Queen of Hills- Ooty

Hello friends,

Hiking on the hills is always amazing and the journey becomes much interesting if you have friends with whom you love to travel. Last year in the early winter, I had the privilege of visiting Ooty, also known as the Queen of Hills. Here, I'm sharing my journey to the misty mountain.

Ooty or Ootacamund or Udagamandalam is a hill station situated in Tamil Nadu, in the heart of Nilgiri hills. As you reach Ooty you'll be stuck by the smell of raw chocolate, pure Eucalyptus oil, the chill foggy air and trust me it will melt your soul from inside. The cloudy sky, moist fragrance, shady pebbled roads and the authentic cuisine makes the place even more pleasant.

Let me share some details of my journey,


0. Best Time to Visit:

Basically you can visit Ooty anytime of the year you want however, if you are not familiar with the weather condition, I would rather advice you to visit this place in early winter.  During this time you won't have to face harsh cold and rain.

Here is a picture that depicts all the seasons. Make your plans accordingly.

1. Reaching Ooty:

To reach Ooty, you have some handful options viz,

• Bus: There are a lot of government buses available from Bangalore to Ooty.
• 2nd option is you can go to Mysore, which is just around 150-160 KM away from Bangalore(by bus or train) and avail some pocket friendly transportation. Also can plan a day stay over Mysore and visit zoo and may witness the Light & Sound show in the Mysore palace at evening.
• The best part is, from Mysore to Ooty it's only 128 KM through Mudumalai Tiger Reserve and Bandipur National Park. Witness the splendid beauty of wildlife. 
• Self drive is always the best option unless you are a pro. Take a break and drive through the wildling but careful.

• Train is always an option. Book your ticket to Mettupalayam (MTP), the nearest railway station to Ooty (47 KM).

Ooty has its own railway, the Nilgiri Railway Service however it has only meter gauge. Thus it doesn't connect to major cities.

2. Where to stay:

You don't have to worry about lodging as the people over there are super friendly. There is a lot of response from couch surfers too.

Hostels available however if you ask me I'll recommend you to stay at a decent hotel or home-stay as the place is really cold and hostels usually doesn't have much arrangement for cold.

3. Places to Visit:

Ooty is a small city built on a peak mountain however the uniqueness of the premises is wonderful. I've jot down some places from Ooty that you don't want to miss,


Ooty lake:

Rose garden

Ketti Valley
Botanical Garden
Doddabetta Peak

Mudumalai National Park:

The 140 years old Train, Remember the song 'Chal chaiyan chaiyan...' Guess where the scene was shot....!!

And the classic railway station.

The heaven of chocolate lovers!

Mesmerizing view of tea garden through the soothing fog,

4. Things to Keep in Mind:

Experience teaches you a lot  of things, this portion is dedicated to my personal experience.

• Reserve your lodging arrangements prior to your date if you are travelling in peak season. Sometimes getting a hotel with a nice view is tough enough.
• Ooty is really cold place. The temperature might even fall to zero. Pack your warmers well.
• The old train is available for tourists and price is fair. However the train only moves from Ooty to Coonoor. A train safari through a jungle is incredible. 
• The train tickets are hard to get, they only release one hour before time, And guess what, all tickets sold out in 15 Minutes! I am posting a chart, manage the time you have.

• Take some good tracking boots, you would need them.

Somebody once said that traveling is the only thing you buy and it will make you richer. Whenever I lookback and ruminate the days in the past, I believe I was never happier before. This Ooty trip was another brick of this palace. Lastly, a bunch of wild-flowers from Ooty, Adios.

God's Own Country Kerala- Varkala

Hiya all,

Welcome back to my new post. Today I'll be writing about my solo trip to Kerala. I had 4 days of leave so I could cover two places. One is Munnar and other one is Varkala. Here, I'll be talking about Varkala, for Munnar_ stay tuned.

Varkala, the paradise of Kerala tourism offers not only beautiful beaches, also this small city stuffed with incredible cuisine, charming weather and open hand of nature that welcomes you.

From here on, I'll carry all the details that would help you! Lets begin.



0. Best Season to visit:

I'll divide the whole timeline such that you can decide yours.

So, as you can see the weather is quite pleasant during September to January. From May to August the beach will be closed due to rain.


1. How to reach Varkala:

There are a lot of means of transportation viz,

• Train, the name of Varkala Station is Varkala Shivangiri also VAK in IRCTC. The railway station is just 4 KM from the beach and the places where you may find some cheap places to stay.  It costs almost 300 bucks from Bangalore to Varkala via train. 
• You may go ahead and take some private bus from Bangalore to Varkala however it might charge you a bit.
• Via flight, yes, book your ticket to Trivandrum, there you would fine lots of transport to  Varkala. 

From my experience, Kerala is the most friendly place I have ever visited. The whole trip was hitch-hiking only. I waited on roadside waving my hand to every passing vehicles and I got a lot of hikes. 

Of course self driving is a option. Hop on a car or bike and get-set-go.

2. Where to stay: 

There are hotels and lodges all available in the city however near by the beach there are some hostels and home stay. For 200 rupees per day you can stay with a bunch of amazing people who also has their own stories to tell. 

In the peak season, for example in the month of October to February the home stay charges are comparatively high. They might charge for a full fledged room for 2500 rupees. Hostels are cheap however during the peak season it might be a little bit difficult to find a room. One thing, most of the  hostel and home stays has kitchenette, cook your own food.  

3. Places to visit :

As I told you before, Varkala is a small city. The main point of attraction is the beach and the food.

Varkala Beach:

Black Beach

Some random pictures from Gallery,

Now, the Food


The famous Sweet Banana Chips, the amazing feeling of soft crispy mouth-watering piece of fried banana which melts on your mouth.

Authentic Kerala Thali,

4. Things to keep in Mind:

Some issues that I faced and this column is nothing but a early heads-up to all fellow traveler,

• Carry a good sun-screen lotion, I visited in March and I got tanned. 
• Wear loose and cotton cloths. 
• Always carry change, finding a ATM may be difficult.
• And again, keep a packet of biscuit and water bottle with you wherever you go. In some situation this is a life savior. 

Someone says 'happiness comes in tides', and that thing was emerging on the beach side. Your day won't go in vogue if there is a smiling face ready to welcome.

That's all folks, see you with some new contents. Bye!

Trip to a Wonderland: KUTCH

Hi There,

If you have already read my last posts, until now I was visiting old monuments, ancient villages and hills. This time I experienced the graceful bliss of silence under the moonlight beauty, standing on the edge of  the Nation. This is the white desert of India, known as Kutch.

I was always fascinated by the skylight, illuminating fields and spreading it's edge beyond end. The moonlight and the silver salty desert fulfilled my dream. When I was about to reach, I was stunned looking at the evening sky, as it was the daylight wishing all good-bye and eventually the night sky is waking up from a beautiful dream.

Now, I'll walk you through my journey to this mysteries place,



0. Best Season to visit: 

People visiting Kutch in summer would find uncomfortable weather however, the winter is pleasant. I would advice you to visit by November to February and you will be able to attend the great Kutch festival, Rann Utsav.

I have been there in the month of December and let me tell you guys, the nighttide of cold breeze with the musical magnitude on the desert is splendid.

1. How to reach Kutch:  

There is alot of ways to reach Kutch however you need to reach Bhuj first. I'll try to jot down some of the efficient ways to reach,

• Reach Ahmedabad and take a cab to Gita Nagar bus stop. From there government bus will take you to Bhuj. The distance is almost 330 KM.  This might take 5/6 hours and the cost is 250 Rs.
• You may take flight direct to Bhuj from anywhere from the country however it will charge you a bomb.
• If you fancy about travelling in a train, you may come directly to Bhuj, the station code is BHUJ. However, direct train service are available from selected cities only. e.g. Delhi.

The Rann of Kutch is 100 K.M. away from Bhuj. I rented a private car and that's why the cost was little high. However, let me tell you get a bike if possible. Mark my words, you will remember the ride the whole of your life.

2. Where to stay:   

There is a place in Kutch Rann and the place is known as Tent City. This is beautiful eco-park-high tech-tent house. You can stay there however staying would charge you 3000 bucks appx.

There are a lot of resorts near by where you can go in group and rent. Per head shear will come around 500/600 bucks.

I would prefer to stay at Bhuj. As I travel frequent I need some cheap places to hop in. In Bhuj you will find homestay, cheap hotels.

Again, checkout Couchsurfing. You may find awesome hosts, guides and fellow travelers across the globe, somebody may make your journey memorable!

3. Things to keep in mind:  

As your journey is gonna be a long one, I would advice you to keep some food like biscuit, water always with you. This one is my core experience, I was starving while I was travelling. 

And for girls, its the shopping experience,

And at last, I want to thank all the love and response I received from the CRPF and Police, I just want to them, " I am safe because you people are there. There is no way we can repay you."

Finishing with this beautiful Gujrati Clay painting, See you soon.

Architecture of Excellency: Ellora and Ajanta Caves

Hi again,

          Today I'm going to share my solo experience to Aurangabad, a childhood dreamland, Ajanta and Ellora caves. From archaeological survey it has been found that these caves are thousands of years old. Ajanta caves and the sculptures are considered to be 2700 where as Ellora caves are 1200 to 1400 years old. These caves were used as monasteries and temple by 480 BC and are also considered as UNESCO World Heritage. 

        Aurangabad is a small city in Maharashtra. Small, yet packed of history. In 1610 the place was founded and named as Kharki however later in the year of 1653, when Aurangzeb was appointed as the Viceroy of that province, he renamed the place as Aurangabad. Some monuments of Mughal dynasty still sits as a crown to the city.

Now, I'll jot down all important things you need to know before you start packing your backpacks.

0. Best season too visit.

1. How to reach Aurangabad

2. Where to stay, cheap of course

3. Which places to visit and how to visit
4. Things to keep in mind.



0. Best Season to visit:


    The pleasant weather you may encounter in October to February only, perhaps March however don't go much further. In summer, the temperature may rise upto 39 degree Celsius. If you ask me I would suggest you to visit in January. Because, firstly, you will find an amazing weather and finally, this is the time of Ajanta festival.




1. How to Reach Aurangabad:

There are several means of transportation available ,

• Bus, you may get from Bangalore and that might you around 1500-1800 bucks. Online booking facilities will help. Don't expect Govt. bus.
• If you interested travelling by train, reach out to Aurangabad Railway Station and the station code is AWB.
• You may take a flight and reach to Aurangabad Airport. From Mumbai it might take around 45-60 minutes.
• Anyway self driving and hitch-hiking is always an option. 

2. Where to stay:

       Staying at a unknown place may be uncomfortable sometimes, however if you can find someone who is willing to host you, you will feel like homely again. That is why I always use COUCHSURFING.  In the app you will get to know a lot of peoples, travelers, hosts all around the globe.

     In Aurangabad there are some cheap hotel near Railway station. I stated in a hotel near railway station and it cost me 800 bucks for two nights. 

3. Which places to visit and how to visit: 

Here I shall jot down all the places worth a visit in Aurangabad.

• Ajanta caves. Ancient rock-cut monastery summarizing  Buddhist philosophy.

The whole area is like a horse-shoe, don't miss out the VIEWPOINT.

• Ellora caves, One of the largest rock-cut-monastery-temple caves featuring Jain, Hindu and Buddhist architecture, art and culture.

• Biwi-Ka-Maqbara, the mini Tajmahal of India

• Daulatabad Fort

• Panchakki, technology implemented in Mughal Era to grind food for pilgrims and energy source is a waterfall.
• Grave of Emperor Aurangjeb, sitting beside Peer Baba and listing to the stories of the emperor is peace.

A awesome painting I have encountered,

4. Things to keep in MIND: 

A little advice to fellow travelers who are going to Aurangabad for the first time,

1. Ajanta cave is closed on Monday and timing is 8AM- 5PM.
2. Ellora cave is closed on Tuesday and the timing is 9AM- 6.15PM, so plan your visit accordingly.
3. The distance of Ellora cave is almost 30 KM from Aurangabad and that for Ajanta is almost 100 KM. You may find private vehicles or you can rent one, however if you can't find any, the Government buses are there connecting whole city and is super cheap.
4. There is always a bus going to Ajanta from Bus stop and it will charge you 121 bucks. You will reach Ajanta in 1 and half hour.
5. Of-course car ride is there, it would cost you 1600 bucks to Ajanta.
6. Shirdi is near by, if you want to visit Sai Baba mausoleum site.

Whenever I think about my trip to Ajanta and Ellora, I find a peaceful bliss inside and this will always inspire the NOMAD inside me.

That's all Folks,

Land of a lost Dynasty- HAMPI

Hello folks,