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Top things to do in Perhentian Kecil

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  Perhentian Islands have long been on our list ever since we came across it while searching for some good beach destinations. The crystalline water, the white sandy beaches and the towering greenery were enticing enough to make us add it to the top of our wishlist. Two years later, on our 6th wedding anniversary, we could not have selected a better place to visit amongst the Malaysia tourist attractions .  Perhentian Islands consist of 2 islands – the small one is called Perhentian Kecil and the bigger one is Perhentian Besar. Both islands are beautiful and you can never go wrong with your choice irrespective of whichever island you choose for your stay. We stayed at Perhentian Kecil and absolutely loved it. Top things to do Perhentian Kecil is the kind of place where you can spend days simply relaxing at the beach or enjoy your time swimming in the crystal clear water of the sea. But if you are more than just a relaxing person, then here is a list of top things to do in Perhent

TDL Monastery Guest House, Dirang – A Distinctive Stay Experience

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It was around 10 pm when we both opened our eyes to the dimly lit surrounding. The world around us, cloaked in serene stillness, was occasionally interrupted by the distant barking of a dog.  Above, stars twinkled in a satin black canvas with white clouds floating by. In front us, the courtyard flanked by neatly manicured trees led to the entrance of the imposing monastery. And behind it, the silhouette of majestic mountains loomed, their regal forms outlined against the night sky. Here, within the walls of Dirang Monastery , nature, architecture, and spirituality coalesced into an extraordinary tapestry. Embraced by the meditative ambience, we had drifted into a trance, losing track of time. But as reality seeped in, gratitude surged within us for this profound experience. The opportunity to stay in the monastery guest house had opened doors into the spiritual realm that we had never imagined. And it still stands as a cherished highlight of our Arunachal Pradesh trip. About TDL Mo

Staycation at Nandi Hills – An Unique offbeat Experience near Bangalore

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  Nandi Hills – The name itself is enough to conjure up images of misty surroundings and breathtaking sunrises; A name familiar to almost every Bangalorean. But more than anything, Nandi Hills is the sylvan sanctuary of calm that urban souls like us run off to unwind. Being at a get-at-able distance from the city (approx. 60 Kms), Nandi Hills has always been our go-to destination from Bangalore on weekends . But it was always for a few hours during the morning or evening. And every single time we left, our hearts craved for more. So this time we opted for a staycation at Nandi Hills and it turned out to be one of our best offbeat experiences so far. Staycation at Nandi Hills – Who this is meant for When we planned this staycation, we wondered what we were going to do for 3 days at Nandi Hills. Then on the day of coming back, Sush literally had to drag a reluctant me to the car. And that too with the promise that we would come back soon. That’s how much I loved being at that plac

Fireflies mantled Nights and Misty Mornings – A Different Coorg

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  This world is full of wonders, the kind of wonder that takes your breath away and makes you feel humbled.   And we were lucky to have one such magical experience on our last trip to Coorg. Standing under a lush canopy on a faint moonlit night, I felt goosebumps rise all over my body, looking at the extraordinary scene unravel in front of us. Thousands of fireflies twinkling among the trees like a sky full of stars. It seemed almost unreal, for it was a dream come true, a moment I will cherish forever. Where and When can you experience this This firefly gathering is a very unique phenomenon and can only be witnessed at specific places in India (mainly the Western Ghats). And this happens during a certain period of time. Coorg in Karnataka is one of those places. In order to experience this, plan your visit during March last week – April 3rd week. The best period is Mid April. We stayed at Rainforest Retreat, Madikeri to witness this. This is the only accommodation in Coorg whic

My Love affair with Shergaon – The Charming Hamlet of Arunachal Pradesh

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Shergaon – A name I did not know until about recently, must be a month or two before we planned our trip to Arunachal Pradesh. And yet here I am, dreaming of the days we spent in this quaint little village in Arunachal Pradesh . A place blessed with remarkable natural beauty and a temperate climate, but more than that the most wonderful people with hearts of gold.  A little stroll under the morning sun, moments of solitude by a waterfall hidden inside the forest and incredible warmth shown by people to two strangers in their land – I fell hopelessly in love with Shergaon. Why Shergaon became my favourite The Natural Beauty Shergaon is blessed with unparalleled natural beauty. It is cradled by lofty mountains. River and brooks with the clearest of water flow joyously through it. Farmlands and fruit orchards brimming with life dot the landscape. Even the wild flowers and different shrubs add so much to the charm of the place. And at some places, manmade wooden and iron bridges ador

Kashmir Summer through my Lens – A Photo Story

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How true this felt witnessing nature’s extravaganza in Kashmir during our recent Summer trip!   Yes, it is true that every season in Kashmir has its own way of seducing the discerning traveler. But Summer stands out with nature wearing a kaleidoscope of colours. Bright-coloured flowers start blooming in the valley, streams begin to sing through the verdant landscape, chittering of birds fill the air and evening brings spectacular tangerine sunsets. Meadows come alive carpeted with wild flowers, snow capped mountains offer a contrasting backdrop to the lush forests and scenic hiking trails leading to alpine lakes become accessible again. Every part of Kashmir looks like a picture postcard, almost to the extent of being unreal.   Here is a glimpse into the beauty of Kashmir Summer captured through my lens. Srinagar Gulmarg Pahalgam

Experiencing Pahalgam – An Unconventional Guide

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Pahalgam was probably the only place we were sceptical about on our Kashmir trip. Last minute AirBnb cancellation, incessant rains and hearing a lot that it is touristy and crowded – Pahalgam did not exactly feel like the ideal place to visit. But as if it was meant to happen, we finally ended up there and experienced it in the most eccentric way. Random conversations, scenic saunters, relishing street food and a peek into the local way of life were chosen over mini Switzerland and other tempting places. In the end, we fell in love with the forest, the wild flowers, the birds and the gushing river and Pahalgam got etched in our hearts forever. So, this blog will not be about the conventional topics of what to see in Pahalgam or things to do on a short visit, but more like a memoir of the things we did or experienced. And also about how sometimes letting go of FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) and slowing down could help create memories of a lifetime. If that is how you look at things, then