Jharipani Uttarakhand:Places,Videos

October 20, 2012, 11:11 pm

≪ Previous: Jharipani Uttarakhand:Photos,Videos

To read all previous post on Jharipani: Ringa Ringa Jharipani

Some places are beautiful.It might never make it to the "Tourist's best places to visit" list for the lack of infrastructure,transport or sightseeing points nearby,but they truly are places you would love to be at.

Jharipani is one such place.You very well know at the first glimpse that you would love the place but you wouldn't know where to go next.No wonder,Mussoorie to many is an obvious choice.

A little about Oak Grove School Jharipani Uttarakhand

Oak grove school offers panoramic views of foggy mountains,the drift of clouds visible from each room view.The compound is huge in itself,a sort of a short hike.I for a minute, got enveloped in my dreamy world of Kendriya Vidyalaya at various places in the past I have had been to.This school was a beauty I would have loved to rewind my past for.

Jharipani transport

It is difficult to get a transport from Oak Grove School Jharipani to any place.We chose to trek on Day 1 because we got bored of waiting for our bus,which never came.As we couldn't get a bus even after a wait of 2 hours,we cancelled our trip to Mussoorie in Uttarakhand on Day 1 and decided to trek to Jharipani waterfall.We could have taken a taxi on call to Mussoorie,but we chose not to as the taxi was a little costly option and we definitely wanted to save money.

Call It Destiny

Uttarakhand of late,is in news for all the wrong reasons "landslides,landslides,floods,heavy rains".While we assume the places at higher altitude would be affected most,we forget that there might be other places that could have been affected as a consequence.

Call it destiny.I totally enjoy the trek which makes me discover the undiscovered land coupled with surprises you would be amused to hear as we go further.

A trek is

What is a trek?Have you ever climbed a small secluded hillock for fun?It need not be some famous hill top,just some random peak you felt like climbing.

"It is called the feeling of in-saneness,and for some reason or the other it makes you happy"

Jumping Fences

Escape through the partly grilled fences of the side of the basket ball court of oak grove school to discover a place you would love the journey to,if not the end. Ahh .fences how much pleasure it gives me to jump or bow down one.

Just recently I had an amazing desire to visit Pakistan,just out of curiosity to see how the other side is.With the LOC so near to Wagah and Kashmir its a tempting yet dangerous wish.But then when I posted my wish to do so,I found many supporters on my FB page,so I am not alone to feel the unknown land across the fences and borders

Back to fences,all thanks to non-availability of transport for Mussoorie and misguidance by the local shopkeepers,we were there, right there bowing down fences to reach the waterfall villagers have told us about.

The Landslide,Leech and Finally we reach

With every broken rock I jumped,keeping my shoes carefully weighing down all the possible mental algebra I could,every thorn I bowed at,every landslide which seemed impossible to cross with mud sinking beneath,with roads that were cut ,with every turn that was slippery we finally reached just a few meters away from the waterfall.

The water gushing the sound tempting us to take the last final decision "Shall we cross the 2-3 cracked logs which was placed just at the end with the deep down view of flowing water".Not that we didn't try,but as the rains had dampened the rocks,our only support system was too slippery for a support.We could have balanced ourselves if there were people or villagers around.We were alone.

Cracked logs,dampened rocks,If only I had wings of a superman!

Leeches "I hate you but I love you"

I for one hate the leeches for untold leech attacks on my leg,visible only when I saw my shoe turning red out of the blue.But love the expertise with which they bite.No pain.Only red!

We weren't sure if it was leeches or the fences,so we consulted the medical at the school.

A tip:The best way to shoo away leeches and stop blood is to rub salt all over.

Jharipani Otherwise

-Worth visiting for a day trip from Mussoorie

-More than the waterfall the trek is worth 100%

-Do not cross fences because they are there for good.If you do want to, know the situation of the landslide beforehand by cross verifying with locals.We had to bow down the fences as they were placed to warn us for the way ahead.

-But still if you love to break the rules,enjoy the journey as we did :)

Coming up next: Mussoorie A Fun Filled Journey

Eurotrip : How many of you would love to Backpack Europe from 7th to 15th dec,costing as little as 60k for Germany, Austria & Czech Republic?Give me a buzz.The last date of forming groups is 30th Oct.

↧

Mussoorie:Places,Photos

October 27, 2012, 11:38 am

≫ Next: A Warm Hi From Maldives:Live Blogging

≪ Previous: Jharipani Uttarakhand:Places,Videos

Read Previous Post:All about Jharipani

Fog in Mussoorie or Mussoorie in Fog?

The thick envelope of Fog which Jharipani was gifted with immensely,was with every wheel of taxi moving with us to our next destination Mussoorie. We didn't mind.We knew the more foggy it gets,the more colder the weather is.And the more colder the weather is,the more we enjoy the roadside roasted corn on the streets.It wasn't that cold cold,it was a gentle breeze of fresh air with subtle mist of frequent drizzle.

So finally it was taxi..

Yes it was.We had no other option but to request the school authorities to call upon a taxi which I recall was costly.

So the best way is to?

Drive along the hills.The further you go up,the costlier the taxi gets for every km we traverse.I have seen this at many places in north India,be it Manali Kasauli or Mussoorie .Best way to get around is drive your own vehicle.That ways you don't have to pay a bomb.

In some routes the bus connectivity is not that great,for example Jharipani to Mussoorie very infrequent bus service that goes once a day,there is no fixed timing either. Kasauli to Barog,unless you board at Dharampur rail station for Barog or you are on your way back from Shimla or you know of himachal tourism bus timings to Barog,there is practically no ways to go there.

We chose to roam around Mussoorie and Landour to save the cost,and believe me some places in India are well worth walking.

Mussoorie: I love the view top down

No city,no town offers a view that Mussoorie does.It is crowded,yes,but if you reach early,you would know that the essence of this place lies in the foggy early mornings,and the curved roads that cut through.

And if you know what to eat and where to,you would fall in love with the place. Chocolates,coffee,tibetan food sounds yummy isn't it?Well that's not the end,we are forgetting the genuine peanut butter!

Tomorrow we go to Mussoorie,to re-discover the lost charm,the popular weekend gateway from Delhi in more detail.And yes,the video is still in edit.Before I upload the video,let me tell you,

The last date for forming the European group is 30th Oct.The last date for registration of Skydiving in Mysore is 30th Oct.

Super excited for Maldives ,4 days left to go.Blue Sea & expensive Bed Tax.Maldives gonna be a little costly I guess!Lets see.

↧

A Warm Hi From Maldives:Live Blogging

November 4, 2012, 10:49 am

≫ Next: Can You Do Maldives On A Budget?

≪ Previous: Mussoorie:Places,Photos

“May night continue to fall upon the orchestra of Maldivian dawn"

“When we're connected to others, we become better people.” -At Maldives

“I heard silence,silence infinite as the bottom of the ocean.Silence that makes Maldives exotic"

“Eat Food.Try Maldivian Delights or Learn From Them"

"Live in the sunshine, swim the sea, drink the wild air,with Maldives and ME!"

Live Blogging From Maldives!

-05/Nov/2012

Details Coming Soon.

↧

Can You Do Maldives On A Budget?

November 6, 2012, 9:26 pm

≫ Next: Maldives How To,Immigration,Jetty

≪ Previous: A Warm Hi From Maldives:Live Blogging

A month ago,it was a challenge to do Maldives,one of the most expensive countries in the world as a backpacker.A flight booking and a hotel reservation is all I had.With almost nil information on internet on how to,I'm glad that we did what I had dreamt of since long.

LIVE BLOGGING FROM MALDIVES

Can Maldives be done in a backpacker's/budget way?

The answer is "Yes"

Is Maldives only for honeymooners?

"No".No doubt Maldives is romantic,you would either fall in love with the country or your partner.

Are resorts the only option of stay in Maldives?

"No".2 years back,it was the only option.Now things have changed,more and more people like to explore Maldives the way locals do.

Is Maldives expensive?

Me,swimming in the sea.Some experiences just come for free.

"Yes" it is,from everything starting from the taxi,to the food to your stay,unless you keep an eye on your budget,it might just go beyond what you might have thought of.

People of Maldives?

People are very friendly,caring and genuine,both men and women.

Best For?

Maldives is best for water sports,diving snorkeling water skiing,surfing.The water is crystal clear,and you can spot fishes and corals even on the shore!!

The Sea Food is..

The sea-food is awesome.Maldives is best way to outgrow the typical smelly sea food we are accustomed with.Most of the dishes are prepared with fish,though the spicyness and taste is so rich that you would want to have fish every day and every night.

What if I am a vegetarian?

Even if you are a vegetarian or a chicken lover,Maldivians prepare their food with love.The 5 days in Maldives gave us the best gastronomical experience of a lifetime.

The Music is?

Maldivians are friendly people.We danced all night with them.Guess the hindi song they danced and sang especially for us[Hint: Watch the video]

If you get a chance,dance to the local fast thumpy music the way we did.It's like our own bhangra but very fast,the music is catchy!

The Myth About Maldives?

Maldives is not the bikini destination we know of.Unless of course you stay at resorts or go on a excursion to a nearby picnic island from your local island.Most of the local islands where we stayed had no bikini rule.So yes,if budget is on your mind..keep other things the way people like it!

The No Alcohol glitch?

In Maldives,sale or consumption or import of alcohol is prohibited.There are better things to do see and drink in Maldives.And while you come back,its best to get one of the those duty free liquor from the airport departure gates,they have awesome collection!

Best Season To Go Maldives?

Is off-season during the “rainy” season which is June/July to Oct/Nov for best rates.

The currency of Maldives?

Is Rufiyaa. US Dollar is accepted everywhere.The best way is to exchange the currency from the currency exchange counters in Indian Rupee to Dollars,but preferably not from the airports.The conversion charges are high.

Once you have sufficient dollars its best to exchange it to Maldivian Rufiyaa from the currency exchange counter at the Maldive airport and keep the receipt,so that when you come back you can exchange Rufiyaa to dollar. It is important to keep the receipt and reconfirm at the counter for the counter exchange of currencies.

What we did was split our expenses in such a way that we had half the amount as dollars for hotel,reservation etc) and half the amount as Maldivian Rufiyaa(for food,ferry,water sports)

You can also keep US dollars for all your expenses in Maldives,but it comes out to be little costly in terms of daily expenses.

1 Maldivian rufiyaa(MVR) = 3.5198 Indian rupees(INR)
1 USD = 54.1783 INR
1 USD = 15.3200 MVR

FOR ALL INFORMATION ON MALDIVES VISIT: MALDIVES OFFICIAL WEBSITE

Coming up:Maldives
Video on Maldives
On How We Did It
The Interesting Recipes

↧

Maldives How To,Immigration,Jetty

November 10, 2012, 7:13 am

≫ Next: The Being Bihari Conversation

≪ Previous: Can You Do Maldives On A Budget?

For All Previous Posts on Maldives: All About Maldives

Maldives was love at first sight.I had never been to a place so beautiful before.They say love makes one go gaga and no matter how many words I write here,the feeling remains in my heart.It's been 3 days already I left Maldives,and yet if I ever get a chance to revisit it again I would jump and be as excited as every other teenager in love for the first time.

Waiting For My Ferry At The Airport Jetty

"The golden shimmer of the sea right from the airport jetty to the spicy Maldivian food at my platter,waking up to a beautiful local island just to see how the color of sea was 'today' or lazing around in a small private island of few meters with transparent water all around me,dancing with the locals on music that made me do so,or just wondering on the upper ship deck 'Why was it for just 5 days,why do things have to end?'.Maldives is a place you would love to be at forever or may be more."

How To Reach Maldives?

It's easy.We took a comfortable Srilankan AirLines Night Flight From
Bangalore -> Colombo
Colombo -> Male(Ibrahim Nasir International Airport)

Ibrahim Nasir International Airport The Perfect Landing/Takeoff

With Travel Comes Great Food!Me and The 2 Cups Of Belgian Chocolates

Landing in Maldives is a surreal experience.Take off is unique.It's best to plan Male in a way you could view either landing or takeoff at daytime.The plane runs parallel to sea,landing almost makes you feel it would just run in the water.A few minutes before landing is an awesome sight of small little islands spread over turquoise water.The sight you wouldn't want to miss.

Since we had taken a night flight for landing,and a day flight for takeoff we still managed to view the islands from top down.Sometimes we stared at the perfect landing from the Male town afar,we knew we missed it!

Maldives has Ibrahim Nasir International Airport at Hulhule Island which is a ferry away from the Male Mainland!Interesting isn't it?

Immigration Procedure Maldives

Maldives has a free visa on arrival.The procedure is hassle free.Do keep in mind that-

You need to show your prebooking for your duration of stay in Male to the

Immigration Dept

or

You need to show your account balance/sufficient funds in such a way that it covers a minimum Maldivian daily expenditure for your duration of stay.

Tip:Maldives is not a place where you can do an impromptu visit.Maldives survives on tourism,so it's best to pre-book your stay than search for it at the last moment.The minimum Maldivian daily expenditure comes to be on the higher end,so why not just book your stay,and make immigration a little easier and cheaper on your pocket too!

Places We Did Places We Stayed
Male Kaani Lodge
Maafushi Holiday Lodge

The Maldivian Night

Since we had our check in the morning at our hotel,we had no choice but to stay at the airport the half night.Outside the airport arrival lounge are a series of chairs with tables and TV.You can spend as many hours you would want to.Just outside the airport is the restaurant called Aqua and air taxi booking counter.Air taxis are very expensive,if you can afford it..it's simply the best experience.Aqua was where we had our first Maldivian Breakfast(Maashuni Tuna Roshi) for 11$.The food is awesome,though it is expensive at the airport as per general Maldivian food cost.

Just then the small lights on the airport jetty started reflecting beautifully with the sunrise.In next 15 minutes,I saw a transition of sea from light golden,to blue golden to turquoise. It was a beautiful sight.

The Airport Ferry Maldives

Going to Male Mainland is simple.Outside the airport is the ferry jetty.Local ferries ply every half an hour from the airport to the Male Mainland and costs around 1$ or 10 Rufiyaa. All you got to do is,hop into one of those ferries,make your space,keep your luggage and be comfortable.You need not pay at the counter anywhere,the pay is collected on board.

Next,we discuss the stay, expenses,our experience,what to what not to,and discover the hidden treasures of Male,interview a few random people and unwind at the sea cafe.The video is still in edit stage.This is a short glimpse or a raw footage,to show how clear the water was:

Diwali is just around the corner.Today was a super exciting day for me,when my first article got published in Hindustan Times..it's a certain high to see your name in print,and I feel good already!
Ankita_Sinha_Top_10_Things_To_In_Diwali

↧

The Being Bihari Conversation

November 11, 2012, 6:13 pm

≫ Next: Avirate Real Women Of Bangalore

≪ Previous: Maldives How To,Immigration,Jetty

When you are travelling alone,a 34 hour train journey can be mentally and physically draining,specially when I have been doing it every month for past 4 months.It was one of those journeys which prompted me refresh my head cap to discover my roots.A middle aged gentlemen in Media,2 popes from church,2 simpletons and me.It wasn't one of those same age groups train journey and people were reluctant to speak to each other.I felt a dire need to introduce myself to create a candid conversation among st the passengers.It all started with

A(Media person from Bihar):Where are you from?

[ It has to start,no matter where you are this question is what makes you different and most of the times decides on your being on which side of the ball game are you in.People connect on same language,sometimes same rituals,same cultures,sometimes accent.Some cultures hit high notes on superiority factors,others are looked down upon.How far have we reached mentally?India is biased.The states which are shown well-off in the media are indeed well off,the states which are not shown so well off are considered poor illiterate uneducated less modern.The fact is however,India can't alone develop on one state.The media has to revise facts which are not still updated,not even on google. Probably they never will be. Cauz as a country we know,

Sad stories make headlines,good stories are part of editorial.]

Back to the conversation

A:Where are you from?

Me:Living throughout the country,originally from Bihar

[It guess it was his same pinch moment,the sparkle in his eyes almost meeting mine only to soon fade in an unexplained silence].

A:You don't have that...accent.

Me:Excuse me!

A turning to other passengers,now in a little less interested in me,where are you from?

B(pope):Karnataka

C(others):Karnataka

D(others):Karnataka

So now we have 3 Karnatakas,2 Biharis.We now start our most immature virtual conversation which can make all of us to think or rethink when we say "we all are equal"

[I consider myself more Indian but a excited look on A's face made me choose over my state than the rest of the country]

It was interesting to note a certain biased opinion of people thereafter.I didn't even say a word,just mere observation was enough.Satire sometimes can be humiliating. Exaggeration sometimes can be untrue.Many a times I have seen people rave about their state "No Mr.Until you have done or contributed even a 1 % in either way to develop your state or think about its well being,nobody just qualifies being born.And it's good that your state is doing well,but that doesn't give you the right to belittle other states.In just a matter of second or choice of god,you could have been born in any part of the country to the most illiterate parents or the most affluent ones.Respect it and Think about it"

A,B,C were too busy appreciating the progress their state has achieved so far while they didn't leave a single stone upturned to prove how Biharis lag behind based on the facts by Media.Mr A. almost rose to clarify how he was treated like an outsider in interiors of Maharasthra. In another of my candid conversation in train,a Delhi guy almost mentally raped a women to prove how great Delhi is and how she should be proud to travel first time to the most cleanest( :/) ,progressive and fashionably sound state of India.Can't you see it all over?If you haven't faced this so far,you must be born in those lucky affluent states of India.I have full faith and sympathy with the whole of north east.What wrong have they done?As far as I know they are people who are very pure at heart.But see the recent Bangalore melodrama,we are born with a racism in our blood.Forget India and Pakistan,we ourselves have a feeling of being inferior or superior.

In my recent visit to Maldives,a russian lady very innocently told me "Oh..I love Indians..they are so beautiful,lively..bollywood,Shah Rukh Khan".And while we still struggle to manage our images in our own country!

The most biased public opinions so far I have heard...

Baniyas are Kanjoos
Jats are "Ask the people of Gurgaon!You would get the answer"
Punjabis do balle balle on every occasion(Thanks Bollywood!)
Kashmiris are Muslims(How does it even matter!)
Biharis are most backward and notorious criminals(Seems like Rowdy Rathore was from Bihar)
North Eastern people are Chinkis
Kannadigas are nice people
Chennaihites don't help other state people

Of late a lady told me

Armymen are "well the word is literally too sexist to be written in public"

It's rather funny to see people use all their mental algebra to generalize facts about the whole community either based on their own personal experiences or by word of bad media mouth.It's disturbing,It's irritating but it's true.

"I am from Bihar. Never lived there.I am neither too proud,nor not so proud.I am OK with me being from wherever.But I have faced several remarks my whole school life,however innocent or stupid that may be.My parents are very open minded,they never argued me on my choice of either a guy or a career or my friends.I consider myself lucky to have traveled throughout the country and I respect every state and religion.I know in some ways or the other,every state has contributed to my being grown up.I have my folks in Army,and they are not definitely what the lady told me,even if lets say I use spoof cameras,they are not!"

But Mr. A was too adamant to know where I belong to,may be he wanted to reconfirm my state level existence on the basis of what I was wearing or my accent.Or he just wanted to conclude.

A:You are not connected to your roots,you are not a true bihari. Are your parents connected?

[For good or bad,I avoid telling my state name for the very same reason to not either start a lalloo land conversation or how much I need to prove to be one of those true Bihari]

Me:Well for that,I don't care.I love India,and I don't have time to have conversation like these.

A:But you know you must be connected to your roots[Whatever that Meant]

C:wee hee :).She stays in Bangalore,She is a Bangalore-an.

A:Bihar
C:Karnataka
A & C:Repeat

Me:My parents are from Bihar. I have lived all over.I am going to Delhi,staying in Bangalore.Clear enough?

A:So what do you do?

Me:I write about travel and adventure.

A & C:Almost shocked,you are married[100th time that is,people emphasize on the phase being married to stress it to an extent you would feel a sudden pity inside and that is when you remember oh he was nice,he was charming,my college crush,my school crush and then you hit the reality real hard and you say that's ok,he loves me..so what!],
travelling alone[I remember Jab we Met Dialogs most then],
lady[How bechari..I guess I need bodygaurds now],
a bihari[people don't relate to biharis being adventurous,it has to be someone from Punjab or Delhi or Bangalore],
adventure[Ok..not engineering,not doctor,adventure???]

A:How educated are you?

Me:BE (Comp Sc).

A: ..and still doing adventure.Weird choice..Almost laughs off.

Me:I didn't know how to react

A[in the most concerned tone ever]:You know this Jumping Off is a risky business.You should be doing something more safe.People in my entire family has never done something like that,neither I think it's a good career option.Winks you know as a Bihari an advice from an elder brother[brother ehhh..]

C:You should manage home.Do you know families who have ladies as their housewives are more happy?

Me:No,I don't think so.Well I am on a mission to Delhi this time.

A & C:And that is..

Me:My brother just made a plan to discover the(roots) together to capture the new evovled Bihar

A:Really[Finally Mr. A got some connect]

C:That's a waste of time.The land has nothing.

In the next episode,we bust the negative myths of the most critized Bihar.Mind you the journey is going to transform your image about the people and the place and the scope of adventure in Bihar

I know I am lagging 3 destinations on my blog.2 marriages ahead,2 camps ahead,and many many blogposts ahead.

Mussorrie-Will be completed by Dec.
Maldives-Is a high priority.My comp crashed,sent for replacement.As soon as I get it back and I install my video edit software,Maldives is the first one to go live.
Bihar-In next 10 days
Eurotrip-The detailed plan would be published by start of december.
Bangalore Meetup:December

↧

Avirate Real Women Of Bangalore

November 21, 2012, 1:51 am

≫ Next: Heads Up For Tails

≪ Previous: The Being Bihari Conversation

“We've come a long way. Power dressing now is designed to let the woman inside us come through.” -Donna Karen

What is Avirate'?

Derived from Sanskrit and indicative of the very epitome of sensuality, Avirate is a creation of Timex & Fergasam Group.Chitrangda Singh the new ambassador of Star in Style dons a chic and sexy Avirate outfit.

Fashion is not something that exists in dresses only. Fashion is in the sky, in the street, fashion has to do with ideas, the way we live, what is happening.-Coco Channel

It was a night filled with celebrations and more celebrations.Being selected as a runners up in Avirate Real Women Contest Bangalore,I was invited to an event of fun filled gala.I was excited,as excited as every other kid in the candy store. Afterall I am a lady and clothes make me go weak in my knees.I may not even buy them,but the touch feel color and everything else takes me to a different world al together.

If Uncle Scrooge had those gold coins to make his heart flutter every time for me it has to be clothes.I love them,and I cant resist them.Period.

Just then,A pretty lady in her very pretty white and black dress,was in the Avirate launch.We have had met before,yes it was in a black dog event.I wanted to ask on how her experience shopping in the shop that offers "high street sensuality" was and this is what she says..

Ankionthemove interviews Angela Carson

..And I was right.It wasn't just me falling in love with the collection.It wasn't the models who made it look sensual.It has to be the fabric,the design the pattern,very ideal for the post parties after work/cocktail parties.

Being sensual can be sweetly seductive if done the right way,the Avirate lingerie collection is just that.So next time if you are struggling to be the perfect visual dessert for your sweet someone,or the perfect cocktail dress,think not once,not twice,this place is just for you.

Style is an expression of individualism mixed with charisma. Fashion is something that comes after style.-John Fairchild

Visit My Style Blog For Events On Style And Fashion: http://style.ankionthemove.com/

Where in India?

International Store Locations:

Flagship Store – Bengaluru, India (Now Open)
# 589,
12th Main,
Indirangar,
Bengaluru 560 038.
India

Retail Stores:

Phoenix Market City Bengaluru
# G40 (Ground Floor),
Phoenix Market City Mall,
Whitefield,Mahadevpura,
Bangalore - 560048.
India

Tel: 0091 8067266196

Email: info@aviratefashion.com
Store hours: 10 AM to 9 PM

The Collection - UB City (Now Open)
# 114, 1st Floor
Vittal Mallya Road,
Bangalore - 560001.
India

Tel: 0091 080-41557555

Email: info@aviratefashion.com
Store hours: 10:30 AM to 9 PM

Phoenix Market City mall
#F43, 1st Floor,
Velachari Road,
Chennai
India

Email: info@aviratefashion.com
Store hours: 10:30 AM to 9 PM

ICC Tech Park
# 5, Senapati Bapat Road,
Pune
India

Email: info@aviratefashion.com
Store hours: 10:30 AM to 9 PM

↧

Heads Up For Tails

November 22, 2012, 2:15 am

≫ Next: Bihar:Places,Photos,Videos

≪ Previous: Avirate Real Women Of Bangalore

Rashi Narang gets candid with Ankionthemove about her initiative 'Heads Up For Tails' and the journey so far......!!!

A Little About Rashi Narang

Ms. Rashi Narang is an entrepreneur with an online boutique pet store called 'Heads Up For Tails'- the only one of its kind in India offering unique, fun and fashionable merchandise like dog collars and leashes, cosy beds, some awesome pet accessories, fashionable dog apparel, and even stuff for pet lovers.They have more than 500 products to choose from.

Your Journey In Brief

I’ve always had dogs, and loved all animals! In 2006 I moved back from overseas after working in the corporate world. I really wanted to do something more fun and creative. It was my dog- Sara’s first birthday, and I went out looking for something special for her. I was dismayed by the products and the quality of the pet stores in Delhi and that’s when the idea of starting an upscale brand with quality products for our pets came to me.

I researched the market, materials, products and vendors for a year before I launched Heads Up For Tails and there has been no looking back since then!

Creativity at its best

What were the problems that you faced in the initial stages of the project and how did you overcome them?

It was awfully difficult to set up, run and manage a small business by myself, without enough funds. I had no previous experience in manufacturing or in retail and it has been a steep learning curve! I’ve had lots of hard days, made mistakes and learnt from them- but I must admit- I’ve enjoyed the journey.

There are so many other lines of business. Your idea is comparatively new. What was the reaction of your family and friends when you told them about this business idea? Were they supportive?

There was definitely an element of surprise and shock when I first talked about my idea. For the longest time, it was a joke amongst family, friends, and even customers who would confuse the products for baby stuff! But at the same time, everyone in the family was extremely supportive- especially my husband, without whom I wouldn’t have been able to grow my venture!

Which is your best-selling product and which is your favorite design?

Our best sellers depend on the season- but overall our customers love our collection of dog beds. We make sure that our dog beds look nice in your home. We also customize dog beds and furniture to go with your home furnishing!

Pet Industry is still in its nascent stage. How far have you come? And, what is left to achieve yet?

Yes, the pet industry is definitely still at a very nascent stage. It is not yet well organized. There is a long, long way to go- which is the exciting thing! We’ve established ourselves as India’s first and only luxury brand for pets. There’s loads to be done though- develop new products, have more points of sale, grow our online store etc!

Anki S Thanks Rashi Narang for the candid chat.

↧

Bihar:Places,Photos,Videos

November 22, 2012, 5:18 pm

≫ Next: Male Maldives:Photos,Videos

≪ Previous: Heads Up For Tails

How To Get There?

Patna-The capital City Of Bihar is a little more than an overnight journey by train from Delhi.

Watch me as I take you through interiors of the unexplored Bihar,watch in youtube for better video clarity.

Why Bihar?

I believe over the years it is the most critized state in India.The reasons we all know or seem to know.The reason which is true yet not so true.The reason which is in our subconscious mind.The reason truly covered in my previous post

The Being Bihari Conversation

Today we discover the reason beyond what you might have thought of and give you insight on some positive sides of the coin.

But let me take a small quiz before we start,all you got to do is rate on the basis of your answers 1-10..1 being highest,10 lowest.

1)Do you think Bihar is Safe to Travel?
2)Do you think Bihar has anything worth looking at?
3)Do you think it can progress the way other states have?
4)What is the condition of girls in Bihar?
5)Bihar and Adventure sports,possible?

Dicey,its quite obvious to know that most of us have the same backward image we have had in our mind since long..and why so?

Because we are too hesitant to accept a change,a change so substantial that even I was surprised.

Bihar Tourism : How Many Takers?

It'my experience working in firms,talking to people that made me think one word Bihar and the people are off.Off to their own wonderland of negatives.When I was working in an adventure firm,I requested my senior to grant me permission to visit the Bihar Road Show,which he said to me would be of no use.

And it was true.It was of no use.The program started,the pictures clicked on some local dance sequence,the whos who invited,but nobody was really interested in promoting Bihar. Sad to say ,not even the tourism folks.

Don't you think its sad?

Patna - Nalanda -Rajgir - Dona The Journey

Nalanda, a renowned ancient university in Bihar state of India founded in 5th century AD is 55 kms away from Patna.Nalanda International University (also known as University of Nalanda or Nalanda University) is the name of a proposed university in Nalanda, Bihar, India.

Adventure and Bihar?Rajgir is the first place in India to have started the single seated rope way long back.Is it scary?That's for you to decide,for me it was just another whirlwind where we sang aloud in thrill.Wish we could jump off.

Dona is a small village nestled some 125 kms away from the main city Patna.Named after Dronacharya,the village is worth visiting.Unlike what people might think of next,the roads to every place from Patna have been build upon in recent years.So yes,there are no more pot holes,no more narrow roads.Taxis charge 15 Rs/per km on rent from Patna.

In Between the Journey

Some people reach the destination,we believe in living the destination.When we started from Patna,we had three specific places in mind,Rajgir Nalanda and Dona.And while returning back we had planned Bodh Gaya the only famous and truly marketed place in Bihar.

With a hope that sparked a journey of curiosity,we were not sure what would be ahead.We started with the same set of fear as you would have thought of cows on road,pot holes,not even electricity.We were prepared.But unlike what we had thought of,we were pampered.

Lines of sugarcane juice stalls along the fields of sugarcane were on both sides of the road.It felt good and thirsty.We all excited with a live sugarcane juice in front,stopped our car for our very first break.When the gentlemen was busy preparing the sugarcane juice for us,we played in the sugarcane fields for the
first time,as if it was ours.

Next was a break and a place we have never heard of nor seen.It so happened on the way to Nalanda via Bihar Sharif.Rocks with white color on both sides and a road.Clean as hell. We asked the driver what is the place, he said there's a garden on top.We had no time to drive to the top,so we clicked as many pictures as we could at the location which was so unknown yet beautiful.

Next was Nalanda,a university in ruins.A big one at that.It will take more than 3-4 hours to cover the whole periphery.Very popular with international tourists,the Nalanda University is one of the major attractions in Bihar.A series of excavations lay ahead.A series of surprises lay ahead.Since it is frequented by international tourists due to importance to Buddhists,the place is maintained to the core.There are announcements on directions and how tos. There are instruction boards everywhere.

Next was supposed to be Rajgir.In between we stopped for biting on a sweet delicacy known as Khaja which we get in a place called Silao near Rajgir.The fresh Khaja melted in our mouth and we had several sweetened as well as non sweetened Khaja along the way.

Rajgir : A Journey of Single-Seatedness

It was Mom who kept on reminding me how Rajgir was a scary experience for her long back.Not everyone loves the idea of crossing mountains on an open chair,not everyone can dare to do that either.But it was long back.With the progress in ages, and rise in tourism all over,the chairs are fitted with hold able bar in front,so the risk of tripping is almost nil.

It was a fun ride.It started with a breeze of air on our face vertically going up in an open chair.We hold on the bar in front,until we felt relaxed.The trip was long,in between the chair car stopped on the most vertical point.We laughed off.We sang.

And then we reached the other side.We wanted to click our pictures with the mountain view and the rope way but a weird instruction on the board "Photography is not permitted"made us not to do so.Why on earth is photography not permitted in many places in India?There is sometimes no logic behind,but its just not permitted.

The other side,is a little hike of a few steps making its way to Shanti Stupa. We have many like these in India,be it Leh or Darjeeling.It's same everywhere,it was same here as well. The only thing you should be careful are the langurs,which are violent and non - friendly.

Coming up next: Waking up to a beautiful village and making our way to the khets and trying to plow the field on the bullocks.After which we take you the very famous Bodhgaya. Who said Bihar has nothing to see?

↧

Male Maldives:Photos,Videos

November 27, 2012, 1:48 am

≫ Next: India International Trade Fair

≪ Previous: Bihar:Places,Photos,Videos

The True Blue Maldives and The Appreciation

How about being part of Battleship board game LIVE !A series of coast guard ship and vessel lined up in Maldives.

Thanks for the overwhelming response on Maldives.After reading my posts and going through the true blue pictures of Maldives,many of my friends have planned Maldives as their honeymoon destination.Many of my friends who are privileged to be single are considering Maldives as their next excursion.It feels so good to know,that I am helpful in some way or the other.

For all previous posts on Maldives : All About Maldives

A Little About Male,Maldives

A well-ordered life is like climbing a tower; the view halfway up is better than the view from the base, and it steadily becomes finer as the horizon expands.

Male was never in our to do list but it was as if we were destined to be in Male.And you ask me why?The reason was simple.Ferries do not ply to Maafushi on Fridays.Friday is the prayer day in Male,and everything opens after the prayers are over,that is after the lunch hours or 2 pm.Until then the roads bear a near about deserted look.Initially reading the reviews online,we thought it would be a waste,as on Internet its been told that Male in Maldives is just good enough for a half a day stopover.Not true.Male is a beautiful walk able town,and if you know where to go and what to see,you will love Male for its originality and of course food.Male also has several islands around which can be reached in 15 Rufiyaa by local ferries,perfect to escape the hustle and bustle of the main Male town.

Watch the video to know about my Maldivian Escapade.For better clarity,watch on Youtube.Sorry for the still render at 03:55 sec in the video,my vid editing software messed a few secs.

Here are few facts you should know about Male,Maldives:

1)Male,Maldives is a conservative city.

Definitely not the bikini wearing destination.In fact the whole city has kept their tradition and religion alive in modest dressing sense.

As a traveler in Male : It's best to avoid revealing clothes when in the main town.Though it wouldn't grab eyeballs,it would certainly make you feel out of place or slightly uncomfortable.Shorts,short skirts,and everything else is acceptable yet very few people wear them in Male main town.Bikinis are prohibited and sheer transparent clothes should be avoided.However that shouldn't stop you from basking in the sun.Most of the resorts have private beach islands as an excursion where bikinis are normal.In Maafushi,you can wear shorts and your frilly vacation dresses.

2)Ferries do not ply on most sectors on Friday in Maldives

As a traveler in Male : Please keep in mind that the airport ferry would be available all time all days.However the ferries that connect islands do not run on Fridays.So no Male-Maafushi(3pm) island transfer on Fridays.The ferries for islands are available from Villingly Ferry Terminal which is at the opposite end from the airport ferry terminal.

3)People are friendly but be aware of over friendliness at main commercial street near the fish market in Male,Maldives

As a traveler in Male : Maldives survives on tourism and the locals are very well aware of the fact.The people of Maldives are very simple,helpful and sweet.You can ask for help,and you wouldn't be cheated.But keep in mind at the stretch of fish market or the commercial hub there would be folks who would genuinely show fake interests in your country and you and would direct you to their choice of shops or restaurants and will get commission in exchange.So yes,if you can make out the difference between over friendliness and friendliness you will be game.It's not that difficult to identify the friendships for gain.

4)Everything in Maldives would have an extra 10% service charge,6% GST and $ 8 per person per night as Bed Tax.

As a traveler in Male : For the first timer,its very important to note that your stay will have an extra 10% + 6% + $8 ppn over the base rate.Any food and activity will also have an extra of 10% + 6% over the base rate.

5)Every place in Male,Maldives is walk-able

I have an existential map. It has 'You are here' written all over it.

As a traveler in Male : Taxis are easily available and you will be charged Rufiyaa 20 for each trip, no matter where you go in Male’. You could always take the easier option and walk: anywhere in Male’ is reachable in 10 minutes.Male’ is most famous for its scooties and mopeds, the fastest way to get around for locals.Right at the tourist jetty is the Male map,you can easily identify the places and start walking.

6)Maldives for tan

As a traveler in Male : It's best to apply and reapply your sunscreen as many times as possible in Maldives.The sun is sharp,and makes you tan considerably even if you are out for just 10-15 minutes in the sun.

Here are a few cut down cost tips you should follow before planning a trip to Maldives

1)Accumulate loyalty points/Fly by cheapest Air : Look out for deals and more flight deals.The newly launched Spicejet is going to start from Nov 29 to Male with the starting fare of 5k. This could be your cheapest bet.Another could be,if you have had availed Srilankan airlines for your decent priced trip to
Colombo,you can redeem your miles..You can also look for Srilankan Airlines offers for your trip to Maldives.For us it costed us 16k per person return.Sadly there were no offers on our dates.But as I said,Maldives is going to be the hottest destination in next 1 year with raining cheapest fares on all airlines.So watch out for best deals.

2)Identify a resort or an agent : A resort price might look cheap and tempting at first glance,but its best to know the total fare(including base fares + taxes) before you book the accommodation. Do not be overwhelmed with the base fare price.Remember you might have an extra $8ppn + 10% + 6% to add on.Sometimes,the packages online are cheaper,look for makemytrip.com or expedia.com or yatra.com or air asia packages for special offers and deals.

3)Transfer cost from Airport to Resort : Suppose you booked the resort,but it charges you for airport transfers,you would soon find out that the charges are generally expensive(150$ or 50$ pp for a speedboat transfer).In that case it is best to book your resort in the island which has local ferry service and would cost as little as $1-$2 pp.

4)Volunteer In Maldives:Another great way to experience the 'Real' Maldives is to participate in a volunteer program. Volunteer Maldives is a well established pay to volunteer company registered in the Maldives and organises volunteer placements around the country, which are on the local Maldivian islands. The company is very well connected, and often can arrange visits to tourist islands for their volunteers at just a fraction of the price normally paid!Watch Neha Dixit From NDTV as she volunteers in Maldives for her stay Neha Dixit Resort Hopping in Maldives

5)Be in Male for at least 2 days : Most of the packages have a direct transfer from airport to the resort island.However,it is best to spend at least 2 days in the capital city Male which is well worth a place for different cuisines.It is also one of the best places to walk around.

6)If possible,bring your own snorkel gear/dive gear : If you have it,get it to avoid unnecessary expenditure.

7)Plan in low season : July - Nov is considered low season,its best to plan your trip during that time.The rates would be less,and you would be able to see more.

Language And Religion in Maldives

Dhivehi is the official language of the country (it has its own script) and Islam is the official religion. The Maldives restrict religious freedom: open practice of any other religion than Islam is forbidden and liable to prosecution (although if you’re going to spend time on a resort island, that shouldn’t be a concern). English is widely spoken.Hindi is well understood.In Dhivehi,

Magu = Market
Gaoli = Gali or a Narrow Street

Here's how to learn Dhivehi : Learn Dhivehi

Kaani Lodge Male Maldives : Our Stay

When we reached the other side of the Male tourist Jetty,we were unsure where to go next to reach Kaani Lodge.So we inquired the guard at the sea house cafe and he very sweetly said to us "let me take you there".That's the best part about being in Maldives,people are friendly,helpful and honest. Kaani lodge is
a walk to the Kaani Gaoli,just 5-10 minutes walk from the main Jetty.The lodge is very basic,we were a little unfortunate to have our rooms at the 4th floor.With no lift in the building it was an exercise of 2 days.The breakfast is served at the top floor.It's best to book your rooms in the first floor,but then you would have to climb 4 floors for the breakfast.There were many foreigners in Kaani Lodge,the receptionist was from Bangladesh and a very humble person to talk to.Really not recommended in case luxury is in your mind.We did a short survey around Male and every other place was costlier than Kaani lodge.Do let us know in case you find anything more cheaper.

It costed us $78 all inclusive for 2 days 1 night double bedroom,including taxes & breakfast in total for 2 people.So per person cost $78/2 = $39

We did an early check out the next day but we kept the luggage with the gentlemen at Kaani Lodge,as our ferry timing was 3 pm.

Where To Eat In Male

Traditional meal in the Maldives consists of rice and garudhiya (fish soup), with fish, chilli, lemon and onion. Curries are also used instead of garudhiya.Fish paste known as rihaakuru is also a fine side dish. Alternately, roshi (chapati) and mas huni (made of grated coconut, fish, lemon and onions) are a popular dish. Fried yams are also widely eaten. Sweet dishes include custard,bodibaiy (rice mixed with sugar) and fruits such as bananas, mangoes and papayas.

Alcoholic beverages and pork are prohibited by Law and only found in tourist resorts and liveaboards for tourist consumption.

Fried Banana Fritters With Icecream at SHC.Variety's the very spice of life that gives it all its flavor

Sea House Cafe , Male - Maldives : One of the best restaurants in town,very affordable and beautifully set.The menus contains pizza to sandwiches to full meals. Very popular and a great place to meet friends.Our best pick in Male.We simply loved the young feel and the food.

Seagull Café , Male - Maldives :One of the most pleasant and popular places, the Seagull boasts a delightfully shaded outdoor eating area and a delicious American-style menu with a kicking club sandwich. There’s also a rightly popular gelataria attached,serving up the city’s best ice cream.

Lemon Grass Cafe, Male - Maldives :The best and affordable chicken salad and biryanis.

Illy , Male - Maldives: The best Maldivian breakfast.I loved the specially made chilly pickle ans the chatni to go with the breakfast.The noodles were also great to have.

Symphony , Male - Maldives : The menu is comprehensive and the Indian cuisine is especially good. This has one of the best vegetarian selections in town.

Shell Beans, Male - Maldives: Expensive Italian coffee house serving wide variety of coffee and desserts.One cup of Cappuccino costs US $1.5 (18 Maldivian Ruffiya).

Movenpick , Male - Maldives : Movenpick in Maale offers swiss premium ice creams, specialty coffee and desserts. Ice cream is a bit expensive costing around 25 Ruffiya ( $2 appox) per scoop.

Down Town Cafe, Male - Maldives: Down Town Cafe is located in a narrow street inside commercial area. Their menu is huge. Local, Thai, Chinese, Indian, Continental, Italian, Mexican and other international cusine is available. You may come here for breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, desserts or short eats. Many young people and business men come to Down Town cafe to enjoy their delicious food. Banana shake- 15 Ruffiya (Appox $1) , fresh pineapple -12 Ruffiya ( $ 1). Nasi Gorang (traditional Indonesian / Malaysian dish) - 30 Ruffiya ( $ 2.5) Chinese fried chicken noodles - 20 Ruffiya ( $ 1.5 appox)

Marriyad Restaurant, Male - Maldives :This is the only restaurant at the airport. expect to pay from $7 upwards. We had fried rice here $7 and fried noodles at $9.. taste wise, quite good. Most of the people waiting for their flight will be sitting here to watch the tv. You can just sit and watch tv without buying anything.

Aqua , Male - Maldives: In case the Marriyad Restaurant is closed at the Airport,you can try Maldivian breakfast at Aqua which is right outside the Airport.The food is a little expensive as per Maldivian food cost $11 for breakfast.

Dawn Cafe , Male - Maldives:This is one of the bigger teashops in the area, and it’s near the fish market. You can get a brilliant meal here. Try it on Friday afternoon when people come in after going to the mosque.

South Beach , Male - Maldives :Another popular place convenient for the airport ferry, this friendly hangout serves up delicious ‘short eats’ from dawn until well into the night.

Raanbaa , Male - Maldives:The huge menus encompass everything from tasty red cuttlefish curry to chicken chimichangas and it certainly is one of the biggest restaurents in Male with a tree house like structure.However,I found the food to be little oily than the regular hotel food.Saffron Café & Kitchen:Best for international food such as beef fajitas, nasi goreng and fish curry and for a quick lunch, and the set breakfast (Rf30-40).

Irudhashu Hotaa, Male - Maldives Short eat place nearby Henveiru football field. The spicy fish curries and selection of hedhikaa are delicious.

Royal garden café, Male - Maldives: The menu is a combination of Italian, Indonesian, American and Indian cuisines.

Sala Thai,, Male - Maldives : The menu is equally enticing, with a huge choice of soups, noodles and curries

Thai Wok, Male - Maldives:The Thai food is excellent and authentic

Tomorrow we take you to tourist places in Male,share the authentic recipe of Tuna maashuni and travel to our very lovely Maafushi island.Till then Happy reading :)

↧

India International Trade Fair

November 28, 2012, 8:54 pm

≫ Next: Male Maafushi:Photos,Maldives

≪ Previous: Male Maldives:Photos,Videos

TURKISH MOSAIC LAMPS

AFGHANISTAN RED SAFFRON

SOUTH AFRICA CREATIVE ART

PAKISTAN ONYX MARBLE

GHANA WALL ART

THAILAND NEON LIGHTS

EGYPT SPHINX

BANGLADESH,VIETNAM,BELARUS

SRILANKA,MYANMAR,CHINA,CZECH REPUBLIC,BHUTAN

ALL UNDER ONE ROOF
PHOTO ESSAY: INDIA INTERNATIONAL TRADE FAIR
14-27 NOV,DELHI

LET'S TOGETHER MAKE WORLD A BETTER PLACE TO LIVE AND TRAVEL!

↧

Male Maafushi:Photos,Maldives

December 4, 2012, 10:07 pm

≫ Next: Soul searching in Shantiniketan

≪ Previous: India International Trade Fair

Till now we know Male is not as boring as the internet says.There are islands around which can be reached just a ferry away.Read all previous post on Maldives All About Maldives

To know each and every detail on Maldives,visit webpage: Maldivies Official Tourism

Male' Maldives The City Skyline

Watch me and Neha Dixit from NDTV as we take you through two most interesting ways to travel around Maldives.

My Maldivian Escapade

Neha Dixit on Volunteer Tourism,Maldives

The two islands near Male,Maldives: Vilingili and Hulhumale

Villingli The Eco Friendly Island

Vilingli Island : If you're staying only in Male', you can still easily wander around the few neighboring islands. Vilingili island, located to the west of Male' is just 30 minutes by ferry and costs R15 one way.You can get the tickets from Vilingli Ferry Terminal.It's just another island but calmer than most of Male.It is also said to be one of the most eco-friendly islands in Maldives.The reason is there are literally no cars on the island.The island is more of hop off hop in type where most of shipment work is done like loading/unloading.The beaches are suitable for snorkeling,almost every island or beach is suitable for snorkeling. We spotted turtles,crab and fishes on the shore while we were not even snorkeling.

Locals told us that we get even more cheaper and good road side food on the villingly terminal side of Male.We didn't get a chance to try,but next time you are in Maldives you know where we get the cheap road side food.

Hulhumale Island : Hulhule airport is where the airport is built on.There's Hulhumale' island, which is kind of connected to Hulhule island, but you have to take a different boat to reach there. There's suitable beach for bathing but it is newly made and has no coral.

Maldives Cell Connectivity

Just like we have Airtel,they have Dhiraagu.The incoming and outgoing costs are very high in Maldives.Best is to get a number from the shopping areas in any of the Dhiraagu outlets for R50 for calls to India and all local calls.You can get the sim in exchange of xerox of passport.The xerox is immediately done at the Dhiraagu counter.

What To See In Male',Maldives

Male is a foodies delight.There are not many places to get awestruck with the architectural wonder,but each place is different one way or the other.

Artificial Beach,Male Maldives :Wanna swim,peacefully,with less waves?Artificial Beach should be your pick.An enclosure which captures the essence of sea,into its vaguely confined stone borders.Its where locals teach their babies how to swim,its also where you can swim with less waves.

Surf Point ,Male Maldives : Just few meters ahead of Artificial beach is the surf point.Its the point where the waves are high and the surf's are at their best.Wanna learn surfing,this should be your best place.The sea offers view of that perfect landing of the plane,just behind you.Who would want to miss that!

Submarine trip , Male Maldives : For about 20/30 USD you can go on a submarine trip to a depth of 100 meters that lasts around mins from all island resorts. Plenty of seating area and a great photo opportunity The captain releases food when submerged and the sights are brilliant.

The Whale Submarine, Male Maldives : Can hardly be described as a sight of Male’, but it’s a popular excursion. First things first, this is not a submarine for whale watching – its name is slightly misleading. It is, in fact, a submarine for looking at life on a reef. It’s hard to recommend for divers as the trip can’t really compare to a real dive, but for kids (under-threes not allowed) and those who don’t dive, this is a great, if pricey, little excursion. As the submarine departs from a point off the coast you have to get a boat either from the airport or Jetty No 1 (the jetty in front of Jumhooree Maidan, also known as the President’s Jetty) .

Majidi Magu and The Fish Market , Male Maldives :The fish market is located a mere two blocks away from the local market. The main feature of the market is its unmissable odor of freshly caught fish. Once your nostrils adjust to the strong smell, the market is a veritable delight of color and energy. Majidi Magu and Chandini Magu are the main shopping arteries. Goods from all over the world peep out of retail shops.

The new mosque , Male Maldives :was built in 1984 and you will see its minaret already from a large distance.

Mulee Aage - the Presidential Palace ,Male Maldives:This is not really a tourist-place, but it looks great and you can take a look through the fence and taking photographs that way is also no problem.

The old cemetery, Male Maldives: The old cemetery in Male has interesting inscriptions and decorations. You can walk around this cemetery on your own without any restrictions.

The tomb of Kan'Baa Aisha Ranikilege,Male Maldives: Kan'Baa Aisha Ranikilege was the mother of Sultan Ibrahim Iskandhar I and she was buried next to the old mosque in a tomb that looks like a small house with a basement-wall made of stone with several decorations and a wooden-wall on top.Some of the other tombs on this cemetery are built completely of stone.

The Supreme Court of the Male Maldives: That building obviously used to be a part of the former sultan's palace and you are allowed to step into its garden, where you will find a tomb. Unfortunately its forbidden to take photos inside of that tomb, but the park in front of the building had some great tropical flowers and the white walls against that special type of blue decorations was really great.

The National Museum & the Sultans park Male Maldives: You can enter the Sultans Park any time during daytime and the entrance to the National Museum is inside the park as well. Not a very beautiful one though.

Two of the best diving shops are next door to each other: Dive Shop and Water World. Both supply a full range of equipment and are authorized dealers for diving in and around Male.So if you are interested in renting dive gear for snorkel around island,you know where to go!

Maafushi Our Journey

The Maafushi Island

Maafushi Island is a local Island.As always just a ferry away from Male,but for Maafushi keep in mind that the ferries are not regular.The time it takes is 1.5 hour-2 hours to reach Maafushi from the Villingli Ferry Terminal.It's best to hop in early into the ferry,as the more late you come the worst seat you get.Grab the top deck(My favorite no seats required,tickets are collected on board and its more fun,you can also eat chai with patties with wind blowing right away on your face) or grab the chair on the front row.Don't worry there are plenty of fixed seats too.There is a rush in the ferry as there is only ferry per day.Locals transport eateries, luggage,bikes etc on the big ferry.
The timing for Male-Maafushi is: 3pm
The timing for Maafushi-Male is: 7:30 am and 12:30 pm.

Just Landed : Maafushi Island

There's a difference in being an explorer and being a tourist.When in Maafushi,do not forget to take a calm stroll around the island.It's beautiful.The moment you land,you will be welcomed by a statue which is of a dolphin.Are we in the dolphins island?Yes we are :).The dolphin statue is made and painted by the locals.I very calmly went to the ladies fishing at the shore and in a very broken dhivehi "Aslam Valekum,Kaba ki kurain?",they smiled and I understood I should better get talking in my own English..!

Locals say the dolphins are spotted everyday yes you heard it right everyday at Maafushi in the early morning and the late evening at the Maafushi Beach.

Tomorrow we go to sexy beach island,take a dolphin cruise,learn some recipes,enjoy good food,interact with an Indian tailor,talk with the crew members of the lodge and and finally bid a warm goodbye to Maafushi. I wish I had my home somewhere right there in the middle of the sea.

Do you love the fun of being on the most expensive place on a budget?Next I am planning is France.Are you ready to take the challenge?All you got to do is help me! With not just the details from google,but from experiences of your friend's,friend's friend,relatives everywhere.The more information we have,the easier it gets.Keep in mind that we travel like the way locals do.So camping, hosteling all's fair as long as it is clean and safe.You can also join me in my ventures.Not a bad idea to travel with friends who think alike right :).The time I am planning to travel is Feb-March 2013.Wat's say?

↧

Soul searching in Shantiniketan

December 10, 2012, 3:36 am

≫ Next: Bangalore Traveler's Meet

≪ Previous: Male Maafushi:Photos,Maldives

“Without new experiences, something inside us sleeps. The sleeper must awaken.” -Rituparna Mukherjee shares with us her solo journey to Shantiniketan

I have always had planned holidays. I knew where I was going, who I was going with and what I was going to be doing there. I knew on what dates my tickets were booked, I knew who booked them. So when I decided to take off to Shantiniketan– a suburb located four hours away from the city of Kolkata, by myself, on a whim – everyone was to say the least, surprised.

I don’t know what had gotten into me. I guess you can say I was mightily bored and needed adventure or excitement in some form. And seeing that I did not have enough resources to go to, say, Egypt on a whim, I chose Shantiniketan. I briefly pondered the merits of Mandarmani, a sea beach also located about 4 hours away, but decided against it as I had already been there 5 times with different people.

Shantiniketan is a sleepy town. It was the home of our very own bard-with-a-beard- Rabindranath Tagore who wrote much of his famous literature in one of his many houses. Since I had never been there, I decided it couldn't hurt to have a look- see about the place.

Informing my mother that I was headed out to Shantiniketan for the weekend – much to her astonishment – I packed my bags and set out. It was 5 am. I seldom wake up before 9 am and when I have work etc I drag myself out of bed at 8 to be able to get to office by the stipulated time. However, there I was, on a semi deserted bus stop, waiting for a bus to Howrah Station. Even the street dogs gave me curious looks. Finally, a bus trundled into view – thankfully largely empty. After ascertaining it was going to Howrah, I got on, settled into a seat, and pondered my actions. I had no idea what train I was getting on, where I was going to stay or even what I was going to do! A mixture of anxiety and thrill coursed through me.

The essence of all beautiful art, all great art, is gratitude

The next hour went in fighting my way through a long line of local villagers bearing fish, live ones at that, chicken and other produce, buying a ticket – for Rs 60! – and getting on a local train amidst a flurry of activity. Feeling a sense of accomplishment at being able to get this far without help, I had just taken out a book to read when the train flooded with people and livestock. Aghast, I stared out of the window – the crowd was not something I had bargained for.

Three hours. It took three hours to get to Shantiniketan and by the time I reached I was parched and rattled by the terrible crowd that had been pressing into me from all sides. However, as soon as a cool breath of air greeted me outside the station, I felt revived. I had reached my destination on my own and that felt good. Contemplating the best way to go about town, I settled on taking a rickshaw. After much haggling, I got a rickety old rickshawala to agree to take me around town till 5:30 in the evening.

And that is where my solo journey truly began. As I careened down dusty roads flanked by greenery on all sides I marveled at the peace and quiet. Of course, the area near the station had been bustling with activity but the further you go from there, the noise levels recede into oblivion. I don’t want to sound like a city girl who finds everything quaint when she goes to a small town, but the large expanses of greenery, the mud thatched houses, the little kid goats, ducks, chicken running around on the roads and little chicks following hens around in a little line – were just that – very very quaint!

I went to all the touristy spots – Vishwa Bharati University, the prayer hall made with coloured Belgian glass where prayers are held every Wednesday, the Black house , the Kala Bhavan, deer park and the oldest building of Shantiniketan. Look up the internet for places to go in Shantiniketan but according to me, if you do your own exploring, like I did, the experience is a fuller one.

So I went to the Koppai river that flows in a thin stream through Shantiniketan. There, I sat on its sandy and dusty banks for three hours, watching a young environmentalist fish for specimens. I took photographs, I sang songs in my head and watched a yellow damsel fly for fifteen minutes while it sat on a flower and opened and closed its wings. The bright yellow markings, slim purple body and the flexibility with which it curled and uncurled itself was pretty fascinating.

I went walking down the dusty roads and spoke to the people living in hutments about what they do and how they live life. Some were not so forthcoming, others offered me muri (puffed rice) and batasha (sugary candy) and a glass of warm milk.

As evening drew near I went in search of the famous “Kalor Dokaan” or Kalo’s Shop which apparently sold the best potato chops and “ghughni” ever. The stories were true and I scarfed down many “alu-chops” before I felt nauseous from all the oil. After some sweet, hot, black tea I went in further search of entertainment and ended up at the Alcha Cafe. A small boutique which sells handmade and “dokra” jewellery, raw silk scarves and cotton print sarees which are Shantiniketan specialties, Alcha also boasts of an adjoining cafe. Simply constructed with bamboo and cane furniture, yellow light bulbs and table fans, this place sells wholesome home-made food at fabulously cheap prices. I ate pancakes with cheese, methi paratha, scrambled eggs with hash browns, gram chaat and two glasses of iced tea for about Rs 250. The most expensive item on their menu would cost you less than Rs 50 so you get the drift.

By the time I was done eating – and yes, I love to eat – it was already dark so I asked my faithful rikshawala to take me around the hotels and guest houses. Checked into a guesthouse for the night cost me Rs 900 – pretty expensive for the amenities offered, but a later recce showed that all hotels etc. are similarly priced. Shantiniketan does work its tourism tag to the hilt evidently.

“Own only what you can carry with you; Let your memory be your travel bag.”

The next morning, I hired a cycle – yes you can do that for Rs 30 – and wove my way around the silent streets at dawn. After another round of oily potato chops and “ghughni” and tea, I roamed my way to the station, buying “kasundi” – a typically Bengali mustard sauce and “achaar” from a tiny stall. I also bought some clay dolls wound with colorful string, dokrajewellery and a leather wallet with etchings typically Shantiniketan. Then I went to the station, booked myself a ticket on an AC chair car to avoid the terrible crowd that a general berth in a local train would bring, and three hours later – was back on a bus heading back home.

The impromptu time away from the bustling city had been a welcome change!

Guest article from http://www.glad2bawoman.com. Glad2bawoman is an online media company for women with a growing community of more than 69,000 members. All about women and for women, it encompasses a variety of topics including empowerment, relationships, health and fashion.

Like Them At : https://www.facebook.com/Glad2baWoman
Tweet Them At : https://twitter.com/Glad2baWoman

↧

Bangalore Traveler's Meet

December 12, 2012, 3:05 am

≫ Next: Skydiving Mysore,Raigarh 2013

≪ Previous: Soul searching in Shantiniketan

Travel is not about the places,it's about the people.Are you a traveler in search of another?Lets meet up at the "Bangalore Traveler's Meet" on 22nd Dec.Please re-confirm your presence by the end of 16th December(Sunday).This is to ensure the total number of participants at the cafe for the time slot allotted :).

ARE YOU A MEMBER OF MEET-UP.COM ? ALL YOU GOT TO DO IS A RSVP "YES" TO ATTEND Meetup.com Event Invite , JOIN THE OTHER 23 ATTENDEES.

OR

JOIN THE FB EVENT "BANGALORE TRAVELER'S MEET AT FB Event Invite

OR

SIMPLY MAIL ME YOUR CONTACT DETAILS,NUMBER OF PEOPLE ATTENDING AT ankionthemove@gmail.com WITH THE SUBJECT LINE "BANGALORE TRAVELER'S MEET"

OR

MAILING IS A BORE! WHY NOT FILL UP THE REGISTRATION FORM BELOW WITH THE DETAILS

SIMPLE ISN'T IT ? HOPE TO SEE YOU ALL THERE SOON :)

Ankinthemove thanks Glad2bawomen for a candid interview with me "Confessions of a travel addict"

↧

Skydiving Mysore,Raigarh 2013

December 14, 2012, 6:07 am

≫ Next: GoodBye To Maafushi Maldives

≪ Previous: Bangalore Traveler's Meet

2013 hasn't yet started but the happy blue skies are ready to spread its wings on to you.If skydiving was in your wishlist,for last one year,this year you have the chance to make it happen the way you want it to be.

------JUMP RIGHT IN,TOMORROW MIGHT BE TOO LATE------
-----TODAY IS WHAT YOU HAVE,MAKE THE MOST OF IT----

What better way to celebrate your flutter of heart with that special someone in the mid air?

------VALENTINE SPECIAL MYSORE SKYDIVING CAMP------

Previous Posts on Skydiving
What is Skydiving?
Where in India?
Skydiving First Experience
Skydiving Previous Camps
Skydive but Where?
Previous Camp Mysore?
Bollywood Stars Skydiving
A post on Skydiving in Hindustan Times By Ankita Sinha
Archana Sardana A Skydiving Biography

How To Confirm?
Very Simple.Mail me at ankionthemove@gmail.com or Call me at 9845088909 for registration and details.

Catch in the Sky
Rope in 5 friends,and get your skydive for free!This is applicable for the first two confirmations.Start convincing your friends,you never know if you would be the lucky one to go all gaga in the skies.

Not in the first two winners,if you have a group of 10 friends,all ready to jump right there,you get a discount of 10% for a group!

Skydiving Camp In Raigarh 8TH-14TH JAN 2013

(a) Tandem Jump,Raigarh. In Tandem, jump participant is connected via a harness to the instructor. The instructor guides the participant through the whole jump from exit through free fall, piloting the canopy, and landing. The participant needs only minimal instruction before making a tandem jump.Jump is carried out at 10,000 ft. Few Hours of training is required for participant.


	*Tandems will be conducted every day from 08 Jan to 14 Jan 2013*

.Dates will be allotted on first come first serve basis.

(b) STATIC JUMP,Raigarh . In Static jump, participant jumps alone with the parachute, and the parachute is deployed immediately after leaving the plane, regardless of actions taken or not taken by the parachutist. One instructor is in the aircraft who assist in jumping from the aircraft, and other who is on ground helps in landing by giving instructions through radio contact. Jump is carried out at 4000 ft. Participant undergoes 1.5 days of training

Camp Location: Raigarh Chhattisgarh

Static line camp 1.

*S.NO*	*DATE*	*REMARKS*
1	08 Jan	*0800 h*: All students Arrive Raigarh, Introduction to sky diving, Training for static line jumpers
2	09 Jan	Ground Training, jump course qualifying Exam Jumps (Both Static and tandems)
	10 Jan	Jumps (both static and tandems)
	11 Jan	Residual static line jumps Tandem jumps

Static line camp 2

*S.NO*	*DATE*	*REMARKS*
1	12 Jan	*0800 h*: All students Arrive Raigarh, Introduction to sky diving, Training for static line jumpers
2	13 Jan	Ground Training, jump course qualifying Exam Jumps (Both Static and tandems)
3	14 Jan	Jumps (both static and tandems)

These prices are only for Raigarh only and will change from place to place.

*S.NO*.	*TYPE OF JUMP*	*CHARGES*
1	*Static jump course with one jump*	*23,000/-*
2	*Static jump course with two jump*	*38,000/-*
3	*Static jump course with three jumps*	*48,000/-*
4	*Static jump course with five jumps*	*68,000/-*
5	*Tandem*	*50,000/-*

# charges are inclusive of jump, training and service tax and vary from various locations due to following:
1. Transit time of a/c from base to camp
2. Landing and parking charges for an aircraft etc.

Complimentary breakfast and lunch is included in the above costing.

You need to be reasonably physically fit and need to get a medical certificate of fitness form a general medical practitioner. You will also be signing an indemnity bond before you jump. You will have to be below 90 kg in weight and should have no history of high BP, cardiac problems or serious back injuries.

Skydiving Camp in Mysore 9TH-14TH FEB 2013

Tandem Jump,Mysore:

In Tandem jump, participant is connected via a harness to the instructor. The instructor guides the participant through the whole jump from exit through free fall, piloting the canopy, and landing. The participant needs only minimal instruction before making a tandem jumping is carried out at 10,000 ft.Few Hours of training is required for participant

Static Jump,Mysore:

In Static jump, participant jumps alone with the parachute, and the parachute is deployed immediately after leaving the plane, regardless of actions taken or not taken by the parachutist. One instructor is in the aircraft who assist in jumping from the aircraft, and other who is on ground helps in landing by giving instructions through radio contact. Jump is carried out at 3500 - 4500 ft.
Participant undergoes 1.5 days of training

Camp 1

*S.NO*	*DATE*	*REMARKS*
1	09 Feb	*0800 h*: All students Arrive Mysore Introduction to sky diving, Training for static line jumpers
2	10 Feb	Ground Training, jump course qualifying Exam Jumps (Both Static and tandems)
3	11 feb	Jumps (both static and tandems)

camp 2

*S.NO*	*DATE*	*REMARKS*
1	12 Feb	*0800 h*: All students Arrive Mysore Introduction to sky diving, Training for static line jumpers
2	13 Feb	Ground Training, jump course qualifying Exam Jumps (Both Static and tandems)
3	14 Feb	Jumps (both static and tandems)

*S.NO*.	*TYPE OF JUMP*	*CHARGES*
1	*Static jump course with one jump*	*20,000/-*
2	*Static jump course with two jump*	*35,000/-*
3	*Static jump course with three jumps*	*45,000/-*
4	*Static jump course with five jumps*	*65,000/-*
5	*Tandem*	*35,000/-*

Rs 250 per day for working breakfast, lunch and refreshments for the day will be charged at the venue.

Rs 500 will be charged for the photographs and the video CD containing the participants video and photographs.

↧

GoodBye To Maafushi Maldives

December 15, 2012, 10:59 pm

≫ Next: India International Trade Fair:Indian Edition

≪ Previous: Skydiving Mysore,Raigarh 2013

Waking up to something as beautiful as this is magical
This is a part of the series from the Blog Post 'Can You Do Maldives On A Budget',To know more:

Maldives All Post
A Warm Hi From Maldives
Can You Do Maldives On A Budget
Maldives Immigration and Jetty
The True Blue Male And The Appreciation
Male To Maafushi A Journey
GoodBye To Maafushi Maldives

Video on Maldives

Maldives Travel Video

To know each and every detail on Maldives,visit webpage: Maldivies Official Tourism

Tuna Mashuni : The Maldivian Breakfast

Mashuni is a typical Maldivian breakfast and is usually eaten with roshi (flatbread) and tea.The freshly prepared light gourmet was on our platter everyday.We couldn't stop to guess,the taste was entirely different from anything we have had tasted before.So a series of guess started with "coconut" to "eggs" to "may be some ginger" to "slightly fried or roasted".Then I thought,why not just peek-a-boo in the Maldivian Kitchen at the Holiday Lodge.Believe me,what a wonderful idea that was.With the taste so subtle and not-so-fishy,it was one of the most healthiest dish to ever make out of fish.We can,at our homes too,its that simple.Teamed up with Juice,Chai,Pickle and Chatni it could very well go with our Indian crave for spiciness.

Recipe: Chop the onions into very small pieces
Chop the small chilly capsicum into small pieces
Add grated coconut
Add pepper
Add Salt
1 Lime Juice
1 Canned Tuna Chopped
Mix it with hands until there is a certain shine on the mixture

PS:A very beautiful young Maldivian lady told me that we test the Mashuni during Roza by not tasting the stuff,but by looking at the shine on the surface. She also told me she's been to Bangalore,and she prefer's the city more because of the freedom there,and the parties.However,Maldives is my home,and home is where my heart is.

The very tasty tangy Fish Soup:Garudhiya

I couldn't believe,no roast no toast,it was as simple as that.But it tasted so different,no rawness in it,no fishy smell and of course it was healthy.The very beauty of the Maldivian cuisine is that they do not overcook.They know that the vegetables are imported ,so they blend the fish with the right mix of spices,very apparent from Garudhiya(Fish Soup) or Mashuni(Breakfast).

Holiday Lodge Maafushi Maldives- Was it the right thing to do?

How often do we wake up to mornings with views of sea and a friendly helpful staff?Holiday Lodge Maafushi was more than what I had thought of.I admit,when I had initially booked my stay online,I had my own reservations.I got bowled over by the pictures on their website,but considering the fact that it didn't cost me a bomb,I was not sure if it was the right thing to do.Over the next few days of my online booking,I got several calls from them to direct me on how to reach Male from Airport.They helped us after we checked out of Kaani,to board our ferry to Maafushi.They had send one of their folks to buy tickets,get our luggage reserved at the right place on the ferry.I even did change my date of arrival at Maafushi,due to no ferry on Friday and they indeed were very considerate and helpful.They even were ready with suggestions on where to stay in Male,just in case I didn't manage to get one.Luckily we did.The icing on the cake,was the wifi .So now when you look back at my blog posts on live blogging from Maldives,you know from where it was..

It costed us $120 double room in total for 3 nights stay + 6% + 10% + $8ppn. That means it was $40 per night,of course plus the taxes.And mere $20 per person + taxes for a single person.It's advisable to go in group or duets,that ways you could save on some money for your stay and activities.

Maafushi Maldives:What To Do?

Catching the 3'o ferry from the villingly terminal was no big deal.But what was,once we are there in Maafushi what to do?

Holiday Lodge in Maafushi had a board to mark the activities you are interested in,and it does help in forming groups based on the number of ticks on the board.The group activities reduces the cost considerably.But then I have a suggestion for them:

"An Ice Breaker session by fellow lodge mates even for 15 minutes in the morning would help to know each other better or "open up" more to group activities.

A great Idea to keep track of Group Activities

Maafushi:What we did?

The colorful homes make Maafushi an island to be.

1)Take the stroll around the island:It's a very small island with a jail on one side,and beach on another.On the beach side,you can also spot the dolphins in the early wee hours,or after 4-5 pm.An interesting place for the short stroll around.

2)Try Scuba & Snorkelling: Maldives is a scuba paradise.There are various points and reefs perfect for scuba.It would cost around $20-$25 per session.

3)An Excursion to sexy beach:Sexy beach is a perfect romantic gateway.The small sandbank in the middle of the sea,is also where the solo backpackers can get there real connect with the nature.I enjoyed the sand bank a lot,in fact it is one of the best things I did in Maafushi. Cost $20-$25.

4)Dolphin Cruise:Dolphins are in abundance in and around the island.Haven't I told you before,this is the dolphin island.The cruise typically starts at 4-5 pm,when the dolphins go back home.Cost $50

Holiday Lodge Maafushi-The Crew says the Truth

The otherwise calm sea

I still regret the strong winding sea,for missing out the dolphins and the fishes underneath.It was calm and sober till yesterday,but today the sea was as rough as could be.We were all ready in our swim wear.But what was not ready was the sea.But it wasn't that we weren't told of this warning before:

"Today's your snorkeling day.The wind is very high,sea is very rough.You can have a look at the sea and decide.I did look at the sea,and yes it wasn't one of those still waters like everyday.Due to rough sea,the deposits and corals will float,the visibility would be poor.Your waste of money and time.We are ready with our crew.Dolphins won't come out in the rough sea.We do not want you to be disappointed"

I had never known a crew which gives you warning like these.In fact,I have met many people in my whole life,and most of them always never warns you for things like these just to gain some Moolah out of the sheer opportunity of not finding.It has happened many times in the jungle safaris,not that they wouldn't know,they wouldn't let us know.

The breathtaking Sunset

We gradually went in for Dolphin Cruise because we just wanted to try out at least one activity.I have to say,the sea was bad.Our boats topsy turving even on the shore.We somehow knew deep down "today is our no dolphin day" but with one lost opportunity comes another grand one.The sunset was beautiful.The most beautiful ever.

Dance with the locals at Maafushi,Maldives

When we came back we were tired.But then the crew smiled at us,and yes,what if there were no dolphins in the sea,we have got the whole new programme set for the lodge people.We didn't realize initially,what was going to happen.But then when we were informed of the sheer joy of dancing with the locals all night with the Maldivian cuisine at your platter,I thought "wow".An experience I would never forget.Dancing barefoot on the sands,with the music lasting for many hours,I wished my trip would never end.

The Other Alternative :Summer Villa Guest House

Summer Villa Guest House is a cozy place and is another alternative if you do not find reservations at Holiday Lodge.I prefer holiday lodge more due to its more proximity to sea,and the set up.Just a walk or two away from the holiday lodge is the Summer Villa .The Cafe serves good food.Outsiders can also try their cafe for cheap and best food,and the buffet which costs $7 pp.

The Indian Connect & Our "Hi-Byes" To Maldives

There are so many Indians in Maldives,that you wouldn't be left alone for sure.Right in front of Holiday Lodge is a tailor from Bihar India.Say our "hi" if you ever pass by the same lane.The shop in front of holiday lodge,has a very sweet and friendly gentlemen,he would discuss just anything under the sun.And how can we forget "Jailam - The owner of Holiday Lodge" who made our vacation seems like no fuss and lot of fun.He even helped us with keeping our luggage for 2-3 hours at his home in Male when we did check out at Maafushi.If you do need to connect to the folks,tell me.I might help in one way or the other :)

Sailing away..Hopefully I get to see many more Maldivian day and night in future.It was a pleasure,but as the lady said "home is where the heart is" and my heart takes me to my own wonderland next-India.

↧

India International Trade Fair:Indian Edition

December 20, 2012, 4:57 am

≫ Next: Italy Comes To India

≪ Previous: GoodBye To Maafushi Maldives

Posing as an Astronaut: @Punjab Pavilion

                                              A Small Kid: Dad Ye chidiya kyon hai Yahan?
                                                 Dad: Sone Ki Chidiya Hai Hamara Desh
                                        A candid conversation between a small kid and his dad @Delhi Pavilion

Glitz and Glamor @ Mumbai Pavilion

Sipping up a hot kahwa in cold Delhi Winter @J & K Pavilion

Sand Art @ Orissa Pavilion

The magic of north east @ Assam and Nagaland Pavilion

Twilight@Rajasthan Pavilion

The epitome of Art & Culture@West Bengal Pavilion

Not just the blinking lights@Bihar& Gujrat Pavilion

The peacock spread his wings@Jharkhand and Chattisgarh Pavilion

The fabric speaks a thousand words

What are we without technology "ATM on wheels"

We are so used to chaos that everyone looks like part

of the BIG INDIAN FAMILY!

The other partipating states include Himachal Pradesh,Haryana,Uttar Pradesh,Madhya Pradesh,Kerala,Karnataka,Andaman & Nicobar,Tamil Nadu,Lakshwadeep,

Arunachal Pradesh

Unlike the other fairs in India,this one was very well organised.

I totally enjoyed my experience

It looked like the static Jhankis of Republic Day

Very well put on Display.

Thanks all for watching :)

↧

Italy Comes To India

December 24, 2012, 5:58 am

≫ Next: My Blogging Journey And Whats Next

≪ Previous: India International Trade Fair:Indian Edition

"What is the fatal charm of Italy?What do we find that can be found nowhere else?I believe it is a certain permission to be human,which other places,other countries,lost long ago'- Erica Jong

The word Italy,and we Indians are spell bound on our own delicious gourmet call 'The Pizza".When we look beyond it,we find sea of information around.Italy is famous for a lots of things...

"The towns of Venice, Rome,Florence, Sicily, and Milan. The Trevi Fountain, The leaning Tower of Pisa, Great Italian food, The Roman Colosseum. Extra Sweet ice cream called gilato ( we know Gilato don't we) . Gondola rides down the canals in Venice. The Pope and Vatican City. The country side of Tuscany with its beautiful trees and wine vineyards. Some of the best wine is imported from Italy. Italy also has beautiful lavender fields. The great Roman Empire."

Today we discover Italy at the "Italy comes to India" Bangalore event,and let's see how much we enjoy our virtual ride.

1)ITALY IS FOR ART

Julius Macwan shares with us his creation
The sculpture titled "Italy / The Spell"

Hardikkumar Kansara shares his sculpture
which captures the art of Italy in florescent lights
looks just perfect in day and night!

Italy from the Artists' Eye

2)ITALY IS HOLLYWOOD'S FAVOURITE

Cameron Diaz having time of her life at Italy!

The Beautiful Sofia Loren

3)ITALY IS FOR COLORS

I simply love the colors

The paintings are live depiction of reality

4)ITALY IS FOR WARM PEOPLE

It was great meeting you all there :)

Italian culture is a source of wealth for the whole world. Culture doesn't mean only food but great ideas and great characters. A different culture open your mind, if you want to know it you have to read and travel. I wish I get to travel very very soon.Let's hope Santa is listening.

To All Dear Readers,

A Very Very Happy Christmas

“Christmas is doing a little something extra for someone.”

Bangalore Traveler's Meet Organised by me on 22nd Dec was a fun event

So many travelers under one roof

And not discussing some random boring stuff!

Whistles,Songs,Smiles,Talk

I believe in smiling faces of people.

http://www.ankionthemove.com/2012/12/bangalore-travelers-meet.html

For folks who have been waiting for a video for a long long time,

the Mussoorie video will be updated in a week's time.

For now,I am just celebrating the festival

It's been long I took rest

Its been a year of Blogging

and I am happy to cross

the KBC Level 1 ,yes I call it

The one lakh pageviews

and 700 + appreciation

will soon write a post

on My Blog's Birthday:)

↧

My Blogging Journey And Whats Next

December 29, 2012, 11:36 pm

≫ Next: BreakBounce:End Of The World 2012

≪ Previous: Italy Comes To India

This is a part of the entry for "Your Blogging Journey So Far And What You Plan To Blog About In 2013".The submission guidelines says 300 words,so here are my words best told :)

Travelling To The Lesser Known "Barog in Himachal Pradesh"

"Blogging began with my own fascination for exploring places and activities, a positive outcome to escape from the boredom of corporate life which created an ambiance online where I could pen down my inner thoughts and experiences and simultaneously be helpful to all those who need it”. I quit my IT job of 4.5 years, joined an adventure firm, but soon realized that "being on the move" is my forte’. My name is Ankita Sinha,I am a travel adventure blogger since end of Nov 2011 at "Ankionthemove.com". I pen down my experiences in a form of self-made videos and conversational writeup.

The Unexplored Bihar

I always wanted my blog to be meaningful, that brings about a change in the society. In the last one year, I have received tremendous encouragement in the form of mails or comments on my blog. People didn't know India was slowly progressing towards safe haven for adventure sports. People didn't know how to travel overseas on their own. People didn't know even the states considered Backward in India, are worth visiting.

Maldives as a Backpacker

I was also featured on FOX Traveller FB Page cover, published in Outlook Traveler for "All India Road Trip.Recently,I was published in Deccan Chronicle for organizing "Bangalore Travelers Meet”, where I interacted with many travelers I have had never met before. I was also appreciated by Lonely Planet India and NDTV Good Times . I was interviewed by Glad2bawomen and Thrillophilia. One year and a lakh + page-views is something I had never thought of,and so was the 600+ comments on 150 published articles.

Surfboarding in Chennai,Scuba Diving,Skydiving and Many other adventure sports

In 2013,I plan to spread my nomad wings to India and abroad featuring more destination,sports,events and interviews of people. I also plan to revamp my event page for others to travel with me and start a series of pan India traveler's meet soon.

↧

BreakBounce:End Of The World 2012

December 31, 2012, 8:37 am

≫ Next: Delhi,Haryana:Places,Photos,Videos

≪ Previous: My Blogging Journey And Whats Next

Me with Stephan And Nitisha at Breakbounce End Of The World 2012

We all have got bored of jeans,aren't we?We want to look comfortable and casual,and nothing else apart from Jeans fits in.

But the trend has to change with the change in our lifestyles.We no longer just sit.We work,we travel,we jump and we dance.Just the other day I was discussing with my cousin "enough of that hinky minky poser doser page 3 dresses",the fashion trend has to come up with super comfortable clothes for us travellers,really.

And here's some real good news for MEN!

Everyone would love a look that's easy on the pocket
And Flexible like "Shaolin Soccer"

Lately a rugged style in men has really been coming back in a big way,the bright flashy bright colored clothes paired with subtle colored tees,or an aviator blue chinos with perfect dazzling white.

Welcome to the world of Breakbounce "A collection that's casual,sporty and cool"

When I was invited by Rajat to the End of the World party at Pebble,Palace grounds,I thought it would be just another party.But my whole perception changed when I met Stefan Persson,Nitisha and the team.When I entered Nitisha in very lovely white and red greeted me in the most welcoming smile.She told me to participate in "Style my own look" and I did.Well if you are guessing what it was,I was supposed to choose the perfect pair of tees and chinos and give it a name.What fun!

My deary pairy(Ah the combo I chose)

It's called the "Fly High" Look

The crowd grooving to the music

"Excitement" Speaks

Art knows no boundaries.It was the world of all degrees creative.

It was time to wrap up.Buy hey I met an interesting lady called Sunieta at the stall,who was just as naughty and nice as me.A tarot card reader and a designer,she has her own eclectic style.And turned out that even she was a traveller.

The pretty Sunieta at her stall.Sunieta I really miss the feathery collection.

It was awesome.

Look what I got,those vibrant colored earings

You can like them at :Breakbounce Official Page

Or Follow them at:@letsbreakbounce

Or just visit the collection at:Breakbounce Website

You can't do the end of the world in a conventionally dramatic way or Boy Meets Girl way. But you can always breakfree with breakbounce like I did :)

The whole event was fun to be at.Thanks to the team for the lovely night.

↧