Set Sail In Style: Discovering The Best Yacht Charter For Your Luxurious Sea Escape

BY  Abdul Aziz Mar 23, 2019

Sikkim borders Bhutan, Nepal, and China and has been viewed to be among the Himalayan Shangri-las. This state was an independent Kingdom till 1975 when India took over it after a period of political unrest and anti-royal riots. Sikkim is not an easily accessible area in India because it is remote and you need permits. However, it is among the most refreshing and energetic destinations in India. The ancient Tibetan Buddhist culture and the mountainous beauty of Sikkim are soothing to the soul. The distance looks short but it will take you several hours to travel through it. Below is a list of some of the best places to visit in Sikkim. 10 Best Places To Visit In Sikkim: 1. Gangtok: Gangtok is the capital of Sikkim that is constructed on a crowdy ridge, 5500 feet above the sea level. When clouds clear, you are able to see all the way to the soaring peaks of Khangchendzonga National Park that was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2016. It is a well-organized and refreshingly clean and most tourists spend several days here to see the sights and make their travel arrangements. It is an excellent base for individuals heading off on treks. 2. Rumtek: Sikkim is a fantastic mediation place and close to two hundred monasteries dote these divine hilltops. Rumtek is the most popular monasteries in West Sikkim near Pelling and Tashiding. The other monasteries that you can visit are the old Sanga-Choeling monastery, Enchey monastery in Gangtok, Karma Kagyu monastery that has two hindered year-old murals in Phodong, North Sikkim. These monasteries hold several festivals especially near Losar in February. In July, Tse Chu features the Buddhist dances at Rumtek. Enchey is the other place that hosts the Charm festival in December and January. 3. Nathu La: Nathu La is three hours on the eastern side of the Chinese border was the main passageway on the Old Silk Route between Tibet and India before being closed in 1962. The border comprises a lone barbed wire fence and you will enjoy the strange thrill of viewing the Chinese soldiers on the other side. The most unfortunate thing is that only Indians are allowed to travel this far and only on Sundays, Saturdays, Thursdays, and Wednesdays. Also, you will have to obtain a special permit through a licensed travel agency in Gangtok. 4. Flora and Fauna Sanctuaries: Sikkim is well known for having astonishing varieties of animals, birds, and even flowers. It has more than 40 species of rhododendron, 450 varieties of orchids, 400 species of butterflies, and 450 species of birds. The Varsey Rhododendron Sanctuary is located in Singalila Range on Sikkim’s south-west corner and is the best place to visit during spring. You will get Maenam Wildlife Sanctuary close to Ravangla on the southern side of Sikkim. The other highlight near Lachung is the Singba Rhododendron Sanctuary. You can have an amazing butterfly, birding, and wildlife tour in Sikkim. 5. Yuksom and the Dzongri Trail: Sikkim is a trekking paradise and the historical Yuksom is a great trekking gateway towards Mount Khangchendzonga. If you are up to the challenge, you can trek to Rathong Glacier and Dzongri peak from Yuksom and even further on to the Goecha Peak. It is Sikkim’s most popular trek. You will pass through the powerful rivers of the Khangchendzonga National Park, magnificent rhododendron gardens, and the unspoiled forests. Spare ten days of trekking from Yuksom to the peak of Goecha and back. Foreigners must have additional permits for this trekking. 6. Yumthang Valley, Lachen, and Lachung: The Yumthang valley and Lachung are located on the northern part of Sikkim from Gangtok and nine thousand feet above the sea level close to the Chinese/Tibetan border. It is a dramatic pristine scenery that dazzles visitors. Lachung was a traditional post between Tibet and Sikkim before the annexation of Tibet to Chinese. Currently, it is the base camp for the famous trekking of the Rhododendron Valley from the Lachen valley to the Yumthang valley. The other attractions that you will find in this region include Yumesamdong or Zero Point, Lachung monastery, and the astonishing Guredongmar high-attitude Lake. It is among the highest lakes in the world with over 17,0000 feet above sea level. 7. Pelling: Pelling is a three to four-hour drive on the western side of Gangtok. It is a charmless tiny town but the best places to visit in Sikkim for the unapparelled viewing of Mount Khangchendzonga at dawn. You can lodge at the Ifseen Villa that has top budget homestays and guesthouses in the Indian Himalayas. In addition to these views, the other main attractions are the monasteries and the ruins of Rabdentse. Previously, it was Sikkim’s royal city from 1670 to 1814 and very little remains of Rabdentse nowadays. 8. Ravangla: Ravangla is along the way from Pelling to Gangtok and is highly notable for the Buddha park that has a 130-foot towering Buddha statue that surrounds the manicured gardens. The Monastic Palchen Choeling Institute is close to Ralong and houses a massive size of golden Buddha. It houses more than 100 monks and you will hear their chanting in the mid-afternoon and early morning. You can also visit a large number of other monasteries in this area. This is the only tea garden in Sikkim and it nests the tranquil Cherry resort amidst it. 9. Namchi: The giant statues are what make Namchi famous. Currently, it has two of them, one Hindu and the other Buddhist. Apparently, the third one is under planning. The Buddhist statue is approximately 140 feet tall and has a commanding position of 7,000 feet above sea level on the Samdrupte Hill. These two statues make Namchi the best places to visit in Sikkim. 10. Teesta River Rafting: The latest adventure activity is Sikkim is Rafting and you will get some world class opportunities at the Teesta River. The main path is Rongpo – Bardang – Sirwani – Makha. There is an interspersing of grade 2 to 4 with several white sandy beaches for camping at night. High gorges and cliffs, together with the strewn-boulder river beds increase the thrill. The Rangeet River has more turbulent waters that provide advanced rafting opportunities. The best time to rate in Sikkim ranges from October to December and March to May. Read Also: 6 Best Family Holiday Destinations in India 10 best places to visit in Argentina Top 10 Places to Visit in Singapore Discovering The 11 Most Beautiful Places Of Adventure In The World

BY  Ankita Mar 26, 2024

Famous for the Guggenheim Museum of Modern Art and for being the center of the semiautonomous Basque country, Bilbao is a major cultural hub and one of the most underrated cities in Spain to explore. Along with fascinating Basque culture, including its unique language, you’ll encounter excellent art galleries, Europe’s largest covered market, unique food, and a revitalized urban core that has received the prestigious Lee Kuan Yew World City Prize. Also called the Nobel Prize for Urbanism, it was awarded for the urban transformation this former manufacturing city has been able to achieve. All of these factors make Bilbao a fantastic city to explore. But that’s not all it has to offer. Even from the redeveloped heart of Bilbao, you can see the fertile green mountains that are characteristic of the Basque country. And with the wild beauty of the Atlantic Ocean just a short drive away, Bilbao makes a fantastic gateway to explore more of the countryside of northern Spain. Far from the arid landscapes of the south of the country, Bilbao sits in a region of high mountains, dense forests, and regular rain sweeping in from the sea. And if you want to explore this natural environment further, you’re in luck. Leave your heavy bags behind at a luggage storage facility in Bilbao and check out some of these great natural escapes for yourself. Along the way, you’ll gain a new appreciation for the natural beauty of the Basque country. Elorritxueta / Vivero   If your time in Bilbao is limited or you just don’t want to stray too far from the city, this hilltop park is a great place to get away from it all without having to go on a long journey. Located just outside central Bilbao itself, this wooded park offers incredible views over the city and the surrounding mountains, and the picnic tables and barbecue facilities make it the ideal place for a picnic. You’ll also find plenty of walking trails both in and around this park that can lead you to other points of interest in the region. For example, there’s an old bunker and system of tunnels dating back to the Spanish Civil War just a short walk away from the park and a scenic spot that provides one of the very best views of Bilbao from above at Ganguren Mendiaren Gailurra. Easy to reach from the city itself with a drive of less than half an hour, this is a popular spot with locals that is not well-known to travelers but provides a great natural escape close to the city. Atxabiribil Beach Bilbao isn’t technically coastal itself, but it’s not at all far from the wild Atlantic, and in the summer, the beautiful beaches overlooking the Bay of Biscay become some of the most popular places in the area to hang out and enjoy nature. This beach nicknamed the Wild One for its unspoiled scenery, is a beautiful example. Huge waves roll in from the ocean, and it’s rumored that this was the first place anyone ever surfed in the Basque country. That’s a tradition that’s kept alive today, with surfers traveling here from across Spain to enjoy some of the best waves anywhere in the country. Reachable via Bilbao’s Metro system, this isn’t a place where you can expect to have the sand all to yourself, especially on a sunny day in summer. It’s also one of the most accessible beaches in the area, making it popular with families with kids. Still, if you want a beautiful beach that’s easy to reach and big enough that you can usually find some space even on the hottest day, this is a great option. Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve Just a little to the east of Bilbao, this sprawling nature reserve is the perfect place to get away from it all. Covering 22,000 hectares surrounding a coastal estuary, this park offers dense forests, towering cliffs, and secluded beaches that feel like the middle of nowhere. The park is perhaps best known for its marshlands, which provide a crucially important habitat for shorebirds and other wildlife in this ocean area. That makes this a fantastic place for birdwatching. You’ll also find tons of hiking trails in the area leading you to spectacular views over the sea. If you want to get away from it all in the Basque country, there aren’t many better places to come than this. Faro Del Caballo For a stunning encounter with the rugged coast of the Bay of Biscay, head to this lighthouse outside Bilbao. An hour’s drive from the city, the astonishing views of the bright blue ocean and the frowning cliffs above it make it worth a special trip. The lighthouse itself isn’t all that impressive, but with the surroundings, it doesn’t need to be. There is a long coastal trail that will take you up over the cliffs and reward you with exceptional views, and there are even places where you can jump into the water from the cliffs to cool off on a hot summer’s day. Gorbeia Natural Park Around an hour’s drive from the city, this natural park protects Gorbeia, the highest peak in the area and a mountain of deep significance to Basque people. Rising to 1482 meters above sea level, the mountain provides unrivaled views over the Basque country and beyond. It’s also a popular place for hiking and climbing, with a variety of trails offering everything from an easy stroll to a challenging multi-day adventure. Don’t miss the beautiful Gujuli waterfall, and if you have the stamina for it, attempt the mountain peak. Undoubtedly one of the most beautiful natural areas in the area, this is a place any outdoor lover will cherish. Enjoy Basque Country Along with its artistic and cultural treasures, Bilbao is blessed with some truly exceptional scenery. Leave your bags behind and allow yourself to explore this rich natural environment on your next trip to northern Spain. Read Also: Feast Your Way Through Europe: Best Tour Packages For Foodies 3 Of The Best European Holiday Destinations For Wintertime How To Prepare An Enjoyable Bus Tour In Europe

BY  Abdul Aziz Feb 28, 2021

A wedding is a big decision, but decisions related to the wedding are even bigger. Finding a location for a wedding venue is even more difficult, there is no lack of options for wedding venus, but deciding which one would be correct or in the budget is the main issue. The romantic destination wedding location options are multiple but choosing the right place is a little bit tricky. When you decide on the wedding venues, a couple of questions such as whether the wedding venue must a destination or should it be at the hometown, outside in open area or in the indoors, mountain view or beach view, after all, it is the wedding location which makes the wedding day feel special and look glamorous.  Choosing the correct place for your wedding reception and all other events is very necessary. We know all bride and groom have thousands of locations regarding choosing the best location for their wedding and related to the wedding venue. The day of the wedding is the day the big day for all Indian families and brides.  Indian wedding has always been famous, the term “big fat Indian wedding” arises from the concept of the Indians spending all their life long hard-earned money on a wedding. Read the post below to find the best places in India to ties your knot with your beloved. Luxurious Wedding Venue City Palace  Indian weddings are known for glamour, richness, decor, and rituals. The City Palace in Rajasthan is one of the best destination wedding locations. This luxurious royal palace gives you a combination of all the factors of an Indian wedding. The most luxurious wedding is held in the City Palace in Rajasthan.  The Mewar Royal family still resides in the City palace while the rest of the palace is led out for destination marriages. There are many Venues in the City Palace and you can choose any of the venues based on your budget.  The Venues are Jagmandir Island Palace, Manek Chowk, Zana Mahal, Mor Chowk.  Jagmandir Island Palace is one of the most premium choices and most chosen for a destination wedding. Many celebrities have married in this venue, this palace is situated on an island. It is one of the most admired wedding locations and it accommodates 5000 guests at a time.   Manek Chowk in City Palace Here, the wedding is held in typical Mughal Style and is encouraged by a lot of high-class, high-level Indians. The lavishness of the Manek Chowk has always caught the attention of the newspapers and the breaking news.  The Mewar royal families still dwell in this palace, and it is famous for the illumination all over the palace. It can accommodate up to 1000 guests in the most luxurious ways. Zana Mahal in City Palace The mahal is famous for its candlelight decoration. This feel and the ambiance of extreme fulfillment are relinquished by the floral decoration and the central fountain. Rajasthan is the city of the Palace, and this feature is making the pink city the best destination for a wedding.  The setting and the backdrop of the Zana palace are magical, and it marks the beauty of the pious knot to be made. The Zana Mahal is known as the Queen’s Palace, and it accommodates up to 500 guests at a time. Mor Chowk in City Palace This section of the City Palace is best for any homely or intimate Indian wedding. It offers a mesmerizing tunnel entry and is also referred to as a peacock courtyard, where it is said that often peacock is seen. When you are searching for the best destination weddings, then the City Palace’s name comes first. City palace itself has multiple areas suitable for big weddings. This is an exquisite location for any small family's luxurious wedding. It caters to up to 50 guests in the Mor Chowk, very comfortably. Budget in City Palace in City Palace In City Palace, you need not worry about the decoration because it will be included in the budget placed for any of the venues. But never the less if you want to hire decorators from outside, you may. City Palace charges 6,00,000 - 15,00,000 for the day of wedding while for events before and after it charges 2,00,000 to 4,00,000.  Serene Wedding Venue Rambagh Palace The hot burning sand of Rajasthan also offers you some most exquisite romance-drenched locations. The erstwhile, luxurious location of the rajas and maharajas of India also cater to the romantic starry night dream of any couple. The palace caters to the big and small functions of the city people as well as pan India. Couples from all over the world, come to this location to get married and make some beautiful moments here.  The Rambagh Palace has 79 rooms all together which serves all fat Indian weddings. All 79 rooms are catered under several venues in the Rambagh Palace. There are 10 venues in the exotic palace and they are named as the following,  Sunken lawn, Kesarbagh, Mughal Terrace, Jaigarh Hall, Mughal Terrace, Naksha Garden, Mubarak Mahal, Naksha Garden, Oriental Terrace, Panghat Lawn, Oriental Garden, Mughal Garden. Budget in Rambagh Palace The Rambagh Palace is much costlier than many other wedding locations in India. The budget in Rambagh Palace is much higher as it varies from 9,00,000 - 3 Crore. Decoration of the Rambagh Palace or the wedding venues is by the regular vendors of Rambagh Palace.  When you are planning for big weddings and destination wedding ideas, Rambagh Palace is the perfect place where you are getting all the modern amenities and decorations in the beautiful royal atmosphere. Romantic Wedding Venue Umaid Bhawan It is the 6th largest private residence in the world, this is the magnificent fort situated in Rajasthan, India. This is the Palace of Maharaj Umaid Singh and was built by his grandson. Umaid Bhawan is still the residence of the royal families and their descendants.  Nothing could be more majestic than this palace for a romantic wedding venue in India. The architecture of this palace is a mixture of eastern and western traditions, the finest and exquisite decor is found here. The Umaid Bhavan has six most beautiful wedding destinations for tying knots. Bricks of each of the venues speak the language of Rajasthan culture and tradition.  There are 3 indoor venues in Umaid Bhavan and 3 outdoor wedding venues.  Marwar Hall in Umaid Bhawan  It is said that the rajas and the maharajas used to host their private events in this section of the Umaid Bhawan. This is one of the indoor wedding venues in Umaid Bhawan. Now, the extravagant Marwar Hall of the Umaid Bhawan is open for all romantic weddings in India and it caters to mouth-watering Rajasthani and Continental buffet.  This banquet accommodates almost 100-180 guests in the indoor wedding section with all probable facilities. The modern decorations are making this one of the best destinations for weddings. Rathore Hall in Umaid Bhawan This place by looks has almost the same interior and decor as the Marwar Hall. Except for the fact that it is typically an old school with some Italian chandelier making the environment perfectly romantic.  The Rathore Hall accommodates almost the same amount of guests which ranges from 100-180 guests in the palace.  Chambers of Princes in Umaid Bhawan This is the comparatively indoor smaller wedding venue in the Umaid Bhawan, which accommodates 40 people in this section. Baradari Lawns in Umaid Bhawan This is one of the outdoor locations in the Umaid Bhawan Palace. This location is right in front of the palace with the palace in the backdrop so that it gives the perfect feel of royalty. This is the largest outdoor wedding venue that accommodates 750 guests at a time. Lancer Lawn in Umaid Bhawan This lawn in Umaid Bhawan also arranges equal royalty and facility for the wedding and the guests at the wedding. This romantic location holds up to 350 guests here and the decor and the ambiance is perfectly amazing. Also, the royal wedding locations mean all the richness comes together in one single royal palace. Museum Courtyard in Umaid Bhawan This is also known as the Fountain Courtyard and is best for morning weddings. It accommodates up to 75 guests here in the outdoor wedding venue with all major royalty.  Budget in Umaid Bhawan While Umaid Bhawan is one of the most exquisite and luxurious palaces in the entire country, the room changes start from 50,000- 80,000.  While you can definitely customize your package, negotiate with your decor and wedding planners. Mostly Umaid Bhawan has its own personal decor vendor unless you want to hire from outside.  Umaid Bhawan perfectly portrays the richness and the culture and tradition of Rajasthan all together.  Wrapping Up! While concluding we would also like to tell you that there are two more beautiful wedding locations or palaces that can be chosen for the same purpose.  They are the Jai Mahal Palace, and the Taj Lake Palace, which are glorious. Make your big day very special by choosing the correct marriage location. If you liked our post then comment below and let us know if we can help you with some more details.  There are many exotic wedding locations scattered all over the world. Right from the dreamy castles in France to scenic desert weddings in Dubai, it all depends on your personal preferences. In the past few years, many exotic are being planned because of the great service being offered by the different vendors. If you want to fly in exotic tulips from Amsterdam, you can always get flower delivery Dubai to get it done for you without any hassles. Read Also: The Most Unique Wedding Venues In The UK Top 5 Unique Things To Do In Udaipur 7 Key Points Remember While Planning Your Honeymoon Trip