Winter turned out to be Monsoon in Mahabaleshwar.

First Impression about  Mahabaleshwar .....

Mahabaleshwar is one of the beautiful and highest hill station in the state of Maharashtra. It is well known for its fresh strawberry plantation which adds to the hypnotizing beauty. It is a small town with some hidden landscapes and evergreen forests.

Little about the things I know In Mahabaleshwar

When it comes to the places to visit in Mahabaleshwar there is a lot of landscape view one can get. As it is a hill station there are a lot of cottages, hotels, on the cliff of the mountains which gives you a scenic view. I stayed at a cottage called "Krishna Valley" which is just 15 mins away from the main Mahabaleshwar market. It is on the slope of  the mountain with an awesome view. I usually choose homestay rather than hotels as I like to adopt the lifestyle of the locals because that gets me a little close to the lifestyle of the locals and helps in understanding and exploring more. At that place where we stayed, we had to inform the owner about the kind of food that we would like to eat. Though there were very few dishes which they cooked but were authentic. This particular place where I stayed is hidden in the bushes so you need to take care of yourself as there can be any risk of being attacked
by the wild animals and also any unpredictable natural disaster. When I had visited during winters, there was unexpected heavy rainfall and there were no currents for about half an hour and the vibe was totally scary as we could hear some weird sounds from the other side of the mountains, it was thundering, lightning and there was a strong breeze. You need to be prepared to encounter such scenarios.

This is a perfect time and my favorite season.

The best time to visit this place is during the winters when you can go to the farms to pick the barries. Trust me, the best feeling is when you pick the red juicy strawberries and eat them  which  melts straight down your tummy. You get blueberries and strawberries for a very little price which makes you buy more and more. Besides that there are many other things made out of strawberry-like Jam, chocolates, Ice cream and the special thing called strawberry with a cream, this is a dessert made up of strawberry syrup, fresh cream, fresh strawberries. Local shops have their unique way of serving it.
Most people in Mahabeleshwar grow strawberry in their yard or in their garden. They have to face a lot of challenges while they plant and have to take proper care.

Take Left and then Right and read.

There are many Temples in and around the town and a place called Mapro garden which is a perfect hotspot for shopping your fav Mazana and Falero chocolate which you get in different flavors, besides that you also get various food products. My fav is Garlic herbs cheese and Horse cheese. Do give it a try. All the "cheese lovers" shouldn't miss this place.

A few kilometers away from Mahabaleshwar there is a place called Tabet top where you can do horse riding and it would cost you around 400 bucks. Make sure you make a proper deal with the horse riders as sometimes they take you for a free round and then they forcibly charge you. The tabletop is supposed to be one of the biggest pleatue in India. There are few tiger caves as well, If you visit this place during Winters you might feel lost due to excess fog. It becomes very hard for one to see through the fog. I had to encounter such a scenario. But luckily I met a local who turned out to be the taxi driver and he too was searching for his passengers who were not been able to locate somewhere in the dove white fog. There are many points where you can get a  penoramic view and the view from all this point is just Insane. My favourite was "echo point ". Besides this, there are a lot of activities which I feel are not worth to do it there. These activities are mostly for kids. So if the kid in you is still alive then you should try them out.

Making memories with the locals.

During my trip to Mahabaleshwar, I interacted with few locals to get to know more about the places.  One thing I noticed was they always welcome guests like their own family. I've been to Mahabaleshwar twice and I've lost my camera twice but you know what I was so lucky that both the times I got it, haha. Strange right?

Get Set and Goo..

Since winter is approaching we are all set to spend some extra time sleeping comfortably at home.
Get out of your comfort zone!
Go to places and find comfort in every place you visit and explore. Life is too short and the world is too big, Go explore.


So when are you planning your trip to Mahabaleshwar? Don't forget to use the hashtag #NomadicTravell

Place to visit in Rajasthan | Rajasthan Places |

 When someone talks about Rajasthan the first thing that pops up in my mind is the humid climate because it is close to equator and also a part of Thar desert. That’s what we have been told in Schools right?

Yes it is hot I admit, but the only reason I admitted that it is hot because Rajasthan is a place like no other State in India. The vibes in Rajasthan hit you like a Maharaj's of olden times. I was a normal traveller till my journey started, but when i reached Rajasthan i felt like a maharaja who will very soon be ruling one of those places.

 

Rajasthan is the largest state in India which have a unique culture. They nightlife in Rajasthan villages is something I loved. One of the place I visited was Pushkar Lake.

 

Pushkar Lake - The Holy Lake

 

Pushkar Lake is an Artificial Lake which was built ages back in 12th century while building a dam across the Luni River. This beautiful place in Rajasthan attracts many tourists from all over the world. There are some Pushkar Festivals celebrated one of them is the world’s largest camel fair, apart from buying and selling of livestock’s, competitions such as matka phod, longest moustache, bridal competition are the main draws.

Pushkar through my eyes!

Pushkar is also safe for female solo travellers, but have to stay in a good decent hotel or Resort in Pushkar and anyways it’s a small village. Well, the best time to visit Pushkar is from November till March as the weather is quiet friendlier and also the deserts for long safari.

Nights In Pushkar are Cold and Lively

The best thing about Pushkar is the Pushkar Mela. Luckily when I was In Pushkar I got to witness the amazing Pushkar Mela where there are tourists from different countries and also crowded by the locals. Nights in Pushkar are just something which makes me go there again once in a year.

Nights in Pushakr are mostly filled with colourful lights in the main town outside the Temple besides the Lake.

The best thing about Pushkar is the Pushkar Mela. Luckily when I was In Pushkar I got to witness the amazing Pushkar Mela where there are tourists from different countries and also crowded by the locals. Nights in Pushkar are just something which makes me go there again once in a year. 

Nights in Pushakr are mostly filled with colourful lights in the main town outside the Temple besides the Lake.

There are Locals who stay besides the lake and one can get a kind of drone view from there and enjoy the Arti which is being performed. Its quiet blissful. This sight reminds me of River Ganges (Ganga). The Sadhus doing their rituals, aghoris (baba’s) all around you chanting their mantra, flowers and dias flowing in the lake, people bathing in the lake assuming that they have washed all their sins and come back clean. Some people also perform the last cremation of the dead people.

Streets Of Pushkar

Once you’re on the streets outside the Temple road you’ll find many small shops besides the road which is filled with variety of cloths, food stalls, swords, psychedelic painting shops, book shops and a lot more. Prices are also reasonable. But this streets are normally overcrowded by the local youth after 11 at night. So I would recommend for females not to hangout around alone during such time. You can accompany with any other female or be in a group. Also the street is quiet narrow and there are amazing lightings put above on the road which makes the place look lively.         

Talking about the food and restaurants in Pushkar there are many restaurants where you can dine in as well as cafes to chill out with some hashes and hookas. They also serve amazing rolls and at a reasonable price. There are cafes in small buildings and terrace cafes and restaurants which gives you amazing site while you have your dinner.

Jaipur to Pushkar

The distance from Jaipur to Pushkar is around 148km. It takes 3 hours to travel by bus. Travelling by local buses is the best if you want to have a really good time interacting with locals and experience their lifestyle. You can book a taxi which will take little less time as compared with buses. Lots of tourist also prefer auto rickshaw as its quiet cheaper then booking taxi. You can also get OLA, UBBER service.

And also when you visit Pushkar don't forget to snap yourself with the Rajasthani outfit.

Ilha de Rachol.

Ilha de Rachol.

I'm a Goan guy living in South Goa for past 22 years lost in love with the nature and so I spend my time going places to see what is the best you can get and what is the best you can learn from the people of that particular place and I feel the only place one would find peace and calmness in Salcete is "Rachol". "I call it home away from home"

About the People:

So basically Rachol is a village located exactly on the left bank of Zuari River which makes it the best place for the locals to go fishing. Many people from the surrounding places also visit  Rachol, especially for Fishing. Famous fish like Prawns, Red snapper, Catfish, Pearl spot are found here.
People of Rachol are mostly engaged in farming, fishing and there are few people like the young generation working out of these places to making their living better. Rachol is also famous for its churches. Locals say that the first church of  Salcete Our lady of Snows is in Rachol and there is a ferry point behind this church. People of Rachol also are engaged in Fish breeding.

What to see?

Rachol is an evergreen place and the locals here are very friendly and loving. The famous Portuguese colonial fort has vanished leaving behind the traces of the main gate which is one of the historic attraction for all. One visiting Rachol should also take a look at those few Portuguese houses beside the road still well maintained.

I got a Plan for You!

One who likes to spend time exploring should definitely visit Rachol. It is filled with something amazing in all the corners. The best time to visit Rachol is during winters where you can start your day by watching the beautiful sunrise followed by a hot chai at the local tea shop with some bhaji and buns, and then go visit the seminar and the Churches and few Temples. There is a restaurant as well called ANUSHKA which serves good food. Evenings are basically meant for bird watching, one can go to the "bands" and enjoy the sighting of migratory birds or play football with the locals.

See You Soon.

And the last but the most pleasing thing is the sunset. Spend a day in Rachol and I promise you, you'd definitely visit this place again someday soon.

Go Explore! 

There are many more places I have not  mentioned about, because I want the people to visit this place and try interacting with the locals and try finding the places which I have not mentioned, as we all know the feeling when we find something without knowing about it, its like " Yes I explored this place :P " And yes when you visit this place please do not dirty the place and if you find that the place is dirty there is no harm in cleaning it. Be the change, Be the next Nomadic Traveller

                                So are you planning this weekend for Ila de Rachol?