare birds such as the Myna, pond heron, purple moorhen, parakeets, Brahminy kites, the common egret and much more. Apart from the stunning flora and fauna of the Lalbagh Botanical Garden, it has another striking attraction, which is the Lalbagh rock. This rock, which is said to be over 3000 years old, is one of the oldest rocks in the world and can be found in the center of the garden.

Bengaluru's Famous Lal Bagh

Kashmir is moving towards “purple revolution” as the farmers are slowly switching over from the traditional crops to more rewarding farming of lavender, a purple blossomed aromatic shrub. Since 2007 onwards, lavender farming has been introduced in Kashmir and parts of Jammu. It is now picking up revolutionary proportions. Lavender farming is now done in all of J&K’s 20 districts. Kathua, Udhampur, Doda, Ramban, Kishtwar, Rajouri, Srinagar, Pulwama, Kupwara, Bandipora, Budgam, Ganderbal, Anantnag, Kulgam and Baramulla districts, in particular, have made significant headway in this direction.

Lavender farming was launched as ‘Aroma Mission’ of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research and Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine, under the Ministry of Science and Technology. After the success of Phase I, the CSIR has started Phase-II, which will include over 45,000 skilled human resources and help over 75,000 families. According to officials, the climate of J&K is highly conducive for lavender cultivation as this plant can grow in cold temperatures and moderate summers.

Lavender is used for oil extraction which is then used in making soaps, cosmetics, perfumes, room fresheners, medicines, etc. The lavender plant does not require a lot of water and has a low risk of pests or other animals that destroy crops. A single lavender plant bears flowers for 15 years, needs low maintenance and can be used from the second year of plantation.

Purple Revolution In Kashmir: Lavender Fields

Known to be the world’s 'deadliest' garden, The Poison Garden in England has plants that can kill you. Located at Alnwick in Northumberland, this garden has over 100 varieties of dangerous plants. It is to be noted that one could visit this garde only with a guide. The dangerous garden has huge iron gates and a sign under a skull and crossbones that warns, "these plants can kill you".

The garden’s website mentions that the visitors are not allowed to smell, taste or touch any of the plants inside. The people still occasionally faint because of the toxic fumes they inhale while walking around the garden.

It is reported that one of the plants in the garden is the monkshood, which has pretty blue flowers but produces deadly berries, leaves and stems. The staff of the garden wears hazmat suits to maintain the deadly plants located in the garden.

World's 'deadliest' Poison Garden : The Alnwick Garden, England

Located in the cliffside of the upper valley in Bhutan, Paro Taktsang is an eminent Buddhist sacred site and is also known as Tiger’s Nest or Taktsang Palphug Monastery. This temple has become the folk icon of Bhutan which Hangs at an uncertain cliff at 10240 feet above the Paro valley, reaching the temple is only possible through a mountainous route. The remote location makes it difficult to reach but also makes it beautiful, unique and an unforgettable destination at the same time and it is one of the best places to visit in Paro.

The glistering lights, golden dome and idols make its interior even more amazing. A large statue of a tiger is located in the hall of a thousand Buddhas, which is carved out of a rock. The buildings are interconnected and the stairs are carved out of the rocks, and there are windows in every building which gives a glorious view. To mark the beginning of a new day, the monks rotate the prayer wheel everyday at 4 AM which is located at the courtyard of the temple and is the main shrine of the temple.

The rock slopes are almost vertical on the right side of Paro Chu. 'Chu' here refers to rivers or water in Bhutanese. The temple is devoted to Padmasambhava which is also known as Gu-Ru mTshan-bragyad Lhakhang which translates as 'the temple of the guru with eight names'. During March or April, a festival called Tsechu is celebrated in the Paro valley in the honor or Padmasambhava.

Destinations To Visit in Your Lifetime : Tiger's Nest, Bhutan

If you had the chance to bring your camera anywhere in the world, where would you go? There are many beautiful places in the world for photography, and many photographers are lucky enough to have the time and resources to travel to every single one of them.

But even if you don’t have the option of trotting the globe all year round searching for new and stunning views to immortalize with your camera, you can still have to be a bit more selective with the places you visit. We’ve come up with a list of some of the best places to photograph from all around the world.

Whether you want to do some landscape photography, nature photography, astrophotography, or even street photography, here are some places that you’ll want to include your travel photography bucket list.

Machu Picchu (Peru)

Peru’s Machu Picchu is a dream for any photographer who loves traveling and taking large -scale landscape pictures. This world famous 15th-century landmark is situated almost eight thousand feet above sea level. It offers stunning views of the Andes and of the ancient Inca temples and ruins. And at the foot of Machu Picchu is the Aguas Calientes, where you can also do some astrophotography and capture spectacular shots of the Milky Way.

Pyramids of Giza (Egypt)

Who doesn’t get awe-inspired by the majestic pyramids of Egypt? At the Pyramids of Giza complex in the outskirts of Cairo, you’ll find the three pyramids (including the biggest and oldest one called the Pyramid of Khufu) and a massive Sphinx sculpture, which should look awesome in panoramic shots. Photographers who have been to the Pyramids of Giza warn that you should expect extreme lighting in this part of this Egyptian desert, so you can definitely utilize fast shutters.

Salar de Uyuni Salt Flats (Bolivia)

If you’re a fan of surreal, breathtaking images then you’ll want to bring your gear with you to the Salar de Uyuni salt flats in the Andes of southwest Bolivia. It’s basically a dried-up desert lake where a thin layer of water forms during wet climates. When the water evaporates during hotter climates, the ground gets covered with a solid layer of salt and other minerals. It’s currently the world’s largest salt flat and it stretches over 4,000 square miles, so you would be able to take wide shots of this incredible plane without other tourists sneaking into your frame and ruining your photo.

Reed Flute Cave (China)

The Reed Flute Cave, also known as the “Palace of Natural Arts,” is a popular tourist destination in Guilin, China. It’s been a famous attraction for more than a thousand years and is over 180 million years old. What makes this landmark so frequently photographed is the artificial multicolored lighting that beautifully illuminates the rock formations, as well as the lake that offers surreal mirror reflections of this majestic fairyland.

Fairbanks (Alaska)

To see the entrancing Aurora Borealis (or the Northern Lights) is a dream for many, and capturing the Northern Lights is also an exciting feat for many photographers. Luckily, you won’t have to go very far to see these heavenly lights, because the Fairbanks region in Alaska is one of the top locations to visit if you want a great view of this fascinating natural phenomenon.

Best Places in the World To Photograph!!

A small village in Pathanamthitta district in Kerala, Gavi is ideally placed around 14 km away from Kumily in Thekkady and 28 km from Vandiperiyar, a small town in Idukki district. Gavi is one of the major eco-tourism centres in Kerala, which has been listed as one of the must see places in India by world acclaimed tourism major, Alistair International.

The journey to Gavi is itself an exciting and rejuvenating experience. During the drive, you will be able sight the beautiful Gavi, covered with tea plantations. Get thrilled with the sights of hills and valleys, tropical forests, grasslands, spectacular waterfalls, cardamom plantations etc. Gavi is a part of the Periyar Tiger Reserve.

Planning a trip to Gavi is planning to delve deep into the life of wild flora and fauna. Gavi is very famous for its wildlife. You can sight here endangered species like Nilgiri Tahr and Lion-tailed Macaque along with Elephants. Gavi is considered to be a heaven for bird lovers and bird watchers. More than 260 species of birds like pied hornbill, woodpecker, kingfisher etc are abundant here. Endless activities await you here like trekking, wildlife watching, outdoor camping and night safaris.

Unexplored Kerala: Gavi, Periyar

Alcatraz Island, byname The Rock, rocky island in San Francisco Bay, California, U.S. The island was developed in the mid-19th century with facilities for a lighthouse, a military fortification, and a military prison. In 1934, the island was converted into a federal prison, Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary. The strong currents around the island and cold water temperatures made escape nearly impossible, and the prison became one of the most notorious in American history. The prison closed in 1963, and the island is now a major tourist attraction. From 1934 to 1963 it served as a federal prison for some of the most dangerous civilian prisoners. Among its famous denizens were Al Capone, George (“Machine Gun”) Kelly, and Robert Stroud, the “Birdman of Alcatraz” (the subject of the 1962 film of the same name).

Beginning in November 1969, the island was occupied for more than 19 months by a group of Native Americans, initially primarily from San Francisco, who were later joined by AIM and other urban Indians from other parts of the country, who were part of a wave of Native American activists organizing public protests across the US through the 1970s. In 1972, Alcatraz was transferred to the Department of Interior to become part of Golden Gate National Recreation Area. It was designated as a National Historic Landmark in 1986.

Today, the island's facilities are managed by the National Park Service as part of Golden Gate National Recreation Area. Visitors can reach the island in fewer than 15 minutes by ferry ride from Pier 33, located between the San Francisco Ferry Building and Fisherman's Wharf, San Francisco. Hornblower Cruises, operating under the name Alcatraz Cruises, is the official ferry provider to and from the island.

Alcatraz Island : A Former Maximum-security Prison

Picturesquely located in secluded, breathtakingly beautiful Rupshu Valley, the high-altitude Tso Moriri Lake is less than 250 kilometers southeast of Leh. Flanked by lofty mountains, this serene lake is about 4,000 meters above sea level. Tso Moriri is approximately 29 kilometers long and up to 8 kilometers wide. Tso Moriri attracts a range of wildlife, including migratory birds, marmots and rarely the Tibetan wolves.

Tso Moriri lake in Changthang region of Ladakh is one of the most beautiful, calm and sacred (for ladakhis) high altitude lakes in India. In fact, it is the largest high altitude lake in India that is entirely in Indian Territory. This beautiful blue pallet lake is about 7 KM wide at its broadest point and about 19 KM long. Being part of the wetland reserve under Ramsar site, it is actual known as Tsomoriri Wetland Conservation Reserve and one cannot pitch any tents or construct anything near the banks of the lake. It is the highest Ramsar site in the world. A large number of flora and fauna is found in the region. Since, it is very near to the Line of Actual Control, one need to get Inner Line Permit to visit Tso Moriri.

The beautiful multi shades of blue color offered by this lake along with a picturesque landscape around gives this place an extremely romantic feel and breathtaking feel. However, in actual reality the place is extremely harsh and difficult to survive especially in winters. There is only one cemented accommodation available around the lake and the facilities like electricity, medical aid, hot running water, western toilets etc. are rare to find. The lack of oxygen makes survival difficult if your body is not properly acclimatized to its high altitude and hence, one need to plan his/her journey extremely carefully to make it acute mountain sickness free vacation.

Charming Lake Of North : Tso Moriri

The second largest city in the Indian state of Rajasthan, this “blue city” is a mesmerizing collection of azure abodes that soothes and delights anyone that beholds it.

In the city of Jodhpur, a sea of boxy indigo houses stretches for more than 10 kilometers along the walls of the historic walled old city. A blue pigment coating on a house used to indicate that a brahmin—the priests of the Indian caste system—dwelled there, but over time the color became a badge of identity for non-brahmins, too. It’s also said to have insect-repelling abilities.

Situated on the edge of the Thar desert, Jodhpur is also called the “sun city,” named for the overwhelming amount of bright and sunny days it experiences. It is home to famed forts, palaces, mausoleums, gardens, lakes, and towers, making it a hotspot for tourist activity. But above all, visitors aren’t likely to forget the eye-catching color coating the houses, creating a luscious blue sea in the arid Indian landscape. A view from the top of the looming Mehrangarh fort, one of India's largest forts from the 15th century, lets visitors overlook the bountiful, striking blue for which the city is known.

The Blue City of India - Jodhpur

One of the most popular Hindu festivals is Janmashtami, which is widely observed throughout India. In India, Janmashtami—also known as Gokulashtami—celebrates the birthday of Lord Krishna and will be observed on August 19 this year. One of the most well-known Hindu deities, Krishna is thought to be Vishnu's eighth incarnation. Here are some of the top places in India to experience Janmashtami festivities and travel over the holiday.

Mathura

Because it is the birthplace of Lord Krishna, Mathura celebrates Janmashtami with great fervour. The two main holidays celebrated here are Jhulanotsav and Ghatas. For the festival of Juhlanotsav, people hang swings over their idols of Krishna in their homes. In a ritual called Abhishek, Krishna idols are bathed with milk, curd, honey, and even ghee in the early morning (anointment). The idol is dressed in new attire and ornaments after being bathed, and it is then positioned in a swing (jhulan). To commemorate Krishna's birth, these swings are placed in the courtyards of homes and temples all across Mathura. Krishna statues are swung on them.

Gokul

Gokul is the most significant location linked with Lord Krishna's upbringing because it was where he spent his formative years with his adoring adoptive parents, Yashodha and Nanda. Gokul celebrates Janmashtami, also known as Gokulashtami, a day after the rest of the nation because Krishna was taken there from Mathura after midnight. One day after Krishna was born, the people of Gokul discovered his existence, so they decided to celebrate his birthday on that day.

Vrindavan

Ten days before Krishna's birthday, the festival of Janmashtami starts in Vrindavan. One of the oldest temples in India is the Govind Dev Temple in Vrindavan. Another fascinating place is Nidhi Van, a revered Krishna temple in the heart of a large forest of trees. There are many Vana Tulsi (basil) trees in the park that surrounds the temples.

Kerala

Kerala celebrates a magnificent celebration on Janmashtami. Palpaysam and appam, two special south Indian meals, are made and served to Krishna. Major rituals and festive events are centred on the Guruvayoor Sri Krishna temple. Poojas and aartis are done at the temple throughout the day to start it off. The elephants from the Guruvayoor temple accompany a procession carrying a gold idol of "Balakrishna."

Janmashtami 2022: Best Places To Visit During Janmashtami

In many ways, the story of Buddhism all begins in Lumbini, under a full moon more than 2600 years ago. It was on that night that Queen Mayadevi is said to have stopped here during her travels to give birth to a son, Prince Siddhartha, who would find enlightenment and become Buddha 35 years later.

For visitors, Lumbini is an incredibly spiritual place and the tranquillity of the site is felt the strongest in the Sacred Garden that surrounds the central Mayadevi Temple. A large water feature, said to be the same pond where Prince Siddhartha was given his purification bath, reflects the trees of the garden. Prayer flags hang from the branches and gently sway in the breeze as worshippers sit below in deep meditation. For pilgrims who have made the long journey to get here, this is the moment they have been travelling towards.

However, there is much more to Lumbini than just the central temple and garden. The site spreads out over a large area, where you’ll find more than 30 monasteries open to the public, meditation centres, peaceful natural areas, and landscaped parks.

Even further afield, in the area around the Lumbini, there are thousands of years of history to explore. You can walk in the footsteps of Buddha as you visit his childhood estate, see his mother’s city, and stand in the exact spot where he left home through a palace gate to begin his journey to enlightenment.

Lumbini, the Birthplace of the Lord Buddha : Sacred Sites

Taman Negara Rainforest is one of the oldest rainforests in the world. It has been around for 130 million years, which means the forest, once upon a time, used to accommodate dinosaurs. Spanning over a 4343 sq. km, Taman Negara is one of Malaysia’s premier and the most popular tourist destinations.

According to the Department of Wildlife and National Parks, the tropical rainforest attracts between 80,000 and 100,000 tourists each year. It is popular for its vast offering of ecological and geographical attractions. This mostly includes wildlife spotting and extraordinary walking trails. You can do various things, such as canopy walks, jungle trekking, canoeing, etc.

The park has developed into a famous ecotourism destination in Malaysia. It is a particularly favourable destination for trekking, as the park's remarkable biodiversity is matched by a good network of jungle trails and the availability of expert guides. The park is also noted for fishing, especially along the upper reaches of the Tahan or Kenyam rivers, and for rafting the rapids of Sungai Tembeling.

Taman Negara Rainforest: A Tropical Paradise

Nature is filled with never-ending surprises. We hear scientists discovering something new every day; a myriad of new elements are recognized every year. However, one such mesmerizing factor about nature that has been recognized and might not have been heard of is the existence of bioluminescent forests. In simple terms, glowing forests.

Maharashtra’s Bhimashankar Wildlife Reserve which is situated approximately 100 km to the east of Mumbai has a rare yet beautiful occurrence — after sunset when the whole forest is dark, it actually glows and lights up. The bioluminescence phenomenon doesn't happen every day. There are chances you might have a wonderful stroke of luck and get to catch the view after an evening of heavy rains in the monsoon months of July, August and September. The fireflies, on the other hand, can be spotted easily in the pre-monsoon months of May and June.

Spread over an area of 131 km square, the Bhimashankar Wildlife Reserve is located in the Khed and Ambegaon area of Pune District (Western Ghats). The reserve was created in 1984 for the purpose to save and protect the endangered species of Indian Giant Squirrel. A total of 9 tribal villages are part of this reserve.

Glowing Forest: Bhimashankar Wildlife Reserve

One of Australia’s most remarkable natural gifts, the Great Barrier Reef is blessed with the breathtaking beauty of the world’s largest coral reef. The reef contains an abundance of marine life and comprises of over 3000 individual reef systems and coral cays and literally hundreds of picturesque tropical islands with some of the worlds most beautiful sun-soaked, golden beaches. Because of its natural beauty, the Great Barrier Reef has become one of the worlds most sought after tourist destinations.

A visitor to the Great Barrier Reef can enjoy many experiences including snorkelling, scuba diving, aircraft or helicopter tours, bare boats (self-sail), glass-bottomed boat viewing, semi-submersibles and educational trips, cruise ship tours, whale watching and swimming with dolphins. The Great Barrier Reef is one of the seven wonders of the natural world, and pulling away from it, and viewing it from a greater distance, you can understand why. It is larger than the Great Wall of China and the only living thing on earth visible from space. Great Barrier Reef has over 100 islands, from unique and exotic islands to the Whitsundays and the remarkable Northern Islands. The islands of the Great Barrier Reef will redefine your idea of paradise.

Great Barrier Reef | Australia's Great Natural Wonder

Khau Gallis are an integral part of Mumbai’s metropolitan culture. Usually located near railway stations, colleges and offices, these narrow bylanes, with their roadside carts and hole-in-the wall eateries, offer visual and gastronomic treats. Packed with crowds making beelines for their favourite snacks, sweets and more, Khau Gallis remain supremely busy from the lunch hours to when the clock strikes midnight.

Mumbai consists of so many Khau Gallis around, that you will find one around the corner every now and then. They are located generally near schools, railway stations, colleges, offices, lanes, etc. These eat-streets are always hustling and bustling with huge crowds of office-goers, college students, etc. It matured into the most favorable outing spot for the people of Mumbai in the past few decades.

Google Search Khau Gallis in Mumbai & you will see Ghatkopar Khau Galli marked on Google Maps that pretty much shows its popularity. It is within walking distance of 10-15 Mins from Ghatkopar station. Different varieties of Dosa, Chaat, Pasta, Gola, Ghatkopar Khau Galli have that all.

For Your Street Food Cravings :Mumbai Khau Gallis

Indigenous Peoples are distinct social and cultural groups that share collective ancestral ties to the lands and natural resources where they live, occupy or from which they have been displaced. Indigenous Peoples' knowledge & food systems are fundamental to preserving biodiversity, promoting climate action, ensuring food security.

The tribal communities of Kumily, which have a total population of around 2000, live in perfect harmony with Nature. Five ethnically different communities -- the Mannans, the Paliyas, the Uralis, the Mala-arayas and the Malampandarams -- have settled in Kumily panchayat, mainly on the outskirts of the Periyar Tiger Reserve.

Though they used to earn their living through traditional occupations like fishing and agriculture, with the advent of eco-tourism initiatives, they have found alternative jobs. They actively take part in the tourism-related programmes and serve as guides for tourists or as forest guards to prevent poaching and other illegal activities. In the remote forests, there are tribes who still carry out their age-old practices such as building small dolmens for honouring the dead.

The Indigenous Colour of India – The Kerala Tribes

Family holidays are the most awaited time of the year. These vacations are loaded with fun-filled & thrilling activities. And nothing beats the family beach vacations in India. The Indian coastline is a long one. The best beaches in India, with their sparkling sands and amazing views, are perfect for family vacations.

1. Radhanagar beach, Andaman and Nicobar Islands

Radhanagar Beach has been ranked as Asia’s best and the world’s 7th best beach by Time Magazine. And it comes as no surprise that this sparkling white sand beach, also known as Beach No 7 of Havelock Island, is a popular hangout place for some of the best family beach vacations. The beach boasts of its turquoise water, luxuriant coastal vegetation, serenity, and ample options for water sports & beach fun.

2. Varca Beach, Goa

Varca is one of the most exotic and best family beach vacation spots in Goa. Located 2 km from Benaulim, this is one of the cleanest white sand beaches. Wooden boats, fishing nets, and other equipment used by the fishermen can be seen on the entire shoreline here. And some of the best beach resorts for families here are known for their luxury and casinos.

3. Palolem Beach, Goa

The scenic Palolem beach is one of the best places for family beach vacations in South Goa. Its serenity, nearly transparent waters, plush green coconut plantations, and crescent-shaped sparkling stretch of sand is to something die for. One can take a long stroll or the entire family can enjoy the beach parties in the shacks. It is one of the best beach destinations in India to enjoy and relax with your family.

4. Promenade Beach, Pondicherry

The scenic Promenade Beach in Pondicherry is one of the favourite destinations of family beach vacations. The cleanliness of the beach and the lofty boulders spread across the shore present a charming picture. It is amongst the best beach places in India.

5. Kovalam, Kerala

Kovalam is famed for quite a few charming beaches. Among these, Lighthouse Beach and Hawah Beach are the best family beach vacation spots. With a wide range of stay options, one can hope for some affordable family beach vacations in Kovalam.

Lighthouse Beach offers water sports and beach activities. Overlooked by a vintage lighthouse on the Kurumkal Hill (hence the name), this crowded & bustling beach has a lot of shacks and restaurants. Families can also enjoy delicious pastries, aromatic coffee, cheesy quiche, perfect pancakes, creamy milkshakes, and spicy pizza in the German Bakery here.

Hawa Beach is famous for photogenic sunsets and sunrises. Also known as Eve’s Beach, this place is not so favourable for swimming.

Beach Destinations in India for Beach Lovers!!

Chettinad is well known for its houses, embellished with marble and Burma teak, wide courtyards, spacious rooms, and for its 18th century mansions. If visiting Chettinad and experiencing the region’s rich culture, delicious cuisine and exceptional architecture has been on your to-do list for too long, then the upcoming Chettinad Heritage and Cultural Festival is a good place to start.

Curated by renowned Bharatanatyam artist Leela Samson, the four-day festival to be held next month will bring forth literary talks, dance and musical performances. “The main idea is to draw attention to the heritage properties of Chettinad and our cultural moorings which are well maintained in districts like Chettinad and surrounding areas like Pudukkottai,” says Leela of the event to be held in Leela. The architecturally stunning Chettiar Haveli and spacious courtyard, as well as in the open air.

The region of Chettinad is located in the southern part of the State of Tamil Nadu (South India), with Chennai (Madras) as its capital. The main town of the region is Karaikkudi, which is 400 km south from Chennai and 90 km from the major sites of the state, such as Thanjavur (WHS UNESCO), Tiruchirapalli and Madurai.

It is inhabited, among other local communities, by some 110,000 Chettiars (a community of Tamil merchants) who are spread over two cities and 73 villages. Beyond the iconic Rajah’s Palace, what makes the charm of the towns and villages of Chettinad is perhaps the beauty of an overall village landscape created by the harmony of architectural elements and urban planning. Streets in grid Pattern, the perfect alignment of houses against street axis, slope of tiled roof and height of the buildings…. Even if the façades of the mansions bear witness of personal extravaganza of rich Chettiars families, the Chettinad villages stand out with their remarkable unity in architectural style that gives unique cultural heritage identity to the Region.

Chettinad Heritage and Cultural Festival

Chopta is a picturesque hamlet which is still unexplored by travelers, is also famous as "Mini Switzerland of Uttarakhand". Wake up with cool salubrious breeze and chirping of birds in Chopta which is a far cry from the blaring horns of the cities and other hill stations, morning view from Chopta is invigorating when the crimson rays of sun kisses the snow-laden Himalayas.

This hushed abode is enclosed by the dwindling pines, deodars, rhododendrons and other conifers that can be found in this region, which makes Chopta rich in flora and fauna. Chopta is at the epicentre of the Panch Kedar – the five most sacred Shiva temples in the state. On its left are located Kedarnath and Madmaheshwar shrines and on the right, Rudranath and Kalpeshwar, and just above it, the Tungnath temple. Chopta is a birding paradise and you can see over 240 species of birds here, including native and migratory species like Himalayan monal, Himalayan swiftlet, Himalayan griffon, scarlet finch, hill partridge, and so on. Nearby places like Dugalbitta, Mandal village, Makkumath and the Tungnath trek route are the best sites for watching our feathered friends. Chopta has been declared as an important bird-watching site by national and international conservation and biodiversity organisations.

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