CLOSER TO NATURE IN KODAIKANAL

CLOSER TO NATURE IN KODAIKANAL

Shikha Shah Desai

A retreat tucked away in Palani Hills, Kodaikanal is ideal for nemophilists who find happiness in adopting the pace of nature

Layered hills of Kodaikanal
Layered hills of Kodaikanal

When I last visited Kodaikanal – a little hill town in Tamil Nadu, I was merely ten. With faint memories of enjoying a boat ride with my family, I am ready to head here again.

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This time around, I wish to explore its lesser-known, hidden gems in the company of my partner. The idea is to stay away from the tourist trap and take in the serenity of Kodai’s dense forests, lakes and high mountains. 

 

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A BUCKET-LIST CHRISTMAS BREAK IN ROVANIEMI

A BUCKET-LIST CHRISTMAS BREAK IN ROVANIEMI

Shikha Shah Desai

Snow-clad pine trees, Arctic Circle, Santa Claus, reindeer sleds, festive cheer; Rovianemi – the capital of Finnish Lapland – has all the ingredients for a quintessential Christmas holiday

Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi

Utter the word “Christmas” and you can instantly sketch a convivial winter scene with a pine tree bedecked in baubles! Add to it a man with twinkling eyes, snow-white beard, round jelly-like belly and a bundle of toys flung on his back! If there’s a place where this picture truly comes alive, it’s none other than Rovaniemi, the “Official Hometown of Santa Claus” in Lapland. This holiday season, connect with your inner child by planning an authentic Christmas experience in the Arctic circle! Read more →

“BUDGET TRIP TO SWITZERLAND” ISN’T A DREAM

“BUDGET TRIP TO SWITZERLAND” ISN’T A DREAM

Shikha Shah Desai

Yes, you can enjoy million-dollar Swiss views without burning a hole in your pocket!

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Switzerland conjures up many images. The best cheese in the world, magnificent snow-covered peaks, melt-in-mouth, smooth and creamy chocolates and rolling green hills dotted with grazing cows and wooden chalets. If there is one thing Switzerland isn’t synonymous with, it’s the word “budget”. The Alpine country is frequently featured in the list of “world’s most expensive countries” and a poorly-planned Swiss trip can certainly cost a fortune. However, a bit of research, smart timing, and a knack for cost cutting can make your trip a lot less pricey than you think.

Quick tips for saving big bucks in Switzerland

1. Swiss travel pass. To buy or not to buy?

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PASTORAL CHARMS OF PHALTAN, MAHARASHTRA

PASTORAL CHARMS OF PHALTAN, MAHARASHTRA

Shikha Shah Desai

Tucked away in the Satara district of Maharashtra, Phaltan is a hidden gem where you can get into the rural rhythm and gorge on authentic local cuisine

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The glamour of twinkling cities and skyscrapers never fails to entice us, however, the heart of India lies in her villages. As city dwellers, we often yearn to run away from the chaos that’s somehow become a part of our day-to-day lives. We are always on the lookout for places that offer serenity and opportunities to connect with our roots. And why not?

The rural setting exposes us to so many marvellous things – pristine nature, fresh air, the simple ways of small-town life, the chance to pick fruits and vegetables straight from the farms and the invigorating vast open spaces. Indeed, there’s nothing quite like the Indian countryside!

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If you’re looking at an unconventional break this monsoon season, look no furthur than Phaltan, a little town in the the land of Marathas. Located in Satara district of southwest Maharashtra, Phaltan and the surrounding region is packed with ample natural beauty, historical sights, temples and more. Famous for its tall sugarcane fields and pomegranate orchards, this little-explored town is a fresh slice of bucolic bliss. Read more →

ROAD TO HEAVEN – ROADTRIPPING NORTHERN IRELAND

ROAD TO HEAVEN – ROADTRIPPING NORTHERN IRELAND

Shikha Shah Desai

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Loaded with myths, legends and folklore, Nothern Ireland is hauntingly beautiful. We go roadtripping on the Causeway Coastal Route and leave enamoured of the region’s unrivalled history and natural beauty

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They say, it’s supposed to be about the journey, not the destination, and when I take a roadtrip with my friend on the spectacular Causeway Coastal Route, I can exactly see why.

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48 HOURS IN DUBLIN

48 HOURS IN DUBLIN

Shikha Shah Desai

Dublin City centre (2)

“In Dublin‘s fair city
Where the girls are so pretty
I first set my eyes on sweet Molly Malone
As she wheeled her wheelbarrow
Through the streets broad and narrow
Crying “cockles and mussels, alive, alive, oh…”

If you’re planning a trip to Dublin, the capital of the Republic of Ireland, you must already start humming the above lines. The unofficial anthem of Dublin city, it is sure to set the mood for what’s coming. Yes, the Irish love their songs. Many an Irish town, street, landscape have been immortalised in melody. While Dublin may not appear in the list of prettiest cities in the world, it certainly packs a good deal of variety for every kind of traveller.

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Think cobblestone streets, the handsome towers of Trinity College, ample green spaces, the Georgian-period buildings, quiet squares, artsy cafes and more.

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ISRAEL – A PARADISE FOR VEGETARIANS

ISRAEL – A PARADISE FOR VEGETARIANS

Shikha Shah Desai
When planning a trip to Israel, you’re likely to pack your suitcases thinking about exploring the country’s history, ruins and UNESCO world heritage sights while satiating your curiosity about its culture, religious significance and political background. While all these definitely create a lasting impact on your mind, what truly blows you away is Israel’s flourishing culinary scene that boasts of food that is begging to be photographed.
Hummus and falafel

The food there is fresh, flavorful, innovative and downright delicious! And the best part? All that food can be vegetarian and high on health quotient! That means, if you eat in moderation (which is rather tough), you may not come back with uncomfortably tight jeans or a bulging tummy! While most dishes consist of fresh, juicy veggies, meat lovers have their own share of finger-licking specialities like shawarma, kofta b’siniyah (meatballs) and plenty of delicious fish and seafood. While shellfish is a more common sight on menus, lobsters, oysters, octopus and scallops are other popular favourites. However, with vegetarian options galore, even a committed non-vegetarian is happy to tuck into all the ghaas phoos. After all, Israel is listed as one of the top vegetarian-friendly destinations in the world!

A fusion like no other 

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Druze man pouring coffee
Israeli bread

Israeli cuisine exemplifies the true melting pot that is Israel. At the end of the 19th century, jews from over 80 countries returned to their ancient land, bringing with them the food cultures from far and wide. Yes, geography has a large influence on the country’s cuisine which is a delectable blend of recipes from North Africa (Morocco, Libya, Tunisia, and Algeria), its Middle Eastern neighbours (Lebanon, Yemen, and Iraq), as well as the Mediterranean countries, along with Eastern Europe and Russia. Among other things that have shaped the cuisine are Jewish dietary laws and festivals as well as the native ingredients of the land. No wonder chickpea specialities like hummus, pickled olives, Arabic coffee and freshly-squeezed pomegranate juice are some of the items that make an appearance throughout the country! Also lunch, rather than dinner, is the focal meal of the day in Israel!

On the menu

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