ICynosure: Travel

How To Travel To Thailand in 2022 - iCynosure

Thailand has evolved to become one of South East Asia’s most popular tourist destinations for its beautiful white sand beaches, thrilling water sports, an array of shopping options and exciting nightlife. And add to these amazing features; low-cost airfare, inexpensive accommodation and even a huge selection of Indian food chains make Thailand a suitable getaway for just about anyone.

Over the years, I have travelled to Thailand for quick time off, a family holiday or a solo sporting trip and just early this summer we travelled to Thailand for a kiddie trip, an entire article coming up on it in a couple of days.

One thing that I've noticed is that the Thai Government has time and again tried making small but meaningful alterations to travel guidelines to make it convenient for travellers from across the world. However in the wake of the pandemic when we travelled to Thailand, I received a lot of queries so here's a quick update on the new guidelines to travel to Thailand in 2022:

Step 1 – Check Travel Eligibility

Thailand is open to travellers, however, it is a must to check your travel eligibility to the nation so that you can apply for the appropriate visa and understand the new Test and Go, Sandbox and Quarantine programs.

Step 2 – Apply for the Visa

Thailand offers visas by way of visa exemptions, tourist visas or special tourist visas with an option for extension, and also visas on arrival. Ensure you check with your travel agent or Visa Services to begin your journey fuss-free.

Step 3 – Confirm the Trip

The three current requirements for a trip to Thailand especially for a tourist visa are confirmed flight reservations, hotel reservations and proof of financial means for the duration of the stay in Thailand.

Step 4 – Insure the Trip

You probably never think about this, until it’s mandatory. However, seasoned travellers will reiterate that insurance is one of the most important, cost-effective things you’ll need during your trip. Insurance not only covers travellers against unforeseen and unfortunate circumstances but also covers:

~ loss of belongings, including loss of passport

~ medical expenses and emergencies.

~ minor mishaps re delays or overbooking

~ coverage for short-term adventure sports

~ unplanned situations re political unrest or legal aid

Step 5 – Buy a Forex Money Card

The money you set aside for Thailand never seems enough, and though you may have cash in hand and a credit or debit card, the advantage of a forex card is unparalleled. Forex cards allow withdrawals and use in local currency that is devoid of expenses of exchange rate and international charges.

Now that you have a document checklist, start putting your travel itinerary together.

Until next time,

~ Heena

4 comments

Planning on visiting the United States of America? Then here are the top things to do while in the country and and a few things to keep in mind while planning the trip.

10 Things to do in the USA for Indian Travellers - www.iCynosure.in

Image by Armelion from Pixabay

Requirements for a tourist visa for the USA from India
Keep the following things in mind when you apply for a Tourist Visa for USA from India.

» To holiday in the USA, one requires a B-1/B-2 visa which is approximately INR 10880.

» The visa can be applied for by filling the DS-160 via the USA Consular Electronic Application Centre website.
» Have valid IDs like the Indian Passport, PAN card, Aadhaar card and Voter ID card.
» Have no criminal background or history in crimes of any sort.

Fall in love with the City of Dreams
New York City - the financial and art capital of the world is a must-visit destination in the US, from Wall Street to Broadway, to the iconic Statue of Liberty to Times Square. NYC has a splendid variety of options for Indian travellers to explore and cherish.

Enjoy the charming city of Chicago from the elevated rail lines
After New York, Chicago is one of the busiest cities in the USA for its striking architecture, lakes, parks, and plentiful tourist attractions. Hop on the train or get the city pass to explore the sprawling city of surprises.

Take a scenic road trip and explore the natural wonders of Arizona
For a nature lover taking a road trip through Arizona will be amazing. Arizona is home to picturesque attractions from the Grand Canyon to the rock formations in Monument Valley, which are easy to explore.

Peek into fun and adventure in Orlando, Florida
Orlando is the theme park destination of the world, with more theme parks in this city than anywhere else. Discover the Magic Kingdom and beyond and enjoy Disney World with your family.

Get your adrenaline pumping at Las Vegas
From test driving fast cars like a Corvette and Ferrari to flying over the city in a helicopter, one can do it all and party in style at Las Vegas. This city redefines fun and has enough things to do for all types of travellers.

Hike and camp atop a volcanic hot spot
Admire the vivid colours of the hot springs and witness the world's largest geyser collection of at Yellow Stone National Park. Hike, raft, camp, and explore this park that spreads 3,500 sq across Wyoming, Montana and Idaho. This park is incredibly beautiful and home to hundreds of animal species like bears, wolves, bison and antelopes.

Explore the exotic white sand beaches of Miami
Sun-kissed beaches, art, creative cuisine, and blazing nightlife make Miami an absolute delight to visit. This piece of paradise gives you a chance to explore several unique neighborhoods, each with a distinct style, culture and architecture.

See the President’s house in Washington DC
The capital city is a must-visit when touring around the USA. Visit the world-famous monuments like the White House and save your appetite for the city's famous buffets and mimosas.

Drive the Pacific Coast Highway, California
California is the third-largest state in the USA that offers so many memorable experiences with its diverse landscapes. You can see everything from mountains to redwood forests and beaches to deserts while you drive the Pacific Coast Highway road that stretches from San Francisco to San Diego.

Ride a hot air balloon in Napa
Napa Valley is known for its wineries. Flying in a hot-air balloon is one of the finest ways to ride into the sunrise. It's also one of the most unique and fascinating ways to appreciate the valley's lush, hills and breath-taking coastlines of the US.

List of things to carry when you travel to the USA from India
» Medicines: Some medicines are prohibited in the USA, so carry your medicines with the prescription.
» Documents: Don’t forget to carry your visa, passport, and air tickets.
» Apps: Make sure to install all the essential travel apps before getting on the flight.
» Insurance: Get your overseas travel insurance online while booking your flight tickets.
» Gadgets: Ensure to pack extra memory cards along with your camera and other electronic gadgets?

5 comments

With the festive season and the chilly winter months soon approaching, I’m sure the urge of wanderlust within every one of you is at an all-time high. These two periods are considered the best times to travel - either to beat the smoggy smoke of Diwali or the chills of the dreadful winter. Exploring and visiting exotic places does not necessarily have to cost you a bomb and you certainly don’t need to win some sort of lottery to travel the world – not if you know how to watch your expenses and plan out your trip wisely. I’ve compiled some of the best tried and tested tips to help you plan a holiday on a budget -

Choose Off-Season Destinations
If you’re looking to head to Goa this New Years, well, it would be close to impossible to plan out a cheap trip. Flight tickets would be at an all-time high and there are minimum solutions to this. Similarly, even hotel prices would be sky-rocketing at this point. Instead, you could choose to push your holiday by a few months when tickets would be relatively more affordable since it would not be peak season.

Compromise on Accommodation
Staying in the swankiest hotels and resorts is what we all dream of. However, if you want to travel on a budget - accommodation is one of the avenues which can help you save the most. Global platforms like Airbnb and Couchsurfing are popular options which allow you to simply book a spare room in a resident’s home. Or instead, you could opt for hostel dorm rooms. This option is increasingly popular with the youth - who are often on a budget due to lack of personal finances.

Explore Public Transport
Private transport facilities such as commercial taxis, hiring personal vehicles, or even global transport services such as Uber are sure shot ways of burning a hole in your pocket. To counter this, you could try using public transport in the form of trains or public buses. These are not only affordable options for transport but also completely immerse users into the culture and essence of a city. For example, cities like Tokyo and London are known to have some of the best subway systems in the world - and are used by the whole city for commuting. Similarly, on a national scale, travelling on the Mumbai Local is an enthralling experience in itself.

There are multiple avenues through which you can save up and enjoy a holiday on a budget. To conclude, if you’re looking to travel anytime soon – you may want to #JustEMI your holiday booking via the Bajaj Finserv EMI Network. The company has partnered with MakeMyTrip and is offering some amazing offers this Diwali. While transacting through MakeMyTrip, you can avail 20 percent instant discount on domestic hotel bookings up to Rs 10000 and flat Rs 400 off on minimum transaction amount of Rs 8,000 for domestic flight tickets using your Bajaj Finserv EMI Network Card. If you aren’t a member of the EMI Network yet, you can apply easily via their Experia customer portal or check your pre-approved offer online.

So, what are you waiting for? #JustEMI you travel plans and book flights at your convenience along with choosing the most exotic resort of your choice! To know more, check out their EMI Network Town.

No comments

We’ve noticed that most people tend to stick to one place when they plan their holidays, almost cramping to do a lot of things in a single place, one that they are to visit, not wanting to venture out. This is especially true if there are kids and parents in the travelling troupe. Yes, we are guilty of this since most of our holidays are with our parents and our kids. But, soon we realised that we were missing out on a lot of surrounding places that are travel-worthy as we never made multiple-location itineraries. However, it all is going to change for our upcoming holiday to Shimla.

For the uninitiated, Shimla - the Queen of Hills, is fondly known for its gorgeous landscape, colonial architecture and historical sites. The weather throughout the year is enjoyable enough to draw in numerous tourists, and more so during the winters when the city is covered in gorgeous layers of snow. A stay in the city isn’t complete without a stroll down the Mall road, a trek to the Ridge, and ride on the Toy Train.

However, in Shimla don't get stuck in the rut within the city, and venture out to visit some of the best weekend getaways from Shimla to add more dimension to your trip. We have been researching over the last few days and come up with numerous destination around Shimla within a distance of 10 to 25 kilometres that can be easily accessed by a local taxi. We have zeroed in on these must-visit places and added them to our itinerary.

Mashobra

At 13 kilometres from Shimla, Mashobra is a huge expanse of lush pine, oak and apple orchards covering beautiful hills which is accentuated with a picturesque stream gushing through the valley. It is a relatively untouched place, with very few tourists but flocked with travellers who love fresh natural surroundings in the lap of serenity. When in Mashobra do not leave without a visit to the Mahasu Peak and the Reserve Forest Sanctuary.

Kufri

At a mere 18 kilometres from Shimla, is Kufri - the most scintillating ‘lake’ place that is like a soothing breeze in the summers and an iced blanket in the winters. Kufri boasts of majestic panoramic views apart from the world-famous trekking and hiking trails. Though one would see many adventure-seekers interested in skiing especially in the winters, Kufri is a much sought-after family place for its Himalayan Nature Park and Fun World.

Fagu

The best surprise, just 21 kilometres from Shimla is Fagu, a quaint little town laden with refreshing green fields that offer a perfect sanctuary for peace and quiet. The picturesque countryside is dotted with a cluster of villages, fruit gardens and terraced fields, making it the perfect escape for a romantic day. Fagu, literally translated as ‘fog’ offers amazing experiences within the Reserve Forest Sanctuary, the Water Catchment Sanctuary and the Old Gurkha Fort.

Do you know of any other places that would interest us around Shimla, without having too much distance to be covered to reach it? If so do recommend in the comments below and should we happen to add that destination to our trip, be sure we shall bring back a local souvenir for you.

Until next time,
~ Heena

No comments

10 Things You Must Have While Travelling To Thailand

Thailand has evolved to become one of South East Asia’s most popular tourist destinations. Whether it’s the beautiful white sand beaches, thrilling water sports, an array of shopping options or its exciting nightlife and cheap travel possibilities; it seems like Thailand is suited for just about anyone from solo back-packers and couples to families and friend circles.   Now, whether you’re travelling there for a quick time off, family holiday or a solo adventure trip; we guide you through the ten things you must take with you during your trip to Thailand:  

Sturdy Backpack 
Whether you’re going on a backpacking trip or not, you will still need a sturdy backpack that you can use on your trips to the temple, hiking trails, island hopping or even just when you’re going by to the nearest beach!  

Travel Insurance for Thailand
You probably never think about this, until it’s mandatory. However, it may just be one of the most important things you’ll need during your trip. One of the most cost-effective ones in the market includes the digital insurance company, Digit Insurance. For example, for a 7-10 days trip, it would cost you less than Rs 500 to insure yourself against all unforeseen and unfortunate circumstances that could arise during your trip. This broadly includes:

~ Cover for any loss of belongings that may happen, including loss of passport. Unfortunately, Thailand is home to many scams that could lead to loss of money or belongings.
~ If you fall sick during your trip, the travel insurance will cover all medical expenses and emergencies.
~ Minor mishaps like flight delays, delay of check-in luggage and baggage loss too are covered as part of Digit’s travel insurance policy.
~ Coverage for Adventure Sports such as snorkelling, scuba diving, zip-lining, etc; as long as you’re not going in for a long-term course or the like.
~ Other unplanned situations such as trip abandonment, political unrest, legal bail and bond, etc. would be covered as well.

Always go for online travel insurance that is easy to claim and access. Additionally, we also recommend you carry copies of your passport; you may need it at some places and it’s just safer to carry copies during your day trips instead of carrying your passport everywhere!

Slip-On Shoes 
Two of the most common places to be at in Thailand are the beaches and the temples. What’s common between the two, is that you’ll need to keep taking off your shoes while visiting them. Therefore, it’s necessary you carry a good pair of slip-on shoes or slippers you can use while moving around the many beaches and temples.  

Mosquito Repellent & Sunscreen 
You’ve probably already heard this before and it’s true, you’re going to need mosquito repellent during your time there! Whether it’s at your hotel, the beach or while you’re just meandering around town, it’s always better to be protected against bites that may only ruin your little holiday. 

Beach Essentials
 If you’re visiting Thailand, you just cannot miss the beaches! After all, that’s the highlight of it all. Beautiful white sand beaches and the quaint blue waters; Thailand is home to some of the most beautiful beaches and you want to make sure you make the most out of it! So, make sure you have all your beach essentials in place. Right from the right swimwear, water gear, hats and sunglasses to your beach towels, sunscreen, and beach slippers.   

Rain & Waterproof Gear 
Depending on what part of the year to plan on visiting Thailand, there can be occasional light showers even in the driest of weathers. Therefore, make sure you carry an emergency raincoat or umbrella, and some waterproof gear for your gadgets (works even when you want to capture your water sports!)   

Basic Medical Kit 
This is a must for all your travels, no matter where you’re going! You never know when you might just need it. Moreover, with all the street food and water activities in Thailand, you can be prone to minor illnesses like a common cold, cough, sea sickness, etc. Therefore, it’s always better to be prepared and carry a handy medical kit that includes basic painkillers, Band-Aids and medicines for the common cold, headache and sea-sickness.

Thailand Power Adapter & Portable Charger 
While you might just find this at the airport or the local Thailand stores, you may end up paying more than it’s worth. So, it’s always recommended you carry the required adapter and converter beforehand. Additionally, a portable charger can come handy as you’re mostly going to be spending your time outside and the last thing you want is a dead phone!  

Forex Card  Money
The one thing that will drive most of your time in Thailand. While you may already have cash in hand or, your credit/debit card...the advantage of a Forex card is that you can withdraw or use your car for expenses in the local currency itself. This way you save up on the exchange rate and extra international charges!  

Guidebook 
This may sound a little cliché, and you are probably like “what’s google for?”, it’s always nicer to have a guidebook while you’re travelling to a new place. Moreover, you won’t really have access to the internet all the time. So, before you travel- get a guidebook you like and let it help you make some beautiful memories on your trip to Thailand.

No comments

Vacations are my life, but family vacations are getting stressful as they now mean planning and packing for a huge group. Our vacations are now overwhelming as we travel in a group of six, with two kids…one under the age of one. Of course, over the years I have accumulated a great deal of packing experience and my travel bags are ready almost two days prior to our travel date. But are they really?

Yes, they are! That was a moment of truth when I decided it was time to make a check-list with my packing wisdom, and separate the dos from the do not's. I am not going to detail out what you need to pack or with a list of must-have items, as that would be extremely individualistic. Instead, I’m going to share some packing tips that have helped me hold things together and I’m guessing they are going to help you do the same.

Make Lists
The easiest way to ensure you are getting everything you need is to make an essentials checklist for travelling with a child, then go on to make separate lists for everyone. Once the lists are ready, pick out the things and keep adding them to individual piles while crossing the same off the list. This will help you not to forget knee socks for your dad and a favourite blanket for your baby.

Use Cubes
The best way to keep your bags organised is to pack using packing cubes. Either you can keep organised by putting together daily outfits or by clubbing clothing you will need at a particular destination (assuming you are travelling to multiple places). This method also helps as you need not unpack everything when travelling and just need to pull out a particular cube and be sorted.

Emergency Set
The convenient way to be ready for any emergencies or delays is to have an emergency set at hand, tugged safely in a piece of hand luggage. An emergency set should contain a set of spare clothes and a cosy blanket or sweater for each of the family members and some toiletries and a few toys for everyone to share.

Individual Bags
The most tempting thought would be to pack all your kids things in one bag but that would be the most inconvenient and a sure shot way to get disorganised. Instead, have medium sized travel bags for each child, in which all their items go, making them partly responsible for their own stuff. If you do not have enough bags, you can check out travel bags online.

Keep Space
The simple method of packing will push you to fill your travel bags as best as you can, but I prefer to differ. Leave some room in every bag for ease of finding as well as for things that you may want to bring back from your holiday. More times than not you may have to otherwise pack in an extra bag for your souvenir shopping.

Is there something, in particular, you do when packing? Share your tips with me in the comments section and I shall have them added to the article.

No comments

When I travel with family; especially my young kids, there are so many things that become necessary to carry. Most recently when we flew via one of the Mumbai to Bangalore flights for a family wedding, I was almost certain that we were way beyond our baggage allowance, due to the number of things I carried for the kids. Their baggage was twice as much as ours with additional clothing, bath and skincare products, games and toys, personal bedding, baby food, stroller, etc. However, luckily we just hit a couple of kilograms over the quota and the airline graciously let us through without an additional payment.

It was only on our way back on a Bangalore to Mumbai flight that I got thinking about the amenities that a hotel can provide to reduce the baggage burden on guests. I’ve been to numerous beautiful hotels and resorts and enjoyed their free shuttle service, free Wi-Fi, complimentary breakfast, etc. but never inquired about any specific child-centric amenities offered. Travelling with kids is an extremely different kind of experience, where extra attention needs to be given to their comfort and safety; and if this aspect is covered by a hotel, it will definitely be a bonus to parents. So the next time, when I’ll be booking a hotel or resort I am sure to be asking about some of the facilities that will not only help me enjoy my stay but also ensure my baggage is within the airline allowance limit.

Equipment Lending
With the amount of baby-gear moms travel with, equipment lending will definitely be a huge pull that will draw in families to a hotel. Simple but important things like strollers, cribs, baby monitors, nightlights, bottle sterilizers and warmers, bathtubs, etc. could be offered via a baby concierge service, upon request.

In-Room Entertainment
Kids tend to bored easily and when on a holiday, moms do not want to spend their time entertaining the little ones. That makes in-room entertainment a much-needed amenity that parents look for. Apart from kids-friendly television channels, a gaming console, indoor camping tents with sleeping bags, etc. make for some interesting options.

Queen Size Beds
As a family shares a hotel room, they tend to share the bed as well; and unfortunately, most hotels offer only a double bed which does not allow for a good night’s sleep. A hotel that would offer queen-sized beds, additional toddler beds, infant cribs will definitely put moms at peace and the hotel on family priority lists.

Kid-Friendly Food
Of course, every hotel offers an elaborate breakfast spread, mouthwatering food at their numerous restaurants but kids are known to be fussy eaters. Moms would love having kid-friendly food-items that are versatile, low on sugar-salt-spice to ensure that kids never go to bed hungry nor the family has to step out of the hotel to eat outside.

In-Room Electronics
Some hotels offer regular electronic items including a mini-fridge, ironing board, hairdryer, etc. But for moms, the one electronic item that is a deal maker is a microwave that allows them to warm up milk, and sometimes cook or heat up a quick snack for the little monsters on demand at odd hours of the day.

If these amenities are provided by a hotel, my holiday with my kids will be a lasting memory and not a stressful getaway. How about you, what amenities do you look for while booking a hotel?

Until next time,
~ Heena

No comments

Last year as we started organising things to ring in #PrincessHeer's 6th birthday, she dropped a bomb on us. She didn’t want a birthday party, she wanted a birthday holiday. With less than a weeks to go, it seemed like an impossible task to pull off. As I tied to coax her, DH was making silent plans to take his little mermaid off on a beach holiday. I was miffed when I got to know that instead of a domestic destination, we were heading to Thailand, one of the few countries that offer a Visa-on-Arrival for Indian Passport holders. I began calculating our finances when DH mentioned that I need not worry and if required we could get a quick personal loan to cover the trip expenses that would not change our set investment plans.

However even though I was a bit apprehensive because of the reputation Thailand enjoys, I couldn't do anything except throw caution to the wind, pack our bags and head out. I was pleasantly surprised as DH chalked out the travel plans, there are so many things for children to enjoy and experience in Thailand apart from beautiful and scenic beaches. Here is a low down of some of the major attractions that could keep the children engrossed while parents can relax alongside or revisit their childhoods.

Can Thailand Be A Fun Trip For Little Kids? 3-Day Itinerary For Thailand

Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, Bangkok
Damnoen Saduak Floating Market is one of the largest and most popular floating markets in Bangkok. Sellers arrive at dawn in boats laden with tropical fruits, flowers and other fresh produce, artefacts and souvenirs; creating a colourful inviting scene. The best time to experience the market is early morning when it is the busiest, in a long-tail boat to sight-see and shop. It is a blessing that sellers accept both cash and credit cards.

Ripleys Believe It or Not, Pattaya
Ripley's, the world-famous walk-through museum, offers visitors seven attractions to choose from. It houses more than 300 unique artefacts creating a balanced spectacle between strange, shocking, and beautiful. Visitors can get a fright at two haunted attractions, or meet their favorite stars at the waxwork museum or struggle to find their way out of the mirror maze, and escape the laser challenge to get a unique cinema experience all under one roof.

Teddy Bear Museum, Pattaya
The Teddy Bear Museum is the first and only museum that has over 2000 teddy bears in various shapes and sizes to hold and hug. Divided into twelve concept zones that enable children to unwind and relax, the temperature, light and sound within each zone make it a different world to experience with special shows on the weekends.

Phi Phi Island, Krabi
The Phi Phi group of islands consist of four islands that remain a ‘must-see’ in Krabi. Touted as ‘the jewels of the Andaman Sea’, the Phi Islands is a day trip in standard speedboats. The islands are worth visiting for the incredible shifting landscapes, myriad hues of the water and the pristine white sand.

Chang Chui Plane Night Market, Bangkok
The Chang Chui Plane Night Market is taking the Bangkok night markets to new heights with the huge shell of an Airbus at the center of it. Visitors will find the best of shopping and dining, and for those who are a little more into experimentation, there is a huge ground around where one can explore sculptures and urban art pieces.

#PrincessHeer did enjoy all of this and much more. And she has decided she wants a birthday holiday every year, instead of a party. What about you? Any of your kids ever made unreasonable demands that made some wonderful memories?

Let me know in the comments below.
~ Heena

No comments

Mumbai is a land of dreams, the city that never sleeps, is a dynamic, electrifying, exciting concrete jungle. The chaotic life Mumbaikars lead with an insane amount of hustle and bustle every single day calls for an escape that leads to nature to calm the nerves. And the best way to achieve that kind of inner peace is to take a weekend away from the city and spend some quality time with your family or friends, or maybe even on your own. Apart from the zillion things that make Mumbai the 'it' place to be at, an additional positive is that it is close to numerous weekend getaways that allows you to #ExploreNature. Resorts near Mumbai are easily accessible both by road and rail, starting from Karjat which is a mere 60 km from Mumbai to Phaltan that is 250 km. It is easy to plan your weekend getaways from Mumbai for its naturally gifted and beautiful landscapes by the Western Ghats.

So for International Father’s Day weekend, when Sterling Holidays invited us to experience one of their prime eco-friendly properties, the Nature Trail Resorts, Durshet Forest Lodge, we threw caution to the wind and headed out. For the two-day getaway, we checked into the place that offered a quaint and serene place to unwind and get close to nature. The lodge merely a few hours from Mumbai is set against the stunning Sahyadri mountain ranges and beautifully caresses the Amba river to give a glimpse of what tranquillity really is.

During our stay, we lodged in a super luxury tent cottage with the best of urbane comforts and breathtaking views. In case travellers are looking for varied accommodation options, the lodge also offers Cocoon and Cottage rooms, Dome Tents and Dormitories. It boasts of a perennial waterfall and a 35-acre natural forest that serves as a nature trail for adventure activities like rappelling, kayaking, zip lining, Burma bridge, and much more. These activities are covered within the room tariff and can be enjoyed free of cost. However, if travellers are looking to enjoy just a day-out, the lodge also offers a ‘Nature Break Without Room’ adventure option. There are numerous activities for kids as well as adults that will keep you away from all your gadgets for the day. To know all about the tariff plans and activity costs, check here.

The father-daughter duo hiked up the hilly terrain with gusto and participated in the thrilling activities, much to my amazement.

As we retired for the day, it was wonderful just to sit outside the cottages sipping some green tea, gazing into the night sky counting stars.

The next morning we headed to the Kundalika Rafting Camp in Kolad to experience the White Water Rafting over Kundalika river, for a stretch of 13 km. The rafting activity is coordinated with the release of water through the dam controlling the river flow. Once the water is released, the rafting experience is nothing short of enticing with sailing past the mountain ranges of the Sahyadris, creating Grade 2 and Grade 3 rapids. Apart from rafting, activities like rappelling, kayaking, river and valley crossing, etc are also offered under the supervision of an expert. Since the activity is for kids above the age of 12, we decided to let Daddy enjoy the Kolad Rafting activity while momma and princess went on to explore the other offerings of the Nature Trails. The company operates properties in four unexplored yet easily accessible destinations close to Mumbai, Pune and Nashik.

So the next weekend, do not let any excuse work in his favour, pack your bags and head to a luxurious property in the lap of nature to #ExploreNaturalTrails.

Until next time,
~ Heena

6 comments

Travel for some is a luxury while for others travel is a necessity. For us, the Dhedhis travel has become a part of life, an unending adventure that we want to wake up to each day. Over the last few years since #PrincessHeer expressed her interest in travelling contrary to other kids her age, we have been wanderlust, taking numerous trips each year. We’ve travelled from Sri Lanka to Dubai to Thailand and Paris and even explored Kerala, Phaltan and Kutch.

This winter we have zeroed in to experience the royalty of Rajasthan for its fascinating, multi-faceted outlook buzzing with historic forts, beautiful lakes, camel carts, colourful bandhani sarees and much more. Spread over the entire northeast region, Rajasthan is enormous and practically impossible to cover in a single trip and most travel guides suggest an itinerary that covers a few cities at a time, so you can actually soak in the grandeur of each region. After numerous discussions we have chalked in our must-visit cities of Rajasthan for our royal sojourn and look forward to a blissful trip.

Jaipur

The capital city of Rajasthan, Jaipur is known for its pink stone architecture that christens it the Pink City. Jaipur never fails to stun its travellers with its royal charm and stunning heritage sites. It is a must to visit the City Palace built in the early 1700’s that still houses the royal family. Other iconic locations that can be explored are the Jantar Mantar, Haha Mahal, Albert Hall, Tiger Fort and Monkey Palace. Another aspect of Jaipur that is worth experiencing is the stay at luxurious heritage Jaipur hotels. Travellers will definitely be spoilt for choice with exotic options like the Lohagarh Fort Resort And Spa, the Royal Heritage Haveli by Niraamaya Retreat, the Taj Rambagh Palace Hotel, The Oberoi Rajvilas and more.

Dausa

Just a few hours drive from Jaipur is the gorgeous town of Dausa that offers a rural experience that screams Rajasthan hictorically. Of the numerous archaeological sites that the little town has, the one that stands out is the Abha Nagri stepwell which is also known as the Chand Baori. It is the steepest and largest step well in India that was built in the eighth century during the rule of Raja Chandra to store and provide water all year around in the arid regions of Rajasthan. Adjacent to the Chand Baori is the temple dedicated to the goddess of happiness, Harshat Mata, renowned for its rustic yet sculptural architecture.

Pali

Almost untouched by vacationers and tourists, Pali is a must-visit place for those who marvel in temple architecture for its rich heritage of beautiful Jain temples. Especially known for the 15th century Ranakpur Temple dedicated to first Jain Tirthankara Shree Adinath, Pali is among the most revered Jain holi cities in India. Cupped within the beautiful Aravalli mountain range, the construction of the temple lasted a decade, concluding in the early 1400’s. The construction was supervised by Jain Monk Gurudev Shree Acharya Soma Sundar Suri of the Tapa Gachha community.

Udaipur

The ‘Venice of the East’, Udaipur also known as the 'City of Lakes' is surrounded by eight lakes and the lush green Aravalli hills. One of the most mesmerising sites in the city is the Lake Palace, located in the middle of Lake Pichola that glitters like a diamond when illuminated at night. Udaipur is a perfect holiday destination for the entire family with its offerings that include a Biological Park, Fish Aquarium, Vintage Car Display Centre, Hollywood Wax Museum, Temples, Forts, Lakes and much more. Vacationers schedule their trips to coincide with the 'Shilpgram Fair' which showcases ethnic art and craft of the region as well as the lifestyle of the locals.

Many would argue, that our itinerary doesn’t include numerous places like Jodhpur - the city of Palaces, Jaisalmer - the city of Havelis and Forts, Pushkar - the town of fairs, Dungarpur - the city of hills; that deserve to be visited. But didn’t we say that Rajasthan cannot be covered in one trip, so we plan to reserve the rest for out next visit to the royal state.

But feel free to recommend any particular place or experience that should make it to our itinerary.

Until next time,
~ Heena

No comments

I’ve always been a travel buff and my travels used to be spontaneous with spur of the moment plans. It really helps that DH also enjoyed exploring new places just as much as I did and was willing to throw caution to the wind during our travels. After #PrincessHeer was born we were extremely cautious about taking off randomly and started planning our holidays more meticulously. Over the last few years, we’ve learned a lot about what makes or breaks a holiday with a child. And we’ve also learned how travelling with a child is different from travelling in a group with many children. Just a few days earlier, my cousin, a new mom called me to ask zillion questions as she was to embark on a journey with her newborn for the very first time. I could hear the panic in her voice, similar to what I felt years ago with Heer.

In preparation for her trip, I shared with her some of my most useful baby travel tips. However, since she was travelling alone, I also included an essentials list that I realize most moms overlook, putting the onus of these on the dad.

The absolute essentials when travelling, with a child:

Passport and Visa
A valid passport, usually with a minimum of six months validity is required for all international flights. Numerous countries offer a visa on arrival, however, with an Indian Passport, many countries still require a visa to be organized before the travel day. So, do ensure that passports are checked and visa received for a smooth check-in, custom, and immigration process.

Travel Insurance
Apart from a visa, the next most important thing to obtain is a travel insurance to have the peace of mind should anything unexpected happen. You can get travel insurance online that will cover any issues that may crop up due to an accident, cover lost or stolen property and even help with flight delays and cancellations which may otherwise prove to be very expensive.

Consent Letter
When a child is travelling with one parent or with someone who is not a parent or a legal guardian to some countries, the accompanying adult should carry along a consent letter signed by the other parent or both the parents that they have permission to do so along with a bridging document like a birth certificate where both parents’ names are listed. It is important to get the letter notarized.

Get Vaccinations
Depending on your holiday destination and the kind of activities planned, it is important to check for any necessary vaccinations that may be needed before you travel. The safety and health of your child and your family are of utmost importance and sometimes you may not be able to travel without having undergone some tests and being vaccinated. Talk to your family doctor if you have any concerns.

Yes, the right clothes, the right skincare essentials, and baby food are important as well and as a mother, you will ensure you pack all of that, but the above list is something moms need to ensure as well.

So, get ticking and packing.

Until next time,
~ Heena

No comments

About Me

Follow Me

Most Loved Articles

Blog Archive

Labels

Gorgeous Readers

Facebook

Favorite Sites