The Comeback Of Death Valley National Park Lake? Will It Stay?

BY  Sibashree Mar 22, 2025

Are you aware of Chikmagalur's Coffee? The taste is counted among the richest coffees in the world. You may have tasted the coffee from here. But did you care to visit the most prestigious coffee estate in the country yet?  You’ll be amazed by the hills covered by mist. As you graze past, you will see the lush green plantations.  The contrasts of the green top against the grey rocks will surely amaze you. But the best part is something else. You will come across the rich coffee aroma. It’s always present in the air.  The bottom line is that this characteristic coffee station is a must-visit. There’s a reason why it is called the Distinct Coffee Land of Karnataka.  The Rich Heritage You Can't-Miss The coffee culture started under the British Raj. Now it has flourished beyond leaps. But things were different from the start. The coffee culture was prevalent among the Britishers and a small section of the Indian elites only.  But that has spread now. Subsequently, Chikmagalur's Coffee is now reputed as one of the finest Indian coffee. Meanwhile, the estate has also risen to the helm of fame. When you visit her, you will encounter one of the biggest and finest coffee estates in the country.  Planning a Chikmagalur Tour Plan your Chikmagalur tour today. Begin with a coffee plantation tour. When you come here,, you will meet a plethora of global and domestic tourists who flock here every year. Firstly, you will enjoy the breathtaking scenery around. Next, you will soak yourself in the rich coffee aroma in the surroundings.  From coffee beans to the brewery, you will witness every step with your eyes. At the same time, you will get insights that you make you a coffee pro. So, make your visit to Chikmagalur’s coffee plantations more memorable and insightful! The History of Chikmagalur Coffee Coffee dates back to the 17th century India. Baba Budan, who also goes by the name of  Hazarat Shah Janab Allah Magatabi, paid a Haj visit. He was mesmerized by the strong beverage he had in Yemen. And the stark aroma with a rich taste took a toll on his tastebuds.  Then he decided to take coffee back to his land. That’s how coffee occurred in India.  undertook a pilgrimage to the holy land of Mecca. During his travels, he encountered the rich, aromatic coffee of Yemen and was so impressed by its refreshing qualities that he decided to bring it back to India. The Challenge  Back then, exporting coffee from the Arabian estates was not allowed. But the legend says that he smuggled around 7 beans. He just hid them in his robes.  When he returned in 1670, he paid a visit to the Chikmagalur's Coffee Hills. At first, he didn’t know it would be a coffee plantation paradise. But the rich soil and the soothing weather worked like magic.  Later the surrounding Sufi hills were named Baba Budan Giri, honoring him.  How Did It Spread? Initial coffee’s acceptance was slow. Hence the cultivation was limited too. But coffees started to spread like wildfire when the English came here.  The Europeans were mesmerized. At first, The Dutch made spreading coffee plantations a personal agenda in India. But the real reign of coffee started under the British. Around 1850, coffee plantations became normal in India.  What’s The Status Now? The Chikmagalur's Coffee is now popular across India and abroad too. However there is a sheer economic importance of this beverage as well. At first, the story began with just 7 coffee beans. But it has now grown into a fully fledged industry.  Today, the coffee plantation is a separate tourist attraction. If you ever go by the scenic Chikmagalur's Coffee estate, check out the coffee plantations with awe!  The Art of Coffee-Making Chikmagalur’s coffee plantations are home to two distinct varieties of coffee: Arabica and Robusta. Arabica is known for its delicate flavor and sweet undertones and is in high demand in international markets.  Arabica plants are smaller and thrive at higher altitudes. They require more manual attention and meticulous care. On the other hand, Robusta is more resilient, growing at lower elevations and having a bold, strong taste. Robusta plants are also easier to maintain. While a casual coffee drinker may be unable to distinguish between the two easily, estate owners carefully select their preferred variety based on climate conditions, maintenance needs, and market demand. Both coffee varieties play a crucial role in Chikmagalur’s coffee industry. The journey from coffee cherry to mug is an intricate, labor-intensive process. The steps of coffee-making are as follows: Step 1: Harvesting Skilled coffee pickers handpick only the ripest coffee cherries, ensuring quality and consistency. Step 2: Processing The harvested cherries undergo various processing methods to remove the outer layers and prepare the beans. Step 3: Drying In this stage, the main aim is to dry the coffee. You can use the sun drying method. Most roasteries use it too.  Once there is no moisture in the beans, you can go to the next stage.  Step 4: Roasting Once done, the coffee beans go through the penultimate stage. Each bean goes through careful roasting. But you need to maintain a precise temperature during the process. It helps to infuse the rich gourmet smell and characteristic taste.  This careful process, perfected over generations, is what makes Chikmagalur’s coffee so exceptional. Explore the Coffee Museum For those eager to explore the world of coffee, a visit to the Coffee Museum, also known as the Coffee Yatra Museum in Chikmagalur, is a must. The Coffee Board of India started this museum as a solo initiative. Now this is the main Indian coffee museum that educates visitors about coffee. You can learn about coffee’s journey from scratch here.  Located in Dasarahalli, just a short drive from Chikmagalur’s city center, the museum offers an enriching experience that is ideal for both casual coffee lovers and connoisseurs. Pay A Visit Today! For a truly immersive coffee experience, a stay amid Chikmagalur’s Coffee plantations is ideal. Gateway Chikmagalur provides the perfect luxury stay, offering modern comforts while keeping visitors close to the town’s coffee heritage.  With its proximity to key attractions like the Coffee Museum, it serves as a great base to explore the region’s rich coffee culture, while indulging in a luxurious, nature-infused getaway.

BY  Sibashree Jul 30, 2025

If you are looking for a more flexible and affordable way to enjoy UK holidays, 2025 could be the ideal time to buy a static caravan in Yorkshire.  North Yorkshire is one of the best regions for this kind of purchase. You can pick a locality from coastal views to peaceful countryside, and you will have a variety of amazing caravan parks to choose from. Moreover, Yorkshire offers simple travel access and various attractions for all seasons. If you get a caravan in this locality, you will always be close to a refreshing break with a lot of space to unwind. So, here is your simple guide to buying a static caravan. What to Consider When You Buy A Static Caravan In Yorkshire Buying your first static caravan can feel like a big step. You might worry about costs such as site fees, or you may wonder what exactly is included in the typical static caravan sale.  You may also simply feel unsure where to begin. Moreover, you might ask yourself: “should I choose a coastal location, a quiet countryside setting, or a family-friendly park?” The key is good planning. Look at everything from the initial purchase price to ongoing site fees, insurance, and utility costs. Knowing these details upfront will help you feel confident in your decision.  You should also think about how often you will use the caravan. Static caravan ownership offers many potential benefits: You will have a ready-to-use holiday base whenever you need a break You can avoid booking stress and high-season accommodation rates If you are looking for a place to start, there are various holiday homes for sale in North Yorkshire at locations such as Tocketts Mill Country Park that offer scenic surroundings, well-maintained parkland, and a friendly community feel.  These parks often come with on-site amenities such as cafés, walking routes, and play areas, which will help make each and every stay of yours even more comfortable. Guide To Buying A Static Caravan If this is your first time, here is your guide to buying a static caravan. There are various things that you need to consider while buying a caravan. Here are those mentioned.  1. Pick The Right Park When you are choosing a holiday park, there are certain things that you need to consider as well. Consider your requirements. What are the things that you require? Check how long the park is open throughout the year.  Moreover, check whether you like the locality and whether it is close to your home. There are various holiday parks available; you just have to pick the location according to your preference.  2. Pick The Right Home There are different types of static caravans and lodges available across different holiday parks. However, to pick the right kind of caravan, you have to have a clear idea of how you will use it. Think whether you will be using it as a permanent residence, a holiday home, or for short-term accommodation. Moreover, you have to consider other factors, like the number of residents, the size and layout of the caravan, and storage capacity. 3. Understand The Budget There are various initial costs that you have to consider when you are thinking of a budget. You have to think about the purchase price, the transport and setting up cost, as well as the setup cost. Mostly, you will focus on the purchase price, but you have to take a look at other expenses as well. Moreover, there are other areas where you have to focus on. For example, the utility bills and annual site fees. Maintenance and repairs also cost a lot, One of the major parts of the expense is associated with the annual site fee that you have to pay. This covers a lot of park facilities as well, like entertainment venues and a swimming pool. 4. Check The Running Cost Before you go ahead and buy a static caravan, you need to understand the ongoing cost and whether it will fit your budget. Check if these additional fees are included in the expenses apart from the monthly repayments: Insurance Pitch fees Water and drainage rates Gas and electricity TV and the internet Servicing and maintenance 5. Finalise The Caravan If you are a first-time buyer or a seasoned caravan owner trying out something new, you can even ask for recommendations from other owners before you finalise the house. This is quite helpful, and they will be able to help you guide to buying a static caravan. The caravan community is huge and supportive as well. With so many online groups and forums that maintain statistics, it would be easier to make a decision.  You can join any of these communities, and you will be able to communicate with a lot of owners who have dealt with the same issues for years now. They will help you finalise your caravan. The Journey To Your Holiday Home Your journey to the idea of purchasing a static caravan will probably begin with the idea of escaping to nature or the coast without constantly having to plan. But for that, you will need a guide to buying a static caravan. You can start looking things up on the internet or with friends who have their own caravans. Initially, it might seem like a lot of work, but later on, you will know that it was worth it. When you go through one step at a time, things will become simpler. Eventually, your idea turns into a clear plan. You find the right caravan in the right location and feel ready to take the next step of committing to a purchase.  With all the details in place and your questions answered, buying a static caravan in Yorkshire becomes less of a dream and more of a smart move towards easier and more enjoyable holidays.

BY  Abdul Aziz Oct 5, 2023

Long-haul flights are dreadful. The stark, urbane terminals and the long nights of tiresome, cram-y seating sure work you up just thinking about it. The flights that roll over to the next morning always have some drama up their sleeves. Then came the rescue team from Taiwan- EVA Air, which is currently one of the 10 Skytrax 5-star airlines in the world. Would you believe it if I told you it was little known even up until a few years back? It was founded in 1989. However, I started hearing about this flight in the early 1990s when my extended family would talk about this new carrier with non-stop flights on B747-400 jets. Back then, it sounded like a story from another realm. I would hear them talk about the aroma of delicious noodles when woken up from sleep by a flight attendant as a late-night snack. I also heard of the very non-conforming Sanrio aircraft that were Hello Kitty Jets, decked out completely from the headrests to the meal cutlery. Everything featured the widely adored character. I finally had the chance to board it. Despite all the different things that this airline was revolutionizing, the most exciting part as a young traveler still remained the all-new cabin category between the economy and the EVA Air business class. This change was surprisingly affordable, and I was willing to upgrade for my 14+ hour flight home. Here I am going to share my experience of flying from New York to Taipei. Stay tuned because you are about to find out the hype behind Eva Air flights and a pretty up-close EVA Air Premium Economy review. The Beginning Of EVA Air Premium Economy Image Source: www.evaair.com The press releases from the airline say that AVA Air’s first trans-Pacific debut took place on December 12, 1992. It had four cabins, which was a first at that time. The four cabins included Super First, Super Deluxe, Economy Deluxe, and Economy. With Economy Deluxe, the airline became the first to introduce an improved economy cabin that is the Economy Deluxe. It became a benchmark for the airline as most others took two to three decades to introduce this cabin to their list of offerings. Recently (last summer), KLM debuted its premium economy. The seat prices are reasonable with business class-like perks. My Taipei experience was very endearing to me because of its convenient pair-up of high quality and affordability. The street food, the stationery, and the convenience stores all added to my love for Taipei. The EVA Air flight was a big cherry on top because all of that now comes in an aircraft. Read More: Here’s What I Found Out About Aha Airlines! A New Version 30 Years Later Image Source: www.evaair.com Three decades since its first flight, I booked the Premium Economy class for my way back to Taipei from NYC. The perks of this flight began even before I boarded it. This airline offers free shuttles from 2 Pennsylvania and 5 New Jersey locations toward JFK Airport. Dallas to Houston Airport also offers a free shuttle service. It has successfully removed one of the biggest issues of international travel, which is simply getting to the airport. I took a $20 Uber to the Jersey City stop, which would have otherwise been a $130 Uber ride all the way to the airport. Being a part of the Star Alliance, I was granted access to the lounge with my United Gold status. It allowed me to upgrade my boarding from Zone 4 to Zone 1. As soon as I got into the cabin, it felt luxurious. They used sweet endearments with my name in Mandarin. They helped me settle in my seat and confirmed my meal selection, which I had previously made online. The seats had a 2-4-2 arrangement, and I had managed to secure a front-row seat, which meant no under-seat coverage but plenty of leg space. On my seat, there were slippers, a water bottle, noise-canceling headphones, and a cozy blanket that felt like a cloud. The blanket was quilted on one surface and had faux fur on the opposite side. How It Went An attendant soon came and gave me an overnight bag. It was a Kipling amenity kit consisting of Hudson Made New York products. It had the brand’s trademark monkey keychain with a scene of Taiwan’s Yilan on the bag. My entire EVA Air flight felt like a warm, pamper session with juice, fruits, and snacks while suspended at 30,000 feet mid air. The breakfast was amazing, with Chinese-style scallop congee with egg & Chinese sausage. There was an option for another Western version that comprised smoked turkey accompanied by cheddar cheese. There was also a “leisure delight” meal in between the meals with BBQ chicken-filled brioche roll. The restrooms were clean, and I can say so because I went three times, and it was clean each time. To clarify, I took a private plane recently that got filthy by the last hour of the flight, which was one-third the duration of the EVA Air. When I took the return journey, I wanted to take things further, getting myself the business class name Royal Laurel. It featured 6.5-foot-long lie-flat seats, a retractable armrest, a cocktail table, and a shoe cabinet. This cabin had a 1-2-1 configuration with dated seats compared to other airlines. EVA Air raised the bar, however, with their Rimowa & Salvatore Ferragamo branded care kit and a complementary Jason Wu pajama set. All the passengers ended up wearing it, and I, too, could not resist it. I wore it all the way home. The plaid duvet was so snug and comfy I asked where I could buy one. At one point, I fell asleep and dreamt of those noodles. But it was not my dream… they did bring noodles in between our slumber, and it just completed the experience all around. Wrapping Up Have you flown EVA Air before or recently? What was your experience like? What do you think about the Premium Economy class? If you have thoughts to share or questions to ask, please leave a comment below. We would love to hear from you! Read Also: This Is What I Felt About Aruba Airlines! Fly In Style: Your Ultimate Guide To Lot Polish Airlines Adventures! Journey To The Skies: Exploring The Legacy Of Northwest Airlines!