Showing posts with label travel. Show all posts
Showing posts with label travel. Show all posts

October 28, 2017

Hotel Stays - Why? How? Where?


A vacation frees your mind from worries, stress and enables your soul to soar high. It facilitates in discovering new places.

Vacation seekers have their own check lists in place. 


They filter their destinations and bookings depending on various factors such as financial budget, ease and mode of travelling, available time, essential requirements in an hotel, place of interests/adventure etc.


After selecting the destination, the next important task is to select a hotel. Hotels play a crucial role because your comfort factor on a vacation is of utmost importance.


Few points highlighted by reviewers on TripAdvisor are

  • The ease of checking in/out
  • Proximity to places of interest/city centre
  • Hospitality by the staff
  • Room service and amenities including room size and bedding comfor
  • Food
  • Lobby decor
  • Price
A memorable hotel stay is wherein you loved the smiling faces of the staff, relished the buffet spread or the alacarte selection and appreciated the room service tray arrangements. The concierge helped you with perfect directions and advise, the front desk personnel helped in reducing fatigue by  quickly checking you in without any hassles. The feel good factor of the lobby and hotel grounds and jumping happily on the comfortable bed after a hot shower!


Hotel Industry has grown by leaps and bounds. Many versions of holiday rentals are available to suit every type of budget. 


At every price point,there is a service provider. 


If you want to get a affordable night stay then backpackers hostels, inns and 1-3 star hotels are your best bet. Alternatively couch surfing ( an individual can stay at the host's place free of cost) and renting Air bnbs ( people rent their unused properties) are the latest trend. 


For individuals looking for more facilities, comfort, bigger rooms and great property, the 4-5 star category features some amazing properties with jaw dropping prices. The opulence and hospitality of such hotels is what makes it pricey. 

As a self confessed luxury hotel junkie, I absolutely urge everyone to atleast try one high end place with superior rooms to feel every money worth spent! 

It kinda makes you feel like royalty when you lounge comfortably in the sitting area of the suite and watch the phenomenonal view through the balcony. Ah... such bliss!



Researching about a hotel and its pricing is very easy thanks to TripAdvisor and Booking.com which I highly recommend. 


Maximum reviewers write good stuff about their experiences in the hotel, it is upto your requirement , attraction and leap of faith regarding it. Sometimes, you can be disappointed as well. Example: the pool looks enticing and big in photographs but it isn't that great in real life. 


Nevertheless, the reviews and photos posted help us in arriving at a decision because it is real time experience.


Booking.com is the best site to check out prices and confirm  your stay without the hassle of paying right away. You can pay at the property directly, however reserving the property with a credit card number. 


Why and how to go on a luxury vacation is another blog post which can be read under 4 minute..

                       
                             Luxury Vacations!


The following hotels hold a special place in my memories, second visit for sure in foreseeable future.





In India 


Orange County Kabini


Situated on the banks of river Kabini, this high end luxury resort features rooms with jacuzzi and private pools. The tariff includes dinner and breakfast along with the room. 


The hospitality is par excellence, setting it apart from its competitors. Every penny spent here gave us a divine experience! 


River and Jungle safaris are available in the adjoining national park. Must try once in lifetime. If you are lucky, you can spot the wild cat.


Park Hyatt Hyderabad


Spacious and well furbished suites with awe inspiring bathroom. The spa treatment takes you the summit of relaxation. 


The room provides complimentary pastries and macaroons, which is so tasty that you wish to meet and thank the chef personally. 


Beautiful lobby greets its visitors who can sample multiple cuisines in their stand alone speciality restaurants. 


Ry Kinjai Shillong


Built entirely of wood on the banks of the lake umian, this resort has fabulous views of the lake and its surrounding natural beauty. The rooms are limited in number. They feature an extensive balcony and sit out. Spa is highly recommended here. 


The food is just not upto the mark. sadly, nothing else is in the vicinity for a quick bite.


Orange County Hampi


Sister property of Kabini, this place is built exactly like a palace. The jacuzzi rooms are within the main building, whereas the plush Jalmahals, having its own private infinity pool are at walkable distance. 


As expected, the hospitality and food is par excellence!


This one shall burn a big hole in the pocket. But nothing less than jalmahal for luxury seekers. 


The Leela,Goa


Imagine waking up to the chirping of birds and beholding the sight of lotuses in your own lagoon area! 


The lobby area has ancient sculptures scattered all over, the overhead fans are an art piece in themselves. You definitely get the "goa feel". 


Their private beach has pristine sand and a sand bar! Savour some amazing cocktails while lounging on the sun decks! 


It is advisable to opt for meal plans since it is criminally expensive to drink and eat here. Trust me!



Overseas


Atlantis Dubai


Standing magnificently on the end of the manmade palm island, Atlantis features many categories of rooms. The premium section has its own dedicated check in counters with personal concierge.


Although the rooms in this category may not be very spacious, it definitely gives you better view of the sea and facilities. Their exclusive lounge provides 24 hour food spread and happy hour on-the-house cocktails. 


Atlantis stay allows free entry to their water park - one of its kind and an unavoidable attraction - and their special aquarium - the lost chambers. 


Swimming with dolphins is chargeable in the separate area of the hotel. 


Many restaurants and luxury brands are present to enrich your senses. The nightclub is visited by superbly dressed people! 


Kurumba Maldives


Feel like a celebrity when their speedboat greets you at the airport's entrance. A quick 10 min ride deposits you on their private jetty. Here, starts your dream holiday. 


You are welcomed with the most amazing coconut ice cream and then guided to your room. Again, many categories of rooms exist, recommended is the jacuzzi villa. 


Dreamy place meets OH MY GOD, such a big room with pvt jacuzzi! your porch opens up on the private beach with your personal sun beds. 


Only glitch here is that the dinner timings are early. By 9:30 pm everything is wrapped up. 


The open air bar features foot tapping live music, hookah and comfortable seating. 


Many water activities are available on chargeable basis. Clear blue alluring water makes you sigh in admiration!


This has been voted as the best island resort by TripAdvisor.



Westin Villas, Langkawi


Tucked neatly in their sprawling property, these villas are an masterpiece. 


Massive bathroom is connected with your private pool area, which also features a comfortable bed sit out. 


The chandeliers, bed, sofas, bar, kitchenette are simply drooling over! 


Again, this will torch your wallet! 



Go, explore these places on your own. Feel the happiness of living life, King style! jaa simran jaa....


This post has been inspired by Indispire on Indiblogger. 





September 22, 2017

Hampi - The Land of Boulders, Ruins, History and Mythology!


Ramayana identifies this area as Kishkindha, home to King Sugreeva, his vanar sena (monkey army) and birth place of Lord Hanuman. 

The mammoth boulders ( huge rocks/stones) stand testimony to the vagaries of time in a gravity defying stance.
 They pile on each other in a beautiful symmetry, making you wonder, why don't they slide down?

History tells us the existence of a wealthy, glorious and powerful dynasty, The Vijayanagara Empire.
 The dynasty was founded by 2 brothers, Harihara and Bukka.
The legacy was splendidly carried forward by his descendants, amongst which King Krishnadevarya has inked his place in the annals of history with flourish. 

UNESCO has declared the city - or rather city of ruins - as a World Heritage Site. It will be protected as per international norms due to its historical significance.

This is the land of architecture, worship and sculptures.

The pious land of followers of Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu.

The land of ruins.

The Land protected by boulders on 3 sides and by the mighty Tungabhadra river on one side.

The land which has withstood the invasions of the Bahmani kingdom and survived to tell the 600+year old history.

This is HAMPI.


Aimlessly, I watched the changing scenery from my car’s window. The car was moving at a decent speed of 100 km/hr, owing to smooth (albeit single road at some stretches) roads. 

As we approached Hampi, the land turned into vastness of rice cultivation. Clumps of rice plant stalk were neatly arranged in symmetrical rows, in standing water. It looked ethereal. 

To complement the greenery, brown boulders  surrounded the area. It was almost as if they are protecting the land in a defensive stance. Apt setting for photo opportunities during sunset. If you are a budding photographer, it will be delightful to capture this. 



Villagers help you with the directions with a smile, since google maps might not receive the EDGE signals here. To think about it, the 3G connectivity wont be great. 

Our sight seeing tour enriched our historical knowledge and tested our agility while walking on the hills and attractions.

 Jaws dropped while admiring the finesse of the rock carvings and the engineering/architectural skills of our ancestors. 

Granite is the main stone used in making temples and sculptures. 

A common temple structure would be 4 slabs standing straight, supported on top by a huge plinth in a horizontal manner. More information regarding the ruins follows...



Places of Interest :


Ruins are spread over a considerable area. Having personal transportation is a must, for effective usage of time. 

Although Hampi has more than 50 places to visit as per ASI and UNESCO, the main ones are worth visiting. 

They are divided into 2 parts as per convenience and proximity to each other.

It is advisable to cover one stretch of ruins together and then proceed to the other.
 It is important to hire a local guide who will be able to explain entire details. Charges will be maximum Rs.2500 for 6 hours,completing everything worthwhile.

The first trail starts from Hemkuta hills, comprising of Sasivekalu (mustard seed) Ganesha, Kadalekalu (bengal gram) Ganesha, Krishna Temple, Hemkuta hills and ending at Virupaksha Temple. Ugra Narsimha and Shivlinga are nearby.

Sasivekalu (mustard seed) Ganesha — Lord Ganesha is beautifully sculpted out of big chunk of granite, on the foothills of the Hemkuta. 
The name was kept to mislead the people into expecting a smaller version of the Lord instead of a massive one. 
It lies in the open air,with just a roof above. 

The masterstroke of the sculptor is the back of the statue. It resembles a woman’s behind, indicating that Goddess Parvati has seated Lord Ganesha on her lap. A snake is wrapped around the Lord’s tummy. 

Simply Brilliant! 





Temples on the Hemkuta — Many temples dot the surface of the hills,albeit without any deity. 

Archaeological finds suggest that these temples were dedicated to Lord Shiva. The structures are kinda similar in nature. Some are just 4 pillars supported by a roof, typical to this era. Hampi bazaar stores also look the same type.


Kadalekalu Ganesha - 

It is named as  bengal gram, kadalekalu in kannada, because of its appearance. Lord’s tummy is perfectly rotund. However, some part of it has been broken over time! 

The monolithic idol nests comfortably within the sanctum sanctorum of its dedicated temple. You would be surprised to see the enormous idol, since you wont be expecting something big inside. 

You should sit outside, near the carved pillars and view the surroundings! Ah, Peace! 
Each pillar has various avatars/demigods/idols carved intricately. A guide will explain you everything in detail. 



Virupaksha Temple - The gopuram, traditional doorway of a south indian temple, has mesmerised everyone by casting an inverted shadow. This is due to the pinhole effect of a camera. A small hole which acts as a catalyst, makes this phenomenon possible. It occurs during a specific time of the day. Its unbelievable, our ancestors possessed these kinds of engineering skills!

Lord Shiva is the main deity of the temple, which is functional even today. The view from hemkuta hills, enables you to see all the 3 gopurams in entirety. 

Hampi Bazaar - Situated outside the temple, its an ancient bazaar which featured rows of shops at 2 levels. UNESCO has forbidden any commercial establishment on the vicinity, including vehicle parking. Auto Rickshaws can be hired for Rs.20/- per head till the parking lot. Either ways, you can walk the minimal distance as well. 

Ugra Narsimha Statue — 

This massive structure is carved on a stone pedestal from a single block of stone! Goddess Lakshmi, which is believed to be seated on his lap is no longer attached with the main statue.  
He is called Ugra Narsimha because he appears to be angry. One of the icons of Hampi ruins.

Shivalinga — At the cost of sounding repetitive, i would again say, massive statue of Lord shiva, worshipped in the form of shivalinga. 
It stands adjacent to the narsimha and was constructed by a poor woman,ode to her devotion. The floor of the shivalinga is full of water, rendering it impossible to go and touch it.




The next trail comprises of the Royal Enclosure and Vithhala Temple complex.  

Vitthala Temple Complex - 

The temple features the iconic stone chariot, musical pillars and kalyanamantapa. One half of the temple was constructed by King devaraya and taken forward by his successor king krishnadevaraya. 

Stone chariot now adorns the INR rupee note and is the most popular icon of hampi. The statue of garuda, vehicle of Lord Vishnu is installed within it. The wheels are now stationary but the wear and tear indicates it's usage in early times. 


Home to Lord vitthala, the sanctum sanctorum now stand empty. The idol was shifted to maharashtra apparently by priests when they feared Muslim invaders, long time ago.

Architectural marvel are the musical pillars. Also known as saregama pillars. They emit sounds when tapped. Currently due to undergoing renovation and preservation of the pillars, tapping isn't permitted. 
The musicians used to create melodious sounds for the king's entertainment using them. 

A tourist needs to purchase ticket at the entrance to enter. This ticket gives you entry to royal enclosure as well. Make sure you keep them handy.  

Journey from the parking spot till the temple complex is about 1-1.5 kms.
 You can walk, if you feel up for it otherwise Govt. runs electric buggy services, for nominal fee of Rs.20/- to and fro. Keep your ticket safe for return journey. 









Royal Enclosure -- 

Living quarters of the royalty and public buildings comprise the royal enclosure. 

Queen' s bath -- The King's two wives had access to the bath which features a brilliant drainage system for inflow and outflow for the waters of the Tungabhadra! 

Maybe you will feel let's just check it off the list and visit, that's when it will blow your mind off with the layout. 
The swimming pool area is spacious and in depth. Historians tell us that the surrounding chambers were for the handmaidens to hold the Queen’s clothes instead of keeping them down. 
This acted as their spa treatment centre! 


Lotus Mahal- The stone part of a royal zenana quarter which was primarily constructed out of wood. The rest of it has been burnt away centuries ago. Named as the Lotus Mahal due to its resemblance to the flower, is a confluence of Indo-Muslim architecture. 

One can also see the aqueducts and granary nearby. 

Dasara Dibba — A high stone pedestal which allowed the King to preside over the Dasara celebrations. Intricate carvings are found on the platform. Durbar halls are situated nearby. 

Elephant Stables — The King had more 4000 elephants at his service, out of which only 12 were deemed as Royal Elephants. These stables are located amongst perfectly manicured lawns. If you didn't know they are stables, then you would assume it is one of the royal buildings. 
The mahouts (caretakers) have a special opening inside the stables which makes them walk through the individual spaces. 

Relax and enjoy the atmosphere in these lawns. 


Virupapura Gadde

Termed as “Hippie Island” owing to the high influx of foreigner tourists during favourable season. The place offers cheaper accommodation and quirky cafes. 
If you prefer to drive, it is almost 40 min away from main city. Ferry ( mostly coracles and speed boat) will transfer you in 5-10 minutes, last service being at 5 pm. 

Lord Hanuman’s birthplace is marked with a temple on a steep hill, with approx 200+ steps. 



Shopping in Hampi 

Be prepared to bargain with the shopkeepers, since the charges get higher even for an Indian tourist. Dont even ask the foreigner rates, thou shall faint! 

Bookworms can head to akash art and gallery, situated near virupaksha temple to buy novels and other literatures. Amazing hand made soaps and essential oils are also available. Would highly recommend sandalwood soap for Rs.85/-.

The adjoining street shops sell T shirts, handicrafts, metal statues and junk jewellery. Half of them look rusted and not worth buying. 


Accommodation 

  • Trip Advisor lists many guesthouses at nominal rates. They are either in virupapura gadde or nearby virupaksha temple. They seem convenient for budget happy travellers. The village of kamalapur and nearby areas have decent hotels which are apt for family travels. They look much cleaner and value for money. 


  • I would recommend clarks inn and heritage resort. 


  • Clarks inn is in kamalapur village whereas heritage is 6 kms away from it. 


Heritage Resort
  • Heritage is a quaint, picture-perfect resort with amazing food, staff and rooms. Nominal rates as well. They have their own organic garden and pool villas. Drivers are provided free accommodation and food. 








  • Orange County resorts, now renamed as Evolve Back resorts lies 5-6 further than the village. Stay here for relaxation and enjoying the money’s value. 
    Jal Mahal
    This is luxury redefined. Styled in form of Vijaynagara palace, you feel like royalty, thanks to exemplary service, well anointed rooms and attentive staff.. I can simply write on and on about these resorts, maybe another specific post for it. If money isn't a constraint, book Jalmahal ( Rs.60k for one night)! 


  • Hospet is the nearest town wherein many options are available for every budget. 12-13 kms away. 


  • Alternatively, Hyatt Place is a new hotel within vicinity of Jindal steel plant in toranagallu, 45 min drive away.



How to Reach 


  • Nearest Airport is Bengaluru, 6 hours away. 


  • Good news.. Toranagallu airport starts weekly flights soon. Hyd-Hampi will just be over an hour’s flying time. Further it will be 40 min drive to hampi. 


  • Driving from Gulbarga to Hampi took us almost 7 hours on its smooth roads. Route being Glb-jewargi-shahpur-lingsugur-gangavathi-hampi


  • Driving to Hyderabad will take 7-8 hours. The 4 lane highway connects after you cross mahbubnagar/jadcherla. The route: Hampi- gangavathi-raichur rd-mahbubnagar/jadcherla-shamshabad-Hyd.



Tips 


  • The ideal time to spend in Hampi, according to me, would be 3 days. One day of travelling and rest at night. Next day, visit one section of the ruins and the remaining on the day after. 
  • However if you are on a tight schedule, then you can cover everything in one day also. would take you maximum 6 hours (that’s what my guide suggested initially)!  


  • Its best to start your sight seeing early i.e. before noon, since the Sun is at its best glory and rewards you with litres of sweat and irritation. 


  • Wearing comfortable clothes is highly recommended. Sunscreen is very important to avoid tanning. Sunglasses and hats are optional.


  • Walking shoes/comfortable flat footwear is a must. 


  • Carry your water bottles while sightseeing. The reason being, the commercial shops are far from the places due to the UNESCO heritage tag. Many shopping areas were apparently demolished because of the proximity to the ruins. However, things will be available, just not conveniently. 
  • Hire a guide. 


  • Opt for your own personal transport. 


  • Visit during Oct-Feb, the favourable season.


Heartful thanks to Google for providing me with few pictures,which i couldn't click from my Samsung C9 Pro! 

Thank you for reading!! 

Ping me for any questions/assistance!