Melbourne Dreams and a Giveaway!!!!

Are you a die hard Cricket fan planning a trip to Melbourne for the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup or a Tennis fan, wanting to be there for Australian Open, and if you thought Australia was all about Cricket, Tennis and Kangaroos, here we are to prove you wrong. Have you checked Tanmay and Rohan's videos, who went on Melbourne Escapade, and came up with some amazing stats and facts on Melbourne.

Melbourne Cricket Ground

Melbourne the capital city of the Victoria state of Australia, knows how to plan with its contemporary and modern buildings, while still preserving its history, heritage and art. While the Eureka Skydeck gives you the breathtaking bird's eye view of Melbourne city from its 88th Floor, the city also preserves the world's oldest remaining exhibition pavilions, the Royal Exhibition building, and Puffing Billy steam train operating since 1900.

The historic Puffing Billy and the Eureka Skydeck

While Queen Victoria Market with its 1000s of stalls, has everything for a foodie and shophalic, the Hosier Lane makes the city World's greatest street art capital with its amazing street art. 

Street Art and the Queen Victoria Market with a tram

While the yester year City Circle tram, takes you through the city covering its iconic places, the contrasting helicopter ride and hot air balloon, takes you through the tour of 12 Apostles and Vineyards.

Hot air Balloon over the Yarra Valley and Helicopter tour of 12 Apostles

While Melbourne has more than 850 wineries for wine lovers, Melbourne also is the coffee capital of Australia satisfying the taste buds of thousands of coffee lovers. Equally satisfying Strawberry lovers, with its acres of Strawberry farms and Phillip Island Chocolate Factory, with tons of chocolates going into creativity.

Strawberry Farm and Chocolate Village at Phillip Island Chocolate Factory

Love long drives, then drive the Great Ocean Road through the forest, mountains and ocean capes, with the view of 12 Apostles, else just watch seals, penguin parade or relax and rejuvenate at the Peninsula Hot Springs with massage, mud wraps, hot stone and steam treatment.

Hot Springs at Peninsula and the Great Ocean Road

Seals and Penguin Parade

This place is the proof for one of the legendary sea journey's of 1878, Loch Ard Gorge Beach, named after clipper ship Loch Ard, which ran aground at the Muttonbird island, finishing 3 months old journey from England to Melbourne.

And yes how could you forget Kangaroos, when being in Australia. Ballarat Wildlife Park, the best place where you get to encounter free roaming Kangaroos, Koalas, Wombats, Tasmanian Devils and more.

Koalas and Kangaroos

So wouldn't you love to visit this wonderful place, a place for everyone!!! 

After treating your eyes with the wonderful virtual tour of Melbourne, its time to treat you with a New Year gift. So whats that, which amazed you the most in Melbourne, answer the question and win a gift voucher from Victoria Tourism.

How to Win?

All you have to do is watch the videos, Tanmay and Rohan's Melbourne Escapades and answer this simple question.

"Which of these places would you want to visit in Melbourne and why?".

You have to leave your answer on the comment section of this post. 

What you Win?
One best answer will win Rs. 500 gift voucher.

Till when?

The contest ends on 4th Jan 2015. So hurry, spread the word.
PS: The contest has been extended by a day, it ends on 5th Jan, hurry..
The Giveaway is closed and the winners will be announced soon..

Terms and condition: 

The decisions made by jury with respect to the winners shall be final and binding in all respects.

Wish you all the best for the contest and A Happy Year, ENJOY!!!

Thank you all for being part of the contest, the winner is, 

Ruby Singh

Congrats Ruby Singh!!!

PS: All images are sourced from Victoria Tourism website and the author doesn't own them.

Beauty has an Address - Oman

"Hey, where are you heading to, this Eid Holidays?"

"To Musandam, and you?

"Me, to Salalah.."

This used to be the topic of our lunch hour chit-chats, at my office in Dubai. Oman which shares border with UAE, was an easy option for short weekend drives or a long tour from Dubai. Musandam and Salalah were the only places I had heard(and been) of Oman, let alone Muscat the capital city. Only now, Oman Tourism introduced me to lot more than these places.

Collage of pics from my tour to Musandam and Salalah

Have been experienced camp fires on the beach, raced with dolphins while cruising on a traditional Dhow, diving and snorkeling in deep seas at Musandam and been enjoyed the beauty of Wadi Darbat(a Oasis in the desert), been spotted Flamingos at Khawr Rawri, during my visit to Dhofar(for Khareef Festival), its time for me to explore the unseen(by me) Oman, if I get to visit this country again.

Dolphins racing with our dhow in Khasab, Musandam

Collage of pics from my tour to Musandam and Salalah

My tour of Oman would start with exploring the capital of Oman, magical Muscat. A tour of historic Muscat, with a visit to its Forts Al-Jalali and Al- Mirani, and museums, Museum of Omani Heritage, National Museum of Oman, Oman children's Museum al Zubair, Omani French museum, Sultan's Armed Forces Museum. Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque is another in my, to visit list.

Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque(Image source Wikipedia)

Al Jalali Fort(Image source Wikipedia)

Would like to visit Ras Al Jinz, to watch Turtles. To feel how the heavy mother, which struggles to protect its egg in the sands and the new born struggling for survival, till it reaches the water. 

Turtle watch(Image source Oman Tourism)

Rocks Park(Image source Oman Tourism)

Visit to Oman is incomplete without a visit to  Rocks Park in Al Wasta. Naturally sculptured rocks in the shape of animals, birds and human parts, leaves visitor mesmerized by natures creation.Deserts Safari is a must do thing when you are in a dessert country. At Bawshar Sands, would love to go for a thrilling dessert drive and a climb to the top of the hill to enjoy sunset.

Desert Safari(Image source Oman Tourism)

Traditional Souk(Image source Oman Tourism)

No tour is complete without shopping and tasting local cuisine. Gulf is well known for its traditional souks(markets), a visit to souk to shop traditional Omani artefacts as souvenirs and the staple fruit of Gulf, the yummy dates. And with the holy month of Ramadan on, tasting Shakana is a must. And how could I miss Leben, my fav drink from Gulf, which I have been missing after leaving Dubai for good.

Courtesy Oman Tourism

My tour to Oman would be a combination of culture, heritage, nature and adventure.
PS: This is part of #BeautifulOman by Oman Tourism and Indiblogger.

Malaysia - A Dream Trip

“The traveler was active; he went strenuously in search of people, of adventure, of experience. The tourist is passive; he expects interesting things to happen to him. He goes “sight-seeing.” – Daniel J. Boorstin

How true the quote sounds, for a nature lover and passionate traveler like me. I travel in search of people, of adventure and of experience, of my trips. Here is my wishlist for Malaysia,

Adventurous climb of Mt Kinabalu Via Ferrata, Sabah:

Via ferrata, is a mountain path consisting of a series of rungs, rails and cables embracing the rock face. I would like to go for a challenging adventure of climbing Mount Kinabalu, a beginner's climb along the granite walls and then might be the intermediate route to have the breathtaking view of the heights and sights.

Canopy Walk through Taman Negara, Pahang:

Taman Negara is the first and oldest official Protected Area in the country. It preserves the land's indigenous nature in perpetuity. River cruising, jungle trekking and a walk through the world's oldest rainforest canopy, wildlife photography and cave exploration is what I would do in Taman Negara.

Explore Cameron Highlands, Pahang:

Cameron Highlands lies less than an hour off the main North-South Highway, and is a pleasant, easy 3.5hr drive from Kuala Lumpur. Situated 1,500 meters above sea level, Cameron Highlands comprise a series of little townships. I would love to walk through those little villages, visit the butterfly, strawberry, honey bees farms and sprawling tea plantations. Trek through the place and watch out for some amazing birds.

Scuba Diving at Pulau Payar, Langkawi, Kedah:

The sparkling of jade green islands that make up Pulau Payar lies 30km south-east of Langkawi. An hour boat ride reaches you to the best marine park in Malaysia's West coast. I would love to go for a scuba dive along the reef system of Pulau Payar, the sparkling of jade green islands. 

Explore Langkawi Mangroves, Kedah:

Langkawi Magroves is an intricate network of streams and is home to hundreds of endemic jungle species of wildlife most exciting of which are brahminy kites and huge sea eagles. Would go for jungle trekking, cave exploration, village visits, exploration of mangrove flora and fauna.

Are you a nature lover and adventurous person or a person who wants to experience luxury and  shopping??

There is something for everyone in Malaysia.  Go Explore Malaysia!!

I am participating in the MalaysiaJao Blogathon Contest in association with BlogAdda.com.

Image credit Malaysia Tourism  official page.

Kuala Lumpur - A Dream Destination

Kuala Lumpur is a blend of Modern buildings, history and culture, nature and adventures, shopping, food and beaches. Here are list of things I wouldn't miss when I am in Kuala Lumpur.

Petronas Twin Towers and KL Tower:

Enjoy breathtaking view of Kuala Lumpur City from the world's highest 2 storey bridge connecting the Petronas Twin Towers, KL Tower, standing atop Bukit Nanas has something for the nature lovers along with the panoramic view.  The verdant green surrounding Menara KL is the Bukit Nanas forest. This green lung of Kuala Lumpur is a sanctuary to a wonderful array of flora and fauna, and unique tropical climate.

Patronas Twin Towers

KL Tower

History and Culture: The Islamic Art Museum, National Museum, National textile museum reflects states history and culture. While National Monument was built to honour those who gave their lives in the cause of Peace and freedom, P Ramlee Memorial the house of great actor, singer, composer and director late Tan Sri P Ramlee has a collection of his awards, photos and personal artefacts. Also are religious attractions, Jamek Mosque and National Mosque.

Shopping: Kuala Lumpur is considered as shopper's paradise. Where three of the world's 10 largest malls are in KL. BBKLCC, the stretch from Bukit Bintang to Kuala Lumpur City Center offers abundant fashion, food and entertainment. On the contradictory Central Market offers you a wide range of handicrafts, art and authentic Malaysian souvenirs. The Central Market's outdoor stage offers visitors colourful arts and cultural events.

Nature and Wildlife: For Nature and wildlife lovers are Aquaria KLCC, KL Bird Park, Perdana Botanical Gardens and Zoo Negara. While Aquaria KLCC showcases the fascinating nature of aquatic life and behaviour of animals and crwaly creatures above water, the KL bird park located at Perdana Botanical Garden offers you with more than 3000 birds in free flight. Egg incubation room and nursery, feeding programms and daily bird shows are not to be missed. And the best thing which makes Zoo Negara unique from most of the zooes is, its open at night and you get to catch glimpse of animals which are active at night.

KL Bird Park, photo credit Malaysia Tourism




Aquaria KLCC, photo credit Malaysia Tourism 



So plan your trip soon to explore this wonderful place. 

I am participating in the MalaysiaJao Blogathon Contest in association with BlogAdda.com.

Bangkok - A Dream Trip

Bangkok is in my forthcoming travel plans. When I came across "World’s Best Online Travel Fair" with AirAsia, I thought of working on this trip. Bangkok is a complete package of tourist attractions, shopping, food and spas. Where old charm meets the modern convenience. Bangkok or Krung Thep,"the city of angels", as known by its inhabitants, offers a vast attractions, within its sheer city.

The first place to visit in Bangkok, about which I have heard from almost all my friends who have visited Bangkok is The Grand Palace. This is conveniently located near most spectacular temples, including Temple of Emerald Buddha(Wat Phra Kaeo), Temple of Dawn(Wat Arun) and Wat Pho(temple with inclinded Buddha and the first Thai massage school). These temples are few among the 400 Buddhist temples in Bangkok. Bangkok gets its name "Venice of the East", because of the numerous canals connected to the river Chao Phraya, "River of Kings". Your trip to Bangkok is incomplete without a cruise on the Chao Phraya, a visit to floating market and exploring cities "back alley" cannels(Khlongs). If you are looking for exploring History and culture of the city, the city is definitely not going to disappoint you. National Museum, National Gallery Museum, King Prajadhipok Museum, Vimanmek Museum, Bangkok dolls and museum are the places, which you must not miss.  

The Grand Palace

For shopaholics, China Town, located on the street of Yaowarat, is where you need to land up. A chinese community dominated trades, which is lined up with shops selling gold, China herbs, fruits and chinese restaurants during day time, turns into a food street heaven after sunset, where you can find food trucks serving some amazing food from Chinese fried noodles to Chinese Iced desserts. Off-course don't forget to shop their handicrafts, Thai dolls and toys, Thai gems, jewelry, gold and silverware and the world famous Thai silk as souvenirs from Bangkok.

ChinaTown at Night

Thai Women working on silk loom

Floating Market

To taste their Thai food, try their food stalls along the streets and at outdoor markets. And if you share interest in cooking and have a day to spare then, try Thai Cooking class, where in you will be taken through the tour of local market, shop ingradients used in Thai cooking, then a demonstration of the process by the instructors and then try yourself cooking these stuff under instructors observation.

After a long day of sightseeing and shopping, have a rejuvenating and relaxing spa treatments at any of their luxurious spas or traditional Thai massage centers. Ancient healing knowledge passed down through generation, provide ideal setting for continuous pursuit of inner and outer beauty.

Hope this homework of mine would turn up useful for my trip and I would definitely share with you all my experience when it would turn real.

Exploring Lakshadweep

A perfect trip would be one which would not only be wonderful for exploring but also perfect to your pocket. Recently me and my hubby were planning for some budget trip and came across Lakshadweep. A place as wonderful as Andaman and Nicobar and Maldives, but yet at comparitively lesser cost. I started working on this trip.
Lakshadweep which means hundred thousand islands, forms the smallest Union Territory of India. Main Islands are Kavaratti, Kalpeni, Minicoy, Kadmat, Agatti and Bangaram. 


A beach at Kavaratti, Lakshadweep(photo credit wikipedia)

Our journey would be, by train from Mumbai to Cochin, Cruise journey to and from Cochin to islands of Lakshadweep, and by air from Cochin to Mumbai. There are tourist packages which offer tour of all the Islands, but we would prefer to explore ourselves.



MV Amindivi 001(Photo credit wikipedia)

We would take the cruise from Cochin to Kavaratti, we would go for a home stay at local residence, which would help us understand their tradition and culture better. Visit Jamnath, Mohidden and Urja mosques, which belongs to 17th century.



Urja Mosque(photo credit official Lakshawdeep site)

And Museum which houses multi coloured species of fishes, small shark, sea cucumbers, octopus, schools of fishes and anemonnes. Spend the evening along the snow white coral sands, tasting the Malabar cuisines. Next morning scuba diving and snorkelling at Chicken neck point and have a ride in the glass bottom boat to have a tour of rich marine life and extraordinary corals.



Coral(photo credit Lakshadweep Tourism)

Visit Agatti Island, which offers blue lagoons, coral reefs and swaying palms and have a sea excursion to neighbouring uninhabited islands Parali, Thinnakara and Kalpitty. And back to Kavaratti.

Take ferry to Minicoy the next day, Minicoy too has mesmerizing sceneries and serene spots. Visit Juma Masjid and Light house, which was built by British in 1885. Surrounded by blue waters, its an important centre for tuna canning, tuna fishing, colourful boats. And this is the only Island which is open for foreign tourist.



Light house in Minicoy

Travel to Kalpeni, visit Juma Mosque, watch Parichakkali and Kolkali dance shows. Visit one of its Islands Pitti, which is a bird sanctury and attracts thousands of Terns including brown noddy, lesser crested tern and greater crested tern. Pitti is also an important breeding place for sea turtles.  

Folk dance(photo credit Lakshadweep Tourism)

Take cruise back from Kalpeni to Cochin. And our flight to Mumbai from Cochin.

This is a Virtual Tour created as an entry for the contest Creating Happy Travellers by Indiblogger, sponsored by Yatra.com

Meteora - "In the heavens above"

One of my cousin's has made her carrier in Airline industry. Recently, she has moved to Europe as she got an offer from one of the leading European Airline company. She has been exploring most of Europe now, recently she visited Meteora in Greece and she was so excited to share her experience with me, have a look at the place,  

Cliffs(photo credit Wikipedia)

Meteora, which means 'in the heavens above', literally turns out to be a heaven on earth. Studies say these pinnacles were formed 60 millions years ago. Weathering and earthquakes then shaped them into their present shape. The earth movements pushed the seabed upwards, creating a high plateau and causing manu faulty lines to appear in the thick layers of sandstone. There are six Eastern Orthodox Monasteries built on these natural rock pillars.

Photo credit Wikipedia

View of one of the monastries(photo credit wikipedia)

These Monastries were created to serve monks and nuns following the teachings of Greek Orthodox Church. Out of these six monasteries Holy Monastery of St. Stephen and Monastery of Rousanou are inhabited by nuns. Meteora is included in UNESCO World Heritage List. Nearest airport is Volos airport, in Nea Anchialos, which is well connected to other Europian countries. From Volos, you can take train, bus or taxi to Meteora.

The nearest village is Kastraki, image a night stay at one of those local houses made of stone and embellished with roofs of clay tiles and taste some home made yoghurts, honey, sweets from fruits. Many villages also offer walnuts, oregano, herbal tea, honey and feta cheese. Also its said people of this place have special love for flowers. You can find flowers in all house yards.

This would be my Happy Travel with my hubby, a visit to the holy Monastries, a stay at those cozy stone houses, tasting the home made yummillicious food.

This is an entry for the contest Creating Happy Travellers by Indiblogger, sponsored by Yatra.com