BY SHIKHA
Howdy! If you’ve come here hunting for me, I am delighted. If you haven’t and just stumbled upon my blog looking for some insights on travel, I’d say ‘Thank You’ for stopping by! A full-time features writer and lifestyle journalist since past ten years, I’ve always had a knack for writing. You may have come … Read more THE STORY BEHIND SOUL-SEARCHING JOURNEYS
Times Life, March 8, 2020 – Art and craft tour to Kutch The Speaking Tree, Feb 9, 2020 – Slow travel in the Cotswolds Times Life, Feb 2, 2020 – See you Outdoors (Best City Parks in the world) The Speaking Tree, Jan 12, 2020 –Forest Bathing in Tongass National Forest, Alaska Times … Read more PORTFOLIO
Got some travel inspiration here? Like the way I travel? Overwhelmed with the all the travel-related information available on the web? Don’t want to go around a destination with a typical touristy itinerary, but finding it too tedious to plan a trip on your own? I am here to customise an itinerary for you, depending … Read more YOUR ITINERARY DESIGNER
The spiritual energy of the holy city of Jerusalem, therapeutic stillness of the Dead Sea, magnificent beauty of Galilee’s green hills and valleys, impressive archaeological sites and Roman ruins, traditional and new-age Israeli cuisine, religious and cultural devotion of the Muslims, Christians and Jews and the country’s compelling politics – it all leaves a lasting impact on different facets of your life.
Some of my favorite childhood memories are the joyful times spent with my parents on a holiday, isolated from ordinary everyday activities. Between work commitments, household chores and day-to-day busyness of life, it’s easy for the family vacation to take a backseat. However, breaks with your loved ones are essential to keep the bond intact while stepping outside the comfort zone and having some fun. As I am thinking of my long-due adventure with my husband and parents, Bali comes to mind.
Visiting a food market is always one of the most interesting ways to experience a destination. And why not? It’s fun, affordable and interactive. For a riot of colours, sights and smells and a quick insight into the ever-evolving food scene of London, hit the Borough Market that sits on one end of the London Bridge. Wander around and get to know all about its 1,000-year-old extraordinary heritage. Read more
Whether you’re visiting London for the first time or a regular to England’s kaleidoscopic capital, one thing you must certainly do is dedicate more time to eating and drinking around the city. Hearty English breakfasts, elegant afternoon teas, gorgeous fine-dining venues, Michelin-starred kitchens, millions of farmer’s and food markets, some of the best coffee joints in the world… London can leave you salivating for months.
Before you’re utterly bewildered with endless choices and recommendations, we get Michael De Cozar, head hall porter, Ritz London, to reveal his top food experiences in the city! Having served the prestigious hotel for 45 long years, he has London’s biggest secrets and surprises at his fingertips! Read more
A retreat tucked away in Palani Hills, Kodaikanal is ideal for nemophilists who find happiness in adopting the pace of nature
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.
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.
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
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
Yes, you can enjoy million-dollar Swiss views without burning a hole in your pocket!
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?
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
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?
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
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
“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.
