Give me a chance to reveal to you the main two thoughts I have in the wake of returning from Kasol – Tosh – Kheerganga trek was not clicking numerous photos and returning. The plan of going to Kasol on a solo trip was an unexpected plan on 11th June 2018. I quickly reserved the tickets from ISBT Kashmiri Gate to Manikaran through the Himachal roadways website. The transport was Himgaurav 2*2 AC with the departure time of 20:26 costs around INR 1200. The bus was fine however very less comfortable contrasted with Volvo or Scania busses that cost around INR1600 till Bhuntar (30km before Kasol). I would propose to go till Bhuntar through Volvo or Scania transport and hire the common taxi from Bhuntar to Kasol. The taxi (Tata Sumo – 8 individuals) will cost you around INR1200-1500. The journey from Delhi to Kasol would be near 15 hours. Since the greater part of the journey through bus will be in the night, one won't feel tired subsequent to coming to Kasol. The minute one gets up toward the beginning of the day, the mountains will invite you with astounding views and stream close by.

Kasol

Get down from the bus/cab at Kasol Market. Busses usually drop you at Kasol around 12 early afternoons. Wander around and get spruce up in some cafes in the market for a couple of hours. I propose not to stay in Kasol rather trek to Choj village, or stroll out toward Manikaran till Choj Bridge. You will get an ample amount of Hostels and Hotels with private rooms, dorms, and tents at truly sensible rates. There are plenty of inns in Choj, for example, Highland, Nomad, Hosteller, Shanti Café and many more. One can party throughout the night with boisterous music or one can join parties in close by hostels as well. Remain in Choj for 2 to 4 days depending on your calendar. One can trek till Manikaran and take blessing in the gurudwara. One can unwind in the natural hot water spring too. Having the langar cooked in hot water spring is completely prescribed. Appreciate the cafes and shop in Kasol in the evening till late at night. Get a few beverages and chill around the Kasol market connect toward Chalal trek. Simply sit by the Parvati Valley and appreciate the occasion. Appreciate the straightforward trek toward Chalal Village of 30 minutes and appreciate the time in Sim Sin Café in Chalal with a Pitbull to go with you in the event that you are a solo traveler.

Tosh

Tosh is an exceptionally small town around 20 km from Kasol. Not many individuals know about this excellent town. There are two different ways to reach Tosh from Kasol. Either take a bus from Kasol till Barshaini and after that take a local cab to Tosh or take a local cab from Kasol to Tosh that costs around INR1200. Walk for around 10 min and settle in Boom Shiva Café or Pinki Didi cafe for valuing the excellence of the Tosh town with 360 degrees view. Simply set the extravagances aside and one can have every one of the necessities to remain comfortable. One can't complain about not having extravagances when one can appreciate the astonishing view throughout the day and stargaze in the night on the off chance that you are fortunate with a clear sky. Trek to adjacent regions for 2-3 hours to the different waterfall as an arrangement of Kheerganga Trek.

Kheerganga

Kheerganga trek begins from Barshaini and is around 12km long. Depending on the individual, one can finish the trek in 3 hours and one may achieve the top in 6-7 hours. I propose in the event that you are in huge gatherings, make a little gathering of 2-3 individuals and trek together. Some will trek quicker and some will take more breaks and appreciate the delightful views. There are 3 routes to reach Kheerganga. One is the Jungle trek which isn't intense and another route is through the village. Both of these routes are of the same distance. One can achieve top of Kheerganga from the Jungle course and come back from the Village course. Another route is trek straightforwardly from Tosh which joins the Jungle course in the middle. Very few individuals know about the trekking course from Tosh and the dominant part of the trekkers begin their trek from Barshaini.

Try not to about the stay in Kheerganga. One can reach the top and book camps effectively. There are many campgrounds at entirely reasonable rates. One should begin the trek in the early morning as its hard to trek during downpours. Reach the highest point of Kheerganga and book the camps according to your necessities and freshen up in the hot water spring to loosen up your body. In the event that you have your very own tent, I propose not to set up your tent at some far area. Set up your tent close to other campgrounds and enjoy with different explorers in the night around the blaze. Try not to miss the sunrise in the morning on the off chance that you are fortunate enough with clear skies.

For more travel stories and to connect with the places I travel, Follow me on Instagram at akshat_bnsl

Laos is a Southeast Asian country traversed by the Mekong River and known for its mountainous terrain. Luang Prabang is the former capital of Laos which is home to Sacred Buddhist monasteries, French Colonial architecture and dramatic sunsets over lush surroundings. Here are 10 things one can enjoy exploring Luang Prabang.

#1 Mount Phousi

Mount Phousi is a 150m tall hill (over 300 stairs to get to the top!) in the centre of the old town of Luang Prabang. At the top, you are treated to a 360-degree view of the town and the golden pagodas. It's the perfect place to watch the sun rise and set over the Mekong River.

Open hours: 5:30 AM – 6:00 PM

Location: Center of the old town

Cost: 20,000kip

#2 Tad Sae waterfalls

You could check any website or any guidebooks, and they all suggest the beautiful Kuang Si waterfall as a must see place. While that is gorgeous, wander through another waterfall namely ‘Tad Sae’ for two simple reasons, Less crowded and the possibility of a hike.

Open hours: 8:00 AM – 5:30 PM

Location: about 20kms outside Luang Prabang

Cost: 50,000kip

#3 Pak ou caves

The famous Pak Ou Caves are one of the most important religious spots in the region, and they’re one of the most known prayer sites. Once you’re at the top, you’ll get to experience the caves the way they were mean to be experienced, which is without a lot of tourists, and as a place for serenity and relaxation.They’re quite easy to reach by boat.

Open hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Location: 25km upriver

Cost: 20,000 kip per person

#4 Sample traditional whiskey at the whiskey village

Those who are familiar with Laos might have heard about a whiskey village nestled along the Mekong River near Luang Prabang. It’s a regular stop for boats going to the historical Pak Ou Caves, but can also be reached via a 30-minute car ride. Those who really enjoy rice wine can purchase a bottle to share with friends back home.

Location: 1.5 hours upriver

Cost: There is no entry fee and samples are free

#5 Try Laos cuisine + Take a cooking lesson

Luang Prabang offers a range of delicious dishes to satiate both the pickiest and most adventurous eaters. Lao cuisine is absolutely exquisite and unique, and one of the first lessons is picking and choosing your ingredients at the market. It’s a worthwhile experience that will absolutely strengthen your journey in Laos.

Open hours: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM

Location: Just outside Luang Prabang

Cost: 285,000kip

#6 Giving Alms

One of the best places to watch the almsgiving ceremony is along the main road in Luang Prabang. The ceremony starts at sunrise as a procession of monks makes their way down from the temples to collect their daily meal from the local community. Although this is a sacred tradition, travellers are encouraged to take part alongside local people.

Hours: Sunrise until early morning

Location: Main Street

Cost: Free

#7 Mekong river boat riding

Go on a slow-boat cruise along the Mekong River. These waters have for centuries been the major highways in this region, carrying goods and people in and out of the city. Even today, boat traffic is a busy part of the Mekong. Enjoy the stunning views into the surrounding Lao landscapes, relax, grab a beer or sip fresh juices and cocktails.

Open hours: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Location: Behind the Royal Palace Museum, near Wat Xieng Thong

Cost: 100,000kip and above

#8 Revel in Temple architecture

Luang Prabang boasts over 30 temples (called wats). The most impressive and significant is the Wat Xieng Thong, once known as the Temple of the Golden City, which holds great cultural, historic and architectural importance. Wherever you wander you'll find temples to visit - some cost, some don't.Another must-see destination is the former Royal Palace, now converted into the National Museum of Luang Prabang. Here you see fascinating displays of the opulence of pre-Communist Laos.

Open hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM daily

Location: Khem Khong

Cost: 20,000kip

#9 Biking around the whole area + Chilling at the cafes

The Main Street in Luang Prabang is a pleasant setting filled with French architecture, Graceful temple architecture, a plethora of cafes and exquisite restaurants. Also, one can notice beautiful Villas available for rent amidst the lavish site.

Cost: 15,000 – 40,000kip for bikes

#10 Night market

Each night the entire street below Mt. Phousi temple is covered in tents, each one displaying local goods. The night market is an amazing sight and offers an extensive collection of handicrafts, wood carvings, jewellery, clothing and more. Open hours: 5:00 PM – 11:00 PM every nightLocation: Sisavangvong RoadCost: Free

Photography Credits

Shilpa Srinivas @flohwithme

Travel Related Information:

Visa for Indians: On Arrival

Duration : 30 days

Purpose : Tourism

Travel : By Air

Currency : Laos Kip

stomping sessions and wine tours and will be headlined by Jungle and Shankar Mahadevan!

Book tickets here:

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having travelled with the family into the outback for the first time, I thought i would write about what I learned and provide some insights for other young families.

Travelling in the Australian outback can be a fun but gruelling adventure. Having a baby in tow makes effective planning essential.

Travelling in the Australian outback with a baby requires weeks, sometimes months of research and careful planning as most of the amenities that we have come to rely on for daily convenience cannot be taken on the trip.

This means that one has to take extra care in packing only the most essential items that can serve a range of purposes. Listed below are a few tips that will guide you as you prepare for your adventure in the Australian outback:

Get a good map

Australia is a country with a large amount of land mass, which means that there are usually great distances between two points of your journey.

A map will make it easier for you to take note of the famous landmarks that you should not miss and also predict the driving distance. Google will also be of assistance here.

You do not want to get lost in a remote area where help might take a long while when you have a baby with you.

Check weather and road conditions

The Australian outback has fickle and extreme weather conditions; the days are usually hot while the night is generally cold.

However, there might be rain during the day, which could lead to roads being closed. It is important to check the weather reports thoroughly before setting out each day in order to know what to expect.

Pack extra car supplies

It is a good idea to pack two spare tyres that are in good condition and a portable tyre pump. You should carry at least a 20-litre metal jerry can that contains extra fuel that you can store on the roof of your car.

This way, there is a minimal chance that you would get stranded in a remote place.

Pack adequate essentials

The essential things that you and your baby needs are food, water, warmth and shelter. Pack enough water, at least 5 litres per person for a day and non - perishable foods.

Protective clothing for both hot and cold kinds of weather, a sturdy tent and sleeping bags should be adequately packed.

Pack emergency supplies

A first aid kit is an essential item to pack as there will always be a need for it. Store bandaids, insect repellent, analgesics like children's Tylenol, soothing balms, allergy drugs and other essential items in a small portable bag.

There can be another bigger bag for items needed to treat major injuries like snake bites and wounds that involve bleeding. As you might not come in contact with a health facility for a long stretch of days, it is crucial to be adequately prepared for any medical emergency.

Protect your child

As most of your travelling will be by road, it is vital to ensure the safety of your child by investing in a baby car capsule.

The car capsule is a light and portable device that you can use as a car seat, and you can also use it to move your baby around comfortably once you reach your destination.

Sun protection

During the hot days, the sun is always extremely harsh. You have to ensure to pack sunscreen that is safe for children, check the ingredients thoroughly to ensure that it does not contain anything your child might be allergic to.

Invest in a decent sunhat, sunshade or a back carrier for added sun protection.

Communication

Seeing as you might travel for days without coming in contact with another person, it is wise to invest in a satellite phone or high-frequency radio.

You can also give your itinerary to a friend or family member; they would be able to contact rescue services if you are unreachable.

Despite the risks and harsh weather conditions, travelling in the Australian outback can be a gratifying and memorable experience for your family as long as you are well prepared for the trip.

GOA! One of the biggest beach holiday destinations of India. Famous for its serene beaches, mesmerizing sunsets, Portuguese architecture, finger licking sea food, thrilling water sports and the not-to-miss wild and happening parties. Usually, the best time to visit Goa is Mid-October to Mid-February. Reasons: One, the weather during this time is pleasant and perfect to spend time at the beaches, enjoy water sports and parties. Two, all the beach shacks and restaurants are open in full swing and serve you round the clock (well, almost)! Also, people come in huge numbers during the Christmas and New Year.

Generally, April to September is considered as the Off Season in Goa. It’s unbearably hot during May which makes it difficult to spend time outdoors. Monsoons hit by early or mid-June which means, no water sports, no beach swimming, less beach shacks and missing parties. While I listed the pros and cons of visiting Goa in its respective Peak and Off Season, will now share the opposites.

We went on a 4 Nights 5 Days trip to Goa during September end. Considering the fact that we are heading to Goa in off season, made us a bit unsure of the experiences we’ll be having on our trip. But, it turned out beautiful. The off season is perfect for people who prefer tranquility, away from the hustle of city life, in the midst of silence and experience calmness from within.

DAY 1:

We took our Go Air flight from New Delhi at around 10:30 in the morning. We landed in Goa at around 1. Soon after collecting the luggage, we booked a taxi from the prepaid booth at the airport. (Pro Tip: If you’re travelling in a large group, request the hotel for free pickup from the airport. Most resorts/hotels do not arrange free pickup for small groups or couples. They do, but on charged basis, which is way too expensive than the prepaid taxis. So, if you’re travelling solo or a couple, prepaid taxi is the best option.) The taxi drove us to Phoenix Park Inn Resort, Candolim where we chose to stay.

Candolim Beach is quite near to the very popular and crowded Baga & Calangute Beaches. The property is approximately 3-4 minutes away from the beautiful (and clean!) Candolim Beach. After the very smooth and quick check-in (remember, off season!! :-) ) we took some time to relax. In the evening, the first thing we did was to hire a scooty. Yes, all those, who’ve been to Goa, will swear by this. Normally, scooty rent for a day in Goa varies from 400-600 in peak seasons, it is as low as 300-400 per day in the off season. (PS: No matter what time of the day you hire a scooty, that particular day is counted as one full day. Yes, even if you hire at 8 in the night, they’ll still charge you with a full day inclusion.) The moment we got our scooty, we decided to go to the popular Baga Beach.

I remember the first gentle splash of the sea waves tickling my feet & the wind caressing my face. It was as refreshing and peaceful as the view of the orange blue hued sky above. After spending some time enjoying in the waters, it was time for our very first meal at the beach!

We chose St. Anthony’s and took an outdoor table at the shack. What’s Goa without some good chilled Beer!? We had Spicy Prawn Masala Goan Fry and Tandoori Fish which was absolutely delicious.

You must be aware of the fact that you don’t get sea food during off seasons in Goa which has a simple logic behind this. Monsoons are breeding time for fishes and that is why eating sea food is prohibited during this period. However, by the time, we had reached Goa, monsoons had already cleared and that’s the reason, sea food was readily available everywhere.

DAY 2:

I have to admit, I simply love the breakfast buffets and I make it a point to never miss them. So, on day two, after filling ourselves up with sumptuous breakfast, we decided to do some beach hopping. As, I mentioned earlier, our resort was near the Candolim Beach, so, we went there first. Bright crisp morning made the sea waves look brighter and beautiful. Soon after, we took a locker in the convenience center at the beach (this is available at all beaches across Goa. Lockers are a good choice to keep your stuff safe while you enjoy at the beaches. Clean washrooms & bathrooms to freshen up & bathe off the excess sand of the beach). Then what? Without wasting time, we simply jumped into the sea!! (Pro tip: Sunscreens are the saviors when at beaches! Make sure you apply good layers of an effective waterproof sunscreen. It’ll save you all the sun burn & skin peeling. Though, some tan is obvious to happen, thanks to the Goa Sun!!)

Usually water sports & activities begin in October, but due to timely clearance of monsoon and clear weather, the activities started almost 2 week in advance. So, you can say that we were lucky as we got to do all the water fun in September itself. We did Jet ski, water scooter and para sailing at a very competitive price as compared to the peak season price. The whole experience was super thrilling especially para sailing, as you get to fly in the sky above with occasional dips into the sea below you. Once we were done with these, we made a booking for scuba diving! I am not a swimmer and this thought of going deep down the sea gave some serious chills down my spine, but still was super excited for the whole experience (more about this on Day 3).

After spending time at Candolim, we took a quick shower and made our way to the Vagator Beach. It took us approximately 20-25 minutes to reach Vagator beach The route to vagator from Candolim was peaceful and covered with lush greenery all around, thanks to the recent rains. Vagator Beach was very calm & peaceful as very less crowd could be seen in the afternoon. We decided to have a light lunch at Olive Bar & Kitchen, Vagator Beach. This place has a perfect setting of the beach mood. Jazz music, white and sea blue interiors, amazing view of the beautiful Vagator beach, perfect for a relaxed time over viewing the sea along with some refreshing drinks and delectable food.

We ordered a Fritata with Poi and Chicken Tender with Classic Hummus which is also served with classic Goan Poi bread along with Beachcomber lemonade and Mongo & Pineapple smoothie. Olive Bar & Kitchen is open all round the year and the quality of food served here is simply amazing. You cannot ask for anything better than having a deliciously heart filling meal with an extremely delightful ambiance at Olive (a Must Try indeed!!). On our way back to resort, we bought passes for Club Love Passion Karma (Club LPK)(Pro Tip: If you’re planning to head to Club LPK, it is advisable to buy passes from outdoor vendors selling passes at much cheaper rates as compared to the ones available at the club itself. This includes free alcohol along with an appetizer. Buying the passes from the club will cost you approx. 700-900 extra). If you go by my opinion, I personally found LPK a bit too overrated. The service is not that great and the food is quite average. Apart from this, the music was the only thing which was worth it.

DAY 3:

Excited for Scuba Diving, we got up quite on time, had light breakfast and hopped in to the taxi which was allotted to take us to Malvan, Maharashtra which is approximately 103km away from Candolim, Goa and takes around 3 hours to reach. Though the whole route is extremely rough and dense, the journey to Malvan was quite tiring, but we were so excited for the adventure, that we did not pay much heed to the tiresome journey. After reaching Malvan, it took us another 3-3.5 hours to reach the scuba diving spot where trained Scuba Divers took people for a dive turn wise. It was indeed a lifetime experience. The coral reefs, colorful and magnificent fishes crossing over were extremely beautiful. The Scuba Diving package cost us Rs.4500 included meals & transport (you cannot expect great quality meals in such packages).

It took us almost 3.5 hours to reach Candolim. We headed straight to our room, took hot showers and fell into deep sleep the moment we hit the bed! After all, it was a long thrilling and tiring day. Later in the night, we got ready and headed to Tito’s Lane. Tito’s lane is the go to place for all party lovers in Goa & is named after the very popular Tito's Club. Being an off season, a few restaurants and discos were empty, but the few famous ones always manage to get the whole party crowd. Being one of them, Cafe Mambo’s hip EDM grooves, made us enter the party animals’ paradise. Trust me when I say, that one could really not say that it was an off season in Goa at that point of time. The place was packed, dance floor filled with people high on music and alcohol (quite obvious). We ordered a chicken pizza (I don’t remember the exact name though) and chicken lollipops with chilled drought beer.

Later on our way back to resort we had a Chicken Frankie from a roll and shawarma outlet on the Tito’s Lane itself & Chicken Biryani from a local dhaba (It was 2:45am and yes, eateries were still open!).

DAY 4:

The holiday was coming to an end, but this didn’t mean the fun would fade away. After breakfast and a light stroll in the beautiful resort property, we decided to dip in the pool for some relaxed time. Later, we got ready and headed to Aguada Fort (a Portugese fort along with a light house which is situated at the Sinquerim Beach overlooking the Arabian Sea). The last day was a bit humid which made us a bit uncomfortable outdoors. However, the fresh air at the Aguada Fort is sure to refresh you along with the breath taking view of the Arabian Sea.

After spending around an hour at the Aguada Fort, we went to the Calangute beach to have a relaxed time at the beach listening to the waves. But to our dismay, it was incredibly crowded with loud music, loads of trash and waste over the beach. This is the reason I mentioned (in the start) that Candolim was much cleaner and less crowded beach for a perfect peaceful time at the beach. However, people were seen enjoying at the beach shacks grooving on the music along with food and beer. I wanted the last evening to end with a view of the sunset relaxing at the beach beds. Yes I did experience the beautiful sunset minus all the peace and relaxation! We decided to eat our last dinner of the holiday at Fisherman’s Cove at Fort Aguada Road, Candolim. Amazingly lively place with great live music and ambiance for a lovely evening. We ordered, Rawa Masala Fry Prawns, Fish Fingers and Masala Fry Crab along with Beer and cocktails. The taste was extremely delicious, however, the quantity is variably less as compared to its pricing. All in all, one should definitely try the prawns here and enjoy the mood of the place.

DAY 5:

We checked out of the resort & took our flight back to Delhi. With this, our Goa holiday came to an end with loads of memories in our hearts and big smiles on our faces!

"Thanks for reading my story. I've tried sharing as much info as I can, please do leave a comment if you have any suggestions!"

Travel Miles | Spread Smiles

Nohkalikai, one of the tallest plunge waterfalls with a magnificent panorama, is located 5km away from Cherrapunjee. Falling from an altitude of 1,115 ft, it mostly procures its ale from the clouds. The pool formed from the thrust with verdant and misty clouds above makes it sumptuous. But, this alluring landscape is affixed with an appalling story. The Khasi name "Nohkalikai" translates to "Leap of Likai". That's right, Likai is the leading character of the tragic story that I am about to unfold. 

And the story begins... Widowed at a very young age, Likai was the mother of a beautiful baby girl who needed her mother's attention. They lived in the village of Rangjyrteh, based nearby the waterfall. Her impoverished condition compelled her to become a porter, which was the job of her deceased husband. Due to which the baby girl couldn't receive her complete attention although she used to spend all her time with her daughter once she was home. This is when other women of the village started persuading her for a re-marriage. They insisted her saying the little girl needs attention and care of a father, to which Likai agreed and got married to a man. But this new husband was found to be trivial and jealous of all the attention that his wife drizzled on her baby when she was home. And this bitterness, resulted in the horrendous deed he executed.

 Like regular days, Likai returns home after a long day of work and finds her husband waiting with inviting food. She was glad to see a caring side of her husband, but little did she know it was momentary. She started looking around for her baby only to find her nowhere. She presumed for her baby to be in the neighborhoods and settled for the meal her husband cooked. After the hearty meal, she sat for her routine beetle leaves and nuts when she saw a tiny finger near the basket of beetle leaves and had realized what must have happened. Her new husband, who was supposed to take care of their daughter, had chopped the poor baby into pieces and fed his wife. Terror-stricken and furious Likai, without an accusation started running until she reached the edge and jumped off the waterfall to her own death. 

And, this was the legendary tale of the 4th highest waterfall in the world. When you visit this breath-taking site, you'll feel the agony and pain of Likai still lingering in its air. But, this miserable event should not prevent you from the nature that flourishes at its best.

No scorching heat.

Lesser people.

Beautiful weather.

Drink up at the shacks.

Walk bare feet on wet sand.

Dance in the rain.

At Goa!

That's an ideal vacation for me. What more could I ask for? The flight tickets and hotel prices are cheap during the monsoon. The travel and stay was covered in 12,000/- only.

I've been to Goa during summer and winter, this was my first trip during the monsoons and trust me - it tops the list! We had packed shades and sunscreens (just in case), and none was put to use.

Although avoid venturing into the sea for your own good. We stuck to the beach and shacks (4/10 were operational). Fair enough, you won't starve at the very least.

We had booked our stay well in advance at Citrus Hotel, Calangute (5 mins walk from Calangute beach). Pleasant stay, I must say! Good food, prompt service. Also, don't expect the hotels to have rooms available just because it's off-season. It will be full so book in advance if you want to stay at a good property. Guessing there's no particular season to visit GOA!

We reached quite early, so we dropped our bags at the hotel and proceeded to Calangute beach.

Get into a flip-flop mode (or bare feet mode) and stroll on the beach. Enjoy the pleasant weather, the rains, the tides, the cool breeze, and what not! We walked from Calangute beach to Baga and back!

The shacks open in the evening but to our pleasant surprise, few were operational even in the morning (good for us). Grab few drinks at random shacks, relax and enjoy the sea view!

When in Goa, get wasted! But make sure you have someone who can take care of you. :-P

We decided to go for a Saturday night part at Tito's. One suggestion, do drink water and munch on something (I know the drinks are unlimited and inclusive, but still). Would you like to be hungover the next day?

Dress up, go for candle light dinners at the beach shacks, grab few chilled beers and splurge on sumptuous Goan cuisine. (Major missing happening here). Don't forget to shack-hop!

Buy things off the streets, like few neon bangles!

Enjoy some karaoke music while you take in the cold monsoon wind by the beach at St. Anthonys. Once you're buzzed, play 'ring the bud'. Being normal is too mainstream. SO GO CRAZY!

Time to go back! I'll miss you, GOA. Till we come again!

#Throwback #VacationDiaries #Monsoon #Goa

From '15 Must-Visit Places in England #Part1' first published on my blog From The Corner Table

I am missing the English summer. There is something rather charming about the English summer, including the unpredictable showers. It is these unpredictable summers that made me realise why 'weather' is always a popular topic for conversation among the English.

Until last year, England had been THE summer getaway place - it was where I could vanish to, switch off from connectivity and lose myself in an ambiance of choice. Over the years of visits, the urban landscape of most cities and towns has undergone a drastic change - as is expected of modernization. But there's no changing the energy that makes each English city/town so unique!

If you happen to be in England this time of the year, here's a short list of places that you might want to add to your 'list of places to visit'. Please note, this is a list compiled from personal experiences.

1. BATH

Famed worldwide for the remains of the grand Roman Baths - probably the reason for the city's name - the largest city in Somerset County is a living ode to old-world charm and Jane Austen. There's a lot that this tiny city has to offer. (Things to do - 15 Must-Visit Places in England #Part1)

2. BEER

Located on the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site, Beer is a village in East Devon district. The highlight of this sleepy village is the beach surrounded by imposing limestone cliffs. Lined with fishermen's work equipment and supplies for the beach visitor, this beach is a visual delight. Beer provides the perfect settings for a relaxed weekend outing complete with sun, sand and seafood. (Things to do - 15 Must-Visit Places in England #Part1)

3. BIRMINGHAM

One of the major cities and second most populated in the United Kingdom, Birmingham is the perfect example of a metropolitan city. Bustling with energy, the city is home to six prominent universities that add to the vibrancy. History, culture, art and science, what you want Birmingham delivers. (Things to do - 15 Must-Visit Places in England #Part1)

4. BRISTOL

My absolute favourite! A hub of urban activity with pockets for peaceful contemplation, Bristol holds a delight at every turn. With docks that were once teeming with business and now are the hotspots for heritage and culture, Bristol has cemented its position among the most popular tourist destinations in the United Kingdom. And why not? Hot air balloon festival, street art fests, live music along the pier and brilliant food - there's this and much more in Bristol! (Things to do - 15 Must-Visit Places in England #Part1)

5. CAMBRIDGE

Do we even need an introduction to Cambridge? Home to the world-renowned (and revered) University of Cambridge founded in 1209, this city boasts of prominent college buildings, a rather famous hospital and church. A centre for tech-supported industries means the mixed crowd in Cambridge leans more towards the academic and young. The best way to soak in the atmosphere of this city is to take a tour bus for a quick round before hopping on and off at desired destinations. (Things to do - 15 Must-Visit Places in England #Part1)

6. CARDIFF

The capital of the Welsh region, driving into Cardiff is like entering a new world. An indescribable change in the atmosphere is heralded by the presence of Welsh on signboards. In fact, trying to read out the Welsh language signboards is a good way to pass the time as your bus rolls into this historical town. (Things to do - 15 Must-Visit Places in England #Part1)

7. CHEDDAR

Cheddar Gorge located near the village of Cheddar in Somerset, England is a network of majestic limestone gorge and caves, synonymous with cheddar cheese (obviously!). Counted among the most beautiful natural places in Britain, this area is also famous for the Cheddar Man - Britain's oldest whole human skeleton, believed to be over 9000 years old, and found in Gough's Cave in the year 1903. Cheddar as a whole lives up to the visitors' idea of a quaint English village. For more about this beautiful village, read 'Delving into the Depths of Cheddar Gorge'. (Things to do - 15 Must-Visit Places in England #Part1)

(To Be Continued)

Beyond its rolling hills, gushing rivers and mysterious forests, Himachal Pradesh is still at heart, a land of simplicity. Right from the customs to general lifestyle and even food habits, the people of Himachal believe in leading life the simple way. So much so that the most royal meal native to the state also happens to be completely vegetarian and saatvik! 

Some consider it to be a feast that should be only offered to the goods. For others, this meal is considered to indicate the start of a new phase in life. Meanwhile, nutritionist have gone all the way to call it as 'balanced as meal as it should be'. But for travellers like you and me, dham is an experience that just shouldn't be missed! Himachal on your mind? Make sure dham is right up there on your bucket lists!

The origins of Himachali dham

Locals claim that about a 1000 years ago, a Himachali king went to Kashmir and fell in love with the wazwan. Upon returning, he ordered his chefs to make a similar spread and that's how, the dham was born. Ever since then, dham has been considered to be a meal that is offered to the gods. It is because of this religious connect that dham is a completely saatvik meal – no ginger, garlic or onions. Apart from being perfectly balanced from the Ayurveda point of view, dham is also considered to provide all vitamins and minerals that one must look for in a meal.

What makes a dham?

Himachal Pradesh, as a state is divided into more than 15 'regions' – all with starkly different cultures, traditions and lifestyles. This diversity finds its way into the dham as well – for instance, Shimla's dham will be completely different from the one you get in Lahaul Spiti region. Factors such as availability of produce, geographical conditions and life habits determine what dishes go on to form a part of a dham.

The rules and regulations of dhams

Since dham is no ordinary meal, there are a lot of rules and regulations that have to be kept in mind while preparing and serving the feast. Traditionally, dhams were only prepared by botis, Brahmin cooks who learnt the process from their ancestors. Not just that, local priests would also declare an auspicious date months before the feast for when the meal could be cooked.

Where can I find an authentic dham now?

Owing to the fact that preparation of a dham is a labour intensive process, it is no longer made in temples. Instead, it is now considered to be a meal that is made on special occasions and on auspicious days. Here are some of the top places in Himachal Pradesh where you can sample some of the many several of dhams:

Chamba Dham

Intersetingly, Chamba is said to be the birth place of this extravagant feast. Chamba's version of the spread includes two prominent curries – rajma madra and kaala chana, both cooked in generous amounts of ghee. In addition, you will also get kadhi, a tangy vegetable preparation called khatta, mushroom pulao and a sweet dish.

Where to eat Chamba dham: Mame da Dhaba in Sultanpur

Mandi Dham

Mandi's very own version of the dham, known as the Mandyali dham begins with a sweet dish, usually boondi ka meetha. The main course includes sepu badi (spinach cooked with deep fried vadis made of black gram), sweet and sour pumpkin, maah ki dal (black lentils), rajma and kadhi. The Mandyali dham ends with a tall glass of buttermilk called jhol, a digestive drink to rightfully end this massive feast.

Where to eat Mandi dham: Sharma Dhaba in Mandi

Kangra Dham

The Kangri dham is held in high regard by the locals of Himachal Pradesh and is arguably the tastiest of them all. A typical Kangri dham includes a generous serving of rice, moong dal, and a serving of rajma or chhole. However, the most unique dish of the Kangri dham is something that the locals call maash dal – a combination of moong, urad, and masoor dal cooked using a smoking technique and topped with a sweet and sour tamarind khatta. The meal ends with a flavourful sweet rice preparation called meetha bhaat.

Where to eat Kangra dham: Thakur Dhaba in Maranda

Kullu Dham

If you're looking for a meal that's elaborate and still reminds you of simple homely food, Kullvi dham is your best bet. Kullu's rendition of the dham includes chhole madra, kaala chana khatta, chana dal and maah ki dal. The meal ends with a local delicacy, meetha bhaat, or sweet rice.

Where to eat Kullu dham: Sapna Sweets in Kullu

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The temple of zero, chaturbhuj temple, Gwalior