Chasing tigers in Sunderbans

Ever since I was a child, I have heard stories of man-eating tigers from our housekeeper Lakshmi who grew up in the Sunderbans. It has been decades and yet those stories hadn’t changed. Once in a while, I would get an update from her, about how a tiger attacked a village or how village kids went missing in the forests. As I grew older and the travel bug caught up on me, I decided to give my stories a reality check. So I coaxed Lakshmi one day and planned a trip to her homeland. It was after the festival season, a few years ago, and was the perfect time to explore this delta region. We booked a cab from Kolkata to Sunderbans and headed to see the land of the wild.

Reaching the Sunderbans

It was a 3 hour drive through Sonarpur and Canning. In case you are travelling in a large group, get the best tempo traveller on hire in Kolkata. We finally reached the village of Gadkhali. Beyond this point, one has to take a ferry to reach any of the nearby villages. We had to reach Maipit, where my housekeeper’s family lived. Her cousin Babu was a fisherman who owned a boat and was supposed to be my guide for the next two days. As soon as we landed at Gadkhali, he appeared with his small dinghy to give us a ride.

The deltas of the Sunderbans are like the frayed ends of India’s geographical fabric. The small ferryboat weaved through the Matla and Thakurani rivers and their silted river islands. Cutting through the noisy tourist boats and morning ferries, we reached the island village of Maipit. Far from the busy towns of the mainland and tourist lodges, Maipit was the quintessential village of Bengal. After a simple village-style lunch, we went for a walk around the village and around the edges of the river. Barely a mile outside the village, in a narrow forested trail, we found pug marks on the soil. It was fresh, probably from the night before, making it clear that one of the predators have been on the prowl.

Next day, we went out on our boat ride. Babu had already warned me that the ride could get intimidating at certain places.

A ride through the mangroves

Although September is a dry season, the villages here often experience a sudden afternoon storm, along with the daily tidal changes. This makes boating a risky affair at such times. The three of us started sailing at snail speed down the narrow canal where their house sat. The mangrove laden canal was way narrower than the water bodies I had crossed in the morning. The tides here changed so often that I could feel the rise and fall of the water volume while sailing. When the tides were high, the waves lapped at the banks, almost drenching the mangroves.

We meandered through narrow, shallow creeks and reached an area where there were very few houses, and that too, at a distance. At some places, the low-hanging trees made us duck.

The surroundings rushed a feeling of fear and exhilaration in me. I was thrilled and yet, there was the anticipation of the unknown. In a few arms distance, on one side of the river banks, I saw a half-broken boat turned over and torn clothes of probably a man. My boatman stoically stated that a few days ago a fisherman was missing from the nearby village and was found the next morning at the place that I just saw. This made my heart skip a beat. The creek seemed to taper down and the forests on each side felt closer to the boat.

A glimpse of the predator

Babu suddenly stopped the boat and asked me to follow him. This was a wider and clearer path used by villagers to collect firewood or go hunting. We reached a sandy ridge-like area, from where we could see on the other side of the delta. Quietly, he pointed out to a window between two trees, towards a water body. I grabbed my binoculars and focused on his line of view. Far away, I could see the golden yellow silhouette of the big cat. A little more focus made its flaming stripes prominent. It seemed to be resting in the water, perhaps preparing itself before the night attack. I realised that could be the closest I would ever get to a Royal Bengal. But that was good enough.

It was not safe to hang out in the woods for long and it was getting dark. The soft caressing sounds of the waves gave way to the stillness of the sunset. I tried to focus on the sounds that flew from the dark corners of the forests, where the predators were treading surreptitiously, lying in wait. Soon, it was dark and I kept my peeled to watch out for any sudden movement in the trees. I thought I heard a roar and felt the leaves rustle and a pair of green eyes. Or were they just fireflies?

Visiting Karwar in India

A long strip of beach that runs till the eyes can see, pristine blue water lapping over the soft and gentle sand and receding back into the mighty Arabian Sea, a spread of green laid out in all its glory to admire and behold – this is the beauty of Karwar. Located in the Uttara Kannada district of the state of Karnataka, around 15 kilometres south of the Karnataka-Goa border, Karwar serves as an ideal vacation spot for adventurers, honeymooners and families alike.

Karwar is famously known for its exquisite beaches, picturesque scenic landscapes, blooming flora and vast green hills – all these round up the beauty that Karwar has to offer to its tourists. Regarded as the most popular tourist destination in the Uttara Kannada district, the city attracts a huge number of visitors from all over the country. Karwar is also regarded as the city that inspired the laureate Rabindranath Tagore to author Prakritir Pratishodh.

The captivating beauty that instils romance into the air, it is in honour of the beautiful place that Tagore described in his equally beautiful words: “The sea beach of Karwar is certainly a fit place in which to realise that the beauty of Nature is not a mirage of the imagination, but reflects the joy of the Infinite and thus draws us to lose ourselves in it. Where the universe is expressing itself in the magic of its laws it may not be strange if we miss its infinitude; but where the heart gets into immediate touch with immensity in the beauty of the meanest of things, is any room left for argument?”

As Karwar is situated close to the Karnataka-Maharashtra border, much of its cultural influence has been taken from the two states, Goibibo notes. The natives of the city observe several festivals – Dusshera, Diwali, Basant Panchami and Pongal among others – as a way to rejoice life and celebrate the beautifully mesmerising city they have been blessed with.

While the city is popular for people looking to kickback, unwind and spend some time away from their busy everyday lives, it also houses a plethora of temples, forts for architecture lovers and beaches. Some of these attractions include the octagonal church Sadashivgad Hill Fort with a Durga temple and 300-year-old Venkataramana temple.

Places to visit in Karwar

Of all the seaside beauty the city has to offer, Rabinranath Tagore Beach is considered the best of the lot. Known for the mesmerising view of sunsets one can witness here, with the skies glazed in a wonderful blast of yellow colour, this beach is an ideal spot for honeymooners looking to spend some private time to rejoice in their romance, TravellersDiary.com notes. The beach is also home to Karavali Utsav, a cultural socio event organised by the Uttara Kannada District Administration.

The Sadashivgad Fort, famous Goddess Durga Temple, sits atop a 200 feet high hill. Founded in 1698 by Raja Sonde, it is one of the most visited attractions in the city. A view from the pinnacle offers a scintillating sight of the entire city laid out like a beautifully kempt carpet, along with that of the Kali River.

If you fancy indulging in or want to get a bite of adventure, Kurumgad Beach is the destination for you. Located in close proximity to the backwaters of the Kali River, this beach is shaped in the form of a tortoise and has scores of exhilarating activities to satisfy the craving for an adventure – trekking, diving, snorkelling and fishing. Dolphin spotting is a popular activity that tourists and visitors can indulge in. At night, a delightfully clear sky provides stargazing opportunities.

Karwar weather

The best season to visit Karwar is during winters, which starts from the month of November until February. Temperature during this season, which arrives after monsoons, generally ranges from 17 degrees Celsius to 29 degrees Celsius. Moderate rainfall in the months between July and October give the city a vibrant, bright and fresh appearance. The summers last from April until June, with the temperature ranging from 30 degrees Celsius to 36 degrees Celsius; tourists generally avoid vacationing in this period because of the excessive heat.

Where to stay in Karwar

Taking some time out of the routine everyday life to get a slice of scenic beauty, adventure and everything that defines a perfect vacation destination warrants that you choose an ideal hotel amongst several resorts in Karwara for your stay. Not only would you want an accommodation that is situated amid delightful surroundings but also offers plentiful amenities for entertainment and leisure.

With a scenic view of the Sahyadri mountains in the backdrop, located next to the estuary where the Kali River meets the Arabian Sea, Sterling Holidays’ Emerald Bay is set amid the marine expanse that has been the pride and beauty of Karwar.

Members can opt for a Studio room, while guests can go with the Classic Room. The resort also offers a wealth of amenities and facilities – including a swimming pool and an activity center.

How to get to Karwar

Whether you prefer air or rail, Karwar is never too far away for vacationing during holidays. It is noted that the closest airport is the Dabolim airport in Goa, which is approximately 90 kilometers away. One can also reach Karwar by rail via Konkan Railways.

Our Top Tips For Travelling The World

The idea of travelling the world sounds great for a number of people, but it can be daunting to get everything in order and take the first step to plan. With passports as well as USA Esta visas to apply for, it can all become very overwhelming rather quickly, however, it doesn’t have to be. In this article, we are going to be giving you our top tips for travelling the world.

Make A Budget And Stick To It

The most important part about travelling is making a budget and ensuring that you follow it. If you find yourself running low on funds during the course of your trip getting a short-term job will help to boost your funds enough to ensure you can continue to travel. Though this can be used in a worst-case scenario, this can also be used as a way to meet locals and learn a bit of the local language, helping to enrich your overall experience and make memories that will last a lifetime.

The Earlier The Better

Another tip is that the earlier you get up the fewer people there will be. This is important to remember when travelling to popular locations such as Rome, Paris Or London as getting up early will allow you to beat the queues and make the most out of the time you have in the city. This is particularly beneficial if you are looking to move onto another location the following day as you are then spending most of the day exploring rather than spending time standing in line.

Done Be Afraid To Venture Off The Beaten Track

If you are looking for a holiday full of adventure, then travelling to a location off the beaten track will help you to do just that. Done be afraid to try a new route and lose yourself in your surroundings, you never know what you might find! In addition to this, you may also find some of the worlds most picturesque locations, allowing you to truly explore your surroundings without the need for a tour guide. Although this may seem terrifying at first, it is good to push yourself out of your comfort zone as you will be more likely to find a hidden gem you never knew existed.

Pack As Light As Possible

When travelling the world, it is crucial that you pack as light as possible. The lighter you pack, the more you reduce your costs as you will be under the weight restriction. In addition to this, packing light will also be of a benefit to you if you are backpacking as this will be less to carry in the long term. By packing strategically, you can ensure that you have the room you need for all your belongings without adding additional weight.

Be Flexible With Your Schedule

The final tip for travelling the world is to be flexible when you are flexible with your planning, you are more likely to enjoy the trip that you have. Flexibility is also key as there could be the chance of a flight being delayed. This will help you to stay relaxed throughout the duration of your trip, allowing you to enjoy every aspect without the additional stress.

Whether you are looking to travel the world for the rest of the year, or you are looking to begin your tour of the world in 2020, the choice is completely up to you. When will you start your adventure?

Why Shopping In Hyderabad Is Not All about Pearls

As a child and a teenager, I knew Hyderabad to be the city of Sultans, and that the Hyderabadi pearls are the best of the kind in India. Growing up a little, I learned about the famous Hyderabadi biryani. But never did I know that as an adult, there will be more to explore on my part as a traveler. I have never been a shopaholic. However, the streets of Hyderabad has such treasures strewn on them that you cannot resist the temptation of picking a thing or two.

Here’s lowdown on what I discovered while shopping in Hyderabad.

• Laad Bazaar

Let’s begin with a relatively less known product- the very vibrant lacquer bangles. The Laad Bazar, which connects the famous Charminar to Chowmahalla, is a haven for bangle lovers. You can even go behind the shiny shops to visit the artisans who create them. It’s fascinating to see how they prepare each bangle manually and paste stones on them to create interesting designs and patterns. The shine, as well as the bold colors, make the bangles one of a kind.

• Begum Bazaar

Looking for some takeaways and ‘been there’ souvenirs for your friends and family? Try the Bidri metalworks. Basically, this form of art is native to Bidar, a village in the neighboring state of Karnataka. Yet, the place is culturally quite akin to Hyderabad. No wonder that the Bidri works found immense patronage here. The Begum Bazaar in Hyderabad is a wonderland of exquisite metalworks. I even went to visit some families living near the celebrated Salar Jung museum. They have their workshops of Bidri works over there. However, when it comes to Begum Bazaar, you might feel daunted by seeing its magnanimous size. But I assure that you can get your souvenirs for fantastic deals over here. If plain metalwork does not interest you, then you can also shop for exclusive bidri-studded jewelries, all for a very reasonable price. Begum Bazaar is one of the best shopping places in Hyderabad.

• Char Minar Bazar

Now back to the basics.  It is the biggest pearl drilling center in India. Pearls and Hyderabad share a special bond that has passed the test of time. So most of the tourists I have made a rush to buy the ‘best pearls’ from Hyderabad. However, though shopping in Hyderabad tends to be incomplete without pearls, you should know that there is no ‘best place’ to buy them. There are a number of cultured pearl shops lining up in the major shopping areas. It is where you can find some good deals in pearl accessories.

Did I tell you that Hyderabad is also the home to Khada Dupatta? This traditional bridal wear typically comes with 12 meters of heavily embroidered fabric. They are simple yet classy and can be a part of your trousseau if the wedding bells are ringing in. You might want to have a look at the bridal boutique shops in the Char Minar Bazaar area.

• Abida, Nampally

Pochampally, Kalamkari… sounds familiar? Both of these schools of art have their roots in Hyderabad. Pochampally sarees might have been here for long. However, in Hyderabad, you can also shop for Pochampally-inspired home linens and upholstery that gives a complete makeover to your room decor. Nampally, in particular, hosts a grand Annual exhibition cum sale of myriad products for shoppers of different needs. So when you are looking for excellence in the budget, then the good old Nampally is for you. I also spent a day in the Pochampally village, which is just about 45 km from the city. I picked some Kalamkari or hand-painted fabrics. If you take it from me, then I’d bet that they are one of the best fabric options to wear when you are on the go.

• Perfume Bazaar

The name speaks enough of what you are going to get here. If you have a nose for some of the best natural fragrances in India, then a visit to the century-old perfume market is a must. It is a wonderland of ittar or fragrances made by extracting natural fruits and flowers. The best ones are going to be expensive. Yet, they are worth every penny that you spend on them. Situated in between the Laad Bazar and Moti Chawk, you can buy the ittars in a vial, as well as in bottles, as you prefer. When you get there, stay prepared to get introduced to some very unique fragrance combinations.

• Sunday Book Bazaar

Drugged by books? Then make sure to hit this market for some biblical intoxication. Every corner of this flea market tends to have some hidden gems. Find the old versions of your favorite books, and have a collection that you can pride yourself with. Books and magazines are available in subsidized prices. You can even donate or sell the books that you won’t need anymore.

Bombay Omelette Curry – Street food to try in India

Next time you are in Mumbai then you have to try the Bombay omelette curry. It’s not the typical street food of Mumbai like the Pav Bhaji, Pani Puri or the Vada Pav but it’s still popular and must try when you visit Mumbai. If you are on the streets of Mumbai and want to try a street food that’s different then the Bombay omelette curry is something you could have a go at. Omelette is very popular in Mumbai but curry omelette is something that is slightly different and will certainly win you over if you love eggs. In fact you should be able to find the Bombay omelette curry in most places in India. Take a look how it’s made on the streets of Mumbai and make your mind if you do want to try the Bombay omelette curry.

Often cheese is grated on up along with fresh coriander.  The curry omelette is then served with pav or naan bread.

If this dish is not on the menu you can even request the restaurant or the dhaba to make you the omelette curry. Indian chefs are experts in most street food dishes.

If you want to make the omelette curry at home then take a look at this video. Why not try it at home. So don’t forget look out for the dhaba or the stall that makes the Bombay omelette curry next time you are in India. Here are the top street foods of India to try.

5 Reasons You Must Plan a Tour of the Russian Golden Ring

If you are a globetrotter and don’t know what the famous Russian Golden Ring stands for, chances are that you are living under a rock. That is how popular this tourist route is! It’s located north-east of the Russian capital, Moscow. There are so many towns here, each one more splendid than the other that you will be spoilt for choice.

There are many Russian Golden Ring Private Tours that operate today, and we would recommend them if you want to see the best of Vladimir, Suzal, Kostroma, Yaroslavl and other favourites without wasting any time. In an attempt to lure you to this wonderful 1-day trip from Moscow, we have listed down the top 5 reasons why you must take this trip soon:

1. Rich culture

Visiting the cities in the Russian Golden Ring is probably one of the best ways to learn about the rich tradition of Russian history, culture and traditions. The list of temples, monasteries and churches here is endless and if you are a history or culture fanatic, you would love to spend time just walking from one to the other. Picturesque churches, golden domes, ancient history, nature and tasty Russian food await you on this famous tourist route not far from Moscow.

2. Intriguing history

The history of this route goes back to the Soviet Era, when it was drawn with the objective to boost the influx of foreign tourists. In 1967, Yuri Bychkov, a famous journalist and art historian, travelled through the streets of Vladmir,  and wrote extensively on these cities, ending with Yaroslavl. Since his route was in the form of a ring, he termed it as so “The Golden Ring.”

3. Beautiful structures

Of all the things that it is known for, the Golden Ring houses some stunning churches, convents and monasteries. One of the most popular monasteries is one that was built by St. Sergius at Sergiyev Posad, somewhere around 1340 and you must make a stop here.

4. It is relatively cheap

One of the best parts about visiting the Golden Ring is that the cities here are way cheaper than other mainstream cities such as Moscow. Whether it is accommodation or food, you can save a lot of money. So, if you are traveling on a budget, it doesn’t get better than this!

5. Perfect Road Trip option

If you are looking to head out on a road trip from Moscow, then the Golden Ring is the best option. This circuit of about 10 ancient towns, each with its own tourist attractions, is a delightful trip that you must take, whenever you have the chance.

Now that we have apprised you of the 5 best reasons to visit the Russian Golden Ring, it is time for you to look for an itinerary generator and get packing!

Incredible India - 30 Things to Know Before You Go

Known for its deep spiritual history and unbelievable beauty, India remains one of our customers’ top locations for a reason. No matter the type of vacationer you are, there’s something for you in this superb country — whether it’s the complex and flavourful cuisine or the uniquely colourful culture.

Holidays in India suit a wide variety of tastes and preferences. If you enjoy bustling and vibrant cities then you would be right at home any of their sprawling urban areas. Or if you want to relax outdoors, you can spend your time surrounded by the imposing Himalayas or relaxing on the beaches of Western India. A paradise for foodies, you can experience dining unlike any other in some of Asia’s top restaurants or sample the regional flavours from food carts and street vendors. India’s history runs deep and the entire region is home to some of the most famous UNESCO Heritage sites. There’s so much to see and do in India, where you will encounter some of the richest and long-lasting cultural traditions in the world.

If it’s your first time considering India or even if it has been your dream destination for years, you should always try to learn as much as you can before heading off on your eastern adventure. India is an enormous subcontinent and with so much to do, planning your journey can be a little daunting. To help you along, we’ve assembled this handy list of facts and attractions to consider when looking at this location, so that you can spend your time taking in the sights, rather than on last-minute bookings.

Source: https://www.tdactiveholidays.ie/blog/incredible-india/