Want a reason to travel?

I personally find that question very funny. The Lord created this world and he made it so beautiful, only for me to map it.

“We travel, some of us forever, to seek other states, other lives, other souls” said the French Cuban Author Anais Nin.

Well, I travel to seek myself and this is why for me, it’s a never ending yet cherished journey. I love to travel and don’t need any reasons to get going every now and then, but if I were to really look for reasons I would find plenty.

I treasure all my travelling experiences, even more than the pleasure of arriving at the place where I am headed to. It is from this journey that I absorb so much that, it is no less than the pleasure of having an affair with my own self.

Even those who don’t have itchy feet have to travel once in a while and I totally believe that they love it, subconsciously, too. But they probably don’t realize it.

Reasons to travel?

Many!

Religious: The idea of visiting places of religious importance always appeals to the elderly and, to many of us with a religious bent of mind.

Adventure: Adventurous people love the idea of going on a hike, mountain biking, white water rafting, skiing, gliding, para sailing  etc. and a run for the hills gives loads of such opportunities. The adrenaline rush that these adventure sports give forces you to make a trip to these adventurous destinations again and again.

Culinary exploration: They say that the way to a man’s heart goes through his stomach. I wonder why is it said only with reference to men? Because a warm appealing sumptuous meal is definitely a way to anyone’s heart. And many of us would travel to explore the delicacies of far off lands.

Learning a new language: One could always travel to a land to learn its language.

Socializing: Meeting up with people, catching up with long lost friends, being there for weddings, baby showers or even thanksgiving, these are some excuses to travel. Because the idea of being together with a loved one is always appealing, isn’t it?

Escaping harsh weather conditions: Climatic conditions, specific to certain places can be another excuse to take a break and travel to places with more favorable climate, to beat the scorching heat, freezing cold or sweaty humidity.

Professional: Work could offer you opportunities to move around. If you aren’t an avid traveler, then you should learn, learn to enjoy the magical experience, it’s a living tutorial.

Visiting places of historical importance or popular tourist destinations: You have seen them on television, admired pictures of people in exotic locations on social networking sites, and you long to do the same.

Kids’ holiday destinations: Your little kid is so aware of his or her surroundings that he or she might just drag you with your bag and baggage, to visit the Disney Land or other popular amusement parks or a zoo or even a sanctuary.

Taking a break:  “All work and no play make Jack a dull boy.”

Hence it’s very important to give yourself a little rest, mentally and physically. Taking a break from the mundane life, travelling is the perfect stress buster.

Unravel and explore the unexplained: Exploring the mystical less travelled lands, particularly the ones with legends, tales and unexplained phenomenon going around, and experience the excitement of unraveling the truth.

Go explore the world. I can guarantee you will love it.

Happy travelling!

Shubhani Pathak

Shubhani Pathak is very high on life. An avid traveller, obsessive writer for the past 20 yrs, compulsive learner and an absolute perfectionist. An alumni of IIMA, a graduate in Bachelor of Physiotherapy and a fourth generation officer with the forces with 8 yrs of experience in Logistics and Supply Chain Management and Human Resource Management . Currently on a self imposed sabbatical but very busy writing about her frequent escapades and her take on life!

Image Source [http://www.thetravelinsuranceblog.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/What-is-a-Travel-Insurance.jpg]

Taking a closer look at “God’s Own Country”

Every travelogue on Kerala is the same with the same adjectives to describe the “amazing backwaters”, “serene houseboats” and “delicious fare of traditional food”.

Does it really not strike anyone that all of this could be exactly what the tourism department and “Incredible India” wants you to think? That all this could just be a superficial façade to make up for what a sham Kerala really is?

Which is why when you travel, you must try and get hold of a local newspaper, to know more about what’s happening around.

Kerala has changed tremendously from what I’ve known it to be. I don’t know where to begin but I must, somewhere.

Kerala is 100 percent literate. Which means everyone knows how to read and write, or at least to write his or her own name. How awesome is that?! We must commend the work of all the governments and their education departments for pulling this off. But what they also should have done was to encourage what is called the “dignity of labour”, to maintain that every job is important and that no job is big or small.

In the last decade everyone who can read and write, and has passed the matriculation or more, has gone off to the city for a government job. The result – there might be a lot of brain but there is hardly any brawn. Kerala is known for its coconut and areca nut plantations. But there is no one to climb these palms and fell the fruits in harvest season.

Consider this. You have graduated in B.Com and your father asks you to climb that tree in the yard and cut down its fruits. Would you do it every day? No? Even if it gave you good money? No? That’s the problem!

There is no one available for agriculture. Kerala now imports rice and vegetables from neighbouring states in spite of the rich fertile soil it can boast of.

Those who do continue with agriculture do so for the love of it and sustain themselves with rubber plantations that provide quick yield. Most of them also understand that this rubber will also strip their land off all the nutrients and water.

Most of Kerala doesn’t care where the food they consume comes from and it’s difficult to convince them otherwise if the same commodity is available at a cheaper price. But Kerala will continue to suffer if such is the case. The Kerala government believes that agriculture is no longer profitable, and it will soon look to convert all agricultural land to industrial or residential structures to support “development”.

I wasn’t surprised when I did not get to have tender coconuts in Kerala. Apparently, the ones you do get on the highways come all the way from Karnataka!

Now it is but obvious that all these jobs still need to be done. You need manual labourers to work at construction sites, you need them for development projects such as building roads or dams; you need farmhands. Historically, man has been known to travel long distances in search of work. It is hence, easy to find a surge of workers from West Bengal, Assam, Orissa and Bihar. If in Kochi or Kannur you ask for directions, there’s a fat chance you’ll get a blank face and a response that goes, “Malayalam…nahi…”

Recently, a migrant worker from Bengal was tied to a lamp post with a blackened face and beaten up in Trivandrum, the capital of Kerala. The villagers suspected him of being involved in a theft. Where is this culture coming from? When did people in “God’s Own Country” become so beastly? Isn’t it obvious that your job will be taken by someone else if you don’t want to do it?

It is also sad to note that Kathakali, Koodiyattam and many more performing arts will soon be endangered. Just like video killed the radio stars, orchestras and cheap mimicry shows have replaced them thanks to the ill-witted temple committees that run the temple business. Families depend on the paltry earnings of these artists, once favoured by the ruling class. No one wants a Kathakali performance anymore.

These ace performers now depend on foreign tourists for their livelihood. They now have to visit the guests in their hotel rooms or houseboats for private performances. Long gone Kathakali aashaans (stalwarts) are better that way…dead. They would have cringed at the current situation.

If you thought that is all foreign tourists are after, you are wrong. There is news that young school students, both boys and girls are giving in to flesh trade for easy money, and many of them seem to have found takers in foreign tourists. I have no means to confirm this but what I heard shocked me to my core!

Children are also being used to smuggle contraband materials. They are given packages that they are supposed to carry in their school bag and deliver to someone at a certain time. Who would suspect a school boy? And can you imagine how powerful a pre-teen would feel with a 500 rupee note in his pocket?

Children as young as ten and eleven are being initiated into sand-mining. All they have to do is collect as much sand as they can from the river beds and deposit it with the contractor. Easy money again. Every body knows that this is how the (once) pride of Kerala – The river Nila or Bharata Puzha died. But sand-mining is still very much visible and allowed.

Parents of these children are not bothered about where the money comes from as long as they contribute to the family’s earnings.

A temple committee in a certain part of Palakkad recently razed a sacred grove or “kaav” because it wanted to expand the temple premises. Now who is to explain to these nincompoops that it is these forests that are to be truly worshipped and that the stone deity is only a representative?!

I am scared for the next generation of Kerala. With people who’ve grown up this way, no rivers, no forests, no agriculture and hardly any rain…I don’t see much hope for God’s Own Country.

Hari Chakyar

Hari and Anthony together make Project 35 Trees and this story is a part of their epic crowd-funded journey across India to create environmental awareness. To know more about them visit http://www.facebook.com/35trees .

Image Courtesy [Anthony Karbhari]

Why I Can’t Wait To Get Back To Nagaland!

It was 5 a.m. when Anthony and I stepped out of Dimapur station on the morning of the 28^th of November. No sooner were we out, than we were hounded by cabbies who wanted to ferry us to Kohima right away. But we had nowhere to go.

We had spoken to a member of the Rotaract Club of Dimapur for the sponsorship of our saplings but we were supposed to call another number at ten in the morning.

But the real dilemma was, what would we do for five hours? And what if we still didn’t have a sponsor after that call?

Anyways we needed a place to sleep so we checked into Hotel Maple, someplace we had found on the internet, the night before. They gave us a single room with a single bed, promising to upgrade us as soon as there was more space. After an uncomfortable sleep (read Anthony’s wheezing, my snoring and a few million power cuts) we decided to step out of the depressing room.

Like everywhere in the east, the sun in Nagaland tears curtains, permeates your eyelids, holds your pupils by their shoulders and shakes away all the sleep at 6 a.m. By ten, it feels like 2 p.m. in Mumbai, bright and sunny.

We ambled slowly through the market area, looking at shops, reading signboards and trying not to stare at the very pretty Naga women. I had been craving to have some south Indian breakfast for a long time now and my tongue fell to the ground when I saw a board that said Dosa Plaza. I almost dragged Anthony along to find this place when we accidentally spotted Café 77.

It looked like a good breakfast place with a really cool name plate with graffiti. So I killed the “dosa dream” right there and walked into the café only to be welcomed by the smell of amazing coffee. A little part of the south Indian in me got satiated there.

As we ordered breakfast, we saw a stand that propped up a magazine called “Green Cache”. I picked it up.

It was good and it was only their first volume!

Crisp pictures, amazing sequential stories and illustrations. I learnt a lot from that one magazine than a lot of Biology lectures in college. I quickly wrote a mail to the magazine, introducing ourselves and telling them how much we liked their magazine. The next move on my list was to call the number that was printed in the magazine.

Sentinaro Alley, who took the call patiently, listened to everything I had to say. Then, she introduced herself as the publisher and promised to meet us at Café 77 in another hour.

What happened next was straight out of a dream.

Sentinaro came, we spoke, she rang up a few numbers and three hours later, we were in a cab to Kohima with five pine saplings that she had sponsored!

In Kohima, we met Richard Belho, an architect with many dreams. (One of his dreams is to see Nagaland’s Under 19 football team kick the Indian national team’s ass!) He’s one of the many forces behind the Kohima Komets, a feisty gang of school boys who make their coach proud.

I planted ten saplings with the Kohima Komets in Meriema Village, where a football academy is soon to come up.

Sure, we were ecstatic about the number of saplings we managed to get sponsorship for but the cherry on the cake, was the Hornbill Festival.

This annual festival organized by the Government of Nagaland brings together all the sixteen tribes of Nagaland in their festive finery. Every tribe is represented at the festival by a group of 20 to 25 men and women in traditional attire including their choice of weapons and musical instruments!

Every tribe has a special song and dance ritual, most of which sounded like battle cries to me.

They stand shoulder to shoulder in a semi-circle, entwine their hands behind one another and move in a circular fashion, increasing the tempo as they go. One of them chants and the others follow. One or more of them are entrusted with the job of making bone-chilling shrill sounds.

At the festival, every tribe has a model of their native hut for the visitors to see. There are volunteers in every hut to provide explanations to people who might have questions. Basically, think of this part as a science exhibition in school but take out all the boring things and crank up the fun by 200 percent!

If you are the adventurous type, you can register yourself for the Naga Chilli Eating Contest, the piglet-catching contest or the bamboo-climbing contest. If you need alcohol to have more fun, then too bad, Nagaland is a dry state. But, Hornbill brings respite to people who like to drink.

Every tribe has its own stall of zutho (rice beer). They also have their own recipe for zutho. It might be fermented in different ways by each tribe but the results are just amazing!

Zutho is fermented rice water served in bamboo glasses.Sweet-sour and brothy. A few glassfuls of zutho at every stall will keep you smiling all day long.

Once you have taken in everything the place has to offer, you will see why the festival is called the Window to Nagaland. If the Nagaland Government were to be given a report card for attempting to build a new personality for the state, I would give them a nine on ten!

It is sad that I could witness only one of the seven days of the Hornbill Festival but I’m sure I’ll soon be back with friends to see the festival and Nagaland in all its glory.

Hari Chakyar

Hari and Anthony together make Project 35 Trees and this story is a part of their epic crowd-funded journey across India to create environmental awareness. To know more about them visit http://www.facebook.com/35trees .

Image Source [http://www.thrillophilia.com/blog/wp-content/themes/busybee/images/5-things-to-do-in-nagaland/kohima-nagaland-horn-bill-festival.jpg?9d7bd4]

My Adventure Trip 

Fifteen years back, if anybody had asked me if I’d known about a country called Kosovo, I would have stared at them blankly and so would you, I bet. Seven years later, all that changed because I found myself in Kosovo, living and breathing its fresh mountain air.

Despite its recent noteworthiness, Kosovo has always been around and has been marked by a long succession of wars. The Kosovo war, famously remembered for allowing Kosovo to become an independent country was marked with heinous war crimes and a ten year long occupation by the United Nations and its NATO forces suppressing the Serbian forces. I was fortunate or unfortunate depending on the point of view, to be there during the war. Kosovo, despite the war and turmoil, is a very beautiful and picturesque place full of snow-capped mountains, flowing streams and lush green, grassy fields. Of course, back then, to even visit the place you had to be either the president of a country or have a UN stamped passport. But now, post-war, the newly formed country of Kosovo has been promoting tourism to the country.

Kosovo is a predominantly Muslim country. Unlike most Muslim countries like Saudi Arabia, Pakistan etc., the religious state of society is kept to a minimum. The citizens do practice it, but it does not affect their daily lives in an extreme way. During the month or Ramzan, the citizens of Kosovo wake up at 3 ‘o’ clock to eat, drink Turkish tea, pray and then go back to sleep. They break their fast promptly at 5 ‘o’ clock sharp in the evening but apart from this the day goes on as normal. The religious zeal pervasive in Islam dominated parts of the world is not present here and it is encouraging to see that the locals are very curious about other religions.

While there are plenty of riots in Kosovo brought about by its independent status as a country, very few of these riots that are about religion. The people are friendly, helpful and welcoming to tourists, although they are a bit overenthusiastic, as Kosovo is a country that does not get many visitors. While this is a welcome change, it gets a bit tiring after a while, especially when children follow you around like you were the pied piper of Hamlin. The people are inquisitive and frank but also courteous and polite. Rest assured, a simple query for directions will not only get you the most accurate, blow-by-blow way to your destination, but also enquiries about your health, your family’s health and a general discussion on the current state of affairs. Kosovo is one of the few places where racism is at a minimum, because the war which claimed so many lives was instigated by it. There is still discrimination towards the minority groups in terms of housing, employment, education, health and social welfare despite their planned integration into the Kosovar society.

As a whole, Kosovo is landlocked by Macedonia, Albania and Montenegro to the south, west and north-west respectively. The remaining area is bordered by the central Serbian region. Kosovo’s capital and largest city is Pristina, which holds the only airport, military controlled. Kosovo’s demographic is divided into Albanian, Serbian, Turkish, Gorani and Roma. The highest population is of Albanians, but there are also Turks, Gorani and Roma folk mixed in. The Serbian population is mostly concentrated toward the north where Kosovo is bordered by Serbia.

Though the official languages of Kosovo have been deemed to be Albanian and Serbian because over 80% of the populace can speak it, the language most commonly preferred by the locals remains Turkish. Even the food in Kosovo is predominantly Turkish. Burak, is a type of baked roll made with flour rather than wheat, much like the Indian naan. However, unlike the naan, the burak is generally stuffed with meat, cheese and other stuffing. While the actual Turkish word for bread is ekmek, burak is a colloquial term given to the dish. It is eaten hot and without any dip or side. A word of advice: to go to Kosovo and fully enjoy the food there, being a non-vegetarian is a must as there isn’t much in the way of a vegetarian diet. Kosovo’s staple diet consists of beef, mutton and chicken along with eggs and fish. As the majority of its population is Muslim, there are not many shops that sell pork. Kosovo has had a history of wine production and produces both red and white wines. The wines most commonly produced are Reds – Pinot Noir, Merlot and White – Chardonnay. Kosovo is currently generating revenue by wine exports to USA and Germany.

The music in Kosovo though varied, is mostly Albanian and some Serbian. It is mostly folk and uses the çifteli, which is a mandolin like string instrument used in Albanian music. The Serbian uses a gusle another stringed instruments. However, Kosovo also has many classical and traditional forms of music.

The climate in Kosovo is continental with warm, pleasant summers and cold, snowy winters. The temperature can go as low as -15 degrees during the coldest days. For visiting purposes, it would be ideal to visit Kosovo during the months of April through August, which spans the spring, summer and autumn seasons. If visiting in winter, pack warm clothes, thick jackets and appropriate footwear. There is very minimal rain in Kosovo. If you want to prepare for all possibilities then pack an umbrella.

Travelling within Kosovo is easy as there are plenty of cabs. However, not many people speak English and it is advised to carry an Albanian to English dictionary. Also carry a torch as there are frequent power outs. The public transport isn’t quite up to the mark yet, but the taxis are inexpensive.

The popular places to visit include the Mirusha Waterfall of the Driniriver, which during summer is a scene of picturesque beauty. The road leading to the waterfall is narrow and winding and reaching there is an adventure in itself.

The Peć Patriachy is a beautiful monastery with many spectacular paintings. Conservative dressing is a must for all those wishing to visit. Further down the road from the PećPatriachy is the Rugova Gorge. It is a canyon which has extremely steep walls reaching up to 300 meters.

The Gjakova Old Bazaar is a very beautiful old “shopping center” from 17th century. It was burned down during the war in 1999 and reconstructed recently. Also, in the center of the bazaar is located an old mosque that was built in the 15th century.

The Mitrovica Bridge is an interesting symbol of the division of the population in Kosovo. This bridge is the dividing line between Serbs and Albanians in Mitrovice/Mitrovica. It will almost always be safe to approach the bridge and look at it, although the French soldiers who guard it may not let you cross if the political situation is worse than average (average not being so good).

Kosovo is also home to a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Decani Monastery. This orthodox monastery from the 13th century is one of the most important monasteries of the Serbian Orthodox Church in Kosovo. Famous for its elegant and peculiar architecture, it successfully mixes western and eastern church building elements to form a particular hybrid style only known on the territory of old Serbia. This monastery is particularly noted for some of the world’s finest medieval frescoes adorning its walls. Gračanica Monastery, another UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the most beautiful examples of Serbian medieval (14th c.) ecclesiastical architecture. This monastery was built by the Serbian king Milutin in the serbo-byzantine style, reportedly its shape being inspired by a cloud. It is noted for its frescoes, and it is the only medieval Serbian monastery found in an urban setting complete with an old school and archives.

Prizren is the most historical city in Kosovo and has plenty of examples of beautiful Islamic architecture. Novo Brdo was mentioned in the historical documents as early as 1326. Novo Brdo was a metropolis at the time, with a huge medieval fortress built on the top of an extinct volcano cone, the remains of which can be visited today, and residential sections sprawling all around. In the outer wall of the fortress, a large cross is visible, built into the stones. The castle, or fortress, was thought at one point to have dated back to the Byzantine Empire.

The easiest way to reach Kosovo is to take a flight from any international airport to Vienna, then a connect to Zurich and then fly to Pristina after an overnight stay. Alternatively, you can take a flight to either Albania or Macedonia and then drive down to Pristina. These modes are generally the most preferred so as to avoid Serbia completely as the Serbians do not grant exit or entry to a person bearing a passport stamped with a Kosovo visa.

Varanya Vijaykumar

Image Source [http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pOf5xGur4IU/T7VxKQV7-3I/AAAAAAAAAQY/I_necbkOCSk/s1600/Monastery+Visoki+Decani+Kosovo+Serbia.jpg]

How To Survive While Travelling Alone

I can never ever digest the look on the face of the average man who meets me often on my journeys alone. These looks come in various shades of bewilderment. From the incredulous, sometimes unspoken look of “you’re travelling alone!”, to suspicion, “where’s her male chaperon  and sometimes just plain pity, “aw, she’s all alone”. The range of emotions thrown at me never gets old. That is the life of a single female traveller. At least in India.

It all began on my first journey to the mountains. Now if you’re someone who’s fairly street smart and believes in the good of most men, then you’re likely to be told off by every person who sits next to you on the bus or the train. I’ve had a range of old aunties, young college kids, sometimes even women my age who’d go out of their way to warn me about all the men and all the misfortune that’s waiting to devour unsuspecting little me. Not to mention, everything untoward that may happen to me from dysentery to being swallowed by a bear – it only gets better each time

But before I proceed, I’d like to make a case for travelling alone, regardless of gender. I often hear people around me talk about not being “alone people”, or finding the mere thought of travelling without friends boring. But let me promise you this – you will never have the same experiences when you travel with friends. When you travel alone, you open yourself to the idea and chance of meeting new people who can approach you, minus the crowd. You force yourself to seek out new experiences, which you’d otherwise take for granted when with friends. You also give yourself the time to introspect and make sense of the world at your own pace, without the need to constantly talk to those around you. Have your coffee in silence for a change. I’ve realised the smallest of chance encounters have the potential to transform your life. So, young person, go travel!

Here are some things to remember when travelling alone:

1. Select your destination smartly

It’s great to go off the beaten path and explore new parts of the world by yourself. But if you’re a first time single traveller, I suggest you select a destination which has at least some tourist traffic. It’ll be simpler to book a place to stay, get sightseeing information off the internet and you’ve a better chance at finding like-minded travellers. Check out some lesser known options in Himachal Pradesh, Karnataka and Maharshtra – they’re tourist-friendly but not super crowded, with well connected options for all kind of vacations

2. Feed your mind

Yes, we all get bored. Those long, dusty bus rides across towns into the wilderness with nothing to do. Keep enough things to entertain you. Your iPod should be updated and charged, your favourite books at the ready. But apart from the usual suspects, I keep an arsenal of unexpected but quirky things that get people together. For example, always keep a pack of cards with you. I used to keep origami paper in my books, so that every time I felt like a change, I’d pull out some paper and fold it into a coaster and leave it for the cafe as a token. In fact, one time I discovered fellow origamists around me and we spent a happy afternoon making cranes by a Goan beach. I also recommend travel versions of board games like scrabble and chess; you never know who’ll come along to liven up your evening!

3. Talk!

That is your greatest asset. Don’t be shy of walking up to the couple that runs the coffee shop for what to see or how to get there. Conversations you have with other travellers are enough to keep you charged for the entire trip. I always get heart-warming answers every time I ask people why they travel. You’ll be awed and overwhelmed when you meet people who’ve left everything to travel the world. I’ve met world cyclists, translators, explorers, bakers, electricians, ex-military, lawyers, stock traders, dancers and even a lady who makes jams for a living. There’s a lot waiting out there for you to add to your experience.

4. Travel like a local

When in Rome do as the Romans do. The best way for you to get acquainted to your surroundings is to observe the locals around you, and you’ll seldom go wrong. It’s always good to speak to your lodge/hotel owner for information about food, sights, travel etc. Borrow a map, climb on a bus and be on your way. The essence of your travel is being able to live like a local. Food is one such experience. Expat-heavy places have their share of pancakes and al fresco, but take a step ahead and find a dhaba or a home run kitchen to sample authentic local cuisine which would otherwise not be available. Some of the best meals I’ve had are at the homes of people I’ve befriended, be it fresh fish at a local fisherman’s kitchen or steaming bowls of thukpa on a cold wintery day at a tour guide’s home. And trust me, there is no better travel than food.

5. Live Smart

There’s no short cut to being street smart. Get back to your lodgings at a comfortable time; be aware of when the last train or taxi is available. Trust your gut; you don’t have to accept party invites or “chill out sessions” from random people you’ve just met. Keep friends and family informed about your whereabouts and your phone charged with Google maps handy. Go have a ball.

So, it’s not really about being a guy or girl. The point is travel. And learn to travel alone; because chances are that you’ll find out things – not just about the place but yourself too! – which could potentially change your whole perspective. Be brave. Travel alone!

Ishita Thakur

Image Courtesy [Rohan Dahiya]

“We want to order this”, Navya said pointing at the menu. “Prawn rice.”

The woman taking our order nodded.

“Chilli crab”

“No chilli crab. We no have.”

“Okay then,” she sifted through the menu once again. “This uhh, sweet-chilli chicken.”

She nodded again.

“And steamed buns.”

She gave a final nod, collected all the menus and went her way.

It was around ten-thirty in the night and the three of us, Navya, Saj and I had chosen a tiny restaurant where a couple more Singaporeans were having their dinner, while we waited for ours.

“Hope the food is good.” I said.

“Yes, especially after today’s Burger King fiasco”, Saj added. The Burger King fiasco; thrilled as we were to find 3.40 dollars was not just for a burger but a whole combo, the burgers were not the ones we had ordered, the coke was strange and the fries soggy.

“Oh, but does anyone know how to crack the crab?” I asked, remembering my last failed attempt to have a masala crab.

“Don’t worry, we’ll figure it out somehow.” Saj said confidently.

“How?” Navya questioned her.

“Haven’t you had crab at Nina Aunty’s? She always cracks hers with a hammer. I’ve seen her do it, I’m sure I could also crack it.”

“A HAMMER?? From where do you think we’ll get a hammer here?”

“Maybe we could ask her…”

“And how do we explain to her that we want a hammer? She barely understands English.”

“Maybe we could ask her to crack it…?”

We continued to bicker and debate over the ways of cracking the crab, and after a while, our food arrived. We had the chicken with rice and waited for the crab to arrive. It was a good fifteen minutes before we realized that we had been told that they didn’t have chilli crab, and we had stupidly spent the past half hour trying to come up with new methods of cracking a crab.

This was at the Beach Road, a street along which lay hundreds of small restaurants. You can find all sorts of Chinese, Korean and Singaporean cuisine here; and some restaurants even have little stoves on each table, so you get a huge bowl, put in the vegetables and the meat with the soup, let it cook over the stove, and eat it as it simmers.

Beach Road, and alongside it, Haji Lane comes alive every evening with their roadside bars, the rows of tables and chairs along the pavement and glasses of wine on each table. These streets remind you of the streets in Paris, but the mood here is definitely lighter. It seems as if every evening after work, people choose one of these restaurants to unwind. Glasses of whiskey are shimmering on every table, fresh, hot food is being served by cheery workers and you are invited to dine at each one of these restaurants as you walk by. Probably that is the reason Beach Road remains one of my favourite haunts in the city, not just for the food, but also if you want to experience the essence of Singapore, and the life of its residents.

The very first night that we arrived, we decided to go up to Marina Bay Sands, which is an integrated resort fronting Marina Bay. It is estimated to be the world’s most expensive standalone casino property, at 8 billion dollars. Three towers of 55 stories are topped by a 340 metres long SkyPark, which includes a 150 metres long swimming pool with a vanishing edge.

We excitedly bought our tickets that night, and learnt, to our dismay the next morning from our taxi driver, that we could have just gone up for free by saying we wanted to take a drink up at the bar, Ku De̒ Ta, which we did anyway. But the view of Singapore from up there more than justified the money, because it was, as clichéd as it sounds, priceless.

A view overlooking a city always induces a certain sort of sentimentality in me. When you see the entire city from that place, all you can think is, Singapore is just so… sorted. There is no other word for it. Everything seems to be in place, and the city continues to shine in its dazzling glory.

As tourists, we also decided to make use of Singapore’s extensive public transportation system, and at the same time, save our pockets from cab fare. So while returning from Marina Bay Sands, I insisted that we take the bus.

Now, my friend Navya had been wearing heels, and wanted nothing but the ease of sitting in a taxi, being delivered to the hotel’s entrance, and straight into the comfort of her bed. But upon my insistence, she agreed to experience the bus, and we figured out our bus number and bus stop, and waited there. We were supposed to take bus number 56, and with every bus that glided in our direction, the three of us would look up expectantly, and then drop our heads, disappointed, as every number went by except for 56.

After many more minutes, Navya gave me an ultimatum, if one of the next three buses to come by wasn’t 56, we would take a cab, no more discussion on that. I agreed reluctantly. I waited in anticipation, as the first two buses came and went, and just when I had finally given up, by some stroke of luck, the third bus was, guess what? 56.

Saj exclaimed in surprise, Navya looked at me accusingly, and I happily hopped onto the bus.

Since we were in Singapore, and being the tourist destination that it is, we had to do some of the cheesy, touristy things that you’re supposed to do when you visit the country. So we visited Sentosa Island, which included the Butterfly Park, Luge, the 4D movies, Songs of the Seas show, the Underwater World, the Dolphin Show, and a nice beach. We also did the Night Safari and went for Universal Studios, which, in spite of being silly, was great fun.

Besides being a tourist country, Singapore is also a very smart country. Singapore’s economy thrives on tourism alone, so it leaves no stone unturned for servicing their tourists. Exiting any popular place would lead you right into its souvenir shop, which has been built in a way that you have to pass through the shop in order to get out. Chances are, something or the other will catch your fancy on the way out, and you will end up buying that.

A fixed automatic camera will also click your picture when you’re, say, doing the Luge so when you are done, you can buy that picture for 10 dollars, if you like it. Or not. The point is that you have a choice. So many choices, in fact, that Singapore leaves you spoilt. The sheer convenience of it all is overwhelming.

For example, in Universal Studios, in the Jurassic Park section, they have a raft ride for you, as one of the attractions. So we lined up for it. Just at the entrance, they had put up a big board that said, “You WILL get wet, and POSSIBLY soaked. “Just besides that, there was the option of renting lockers by the hour to keep all your phones and bags. After all, you wouldn’t want to your stuff to get “soaked” too, would you? So you pay a few dollars to rent a locker.

As the waiting line moves a little ahead, there is another machine, from where you can buy these raincoat sort of things, plastic sheets essentially, to protect yourself from the water. Those who were really worried about getting wet spent another few dollars to get those. When the ride ended, and we were wet, but only as wet as you used to get in that Splash ride in Appu Ghar in Delhi, you came across heating pads. Little makeshift cubicles that will blow you dry, because you got soaked, for another few dollars.

That is why I say Singapore is a smart country. It finds ways to make money off their tourists, and any country who sources its livelihood from tourism, should do that as well.

A lot of my memorable nights were spent in Clark Quay. It’s a riverside quay in Singapore, alongside which runs a road which houses the country’s best restaurants and nightclubs. Nights were spent walking along the little collectible, toy-like shops and jazzy bars, like Cuba Libre, Highlander and Arena and trying different drinks with live bands performing in the background, with people of so many countries grooving and dancing.

We would walk around freely, with no issues of safety, in this incredibly feel-good place. One night, there was a boxing ring at a spot, and the very next night, there were fountains at the same spot. It’s fast, it’s changing and it’s cosmopolitan, in every sense of the word.

There is something truly unique about Singapore, which calls me back there again and again. I think the best way to describe it would be what I heard from an Irish guy there,

“It has so many cultures, it has no culture actually. You get what I mean?”

Srishti Chaudhary

Image Courtesy [ Srishti Chaudhary]

Shillong, situated in Meghalaya, is perhaps one of the most picturesque cities in India.

It’s luscious green mountains, clouds that linger so low that it seems as if they are almost flirting with you. The impeccable weather all year round is perhaps what led the British in tagging Shillong as the Scotland of the East.

The word Meghalaya literally means the “Abode of Clouds” in Sanskrit. The clouds in Shillong have an altogether different feel. Their round, puffy and gleaming white nature makes you feel like you are floating among them.

Although, Shillong has an airport of its own, I always take a flight from Delhi to Guwahati, which is a four hour drive from Shillong. Those four hours are worth the drive as you go swirling up and up in the greenery.

You can feel the weather change and the clouds drop lower and lower as you go ahead.

After two hours of drive, you reach Badapani, a magnanimous man-made lake.

There are lake houses built around Badapani, either for a quick getaway or just for a simple day trip.

Shillong is unlike other hill stations. I wouldn’t even call it a hill station.

When people think of a hill-station, they think of a place with minimal facilities. That’s not Shillong for you.

It’s a full-fledged cosmopolitan city. It’s crowded like any other up and running city.

If you want to explore the city, walking is a more wise and feasible option. Not only are you staying away from the traffic for hours, but you’re also staying fit and giving back to the environment by keeping it pollution free.

But even if you get stuck in the traffic, I can guarantee that your eyes will not be tired of the traffic. How can it, when there’s so much beauty around!

And much like any other city in India, Shillong also has a number of small pan shops sprouting in and around the city.

On the first day in Shillong, I ventured to the vegetable and fish market to get a glimpse of the local life.

Shillong is one of the smallest cities in India.

It only took me 15 to 20 minutes to get out of the main city and get a view places on the ouskirts of Shillong.

Wide open fields and the intense greenery that surrounds you at all times and angles is precisely why Shillong is also known as the Scotland of the East.

In the main city of Shillong, people often go to The Wards Lake for some  relaxation. Tickets are as cheap as five rupees. Although there were loud Bollywood songs playing in the garden-lake, which stole my peace for a while, the mesmerizing shimmer of water was enough to silence the noise behind me.

Shillong is probably one of my favourite cities in India.

The sharp bite of the sun clashing with the frosty feel of the air, which lingers all year round, is just too welcoming. You do not take long to gel in with the city.

Although I wouldn’t completely recommend the place if all you’re aiming for is a quick escape from the urban lifestyle in search of a little peace and silence.

Shillong, nevertheless is definitely one of the “must- visit” places of India.

Shreya Kalra

Image Courtesy [Shreya Kalra]

From the awe-inspiring pristine beauty of Paro Valley to the bustling streets of Thimphu, Bhutan is a not-so-tiny Himalayan Kingdom, where the people pride themselves on their happiness quotient.

With great reverence for traditional Buddhist beliefs and respect for cultural heritage, the Bhutanese are warm and friendly and above all, humble. Our very first glimpse of the ParoValley, ensconced within the many mountains, transported us to another time period.

The flavors of the country are as vibrant and eclectic as the Ghos and the Kiras, Bhutan’s national dresses.

Red chillies are a quintessential ingredient in every Bhutanese dish. There is nothing better than to savour the local delicacies while life plods along in the quiet city of Thimphu.

Plum’s Cafe and The Druk, on the main Clock Tower road in Thimphu, serve some traditional Chinese and Bhutanese fare such as Chicken Chowmein, Jasha Maroo (traditional Bhutanese dish), delicious Chicken Momos, and the super-spicy Datshi (national dish of Bhutan), which is available in many different versions.

The “Datshi” is a heart-warming dish for a perfect evening in Thimphu. As the evening sun retreats into the cool darkness of the night,  one should soak in the pleasures of this cushioned city while digging into a fiery mix of cheese and green peppers. This, my friends, is “Ema Datshi”, a national dish that wraps up a Bhutan experience perfectly.

Hidden away in a nondescript street of Thimphu is a Swiss Bakery that offers some delectable almond cakes, rum cakes, and croissants. Boutique hotels such as Hotel Kisa and Hotel Migmar are some of the best hotels here and are just ten minutes away from the main shopping area. Our stay at Hotel Migmar was truly memorable, mainly because of the graciousness of the hotel staff. The amenities of this hotel were classy, yet comfortable and the meals were divine. Above all, the hotel offers guests some picturesque views of the majestic mountains and easy access to shopping and entertainment.

Another striking feature of this country, are the beautiful paved roads that take you to the remotest corners.

It’s easy getting around, especially, in Thimphu where you can hire a taxi just by standing by the side of the road. The fares are on a per-head basis and the minimum fare you have to pay to get around is twenty-five Bhutanese ngultrum. Indian travelers can pay in Indian rupees; however, larger denominations like over one hundred rupees are not accepted, except in the top restaurants or hotels.

The Clock Tower road in Thimphu is the only street that has a variety of shops selling antiques, souvenirs, grocery items, shoes, and textiles. Bhutanese textiles are world famous and some of them are quite expensive. You can and you must bargain at these stores. Hong Kong Market, situated close to the main street in Thimphu, has shops selling imported Chinese goods, which are slightly expensive.

A special treat for shopaholics is the Weekend Market, which takes place Friday through Sunday, on both sides of the Wang Chhu (river Wang). Some of the local handicrafts and souvenirs such as traditional silk paintings or “Thangkas”, Bhutanese masks, necklaces and showpieces made from Yak’s bone, etc. can be purchased here.

Many of the products are imported from Nepal, Tibet, and China, but Bhutan’s locally made paper handicrafts and textiles still manage to showcase the ancient glory of the country.

A three-hour drive from Thimphu takes you to Punakha, that is a destination renowned for its river-rafting adventure, sport facilities and the grand Punakha Dzong, which means “Palace of Great Happiness or Bliss”.

A majestic structure, Punakha Dzong is the second largest and second oldest Dzong in Bhutan, and it lies at the union of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu in the Punakha –Wangdue Valley.

The Drukgyel Dzong, Rinpung Dzong, the National Museum of Bhutan, and Tiger’s Nest Monastery are a must-see. The ornate architecture of the Dzongs and the Buddha paintings within the confines of monastery are a visual treat. Unfortunately, photography is not permitted within the sacred monasteries.

The cool weather, since it was the monsoon season when we visited, complemented the pristine beauty of the landscape beautifully. You can easily sit down on the banks of the river and immerse your senses in the purity of Nature.

You can heighten your holiday pleasures by sinking into the tranquility and soothing panorama of Paro Valley.

Hotel Olathang in Paro offers tourists quaint cottages amid the paradisaical pine forests. Perched on a hill-top, the hotel lends you some splendorous views of the valley.

Bhutan’s cuisine and culture are hidden secrets of the Himalayan kingdom. A country of warm and happy people, it makes you want to visit again. A perfect vacation destination,Bhutan takes you far away from the hustle and bustle of commercial life.

Boarding a Druk Air flight from any of the major metropolitan cities in India will transport you to the Land of the Thunder Dragon.

Kritika Pramod Kulshrestha

Image Source [http://www.nepaltreks.com.np/editor/assets/travel-pictures-bhutan-asia-travel-2.jpg]

Why do you people go to temples? Why do people go on long, strenuous pilgrimages? Perhaps to attain purity, peace of mind, rid themselves of sins, and pray for their wishes to be granted by the almighty.

I can’t answer my own questions because when I see temples, I see money making machines, I see dirt and filth, I see lies, and I see people being tricked and fooled.

I happened to make a visit to the Kamakhya Temple, situated in Guwahati, Assam. Many Hindus consider it to be an important pilgrimage destination. Now you must be wondering why, of all places, I decided to venture into a temple. Well, I’ve been told many a times that temples aren’t simply religious sites, but also places of experience. A judgement or dogma cannot be formed without experience, so in I went to experience theKamakhyaTemple.

As I walked in to this famous temple, it felt a lot like walking into an animal farm. My eyes were subject to the sight of goats and hens and roosters loitering alongside each other. Something you expect out of a well-known destination? Not particularly what I had in mind. As I walked further in, I saw the mundis (severed heads) of several goats that had been “sacrificed” in the name of God and there they were lying at the feet of their Holy God. There was dust flying everywhere- how I wish I didn’t have to leave my shoes outside the temple.

In the interiors of this temple, you can see numerous babas squatting for whoever will drop offerings into their hands. I must tell you, they won’t settle for just any small rounded pennies, they crave for large amounts.

The actual rituals take place in the dungeon (if I can put it that way) of the temple. It’s a long and claustrophobic wait in extensive queues to accomplish what people actually come for, a moment with God, a moment to receive blessings and to bestow offerings to the almighty.

One need not go through tenacious efforts to attain the blessings of God. Purity of the soul is a simple exercise, which can be achieved through good deeds and actions.

Let’s not remain blinded to the fabrication that hovers over our eyes.

Shreya Kalra

Image Source [http://api.ning.com/files/CXr6whk3OWiSswoTPic6HzZKMWxKxWvJfgmUDxG1v4hjZI2QmF4l3sc1bnnJYmL9/MaKamakhyaTemple.JPG]

India’s first national park established in 1936,JimCorbettNational Parkis the perfect retreat for nature-lovers. Placed on the foothills of theHimalayas, in the Nainital District of Uttrakhand, it is abundant and famous for its flora and fauna with over 100 species of trees, 50 species of mammals and 550 species of birds.

It’s an absolutely ideal setting for tourists, wildlife enthusiasts and photographers.

The park is known for being home to some of the rare species of Tigers, a species which is highly endangered, and on the verge of extinction. The Bengal Tiger can also be spotted here. Earlier known asHaileyNational Park, it has become a famous destination for tourists nowadays.

Living there, amidst the forest and its creatures, is a wonderful experience. Although because of its increased popularity, many luxury resorts have been established close to the forest area; but the real experience lies within the forest. Living in an FRH (Forest Rest House) where you can enjoy nature at its natural best, is an experience of a lifetime. Not to mention that these resorts have hugely affected the ecological balance of the park, and would also be a waste of money to live in one of them. The exalting beauty of the place, with the constant chirping of birds, takes you to another world altogether.

The jungle safari is another thrilling experience; one that would more than just excite those who love adventure. There are a huge variety of animals, birds and reptiles to observe, from tigers, leopards, elephants, deer and black bears to eagles, parakeet and pythons. You are basically looking at a variety of frames, images and shots that would make for a great opportunity for any wildlife photographer, or an wildlife and adventure junkie.

While for the other lot of tourists, who enjoy a laid back day, Corbett is a heaven where you can just lie back on a chair in your rest house, a cup of coffee in one hand, and a book in another. The peace and calm of the surroundings is much desirable as compared to the never-ending commotion in the city.

During the night, the sounds of the various animals and birds around you makes for an eerie yet hauntingly serene environment. A stroll around the rest house with your friends at this time would be fun and is safe too thanks to the electric fencing all around the park. The cool breeze and the sweet smell of the plants are extremely refreshing and rejuvenating. The mornings are foggy during winters, and the temperature can drop down to 3 degree Celsius.

Corbett National Park is one of the most attractive national parks in the country and is a great destination for anybody looking for a break from the hub-dub of the city life. It is best experienced with a large group of friends.

If you are a nature-lover, you MUST visit this place once to see what you’ve been missing.

Tanvi Hans

Image Source [http://www.bcmtouring.com/forum/attachments/dsc06302.jpg-83834d1277183497]