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Showing posts with the label monsoon

Chiang Mai and Samoeng Circuit, Thailand

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The city close to nature, foodies’ paradise, grand temples of intricate architecture, dotted with quaint villages and a scenic mountain road circling through villages, jungles, waterfalls, and farms, Chiang Mai is a balanced blend of urban life and peace of mind. I stayed in a homestay run by a very courteous couple in one of the by-lanes close to the Old City. Pancakes cooked by the host were so delicious that I made them my regular breakfast every morning. I explored the Old City and night market for 2 days and dedicated the rest of the days to traveling to nearby villages and completing the scenic drive of the Samoeng Circuit. Wat Chedi Luang Varaviharn The Old City, walled on four sides, is the most happening place in Chiang Mai, bustling with cafes, restaurants, pubs, street food carts (one of them being Michelin Star!), hotels, tourists, and not to forget grand temples, and there are lots of them, each one equally beautiful in its own way and charming. The most popular among them...

The Unchartered Goa, India

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Envisioning Goa without its vibrant nightlife, sun-kissed beaches, and the rhythmic pulse of full moon parties is nearly impossible! It stands as a haven for party enthusiasts and those yearning for the serenity of its southern beaches. However, beyond the bustling shores lies a facet of Goa that is equally enchanting, tranquil, and veiled from the common eye—awaiting discovery by those who venture beyond the beaches. As the monsoon descends, it breathes new life into the Western Ghats, transforming the entire landscape into a lush green spectacle. The beaches along the Konkan coast, stretching from Maharashtra through Goa and a bit beyond, embrace the off-season, trading their lively demeanor for a more subdued ambiance. While the Western Ghats come alive with verdant hues, cascading waterfalls, and ethereal mist, the beaches don a cloak of tranquility as ocean waves reclaim the coasts, prompting most beachfront shacks to shutter their doors. It is during this season that Goa's co...

Varandha Ghat

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Ever felt to ceaselessly contemplate the nature's sketch in front of you and and feel blisfull at that very  moment !  Varandh Ghat is one such place. Located in Sahyadri, Varandha ghat connects the eastern Maharashtra to the Konkan region. This ghat is nature lovers delight. It is dotted with lakes, dams, colurful flowers, quaint villages. The scenic beauty of it will leave you mesmerized when it meanders through mist filled clouds and green landscape. My first rendezvous with this ghat came by chance where I was returning back from Goa and had to take detour for some reason. At that time it was very much frequented by people hopping from east to west. As the infratructure for Konkan connectivity improved, it has become offbeat and mostly frequented by the vehicles from adjoining villages or government buses . This is a blessing in disguise for preservaiton of its pristine beauty. Let's begin the journey... Sometimes the journey is much chershing than the destination and at f...

Andharban Trek, Maharashtra

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Ever felt like going on a trek that feels like a cosy walk in lush green garden surrounded by clouds ! If the answer is yes, then Andharban is the trek for you. Andharban literally means Dark Forest and it quite aptly describes this trek. Located in Sahyadris, this trek connects Tamini ghat with Konkan overlooking Kundalika valley. The trail passes through lush green dense forest, waterfall, lake, a quaint little village, couple of streams and commences with a picturesque dam. The best part of this trek is that you would go through all these spots without exerting too much pressure on your keens as the ascent and descent both are so gradual that it feels like a long morning walk. Starting point : Tamini ghat ( Independent View point ) near Pimpri village It is 50 kms from Lonavala, approx. 1 hour from Pune. End point :  Bhira Dam Duration : 5/6 Hours Trail : approx. 14 kms Let's start the trek ! We started of quite early in the morning from Pune and had our breakfast on the way....