Lipika Sharma

Fast learner, slow eater with an itch for travel and fashion. Always ready for long drives, offbeat destinations and cake. Often sarcastic, mostly joking. Still learning how to be a morning person.

Tales of Strawberry Reds and Old Forts: A Travel Guide to Mahabaleshwar

Posted on by Lipika Sharma

A hill station nestled in the Sahyadri mountains, home to the few evergreen forests in India, pearly white waterfalls and strawberry farms, Mahabaleshwar is a refreshing delight for travellers.

From exploring the misty trails and revisiting local legends, to enjoying jungle treks visiting fresh strawberry farms, this town gives visitors ample opportunities to soak in nature’s beauty and unwind.

Best Time to Visit Mahabaleshwar

Although Mahabaleshwar’s year-long pleasant climate makes it suitable for visits throughout the year, between October-June is the perfect time so as to not have the monsoons restrict your travel.

Places to Visit in Mahabaleshwar

(i) Panchgani, 45-minutes drive from Maaby, is straight out of an Enid Blyton book. Escape to this little town for its dream-like beauty.

(ii) Rocks in formations of an Elephant’s Head are a central feature of the Elephant’s Point. What makes this place special is the panoramic view of the humongous fort of Pratapgarh and the stunning contrast of the sandy patches against the green background.

(iii) Another top attraction is the Chinaman’s Falls. Cascading waterfalls merge into the deep valley of Sahyadri ranges offering visitors a breathtaking sight.

(iv) Venna Lake’s beauty lies in its azure blue waters surrounded by towering woods and grass all around. Visitors can enjoy boating and Chowpatty food to make the most of this place.

(v) Tapola is a satellite village with laid-back vibes. Taking one back to nature, lazy afternoons here give way to sublime evenings. Trek to Vasota Fort in the dense forest to capture a bird’s eye view of the entire region.

(vi) An offbeat trekking trail starting from the village of Dhawale takes you past the village farms and onwards to the Arthur’s Seat Point. At this spot, you can catch the mesmerizing view of the dense valleys and Savitri river.

Where to Eat in Mahabaleshwar

(i) Dig into vegetarian delicacies at Hotel Rajmahal on 80 Main Road.

(ii) Grapevine at Masjid Road has a delectable range of Indian, Continental and Thai dishes, all made using fresh organic produce and a decent selection of alcohol and wines.

(iii) Try out makke ki roti and sarso ka saag at Bagicha Corner, which also happens to be incredibly famous for its strawberry cream, corn pattice, zunka bhakari and corn frankies.

(iv) Dine at Mapro Garden Restaurant for their Italian delight pizzas and chocolate brownies followed by a round of colourful ice cold chuskis.

Where to Shop in Mahabaleshwar

(i) Leather goods, tribal trinkets, home jellies and jams will inevitably find their way to your shopping bag at the Town Bazaar. Don’t forget to buy the freshest of strawberries and raspberries that the town is known for.

(ii) Take home jams, preserves, marmalades, toppings, syrups and squashes manufactured at the Mapro Gardens to treat yourself later.

Located in the Satara district of Maharashtra, Mahabaleshwar is blessed with enduring greenery and a friendly climate. Visit this town for its beautiful hills and valleys, and spend some time out relaxing in the lap of mother nature.

Bonus Tip: Religious Places to Visit, a complete list of Mahabaleshwar Temples

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A Place Straight Outta Dream: A Travel Guide to Ooty

Posted on by Lipika Sharma

Nestled in the Nilgiris, shrouded in mist and cotton clouds, Ooty or Ootakamund is widely referred to as the “Queen of the hills”.

Lofty mountains, sprawling grasslands, miles and miles of tea gardens and a miniature toy train – everything out of a colourful children’s book, Ooty has everything it takes to win a traveller’s heart.

Best Time to Visit Ooty

The months from April to June and September to November are good for sightseeing. The region sees heavy rainfall between July to September that might disrupt plans of travelling around.

Places to Visit in Ooty

(i) Grab a window seat on the Nilgiri Mountain Railway as the toy train makes its way through tunnels, curves, bridges and beautiful scenery to reach Ooty in five hours. Covering a stretch of 46 kilometres, views throughout the journey are spectacular.

(ii) Enjoy some leisure time paddle boating on the gorgeous waters of the Ooty Lake meandering through the valleys of the Nilgiris. From the middle of the lake, the views of the surrounding forests capture one’s imagination.

(iii) Time travel to the bygone colonial era at the Fernhill Palace. Built in 1844, this was the summer bungalow of the Maharaja of Mysore.

(iv) Doddabetta Peak is the highest point of South India at an altitude of 8,606 feet. The observatory atop the peak offers a 360-degree view of the panoramic vistas.

(v) St. Stephen’s Church continues to captivate tourists with its exquisite Gothic-style architecture built using wooden beams brought from Tipu Sultan’s Palace. The stained glass windows depicting Christ’s crucifixion and a painting of the Last Supper are the masterpieces here.

(vi) Take long walks amidst pine trees at Pykara Waterfall. Situated 20 kilometres from Ooty, the lake also offers speedboat rides for those seeking adventure.

(vii) A visit to the Dodabetta Tea Factory in Ooty is a must-do. The sprawling one-acre area surrounded by tea plantations displays the origin and evolution of tea in the Nilgiris. Remember to buy a stash of your favourite tea as a souvenir from here.

Where to Eat in Ooty

(i) Ooty Coffee House uses coffee seeds grown on their plantation to prepare an excellent cup of coffee that you can savour along with their breakfast spread or South Indian food.

(ii) Walk into the Sidewalk Café in the Nahar Hotel complex to enjoy pizza and pasta cooked in a wood fire oven.

(iii) Jothi Vilas at Kotagiri Road is famous for its specialities Idli Sambar, Poori Bhaji and Vada Pav.

(iv) Earl’s Secret on Havelock Road offers lip-smacking gourmet food in a relaxed ambience.

Where to Shop in Ooty

(i) Upper Bazaar Road is the prime location for shopping in Ooty with a number of local shops selling Nilgiri specials right from Ooty chocolates, tea boxes, coffee powders to fabrics.

(ii) One of the major markets in Ooty, Main Bazaar is located in the centre of the town offering everything that Ooty is famous for. What sets this market apart from the others are the handicrafts, aesthetic paintings and Toda silver jewellery that are sold here.

(iii) The Commercial Road is lined with local shops famous for selling jewellery, antiques, handicrafts, chocolates, woollen clothing, organic products, utensils etc.

Drives on beautiful winding roads, views of the hill atop gardens, a ride on the miniature toy train, tea plantations and never-ending meadows – it’s no surprise that Ooty turns visitors into admirers with its hypnotic beauty and tranquillity.

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Exploring ‘Scotland of the East’: A Travel Guide to Shillong

Posted on by Lipika Sharma

Breathtaking mountain peaks and crystal clear lakes make Shillong a place of tremendous beauty. Encircled by pine trees and clouds waiting to burst into a downpour, the soothing climate here makes it suitable for a visit in all the seasons.

The rolling hills around the town bestowed it with the title ‘Scotland of the East’. Known for its picturesque sights and traditions, a trip to this hill station is nothing short of a cultural extravaganza.

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Best Time to Visit Shillong

Summers are pleasant in between September to May making them ideal time to visit Shillong. Monsoons (June-August) bring heavy rainfall, making it difficult to travel during this time.

Places to Visit in Shillong

We have compiled up some of the best places to visit in shillong on your next trip.

(i) Dotted with a few islands and girdled by lush green East Khasi Hills, Umiam Lake proves to be a panoramic sight for nature lovers. Good for strolling and picnics, there are also opportunities for thrilling water sports like kayaking, boating, water cycling and scooting.

(ii) Shillong Peak lets you capture a 360-degree bird’s-eye view of the distant hills, waterfalls, Shillong city, and the plains of Bangladesh. This place is best suited for photography enthusiasts.

(iii) Elephant Falls is a great stopover destination with clear water, flowing like a sheet of milk over the dark rocks.

(iv) Mary Help of Christians Cathedral is one of the most famous churches in Shillong featuring high arches and stained glass windows housed in a white marble building. If you are visiting on a clear day, do not miss the superb vista of the Brahmaputra River and Himalayan Peaks from the Cathedral.

(v) Ward’s Lake is surrounded by cobblestone walkways, towering trees, shrubs and lawn grass. Take an evening stroll and watch dancing fountain shows by the lake.

(vi) Visit the Don Bosco Museum featuring art galleries, wide collections of handicrafts, artefacts, attires, ornaments, and weapons used by various tribes of North-east India.

(vii) Take a casual walk in the Lady Hydari Park comprising of a sprawling and manicured garden including beautiful rose beds and children’s play area.

(viii) Take a close look at a display of various rockets, missiles, miniatures of fighter planes, badges, rank medals and awards at the Air Force Museum.

(ix) All Saints Cathedral reflects a colonial style architecture along with wooden roofs surrounded by lawns all around.

(x) Breathe in fresh air, clear blue skies, waterfalls and lush greenery at Mawsynram. This tiny village in the East Khasi Hills of Meghalaya is reportedly the wettest place on Earth.

Where to Eat in Shillong

(i) Hit Cafe Shillong for its vegetarian momos, delightful shakes and steaks.

(ii) Choose the trendy Ginger Restaurant in Hotel Polo Towers for a comfortable dining experience and delicious Indian and Continental cuisine.

(iii) La Galerie in Hotel Centre Point serves lip-smacking Indian, Chinese and Continental food.

Where to Shop in Shillong

(i) You can buy a variety of regional specialities from the Lewduh Bara Bazar including seasonal vegetables, fruits, exotic spices, and handicrafts.

(ii) Lanes of Police Bazar are filled with street shops selling Bamboo and cane decor pieces, tribal art products, traditional Khasi dresses, trendy headgear and hand-woven shawls.

Marked by parks bright with flowers and rills, steep winding lanes, charming cottages and a vibrant presence of folk culture and music, Shillong is the place to have a spectacular vacation for culture vultures.

How to Reach Shillong

If you’re travelling by air, you can fly to Guwahati which has the Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport. This is located approximately 115.1 kilometres away from Shillong. The journey is very nice indeed. There is also the smaller Umroi Airport which is 39 kilometres away from Shillong. Taxis/Cabs are readily available to help you reach Shillong from either of the two airports.

If you’re traveling by train, you can try accessing the Guwahati Railway Station which is situated around 96.3 kilometres away from Shillong. In similar fashion, you will have to board a cab/taxi from here. There are several buses that ply between Shillong and Guwahati as well along with many MTC (Meghalaya Transport Corporation) buses.

The journey between Guwahati and Shillong usually takes around 2 ½ to 3 hours depending on the road conditions.

What Shillong Offers

What Shillong offers above everything else is a state of peace, calm and serenity. This is one of the most beautiful places you will ever visit, with its glittering waterfalls and the enchanting landscape all around. There are pristine lakes where you will lose yourself in the harmonious melody of the gurgling water and surrounding majestic mountains along with several fabulous viewpoints and of course, the highest point in Shillong which is called the Shillong Peak. There is of course, the Shillong Golf Course with 18 holes to boot!

Shillong is great for shopping and dining and you will love the experience at the Lewduh Market where there are several lip-smacking dishes, handicrafts, shawls and other garments on offer. Tourist places in Shillong offers travel experiences for nature lovers.

 

The Fascinating Quaint Town of Wayanad: A Travel Guide

Posted on by Lipika Sharma

Wayanad, home to the woods, waterfalls and wildlife, offers tourists a perfect glimpse into rural Kerala. The vast stretches of mountains covered in mist, unending green meadows, azure blue lakes and wild forests are a signature of this quaint little hill station.

Fast growing in popularity as a vacation destination, for now, it remains a place favoured by those looking to get away from the rapid pace of city life.

Best Time to Visit Wayanad

October to May is considered ideal for enjoying the sights and wilderness of Wayanad. In the summer (March-May), tourists come to this part of the country to get some respite from the scorching heat. The winter (October- February), sees tourism peaking with travellers visiting in large numbers.

Monsoons (June-October) are the only time when this region attracts fewer visitors because of heavy rainfall, but you can still take short trips during these months when the washed hills look fresher and greener.

Places to Visit in Wayanad

(i) The Banasura Sagar dam lies in the lap of the Banasura hills. This place affords a sprawling view of the reservoir from the top and lends itself to adventures like speed boating, on its deep waters.

(ii) A famous wayanad tourist attraction, Pookot Lake is a natural freshwater lake known for its captivating surroundings of lush greenery and tall woods.

(iii) Just 8 kilometres from the beautiful town of Kalpetta, stands the highest peak of the Wayanad Hill Range – the Chembra Peak. This point offers a sweeping view of the entire Wayanad district.

(iv) Falling in the southern part of the town, Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary is an integral part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. Passing through the moist and deciduous forest, one can spot herds of elephants and deer, tigers, panthers, sambar, bison, bears and a variety of tree species.

(v) Soochipara Falls is situated in the Vellarimala hill range of Wayanad. Flowing across three tiers, the water descends to form a large pool ideal for enjoying swimming, bathing and frolicking around.

(vi) Edakkal Caves have exquisite rock carvings and ancient inscriptions that date back to the late stone age, making it a perfect spot for taking a little exploration trip.

(vii) The delta of River Kabini houses the picturesque little island known as Kuruvadweep. A local favourite, this hideaway is a hotspot for nature walks.

Where to Eat in Wayanad

(i) 1980’s – A Nostalgic Restaurant is considered a must-visit for its Malabari food served in authentic style and taste.

(ii) Wilton Restaurant in Sultan Bathery is famous for delicious Asian, Indian and Seafood.

(iii) Dine at the Bungalow Restaurant in Kalpetta if you are looking for multi-cuisine options.

(iv) Visit Spice Bowl in Vythiri to taste the decent spread of vegetarian dishes.

Where to Shop in Wayanad

(i) Go accessory shopping local-style at the Focus Mall on Rajaji Road. There are some local brands with handloom items on offer that you might find appealing.

(ii) Pay a visit to Santhi Pappadam in the day to find exclusive antique pieces, handicraft goods, honey and spice products.

(iii) Trident Arcade is locally preferred to buy designer crockery and other fancy items.

Blessed with a favourable climate, plantations, forests and wildlife, Wayanad is easily one of the best hill stations in India. Plan a trip to ‘Land of the paddy fields’ for a replenishing break from your daily grind and to beat the scorching summer heat.

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Getting Around ‘Little Lhasa’: A Travel Guide to Mcleodganj

Posted on by Lipika Sharma

Clothed in the thick of rhododendron and oak trees, Mcleodganj is a hill station near Dharamshala. Setting an example of peaceful coexistence with the perfect blend of Indian and Tibetan cultures, this quaint town boasts of soothing weather conditions, stunning backdrops, adrenaline-pumping treks and a vibrant cultural scene.

A trip to Mcleodganj, lovingly called ‘Little Lhasa’, is a deep dive into peace, harmony and alluring nature.

Best Time to Visit Mcleodganj

The best time to travel to Mcleodganj is from September to June. Heavy rainfall in July and August might result in landslides in the region. Hence, it is suggested to avoid the monsoons season when planning a visit.

It starts to snow towards the end of the year, starting from November, with heavy snowfall continuing until February.

Places to Visit in Mcleodganj

(i) Trek to Triund through the Rhododendron and Oak forest to catch a glimpse of the entire Kangra Valley. The orange-hued evening sky is a sight in itself and camping under the stars a good idea to catch up with nature.

(ii) Bhagsu Falls is perhaps the most famous tourist spot, where water cascades down from a height of 30 feet. The famous Bhagsunath Temple is located just half a kilometre away and is often frequented by tourists as part of their visit to the waterfall.

(iii) Pay a visit to the palatial Namgyal Monastery, the personal temple of the 14th Dalai Lama, the Tibetan spiritual leader. Here you can witness the Tibetan Buddhist culture at play while soaking in the peaceful vibes surrounding the place.

(iv) Visit Tsuglagkhang, an area of significance for the Buddhist faith. This houses a monastery, various stupas and temples, a museum, a library, a bookstore and a cafe. The Tibetan Museum has a remarkable collection of brilliant forms of Tibetan art, which includes historical documents, pottery, handicrafts and paintings.

(v) For a captivating sight of the Himalayas, you can go to the Dal Lake. Located just 3 kilometres from the Mcleodganj town, this small yet picturesque lake surrounded by rugged mountains and towering deodar trees is a marvellous place to be at.

Where to Eat in Mcleodganj

(i) If you’re craving for some wood-fired pizzas and yummy pasta, visit Unity Bistro & Pizza House in Upper Bhagsu Nag.

(ii) Purely Tibetan in interiors and ambience, Four Seasons at Jogibara Road is a great place to enjoy authentic Tibetan food.

(iii) Try out favourites – Tibetan bread, Spinach Omelette and Honey Lemon Ginger Tea at the Peace House Cafe at Bhagsu Road.

(iv) Relish the best Indian and Chinese food available in town at the Ashoka International Restaurant.

Where to Shop in Mcleodganj

(i) Thangka paintings will catch your eye as you walk down the Jogiwara Road. These bright paintings are made on a canvas lined with silk. Also, you can find Tibetan and Italian clothing here.

(ii) Get your hands on some uniquely handcrafted items like Buddhist figurines, miniatures of Indian gods, wooden masks, brass statues and crystal and gemstone jewellery on Temple Road. You can also take back prayer flags and prayer wheels, along with Tibetan artefacts as reminders of your trip to Mcleodganj.

(iii) Kotwali Bazaar is lined with many street shops selling items of daily use, exotic carvings, Tibetan rugs and carpets.

Fast emerging as India’s favourite summer destination, Mcleodganj is worth exploring for its welcoming weather and unique culture. So, come here to spend your days soaking in the beauty of the hills and getting a taste of the Tibetan way of life.

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Of Misty Trails and Ancient Forts: A Travel Guide to Lonavala

Posted on by Lipika Sharma

The next time you are planning a hill station holiday, give Lonavala a chance for a break from the Himalayan holiday routine.

This resort town offers a combination of thrills and scenic-views with lush green mountain valleys, mysterious caves, rugged cliffs and some pleasant side streets to walk on.

Best Time to Visit Lonavala

A pleasant annual temperature of 24.1 °C makes this place a welcome destination for visitors.

The non-monsoon months between October to May are best time to visit Lonavala because the place experiences heavy rainfall between June and September.

Places to Visit in Lonavala

(i) A steady climb to the Lohagad Fort will take you to the 2000-year-old Bhaja Caves. The Buddhist shrines carved out of rocks make it an exciting place worth exploring.

(ii) Meandering pathways cutting through the hilly terrain lead one to the Lohagad Fort. A great attraction to visit as it is, it is also an ideal trekking destination because of its accessibility, ease of trek and lush green surroundings.

(iii) Serving as a prominent example of early rock-cut architecture in India, the Karla Caves are an epicentre to experience transcending peace at.

(iv) Indulge in some fun activities like camping, picnics and sightseeing at the Pavana Lake. Located amidst the scenic locales of Kamshet, surrounded by expanses of fertile green land, this place looks almost like an island.

(v) Nestled on a plateau carpeted with bright green trees, the Rajmachi Fort is one of the top heritage sites in Lonavala. Huge ramparts, sturdy walls, massive gateways surrounded by natural beauty, guarantee calm and peace of mind.

(vi) Trek all the way to the top of the Duke’s Nose Point to see the sun setting behind the small Sahyadri peaks. This day hike gives travellers a dose of adventure and an opportunity to see great views from the vantage point.

Where to Eat in Lonavala

(i) Stop by at Pragati on MG Road to take a whiff of freshly brewed coffee.

(ii) Golden Vadapav on NH4 is a local favourite for its vadas, bhajiyas, moong dal pakodas, samosas and jalebis.

(iii) Pick El Taj at Hotel Kamat to get a taste of their smashing tandoor selection.

(iv) Drive to Suvarna Kanpile’s canteen inside the Manashakti Research Centre for vegetarian Maharashtrian meals – breakfast, lunch and snacks.

(v) Go to the Kinara Village Dhaba for their lively ambience, village setting and excellent food.

Where to Shop in Lonavala

(i) A trip to this hill station is considered incomplete without buying a pair of Kolhapuri slippers from The Shoe Center located in the main bazaar of Lonavala. You can choose from several designs and colours available at this shop.

(ii) For colourful trinkets, wooden figurines and various products made of cane, make it a point to visit the Lonavala Bazaar. The market is also lined with several shops that sell different types of snacks for you to munch on.

(iii) Maganlal Chikki Center is famous for selling Gulab chikki, Choco chikki and other varieties of Chikkis; a local delight that you wouldn’t be able to resist nibbling on.

(iv) Cooper’s is the oldest shop in town specialising in fudges in various flavours ranging from ‘Choco Almond’ to ‘Choco Walnut’ and more.

Lying peacefully in the Sahyadri ranges, Lonavala makes for a perfect vacation spot for thrill-seekers and nature-lovers alike. With its happening view-points, untouched beauty and pastoral countryside, this hilly town offers everything you will need for a refreshing break.

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