One Enduring Lesson - Book Review

One Enduring Lesson
By Jamal Merchant
Review By Ila Garg

‘One Enduring Lesson’, a novel by Jamal Merchant is published by Rupa Publications. The cover at once makes it look like a book on positivity or life lessons. With a couple letting go a dupatta in air which forms a heart shape, the novel does hint on being a love story too.

Colourful Notions: The Roadtrippers 1.0 - Book Review

Colourful Notions: The Roadtrippers 1.0
By Mohit Goyal
Review By Ila Garg

Colourful Notions: The Roadtrippers 1.0, a novel by Mohit Goyal, is published by Srishti Publishers and Distributers. The cover absolutely seems to make complete sense in accordance with the title. The long roadway and the car with three roadtrippers… must be a good read for all the travel enthusiasts out there. We will find out soon as we turn the pages! For starters, read my review on it.

Jaipur Junction - 10 things to do in Pink City

What is the first thing that comes to your mind when you say - JAIPUR…?

Jaipur… well… Pink City? Think more… Culture? Art? History? Colors? Yes… now you are moving in right direction… Jaipur is full of colors. You step out in the streets, and your eyes instantly meet a feast of colors! The markets are full of irresistible clothes and jewellery… Yes, the ethnic jewellery! It’s like a revisit to the traditional India that we all hear about or read in textbooks. It will leave you mesmerized and let you breathe… Unlike big cities, where life is lived in a haste, Jaipur provides you a calm aura. It like to move at ease. Nobody is in a hurry, Jaipurwalas believe that life should be enjoyed and they make sure that it is reflected throughout the city. The cuisine, the clothes, the way they speak, all of it has a grace and charm of its own that will surely leave a lasting impression on you. The apnapan of Jaipur is hard to ignore and that is why, today I take you through the lanes of this beautiful city. Here are 10 things that you just can’t miss to indulge in while on a trip to Jaipur.

1. Treat yourself to some Delicacies: Jaipur maybe known for a lot of things but the food stands out among all its specialties. It’s a paradise for food lovers. This time when you visit Jaipur, take out time to explore some of the popular joints here - Nand Gol Gappe Wala, located in Raja Park, offers hands down the best economical and hygienic gol gappes in the city. Julie Furniture Bhel Puri Wala will leave you claiming that you have had the best bhel puri ever! Sampat’s kachori is yet another thing to look out for… Banna Ji Coffee Shop, located aside Mr. Beans at 22 Godam, is definitely a great coffee shop and a nice hangout spot with just the best ambiance. Jaipur aaye aur paan na khaaye!! Don’t even think of missing this out… you dare not call yourself a fan of paan if you haven't heard the name of Anu Mobile Paan Bhandar. Initially run in a Maruti Van, with time and efforts this joint earned a big name for itself, big enough to supply Jaipuriya paan for Saifeena’s wedding. Winters and ice creams… sounds like crazy! Saras Parlour offers the best ice cream for you to gorge on… And the list goes on and on… C’mon… Get, set, and eat…

    2.   Click-o-Mania: Photography lovers get your shutters ready… and click, click, click. The best thing to do in Jaipur is to wake up early in the morning and go on a photo-walk… The view from Nahargarh Fort at 6 in the morning is breath-taking and you can’t afford to let it go. You can rope in some of your friends and experience the calmness of the city. The Jaipurwalas are never in a rush, so the city stays peaceful till late morning hours…. In a nutshell, the ideal time to explore the city is 6-10 in the morning. An evening can be well spent at Birla Mandir.

     3.  The Royal Appeal: The list goes bigger and better here… Jaipur is the Royal City full of majestic Palaces and Forts that sing of its timeless glory. Amber Fort, City Palace, Jaigarh Fort, Rambagh Palace, Sheesh Mahal, Hawa Mahal, Jal Mahal, Samodh Palace, Nahargarh Fort, Jantar Mantar observatory… and so on. The city has been an eyewitness to the days of galore, when legends and sagas were sung in traditional folk songs for the beautiful queens and princesses. Jaipur is a mysterious land of snake charmers, enigmatic royal safaris, vivid colors and festivities!

     4.   Cultural Treat: Jaipur epitomizes the adventurous spirit of Rajputana. In spite of growing into a busy metropolis, it has managed to retain its character and rich cultural heritage. It has carried forth with it the traditions of yesteryear… Jaipur thus is a beautiful fusion of age old values and modernity. The music and dance reflects the culture of the city most aptly. Rajasthani music is so appealing to the senses that the listener can’t stop his/her feet from swaying to the beats. The iktara is used to play soothing tunes and the famous dance forms include ghoomer and kalbelia. Mehndi too plays an important role at times of celebration. Kite flying tradition of the city seems to be undying too. The language of Jaipurwalas is a very soft spoken language and can win hearts of other people. Learning the language and engaging in dialogues with local people is one way to have fun.

    5.   Puppet Shows: Jaipur’s most popular form of folk entertainment and traditional occupation is the Puppet Shows. The art of puppetry is practiced by a community of agricultural laborers of Rajasthan, known as the Bhats. No village fair, no religious festival and no social gathering in Jaipur can be complete without these shows. The puppets are also known as kathputlis, where kath is wood and putli is doll. These puppets are readily available in markets of Jaipur and form a wonderful gift. The puppeteers use the strings to move the puppets around the stage. A lot of interesting short stories are narrated through these puppets, making it a thorough learning experience. The pair of Moomal-Mahendra, Dhola-Maru and other legendary pairs are still popular with the general and local folk in Jaipur. Such shows can be seen at Nahargarh Fort, Hawa Mahal, and many more places in Jaipur.

       6.   Bike Racing: I know what you are thinking!! Jaipur and Bikes? How’s that even possible… but then Jaipur is a blend of both the worlds. As much as its cultural roots are strong, it has embraced the modern source of entertainment too. There are various clubs and organizations taking this forward. SAAHAS (Society for Adventure Awareness Humanity & Automobile Sports) is dedicated to promote motor sports and is on the way to develop Jaipur, Rajasthan as the most popular International destination for Motor Racing by regularly organizing variety of Motor Sport Events which provide a platform to Amateur Motor Racing Enthusiasts. SAAHAS also offers proper guidance to the youngsters who are passionate for Adventure on Wheels. This organization is registered under Rajasthan Society Registration Act, 1958 & is affiliated member of The Federation of Motor Sports Clubs of India.

      7.   The Safaris: Completely drenched in extravagance, the city offers camel, horse, and elephant

safaris. Camel Safari is arranged by Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation (RTDC). Camel rides in Jaipur city attract large number of tourist every year. In ancient times, the elephant was used as a Royal Vehicle for the Kings. One can enjoy the heritage trip of the Pink City on these elephants and get a feel of royalty, especially while visiting Amber Fort. During Holi festival, an elephant festival is also held every year in Jaipur. A game of Polo is the main highlight of the program. The horses were earlier used by the Rajputs and Royal families of Rajasthan in battle fields and for hunting. Nowadays, one can enjoy horse riding during Jaipur Tour. For security reasons, tamed camels, elephants, and horses are used for the ride. These safaris will add to your memories of the city and give it a tinge of adventure.

   8. The colorful markets: Did you say shopping? I can see that smile across your face broadening! For the shopaholics, Jaipur is a perfect destination. The markets in Jaipur are full of hand-looms and trinkets. The multi-hued dresses add to the color and vividness of the markets. The bangles are a sure shot buy. You can take a lot of good stuff for family and friends. The bazaar offers a wide range of ethnic jewellery, handicrafts, textiles, the mirror work on clothes and other items, the colorful dupattas, precious gemstones, the pottery, and the leather goods. The Johri Bazaar is most famous for inexpensive gold and silver jewellery, the Bapu Bazaar offers crafts and home décor items. Also, you can find camel leather bags near Hawa Mahal. 

   9.  The Literature Hub: The city of palaces date literature and it is magical. Jaipur attracts the lovers of literature from all around the globe every year. The Jaipur Literature Festival is widely known and hundreds of people visit the historic Diggi Palace Hotel to attend it. Authors from India and abroad address the various sessions that consist of readings, discussions, and questions and answers segment. One can catch up with these authors, buy their books, and get them signed too. In addition, drink the Pushkari chai, eat the Diggipuri and slurp on the molten choco lava. Live music performances are also staged in the evenings.

10.   Of hot air balloons and the metros: The city is also acknowledged for its hot air balloon rides. As you sail over the Pink City, the beauty of the historical monuments, placidlake and the never-ending stretch of golden sand will surely leave you in a trance. Please mind the gap, there may be short delays in the journey, please do not sit on the floor, beware of pickpockets inside the train, male passengers are advised not to sit on the seats reserved for ladies, please do not obstruct the automatic doors; doing this is a punishable offense… Oh! By the way Jaipur City is now enjoying metro rides too. Do I need to say more?

You can also visit chowki dhani for a mini Rajasthan’s experience and can taste the traditional food items like daal, baati, choorma. And by the time you will relax in the afternoon, you will find yourself crooning to - Shaam Gulabi, Sehar Gulabi, Dopaher gulabi, hai gulabi ye sheher. Main bhi gulabi, tu hai gulabi, Din bhi gulabi, hai gulabi ye keher… The city will make you fall in love with the aura!

 For more pics - click here! 

Rajiv Chowk - A Must Visit

Rajiv Chowk has been a very special place for me more than one reason. Every delhite must have a connection with this place, the central hub of the metropolitan city. This place has the oldest architecture and the building have survived huge atrocities and yet have not demanded any major repairs. Its British architecture (with Edwin Lutyens being the leading architecture) is classy and stylish and appeals to all age groups. For me, this place is always full of wonders. First things first, at whatever time you might be at Rajiv Chowk metro station, you will always find it full of people. Indeed it is a lively sight! I often find myself lost among the crowd there. If you can imagine the scene through my eyes and words - well, it’s like I’m standing in the middle of the station, and time freezes, but the storm of people keeps going all around. Sometimes, this crowd takes you along and sometimes you just feel out of place, uneasy due to the commotion. With so many exits, this metro station is a helluva of a place to be!

Image Source: archinect.com

We delhites can never skip this place from our hangout plans. Why? Because it has everything you want to add to your day. From coffee shops to places for window shopping, from libraries to eateries, this place has it all. What do I love the most about this place? The British Council Library situated at the K.G. Marg offers a great reading spot with a mini coffee shop inside. There are many more libraries around the area to give the readers ample choices. In addition, Rajiv Chowk is a treat for shopaholics with inner and outer circle laced with numerous shops. These shops include high end fashion brands and few small brands, suiting everyone’s pocket. In the Central Park right opposite to the market area, there is big Indian flag situated which instills national pride in all of us.

The metro station is very near to the underground flea market Palika bazaar and Janpath, which are two popular shopping places for the college goers. This is a perfect venue to buy antique things like lanterns and decorative pieces, trendy dresses, flip flops, latest tops and silver jewelry at value for money prices. Something that will leave you happy. That’s not all. There are many cinema halls in and around CP. PVR Cinema, PVR Rivoli, Regal, etc. are few of them that are always playing new movies. There are few art galleries and stadiums too to cater to people of all interests. And if this doesn’t interest you, Rajiv Chowk has dedicated areas for photography lovers among the city dwellers. We have Ugrasen Ki Baoli which is a great spot for bird watchers. This place is often known as one of the haunted places in the city. Many important monuments like Jantar Mantar are famous haunts within Rajiv Chowk. Also, with Bangla Sahib located here, the place attracts people with religious sentiments as well. In a nutshell, Rajiv Chowk is one stop hub for people from all sort of passions and interests. 

City Guide: Garden of Five Senses

The Garden of Five Senses is a breath taking and enamoring experience. It is not just a park - it is a celebration of aesthetic expression and appreciation, a seamless dialogue between the creations of man and nature that invites interaction and exploration. It is an ideal ground to realize the twin objectives of the need for a public leisure space as well as awakening of human sensitivity to the environment.

It is an intricate blend of nature’s bounty and subtle human creation. Amidst the concrete jungle and the hustle and bustle of the city, the garden of five senses comes across as a welcome breath of fresh air and serene quietude. True to the imagery suggested by its name and with its beautiful, lush green landscapes, the garden of five senses stimulates all the five senses in an evocative bouquet that awakens the mind to the beauty of life and invokes a grateful prayer for the gift of touch, sight, sound, smell and taste.

Visitors are encouraged to touch the rocks and displays, the fragrance of flower for the nose, the landscape appeals to the eyes - the sight, the ceramic bells and the water falls create a soothing sound - pleasing to the ear and the food courts serve a variety of cuisines - to please the tongue. Thus, justifying its nomenclature - Garden of Five Senses!

The garden is located at Said-ul-Aizab village, close to the Mehrauli heritage area in New Delhi. The garden is built on a large expanse of land, 20 acres to be precise. It was inaugurated in February 2003 by Chief Minister of Delhi, Sheila Dikshit, coinciding with the beginning of the 16th garden festival which is showcasing seasonal flowers, hanging baskets and animal figures sculpted from the plants.

The garden is a visual treat, esp. for the photographers. The geometric arrangement of plants, the meandering pathways and lotus pools with beds of green leaves covering clear waters and with pink lotuses peeping out every now and then transporting a person straight to heaven. A brief walk in the garden serves as a great stress reliever. Stainless steel birds mounted on slate -clad pillars soar indignantly in the air, as if, trying to welcome the visitors.

Nestled among the natural slope of the site is the amphi-theatre with blocks of sandstone serving as seating. At the rear of the garden is an open exhibition area for displaying art and holding workshops. Pools of water lilies, bamboo courts and herb gardens are some of the other attractions. The garden is a wonderland for children and adults alike, who are virtually starved of this bountiful nature’s gift.

The mountainous landscapes and rocks strewn in every here and there give a casual trekking experience. Majestic rocks stand silhouetted against the sky; others lie strewn upon the ground in an alluring display of nature’s sculptural genius.

The garden festivals theme this year is Decorative Accents in Landscaping. A competition will be held in 24 classes consisting over 175 sections. There will also be competitions in Dahlia varieties, display sections, the tray garden class and nursery stalls. Such similar competitions and shows would be held every year.

To add more interest, are the toy solar cars imported from Taiwan for use in the amusement section of the Garden of Five Senses. Each solar car cost Rs 60,000 each.

During the garden festival, free battery bus rides up to the garden would be available from Qutab Minar and the deputy commissioner’s office near Anupam Apartments in Saket.

An integral part of the garden is the solar Park set up with the assistance of the Ministry of Non-conventional Renewable Energy sources. The aim is to promote awareness of renewable source of energy. A 20KW solar power plant is installed to meet the requirement of the park.

And I felt like a Magician!

It was an ordinary day, which suddenly turned extraordinary as I held the magic wand in my hand. I reached my workplace in time and started my work tasks for the day, when I remembered that I had to go on a photo walk that evening and I had forgotten my camera at home. I somehow accomplished all my tasks for the day and left office.

I met my friend Riya at the decided venue and told her that I will not be able to go further as I don't have my camera. She assured me that it won't be a problem and winking at me she gave me her phone. She told me it would serve better than a camera, I just stared at her dumbfounded. I remember calling her insane and how can she even think this will beat a camera. She just smiled and taking my hand she literally dragged me. 

We started clicking pictures once the whole team had reached the venue. I was amazed at the camera quality of this phone - ASUS Zenfone 5. I was awestruck as I continued to use this new PixelMaster that captured perfect professional pictures.

Soon, it got dark and I could see my helplessness getting back. The whole team was now using flashes and I was feeling weird, looking at the phone. 

'Okay then, that's it for me, I guess! I should call it a day and head back home', I told the team. 

'Leaving already? But the night photography is the best part of this photo walk. How can you just miss it?' Varun tried to stop me and lure in the plan. 

My friend, Riya convinced me once again by showing some incredible features of the Zenfone - Low Light Photography.

Added to that, with Time Rewind feature in the phone, I was just too intrigued to click more. I enabled Time Rewind, and the PixelMaster camera automatically started recording images two seconds before and one second after pressing the shutter button. During this three-second period, 31 photos were recorded for me to choose, meaning that the perfect moment is never missed if you click from this phone.

I felt like a magician capturing shots that added to my memories. That night, I decided to stay at Riya's and explore this incredible phone. 

It was fun, 'this phone has super powers', Riya hushed at me. I eyed her and told her she should not exaggerate. 

'I know this is wonderful, has a powerful extraordinary camera, but super powers? No, please! Let's be realistic', I said to her.

She laughed it off and showed me the super power for real. 'Okay so this is called The Incredible Searchathon - this is like WOW! It can help you trace any of your friend just by imputing some information', she opened the feature. 

I simply drooled and gasped, curious to discover how it works. 

She continued, 'With this feature, you can see what others can't see and do what others can't do. Do you wanna try?'

'Of course!'

'Okay, so look all you have to do is open this Incredible Searchathon and start filling in the details - the phone number, name, and link of his/her Facebook profile and click on 'GO'. Simple, isn't? And then it simply traces your friend's phone location and takes you along with him on this map.'

'Oh well, it's superb. Almost like the magical map from Harry Potter!'

'Yeah. Isn't it fun? You know what, its 5 inch screen has an amazing display that will help you writing and editing docs on the go. You being a writer can utilize it to the fullest. It has multiple themes and fonts too.'

'I am just speechless.... My search for incredible ends here! - ASUS Zenfone 5. Thanks Riya for introducing me to this simple, peaceful, and beautiful phone.'

The Ultimate Road Trip : Leh

Summers vacations are a perfect time to plan up trips. Road trips are the most exciting options while planning a hangout with friends. As the vacations are still on, its kinda an appropriate time to share the experience of my recent road trip.

I was so excited for this trip since a long time before it began. I researched a lot about this place, our destination, Leh. And what an amazing road trip it turned out to be. The vivid places that we visited are still very fresh in my memory. I can revisit those visions every time I close my eyes. They have been imprinted upon my brain cells permanently.

When all packing was done, I ensured that we carry extra refills of Ambi Pur for our car. It was a necessity and so it proved to be. Along with this, I also made sure we took a lot of water, extra can for fuel, tyre repair kit, air pump, appropriate clothing such as gloves, warm caps, warm scarves, inners, warm socks and sturdy shoes, sleeping bags, a torch and batteries, extra memory card for camera, some food such as cheese, energy bars, chocolates, juices, biscuits, etc. for the drive.

We had booked a car and subsequently, SERIOUS and DETAILED planning for Mission Leh. After several discussions, me and my three friends (2 guys and a girl) were ready to go in one Scorpio. The car was due for delivery in the first week of June and taking into account the running in period of a 1000 kms, we planned the trip for 8th June, 2013. I got the delivery of the beauty on 3rd June, 2013. We were all set for Mission Leh! Years of yearning and planning was finally going to come to fruition on the 8th June, 2013 (0 day)!!

All four of us were so involved with Mission Leh that we would exchange mails every day on what would be the itinerary, what all to carry, how much to carry, what would be the budget; generally excitement levels were at an all time high, work seemed to be the last thing on everyone’s mind and the countdown had begun, with each passing day bringing us closer to our departure on one of the greatest road trips! After a few iterations our plan was finalised as follows:

08/6 – Leave in the evening for Chandigarh from Delhi
09/6 – Chandigarh to Manali
10/6 – Manali to Tandi
11/6 – Tandi to Sarchu
12/6 – Sarchu to Leh
13/6 – Leh
14/6 – Leh to Pangong
15/6 – Pangong to Leh
16/6 – Leh to Nubra
17/6 – Nubra to Leh
18/6 – Leh to Llayamuru and back
19/6 – Leh to TsoMoriri
20/6 – TsoMoriri to Tandi
21/6 – Tandi to Manali
22/6 – Manali to Delhi

So this was the 15-day plan that we had charted out for ourselves to successfully accomplish Mission Leh. We had on purpose kept the schedule spread out so we would not be rushed at any time. Then began our shopping for the items mentioned above which we took on the trip with us; warm clothes, gloves, body warmers for us and, towing line, tyre repair kit etc. and most importantly a lot of refills of Ambi Pur Air freshener for the Scorpio. As time for us to leave came nearer, things were looking upbeat, preparations were almost done and we were rearing to go, except for the small issue of it raining non-stop and beyond season in HP...

We left for Chandigarh on 08/06 at about 5.30 pm. That day it was POURING in Delhi and for those familiar with Delhi, near the new elevated road from just before Rajghat to ISBT, the ring road was under about a foot of water and cars were finding it difficult to pass through. It was a really depressing and demotivating sight for the four of us; our journey had not even begun and it seemed the rain Gods had decided to ruin our party for us. Nonetheless, with a prayer on our lips we set out upon Mission Leh!

As we moved out of Delhi, the rain started to subside and in about an hour’s time there was no rain at all. As the roads began to dry so did our spirits and we began believing that yes, we can do this and that the weather Gods may finally have cast a favourable eye upon us. Though now when I see the condition of Uttrakhand, I shiver!

So, stopping on our way a couple of times for food and drinks, we finally reached Himachal Bhawan in Chandigarh at about 11 pm on 0 day, 08/06. Ambi Pur proved as blessing keeping the air inside the car fresh for us to breath properly. We checked in and hit the sack by midnight.

Day 5 (13/06) – Leh City – 0 kms – whole day

Finally we opened our eyes in Leh City. We were happy and excited for more fun that was about to come our way. At 10am, we first went to Thiksay monastery, then the Hemis monastery and then finally to the Shey palace. These are all wonderful places and if one is to really contemplate and think back in time, there is so much history attached to these monuments. Long hours inside the car, were not suffocating thanks to Ambi Pur.

We finished our city tour by lunch time and then went back to the hotel, washed up and went walking to the market, which is right next door, for lunch. There were a few places we wanted to explore for food, and settled for Tibetan Kitchen for that day.

At about 6.30 pm, with the help of a guide, we reached the outskirts of the city, where we parked the car along the road. We then proceeded from the road to the river, for which we had to cross this stretch of thorny Leh Berry bushes, which seem to line the river bank everywhere. So, after about 5 minutes of walking through bushes, we emerged onto the bank of the Indus! There, the four of us, and the guide, spent a nice two hours talking and gazing at the mountains. From where we were we could see Stok Kangri, the highest peak in Ladakh. It is at about 19,000 ft and there are treks that go there. Stanzin told us how he had done this trek with a few friends and being a local, even he found it extremely touch going. That evening was special because we were in close vicinity of the Indus and the Himalayas at the same time! It is really awe inspiring to be amongst such legends. Simple living, simple people, one amazing place!

This is how we lived a dream in 2 weeks. Being back in Delhi made all the things we did in Ladakh and the places we went to seem like a dream; it was like we had just come out of a really engrossing movie. But no, it was no movie, we had finally accomplished Mission Leh!!

In the end, All I would like to say is that please DO go to Ladakh, it is a Wonderland and you can be Alice. You would see places the likes of which exist nowhere else on the planet. You would experience the warm hospitality of the Ladakhi people and you would have an experience that you WOULD never forget and will cherish forever.

Driving is the real way to go, but if you want to fly, then do that, it would still be a lot of fun. Driving is a bit dangerous, but so is crossing the road. Be well prepared, research well, plan ahead, book ahead (if with families and if looking for some comfort) plus don't forget to carry Ambi Pur (it made the long hours we spent in the car refreshing and bearable) in excess with you and keep a couple of days spare just in case and you should be fine.

Go and DO MAKE THIS trip, else regret and down the line wonder, what if...

Yours truly...signing off,
Ila.

AmbiPurIndia

My Jaipur Diary - When the City of Palaces 'dated' Literature!

Journey through pictures :)

How I visualise Life...(A journey through pictures)

What is 'life'? The answer to this question may vary from individual to individual. I believe that life is unique in all its aspects. Life as I visualise is an opportunity to see things differently and do things differently. Some see life as an 'ice-cream' which is ready to melt, while others say life is like a 'hot fire ball' full of miseries. Life is full of failures but without failures would we ever be able to value the successes? No. Just like darkness of nights are necessary to appreciate the brightness of days, and tears are essential to realise the importance of a smile, similarly failures are indispensable need. We should learn from them instead of regretting them.

Being passionate about photographs, these days I love to see life in my photos -

Life is like a stage where you come for a while and perform. Make sure you prepare well and make your performance unforgettable as there are no retakes! Good luck! :)

Life is short so why let the differences of caste, creed, colour, sex, etc. spoil the fun of it? The differences in us act as flavours. Like the food is tasteless without the various spices added in it; life is incomplete without the variety. Lets pledge to live in unison and love each other for what they are.

Life is like an unknown journey full of mysteries. Be sure to enjoy all the twists and turns of it. Never let a moment of sadness engulf the entire happy life awaiting you!

That's what makes me click!

Come with me, I will take you down the photo lane today! If you are shocked, please read the about me column on the blog! Yes, I love to click pictures. So are you ready?

1) Here comes the first one. This has been clicked while was walking aimlessly through a park!

2) This one is a glimpse of Goa. To go through the complete trip's experience, read here : http://ilashininggem.blogspot.in/2012/01/enchanting-trip-to-goa-i-was-working-to.html

3) Now this one is from my garden!

4) This one is from my garden too!

                                                 5) This is my personal favourite.

This is it for now. Keep watching this space for more such clicks. xoxo

The Enchanting Trip to Goa

The Enchanting Trip to Goa  

I was working to make this Goa Trip happen since September. It was a bitter-sweet experience with loads to learn. Excitement was at its peak for this trip which gave loads of happiness and cheerful memories for a lifetime.

Commencing on 10^th December 2011, our train travelling was quite thrilling but long. We arrived at Madgaon Railway station, Goa around 5 pm the next day (11^th December) and then went to Peninsular beach Resort. After checking in, we had some snacks and were ready to leave for Calangute Beach. We had good rooms and food was good, too. Calangute beach was a walk away from our resort, we took the bus so as to reach the main market area of North Goa. It was bustling with tourists and locals alike, selling and buying all sorts of hats, chappals, bags etc. We spent almost an hour walking on the wet sand, cool breeze falling on our faces. The enchanting night ended with a little shopping and DJ night at the resort along with a very nice dinner, we had sea food, prawns etc which Goa is famous for.

Next day (12^th December), after our breakfast we left for Fort-a-gauda. The management did a great job in explaining to us the significance of this place in history and how till now the lighthouse stands tall, a symbol of Dutch rule in India.

After fort, we went to visit Baga beach, a charming combination of land and sea. This beach is surrounded by handicraft shops.

Then we went to St. Xavier’s church. The experience was very peaceful and educational, leaving a greater impact on our minds than anything else.

Having spent the whole day, we stopped by the Miramar beach to have our lunch. Our Cruise was scheduled for 5:30pm departure so we decided to spend the rest of our time shopping for cashews of different varieties and other things in the market of Goa.

Finally comes the cruise, around 5:30 pm we were at the dock, waiting eagerly for the program to go on board. At 6 pm, the traditional dances began on the cruise, the local girls and boys depicted the lives of fisherman and the Portuguese which came to India as traders. It was an hour long program, which ended with loads of activities, fun and dance. Day II ended with another DJ party organized at the resort where we were treated with exquisite food and fun music.

Next morning we woke up around 5:45 am to visit Calangute beach before sunrise and it was something ethereal. The little hint of sunrise, the sound of waves which was like soothing music to the ears, having an early morning ‘Sand-castle making competition’. The whole ambience around us was enchanting and totally divine, especially the sunrise.

It was an immense pleasure to walk on cold sand without any need to walk through the water. Waves were just kissing our feet.  

Back in our resort we packed our stuff and after breakfast were ready to leave for Madgaon Railway station, and after a 27hour long train journey we were back to Delhi. All we are now left with are the fun filled unforgettable memories which will be cherished throughout for years to come.