I love sunsets. I am sure everyone does. Sunsets leave me in thoughts, ‘how come such vivid colours leave us speechless every evening?’ I know there are many psychological and scientific reasons behind those hues, but it just makes our jaw drop every single time. Sunsets have the tendency to make us feel small, well in a good way.
It reminds us that the world can be a pretty place despite all the ugliness it throws towards us, for instance COVID-19. Even if it is not the pandemic, there is too much of selfishness, conflict, greed, strive, negative thinking, and stress that sucks the life out of us. This is when we thrive for peace. This is when travel and sunsets walk hand-in-hand.
We all have been a bit sulky off late due to the lockdown. The household errands as well as work drains us. The only thing accessible to us from our homes or terrace or balcony is the sunset. It is a wonderful way to infuse some wonder and awe into our regular routine.
As I looked back to some of the pictures, I was reminded how I took some time for sunset every day, wherever I was, and I am sure you will resonate with it too –
Touristy in your city: Every city has an undiscovered place where you get breathtaking sunsets. This was one such experience. Mumbai as we know is surrounded by the sea, You move to any corner, you will find the sun setting by the sea. After leaving from work, I went to show around a place to my friend before she headed to her hometown. Since she is also a sucker for sunset, the best place was the Bandra Fort, which not only gives you a history of the region but also a blazing sunset from the tip.
Work travel: The one thing I look forward to after work is sunsets. They are just beautiful and Instagrammable. I wish people appreciate the sky show at the end of the day, no matter where they are. By witnessing the beauty of the sunset, you can slow down the perception of time. By taking some time out to gaze out to the colour-soaked sky, we actually empower ourselves to regain control of the clock.
Local train sights: When I set out to travel by the local train and it passes by the sea, I make sure to stand near the foot board and capture the spectacle of the sky. I am drawn to sunsets during work travel not only because they are pretty and all, but because they are fleeting, just like the commute and maybe, like life too. It is good to appreciate the small things, even if it is only for matter of minutes.
Desert Sunset: In deserts, sunsets are more colourful. The entire atmosphere acts like a filter, just like you add filter for your pictures on the camera or editing tool The colours stand out and that is purely because deserts are clear and less polluted. Oh, and less people as well 😉
Vacation: There is something about sunset that completes the vacation experience. The perfect end to a perfect day in a new city. It is not necessary to idolise sunsets and beaches always. There is something magical about waiting to watch the sunset from the top of the mountain or when you are walking around and exploring a new city. The sunset adds to the charm of it.
Heritage site: Sunsets are beautiful alone and add a heritage site alongside, you end up with something gorgeous. As you walk down to the exit of Burj Khalifa, you notice how the beast glorifies amidst the sunset. While others were rushing for the fountain show, I waited to soak in the majestic Burj Khalifa a little more that day. Mumbai, situated right next to the vast Arabian Sea, is breathtaking from every corner of the city during sunsets. One of the famous spots is the Gateway of India with the sunset paving a golden carpet to the Taj Mahal Palace.
Beaches and Sunsets: When it comes to sunsets, few places come close to Goa. You can witness the change of colours from yellow to orange to purple in a jiffy, whether you are with your loved ones or enjoying your solitude time. The experience becomes enjoyable and peaceful while you are at the pool with a sumptuous meal or a cocktail 😛
Healthy: Do you know the best cure to depression, anxiety, and stress are sunsets? Just by sitting and observing the sunset, gives a health boost. It is considered a chance to practice mindfulness. Research has proved practicing mindfulness reduces stress levels and improves cognitive behaviour. What better way to practice being aware of the moment than watching the time pass by as the sun sinks by the horizon?
So, here’s to enjoying many more sunsets, rising from the petty issues of life, and living abundantly, not just on holidays but everyday! 🙂
It is truly said, ‘an ocean breeze puts a mind at ease.’ The beach can make everything around better – life, body, mind, and spirit. Much of India’s coastline is about 7,000 kilometres and you could witness some incredible beaches around. You could either experience solitude here or party till the sunrises.
India’s population works so hard round the clock, that they reward themselves with a visit to the beach. What is so fascinating about the beach? The sun that sets the tone of the sea or the sparkling sand or the shacks or the sound of waves? It is a combination of all four that gravitates us over and over again.
While during this COVID-19 we secretly dream of living in a tropical island with palm-fringed trees or laying on the sun bed with a drink and book all day long like a crocodile, here is a throwback of some awesome beaches which you could visit post the pandemic:
Candolim, North Goa: Right from fishing to seaside yoga to flourishing markets to party culture to scenic views, the Candolim beach in North Goa offers it all. The beach is in proximity to a lighthouse and a church, completing the look and feel . The walk towards the beach is serene as you can see villas lit up on a cool December. The best time to visit Candolim is between November to April.
Varca Beach, South Goa: Another gem from the city and this time from the south, is Varca. One of the cleanest beaches in Goa, it is known for the calm and quietness. It is completely hawker-free and ideal for spending quality time with your loved ones. If you seek some me-time, this is the beach to be. There is some adventure for the typical ones, i.e. paragliding. Experience the view of South Goa from up above. Varca is best to visit between November to March.
Ganpatipule Beach, Ganpatipule: Maharashtra is known for its rich coastal areas. One such place is Ganpatipule. City dwellers seek a break and come to Ganpatipule Beach as it provides the right combination of privacy and entertainment. Another clean beach in the Konkan, there are number of activities you can enjoy along with complete relaxation and scenic view. The beach is closer to the famous Ganesha temple. Best time to be here is between October to February.
Aare Ware Beach, Ganpatipule: If you want to escape the crowd of Ganpatipule, head to the Aare Ware beach situated near Nevare Village in Ratnagiri. It is flanked by clean blue water and white sand. It is also one of the lesser-known beaches of Ganpatipule. The beach is 3km long and boasts of beautiful landscape. It captivates the solo traveller in you, thanks to the breathtaking views in the mornings and evenings.
Malgund Beach, Ganpatipule: You can find this beach 6 kms away from Ganpatipule. It is renowned for the birth place of famous Marathi poet Keshavasta. He wrote many treatises in the language. The beach offers space to enjoy some isolation amidst the realm of nature. You could easily spend quality time with loved ones as it keeps commercialisation at bay and the landscape is a treat for your eyes.
Alibaug Beach, Alibaug: It is one of the beautiful beaches in Maharashtra and often thronged by the locals. Thanks to jaw-dropping scenic views and impeccable sunset, there is no dearth of visitors. Enjoy the spectacular views of the Arabian Sea at the beach between October to May. Do visit the Kolaba Sea fort, take a motorboat ride, and the animal rides at the beach.
Juhu Beach, Mumbai: It is the most popular and crowded beaches in Mumbai. The beach is also closer to some of the luxurious hotels and celebrity homes. The moment you enter the beach, you will have street food calling you towards them, right from cheesy pav bhajji to chaat to ice candy. You can witness the sight of the aircraft landing at the airport, which is closer to the beach. It you want to get up-close and personal with nature, this is place that offers you solace. You might as well visit the ISKON temple nearby the beach.
Marina Beach, Chennai: Moving down South is the second largest beach in the world, the Marina beach which is breathtakingly beautiful. If the nature and spectacular views were not enough to lure the beach bums, the historical monuments close by adds to the attraction. Come enjoy some idli-chutney with some beach view between November to February and rejuvenate.
Mahabalipuram Beach, Tamil Nadu: Sunny days, sandy beach, and rich history, this place has everything that a beach lover and adventurous soul needs. The beach is white, beautiful, and clean. It is abundantly enjoyed by tourists. If you visit during a full moon, you could watch the jaw-dropping reflection on the sea.
Rock Beach, Pondicherry: This place has numerous rocks attached to it beautifully. If you want to capture some stunning pictures of the sunrise and sunset you must surely head to the most serene place in Pondicherry. The most enticing beaches in the territory is best enjoyed with a croissant and walking by the promenade.
Let’s raise a toast to the beauty of the world! Remember, carry those shells in your pockets and sand in your shoes always 😉
The pandemic Corona Virus has bought the entire tourism industry to a standstill. As travel restrictions and social distancing continues across the globe, we travellers are confined to our respective homes. The demand for indoor activities and exploration is at an all time high.
But hold on, we need not scrap our travel plans just yet. Keeping in mind the urge for travelling, several tourism boards and travel pages are getting their country at your doorstep though virtual tours. Your discovery remains unhindered as you only need to shift from physical to virtual world.
Right from countries to museums to parks, there is nothing stopping you from stepping out anymore.
AirPano VR: Created by a team of Russian photographers, AirPano is a Virtual Reality project that focuses on aerial 360 degree photographs and videos of all countries, right from Jordan to Russia to China to Portugal to India. You name it, they have it. Every week, the team posts either a virtual photography or video tour. They also have their YouTube Channel.
2. Museums and Theme Parks: Leading museums, galleries, and theme parks are no exceptions to virtual tours. Yes, there are travellers who wish to go for hiking, explore the beach, enjoy the sunset and food, but then there are those who wish to dig deeper and bathe the culture as well as art of the country. You can walk around the masterpieces and examine the artwork alongside studying the intricate details. The museums and parks are –
3. Tourism Boards: Whoever said the business for tourism boards are done and dusted after the pandemic, should rethink what they meant. These boards are making complete use of the digital space and how! Let’s see what they are up to –
Switzerland tourism: You enter the website and you are taken on a visual treat. Click the cities or hotels you want to explore and enjoy all the information along with pictures.
Greece Tourism:Following the tagline, ‘until we can all be together in person again,’ Greece tourism is offering virtual tours, in association with Google. The website http://www.greecefromhome.com gives a holistic view of the people, food, and the place.
Austria: Through virtual Austria, you get to explore the cuisines, bucket-list spots, movies set in Austria, and stroll the streets casually.
Australia: The Australia tourism Instagram page sent all the love to people locked at home by taking them to the streets of the cities and wildlife through IGTV. The video is pretty self-explanatory.
The United States Of America:With the GoUSA TV app, you can uncover the best restaurants, experience thrilling road trips, checkout the next getaways, discover a world of wonder, and check out how to throw a party.
Spiti: Is Spiti on your bucket list? This virtual treat for now will guide you as to which place to visit the next time, physically.
4. Drones: Ever wondered what a city looks like after lockdown? We are home and are clueless of the outside world. This is where drones come to our rescue. Mumbai Live recently conducted a drone video of the city during lockdown and every individual of the city were crying their hearts out on the beauty of the place. The drone video was done after seeking permission from the Mumbai Police and Commissioner.
Tripoto Community as well did an IGTV on how the Indian metro cities appear during the lockdown phase.
For now, all we can do is experience and tick our go-to destinations with these virtual tours. But hey, aren’t they dreamy?
No matter how much you write about Mumbai, the city takes you by surprise each day. Every day is eventful in Mumbai or its new counterpart Navi Mumbai. The city is a dream for array of people ranging from hard labourers to celebrities to gangsters to artists to servants to fisher folks to millionaires to stray dogs and exotic birds as well. You will find every element in Mumbai – a prolific film industry, Asia’s biggest slum, largest tropical forest, financial powerhouse, and fashion capital.
The city has so evolved that they have their own language – Bambaiyya Hindi, which is a mix of Hindi, English, Marathi, and it goes on. You need to know certain lingo thoroughly before approaching a local here. You may believe you are celebrating or weeping or getting frustrated alone. But Mumbai knows it all. It is aware of all your emotions. It sometimes, celebrates or weeps or lifts your mood when angry. Here is how –
Local trains: It is the heartbeat of Mumbai. Travelling by local trains here is an art that you master eventually, especially if you are a first-timer. Before learning about how things work inside the local train, you should know about the different railway lines. There are four railway lines that interconnects the different regions of Mumbai – Western Line (Virar-Churchgate and vice versa), Central Line (Kasara-CSMT and vice versa), Harbour Line (Panvel-CSMT and vice versa), and Trans-Harbour Line (Thane-Vashi and vice versa).
Every railway line have some instructions after getting inside the local train. You need to adhere to them, else be prepared for a verbal spat. This verbal spat rarely turns to a physical clash and the surrounding people consider it rather a fun event. Some local train journeys are fun. You become part of a group, especially if you travel at particular time every day. These groups celebrate your birthdays and festivals, and listen to your patiently when in distress. Soon you will have a new WhatsApp group called ‘Train Friends.’ Other times, local train journey is also a ‘me time’ – reading books, enjoying some music, or taking a short nap.
Yes, everything happens inside a local train! Train travellers are fearless at times. Why so? They take the train during heavy downpour, they are aware of some overhead bridges being wonky and yet, millions stomp over them every day, or wait for hours despite knowing the trains are late.
Being touristy: I remember in one of my Instragam posts during World Tourism Day, I mentioned how much fun it is to be a tourist in your city. After living in Mumbai for 29 years, this place still makes me feel like a tourist. Be it the suburbs or central or South Mumbai or Navi Mumbai, every region has its charm. There is something new to look up to every day. My personal favourite spot in Mumbai is South Mumbai, not because it is closer to the Arabian Sea but because Mumbai made home amidst the ruins of the British architecture. There are travel groups that conduct heritage walk on weekends early morning in South Mumbai. It is when the roads are empty and you walk as a free bird.
The charm of South Mumbai is unmatched be it the famous Victoria Terminus or Horniman Circle or Fort or Kala Ghoda or the famous Wankhede Stadium or Nariman Point or Azad Maidan. You also have some age-old restaurants, cafes, and movie theaters that make you come back to this part of the city.
The other part of Mumbai where you can get all touristy is the Parsi colonies. The Parsi community, originally from Iran, is said to have created Bombay as it is today. Besides, they have also given Mumbai some iconic buildings that adorn the streets. The Five Gardens is what I looked past for years but saw it closely during their New Year called Navroze.
Festivals: Considering there are people of every caste and religion living in Mumbai, all festivals are celebrated with pompous. One of the festivals that sees entire Mumbai city coming together is Ganesh Chaturthi. Some of the famous pandals like Lalbaugh, GSB, Andhericha Raja, Parelcha Raja, begin their preparations for the next year as soon as the 10-day festival comes to an end. Dusshehra is also the festival where Mumbai’s bongs throng the pandals. Diwali is another intense festival in Mumbai. The Festival of Lights is a time for positivism and joy. You can view the entire city lit up from the Chowpatty Beach or Marine Drive. Festivals like Ramzan and Bakr Eid are also celebrated at a large scale.
Religious places: Be it in good times or bad, one place where people seek solace is the religious places. Some of the prominent religious spots in Mumbai are Siddhivinayak Mandir, Mahalaxmi Temple, Haji Ali Dargah, Mahim Church, and Mount Mary. Tuesdays are auspicious for Siddhivinayak, Friday’s are Jummah Mubarak for the Muslims, Mahim Church on Wednesdays, and Mount Mary is particularly famous during the Mount Mary fair which takes place every year around September or October.
Traffic: A recent study in Times of India revealed that the motorists in Mumbai face the worst traffic jam, not only from the city perspective but also at an international level. In the financial capital, people spend 65 per cent longer time on the roads during peak hours on an average than when the roads are free. The peak hours are typically in the mornings and evenings, i.e. when people commute for work. Mumbaikars have found solution to this as well. Nowadays, thanks to the assistance from Mumbai Police on Twitter, the traffic woes get resolved instantly.
Weather: Mumbai have literally learnt the art of weathering the storm, sun, and winters (oh, that does not exists in Mumbai). While people wait for the monsoons after a sultry summer, an extended one is what brings the city to a halt. Sometimes, floods force you to stay indoors. The July 26, 2005 rains tested Mumbai’s patience. Three days the city witnessed no electricity, no network connection, and every local transport stood still. People returned home on trucks the next day while others returned from their workplace and schools only after the flood receded. The spirit of Mumbai was lauded as those indoors, reached out to the ones stuck around their area and provided them food, from day to night. It still gets appreciated, thanks to the unusual weather.
Food: Mumbai and food go hand-in-hand. The food ranges from street food to high-end multi-cuisine. You head to a Muhammad Ali road and you will find authentic Muslim and Turkish food items all day long. On the eve of Ramadan, they are open till 4 AM. Heading straight to Khau Galli in Ghatkopar and Mulund, you will find array of Maggie recipes, wada pav, varied types of sandwiches, etc. A food connoisseur should head to South Mumbai for trying restaurants and cafes such as Bademiyan for some awesome biryani, Cafe Mondegar and Leopold for burgers and Chinese food, Cafe Excelsior for their egg items, Haji Ali juice centre for their yummylicious falooda, Delhi Darbar for Indian meals, Cafe Noorani, Kyani and Co for its Kheema Pav, Britannia for some excellent Irani tea.
Come to the suburbs like Andheri, Bandra, Vile Parle, Khar, Santacruz, and Juhu, you will mostly find high-end restaurants as well as affordable cafes offering multi-cuisines (Italian, Thai, Chinese, Mexican, and American). Even central Mumbai (Lower Parel, Shivaji Park, Dadar) has become a prominent spot for lunch and dinner scenes, right from fine-dining to affordable lounges.
Navi Mumbai: One of the areas that is slowly and steadily matching the standards of Mumbai is Navi Mumbai. You can find all the restaurants, cafes, malls, and soon an international airport, as you would find in Mumbai. Navi Mumbai too is closer to the Arabian Sea and also near to holiday spots within Maharashtra such as Lonavala, Khandala, Panchgani, Mahabaleshwar, Pune, and Nashik. A road drive from Navi Mumbai to these places is what makes holidays worthwhile. Navi Mumbai also has awesome road connectivity taking you to places like Thane, Mulund, suburbs such as Bhayandar, Mira Road, Dahisar, Borivali, Kandivali, in a span of two hours.
Anyone would be a fool if they do not mention Marine Drive while writing about Mumbai. For me Marine Drive is a place where I find all my answers by just listening to the waves splashing the rocks. I find calmness with the warm wind in my hair. The sea, I believe, is the final piece of every Mumbaikars puzzled life.
So, when you visit Mumbai for a long-haul, give yourself time to soak in these facets. Appreciate its lilting cadences, its harmony of excess and restraint. Sit back, develop the equanimity, and dance to the tunes of Mumbai.
Whenever I visit the airport, I witness family dropping off their child or a friend bidding goodbye to another or joyful reunions. It evokes various emotions within – sadness, happiness, excitement, and thrill. There is something about airports that excites me – my family and I carrying luggage in hand and walking around the vast airport.
I can sense the wheels carry my baggage smoothly gliding across the linoleum floor as I pull it along. There are some quite humming voices and a lady making announcements in a monotone voice to the passengers concerning the status of the flights. Then there are those who frantically run around, gathering their belongings, to the check-in counter and security point.
Apart from witnessing so many emotions, one thing that still makes me love airports is the excitement of travelling somewhere unknown. Away from my mundane life back home, it is going to a new place that races my heart. Airports are also an escape route. A change of environment. It was always about change of setting and discovering something I had not before.
I have been to a few domestic and international destinations, and the following airports is what I would recommend for a short or long layovers. P.S. The layovers in these airports are nothing less than an experience, I assure you –
Chennai Airport (MAA): When I visited Chennai around 10-12 years ago, the airport was not worth staying even for a second. The smell and clustered designs suffocated me. Four years back when I arrived at the airport, it took me by surprise. The domestic and international airports are adjacent and provide breathtaking connectivity. It is the fourth busiest Indian airport regarding international passengers. The future looks promising as the airport plans to connect the metro subway to passenger terminals by a connecting tube.
Changi Airport, Singapore: If you have a layover of a good seven to 10 hours, Changi Airport will entertain you with their leisure amenities. There is need to step out from the comfort zone, literally. Changi was awarded World’s best airport in 2019, which is a sort of record as it bagged the title for the seventh consecutive time. Apart from the splendid garden display which I got to witness back in 2015, there is a theater, vivid dining options, numerous shopping attractions, and new one added to the list is the Jewel Changi Airport. It is a nature themed entertainment that connects three passenger terminals. The center piece is the largest indoor waterfall called Rain Vortex.
CSIA, Mumbai: Although many complain of the long arrival walk after landing, the T2 airport is the best place for layover. From varied brands for shopping to mouth-watering deals on duty free to fine-dining to lounge experiences to cafes, everything is available at the drop of your hat in Mumbai International airport. Not to forget, the domestic airport as well have upped their amenities. The moment you step out from the domestic airport, you have eateries and pick up and drop services lined-up. For long layovers, you could chill in any of the eateries for hours and enjoy a movie in one of the cafes.
Zurich Airport: One of the airports that tops my list after Singapore is Zurich. The arrival was such at ease thanks to the tube connectivity. Apart from the duty free, the business class area is peaceful and you could enjoy the lounge experience for long layovers. In fact, they operate nine lounges and no jokes, all offer champagne and whiskey. In summers, which I personally got to experience, was the outdoor observation deck where you could see the runways. At offset, the flyover connects you directly to the departure section. No wonder, it always stays ahead in the list of world’s best airports repeatedly.
Abu Dhabi Airport: Honestly, it reminded me of home. Apart from finding my own peeps around, the airport is homely indeed. A cosy space is ideal for a short layover. The outside view I promise is worth it when the sunrises. Abu Dhabi welcomed me in style.
Dubai Airport: One of the world’s busiest airport is Dubai. Divided into three terminals, each one has a duty free shop, and other such leisure amenities. The duty free brands are available at jaw-dropping prices. Precisely why, people spend hours into shopping. If you have a long layover, look no where and head straight to the duty free shops. You even get gold for attractive rates. And yes, do not get surprised if you find yourself lost amidst the crowd.
Charles de Gaulle, Paris: Although when I landed I found the airport pretty clustered and crowded, but I realised I am at Paris after all. The footfall is going to be large. In summers, you will see the sun shining bright even at 10 in the night. This image was taken then. It is perfect if you have few hours layover. I would not really recommend you to spend hours in the airport. Rather, you could head out at the streets and soak in the French architecture.
KL International Airport: If there is one place you can shop till you drop is KL Airport. One of the first international airports I have been to. Awesome transit through shuttle service from one terminal to the other, an entire floor of dining experience, and hands on passenger guide for baggage claims, security, etc. In case of long layovers and you have a small child, they have special kids play room at level five main terminal building.
Airports can be fun and filled with life. The next time you visit one, make sure to consume it all. There is so much you can learn by just sitting idle, en the way to your next place.
Travelogue90 