- Early morning on a weekday is ideal to visit Schönbrunn Palace. There are multiple public transport connections available.
- You will appreciate the grandeur of the palace if you acquiant beforehand with the layout and the history of palace.
- Be ready for a small climb to the top of hillock behind the palace. It is a place to be with the entire Vienna visible in the horizon.
the world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page - saint augustine
Neil Island, Andaman
Saturday, 13 July 2024
Schönbrunn Palace, Vienna
Saturday, 25 November 2023
Barog
We planned on a whim. We were looking for an outing with our pet golden retriever Leo and found a highly recommended AirBnB called Red Roof Homestay in Barog where we booked two nights stay. Barog is less than 7 hours from Gurgaon. We did not want to test our Leo for longer travel for our first trip together.
View from our bedroom |
Saturday, 27 August 2022
Chand Baori, Abhaneri
We were testing our new car for a long drive and decided to go for Abhaneri which is about 200km from our home in Gurgaon. Google Maps suggested we go via Nuh towards Alwar. We followed. It was a mistake. It took us a good part of morning and afternoon to just figure out where we can get on track. Now with Delhi - Mumbai Expressway open, it takes less than three hours.
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Chand Baori, Abhaneri |
Friday, 26 November 2021
Bauddhanath Stupa, Kathmandu
- Buddha Stupa is one of the grandest structures in Kathmandu. With a busy marketplace surrounding it and some of the famous eateries nearby, this is a place to be.
- There is no entry fee but the place gets crowded so early morning is the best time to visit.
Bauddhanath Stupa, Kathmandu |
Thursday, 25 November 2021
Pashupatinath Temple, Kathmandu
- One of the most revered temples in the Indian subcontinent, Pashupatinath Temple and the evening celebration is a must visit in Kathmandu. It takes couple hours in total.
- Evening is the best time to visit so that one covers the famous aarti on the banks of Bagmati river. Photographs inside the temple are not allowed.
We had to visit Pashupatinath temple coming from India. As per Indian mythology when Sati died her body parts fell in different parts of Indian subcontinent but the most important part that is her head fell at Pashupatinath which makes this one of the most prominent religious sites around.
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Entrance to Pashupatinath Temple, Kathmandu |
Thamel, Kathmandu
- Thamel is the backpacker’s heaven in Kathmandu, located in the middle of city and host some of the cheapest hotels and bars
- Even if you want a spacious / luxurious stay, it is recommended that it is closer to Thamel
- Kathmandu Darbar Square and Garden of Dreams are two complexes diametrically to each other at the periphery of Thamel and can be covered together
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Kathmandu Darbar Square, Thamel |
Swayambhu Stupa, Kathmandu
- If you are staying near Thamel, you can actually walk to this place early morning. Take the steps instead of the winding road. Beware of monkeys, they are numerous and greedy.
- View from the top is amazing, one of the few high points overlooking the Kathmandu valley.
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Swayambhu Stupa, Kathmandu |
Wednesday, 24 November 2021
Patan Darbar Square, Kathmandu
- Patan Darbar Square faced maximum damage during the 2015 earthquake, the restoration work is going on even 7 years later
- The late evening time with lighting and less crowd is more suited for those who want to check this place thoroughly
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Patan Darbar Square at night, Kathmandu |
Tuesday, 23 November 2021
7 Heritage Sites of Kathmandu Valley
While Kathmandu valley is a Unesco World Heritage Site, it actually constitutes seven separate entities that comprise into the WHS. They are:
D. Buddha Stupa
F. Bhaktapur Darbar Square
G. Changunarayan Temple
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7 Heritage Sites of Kathmandu Valley |
It takes 2 days minimum to cover all the sites although it may take more than a day to cover each one in the true sense, such is the grandeur of Kathmandu valley. Day 1 can be dedicated to A, B & C while day 2 can be used to cover D, E, F & G.
Sunday, 26 January 2020
Pattadakal & Aihole
Trip: Badami, Pattadakal, Aihole & Bijapur
- Pattadakal and Aihole are very close and can be covered together. Pattadakal is more complex and is next to a river hence a better choice for resting and lunch.
- Aihole is smaller but filled with temples. There is a nearby temple ona small hillock as well that gives a good view of surrounding area.
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Pattadakal Temple Complex |
Saturday, 25 January 2020
Badami Caves
Trip: Badami, Pattadakal, Aihole & Bijapur
Tips: Winters are more suited for Karnataka hinterlands. Transportation is a challenge if you do not have own vehicle, so either rent a car or come with your own vehicle.
We drove to Badami on a rented car. Earlier the same day we landed at Hubli airport and rented a Zoomcar. It was very convenient. We settled in a pre-booked hotel and made plans for the next few days. We wanted to cover Badami, Pattadakal and Bijapur in next two days. The first choice was obviously Badami. Our hotel was next to the archeological site although the main entry gate was a walking distance away.
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Natraj sculpture in front of Cave 1 @ Badami |
Monday, 19 August 2019
Cliffs of Moher, Ireland
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A view of the cliffs |
Friday, 16 August 2019
Giant’s Causeway, Northern Ireland
Incredible natural structures @ Giant’s Causaway |
Wednesday, 10 October 2018
Macau
Ruins of St. Paul’s |
Friday, 8 June 2018
Moscow
- Try to learn Russian in bits, its not very different from English. Keep a map of metro lines with you as it is a lifeline in Moscow.
- Most of the attractions are concentrated around Red Square. Kremlin's armoury show is most sought after and you should reach early to buy tickets there.
- Dont forget to try the river cruise and the Russian way of drinking vodka - that is quick shots in succession.
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Arbat Street |
Thursday, 7 June 2018
Saint Petersberg
- Take a hotel as close to Winter Palace as possible. Not only most of the attractions are around this but also the buzz on the street with various kind of artists performing is truly engrossing.
- Book the ticket for Hermitage in advance online. It is bit costlier but will save you lots of time as the entry queue for online tickets is separate.
- Cathedrals are closed on different dates of week so plan ahead if you want to cover a particular one. River cruises are a great way to cover some of them.
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View from Hotel Terrace |
Wednesday, 6 June 2018
Tallinn
- Have a good breakfast and carry a bottle of water all the time. Tallinn demands a lots of walk up and down the old town which at times can be tiring.
- Buy a sim when you reach Estonia. Most of the international networks either don't work here or are super costly. Carry an umbrella if you are going in rainy season.
- Take St. Olaf's entry ticket to the top. It costed us €3. There are few views in Tallinn that can beat what you can see from up there. Most of the other entries in Tallinn are free.
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Inside the Old Town |
Saturday, 2 June 2018
Soumenlinna, Finland
- Soumenlinna from one end to another would be at least a mile long and given detours, one need to travel at least 3-4 miles to cover the basics. Be ready for these long walks.
- There are beautifully placed restaurants and cafes within the fort walls that tempt you to just settle after a long walk. Do that.
- The periphery throws great views of the sea and parts of fort island. Make sure you walk along the edges to cover that.
Wednesday, 2 May 2018
Sarnath
- Best time to visit Sarnath is November-February. The site demands long walks and summers can be sweaty.
- While the main stupa and remains of Ashoka Pillar are significant attractions, the star attraction is the head of Ashoka Pillar preserved in the Archeological Museum next to the excavation site.
- The adjacent Digambar Jain Temple is dedicated as birth place of 11th Jain Tirthankara Shreyanshnath and has beautiful artwork on the walls.
Friday, 22 December 2017
Sigiriya, Sri Lanka
- Start early with balanced breakfast. The uphill climb takes 2 hours including breaks so by the time it is noon you would be climbing down in heat with the most clear view when you were up there.
- Don't miss the frescoes painted on the cavern of western wall of Sigiriya. They are some of the most exquisitely painted frescoes that are still preserved probably due to the cave.
- Enjoy the different views that elevation throws at different levels. Explore the top of Sigirya a little. People tend to just hit the top and come back.
View from middle, Sigiriya Lion Rock |