4 ways to do a budget trip to Kerala

Kerala is truly God’s own country. The never ending swathes of palm trees greeting you as far as your vision can behold,  the large open tea estates, the astonishing beauty of a sunset on the beach, and oh, the delicious cuisine! Everything about Kerala spells beauty and wonder, and you would be remiss to not plan a trip there soon.

But how about planning a budget holiday in Kerala? The thing about a Kerala trip is that many destinations are really far from each other, so either you need a really long trip or you need to dash from one spot to another. If you choose the latter option, you must hire a succession of flights and cars to get you from one spot to another. 

Plan your vacation this way: pick a zone, such as the North of Kerala, and stick to exploring it for three days. Then pick another zone, and devote a few more days to it. You may not see all of Kerala, but at least you will see the best tourist places in Kerala this way!

And now, on to your budget planning:

1. Book a budget Kerala tour package - The simplest route is to get a good travel operator to book you on a budget Kerala tour package. Specify which tourist places in Kerala you would like to see and discuss accommodation options, then let them customise the package for you.
   
   
2. Book a train ticket instead of a flight - A train journey to Kerala is scenic but really slow. If you’re prepared to spend a couple of days journeying in a train, you will save a lot of money that you would otherwise spend on flights. You can easily book train tickets online.
   
   
3. Flag down KSRTC buses - Intra-city travel in Kerala is all about hiring private cabs or getting your hotel to send you a car. Though both are not expensive, they can be if you are travelling solo. Save the money on travelling within Kerala by taking KSRTC buses wherever you can. They have a standard, non-negotiable rate and you can book tickets in advance, based on where you are located. The bus frequency is quite good, too.
   
   
4. Try home stays -  You can pick accommodation at one of the many excellent homestays in Kerala. These are little cottages by the beach, and you can also get meals included in your package. The food is cooked at home in traditional fashion, so you can have a variety of lip-smacking eats to try every day.

Relaxing in Mumbai…Yes, it’s possible!

Mumbai sets a fast and furious pace of life, and those who like it slow can be bewildered by life in the city. Though it is an exciting lifestyle, it can sometimes leave you tired and anxious. After all, chasing after yourself all day can hardly be easy! So if you’re looking to relax despite the chaos around you, you could try these five activities in Mumbai:

1. Relax and detox. Every Mumbaikar needs massage and detox more than anyone else in the country. High stress, constant pollution and long commutes take the freshness out of Mumbaikars’ lives. If you feel jaded, just book yourself into an exclusive spa session at the best spa in Mumbai, at The Leela Mumbai. This luxury hotel in Mumbai is the city’s only resort style business hotel and houses the most select spa with a range of services aimed to remove the exhaustion and toxins from your system. Enter a wreck, leave a champion.
   
   
2. Take a Bollywood tour. The one thing that sets Mumbai apart from other places in the country is its bustling film industry. You can spot celebrities at certain areas, as also in famous cafes and restaurants. But the true film buff heads to Chitranagari, or the Film City in Goregaon, to actually witness shooting and rehearsals. You can book a Bollywood tour and head to Film City to watch both TV and film stars in action. You can also get a limited view of editing and VFX studios.
   
   
3. Indulge in retail therapy. Mumbai is known for its street shopping stalls, and you can get the nicest stuff at really great prices. But be prepared to haggle and go with an experienced bargain hunter if you want some good deals. It is more fun shopping on the streets than inside generic malls and stores. Head to Colaba causeway to get the best trinkets, shoes and clothes, while Bandra Hill Road offers many household items as well. If you’re scouting for new clothes, just head to Fashion Street near CST.
   
   
4. Head to the biggest urban park in Asia. You can be one with nature, spot some lions and leopards, and go trail walking at Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP). SGNP is possibly the only natural wildlife park inside a city in all of Asia, possibly the world. You can go hiking, animal spotting, bird watching or simply take a refreshing morning walk here.
   
   
5. Gorge the famous street food. Street shopping and street eating – these are two activities that define Mumbai. You’ve done the shopping, now fill your tummy with some delicious eats. The city’s street food is so famous that there are regular food tours happening here to acquaint visitors with what’s on offer. From the famous Bombay sandwich to yummy pani puri, and from spicy ragada patties to tasty bhel puri, just have at it! 

5 things you didn’t know about Udaipur

Udaipur is every tourist’s perennial paradise. Beautiful, friendly and historically rich Udaipur draws the tourist like a magnet. It also helps that there is so much to explore and do here. Why not start with learning some fun facts you did not know, such as:

1. 400 years of construction. Talk about ‘work in progress’. The enormous City Palace of Udaipur was built over a staggering 400 years, with successive kings adding wings, cupolas, new roofs and other elements to it. It was started by Rana Uday Singh II in 1559, and kings to take the throne after him continued to expand the complex located near Lake Pichola. On the inside, it is a series of structures integrated to look like one whole edifice.
   
   
2. Saas-bahu temples of Nagda. These temples are simply stunning in concept and execution. They are two temples, one smaller than the other, laid out such that the larger one encircles the other. They have different architectural styles, and are said to be dedicated to Lord Vishnu. You will love to see the intricate details of the ceilings and the columns in the prayer hall, as well as the wide archway and female figurines on the walls.
   
   
3. Asia’s second largest artificial lake. The kings of Rajasthan were true artists and visionaries, and their foresight in planning was seen mostly in their architecture and town planning. Take, for instance, the Dhebar Lake (or Jaisamand Lake) which was built as a large artificial lake to supply water to the town. It was the largest such lake in Asia till Egypt’s Aswan Dam took the top honours. Dhebar Lake was built in 1685 while the huge dam on the Gomati River was being constructed. It is about 14 km long and 102 feet deep!
   
   
4. The City of Lakes. While on the subject of lakes, it is pertinent to note that Udaipur has lots of them. In fact, it is the lake capital of Rajasthan, and many of them are man-made, built to facilitate the drinking water reserves and agro-based activities. These lakes were built in historic times by enterprising Mewari kings. Some of the prominent ones are Fateh Sagar, Pichola, Uday Sagar, Jaisamand, Raj Samand and Jiyan Sagar.
   
   
5. The Great Wall of Udaipur. China can keep its Great Wall, we’ve got one of our own. The wall of the famous Kumbhalgarh Fort was built to protect the structure inside – a complex of 300 temples and a huge fort – and is over 36 km long in perimeter. It is thus, the second largest continuous wall in the world after the Great Wall of China.

You can complete your historical experience by staying at the best palace hotels in Udaipur. Book yourself into royal rooms with every luxury you can think of, to make your holiday even more special.

5 things to do in Goa in the month of December

Oh, Goa! Such an exciting, laidback, serene yet heady place. We are nearing the end of 2016, and if you are itching for a holiday to send off this year with a bang, you could do no better than Goa!

Book a December vacation to Goa for these reasons:

1. The beaches beckon. Goa has a little over 70 km of wondrous coastline, and scores of magnificent beaches. Book yourself into a luxurious beach side resort for an excellent start to your holiday. You will find your beach sojourns infused with new life if you stay at some of the best hotels in Goa. From there, you can take a walk on the beach, or enjoy some thrilling water sports or take a speedboat ride to go look at dolphins.
   
   
2. Spend Christmas in Old Goa. Goa is the place to be during Christmas – the State celebrates the festival with gusto and endless rounds of delicious food. Old Goa celebrates Christmas like no other place in India – there are revels all night long, from raves to family-oriented Carol singing and nativity scenes. Plus, beaches, houses and street fronts are decorated with pretty lights and five-pointed stars, thus adding to the cheer.
   
   
3. Saturday night live! Goa has a Saturday Night market at Arpora, which starts in November and tapers off by end of January. December is peak shopping activity at this market, that opens at 6 pm and closes in the early morning hours. You can shop for some amazing clothes, shoes and trinkets, while listening to live music, sampling some delicious food and strolling through the market with a beer bottle in hand.
   
   
4. Go camping on the beach. Camping is a major tourist puller in Goa, and you can set up base at one of the licensed camping sites on many of Goa’s beaches. The weather in December is perfect for camping, sleeping under the stars and a midnight bonfire. You can pitch your own tent, have a barbecue and fall asleep in blissful quiet and cool breezes.
   
   
5. Gorge on fantastic seafood. Goa is known for its wide range of seafood, and the best hotels in Goa serve up fresh catch every other day. The seafood in this part of the country is plump and succulent, and when seasoned with local spices and eaten fresh, it transports you to food heaven. You can actually take a seafood eating trip and sample such goodies as tuna, pomfret, squid, crabs and mackerel. You can even buy special Goan marinades and spices here to recreate the taste back home!

4 places for lip-smacking food in Gurgaon

We’re sure your visit to Gurgaon is always memorable, and we’re also sure that you go there on business, finish your job and head back home. If you stayed back for a bit, you would realise that there is much more to Gurgaon than just well-planned infrastructure and large office complexes.

For Gurgaon hides a secret – it is a haven for the famished! The city houses many excellent dining joints, but if you must have a list, here are our top 4 recommendations:

1 Zanotta, The Leela Ambience Gurgaon Hotel & Residences. Drop by at one of the best 5 star hotels in Gurgaon, The Leela for a wide array of dining options. We recommend this restaurant for many reasons, chief among them the soothing ambience, chefs preparing your food at interactive counters and semi-private dining sections for intimate celebrations. You cannot leave until you try the salt-crusted fish of the day, the chocolate pastry with sweet cream, smoked duck salad, and homemade burrata, among many other dishes.

2 Mamagoto. With its warm vibe, a stunning array of dishes and some great company, your trip to Mamagoto in Gurgaon is completely worth your while. The menu is quite inventive – try their water chestnut spring roll, Korean imported pork chops, raw papaya salad and glass noodles in hot broth. This restaurant is also good for a family meal.

3 Farzi Café. This café has been drawing hipsters and middle-aged daddies in equal measure with its palate cleansing food and fresh take on traditional favourites. Savour the Galouti burger or butter chicken bun, or go for roti/paratha with Malabari pyajo. Regulars also swear by its creative touches (the bill is presented inside a typewriter!) and friendly service.

4 Walking Street – Soi 7 Go to this place if you want to drink a home brewed Ko Samui Red – trust us, you will want to have more. But this place is a good visit when you’re out with friends and have a lot of time to kill – the vibe is relaxed, nobody is going to hustle you, and you can roll your drink around your tongue as much as you want. The food is good too – try their smoked mushrooms, pizzas and their famous chicken bomb. Plus, they play great music, too.

The three most amazing restaurants in Mumbai

Mumbai is full of a pulsating, vibrating rhythm that leaves you spellbound and wanting more. It is said that the person who spends a few days in Mumbai ends up staying a lifetime. But even if you don’t make Mumbai your home, you should know that there are umpteen options for shopping, entertainment and food.

The city also features some of the country’s best fine dining eateries. So on your next visit, make sure you check out one – or all – of the following best restaurants in Mumbai for the most profound dining experience this side of the country:

1. Olive Bar and Kitchen: If you’re in Mumbai on a Sunday, be sure to have your brunch at Olive Bar and Kitchen. Not that this wonderful restaurant is any less wonderful on other days, but it really outdoes itself during its Sunday brunches. You can choose from their famed Mediterranean spread, which features soups, salads, mains, and the most delectable desserts. We recommend their signature dishes, Wild Mushroom Bisque, fish and prawn salad and tomato tart.
   
   
2. Citrus, The Leela Mumbai: Be refreshed with the cosy, elegant interiors of Citrus and the warmth of the food and service. Head to Citrus for a casual lunch with friends, or an intimate dinner with your significant other, or even a hearty breakfast after your morning run. You can stare at the waterfalls outside the restaurant’s windows as you gorge on the tastiest Japanese fare at the Japan counter, or wade through several international cuisines during your Sunday brunch. If it’s a buffet dinner in Mumbai that you seek, you could do no better than Citrus.
   
   
3. The Dome, Hotel Intercontinental: Eating some gorgeous food while enjoying the best ever views of the city? You can do both at The Dome, which overlooks the city’s fabled skyline and pairs the sights with an excellent array of food and drinks. You can only have evening snacks and dinner here – it doesn’t open before 5 pm – but the wait is worth it. Sample their cocktails and salads, as also their grilled treats and soups. This is one of the best restaurants in Mumbai for a romantic date.

5 Amazing Fun Things to do when in Chennai

Did you know that Chennai’s Vandalur Zoo was India’s first zoo? Established in 1955, this is also the largest zoo in South Asia. The capital of Tamil Nadu is famous for its scenic beaches and beautiful temple architecture. While you plan out all the fun things to do here, be sure to book a comfortable room in a luxurious hotel like The Leela. Choose a hotel near the Chennai airport if you’re looking for spacious rooms overlooking the sea. The Leela offers Deluxe and Premier rooms and suites, various dining options with Pan-Asian and authentic Chennai cuisines and rejuvenating spa treatments, among other luxuries.

1.  Take Selfies at the Marina Beach

This is the largest beach in India and the second largest in the world. Extending 6.5kms from Fort St. George to Besant Nagar, the Marina Beach offers breathtaking views of the ocean. There are a number of landmarks located along the beach, including an old lighthouse, Victoria War Memorial, Mahatma Gandhi Statue and several other buildings from the time of the British rule. The Marina Beach is a photographer’s delight; and even if you aren’t one, be sure to take many selfies.

2.  Surf at the Covelong Beach

This location is known for beach activities, and is frequented by adventure enthusiasts. For the less brave-hearted, the beach still offers mesmerizing views of tides breaking on the sands. People love swimming and surfing here. Located nearby are various forts, churches and mosques.

3.  Get Amazed at the Guindy National Park & Snake Park

This national park and wildlife conservation area is a must visit for animal lovers. Here you can spot the blackbuck, spotted deer, jackals, snakes, tortoises and over 130 species of birds. Located close to the park is the Madras Crocodile Bank, a reptile zoo and herpetology research center. It is the biggest captive crocodile breeding center in India. It also breeds turtles and tortoises.

4.  Visit the Cholamandal Artist Village

This is India’s largest artists' commune and is home to more than 20 painters and sculptors. The resident artists showcase their best works to visiting guests, while sending some to be displayed at galleries across the globe.

5.  Tour the Royal Enfield Factory

Established in 1955, it is the oldest motorcycle factory in India where bikes can still be seen assembled by hand. Visit to see the different stages in manufacturing of a living legend like Royal Enfield.

Book early to get great offers at the most luxurious hotels near the Chennai airport. Choose one that offers spa treatments, which will help you relax after all the excitement of exploring the various landmarks of Chennai.