The Lazy Gardener's Vinayak Garg simplifies home gardening by taking on all the questions that you were too shy to ask.

Easy tips from the founder of Lazy Gardener, Vinayak Garg, on how to get started on your own home garden. For more read ZeeZest.com

How to start home garden | Zee Zest

7 Common Tips For A Flourishing Home Garden 

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

<p>COVID-19 has changed the world forever and one of the brighter things that has come out of the situation is the importance of keeping fit and healthy. Rehan Huck, Vice President-Retail, ILC Group says, "cycling has made a comeback in recent times, especially due to the COVID-19 restrictions. People have started opting for cycling in their workout regime as fitness centres were shut and it is one of the few group activities that can be done keeping social distancing norms in mind." Naresh Naik, Founder, <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.facebook.com/SundaySportsClubValsad/"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">Sunday Sports Club</span></a> has members in and around Valsad, South Gujarat says, "Sunday Sports Club strongly advocates Environment Protection considering the 13<sup>th</sup> UN SDG of Climate Action intensely and almost every member has planted a sapling.” Here are five cycling groups that can help you make the right choice.</p><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Naresh-Naik-founder-of-Sunday-Sports-Club--edited_1624375338968.jpg"><figcaption>Naresh Naik, founder of Sunday Sports Club</figcaption></figure><h2>Cyclopaths</h2><p>This is a Delhi based company that organises daily rides to destinations throughout Delhi or sometimes even longer routes. They also have smaller city rides, rides for causes and events and sponsored rides. Melvin Emmanuel, Cycling Enthusiast, <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/2055428311166197/"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">Cyclopaths</span></a> says, “even though we know that the future is all-electric, I do believe that every government must have proper cycling pathways. Cycling is making a comeback into everyone's life mainly because of the increase in pollution levels that is making them seek alternative transport and it is a good way to stay fit.” Apart from biking around Delhi visiting the monuments and historic places, Delhi to Jaipur, Delhi to Buddh International Circuit are a few trails he recommends.</p><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Cyclopaths--edited_1624375026220.jpg"></figure><h2>Jack & Hill Adventures</h2><p>In recent years, Indians have started getting a lot more adventurous. People are also more than willing to try out different things, step out of their comfort zones and pursue outdoor experiences that test their physical and mental abilities. “To do all of this and get closer to nature in an au naturel format, the bicycle is the perfect medium. Also, there is a lot of nostalgia attached to cycling. It reminds us of our childhood as most of us spent a lot of time riding a bicycle. I think it brings us closer to our youth and that is the first sentiment that gets triggered,” says Johann Daniels, Founder & Trip Leader, <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.jackandhilladventures.com/"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">Jack & Hill Adventures</span></a>. Daniels specialises in creating outdoor and adventure experiences and host mountain biking, hiking, backpacking and wildlife trails in and around the city of Mumbai. They conduct rides in Gorai, which is the hidden and partially disconnected northern coastal side of the city. </p><figure class="image image-style-align-center"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Rehan-Huck-edited_1624375357414.jpg"><figcaption>Mr Rehan Huck, Vice President-Retail</figcaption></figure><p>AlsoRead0</p><h2>BLive</h2><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.blive.co.in/"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">BLive</span></a> offers immersive local experiences powered by smart and tech-savvy electric bikes. They introduce travellers to local art and craft, architecture, food, the culture of the city and natural beauty, with the simple joy of cycling. BLive is currently available in 16 cities, across nine states in all the top tourist destinations across India. Samarth Kholkar, CEO & Co-Founder, BLive says, “the sheer joy and the will of travellers to explore a city, place or region in full, is driving a big cycling revolution in the travel space. Eco-Tourism is on the rise, with the increase in eco-conscious travellers. People are now combining exploring places with personal growth, environmental sustainability and socially responsible travel. Cycles are a big part of the trend and now gaining popularity at a tremendous pace as it brings riders closer to nature and the local life.” Apart from being easy to ride and move around in, cycles are also adaptable to all kinds of surfaces. </p><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Cycle-Groups-Kokni-Canteen_1624375428121.jpg"></figure><h2>Pink Pedals supported by Her&Now</h2><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="http://www.thepinkpedals.com/"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">Pink Pedals</span></a> was founded in 2017 and their experiences mainly cover Jaipur’s walled city, historical places and mountain trails in the Aravali mountain range. Being in Jaipur a UNESCO World Heritage City, cycles are the best way to explore the walled ramparts, the heart of the vibrant city. “The blend of heritage, culture, palaces, art and craft, cuisines make Jaipur full of great experiences. Travellers wish to visit the hidden lanes of walled city, which is the unique selling proposition of our tours, can ride in those lanes easily, look at every nook and corner and enjoy local food tasting too. The current generation wants something new and adventurous and seeing a city sitting inside a taxi is not their cup of tea,” says Pooja Vijay, Founder-Pink Pedals supported by Her&Now, an initiative that empowers women entrepreneurs, implemented by GIZ, on behalf of BMZ, Germany & in partnership with (MoSDE) & Govt of India. </p><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Pink-Pedals--edited_1624375405526.jpg"></figure><p>AlsoRead1</p><h2>Discover on Wheels (DOW)</h2><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/discoveronwheels/"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,0%);">DOW</span></a> is a cycling group of Kolkata with over 7000 members on Facebook group. Nishant Maheshwari, Founder, DOW has cycled the entire silk route of India touching the highest point on the Indo-China border at Nathula pass and has had two solo trips on his cycle from Kolkata to Darjeeling and across Rajasthan (Jaipur to Longewala). He also runs a sports management company Sportiz that provides a full range of event and race planning, production, management and consulting services. “Cycle touring to new destinations for me is an adventure, as, after every turn, it is unseen and unexplored. In Kolkata, the cyclists of our group who do weekend long-distance rides mostly hit the highway to go up to Burdwan, Durgapur and Kolkaghat. Taki, on the Indo-Bangladesh border, is also another favourite destination,” says Maheshwari. </p><figure class="image image-style-align-center"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Discover-on-Wheels--edited_1624375381749.jpg"></figure>

5 cycling groups to travel slowly and discover India from close quarters.  

Here is a list of 5 cycling groups to travel slowly and discover India from close quarters. Read ZeeZest.com for the full story. 

5 cycling groups in India for slow travel | Zee Zest

Take A Spin With These Cycling Groups Across India 

Travel

India 

Slow Living

Sustainable

Travelling in RVs and camper vans is no longer a pipe dream and if all goes well, a great way to explore India.

With the launch of Bangalore-based Luxe Camper, a whole new avenue of travel has opened up for Indians. Will there be takers? 

Caravans and RVs are the future of travel in India | Zee Zest

RVs and Road Trips: Is It The Future of Travel in India?

From the mighty Himalayas to the first sunrise in India, these are road trips that inspired auto influencers. They will inspire you too. For more stories, read ZeeZest.com

Indian Auto Influencers Share Their Most Memorable Road Trips | Zee Zest

Inspiring Journeys: Auto Influencers Share Their Most Memorable Road Trips

If you are a sucker for road trips, a relaxing Sri Lankan odyssey will blow your senses away at every curve.

Sri Lanka with its picturesque tea estates, stunning beaches, mind-blowing food and wildlife safaris is a is a must-visit destination for all travel freaks.

Road Trip through Sri Lanka - Travel - Zee Zest

Bookmark Sri Lanka for Your Next Big Road Trip 

<p>‘Acclimatisation’ is not a word you will hear on too many leisure trips. It is also why many travellers choose to visit Ladakh in the summer. Their logic is sound. Winters can be daunting even for the thick-skinned while the thin oxygen levels can test even the fittest out there. I picked the coldest month of the year to visit Ladakh, that’s because I wasn’t just seeking breath-taking landscapes for my Instagram feed. I was in pursuit of the ‘grey ghost', one of the most elusive cats in the world.</p><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Winter-landscape--at-Stakna-near-Leh--edited_1623411629820.jpg"><figcaption>©Ashwin Rajagopalan</figcaption></figure><p>The stark, snow-covered landscapes of the Sham Valley provide the perfect habitat for the enigmatic snow leopard. These exteriors were a complete contrast to the warm and cosy interiors of The Grand Dragon Hotel in Leh with its temperature-controlled wooden floors. Lee wasn't just my acclimatisation base, it was also the perfect gateway to explore some of Ladakh’s iconic monasteries that look even more dramatic in the winter. I caught up with Tsewang Namgail, the director of the Snow Leopard Conservancy India Trust at The Grand Dragon. Over a traditional Ladakhi feast that included the traditional <i>tingmo </i>bread (pronounced Timo) with mutton <i>shapta </i>– thin slices of mutton in a mildly spiced gravy – he briefed me about how his organisation has been working with locals in far-flung villages like Ulley, on its conservancy efforts. </p><p>AlsoRead0</p><h2>Deep in the valley</h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Trek-15000-ft--Ulley-edited_1623411654908.jpg"><figcaption>©Ashwin Rajagopalan</figcaption></figure><p>A three-hour drive took me to Ulley, one of Ladakh’s most remote villages – just six families live here and share a solitary satellite phone, the village’s only two-way communication window to the world. It was here at the Snow Leopard Lodge that I met Jonathan Garrigues and his mother who had flown in from France for a 10-day visit to Ulley.</p><p>As many as 90 per cent of Ulley’s visitors used to come from abroad. While many like Jonathan spend a week or more, they often go back disappointed. I had just three days; the clock had already begun to tick. The team at Snow Leopard Lodge are among the world’s best-known snow leopard spotters. They prepared me for the worst – a large percentage of guests at this barebones lodge go back without spotting the snow leopard. There’s a reason why the snow leopard is called the elusive grey ghost. It’s not easy to spot (summer sightings are almost unheard of) and inhabits the toughest terrains. </p><p>AlsoRead1</p><h2>Looking for the leopard</h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Hemis-Monastry--edited_1623411673482.jpg"><figcaption>©Ashwin Rajagopalan</figcaption></figure><p>Day one was eventful, a trek through the snow-covered valley around Ulleyin freezing temperatures (around -20 degree Celsius during the day). There was a sudden flurry of activity as we were quickly whisked away to a viewpoint. It was a sighting of a Himalayan ibex that struck the perfect pose atop a peak. While that was a special moment, I couldn’t conceal my disappointment at dinner. We had spent another day exploring the region, visiting a local home and driving through some stunning landscapes, yet with no sign of the snow leopard. We followed a couple of tips from locals, but it didn’t lead us anywhere. </p><p>As I tried to keep myself warm under a thick rug on a typical cold night where the temperature had dropped to -22 degrees, I had already begun making plans for a future visit in case we didn’t succeed on the final day. Our luck changed on day three. The spotters got wind of a Ladakh urial (an endemic and rare wild sheep that resides in the Indus and Shayok valleys in Ladakh) kill about 90 minutes away from Ulley. </p><p>AlsoRead2</p><h2>The sighting</h2><figure class="image image-style-align-center"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Ashwin-playing-wildlife-spotter-for-the-day-at-Ulley--edited_1623411693855.jpg"><figcaption>©SnowLeopard Lodge</figcaption></figure><p>I managed to keep my date with the snow leopard at Hemis Chu, a gorge off the Srinagar-Leh highway. As surreal moments go, this was right at the top of my list. A moment worth braving the thin oxygen levels, combined with the high altitude and freezing temperatures. The king of the mountains was just 800 metres away. It was one of the best sightings of the year, we were told, with the snow leopard staying for over 90 minutes. We had traversed through some of the most remote areas around Ulley and yet the snow leopard finally showed up just off a fairly busy highway. </p><p>Ladakh was full of picture-perfect moments - a pre-sunset panorama along the banks of the Indus river near Stakna, views of the famous confluence (or Sangam) where the historic Zanskar and Indus rivers meet or the imposing Thiksey monastery that is reminiscent of the Potala Palace in Lhasa. But nothing came close to the moment when I caught the first glimpse of the snow leopard. It was a mix of emotions – excitement, relief and a test of physical endurance; a moment I can’t wait to experience all over again. It’s why I might return to Ladakh in the winter. </p>

Notoriously hard to spot, the writer shares how spotting the snow leopard, also known as the 'grey ghost', is a test of endurance.

The writer goes on a winter trail in Ladakh to spot the snow leopard in its natural habitat. For more, read ZeeZest.com

A Snow Leopard Trail In Ladakh I Zee Zest

In Pursuit Of The Himalayan Snow Leopard

Ladakh

Adventure Travel

Wildlife

<p>If you have rediscovered your love of camping and caravanning recently, you’re not alone. The post-pandemic<span style="background-color:white;"> world is seeing many Indians choose road trips closer home over fancy destinations abroad. After all, </span>there’s nothing better than adventuring in a motorhome, soaking up the sunshine and falling asleep in cosy comfort after long days outdoors. </p><h2>Vacation on wheels</h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Carvaa-Travelers-inside-2_1622634114860.jpg"><figcaption>© Carvaa Travelers</figcaption></figure><p>Caravan travel <span style="background-color:white;">allows for </span>plenty of time in nature and to hit the pause button when needed. Slow travel is trending for a reason. “The best part about travelling in a caravan is a sense of freedom, which is the very essence of travel. The ability to stop and stay at any spot that offers a picturesque view, the luxury to sleep under a starry night sky and cook a fresh meal while on the move are some of the many things that make caravan travelling a wonderful preference,” says Jigyasu Joshi, co-founder, Carvaa Travelers Private Limited. The company operates two caravans with a capacity to accommodate three and five people each. </p><p>AlsoRead0</p><h3>Other companies turning van dreams into reality for travellers include:</h3><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Trippy-Wheels-El-Toro--edited_1622634068869.jpg"><figcaption>© Trippy Wheels</figcaption></figure><ol><li>Trippy Wheels, a Bengaluru-based company that provides four-seater and 10-seater vans with sleeping, cooking and storage facilities.</li><li>The camper vans of Guwahati based camping Cocan accommodate anywhere between two to six people for travel in and around Northeast and Bhutan.</li><li>Motorhome Adventures in Delhi has been providing travel enthusiasts with camper vans fitted with a small bedroom, kitchen, living space, bathroom and a terrace area on the roof.</li><li>And then there is Campervan Camps and Holidays a Bengaluru-based start-up that rents vans fitted with two bedrooms, hot/cold shower, modern toilet, smart televisions and music systems.</li></ol><p>Most caravans are equipped with everything you need for a quick escape or a longer expedition. While most of us would prefer renting a caravan, companies like Trippy Wheels and Motorhome Adventures also convert vehicles into campervans. So, for those who want to embrace the van-life, this is an attractive option.</p><p>Apart from the ease and flexibility, caravanning is also attractive for people with furry friends. “<span style="background-color:white;">I always wanted to take my pug to a beach but I live in Delhi. Travelling long distances with your pet in India is difficult. There are no specific flying guidelines in place and not many pet-friendly hotels. So caravan seemed to be an amazing option as it's like a hotel on wheels,” says digital content creator Amit Singh who travelled with his pug, Popu, for 8000 km through 10 states in a Force Traveller.</span></p><h2>Money matters</h2><p>Caravanning is an economical way to travel. No inflated air tickets, pesky luggage limits, expensive hotel bookings or fancy restaurant meals. The van is your home for the duration of the trip. <span style="background-color:white;">Rental costs vary from state to state and are dependent on the type of vehicle. </span>They usually start as low as ₹3000 a day per person. Fuel costs, state and toll taxes are to be borne by the travellers. Some companies also provide a caretaker-cum-driver for an additional cost. Those seeking luxury on wheels (think queen size beds, fully stocked bar, outdoor barbeque, imported toilets with waste incinerators, Wi-Fi, 360-degree camera, etc) should be ready to cough out ₹25000-30,000 a day for a couple. </p><p>AlsoRead1</p><h2>Challenges of caravanning</h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Challenges-of-caravanning_1622634085083.jpg"><figcaption>Amit Singh with his pug, Popu. © Amit Singh</figcaption></figure><p><span style="background-color:white;">As adventurous and romantic as it sounds, cavaran travel has its share of road bumps. </span>The biggest one is the lack of parking. “I have parked the van and slept at various places ranging from a small river bridge next to a palace in Orchha, Madhya Pradesh to temple parking in Murdeshwar to an isolated beach in Karnataka,” says Singh. <span style="background-color:white;">Most van rental companies </span>have tied up with homestays and resorts where people can park safely overnight (a boon for first-timers).<span style="background-color:white;"> But the biggest problem for Singh was dumping the grey tank that holds all the used and wastewater. “I used to do it in remote areas along highways while travelling between cities.” Safety is another concern. Most travellers advise </span>driving only in the daytime. Some camper vans are also fitted with a GPS system, circuit cameras to aid security and an SOS button in times of emergency. But it is the sense of adventure as you explore new places and the flexibility that allows passionate travellers to take a chance on a caravan.</p><h2>4 caravan trip routes to try in India</h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Where-to-go_1622634103167.jpg"><figcaption>Amit Singh and Popu on Carvaa Travelers' camper van. © Amit Singh</figcaption></figure><p>From rocky mountains to silky beaches and ravishing ruins there are numerous spots in India that are ideal for caravanning. Here are few expert recommendations:</p><ol><li>The area near Siliserh Lake in <strong>Rajasthan’s </strong>Alwar is a beautiful and isolated location for night camping. The route from Mount Abu to Udaipur is scenic and unbelievably green.</li><li>Pachmarhi in <strong>Madhya Pradesh</strong> with its walkways and waterfalls is worth exploring on your own. Paatalpaani, also in Madhya Pradesh is great for chasing waterfalls and trekking.</li><li>The most popular caravan routes in <strong>Karnataka </strong>include Hampi, Bandipur, Bheemeshwari, Kabini, Kudremukh, Kodagu, Aanejari, Sadashivgad, Gokarna, Badami and Sakrebailu.</li><li><strong>Assam </strong>is home to several scenic spots like Chandubi lake, Dipor Bil, Kulsi River and Sivakunda all less than 80 km away from Guwahati.</li></ol><figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td><h2>Tips for caravanning</h2><ol><li>Familiarise yourself with your van and take it for a test drive before your holiday.</li><li>Make sure to check the weather before you set off. It helps to pack the right clothes and avoid bad weather.</li><li>Be prepared for confined spaces and to test the strength of your relationship if travelling as a couple.</li><li>Carefully read the travel restrictions and guidelines of the state that you are travelling to.</li><li>Keep a snack box in the van containing healthy options such as fruits, nuts and energy bars.</li><li>Mechanical repairs are part of life on the road. Be prepared.</li><li>Pack a few books, magazines, cards or board games for entertainment.</li><li>Most importantly –relax. Go where the road takes you.</li></ol></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>

Hire a campervan. It allows you to maintain distance while communing with nature.

Travel without worrying about social distancing with caravans in India. They are fast becoming the popular was to explore the country. Read ZeeZest.com

How to plan for a caravan holiday | Zee Zest

Want To Plan A Vacation While Social Distancing? 

Road Trips

Caravan

India

Baker and photographer, Parth Bajaj, who flew all the way from Nagpur to shop at the market has some shopping insights for you.

Price, quality, variety, here's what you get when you shop at Gurugram's Banjara Market, read zeezest.com    

Why You Must Visit The Banjara Market In Gurugram At Least Once| Zee Zest     

Gurugram's Banjara Market Is A Treasure Trove For Pocket-Friendly Home Decor 

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

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

Travel bloggers who have raised their seven-year-old daughter across 27 destinations share their adventures. 

Here's how travelling helped these bloggers raise an adventurous, fearless, and confident kid, read zeezest.com  

Interview With Ashmi And Manan Of Traveling With A Tot| Zee Zest 

Parenting Lessons From Travels With A Tot

<p>Hindi cinema’s most iconic Mumbai imagery may be the imposing Gateway of India, the splendid Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus or, more recently, the impressive Rajiv Gandhi Sea Link between Worli and Bandra. But the city is so much more—beyond its colonial hangover, skyscrapers and slums, its traffic and trains, its vada pav on-the-go and its can-do attitude. </p><p>For those in the know, every neighbourhood has a unique character, the sum of many parts—communities, their faith, their food, their enterprise and more. It is also a result of how each area has developed over the years. What its original function was and what it is known for today. While the casual observer may not look beyond the obvious glitz or grit to recognise the way time has transformed a place, if you are a Bombayphile, as I am, you’ll soon follow the patterns and start connecting the dots.</p><p>AlsoRead0</p><p>Here are some places in Mumbai that are bound to give you grist for the ‘gram, an enriching experience and food for thought…</p><h2>Village vibe</h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Mumbai-inside-2_1624606185310.jpg"></figure><p>Mumbai isn’t just about the hustle. Or the bustle. There are several areas where time slows down and the mood is truly mellow. Take a stroll through Khotachiwadi in Girgaon. Less than half of the original 65 Portuguese-style bungalows belonging to East Indians (the indigenous Roman Christians of Mumbai and Northern Konkan) remain here today, but each step through this heritage precinct will transport you to an elegant era, where the homes were grand and the ties to the community strong. Two-storey homes filled with antiques, lived-in verandahs lined with beautiful wrought iron railings, a chapel of gratitude, a carrom club with attitude, a famous fashion designer, a neighbourhood guitarist and through it all, the appetite-arousing aromas of <i>vajri</i> curry, tongue roast or East Indian sorpotel soaked up with spongy <i>foogia </i>bread. Similarly, an exploration of other <i>gaothans</i> like the villages of Matharpacady in Mazgaon, or Ranwar, Chimbai, Shirley-Rajan, Pali, and Chuim in Bandra and a few bylanes of Orlem in Malad, all give you the tranquillity of a time gone by amid Mumbai’s mayhem.     </p><p>AlsoRead1</p><h2>Magic of the markets</h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Armchair-travel-4_1624337665112.jpg"></figure><p>Speaking of mayhem, nothing embodies the spirit of Mumbai better than its markets. Unlike the sanitised experience of a supermarket or the wet markets you visit abroad, there is nothing to beat the raw, pulsating energy of the streets given up wholly to trade. The Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Mandai (Crawford Market) may have been the city’s first covered market and the first public building in the country to have electric lights, but it is the lanes around it that are even more intriguing. A labyrinth of little lanes lined with shops, each one dedicated to a different line of products, stretching several kilometres. Lohar Chawl is all about electrical fittings, sanitary ware on Duncan Road, metalware on Kika Street, real and fake antiques in Mutton Street (part of the legendary Chor Bazaar, which we are likely to lose completely to gentrification). Jewellery and diamonds in Zaveri Bazaar, fabrics at Mangaldas Market and wedding and worship paraphernalia in Madhav Baug around the Mumbai Panjrapole (which, incidentally, is quite an interesting destination to see where the stray cows of the city are sheltered). Bhuleshwar is a treasure trove of fascinating sights, sounds and tastes—ancient temples, flower markets overflowing with fragrant marigolds, and one of the oldest <i>jalebi-fafda </i>eateries in the city. Similar markets abound across Mumbai.</p><p>AlsoRead2</p><h2>Arty heart</h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Armchair-travel-banner_1624638246376.jpg"></figure><p>While Colaba Causeway is the main tourist magnet because of its street stalls, the Kala Ghoda precinct is a wonderful way to spend a delightful afternoon. The annual arts festival brings in hordes of SLR-toting teens. But if you visit on a quieter day, you will really sense the creative pulse and the intellectual gravitas of the city here. Art galleries have thrived here from the beginning—the most famous one being the Jehangir Art Gallery, which once brought the intelligentsia together over <i>keema</i> rolls at its now-defunct café, Samovar. The Wayside Inn (where Dr BR Ambedkar sat for months at the tables with red-checkered tablecloths, writing large sections of the Indian Constitution) may not be there now but the location is a window into India’s post-Independence history. The lanes leading off from here take you to multi-storeyed art galleries, kale-centric hipster cafés and bespoke boutiques where everything handcrafted is celebrated and fast fashion is frowned upon. This was where the most elite inside the British ‘Fort’ once lived so perhaps it makes sense that the sheen of sophistication still pervades these streets.</p><p>AlsoRead3</p><h2>Divine intersection</h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Mumbai-inside-1_1624606237225.jpg"></figure><p>In a lane behind, at the periphery of what used to be the city’s posh Jewish quarter, the Keneseth Eliyahoo synagogue from 1884 that was caringly restored by the JSW Group just a couple of years ago, stands as a blue testament to Mumbai’s syncretic tradition, where religion is important but not the sole motivator. This is something you can experience in many parts of the city; such as Bandra’s Basilica of Our Lady of the Mount, where the Christian worshippers take off their footwear before going through the majestic doors with offerings of marigold garlands, much like they’d do in a Hindu temple. Or people of all faiths making a beeline for the Dargah of Pir Haji Ali Shah Bukhari or the Shri Siddhi Vinayak Ganapati Mandir at Prabhadevi to seek blessings. In other parts of the world, the Jews and Muslims may be at loggerheads, but in Mumbai, crumbling Jewish graveyards are tended by Muslim keepers and the Jewish school has many Muslim students attending it! </p><p>AlsoRead4</p><p>There are a million Mumbais. The next time you want to explore, you can choose the one that appeals to your head and heart the most. </p>

In the midst of the maddening crowd is a city waiting to be explored.

Explore lesser-known corners of Mumbai with this expert travel guide to the financial capital. For more, read ZeeZest.com

Travel Guide To Mumbai | What to do in Mumbai | Zee Zest

Mumbai: 4 Enriching Experiences To Discover In The City  

Mumbai

Shopping

Discover

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

<p>In pursuing two of the toughest adventures–scaling above 8000 metres Himalayan peaks without using supplemental oxygen and high-latitude sailing to the poles–Mike Horn, arguably the world’s greatest adventurer alive, deals with mental and physical challenges posed by cold, darkness, and isolation.</p><p>Born and educated in South Africa, and now a Swiss national, Mike Horn, at the young age of 24 decided to pursue his dreams of exploring the world. Horn's first expedition, in 1997, was a six-month solo trip to South America. His record-breaking expeditions include a circumnavigation of the equator via bike, foot, canoe and sailboat (1999-2000), a solo circumnavigation of the arctic circle sans motorised transportation (2002-2004), a human-powered trip to the North Pole (2006), crossings of the Arctic (2019) and Antarctica (2016-2017), and a two-year circumnavigation of the planet via the two poles aboard his 35-metre custom-made sailboat, Pangaea (2016-2019). </p><p>Horn has circumnavigated the earth a total of 27 times. Has scaled peaks like Gasherbrum, Broad Peak and Makalu- all 8000 metres (or above) Himalayan peaks- without supplemental oxygen. In 2020, Horn has spent time researching the effects of the pandemic on whales in Greenland and aims to make the world carbon neutral by 2050. Pitting himself against nature in the most challenging solo adventures, be it swimming the Amazon, climbing the Himalayan peaks sans supplementary oxygen or working on Hydrogen as the future source of mobility, Horn brings attention to melting ice caps, deforestation and clean energy-giving sustainability a push and working on a roadmap for a cleaner and greener world. </p><p>Closer home, Horn has associated with the ICC World Cup-winning Indian cricket team in 2011, as well as the IPL-winning Kolkata Knight Riders team in 2012 as the motivational coach. To help him achieve his goals, are like-minded brands like Panerai, that he is associated with since 2001 as an ambassador. A Mike Horn edition Panerai watch is not just a device to keep time, it’s a gadget to bring Horn back home safe, every time he sets out to conquer the world.</p><p>Here he talks about all this and more, in an interview. <i>Edited excerpts.</i> </p><h2>1. In the early part of 2020 you sailed to Greenland and Svalbard. What did you aim to achieve?</h2><p>After the outbreak of the global pandemic, it was the first time we went back to the polar region and that offered us a unique opportunity to record whale songs. The purpose was to do research on the impact of lockdown on the lives of whales as they were not being hunted during the pandemic. We had the opportunity to decode many patterns related to the behaviour of the whales, and to compare them before and after COVID-19. A whale that’s hunted is stressed, and through whale songs, we could record a stressed whale. And when there’s no hunting, you can record a whale that just swims freely.</p><p>AlsoRead0</p><h2>2. How did you get interested in high latitude sailing?</h2><figure class="image image-style-align-center"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_High-altitude-sailing--edited_1622538536451.jpg"></figure><p>It is the feeling of going someplace where nobody else has been. In 2019, my boat became the first one that got to the highest point in the polar ocean. It is this curiosity that pulls me to places that are remote. It's the risk that makes me feel alive. The tough part of high latitude sailing is that you are never sure of coming back home alive. We need to have all the knowledge, the information and take decisions to ensure the safety of the vehicle and the lives of the crew.  </p><h2>3. Describe your relationship with your second home, the custom-made 35m Pangaea.</h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Pangaea--edited_1622538557467.jpg"></figure><p>It’s my first home. In the past five years, I have spent only 32 days at home and a lot more aboard the Pangaea. When your life is an adventure, you feel most happy. You know that you have a purpose. In the ocean is where I want to be. I do not care about having many things, I care about having a life that is lived to the fullest.</p><p>AlsoRead1</p><h2>4. You have successfully scaled 8000 metre Himalayan peaks—Gasherbrum 1 and 2, Broad peak, Makalu without supplementary oxygen. What happened to your K2 expedition?</h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Summit-edited_1622538565957.jpg"></figure><p>In 2019, when we attempted to summit the K2 we returned at the bottleneck. You have got just seven per cent of oxygen in the death zone above an altitude of 7500 metres, and you can stay alive for 24 hours only. The day we attempted the summit the weather was perfect and we thought we would make it. Then the wind picked up at 8000 metres and the jet stream lowered and started hitting the upper parts of the peaks. We started freezing much quicker. The blood circulation slowed down as we didn’t have enough oxygen in our blood. The moment we went into the bottleneck there was an accumulation of snow that we knew would create an avalanche, it became unsafe and we decided to turn back. It was my greatest disappointment. The mountain will be there but I have only one life; the moment I can turn back is the moment I can try again. I would love to go back, but at the end of the day, it is nature that decides I have to just follow.</p><h2>5. You have a long standing partner in Panerai for almost two decades now. How has the relationship evolved?</h2><p>My association with Panerai started in 2001. They have made five limited edition Mike Horn watches so far and have also launched the 30-piece limited edition Submersible eLAB-ID at the Watches and Wonders in April 2021- made of 98.6 percent recycled material. Last year, they could create only five of the EcoPangaea Tourbillon GMT 50 mm made from the stainless steel drive shaft of my boat. My favourite timepiece from Panerai is the first one that Johann Rupert, Chairman, Richemont Group, gave me when I won the Laureus Award in Monaco in 2001. He took off his special edition Laureus watch from his wrist and put it around mine and said that from now on  you will only wear a Panerai watch. It has been 21 years since that moment and these watches have helped me navigate and come back home safely.  </p><h2>6. You were born in Johannesburg and now live in Switzerland. Tell me one South African and one Swiss thing about you.</h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Lausanne%2Cswitzerland--edited_1622538574617.jpg"></figure><p>I love the South African wilderness. Like in India, you need to be aware of what is happening around you and have ideas to find solutions. Switzerland is the opposite of that. There is structure, discipline, planning, and precision in everything we do. Switzerland is clean and there is no unemployment. This combination has made me the best version of the explorer that I am today.</p><p>AlsoRead2</p><h2>7. Tell us what invokes each of these emotions in you? </h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_last-point--edited_1622538582448.jpg"></figure><p><strong>Happiness </strong>- Coming back home alive.</p><p><strong>Sadness </strong>- When I don't meet my expectations.</p><p><strong>Disgust </strong>- When people do not keep their word.</p><p><strong>Fear </strong>- My home, where I live.</p><p><strong>Surprise </strong>– Goes with knowledge. You can surprise when you have the knowledge to make the right decision.</p><p><strong>Anger </strong>- Count to ten and then decide what you want to do.</p>

On World Environment Day, the adventure-explorer who dreams of a carbon-neutral world by 2050, talks about his relationship with nature and more.

Notable adventure-explorer who dreams of a carbon-neutral world by 2050, talks about his relationship with nature. For more, read ZeeZest.com

Interview with adventure-explorer Mike Horn | Zee Zest

Amazon To The Artic with Mike Horn 

Adventure

Interview

Trekking

Sailing

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

A look back at the history of India’s railways and why they’re to thank for the popularity tea enjoys today.

The Indian railways was a chief reason why milky sweet Indian tea became so popular across the country. Read Zeezest.com 

How Indian Railways made tea the most popular beverage | Zee Zest

How The Great Indian Railways Played A Role In Globalising Tea

Find out how a baba came to assist the construction of several tunnels for the Indian Railways.

Haunted tunnels and abandoned stations, the Indian Railways folklore is replete with interesting stories. Read Zeezest.com

Stories Of Haunted Tunnels And Abandoned Stations Of The Great Indian Railways

<p>On June 26, 2021, Indian Railways' Central Railway zone restored the services of the Deccan Express Special train, running between Mumbai and Pune. The authorities have equipped the Mumbai-Pune-Mumbai Deccan Express train with a 44-seater Vistadome, a state-of-the-art, air-conditioned luxury rail coach with large windows, a glass roof and rotatable and pushback seats, for an improved passenger experience along Maharashtra’s scenic Western Ghats especially in the monsoon for the very first time. </p><p>“Passengers can enjoy unhindered views of rivers, valleys, waterfalls while experiencing the scenic beauty of the Western Ghats,” read a part of railway minister Piyush Goyal’s tweet. It was accompanied by photos of passengers from the inaugural run showcasing people capturing the rain-soaked greenery of the Western ghats making it a thrilling journey. </p><p>AlsoRead2</p><h2>All about the Vistadome coach experience </h2><p>Among the 44 people who were part of the inaugural run was 26-year-old product developer Ashish Sharma from Kalyan, Mumbai. A rail enthusiast, Ashish had bookmarked the date for the first run of the Deccan Express with the special coach ever since it was announced, a few weeks ago. So, when the bookings for the Vistadome opened on the IRCTC (Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation) website on June 25, 2021, at 8 am, he was quick to book a seat for himself on the Mumbai to Pune train. “In the recent few years, I have never missed an inaugural run of a train, if it is starting from the Central Railways zone,” he informs Zee Zest. </p><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Vistadome-inside-1_1625061380619.jpg"></figure><p>Ashish describes the Mumbai-Pune Deccan Express journey as an adventure. “I hopped in the train from Kalyan, and completed the journey till Pune. The rail route covers the beautiful landscape between Karjat to Lonavala – which comes to life during the monsoon - views so spectacular that they leave you spellbound. Both adults and children were either glued to their seats or standing at the big glass observation window at one end”, he elaborates. The Matheran Hill near Neral, Songir Hill near Palasdhari, Ulhas River and valley, and the areas of Khandala and Lonavala, are a few of the natural wonders that are seen along this route. He adds, “The wide glass windows on the Pune to Mumbai train give you an almost 360-degree view of the scenery.” </p><figure class="media"><oembed url="https://twitter.com/ashishsharma821/status/1408822691763605506"></oembed></figure><p>Ask him whether COVID-19 precautions were followed during the journey, and he promptly says, “Yes, they were. While people were excited to witness the landscapes and take pictures and videos to share on social media, everyone kept their masks on. Even if the mask did come down, it would just be for a quick photo op.” </p><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Vistadome-inside-2_1625061393955.jpg"></figure><p>A one-way journey from Kalyan to Pune cost Ashish INR 780, which is high compared to the usual rates of railway services in India, especially for a route that is 100 to120 km long. But he says, it's worth it if you're planning it as a one-time thing. </p><p>AlsoRead1</p><h2>Vistadome coaches across India </h2><p>This Pune to Mumbai train is Maharashtra’s second Vistadome coach service, and the first was on the Mumbai-Madgaon Jan Shatabdi Special Train. Around the country, this luxury coach attached to the Mumbai-Pune Deccan Express is India’s 14th Vistadome. </p><p>Indian Railways has Vistadome coaches on select tourist and scenic rail routes, and they are aimed at creating an indulgent sightseeing experience for the passengers. These include Matheran Hill Railway, Nilgiris Mountain Railways, Araku Valley, Kashmir Valley, Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, Kalka Shimla Railway, and Kangra Valley Railway. </p><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Vistadome-inside_1625061423979.jpg"><figcaption>Image used for representational purpose only</figcaption></figure><p>AlsoRead0</p><h2>How to book a ticket on the Vistadome coach of Mumbai-Pune Deccan Express? </h2><p>As per the Central Railway press statement, the Mumbai-Pune Deccan Express will be running daily between Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) and Pune Junction. Only passengers with a confirmed ticket for the Vistadome will be allowed in this special coach and will have to follow all norms, SOPs related to COVID-19 throughout the journey and at the stations.  </p><p>It will leave from CSMT at 7 am and reach Pune on the same day at 11.05 am. The same train will leave Pune at 3.15 pm and reach CSMT at 7.05 pm on the same day. The train halts at Dadar, Thane, Kalyan, Neral (for Mumbai to Pune journey only), Lonavala, Talegaon, Khadki and Shivaji Nagar. <br>You can book a seat on the Vistadome coach via <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.irctc.co.in/nget/train-search">the IRCTC website</a> or at any passenger reservation system (PRS) centre. </p>

Indian Railways has launched a special luxury coach named Vistadome on the Mumbai-Pune Deccan Express. 

The Mumbai-Pune Deccan Express of Indian Railways got its first-ever Vistadome, a state-of-the-art coach with large windows, a glass roof and rotatable and pushback seats. Read more on ZeeZest.com.

Indian railways launches Vistadome coach on Mumbai Pune Deccan Express

Enjoy The Beauty Of The Western Ghats From The Vistadome Rail Coach 

Pune

Maharashtra

Mast Maharashtra

Indian Railways

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

The Himalayan nation packs a punch when it comes to sightseeing and activities. 

From adventure sports to eating local delicacies, top 10 experiences in Nepal that you must try in your next trip to the mountain country. Read ZeeZest.com

Top 10 things to do in Nepal - Travel activities in Nepal - Zee Zest

10 Unforgettable Experiences Nepal Has To Offer 

<p>Meet 25-year-old mountaineer, Harshvardhan Joshi, who successfully climbed Mount Everest, despite contracting COVID-19 on the way. Not only did he go carbon neutral on his expedition, but also distributed some solar panels enroute to promote sustainability.</p><p>Adventurous in the most unexpected way is how Joshi describes the entire experience. "I tested positive for COVID-19 just before the summit push, that too at a place where there was lack of oxygen, the body was under stress, there was no medical backup, no communication, and as the helicopter couldn't fly high upon the mountain, getting a rescue service was also not possible."</p><p>To add to this, the route was longer and more dangerous, thanks to the effects of climate change. Not to mention the multiple cyclones that made it difficult to get the weather window required for a safe climb.  </p><h2>Climbing Everest in the COVID recovery phase</h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Harshwardhan--inside-1_1624359932879.jpg"></figure><p>On May 8, when Joshi was at the base camp and was just about to leave for his final summit push, he contracted the virus, and decided to delay the climb for 11 days. He was in fact, planning to climb the neighbouring peak, Lhotse, but seeing many scale Everest, he decided to prioritise it, despite the lack of a good weather window. And, on May 23 at 6.40 am, he reached the summit. "Lhotse is much safer because its direction is such that the climb is not affected by the wind as much as it is while climbing Everest. But I am glad that I went to Everest, as it was the priority, and a much bigger investment."  </p><p>Speaking of managing a climb like this, especially in the COVID recovery phase, Joshi says, "Fortunately, because I had taken both shots of the Covishield vaccine, I was asymptomatic. I took the jab in February and March, and got COVID in May. Yes, there were acclimatisation and oxygen-related issues, but they were the least of my concerns because COVID was a bigger problem."</p><p>Although, there was enough oxygen and Joshi had done his acclimatisation rotations earlier,  the gap of 20 days caused by the virus between his last rotation and the summit push was his biggest fear. However, thanks to his healthy routine, his body coped well. "I am young and light-weight, I ate and slept a lot, drank lots of water, so I didn’t really face any issues. There was mental stress, but no physical issues."</p><h2>Passion with sustainability</h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_IMG_5431_1624359968916.jpg"></figure><p>An IT engineer, Joshi always wanted to climb Everest with a cause he can relate to, and his annual stays in Ladakh where the effects of climate change can be witnessed firsthand, made him pick sustainability.  </p><p>"Renewable and solar energy can solve a lot of issues because electricity is a big problem in remote places, especially in the Himalayas. Wherever people don’t have electricity, they lose 12 hours a day. So, I thought this can solve problems not just related to climate change but also on the socio-economic front. It can generate employment, whereas, lack of electricity can deprive people of education and healthcare,” he explains, adding that while grid electricity requires 10 to 20 grids, solar can be accessed by everyone.</p><p>Joshi, who later became the youth ambassador for Project Chirag, an initiative by NGO Chirag Rural Development Foundation, that has electrified over 18,000 houses in India, credits them for helping him raise funds for his campaign, Sangharsh. "The idea behind going solar on Everest as a part of this campaign was to convey that if we can stay solar for two months and can create a carbon offset then imagine what you can do by making sustainable, mindful choices in an urban environment like Mumbai."  </p><p>AlsoRead0</p><p>Not only did he crowdfund his campaign but invested his savings and even took some loans. "It was all worth it and a great learning experience."</p><p>While this time he managed to donate four to five solar panels in the Everest region, by July or August, he plans to execute the project of electrifying some remote villages in Nepal.  </p><p>Moreover, the locals he says were keen on discussing sustainable ideas, as they also want to give up conventional sources of fuel. "They burn a lot of yak dung for room heating even during summers. So, they want us to help them innovate solar sustainable solutions that don’t require fossil fuel, kerosene, and can run the electricity and communication lines in their area."</p><h2>Sustainability and the self</h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Harshwardhan--inside-3_1624359999406.jpg"></figure><p>Joshi believes that while awareness about sustainability is increasing there a still a long way to go. "People think places like Everest are full of mountain trash, which is not true. They don’t realise that if we are unable to keep cities like Mumbai clean, then how can you expect a place like Everest to stay clean. Bringing down trash from there is a difficult and expensive process, and takes years of effort."</p><p>In order to take the first step towards sustainability, he suggests going solar. "Although, it is a big investment today, in over 10 years you save a lot of money. Installing even one kilowatt system is equivalent to planting trees in over a 9,000 square-feet area every year."  </p><p>AlsoRead1</p><p>"It's good that all the big companies now include sustainability in their portfolio, at least for the sake of brand image and some are also recycling. But they still need to scrap plastic waste completely," he adds.</p><p>Other than his recent Everest mission, Joshi tries to take small steps towards a sustainable lifestyle, such as, avoiding single-use plastic, not buying too many clothes, commuting via public transport or bicycle, instead of a personal car, planting trees at his Mumbai home, composting and not littering. Next, he plans to go to Manaslu in October, and is writing a book about this journey. </p><h2>Tips to keep the mountains clean </h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Harshwardhan--inside-5_1624360017039.jpg"></figure><ol><li>Get your trash down.</li><li>Leave the place better than you found it earlier.</li><li>Understand that non-biodegradable things aren't supposed to be left behind.</li><li>Be as minimalist as possible.</li></ol><h2>Tips for climbers aspiring for the Everest</h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Harshwardhan--inside-4_1624360034462.jpg"></figure><ol><li>Don’t go under prepared. "Lots of people come under prepared and Indians are the pioneer in that. They literally go there on a suicide mission. Fortunately, this was the first year in a few decades when none of the Indian climbers died. But I saw that many were  close to dying, but refused to turn around even if they knew they were going to die, and were also reminded that they are not prepared. They don't listen, and don’t even come with the right gear, some are slow and end up putting others at risk."</li><li>Go with experience and knowledge, and have a scientific approach towards climbing a mountain, as just a mountaineering course is not enough.</li><li>Prepare yourself both physically as well as mentally, and do it patiently over years. Make it a long-term goal and work towards it.</li><li>Instead of looking for shortcuts enjoy the journey. Although it comes with some suffering, it offers a much greater learning experience.</li><li>Sort your finances, and once you take the decision to climb, stay consistent and true to it.</li></ol>

The 25-year-old mountaineer in a rare carbon neutral climb conquered the world's highest peak, all in his COVID recovery phase.  


Mountaineer Harshvardhan Joshi climbs Everest to promote sustainability, read zeezest.com   

Interview with Mountaineer Harshvardhan Joshi| Zee Zest 

Harshvardhan Joshi Scales Mt Everest To Promote Sustainability  

Mountain

Sustainability

Solar

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>Meet travel bloggers, Ashmi and Manan Mistry aka <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.instagram.com/traveling.with.a.tot/"><span style="color:hsl(0,0%,30%);"><u>Traveling With A Tot</u></span></a>, who are raising their seven-year-old daughter Zaha, away from urban lifestyle and tucked into farms, mountains and faraway beaches. And, as a result, at such a tender age, her list of adventures already includes, a 24-kilometre Raj Gundha trek from Billing, Jalori Pass in Shoja, the 10-kilometre Serolsar Lake trek, which is a snow trek, and more. The Duke's Nose trek in Lonavala was her first trek at the age of four. Away from modern parks and play areas, Zaha has already tried a bucket list of adventures such as paragliding, surfing, kayaking, and stand-up paddling.</p><p>"Travel is the best teacher, as it offers true experiential learning. Travel has made Zaha more humble, curious, creative, fearless, tolerant, adventurous, social, adaptive, open to learning new things, and more loving towards nature and wildlife; without stealing her innocence," say the parents, further adding that thanks to travel, along with their kid, they have also grown.</p><h2>Born to travel</h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Traveling-with-a-tot-inside-image_1623303365223.jpg"></figure><p>Shunning stereotypes of life post marriage and kids; this couple made sure to never give up their passion. Moreover, when Zaha was just four months old, they introduced her to the sea in Goa, at five months, she was soon aboard a red-eye flight to Bangkok followed by an overnight bus to Chumphon to take a long ferry ride to Koh Tao, and, embarked on multiple road trips lasting 12 to 15 hours. They went from Mumbai to Hampi, Mumbai to Goa, Delhi to Himachal Pradesh, and on a 15-hour long nonstop flight from Mumbai to New York.  </p><p>"All this has only made Zaha the easiest kid to travel with. She is the kind of person who gets excited on seeing the plane take off and recognises a lot of marine life," the parents add.</p><h2>Opening up to fauna in Mulshi</h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Feeding-Chickens--edited_1623234303052.jpg"></figure><p>As the pandemic halted their plans to move to Bali, Indonesia, and to admit Zaha in The Green School there, they decided to take her out of Mumbai. They didn't want her to grow up in an environment full of restrictions on stepping out and playing. However, as travel was banned and no international flights were operating, they decided to take a road trip to a nearby farm in Mulshi that lies en-route Pune, from Lonavala, in Aherwadi village.</p><p>"It was a basic little eco-house and we all had chores including farming. We also witnessed the whole rice cycle because we went when the monsoon had just begun and stayed till Dussehra when we could harvest the produce. We worked in the fields with the villagers who even invited us to their homes on festivals. It was a beautiful mask-free life as we were running free and wild and getting all sorts of different experiences. In fact, Zaha's openness to wild creatures went up to the next level, so much so that she started holding frogs and crabs, in her hands, and didn't cringe even at the sight of a snake," the parents further inform.</p><p>AlsoRead0</p><h2>Communal upbringing in Bir</h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Traveling-with-a-tot-banner-1_1623232892781.jpg"></figure><p>Following the success of this trip, they decided to go to Bir in Himachal Pradesh, and stayed there as locals. "We continued exploring a little bit of Himachal, which is where we paraglided, and got a chance to experience community living. We spent two months at the Deer Park Institute in Bir with about 50 people from different walks of life and realised that it truly takes a village to raise a child,” say Ashmi and Manan, further adding that, Zaha was very friendly with people, and everyone had something different to offer and teach her. She learnt how to engage with people and talk to them, which boosted her confidence. She even made Christmas gifts for everyone and planned our anniversary celebrations with the help of other people. It was great to see her social skills enhance.</p><p>"Such travels have helped her learn lot of new things, including local languages, local cultural activities, skills like gardening and farming, adventure activities like paragliding, trekking, surfing, kayaking, and stand-up paddling and swimming in the rivers and the sea," they add.</p><h2>Schooling on the move</h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Painting--edited_1623234314217.jpg"></figure><p>Eco-conscious, slow, and light travellers, Ashmi and Manan both believe in exposing their kid to nature as much as possible, and also adhere to the no screens and no gadgets policy in her early years. They make sure to keep their environment clean while on the move by collecting plastic bottles and other non-decomposing trash in a bag, and also avoid littering and buying unnecessary edibles. This helps Zaha learn about how to keep the environment safe.</p><p>As far as her actual studies are concerned, both her parents have managed to homeschool her with the help of the study material provided by her school in Mumbai, that doesn't conduct online classes for kids her age. "On her trips so far, she has managed to make friends from different age groups ranging from as young as three months to as old as 70 years."</p><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Tree-Hugger--edited%20%281%29_1623234625552.jpg"></figure><h2>Safety measures they take </h2><ol><li>Carry a medicine kit with essential medication.</li><li>Weather appropriate clothing such as a winter jacket, a raincoat or a tiny lifejacket for kayaking along with the right functional footwear.</li><li>Local buys as per demand, such as, a pair of warm pants in Himachal.</li><li>In the given COVID times, a mask for when visiting a crowded market or taking flights, trains, buses or a taxi.</li></ol><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Pop-up--edited_1623239423788.jpg"></figure><h2>Other trips and learnings</h2><ol><li>A stay at environmental activist Raju Bharti's guest house in Tirthan valley in Himachal's Kullu district, where Zaha got to hear lots of interesting stories from the host.</li><li>A volunteer trip to the surfing ashram in Mangaluru's Mulki village where she made a lot of friends, observed and learnt the hula hoop, how to get on to a kayak, and how to stand up on a paddle board. "Although, she was a little daunted at first with surfing because she is petite, but we didn’t push her too much because we wanted it to come to her naturally."</li><li>A 10-day stay in Coorg with a small family in a huge estate, which once again allowed her more animal interaction. "She would feed the hens with her own hands, without getting scared."</li></ol><p>AlsoRead1</p><p>"All this has made her an interesting individual, and in a year's span we have seen remarkable growth in her, not just academically but also as a person who can endure different weather conditions, be it the roof tearing monsoons in Mulshi, extremely cold winters in Himachal or the scorching summers in the South; without a single complaint," Ashmi and Manan conclude.</p>

Parenting

Blogger

Nature

If you consume responsibly, you don’t need to eliminate fish from your diet.

These are the most popular fish variety in India and have many health benefits. Know how to eat fish responsibly, read more on Zeezest.com

4 popular Indian fish and their health benefits | Zee Zest

Oh Fish! How Not To Eat Up The Ocean

<p>There is a sense of peace and serenity as you float weightlessly in the deep sea and, at the same time, an adventure to swim alongside hammerhead sharks and manta rays, weaving in and out of corals in myriad hues. Sumer Verma's romance with the sea started in 1997 in Lakshadweep. "For a city dweller and a nature lover a beautiful place like Lakshadweep, where the water is pristine with small beaches,  was paradise,” he says of his first-ever diving experience. It was enough for him to change gears and take it up as a career. “Three years later I became a diving instructor,” says Verma, who is the managing partner at Lacadives, India’s first dive school based in The Andamans.</p><p>With more than 9000 dives under his belt, Verma has travelled to the remotest corners of the world, including the UNESCO World Heritage site of Galapagos Islands, to experience the beauty in the depths of an ocean. He is not just a prolific diver but also an award-winning underwater photographer and documentary filmmaker. He specialises in underwater photography and is considered one of the foremost lensmen in the country. His skills as the Canon EOS Cinema Ambassador (The Canon EOS Ambassador Program brings together industry experts across various genres like wildlife, wedding, fashion, filmmakers, and these award-winning professional photographers offer first-hand user knowledge encouraging the community to adapt and support the art forms.) are such that even fashion magazines vie for him. </p><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Sumer%20Verma_1623215814077.jpg"></figure><p>Ask Sumer Verma about underwater photography and, he says, “Underwater photography is very technical and needs a lot of work. No RAW image is ready for showing as is, a lot of processing is required. The understanding of light, tonality, colour and temperature is important, all of it has to be just right.” He has dived into the deepest and most unexplored corners of the world. </p><p>We quiz Verma about his favourite scuba dive sites around the world, tips on underwater photography and the right equipment to capture the wondrous ocean. </p><p><i>Edited excerpts. </i></p><h2>1. Which is the bigger passion of the two: photography or scuba diving? </h2><p>It has to be scuba diving because everything else was born because of it. Of course, I like photography, but I am very passionate about underwater photography. And I wanted to capture what I saw and experienced around me. </p><p>AlsoRead0</p><h2>2. How did your journey as a photographer begin?</h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Sumer%20Varma-4_1623215579997.jpg"></figure><p>When I started diving, there was no camera for the first year. I was learning the ropes of diving myself. But much before I became an instructor, my interest in underwater photography had begun. The waters in Lakshadweep are so clear and everything about photography inside the water appealed to me whether it was the light, the abundance of marine life, or the motion of the water itself. </p><h2>3. What are some of the qualities one needs to become an underwater photographer?</h2><p>Obviously, it is a challenging job, taking pictures underwater requires training and you have to keep a lot of technical aspects in mind. There are a few key rules you must follow. You need to understand what the water is like and how to manage it. More the distance between you and the subject, there will be more water columns and it will result in washed-out images. You need to understand the movement of the marine life; you must observe them and then gauge their movement so that you get the perfect shot. At the end of the day, it is all about diving technique and how calm and confident you are in the water. </p><figure class="image image-style-align-center"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Sumer%20Verma%206_1623216225965.jpg"></figure><h2>4. What is it about underwater photography that captivates you?</h2><p>Your body is almost weightless, floating around, you are breathing slowly and your mind goes very quiet, that in itself is very meditative. For me, one of the reasons to take up underwater photography was the curiosity about how light penetrates the water at those depths. The light is angular, almost spectral; it is all very hypnotic. One has to remember that the ocean is pure and vast, and when you dive in, there is a sense of oneness with the surroundings. I always want to capture that experience.</p><p>AlsoRead1</p><h2>5. Can you share the experience of shooting Rajan, the swimming elephant?</h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Sumer%20Varma-1_1623215493535.jpg"></figure><p>It was a unique opportunity for me. I had never interacted with the elephant before and I was brought on for the Incredible India campaign, for a still and video shoot. According to the plan, they wanted a particular shot with the elephant and a snorkeler, who was cast specifically for the shoot.</p><p>I was very fascinated with watching Rajan in the water. It was incredible to see how his legs were moving, his body was floating and how his trunk would go above water to take in the fresh air as he swam. He was a surprisingly fast swimmer and to be honest it was an effort to keep up with him. I always had to be careful not to go too close to him, because you don’t know how he would react. But I had this sense that he was calm and fully occupied with swimming, so, I went a little closer, swimming with him, side by side. It was a very absorbing experience and that is when I took a couple of shots of him, those have now become famous. I knew it was a once in a lifetime opportunity. One of Rajan’s photos now hangs in my room as well.</p><h2>6. How different is underwater photography equipment from cameras used on the ground?</h2><p>Surprisingly, we use the normal regular cameras underwater as well. Currently, I am using the Canon EOS-1D X Mark II for photography and ocean videography and the Canon EOS C300 Mark II Cinema camera for cinema shoots. There is specialised housing that is created to take the camera underwater. </p><p>There is a big dome-shaped glass in the front of the housing that helps manage the refraction of light in the water. The dome also acts as an extension to the lens depending on the lens, a wide-angle, macro or telephoto lens. Essentially it is still just a camera lens and flash, but it is more precise and accurate.</p><figure class="image image-style-align-center"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Sumer%20Verma%207_1623215629852.jpg"></figure><h2>7. Has the charm of photography been lost with the proliferation of smartphones? </h2><p>Not really. Everyone is welcome to be a photographer, but they’ll be amateur photographers. Not everyone can be a professional photographer because that takes an understanding of lenses, lighting, frame and balance. It is all in the eye and aesthetic, whether it is a DSLR or a smartphone camera. Photography is about capturing the moment and the way light falls on a subject and how you see that subject.</p><p>If technology is letting people take more photographs it is great, because they can now enjoy better quality images. But it doesn’t disturb the balance of fine art photography and creative photography. Those who are talented will always shine brighter irrespective of the situation and clutter.</p><p>AlsoRead2</p><h2>8. Can you share your top 5 places to go Scuba diving in the world? </h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Sumer%20Varma-3_1623215553639.jpg"></figure><ol><li><strong>Lakshadweep –</strong> I spent the first 10 odd years of my underwater life here. It was my learning ground.</li><li><strong>The Andamans –</strong> It is where I have been for the last 10 years and it has been an important part of my professional career. These places may not be the most spectacular diving locales, but they have clear water and abundant marine life.</li><li><strong>The Galapagos Islands –</strong> I was lucky to go to the Galapagos Islands not once but twice. The islands are located on the east coast of Ecuador in the Pacific Ocean. The highlight for me was seeing the most majestic shiver of hammerhead sharks swimming in the cool water, the first time I went underwater. It was totally awe-inspiring and a crazy moment.</li><li><strong>Raja Ampat, Indonesia –</strong> It is one of the last places in the world where the coral reefs are healthy and alive. Raja Ampat is on the eastern tip of Indonesia in a remote corner. In contrast with the Galapagos, the water at Raja Ampat is warm and clear. There are magnificent coral reefs and due to that many fish species. There are several types of hard corals and many species of soft corals. It is an underwater photographer’s dream.</li><li><strong>Red Sea, Egypt –</strong> I really enjoyed diving in Egypt. Again, the water was very clear and home to ancient-looking hard corals. The marine life is depleted due to fishing in the area but there are World War II shipwrecks.</li></ol><p>AlsoRead3</p><figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td><h2>Sumer Verma’s tips for a beginner scuba diver</h2><ol><li>Find a good operator, don’t go for the cheapest option.</li><li>Respect the ocean.</li><li>There is no excuse for incompetence underwater at the cost of marine life.</li><li>You need to be patient.</li></ol></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>

With 9000 dives under his belt, Sumer Verma, shares his passion for the deep sea.

Managing partner of Lacadives and Canon EOS ambassador, Sumer Verma, shares what it takes to be an underwater photographer on World Oceans Day.