What Are The Best Restaurants In Mussoorie? A Culinary Tour In The Hill Station 

BY  Ankita Jun 12, 2024

Are you planning a trip with your pet? Searching for a quiet retreat or an exciting escapade to places that cater to both you and your pet? Then this article might have some of the best destinations you can travel to with your pet. Most pets are great travel companions for you but not all places in the world are welcoming to your pets. Some places might avoid pet travel due to the spread of diseases while other places don't have proper amenities to accommodate your pets. So in this article, we have focused on places that can accommodate both you and your pets. Now let's explore some of the best destinations for pets across the globe. The Best Pet-Friendly Destination In the Globe Increasingly people have started traveling with their pets all across the globe. This is because several places have started to loosen their rules regarding pets in their cities and added services that cater to pets and pet parents. Even transports are allowing pets to travel with their owner across the globe. Therefore, now you can travel easily to these places with your pets. So, here are the destinations where you can travel with your pets. 1. Malibu, California, USA Does your pet love water? Then the beach city of California, Malibu can be a great destination to travel to with your pet. Malibu is commonly known for being the hotspot where you can view celebrities. But what you might not know is that it is a paradise for your pets as well. Your pets get to enjoy the clean beaches of Malibu and swim in the Pacific Ocean. Some places might require you to leash your pets so that you can control them when required, otherwise Malibu is a great place to travel with your pet. Several hotels and cafes in this city are pet-friendly. The best part of this place is that you can enjoy yourself as well as with your pets. We will recommend you to visit the Leo Carrillo State Beach, Malibu Creek State Park, and Malibu Seafood when in the city. In these places, you can enjoy drives or walks on the scenic routes and trails with your pets. You can also relish seafood with your pet in Malibu Seafood place with the ocean view. 2. Lake District, England If you wish to travel to England and are looking for a pet-friendly destination then visit the Lake District. In Lake District, you will find a pet-friendly ambiance with mesmerizing scenery that you and your pet can explore. From going on runs or walks along the trails of the Lake District region to experiencing stunning landscapes in the region with your pet, it's bound to be an unforgettable experience for you. Don’t miss out on this destination if you love outdoor activities with your active dog. You will find plenty of accommodations for pets and yourself when in this region so that your stay is comfortable. After a day of sightseeing and running your pet will get a good night's sleep with its owner. 3. Paris, France It may come as a surprise, but Paris is quite pet-friendly despite its city vibe. You will often find dogs relaxing beside their owner in bistros and cafes. In Paris, you will find that some places don't even require you to put leashes on your dogs. These sports where leashes are optional are the Seine River, the Montmartre district, and the Bois de Boulogne. You can visit Le Cimetière des Chiens with your furry companion to get a unique experience in Paris. In fact, in Paris, you will find several hotels that cater to pet parents' needs and pets. So, Paris might be a great pick for a fun vacation with your pet. 4. Banff, Alberta, Canada For pets who love nature, Banff is a wonderful destination. You will find the Banff National Park in the heart of the Rockies offering several campgrounds and trails for activities. Take your pet along with you to explore nature together and then spend a night in nature. The Banff town is also pet-friendly with several restaurants and stays offering comfortable dining and resting options. 5. Tokyo, Japan Another pet-friendly destination you can visit to create memories with your pets is Tokyo, Japan. There is more to the capital city of Japan than skyscrapers, bustling crowds, and lights. You can visit numerous pet-friendly cafes in this city and book your stay at pet-friendly hotels. Take your pet to numerous parks in Tokyo especially Yoyogi Park if you are traveling with your furry companion. This park is a dog-friendly park where your furry friend will meet several other dogs. This place is a great option too for travelers who miss their pets at home. You can just visit the numerous pet cafes to spend some quality times with cats, dogs, squirrels, bearded dragons, otters, and many more animals. 6. San Diego, California, USA Another pet-friendly location in the state of California is San Diego. If you are looking to travel within the U.S. with your pets, then this place is a great pick. You will experience pleasant weather and a pet-friendly atmosphere where you can enjoy with your pets. You can visit places like Ocean Beach Dog Beach where your dogs can run free. Even your cats will love the weather in this place and can relax on the beach with you. From several pet-friendly spots to dining in ensuring you have the best time with your pet companion, San Diego is a great place to travel with your pet. a wonderful time for both you and your pet. 7. Rome, Italy Rome allows your pets to explore landmarks with you. Many of the city's sites like the beautiful Villa Borghese gardens are pet-friendly. Italians have a spot for dogs, so finding accommodations and eateries that welcome pets is easy in Rome. 8. Sydney, Australia Sydney offers several parks and beaches that are open to both pets and their parents. Again some beaches allow pets on certain days of the year like Bondi Beach. Sydney loves dogs, and many cafes and restaurants in Sydney are happy to accommodate companions as well. 9. Amsterdam, Netherlands Amsterdam embraces an attitude towards life that includes being welcoming towards pets. Several establishments throughout the city are welcoming towards pets. The city, with its canals and historic cobblestone streets, is known for being very welcoming to dogs. You can even travel with your pets on most public transportation for free. However, there may be a fee for dog day tickets on long-distance trains. Take a stroll with your dogs in Amsterdam’s beautiful parks, like the Vondelpark. Then visit some pet-friendly bars and restaurants in the city to relax with your furry friend. You can even enjoy a meal together with your pet at some of these accommodations. 10. Cape Town, South Africa Cape Town in South Africa is a suitable travel destination for outdoor enthusiasts and their equally enthusiast pets. This place not only offers breathtaking landscapes but also a wide range of outdoor activities suitable for adventurous pets and their owners.  You can take your furry, four-legged friend to hiking trails like the Pipe Track and Lions Head. Here you can enjoy stunning views of the city with your pets. If you are looking for beach exploration then head to Clifton 1st Beach or Sunset Beach.  Here you will get ample opportunities for your pets to frolic in the waves or take a stroll with your pet on the beaches. You will not be required to put a leash on your pets during these times in Cape Town. Cape Town offers several accommodations and dining options that are pet-friendly. So, you can enjoy a welcoming stay with your pets. Final Words Taking your pets along with you on your travels can make your trips more fulfilling, adding happiness and companionship on your adventures. These destinations not only provide attractions and activities for tourists but also ensure a friendly reception for pets. Of course, before embarking on a trip, make sure you prepare accordingly and get your pet all their necessary vaccinations. Whether it’s exploring the trails of the Lake District, walking the pathways of Rome, or enjoying the sunny shores of Malibu, there's no need to leave your beloved animal companions behind. Read Also: Reasons To Book Cottages For Your Honeymoon! 10 Best Places To Travel In July – Travel Guide 2022 5 Fascinating And Fun Travel Destination Ideas In Africa For Vacation

BY  Ankita Mar 20, 2024

Siam Square is a popular shopping area located in the heart of Bangkok city, and known for its classy shopping malls and plenty of street markets. This capital is different from others as it allows you to explore museums, visit amazing temples, and watch Thai boxing matches, all in one area. Whether shopaholic or not, you can enjoy amazing things like street and window shopping, viewing amazing art, and interacting with large wax statues of your favorite celebrities. Window Shop At Central Chidlom As a shopaholic who has fun window shopping, visit Central Chidlom to view products in its flower display. Get a foot massage at Siam Square from this stylish store that has seven floors internationally known for its huge, unique, and attractive display. Do Amazing Shopping At Siam Square The square is a huge hub of all essentials for shopping due to its large fantastic malls, small boutiques all over, and low-budget street shops. You can comfortably do street and window shopping, and after a tiring day of shopping join one of the many restaurants and cafes for food and drinks. You can do the shopping from 10 am to 10 pm, Thailand time. Watch The MBK Fight Night One of the most exciting things you can do in Siam Square is see Thailand boxers fight against worldwide boxers. On the last Wednesday of every month, you can watch a live Muay Thai Boxing match free of charge. The fight is hosted with live commentary, ring girls, and a music band at 444 Phayathai Rd, Wang Mai. Take Photos With Global Celebs At Madame Tussauds Museum Get a chance to brush shoulders with your favorite local and international celebs, Hollywood stars, heads of state, and sports heroes and heroines at Madame Tussaud Museum. You’ll find life-sized wax statues of famous guys and have a chance to touch, hug, and even kiss them. You can access them any day of the week from 10 am to 9 pm. Visit Jim Thompson House Art lovers worried about what to do in Bangkok are well-catered; they can access well-designed South Asian art at Jim Thompson House. Here you will find old-aged Buddha images, Chinese porcelains made in the 14th century, and 18th-century paintings. Visit the place on any day of the week, specifically between 10 AM to 5 PM to see all this art. Idol At Paragon Shopping Mall If you are having a tired day, just wander around the huge, plush, and luxurious shopping mall. To those who love admiring pricey and high-end electronics, materials, and clothing, you will enjoy moving from one floor to another looking at them. You could also enjoy luxurious and underworld dining in the same mall. Explore Erawan Shrine Find a time between 6 am and 10 pm to visit one of the most popular Hindu Shrines in Bangkok. You can go there to pray, meditate, or have fun watching Thai and lion dances in the shrine. Enjoy all forms of fun from amazing shopping, hugs and kisses from your favorite celebs, prayer and meditation, art, and window shopping at Siam Square. Best Places To Shop Around The Siam Square  Bangkok In this section, we discuss some of the great places you can visit in Siam Square. Enjoy Siam Paragon The Siam Paragon offers different brands, mainly the upmarket brands, where people can go out and shop. The glass and steel megamall covers a vast area.  You will find around 250 shops there. You could also find Asia’s largest aquarium, a 16-screen cineplex, and plenty of gourmet restaurants and cafes. There, you could find the flagship stores in Prada, Louis Vitton, and the Thai bespoke stores where you could occupy the  4th floor. The place is great and offers a great shopping experience to the people. You will undoubtedly fly high inside the buzzing shopping mall filled with life. CentralWorld  The CentralWorld is undoubtedly one of the most visited places in Siam. It has got everything, from fashion to high-tech electronics and imported groceries. You will certainly get a glimpse of the best shopping experience. The mall is always buzzing with life. Some events and concerts cater to the requirements of people across diverse age groups.  You can find the 15-screen SF World Cinema, Isetan department stores, and Zen there. Apart from that, you can also find hundreds of restaurants and cafes. MBK Center The MBK center is well known for affordable shopping. It's a gigantic place with around 2000 shops that occupy around seven floors of the retail space. One of the primary selling points of the place is the extensive range of products, photo equipment, video games, gold ornaments, and many others. Whatever you wish to shop for, you can easily find them here. It is indeed a great shopping experience where you get plenty of food choices. Siam Center Another shopping center that counts itself on the list of the trending fashion malls in Siam Bangkok is the Siam Centre. There, you get dozens of boutiques. However, you get products from Thai designers. The mall is one place where you find the utmost fun. Fashion brands like Steve Maddens, Adidas, Pull & Bear, Victoria’s Secret, and others. It's a fun place to explore the best offerings from the best brands. Gaysorn Village Gaysorn Village is one of the most luxurious upmarket shopping complexes. The place is a storehouse of the most high-end luxurious goods. The contemporary design and the innovative retail concept create an exclusive shopping experience that you definitely need to look for. You can expect a wide range of products from international brands like Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Hugo Boss, and Prada, among the best brands in Thailand. The most innovative designers in Thailand are the Senada Theory, Kloset Red Carpet, and Fly Now.  These products are highly competitive and of great quality if compared with the best foreign international brands. Apart from its renowned places, there are some other great places in Siam Square where you can have the best shopping experience. They include Erawan, Ermin Plaza, Hard Rock Shop, Center Point Siam Square, and others. Read Also: Crime Rate In Florida Trending Down While California Skyrockets: Report World’s Most Famous Christmas Tree Has Reached Trafalgar Square

BY  Sibashree Mar 9, 2026

Almost a year ago, on 26th March 2025, Xinhua shared a photo of the fishing trawlers in Negombo. Those further gave us an idea about the lives of the fishermen in Negombo.   On a personal level, that photo took me back to my days in Negombo.  Now, many often miss the cultural insights Negombo offers. I mean, if you consider the Tamil culture in Jaffna, or the cultural things to do in Kandy, you also need to experience what Negombo has to offer.   Otherwise, you will not understand how it has kept the soul of a fishermen’s port city alive beyond the glitz and glamor of the prominent international hotels and shops.   Also, Negombo is very close to the Colombo Bandaranaike International Airport. The distance is less than 9 km, and the travel time is around 20 minutes.   So, as expected, it has all the amenities for tourists. However, as always, luxurious facilities have never been the draw for me while visiting a place.   I am the happiest exploring the Ritigala Forest Monastery or climbing the Sigiriya Rock and finding the history at every corner.   So, my reason for a visit to Negombo was not what people usually think of. And in today’s blog, I will introduce Negombo to you through my lens.   How Did I Reach Negombo From Colombo?   I took a tuk-tuk to reach the Colombo Fort railway station from my hostel. Then, I got a train ticket for 80 LKR.   The train was not overly crowded, and traveling solo, and as a believer in the LowDownUnder travel philosophy, I quite enjoyed the train ride.   However, if you want to avoid the hassle, you can also take a bus from Colombo to Negombo.   Where Are The Things To Do In Negombo?   First, I want to highlight that traveling to Negombo has now become easier if you are traveling from India.   The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) has started a package called “SHRI RAMAYANA YATRA EX MUMBAI.”   From 21st March 2026 to 27th March 2026, it will be a 6-Night and 7-day package.   The package tour conducted in association with the Sri Lankan Airlines will cover destinations such as Colombo, Dambulla, Trincomalee, Kandy, and Nuwara Eliya.   This tourism package starts from Rs. 71,800/ for adults and Rs. 30,100/ for children.   Now, with traveling becoming easier, you can plan the things to do in Negombo better.  1. Exploring The Negombo Fish Market  I was up at 5 AM as I had to visit the local fish market.   I got into a minivan with my guide, and as we entered the market, the sight of bright silver fish and their smell occupied my senses.   My guide took me through the stalls of tuna, machete, and shark. Then, he drew my attention to the ships filled with fish reaching the market and the heavy bargaining game.   A fish market may not be the most attractive place to visit when you are in Negombo.   However, if you want a true cultural experience and understand the livelihood of the local people, it is the go-to place.   From the fish market, my guide took me to a beach used primarily for drying fish. The intense smell is not for everyone, but many times, I had a similar experience back home.   2. Visiting The Dutch Fort At Negombo  The Dutch Fort was close to the “fish drying beach.” Now, the Dutch Fort is used as a prison.   The fort is constructed with coral stone and granite.   And around the fort, I found many wildflowers blooming.   This simple scene was a moment of learning for me. I once again understood how the universe functions.   It does not matter whether it’s a prison or a temple. A flower can bloom anywhere, and it will always be beautiful.   However, I wanted to have a better view of the Dutch Fort. I climbed up the old clock tower and got a better perspective and better shots of the fort.   3. Visiting The Angurukaramulla Temple  After a trek to the Sigiriya Rock and the Pidurangala Rock, I visited the Angurukaramulla Temple. Like the Sigiriya Rock, for this Buddhist Temple, you also need to make an entry through the mouth of a lion.   The lion rests below the 6-meter-tall Buddha statue.   The temple has magnificent statues and beautiful murals. Also, it has a rich library with scriptures and murals.   So, it is a great place to visit in Negombo if someone is studying the Buddhist religion and literature.   However, walk carefully as you may come across snakes (rat snakes).   4. Birdwatching On The Dutch Canals  I ended my morning at the Dutch Canal. It was relaxing and enriching at the same time to look over the lagoons.   I decided to make more of the moment and got into a boat.   It was surprising to say the least. Also, I did not expect to meet so much wildlife immediately after leaving the dry land.   I saw a huge monitor lizard resting on the shoreline, and then kingfishers, cormorants, and herons in flocks kept accompanying me throughout the journey.   However, it was not just the wildlife. I saw a reflection of my home and country during the boat ride.   People were attending to livestock, children were bicycling, and some were even playing cricket.   Again, there were some abandoned hotels and buildings, standing as a witness to the civil unrest and the stories of human resilience in Sri Lanka.    5. Exploring The City On Foot  Negombo is very walkable, and it reminded me of my days in Jaffna. I used to randomly pick a direction along the main coastal road and just walk.   You may call wandering aimlessly in a lesser-known place unsafe. However, I think that you have not seen a city until you have walked through it.   Also, after visiting Jaffna and other places of historical and cultural significance, Sri Lanka felt like home to me.   They spoke a different language. However, they were warm and welcoming, just like anyone I would randomly come across in India.   Also, after years of experience, I can say that walking is the only way to find those hidden gems, the best bakery around the corner, or the eatery that has been around for around 100 years.   This was more evident during my Jaffna food tour.   Moreover, while walking across the streets of Negombo, I got to interact with the local fish sellers and food vendors. In addition, I found a big mosque near the backstreet.