1. Manali, Himachal Pradesh: Manali is a popular hill station known for its scenic beauty and adventure sports. Surrounded by snow-capped mountains and lush green forests, it offers a perfect respite from the summer heat.

2. Darjeeling, West Bengal: Nestled in the Himalayan foothills, Darjeeling is known for its tea plantations, stunning views of the mountains, and cool weather. It’s an ideal destination for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts.

3. Rishikesh, Uttarakhand: Rishikesh is a spiritual hub, famous for its yoga and meditation centers. It’s also an excellent destination for rafting and camping, offering a unique blend of adventure and spirituality.

4. Ooty, Tamil Nadu: Ooty is a charming hill station in the Nilgiri hills, known for its scenic beauty, tea plantations, and colonial-era bungalows. It’s a popular summer retreat, offering a cool and refreshing break from the summer heat.

5. Coorg, Karnataka: Coorg is a picturesque hill station in Karnataka, known for its coffee plantations, scenic waterfalls, and lush green forests. It’s a perfect getaway for those seeking a tranquil and serene atmosphere.

6. Leh-Ladakh, Jammu & Kashmir: Leh-Ladakh is a unique destination that offers breathtaking views of the mountains, ancient Buddhist monasteries, and adventurous activities like trekking and river rafting.

7. Andaman and Nicobar Islands: The Andaman and Nicobar Islands offer pristine beaches, crystal clear waters, and a rich marine life. It’s an ideal destination for those seeking to explore the underwater world and indulge in water sports.

8. Mahabaleshwar, Maharashtra: Mahabaleshwar is a beautiful hill station in Maharashtra, known for its scenic beauty, strawberry farms, and historic temples. It’s a perfect destination for a relaxing and rejuvenating vacation.

9. Goa: Goa is a popular beach destination known for its sandy beaches, water sports, and vibrant nightlife. It’s an excellent destination for those seeking to unwind and enjoy a carefree vacation.

10. Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu: Kodaikanal is a charming hill station in Tamil Nadu, known for its scenic beauty, waterfalls, and pristine lakes. It’s a perfect destination for those seeking to explore nature and indulge in outdoor activities.

The post Escape the heat and rejuvenate your soul with these summer vacation getaways in India appeared first on FWD Life | The Premium Lifestyle Magazine |.

A Vaccine Passport will be an accredited document stating you have been vaccinated against the Covid-19 virus, some may even go further to state that you are tested negative as well therefore ensuring a safe and hassle free travel in the coming times. Apart from governments, Airline companies and technology giants are working on a feasible solution to this situation.

But this could be easier said than done. For starters, to conjure a universally accepted document accounting for the billion people in the world can be quite disheartening, assuming they can vouch for their identity. Then there is the concern of data privacy, this huge amount of data in the wrong hands can cause quite a problem.

The post Looking To Travel Abroad; Got Your Vaccine Passport Yet? appeared first on FWD Life | The Premium Lifestyle Magazine |.

Text credit: Toehold Travel Photography and Travelyaari

Take a break from the monotony of life and to experience nature and adventure from deserts, valleys and jungles offering wide range of camping sites. Toehold Travel photography and Travelyaari suggest a few trending places that can de-stress and rejuvenate you!

Sattal, Uttarakhand

Source: nutterbugg.wordpress.com

Located in the hills of Kumaon, it is an ideal camping destination. Cocooned in lush greens and mighty mountains at a height of 1370m above sea level, Sattal extends a peaceful ambiance just right for camping. Hike through the forest, enjoy bird watching. Trotting through the woods you would come across locations dotted with tents with campers enjoying activities like kayaking, rappelling, trekking, angling, etc. The right times to visit Sattal are March- June and September- December.

Bhandardara, Maharashtra

Source: WikiCommons

Bhandardara sits by the Pravara River, and the natural environment, waterfalls, mountains, Wilson Dam, Arthur Lake, and Randha falls are tourist attractions. The place is increasingly gaining popularity for the Fireflies camp in the Purushwadi area. Millions of fireflies come out in the open and create a fascinating view. Over 2,000 species of fireflies can be spotted in the woods of Purushwadi. This is a must visit during the month of June.

Wayanad, Kerala

Source: WikiCommons

Wayanad in Kerala promises you adventure and excitement, and it is worth spending all your time and money for a weekend getaway. Wayanad is like a rustic hamlet and a gem of a place for nature lovers. Adventure enthusiasts can indulge in activities like camping, river-crossing, jumping, commando walking, ziplining, and mountain biking. Indulge in bamboo rafting in Kuruva Island; explore the wilderness of Wayanad at Tholpetty and Muthanga; explore the river trail through the Kabini River or trek to Edakkal Caves with their intriguing rock carvings; shop in spice markets for cardamom, cinnamon, pepper, ginger and vanilla. During the rafting experience, you can even try your hands on steering the bamboo oars with the help of the boatman.

Dandeli, Karnataka

Source: WikiCommons

Dandeli, located in northern Karnataka, offers an incomparable mix of scenic beauty and adventure. The modern town blessed by River Kali is surrounded by deciduous forests and a renowned wildlife habitat where rare animals and birds roam free in deep valleys and its rugged terrains. Dandeli offers adventurous activities like river rafting, night camping, nature walks, boating, bird watching, tiger and crocodile spotting, and angling, along with picnics, eco-tourism, and trips to nearby caves and temples.

Anjuna, Goa

Source: WikiCommons

Well-known for its beautiful and serene beaches, Anjuna is one of the best camping locations in Goa. It is a nice little place in where people tend to camp to enjoy the scenes and lifestyle of Goa’s hippy culture. Beaches, chapels, and flea markets can be explored at will while camping on the Goan landscape. The happening nightlife of Goa is something you must check out.

Karnala, Maharastra

Source: WikiCommons

Karnala is situated a short drive away from Mumbai, and has been Mumbaikars’ much-loved destination for a quick getaway. It hosts a bird sanctuary where you can spend some time sighting exotic bird species in their natural habitat. With lush lawns and palm trees, the ambiance is beautiful, and you will naturally take off on a jaunt towards one of the pathways leading out of camp to explore all the natural beauty around. For those seeking adventure, a trek to the Karnala Fort is highly recommended. You can enjoy watching the gorgeous waterfalls during the monsoon season. There are plenty of options/sites to camp in Karnala, where you can spend some quiet time in nature’s lap and indulge in some fun camping activities.

The post 6 Destinations To Camp In For A Tête-à-Tête With Nature appeared first on FWD Life | The Premium Lifestyle Magazine |.

Text Credit: Shibul Pavithran 

Rashmi Chadha is on a mission to make travel in India safe, especially for women. Rashmi is the founder and CEO of Wovoyage, a travel start-up, which is particularly inclined to making women travellers’ time and money worth their while. Her company aims to solve issues which are faced by tourists while they are in travelling. The company specialises in budget travel and safety for women tourists, provide women tour guides so that they feel comfortable, and book women friendly hotels around India. Rashmi’s inception, Wovoyage is a one stop solution for all women travellers looking for a hassle free tour of India.  

How did you come up with the idea of Wovoyage?

I have always been active in improving our society, encouraging people to keep their surroundings clean, talking about our country’s culture, food, and helping people in need. I met with a major road accident in 2011 and was admitted in the ICU for 12 days.

As soon as I recovered, I started travelling. I used to perform Seva (temple services) at Manikaran Sahib Gurudwara in Himachal Pradesh, which I often visited. There, I used to accompany foreign tourists and tell them about Sikh culture and India. I also started working with NGOs while travelling and that’s how I came up with the idea of Wovoyage. I felt that it’s my duty to improve my country’s image as India is really incredible.

Did you face any problems as there are few Indian women in this kind of travel business?

No, I have always been doing things which people think is difficult for women to excel in, whether it is sports or business. I think women are good in multitasking, so this is the best quality to get into the tourism industry.

What is the most unique point of your business idea? How are you different from others in the market?

We have customised packages for solo travellers, groups, and senior women. We provide women tour guides and 24/7 assistance, irrespective of their location. For example, if a German lady wants to shop in Delhi, we assign her a girl who knows German and is expert in shopping. We make it safe for foreigners and at the same time empower Indian women with employment. We are proud of it and we are going to change the perception of travel companies in India. We provide budget tours in which we arrange hostels and cheap accommodation; we also cater to luxury tours.

We made women of age 62, travel with a 21-year-old girl on a photography tour. They both had a very fruitful experience and had an opportunity to share their knowledge. So age doesn’t matter but passion does and we totally understand that drive.

What are the kind of places you cover in your tours?

We cover mostly cities in India and abroad. We have also started promoting states like Chhattisgarh which are lesser known as tourist destinations and countries like Japan, Korea, Vietnam, Bhutan which are still less explored. Providing offbeat tours combined with workshops is our core specialisation. Having an activity or a workshop, while you are on your trip is something we look forward to cater and have received good feedback for the same.  Sri Lanka, Singapore, Indonesia, Europe, Maldives are some places we are already focusing on.

You have a unique connection with Gurudwara Shri Manikaran Sahib. What makes it special and why?

Gurudwara Shri Manikaran Sahib has changed the way I used to think. After my accident, I was not in a condition to travel but I did. I had gone there just for a day’s visit but stayed longer and did sewa, which made me realise that there is lot to give back to the country rather than just taking from it. People need leaders who can work for change and create more employment. I have seen kids who lost their parents, met people who are less fortunate, yet all of them were serving other people by doing sewa. I was very deeply touched by this experience.

Describe your most memorable tour incident with a foreign traveller?

One of the most memorable and satisfying incidents is organising a trip for two sisters, aged 63 and 67, based out of Canada and Australia, who dreamt of travelling India for the past 40 years, but were apprehensive about safety and travel. It was Mrs Alison’s (67) son who had travelled with us in India and referred us to his mother and aunt. It was like bringing someone’s dream to life.

What do foreign tourists like the best about India?

They fall in love with our culture, how everyone loves to smile at each other irrespective of the fact that they don’t know each other. They are in love with our festivals which they find colourful and enjoyable. Foreigners really like to experience village lifestyle, stay at local homes and participate in all local rituals, all the simple things that we do here are something they are unaware of and really enjoy participating in.  

What is your worst moment as tour operator and CEO?

We are into service industry, so we are on our feet 24/7 but still there are some situations like natural calamity, transportation (buses, trains) getting cancelled or getting late. For some travellers it is difficult to understand; then we have to find other ways to get there or find a suitable substitution for their requirements. For eg: There is a trip to Manali, which involves trekking and skiing but sometimes due to bad weather conditions, these activities may get disrupted. And sometimes the tourists are hard to convince, and some refuse to buy any reasons that we give. So it gets tough sometimes, as we are also responsible for their safety and satisfaction.

How has your journey been so far, professionally and personally, since you started Wovoyage?

Every day is an adventure replete with new problems and creative solutions, and that’s what gives me the energy to go on the quest to do better for my brand and for our clients. In a start-up, professional life is not different from the person due to long working hours and you need to keep trying to crack new problems while keeping the steady growth. All in all, I am loving the air under my wings and on my face, and want all our clients to feel the same kind of adrenaline.

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Text credit: Aakash Mehrotra

A little over 3km from Mussourie, Landour is a town with an inescapable colonial aura, carpeted with Himalayan flora and carrying an enticing fragrance of wilderness.

As we drove through the circular bridled paths, called the ‘Gol Chakkar’ to reach our destination – Rokeby Manor, it felt like turning back the pages of history. The expansive views of the Himalayas, quaint colonial bungalows, a surreal charm in the air, and deserted wooded paths calling for long walks and friendly chats, have made Landour an artists’ getaway.

Rokeby Manor – an English retreat, dating back to the 1840s, is a prominent landmark in this hilltop oasis. The manor stands as a symbol of the vintage colonial charm of Landour and still holds the glory of that bygone era profoundly in every nook and corner. The stoned walls, tall arches, thatched roofs, an endearing garden overlooking the Doon Valley, fireplaces, wooden staircases, furniture wearing the colonial look, and aesthetically designed bookshelves impart Rokeby the quintessential heritage look.

A small intimate door leads you to the great room, doubled up as reception and a resting place, with its log fire and extravagant furnishings, reminiscent of its colonial legacy, while the rest of the manor draws on contemporary trends. Rokeby stands in perfect harmony with its surroundings, be it the interiors of the room or the common room by the reception, it conveys the typical hillside touch. The rooms are set within a wooded landscape, fusing rustic luxe with contemporary design, designed to give an earthy touch through the use of natural materials and harmonious architectural style.

Make history your companion

A property dating back to 1840s is meant to be steeped in history and tales. Rokeby was a house built by  Captain GN Cauthy on a two-acre plot of land and named after one of Sir Walter Scott’s poems, which mentions the Rokeby Castle in England.

“I saw his melancholy smile,
When, full opposed in front, he knew,
Where Rokeby’s kindred banner flew…” – Wilter Scott

Rokeby has passed many hands before coming to Sanjay Narang, who moved to Landour and came across Rokeby in 201. He began working on restoring the property to its original design, extracting the history, and almost creating a tale to fall in love with. But beyond the facade of old world, Rokeby has all the amenities of the contemporary world, with an addition of mountain bikes and scooter rentals to set off and explore the dramatic landscape of Landour, which the British fondly called ‘Hamlet in the hills’.

Breakfast at Emily’s

The wooden stairs take you to one of the most celebrated places to eat in Landour – Emily’s café, named after one of Landour’s most famous literary affairs with Emily Aden, sister of Governor-General Lord George Eden, who wrote extensively on British racist attitude towards Indians. The intimately decored Emily kitchen brings back the British love for tea. The interiors are reminiscent of a ski chalet with fireplaces, cosy corners, brightly coloured walls, lanterns, and a lot of literature. The breakfast spread is welcoming and homely. Relish on their tea collection which is surely a steal. One look out of the windows at the cedar covered hills and it’s clear that this place is a prize. The witty quotes on the walls are unmissable, making you halt, read, and ponder.

Rokeby is for book lovers, and Wilson’s chamber, where the breakfast is spread is notably the favourite corner of any bibliophile where you can spend hours going through the collection of books. This love is reflected in the wide spread of magazines in the common room, and is exemplary of the literary affair Landour is known for.

Landour Bakehouse

At a stone’s throw away is tucked another gem, the Landour Bakehouse, nestled among the pines at the edge of a winding road. The green panelled door transporst you back to the 1940s to the world of the elites of Landour, who would meet every week to discuss social affairs, do proceedings of their reading club, and exchange age old recipes. That goodness still remains. The recipes used here are taken from Landour Cookbook curated by Ruskin Bond. A small and charming place housing some of the best baking secrets, doles of cake, some gooey chocolate goodness, and a hot sipping coffee, doubled up with a great view to furnish a happy touch to your vacation. Though the place only opened a couple of years ago, its vintage look, antique portraits, and some old Landour culinary secrets make you believe that the place has been existing forever. One of the boards here says “We Do Not Have Wi-Fi….Talk To Each Other. Pretend it’s 1895’’. It doesn’t seem so difficult in the Landour Bakehouse.

The special moments

Being a boutique property, Rokeby is a choice for an eclectic traveller. Small, cosy, and uniquely located, Rokeby ticks all check-boxes of a luxury hotel but it is the special moments staying in the manor that make you reconstruct the definition of luxury. While Rokeby may not offer you creature comforts, what it does is offer is unforgettable moments. These are moments of doing absolutely nothing, lost in thoughts, just sipping your tea and looking down the valley, breathing in the moments, letting the chill mountain air embrace you, enjoying the unique experiences Rokeby Manor lets you soak in. These experiences emanate from the tales Landour unpacks for the travellers. Rokeby seems like an attempt to make your vacations more personal and just perfect.

Aakash Mehrotra blogs at Hand of Colors. He is also a published author of the book The Other Guy. You can also read his article on Pushkar. 

The post Rokeby Manor – An Escape Into Colonial Charm At Landour appeared first on FWD Life | The Premium Lifestyle Magazine |.

Text credit: Charishma Thankappan

Being a single parent does not mean that you have to miss out on all the exciting things in life – which includes going on a holiday! Travelling with a baby can be quite challenging but 31 year old single mom from Cochin, Kavya Baburaj proves how it can be done the right way without losing any fun.

Kavya has been taking her two year old son Aarav on holidays with her ever since he was 20 days old. Born in Qatar, bringing him to India for his naming ceremony was her first travel challenge. “Travelling with a three week old newborn gave a fit to whoever heard of my holiday plans, but once I got a clear chit from my son’s pediatrician, I hopped on a plane and much to my relief he slept all throughout the four hour journey. Since that first hassle-free journey, there was no looking back,” says Kavya.

Following this, the mom-son duo have visited Dubai, Thailand and places in India such as Delhi, Agra, Rishikesh, and Mumbai. Early this year, she moved back from Qatar to her hometown in  Cochin. This summer, she picked up her pint-sized travel companion and headed to Colombo and brought in Aarav’s second birthday at Disneyland, Hong Kong.

“Travelling with my son gives me a sense of achievement, confidence, and independence. I feel accomplished and free and the experience I get from each holiday excites me,” says the traveller mom. “Aarav has been an incredible easy travel companion and has given me zero-trouble till date, inspiring me to plan more holidays. He enjoys it too and totally takes after me when it comes to travelling.”

If you’re thinking how she is able to manage it, the traveller mom has sound advice to inspire fellow mothers. “A stroller is my best friend during the travels. Packing smart and staying organised is the key to enjoying a trip with kids. Taking along things to distract and entertain the kid when he gets bored, online check-ins in advance, stocking up enough baby food and other baby essentials, requesting for an infant bassinet in flight, informing the hotel in advance about staying with a kid etc were few tips that has come handy for me. Holidays with kids might seem daunting to many, but travelling alone with kids gets you many preferential advantages like not having to wait in queue, getting the preference to board early, getting special assistance in-flight etc. Most hotels have a lot to offer the kids from their kid-friendly policies.’’ Kavya says that she has never had a bad travel experience till date while going solo with Aarav. In fact, she feels that “people act much better and nicer when they see an infant with you”.

If not exotic destinations and long holidays, these two never miss an opportunity to hit the roads on weekends in Kerala – travelling to different places within the State and those quick getaways fascinate them equally and says there are many hidden gems – beautiful places in Kerala that are yet to be explored by many. “Having a mini-me in tow does not stop me from following my passion of visiting new places and exploring new cultures,” she says.

The travel bug hit Kavya when she was in her teens and she has been to 11 countries both as a solo traveller and with friends. Her favourite destination in India is Kashmir and recalls that Maldives was the most exotic place she has visited. A trip to Europe is her dream and its on her travel itinerary for next year.

Kavya is a freelance Public Relations professional and has a blog Follow Your Sunshine. Photography, driving and music are her interests apart from travelling.

The post Kavya Baburaj Shows How To Travel The World With A Toddler appeared first on FWD Life | The Premium Lifestyle Magazine |.

Text Credits: Lakshmi Priya 

It’s summer vacation and where are you heading to, to spend your holidays productively? If you haven’t decided yet then we have some special places for you. There were many famous movies in Malayalam cinema which were shot at various beautiful locations around Kerala. Why not take a walk through the ‘Varikkasseri Mana’ where Jagannathan of Aaramthampuran resided? Why not breath-in the fresh air at Kuttanad where innumerable hit Malayalam movies captured its scenic beauty on the celluloid? To make your travelling experience a bit more than just memorable, here is a list of popular shooting locations in Kerala that you can explore. From places of natural beauty to mansions full of antiques, these places will definitely take you for a nostalgic trip through the history of Malayalam cinema.

Varikkasseri Mana

Image source: hyd-masti.com

Even after years, the movie Aaraam Thampuram is greeted with applause by the viewers because of the spectacular performance of the complete actor, Mohanlal. The movie might have been incomplete without the ancient Ettukettu model house – Varikkasseri Mana where the movie was set. It is one of the oldest aristocratic Namboothiri‘s houses located at Manissery Village of Ottapalam, Palakkad. Devasuram, Rapakal, Thoovalkottaram are some of the other movies shot here. Visitors are allowed in this age-old mansion when no shooting is going on.

Kuttanad

Image source: klicktours.com

Known as the ‘rice bowl’ of Kerala, Kuttanadu in Alappuzha is popular for its vast paddy fields, backwaters and picturesque villages. The natural beauty of Kuttanad is beautifully captured in many Malayalam movies. Amen, Champakulam Thachan, Bhagyadevatha are some of the movies shot here. Few scenes from the famous Hindi films like Dil Se and Tashan were also shot here. If you are heading to Kuttanad, don’t forget to explore the Punnamada Lake in a houseboat and experience Kayaking, a water sport.

Padmanabhapuram Palace

Image source: wikipedia.org

When actress Shobana mused the character of ‘Nagavalli’ for the movie Manichithrathazhu and moved her feet to a Tamil song, Kerala witnessed one of the best movies ever made in the Indian cinema history. As stellar as Shobana’s performance, the big mansion – Padmanabhapuram Palace where the movie was shot also fascinated the movie enthusiasts.  Located at the Kalkulam taluk of Kanyakumari district, Tamil Nadu and owned and maintained by the Government of Kerala, Padmanabhapuram Palace is the face of the Travancore-era of Kerala. The movie His Highness Abdulla was also shot here.

Thalassery

Image source: indianholiday.com

The movies Malarvadi Arts Club, Thattathin Marayathu and Oru Vadakkan Selfie, is known for capturing the beauty of Malabar. Situated on the Malabar coast of Kerala in Kannur, Thalassery is turning out to be a popular movie location. Thalassery is known for its historically significant locations like Tellicherry fort, Gundert Bungalow and AndalurKavu. Muzhuppilangad beach, the longest Drive- in Beach in Asia is also situated there. Thalassery is also famous for giving birth to the art form Theyyam and the martial art Kalaripayattu. 

Olappamanna Mana

Image source: keralatourism.org

Moideen and Kanjana Maala of the movie Ennu Ninte Moideen has undoubtedly conquered our hearts with their tragical yet divine love story. Olappamanna Mana, situated in Vellinezhi of Palakkad district is the house of Moideen in the movie. Olappamanna is the birthplace of Kerala’s famous poet Olappamanna Manakkal Subramanian Namboothirippad. The mana is opened for tourists and also has the facility of homestay. This place can definitely give you a glimpse to the age-old Namboothiri heritage. Aaram Thampuran, Madambi, Aakasha Ganga, Naran are the other movies which were shot here.

Vagamon

Image source: vagamon.com

A hill station located at the Kottayam district, Vagamon is known for its scenic beauty and peaceful ambience. The movie Iyyobinte Pusthakam was completely shot here. The place has a number of resorts and places of adventurous sports.

Athirapally Falls

Image source : photo.webindia123.com

Located at Chalakudi Taluk of Thrissur, Athirapally falls have been a popular location for shooting song sequences in Malayalam movies. The movie Anandabadram and a number of other movies were shot here. The falls are also commonly seen in most of the Mani Ratnam movies like Kannathil Muthamittal, Guru, Raavan, Dil Se.  

Bolgatty Palace 

Image source: ktdc.com

Nirakootu, My boss, Vellinakshathram are some of the movies shot in Bolgatty palace constructed by the Dutch at the Bolgatty Island in Kochi. One of the popular holiday destinations of tourists, Bolgatty palace has an ayurvedic centre and Kathakali performances on a daily basis.

The post Check Out These 8 Interesting Locations from Malayalam Movies for Your Next Travel appeared first on FWD Life | The Premium Lifestyle Magazine |.

When I landed in Bengaluru, I wanted something really different this time. I wanted to experience a feeling of being away from the city’s traffic and chaos. I wanted it to be an experience that offered me more than one thing in a different sort of package. I chose the suburb called Whitefield and then I decided that since I was in Silicon City, Virtuous Retail (VR) Bengaluru would step in as that retreat I was looking for.

After a one and a half hour drive from the Kempegowda Airport, the magnificent façade of The Waverly Hotel and Residences becomes visible as it looms in front of me in the guise of a large black box. It is situated bang in the middle of the business district, amidst five star and budget hotels. What’s different about it is the fact that VR Bengaluru offers a wonderful seamless community experience.

A profusion of amenities

It offers a luxurious boutique hotel and residences (The Waverly) along with a collaborative co-working space (The Hive) and a vast lifestyle space that houses a PVR theatre with nine screens including one
IMAX, pubs, cafes, restaurants, and a complete multi-level premium retail shopping arcade. The community event spaces extend to public art, a state of the art fitness club, a spa, and salon. I now knew exactly what would go into my three days’ stay in Bengaluru.

I reached just in time to have lunch at the Whitefield Arms Café, curated beautifully by Chef Barathan. The hotel, consisting of 54 rooms, is done up in true British contemporary style. The Waverly rooms (333sq ft) and the Studio rooms (487sq ft) were perfectly suited for extended stays, apart from the loft rooms (650sq ft).

I lapped up the luxury offered to me in the form of the Library Suite (The
Grand Room – 740sq ft). Entering my suite, I found that the curtained window in my living room opened out to the Whitefield skyline. I gasped as I drew it aside and lounged at my writing desk, satisfied that I had a working space that offered an introductory note laced with pastel macaroons. The hospitality emitted a high style quotient as I wafted towards my comfortable-looking bed, and placed my clothes into a large closet space.

Moving around

Rested after the evening tea, I was eager to see what else VR Bengaluru had to offer. I sauntered off to see
The Tribe Fitness Club and saw that it was indeed the first machine-less club that I had ever seen, completely state of the art and specialising in CrossFit, Pilates, Zumba, Yoga, etc.
The Nutri shots bar also offered protein shakes, smoothies, and fresh juices to help replenish energies lost in extensive workouts. Getting the feel of the place, I promised myself a yoga class the very next day.
The fabulous art collected by the hotel lined its hallways as I found out further that they also had an Art
Collective on display at the shopping centre. The Whitefield Art Collective is in its third edition and houses art from some of India’s premier art institutions, including Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, Sir Jamsetjee Jeejeebhoy School of Art, and The Delhi School of Art. This initiative connects communities and provides a national platform for established and emerging artists. Feeling all charged, I went ahead for dinner at one of the restaurants in the adjoining mall. Nasi & Me turned out to be the restaurant with pan Asian street food.

Navigating my way

The next day began with Yoga in the morning, followed by breakfast at the all-day dining. I savoured the buffet and stepped back into The Maze. I went to see how The Hive worked. It turned out to be a melting pot of diverse cultures.

Here, people come to work together under one roof, mixing their personal and professional lives. It is perhaps one of India’s largest collaborative workspaces (100,000sq ft of shared and private offices and associated amenities) – truly impressive in my opinion.

A light lunch at The Salt serving Indian cuisine followed by an interesting serene afternoon spent at
The Bounce Spa and Salon marked my day. Ably rested, I retired to my room and enjoyed reading and browsing through the many books in my living room, after all, it was the Library Suite. Retail therapy was on my mind as I had passed the many branded stores on my way to the restaurants and back. I had actually saved an entire evening for that. My evening passed in browsing the bookstores, major branded stores and the Kids’ Zone. VR Bengaluru has thought of everything for the urban traveller with or without family. Later in the evening, I spent time watching the sunset from the Sky Deck. The Waverly has its very own rooftop place for events. I basked in the sunset that allowed such a panoramic view of the city. I then decided to take a dip in the 20m heated pool and settled down for a quick round of cocktails and some starters by the pool. I was then ready to call it an early night.

Riding through Whitefield

A day into Whitefield is a must, though there are no historical places left to sight as such; but one can easily drive through the 100ft road at nearby Indranagar and explore Bengaluru’s eateries and microbreweries. I preferred to come back to The Waverly since I still hadn’t got enough of its offerings. The Toscano, their Italian eatery, is a quaint space that can be accessed from the mall and from the lobby of the hotel. I enjoyed my multi-course meal, with my usual Perrier. The food turned out to be a great mix of old and new world Italian cuisine.

The Sky deck is fully equipped with a state of the art 26x12ft LED HD screen, making it an open-air venue for a movie screening like no other in Bengaluru. A host of events happen here like movie marathons, live music shows, and sports events. It was truly memorable as I walked along to the
ALT, the signature open-air rooftop lounge bar.

It was a befitting close to my three day stay – discovering VR Bengaluru – aptly nicknamed the Black Box, inside which I found a seamless experience of shopping, hospitality, food, leisure, and entertainment. It was a perfect holiday mix for me.

Text Credits: Maya Lalchandani

The post The Waverly Hotel: For The Modern Urban Family appeared first on FWD Life | The Premium Lifestyle Magazine |.

Compiled by Anjana K

Zoom with your luggage

Source: myproscooter.com

Lugging around your carry-on through huge airports is a tiresome task. American DJ Steve Aoki has solved this particular snag for travellers all over the world with his design of the Micro Scooter Luggage. Attached to the luggage is a micro scooter on which people can zoom past those unending airports in a flash, this travel accessory is a must-have for all seasoned wayfarers.

Dress up your passport

Source: Sass and Belle

This inspired passport cover is for the traveller who never tires of trotting the globe. It comes in arty vintage styles, and adds the perfect style quotient to your travel. Encasing your passport with a protective covering, it reminds you to dream, wherever you are.

Capturing memories old school way

Source: mojitech.net

With vintage gear making a glamourous comeback, don’t miss out on having a colourful Polaroid camera that can chronicle your adventures old school. Polaroid cameras come in different models and specifications, so choose one that you want and click away!

Jazzy luggage tags

Source: Amazon.in

It takes a keen and patient eye to claim one’s baggage at a crowded airport, and with these distinguishable and quirky luggage tags, you don’t have to jump at every piece of luggage that resembles yours. Engraved with funny one-liners, these tags mark out your luggage as your own, without the risk of somebody else taking yours by accident.

Pocket sized washing machine

Source: The Scrubba 

Dirty clothes is a consistent inconvenience to people who travel with minimal luggage, especially backpackers.  The Scrubba Wash Bag is a pocket sized washing machine that has scrubbers that are activated when the user rubs the bag. All you need is 2 or 3 litres of water and some soap. And tada! Clean cloths three minutes later.

For a mid-air buzz

Source: wandpdesign.com

Nervous flyer? We’ve all been there, some time or the other.  This carry-on cocktail kit is the perfect pick-me-up for the flyer afflicted with a case of nerves. It includes all you need to mix up two cocktails at 30,000 feet, and comes in stylised versions such as Margarita, Champagne Cocktail, and Bloody Mary.

Safe hydration for the unstoppable traveller

Source: eartheasy.com

Water purifying bottles are life savers when it comes to travelling to places where clean drinking water may not come by easily. These are available in different brands, and use different technologies, such as UV filtration, activated carbon, and hollow fibres, to convert unclean water into pure, drinkable water.

For a stable drink

Source: Amazon.co.uk

If you’re an incurable coffee addict, then carrying around a cup of your favourite beverage might have proven disastrous while travelling. The Unspillable Travel Mug grips to your desk not matter how turbulent the environment, so that you will never have an unwanted spillage again.

Travelling to the beat

Source: currys.co.uk

Constant, thumping, uninterrupted music, be it on a remote beach island or a festival camping site, is the modern dream. It’s no longer a dream with the advent of portable waterproof speakers. Coming in different brands and different specifications, these speakers ensure a nonstop flow of music. You need not even be concerned about them getting wet, as they are waterproof.

Hassle free weighing

Source: Samsonite

An electronic luggage scale always comes in handy when you travel far and wide, traversing stringent rules on baggage weight. Electronic luggage scales come in portable shapes and sizes. Get a hold of one, so that you can scale down on your shopping and to ensure smooth passage through airports.

The post 10 Smart Travel Accessories For The Resourceful Jet-Setter appeared first on FWD Life | The Premium Lifestyle Magazine |.

Text credit: Charishma Thankappan

Too late to plan your long distance summer vacations? You don’t have to feel missed out if you are not getting your tickets to Uttarakhand or if the air fares to Darjeeling are too high at the moment. You can still take a relaxing break from the heat and enjoy your summer vacations with children, family, and relatives visiting for the seasonal break, thanks to the District Tourism Promotion Council (DTPC) of Ernakulam.

Tying up with Kerala City Tour, a startup enterprise by Travelmate Solutions, DTPC will offer an exclusive package of a visit to Munnar Flower Show and Eravikulam National Park. The package costs Rs 1,200 per person, which will incorporate entry tickets, lunch, and guide services. Places of interest that will be covered enroute are Cheeyapara and Valara Waterfalls. Other tour packages include Munnar trip, Kochi city tour, Alappuzha-Fort Kochi tour and Kochi-Athirappilly-Peringalkuthu.

Source: WikiCommons

The tour will be conducted in air conditioned buses which start from Nedumbassery airport at 6.45m. The pick-up and drop locations include Athani By-pass, Paravur Kavala, Aluva metro station, Muttom metro station, Kalamassery metro station, Edappally metro station and Vyttila Hub.

Source: WikiCommons

You can book the tickets through their website www.keralacitytour.com or contact DTPC at 0484-237334. The offers start from May 5.

The post Ernakulam DTPC Now Takes Care of Your Summer Travel Plan appeared first on FWD Life | The Premium Lifestyle Magazine |.