Go for the snow-capped vistas but stay for the charming floating market, sufi shrines, and the old world charm of Sheher-e-Khaas.  

Read this if you are planning a trip to Kashmir during winter. For more such travel stories, read Zeezest.com. 

Offbeat Experiences in Srinagar Kashmir | Zee Zest

In Kashmir, Go Off The Beaten Path To Discover Hidden Gems 

5 reasons to plan your trip to a world within a world. 


Anunay Sood shares insights from his first ever Spiti vacation since lockdown 

Travel influencer Anunay Sood Visits Spiti | Zee Zest  

Mountain Lover Anunay Sood Guides You Through Spiti Valley

<p>I am huffing and puffing my way up the winding roads of Landour. It’s 2-degree Celsius, and the fact that it is only noon, leaves me with a stiffness in my calf muscles. When I reach Char Dukan, I heave a sigh of relief. The last sunny table is mine.  </p><p>Nestled atop Mussoorie, Landour, was a convalescent station built by the British Indian Army around 1827. Its quiet slopes, cobbled streets and deodar forests are reminiscent of another time. The silence is surreal, and so are the town’s ghostly Raj-era bungalows. The picturesque hill station is also the home of Ruskin Bond, the British-Indian children’s author, who was born not very far from here in Kasauli.</p><p>A minimum of three nights allows the city traveller to soak in the charm of this cantonment town. You can choose to stay at Rokeby Manor, a heritage hotel, that offers serene views of the lower Himalayas. There’s also La Villa Bethany, an English-style cottage, overlooking the deodar forests. Doma’s Inn near Char Dukan is a good choice for those looking for affordable lodging.</p><p>Landour’s cool weather makes it perfect to visit any time of the year. If you love snow, go between December and February. April to June is tourist season as the weather gets comfortable.</p><p>Here’s what you can see and do in Landour:</p><h2>Eat parathas and bun omelette at Char Dukaan</h2><p>Next to St Paul’s Church is Char Dukan, a century-old hangout, that is on every tourist’s itinerary. They say if you haven’t eaten at any of the four stalls, you haven’t really seen Landour. At Tip Top Tea shop, you will find customised Maggi, bun omelette, parathas, waffles, pancakes and honey lemon ginger tea. Chat with owner Vipin Prakash, and he will tell you of his great grandfather, who arrived here as a postman during the British rule. </p><p><i><strong>Pro tip:</strong></i><strong> </strong>The place is packed during lunch hours. Reach early to hold a table.  </p><h2>Shop for jams and peanut butter at A. Prakash & Co.</h2><figure class="image image-style-align-center"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Landour-Jams-at-Prakash_1618381042402.jpg"></figure><p>A. Prakash & Co. is a Landour institution. In the late 1920s, it was the only grocery store in the cantonment and was started by the current proprietor Anil Prakash’s grandfather. Tourists flock the shop located at Sister’s Bazaar for its jams and preserves prepared with local fruits, and from recipes passed on by the expatriates. The orange and ginger marmalade, Mussoorie gooseberry, kinnow and apricot jams are highly recommended. The other hot-selling item is peanut butter. Take your pick between crunchy and smooth. </p><p><i><strong>Pro tip:</strong></i> Be wary of monkeys on your walk to Sister’s Bazaar. Avoid carrying food items in loose plastic bags.</p><p>AlsoRead0</p><h2>Fresh bakes from the Victorian era at Landour Bakehouse</h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Landour-bakehouse_1618381075119.jpg"></figure><p>As a fairly new establishment, Landour Bakehouse lives up to the hype. The vintage crockery and artefacts, the cozy nook overlooking the deodar forests outside, and the scent of fresh bakes do everything to revive a long-lost tradition. Landour Bakehouse opened in 2013 and is inspired by the cookbook The Landour Cookbook: Over 100 Years of Hillside Cooking. It was first published in the 1930s by the expatriates, who met every week at the Mall Road community centre to exchange family recipes, and tweak them with local ingredients. The menu is an offshoot of the cookbook and has cakes, sweet buns, cookies, pies, tarts and stick jaws. </p><p><i><strong>Pro tip:</strong></i> Go around mid-morning to avoid the peak lunch crowd.</p><h2>Shop for British-owned antique at Sabri Bought and Sold </h2><p>If you are a sucker for all things old and beautiful, a visit to this tiny antique store at the cantonment bazaar is a must. Sabri’s is an antiquarian’s paradise from the 1960s, and houses collectibles like plaques, compasses, coins, clocks, Victorian tea sets, gramophone, old books, hand-written postcards and more. Every piece has a story to tell, and owner Ayub is happy to quench your curiosity. A wooden pinhole camera, an 1890 edition of Shakespeare’s works, a ship lamp made in Germany, and a children’s Lambretta by the display window give a peek into the life and times of the Landour aristocracy. </p><p><i><strong>Pro tip:</strong></i> Make sure you are not in a rush to learn about the history of the artefacts.  </p><h2>Eat dinner under the stars at Rokeby Manor</h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Rokeby-Manor-edited_1618381124746.jpg"></figure><p>Rokeby Manor is a 19th-century bungalow that has been converted into a luxury hotel. Its English-style fireplaces, rustic archways, stone walls and wooden flooring are inspired by the glorious past of a Landour landmark. You can visit it even if you don’t have a room reservation, and dine at their Victorian-themed restaurant Emily’s that serves both Indian and continental food. The views from the balcony are to-die-for, and the sticky toffee pudding is irresistible. </p><p><i><strong>Pro tip:</strong></i> The location offers clear vistas, and therefore makes it perfect to catch the winter line, a rare meteorological phenomenon that occurs around dusk, and can be witnessed only from Landour and the Swiss Alps.</p><p>AlsoRead1</p><h2>Tibetan food paradise at Doma’s </h2><p>Doma’s is a 15-20 min downhill walk from Char Dukan. It’s a Tibetan eatery that stands out for its multi-coloured facade and intricate Buddhist thangka paintings on the ceilings. The open momos, <i>shyaphaley </i>or fried bread stuffed with meat and herbs, and <i>thukpa </i>or noodle soup make for a modest meal at Doma’s. </p><p><i><strong>Pro tip:</strong></i> If you are lodging at the cantonment, the road back is a steep uphill walk. You can hire a cab that could charge Rs 500 for a five-minute drive.  </p><h2>Handmade leather shoes at Sonu Shoe Maker </h2><p>At the cantonment bazaar, are the shoemakers of Landour, who have been cutting and sewing shoes for decades now. Most of them will tell you how their great grandfathers migrated to the hills of Mussoorie and worked as shoe repairers during the British era. Probably this very story persuades you to get a pair customised. At Sonu Shoe Maker, you can leave your measurements and design, and return the next day for a pair of handmade leather shoes. </p><p><i><strong>Pro tip:</strong></i> Plan your visit in advance to get them delivered in time.  </p><h2>Signed copies of Ruskin Bond books at Cambridge Book Store</h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Ruskin_Bond_in_Bangalore%2C_India_Wikimedia%20COmmons_1618397182069.jpg"><figcaption>© Wikimedia Commons</figcaption></figure><p>The pandemic and old age may not allow him to visit his favourite book shop anymore, but his legacy brings every tourist to this Mall Road institution. Until a few years ago, Landour’s beloved writer Ruskin Bond would routinely come here on Saturdays to sign copies of his books, and chit chat with fans. Nevertheless, if you are enamoured by Bond and his charming world of trees and ghosts, this could be like a pilgrimage. </p><p><i><strong>Pro tip:</strong></i> If Bond is not around, you can request the staff to get your copies signed and shipped to you by post.</p>

A roundup of food, fashion, and fables for a memorable trip

From treks to Tibetan food, from Ruskin Bond to shoemakers, there is much to see and do when you travel to Landour Uttarakhand. For more, visit ZeeZest.com

Travel to Landour | Landour Must See and Must Do | Zee Zest

Landour: The Only Itinerary You’ll Ever Need

Travel

Food Trails

Uttarakhand

Wildlife enthusiasts pick the top three reserves to spot tigers, leopards and other fascinating wild birds and beasts. 

We speak to four wildlife enthusiasts to put together this definitive wish list for the best wildlife encounters in Maharashtra. For more stories, read Zeezest.com.

Top wildlife hotspots in Maharashtra | Zee Zest

A Walk On The Wild Side Of Maharashtra 

India's first Master of Wine shares her experience of spotting the Royal Bengal tiger at Pench National Park.

Sonal Holland shares insights from her first family trip to Pench National Park in Madhya Pradesh post lockdown, read ZeeZest.com

Sonal Holland Pens Her Wildlife Adventures at Pench National Park | Zee Zest 

The Jungle Book Experience In The Forests of Pench

<p>At the onset of the last winter, when lockdown woes were on an ebb, I set out on a three-day exploration of the Gir National Park. We were shooting a documentary film on Gir and its famous inhabitants - the Asiatic lions.</p><h2>Getting to Gir </h2><p>Reaching Gir from Mumbai is easy. Board a less-than-an-hour flight to Rajkot and a three-and-a-half-hour drive will bring you to Sasan Gir, the district where the national park is located. Take the National Highway 8B till Gondal and Jetpur, further to Junagadh by MH 151. Junagadh (known for its Kesar mangoes) to Sasan Gir is a scenic drive of about 50 kilometres.</p><p>Gir National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary is a deciduous scrub forest and dry Savannah covering a total area of 1,412 square km of which 258 square km is protected and maintained as a national park. There are three safari slots during the day, two in the morning and one in the afternoon. Online booking facility is advised. During the monsoons, the period between June 16 and October 15, the park remains closed.</p><h2>Looking for the mugger </h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Gir-Crocodile_1618574902566.jpg"></figure><p>The afternoon we reached; our guide suggested we drop by at a nearby resort on the banks of the Hiran river to check out the sunbathing mugger crocodiles. There were five large ones hanging out in the marsh, we found them lying still until an unfamiliar sound in the distance provoked a hurried movement and dive into the river. Apart from being seen around the Hiran river, muggers also known as marsh crocodiles, are freshwater crocodiles that can be spotted within the national park area and around the Kamleshwar Dam. The day went well but the real treat, lion sighting was slated for day two.</p><p>AlsoRead0</p><h2>In search of the Lion King </h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Gir-Lioness_1618574921968.jpg"></figure><p>The next morning equipped with suntan and caps, we took the second safari of the day hoping to spot the lion. Our escort, Ketan Masroo, a seasoned guide working in the Gir, built up our hopes of a sighting and we could hardly keep our excitement at bay. We set out on route 2. All safari vehicles follow fixed routes inside the park. We got lucky within the first hour. Near a water body, under a thick tree, the mother lioness aged nine was resting along with her two ten-month-old cubs. The mother and son had just finished their breakfast, a Nilgai they had hunted the night before. The daughter was still at it trying to polish off the remaining meat on the carcass. </p><h2>Sightings galore</h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Gir-Hanuman-monkey_1618575046942.jpg"></figure><p>We learnt a small trivia that lions, unlike tigers, do acquire names in the forests. In a few hours, we spotted another pride of four lionesses and sub-adults in a thick bush. We were informed that this spotting was a lucky one because the place where this pride had wandered to was an aberration as a group normally hangs around in self- marked areas known to experienced rangers.<br>The magnificent Asiatic Lion shares its ancestry with its African cousins from more than 50,000 years ago. However, they have evolved a different body type. The Asiatic Lions are shorter and lighter, and the males sport less prominent manes. They are also rarer, less than 700 when compared to the 20,000 plus the African variety.</p><h2>Lessons in history</h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Gir-deer_1618575061958.jpg"></figure><p>History records show the last surviving lions outside Gir were shot at Dessa in 1870. It was only in 1901 when Lord Curzon declined the invitation for the shooting of lions and requested the Nawab of Junagadh to protect the remaining handful of lions, that the conservations efforts began. The first census in the Gir forest took place in 1936 by the Chief Forest Officer of Junagadh by counting lions at the watering holes and applying the pugmark technique. From 287 in 1936 the numbers saw a sharp decline to 177 in 1963.</p><p>Gir was declared a sanctuary in 1965 and a smaller part was carved out as a National Park in 1975. Since then, there has been a steady increase in the number of lions, particularly so since the 2005 census. In June 2020, the 15th lion census declared the numbers at 674, a steady increase of 29% over the last census in 2015, with a healthy mix of males, females, sub-adults and cubs. </p><p>AlsoRead1</p><h2>Spotting the leopard</h2><p>There is another predatory animal- the leopard native to Gir. Leopard spotting is tough, and as expected we couldn’t spot one inside the park in our first safari. But, we spotted enough Chitals and Chinkaras. The hooved prey animals like the deer and the antelopes play an important role in the food chain of the jungle. Gir has a variety of deer like the chital and the sambar and antelopes like the Chinkara, the four-horned antelope, blackbuck and the Nilgai. Another prey animal, the Hanuman Langur, is common in Gir and constitutes 25 per cent of total prey for leopards in the Gir forest.</p><h2>The Maldharis</h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Gir-Dudhara-Ness_1618574991146.jpg"></figure><p>During our safaris, we spotted a hamlet called Dudhara, inhabited by the Maldharis. Living in peaceful co-existence with the lions for over a century, the tribe, refused to relocate when made an offer during the formation of the sanctuary. Owners of livestock, the courageous pastoral community is known for the eclectic attire of their men and women. They posed for our cameras from a distance as we weren’t allowed to alight the safari vehicle. </p><h2>The leopard chase continues</h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Gir-Leopard_1618575023061.jpg"></figure><p>We set out for yet another safari in the evening at Devalia, a smaller park in the area where spotting is somewhat easier. The Gir interpretation zone was developed at Devalia to reduce human interference in the main area of the Gir National Park and to facilitate tourists to better understand the importance of Gir and its varied wildlife. Open for tourists through the year, Devalia comprises 412 hectares of area that represents Gir, including all habitat types, and major wildlife present in the main sanctuary. In case you have less time at Gir, and you still want to spot lions and the leopards, head straight to Devalia. We finally spotted two leopards, one sitting atop a tree, climbing down to join his mate in the grassland. We were fulfilled. </p><p>From the Asiatic lions to the lion-hearted Maldharis, the Gir ecosystem teaches us a beautiful lesson on how humans and predatory animals can live in harmony, even in the wild.</p><hr><figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td><h2>Dos and don’ts at Gir National Park</h2><ol><li>All drivers and guides are given a set of instructions regarding the speed of the vehicle, the route to be followed and time guidelines. Never encourage your driver and guide to break any rules.</li><li>Do not speak loudly or play music.</li><li>Do not offer eatables to birds and animals.</li><li>Plastics are not allowed inside the park.</li><li>Do not smoke in the forest.</li><li>Do not throw your trash in the wilderness.</li><li>Do not wear strong perfume.</li></ol></td></tr></tbody></table></figure><hr><hr><p>The best time to visit Gir National Park is during Mid October - Mid June, and the best recommended time is December - April.</p><h2>COVID-19 rules for travellers in Gujarat</h2><ul><li>You need to download the Aarogya Setu app</li><li>You need to carry a negative RT-PCR report not earlier than 72 hours from an ICMR approved laboratory.</li></ul><hr><p><i>Mitrajit Bhattacharya is an avid traveller and the founder of The Corner Room Project.</i></p>

Spotting the majestic Lion King is just one of them.

Safari India: Gir National Park, Gujarat

This weekend travel guide will tell you everything you need to know about Gir Forest from getting there to preparing for a forest safari. For more, read ZeeZest.com 

7 Must-do things when traveling to Gir Forest – Zee Zest 

7 Reasons To Set Off On A Wildlife Safari in Gir 

Safari India

Wildlife Safari 

Gujarat

India 

<p>Think of the iconic <i>Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge</i> scene where Amrish Puri finally allows his daughter to go get a life, “Jaa Simran Jaa” and tell us who you think is the real show-stopper there. The train, you'd agree?</p><p>We think so too! The train sequence in <i>Sholay</i>, the dancing atop to ‘Chhaiya Chhaiyya’, the nail-biting tension in <i>The Burning Train</i>, Indian Railways and Bollywood are inseparable bedfellows.</p><p>Beyond cinema, train journeys offer a charmingly Indian experience, a trip down memory lane, from the food sold by vendors along the journey to the gupshup with co-passengers, from the sights and smells of dabbas being unpacked to the cacophony of a family playing Antakshari</p><p>Traversing open farmlands, thundering waterfalls, rolling hills and chugging above wide rivers, the railways treat us to a far more sensory experience than the open skies of an aeroplane’s window ever can.</p><figure class="image image-style-align-left"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Id-1595-trains-travel-vacation-inside-image_1617803270325.jpg"></figure><p>With a journey that started almost 166 years back, Indian Railways has been serving as the largest railway network in the world, cutting through the length and breadth of the country. We dug into this vast network to shortlist a few iconic journeys. What’s more, Indian Railways is a budget-friendly mode of transport that allows you to enjoy your journey while munching on treats that a swarm of vendors peddle, as and when the train pulls into a new town.</p><p>Here’s a list of 6 journeys that offer experiences in themselves:</p><h2>1. Konkan Railways</h2><p>Sandwiched between the Sahyadri Hills on the east and the Arabian Sea on the west whilst connecting the states of Maharashtra, Goa and Karnataka, the Konkan Railways offers a breathtaking route that hugs India's southwest coastline—cutting through mountains, crossing hundreds of rivers and passing through 92 tunnels and 2,000 bridges.</p><p>One such is the Panvalnadi Bridge that is spread across 7 km starting from Ratnagiri station, making it India’s highest viaduct. While every few minutes you’ll be rewarded with views of streams of water flowing over rocks, the undisputed highlight of this train ride is the long silvery cascade of the Dudhsagar Falls. Best viewed in clear daylight, the flowing water makes it look like milk flowing through the mountains and that’s why the falls have been rightfully named Dudhsagar—a sea of milk.</p><h2>2. Pamban Bridge</h2><p>This 100-year-old railway bridge is located in the southern state of Tamil Nadu. And the only train that’ll help you cross it is the Rameswaram Chennai Express, which leaves around 5:00 pm every day from Rameswaram station. Connecting the Rameswaram island to the mainland of the state, Pamban is anything but just a railway bridge.</p><p>One has to see it to believe the pristine blue ocean on either side. What’s more, the Pamban Bridge is supposedly the second longest sea bridge, with 143 piers, spanning 2 km between the mainland and the island, this bridge is 1 m in width and 2.5 km in length. This train ride is bound to be an adventure.</p><h2>3. The Salt Train</h2><p>The Salt Train lets you witness Sambhar's salt pans in Rajasthan, which is notably India's largest inland salt lake. Starting from a place called Jhapok, between Sambhar and Shakhambhari Mata temple, the rail journey allows you to catch glimpses of the lake and the other natural scenery that’s spread across 13-14 kms of this train journey.</p><p>The only job of the cargo train is to collect the harvested salt from Sambhar and deposit it at the processing plant. The route may not help you get across the vast state of Rajasthan but the short route will offer you a glimpse of an enigmatic view of sprawling expanse of salt that glistens like snow.</p><h2>4. The Toy Train or Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR)</h2><p>India’s favourite toy train is a tiny steam train (only 2 ft) that runs between New Jalpaiguri and Darjeeling in the state of West Bengal cutting through the towns of Siliguri, Kurseong and Ghoom. Running at a speed of 12kmph, the Toy Train will also wheel you through dense forests and tea plantations allowing you to, for brief moments, have a close look at the tea-pickers with baskets strapped on their heads.</p><p>A World Heritage Site since 1999, the DHR is famous for climbing up through a number of reverses and loops, crisscrossing the main road through the town of Tindharia and running alongside the fruit stalls on the street. Crossing over 505 bridges, one of the most scenic views that this train offers is that of the snow-capped tip of Mount Kanchenjunga.</p><h2>5. The Araku Valley Railway</h2><p>Nestled in the Eastern Ghats, Araku Valley is a hill station in Andhra Pradesh that’s located about 120 km from Visakhapatnam. An all-year-round tourist attraction, the valley is accessible both by rail and road. However, according to the Andhra Pradesh Tourism Department, the rail offers an adventurous journey, and we can’t help but agree.</p><p>Board the morning train from Visakhapatnam and snake through a palm-fringed coast, thickly-forested hills, coffee plantations and about 58 tunnels, and over 84 bridges. Besides, if you do get dibs on the window seat, you’ll be able to treat your eyes to lush green valleys, towering cliffs and gushing waterfalls before making it through the famous Bora Caves, known to be the deepest in India. </p><h2>6. The Kalka Shimla Railway</h2><p>A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2008, the Kalka Shimla toy train ride is will give you an adrenaline surge as the train chugs on a steep narrow track through lush green pine forests, flower meadows and even rivulets.</p><p>Running through 20 railway stations, 103 tunnels, 800 bridges, and 900 curves, the train moves at a leisurely pace allowing you to enjoy the scenic beauty around you as it bridges the distance between the capital of Himachal Pradesh, Shimla, and Kalka. You can either board the Shivalik Deluxe Express, Himalayan Queen, Rail Motor Car or other passenger trains.</p>

Kashmir to Kanyakumari, the iconic Indian Railways connects India, one rail route at a time.

Enjoy the most incredible train journeys from Kashmir to Kanyakumari with the Indian Railways. These are the six most iconic routes. Read Zeezest.com

6 epic train routes in India you must experience | Zee Zest

6 Incredible Indian Railways Journeys That Give You The Real India Experience

Trains

A jungle stay or a night under the starlit sky, glampers share why staying close to nature without compromising on luxury is the perfect getaway option.

Glampers share their experience of staying in a luxurious tent, read ZeeZest.com

Glamping Trend Picks Up Post Lockdown  | Zee Zest

Why Glamping Is The Only Travel Trend To Embrace In 2021

 We asked freelance professionals and at-home entrepreneurs their tips and tricks to stay focused and productive 

We asked freelancers and at-home entrepreneurs their tips and tricks to stay focused and productive.   

12 Easy Ways to Manage Work from Home - Zee Zest

Struggling With WFH? 12 Easy Ways to Manage Work from Home  

<p>Did you ever imagine working from a cute homestay away from the sterile office environs or taking off to the hills and typing away taking in the picturesque views of the snow-capped mountains or attending Zoom meetings from your favourite beach destination wearing shorts and an occasional chilled beer on a Friday to kick start your weekend? No right! While we are late to the party and the lives of digital nomads who make the most of both worlds---work and vacation-- here's the time to give it a shot. Although, remote working is not a new concept, we’ve been conditioned to be cramped in cubicles and cabins for maximum efficiency and the rat race. The pandemic has brought with it, drastic lifestyle changes, one of them being working  remotely. The new normal has now made it possible to work from any destination that you have dreamt off and can easily travel to.</p><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Workcation-inside-2_1617278943399.jpg"></figure><p>Taking full advantage of the situation many remote workers have been heading to getaways or even further with a laptop and power chargers. Picking up on the trend are homestays and hotels who now provide high speed internet, in order to cash in on the vacation-deprived workers. While work from home (WGH) situation continues, workcations seem to trend this year.</p><p>Although they are not in any way substitutes to real vacations, but they do offer a respite between juggling work-from-home and household chores. The urban working class especially in cosmopolitan cities has been suffering the brunt of this and yearning for an escape. Therefore, we decided to speak to some actual workationers about their experience, so far, and their take on this new term en vogue.</p><h2>Connectivity woes no more</h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Workcation-inside-3_1617278875073.jpg"></figure><p>Anu Bhat, a Delhi-based publicist, who has workcationed in Bir Billing in Uttarakhand, Udaipur and Ranthambore in Rajasthan, says, “The experience was one-of-a-kind, specially the views. After a day of work at a quaint little cafe while sipping on my hot chocolate, I would go for a stroll in the evening or relish a delicious meal at night.” While these destinations were always on her mind for a getaway; seamless internet connectivity, millennial-friendly accommodation, and less crowded places were also a priority. But once she figured out the details, she was all set.</p><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Workcation-inside-1_1617279057811.jpg"></figure><p>“Picking locations that are known to be serene acted as a stress buster,” she continued, vouching for the increase in productivity in the absence of work stress and household chores. "I will definitely suggest people to go on a workcation. There are numerous homestays and hotels which promote workcations. One can even meet like-minded people and build contacts in varied industries."  </p><p>Bhat is now looking forward to visit Goa or Puducherry for her next workcation. “I can already dream of working with the sound of sea waves in the background."  Sounds exciting! </p><p>AlsoRead0</p><h2>Expense planning for longer stays</h2><figure class="media"><oembed url="https://www.instagram.com/p/CL_ejLoghE8/"></oembed></figure><p>Another workcationer, Jagyaseni Dey Biswas, a Mumbai-based journalist, who is currently working from Sikkim, says, “I have had a fantastic experience, so far. The place I am staying in has a very homely atmosphere. It’s surreal being surrounded by hills and forests, and work doesn’t feel like work in such a welcoming environment.” Keeping in mind the challenges of getting leaves for a longer duration in the corporate world, Dey Biswas finds workcations a convenient model. “This way we can work from our favourite location and simultaneously explore the destination as well,” she says. Choosing a destination close to your hometown is also a factor while choosing your workcation stay.</p><p>While she hasn’t faced any hindrance other than a patchy internet intermittently, but adds a caveat of expenses that includes accommodation and travel. It is one of the reasons workcationers choose small towns, like de Biswas, who is not looking at a longer stay in Sikkim, but has Darjeeling and Goa next on her workcation bucket list.</p><p>AlsoRead1</p><h2>Maintain work-life balance</h2><figure class="media"><oembed url="https://www.instagram.com/p/B7XmD4DpfZX/"></oembed></figure><p>Jajnabalka Biswas, who works for Google in Hyderabad, has also been working from Sikkim for approximately two months now and says that working from the mountains was always on his bucket list. Also, the choice of homestay -- Monal Heritage Home in Pelling -- where he is currently staying with his sister played a major role in extending his trip for so long.</p><p>Goa is India’s favourite destination and it would be a dream come true for most of us to live the susegad life there. Neil Ghoghale, brand manager at CarDekho in Gurugram, who is currently living this dream, says, “Workcation helps you plan your day and maintain a healthy work-life balance. I start work early, concentrate better, and wrap up as soon as possible so that I get more time to explore. There’s a lot to look forward to here after work.”</p><figure class="media"><oembed url="https://www.instagram.com/p/CK3UH-Mp1lV/"></oembed></figure><p>Accommodation and service providers such as Rahul Kumar, who is the founder of Mudhouse Hotels and Experiential Living Project, in Himachal Pradesh, has also been seeing the transition in travel behaviour. Kumar’s properties across Spiti, Lahaul, Jibhi, etc., have been welcoming workcationers since September 2020. To his surprise, within the first month itself, he was fully booked with remote workers, all demanding high-speed internet and power back up. “The number of workcationers has only been increasing. Even now, all our properties are over 50 per cent occupied, mostly by remote workers,” he said, adding, “While initially travellers used to prefer shorter stays for a week or so, they are now extending it to two weeks on an average. And now, some don’t mind stretching it to even a month or two.” </p><figure class="media"><oembed url="https://www.instagram.com/p/CK2t-b5JPXF/"></oembed></figure><p>With many corporates and MNCs adopting WFH policy indefinitely, what started as a means to beat the lockdown blues, has now become a travel trend that is sure to stay even after 2021.<br> </p>

Workcationers tell you why this trend is set to become the new normal.

As demand for workation booms, we speak to you travellers who have already given it a shot. For more, read ZeeZest.com

Workations Travel Trend On A Rise In 2021 | Zee Zest   

Workcations: From An Escape To A Trend Ruling 2021

Workation

Tourist Destination

A desk overlooking the Ganges is the perfect spot for a working holiday.

A review of the newly launched The Himalayan Hideaway by Neemrana Hotels. FOr the full story, read ZeeZest.com

First Look At Neemrana’s The Himalayan Hideaway in Rishikesh

Exclusive: First Look At Neemrana’s Himalayan Hideaway In Rishikesh

Where the mind is without fear and the head is held high.

Nestled amongst the Sonajhuri trees is the sleepy town of Shantiniketan. An educational hub created by Rabindranath Tagore, it is also the perfect destination for a relaxing getaway. Read ZeeZest.com

Where to stay and what to see in Shantiniketan | Zee Zest

A Trip To Shantiniketan Is Your Passage To The Abode Of Peace

<p>The Rhododendron flower characterised by its bright reddish-pink, almost ruby red petals is a pleasing sight, as they sit on a bed of long, tapering leaves. Also known as Rhododendron arboretum or Buransh in the local Pahadi language, they normally start blooming in March or April. However, because of the onset of high temperatures in the mountains, they had started to make an appearance in January this year. The rhododendron ensures verdant foliage all year round and offers protection to watersheds, as well as shelter to wildlife. </p><h2>Prepping for the tour of a lifetime</h2><figure class="image image_resized image-style-align-left" style="width:50%;"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Rhododendron-trail-3_1619164311560.jpg"></figure><p>When the tour was announced in January by Tons Trails, a social enterprise promoting sustainable tourism in the Ton valley in Uttarakhand, on their website, I am not exaggerating when I say that it was a case of the ‘fastest finger first’ because it was limited to 12 people per tour and was much sought-after. Especially when the opportunity to travel had been compromised due to the ongoing lockdown since last year. The enterprising couple behind this tour, Anand Sankar Iyer, who owns Tons Trails and his wife, Shubhra Chatterji, an award-winning filmmaker were reason enough to travel all the way up there. It was going to be worth it to meet them, experience the excitement of roughing it out, trying out local, regional Pahadi cuisine and enjoying the company of other like-minded people on the trip. The tour was sold out within two days and they had to announce another one because of the demand.  The trip was scheduled from March 14 to 17, 2021 starting from the time we were picked up and dropped off in Dehradun.  Some of us on the tour knew each other and the others indulged in ice-breaker sessions on the bus ride to the valley. </p><hr><figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td><h3>All about rhododendron </h3><p>The scarlet hued flowers are a common fixture in the Himalayas. They grow at an altitude of 1500-3000m and are an integral part of the local indigenous culture and ecosystem. It is the state tree of Uttarakhand and state flower of Nagaland. The locals make tea, juice, jams and even wines, with rhododendron blossoms. These flowers bloom for a short time between February and Aprthe il, covering the hills in glorious pink, making it a sight to behold.</p></td></tr></tbody></table></figure><hr><h2>Arriving in the Upper Tons Valley</h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Rhododendron-trail-2_1619164352672.jpg"></figure><p>It takes roughly seven to eight hours by road to the Upper Tons Valley or in this case, the Rupin Valley, where our campsite had been set up, from Dehradun. We took a stop each for breakfast and lunch.  It was one of those road journeys, where I was engrossed in watching the breath-taking scenery, as it flitted past all of us on the way to the valley 9,000 feet above sea level. I soaked in the sights of the verdant flora, the rugged mountains, the numerous trees, shrubs and the mighty Rupin River cutting a swathe through it all. As we reached the designated spot and walked to our river campsite, all of us were stunned into silence at the virgin beauty that enveloped us. Everything and I mean everything,  was a shade of green, blue or brown. The green grass, the tall coniferous trees that grew on the mountains and seemed to touch the skies, the mountains themselves that stood like silent sentinels and the gurgling Rupin River that beckoned us and gave us a roaring welcome with its rushing rapids that felt like shards of ice when you took a dip in it. </p><p>Each day felt like it came with new hope and new experiences to look forward to. Everything from sleeping in a tented camp, wearing three layers of clothes, using a mobile toilet, getting woken up by the pleasant twittering of various birds and watching them flit from tree to tree, the first sights of the green grass, the clear blue skies and the roar of the Rupin River flowing past us and breathing in the fresh alpine air, was an experience. We also tried and loved local delicacies like <i>Lalouti </i>(<i>Mandua </i>or Himalayan <i>ragi dosas</i> or pancakes) slathered with fresh fruit jam and ghee, Baadi (a thick ragi cake consumed with a rivulet of ghee), unfiltered honey or fruit jam, a side dish made up of stinging nettles, also known as <i>Kandali</i> that tasted like cheesy ravioli, hot jacket potatoes made right in front of us on smouldering coals, comforting Schezwan fried rice with scrambled eggs and vegetable Manchurian on the last night. Not to forget the endless rusk and chai sessions each evening. </p><p>AlsoRead0</p><h2>Surrounded by Himalayan rubies</h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Rhododendron-trail-1_1619164390712.jpg"></figure><p>The trail was strenuous, but eventful trek that was 10 km in distance from our campsite all the way up to the village of Nuranu. We came across many mini waterfalls along the way, a small hut which housed a flour mill grinding local ragi, rows and rows of Rhododendron trees, the friendly villagers who passed by with their smiling faces, the huge and furry local Bakharwal dogs called Och in the local language, paths strewn with pine cones and horseshoes and endless wild, but edible plants like mint, agave, cactus and fiddlehead ferns. The trail though started getting quite steep halfway through and most of us made our way back. </p><p>AlsoRead1</p><p>However, there were two, who almost made it to the top and one girl who actually did. When they returned to the camp, they were welcomed by incessant applause and raucous cheering. The Upper Tons Valley, and its flora and fauna, is relatively untouched by commercialisation. The locals there are simple and hardy and make do with whatever grows there.  They expect little and remain content in their peaceful mountain lives.           </p>

On this trek in the Upper Tons Valley, the writer experiences a slice of mountain life

A unique trek that traces the Himalayan Rhododendron in the Upper Tons Valley

A Rhododendron trail in the Upper Tons Valley

Trailing The Himalayan Rhododendron

Himalayas

<p>If you ever happen to be in a place, once unknown to you, that calls out long after you have left and dwells in your heart, mind and soul, you know you have found a home for keeps.</p><p>For photographer, videographer, and travel enthusiast, Anunay Sood, and many others—this home is Spiti — ‘a world within a world’, as described by Rudyard Kipling. A majestic cold desert valley in Himachal Pradesh, Spiti literally means a ‘middle ground’ – a destination from where there’s no turning back for those who fall in love with it. A muse that inspires travellers and nature lovers with its virgin windswept valleys, pine forests, beautiful monasteries, and charming villages.</p><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Anunay-Sood%E2%80%99s-Spiti-Travel-Banner_1617949640742.jpg"></figure><p>For Sood, the love affair with Spiti started almost a decade ago. A globetrotter, who has been visiting Spiti for the past 10 years, is still trying his luck at capturing the jaw dropping sights of this winter wonderland. He returned to this home once again, soon after it reopened for tourism post lockdown on February 17, 2021 and came back reliving his adventure and no filter views to share why a trip to Spiti is a ‘nasha’ like no other.</p><h2>Photographer’s paradise</h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Anunay-Sood%E2%80%99s-Spiti-Travel-2_1617945853066.jpg"></figure><p>Raw, rugged beauty is what best describes Spiti. "It's the best place for photography. Coupled with the warmth of the locals, the aura of Spiti is such that you don't feel like coming back from there.” When in Spiti, one should definitely visit the 1,000-year-old Dhankar Monastery, Tabo Monastery, Chicham Bridge – highest bridge in Asia --, Hikkim Post Office -- highest post office of the world --, Kibber -- highest motorable village in the world --, Langza Buddha Statue, and Mud village in Pin Valley. Videographers and photographers shouldn't miss out on the long and beautiful Kaza to Losar stretch—the clear night sky covered by a blanket of stars is a sight you can never witness anywhere in the world except Ladakh and Iceland.</p><hr><figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td><h3>Photography Hotspots</h3><h4>1. Dhankar Monastery</h4><h4>2. Tabo Monastery</h4><h4>3. Kibber</h4><h4>4. Langza Buddha Statue</h4><h4>5. Pin Valley</h4></td></tr></tbody></table></figure><hr><h2>Spiti only for responsible travellers</h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Anunay-Sood%E2%80%99s-Spiti-Travel-1_1617945868205.jpg"></figure><p>Preserving the virgin beauty of Spiti is one of Sood’s prime concerns. Expressing the plight of Spiti locals, who like the rest of the world faced the brunt of COVID-19 induced travel ban, Sood adds that his purpose of travelling to the valley was also to promote tourism— its only source of income other than agriculture. "The whole point was to go there and promote Spiti and support the tourism industry that aids the valley’s economy there. So, the idea was to convince more people to visit the place, and help the locals earn money, which they haven't been able to for the past one year. However, we want only responsible travellers to visit the place, as the valley has shortage of water due to which it’s important to use it wisely. Moreover, the waste recycling system is also not that efficient, so littering is out of question."</p><p>AlsoRead0</p><h2>Staying with a local</h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Anunay-Sood%E2%80%99s-inside-2_1617945876357.jpg"></figure><p>Speaking about the charming Tibetan-influenced culture of Spiti, he says, “There are lot of monasteries here, so you come across many monks chanting, which makes the atmosphere serene and peaceful. If you stay with a local family, you will notice that they have two houses – one for summers which is at a higher level so that the sunrays keep the house warm—and one for winters which is at a lower level because it's very cold up there and the houses are quite small and made of mud. Every house has a living area comprising of a chulha to keep the place warm, and the family also eats and sleeps there itself. Speaking about their indigenous foods, locals make their own alcohol called chhang beer and arak which is a must-try. </p><p>A key attraction in Spiti is their bow and arrow festival, and the new year celebration called Losar, when the entire village is seen wearing masks and dancing, it’s a sight to remember!”</p><h2>Things to remember</h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Anunay-Sood%E2%80%99s-Spiti-Travel-inside5_1617949127719.jpg"></figure><p>For photographers and videographers, it’s best to check time and date, and weather forecast before visiting. "New moon night is the best time for astrophotography when the sky is blue, the stars appear like a blanket, and you get to see a shooting star every five minutes. So, the pictures and compositions come best at night. It's a paradise and a dream-come-true for photographers and videographers. For those wanting to shoot the surreal landscape using drones for posterity, he suggests taking prior permissions to avoid getting your drone caught by the police and sent back. Speaking about clicking those heart-warming portraits of locals, Sood suggests always ask them first else, it's considered rude. Blue hour, golden hour and sunrise are the most important and best times to shoot. “I used to wake up at six every morning before sunrise to shoot the time lapse, same goes with sunset as well, because these two are the most crucial times."</p><p>AlsoRead1</p><h2>It all started from Chandra Tal</h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Anunay-Sood%E2%80%99s-Spiti-Travel-inside6_1617949138576.jpg"></figure><p>Travelling to Spiti since a decade now, Sood still has a dream shot to capture, which he says is, "a drone shot at Chandra Tal with a human element in it." Why? Because he went there back in 2014-15, when he was still an amateur, so now he wants to test his own skills, because for him the love affair started from there only. </p>

Influencer

Photographer

Videographer

Spiti

Tourism

Responsible Tourism

Anunay Sood

Pallavi Pasricha tells you why the gorgeous island is the perfect host for the traveller in you.

Travel writer Pallavi Pasricha, shares her travel and island experience in Maldives right when the island nation opened its doors to tourists. Read on ZeeZest.com

Travelling to Maldives post-pandemic | Zee Zest

Island Hop Your Way Through The Maldives

<p>As it turns out, I was part of the exodus of Indian travellers making a beeline for the Maldivian shores as soon as the island nation declared a travel bubble with India. Deprived of travel, I soon found myself on a quick 2.5-hour hop between Mumbai and Male, from where a chic seaplane flew me, for 30 minutes, to the uber-luxe Soneva Fushi island. For four days, I experienced, the best of Maldivian beauty at the world’s most ‘sustainable’ luxury resort. </p><p>Soneva Fushi is one of Maldives’ most luxurious resorts in the Baa Atoll, which is also a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Soneva resorts world over are known for their commitment to preserving nature with a focus on sustainable luxury and slow living. A getaway at Soneva Fushi gives you all the creature comforts without compromising the natural beauty of the island.</p><h2>Here are four reasons that put you straight into the lap of luxury and comfort at Soneva:</h2><h3>1. No footwear policy </h3><p>Soneva Fushi is a concept resort, founded 25 years ago by hoteliers Sonu and Eva Shivdasani, who believe that luxury is best enjoyed, well, barefoot. As a result, the hotel’s strict ‘no news, no shoes’ required me to drop my footwear into a little bag before I set foot into the island, and remain barefoot, literally, for the rest of my stay. (I’d see my shoes only four days later, just before I boarded my flight back). </p><h3>2. Sustainable construction </h3><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Riaan-Maldives-inside-1_1619525294155.jpg"></figure><p>As I settled into my beachfront villa—with a private pool and a massive outdoor bathroom—I spent time examining the overall construction and design. Sustainable materials used in every aspect of the design of these plastic-free spaces. Natural wood finishes, lots of coconut tree parts, barks, stones, sticks and stones are used generously to design the villa, with little or no artificial embellishment. A few examples—recyclable glass water bottles, bottled onsite, and placed in the pantry, pens made of tree barks, bathroom stands made with bamboo sticks, coconut shells used as jars and even twigs reconstructed to make the gate outside the villa. Literally, every touchpoint here stemmed from a larger philosophy of conscious consumption. Throughout the island, the generous use of thatched roofing and exposed wooden beams and pillars are a constant design.</p><p>Every evening, as I lazed by the waterfront at the resort’s plush Out of the Blue all-day diner, built on stilts over the water, I felt like I was part of a Robinson Crusoe adventure, given the overall ‘rustic-chic’ approach to design. Right down to the natural colour palette used throughout. </p><p>AlsoRead0</p><h3>3. Responsible lifestyle </h3><p>I spent my time discovering the island — barefoot — on my cycle. Each guest has their own cycle, or you could call for one of the electric buggies to transport you through the island. Later that day, I asked my villa butler — man or woman Friday, as they are referred to on this island — to take me to the island’s nerve centre of these eco-friendly initiatives. The eco-centre is a huge space tucked away in one corner of the island — hidden from guests’ sight — where recycling, composting and disposal of hotel waste takes place. </p><p>I then made my way to the island gardens where a large chunk of the fruit, vegetables and herbs served at the resort are grown. What I found interesting is that during my meals at the different outlets across the island, the servers are happy to remind you of the organic, island-grown ingredients on your plate. One noteworthy dining experience was at ‘Fresh in the Garden’, an open-air eatery built on stilts above the produce garden, serving up a modern European menu. Later, I walked along this elevated platform to the property’s own observatory, where I gazed at a million twinkling stars and the planets through a high-end telescope. </p><p>One of the highlights of my stay on the island was my daily breakfast in the open-air breakfast area, by the beach. This island-style breakfast was the total absence of any pretentious fuss - just wooden tables and chairs laid out by the beach, the food stations are set up around a courtyard and you can just help yourself to the host of healthy, organic options on display. </p><h3>4. Nature is the star of the show</h3><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_SonevaFushi-Water-Retreat-edited_1619525275717.jpg"></figure><p>What most struck me about my stay on this island is just how Soneva Fushi can blend ultimate luxury with a one-with-nature experience. It must surely be a logistical and conceptual challenge to strip down what we traditionally consider as luxury and put bare naked nature at the very centre of the luxury experience. But the owner duo has successfully managed to do just that, from the barefoot luxury philosophy to the overall sustainable lifestyle and construction aspect, and making responsible consumption into a lifestyle. No surprise, then, that Soneva Fushi’s per night tariffs are among the highest in the world and the hotel’s clientele boasts the who’s who of the world.</p>

If you are a conscious traveller, here are four reasons to book a stay at this eco-friendly resort. 

Feel the sand between your toes while living in the lap of luxury at Soneva Fushi Maldives. Read ZeeZest.com

Experience sustainable luxury at Soneva Fushi Maldives | Zee Zest

Redefining Luxury With Soneva Fushi In Maldives

Hotel

Maldives

Sustainability

<p>I have always loved the mountains and started trekking in Nepal in my teens followed by a month-long mountaineering course at the Nehru Institute of Mountaineering in Uttarkashi. Given my shocking fitness levels, these are feats I still can’t believe I accomplished. Despite the occasional whining and body ache, I can admit that there’s something addictive about the outdoors that that keeps drawing me back.</p><p>Over the years, my adventurous spirit may have upgraded itself from camping to glamping and on occasion, underwater. Like my first, unforgettable dive in the Andamans in 2017. My <i>Jaws</i>-induced fear of open waters was finally overcome. After a travel hiatus due to the pandemic, my first flight out was back to the mountains, after all, being outdoors and with fewer people around was the need of the hour. </p><h2>Beyond the holy waters in Rishikesh</h2><p>I decided to spend my 40<sup>th</sup> birthday in the holy city of Rishikesh. But, that’s not all the Garhwal city has to offer. The first two days of my trip were in the luxurious palace-turned-wellness retreat, Ananda In The Himalayas. Shortly after, I was reunited with the rest of my family at a property on the banks of the Ganga, Atali Ganga, a more adventure-driven lodging. I had no reason for choosing this town, other than a convenient flight and good hotel offerings in a picturesque setting.</p><p>However, I discovered on my trip that Rishikesh has something for everyone – whether you’re seeking the quiet calm of an ashram, a luxury spa vacation or something more active. The one thing that remains common at every property here is the warm hospitality and hearty, delicious meals filled with local fare. Whether we were in the throes of indulgence at Ananda, or the more self-service style Atali, people here were equally gracious with their warmth. </p><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Kashmir-inside%5B303%5D_1618918539743.jpg"><figcaption>The calm waters in Rishikesh</figcaption></figure><p>My birthday began with a dip in the turquoise blue Ganga in the middle of December, something I have seen videos of but never imagined doing. This remains the highlight of my trip. The minerals in the pristine icy waters are known to have therapeutic properties. While I can’t confirm that, what I did experience was a feeling akin to a shot of caffeine. Standing on the soft sandy riverbed, in a less treacherous part of the river, my body felt energized. Experiencing this with the closest members of my family was magical. It was followed by a steaming hot chai and coconut biscuits, on the clean, white, sandy banks of the river. </p><p>Rishikesh offers plenty more for those who enjoy the outdoors – white water rafting, kayaking, mountain biking and high-altitude trekking. Keeping in mind our seven-year-old daughter, we opted for a long walk along the narrow paths in the neighbouring hills, with the river keeping us company throughout, and a picnic lunch on the banks. </p><p>AlsoRead0</p><h2>A ski holiday in Gulmarg</h2><p>A few weeks later, we were scheduled to spend New Year’s Eve in Gulmarg, Kashmir, with a couple of friends. Our flight to Srinagar was cancelled due to bad weather and subsequently, the airport closed. While the disappointment was crushing, a part of me was relieved to have avoided the -10-degree climate it came with. A yearly family ritual, I was determined to make it there before ski season ended. We arrived there on our second attempt, in March. </p><p>I have been visiting Gulmarg for the last six years, except in 2020. It’s where I learnt to ski. And despite realising my worst fears when I came tumbling down one time and nearly broke a bone, I was addicted. My days have often ended with bad weather and aching limbs and yet, I keep going back for more. The first trip, six years ago, was when I caught the skiing bug and also made friends for life, from our loyal ski instructor to the owner of the property we have always stayed at – the Highlands Park. </p><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Gauri-devidayal-Kashmir-hotel%5B300%5D_1618918583616.jpg"><figcaption>Highlands Park, Gulmarg</figcaption></figure><p>A recently refurbished property, the Highlands Park, has the cosiest set of rooms and suites, each with traditional Bukhara heaters that keep them lit and warm. Evenings here are spent around the wood-fed heater in the cosy living room and bar, exchanging stories with fellow travellers about ski-slope discoveries and mishaps. These are often topped off with a meal of local <i>Kashmiri saag, gushtaba</i> or <i>yakhni pulao</i> and washed down with warm mulled wine.</p><p>Whether you’re a beginner or a veteran, whether you ski or not, there’s something for everyone in Gulmarg, too. From bunny slopes to off-piste double black diamonds, gondola rides and snowmobiles, tubing or sledging, you’ll find it all. The cable car rides up the slopes sometimes takes you above the clouds leaving you with mesmerizing views that you can never have enough of.  </p><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Gauri-devidayal-Kashmir-2%5B299%5D_1618918613552.jpg"><figcaption>Skiing in Gulmarg, Kashmir</figcaption></figure><p>Adventure activities aren’t just part of my bucket list but something I have truly connected with over the years. Whether it’s diving in the deep ocean, zipping down a treacherously steep hill or plunging into icy cold water, I thrive in the thrill of achieving every little challenge. And as you take the plunge yourself, you will realise that you are fitter than you think, and adventure isn’t just for the fitness freaks among us. </p><p>AlsoRead1</p><figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td><h3>When preparing to ski in Gulmarg</h3><p>• Take good waterproof ski pants, jacket, gloves, thermals and trekking boots.<br>• All ski equipment can be rented locally.<br>• Ensure your guide is a ski guide and not a porter doubling up as an instructor – all guides will have an ID and fixed day rates.<br>• You’ll need to rent a car for the day if you are planning to go to the gondola. <br>• Carry your own alcohol. Most hotels allow you to BYOB.</p></td></tr></tbody></table></figure><p><i>After nine years as a tax consultant, Gauri Devidayal was bitten by the entrepreneurial bug. She started her company Food Matters with her husband, Jay Yusuf, and runs successful restaurants such as The Table and Mag Street Kitchen in Mumbai.</i></p>

Adventure is for everyone who wants it, not just the fitness freaks among us.  

Restauranteur Gauri Devidayal shares her experiences of adventure travel in Rishikesh and Gulmarg. For more stories, read ZeeZest.com. 

Adventure travel experiences in Rishikesh and Gulmarg | Zee Zest

When In Doubt, Look To The Outdoors

Adventure

Kashmir

Mumbai-based bloggers Tanveer Taj and Priyanka Jena have been travelling with their pets, Frodo, Cruise and Noorie, for seven years now. 

Here's how the Wheels & Tails couple, Priyanka Jena and Tanveer Raj, travel with their pets, read zeezest.com  

Tips To Travel With Pets By Wheels & Tails| Zee Zest  

How To Holiday With Your Pet? Learn From The Pros! 

<p>A cold mountain dessert in the Himalayan Ranges, Spiti is often right on top of travellers’ list of favourites. It has not one but thousands of reasons that keep attracting visitors from across the globe, despite how challenging it may be for outsiders. While many often prefer to explore this part of the country during summers, travel influencer Abhinav Chandel  didn’t let the winter months bog him down. That’s why as soon as the place reopened for tourism post lockdown, he headed straight there to relive his past experiences at one of his  favourite hill stations where he now calls the locals friends.</p><p>Mostly comprising of people from the Bhutia tribe, also found in the upper Himalayas of Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Nepal and Bhutan; the population of Spiti, Chandel says is no more than 5,000 to 10,000 people. Further adding that, “Some of the villages in Spiti are really small with a population of just 20 to 30 people. There’s even a village that houses just one family of six.”</p><h2>Post-lockdown Spiti</h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Abhiandnow-travel-5_1619186465720.jpg"></figure><p>Speaking of the kind of changes he noticed in Spiti, Chandel says that the arrival of 4G internet shortly before the pandemic has connected them to the outside world. Moreover, travelling to Spiti  at the time proved to be a blessing in disguise as it was less crowded  and cleaner in the absence of tourists. As outsiders we assume that the place is reliant on tourism alone but, Chandel says it otherwise. “In Spiti, tourism is anyway not the main source of income, it’s agriculture and most people have good government jobs. It felt the same as it did when I had gone there for the first time five years ago. I went to Mud village in Pin Valley, Langza village, Hikkim, Ki Monastery and Tabo Monastery,” he adds about being reacquainted with the valley.</p><h2>Living like a local</h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Abhiandnow-travel-3_1619186486488.jpg"></figure><p>In order to survive harsh weather conditions and  sub-zero temperatures, the people of Spiti live in mud houses and spend most of their time in the tandoor area. “The houses are built in a way that they stay warm during extreme winters. There are usually mud houses because you can't live in concrete houses here.”</p><p>Talking of life in the Spiti winter, Chandel who chooses to live like and with the locals, says, “You can't do much in winters as most  places are closed.  The weather is harsh, and the temperature drops to minus 20 and minus 30 degrees. The village remains cut off for four to five months, so much so that there is no network and people have to walk five to six kilometres to access a phone,” he says, adding that there is little work in these months and community get-togethers as a means to keep spirits up, are common.</p><h2>Eat like a local</h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Abhiandnow-travel-7_1619186528593.jpg"></figure><p>Spiritual, happy-go-lucky, friendly, are some of the terms Chandel uses to describe the locals of Spiti. As far as the food is concerned,  he says that the locals consume a lot of Yak meat and  locally available vegetables like peas and potatoes. “They dry the vegetables  to be used in the winter months. They make vegetable soup, and Tibetan specialities like momos, <i>thukpa </i>and <i>thenthuk</i>.  Apart from this, they brew their own liquor called Arak and grow sea buckthorn berries in the summer,” he says, adding that though a lot has changed over the years, the valley is still not completely modernised.</p><h2>Shop local too!</h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Abhiandnow-travel-6_1619186544034.jpg"></figure><p>When in Spiti, make sure you check out their locally made shawls and carpets. There is a small market in Kaza, where you can buy souvenirs like Tibetan artifacts and singing bowls. And while you are there, you might want to drop by at Sol Café and Himalayan Café as well,  to meet some fellow travellers.</p><h2>Dip into culture</h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Abhiandnow-travel-8_1619186564018.jpg"></figure><p>The many monasteries here represent different Buddhist sects and celebrate their own festivals and birthdays of their gurus. These involve native music and dance performances. Chandel tells us that the now truncated Ladarcha festival is one such.</p><p>Ladarcha Utsav is celebrated in the month of July in Kaza where traders from places such as Kullu, Kinnaur, Ladakh, etc., come to trade, dance, sing, and indulge in other cultural activities, to mark the onset of summers. Similarly, Tsheshu fair is celebrated in Shashur, Gemur, Kyi, Kardang, Tabo, and Mane Monasteries in June; where devotees gather to see the Lamas decked up in colourful dresses and masks perform devil dance.</p><h2>Savour a moment of calm!</h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Abhiandnow-travel-10_1619186636476.jpg"></figure><p>While it’s the mountains and landscape  that has people returning to Spiti, Chandel likes it for the peace and calm. “Not only do you enjoy your own company here, but are also at peace, surrounded by the mountains. It feels like you are on another planet.”</p><p>For those seeking  adventure in the winter months, he says, trekking and off-roading are more common and safer sports than paragliding or skiing. “I have trekked to Kanamo Peak and Bhaba Pass. While Kanamo is the most approachable 6,000-metre peak in the country; Bhaba pass is an incredible trek, since you get to see two different sides of the mountain; from the barren lands of Spiti to the lush green Kinnaur with its flowers and grasslands,” he says.</p><h2>What you don’t know about Spiti</h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Abhiandnow-travel-2_1619186731391.jpg"></figure><p>While the summer months are ideal for a visit to the Spiti Valley, it is the winter months where you get a chance to spend some time with the locals and listen to their stories, Chandel reveals.</p><p>“It makes you  appreciate the little things. They don’t have running water in their taps, let alone hot water. These hardships can be eye-opening for urban travellers,” he explains, adding that, it is these trips to Spiti that have helped him revel in the beauty of life’s little pleasures.</p><h2>The road to Spiti</h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Abhiandnow-travel-13_1619186753291.jpg"></figure><p>There are only two routes to Spiti --  via Shimla and Kinnaur  throughout the year and via Manali in the summer months. While the former takes two days of travel, the latter is a mere 12-hour journey.</p><p>“Although this time as there was no snowfall and we didn’t face many challenges,  we spent seven days stuck in Kaza due to an avalanche on my last trip,” he says, adding, “Spiti is definitely the most challenging hill station you can visit in the country as people often face  acclimitisation issues due to the low oxygen levels at that altitude. Even running water and western toilets are a luxury here. Despite that it is also the most rewarding place one can visit.”</p><h2>Bucket list: Snow Leopard</h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Abhiandnow-travel-6_1619186775223.jpg"></figure><p>Already acquainted with rare species of ibexes, blue sheep and red fox in Spiti;  Chandel now has a snow leopard spotting on his bucket list. He recommends  moving on from the tourist spots of Kibber and Komic; and exploring the  Langza village and Pin valley – his favourite parts of Spiti.</p>

Festivals, foods, adventure, shopping and much more, travel influencer Abhinav Chandel's guide will make you want to pack your bags right now.

Here’s how Abhinav Chandel of abhiandnow wants you to plan Spiti, read zeezest.com

Travel Influencer Abhinav Chandel Visits Spiti | Zee Zest

Guide To Living Like A Local In The Spiti Valley

<p>The history of Christmas and ensuing celebrations in India are as old as the arrival of Christianity in the country. Most consider that Christianity came to India with the arrival of Saint Thomas in 52 AD, one of Jesus Christ's 12 Apostles, in Kerala, but according to Robyn Andrews in his book <i>Christmas in Calcutta: Anglo-Indian Stories and Essays</i>, “The introduction of Christianity in Goa fits more closely with the ‘Christianity came to India with colonialism’ model: in the late 16th century, a western-based version of Catholicism arrived with the Portuguese colonists to be spread by accompanying missionaries. Since the arrival of Christianity in India, many different ritual forms of Christianity have developed in reaction to practices already in place.”</p><p>The exact date of the birth of Christ was decided almost two centuries after his death. Today, Christmas is celebrated on December 25 in Catholic, Protestant and most orthodox churches. In India, Christmas may have been established as a borrowed concept, however, it has picked up local flavours, making it as Indian as any other festival.</p><p>The Christmas tree, which is said to have been first used in Germany, is omnipresent. Father Christmas or Santa Claus visits children, blessing them with gifts and is fondly known as 'Christmas Baba' in Hindi, 'Christmas Thaathaa' in Tamil and Telugu, and 'Natal Bua' in Marathi and also 'Christmas Papa' in some other regions.</p><figure class="image image-style-align-left image_resized" style="width:75%;"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Id-1351-christmas-culture-india-inside-image_1617473253842.jpg"></figure><p>Indian Christians also put up a crib depicting the Nativity scene, which is the birth of Jesus Christ and the Star of Bethlehem guiding the Three Wise Men to the new-born King. Coming to food, fruitcakes, for example, which have a British origin, are a welcome sweet in most homes and are better known as plum cakes. Rose cookies, on the other hand, are of Dutch origin. Besides, a lot of the other Indian sweets prepared around Christmas are the result of Portuguese and French influence. Christmas is, therefore, a true melting pot of all the cultures that were part of India during colonial times.</p><h2>Goa and Mangalore</h2><p>For most Goan and Mangalorean Christians, December is a culinary high point of all festive occasions, with a sweetmeat making frenzy. Recipes tumble out like family heirlooms and find their way out of traditional households. Borrowing the tradition of ‘consoada’ from the Portuguese, Goans and Mangaloreans have created a desi version, ‘kuswar’ to reflect local culinary traditions, which include a mix of baked, steamed, and fried goodies. These goodies then find their way into kuswar trays which are shared with neighbours and friends on Christmas.</p><p>When asked what one would find in a Goan kuswar, Leena D’Souza, a 75-year old native Goan, who now lives in Mumbai says, “Neurois (also called karanjis and gujiyas) are a common sight. Made from wheat flour and filled with sweetened semolina or grated coconut, raisins and nuts, they are shaped like crescent moons.</p><p>Another common sweet resembles a fried shell pasta called kulkuls; they are curls rolled on the fork and then dipped in icing sugar. Apart from these, there are other local sweets such as dodol, a soft jaggery fudge; doce, made from ground coconut, sugar and chana dal; bolinhos, made from almond-paste semolina, sugar, eggs and brandy, and guava cheese.”</p><p>When it comes to Christmas lunches and dinners, pork is a must, she says. On the other hand, “A typical Mangalorean kuswar features a range of local delicacies such as kidiyos (kulkuls); gulios, sweet rice marbles, kokkisan, rose cookies; pathekan, banana chips; tukdi, also called diamond cuts and similar to shankarpalis; and thandhlache laadu, which are roasted rice laddus to name a few”, says Rita Dsa, a 37-year-old homemaker. </p><p>A typical Christmas lunch or dinner in a Mangalorean home is incomplete without the spicy coconut and cardamom enriched chicken curry, which is scooped off with kori rottis, thin crisp, flatbreads made from rice. "At times, we also serve up polov, a mutton curry; sannas, spongy steamed savoury rice cakes; pork bafat (at times called dukkaracha mass–pork meat), or kori rassa, chicken curry made with coconut milk and other secret spices,” Dsa adds.</p><p>“Christmas lunch at our place always consists of some chicken preparation, pork sorpotel and pulao,” says D’Souza, when asked about a Goan Christmas menu. Chicken Xacuti (sha-ku-tee), a spicy and meaty preparation; and the pork vindaloo, an ultra-hot curry that’s typically seasoned with wine, vinegar and garlic, are among the other Christmas specials.</p><h2>Tamil Nadu</h2><p>Christmas for Jesus Vivian Raja, a theology student and a native to Tamil Nadu, who is now living in Delhi, would mean helping his mother prepare sweets from scratch, decorating the house, putting up stars and setting up the crib. He reminisces, “Back in Tamil Nadu, we would prepare Mulaipari, sprouting grains placed in a basket as a symbol of prosperity; the healthy seedlings reflect the celebrations of the birth of Christ and his role in our life.” Besides, he says, Tamilians also spend the days leading up to Christmas preparing both sweet and kaaram (savoury) items, which are then distributed to others, especially the neighbouring families belonging to other faiths.</p><p>Sweets such as munthiri kothu, made from green gram and jaggery; athirasam, a deep fried sweet-snack; kalakalas (diamond-shaped biscuits similar to kulkuls) and rose cookies or achu murukku. He says, “Celebrations here continue even during New Year and on that day, we Christians prepare kalapu arisi, mixed rice which contains soaked rice sweets and grains. This mixed rice is brought to church, collected in a big vessel, blessed and distributed to all who come to the church. Christmas celebration ends with Epiphany, when all Christians come together and prepare Pongal, which is then blessed and distributed to all.</p><h2>Kerala</h2><p>For chef Thomas Zacharias, chef at The Bombay Canteen in Mumbai, Christmas has always been about spending quality time with his family. “Growing up in Kerala, we would all gather at my grandparents’ house in Kochi to celebrate together. We would spend the Christmas morning opening gifts kept under the tree – a family tradition close to my heart,” he says.</p><p>This was followed by relishing an elaborate spread cooked by his grandmother. Talking about the same, he says, “It included pork, beef, duck and potato curry, and some local vegetables. The highlight of the feast for me; however, was the roast chicken she made. Unlike the typical roast chicken, which is made in the oven, my grandmother’s version was made in a large wok. Mainly because ovens weren’t a part of the cooking culture then.” The feast ended with his grandmother’s Christmas special cake or pudding.</p><h2>Shillong, Meghalaya</h2><p>Christmas comes early in Shillong, the capital of Meghalaya, and its celebrations are a combination of traditional local delicacies, carols, and togetherness. Just like other parts of India, Christmas here means visiting friends and family to wish and share food. “Traditionally, Christmas special lunch or dinner in Shillong calls for Jadoh, which is a delightful rice dish prepared with pork or chicken fat. Earlier, it used to be made with pig or chicken blood; however, today, people stick to fat. A few other popular delicacies relished during this time are dohneiiong – a pork-based preparation made with black sesame paste and soy beans – and tungrymbai (fermented soybeans eaten with bread or roti),” says Therisia Pohlong, a Shillong-native. Ask her about desserts and Pohlong adds, “In Shillong, we’re not big on desserts. Of course, there is the Christmas cake that most make or buy, but apart from that there is nothing specially made.”</p><p>Food aside, Christmas celebrations in Meghalaya’s capital city also includes the midnight mass on its eve. Pohlong’s personal favourite is the community picnic organised by the churches post the festival. “They are all about good food, games, and festive cheer,” she shares.</p><h2>Mumbai, Maharashtra</h2><p>Days before Christmas, there’s a distinctive sweet aroma that wafts through Regina and Bernard Periera’s home, an East Indian couple living in Vasai Gaon near Mumbai. The fragrance comes from a fresh batch of sweet and savoury snacks – kulkuls, neuris (karanjis), date rolls, and more -made for kuswar.</p><p>On Christmas eve, Regina and Bernard, like most people in their community, prepare a soul-warming, traditional gavati chicken (country chicken) soup called Pintyacha soup. “Making this soup is a Christmas eve tradition among us East Indians. It’s the first thing we have once we return home after the midnight mass. It is accompanied with other treats,” explains Regina Periera, who also hosts East Indian meals with her husband via Authenticook, a platform that offers authentic social dining experiences. Post this meal, people usually leave home to attend parties in the vicinity, which go on till sunrise.</p><p>On Christmas day, she says, “Most of us wake up late after partying the night before. The day starts with sending out sweets to family and friends and continues with the elaborate lunch preparation. Traditionally, roast turkey or duck moilee is prepared for the Christmas lunch. But, at our home, since it is just me and my husband, and we can’t finish an entire turkey, we go for a moilee with pork ribs or  chicken biryani.” Evenings are generally spent watching or participating in sports and entertainment activities organised by the church.</p><h2>Kolkata, West Bengal</h2><p>Last, but not least, Kolkata is another merry city where Christmas is celebrated with much pomp and joy. Its highlights include the Kolkata Christmas Festival at Park Street, a one-of-a-kind fiesta that can easily be termed as an open-air Christmas party and the midnight mass at St Paul’s Cathedral.</p><p>Apart from that, one can’t miss homemade wines and traditional Anglo-Indian delicacies sold by community people in Bow Barracks, located in central Kolkata. What adds to the overall festive cheer is the carol/hymn singing and music in this Anglo-Indian area.</p>

Traditions borrowed from India’s various colonisers get a local flavour in Christmas celebrations across the country.

Locals have added their flavours to Christmas traditions borrowed from India’s colonisers. Here’s how India celebrates Christmas. Read Zeezest.com

How different parts of India celebrate Christmas | Zee Zest

Christmas Celebrations In India Are A Melting Pot Of Colonial-era Culture

Christmas

Festive

Culture

<p>For pet parents in India, going on a holiday has always been a reason to panic with limited resources and services to take care of their fur babies. What’s even tougher, is planning a holiday with your pets. But Mumbai-based Priyanka Jena and Tanveer Taj are leading the way with their blog Wheels & Tails, showing you how it is done. The couple has been travelling across India with their dogs Frodo and Cruise for the last seven years. In 2019, they covered over 12,000 kilometres across 21 Indian states on a roadtrip with their pooches in an SUV—the adventure is all set to be captured in a television show very soon.</p><p>While the duo had to bid adieu to Frodo recently, who succumbed to illness, they have a new pack member, Noorie, the cat. The young feline has already been on quite a few adventures since he was adopted and is itching for more. Kayaking, boating, camping, swimming, these are just some of the many adventure sports the Wheels & Tails couple has done with their pets. Therefore, we decided to speak to the pros themselves as to how they make travelling with pets look so easy and plan the next roadtrip with our fur babies. </p><figure class="media"><oembed url="https://www.instagram.com/p/CM6gFvqDxh0/"></oembed></figure><h2>When did you start travelling with your pets? </h2><p>Tanveer and I used to travel individually with Frodo and Cruise (respectively) before we became a pack. This started almost seven years ago.</p><p>Currently, we are cooped up in Mumbai due to an ongoing work project. Our next exploration with the pets is going to be Kerala. We haven't seen much of that wonderful state and wish to do so with our furry babies. We hope to go on another long-distance adventure in 2022—either to explore Northeast India or Southeast Asia. It all depends on how this pandemic shapes up and what the travel restrictions are.  </p><p>AlsoRead0</p><h2>When and how did the idea of Wheels & Tails first strike you? </h2><p>When we started travelling together, we needed a new social identity to document our adventures. Tanveer and Frodo + Priyanka and Cruise were now becoming a pack. So, we came up with the name, Wheels and Tails, to best describe us.</p><figure class="media"><oembed url="https://www.instagram.com/p/CJsc-majlIT/"></oembed></figure><h2>Tell us about your four-month long road trip across India where you covered over 12,000 kilometres in an SUV with your pets? </h2><p>Well, it was an adventure of a lifetime! We travelled across the periphery of India covering all terrains and landscapes of the country and experienced different weather conditions. It was not a rushed trip, we spent four months on the road, and the car was basically our home. The road is where we belong and feel the most at home.</p><p>The four-month long trip with our Golden Retriever and Labrador started on December 7, 2019 from Mumbai and we covered 21 states across the Northeast and the northern parts of India, and ended in our hometown where we reached finally after covering Rajasthan and Gujarat. During  the travel, we carried tonnes of food and made sure to stay in pet-friendly Airbnbs. From beaches to hills to even forests and forts, our adventures across different terrains is soon coming up on a TV show.  </p><figure class="media"><oembed url="https://www.instagram.com/p/CJIezg8Hcwr/"></oembed></figure><h2>How has travelling with pets changed since the pandemic? </h2><p>Travel in general has changed since the pandemic but for us it hasn't changed much. We’ve always been partial to remote and natural locales, homestays, camping and the least crowded places. We like being to ourselves and having the whole place to us so that our fur babies can enjoy themselves without much care. So, even during the pandemic such places are the safest. </p><p>AlsoRead1</p><h2>What are the challenges while travelling with pets? </h2><p>There is a lot to plan and consider while travelling with pets. Their needs and comfort have to be the priority and you must plan accordingly. Planning is key. Not all places are pet friendly, so, it is important to plan your destination as well as the stops along the way. Make sure you pack enough food, an extensive first aid kit, and other pet essentials. </p><figure class="media"><oembed url="https://www.instagram.com/p/CHANT51DQA9/"></oembed></figure><h2>What makes pets the best travel buddies? </h2><p>It is pure joy to watch your fur buddies enjoying themselves and having fun! If you are a pet parent, this experience cannot be expressed in words! It is just a sense of deep satisfaction. Start travelling with your pets when they are few months old. Get them to love travel and they will love being a part of all your adventures. </p><p>AlsoRead2</p><h2>Dogs or Cats, who make for better travel buddies?  </h2><p>Cats are generally difficult to travel with as compared to dogs. It is best to start them young as kittens. Practice recall training with treats. Have a bell and escape proof vest leash when they are hiking with you out in the wild. It is a lot more work but it is still worth it.</p><figure class="media"><oembed url="https://www.instagram.com/p/B-uLIeajT4Q/"></oembed></figure><hr><figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td><h3>Guide To Travelling With Pets</h3><p>1. Plan and pack according to the number of days you are going to be travelling. Have an extensive medical kit. <br>2. Carry enough food (dry/wet) for the whole journey. <br>3. Consult your vet and keep medicines for all kinds of issues such as, wounds, skin infections, stomach problems, antibiotics, etc. <br>4. Inform and keep your trusted vet on speed dial just in case you need assistance and there is no vet nearby. <br>5. For the stay, carry your pet's bed, towels and toys. Make sure your dog / cat is trained to never ruin sofas, beds, etc.  </p></td></tr></tbody></table></figure><hr><p> </p>