Taj Samudra - Sri Lanka's Stunning Waterfront Hotel

Image credit: Taj Samudra

Sri Lanka, the island nation, is a mesmerizing mix of beaches, valleys, mountains, and forests. This compact destination has a wide array of cultures and unexplored hamlets ready to be explored. Quite hard to resist, Sri Lanka has been a favourite destination for couples for a while now. Romantic walks on the beach, adrenaline-pumping hikes in the mountains, discover ancient temples; there is something for every kind of couple. Here we share a list of things to do in Sri Lanka along with accommodation options that can come handy for your next vacation.

Things to Do in Sri Lanka

Walk on the beach

It is never too late to go on a romantic walk on the Turtle or the Hikkaduwa beach. Let the waves touch your bare feet with their mellow sounds.

Candlelight dinners at the beach

Sri Lanka is popular for its sunset views on the beach. Candlelight dinners on a beach is the most romantic evening you can gift to your better half.

Go on a Wildlife Safari

Wildlife Safari Sri Lanka is a haven for wildlife lovers. As the country has a diverse landscape, one can go on a wildlife safari and spot animals and birds such as Elephants, Leopards, Sri Lankan Jungle fowl, Grey Hornbill, Sambar Deer, Spotted Deer and many more.

Go on a Scenic train Ride

A scenic train ride with the views of the fantastic vistas of tea plantations, mountaintops and valley, will undoubtedly be the highlight of your trip.

Where to Stay in Sri Lanka?

Taj Samudra: The Jewel of Sri Lanka

Since you will spend quite a few days soaking in all that Sri Lanka has to offer, your stay at Taj Samudra will add on to the experience. Taj Samudra is hands down the best waterfront hotel in Sri Lanka. This luxury hotel inColombo is located at Sri Lanka’s historic Galle Face Green. It gives one of the most mesmerising views of the Indian Ocean and the enchanting city of Colombo. This Colombo beach resort is located in the business hub and is only a short walk away from the city centre. It is located at 21 miles from the airport.

Your stay at this 5 star hotel in Colombo is filled with exemplary comforts and luxury.

Rooms & Suites

Taj Samudra, the exotic hotel houses 300 rooms and suites. These are nestled in 11 acres of beautifully landscaped gardens. All the rooms have enhanced comforts and stylish design elements. The rooms also give a panoramic view of the sea line. The rooms are divided as Deluxe, Luxury and Taj Club rooms. Taj Club rooms come with a host of extra benefits such as separate check-in, free access to Taj Club Lounge, complimentary hot breakfast, etc. The suites are divided into Executive, Deluxe, Luxury, Grand Luxury, and Tata Suite. The suites come equipped with wooden flooring, pantry area, balcony, living area, and heightened comforts. The rooms and suites in Taj are apt for a romantic rendezvous on the days you just want to laze out under the sun, with the views of the sea.

Image credit: Taj Samudra

Dining Experience

Taj Samudra offers a variety of dining experiences from traditional to contemporary. Latitude is an all-day diner serving global cuisines. Steak and Grill House serves the finest gourmet food that one can complement with an exquisite wine. Golden Dragon serves a wide selection of Sichuan cuisines. Navratna serves authentic Indian delights. For Japanese exquisites such as Sushi, Sashimi, Teppanyaki and flared cocktails, YUMI is the place to be. For those who have a sweet tooth can head to Pebbles for relishing a dessert. The multi-cuisine restaurants are the ideal options for honeymooners to enjoy a delicious meal in a relaxing ambience.

Image credit: Taj Samudra

Taj Samudra, the best hotel in Colombo, is the best bet for couples who want to have a rich taste of Sri Lankan hospitality. Make your honeymoon memorable with your stay at Taj Samudra.


P.S.: This is a collaborative post.

Lone Fisherman

A lone fisherman going about his daily routine early in the morning at Byrasagara lake, near Gudibande fort in Karnataka. March 2020.

Mandaragiri- Tucked Away from Tourist Map

A nondescript detour off the Bengaluru- Tumkur highway led to a narrow road with intermittent tarmac that meandered its way past open lands and a few scattered houses.  In a few minutes I was at the base of Basadi Betta, a popular hillock which is also known as Manadargiri.

A few meters before Mandaragiri hill, stands the tall statue of Thirthankara, welcoming people to his land.  A popular Jain shrine, Manadaragiri has caught the attention of travellers with the beautiful Guru Mandir which is in the shape of an inverted Pinchi (a peacock feather fan) next to the statue of Thirthankara. This 81 feet tall structure with its hues and the art works which made a pretty frame took my attention away from the statue of Thirthankara. Guru mandir was built in memory of a Jain saint, and the inner walls have stories and paintings from Jainism.

Manadagriri which is also known as Basadi Betta is a hillock with a few Jain shrines atop it built between 12^th and 14^th century. More than 400 steps lead to the top of Mandaragiri. It was a quick climb and I scaled it in less than half an hour. Though not spectacular, the aerial views of the surrounding areas were a delight as I walked up. To the left of the temple is a pond with boulder strewn hills all around. However, the view behind was a stunner with the blue Mydala kere lake slowly revealing itself and gleaming against the brown backdrop. There is a narrow trail that leads down from the hillock to the waterbody. Strolled around for a while and headed back as the sun got harsher.

Mandaragiri is a nice short getaway from Bengaluru and remains not so popular on the tourist map.

Travel Tips:

1. Mandaragiri is 65 Kms from Bengaluru. It is ideal to travel in your own vehicle.

2. There are no restaurants nearby, so do carry water and energizers.

3. It is highly recommended to visit early in the morning to avoid the harsh sun.

Panchapalli Dam: Soaked in Serenity

It was a pleasant drive on the first day of 2020 to Panchapalli Dam, tucked away in the forest stretches, south of Bengaluru. A detour from Anekal led to the town of Denkanikota, which falls under Krishnagiri district. The traffic thinned as we drove past the road side shops, and the road turned narrower as well. Dark clouds hovered throughout the drive with intermittent sprays, a dash of petrichor and fresh air.  Farm lands popped up on either side, and it was a delight to see them interspersed with boulder strewn hillocks as we travelled deeper into the hinterlands of Tamil Nadu. Large colourful sculptures of godly figures stood out amidst the beautiful landscape.

Denkanikottai is known for its popular Betraya Swamy temple which has a colourful stepped pond adjacent to it. The winding road from Denkanikottai to Panchapalli dam is a gradual incline with the farm lands and tiny settlements giving way to hills, empty lake beds and forest stretches. The picturesque Panchapalli reservoir slowly opened up as we drove further. Engulfed by hills and greenery, Panchapalli reservoir and the dam have gorgeous surroundings and it was a delight to soak in the tranquility of the place. Despite the water levels not being high, the placid reservoir held its charm with the encapsulating vistas.

Though there isn’t much to do around the dam, one can soak in the serene views. More than the destination, it is the drive to Panchapalli dam that keeps one engrossed. There is a small tea shop further ahead on the road, which leads to Bettamugilalam and Seimeri lake.

Travel Tips:

• There are no restaurants or rest rooms on this stretch beyond Denkanikottai except for a few tea stalls.
• Denkanikottai has fuel stations and a couple of restaurants.

How to Reach Panchapalli Dam:

Denkanikottai is 65 kms from Bengaluru, and Panchapalli dam is a further 20 Kms away. Take the right at Anekal on to Denkanikottai road.

The Most Spectacular Temple Towers in South India

Temple towers are generally the large entrance gates of Hindu temples in southern India. Also known as Gopurams, they are probably the most striking attraction of any temple. The taller and more colourful the Gopuram, the more spectacular it looks. Add to that the stunning sculptures and these Gopurams are absolute head turners. Though it is mostly the main entrance gates that take all the attention with its magnificent art works, some temples have multiple entrance gates which have equally impressive works on them. The gopurams which are often richly decorated in typical Dravidian architecture, have a passage and have many storeys that taper as it goes higher. The sculptures are mostly of Hindu gods, mythological characters and figurines. More the works or higher the gopuram, indicated that the kingdom was a prosperous one. Every dynasty and its king wanted to outdo the earlier one in this perspective, which resulted in spectacular architectural creations over centuries. Here is a list of my favourite temple towers from South India.

Sri Ranganatha Swamy Temple, Srirangam

Sprawling over 156 acres, Sri Ranganathaswamy temple is the largest functional Hindu temple in the world. Located on the river island of Srirangam, which is carved out of the rivers Cauvery and Kollidam, the temple is one of the prominent Vishnu temples in India. Ranganatha temple was first built in the 3^rd century CE and was rebuilt over the next many centuries until 17^th century CE. There are 7 decorated colourful gopurams to pass through to reach the sanctum sanctorum. The south facing Raja gopuram which is the main entrance gate stands tall at 239 feet, and is one of the tallest temple towers in Asia. Sri Ranganathar, a form of Vishnu in a reclining pose on a coiled serpent, is the main shrine here. A narrow stairs near Ranga Vilasa mandapam goes up to the roof and offers lovely aerial views of all the gopurams. Please check Srirangam temple timings before visiting the temple.

Ekambareshwarar temple, Kanchipuram

Sometimes referred as Ekambaranath temple, this was built in the 9^th century by Chola dynasty and is one of the most popular Shiva temples in Kanchipuram.  Spread over 40 acres, the temple’s main attraction is its glorious 11 storeyed magnificent Rajagopuram (entrance gate) with impressive carvings. The tower might lack the colours, which are synonymous with temples across Tamil Nadu, however, the 190 feet tower is still quite an amazing creation.

Murudeshwar temple, Murudeshwar

The 123 feet tall Shiva statue at Murudeshwar temple is the second tallest in the world, and the temple complex also houses a 20 storied gopuram. The impressive Raja gopuram or main temple tower was opened in 2008, making it the youngest in this list. Though it lacks the art works like others, at 237 feet it is quite an intimidating structure, nevertheless. The top floor of the gopuram which can be accessed by a lift offers breathtakingly beautiful vistas of Murudeshwar beach and the unending Arabian sea. 

Thillai Nataraja Temple, Chidambaram

Dedicated to Shiva, Nartaraja temple was built during the Chola period in the 11^th century CE. The temple which has Shiva in a dancing pose as its main deity, has extensive Chola sculptures and exquisite architecture across. The temple has four gopurams which are seven storeyed, have a height of 140 feet, and are adorned with some of the finest works with colourful exteriors and sculpted interiors. Intricate sculptures of gods and mythological figures embellish the colourful gopurams.

Meenakshi Amman Temple, Madurai

Meenakshi Amman or Meenakshi Sundareshwarar temple is one of the most popular temples in South India. The 7^th century temple built by the Pandya dynasty is located in the heartland of Tamil Nadu. The four tall colourful entrance gates with extensive carvings are a major attraction of this temple. The tallest one stands 170 feet high. The temple is dedicated to Meenakshi and Sundareshwarar, which are forms of Parvati and Shiva, respectively.

Virupaksha Temple, Hampi

Hampi, a UNESCO World Heritage site was at its prime in early 16th century during the Vijayanagara empire when it was ruled by King Krishnadeva Raya. It was ransacked in mid 16th century, and Hampi lay in a state of ruins and excavations until it got itself on the UNESCO list. What remains are the reminiscences of a glorious empire. Located by the Tungabhadra river, almost all the sites are spread across the sacred centre (mostly temples) and royal enclosure (palaces). The two most popular temples here are Virupaksha temple and Vittala temple. While Vittala temple is known for its famous stone chariot, Virupaksha which is a functional temple has a majestic entrance tower (gopura) with intricate works and is dedicated to Shiva. The 166 feet tall gopuram stands out amidst the boulders and is an elegant structure standing tall with the ruins scattered all around.

Arunachaleshwar Temple, Tiruvannamalai

Arunachaleshwar temple is dedicated to Shiva, and has a beautiful setting spread over 10 hectares, making it the second largest temple complex in India. The temple was first built by the Chola dynasty and later rebuilt and expanded during the rule of Vijayanagara empire. Though the gopurams are devoid of colours, they have numerous carvings of various mythological characters. At a height of 217 feet, the main entrance which faces east direction is the tallest of the four gopurams that the temple has.

P.S.: This post is in collaboration with Srirangapankajam.

Hostel Raahi, Jodhpur- Review

Tucked away in the residential area of Ajit Colony in Jodhpur, Hostel Raahi might for a moment beguile you as another house around the corner. Apart from its serene location, it is just 4-5 Kms away from Mehrangarh fort, the biggest attraction in Jodhpur, and less than 10 Kms from Mandore gardens. Hostel Raahi which was earlier a house has been converted into a hostel with both mixed dormitories and dormitories solely for women. True to the state’s character, the hostel is a colourful one with hues and wall art. The common areas of the hostel are a great place to meet fellow travellers, read books, watch television or play board games. Hostel Raahi also has a roof top cafe which offers continental cuisine. The rate for mixed dormitories starts from INR 210, which is an absolute steal.

What I loved:

Common Areas: They are spacious, colourful and have a nice vibe.

Staff: They are friendly, helpful and know the city well.

Price: The bunk beds are priced very attractively.

Location: Peaceful surroundings and not far from all attractions.

What I did not like:

Rooms:  The rooms can be a tad tidier, though not a deterrent to pick this place.

Address:

Hostel Raahi, Ajit Colony, Jodhpur, Rajasthan- 342001

Phone: +91-9950111259

Five Apps to kill your Travel Boredom

These are the days when travel is inevitable. There are many apps available to keep yourself occupied if boredom sets in during those long journeys or layovers. These apps are good for killing your spare time, and make your journey pleasant and entertaining. Most importantly, they also reduce your travel fatigue. While you might start off by blaring your audio sets in your car and singing along, eventually after some time you need to give your vocal chords some rest.

If you are someone who would like to be told a story, there are apps which would allow you to do so. In fact, there are so many apps out there where the authors themselves narrate their story in an interesting way. If you want to catch up on the series that you missed on TV or someone who loves watching soap operas on the OTT Platform, there are apps which would allow you to do so. In this post, we shall have a look at those 5 entertaining apps that would kill your free time during travel.

1. Audible

Are you a bookworm? Want to read a book so badly but you hardly get the time for that? Audible is your one-stop destination for listening to the audio version of an e-book. Available on Android and iOS, the app is free to download on Android and iOS devices. The app is free to use for the first month and viewers have an option for one download audiobook. After the trial period, you can use the app for $14.95 a month.  

2. Spotify

Are you a music buff? Do you like to listen to music non-stop without commercials? Then Spotify is one of the must-have apps on your device. For just $9.99 a month, you can use the app to stream unlimited music on your device. The best part about this app is it doesn’t occupy your memory space.

3. Netflix

So your schedule is hectic that you didn’t have much time to catch up on the series that you have been watching on TV. Why not make use of the opportunity to catch up on the missed show by downloading the app and installing on your device. Additionally, they have a lot of original contents in their app that are intriguing.

Netflix is the world’s premier subscription service for watching video content. From TV shows to carrying exclusive programs like series, movies and travel shows, Netflix has an impressive array of programs. This Netflix app delivers the best user experience anytime and anywhere. All that you need to do is to purchase a subscription to access thousands of programs in Netflix.

4. Online Games

What better way to kill the travel boredom than by playing your favourite online game on your mobile devices. Card games are gaining rapid popularity across the world. Of all the card games that are popular across the world, online rummy deserves a special mention.

With simple rules and easy game play, the rummy game download has gained so many followers of late. With numerous rummy mobile apps available for Android and iOS, you can get started in a go.  Playing rummy online is a super fun way to stay occupied during a long travel.

5. Apps that make your smarter

Want to spend your extra time on something that will make you more productive? There are numerous apps available on Play Store and Apple Store such as Elevate, Lumosity, and Brain test that will test your cognitive skills and increase your attention span

Experience these effective mind games which will allow you to polish your genius. Bid farewell to boredom and make your mind sharp enough to enhance your cognitive skills and decision making during your free time while travelling.

So do you know any other apps that will drive away travel boredom?

P.S.: This is a post is in collaboration with Deccan Rummy 

Top 4 Self Drive Car Rental Providers in Chennai

Image source: Freepik

Lanes of Chennai have always welcomed travellers. To experience the rich cultural tradition of Chennai you need the best travel experience. Don't worry, just pack your bags and go to Chennai. Here you will find numerous car rentals, which help you to create stories of your dreams. Now you don't have to worry about transportation and high unaffordable prices. Rental cars in Chennai will make your journey comfortable and tireless. Just book any of the below-mentioned car rental services and enjoy your trip without getting delayed. Any place is best enjoyed when you have the steering in your hand. So go ahead.

INDUSGO

‘No stop, but always go’, IndusGo takes you ahead through the cultural and glorious city lanes of Chennai without causing hindrance or breaks in your driving experience. IndusGo is a car rental service, which is working under the efficient guidance of Indus Motors. It gives you 24*7 support and assistance in your whole journey, and they also provide fully insured cars to make sure your drive is a safe one. They also have pick up and drop facility, apart from a huge collection of vehicles. At an affordable rate, IndusGo tries to give you everlasting memories. As per your choice you could book them for your personal needs, on a daily, weekly or monthly basis. There is no hassle of security charges. You can rent the car with fuel or without fuel. If it is without fuel then it costs only Rs 70 per hour. To book IndusGo’s services, just visit their website and place your booking. Create your story in Chennai with IndusGo.

ZOOM CAR

Every journey becomes special if you choose the right companion. How you travel also matters. To explore a city to its fullest, one should have a good vehicle with them. By choosing Zoom car you get to experience a travel scheme with unlimited memories. Comfort and privacy are two things that everyone looks up to during every travel. So if you believe in this, just pack your bags to Chennai and book Zoom’s car rental service. No matter where you want to go, Zoom will accompany you on your journey through the cultural bounty of Chennai by giving you a memorable travel experience. At an affordable rate, Zoom offers amazing cars of your choice. You don’t have to worry about fuel costs, petrol ,mileage, insurance or car breakdown, as Zoom car rental service is present all over the city, and you will get their assistance at any time. So just zoom in with Zoom cars. 

NISHA CARS

Nisha car rental service offers you a plethora of choices to make your journey blissful. They have some interesting services and schemes which can benefit you if you make the right travel plan at the right time. If you make the booking three days before the journey, you will get unlimited Kilometres. Also, they provide 350 k/m free travel experience to all the consumers. You only have to pay Rs 5000/- in advance, after that, the car will be yours till the end of the journey. They also care for your security. You have to submit identity proofs to prove your age. If you are above 21 then you can definitely experience the service of Nisha cars. 

MYCHOIZE

Create unique stories with MyChoize. For sure, you will never regret making a choice by opting MyChoize as a companion in your journey. They have numerous options to offer you. Starting from luxurious models, they have a wide range of collection that suits your travel plan. Let it be a business trip or holiday, choose MyChoize, it gives you better options to explore the lanes of Chennai at your convenience without causing any trouble to your travel time. One can book their cars for hourly, weekly or monthly basis. You can get their service from wherever you want. Their prime focus is on giving you quality time to make memories. 

Choosing the right destination and vehicle are significant to any travel experience. If you fail to make the right choice, then your entire journey could end up tiresome and boring. Travel should give you pleasure and leisure, and you should be comfortable and free of worries. How can one be happy if they reach Chennai and find a problem in transportation? To ensure your happiness, it is always ideal to book and plan in advance. Pack your dreams in your bags, book any of these self-drive car rental providers, find the best car of your choice, get hold of the steering and drive out. You have miles to go. 

P.S.: This is a collaborative post.

Top 10 places in Odisha you should visit once in a lifetime

Photo credit: Odisha Tourism

Odisha, formerly known as Orissa is a culturally enriching state in the eastern part of India. It is blessed with a long list of temples, beaches, museums, biosphere reserves, wildlife, national parks, sanctuaries, and many other tourist attractions that make the land a must visit place in the country. The state has a host of amazing architectural wonders such as temples and forts, apart from serene lakes, sun kissed beaches and much more. Some of the top notch places and attractions which are a must visit in Odisha are below.

  

1. Lord Jagannath Temple – As per Hindu mythology, the temple completes the Char Dhams circle and is among the highly celebrated and visited pilgrimage centres situated in Puri. This temple boasts of rich and unique medieval Indian history and heritage in the form of its architectural work, which indeed gives an insight into the artwork and the religiousness that has been associated with it. Located along the eastern coast of the country, the temple is reckoned to be a part of the Char Dham circle that needs to be always visited in the clockwise direction. A lot of tourists come to visit the temple every year and seek the blessings of the deity, Lord Vishnu, to have good times ahead.

2. Konark Sun Temple – Featured in the UNESCO World Heritage Site list, it is indeed a must visit site, and definitely worth exploring. Constructed in the form of a chariot that resembles the God Surya and having 12 wheels, the entrance of the temple faces east so that the first rays of the sun enters the sanctum. The details of the temple’s architecture are so intricate and interesting that one might want to take up majors in Indian history and architecture after visiting this temple.

3. Chilika Lake – It is the country’s biggest brackish saltwater lagoon that gives nature lovers and enthusiasts an opportunity to check out a plethora of migratory birds flying in from far off destinations which includes remote parts of Russia, Caspian Sea, Kirghiz steppes of Mongolia, and even Middle East and Central Asia. The topographies and beautiful landscapes of the lake further accentuate the charm of the place. Another attraction here are the rare Irrawaddy dolphins that can be spotted in the lake.

4. Raghurajpur Artist Village – It doesn’t matter whether you are an art lover or not, but this village is indeed a must to visit for all. The passion of the locals here is exceptional and there are different varieties of artwork available here that includes the Tassar Silk, Pattachitra – a cloth based scroll painting, stonework, palm leaf paintings, and many more. These can be used to adorn and embellish your homes and work spaces, and they come with quality craftsmanship of the locals.

5. Ratnagiri, Udayagiri and Lalitgiri – The caves are situated in Jajpur district in Odisha, and are known for its richness related to Buddhism and Jainism. One can find Buddhist artefacts, stupas, shrines and even monasteries here which would leave you mesmerized and in awe. Also, the surroundings are filled with thick forests and ideal to enjoy some peaceful and harmonious moments.

6. Nandankanan Zoological Park – The Garden of Heavens as this place is referred, is an amazing zoological park and stays true to its name. The park is run with a lot of care and attention. The wide range of animals that you can see here comprises of mouse deer, crocodiles, reptiles like turtles, lizards and pythons, and many more rare species.

7. Chandrabagha Beach – The destination is sometimes referred as the place of rising sun in India. Situated at a distance of about 30 kms from Konark Sun Temple, it is indeed a must visit stop, and a great place to spend memorable time with your loved ones. It is one of the best places in the state from where one can return with lovely memories and frames.

8. Tribes – When in Odisha one should definitely include a visit to the tribal areas to understand the culture and heritage of the tribes who live with with full zeal, enthusiasm, simplicity and modesty. Some of the places where you can visit the tribes include Jeypore, Nandapur, Kunduli, Rayagada etc.

9. Lingaraj Temple – Dating back to the 11^th century, it is one of the oldest and largest temples in Bhubhaneshwar, the capital city of Odisha. Dedicated to lord Shiva, the red sandstone temple is 54 m high and was constructed by King Jajati Keshari of Soma Vansha dynasty. The interesting history of the temple is the belief that the Shiv lingam was self originated and it is bathed daily with milk, water and bhang. The main sanctum here in the temple is surrounded by many other smaller shrines.

10. Gopalpur beach – As compared to other beaches, it is less commercialized, but is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful and stunning places to visit in the state. An ideal place for peace seekers and couples, the beach boasts of serene surroundings. It also offers water sports activities such as wind surfing, rowing, paddle boat, water scooter, scuba diving, etc. The other prime attraction at the beach is the Gopalpur beach festival that is held here annually.

Apart from these, there are many other attractions in Odisha which include wildlife, beaches, waterfalls, temples etc. Places to include in the itinerary depend totally on one’s interest, preference and convenience while planning an Odisha tour. One could get in touch with one of the top notch Odisha tour travel agent- Best Choice Holiday to help create an itinerary for Odisha tour. Let them know about the preferences and destinations you would like to cover in the itinerary along with the budget and time constraints, to help them curate a memorable holiday for you.

P.S.: This post is in collaboration with Best Choice Holiday

Top 5 Tips for Trekking in Nepal

Nepal is a paradise for trekking enthusiasts. Whether beginner or an avid trekker; the country has something in store for everyone. If you’re planning for an adventure in the Himalayas, here is a list of the top 5 tips for trekking in Nepal that will help you during the journey.

So let's dive straight in!

1. Decide the Trekking Season

Trekking in Nepal is popular throughout the year. A different season offers a different experience. So, it’s better to do a bit of research before you finalize a trek in a random season.

The classic high altitude treks like Everest Base Camp Trek or Annapurna Circuit trek are best during peak season. However, trekking to these places during the off-season can also be as entertaining as you expect. Likewise, many short and easy trekking destinations are doable throughout the year. Keep in mind that popular treks are quite crowded and busy during peak seasons (Autumn and Spring).

Some famous treks like Upper Mustang, Upper Dolpo, and Nar Phu Valley Trek lies in the “rain-shadow area” of Nepal. This area lies in the leeward-side of the Himalayas. So, there is little to no rainfall in these places throughout the year. That means you can try these treks throughout the year, even during monsoon!

2. Know What to Wear When Trekking in Nepal

Are you thinking about rocking that new pair of shorts as you trek? Think again. Many trekkers don’t pack appropriately for their trek and end up buying new clothes. Don’t let that happen to you. You need to pack useful items. You need to forget about fashion and trends while buying clothes for the trek.

It’s better to focus on buying the things that keep you warm and comfortable. Invest in high quality when purchasing trekking apparel like down jackets and trekking boots. During the trek, it’s a great idea to layer clothes for the cold weather rather than wearing a heavy jacket on top. It prevents your body heat from escaping. Layers also keep the cold from penetrating in. While packing for trekking in Nepal, pack the clothes you need and discard the rest.

3. Altitude Sickness and Prevention

“Go slow, acclimatize, and hydrate!”

Always keep these 3 things in your mind. Trekking to high altitudes is no walk in the park. You need to be aware of the dangers and risks of trekking to higher elevations. The oxygen level goes on decreasing as you trek to higher altitudes. Your body needs to acclimatize for these changes. If your body doesn’t get enough rest and hydration, you’re at a risk of altitude sickness.

Altitude sickness is a condition that occurs at higher elevations. It can cause nausea, headache, and other problems for trekkers. So, it’s wise to trek at a slow pace, stay hydrated throughout the day. Make sure your itinerary has a few acclimatization days. Taking these precautions minimizes the chances of altitude sickness and keeps problems at bay.

4. Prepare for the Unpredictable Power Cuts

Power cuts are still a thing in rural parts of Nepal. The locals call it load-shedding, and it becomes an issue for many unprepared trekkers. Most trekking destinations lie in remote areas of the country. Some places still don’t have electricity. 

Hotels and lodges use solar panels as alternatives to electricity. As energy is scarce in these areas, trekkers need to pay additional money while charging their phones and cameras. So, it’s a great idea to carry a portable solar charger to charge your devices when trekking in Nepal. You can also bring some high capacity batteries and power banks. You also need to take a torch or flashlight to move around in the dark.

5. Be respectful

Nepal is a country full of wonders and surprises. Trekking in the Himalayas takes you into the rural and untouched parts of the nation. You’ll encounter locals who follow unique cultures and have a simple lifestyle. Around the world Nepalese are famous for their generosity and hospitality. To have the best experience with these people, you need to respect their way of life and their beliefs.

Don’t expect everyone to speak in English. Understand that some things that you think as usual might be a local taboo. So, take your time and collect as much information as possible about the country and the people.

Final Words

Nepal is a country blessed with natural beauty and cultural diversity. Travel enthusiasts from all around the world visit the nation every year and fall in love with the place.

In the end, it’s all about making some of the best memories wherever you go. And with these 5 tips for trekking in Nepal, anyone can make the most out of their journey.