My plan for a trip to Kerala finally materialized in the month of July 2007. I planned this trip with the intention of getting myself rejuvenated and pampered with some ayurvedic treatments. A Tour to the Rejuvenating Land – Kerala, was like a “dream” to me, which kept me away from the busy schedule of my life. Moreover, it is known worldwide that Kerala in India is the best and the only place in India, which practices Ayurvedic medicinal treatments and massage with absolute dedication, and this attracted me more. As it is said that the time from June to November is best suited for getting Ayurvedic treatments done, I was lucky enough to get my bookings done for the month of July. Kerala Tourism for Body, Mind & Soul must include visit to some of the ayurvedic resorts or centers in Kerala.
For readers, I will explain what Ayurvedic treatments really mean. There are several kinds of Ayurvedic Treatments that one can get at any of the Ayurvedic Resorts and Centers. The term Ayurveda, in general refers to the “do’s and dont’s” that one needs to follow to enjoy life to the core, both mentally and physically. For Ayurvedic massages and treatments, the well trained and expert masseurs use several kinds of herbal oils and extracts. With proper ayurvedic massages and treatments, an individual is ensured of improved blood circulation which revitalizes the body and the mind.
I took seven days leave from my monotonous life to indulge in the heavenly pleasure of getting some ayurvedic massages and went forward to avail the ayurveda tour package as a part of the Kerala Tourism. Believe me, this experience was all about pleasure and satisfaction with my well trained masseur pampering me in the best possible way with several oil massages, planning my diet chart and several other related functions which helped me to regain my energy and feel rejuvenated.
My Kerala Tour, bore real fruit of excellence and pleasure, firstly because of the pleasant climate, natural beauty of the place with abundance of forests, which are generally the store house of several herbs and medicinal plants and offcourse, the Ayurvedic Treatments.
After I visited the place, I understood the real sense of the often heard advice that Kerala Tourism remains incomplete without experiencing pr indulging yourself into some ayurvedic massage and treatment done. After such a mind blowing experience I would suggest all my readers to get themselves pampered with such rejuvenating Ayurvedic treatment at least once in their life time. Last, but most importantly, I felt good, energetic and revitalized after the ayurvedic sessions that I underwent. Today and for lifetime, if I don’t go for a second session, which is very unlikely, the thought itself helps me in getting rejuvenated in my busy schedule.
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Kerala Tourism - Kerala Tourism for Body, Mind & Soul
Coaches of Palace on Wheels
I have an imaginative mind, and I love to imagine myself in situations which I normally can never be in. One of my childhood fantasies was to live life like a pharaoh in Egypt. Well, that remains to be fulfilled, and I have no clue how. However, another of my childhood fantasies came true during a recent trip to India. I often wondered how it would feel to live the pampered life of the Maharajas of India. I have kind of grown up with the stories of the unbelievably lavish life of these guys, and daydreaming about spending at least one day in similar luxury. Finally my dreams came true, aboard the Palace on Wheels. India, I have heard, should be traveled by the railroad, and my last tour in the Northern parts of the country certainly proved it. The palace on wheels is the most luxurious train that takes tourists on a fascinating journey of the state of Rajasthan, a state known for its magnificent forts and palaces. Once inside the coaches of palace on wheels, you will be transferred to another world, the lavish world of the maharajas of India. The coaches are exquisitely decorated and maintain every aspect of Indian royalty. Be it the dining car, or the saloons, or the bar lounge, you will be treated as royalty by the impeccably dressed staff. I thoroughly cherished each moment on the palace on wheels, and its grand facilities, not to mention the awesome food, and the tours to some of the most exotic places I’ve ever seen. The photos of the forts and palaces covered by the palace on wheel tours are some of the best vacation memorabilia I have. My friend Jack was an unhappy man when the tour ended, and his somewhat preposterous idea of booking the trip once again, did not seem all that preposterous to me at the time, except for the strain on our wallets, which eventually stopped us. So here I am now, writing this blog, sharing my joy at living a few days like an Indian Maharaja aboard the luxurious palace on wheels. And guess what? Jack and I are going back next year with a few of our friends! Back to being kings!
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Goa Hotels: 10 things you must know.
I bumped into a group of avid travelers like myself a few years back. It must be a good 7 years by now. And we make it a point to visit at least two travel destinations every year (budget permitting or not…we don’t mind just strapping our backpacks and setting out with the most incredulous balance in our pockets!) Our last trip was in India, and we covered Goa extensively. We had a safe trip and a good time. But it would not have been possible to get a good deal on Goa hotels without knowledge that most locals have. It’s not in my nature to keep handy information to myself, so I am sharing some real info on Hotels in Goa.
Before deciding on a hotel in Goa, consider a few points. Why would you go to Goa? For the beaches, right? You wouldn’t want to trudge a couple of kilometers to reach the beach. Well, here’s a fact most of us who’ve traveled to Goa know. Not all the Goa hotels are on the beaches. If you want to be close to Dabolim (the airport) it is a drive of atleast 4 kms to the nearest Bogmalo Beach. Most of the famous beaches are in north Goa, while the hotels close to the Dabolim airport are in the south. So I would advice that you do a little research about the location of your hotel, so that you don’t have to spend too much time on traveling if you are on a tight schedule.
Again, even though you might get a good hotel by the beach, you may not get a sea facing room – so ask for one, if you are crazy about the sights and sounds of the beach. Some Goa hotels do not have any sea facing rooms at all. I would also advice you to carefully go through the hotel facilities before deciding to check in. Some hotels in Goa provide mini bars in the rooms, but charge for the drinks. Clear all doubts before checking in. Check if the hotel has a bar that stays open all night, or the airport transfer is by a coach or car. You may have to wait in a Coach for other passengers, so insist on a car, if you are not in a charitable mood. Ask the hotel staff if they have a safe deposit box, and see if you are convinced about the safety of your valuables. I’ve seen some Goa hotels charge much more than the public booths for calls. Before booking, ask the reception to give you an idea about the booths in the vicinity.
The liquor in Goa is cheap, especially in the countless nightclubs and bars. You can forget to bring your own liquor and not curse yourself, because hotels in Goa don’t allow it anyway. Also, be prepared to dish out a lump sum if you are booking a hotel any time between October – March. It is the peak season. You might want to go for the many budget hotels on the beach. Another thing about booking a Goa hotel in peak season - The packages most often include a ‘compulsory Christmas dinner’ or ‘New Year Buffet’. With the rush in this season, you would have little choice, so make you bookings well in advance.
