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Perhentian Islands have long been on our list ever since we came across it while searching for some good beach destinations. The crystalline water, the white sandy beaches and the towering greenery were enticing enough to make us add it to the top of our wishlist. Two years later, on our 6th wedding anniversary, we could not have selected a better place to visit amongst the Malaysia tourist attractions. Perhentian Islands consist of 2 islands – the small one is called Perhentian Kecil and the bigger one is Perhentian Besar. Both islands are beautiful and you can never go wrong with your choice irrespective of whichever island you choose for your stay. We stayed at Perhentian Kecil and absolutely loved it. Top things to do
Perhentian Kecil is the kind of place where you can spend days simply relaxing at the beach or enjoy your time swimming in the crystal clear water of the sea. But if you are more than just a relaxing person, then here is a list of top things to do in Perhentian Kecil. Beach Hopping There are many beautiful beaches in Perhentian Kecil each having its own unique charm. Where Long Beach and Coral Bay are the main beaches ideal for stay, there are other small ones that can be visited by water taxi. This includes places like Mira Beach [aka Keranji Beach] which is a tiny beach with just one resort, yet a very nice place to relax by the sea. Then comes Turtle beach and Romantic beach which are considered rivals when it comes to the prettiest beach on the island. And this is not all. You can also visit the beaches of Perhentian Besar. Snorkelling trips The Perhentian Islands are famous for their beautiful underwater world teeming with marine life. From witnessing rich coral reefs to swimming around turtles and sharks, snorkelling in Perhentian Island could be absolutely overwhelming. There are different snorkelling spots around the islands which provide different experiences. So taking more than one snorkelling trip is always recommended. You will find a lot of snorkelling/diving tour operators in the island providing snorkelling trips to different locations or a few points together in one trip. Decide as per your choice and be mesmerised by the world underneath the blue water. Read More……
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It was around 10 pm when we both opened our eyes to the dimly lit surrounding. The world around us, cloaked in serene stillness, was occasionally interrupted by the distant barking of a dog. Above, stars twinkled in a satin black canvas with white clouds floating by. In front us, the courtyard flanked by neatly manicured trees led to the entrance of the imposing monastery. And behind it, the silhouette of majestic mountains loomed, their regal forms outlined against the night sky. Here, within the walls of Dirang Monastery, nature, architecture, and spirituality coalesced into an extraordinary tapestry. Embraced by the meditative ambience, we had drifted into a trance, losing track of time. But as reality seeped in, gratitude surged within us for this profound experience. The opportunity to stay in the monastery guest house had opened doors into the spiritual realm that we had never imagined. And it still stands as a cherished highlight of our Arunachal Pradesh trip. About TDL Monastery Guest House The Guest House is part of Thupsung Dhargye Ling (aka TDL) Monastery. This is the new monastery of Dirang, perched on a hill and surrounded by towering mountains. The guest house is sprawled across the 1st and 2nd floor of the monastery complex. The guest house has 8 private rooms suitable for double occupancy. Each room opens to a balcony, offering great views of Dirang valley as well as the surrounding hills. The rooms are capacious and have simple furnishings. All rooms are equipped with a comfortable bed, adequate blankets and comforters for winter, a table with a pair of chairs and a TV. The tiled bathroom has a western toilet, a wash basin, shower and a geyser. Overall, the accommodation is very comfortable and cost-effective. What we liked about our stayNight view and solitudeThe main reason we loved our stay at the guest house was the way it felt after sundown. As evening descended, the whole place was transformed from a bustling tourist spot in to a sanctuary of solitude and spirituality. If I said, the monastery was stunning in the day, then it looked purely magical at night. With no other soul around, we just settled down near the stares closing our eyes for a while and meditating. This experience is possible only when you stay in the guest house overnight. It is not just the spiritual vibe, but also the night views that elevate the whole stay experience. From our room balcony, we could see the town lights at a distance like twinkling stars and the silhouette of the mountains surrounding us in the faint light. The stupa and garden below complemented by fluttering prayer flags and washed in the cool moonlight looked absolutely surreal. It felt like being in a different world where everything was designed carefully for a wholesome experience, a place with the ability to heal even the most troubled minds.
Early morning vibes Staying in the guest house offers another unique advantage: exclusive access to the monastery in the morning before tourists flock in. Bathed in the soft sunlight, the monastery truly looks like the divine abode of the Gods. Inside, the absence of people allowed us to appreciate the intricate details and the sacred ambience. If you are an early riser, do not miss the mass prayer of the monks that transforms the whole atmosphere. Read More…. Shergaon – A name I did not know until about recently, must be a month or two before we planned our trip to Arunachal Pradesh. And yet here I am, dreaming of the days we spent in this quaint little village in Arunachal Pradesh. A place blessed with remarkable natural beauty and a temperate climate, but more than that the most wonderful people with hearts of gold. A little stroll under the morning sun, moments of solitude by a waterfall hidden inside the forest and incredible warmth shown by people to two strangers in their land – I fell hopelessly in love with Shergaon. Why Shergaon became my favourite The Natural Beauty Shergaon is blessed with unparalleled natural beauty. It is cradled by lofty mountains. River and brooks with the clearest of water flow joyously through it. Farmlands and fruit orchards brimming with life dot the landscape. Even the wild flowers and different shrubs add so much to the charm of the place. And at some places, manmade wooden and iron bridges adorned with prayer flags make it look just like a postcard. What I loved more is that Shergaon is not yet very commercialized. We did not see too many home stays under construction like we later saw in Dirang. The natural beauty is still intact and it is the perfect place to explore by foot, to take life slow and to relish everything nature has to offer. The Stay experience It was late evening when we reached Shergaon. So our first experience of Shergaon was the warm welcome of our hosts into the homestay. After a cup of hot coffee, we joined our hosts by the traditional heater called Bukhari, that is part of almost every home in this cold region. Delicious smelling chicken curry was slowly cooking on the Bukhari and the atmosphere for conversations was set. Our host offered us some home made rice wine and while we sipped on it, he explained the nitty-gritty of the wine making process from fermented rice. Then the topic shifted to local culture, lifestyle and festivals of the village and how it has helped shape lives in the region. We ended the evening singing together some beautiful Bollywood and Odia oldies and enjoying a hot home cooked meal. It truly felt like being part of someone’s home and we went to bed happy and excited about what Shergaon would reveal the next morning. The Hidden Waterfall Choskorong waterfall is like a hidden treasure of Shergaon. I say hidden, because the waterfall is located inside dense foliage away from the main road and is not visible to the outside world. It requires a little hiking (not very difficult) to reach the waterfall. And on the day we visited, there was no other soul around. Just the two of us, sitting under a tree overlooking the falls, entranced by the beauty in front of us. Prayer flags fluttered in the winter breeze. A little birdie was flying around merrily, and the sun peeped through the tree branches swaying in the wind. It felt like a different world, a world away from all the chaos. We stayed there for almost 45 mins enjoying that solitude, with hearts full of gratitude. It is not just the waterfall that is beautiful, even the walk to that fall offers lovely views, passing by cutesy wooden bridges, streams and a fruit orchard. The orchard looked so colourful with the leaves of the Persimmon trees turned Orange and many trees laden with Persimmons. The last part of the patch was a bit steep, but felt absolutely worth treading when it opened to the view of the waterfall. It took us around 30 mins to reach the fall from the main road. But vehicles can go till the farm and then a 10 min hike can take you to the source of the fall. What an experience it was! Read the full blog Here….
Nandi Hills – The name itself is enough to conjure up images of misty surroundings and breathtaking sunrises; A name familiar to almost every Bangalorean. But more than anything, Nandi Hills is the sylvan sanctuary of calm that urban souls like us run off to unwind. Being at a get-at-able distance from the city (approx. 60 Kms), Nandi Hills has always been our go-to destination from Bangalore on weekends. But it was always for a few hours during the morning or evening. And every single time we left, our hearts craved for more. So this time we opted for a staycation at Nandi Hills and it turned out to be one of our best offbeat experiences so far. Staycation at Nandi Hills – Who this is meant for When we planned this staycation, we wondered what we were going to do for 3 days at Nandi Hills. Then on the day of coming back, Sush literally had to drag a reluctant me to the car. And that too with the promise that we would come back soon. That’s how much I loved being at that place. So if you are someone like ME or you said YES to any of the following, then this staycation is for you. People looking for a scenic getaway, not too far from the city or too expensive. Couples looking for an escape to spend quality time and rekindle that romance. Tell me about those misty morning walks hand in hand or watching sunset sitting next to each other. You are too worn out due to work (or other reasons) and looking for a good place to loosen up and rejuvenate. Nature and bird photography enthusiasts Where to Stay at Nandi Hills There are a handful of resorts, campsites and home stays at the foothill of Nandi Hills. But the only option on top of the hill is Hotel Mayura Pine Top managed by KSTDC. This is where we chose to stay. The hotel is a decent property set amidst a lush surrounding and with great views all around. It has rooms in various price ranges – cottages, suite rooms and deluxe double rooms. We stayed in a room in the Gandhi Nilaya side which is relatively newer. These rooms come with a balcony that offers amazing views of the hills and the city. Especially at night, the twinkling city lights make for a very romantic view. These rooms come at approximately INR 4000 per night. There are rooms in the Nehru Nilaya side which is the older part of the property. These rooms are priced relatively lower than Gandhi Nilaya. But they do not have hill or city view.
Things to do or experience on your staycation at Nandi Hills A staycation at Nandi Hills is all about unwinding and spending time in the lap of nature. So here are a few things/experiences to make the best use of your time during this staycation. Start your morning with a gorgeous sunrise The famed sunrise of Nandi Hills has forever seduced nature lovers. So start the day a little early to witness the beautiful sunrise. If you are lucky, then you will be able to see the sun rising above a thick layer of cotton candy clouds during the winter months. It feels like a little piece of heaven with the changing colour of the sky separated by the veil of clouds from the valley below. But cloud or no cloud, sunrise is always a freshening sight at Nandi Hills. Read More…. Pahalgam was probably the only place we were sceptical about on our Kashmir trip. Last minute AirBnb cancellation, incessant rains and hearing a lot that it is touristy and crowded – Pahalgam did not exactly feel like the ideal place to visit. But as if it was meant to happen, we finally ended up there and experienced it in the most eccentric way. Random conversations, scenic saunters, relishing street food and a peek into the local way of life were chosen over mini Switzerland and other tempting places. In the end, we fell in love with the forest, the wild flowers, the birds and the gushing river and Pahalgam got etched in our hearts forever.
So, this blog will not be about the conventional topics of what to see in Pahalgam or things to do on a short visit, but more like a memoir of the things we did or experienced. And also about how sometimes letting go of FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) and slowing down could help create memories of a lifetime. If that is how you look at things, then this blog is for you. Experiences we will never forget The Drive from Srinagar to Pahalgam I feel the best part of visiting Pahalgam is the drive itself. It was indeed the most picturesque road trip we took from Srinagar. As we started moving farther from the town, lush paddy fields complemented by tall mountains started accompanying us at both sides. We passed many interesting towns on the way, each having their own speciality – Pampore for Saffron, Sangam for cricket bat making and Apple Valley for its numerous apple orchards. Gradually, row of Poplar trees started giving way to Walnut laden trees and Lidder river flowing fiercely became a constant company. It was difficult not to drift into a reverie every now and then. The journey had given us a fair idea of what to expect from our destination. Pahalgam Market – Delectable street food and intriguing conversations All the saunter in the rain had left us tired and hungry. So we decided to head to the market and find something to eat. But what first caught our attention was its picturesque locale. Rimmed by snow clad peaks, shops both small and big lined both sides of the road and retro-style lamps adorned the footpath, exuding old world charm. Apart from the scenic beauty, the market is also a perfect place for some shopping and street food. We bought some Shawls for family and treated ourselves to some scrummy street food. Whether the pakoda at the pure veg restaurant or roadside Maggi, the moreish ripe mango chat or the freshly made Chicken kababs by street vendors – everything tasted so satisfying. A peaceful evening at the riverside park This is one gem of a place that we found while strolling around the market area. It is called Island park and is maintained by the Department of Floriculture. You may think what is so special about a park. But this park located in the river island and encircled by mountains is a lovely place to spend the evening. There are benches set thoughtfully along the riverside under the canopy of trees. Roses and many other flowers adorn the area and a cutesy bridge set over the river offers perfect views of the town and surroundings. How I wished to sit on one those benches with a book in hand and listen to the music of the gushing river all day! Ganeshbal Village and it’s traditional bakery Next morning, before leaving, we decided to take a walk in the direction from where we had come to Pahalgam. I was hung up on the view of the river we had seen on the way. So taking out the umbrellas, we set out for Ganeshbal. The sky was still grey with drizzles continuing through the morning, and that made the walk through the misty Pine forest even more enchanting. After about 10-15 mins, we reached the village. Apart from the views, the 1st thing I noticed was the locals gathered near a small shop and buying breads. It was a small traditional local bakery where they rolled the bread with hand and baked it in an earthen tandoor. Apple laden trees and Fresh Juices at Apple Valley While driving back to Srinagar, we decided to make a stop at Apple Valley. The whole stretch has number of apple gardens by the road side. Since it was July, the apples were still raw and green. But if you go during September-October time, you will see the red juicy apples dangling from the trees. Since it will be the harvesting season, you can even buy farm fresh apples at a very reasonable price. Not only apples, the orchard owners also sell Apple jams, Apple pickles and other fruit products in their shops. Do buy their products as directly buying from them helps boost the local economy. What I loved the most was the freshly squeezed apple juice that was truly the best I had till date. Cricket Bat Making Factories at Sangam On the way to Pahalgam, comes a village named Sangam that is very hard to miss. As we approached the village, grids of wood stacked along the roadside and on top of the buildings came into view. There were also rows of cricket bat selling shops at both sides of the road. When I was wondering what this place could be, our driver Bilal Bhai told us how this region of Kashmir had rose to fame for cricket bat making. The bats are made from the wood of Kashmiri Willow tree that used to grow abundantly in this region. But with increasing number of bat making factories over the years, and not much done in terms of planting new trees, the Willow trees are gradually diminishing. Read More….. Yusmarg (or Yousmarg) – A name I had come across sporadically when it came to Kashmir. While Gulmarg, Sonmarg and Pahalgam are included in almost everyone’s Kashmir itinerary, Yusmarg is considered relatively offbeat. This little gem of Kashmir is bestowed with unparalleled natural beauty and is ideal for people seeking solitude in nature.
So let me tell you, Yusmarg is not your regular tourist destination to tick off points of interest. But the kind of place to slow down and soak in the beauty of nature – to take walks in the unsullied forests, to talk to the welcoming and cheerful locals, to lie down in the meadows and have little picnics surrounded by wild flowers. If these are the things your heart is set on, then Yusmarg is for you. Things to do and experience in Yusmarg As I said in the beginning, Yusmarg is not like the other tourist places of Kashmir. So there is not much for sightseeing. But it offers ample hiking opportunities depending on available time. Even the Valley itself is scenic enough to explore by foot. When you are in Yusmarg for a day or two, here are a few things you can do to make the best of your time. Visit Charar-e-Shariff It’s one of the oldest Sufi shrines of Kashmir and holds high religious importance. The original wooden shrine that was built approximately 600 years ago was burnt down in a fire in 1995. So the the one standing in its place is actually the rebuilt structure. The shrine looks beautiful from outside and the numerous pigeons living on it keep flying around at intervals creating a spectacular sight. But it is the peaceful and emotion evoking interior of the Shrine that I loved specifically. Rejuvenate by Doodh Ganga River This beautiful river gurgling through the pebble strewn bed gets its name from the milky white colour of its water. Rimmed by tall Pine and Cedar trees, the river valley is immensely scenic. Its the kind of place where you sit down, dip your feet in the ice cold water and forget all worries. There are a few shops by the riverside that provide Maggi and Chai (tea) to enhance the whole experience. To reach Doodh Ganga, you can either hire a pony or hike through the forest for half an hour. Since we do not like pony rides, we decided to take a ponywala as our guide instead. He took us to a wild cherry garden inside the forest before visiting the river. The pony owners, being locals in the area can also help you see a few other interesting sights when you have limited time. Enjoy a picnic in the meadows The green pastures of Yusmarg dotted with Summer flowers are idyllic for enjoying a picnic. And thats what a lot of locals do when they visit Yusmarg. While majority choose the JKTDC Cottages compound and nearby areas, we decided to go beyond the Gujjar Huts to an area shaded by the towering trees. Indeed that’s the place that had caught our attention the previous day due to the abundance of Yellow flowers and a tranquil surrounding. Sitting there listening to the chirping of birds and sipping on Kahwa languorously while the passer-by flashed a smile every now and then – life felt perfect in those moments. Interact with the locals We found the locals of Yusmarg really warm and welcoming. Little children flash innocent smiles while being curious and ask for photographs when they notice the camera. The Gujjar people staying in the mud huts are some of the warmest, inviting strangers in to their little homes for tea. We had to politely decline though due to shortage of time and bid goodbye after making little conversations. Their huts reminded me so much of my maternal Grandparents home from childhood. Even the pony owners of Yusmarg are polite and were never too overbearing. The one we took as a guide was a very nice and genuine fellow who told us so much about the life of Gujjars and the flora and fauna of the region. Read More….. Fulidhoo is the island of dreams with pristine white sand beaches, exotic marine life and water with the brightest shades of blue. It is a very small island in Maldives lying in the Vaavu Atoll away from all the hustle bustle of the mainland. The island has the right elements ideal for repose as well as indelible adventures. So if you are looking for an affordable Maldivian vacation with authentic local island experience, then this is for you.
We spent 4 days in Fulidhoo in last December and let me tell you, it is much more beautiful than what you see in the photos. And the experiences are absolutely out of this world. Why Fulidhoo? Maldives has a good many local islands and it may seem difficult to choose one or two in a time-bound trip. So to make your decision making easier, here are a few reasons why we chose Fulidhoo. Fulidhoo is conveniently located, just over an hour speedboat ride from Male Airport. This helps to save both time and money. Even being closer to Male, it has not grown too touristy (like Maafushi). Here you can find seclusion without compromising on comfort. Accommodation in Fulidhoo is reasonably priced and is pretty decent. You can stay in a place with sea view without burning a hole in the pocket. There are also some properties in the island that provide affordable luxury. Fulidhoo has amazing marine life. You can spot Sting Rays, Sharks, Fishes etc near the shore itself. The snorkeling spots are just a short boat ride away. The island offers a plethora of activities and adventures to choose from. The accommodations and diving centres in the island cater to that. So you can easily spend days without getting bored. Things to do in Fulidhoo Island Kayaking Start your mornings with a bit of Kayaking in the crystal clear waters of Fulidhoo. This is a good way to burn some fat and digest your breakfast. Also, rowing the kayak in the limpid water glittering in the sun is absolutely exhilarating. And the best part is it is a free activity. The accommodations in the island provide the Kayak for free (for an hour) and life jackets too. Go for it even if you are a non swimmer and did not try Kayaking before. We did it for the 1st time after a little instruction from our guest house guy and it felt pretty simple since the water is not choppy. Dolphin Watching Fulidhoo’s waters are home to large number of Dolphins and so the chance of spotting these beautiful creatures is very high. Though there are special tours available for Dolphin watching, there is a good chance that you may spot them as part of the Sandbank excursion. We were lucky to spot a large pod of (almost 30-40) Dolphins passing by on our way to the Sandbank. It was such a delightful sight as we never had the chance to see so many Dolphins together. Snorkelling Trips There is nothing like snorkeling in the Maldivian waters with abundant marine life. The best way to see this marine life is to take one or more snorkeling trips. For snorkeling, different points are available in Fulidhoo like Shark Point, Coral Garden, Turtle Point and Shipwreck site. Our accommodation offered us a trip including Shark Point and Coral Garden and both were absolutely amazing. I recommend not missing the Shark Point where you can swim with many Nursing Sharks. The thrill of being in water so close to these majestic creatures (sometimes they even brush past you) is an experience like no other. Also, the Coral Garden is a great place for watching beautiful corals, colourful fishes and if you are lucky, then you can see some turtles too. We also spotted 2 Manta Rays on the way to the snorkeling point. Read the full blog post here: https://theroamingshoes.com/2023/06/fulidhoo-island-for-an-exciting-maldivian-holiday/ Chiang Rai – A quaint town in the mountainous northern province of Thailand and a treasure trove of some of the most stunning temples in the country. The landscape too is no less appealing, thanks to the mighty Kok River weaving its way through the region and dramatic mountains embracing the border.
Chiang Rai has a very laid-back vibe with less tourists, friendly residents and charming local markets with an air of authenticity. It is a perfect place to add to your Thailand itinerary if you are looking for something a bit quiet and offbeat. Here is a guide for your 1st visit to Chiang Rai. Getting to Chiang Rai Chiang Rai has a small airport with regular flights from Bangkok. The flying time from Bangkok is approx. 1.5 hours and prices are reasonable. The other cheaper yet longer option is to take an overnight bus from Bangkok to Chiang Rai. Regular buses also ply between Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai. Journey time is around 3 hours. Things to do and see in Chiang Rai White Temple (Wat Rong Khun) The famed White Temple of Chiang Rai has all reasons to be the centre of attention. The temple is all white with tiny mirrors used in the design which makes it glisten in the sun. The architecture is unlike any other temple in Thailand and is truly a masterpiece. However more than the architecture, it is the quirky installations around the temple that attract attention – the suspended heads from the tree, hands coming out of the ground and the ghoulish skulls. But as soon as you cross the bridge to enter the main temple, the feel sheerly changes from a tourist attraction into a place of worship. Blue Temple (Wat Rong Suea Ten) This temple is our absolute favourite in Chiang Rai. For some reason, Sush and I liked this place much more than any other temple in the city. May be it was the zen vibe inside the temple or the bright colours working their magic. But there was this immense sense of calm and contentment we felt as we stepped in. The vibrant Blue colour of the temple with radiant gold designs is also a visual delight. The interior is equally intriguing with a large white statue of Lord Buddha sitting under an elaborately painted roof. The walls have beautiful murals all over as well as the pillars. The ensemble has some more installations, like the huge statues at entrance, a smaller sized Buddha on a Blue throne and a little fountain in the middle. Wat Hyua Pla Kang Another one of the must see temples in Chiang Rai is the Wat Hyua Pla Kang. A huge statue of Guan Yin (aka the Big Buddha) located on a Hill is actually hard to miss, especially after evening when it is all lit up. The temple complex also houses a vibrant red and green pagoda. And an opulent white temple with an all white interior and a snowy Buddha statue. This is also the place where you get to walk along the stares guarded by some super friendly dragons (who almost look alive). Read the full Blog Post Here to explore more places in Chiang Rai. Planning a trip to Thailand? Check our other blogs here. It was around 1:15 in the afternoon when our boat reached Paradise Beach. But I was no hungrier or felt the tropical heat enamoured with the beautiful scene that laid in front of me. Morning glories swayed in the salty ocean breeze. Vintage looking lamp posts stood aesthetically by the enchantingly bluish backwaters. Two horses were grazing at a green patch nearby creating a postcard-like scene. The crashing of the waves and the squawking of the seagulls came flowing with the wind. A thought just crossed my mind – if this is not paradise, then what is?
About Paradise Beach and Island Paradise beach is probably the cleanest and the prettiest beach in all of Pondicherry. This stunning white sand beach is isolated from the main town by the backwaters and provides unparalleled views and a very tranquil surrounding. At one side, there is the endless blue sea merging with the sky at the horizon and then the serene backwaters rippled in the sea breeze at the other. Even the boat ride to the island over the backwaters is very scenic with a thick canopy of green at both sides. This is a perfect place if you are looking for a break from the regular city attractions and want to spend a day or half relaxing and soaking in the beauty of nature. You can simply lie down in the shade of a hut and read a book or take long leisure walks in the soft white sand. The charming surroundings of the island provide perfect photo opportunities too. Reaching Paradise Beach In order to reach paradise beach, you need to take a ferry from Chunnambar Boat House. The boat house is approximately 6-7 kilometres from the main town and can either be reached by cab, auto or rented bike. Parking facility (paid) is available near the boat house. Both speedboat and regular boats are available. Unless you are in a group, take the shared boats which are cost effective. You can come back from the island on any of the boats returning at the time. Pro Tips: Visit the island on a weekday to avoid crowd. Try to catch the return boat just before the sunset to enjoy the sunset views over the backwater. Believe me, it feels absolutely surreal. Know before you go Timing for visit – 9am to 6pm Confirm about the timing of the last boat to and from the island before visiting. No one is allowed to stay on the island after evening. The water at this beach has strong currents, so swimming is not recommended. But you can always dip your legs or bathe in the shallow area near to the shore. Changing room with shower is available at the beach, but not sure if operating during Covid as we did not use the facility. Few beach shacks are available with limited food options. Otherwise, there is a restaurant near the Chunnambar Boat House for lunch / snacks. Carry your own food and enough water if you are planning to stay longer at the beach. Do not forget your sunglass as the area is normally windy and the sand gets easily into the eyes. This hands down is one of the most beautiful beaches we have visited so far. So do not miss a visit to Paradise Beach on your trip to Pondicherry. If you have any other queries, do let us know in the comments. Want to know more on the other places of interest in Pondicherry? Read our detailed guide here. This world is full of wonders, the kind of wonder that takes your breath away and makes you feel humbled. And we were lucky to have one such magical experience on our last trip to Coorg. Standing under a lush canopy on a faint moonlit night, I felt goosebumps rise all over my body, looking at the extraordinary scene unravel in front of us. Thousands of fireflies twinkling among the trees like a sky full of stars. It seemed almost unreal, for it was a dream come true, a moment I will cherish forever.
Where and When can you experience this This firefly gathering is a very unique phenomenon and can only be witnessed at specific places in India (mainly the Western Ghats). And this happens during a certain period of time. Coorg in Karnataka is one of those places. In order to experience this, plan your visit during March last week – April 3rd week. The best period is Mid April. We stayed at Rainforest Retreat, Madikeri to witness this. This is the only accommodation in Coorg which offers this experience as per our knowledge. What to expect from the Accommodation The accommodation at Rainforest Retreat is pretty basic though comfortable. The whole place is set up inside a plantation under a thick canopy of trees. So expect being greeted by colourful Butterflies, spotting different kinds of birds and even some crawlies going about their lives leisurely. The Fireflies Experience Now coming to the main experience of watching the fireflies. Once dinner is over, at around 9:30-10pm, the fireflies guided tour begins. The caretakers at the accommodation take the guests into the plantation area where the fireflies gather in large numbers. Once we entered the plantation, we could see the twinkling lights everywhere. But there are certain areas where the fireflies gather in more numbers and the guides help you into those areas. It feels surreal when the torch lights are turned off and all you can see are are the tiny lights of the fireflies flickering amidst the trees. Since we were there mid of April which is the peak season, we could see thousands of fireflies. We just found a spot to set our tripod and camera and took a few pictures. But standing there and watching those fireflies for hours was an experience I can not express in words. It is something to be seen with your naked eyes to be believed. Additional Places to Visit in Coorg If this is your first visit to Coorg, then add a day or two more to this trip and you can also cover the other attractions. Namdroling Monastery or Golden Temple: You can visit this on your way back since it actually comes under Mysore district. The monastery is very beautiful and is one of its kind in South India. Dubare Elephant Camp: If you want to see the elephants and even get involved in feeding or bathing them. [I don’t encourage the rides though.] This is a good place if you are traveling with kids. Chiklihole Reservoir: More of an offbeat destination in Coorg. But has a very lush surrounding and offers gorgeous sunset views. Mandalpatti View Point: Good for a sunset visit. Take a jeep ride to the top to enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding. Abbi/Abbey Falls: The most popular falls in Coorg. Looks gorgeous during monsoons or just after. Tala Cauvery / Tala Kaveri: This is considered the source of river Cauvery. And is considered a sacred place with a small temple present there. Since the place is on a hill top, it provides great views of the surrounding, especially early mornings feel enchanting surrounded by fog. So go ahead and plan your trip to Coorg this Fireflies season. Read the full post here. |
AuthorWe are Ava and Sush - two avid travellers who love exploring new places, cultures and cuisines. ArchivesCategories |