The Boy With Small Feet: India: The Modern Luxury Capital of the World

The Boy With Small Feet: India: The Modern Luxury Capital of the World: In recent past, India has arguably become one of the important luxury destinations of the world. Forget images of backpackers hurled ove...

India: The Modern Luxury Capital of the World

In recent past, India has arguably become one of the important luxury destinations of the world. Forget images of backpackers hurled over by belled cows with painted horns. India has more luxury hotels into annual international compilations of “The World’s Best” lists than previous years.  

Likewise Thailand, India has become a pampering venue for many tourists from Europe and America. Offering some of the classiest hotels with premium services, India stands tall when it comes to variety in cuisine. Words from the people of hotel industry would suggest that, foreign tourists these days indulges more into the local culture, hitting local markets, tasting household cuisines and re- discover India re-incarnated in its glam new avatar.

It is evident from the fact, that luxury hotels do enjoy their fair share of commercial success from the foreign tourists. Oberoi Udai Villas was previously voted as the “World’s No 1 Hotel” by Travel & Leisure magazine which embellishes the shores of Lake Pichola. The Kohinoor Suite features a wooden sauna and a view to the breathtaking City Palace and the other rooms are complimented by marble bathrooms and eye catching views of the city. Some of the famous guests to experience this hotel are Madonna, Liz Hurley and Tony Blair. Amar Villas and Raj Villas finishing up on 10th and 11th place respectively on the same list.

Image 1: A breathtaking view of Oberoi Udaivilas, Udaipur

Image 2: Citing Taj Mahal from The Oberoi Amarvilas, Agra;  Image 3: Beautiful Oberoi Rajvilas, Jaipur

Oberoi Vanya Villas, Ranthambore has been voted as the best hotel in India for the past two years by a New York based firm. From mouth watering culinary to a plethora of room choices, people like Mukesh Ambani, Mick Jagger and Duke of York has been in this hotel’s elite guest list.

Image 4: The Oberoi Vanyavilas, Ranthambore

These Villas perfectly portrays the versatility of the Indian culture in an enigmatic way. Venues like these exemplify the current Indian standard and quality in response to their foreign counterparts. Addition to that, they also serve exclusive treatments to its guests at a very reasonable expense, which in London or Paris might cost someone a fortune.   

The Boy With Small Feet: Amsterdam: The “has it all” city

The Boy With Small Feet: Amsterdam: The “has it all” city: The fun capital of the world: Amsterdam, has always been a front runner for tourists in terms of backpacking, luxury travel or even for ...

Amsterdam: The “has it all” city

The fun capital of the world: Amsterdam, has always been a front runner for tourists in terms of backpacking, luxury travel or even for abroad studies. People from 176 different nations reside in Amsterdam let alone the tourists, making it the International hub of the world.

 

Image1: One of the many canals in the Amsterdam City

Having this many multitudes in terms of residents brings in other factors to the picture as well. Amsterdam has been the weed capital of the world in yesteryear and being one of the most liberal countries, the Dutch has also legalized prostitution, in order to nullify human trafficking and bringing in strict law and order to the business. 

Image2: The most popular and the most regarded prostitute in the red light district~Belle

Image3: A prototype depicting a sexual act performed right at the center of Red Light district 

My time in the De Wallen’s district (popularly known as the Red light district) had an impactful and unique experience in my overall globetrotting ventures. The district starts with a massive condom shop where one can purchase condoms and sex toys of any form adding to that the surrounding petty shops which sells you souvenirs of this district. The observation windows of various brothels of almost all categories would give someone interested choices in case he/ she are looking for pleasure.

 Image4: Condomerie~ The most popular condom shop in the red light district



Your to-do list won’t be complete without undergoing the Ultimate Pub Crawl which runs every night from the city centre. These pubs have interesting games along with the alcohol such as Partner in crime or The Dentist’s Chair.

 

Image 5: One of those bars from the Ultimate Pub Crawl

Amsterdam can be ideally visited in 6-7days and Netherlands being a reasonably sized nation other cities such as Rotterdam and Den Hague is also accessible on day trips.

 

The Boy With Small Feet: 5 Offbeat Places in Goa that you have probably not...

The Boy With Small Feet: 5 Offbeat Places in Goa that you have probably not...: As we all know about Goa, an exotic destination for lavish holidays, upmarket parties, an ideal place to get drunk or to just lay your ...

5 Offbeat Places in Goa that you have probably not heard before

As we all know about Goa, an exotic destination for lavish holidays, upmarket parties, an ideal place to get drunk or to just lay your body over the beach if not anything else. Oh! I forgot to mention the Sunburn festival: the great place to spend your New Year holiday. Little to everyone’s knowledge Goa also offers some of the best adventure activities in the country courtesy its geographical location and the blessings Goa received from nature. My small extended weekend off during the October 2015 was more or less an endeavour to get my mind off from work and to challenge my adrenaline a little and experience something which is really off-trail in such a destination. 

 

Interestingly, a lot of people will debate that Goa is suited to go around December and January. As it appears that rains still do play a bit of spoil sport around the Indian Western Ghat during later part of September and early October, lot of people don't chose to go during that particular period. However, adventurists and photographers will disagree to this, whether convenience to wander and explore

through the hills and jungles as well as to take the perfect shot in the wide vicinity of the nature, monsoon is henceforth becomes the best time to pack for Goa. Also to be noted the exorbitant hotel tariffs one would avoid if peak season travel is avoided.

So, here are the five offbeat places or five offbeat things to do in Goa which would set you apart from the rest of the crowd: 

       1. Cabo de Rama:

From Panjim, we drove off to Nuvem to start our trek to the Cabo de Rama Fort. Cabo de Rama fort is situated in the Cancona area and is said to be the largest and oldest forts of Goa. Also, this place became a home to Rama and his beloved wife Sita during their fourteen-year exile from Ayodhya. The beach around the Fort has been since the ancient times. The fortress was built by Hindu rulers, but during the medieval period history it passed it passed to Muslims and later on hand to hand from Portuguese to the British rulers.     

Nevertheless, Cabo de Rama Fort is a very attractive touristic attraction. if you start to trek at 10 in the morning at move gradually you would reach there before lunch time.

This one of a kind trek will involve brushing through the bushes in jungle walking along the coastal streams, encountering a variety of flora and fauna. Post reaching the fort and spending quality time, we headed off to the Cola beach where we were to camp in a private beach and which would be the second destination on this list.

2. Cola Beach (Private beach):

 From Cabo de Rama, it takes about 3.5 hours of trek but since it’s basically walking downwards one may never feel the tiredness. This private beach was unique in one sense or the other, I have never been into a place before where waterfall actually gets to meet the sea. One may get access through to this beach via in contact with local tour guides or local trekking groups. To reach this beach one would have to climb down over a hundred steps. So if you are in with your massive backpack make brace yourself for a long heavy walk. 

You may avail very basic dining facility, the cook cooks fantastic rice with fish curry and simple Goan breakfasts like poha with tea can also be ordered.      

3.      Avlem Hill:

This hill is quite tricky to trek but worth it, the climb is inclined and would challenge your back quite a bit. You will cross some natural streams, which are just ankle-deep. As you move along, you will reach another isolated tribal village hidden deep in the jungle on top of the hill called Avlem Top.

From here you will get a panoramic view of the rolling Western Ghats, also known as Sahyadri Hills. On the Avlem Hills, you will notice, which were built way back during the Portuguese rule.

 

Avlem Hill takes about 3 hours to reach the top and the level is easy to moderate. We were fairly slow to move but if you’re rapid enough, you might knock it off in two hours or so. 

Look out for the insects which get stuck around your legs. This is usually noticeable during the monsoon period and you might encounter them on your way back from Avlem through the jungle. Although I found them harmless and it may just suck hardly a milliliter of your blood, people often finds them irritating if it’s still around your leg. 

4.      Kuskem Waterfalls, Cotigaon National Park

This would be a rather different experience, as you would venture into the popular Cotigaon Wildlife Park. This waterfall is not on everybody's bucket list but if done can provide an enthralling experience. The challenge is usually pretty sweet if you are not a regular trekker or a mountaineer it will test your balance and griping in slippery boulders.      

The Kuskem waterfall is located in the Canacona district in South Goa. It is situated in idyllic Kuskem village at about 20 km from the Cotigaon wildlife sanctuary off NH 17.

The waterfall is best visited only during the rainy season as it dries out during the summers. The water falls from a lofty source leaving a clear leap of milky water.

Kuskem is located at around 12km from the entry point of the Cotigaon Wildlife sanctuary. It is an ideal place to unwind and for accommodation one can tent in the adjacent village. A pro tip would be to be smart enough to go into one of the villagers residence and freely ask for a one stay (provided you have your own sleeping bags), I was lucky enough to get accommodated with my group in such a home.

 One can also visit an ancient temple nearby which is well worth exploring. The Kuskem waterfall can be visited whilst on the way to the Cotigaon Wildlife Sanctuary.

5.      Mandrem Beach, North Goa:

Not a lot of people would know but Goa can be a destination for surfing as well. In India the usual choice is Pondicherry, but Mandrem beach in North Goa district can be a cheaper option and ideal place to hit out for people staying around Goa to get some quick surf under their belt. It is an ideal place for beginners since the waves is not that high. A surf lesson for an hour and a half would cost you around Rs 2500, if you are already good at it you may want to rent a surf boat for 3 hours for Rs 900. Apart from surfing one can also enjoy paddle surfing, dolphin watching and River cruise safari on a budget. The ideal season to go for surf would be Oct-Nov or Mar-Apr.         

The small feet is climbing some heights! Yay!