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.

Going to Varanasi, also known as Benaras or Kashi is every pilgrim's dream. As per popular Hindu belief, taking a dip in the holy Ganges on the banks of Kashi can absolve the person of all his or her past life sins. And leaving one's mortal body in Kashi is a sure-shot route to salvation. But Varanasi offers more than just salvation.... The city is a pulsating reminder of the ethos of Hinduism, that religion is a celebration, it's an integral part of life, not just for the living but also for the dead. Little wonder then that Manikarnika Ghat on the banks of the Ganges is always burning with funeral pyres while alongside, the banks on the opposite side of the river are buzzing with people as they go about their daily routines, washing laundry, bathing and offering holy water to the Sun God. The inevitable cycle of life and death is on full display at these ghats at all times. We reached Varanasi in the evening. The roads leading to the ghats are extremely crowded in the evening as tourists throng them to see the Ganga Arti. We decided to start our sightseeing the next morning with a visit to the Assi Ghat. There are 10 things that you must see and experience in Varanasi 1. 'Subah-e-Banaras' at Assi Ghat This is the first must-do thing on our itinerary. Assi ghat is known for 'Subah-e-Banaras', a cultural extravaganza that is held at 5:00 a.m. every morning. The setting is simple yet aesthetic, people can sit on chairs or the steps around the ghat. In the background of a very enthusiastic rendition of Vedic hymns by young children of the nearby Gurukul, young men clad in red dhotis, holding brass oil lamps in their hands make powerful, graceful movements in sync with the recital to worship the Ganges. My Tip - Stay a little longer around the place. Once the Arti is done, the scene shifts to a small stage on the side of the ghat for some classical recital. The soulful voice of the singer welcoming the morning Sun is nothing short of magical. Magical mornings with Subah-e-Banaras! 2. Kashi Vishwanath Temple From Assi Ghat, we hire a boat to reach the main attraction of Varanasi, the famed Kashi Vishwanath Temple. This is the highlight of the trip to Varanasi. The temple has a 'Jyotirlinga', a symbolic representation of Lord Shiva in his 'Vishwanath Roop', meaning Ruler of the world. The temple complex can be approached from the river and the city side. As we approach the temple, the huge impressive facade of the temple becomes visible. Very close to the temple complex is the Manikarnika Ghat. There is so much activity around the ghat in the morning, some fresh pyres are spewing thick smoke into the air, and the sight makes me unwittingly cringe. Our boatman senses my discomfort and has an interesting folklore to share. He tells us that it is believed that the continual funeral pyres at the ghat are also a reminder of the continuity of life, the locals believe that if on any given day no funeral pyre is lit at the ghat, then all life on earth will end. Talking of folklore, there is an abundance of them in this most ancient city of the world. Every autorickshaw driver, every chai wallah (tea vendor) and every other local has one to share. We walk through the massive temple complex, along the long corridor to the Sanctum Sanctorum. There are beautifully adorned statues along the way. Beautiful statue of Bharat Mata in the corridor....first look at the temple that houses the Jyotirling... beautiful graffiti on the wall behind the temple complex! My Tip - Reach early before the crowds thicken. Pilgrims visiting the temple are not allowed to carry phones, wallets, belts, shoes or any other item made of leather. There are safe deposit lockers right outside the temple. You can also buy 'Prasad' from a counter inside the temple complex. The golden spire of the main temple is visible from the outside The main temple houses a black stone Jyotirlinga, placed imposingly on a silver pedestal, with some small jyotirlingas all around. We join the queue leading to the Jyotirlinga, with folded hands and fervorous chanting of 'Om Namah Shivay' and 'Om Vishwanath', we look at the Jyotirlinga of the Ruler of the World in awe as we go by. There are colonnades all around the main temple housing other deities too. On less crowded days, one needs about an hour to see the temple and do the darshan. 3. Ram Bhandar - Eatery The morning darshan has left our souls rejuvenated to face the crowded and turbulent world once again. Now we head to the famous 'Ram Bhandar', a small roadside eatery that has shot to fame because of its sumptuous breakfast menu of Sabji-kachori and jalebi. Be prepared to wait for at least an hour before you get your breakfast and to eat it practically sitting on the roadside, that too in a dingy lane. My Tip - In all honesty, there was a lot of hype around this eatery, so we came like everyone else before us. Sorry for the spoiler, but the food was average, not worth the effort and the wait! Ideally, this should not be on the must-see list but everyone will tell you to go to Ram Bhandar, so I thought it's wise to give a heads-up. 4. Bengali Tola Varanasi has always been known to attract sages and saints from all walks of life. One such saint is Mahavatar Babaji, or the deathless Guru as he is called. It is believed that he is the human incarnation of Lord Shiva himself. His disciple, Lahiri Mahasya's ashram is in Bengali Tola in Varanasi. I read about this many years ago in the book 'Autobiography of a Yogi' by Paramhansa Yogananda. The urge to see the ashram has lingered in my mind ever since. So, after breakfast, we head to Bengali Tola. We walk through the narrow lanes and by-lanes of Varanasi for at least half an hour, enquiring from passersby about the Lahiri Mahasya Ashram. Finally, we reach the ashram only to learn that it is not open to the public at all times. We waited for about an hour near the Ganga-ghat for the ashram to open. The ashram is a small residential complex of Lahiri Mahasya, with statues of Mahavatar Babaji and Satya Charan Lahiri and a small temple. It's not a museum, it's just about the life of Lahiri ji and how he got catapulted from being an ordinary man to the status of sainthood. My Tip - The ashram is not spectacular if that's what one expects. But there is a magnetism in that place that is hard to miss. We spent about 30 minutes in the ashram, soaking in the spiritual vibe all around. A small cave room for Mahavatar Babaji and Mahasya Lahiri house 5. Sankat Mochan Temple Varanasi is home to a lot of temples. This temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman, the monkey God, is held in great reverence by Hindus. The temple has scores of monkeys living in and around it. The saint poet Tulsidas, who wrote the Ramayana, established this temple in the 16th century. My Tip - The temple attracts lots of visitors but it is fairly organised and the massive queues keep moving, so waiting time is very little. 6. Durga Temple Very close to the Sankat Mochan Temple is the Durga Temple. This is one of the most famous temples in Varanasi since the folklore states that the idol of Ma Durga in this temple was not made by human hands. It is believed to have appeared on its own at the site of the temple. My Tip - If you're a believer, then one doesn't need any coaxing to visit the temple of Durga Mata. 7. Godowlia Chowk Your visit to Varanasi is incomplete without spending one evening scouting around the famous Godowlia Chowk. The entire zone is pedestrian-only and you will find a sea of people thronging the shops and eateries there. Some famous eateries that offer mouth-watering delights are Kashi Chat Bhandar and Deena Chat Bhandar. These places offer delicious local Banarasi fare at very reasonable prices and are really crowded. I have never seen so many people waiting to eat in a restaurant ever. And the best part is there is no jostling or pushing, people are just patiently standing around in groups, waiting for their turn. My Tip - We have seen so many town squares in so many cities of the world, which are pedestrian zones. But the rustic country vibe in this chowk is amazing. 8. Sarnath The next morning we travel about 13 km to see Sarnath. Gautam Buddha gave his first sermon in Sarnath and founded Buddhism. The entire complex has many stupas and an 80-foot-tall statue of Lord Buddha. The place is clean and quiet, one can easily spend two hours seeing the sights, including the famous Ashoka Pillar with the Indian Emblem on it. There are some more temples built by China, Japan and Sri Lanka too. The place has a lot of historical significance and is fun to watch. My Tip - The moment we reached the parking slot in Sarnath, all kinds of guides thronged us from all sides. Most of them claim that they are students at the university nearby and are doing this as a part of their training. Please make it a point to check their ID to see if they are authorised guides. The guide we got cooked up some fictional stories and facts to entertain us, which I later discovered, was all false. So, be choosy when it comes to hiring a guide. Certify his credentials before he starts with his stories. If you're travelling with kids, then they would be thrilled to see so many historical artefacts in one place. Replica of our National Emblem Buddha temple, the 80-foot-tall statue in Sarnath and the Stupa 9. Ganga River Cruise In the evening, we have bookings for a cruise on the river Ganges that goes by the name of Alaknanda Cruises. The cruise starts at 5:45 pm each day from Assi Ghat and ends at 7:30 pm, bringing you back to the same point. The air-conditioned boat has provisions for refreshments and some beverages. It has a PA system that runs a commentary in both Hindi and English as it sails by the various ghats. The beautiful temple complex is lit up at night! The boat goes down the river, showcasing the entire history of Varanasi which is intricately entwined with its 84 ghats. My Tip - The boat cruise is a wonderful experience. The entire history of Varanasi has been put on display here along the banks of the river. The commentary is crystal clear and very informative. The boat goes past the Kashi Vishwanath Temple and Manikarnika Ghat... By the end of the ride, the boat parks itself close to the Dashashwamedh Ghat for a spectacular Ganga Arti. The scene at the Arti has to be experienced, it cannot be expressed in plain words. 10. Evening Arti at Dashashwamedh Ghat There are people everywhere, in front of the ghat, on boats, big and small, on boat cruises, on luxury boats of the nearby hotels, perched on rooftops all around the ghat, on the streets nearby, everywhere. The Ganga Arti starts with the customary jingling of bells and conches and then the fire is lit in big brass lamps to worship the river Ganges and its master Lord Shiva. People on the boat scramble to the side of the Arti and watch the spectacle with bated breath. The distinct blue pillars of Dashashwamedh Ghat, the brightly lit umbrella-like canopies, and the sound of conches and bhajans as they echo on the gentle rustling waters of the Ganges create a dazzling effect for the pilgrims. The Arti and the pageantry surrounding it will remain etched in our minds forever! This is undoubtedly a must-see attraction. Spellbinding experience of the Ganga Arti If you have time, then you can explore the vast variety of rich Banarasi silk sarees. There are shops all over the city offering goods for all kinds of budgets. The prices at most shops are negotiable, so you can try your bargaining skills! We spent three days on the streets of Varanasi, looking at the sights, soaking in the raw exuberance of life here, tasting its many delicious delights, visiting temples or just looking at them from the outside because there is a temple at every nook and corner of the city, even saw death being celebrated so closely, listening with awe to the folklore.. At the end of it all, I realized that people come to Varanasi to find salvation, to find themselves. And the ones who truly find themselves are the ones who have the courage to lose themselves in the crowds here!

' Kerala - God's own country,' a catchphrase introduced by Kerala Tourism is truly an apt reflection of this southernmost state of India, nestled cosily in the western ghats along the Malabar Coast. The state is blessed with a rich bio-diversity, lush green forests, vast tea plantations and backwaters. And sailing on one of these backwaters of Kerala which is a network of canals, lagoons and lakes running along the Malabar Coast, can be an exhilarating experience. We flew from Delhi to Kochi for this journey. From Kochi, we hired a cab to reach Alappuzha or Alleppey as it is commonly known. It's a distance of 53 km that can be covered in about 90 minutes. Alleppey is world-renowned as the backwater tourist destination of India. The backwaters in Alleppey are spread over an area of 300 sq km. There are various options available to stay in Alleppey, both on or near the backwaters. We had made our bookings for an overnight Houseboat cruise with Spice Route Luxury Cruises , a company that specializes in conducting boat cruises on the Alleppey backwaters. We had high expectations from this trip since we had read that quite a few celebrities have also stayed on this boat for an overnight cruise. There are many kinds of boats depending upon the number of people in your group. We had opted for 'Saffron', a boat with one bedroom for a couple. Upon reaching Alleppey, we travelled through rustic bylanes to reach the Spice Route Office. The office turns out to be a vintage villa that also serves as an embarking centre for the boats. The dream boat 'Saffron' We're greeted with warm smiles and traditional garlands before getting on Saffron. The boat has a crew of 3 dedicated staff to look after the two of us! The driver or captain of the boat, a cook and a caretaker. 'Saffron' is like a dream sailing on the water. It has a traditional thatched roof from the outside and an uber-luxurious interior, very tastefully done, as promised on the Spice Routes website. It offers all the luxuries and amenities one can imagine on a small cruise boat. The air-conditioned boat has a small bar, a lounge area, a sundeck on the first floor, and an amazing massive jacuzzi in the spacious bathroom. We spent the first hour exploring the boat with childlike enthusiasm and clicking pictures. The three-man staff go about their business to get our lunch ready. 5-star accommodation and facilities on board...this is as luxurious as it can get! In about an hour, a sumptuous lunch comprising of delicious fish curry is served with rice and various accompaniments. The caretaker had enquired about our food preferences at the start of the journey itself. After lunch, we spend a lazy afternoon on the sundeck. The boat moves at a very leisurely pace giving ample time for the cool sea breeze to swirl around us in soft manoeuvres. The friendly hum of the boat's engine is broken only by the chirping of birds and the gently cascading waters as it sails past small villages and paddy fields. Hearing the sound of silence! The entire area around the Alleppey backwater is lined with quaint villages that appear to have been frozen in time. The water line along the coast is dotted with charming houses with thatched roofs and small verandahs facing the water body. One can spend the entire day looking at the flurry of activity taking place here. People use this water for washing, bathing and doing their everyday chores. The caretaker informs us that we can get out of the boat to see one of the villages, get an Ayurvedic massage done, talk to locals, inspect the paddy fields and even get a hand-picked fish or lobster for our dinner that evening. The last two options sound very appealing. A little before dusk, we step out into the village nearby and take a walk to the nearby paddy fields. We picked a big tiger prawn from a nearby vendor for our dinner that evening. The prawn was cooked to perfection. A walk in the nearby paddy fields till dusk falls! The day happened to be our wedding anniversary, and as a special surprise gesture, we even got to cut a cake on the boat. At night, the boat docks around 10 km away into the backwaters. The dark water all around is absolutely still, suddenly there is commotion and beams of light come out of nowhere. I wake up to see lots of small boats around full of people, shouting out to each other, ferrying everyday goods from one boat to another, maybe for their own use or for tourists who are staying all along the water line. After an hour or so of brouhaha, the dark quiet of the water returns. The next morning, we woke up to a glorious sunrise visible from our room and the appetizing smell of freshly cooked Appams* and chicken stew that they had cooked on our request. Sunrise on the Alleppey backwaters The boat comes back to the point where it started the day earlier at Alleppey at around 10:30 in the morning. The staff bids us a warm farewell, and we, in turn, thank them for their hospitality. This was a one-day trip on a houseboat into paradise and back! *Appam is a thin pancake made from fermented rice batter and coconut milk.

Budapest never fails to surprise you ...the Hungarian capital is an intriguing bundle of the old and the new. On the one hand is the medieval Buda Castle District, and on the other hand, just about 5 km away from it, is District VII with its one-of-a-kind, unique bars and pubs, the Ruin Pubs. Before we visited Budapest, I thought that Ruin Pubs were just a cool name given to the pubs in the city. Only after visiting Szimpla Kert did I realise that Ruin Pubs originated in the old abandoned buildings of the Jewish Quarter at the beginning of the 21st century, in the early 2000s. The 7th District, located centrally between Charles Boulevard and Elizabeth Square, is now home to most of the pubs and nightclubs. Szimpla Kert, also considered the pioneer of ruin pub culture in Budapest, is a double-storeyed complex with multiple bars all over. The decor of this place is surreal; one needs to see it to believe it! It's Avant-garde and environmentally friendly, what with all the leftover junk they've used to create so much art in its place. The decor and the vibe are interesting, drinks are affordable, ranging from the expensive to the very cheap ones, too. There is live music in the evening, which is the icing on the cake. These pubs don't serve food; all you will get at the most are some ready snacks for munching. But right next to Szimpla Kert is Karavan, a nice open-air restaurant that serves excellent food and beverages. We saw many people finish their drinks in Szimpla Kert and then head to Karavan.   Budapest comes alive in these pubs, if you have a spare evening, visiting the Ruin Pubs can be a great way to spend it!