Strolling further, while dodging past the trees, I could hear the gurgling of waters as we neared a clearing. Soon, I was staring at the Periyar, flowing relentlessly, and the water glittering like precious stones. Despite the sun blazing away, I waded into the cool shallow waters, placing my feet with caution over pebbles, some of which were round and smooth, while a few not so much. While the waters at Paniyeli Poru are gushing, and with dips, under currents and whirlpools, it is much calmer here, and you can into the waters, which are mostly knee high. Making myself comfortable on a protruding rock, I gazed at the flowing waters, greenery along the opposite bank, and pebbles, which were so visible through the waters. The water was so pure and clear that the pebbles seemed like they were right on the surface, and not a foot below. I sat there for a while in the midst of the peaceful surroundings, watching in oblivion the Periyar flowing away.

Illithode is a great place to connect with nature, to play in the clear waters, or sit idle under the shade of trees, watching nature in all its glory.

How to reach Illithode: 

The closest city is Cochin, which is 60 km away from Illithode via Aluva and Malayatoor. Cochin is well connected to other cities across India by trains and flights. It’s ideal to take your vehicle or a private cab to get to here.

Manali is one of the best and most alluring holiday destinations in India, and one does not have to take so many leaves to visit this little hill station located in Himachal Pradesh. The things that make Manali mesmerizing and breath-taking are too many, with some of them being the great weather, mountains covered with lush green forests, and amazing sight-seeing options. While you are there you can experience the best recreational and adventurous activities that will make your trip worth it. So, if you are bored and do not have any plans for the summer, pack your bags and visit this beautiful place. Below are some points that will help you to plan the entire trip on a budget.

Book the tickets in advance

The best and first thing you have to do if you are planning a trip to Manali is to book the tickets in advance. Since it is a popular hill station, and most travelers plan their vacation to visit there, it is highly likely that you might not get tickets for the required dates. Also, if you book your tickets in advance, there are high chances that you will get them at a cheaper price. If you are traveling from Delhi then you are in for some luck, as you can catch the bus from the Kashmiri Gate bus stand, and it would take you about 12 hours to reach Manali. The fare is approx. Rs.1000, which is nominal.

Book the hotel rooms in advance

Once you have decided your dates, make sure to book the hotel rooms as well, especially if you are traveling during the peak season. During this period most hotels charge double the rate than they usually do. So, if you are a little tight on budget, or do not wish to spend a lot on the trip, ensure to make your stay arrangements as well in advance. You can book the rooms in advance with affordable price from Makemytrip, Cleartrip, Agoda and more. To avail the extra discount use coupon code. Try to book a hotel room near Mall Road since the hotels there are comparatively cheaper and more affordable.

Rent a bike or a scooty

When it comes to visiting the local adventures, an ideal way to save money is to rent a bike or a scooty for commutation. There are several places that you can visit on a bike, which includes Vasisth Temple, Solang Valley, Naggar, Jana Waterfalls, and many more. All of them can be reached on a two-wheeler.

Skip the big restaurants

The best part about Manali is you will get ample eating options along the roads. So, if you don’t want to spend a lot, skip the restaurant at least for a day. This will save you a lot of money and you will get to taste the local dishes as well. The place has so many street food options including Bombay Bhelpuri, Samosas, Sidu and Babru among others.

Take every essential thing that you may require

It is an obvious fact that when you visit Manali, you will go there with the thought of having some adventure. However, do not forget to carry all the necessary things required for the same with you, as everything there will be expensive since it is a touristy place. So, if you don’t want to spend unnecessarily, pack a little more. Also, take a few packets of wafers and snacks to keep yourself satiated.

Rohtang Pass

Rohtang Pass is one of the major attractions of Manali, and if you are planning a trip here, make sure you plan to add this to your itinerary as well. However, Rohtang Pass cannot be visited throughout the year; it opens from May end to October third week, which also depends on weather conditions. So, if you have to go there, make sure to book the cabs in advance since last-minute bookings can cost you a lot. So, to avoid any type of inconvenience, make sure to do all the books before your departure date.

The above tips can save you money while you are exploring Manali. Being on a vacation does not mean that you have to spend a fortune. You can easily plan a trip on a budget, especially to a place like Manali.

Like the goats here, sometimes the traveler in me needs a bit of guidance. Else, I always prefer to travel in a purposeful manner towards a vague destination! As the saying goes, isn't traveling also about the journey, as much as it is about the destination?

Myriad shades of green blanketed over obscure and undulating mounds, with fog intermittently draping the setting, and the road making its presence felt by snaking through, makes this view from Thamarassery Churam, one of my all time favourite landscape frames.

It’s not tough to find this secluded place, but blink your eyes and you are sure to miss it. Nestled close to the Bangalore International Airport, Nallur Tamarind Grove was declared a biodiversity heritage site in 2007.

The lone guide here says that this 50-acre site is home to a few hundred tamarind trees, some of which are more than 300 years old. There are claims that the trees here were initially planted by the Chola kings, during the 12^th or 13^th centuries. The oldest tree is more than 400 years old, which was interesting due to the fact that the tamarind trees usually do not live for more than 200 years.

As much as I was amused listening to the stories about the trees, I kept looking for a fort, or ruins of one, as the name Nallur Fort suggested. There were no traces of a fort here except for a dilapidated Chennakeshava temple, with a few broken pillars scattered around, with no roof, and walls that had caved in. This is all that remains of Nallur Fort, which as per historians and locals was built during the 14^th century, by a local chieftain. While there are stories that might pique the history lover, there are no proper records suggesting when and who built this temple.

A closer look revealed beautiful carvings and friezes on its remaining walls, which had withstood the time. The detailing, carvings and architecture has resemblances of Vijayanagara style. The motifs though visible, have faded over the years, but still kept me captivated. A lone sculpture of a headless goddess greeted me as I stepped in. The insides of the temple had overgrown bushes, creepers, lantanas, and more scattered remains of what were once magnificent works of sculptors. Surprisingly, I find ruins and dilapidated structures more intriguing than the ones that have remained mostly intact. They probably have more stories to tell than the rest. How this temple survived, despite everything else related to the fort having disappeared over the years makes it quite an enigma.

Vandalized or destroyed during the rule of the kings; the sculptures, carvings and ruins of this temple shrouded by tamarind trees remains totally disregarded, and needs immediate attention. As much as we need nature, the world needs art too, in its various forms. Unless the authorities act, the next time you are here, all that remains would probably be only the tamarind trees, which is sure to leave you with a sour taste.

How to reach: Nallur Fort or Nallur Kote is near Gangamma Temple, and is 45 km away from Bangalore.

Be it the parties, pulsating clubs and pubs, beach shacks, adventurous water sports, gaming casinos or the buzzing flea markets; all come together to invoke an exhilarated ambience. Goa offers a plethora of beaches for youngsters, family and couples, with innumerable shacks, quaint cafes, a slew of budget hotels and luxurious resorts lined up along the coastline.

The Historical Significance of Goa

Did you know that Goa didn't always belong to independent India? Yes, after being liberated in 1961, it became an Indian state. The Portuguese ruled Goa for 450 years until it was liberated from the Portuguese to form a part of India on December 19, 1961. It is known that the whole military operation took almost three days to successfully liberate Goa. The Portuguese heavily influenced Goan culture, cuisine, and architecture.

Goa Liberation Day is one of the most important days in the history of Goa. It is celebrated every year on December 19 in Goa with numerous events and festivities in the city. This day of celebration is marked to remember the struggle of Indian armed forces that freed Goa from Portuguese rule on December 19, 1961.

How to Reach Goa:

Dabolim Airport is the major airport in Goa, which makes it accessible from major cities within the country and also from abroad. The Dabolim Airport is an international airport that handles international flights and regular domestic flights as well with a large inflow of foreign and domestic travellers. Goa's Dabolim Airport is almost 26km from Panaji.

The Nearest Airport: Dabolim Airport, Goa

How to Reach Goa by Road

You can reach Goa by road through two major highways. Follow the National Highway 4 (NH 4) to travel to Goa from Mumbai or Bengaluru by road. The drive to Goa by road is a scenic route that turns lush green during monsoon. There are many bus services from major cities to Goa for travellers.

The Nearest & Main Bus Station in Goa: Kadamba bus stand, Panaji.

How to Reach Goa by Sea

Reaching Goa by sea is a unique way to travel Goa. You can catch a cruise from Mumbai to go to Panaji, which will take you along the coasts of Maharashtra and Goa.

How to Reach Goa by Train

Reaching Goa by train is the most comfortable and convenient mode of travel. There are two major railway stations in Goa- Madgaon and Vasco-da-Gama. Goa enjoys extensive rail connectivity with other major cities of the country. Goa's rail route is a relaxing journey that takes you through some of the Western Ghats' most beautiful landscapes.

Goa Railway Station Name & code: Madgaon Junction (MAO), Vasco-Da-Gama Railway station (VSG).

You can also order your favourite food in train online from RailRestro while travelling to Goa by a train.

The Scenic Train Trip to Goa

The journey from Vasco Da Gama to Londa offers you one of the most thrilling and enchanting train journeys in India. It traverses through the Western Ghats laced with lush green forests, thriving villages and sparkling waterfalls that add to the charm of this rail route in Goa. The train pass along many serene beaches and the magnificent Dudhsagar waterfalls, cascading beauty gushing in full vigour.

If you want to enjoy this thrilling train journey from Vasco Da Gama to Londa closely, get down at Londa junction, which is the nearest station to Dudhsagar falls.

If you don't want to miss the most scenic rail journey in India, always check the PNR status to know the current booking status and live train delay information. RailMitra is the best train enquiry app for checking Train PNR statusand live train status along with a set of other features for which you don't need to install any other Indian Railway app. The RailMitra app is free and is available for Android devices. Other exclusive features include food delivery in train and booking hotels at affordable rates.

Five Famous Beaches in Goa

Baga Beach

Things to do in Baga beach: Scuba diving, motorboat rides, banana Boat Ride, jet skiing, dolphin rides, diving, and spas.

Candolim & Calangute Beach

Things to do in Candolim beach: Snorkelling, kite surfing, windsurfing, diving, jet-skiing, parasailing.

Palolem Beach

Things to do in Palolem beach: Shopping, food, partying and diving.

Benaulim & Varca Beach

Things to do in Benaulim & Varca: Water sports, bar hopping and food.

Morjim Beach

Things to do in Morjim: Bird sightseeing, adventure activities.

Explore the Goan Cuisine

Goan cuisine is a perfect blend of Konkani, French, Malaysian, Portuguese and Catholic influence!

Goan cuisine is blisteringly rich and delicious. The traditional Goan food is a favourite with Indians as well as foreign tourists. Rice, seafood, coconut milk, meat, pork and local spices are the main elements of the Goan cuisine. Fish curry and rice are Goa's staple food. Due to its long coastline, the magic of Goan cuisine encompasses seafood dishes that are highly influenced by the Portuguese culture.

Kingfish is the most prominent seafood commonly present in most Goan meals. Other seafood cuisines of Goa include prawns, shark, tuna, mackerel, crabs, lobsters, squids, etc. Some specific Goan specialties are Goan fish curry, Fish Caldine, Xacuti, Pork vindaloo, Sannas, Sorpotel, and Bebinca. Try Feni- the local Goan alcohol prepared from cashew or palm toddy.

P.S.: This is a collaborative post

Even though the pandemic has spoiled the travel plans of many, Expo 2020 Dubai has not failed the hopes of travel enthusiasts by allowing them to travel around the world without any hindrance. Are you already wondering ‘how’?

Expo 2020 Dubai is an event where 192 countries from across the world are participating to share their innovative ideas for a better world through sustainability, mobility and opportunity, which are the themes of this mega-event. This expo is aimed at inspiring and triggering curiosities and ideas for the upcoming generations. After a long wait, the ban on international travel was lifted by UAE, which led to the sudden increase in applications for Dubai visa as travellers were waiting to visit the city of gold.

Top things to do at Dubai Expo 2020

Here are the top five things to do on your visit to Expo 2020 Dubai

·    Experience future of food at the Epochal Banquet

Although you will be able to enjoy a wide range of tastes at Expo 2020's food court, why not experience the future of dining through Bompas & Parr's immersive multi-sensory studio, at the Epochal Banquet. It's a two-hour long culinary experience that arouses your senses with AI feats from the future. It is also influenced by microbiology, space, artificial intelligence and hyper-intelligence.

·    Visit the SpaceX rocket at the Expo

Do you really think you can navigate all of the 1080 acres on foot? Hitch an electric bicycle that will help you explore a lot more than what you can on foot. In the USA pavilion, you will be able to see a real Space-X Falcon rocket, and the atmosphere doesn't feel anything less than a space lab in the expo. Also, you can spot genuine Moon rocks and the US Mars Rover at the space lab.

·    The future of service stations inspired by UAE’s national tree

The national tree of UAE is Ghaf, which is also symbolised as an epitome of resilience because of the region’s harsh climatic conditions. This futuristic service station has been designed on the exoskeleton of the body of the Ghaf tree. Moreover, it’s entirely solar-powered plus its canopy is made of carbon fibre too.

·    The glorious Al-Wasl Plaza

The first thing that will catch your attention once you enter the expo is the glorious Al-Wasl Plaza. It's a majestic cathedral of projection lights, 3D sounds, and other attractions to offer you a mind-blowing experience. If you feel like taking a break, just have a seat there and experience the grand theatre of light work that you will remember forever.

·    Interact with the on-ground robot-pals

Another exciting activity that one can indulge in is interacting with on-ground robots that can be seen walking around the place who can talk and respond to you. It is certainly exciting for the kids, and you can take photos with them easily.

In addition to these activities, there are many more things to do at this Expo 2020 Dubai. Make sure to choose the best Dubai packages while making your holiday plans because you wouldn’t want to miss a single thing when it comes to travelling in the city of gold.

P.S.: This is a collaborative post.

At a time when we are slowly going back to travelling our backyards, my visit to Thippagondanahalli Reservoir threw up a surprise. The gates were closed and access to the dam was denied, but further search on the maps led me to a different route through a village to the reservoir. It proved once again that maps aren't totally trustworthy, as the road turned into a mud trail and came to an abrupt end without a cue. However, it was serendipity, as the trail led to lush green pastures and sprawling farmlands where farmers and bullocks toiled away. Beyond the farmlands I could see glimpses of the blue waters of the reservoir with the intimidating Savanadurga Hill in the backdrop. Absolutely picturesque frames on offer!  

Sometimes a wrong route takes you to the right destination!

Travel Information:

Thippagondanahalli Reservoir is 46 km away from Bangalore.

Built over River Arkavathi, this is one of the largest reservoirs near Bangalore.

The city get its nickname, ‘Blue City of India’ due to the numerous houses painted with a mix of indigo and limestone, which gives it a sky-blue colour. My local guide, Ashok mentioned that the houses painted in sky blue colour belong to the Brahmin community. It’s probably a way to discern their houses from the rest. Another story reveals that this was done to keep termites away, which had encroached these houses.

However, much before the city got its tagline, Jodhpur was the capital of the Marwar kingdom, which ruled a large part of present day Rajasthan from 13^th century A.D. until early 19^th century A.D. From the Delhi Sultanate to the Marathas to the Mughals, the Rathore Kings of Marwar fought off multiple attacks, sometimes losing out and becoming a vassal, while at other times, winning and getting back the power. The first capital of the Marwar dynasty was Mandore, and later in the mid 15^thcentury, it was shifted to Jodhpur, by the king, Rao Jodha, after whom the city is named.

While its rich history and stories will leave you captivated, the city has quite a few interesting places to visit, which will take you through some of its bygone glorious days.

Mehrangarh Fort

Standing tall and intimidating over a hillock, Mehrangarh Fort left me gaping at it for long from a distance. This is one of the magnificent forts in Rajasthan known for its spectacular artworks displaying the culture and heritage of Marwar Kingdom. Built in mid 15^thcentury by Rao Jodha, and renovated by the later rulers of Marwar, there are seven entrance gates that you need to pass through to get to the insides of the fort. The canon ball marks on the fort walls talks about the numerous wars the fort had witnessed. The fort houses numerous galleries that display various items that were once used by the royal family, which includes palanquins, armoury, elephant howdahs, paintings, costumes and turbans. The numerous palaces with innumerable windows, extensive artworks, spectacular glassworks and intricate carvings on its exteriors display magnificent craftsmanship. Some of the palaces here are Sheesh Mahal, Phool Mahal, Jhanki Mahal, Moti Mahal and Zenana Mahal. The views of the fort walls and the city of Jodhpur from these palaces are absolutely captivating.

Jaswant Thada

A short walk away from the fort, Jaswant Thada, a gleaming marble structure is a cenotaph built in memory of Maharaja Jaswant Singh, one of the Rathore Kings, who ruled in the late 19^th century. The magnificent structure is adorned with wonderful carvings, pillars, windows and arches, which are absolutely eye-catchy.

Mandore Gardens

Mandore, which was earlier known as Mandavyapura, was the first capital of the Mawar Kings, until they made Jodhpur their capital later in the 15^th century. Don’t get beguiled by the sprawling lush greenery, pathways and the name of this place. What these gardens house are spectacular cenotaphs built in red sand stone with stunning architecture and intricate carvings. Rising tall among the greenery around, the cenotaphs dedicated to all the major kings of Marwar can be found here. Historical facts take a backseat here, as the cenotaphs, which almost resemble a temple have spellbinding art works on the pillars and the ceilings. Further ahead, atop a hillock in the backdrop, are the ruins of a fort and remnants of the old capital.

Kaylana Lake

Toorji Ka Jhalra

Sunset Viewpoint, Pachetiya Hill

Jalandhar Nathji Ka Mandir

Masuriya Hill

This hillock has a statue of Durga Das Rathod atop a horse, surrounded by a garden. However, what bring people here are the panoramic views of Jodhpur city and the spectacular sunsets. This is an ideal place to spend a serene evening away from the crowds, and to enjoy a beautiful sunset.

Sadar Bazaar     

How to reach Jodhpur:

Jodhpur is well connected to other cities in the country by flights and trains. The closest major international airport is in Jaipur, 370 km away.

Food and Accommodation:

Being a popular tourist destination, Jodhpur has a wide range of resorts, hotels and hostels to choose from. I stayed at Hostel Raahi, which is well recommended. The city also has numerous restaurants, which serve authentic Rajasthani cuisine.