3 Reasons Why Thailand Is The Ultimate Wellness Destination

BY  Sibashree Jan 19, 2023

Mussoorie is more than a peaceful town for adventure vacations and family trips.  Along with the mountain breeze and the breathtaking mountain slopes, Mussoorie also has one of the most happening gastronomic scenes.  Furthermore, the hill station never shies away from celebrating its cuisine. One such prominent celebration is the Mussoorie Winterline Carnival, which was held from 24th to 29th December in 2025.  Again, Vista, Taj Mussoorie Foothills has won the laurel of the “Best All Day Dining Restaurant in 5-Star Hotel” in the Dehradun Food Award 2026.  While Vista is a proud example of luxury dining in Mussoorie, you will also find many moderate and budget-friendly hotels in Mussoorie.  So, in this article, I will talk about the best restaurants in Mussoorie that help you cherish the local food as well as the cuisine you want. Top Restaurants In Mussoorie | Enjoy Your Food Tour  Mussoorie is the melting pot of traditional Uttarakhand cuisines and eclectic delicacies. So, on the one hand, you will love gorging on Sisunak Saag, Phannu, and Chainsoo.  On the other hand, you will find Tibetan staples like momos and thukpa at the best restaurants in Mussoorie. The restaurants here also serve continental and Chinese food.  Nevertheless, if you want to enjoy good food in a nice ambiance, these are the places you must visit.  1. Kalsang Address: Mall Road, Survey Colony, The Mall Road, Mussoorie Contact Number: 098973 39788 This restaurant is almost certainly on your list of Mussoorie's best non-vegetarian dining options. It is near Mall Road in the center of Mussoorie. The interiors are intricately designed to reflect both the local culture and British heritage. During your visit to Mussoorie, you should try authentic Chinese, Thai, and Tibetan at this restaurant, and the flavors are immensely delicious. Additionally, trying the well-known Tibetan method of combining equal amounts of vegetable broth and noodles with non-vegetarian dishes is the highlight of a meal here. After a delicious meal at one of Mussoorie's best restaurants, it is generally regarded as the ideal way to end the meal.  2. Urban Turban Bistro Address: 1st Floor, Kulri, Opposite Canara Bank, The Mall Road, Mussoorie Contact Number: 084492 84487 One of Mussoorie's best restaurants is Urban Turban Bistro, popular dishes like biryani and the best of north Indian meals are served. It offers superior service and is close to Mall Road. They have been regarded as one of the best non-vegetarian restaurants in Mussoorie for a number of years due to their commitment to halal dishes that are clean. The restaurant's exquisite interior design perfectly combines Indo-British heritage and art that stands out. The dishes are popular because of how well they are made and because they have a lot of local flavors in them. The lighting and interior, in addition to the dishes, are equally impressive. It provides a memorable dining experience for friends and family.  3. The Tavern Restaurant Address: Kulri, Survey Colony, The Mall Road, Mussoorie Contact Number:  0135 263 2829 A small rooftop restaurant near the Central Library, Mall Road is the Tavern Restaurant. One of Mussoorie's best restaurants offers Indo-British cuisine with a local influence. Get away from the main city's bustle and enjoy a rare pleasure. The restaurant's delicious cheese salads, roasted chicken, and desserts are some of the standouts.  Add in the desserts such as fruitcakes, lemon pie, and crepes, which are a real treat after a filling meal. The restaurant's interior is spacious, and the seating arrangements provide sufficient privacy and comfort. Do not forget to book hotels in Mussoorie for a serene getaway near such amazing eateries.  4. Paprika Restro Cafe Address: Chaar Dukaan Road Mussoorie Cantt, Uttarakhand Contact Number: 099686 15353 Numerous travel and food blogs highly recommend Paprika Restro Cafe. It is, without a doubt, one of Mussoorie’s best restaurants. Try their most popular dish, the Grilled Chicken and Pasta, which is regarded as one of Mussoorie’s best non-vegetarian options. On a scorching summer day or a foggy winter morning, you can come here for a quick, cool, and refreshing meal. The lemon mint and ginger mocktail is one of the cafe’s must-have beverages.  You can try a lot of sweets, like macarons, pastries, and fruit cakes. Slab-cut tables, Chinoise chairs, and dim lighting from refurbished lanterns and chandeliers from the 20th century complete the retro design of the interior of the cafe.  5. CharDukan Mussoorie Address: Rajmandi, Landour Although Chardukan is a smaller establishment than the others on the list, it serves authentic snacks that are favorable to the mountains. Staff at Mussoorie Hotels are sure to suggest this place to you.  Beautiful artwork that depicts Mussoorie's culture, heritage, and history line the walls. Due to the constant buzz on social media about upcoming events and shows, it is a popular spot for people of any age to hang out.  It is one of Mussoorie’s best restaurants and has been featured in numerous travel blogs and magazines. Board games like Monopoly, Chess, Jenga, and Scrabble are available at Chardukan. Lastly, Chardukan is one of the best places to spend time with your loved ones, either during sunset or sunrise.  6. Cafe Ivy Address: Devdar Woods Sisters Bazaar, Landour, Mussoorie, Uttarakhand Contact Number: 098717 05679 One of Mussoorie's best Tibetan restaurants, Cafe Ivy in Old Town, has a lot of customers, making it a bustling place to hang out at. It ranks among the best restaurants in Mussoorie and is well-liked by tourists as well as locals. The chefs and service staff place a high value on customer satisfaction.  The vegetable pizza, pasta with pesto, and ravioli are bestsellers that consistently attract customers. In addition, you can enjoy calming beverages like iced tea, fresh juice, cold coffee, and French filter coffee, which makes your meal taste even better.  The decor is easy on the eyes and creates a serene atmosphere, making the experience more relaxing.  7. Doma's Inn Address: Ivy Cottage, Landour, Cantt, Mussoorie, Uttarakhand  Contact Number: 090127 55332 Tibetan cuisine has always been a favorite among travelers. Not only does Doma’s Inn serve mouthwatering Tibetan cuisine, but it also gives each dish its own distinct flavor and experience.  It is known as one of the best Tibetan restaurants in Mussoorie. It serves a wide variety of Chebureki, delicious cheesy momos, and a variety of cocktails and mocktails to suit your tastes. Check hotels in Mussoorie near this restaurant for some heavenly bites.  In Mussoorie, they offer seating overlooking the sea and a dynamic Tibetan cuisine selection. Doma’s Inn is a restaurant you must try if you want to savor the creamy, rich flavors of sausages and perfectly cooked noodles.  The meals are crispy and soft at the same time and provide a hearty finish to your meal. Doma’s Inn is one establishment that offers a variety of refined and authentic dishes when discussing elite Tibetan dining.  8. Cafe Tea Totaler Address: Tibetan Market Gali, The Mall Road, Mussoorie, Uttarakhand Contact Number: 098112 99206 To begin, Chebureki, deep-fried turnovers topped with cheese, will undoubtedly provide a Tibetan meal that is both delicious and satisfying at Cafe Tea Totaler.  You can ask the chefs to add a little brandy to your meal if you want, and the dishes are bursting with the flavor of special cheeses. After a delicious meal at one of Mussoorie's best restaurants, a classic Tibetan sweet dish is just what you need to finish it off.  There are numerous indoor and outdoor activities, including kolam making, hand art decoration, a cycle rickshaw tour of Mussorie’s unique locations, and a heritage walk around the city.  It is widely regarded as the best restaurant in Mussoorie that serves delicious traditional Tibetan cuisine. The dishes were prepared with a lot of care, and the aroma of spicy curry filled the restaurant, adding to the experience.  Try The Best Street Food In Mussoorie | Your Food Tour Cannot Get Better Than This  To know a place and its culture, you must try the local delicacies and street food. Here are some famous street foods in Mussoorie with the places where you can try them.  1. Momo You don’t need an introduction to momos. Momos Tibetan Kitchen Is the best place in Mussoorie to try this Tibetan delicacy.  This outlet is at Mall Road, Mussoorie, and you can call the owner at 0135 263 6789.  2. Kandalee Ka Saag It’s hard to believe that Kandalee Ka Saag can taste so delicious unless you try Kandalee Ka Saag in Mussoorie.  The touch of garlic and butter makes it oh-so delectable.  3. Bal Mithai Bal Mithai, a specialty of the Kumaon region, will instantly win your heart with its caramelized flavor. It has roasted khoya and a coating of sugar balls.  4. Singhori Singhori is a traditional dessert of Uttarakhand. It has reduced milk, flour, and a lot of dry fruits.  Moreover, rich in flavor, it tastes best during the months of winter.  5. Gahat Ki Daal  Best Place To Have: Jheel Restaurant,  Dhobi Ghat, Mussoorie You will also hear people calling this delicacy Kulath ki daal. This is a simple Uttarakhand recipe made of horse gram lentils.  However, the flavors of local spices make it oh-so delectable.  A Trip To Mussoorie With Treebo Hotels  As you think of visiting Mussoorie, know that Treebo hotels are amazing for your stay here. With top-notch amenities and services, Treebo hotels ensure 100% satisfaction for all guests.  ●   Enjoy the complimentary breakfast, Wi-Fi, and other branded Treebo toiletries ●   Experience top-notch hospitality with other classic amenities in more than 800 locations across India ●   Be carefree, as all Treebo hotels follow strict guidelines and policies under the Treebo Hygiene Shield Safety  HOTELS ●   Treebo Trend Winterland ●   Treebo Trend Mayur ●   Treebo Trend Hotel Howard International Best Restaurants In Mussoorie: Enjoying Pahadi Food And The Beauty Of Shivalik Range The hill stations of India celebrate nature in their food, and Mussoorie is not an exception. Like the mountains here that stand silent but create an impact, the beauty of Mussoorie food is that it will make a slow and steady entry to your kitchen.  I still remember having Pahadi Karela at one of the restaurants in Mussoorie, and I loved it so much that I collected the recipe from my homestay owner.  Since then, I make that dish at least twice a month.  This is what the food of Mussoorie does: it comforts and easily fits into your daily life.  So, the next time you are in Mussoorie, don’t just hop to the best restaurants, eat the food at your homestay, make local friends, and visit the local eateries. Read Also: What Is The Best Time To Visit Ladakh? – Travel Guide Which Is The Best Time To Visit Uttarakhand? – Travel Guide Dark Tourism in India Exploring Shadows and Must-Visit Sites

BY  Sibashree Jan 22, 2026

Is Koh Tao safe? Now, this is the question everyone is asking about Koh Tao these days. The reason? This island of stunning beauty has suddenly become the “Death Island.” Since 2014, the news of foreign tourists dying or going missing on the island has been common. But this is not the season that makes Koh Tao famous. Let me share with you a fascinating story about how I felt when I visited Koh Tao for the first time. We really had our toes in the sand, and you have to be here to understand how this island is the crown jewel of the sustainable tourism and green economy initiatives of the Tourism Authority of Thailand. “What adds to Koh Tao’s success is the whole-of-society mindset shift that we have seen over the past few years. We’ve seen an evolution from just trying to raise profits and attract more tourists to creating a more sustainable and environmentally conscious tourism experience that truly makes Koh Tao unique. I am thrilled to see the results of UNDP BIOFIN’s work that has contributed to this change and will continue to support local communities in working towards Thailand’s ambitious climate priorities.” - Renaud Meyer, Resident Representative for the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Thailand. BIOFIN stands for Biodiversity Finance Initiative. It has played an active role in convincing the diving and fishing communities here about the importance of protecting the biodiversity and marine life. Nevertheless, this Turtle Island is gorgeous, and it is also pristine. So, along with celebrated locations such as Raja Ampat in Indonesia, Koh Tao is also emerging as a place to encounter stunning marine life and beautiful reefs. The First Impression At Koh Tao I don’t know whether it is the “Fortune favors the brave” trick or something else. But I visited Koh Tao in July with my girl gang and found a clear sky to our greatest surprise. However, the experience at Mae Haad Pier was not that pleasant. The crowd was endless when we were trying to get off the ferry. The men were bare-skinned, and they were hauling their backpacks. Furthermore, a few Thai men kept asking, “Where are you going?” It was very confusing whether to answer them first or jump off the ferry first! I am an introvert, and suddenly there was too much energy around me. So, it took me a while to get accustomed to the crowd. But after that, it was absolutely okay. Koh Tao Is Growing: And We Saw How The Infrastructure Is Changing Do you know that the first adventure travelers arrived at Koh Tao in 1977? They took the coconut and fish transport boats to reach this island for diving. Since then, infrastructure development on Koh Tao has been significant. The concrete streets are clean. Also, many shops, restaurants, and hotels looked new. Also, the shops' advertising was quite cool, and along with the pharmacies and cafes serving espresso, there were motorbike rental shops. Now, motorbikes are the best way if you want to explore this small town at your own pace. The rental price starts at around 150-200 THB per day. Another great thing was the availability of ATMs. It was such a relief! Moreover, the crowd buzz was just right as it was the rainy season. It was enough to soak in the local culture. However, we always got our spots at the cafes and restaurants. In addition, we were using the TrueMove connection, and the coverage was quite decent throughout the island. Getting Around Koh Tao The island is walkable. Furthermore, moving around was pretty easy with the motorbikes, taxis, and ferris being frequent. Also, Koh Tao is close to the Koh Samui Airport and the Chumphon Airport on the Thai mainland. So, since it does not have its own airport, the initial transit can be challenging.  What Are The Things To Do On Koh Tao?  Scuba diving, hiking, snorkeling, and exploring the beaches are the best things to do on Koh Tao. Here are more details. 1. Scuba Diving You can get your PADI certification, and there are as many as 84 dive schools on the island. “We produce around 100000 PADI certfied divers every year. This is an affordable place and the price you get here is matchless.”  • Kim, Big Blue Diving,  Other diving companies we got to know about there were Roctopus Dive, Goodtime Adventure, and Ban’s Diving Resort. However, diving here has seasonal specialties. For example, January to May is the best time for diving. Having said that, February is the month if you want to enjoy a swim with the whale sharks. 2. Hiking Koh Tao has many beautiful viewpoints, and you can easily hike along any of them. These viewpoints are:  Two View  John Suwan Viewpoint  Chalok Viewpoint  Mango Bay Viewpoint  Koh Nang Yuan Viewpoint  Love @ Khao Tao Viewpoint  We started our day early so we could enjoy the fresh air and complete the walk before it got crowded.  3. Exploring The Koh Tao Beaches We were impressed to witness the initiatives to protect the beaches of the island. Stunning is an understatement for them. Also, for lazy travelers like us, these beaches are the best things about Koh Tao. Now, you will get many beaches with palm trees, white sands, and aqua blue water. However, I have seldom seen beaches being so sincere about the recycling programs and cleanups. We relaxed in our hammocks and allowed the sea breeze to caress our cheeks and hair. Furthermore, among the beaches we visited, Ao Chalok Ban Kao and Sai Daeng were my silent favorites. Those beaches were quiet. Also, as we visited Koh Tao in the monsoon, the more touristy ones, such as Tanote Beach, Sairee Beach, and Ao Luek, were not that crowded. These are usually full during the peak months. Pro Tip The sand is beautiful on Koh Tao beaches. But it is not smooth. So, you will need your flip flops. Chaloke Harbor was an exception. But most beaches have the remains of the bleached coral. So, make sure that you don’t cut your feet.  Moreover, these beaches offer amazing sunrise and sunset views. 4. Nightlife On Koh Tao We were on Koh Tao till around 9 PM, and by then the bars had come to life, and we could hear the rock and pop music they were playing. The quiet vibe of the island is gone after sundown. The groups of divers and young tourists here get busy with tropical cocktails and local beers. Also, the fire dancers were putting up their shows. One more thing I learned from a local pub owner. You can be a part of the Pub Crawl here three times a week. Friday, Wednesday, and Monday are the days. Along with all these activities, you can also try ocean kayaking and rock climbing. Furthermore, snorkeling at Hin Wong Reef is a lot of fun.  How Is Koh Tao Making A Successful Ecotourism Movement  It was fascinating to see how all the people and local businesses of Koh Tao came together to reduce the impact on the environment. With around 500000 visitors here every year, the small island gets a lot of waste. Most wastage comes from the packaging and construction work. Food waste and bathroom waste amounts are also quite high. Now, non-profit organizations such as Trash Hero Koh Tao are working to make the island clean. They encourage the locals and the visitors to get involved in the reef and beach clean-up drives. When you clean the waste with your own hands and see what the plastic bags, bottles, and straws do to the sea and the marine animals, you will never throw them carelessly. Furthermore, the hotels here play a proactive role. We chose Ban’s Diving Resort for our stay, and they have a separate section to make detergents and soaps from organic waste. Also, they compost the fruit scraps and vegetable waste and use the gray water, along with sorting the recyclables. Moreover, the food they serve at their restaurants has vegetables from their organic gardens. Is Koh Tao Safe To Visit?  Back to where I started this article. The recent cases of tourist deaths have been a bad patch for the reputation of Koh Tao. Though it has been years now, it felt weird seeing such a scarce presence of police here. I think I last saw some officers at Mae Haad Pier. Also, it was even more alarming here to know that most officers don’t understand or speak English. However, the local people here and business owners here are so committed to maintaining the sanctity of the place that we did not have any problem during our stay. We were a bunch of women, and we never even felt unsafe. Tips To Follow If You Want To Visit Koh Tao Safely  Are you renting a motorbike? You must click all the scratches on the vehicle, and your rental agency will need a photocopy of your passport.  Furthermore, keep the international driver's permit for motorcycle driving handy and wear your helmet. Moreover, don’t forget to get travel insurance. You cannot stroll at night alone. Be with a group, and even if you are going to the bay alone in the daytime, keep your hotel staff member informed. Be mindful of how much you are drinking. The buckets can seem fun, but they are traps, and sometimes they are drugged. When you are on the speedboats, you have to wear life jackets. It does not matter if you can swim or not. Koh Tao Is Beautiful But A Bit Overhyped  Koh Tao deserves all the accolades for its sustainable tourism initiatives. However, I think it is a bit overhyped if you are not diving. For a diver, it is an excellent place to get the PADI certification and explore the coral reefs. The beaches are good, but not something that you won’t find anywhere in Bangkok or anywhere else. So, it’s a 5/10 kind of experience for me. What’s your take on this? Read Also: What Is The Ultimate Luang Prabang Itinerary Planner For Solo Travelers? What Are The Best Restaurants In Cape Town? What Are The Best São Tomé Eco-Lodges?

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