The world is slowly and steadily overcoming the COVID-19 pandemic. As countries are lifting the lockdown with great precautions, there is a lot of buzz over unwinding the limits over flying. This pandemic has ushered in a new era of travelling; higher fare, fewer routes, pre-flight health check-ups, and extended hassles on the airports. Airlines need innovative strategies to fight with the fear of COVID-19. In light of this, Lufthansa Group subsidiary Eurowings has initiated a competition for ideas to improve the flying experience and they are willing to pay the winner a whopping €10,000.

The Ideas Get Wings challenge

In Europe’s first travel industry challenge Eurowings is inviting all enthusiastic trailblazers to invent revolutionary ideas that can make flight experience safer for the passengers in the post COVID world. You can offer inventions for products, ground processes, or digital customer services for resolving the main concern of social distancing and enhancing contactless processes. The idea should be low cost and easy to implement. You’ll get brownie points if your idea is convincing enough to get people to travel again without worries.

As per the guidelines released by the Airlines, the ideas should focus on one of two areas

1. A solution embedded into the (digital) customer journey (web/app).

2. Digital enhancement of operational processes (check-in, boarding, in-flight, etc.).

What do you get?

You can participate individually as well as with your team, even participation from research institutes and startups are allowed. Once the idea is implemented successfully the winner, if a team, will be awarded Marketing & Travel package with a value of up to €10.000 ( Rs 8.2 lakh) to boost their business and, if an individual, will be awarded travel ticket voucher of up to €5,000 (Rs4.1 lakh).

Hurry up to participate!

The last day to submit your ideas is 13th May 2020, so hurry up and get to thinking. You can register and find out more details of the competition here.

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This is the part of my 3 Months northeast trip...

I started my meghalaya journey from Guwahati

Day:1 Guwahati to Double Decker Bride : Did some under water shooting you can see in the video

Day: 2 Pitched my tent at Nohkalikai Falls and spend a night under billions stars

Day:3 Dwaki - again Pitched my tent at Umngot river for 2 days and captured some timelapse

Day:5 Dwaki to Krangsuri Fall, stayed at dhaba in night

Day:6 End of Meghalya's Trip

1. Jivdani Temple Virar East

The Jivdani temple is on the hill, almost 1500 ft from the sea-level. The Goddess rests in a temple situated about 1465 steps above the ground on a hill that forms a part of the Satpura Range in Virar, a northern Mumbai suburb, about 60 km away from Mumbai. The hill offers a very picturesque view of Virar and its vicinity. During the nine days of the Navratri festival many followers visit the shrine.

2. Arnala Fort Virar West

Anara Fort is located at Arnala Islands, which is at a distance of 8 miles north of Vasai in Maharashtra. As it is surrounded on all sides by water, Arnala Fort is also known as 'Jaldurg' or 'Janjire Arnala'. Anara Fort is mainly on the north side of Anara Island. The main entrance is on the northern side, while the fort has broad and strong high walls with three gates.

Steps are made that lead to ramparts (walls), so one can take a walk around the entire boundary wall. To allow entry in the small rooms and storehouses below, the ramparts have number of small openings in its broad walls. Villagers use some of these storehouses to store their paddy crop. One would come across a canon ball still stuck on the inner side of the west side of the wall near the temple.

It is believed that Shivaji built this fort under the leadership of Kanoji Agare. Arnala Fort came under the British control in 1803 after Bajirao II Peshwa signed the infamous Treaty of Vasai. The fort also has a 'Shankar Temple' and a Mosque where religious festivals are celebrated every year. The villagers grow vegetables on plots inside the fort, as well as on the western side out side the fort.

3. Rajodi Beach Virar West

This is Not That Famous Beach. Clean and not crowded as other beaches. Best time to visit is morning and evening there are some rides like camel jet ski horse and cars for small kids amazing place to hangout and advice for photography this place is quiet good for Family.

4. Takmak Fort Virar East

The fort was built in the 12th century by King Bheemdev, son of King Bhimdev. Later on, the fort was conquered by the Sultans. King Shivaji might have won this fort along with Kohaj & Asheri After King Shivaji, fort went under Portuguese supervision. Takmak fort received importance after Chimaji Appa’s Vasai campaign. Takmak fort is famous for getting lost in the jungle still, we decided to give it a try that too without hiring a guide. I personally believe in exploring things in our way. Height 2000ft.

5. PhoolPada Dam Virar East

This Is best place For Evening hangout in monsoon. This is Largest Water reservoir in Virar. In Monsoon Season there Were many Small Water Falls Near This Dam. Best Place For Family In Monsoon Time.

While we were returning from Schilthorn, little did we know, we will chance upon a small alpine car free town that will remain etched in our hearts forever.

The alpine gem was the #Hiddengem GIMMELWALD.

Rick Steve once said:

“If heaven isn’t what it’s cracked up to be, send me back to Gimmelwald.”

And true to this quote, this small village is a slice of heaven served on the alpine platter and quite the cherry on top too. Since then, it has embodied our idea of "bella vita" ❤️

Perched high up in the Bernese Oberland region, Gimmelwald is accessible only via a cable car or via hiking trails. Rick Steve's favorite alpine village is now our favorite too! 😻

Breathtaking Scenic beauty which is a customary expectation of alps is magnified when it comes to Gimmelwald. Shimmering water fountains, chalets covered with colorful flowers, cowbells and milk containers, surrounded by majestic alps from all sides is what we were greeted to upon our arrival via the cable car from Schilthorn.

Horses and cows with their cowbells can be seen grazing the green rolling hills and you would be lucky to spot a villager tending to their chores as this village is extremely quiet and undisturbed.

Photo Spot

We came across a small bench nestled in a quiet corner of the village which is a wonderful photograph taking spot. It has a small erected map on board , which tells the names of the peaks which can be seen from that spot and is a must visit.

Honesty Shop

We encountered a one of a kind, strange shop during our walk around the village. This shop boasts of being Europe’s first village store which depends entirely on trust and honesty. There are no assistants, cashier around to help you .It sells local crafts, souvenirs and hiking supplies.

"You just browse the shop and pick what you want, put the correct money in an envelope, pop it in the honesty box provided,and feel good about yourself."

You can visit their website here: https://www.hotel-pensiongimmelwald.ch/en/the-honesty-shop/

How to Reach?

You can reach Gimmelwald via a bus, via a Gondola, or by taking the hiking trails.

If you are coming from Interlaken,

1. You first need to take the train to Lauterbrunnen.

2. Then take the Lauterbrunnen to Stechelberg bus which is a 15 minute ride and will drop you off to the gondola station or you can opt to walk (a distance of 5.6km) on a straight easy to walk path which shall take you about 1hr 15 minutes.

3. Then take the Gondola to it's first stop- Gimmelwald.

If you are coming back from Schilthorn,

You need to take a total of 3 cable car rides ,first till Birg, then another till Murren and final one till Gimmelwald.

Where to stay ?

1. Esthers guesthouse

2. Mountain Hostel

3. Pension Gimmelwald

Note that the above have been sourced via top ratings on various hotel booking websites and not our recommendations as we did not stay in Gimmelwald.

Sources:

1. https://blog.ricksteves.com/blog/tag/gimmelwald/

2. https://www.eurocheapo.com/blog/gimmelwald-switzerland-a-visit-to-the-tiny-mountain-village.html

❤️ May you enjoy Gimmelwald as much as we did ❤️

Malvan is most famous for its seafood dishes and delicious Malvani masala. It also offers buy products made from cashews, kokum and mango here.

Best Time

Winter is the best season for visiting Malvan (Septermber to February).

How To Reach

By Train - Nearest Railway Station - Kudal(40).

By Road - Malvan is well connected through road travel from major cities like Pune(380km), Mumbai(500km) and Panaji(111km).

Things To Do

Relax on beaches, Explore the Fort, Visit Temples, Do Watersport and Unique seafood delicacy.

Story Behind The Trip

We planned this trip with my morning local train friends, Actually we are planning to go in the month of January but train tickets are not available so booked it in first week of Februay.

Mumbai – Sawantwadi(Tutari Express)

We reached around 11 am at Kudal station , beside the railway station there is bus stop to reach malwan depo, from malwan depo have 1 hour frequency of Devbaug to reach our hotel. While waiting 10-15 there we decided to via Cab for wasting the time. So we hired innova around with negotiation Rs.1800/- and total distance approximately 40 km but road was not good it will take 90 minutes.

Hotel is beach touch property, very peaceful and calm, room was also good with all basic amenities and it is typical village type rooms we already booked sea-view room. And main things is that seafood very tasty and from the room you can see the dolphin, it was amazing.

Devbaug beach is cleanest beach in Maharashtra, it offer blueiest water and long beach, It’s like Wow feeling came to see the beach. We enjoyed in beach with played games, short running & beach cricket.

Fun, Masti and Total Dhamaal

Relaxing and Peaceful Sunset

We finalized yesterday to go morning boat ride which cover Tsunami Island, Devbag-Sangam, Dolphin safari, Golden Rock & Nivti beach with around Rs.2000 approximately 2 hour ride.

Devbagh Sangam is in form of a triangular land which ends at the place where Karli river meets the sea. The sea water gets in to form backwaters when they clash the electric spark is created and you can hear the voice as well, it was surprisingly to see. Golden Rock is best time to visit in the morning where sun rise put down on rock it is completely looking like golden rock.

We took government bus(Rs.15) to we reach Sindhudurg Jetty Ferry Point where ferry can pick and drop for the great Sindhudurg Fort.

Ferry Ticket : Rs. 90/-

Crazy Ferry Ride

Ferry ride little bit challenging for us because small boat with large peoples sometimes boat goes one and en-charge order balancing all of them, but it was fun...!

Construction is so strongly done at present till showing beauty as the same. It concept is so powerful we can’t imaging in middle of the sea built 48 acres fort, that time technology was not present. In middle of the fort have one Surang(tunnel) for escape way direct goes to malwan city, it was beyond our imagination of middle of sea there is hidden tunnel to reach city.

“Jay Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj”

The guide gave us so many information about the history of fort and described and brief info the places and temple inside the fort.

The next place to visit Bharadi Devi Temple, so took Tuktook(Rikshaw) distance like around 35 km return journey we done with 600/- and Rs. 500 drop to hotel. This is most famous temple in malwan, every year in February month there is festival every malwani people's, polition come and darshan of devi.

Hotel Atithi Bamboo very famous hotel in Sindhudurg, they wide range seafood thalis beyond serve non vegetarian and vegetarian as well. Food was very tasty and authentic start with Rs. 100 to Rs. 550 depend upon the mood.

After eating fulfill lunch we come to hotel and relax for while and get ready for sea bath fun. We played the games and masti each other with stunning sunset.

Tsunami Island appeared in the year 2004 when tsunami waves hit the Indian ocean. It is located on the delta of Tarkarli river. Tourists can see the meeting point of Karli river with Indian ocean. Tsunami Island famous for watersports activities like jetski, bumper, banana & parasailing rides.

Scuba Diving Point, they provide boat, diving kit along with oxygen cylinder and jacket.

It was nice experience of scuba diving, we saw the world under water colourful small & large fishes, octopus, stones many of things which was great.

Suggestion

Malwan is very beautiful, peaceful & completely relaxing, we don't know how our 3 days gone away. This is cheap place as compare goa, pondicherry and andman with all things hotel, food & water-sport.

"Travel Karo, Explore Karo"

Just about 20 Kms away from Rann Utsav, there is a small village nestled in side lanes of roads leading to The Great White Rann. Hodka or Hodko is all what you need to learn about Kutchi Culture.

Traditional Bhungas, ghagra clad women, girls making traditional bead jewelry and kids flying kites on the roofs. The moment we entered Hodka, we were welcomed by cute little kids who offered to show us around. They became our little tour guides and took us on a trip that filled our Kutch Trip with beautiful smiles and lots of love. They showed us a temple, their school, hidden spots where they play after their school and helped us to meet the locals and converse with them as few of them could speak and understand Hindi.

A CULTURE LIKE NONE OTHER :

This place remains cut off from the rest world during rest of year and becomes accessible only during Rann Utsav. Hence people of Hodka are equally happy see you as you are. You will find beautiful ghagras being sewed by the ladies, dupattas of different kind being threaded and chillies being sundried. This place gives you a feeling that time has taken a reverse gear and life and beautiful. Smiles on people’s faces here make you forget the hustle bustle you are going to reclaim in few days.

HOW TO REACH :

There is no public transport to reach Rann Utsav as well as Hodka. You will have to rent a car from Bhuj. Pick up a Guide Manual for Kutch and you will find Hodka listed there.

You will have to make sure that your driver knows the roads and if he does, he will surely be aware of Hodka. It is just 20kms away from Rann Utsav and it is a 25 minute drive, given the roads are empty.

No words will be enough to express the happiness that Hodka is, hence I am leaving you with some pictures to decide for yourself.

Hope these move your heart enough to pay a visit. Signing off !

We may not be able to travel just yet, but it doesn't mean we can't keep it on our radar! Channelizing all the good that can happen on a road trip.....

The freedom of traveling by car and discovering the roads with your chill out company makes the way seem shorter.

Tucked in the foothills of Mullyangiri range, lies the charming city of Chikmagalur. The land of coffee, verdant valleys, and green vistas. If you are in Bangalore, Chikmagalur is a must to visit place. A 5-hour drive from Bangalore, windmills, rain, villages, perfect roads to explore. We reached our home stay Shanthi Kunnj, one of the best homestays in south India. Here in Karnataka homestays are quite a famous concept and alot more indulging experience. Hospitality will be top class but the food is homely what else one could ask for a home away home. Shanthi Kunnj Homestay is not just a place to stay, it’s an experience. They have three options available like a cool glasshouse, or a rustic log house, or a humble mud house, you will enjoy the stay anyways. Their glass room is probably the best room to stay, situated above the Bhadra river, one can embrace the river flow from the balcony. And the owner of the homestay, worth to mention Carol, is incredibly friendly and takes care of guests very well.

This trip, I will always remember until my memory faints, all shades of green painted across the road on spiral trees of coffee, mountains, vast stretches of stunning natural beauty. Mullayangiri, the highest peak in Karnataka with an altitude of 1930mts.

Trekking lovers can take the 5 km long route starting from Sarpadhaari. 

And who loves off-road experiences can opt for 4 wheel jeep safari at the cost Rs 850/pax, which will take you through beautiful places of western ghats and let you witness the wonderful scenes of coffee estates. To be honest, it is "a thrilling ride", vision blurred due to rain and monsoon mist (in the month of September), wet dark brown soiled slippery sleek mud road, and driving one way on the same with deadly steep edges, you will love it! After such a shaking ride Maggie point was divine, from there 450 steps will take you to a temple with Nandi statue and the view will lead you to the state of non-existence. For a while, I felt those lines from a movie -"Dilon may agar apni betaabiyan lekar chal rhe ho tum, toh zinda ho tum." Endured, on our way back with this strange feeling, ended a day well spent with piping hot coffee at The SIRI cafe.

The next must visit place is Hirekolale lake, a man-made lake, virgin and untouched, stands for its beautiful packed view of mountains.

A beauty, with lush green landscapes, with the cotton candy sky while sunset, will certainly amaze you. The listing does not end here though.

Chikmagalur was a delightful transition.

Above and Beyond!

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