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Best Things to do in Dubai Mall

Neha Singh
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Best Things to do in Dubai Mall

Dubai and shopping go hand in hand, and when you have one of the largest malls in the world right in the city, shopping is definitely on top of the agenda. But the sprawling Dubai Mall is not just a place for retail therapy but is also a one-stop destination for entertainment and fun. With an array of things to do in this place – from huge ice rinks to massive aquariums and striking fountains, it may be a little overwhelming for visitors to choose from these activities. So, let’s take a look at all the highlights in this colossal mall.

Top Things to do in a Dubai Mall

Human Waterfall

The stunning human fall sculpture spans the four levels of the mall. A significant highlight of these cylindrical waterfalls is the striking pearl divers’ sculpture that pays homage to the region’s rich past. The sculpture is 24 meters high and 30 meters in diameter and is made of fiberglass. It is the perfect Instagram-worthy spot in the mall, and the sheer beauty of it will leave you speechless. 

VR Park

VR Park offers an exciting virtual reality and augmented reality experience in Dubai. The theme park consists of various rides and experiences spanning genres such as thrill, leisure, horror, sports, adventure, and action. It blurs the lines between perception and reality, offering an out-of-the-world experience to its visitors. It consists of more than 25 attractions, including Burj Drop, Dubai Drone, Plummet, APE-X, The Raft, and The Walking Dead or VR Outbreak. It is the best place for thrill-seekers, and it promises to take you on an exhilarating adventure.

Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo

You can see the enormous tank of the aquarium as soon as you enter the mall. Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo holds the Guinness Book of World Records for the world’s most extensive acrylic panel. It houses over 33000 marine animals across 140 species. You can see sharks, stingrays, piranhas, sea horses, water rats, jellyfish, and a terrifying King crocodile. It is a fantastic place to experience the mysterious underwater world and learn about these fascinating creatures. You can book sessions such as cage snorkeling, ray encounters, or feed the sharks. Visiting this breathtaking aquarium is one of the best things to do in the mall. 

Ice Skating Rink

This Olympic-size skating rink provides you an ideal place to cool off from the sweltering Dubai heat. Whether you are an amateur or a professional skater, this place offers you the chance to indulge in some relaxed and fun ice skating. It uses up-to-date technology to maintain the temperature and ice consistency. You can take a break and enjoy arcade games at the chill-out zones and try some refreshments at the concession food counters in between your ice-skating sessions. You can rent out this place for birthday parties and events and enjoy a Disco session here too. It is extremely safe, and you can rent out all the gears from there itself. 

Hysteria

Hysteria transports you to a world of ghosts and zombies and is an excellent place for horror-movie lovers and adrenaline-junkies. As you walk through the dark passages with dim lights, you are in for terrifying encounters, ghostly figures, and hair-raising moments. The experience lasts for around 15 minutes, but it is enough to give you some spine-chilling moments. This place is definitely not one for the faint-hearted. 

KidZania

KidZania Dubai Mall offers a great learning experience for the kids combined with fun and entertainment. It replicates a mini city where the streets are dotted with banks, fire stations, shops, and restaurants. Kids get an opportunity to role-play various kinds of adult professions such as doctors, teachers, pilots, journalists, firefighters, chefs, astronauts, and bankers. They can select from over 80 activities and also get a sneak-peek into their adult life. They even get paid in KidZania currency that can be redeemed at the stores inside. Another impressive attraction is the KidZania Space Center, where kids can learn about the universe using different simulated attractions.

Emirates A380 Stimulator

Here is your chance to become a pilot for a while and fly a plane solo. It has a replica of a real plane cockpit with a cutting-edge simulator, and you can fulfill your dream of flying a plane. You can select from one of 12 busy airports and take the help of an instructor to improve your navigation and earn points. It lasts for approximately 30 minutes, and this activity will surely make you feel on top of the world!

Reel Cinemas

Watch all the latest blockbuster movies at one of the largest cinemas in the Middle East. You can find every type of modern movie-going experience from ScreenX, Dine-in to 4D, and Platinum Suites. Having more than 26 screens, this cinema provides a truly luxurious and comfortable experience to its visitors. It is a great place for movie buffs, and the dine-in option while watching movies takes the entire experience to another level. 

Dubai Fountain

Dubai Fountain is known to be the most extensive choreographed fountain system globally. It shoots over 22,000 gallons of water to a height of more than 500 feet from the ground. Located on the glittering Burj Lake with the magnificent Burj Khalifa forming the perfect background, the Dubai Fountain is a gorgeous spectacle of music, water, and lights. It takes place every 30 minutes from 6 in the evenings with Arabian, classical or international music playing in the background. You can witness this beautiful fountain from many locations, such as the Waterfront Promenade outside Dubai Mall and the Dubai Fountain Boardwalk. But to catch the most fabulous view, it is better to book an ‘Abra’ ride on the lake and enjoy it from there. 

Print 3D candy at Candylicious

One of the most fun activities for kids in the Dubai Mall is to print 3D candy at Candylicious. The largest store in the Middle East allows you to make candies in different flavors as per your choice. You can see kids and even adults drooling over the delicious treats made in front of them. It is a great place to find candies, chocolates, sweets, and lollipops in various colors, shapes, and sizes. This place’s highlight is the lollipop tree, where you can see the chocolates hanging from the branches and trunks and spot the Candylicious Airplane taking off above your heads. 

Dubai Dino

Take a step back in time and get transported to the pre-historic era. Say hello to the majestic fossil of the 155 million-plus years old dinosaur. Affectionately known as the ‘Dubai Dino,’ this mammoth fossil is as authentic as it gets. It is considered one of the mall’s major attractions and is around 24 meters long and 7 meters tall. This spectacular creature provides a complete contrast to the opulent and modern surroundings of the mall. 

Conclusion

As you see, the Dubai Mall is a complete entertainment package, and there is never a dull moment here. It is a great place to relish some lip-smacking food as well and shop to your heart’s content. But if food and shopping are no on your agenda, there is still plenty to do here on your Dubai holidays. 

Featured Image Courtesy: Photo by mostafa meraji on Unsplash

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My Review about Houseboats in Alleppey

Amal Shameen
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My Review about Houseboats in Alleppey

Alleppey is also known as Venice of the east due to the clear backwaters. They are beautiful, jaw dropping and awe-inspiring. You can find more than 800 houseboats in the Alleppey backwaters. These houseboat is the main attractions in Alleppey. Here they have variety of packages and some amazing deals which you can’t say no to. Luckily I got an amazing package from Tours in India. They provide multiple night stays with sea foods and much more which no one can forget.

Like I mentioned earlier there are more than 800 houseboats which are registered under Kerala tourism. Alleppey Houseboats are updated versions of Kettuvallam boats which are about 80-foot-long. These floating homes are available for rent. The charges of Houseboats vary according to the size and quality.

You can choose your package based on your budget. I stayed on a houseboat which was available in a package of र30,000. The bedroom had AC, TV and an attached bathroom with sink, toilet and shower. There was a big kitchen with top chefs who provided some amazing and yummy Kerala style seafood which were very tempting. 

I arrived at the port in Alleppey for check-in, which is usually at noon, I suggest not to bring heavy luggage unless you are staying for multiple nights. The amount you pay for your package covers all the meals and activities that you would do in your houseboat. 

The Alleppey houseboat trip will give you a feel of luxury. They will welcome you with tasty coconut water. You will cruise the backwaters at about four to six hours until 6 p.m.

I recommend a cruise land houseboat which has three bedrooms that can accommodate six people. In my houseboat, the entire crew were friendly and took care of everything

You can easily book and stay on houseboats with Tours in India who provide amazing packages at a reasonable price which will be budget friendly.

My Food Experience

As a hard core foodie, one of the main things I was looking forward to was eating authentic Kerala Cuisine. Trust me you will never be disappointed with the variety of seafood dishes. The chef brought me a plate of fresh coconut meat which was an amazing snack that helped to ease my cravings.

For lunch they were completely packed with rice, mixed vegetables, river fish, sambar, cabbage, karimeen pollichathu, etc. The aroma and the tenderness of the meat makes you forget your strict diet. The river fish was so soft and tender with amazing flavours. I highly recommend the kingfish steaks which gave a wow effect to our taste buds. They provide an amazing dessert called payasam which helps to smoothen yourself. Late afternoon they provide us different varieties of south Indian snacks . 

For dinner it was like a sea food festival. We enjoyed fried tiger prawns marinated in with different spices with chapati. Along with that, they provided chicken curry, King fish and karimeen curry along with soft chapati. 

The very next day for breakfast, they gave us dosas, sambar, coconut chutney, and omelette

My Activities on Houseboat

Kerala Houseboat Activities,
Photo by kyran low on Unsplash

In my one-day houseboat in Alleppey experience, fishing and Canoe rides was one of my favourite. On my way we passed across lots of small villages where you can see people going for fishing in canoe and even small kids are travelling in canoe and the smile that they gave was something special.

We visited Karumadikuttan temple. Karumadikuttan temple is famous for the Buddha statue known as Karumadikkuttan. Then I went to champakulam valia palli which was a 1500 years old church. Then visited canalside convenience stores which was one of the best places where you can buy freshly caught sea fishes.

One of the greatest joys you can experience while renting a houseboat in Alleppey was the sunrise and sunset between 6p.m. and 8:30 a.m., you can take a canoe ride and watch it live which is an exquisite experience. During the canoe ride you can see lot of traditional and modern style houses in those areas. 

Checking Out

It was an amazing experience under a friendly budget. After having my breakfast by 8 a.m. we cruise back to check out form our beautiful houseboat and we left at 9 a.m. and stepped out with full of memories and happiness.

Summing Up

Alleppey, a serene backwater paradise, offers an unforgettable experience. The luxurious houseboats, coupled with the tranquil backwaters and delectable Kerala cuisine, create a perfect getaway.

From exploring ancient temples to indulging in mouth-watering seafood, every moment is filled with wonder and delight. If you’re seeking a peaceful retreat, I highly recommend Alleppey as the ideal destination.

Featured Image: Photo by Abhishek Prasad on Unsplash

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Kerala Houseboat Experience

Aswathy Achu
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Kerala Houseboat Experience

Kerala is known for its backwater culture and it is one of the most trending activity that tourists prefer. Everyone who loves nature and want to try out a different experience should go for a backwater cruise. I have seen the houseboats while passing through the roads of Alleppey and always wanted to spend some time in that. It became one of my bucket list activity.

My Kerala Houseboat Experience

Last year I got a chance to spend my weekend in a houseboat provided by Jagath Cruise, which is one of the popular houseboat service providers in Alleppey. We took an overnight package. We reported at 10:00 Am atPunnamada Fishing point in Alleppey. There were many houseboats in our way and we waited for them to clear. As soon as the trip started a crew member came and explained to us about the houseboat and how it works. It was my first experience and was quite excited to explore the areas of the houseboat and the view.We passed through the most beautiful routes and the point where the boat race takes place every year. We experienced the cool breeze of the wind as we moved further. Once we reached the open backwaters, the view of Alleppey was outstanding and mesmerizing.

Then it was the time for lunch and the boat was halted at a beautiful venue and the chef prepared mouth-watering and tempting sea food dishes for us. The quality and taste of the food served was amazing and it was a wonderful experience to have lunch in such a beautiful and peaceful ambience.

After the hefty lunch we took a stroll and saw the exotic birds and watched the clouds. We got to spend some quality time with our family and friends even outside the houseboat.

Then we board the boat again and started cruising. The cool breeze was slowly turning into strong winds.We were warned to not stay towards the sides and to exercise caution. All of us sat together as a group and sang songs then later we had snacks and talked a lot. The crew was very polite and was very helpful.

Around evening we were provided with coconut water and snacks and then our rooms were shown to usby the crew. They were beautiful and very neat. They were air-conditioned and had a twin sized bed, an LCD TV, a small cupboard and mirror. The washroom was clean and tidy. They were properly sanitized.

The night in the houseboat was very peaceful. We woke up to the most beautiful view in the morning. It was cold with a calm breeze. We had breakfast and then our cruise wascoming to an end. And then the captain announced us returning to the boarding point through a different route. We enjoyed the view on the way back.

It was an incredible experience and we had the time of our lives with our family and friends. The backwater cruise is something that everyone should experience once in a life time.

Kerala is known for its backwater culture and it is one of the most trending activity that tourists prefer. Everyone who loves nature and want to try out a different experience should go for a backwater cruise. I have seen the houseboats while passing through the roads of Alleppey and always wanted to spend some time in that. It became one of my bucket list activity.

Last year I got a chance to spend my weekend in a houseboat provided by Jagath Cruise, which is one of the popular houseboat service providers in Alleppey. We took an overnight package. We reported at 10:00 Am atPunnamada Fishing point in Alleppey. There were many houseboats in our way and we waited for them to clear. As soon as the trip started a crew member came and explained to us about the houseboat and how it works. It was my first experience and was quite excited to explore the areas of the houseboat and the view.We passed through the most beautiful routes and the point where the boat race takes place every year. We experienced the cool breeze of the wind as we moved further. Once we reached the open backwaters, the view of Alleppey was outstanding and mesmerizing.

Then it was the time for lunch and the boat was halted at a beautiful venue and the chef prepared mouth-watering and tempting sea food dishes for us. The quality and taste of the food served was amazing and it was a wonderful experience to have lunch in such a beautiful and peaceful ambience.

After the hefty lunch we took a stroll and saw the exotic birds and watched the clouds. We got to spend some quality time with our family and friends even outside the houseboat.

Then we board the boat again and started cruising. The cool breeze was slowly turning into strong winds.We were warned to not stay towards the sides and to exercise caution. All of us sat together as a group and sang songs then later we had snacks and talked a lot. The crew was very polite and was very helpful.

Around evening we were provided with coconut water and snacks and then our rooms were shown to usby the crew. They were beautiful and very neat. They were air-conditioned and had a twin sized bed, an LCD TV, a small cupboard and mirror. The washroom was clean and tidy. They were properly sanitized.

The night in the houseboat was very peaceful. We woke up to the most beautiful view in the morning. It was cold with a calm breeze. We had breakfast and then our cruise wascoming to an end. And then the captain announced us returning to the boarding point through a different route. We enjoyed the view on the way back.

Summing Up

It was an incredible experience and we had the time of our lives with our family and friends. The backwater cruise is something that everyone should experience once in a life time.

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10 Fun Things To Do At The Dubai Creek

Pranitaa Purohit
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10 Fun Things To Do At The Dubai Creek

The Dubai Creek is a saltwater creek located in Dubai. Called Khor Dubai in Arabic, it once reached all the way to RasAlKhor Wildlife Sanctuary. Today it extends across the Persian Gulf and is connected to the new Dubai canal. You and your family can enjoy many water sports and activities on these bodies of water. Read on to find out the 10 fun things to do at the Dubai Creek. 

Take A Stroll

Dubai Creek
Photo by Sanjeev K.K.(Wikicommons)

If you’re visiting when the weather is enjoyable, taking a stroll down the Dubai Creek is perfect because it has an ideal walking path that is 14 kilometers in length. As you walk you’ll be able to enjoy the different souks, shops, restaurants and street performances along the way. Sometimes they even have firework shows! As you walk you’ll see it transform from Old Dubai into some more modern areas.  

Dubai Frame

Dubai Frame
Image by Kamil Żywolewski from Pixabay

You can find the Dubai Frame when you’re looking for things to do at the Dubai Creek. It’s a remarkable landmark designed to impress by the architects that designed it. It’s known for being the biggest picture from ever and that means that you and your loved ones will be able to take amazing photographs that you’ll always remember. The past, present and future of Dubai will take place right before your eyes and you’ll be offered a piece of history. If you’re afraid of heights the glass floor might make your heart jump!  

Watch The Sunset

Dubai Creek Sunset
“Dubai Creek 063” by Britrob is licensed under CC BY 2.0

An overlooked and underestimated activity to be sure, watching the sunset when you find yourself close to the Dubai Creek is a wonderful event. It has been said that the sunset in this particular place is unlike anywhere else in the world. You can watch it from anywhere and you also have many dining options where you can sit down for a meal or a cup of coffee and truly enjoy the view. 

Dubai Dolphinarium 

“File:Dolphin show at Dubai dolphinarium, September 2012.jpg” by Georgekurian80823 is licensed under CC BY 3.0

When looking for things to do at the Dubai Creek, you won’t be disappointed to know that dolphins are part of the package. Did you know that the Dubai Dolphinarium is the first temperature controlled indoor venue of it’s kind in the Middle East? This allows the animals as well as the tourists to be comfortable and protected from the desert heat on the outside. Get your tickets for the Dolphin and Seal Show, the Creek Park Exotic Bird Show or take this opportunity to get in the water and swim side by side with the dolphins! 

Dubai Creek Dhow Cruise

Image Source: Shahana Shamsuddin (WikiComons)

It goes without saying that you can’t spend your time doing things at the Dubai Creek without going on a traditional dhow cruise. Fun is what it’s all about when you decide to go for a cruise along the Deira Creek on one of these traditional wooden boats called Dhows. You’ll be taken to see the views of Old Dubai and take in the history and tradition when you pass by the sites and souks. You will be served an international buffet dinner with a Tanura dance as the entertaining performance of the night.  

iFly Dubai Indoor Skydiving

“Dubai” by Roller Coaster Philosophy is licensed under CC BY 2.0

If you have jumping out of a plane on your bucket list but are not sure if you’ll ever be able to do it, this might just be the place for you. At iFly Dubai Indoor Skydiving you’ll be able to experience the thrill of skydiving but with the luxury of being indoors and in a controlled environment. Safety is their first priority and they’ve made sure to take all the precautions to enhance your visit. Each flight lasts about a minute and you can purchase a package that gives you 2 flights to add to your excitement.   

Museum of Illusions Dubai

Museum of Illusions Dubai is a cozy museum with a family-oriented atmosphere. Come one and come all into the house of optical illusions, puzzles, and other thrilling games to play. Your kids will love the challenges that they will be presented with. Don’t be surprised when you see your kids engaged for hours at a time when you visit the Museum of Illusions Dubai. Their crucial thinking skills will be fired up and ready to go especially with their group of friends and family. Some of the exhibits at the Museum of Illusions Dubai include the Vortex Tunnel, Ames Room, The Up Side Down Room, and The Chair Illusion. There won’t be anymore boring museum outings once you bring your family here!  

Spice Souks

Meander down the narrow alleyways displaying all the different spices that are for sale. Let your eyes and sense of smell guide you as the aroma and colorful displays attract your attention. Located near the Gold Souk, get ready for a bargain when you see all that this souk has to offer. Select spices are sold here from Saffron, Cinnamon and Turmeric that you’ll definitely want to stock up on and take back home.  

The Dubai Museum 

Another attraction near by is the Dubai Museum where you’ll be able to take in a bit of history and explore some of the Old Town avenues along with the Al Fahidi District. You’ll be able to have a real grasp of what the area and the people were like in the past. This museum displays life-sized dioramas that represent what the Emirati life was like for the average person long ago. They also give you a comprehensive idea through traditional scenes of Arab households, souks, mosques and other parts of their past heritage. 

Al Bastakiya Heritage District

Image by jensimon7

To complete your tour of fun things to do at the Dubai Creek, make your way to Al Bastakiya Heritage District. A wondrous neighborhood filled with cultural artifacts that will leave you with a real sense of a preserved past. Explore the traditional Arabic houses and courtyards that still represent the history of this place even after being renovated and maintained. As you walk around you’ll see art galleries, museums, cafes, shops, and places to purchase Arab art. 

Featured Image: Image by Rimaz Rauf from Pixabay

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Wanderlust in The Time of Post-COVID-19: A Traveller’s Globe-Trotting Playbook

Tapatrisha Das
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0
Wanderlust in The Time of Post-COVID-19: A Traveller’s Globe-Trotting Playbook

With the virus invading the world with its gruesome tireless claws, we travellers had to sadly close down on our checklist scrapbooks, close the doors on us and lock ourselves in. Horrible, we’d say. Helpless, we feel more than ever. But, as travelling teaches us the main idea of optimism, we can’t help but imagine going back to the road – that’s where we belong, after all! But how, when and where, is the question lurking our minds and not letting us sleep. What it would be like to travel in a post-COVID world? When do we get back to where we love it the most – near to the misty cold mountains, dipping our feet in the ocean and letting them sink in the sand, let the clouds tickle our nose-tips with snow-chilling air, and the shells and small fishes play on our feet with the loud buzz of the ocean wind ringing in our ears. We are dreamers by heart and itinerary-specialists by the mind – and looks like, someone just caged us in. Unfair!

To save you with another hit of optimism, here we bring a guide list on how it would be like to travel again, when COVID leaves the world, for good! Here are the answers:

Air travel, Nay – Road trips, Yay!

Image by Albrecht Fietz from Pixabay

With social distancing becoming the need of the hour, soon we might let go of our masks and face shields, but it would be long before we would like to get back in the crowd and rub our shoulders with other people and not maintain the six-inch-distance game. Air travel, though, all over the world are struggling to come up with the idea of social distancing and still carry you from one place to another, it might be a little while before you’d volunteer to lose the safety game and get back to the window or the aisle seat, and worst, the middle seat.

So, road trips! The age-old practice of reuniting to the road, with the handpicked people you love to travel with, the numerous Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara’sof the world putting the fantasies back in our mind, might be the best practice to get to the traveller’s game back, in the post-COVID world. Imagine, forgetting about the aisle and the bend-your-leg-to-let-the-other-person-out-to-their-lavatory-cravings, and getting to the hood-less cars, with Country Roads playing on a loop, and of course, in full volume. The inside jokes and nearby destinations – the newest wanderlust!

Boutique hotels before Dormitories

Boutique hotels
Image by Jean van der Meulen from Pixabay

Even if we make it out of this pandemic alive, it will be long before we will be able to shed our traumas behind. Sanitation, hygiene will become the new cool while cheap stays, dorms and hostels will have to take a backseat. We will be choosing places, maybe boutique hotels, and not just for the lavish experience, but also for their safety measures and proper sanitation hygiene. A drill in the pocket is any day better than a day in the hospital, ain’t it? So, here we will be looking out, with a little more budget for a more expensive stay, and our outlooks are about to change.

Nature will have more to offer

Nature
Image by bertvthul from Pixabay

With the world getting to rest awhile in between all the hustle, it will be more soothing than ever. So, really it wouldn’t matter where you go, it will all be more beautiful. The hills will be cleaner, with man-made garbage decomposed on its own, the oceans will be clearer and the sky wouldn’t be invaded by the industrial smoke and higher AQIs. Breathe in!

Offbeat places will become a favourite

Tirthan Valley Himachal

To avoid the crowd and be in a silent serene place, it would be best to choose an offbeat place as your next destination – where selected vehicles take you, where the roads and the souvenir shops are not swarming with tourists. You will feel the need to disconnect from the world and with a place where only handpicked people go, it might just give you the proper detox you are craving for all this while. The lockdown bogging on us with only screens to look at and it being the only possible way of connecting to the world, it might be a necessary detox you’d need. So, good luck!

Home destinations will be the new foreign

As airlines still figure out to keep the ticket prices affordable for us travellers while letting us travel safe, we might look inward to our country destinations. With trains and buses being our saviour, we will be taking trips to safer, closer to home destinations and get to know our country better, After all, every country is their countrymen’s travelling paradise. And getting to know it better, will also be a cheaper way to travel, a safer one and who knows, you might just fall in love with the contours of your country more than ever?

The Dora The explorer in us will be a little scared

They say that there’s only one way to fall in love with a new place – let it seep into your heart through your stomach. We like to stroll to the old lanes of the destinations, speak to people and explore their cuisine. While exploring the roads and the lanes and the language will still be a safer format to know the place, you might just be little apprehensive about the food. But, that will never stop us from exploring and falling in love with places, anyway!

Traveling after Covid

COVID-19 has grappled the world into a fear of the unknown. We, looking out of our windows and dreaming of our trips, can’t wait for the world to restart again. Holding our travel scrapbooks close, we can’t wait to run, fall, and never ever stop! But, this time, we will need to plan a little better, jot a few more lines into our itineraries, dig up a little more research, have a little more budget and bam, we will be back to the roads again. And although it still feels like a distant dream, dreams do turn true. Cheers!

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Wanderlust Souls: 7 Offbeat Locations to Visit Near Darjeeling

Sananya Datta
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0
Wanderlust Souls: 7 Offbeat Locations to Visit Near Darjeeling

“So I took the road less traveled by and that has made all the difference ”

The Road not Taken by Robert Frost

Darjeeling – the queen of hills is a famous tourist destination in India. Towered over by Mount Khangchendzonga, Darjeeling has grown to be a vibrant hill-station and a major holiday spot in India.

While Darjeeling in itself is a beauty to explore, behind every road bend lies a surprise. There are many offbeat places near Darjeeling that are waiting to be explored and discovered. Here are 7 such offbeat places near Darjeeling you can visit and enjoy.

Lamahatta:

Known as the paradise for honeymooners, Lamahatta is situated 20 km from Darjeeling at an altitude of 6800ft. Lamahatta is a peaceful and calm village surrounded by tall pine trees, blossoming orchids, and trek trails. Take a walk down the roads, explore the enchanting eco-park, or walk among the alluring pine trees to get a view of Mount Khangchendzonga – Lamahatta will not disappoint you. You can visit this village throughout the year to escape the chaos of urban life.

Bara Mangwa:

35 km away from the bustling Darjeeling town, lies the hidden gem Bara Mangwa. This small quaint hamlet is located overlooking the confluence of River Rangeet and River Teesta and is quickly gaining popularity among the tourist community of India. However, it is still free from the holiday rush and is considered an ideal offbeat place near Darjeeling to visit.

The main attraction of Bara Mangwa is the rolling orange orchards that adorn the hill slopes in this eco-friendly village. It is also an ideal place for bird watchers to visit. During the harvesting season, many Himalayan birds visit these orchards in an attempt to taste the ripe juicy oranges. Apart from the stunning view of the confluence of the two rivers surround by the lofty mountains of Kalimpong, there are many destinations near Bara Mangwa that is worth a visit.

Places like the Takling Phunchok Choling Monastery build in 1915 is an architectural marvel located near Bara Mangwa. Also, the Tinchuley sunrise point is just 9 km from this hamlet, where you can easily witness the first rays of the sun touching the hill slopes in the morning.

Tinchuley:

If you are visiting Lamahatta, then Tinchuley lays at an hours distance from the place. Situated at 5800ft, Tinchuley one of the most beautiful offbeat places near Darjeeling. What was once just another hamlet tucked in the hills has now emerged as a model eco-urban village in the Darjeeling area, all thanks to the help from the World Wildlife Federation.

Tinchuley is now a self-sufficient eco-friendly village and runs several projects like forest nurseries, vermin-compost manure projects, by-compost projects, and floriculture projects. The name ‘Tinchuley’ is derived from the local language where ‘Tin’ means three and ‘chuley’ means oven. The village has been given such a name as three of the most prominent hilltops that surround the village looks like an oven or chullah from far.

Tinchuley is surrounded by lush green alpine forests and if you want to do something more other than relaxing in the lap of nature, there are many places worth visiting in and around the village. The Tinchuley monastery, Tinchuley sunrise point is located close by and can be covered in a days visit. If you want to see the snowcapped Himalayan mountain ranges, the best time to visit Tinchuley is from mid-September to March, when the sky stays clear of rain clouds.

Sandakphu:

A well-known place in the trekking community, Sandakphu is known as the trekkers’ wonderland. Perched on the edge of Singalila National Park, Sandakphu is the highest point of West Bengal and offers an astounding view of Mt.Khangchendzonga, Mt. Makalu, Mt. Pandim, Mt Lhotse, and Mt. Everest.

If you are a trekking enthusiast or an amateur trekker, the Sandakphu trekking trail has been handcrafted by God for you. To reach Sandakphu, you have to start trekking from Manebhanjan and cross several small villages to reach your destination. Sandukphu is best explored either from April to May or from October to early December. It is best to avoid this region during the monsoons as the area is prone to landslides.

Lepchajagat:

How would you like to spend your days and nights relaxing among lush forests of rhododendron and oaks trees, exploring trek trails winding between the alpine Himalayan forests, and soaking the breathtaking beauty of snow-capped mountains?

Lepchajagat, located 19 km from Darjeeling is one such village where you can do all of the above in considerable peace away from the cacophony of tourists. At a height of 6959ft, Lepchajagat was once inhabited only by the Lepchas and that’s where it gets the name from. The name of this hamlet literally means the ‘the world of Lepchas’. It now falls under the jurisdiction of the West Bengal Forest Development Corporation and has been declared a reserved forest area.

The serene ambience of this village tucked inside the rhododendron forests has lured many tourists away from the Darjeeling to spend some days in here. Away from the maddening crowd, Lepchajagat is a calm haven for tourists looking for a quiet time away from the hassles of daily life.

Takdah:

The lush green tea gardens rolling down the slopes, the vibrant orchids, and the breathtaking scenic beauty of Takdah will surely win your heart once you visit there. One of the most beautiful offbeat places near Darjeeling, Takdah was a former Cantonment area during the British era. As a matter of fact, many relics from that period can be still found in this quaint hamlet. Situated 28 km from Darjeeling at an altitude of 4000ft, Takdah will evoke a sense of mystery with its foggy roads and trails. The name of this place is derived from the Lepcha word ‘Tukdah’ meaning fog or mist. You will also find some of the finest tea gardens of Darjeeling here including the Rungli Rungliot tea garden and the Namring, Pubang, and Gielle tea gardens.

Chibo:

Tucked in the dense pine forests of Kalimpong, Chibo is a hidden jewel known only to few. One of the most offbeat places near Darjeeling to visit, Chibo lies serenely in the folds of the Himalayan mountains away from the ups and downs of the world. Chibo has long hidden away from the prying eyes of tourist until it caught the attention of travellers thanks to the mesmerizing view it offers of Mt. Khangchendzonga.

Located at an altitude of 1250ft, Chibo is adorned by rich flora and fauna with the majestic Mt. Khangchendzonga in the backdrop. Thanks to its proximity to Kalimpong, you can also visit the Pedong Monastery, Deolo Hill, and the cactus nursery located close by. If not you can just take walks down the winding roads of this little hamlet, breath in the pure mountain air, and soak in the beauty of nature at its most pure form.

Darjeeling in itself is not a place for you to see lush tea gardens and experience the rich flora and fauna of the Himalayan mountains. It is a well-developed hill station bustling with malls, restaurants, and hotels. If you wish to get away from this bustling tourist centre and visit some offbeat places near Darjeeling, the above-mentioned list is for you. If you know of some more places, do let us know in the comments.

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