LOOKING DOWN ON ETHEREAL MACHU PICCHU

LOOKING DOWN ON ETHEREAL MACHU PICCHU

Shikha Shah Desai

From a splendidly old-fashioned train journey through the Sacred Valley to losing oneself in the tranquility of the terraced ruins, the Machu Picchu experience is everything but ordinary

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Mark Twain once said, “Twenty years from now, you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did.”

Taking inspiration from Twain’s words, I let everything else take a back seat and took off to South America. Reaching a place that’s diametrically on the other side of the globe requires a lot of patience. After 30 hours of hovering, I finally landed in Lima (the capital city of Peru) only hoping the beauty of Machu Picchu would be worth the jet lag. And, it turned out to be nothing less than spectacular!

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ROBBEN ISLAND – A DAY TRIP FROM CAPE TOWN

ROBBEN ISLAND – A DAY TRIP FROM CAPE TOWN

Shikha Shah Desai

If you’re someone with a deep interest in politics, a visit to the former political prison on Robben Island should top your list of “must-dos in and around Cape Town”

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Robben Island is famous, or rather infamous, as the place where South Africa’s anti-apartheid revolutionary and politician Nelson Mandela was imprisoned.

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CAPE TOWN – A DELICIOUS SLICE OF THE “RAINBOW NATION”

CAPE TOWN – A DELICIOUS SLICE OF THE “RAINBOW NATION”

Shikha Shah Desai

Known as the most European city in South Africa, Cape Town is a magical melagne of art, history, culture, and striking topography

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Many talk about quitting the city life for the beauty and tranquility of the mountains, but very few end up taking the plunge. With a paradise like Cape Town in existence, you may want to change your plans. When you visit the city, you come to the realisation that you can savour the best of both worlds without having to give up on either. Yes, Cape Town is a jewel in South Africa’s crown that’s endlessly fascinating. While its beaches and mountains burst with flora and fauna, the harbour and streets are buzzing with contemporary coffee joints and nightlife destinations. This is where age-old architecture blends seamlessly with minimalist avant-garde designs.

Jaw-dropping scenery, immaculate beaches, delicious food, untouched wildlife, rich history, diverse culture, gorgeous hiking trails, world-class wine – Cape Town has it all and a lot more.

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LAKE TAHOE IN CALIFORNIA – WHERE WINTER BRINGS OODLES OF SNOW

LAKE TAHOE IN CALIFORNIA – WHERE WINTER BRINGS OODLES OF SNOW

Shikha Shah Desai

Escape the endless Indian summer and set out on a quest for adrenaline-pumping adventure and surreal vistas. A quick guide to ski resorts in Lake Tahoe – where California and Nevada meet

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Living in a country that doesn’t see a lot of snow, an all-white landscape is bound to give you a singular feeling. And when at Lake Tahoe, it’s difficult to even find words that do justice to its jaw-dropping vistas and scenery. The best way to soak in the beauty is to put on a pair of skis or strap a board to your feet and hurtle down a snow-covered mountain, shredding powder along the slopes. But wait — there’s more to this ski heaven.

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“GO BUSH” WITH KANGAROOS

“GO BUSH” WITH KANGAROOS

Shikha Shah Desai

Kangaroo Island is all about simple things that truly matter in life – peace, beautiful landscapes and good food. Here’s what you can do in South Australia’s animal kingdom

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Picture an island 4,405 sq km long with a population of merely 4,600 humans and uncountable wildlife. A place where you aren’t greeted with morning newspaper, but Australian sea lions basking on pristine white beaches, koalas dozing on towering eucalyptus trees and kangaroos – many carrying their young joeys in the pouch – hopping around in vast verdant spaces. A place where people have deep values, simple genuineness and a special connection with each other as well as the nature around. That’s Kangaroo Island (KI as locals call it) for you – a remote, rural Australian experience.

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A TASTE OF MOD OZ (What to eat when in South Australia)

A TASTE OF MOD OZ (What to eat when in South Australia)

Shikha Shah Desai

In South Australia, what’s on your plate is as diverse as the region’s people and scenery. Here’s an epicurean’s guide to the mecca of “fusion food”

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A BOHEMIAN GETAWAY IN ALIBAUG

A BOHEMIAN GETAWAY IN ALIBAUG

Shikha Shah Desai

Weekend getaways often work like quick breathers from our monotonous, automated schedules. For the Independence Day (August 15) long weekend, we chose to stay at Bohemyan Blue Stay, Alibaug…

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Here’s an express review of the property: Read more →