Spending 4 days in Tokyo gave us the perfect finale to our Japan trip. After our amazing journey through Hakone, we arrived in Tokyo from Odawara, ready for the final chapter of our trip to Japan... Coming to Tokyo was like stepping into a city that felt like a world of its own, fast, vibrant, endlessly alive with billboards, lights and yes.....crowds! If you're planning a Tokyo itinerary, four days gives you enough time to explore famous attractions, unique experiences, great food and city adventures without rushing. While planning our Japan trip, we had initially allocated only 3 days each to Tokyo and Kyoto. Later, we added a day to our Tokyo itinerary, and I'm so glad we did it. 4 days in one city might sound like a lot, but Tokyo is different. There is so much to see and do in Tokyo that having an extra evening was the best decision ever!! How to Spend 4 Days in Tokyo We reached Tokyo after a hectic ten days of extensive travel through Japan. Shrines, temples, museums, scenic mountains, forests, live shows...you name it. So, for our time in Tokyo, we decided to keep it relaxed and soak in the distinct vibe that Tokyo is so famous for. Day 1 in Tokyo Visiting Senso-ji Temple, Asakusa We started day 1 with a visit to the famous Senso-ji Temple, the oldest Buddhist temple in Tokyo, dedicated to Kannon, the Goddess of Mercy, in the Asakusa District of Tokyo. You can read all about our visit to this beautiful temple here https://www.journeys2memories.com/post/visiting-senso-ji-temple-in-the-asakusa-district-tokyo Watching a Sumo Wrestling Performance in Tokyo After spending a relaxed first half of the day at Senso-ji Temple and Nakamise Street, it was time to experience a very exciting performance we'd been eagerly looking forward to...a Sumo wrestling performance! The show was not only informative but hilariously engaging, with a live commentary by a lively hostess. If you have a spare evening, this is an attraction you absolutely should not miss. Let me tell you why... https://www.journeys2memories.com/post/sumo-wrestling-show-in-tokyo Day 2 in Tokyo Meiji Jingu Shrine in Tokyo Tokyo surprises you at every turn. Right in the heart of Shibuya District lies the revered Meiji Jingu Shrine, amid thick forest cover, and just a 10-minute walk from the Harajuku Station. https://www.journeys2memories.com/post/visiting-the-meiji-jingu-shrine-in-tokyo Spending an evening at the TeamLab Planets in Tokyo This digital art installation in Tokyo is a popular day out for tourists. So, what makes it special? https://www.journeys2memories.com/post/spending-an-evening-at-the-teamlab-planets-in-tokyo Day 3 in Tokyo Visiting the Kiyosu Suspension Bridge over the Sumida River in the Chuo district The Sumida River flows through the heart of Central Tokyo, meandering its way through Asakusa, Sumida and Chuo. The entire city seems to come alive around the river. You will see beautiful residential colonies thriving along the riverbank. You have the option of picking a river cruise like the Tokyo Cruise Water Bus or more traditional Japanese houseboats that sail between Asakusa and Tokyo Bay. We just wanted to spend a quiet afternoon at the riverfront watching the beautiful sunset.... An Evening at the Akihabara Electric Town of Tokyo Akihabara is a neighbourhood around Akihabara Station in Tokyo, also nicknamed Akihabara Electric Town, a mecca for lovers of anime, manga, gaming, electronics and the famous maid cafes, of course! But let me tell you that this description does not do justice to what Akihabara truly is. Akihabara is a showcase of Japanese tech, a neon strip of town that buzzes all the way. With so much thrown in together in one spot, Akihabara is a riot of colour, chaos, brightly-lit neon signs, shops jam-packed with all kinds of electronics goods and IT stuff, eateries with inviting signboards, girls in maid costumes handing out flyers and coupons and stores filled with tech goodies to die for! My Tip for You Although Akihabara caters to the very specific interests of people, like anime and gamers, the vibe is certainly touristy. So, even if you don't have any interest in buying any electronic items or in gaming, manga or anime, go there for the vibe. Many nice eateries serve authentic Japanese street food worth exploring. We also had plans to visit one of the maid cafes. We had read very mixed reviews about them, with the general perception being that they offer innocent fun, but honestly, there was something cringy about them, so we just gave it a miss. The best time to go to Akihabara is in the late evening when the lights are on. It is centrally located and easily reachable from Tokyo Station (JR Yamanote Line) and from Shinjuku Station (JR Sobu Line). Day 4 in Tokyo This was our last day in Tokyo and in Japan, too. We decided to spend the entire day strolling through Tokyo and collecting as many memories of this beautiful city as possible. Tokyo is one of the most exciting shopping destinations with an endless array of good-quality stuff to buy, plus it has no dearth of malls, with the Ginza District for high-end malls and Shinjuku for budget-friendly shopping. Plus, visiting Tokyo malls can be a roller-coaster ride of thrill and excitement, especially if you're travelling with kids, since all the well-known Japanese characters are on display here. Visiting the Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden in Tokyo After spending the previous evening at the crazy Akihabara, we decided to spend a serene day at the beautiful Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden. A visit to the garden brings out the contrasts that make Tokyo one of the most visited and coveted cities in the world. This meticulously landscaped garden, right in the heart of Tokyo, not only pleasantly surprised us but also offered the much-needed relaxation that we were craving after many days of hectic sightseeing. The picturesque garden has artificial hills and islands, and a beautiful manmade lake called Lake Sakura. It's a great place to see cherry blossoms if you visit in the season. Plan to spend about 2 hours in the garden. There was a chrysanthemum exhibition in the garden, which was nice. You will come across three distinct garden styles: English Landscape Garden, Japanese traditional garden and French Formal Garden. The entry ticket to the park is 500 yen and gives you access to everything inside. The park has 3 gates, making it accessible via many subway trains and JR lines. Observatory at the Tokyo Metropolitan Office – Nishishinjuku 1-Chome This is a lesser-known attraction in Tokyo, but no less amazing. Located on the 45th floor of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, this observatory offers stunning views of the Tokyo skyline, plus far-off places like Mount Fuji, on a clear day if you're lucky. Tokyo has 3 observatories, one at the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building in Shinjuku, two, the open-air deck at Shibuya Sky, and three, Tokyo Skytree in Sumida. Out of these, the one at the top of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building is free to visit. Visiting this observatory will also give you the chance to see this part of Tokyo where the city administration works. This area has a very businesslike vibe, which, as a tourist, was fun to watch. The Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building is a 10-minute walk from Shinjuku Station. Remember to take the West Exit from the station and follow the signs to the observatory. Shinjuku is a big station, so just follow the signs since the chances of getting lost in the maze of escalators and corridors are very high. A very efficiently managed security check and a quick ride up the elevator will take you to the top floor. There is a nice cafe plus a souvenir shop for tourists at the top. Solamachi Mall We picked the Solamachi Mall because we wanted to see the Tokyo Skytree and buy some exclusive Japanese souvenirs. Solamachi Mall is located at the foot of the Tokyo Skytree and above Oshiage Station. With over 300 shops and restaurants, the mall needs a good amount of navigating. Since Christmas was around the corner, the entire Solamachi Mall was buzzing with offers and Christmas celebrations. Shibuya Crossing Before visiting Shibuya Crossing, I kept wondering how thousands of people could treat a traffic crossing in the middle of a city like some sightseeing event! If you're wondering too, then you need to visit Shibuya Crossing, located near Shibuya Station. As the traffic light turns green, a sea of people starts crossing the road, making this one of the busiest pedestrian crossings in the world! Close to 3000 people cross this traffic light every two minutes. Plan to go to Shibuya in the evening when the crossing is lit up with billboards and neon signs. Just outside the Shibuya Station, you can also see the famous bronze statue of the Akita dog, Hachiko, known for its loyalty to its owner. Very close to the crossing is the famous mall called MEGA Don Quijote, a popular stop for tourists looking to buy souvenirs at super reasonable rates. Dinner at Kinka Sushi Bar Izakaya Shibuya Since this was our last evening in Japan, we wanted to celebrate with one final round of sake and sushi. Very close to the Shibuya Crossing is Kinka Sushi Bar. Kinka comes highly recommended by most visitors on many social media platforms. The bar is always very crowded; we did not have any bookings, so the waiting time was a good 40 minutes or so. By the time it was our turn, the queue had gotten really long. They have an awesome variety of sake that you can pick from. Must try the blow-torched sushi platter. So, this was our last day in Tokyo and in Japan, as well. This 15-day vacation in Japan was one of my most awe-inspiring yet. From experiencing the calmness of temples and shrines to the mesmerising beauty of Mount Fuji, from tasting mouth-watering street food to savouring exotic Japanese cuisine, from the thrill of seeing bullet trains zipping past to the mad crowds that throng Tokyo, everything was perfect!!

Senso-ji Temple is the oldest Buddhist temple in Tokyo and perhaps the most photographed one, too! The bright red roof of this temple, with large eaves jutting out of the main temple hall, is a sight to behold! What makes this ancient temple even more popular is its proximity to the famous 250-metre-long pedestrian street, called Nakamise-dori, which leads you directly to the temple gates. Walking along Nakamise-dori, or Nakamise Shopping Street, will give you an instant taste of this vibrant city. The street has stalls all along its length that date back to the 17th Century! Here, you can find everything from traditional kimonos to street food and souvenirs. Once you reach the temple complex, you need to look for 3 main attractions: the main hall, the five-storey Pagoda and the two huge impressive gates. The main entrance to the temple is through the Kaminarimon Gate, also called Thunder Gate. The other one is Hozomon Gate or the Treasury Gate. The Kaminarimon Gate, as seen from inside the temple complex Things to know before visiting Senso-ji Temple in the Asakusa District of Tokyo The temple is very centrally located and a short walk from the Asakusa Station. The temple opens very early at 6:00 am in the morning. Try to reach early if you wish to experience the grandeur of this temple minus the crowds. Entry to the temple complex is free. Plan to spend at least an hour in this beautiful complex. There is a lot to do and see in the temple, plus visitors can also take part in some temple rituals. There are many smaller shrines and idols in the temple complex where you can offer prayers and feast your eyes on the celebratory ambience of the temple. After you're done sightseeing, you can walk toward the Nakamise Street, relish traditional Japanese snacks, and see firsthand what makes this temple such a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. Very close to the temple is Hanayashiki, Japan's oldest amusement park, dating back to 1853. We were really intrigued by this park, and it reminded us of the famous Tivoli Gardens of Copenhagen. If you have time, then this can be a fun way to spend your day.

Watching a sumo wrestling show in Tokyo is one of the most memorable cultural experiences in Japan. From official grand tournaments at Ryogoku Kokugikan or the National Sumo Stadium to tourist-friendly lunch and dinner shows with former wrestlers, there are several ways to enjoy sumo in Tokyo. If you are visiting Tokyo and want to experience this iconic Japanese sport, this blog covers all the information you will need to watch sumo wrestling in Tokyo, with tips and more! If you happen to be in Tokyo in January, May and September, then you can watch a sumo tournament at the Ryogoku Kokugikan. We were in Tokyo in November, so we opted for another great alternative, to watch shows in the sumo stables, where visitors can interact and take photos with the wrestlers. This video will give you a quick look into what this sumo show looked like... What to Expect at a Sumo Wrestling Show in Tokyo We visited a sumo performance show in Tokyo Sumo Beya, beya meaning stable in Japanese. Tokyo Sumo Beya is an authentic sumo stable. On first look, the facility seemed a bit unassuming from the outside, but the interiors were really interesting. We entered a small hall with a semi-circular seating arrangement for about 20 guests. In the centre was a slightly raised circular surface made of clay and covered by a thin layer of sand, called Dohyo, the ring where sumo matches are conducted. We took off our shoes near the entrance and took our seats. The show started with an introduction by a hostess, followed by an AV about the history of sumo and its origins. Then, the wrestlers were let into the arena with a musical roll-call. The hostess introduced the wrestlers, and she talked in detail about their lifestyle, training and daily routines. The commentary by the hostess was witty, informative and engaging. She floated a lot of Japanese terms that are used in sumo, about various aspects of this ancient sport, including the illegal practices that creep in during matches, one such illegal practice being the pulling away of the Mawashi, or the 30-foot-long loincloth that sumo wrestlers wear around their waist, by the opponent. The hilarious part of the show was when the wrestlers tried to display this illegal practice for the benefit of the guests by pulling at each other's loincloths, eliciting roars of laughter from the guests. The show is not just funny but also engaging. Guest volunteers are invited to join the fray and fight the burly sumo wrestlers, with hilarious outcomes. My Tip for You A wide variety of sumo shows are available on all the common online booking platforms like Klook and GetYourGuide, some including dinner or drinks or both, depending on your requirement. Most of these shows sell out weeks in advance, so make your bookings well on time. We booked a show at the Tokyo Sumo Beya, located in Koto City, Kiyosumi. You can opt for the 11 am and 7 pm shows, which include the chanko-nabe meal, the traditional meal of sumo wrestlers. We booked a 3:00 pm show, which is minus the meal but we were served a delicious traditional sweet. The show lasts about 1.5 to 2 hours, and there is never a dull moment. At the end of the show, there is a Q&A section where guests can interact with the wrestlers, ask questions and pose for pictures with them. I would highly recommend this show to anyone who wishes to learn about this traditional Japanese art form in a fun way. There was a free flow of information, warmth, and energy during the show that made our evening memorable.

If you're looking for one of the most peaceful places to visit in Tokyo, Meiji Jingu Shrine is a must-see attraction. Popularly known as the 'Eternal Forest', the shrine is located within a thick forest in the Shibuya District of Tokyo, in the heart of the bustling metropolis, comprising over 100000 trees spread over an area of 700000 square metres!! About Meiji Jingu The shrine is dedicated to the deified spirits of Emperor Meiji and his wife, Empress Shoken. Emperor Meiji is considered the most powerful Japanese emperor, credited with the discontinuity of the shogunate and with establishing Japan as an industrial empire. Entrance to the main shrine The Meiji Jingu Shrine. Photography beyond this point is strictly prohibited. One of the exit gates of the shrine As you walk from the entrance to the main shrine, a majestic, dense forest awaits you, and you encounter many interesting sights. When we visited, a chrysanthemum exhibition was going on, which was great to watch. Another intriguing display along the path was of empty sake barrels along the route. These barrels are gifts from sake brewers across Japan to honour the spirits of Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken. Once you enter the shrine, you can collect Gashuin, a spiritual keepsake obtained from Shinto shrines in Japan for a nominal sum. You can also buy Ema, a prayer plaque to tie around the camphor trees near the main shrine. Visitors write their prayers and wishes on Ema and hang them to invoke the blessings of the deity. Rows of Ema prayer plaques at the shrine Things to know before visiting Meiji Jingu Shrine in Tokyo The shrine is free to visit Plan to spend at least 2 hours soaking in the calmness of this tranquil paradise. Opening hours are from sunrise at 5:00 am to 6:30 pm in the summer. Winter timings are 5:00 am to 4:00 pm. Like most other shrines in Japan, the best time to visit is in the wee hours of the morning when the crowds are absent The shrine is located between Shibuya and Shinjuku. It is a 23-minute ride on the JR Yamanote Line from the Tokyo Main Station. You have to get off at the Harajuku Station and then walk for about 10 minutes to the south entrance. Since you will have to walk through the forest to reach the shrine, wear comfortable shoes. En route, there is a stop for refreshments and like everywhere else in Japan, you will find perfectly clean public toilets in the shrine area. Although the shrine is free to visit, some attractions within the shrine's precinct are paid for, like the Inner Garden, the Meiji Jingu Museum, and the Treasure Museum.

TeamLab Planets is an art museum in Tokyo that utilises digital technology to display its art. The most important thing to know is that there are two such art installations in Tokyo, TeamLab Planets and TeamLab Borderless. Planets is a temporary exhibition that is scheduled to close in 2027. The experiences that these exhibits offer are quite different. While TeamLab Planets in Toyosu involves walking along a guided path, offering tactile sensations like walking through water and moving along reflective rooms with music in the background, something like a light and sound show, only on a larger scale. TeamLab Borderless, on the other hand, is a digital maze of visually artistic art exploration. I have not been to this, so I'm unable to make any direct comparison between the two or comment on which one is better and how. Before I delve into what we saw in TeamLab Planets, you can watch this video to get an idea about what this is about... As you can see, the entire installation has 4 large-scale artwork spaces and 2 gardens for visitors to walk through. The experience is immersive and interactive, and is a great place for families with kids. The experience is psychedelic, as installations use technology and vivid imagery to create a surreal, virtual world. Digitally created colourful mammals roam around in a surreal forest, and colourful fish swim in virtual water, trees, plants, flowers, everything put together to create a mind-bending experience, often blurring the line between real and imaginary. You will start your tour from the water area in knee-deep water, with the Waterfall of light and fire particles falling from the sky, then you will be led into the Garden Area, a floating flower garden. There is an interesting room called the Infinite Crystal Universe with tall, crystal danglings that create a dazzling effect as the LED lights on them switch colours. Things to know about TeamLab Planets Tokyo before your visit A paid shuttle service runs from Ginza Six directly to TeamLab Planets. Ginza Six is a luxury shopping mall and commercial centre in the Ginza District of Tokyo. But this route is useful only if you happen to be in that area. If you wish to explore other modes of transport to reach TeamLab Planets, you can refer to this link for more information https://www.tickets-tokyo.com/ The best time to visit is on a weekday morning, preferably midweek, when the crowds are thin, and you can experience these art installations in a more peaceful atmosphere. Opening hours are 9:00 am to 10:00 pm on most days. Please check the official website for more information before making bookings. Tickets cost 3800 yen for adults, 2300 yen for students and 1500 yen for children. They are available on all major online booking platforms. Please make bookings for your preferred date and time slot beforehand. The facility is extremely crowded, and it would be impossible to gain entry without pre-booked tickets. It's important to know that you will have to take off your shoes for the first section of water and put them in the lockers provided. Once you're through with the water section, you can wear your shoes to explore the rest of the sections. Is TeamLab Planets worth it? Let me start by saying that this is entirely my personal opinion. I found the facility to be a mixed bag of experiences, some okay, some good and some average. The forest part was good, but nothing spectacular. There is a lot of hype about such digital attractions these days. We saw something similar in Austria, too, the Swarovski World in Innsbruck. I found that also a bit over-hyped. So, maybe it's just me. It's certainly a good day out for families with kids. In my opinion, if you have limited time in Japan, then spending half a day at TeamLab Planets is not worth it.

Let me share a video of my scuba diving experience with you before I go into the details https://youtube.com/shorts/D7SYdNLWkT4?feature=share Did you know that the acronym SCUBA stands for 'Self-Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus' ? Well, I didn't, at least not until the day we started exploring scuba diving options in the Andamans. The beautiful islands of Andaman offer some great opportunities for scuba diving in the waters of the Andaman Sea, adjacent to the Indian Ocean. Winter months from November to April are ideal for scuba diving. There are many locations that have been earmarked for scuba diving in the Andaman, including coral reefs in Havelock and Neil Islands. When deciding our itinerary for the Andaman, we chose Neil Island as our destination of choice for scuba. Our reasons for choosing Neil Island were, One, Neil Island has fewer crowds compared to more active tourist destinations like Havelock and Two, Neil is known for its white sandy beaches, biodiversity and rich coral reefs and fewer mangroves that help to keep the seawater clearer, offering better visibility of marine life. Scuba for first-timers Like most people attempting scuba for the first time, we also had many questions in our minds about the safety procedures and expertise of the agency conducting scuba dives. We also had to take into consideration the fact that both of us, my husband and I, are very basic-level swimmers, and that too in the swimming pool. Swimming in the sea is a totally different ballgame. After some deliberation, reading lots of reviews and going through some information on the internet, we decided to enrol for scuba with DIVEIndia at Neil Island. DIVEIndia is considered to be one of the best scuba diving agencies in terms of safety and expertise. The moment we stepped into the 'DIVE India' Neil Dancing Dugong Resort, we knew we had made the right choice. The resort has a reception area, independent cottages, a cafeteria and basic changing facilities before your venture into the sea. Apart from all this, there is an air of familiarity and warmth that greets you there. The instructor casually tried to prod us about our preparedness for the dive the next day. I told him that I was nervous and apprehensive about breathing underwater. This worked like an ice-breaking session before the dive. Morning of the Dive The morning of the dive was bright and sunny, we headed to the jetty area, slipped into our wetsuits and followed the instructors into the waist-deep shallow water for our training session. Each diver is assigned an expert diver/instructor on a one-on-one basis. The knowledge that there would be an expert diver, one for each of us, by our side throughout the dive was really reassuring. The training before the dive Let me start by saying that more than the dive itself, it was the training session that was unnerving me. But let me also state, that by the end of that 40-odd minute training, we had grown familiar with the breathing apparatus called the Regulator and the Fins that are attached to the diver's feet. During this training, - The instructors talked to us about breathing underwater, - The signs that are used to communicate underwater - Problems that might occur during the dive - Addressed all our apprehensions and doubts that we had prior to the dive. Basic concerns about diving My major concern was that what if we panicked? Did we have the leverage to come up to the surface and then go back again into the water? The answer that I got totally put my mind at ease. The instructor told me that they would keep trying to make this venture a success till the time we gave up and did not wish to try anymore. I gave him a broad smile. This was the first time I had smiled all morning. I knew in my heart how desperately I wanted to make this a success. There are 3 major problems that could arise underwater. One, our ears could get pressurized as we go deep into the water. Two, the regulator could slip out of our mouths. Three, water could seep into the mask while diving. The instructors very patiently simulated all the problems that could arise underwater and their redressal in shallow water. Holding hands before the lift off into the sea for the dive With this, we were set to take our first scuba plunge at the Lighthouse diving site, which holds the wreckage of an old lighthouse, about 5 to 6 minutes by speedboat into the sea. We were made to sit in the boat with our backs facing the sea, the bulky oxygen cylinder strapped to it. Our adventure started the moment our backs hit the surface of the water. Waiting to be thrown into the water on my back on the count of 3...2....and 1.. Once we went Underwater Once underwater, the first few moments are disorienting since the body suddenly feels weightlessness around it. There is a slight discomfort in the ears too. I had to pinch my nose to equalize my ears. This is a must otherwise the pressure can lead to ear pain. A minute or two into this awkward feeling, if you let yourself relax, the surroundings grow on you and you eventually start enjoying the mesmerizing underworld of the sea. Trying to apply what we've learnt in the last 40 minutes above water! I had been telling myself repeatedly that no matter what, I was not going to panic. I think the brain registers things it's told again and again. So, after the briefest moment of panic when I suddenly realized that I was actually in the deep sea in the middle of nowhere, I quickly bounced back and started focussing on the stunning marine life all around. My husband had to clean his mask twice to flush out the water. It's easy and doable. It's therapeutic to watch nature with its wonders go by, and even more therapeutic to do it in the calm depths of the sea. We saw huge schools of colourful fish, yellow, blue, purple, and many more, all floating by oblivious to the presence of any visitors. The show put on by this turtle, called Bob the Turtle, as I learnt later, was spectacular. I think the turtle knew that it had an audience waiting for it to perform. Joining hands in awe of the Almighty for his wondrous creations! Our outing in the sea lasted a good 49 minutes. The icing on the cake was that at the end of the dive, we got a Basic Diver Certificate from SSI (Scuba Schools International) to recognise our completion of the SSI Basic Diver Introductory Program. What we saw, and how we felt during the dive, can be summed up only in one word - humbled. Humbled by the thought that we are but a speck in this vast creation, which is not dependent on us and not affected by our presence, not in the least! We are a visitor in their domain and not the other way round. Let's never ever forget that!

Siem Reap, the capital of Siem Reap Province in Cambodia, also known as the 'Gateway to the Angkor Temples', is home to the world-renowned Angkor Archaeological Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We had 3 full days at our disposal, and in this blog, I have shortlisted my Top 10 not-to-miss attractions in Siem Reap, Cambodia, which could help you plan your vacation in this charming city. A visit to this vibrant resort town is a unique experience. You will see tourists everywhere, jostling around the famous attractions, hopping from one attraction to another with eager anticipation. What struck me most about this city is that, despite being extremely touristy, it has managed to avoid the madness that excessive tourism brings. There is a calm vibrance in the city, and the people are very polite, warm, and welcoming. This warmth and humility translate into an overall enriching experience that adds to the allure of these world-famous temples. Top 10 Not-to-Miss Attractions in Siem Reap, Cambodia 01 Angkor Wat The world's largest religious structure beckons visitors from all over the world. A lot has been written already about this architectural marvel, but I'm sure this temple greets everyone differently. For me, Angkor Wat was full of wonder and awe at the sheer perfection of its architecture. From ticket tips to temple routes and important visitor advice, you will find my complete experience in this detailed Angkor Wat memoir.... https://www.journeys2memories.com/post/a-day-at-the-enigmatic-angkor-wat 02 Angkor Thom Around 10 km from Angkor Wat is Angkor Thom, or the 'Great City'. Established in the 12th century, this was the capital of the mighty Khmer Empire and an attraction that will leave you bedazzled. https://www.journeys2memories.com/post/angkor-thom-the-ancient-great-city-of-the-khmer-empire-in-cambodia 03 Bayon Temple Located in the heart of the ancient city of Angkor Thom, Bayon Temple features a variety of visages that look down at curious onlookers. Sharing my experience at the 'Face Temple' https://www.journeys2memories.com/post/bayon-temple-the-temple-with-the-giant-stone-faces 04 Ta Prohm Temple Ta Prohm was the shooting location of the 2001 Angelina Jolie film Tomb Raider, earning it the nickname 'Tomb Raider Temple'. You cannot leave Siem Reap without visiting this wonderful temple... https://www.journeys2memories.com/post/ta-prohm-the-tree-temple-in-siem-reap 05 Banteay Srei Temple This is the only Hindu temple in the Angkor group of temples and is dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. The intricate carvings on the exteriors of this temple are considered to be the finest example of Angkorian art. https://www.journeys2memories.com/post/banteay-srei-the-jewel-in-the-crown-of-angkorian-art 06 Watching an Apsara Dance Performance The mesmerising traditional Cambodian dance form should be on your must-see attraction list. In 2008, Apsara Dance was recognised as the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO. https://www.journeys2memories.com/post/apsara-dance-the-dance-of-the-celestial-beauties 07 Spend an Evening at the Pub Street Siem Reap is not just about temples; it also boasts a vibrant nightlife at the famous Pub Street. The street is full of life. If you have just an evening in Siem Reap, then spending it in Pub Street is a great idea. Pub Street is known for its loud music and excellent eateries and pubs. Across the road, from Pub Street, is the Riverside Night Market, a flea market where you can shop till you drop. 08 Kulen National Park About 30 kilometres from Angkor Archaeological Park, located within the Phnom Kulen Mountain Massif, is Kulen National Park. The park is a natural wonder and a great way to spend a leisurely day, after an intense day of sightseeing and visiting temples. https://www.journeys2memories.com/post/a-day-at-kulen-national-park-siem-reap 09 Phare Cambodian Circus The Phare Cambodian Circus is a unique blend of theatre, music, dance, and circus acrobatics, delivering a one-hour riveting show accompanied by an energetic live band. But that's not all...there's more to this amazing Cambodian circus! https://www.journeys2memories.com/post/phare-the-cambodian-circus-in-siem-reap 10 Enjoying a Tuk-Tuk Ride The adorable tuk-tuk ride is a fun way to see the city of Siem Reap. Tuk-tuk drivers double up as travel guides if you want them to; they'll click pictures for you and pose in them too. They are easy to hire via the Grab app and are very economical compared to cabs. I'd go so far as to say that your trip to Siem Reap would be incomplete without embarking on a tuk-tuk ride. These are the Top 10 things that made our Siem Reap vacation memorable. Should you also visit this beautiful town, I'd love to hear your comments and feedback. Our next destination was Phnom Penh. Learn more about our 3-day itinerary in the Cambodian capital https://www.journeys2memories.com/post/phnom-penh-top-ten-attractions-in-the-cambodian-capital

Switzerland is the epitome of natural beauty, so little wonder then, that this beautiful national park in Germany has been named Saechsische Schweiz or Saxon Switzerland, the Switzerland of Saxony. A day trip to Saxon Switzerland, to the ruggedly beautiful landscape of sandstone mountains, will take around 3 to 3.5 hours from Berlin, the capital of Germany. The national park is a popular destination for day trips not only from Germany but also from the neighbouring city of Prague in the Czech Republic. The Czech part of the park is called Bohemian Switzerland. If you happen to be in Dresden, then this wonderland is only a 75-minute drive away from its entrance. Dresden is also the closest airport to the park. I visited this place as a part of a student group along with a German family way back in 2004. In 2023, we went to Prague and I happened to go back to this fairyland again. Believe me, nothing has changed over the last 19-odd years. I have written a separate post on our trip to Bohemian Switzerland from Prague. https://www.journeys2memories.com/post/day-trip-to-bohemian-switzerland-from-prague Occupying an area of only 94 square kilometres, the park is one of the smallest national parks and has the distinction of being the only non-Alpine Rock National Park in Germany. It lies in the Elbe Sandstone Mountain region of Germany and shares its borders with the Bohemian Switzerland National Park in the Czech Republic. On the Czech side of the park, lies the Pravcicka Gate, the largest stone arch in Europe. This picture was taken from the Czech side in 2023 of the beautiful Elbe Valley Saxon Switzerland, Germany What makes the Saxon Switzerland National Park special - Entry to this spectacular park is free of charge. The park is open all year round and there are no opening and closing hours. The entry fee applies only to the Felsenburg Rock Fort in that area. - The park is easily accessible by road. A lot of day trips from Dresden take you to the Czech side of the park as well to show the Pravcicka Arch, the largest natural arch in Europe. - The park has some very intriguing topography, both in the form of Mesas or table mountains and also some very steep cliffs. - If you're a hiking enthusiast, then this park is tailor-made for you. With over 1100 rock peaks to scale, you will be spoilt for choice - There are multitudes of climbing routes that take you to these peaks, almost 14000 of them! - There is a whole set of Saxon rules for climbing that you have to adhere to while climbing the rocks. The entire park has signposts with instructions for hikers so that they don't get lost in the park. As long as you stick to the hiking path, you should be okay. Please refer to their website for more information https://www.saechsische-schweiz.de/en/ Things to do and see in the Saxon Switzerland National Park Bastei Bridge Bastei Bridge, Saxon Switzerland This 76.5-meter-long bridge joins the massive rock structures and has many look-out points on both the left and right sides that offer spectacular views of the Elbe Valley. This is a wooden bridge and walking over the bridge is a thrilling experience for tourists. Schrammsteine This stunning rock formation is a paradise for climbers and hikers, identifiable by its pointed, jagged peaks. Views from the above are breathtaking. There are gorges, caves, castles and fortresses along the way. Fortress Koenigstein The top of the fortress along the river Elbe offers truly awe-inspiring views of the surrounding landscape. Elbe Valley The entire landscape around the Elbe Valley is home to a lot of water sports like canoeing, kayaking and a host of other water activities. A lot of educational trips with audio guides are also available at the park. They gave us some very interesting insights into the history of the area. Don't miss out on this wonderland of nature carved out by rock, wind and water for you!

The picturesque islands of Langkawi, an archipelago comprising 99 islands in the Strait of Malacca are rightly called the Jewel of Kedah. The islands are surrounded by the stunning aquamarine waters of the Andaman Sea and have some of the most spectacular white sand beaches in all of the region. 5 important things you should know about Langkawi before planning your visit 1. Langkawi is located at a distance of 510 km from Kuala Lumpur, the capital of Malaysia. Various modes of transport like flight, ferry and train are available from Kuala Lumpur to Langkawi. The cheapest mode is by bus that takes you to Kuala Perlis, a ferry port from where you can go to the city centre, Kuah Town. My Tip - The bus takes about 8 hours to reach Langkawi. You should opt for it only if you have an entire day to spare for the journey. The ideal way to reach Langkawi is to fly to KL and take a connecting flight from there. This is what we had done while travelling from India. Going by ferry is another good option to reach Langkawi from KL. 2. The weather in Langkawi is always warm; May to November is the wet season and December to April is the dry season. The wet season can bring in its wake torrential rains. The end of the dry season, on the other hand, can lead to dried-up waterfalls. My Tip - If you're a water sports enthusiast, then avoid going in the wet season because a lot of water sports are suspended during that time. We went to Langkawi in September, we had booked a day cruise but it got cancelled because of the heavy downpour. Since most of the sightseeing is outdoors, all activities can get compromised. 3. Langkawi is 100% duty-free, and the capital of Kuah Town offers some great shopping opportunities. There are massive shopping malls with great stuff. There are also a lot of good dining options owing to an abundance of seafood available. While in Langkawi, you must try the local Malay cuisine. My Tip - You can easily spend a few hours in the evening at Kuah Town and indulge in some great shopping. Utilize this time to soak in the immense touristy vibe of the island. And what better way to experience the vibe of a place than trying the local cuisine? Eating options are plenty, from high-end restaurants to roadside eateries, fitting every budget and preference of food. 4. Langkawi does not have a public transport system. So, you'll have to depend entirely on private transport for moving around. My Tip - A lot of options are available for moving around. Hiring cars on a daily basis is quite simple and reasonable. Like all tourist places, bikes, motorbikes and cars are easily available for rent. The quality of roads is good and traffic is minimal except around the city centre. 5. There is an abundance of natural parks and beaches in Langkawi. If you have just 3 days at your disposal, then it's best to plan your adventures. As I've mentioned earlier, a lot of your outings will also depend on the weather of the day. My Tip - I have picked out the 1o best attractions that you can easily include in your 3-day itinerary. But some places like the Pulau Payar Marine Park and the Mangrove Safari can take a whole day to explore, so you will have to pick between the two if you have only 3 days with you. 10 Best Things To Do on a 3-Day Itinerary in Langkawi 3 days are adequate to bask in the beauty of this magical island. There are lots of wonderful things to see and a lot of activities to pick from. I have mentioned them below but have not arranged these attractions in any day-wise itinerary because visiting them would greatly depend on the weather and also on how much time you have on hand. If you find yourself in clear weather, then you should immediately go for any water sports that you wish to try. That should be undertaken first thing in the morning since crowds are thinner and the water is clearer. For some beaches like Pantai Cenang, going in the afternoon is better since you can enjoy its vibrant nightlife in the late evening. 1. Eagle Square Eagle Square or Datarang Lang, as it's called in the local language, is perhaps the most photographed sight in all of Langkawi. The massive Eagle statue on the side of the Andaman Sea will surely elicit a 'wow' response from you when you first see it. My Tip - It's located in the Kuah district, if you happen to be staying there, then try to visit this spot during the day and also in the evening when it's all lit up. There is no entry fee. 2. Pantai Cenang About a 20-minute drive away from Eagle Square, on the western shoreline, is the beautiful white sand beach called Pantai Cenang. This is a very favourite tourist hub, the shoreline is always buzzing with water sports enthusiasts, swimmers, parasailors and speedboat riders. In the evening, the shore comes alive with beachfront bars and lounges. My Tip - In my opinion, one should reach here by the late afternoon and then stay till nightfall. The entire coastline is buzzing with tourists. Going during the daytime in summer under the scorching sun is not a good idea. 3. Langkawi SkyCab The Langkawi SkyCab is a must-see attraction for anyone visiting Langkawi. Located in the Oriental Village at the foothills of the Machinchang Mountain Range, it takes about 40 minutes to reach by road from Kuah town. The entire area of SkyCab is full of attractions and one can easily spend 3 to 4 hours here. Your outing will start from the base at Oriental Village. The village has some eating options, shops to buy souvenirs and stunning scenery all around. You can click some pictures here before getting on a cable car to the Sky Bridge. The Cable car starts from the Base Station and takes about 15 minutes to take you to the top of Mount Mat Chinchang. The ride is exhilarating as the cable car goes over verdant scenic beauty. Before getting into the cable car, you can also visit the SkyDome. Remember, your SkyCab ticket includes entry to the SkyDome, a 360-degree projection arena that was built in 2014, to make waiting times for getting on the cable car more fun for tourists. The dome is nothing spectacular but it definitely will provide a respite from the heat outside. Once inside the cable car, you get mesmerizing views all around. You can get out of the cable car at the Middle Station onto the viewing platforms to get stunning 360-degree views of the mountain scenery. My Tip - Go to the Oriental Village only if you want to go ahead with the cable car. In my opinion, there is nothing special about this place except the 3D Art museum. Apart from that, there are some eateries and some shops selling souvenirs. Just treat it as a point to board the cable car. The 3D Art Museum is undoubtedly a good place for families travelling with kids, One can take some great pictures here in front of 3D art objects. If you buy Express Lane tickets, then admission to this 3D Art Langkawi, SkyDome and SkyRex are included. The cable car experience is wonderful. Not-to-miss. The SkyDome is again nothing special but can be a good way to wait before boarding the cable car. Please carry some light woollens for the top of the mountain as it can get very chilly. 4. Sky Bridge The Sky Bridge can be accessed only from the last station of the Langkawi cable car. After getting off the cable car, you can buy extra tickets to go on the bridge. Either you can climb the 370 steps to reach the bridge or take the Sky Glide from the top to the bridge. The price of the tickets will depend on whether you take the steps or the Sky Glide. Langkawi Sky Bridge, a 125-meter-long bridge at an altitude of 660 meters, is an engineering marvel that practically takes you into the mountains. On a clear day, you can see the islands of Thailand from here. The bridge has glass inserts on its bottom offering spectacular views of the valley below. My Tip - There are many options to reach the Sky Bridge. If you are physically fit, then take the 15-10 minute nature trail to reach the Sky Bridge. Otherwise, Sky Glide is available. But, remember, there are always massive queues for this facility since it can accommodate only up to 12 people on one trip. The running of cable cars hugely depends on the weather. Please check the website panoramalangkawi.com for any updates and closure notices before proceeding to the place. 5. Seven Wells Waterfall Seven Wells is called Telaga Tujuh Waterfall. When looking around from the cable car up to the mountain, remember to look out for this waterfall. Seven Wells is a hidden delight in the mountains. It's very close to the Sky Bridge, just keep walking downhill. Some families are living around, and you can ask them for directions. They will help you even if they don't speak proper English. My Tip - Carry an extra set of clothes. The temptation to jump into the waterfalls will be too great to resist. 6. Lagenda Park This is a beautiful open-air park with 17 sculptures of Langkawi legends like princesses, ogres and mythical birds. The park is very close to the Kuah Jetty. My Tip - One gets a beautiful view of Eagle Square from the park. The park is bigger than it appears to look from the outside and as a tourist, you can get to know a lot about the history of Langkawi. One can spend an evening there and wait for the sunset on the beach close by. 7. Crocodile Adventure Land The park is home to over 4000 species of crocodiles. The park is very well maintained and you can do activities like feeding a baby crocodile and holding it in your hands It's rather scary but go for it! The guides in the park are very nice and knowledgeable. But the highlight of the park is not the crocodile species but a crocodile show that is held in the park. My Tip - The crocodile show is a must-see. The dare-devil stunts that these trainers perform with the crocodiles are sure to get your heart into your mouth! Please check the timings before going to the park. 8. Skytrex Adventure If you're an adventure enthusiast, then you must visit Skytrex Adventure. There are fun activities like swinging on ropes, gliding, sliding and dangling done under expert supervision. It's about 40 to 45 minutes drive from Kuah. The place is absolute fun with dingy bridges suspended over lush green forest. My Tip - The adventure park is a good pastime especially if you're travelling with kids. 9. Tanjung Rhu On the north side of the Langkawi island, is the beautiful white sand beach Tanjung Rhu. It is considered to be one of the best beaches in Langkawi with clean water and restaurants with scenic views around. Boat tours to the mangroves are also available here. My Tip - This beach is a must on your 3-day itinerary. Just 3 km away from Tanjung Rhu is the Mangrove Safari. If you have time, then you must add it to your day's outing. A boat takes you into the mangrove swamps and you can see some amazing migratory birds. There are a multitude of options available to see these mangroves, from tours ranging from 3 to 6 hours. 10. Pulau Payar Marine Park An outing to this beautiful marine park should be done on a sunny day if you wish to do snorkelling or diving. The park can be reached by catamaran or a speedboat that takes about 45 minutes to reach from the Kuah Jetty. We had to miss out on this outing since it rained incessantly during the day on which we had planned this outing. My Tip - There are some restrictions imposed on tourists about fishing or even venturing into the water. If you have more time on hand, then Conducted tours of the park are also available. Please check the official Langkawi tourism website for recent updates and information. Eagle Square, Lagenda Park, SkyCab, Sky Bridge and Crocodile Adventure Land are not-to-miss attractions. Add to this a mangrove boat tour and your trip to Langkawi is complete because these are attractions unique only to Langkawi. If you still have time left and if the weather permits, then there are plenty of beaches to choose from, the nicest one being Tanjung Rhu.

If you’re a traveller at heart then like all fellow travellers you would surely have a checklist of all the attractions in the world that you aspire to visit in your lifetime. My travel list had Paris on the top and rightly so, as a trip to the city can leave you yearning for more. Paris is a city one can never tire of. The allure of Paris is hard to miss, the colourful graffiti in metro stations, chic shopping arcades, the intriguing cuisine that gradually grows on you, the vibrant arcades around the Champs-Elysees, the sea of tourists that throng the city’s streets, the beautifully adorned facades on very old buildings that complement the new modern ones, old historical castles, French wine, gorgeous French women and, of course, Moulin Rouge, the famous cabaret in Paris. Cabaret shows come with baggage, a certain kind of disdain for the art that is accompanied by hordes of bosom-revealing women dancing and prancing around for the pleasure of the guests. But Moulin Rouge is much more than that. It's art in its lucid form with a dash of titillation and loads of mass appeal. Any apprehension that I initially had about going for the show was put to rest the moment I saw a long serpentine queue in front of the big red windmill at the famous Boulevard de Clichy. This famous landmark synonymous with Moulin Rouge beckons visitors from around the world, you can spot it from a distance. The boulevard can be easily identified by the huge windmill on the top. A few tips that I picked along the way.... - Guests, both men and women are expected to arrive dressed in elegant attire, as they choose to call it, for the show. - Jeans are okay but no shorts or flip-flops for anyone. -I'd like to put in a word for people travelling with families here. Although the Moulin Rouge website puts the minimum age for visiting as 12+, I strongly feel that the entire area around the cabaret is not kid-friendly, in the sense that though the area is absolutely safe it will be right to call it sleazy. - The queue in front of the entrance to Moulin Rouge is long and entry into the main hall can take its fair share of time. So, arriving early to settle down well before the show begins is a good idea. Late entries are not allowed. Once inside, your attention will easily be drawn to the décor that has an old-world charm about it. It must have been obviously redone from its old 1920s days, it looks entirely revamped to accommodate the lighting and all the trappings of this new-age technology that comes with it. The hall is huge and my eyes inadvertently try to seek out the stage. I am thrilled to see that our seats are well located in the second but front row, so we won’t have to crane our necks over fellow audiences to see the stage. Seating is not theatre-like, it is around tables laid out for guests who wish to opt for dinner or champagne alongside the show the cost for which is included in the ticket. As far as we are concerned, dinner can be a distraction and can take away the focus from the show. We restrict ourselves to a glass of champagne that is quickly served the moment we settle into our seats. Photography is strictly prohibited during the show. And finally, the show begins.... Dancers in elaborate costumes with colourful plumes and intriguing head gear start pouring onto the stage. The accompanying music and the dancers grooving to the famous French Can-Can dance are exhilarating. The dance is very high on energy and pleasantly seductive as the lively dancers’ skirts swirl across the stage in sweeping movements that leave the audience in rapture. Their steps are synchronized to the very last detail and make quite an impact. The riot of colour, lights, and music on stage with almost four dozen beautiful topless women is sure to make your jaw drop! The performance follows a plot throughout the show which can be understood from the tone and context as there is no narrator introducing the show to the audience. It can be a good idea to just sit back and soak in the exuberance and immense talent of the dancers. These days a lot of information is available on the net, but in 2008 when we visited, information was available only in pamphlets available at the venue itself. In the case of Moulin Rouge, our only source of reference was the movie 'Moulin Rouge' starring Nicole Kidman. There is a main dance sequence, with interludes of the speciality shows to add to the zest of the evening. There is a circus show with a clown and the usual buffoonery followed by another short comical interlude. There is an acrobat on roller skates where the performer is extremely agile and graceful. The one performance that really stood out for me both in terms of grace and novelty was the ‘Water Tank Spectacle’, as I choose to call it here. Out of nowhere, a huge water tank appeared from the middle of the stage. As if this was not enough to perplex the audience, a gigantic snake boa constrictor appeared in it. I was waiting with bated breath as to what was going to come next. A pretty dancer wearing nothing more than a thong jumped into it. The brazen boldness of her jump let out a collective sigh from the audience. I am sure the ones sitting right in front would have winced in their seats. Catching the boa in her hands, the girl started playing with the huge snake, sliding it over her body in a rhythmic motion, whirling around with it in the water and making sensuous movements completely in sync with the music being played in the background. The sheer prowess she displayed in the water is befitting of only one word ‘Spectacular’. The one thing that stood out for me in this gala evening of dance and music was the extremely talented troupe of performers and the colourful palette of costumes that brought the stage to life. A quick pic before the show begins... A visit to the Moulin Rouge can be a journey into erstwhile Paris's turbulent yet colourful past and vindicate its position as the world’s most romantic destination.

Ladakh with its capital at Leh can easily be called any traveller's dream destination. About Ladakh In a short trip of 7 to 8 days, one can see beautiful vistas of snow-capped mountains, emerald blue lakes, lusty rivers, gravity-defying mountainous roads, cold sand deserts, old palaces and Buddhist monasteries and so many other wonders of nature. Hard to believe? But it's true! The Union Territory of Ladakh lies at an elevation of 6000 m. The quickest way to reach Ladakh is to fly directly to Leh's capital city. The problem with flying directly to such a high altitude is that it can cause severe altitude sickness with symptoms like dizziness and headaches. If you're travelling by road, then your body gets time to acclimatize gradually which in this case happens suddenly. If you've hired a tour operator, they will leave your day of arrival in Leh free to give your body a chance to acclimate to the altitude. This is an absolute must before you embark on your Ladakh adventure. A few more things to keep in mind before travelling to Leh are - One, an Inner Line permit or ILP is required to visit some places in Ladakh. Restricted Area Permit or RAP is required for other places close to Siachen or LOC. We visited Ladkah in 2014, and none of these permits were needed at that time. Your tour operator should ensure all permits are in place before the journey. Two , Ladakh is a desert, it can be very hot during the day when the sun is shining and it can get quite cold at night. So, while travelling outdoors, always wear clothes in layers and carry a jacket. Three, altitude sickness is real. It can cause severe dizziness and discomfort in some people. Please ensure that you carry medicines that you think might be needed to combat this problem. Four, there can be some last-minute delays and cancellations in flights to Leh because of weather conditions in Leh. If you're travelling with kids and seniors in your family, then be prepared for some hardships. Carry drinking water and snacks for such eventualities. In peak season, the crowds are really heavy and delays could occur because of that. We visited Leh in June 2014, the Indian Government had instructed the airlines to reduce their passenger load owing to safety concerns about landing at the high altitude in Leh. We had to endure a lot of difficulties and delays flying in and out of Leh. However, once you've landed the stunning landscape of Leh will mesmerize your senses.... Day 1 Check-in at the hotel and a complete day of rest and acclimatisation. Day 2 Thikse Gompa After a full day of rest on arrival, we ventured out into the beautiful landscape to visit Thikse Gompa or Monastery on Day 2. The monastery is about 19 km from Leh and the route to the monastery was through a beautiful road with views of snow-clad peaks. Thikse Monastery is a massive structure built atop a hill with stunning views of the Indus Valley. On first look, the monastery gives a very familiar feel owing to its resemblance to the Potala Palace in Lhasa whose pictures one might have seen on many travel sites. The main attraction of the monastery is Maitreya Buddha , a 15m high copper and clay statue of Lord Buddha that reaches up to two storeys. There is a long winding staircase that runs through the monastery. An arcade with a giant rolling drum fixed to its ceiling is the first attraction. Apart from this, there are temples, an assembly hall, smaller drum rolls with colourful Buddhist inscriptions, a beautiful courtyard with multicoloured arches, and the monastery rooftop with stunning views of the valley all around. The place oozes a sense of calm and one can easily spend about two to three hours basking in the serene surroundings of the monastery. The giant drum roll and colourful facades and amazing views from the monastery rooftop! Shanti Stupa After spending about two hours in the monastery, we headed to 'Shanti Stupa'. It's a short ride from the monastery amidst beautiful scenic mountains that are so integral to any road trip in Leh. The Stupa is a pristine white dome structure built on a mountain facing the Leh Palace by Japanese Buddhists in 1991 to promote world peace. My Tip - The thing to remember is that one has to climb 500 steps to reach the entrance to the Stupa. So wear comfortable shoes for the climb. The views of the valley from the top are spectacular and worth the climb! There is also a nice cafe for refreshments. Old Town From Shanti Stupa, we travelled to the Old Town in Leh to the 17th-century Leh Palace. This was the residence of the royal family of Ladakh. The palace is in a dilapidated condition but the large wooden balconies and impressive facades tell tales of the glory of the past. Day 3 Hall of Fame After breakfast, we headed to the 'Hall of Fame', the war Museum in Leh constructed by the Indian Army. It's dedicated to the soldiers who fought in the Indo-Pak wars. The museum showcases the way soldiers live in the Siachen glacier, what they eat, the tents where they live, the weapons they use and many other interesting artefacts. There is an entire wall displaying photos of the Kargil War and a documentary on 'Operation Vijay' in the projection room. My Tip - If you're travelling with kids, this will surely be a fun outing for them. There is also a small adventure park for kids. My boys were thrilled to see army tanks on display and the many adventure activities in the park. Most tour operators also give you a tour of the local market in Leh, take you to some shopping areas and show you some local attractions, especially places where some films have been shot. Again, if you're travelling with kids, they would be thrilled to see such 'hotspots'. A backdrop of the Hindi film '3 Idiots' Magnetic Hill After an adventure-packed morning, we went to another thrilling activity of the day, 'Magnetic Hill'. This site is at a distance of 30 km from Leh. The mountain is known to defy gravity since your car, with its engine, switched off, will appear to be going uphill instead of downhill. This strange phenomenon was met with squeals of delight from all of us. Zanskar River The thrill continued on Day 3 with our journey to the confluence of the Zanskar and Indus rivers, called Sangam, in Nimmu Valley, 35 km away from Leh on the road towards Kargil. The spectacular merging of these two mighty rivers is a sight to behold with two distinct streams of colour forming one before flowing away into the mountains. View from the top! Day 4 Pangong Lake Early morning, we set out for Pangong Lake which is about 160 km away. Please remember that this trip requires you to carry an ILP. The road trip takes about 6 - 7 hours, over the beautiful Chang-La, which is counted among some of the highest passes in the world. The roads are good and the route to reach Pangong is as beautiful as the destination. This was a full-day outing and definitely a high point of our Ladakh trip. En route to Pangong......first glimpse of the lake! The mesmerizing Pangong Lake! My Tip - Plan to stay longer, the lake appears to change colours as the day progresses and offers some amazing photo opportunities. We came back in the evening, exhausted but rejuvenated from this outing. Day 5 Nubra Valley and Khardung-La Pass The trip to Nubra Valley is an overnight excursion via the Khardung-La pass, which is the highest motorable road in the world at a staggering height of 18832 ft above sea level. Awe-inspiring .....desert, mountains, rivers, sand, vegetation, even snow and a glorious sunset in the Nubra Valley! The 5-hour journey goes through some beautiful topography and picturesque mountain scenery. There is a stop at Khardung-La for photos and some light refreshments. My Tip - The condition of the road initially is quite good but from South Pullu to Khardung Peak, the road becomes bumpy and bad. Please carry your medicines if you have a medical condition that could get worse by such a hectic road journey. Things to note are that Nubra is a valley, so it's less cold than Leh. Avoid carrying very heavy woollens. Dressing in layers is your best bet as it can get cold at night. Overnight staying facilities are tented, so carrying toilet paper and some other toiletries is a must. Although, tented accommodation has very good nets to keep mosquitoes and insects at bay, but you should carry some mosquito repellant. Stunning vistas at the Nubra Valley... Nubra is unbelievably stunning. There is a cold desert, sand, some scanty vegetation, a river flowing by, and snow-covered peaks all together in one place. We waited for the sunset behind the mountains and the effect was magical. The next day, Day Six of our journey, we started back for Leh. By late noon, we were back in our hotel after this exhilarating outing. We decided to spend the last evening of our trip exploring the local market which is replete with shops of souvenirs and local handicrafts. Our trip to Ladakh came to an end but the memories of this enchanting land live on in our minds!

Andaman or 'Kaala Paani' as its popularly known in India evoked thoughts of a dark, grim island lying amid the Indian Ocean where Indian freedom fighters were sent to their doom in the early 1900s. Now, a visit to the island throws open a lush green land enjoying the bounties of thick deciduous and evergreen forests, rich marine life and a host of adventurous water sports. Some basic facts about planning a visit to Andaman - There are over 800 islands in Andaman and Nicobar, out of which 31 are inhabited. - Tourists confine themselves mainly to Port Blair, the capital of Andaman, Havelock Island (now called Swaraaj Dweep), Neil Island (now called Shahid Dweep), Ross Island (now called Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Island), North Bay Island, Jolly Buoy, Parrot Island and some more. - These islands offer attractions like scenic landscapes, amazing beaches, a large variety of marine life, water sports like snorkelling, scuba diving, jet skiing, sea walks, and places of historical interest. - Basically, a vacation to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands can be a fun-filled enriching experience for the whole family. Most people wonder about Nicobar and whether they can visit that too. Let me inform you that Nicobar is inhabited by some preserved tribes and is out of bounds for tourists. Our 8-day itinerary in Andaman Day One - Cellular Jail, Port Blair We started our vacation from Port Blair, which is the point where all tourists land in Andaman. Port Blair is a small town, there are some specific attractions here that are not to miss. By the time we reached Port Blair and checked into a hotel, it was noon. That evening we decided to visit the Cellular Jail, the place that has given Andaman the infamous name of Kaala Paani. The infamous Cellular Jail and the watch tower There are two must-watch attractions in the jail, One, the premises of the jail and Two, the Light and Sound show in the evening after the jail closes. There are tour guides available, I would suggest going with one. The guide we hired showed us around the jail with interesting anecdotes and historical incidents from British rule in India. Once the tour is over, one has to wait for the show to begin. The show is in English and Hindi, kindly check the timings for the language of your choice. My Tip - The show is spectacular. It depicts the torture that was inflicted upon Indian freedom fighters by the British and the way the prisoners were kept in the jail under sub-human conditions. The audio-visuals and commentary are excellent. The prison walls and trees all around are used as communicating mediums in the show! Our mood had turned quite sombre after watching this show, to brighten up our spirits, we decided to try some local seafood. We went to a restaurant called 'Seafood Delights' in Phoenix Bay. It's one of the best restaurants in the city, the prices, though, are on the higher side. We ordered garlic butter prawns and a dish made of King Mackeral, both were delicious and worth the price. If you're planning to stay in Port Blair for the next day, then you can visit Ross Island and North Bay Island or Corbyn's Cove. In case, you're leaving town, then these attractions can be covered on the return journey. North Bay Island is known for a variety of water sports in Port Blair. We were staying in Port Blair for two nights, so on Day Two, we decided to go to Corbyn's Cove. Day Two - First half - Corbyn's Cove The cove is a beautiful part of the beach with very calm waters. You can hire an autorickshaw to go there. It will take about 20 minutes from the main city. The scenic route to the cove from the city centre is spectacular with beautiful views of the Andaman Sea on the side. The main attractions of the place are jet skiing, sea karting and speed boating. Sea kart is available only in this cove in the whole of Andaman because very calm water is needed to ride it. We could not do it because it was slightly windy that day. So, we opted for speed boating. The boat takes you to Snake Island, a small island off the cove with beautiful views. There are some eateries and souvenir shops along the beach. My Tip - One can spend a whole day exploring the sea and trying out different water sports. Day Two - Second half - Chidiya Tapu In the evening, we went to see Mundapahad Beach in Chidiya Tapu. As the name suggests, the island is home to a lot of migratory birds, so you can do some bird-watching, the island is a biological park with a mini zoo that can be a fun outing with families for kids. The island is about 30 kilometres from Port Blair and the approach road is very scenic. It's famous for its beautiful sunsets, ideally, one should plan the outing in the evening and wait for the sunset. The beach has a lot of deposits of black rocks and mangroves lending it a very scenic and mysterious look. Two things that you should remember if you're visiting this island are, One, do not enter the water as it has saltwater crocodiles. Stepping in the water is absolutely forbidden. Two, one has to wait for the sunset out in the open near the sea, there is no shade or shack available. There are a lot of mosquitoes here, carry a mosquito repellant and sunscreen to protect yourself from the scorching sun. On the way to Chidiya Tapu is the beautiful Symphony Samudra Beachside Jungle Resort and Spa. After having waited for almost two hours for the sunset in the scorching heat, we decided to spend the rest of the evening in this resort. There is a nice lounge aptly called 'Sunset Lounge' and a restaurant to unwind and see the last of the sunset. Mesmerizing sunset on the horizon...view from Sunset Lounge Day Three - Havelock Island (now Swaraj Dweep) We take a ferry from Haddo Jetty. The ferry takes about 1.5 to 2 hours to arrive at Havelock. Please reach the jetty point at least 45 minutes before departure. Havelock is easily the high point of visiting Andaman. It's a small island, with verdant greens all over, beautiful beaches, stunning scenery, nice eateries and exciting water sports. We were going to spend three nights on this island at the beautiful Sea Shell Resort. Crowned welcome at the Sea Shell Resort! Havelock is known for five major beaches, Radhanagar Beach, Kaala Patthar Beach, Govind Nagar Beach, Elephant Beach Vijaynagar Beach Each of these beaches is distinctly different from the others, so if you have time, try to visit all five of them. Our resort was situated on the Govindnagar beach, so that is where we spent the afternoon. The beach is rocky, one has to be careful while walking in the water. It's known for Nemo Reef, which is a favourite spot for scuba divers. One can see a lot of scuba divers gearing up for their dive from this beach in the mornings. Walking on the rocks and corals and seeing micro-marine life was fun. We set out for Radhanagar beach in the evening. According to Time Magazine, this beach holds the ranking of the seventh best beach in the world. It has also been awarded the title of a Blue Flag-certified beach. And rightfully so. The waters are a placid blue, the 2-kilometre long coastline extends into the horizon offering beautiful sunset views, there are thick green mountainous forests all around and the changing facilities on the beach are good. Radhanagar Beach....white sands with nature's intricate patterns, an elderly man walking in the water holding his stick and another glorious sunset! We were taken by complete surprise to see so many people splashing around in the water since it is quite shallow far into the sea. After spending a good 3 hours on the beach and watching the stunning sunset, we came back to the resort to spend the evening in the Bo no va Cafe inside the Sea Shell Resort. This is considered to be one of the best places to eat in Havelock. Day 4 - Havelock to Elephant Beach In the morning, we headed to Elephant Beach. At some point in time, a lot of elephants used to roam around on this beach, hence the name. Elephant Beach is the hub of water sports in Havelock. But now no elephants can be seen, only hordes of tourists trying all sorts of water activities. One has to take a small boat from Havelock to reach Elephant Beach which takes about 15 to 20 minutes. Tickets are issued at the Jetty point for the boat and the activity, though tickets for the water sport are available at the beach too. We decided to start with deep-sea snorkelling. There are trained divers who equip you with the snorkelling gear and the life jacket, then they take you out into the sea holding your hands while you float on the surface of the water. There are lifeguards stationed at the beach and the water is completely safe from any dangerous marine creatures and saltwater crocodiles. Deep sea snorkelling ....An unbelievable riot of colour under the sea This was a delightful experience, the sunny day ensured that we saw some colourful marine life and corals. Elephant Beach offers a Sea Walk in Havelock. If you're not too scared of water and you do not have any pressing health conditions like hypertension, Asthma, Sinusitis, or diabetes then this is a must-experience attraction. The sea walk is done on the sea bed about 7 to 10 meters deep. The amazing Sea Walk! You are given a headgear resembling a big helmet that covers your head and shoulders. The underlying purpose of this helmet is to provide oxygen so that you can continue breathing normally inside the helmet once underwater. The helmet is quite heavy and weighs about 35 kg so it's put on your head only once you're about to touch the water's surface. The experience is unique and fairly simple. Once underwater, one gets to spend about 20 to 25 minutes watching marine life very closely. What enhances the experience is the live photos and videos of you that are taken throughout. If you have time, then one can add jet skiing also the mix. My Tip - Please take note of two things when going to Elephant Beach, One , carry an Android phone if possible. All photos and videos can be taken down immediately if you have an Android phone on you. We were carrying only iPhones, so had to wait till 10:00 pm that night to get all our photos and videos from the concerned people on WhatsApp. Two , if you're travelling with small kids, carry something for them to eat there. The shacks at the beach offer some basic snacky stuff and some drinks only. Day 5 - In and around Havelock We planned to hire a Scooty to gallivant around the island and see what remained in our itinerary. Scootys are easily available for a reasonable price in Havelock. First on the list was Kaala Patthar Beach. We spent some time here and took some pictures amidst this stunning backdrop. Vijaynagar beach is also quite close by and falls on the same route back into the city. In the evening, we savoured a delicious lobster at a very happening place in Havelock called 'Something Different'. The place is rustic, right next to the sea and the food is delicious. They can get you picked up from your hotel or resort and will even get you dropped off at the end of your meal, click a picture and hand it over to you before you leave. So, that's really something different! With this, we finished seeing all five beaches, and now what remained to be seen was one sunrise over the sea. We did this on the last day of our travel at the Kaala Patthar beach at 4:30 a.m. We scooted to the beach, the cool fresh morning air is something we really miss in big cities. The sunrise was mesmerizing, no photograph can do justice to that magical moment when the sun struggles to get up and start its day's job..... Day 6 - Havelock to Neil Island (now called Shahid Dweep) Our next stop was Neil Island, via a one-hour ferry from Havelock. Try to reach the jetty point early, it's chaotic and very crowded. Neil Island is now called Shadid Dweep, it's a small island, laid back and much smaller than Havelock but as scenic. We checked into this beautiful seaside resort called the Sea Shell Samsara. This exotic resort is located on Laxmanpur Beach No.1. Stunning twig-shaped shells are littered all over the beach This is a white sand beach laden with shells that have been cut to precision by the sea over millennia. The fact that all shells have the same twig-like structure just shows the astounding precision with which nature operates. Needless to say, I filled my pockets with these beauties for bringing back home. We had dinner at Malacca, the multi-cuisine restaurant at Sea Shell Samsara. The dinner was good, although I always prefer to step out of the resort and look for more authentic food options. But in Neil, eating-out options are limited, there is another restaurant called Dugong in Sea Shell Neil, a sister resort of Sea Shell Samsara, which is also considered to be good. Day 7 - Scuba Diving at Neil Island The last day at Neil, the big day that we had been waiting for throughout the trip, was here. We had planned a scuba dive with 'DIVE India' for this day. 'DIVE India' is considered to be the best in the market, in terms of safety and expertise. As a first-time diver, these are the two things we were looking for the most. Also, there are fewer mangroves in Neil, so the waters are much clearer offering better visibility of marine life. And the best part is that the crowds are missing here. Most people opt to dive in Havelock, so this spares Neil the tourist rush. Early morning we headed to the jetty area where the 'DIVE India' Neil Dancing Dugong Resort is located. The resort has a reception area, independent cottages, a cafeteria and basic changing facilities before your venture into the sea. We slipped into our wetsuits and followed the instructors into the shallow water for our training session. I will talk about our scuba experience in a separate blog...keep reading! https://www.journeys2memories.com/post/scuba-diving-at-neil-island-in-the-andamans Exhilarated by our scuba dive at Neil, we took the afternoon to relax. In the evening, we went to see Laxmanpur Beach No. 2. The beach has a stunning natural formation of rocks called the 'Howrah Bridge'. One can walk up to the bridge only when the tide is low, we checked the timings of low tide on the internet before starting for the bridge. The approach to the beach is interesting, there are steps followed by a small area full of shops and souvenirs and then comes the beach. There are many dead corals throbbing with marine life around the bridge. One can spend about 2 hours wandering around till sunset. We decided to spend our last evening at Neil to celebrate our scuba experience at Dugong, at Sea Shell Neil. There is live music here to unwind and enjoy. My Tip - Kindly note that internet connectivity in both Havelock and Neil Island, especially in Neil, is very poor. This can pose a problem if you're depending on last-moment online tickets and confirmations. We had hard copies of all our documents, this certainly made our life easy! Day 8 - Neil Island to Port Blair Early the next morning, we head back to Port Blair by ferry. As I mentioned earlier, a visit to Ross Island was still left on our itinerary. So, on the last day of our Andaman trip, we took a ferry to Ross Island from Marina Park Sports Complex. Ross Island was the old capital of Andaman, now it serves as a base for the Indian Navy. It's now called Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Island or NSCB. A few things to remember when going to Ross are, One, the boat leaves the jetty when there are a minimum of 10 people travelling to Ross, Two, one has to make online bookings for the light and sound show at the Ross Island, Three, the island closes at 4:00 pm, so you can go in the evening only if you have tickets for the show. Once the show is over, the boat that took you is the one that will bring you back. Going to Ross brought back the sad memories of our freedom struggle that we had experienced on Day one in Cellular Jail. Ross bore the brunt of this struggle the most. My Tip - The light and sound show is spectacular, beautifully conceptualized with amazing 3D graphics depicting the tumultuous history of the island. The script and narration are by Gulzar, so one can imagine the high poetic content of the narrative. The show tells the history of the island, its inception by the British to make a penal colony as a means of punishment for the freedom fighters of the revolt of 1857, and its ultimate destruction by a massive earthquake in 1941. The show highlights the stark contrast between the lifestyles of British officers who were living on the island in their mansions equipped with facilities like swimming pools and tennis courts as against the life of Indian freedom fighters who were made to survive in sub-human conditions on this island of horror. But apart from this show, Ross Island has nothing more to offer. What it needs is a facelift. The island suffers from poor infrastructure, there is no provision to address any contingencies considering that the island is in the middle of nowhere, and the apathy of local government agencies is written all over the place. Since the island closes at 4:00 pm and the show starts at 5:30, even the toilets were non-operational. No kiosks were offering any refreshments or even water. It was disappointing to see the historical ruins of British colonial power that need to be better preserved for future generations to see are all lying in shambles. Our last sunset at Ross Island! Andaman is beautiful, it is blessed by all the bounties of nature, forests, oceans, marine life, sun, beaches and more. My only hope is that the tolls and travails of excessive tourism do not end up ruining the fragile ecosystem of this enchanting island.