BY Subham SahaJun 25, 2022

“Some hill stations are no less than crushes! Either, you end up being taken or friend-zoned! Yet, the heart keeps on beating! The feeling prevails!” I don't know if I am worthy enough to give a quote about a hill station but yes, I can truly give a statement. The above statement goes out to Auli. Well, she is like a beautiful Garhwali girl I first saw as a child and again as a grown-up. The first time, It was mere friendship, but the second time, It was love. Yes, you can fall in love with places often, and trust me, it is way better than falling in love with a human being. At times, a human being might not be worthy of the love you show but for a place it is different. The number of times you reach up to the place, it fondles you. So selfless! So tranquil! So, as a traveler and a crazy soul that seldom wanders in the Himalayas, I am here, sharing facts about the best time to visit Auli. However, this article contains some philosophy and some facts about Auli. Moreover, It contains my story from my childhood. Have a read before you head to the place! Auli- The Location Auli is situated in the Indian state of Uttarakhand. It is also known as ‘Auli Bugyal’ in Garhwali, the local language. The Chamoli district has now turned globally famous for this hill station as it is a ski resort in India. Auli has got an elevation of 2909 m above sea level and is one of the most remote locations in India. However, a bunch of local people stays on the spot for their business. This thing is probably the same for all tourist locations around the world. The love for traveling for one turns to the daily bread for another. There are not many places to visit in Auli but you can include the hill station while covering the state of Uttrakhand on a trip. It can either be a holiday on the hills or a pilgrimage. Scroll down to know the best time to visit Auli. Uttarakhand Trippings Belts With Inclusion Of Auli In this section of the article, you can check out the tripping belts of Uttarakhand in which you can include Auli. Just take a look: The Hardwar- Rudraprayag- Joshimath Belt If you have a time constraint, the Hardwar-Rudraprayag- Joshimath belt can be one of the best Himalayan getaways for you. Now, you can add a day and visit Auli from Joshimath. In this case, you have to stay in Joshimath for two nights. The Pilgrimage Belt You can also cover Auli in the Kedarnath-Badrinath-Hemkund Shahib pilgrimage belt. It is easy as you need to give a halt in Joshimath. Even after covering Auli, you can reach up to Tunganath for a pilgrimage as it is situated in the Chamoli district itself. Reaching Auli- All Facts About It Reaching Auli is a daunting task in every way but it is full of fun. You can reach here by road or by cable car. As Joshimath is the nearest city to Auli, it acts as the base. In the winter, cable cars actively transit people to Auli. On the other hand, in summer, you can reach this place in a car. No matter your travel from Himachal Pradesh, Jammu, Kashmir, or Uttarakhand, you can halt at Joshimath and reach the place. The Best Time To Visit Auli If you are thinking about Auli best time to visit, you can consider visiting both in summer and winter. In summers, you can witness the green Auli whereas, in winters it is covered with snow. For me, things were a bit different, I went on a pilgrimage trip twice during the late autumn. As a child, I witnessed lush green meadows at the place but it was all cloudy. It was a memorable situation on my trip. I remember that we had a plan to visit the Auli tourist places but could not get the cable car. It was so as if we were on a Joshimath and went late to the base camp. So, the plan ultimately got postponed to the next morning. Now, the best thing that happened to us was the dawn. It is cloudy and a few drizzles occurred too. While we were in the cable car, we got some awesome views of the place. The same place had something different for me when I reached this place in my twenties. It was early November and the place was covered with virgin snow. According to the locals, it was not something uncommon but the place looked like heaven. The sky was deep blue and I could get a breathtaking view of the Nanda Devi. So, I can say, the best time to visit Auli Uttarakhand can be the late autumn and winter. Visiting the place at this time can help you to get the real vibe of the place.  Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): 1. What Clothes Can We Take To Auli In Winter? When you visit Auli during the winter, which is actually the best time to visit Auli, you need to take proper trekking gear. Moreover, you can take proper woolens for the night. 2. Is It Safe For 55-Year-Old Man To Reach Atop Auli? A 55-year-old man can reach the top of Auli if he is physically fit. However, it is better if it does not visit due to altitude sickness. 3. Is The Cable Car To Auli Active In Summer Season? No, As of now, the cable car of Auli is not active during the summer season. The best you can do is visit the place during the winter season. Since the best time to visit Auli is winter and late autumn, cable cars operate abundantly during these times. 4. Can We Visit Auli During The Monsoon? Yes, you can visit Auli during the Monsoon season. The place might be a bit risky to roam about but you can get some extraordinary views. Final Words Writing about Auli is always a fun thing to do as I have been to the place twice. Plus explaining the best time to visit Auli to all of you was always on my bucket list. I would always suggest you make a proper plan before heading to the place. Expect to check out the magnificent views and enjoy skiing at the same time. The best you can do is get a cab till Joshimath and if possible till Auli. You can also get a good guide from the hotel who can show you some unique local spots. Read Also: Best Places For River Rafting In India Top 10 Best Travel Sites For Tour In 2022 6 Best Family Holiday Destinations In India

BY Sarmind SafiSep 16, 2021

Getting a tattoo on your body is not only one of the latest trends these days but quite an important thing on the bucket list of many. Moreover, when you are getting your tattoo done from a place as gorgeous as Bali, which is also one of the leading destinations in Asia for travel tattoos, its beauty will multiply, and the memory of the tattoo will surely be engraved in your heart. New tattoo Bali is becoming very trendy among tourists. But if you are new to the world of tattoos, then getting your first tattoo can be a bit tricky and somewhat painful too. Getting a tattoo done is not that simple as it looks. Getting A Permanent Body Inking In Bali A lot of thinking, choosing, and planning goes behind you before you enter a tattoo shop in Bali. Ranging from surfing through tons of online reviews, knowing about the tattoo Bali prices to searching for your dream tattoo and then finding that perfect tattoo artist who can help you get your dream tattoo, you need to pass through a lot of stages to finally fulfill your wish. After all, nothing in the world comes easy, and especially, what is the fun of having a tattoo without a bit of pain. However, without the simple knowledge of tattoos and the basic understanding of safe as well as unsafe tattoo practices, you cannot survive in the tattoo world. So, no matter whether you seek to have a tattoo because you want to express yourself, you want to appear bold and trendy, or just because you are in love with the pain, you need to know about these tattoo tips before getting a tattoo in Bali. Tattoo Bali – Tips Before Getting A Tattoo: Aren’t we all fascinated with those beautiful strokes on our skin? No matter how painful it is, we all are big fans of it. So, before you start scratching your head finding the best tattoo place near me, here are a few helpful tips: 1. Search The Best Tattoo Artist In Bali: Everyone has their own set of ideas and opinions about who is the best tattoo artist. Just like not anyone country is the best vacation spot or one kind of dish is the best food. Similarly, the ideals of the best tattoo artist also vary from one person to the other. It may happen that the tattoo artist who was the best for your friend may not prove as good for you or vice versa. So, do not depend on just hear and say. Search thoroughly, go through a number of online reviews and ratings to know more about the style and skill of the tattoo artist. In the end, your mission is just to find a tattoo artist who meets your specific requirements, like a specific style of tattoo Bali that you wish to have or someone who is available on the dates and prices that you want and soon. However, the thing you must not compromise with while selecting a Bali tattoo artist is that you must ensure that the artist works with tattooing practices that are safe and hygienic. Also, you must also make sure that the tattoo shop where the artist works is a nice place and you are comfortable getting inked there. 2. Look For Hygienic Tattoo Studios In Bali: One of the most important steps of getting a tattoo done is to find a hygienic and safe tattoo studio or shop. Other than the tattoo design and tattoo artist, it is very much essential that you are comfortable in getting inked at a particular studio. Also, you need to make sure that the studio is completely safe and uses hygienic tattoo practices. Though any of the studios or shops don’t tend to share the same reputation for long and it changes with the artists, time, and customers. So, you need to have a thorough search to find the ideal tattoo Bali studio. If you want to search for the best tattoo studios in Bali’s regencies, then be rest assured that Badung is the place you need to go for getting inked.  Other than that, the borders of Badung house the complete couth west coast of tattoo Bali, which the tourists love to explore. For more options, you can also go through over 200 tattoo parlor options in areas like Kuta, Canggu, and Seminyak. There are many roadside tattoo artists and tattoo shops in Bali that will make your tattoo for 5-10 bucks, but you never make your tattoo from them. As they use poor quality tattoo equipment and there is not much concern about hygiene and safety. They use inexpensive unsafe tattoo inks. This all can lead to tattoo infection and other kinds of complications. Always go to reputed tattoo shops as they use high-quality sterilized equipment and natural and safe tattoo inks. Have a hygienic and safe environment. However, they charge you. Here Are The Names of Few Popular Tattoo Parlors in Bali Mex Tattoos “Was my first ever tattoo, these guys were great. Can be very confusing choosing a place in Bali, there are so many. Very reassuring, hygienic. Walked me through every step of what was going to happen. Even my wife and sister in law decided to get one they were so impressed.” - Eric Moss Bali Tattoo Studio “An easy choice for tattoos. The talent these guys have is unreal. I am extremely happy with my tattoo and was impressed with their professionalism and friendly atmosphere. I even drank with them after we were finished and learned more about Balinese culture. If you want quality and a reasonable price, definitely check these guys out” - David Kim Two Guns Tattoo “Awesome studio & artists. Dodo is amazing, I get all my work in Bali done by him, and have for a few years now. Highly recommend Two Guns & Dodo 🔥” - Isaac S. Tattoo Hut Bali “Booked my tattoo in January and it was such an easy process. When we arrived in Bali the tattoo hut team was able to check sizing and design to ensure I was happy with the tattoo. All the tattoo hut members were extremely friendly and funny which made the experience much more enjoyable. Jony was my artist and he did such an amazing job. He is very professional and his style is impeccable. My whole arm sleeve only took 2 days! I highly recommend to go to tattoo hut!!” - James Fernandez Addicted Ink Tattoo Studio Bali “The artists were so friendly and professional. We came in with simple standard outline designs, but for a couple of them, the artists asked if they could spend more time to elevate the concept (with shading or definition etc). It was wonderful that their priority was to ensure that our tattoos came out looking the best, regardless how long it took. I highly recommend Addicted Ink :)” - Sheridan K Bali Family Tattoo Studio “This is my second time getting inked here in 3 years. They did an amazing job with all my requests. I had numerous small pieces done and two bigger intricate ones also. highly detailed, patient and friendly. Very affordable prices. Definitely one of the best around in Kuta.” - Ashwin C. M. Paradise Ink Tattoo “Excellent services. Award winning artiste is very patient and takes time to understand the whole designing process. Studio is clean and neat. Equipments are new so you don't have to worry about hygiene. Location is easy to find. Check out their portfolio. Awesome works.” - melvin lee 3. Know About The Tattoo Prices In Bali: Another important concern which people usually have before getting inked is that the pleasurable tattoos come at what cost. People who have concerns about getting an appointment with the tattoo artist or studio must know that they can do so online or in person. However, many tourists schedule their tattoo Bali appointments in the last days of Bali vacation things to do, because of following the precaution that up to two weeks of getting inked you can’t go underwater, surfing or swimming.  You can pay at Bali tattoo parlors with Indonesian rupiah only because neither many studios accept other currencies nor do they have a credit card machine. There is no need to schedule an appointment for a small tattoo which can be done in a few minutes. Usually, in Bali, the price for most Bali tattoos is calculated per hour and the rate varies depending upon the tattoo artist, tattoo design, and the tattoo studio. However, the average Bali tattoo price in 2018 was around 1,000,000 IDR which is approximately equal to $100 Australian dollars. When making an appointment with the tattoo Bali studio or artist, you most probably will be expected to pay a deposit amount also. After getting inked, if you are satisfied with the work of the artist and the tattoo design, then you can any day give away a generous tip to the artist. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Is it safe to get a tattoo in Bali? if you are careful enough, then it is absolutely safe to get a tattoo from Bali. This means you have to do your research when choosing an artist. Get proper information about the studio and the artist. Make sure you have a good design with you and look for the hygiene in the studio. Above all looking after the tat is the big challenge. How much do tattoos cost in Bali? Well, it depends upon the size, so do all tattoos around the world. if it's small then it will cost $30 to  $85. In the case of medium to large, it is $80 to $190,$295 to $850. For half and full sleeves,it will cost  $600  to $1.450, and $1.200 to $3.000. What is a tattoo blowout? When a Tattoo artist presses too hard while applying the ink to the skin, that is called tattoo blowout. The ink goes below the top layers of the skin where tattoos actually belong. Below the skin's surface, the ink spreads out on a layer of fat. This starts the blurring associated with a tattoo blowout. Is Bali cheaper than Thailand? Thailand is an expensive place, it is overall a place of a high standard. On the other hand, Bali is cheaper in everything almost. So, if you want to get inked with that dream tattoo Bali, then wait no more and book the Bali holiday packages from Delhi, and other than just getting a tattoo, also have an amazing vacation there! Read Also: 10 Best Things To Do In San Diego (USA) Top 10 Places To Visit In Singapore Vacationing In Florence

BY Barsha BhattacharyaDec 29, 2023

Located in the rolling hills of the Southern Appalachians, The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a haven of natural beauty and a treasure trove of outdoor activities. Spanning across Tennessee and North Carolina, this national park attracts millions of visitors each year, drawn by its lush forests, diverse wildlife, and rich cultural history. Whether you're a seasoned hiker, a wildlife enthusiast, or just someone looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life, the Great Smoky Mountains offer something for everyone. From scenic drives to tranquil hikes, the park's varied landscapes promise unforgettable adventures. In this article, we'll explore seven fun and exciting things to do in this majestic national park. Each activity is a doorway to the unique charm and splendor of the Smokies, guaranteeing an experience that will stay with you for a lifetime. Exploring Cades Cove One of the park's most beloved areas is Cades Cove, a verdant valley surrounded by mountains and steeped in history. Here, visitors can take a step back in time as they explore the preserved homesteads, churches, and barns of early settlers. The 11-mile, one-way loop road around the cove offers stunning views and is perfect for a leisurely drive or bicycle ride, especially in the early morning or late afternoon when wildlife is most active. You can often spot deer, black bears, and wild turkeys in this area, making it a prime spot for wildlife viewing. Additionally, several trails, such as the Abrams Falls Trail and the Cades Cove Nature Trail, offer more intimate encounters with the area's natural beauty. Whether you're capturing the scenic landscapes with your camera or simply soaking in the tranquility, Cades Cove is a must-visit destination within the park. Hiking To Clingman Dome Another highlight of the Great Smoky Mountains is Clingman Dome, the highest point in the park and all of Tennessee. Standing at 6,643 feet, it offers panoramic views that are simply breathtaking. The journey to the top begins with a steep half-mile walk on a paved trail, which, though challenging, is rewarding with its sweeping vistas. At the top, the observation tower provides 360-degree views of the smokies, with visibility up to 100 miles on clear days. The cool, spruce-fir forest that surrounds Clingmans Dome is a refreshing change from the lower elevations and is home to a variety of birds and plants unique to the area. The best times to visit are either early morning or late afternoon to avoid the crowds and to fully embrace the serene beauty of the mountains. Experiencing The Appalachian Trail The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a proud part of the famous Appalachian Trail, a long-distance footpath that stretches over 2,000 miles from Georgia to Maine. Within the park, the trail spans about 70 miles and offers a range of hiking experiences. For those not ready for a multi-day hike, day hikes to Charlies Bunion, a rocky outcrop with exceptional views, or to the Max Patch, a bald mountain with 360-degree mountain vistas, are great options. Hiking on the Appalachian Trail is like walking through a living museum of natural history. You might see blooming wildflowers in spring, hear the song of warblers in summer, or watch leaves change colors in fall. It’s a must-do for hikers, offering a chance to connect with nature and experience the beauty of the mountains. Wildlife Watching Opportunities Wildlife watching is a favorite activity in the park. The national park is home to a diverse range of animals, including black bears, elk, white-tailed deer, and numerous bird species. Cades Cove and Cataloochee Valley are excellent spots for wildlife viewing, especially in the early morning or late evening. Remember to keep a safe distance from all wildlife and use binoculars or a camera with a zoom lens for a closer look. Spring and fall are particularly good times to see animals as they are more active during these seasons. Enjoying Picnicking And Camping Picnicking and camping in the Great Smoky Mountains are great ways to immerse yourself in the park's natural beauty. There are several picnic areas throughout the park, many of which are beside streams or rivers, offering a peaceful setting for a meal outdoors. For a more extended stay, the park offers a variety of camping options, from developed campgrounds with amenities to backcountry sites for those seeking a more rustic experience. Camping under the stars, surrounded by the sounds of nature, is an excellent way for families and friends to connect and create lasting memories. Make sure to book your campsite in advance, especially during peak seasons, and always follow the park's guidelines for storing food and waste to protect wildlife. Horseback Riding Adventures For a different perspective of the park, consider a horseback riding adventure. Several stables within the park offer guided horseback rides, which typically last one to four hours. Riding through the forest on horseback is a relaxing and enjoyable way to explore the park's natural beauty. You’ll pass through lush forests and cross streams and maybe even spot some wildlife along the way. No prior horseback riding experience is necessary, making this a great activity for the whole family. Be sure to wear appropriate clothing and footwear for a safe and comfortable ride. Visiting Historic Buildings And Museums The Great Smoky Mountains are not only rich in natural beauty but also in cultural history. The park preserves numerous historic buildings, including log cabins, barns, churches, and grist mills, which offer a glimpse into the life of early Appalachian settlers. The Mountain Farm Museum and Mingus Mill near Cherokee and the historic buildings in Cades Cove provide educational and interesting experiences for visitors of all ages. Walking through these historic sites, you’ll feel a connection to the past and gain an appreciation for the early settlers' way of life. These sites are easily accessible and provide a perfect opportunity to learn about the park's history and culture. Wrapping Up The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a place of endless wonder and exploration. From the historic trails of Cades Cove to the breathtaking heights of Clingmans Dome, this park has something for everyone. Whether you're seeking a peaceful retreat in nature or an adventurous exploration of the outdoors, the Smokies offer a unique and unforgettable experience. Remember to respect the park and its inhabitants, preserve its natural beauty, and, most importantly, enjoy the incredible experiences it offers. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is not just a destination; it's an adventure that calls you back time and again. Read Also: 10 Best Things To Do In Prague 10 Best Things To Do In Barcelona (Spain) 10 Best Things To Do In Dublin (Ireland)