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Mercure Bangkok Sukhumvit 11 | Best hotel in Bangkok

January 15, 2020

On my recent visit to Bangkok, I stayed at the Mercure Bangkok Sukhumvit 11.

In terms of location and hospitality, Mercure Bangkok Sukhumvit 11 is a clear win. It is located just 2 minutes from Nana BTS, in the Sukhumvit area in Bangkok. And in this area, you will definitely find a lot of restaurants, bars and also a bit of shopping.

Mercure Bangkok Sukhumvit 11 is a premium property by the Accor group of hotels. So you can be rest assured that the service and hygiene will be par excellence. And actually, this would also not be as expensive as some of the other hotels by the Accor group. In fact, room rates here start at Rs.5500 (approx.2500 Baht) if you book in advance.

I stayed in a Deluxe room at Mercure Bangkok Sukhumvit 11 and it was so spacious! King bed, study area, coffee machine, mini fridge, wardrobe – it had it all. There was also a cozy sofa seating by the window.

In the bathroom, even the sink area was very well spaced out. A bathtub and a separate shower cubicle is also something that I personally appreciate in hotel bathrooms.

The hotel does have a gorgeous swimming pool area as well. And it is done up with colorful cabanas and interesting furniture pieces that make such a lot of difference to the whole feel.

Mercure Bangkok Sukhumvit 11 offers buffet breakfast and also an evening happy hour. You can try to incorporate a buffet breakfast in your room package to get a good deal. And the breakfast spread is pretty good. As a vegetarian, I indulged in a lot of food and salads here and the chef was kind enough to even put together a sandwich for me. Their happy hour is also pretty awesome! You can sip of some cocktails and enjoy cheese and crackers while enjoying the Bangkok skyline.

I have to give an extra mention to the the staff at the reception and restaurant area of the hotel. They were the kindest ladies I have come across and definitely go an extra mile in making you feel comfortable during your stay.

When in Bangkok, definitely try staying at Mercure Bangkok Sukhumvit 11. You won’t be disappointed! To know more about the hotel click here.

You can catch this hotel in my video below!

Want to read about my visit to the Bangkok temples? Click here!

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Alleppey to Kochi Houseboat – Kerala Tourism

Destinations Travel

December 12, 2019

Alleppey to Kochi Houseboat cruise is something that you should experience when in Kerala!

Alleppey to Kochi Houseboat tour is a great way to experience the scenic beauty of Vembanad lake. I recently went on the first every Allepey to Kochi Houseboat cruise and it was amazing. Watch the whole experience in my video.

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MyTripHouseboat, a company that offers houseboat services in Kerala has started these cruises that go from Alleppey to Kochi. The distance is about 80 km and charges begin at Rs.15000. This is a one of a kind houseboat experience as it goes through the Alleppey backwaters and ends in Kochi. And this whole route is scenic and how!

I stayed in a premium traditional houseboat and it had a sitting area, a dining area, 4 bedrooms and a kitchen. Bedrooms were quite cozy. Each bedroom had its own attached bathroom.

On a houseboat you can enjoy meals as per your choice – vegetarian or non-vegetarian. They try to stick to authentic Kerala cuisine and make dining on a houseboat quite an experience. Evening snacks too are available and you could choose from fresh pakodas to sandwiches along with tea or coffee.

This houseboat ride is a good way to experience Kerala. You can enjoy the backwaters and also make pit-stops at restaurants and hotels.

The boat docks at Kochi for the night and in the morning you can experience the beautiful backwaters of Kochi; so scenic you won’t believe it’s a city!

Alleppey to Kochi Houseboat experience was quite a fun one for me. If you want to know more about this then head over to MyTripHouseboat website and get a quote.

Watch this video in Hindi

Want to experience Kerala Ayurveda? Read this.

Bangkok Temple Tour | Grand Palace, Wat Pho, Wat Arun

Destinations Travel

December 3, 2019

A Bangkok Temple Tour is one of the best ways to discover Thai culture.

On my recent trip to Thailand, I discovered the connection between Thai and Indian culture. Know about this in my Bangkok Temple Tour video. Watch!

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I recommend 3 places on your Bangkok Temple Tour. Each one is explained in detail below.

Grand Palace and Wat Pra Kaew

This is a landmark tourist spot in Bangkok. Previously it was the royal residence and today its used for ceremonial purposes. The Grand Palace is beautiful in its architecture and a great place to discover the history of Bangkok. It is divided into 3 sections, 2 of which are open to public. The outer section is where all the temples are, including the famous Emerald Buddha Temple. This is known as Wat Pra Kaew. The second section open to the public is the outer lawn of the Grand Palace itself. Both of these spots make for beautiful picture backgrounds.

You can get to the Grand Palace using public transport and a ferry ride. Catch the Silom line and get down at Saphan Taksin BTS and then take the ferry on Chao Phraya River. You need to get off at the Tha Chang pier for visiting the Grand Palace.

Entry ticket is 500 Baht per person and this includes entry to the Grand Palace grounds, the temples and the museum.

Wat Pho

Wat Pho or Temple of the Reclining Buddha is another popular temple. The statue of Buddha here is larger than life – you need to see it in person to understand this! This is one of the biggest Buddha statues in the world and is 46m long. And this is one of the temples where photography and videography is allowed inside the temple. Inside the Wat Pho grounds is also the traditional Thai Massage school and you can even get a massage from the students here.

To visit Wat Pho, you can walk from The Grand Palace. It is a 10-15 minute walk and I would advise you to not take a cab or tuk-tuk here as you might have to pay a lot for it.

Entry ticket is 200 Baht per person.

Wat Arun

This temple is so beautiful! One of the prettiest temples in Bangkok, the Wat Arun is also known as the Temple of the Dawn. The detailing and intricacy in the architecture and design of this temple is out of this world. And its such a beautiful balance of white and other colors. Be prepared to climb a lot of heavy, steep steps if you want to get the best view from the temple.

To visit Wat Arun, you need to get to the other side of the Chao Phraya river. So head to the Tha Tien pier after Wat Pho and take a ferry for Wat Arun.

Entry to Wat Arun is 50 Baht per person.

While heading for the Bangkok Temple Tour, ensure you are modestly dressed. Don’t wear something too short, too tight because it is considered disrespectful inside the temple.

Hope this post was helpful.

Want to know about shopping in Bangkok? Watch this!

Looking for Vegetarian food in Bangkok? Watch this!

Watch the Bangkok Temple Tour in Hindi

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Chandigarh food, shopping and tourist places

Destinations Indian Food North Indian Travel

November 2, 2019

Exploring Chandigarh food, shopping places and a lot of other things to do in this post.

I tried a few famous Chandigarh food dhabas, shopped at local markets and basically spent a day around city beautiful! Watch everything in my video from Chandigarh.

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Here are all the places I visited on my first day in Chandigarh.

Sindhi Sweets

Located in the sector 17 market, this place is famous for chaat and its delicious sabzis. I recommend trying the Dahi Golgappa and their special Meal – a set thali. Sindhi Sweets is a place popular among locals, so it is a little busy. But definitely come here and try out their food. You can even try out their sweet dish items which is what you’ll see as soon as you enter their store.

Sector 17 Market

Love cheap shopping? Then sector 17 market should be fun! It’s honestly not all cheap shopping – there are shops selling the prettiest phulkari dupattas, but you do need to bargain well for them. And so many street side vendors selling jewellery, bags, shoes, tshirts and so much more. You can even just grab a softy and chill here – the vibe in the evening is pretty cool.

Indian Coffee House

This is one of the oldest cafe chains in India. You’ll find an Indian Coffee House in so many Indian cities. No nonsense place serving coffee and snacks. Definitely try their cold coffee on a hot afternoon.

Zakir Hussain Rose Garden

Such an instagrammable spot! Just about 10 minutes by rickshaw from Sector 17 is the Zakir Hussain Rose Garden, in sector 16. Come here for the pretty roses, in different colors and also for all the greenery.

Pal Dhaba

A must visit when in Chandigarh! Pal Dhaba is a place famous for its non-veg food – butter chicken, mutton and more but you do get a good Paneer Butter Masala here. Definitely try if you are vegetarian. And their dal makhani is awesome!

Heading to Shimla from Chandigarh? Read this!

Want to explore more of Chandigarh? Watch this video!

Watch my food vlog from Amritsar.

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Shimla – Lakkar Bazar, Mall Road, The Ridge, Viceregal Lodge

Destinations Travel

October 17, 2019

Shimla – very rightly called the queen of hill stations.

Winter or summer, Shimla has an unparalleled charm. Watch this vlog from my visit to Shimla in summer.

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In Shimla, you’ll find everyone heading to Mall Road. While there are lots of things to do at mall road, I do recommend going shopping in another market – Lakkar Bazar.

Lakkar Bazar, a market stretch aimed at tourists does not disappoint. One can find all kinds of wooden articles here – from show pieces to cutlery, from toys to storage boxes – there’s something for everyone in Lakkar Bazar. I recommend checking out small souvenirs, their wooden trays and even the artsy wooden boxes here. But do remember to bargain. And if you want more tips on shopping in Shimla then check this video.

The Ridge in Shimla is probably the most famous hangout. Day or night, this places is crowded always. It’s like a wide open street and surrounded by mountains on one side and British architecture on the other. Don’t miss the small joys here – eating a softy, popcorn and enjoying the view.

Christ Church, another popular landmark in Shimla. This is right at the beginning of The Ridge and you’ve probably seen this structure in so many Bollywood movies. This is the oldest church in North India and is a symbol of faith and humanity.

Shimla also has a lot of cute cafes and one of them is Cafe Sol. The place is beautiful and in fact one of the few places in Shimla that doesn’t have a mega dining view, but yet a great ambience.

Another place to visit to appreciate the gorgeous architecture in Shimla is the Viceregal Lodge. This place is not just about the Victorian feel, but also about the the greenery and not to mention the gorgeous view. You can also avail a guided tour here and know more about its importance during the freedom movement.

Shimla is one of my most favorite hill stations in India and a place that I recommend you to visit. If you want more information on the epic Shimla toy train journey then click here.

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Ayurveda Resort in Kerala – Somatheeram

Hotels Travel

October 10, 2019

My Ayurveda Resort experience in Kerala was fabulous!

One of the first Ayurveda resort in the world, Somatheeram should be on your wellness itinerary. Watch this video of my entire experience below.

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Located in Chowara near Kovalam, Somatheeram is one of the best Ayurveda resort not just in Kerala, but also in India. This wellness retreat began in the year 1985, when Ayurveda was generating a lot of curiosity amongst international travellers visiting Kerala. The nearest airport for Somatheeram is Thiruvananthapuram and after that it’s about a one and a half hour drive.

Somatheeram is not just an Ayurveda resort; it’s also a hospital. One can avail their treatments for various health issues and also those that are suited for relaxation and leisure. I checked in here just for 2 days and I could already feel the calm and peace thanks to all the greenery around the resort.

My room here was a traditional Kerala style cottage and it had an antique rustic feel. And oh so cozy!

Food is a very important aspect of Ayurveda. In Somatheeram, you will find a buffet spread for breakfast, lunch and dinner. But this is not just a regular buffet – one can find a wide variety of seasonal vegetables, healthy juices and an authentic Kerala menu which is usually very nutritious. Also, the individual dishes are marked with the doshas they are most suited for – Vatha, Pitha, Kapha. This helps guests navigate the buffet as per food that is really suited for their body.

Ayurvedic treatments, therapies and massages are all available in Somatheeram. But these are basis the guidance given by the doctors there. Basically, during check-in, one’s healthy history, problems and concerns are discussed and basis that a treatment plan is decided. And this includes exercise, food and massage.

The property is also beautifully green. And very close to the beach. So the sound of waves is something that you will hear all throughout your stay here.

I absolutely enjoyed my stay at Somatheeram Ayurveda resort. It is an experience that I recommend you have when in Kerala. You can check out their rooms, rates, packages by clicking here.

Read about the most underrated destination in Kerala – Poovar.

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Poovar

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Shimla Mall Road Food, Things to do & more

Destinations Travel

October 3, 2019

Shimla Mall Road – the feel of this place is just something else!

Here’s a video from my visit to Shimla Mall Road. I covered food, a lot of cute Shimla cafes and also touristy things to do. Watch it here.

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Here are all the places that you must visit when in Shimla. A lot of exploring of Shimla Mall road and nearby attractions:

Wake & Bake

This is a cutesy cafe right in Mall road. It has a view of Mall road and also a section for outdoor seating where one can enjoy the beautiful Shimla mountains. I recommend visiting this place for breakfast – do try their egg varieties. I ordered an Israeli breakfast platte consisting of Hummus, Lafa Bread & Shakshouka.

Baljees

The best Gulab Jamun ever! You have to visit Baljees which is right below Wake & Bake in Mall Road, Shimla. The Gulab Jamuns here are perfection.

Local Leather Stores

On Mall Road, you will come across a lot of local leather stores promoting Make in India. A lot of these have Chinese owners but have been residing in Shimla for many years.

Kali Bari Temple

Straight ahead from Mall Road is the Kali Bari temple in Shimla. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Kali and is a must visit when in Shimla. Goddess Kala also known as Shyamala Devi is where Shimla derives its name from. Be very careful while going up this temple, because of all the monkeys that surround it.

Lower Bazaar

A popular shopping area, even for locals. This bazaar is where you head if you want to stock up on some fruits, groceries etc. There are also quite a few popular food shops in Lower Bazaar. Don’t miss Nathuram Lachmandas for their Doodh Jalebi and Mehrus for their chaat. Also, if you want buy the famous Shimla shawls then buy them from Lower Bazaar. You will definitely find a better price here than the touristy Shimla Mall Road.

Tibetan Market

Most hill stations in the north have a Tibetan Market. You can expect clothes imported from China – basically fast fashion. But do remember to bargain whenever you are shopping here.

Himachali Rasoi

Keen to try out a Himachali thali? Head to Himachali Rasoi in Lower Bazaar. You get a thali with authentic Himachali cuisine and is definitely worth a try here.

Jakhu Temple

One of the most famous attractions here in Shimla is the Jakhu temple. You can either hike to get to the temple or take the cable car on Shimla ropeway. The cable car ride is expensive – Rs.250+Tax per person, one way, but the view is absolutely worth it. The Hanuman idol here is 108ft. high and I definitely feel you must visit here. But do be careful of the monkeys!

The Ridge

The Ridge on Mall Road is one of the most famous hangouts in Shimla. In the evening this place is buzzing. You have to visit to feel the vibe of this place. There are a lot of eateries around, but mostly it is just about sitting and enjoying the view.

Indian Coffee House

Indian Coffee house is a popular chain across a lot of places in India. They serve affordable food ranging from South Indian to even a few local specialities of the area they are located in. Definitely visit of you feel like chilling over some coffee.

So these are all the things that you can do on Shimla Mall Road and around. Hope this post is helpful. Want to know all about the Shimla toy train experience? Read here.

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Poovar Resort with access to Backwaters and Beach

Hotels Travel

September 28, 2019

The best Poovar resort that can take you on a splendid journey through the backwaters of Kerala and also the Golden Sand Beach!

A Poovar resort that feels like heaven – the Estuary Sarovar Portico in Poovar, Kerala is one of the best places to stay while you are visiting this gorgeous island.

Watch this video from my stay in Estuary Sarovar Portico resort in Poovar for a visual tour.

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When it comes to resorts in Kerala, a lot of them end up being scenic primarily because of their location. But the Estuary Sarovar Portico takes its nature landscape to a whole different level. This Poovar resort is massive – filled with lots of coconut trees, various types of stay options and a restaurant that helps you experience local Kerala cuisine.

In terms of location, this is one of the best. Access to the backwaters and the beach right from the resort – what else can one ask for when in Kerala. And that estuary view is seriously underrated!

Estuary Sarovar Portico has a lot of options when it comes to accommodation. From Garden view rooms to luxurious villas with a pool. And they are even coming up with estuary view rooms and cottages. I stayed at their premium cottage and it was more than comfortable! Massive room, a dressing room and bathroom with a cute bathtub for two – I couldn’t really ask for more!

In terms of food, I was spoilt for choice during my visit. Firstly I had the ‘sadya’ meal here which was phenomenal. The Chef and the staff go the extra mile to get as many dishes as possible and give guests a true Kerala sadya experience. They also have a sampler dinner menu of sorts – so 4-5 different dishes, local to Kerala are part of the menu and the portions are small since there are multiple dishes. And this also included a delicious banana payasam. Usually they have a breakfast buffet which has everything – right from appams, to idli-dosas to the more common American buffet dishes. What caught my attention in their breakfast spread was that they prepared their tea and coffee fresh right in front of you, and to suit your needs.

The resort has many amenities – 2 pools, a massive badminton court and play area, local tours, sightseeing and lots more.

Poovar Island is so beautiful – I don’t find as many people talking about it as they do for other places in Kerala. But this, in my opinion is one of the prettiest places that you can visit when in Kerala.Trivandrum is the closest airport to Poovar and it’s just about an hour’s drive from Thiruvananthapuram airport. And when you visit Poovar, do consider Estuary Sarovar Portico as your stay option. Its perfect for a honeymoon stay, a family vacation or even a corporate offsite. Check out all their details on their website.

Before Poovar, I visited Thekkady. You can know all about it here

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Greenwoods Thekkady Resort – So Green & Gorgeous!

Hotels Travel

September 16, 2019

You’d expect a Thekkady Resort or hotel to be lush and serene. But Greenwoods in Thekkady is so gorgeously green!

Here’s a video from my visit to Thekkady Resort Greenwoods, Periyar Lake and a Spice Garden. Watch below.

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Greenwoods Resort is one of the best places to stay in Thekkady. Location wise it is very convenient – just in the beginning of the market side and about a 15 minute auto ride away from the bus station for Periyar. For anyone who is in Thekkady and looking for a fun resort with their family, kids or even if you are on your honeymoon, Greenwoods Resort Thekkady is an option to be considered.

The resort itself has a beautiful feel. Surrounded by trees and lush greenery, this place has that forest-like vibe. They also have a lot of spice plantations inside the resort itself. Spices are very common in Thekkady and you can do a mini spice plantation tour right inside Greenwoods resort! They have a restaurant and a pool area too. And also an area called Gokulam which is where you will find ducks, rabbits and a few Gir cows in their cow sheds. The resort promotes responsible tourism – they have a waste water recycling plant, tree plantation activities for guests and also use minimal plastic. Other activities in the resort include a Kerala cuisine cooking class, a Kerala style saree and lungi draping and a traditional Indian dance performance.

Coming to the accommodation at Greenwoods Thekkady, they have superior and deluxe rooms, premium suites, villas with private pools. I stayed at Amaravathy – a premium suite with a pool and garden view. It is easily one of the most spacious cottages I’ve lived in and it was a super comfortable stay. A separate living room area (2 levels), a cozy bedroom with a balcony sit-out and a more than spacious bathroom.

In resorts like these, you could opt for an American Plan, i.e. a package inclusive of meals; so you don’t have to wander around in search of good, hygienic food. At Greenwoods Thekkady Resort they have a restaurant serving Breakfast Buffet and A-la-carte Lunch and Dinner. And you will be able to fulfil your cravings for trying authentic Kerala cuisine here because they have it all!

I definitely recommend Greenwoods Resort in Thekkady. It’s a great place for a good holiday, honeymoon or just some time off to relax and unwind. You can check out their prices, packages and other amenities on their website.

Looking for a resort in Munnar? Read this!

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Munnar

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Amber Dale Hotel Munnar | Luxury Hotel & Spa in Munnar

Hotels Travel

September 9, 2019

I recently stayed at Amber Dale Hotel in Munnar and my experience was amazing!

Watch this video to know about my Munnar experience in Amber Dale Hotel.

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Amber Dale Hotel is a luxury hotel and spa in Munnar. It is a beautiful property and boasts of the best view that one can get in Munnar. And that is absolutely correct. Once can admire endless stretch of mountains from various points in this property.

In terms of rooms, you will find ones that fit every budget. I stayed at their premium Valley View cottages and it was one of the coziest rooms ever! Also the view was absolutely worth it.

This beautiful sit out is where I recommend spending a lot of hours, sipping on tea or coffee and enjoying the breathtaking view.

They do provide an in-room dining service as well and that includes a lot of Kerala specialities.

And not just in-room, their breakfast buffet is one of the best ones I’ve tried – fresh local food, of course with a gorgeous view.

I didn’t get a chance to try out their luxurious spa section, but I can imagine it to be very relaxing!

With Munnar, as is the case with many hill stations, often the best of views come a little further from the main market area. This is just about 15 minutes from Munnar town and I recommend staying here because of the unparalleled scenic landscapes. The property also offers tours and other amenities like cycling, tea maiden costume (which you can see in my video thumbnail above), Kerala cuisine cooking demo, Barbeque and lots more. This is a beautiful getaway and one that I will surely cherish for life.

Category: Travel

On my recent visit to Bangkok, I stayed at the Mercure Bangkok Sukhumvit 11.

Alleppey to Kochi Houseboat cruise is something that you should experience when in Kerala!

A Bangkok Temple Tour is one of the best ways to discover Thai culture.

Exploring Chandigarh food, shopping places and a lot of other things to do in this post.

Shimla – very rightly called the queen of hill stations.

My Ayurveda Resort experience in Kerala was fabulous!

Shimla Mall Road – the feel of this place is just something else!

The best Poovar resort that can take you on a splendid journey through the backwaters of Kerala and also the Golden Sand Beach!

You’d expect a Thekkady Resort or hotel to be lush and serene. But Greenwoods in Thekkady is so gorgeously green!

I recently stayed at Amber Dale Hotel in Munnar and my experience was amazing!