Just Another Travel Blog

kalimpong- a paradise

2009-03-12T11:43:00.000-07:00

Our visit to kalimpong was truly wonderful. The scenic mountains, beautiful river with amazing weather, it was simply delightful!

The easiest route to reach Kalimpong is to take a flight from Delhi to Bagdogra/ Siliguri (about 70kms from Kalimpong). At the airport, many taxis are accessible to Kalimpong. [Remember that when you are going to Kalimpong, it is best that you reach not later than 5pm so that there is ready commute, since the towns really stop working after 530pm.

Himalayan Hotel and Silver Oaks are the best hotels with their scenic locations and heritage buildings. A plus to staying here is that they are located in the heart of the town and the walk to the town centre is hardly 5 minutes. So shopping, eating and discovering, all at a short distance. Many plants nurseries are also worth a visit. Two of my favourite ones are- Universal Nurseries and Shangrila Nurseries.

Places to visit around Kalimpong are Deolo, a hilltop and Science City (about 2 min drive from Deolo). One can see an entire range of Kanchanjunga from the Science City park. Also, don’t forget to take some nibbles with you to Deolo. For a peaceful time, Durpin Monastery is well worth a visit.

Also, one can take a day trip to Darjeeling from Kalimpong. Just ask your hotel to reserve a taxi for you. On the way to Darjeeling, a stopover at Batasia loop is a must, to experience the local train ride (the one where Shahrukh Khan gets off from, in the movie Main Hoon Na). Mall road is the most famous for shopping.

Things to remember:

1. Keep at least three days for change of plans, as there are sudden declared strikes/ curfews at Kalimpong and Siliguri that may hinder your itinerary.

2. For ladies, no high heels please!! Kalimpong and Darjeeling require a lot of walking and the terrain has many ups and downs.

3. Kalimpong temperature is usually changing so keep your warm clothes as well as your spring clothes handy.

On your way back from Kalimpong, don’t forget to drop a coin in the Teesta river and feed the monkeys on the way. They are considered holy.

Shweta & Shri

Maldives.. The Sunny side of Life

2009-03-11T22:21:00.000-07:00

Our recent trip to Maldives (Indian Ocean) was an awesome experience to say the least. Being an Islamic State, our expectations weren't much more than of chilling out on the island resort and getting some quiet time away from the hustle bustle of Pune.

We were reserved for 7 nights on Paradise Island Resort, more popularly known as the 'Paradise' and being just 30 min Speed Boat ride from the Hulhule Island (Airport) it was perfectly situated, closer to the Capital Island of Male´and most of the excursions one is interested in taking. Paradise itself is a 5-Star Island Resort with 2 main categories of accommodation, namely Beach Villas and Water Bungalows. I would personally suggest the Villas but its according to every persons taste.

Beach Villas are accessible via the Main Lobby which also houses the Main Restaurant and a Souvenir Shop and Excursions desk. There is also a Gymnasium and Cyber Cafe providing broadband internet.

The Restaurant mostly serves International Cuisine and the menu is displayed everyday for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner. Mostly your accommodation on Paradise will cover unlimited Breakfast and Dinner.. which takes care of everything. Being one of the bigger islands, Paradise is full of variations such as a protected Lagoon, Boardwalk with Beach Bar, Pool Tables, Italian and Japanese Restaurant, Full service Spa, Kids playground and absolutely beautiful walkways.

Things to Remember:

1. Carry 'only' US Dollars or Euros, the Resorts will not accept any other currency. One can also use the Exchange at the airport island.

2. Make your reservation in advance, including boat transfers to the resort.

3. Excursions can be booked at the resort as the weather changes and number of people taking them also act as final factors.

4. No Visa is required, Maldives provides all visitors with free visa on arrival. No pets are allowed strictly.. Including Dogs as its against their national policy.

5. If flying from India, there are direct flights from Bangalore and Chennai. Also some carriers provide connecting flights via Colombo (Sri Lanka) and other international locations.

6. Be ready to be tanned, Maldives enjoys abundant sunshine in the months of November to March and heavy rainfall in the remaining. Make reservations accordingly.

One of the day excursion we took was "Male´visit" which is their capital city and probably one of the most smallest cities in the world with a population of 150,000 plus living on a mere 25 sq. kms of land and having all the administrative and military buildings. Submarine Excursion is also suggested as Maldives is famous for its Coral Reefs and what better way to see them? Adventourous kinds can also take Squba Diving excursions if you have the will to get trained before hand (Licenses needed).

Want to relax? Simply book from the many Spa treatments.. Body polish and Partner Session were something we tried and liked a lot.

Its safe to swim in the lagoon and the danger areas are marked with buoys for everyone. However there are no life guards so please be careful.

Our villa was charged around $ 350 per night which is great.. There is however NO ROOM SERVICE for the Villas so be prepared to walk to the main lobby everytime you need something. There is room service for the Water Bungalows.

If you have any questions.. Do feel free to contact us. Do visit Maldives.. you will Love the experience.

Shweta & Shri

We love to travel..

2009-02-14T21:20:00.000-08:00

This is just another blog on travel and travel tips.. but hey.. its our perspective and experience that matters.. right? :) So enjoy the ride and you will reach the destination.

Shweta & Shri