Tag: vacation

The best beaches in the Southwest

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When the sun is shining and the air is still and warm, where do you dream of being? Me, well I dream of being at a beautiful beach, soaking in the sun on the sand, getting that sun kissed tan that so many people crave to have then cooling off in the ocean. Fishermen may dream of casting a line and getting a personal best catch off the beach, a mighty big pink snapper or several whiting perhaps. When the conditions are right surfers may want to rush off from their daily grind and catch a few waves or perhaps you’re not interested in getting wet and simply just want to enjoy the views and hope to catch a glimpse of some marine life thriving and living wild and free.

No matter what your hopes and anticipations are, here in Australia’s Southwest you will find there is more than 1000km of awe-inspiring coastline with a significant number of bays and beaches that will help you make your beach dreams come true. Here’s my list of some of the best beaches in the Southwest.

Fishery Beach, Orcas Bremer Bay

This one is for the wildlife enthusiasts, have you ever heard about the Bremer Bay Killer Whales? Let me tell you a bit about them. Killer Whales otherwise known as Orca congregate 20 nautical miles offshore from Bremer Bay. You can join a tour from January – April with Naturaliste Charters who are the founders of what is called the Bremer Canyon Killer Whale (Orca) Expeditions. The expeditions are 8 hours long and depart from the Bremer Bay Boat Harbour, which is located at Fishery Beach, Bremer Bay. Not only is Fishery Beach a good location to join a tour but you can find some people fishing off the wharf and swimming in the beach. Fishery Beach is a 10–15-minute drive from the Bremer Bay town centre.

Busselton Foreshore, Busselton

Busselton Foreshore is an amazing hub for all, it is just a small stroll from the Busselton town centre and is home to Busselton’s newest brewery Shelter Brewing Co. The foreshore also hosts a great restaurant The Equinox, or if you are after some fish and chips to enjoy on a picnic table or one of the many great grassed areas then the Beach Shack also has a great menu. However amazing eats is not what this place is known for, it is the view of the world-famous Busselton Jetty, the white sand, turquoise water and a swimming zone with shark nets in place that helps make this place as phenomenal as it is. You will find families enjoying the chill atmosphere down on the foreshore, as well as professional athletes training, it is a destination for all and worth the visit.

Elephant Rocks and Green Pools

Elephant rocks and Green Pools are located within a few hundred metres of each other down on the Denmark coast. Elephant rocks are just like the name suggests, it’s a cove full of rocks that look just like elephants! Not only can you enjoy the view from above, but you can also make your way down the staircase into the cove itself, here you will find a nice stretch of sand to lay your towel out and head into the water for a refreshing swim!

Once you have finished admiring the Elephant rocks it’s time to make your way over to Green Pools which is just a ten-minute walk away. Green Pools is a must-see destination and is one of Western Australia’s most iconic beaches. It is famous for its turquoise green water, white sand and the large granite boulders that surround it. These boulders are ideal, it protects the bay from some of the harsh conditions that the Southern Ocean can provide making it an enjoyable destination for swimming for everyone including families. There are many varieties of fish here at Green pools including zebrafish, leather jackets and sea stars making it an ideal location for snorkelling. Both Elephant Rocks and Green Pools are easy to access, you only need a 2wd.

Hamelin Bay – Margaret River Region

Ok so Hamelin Bay ticks a few boxes, wildlife, fishing and swimming. Hamelin Bay has become quite famous for…. Sting Rays! Something you wouldn’t quite expect but it is a spectacle to experience at least once in your life. During the summer months when the Indian Ocean is calm, the seaweed has been cleared and you can expect to find many Sting Rays close to shore, generally between 9-10 in the morning, or later in the afternoon as the fishing boats arrive back in. The Hamelin Bay Sting Rays have a reputation of being friendly and curious and it is nice to be able to get a closer look at them by heading in the water, but it is always best to proceed with caution and please remember they are a protected species so please treat them with respect.

Some great fishing can be had in Hamelin Bay, you can either head out on your boat or cast a line from the shore. When fishing from shore the usual catch normally consists of herring, whiting and skippy, when fishing from your boat a bit further offshore you may be able to land yourself a dhu fish, pink snapper, queen snapper, kingfish and more! Just be sure to check out the local fishing regulations and don’t take more than your legal limit.

Which slice of paradise will you choose?

Australia’s Southwest is the region to visit for your dreamy beach day and how amazing that unless you are joining a tour you can experience all these slices of paradise for FREE! Whether you are in Bremer Bay Whale Watching, looking at Sting Rays with amazement, making out shapes of elephants out of rocks, or enjoying a locally brewed beer on the Busselton Foreshore just be sure to indulge in the fact that you are at one of the best beaches in the mesmerising Southwest.

How to get from Cancun to Playa del Carmen and Tulum

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Cancun, Playa del Carmen and Tulum are among the most important destinations in the coastal strip of the Mexican Caribbean, in the stretch known as the Riviera Maya.

The flow of people that move daily between Playa del Carmen and Cancun is considerable, so there are easier ways to move between these two cities. All transportation stops at Puerto Morelos, which is halfway between the two cities. Tulum, further south, has easy connections to the other destinations.

There are several ways to move comfortably between these cities, and some details when traveling through the huge amount of places that there are in the Riviera Maya, not only there are people with intentions to visit the places, there are also workers from the different hotels, people who serve for entertainment, and can crowd the public transport at certain times and seasons, so you must be careful when choosing the right transport.

Private transportation

One of the favorite options for businessmen and business travelers is private transportation, and not only for the comfort and luxury, but also for time reasons, because when you arrive in Cancun you will want to make the most of your stay and there is no better way to do it than avoiding spending unnecessary time in transportation services, instead of taking it to visit and know new places. One of the easiest ways to travel is to book your transportation from Cancun airport to Playa del Carmen, it is the best way to enjoy yourself and have plenty of time to live each of the experiences.

Rent a car and tour the Riviera Maya.

Another great option that expert travelers in Cancun use is to rent a car for more than two weeks. There are companies like City Car Rental, which besides providing you with car rental Cancun services include juicy promotions in bars, clubs, theme parks and restaurants, which are super famous worldwide and you will save many dollars. Travelers who have already booked with this company usually rent from one week to get better promotions.

Something very important is that it is very easy to travel all over the Riviera Maya in a car, and my recommendation immediately use a car rental at you arrival and travel happily and comfortably.

We are very sure that you will enjoy traveling around the Riviera, Tulum and Playa del Carmen have everything you need to fall in love with them, don’t forget to visit the Tulum ruins, have a diving session in Playa del Carmen and party in Cancun

Royal Holiday Vacation Club Membership – Have Your Dream Vacations At The Best Mexican Resorts

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If you are planning a trip to Mexico, holding a Royal Holiday Vacation Club membership will make everything super-easy and fun for you. The club is an elite traveling association that has over 100,000 members and vacationing discounts and options in over 52 countries. The club has been in service for more than three decades and has opportunities to stay in resorts and travel touring cities in more than 180 different touring places around the world.

Why Use the Royal Holiday Vacation Club to Book Resort in Mexico?

A vacation in Mexico is an enthralling experience. It will allow the visitors to swim at the beaches, go on cruises, spend the night partying, and of course, taste the delicious Mexican cuisines. If all that is not enough, the region is a lively community that’ll offer you a chance to enjoy the local festivals and celebrations. A trip to Mexico with your family, friends, or by yourself will give you the time of your life. You will have a phenomenal holiday experience.

Staying at a top-notch resort in Mexico that is safe, comfortable, and offers you lots of activities is also one of the traveler’s primary concerns. You may be considering a family vacation or perhaps want to take spring break to Mexico. Having the professional support of the elite club like the Royal Holiday Vacation Club allows you to go to one of the all-inclusive resorts that the club will recommend. Not only the club has working arrangements with the top resorts in Mexico, but the club also ensures that all resorts are safe, family-friendly, and offer many attractions to the guests. Of course, being a club member makes you eligible for discounts at your resort stay.

The all-inclusive resort search can be stressful, and with the Royal Vacation Club services, you do not have to worry about the planning or any guesswork on the charges of accommodation. Every detail will be upfront, so you know exactly how much you are spending and the savings you are making as a Royal Vacation Club member.

The Royal Holiday Mexico Resorts Experience

There is a whole lot to do when the members book one of the resorts that come with the recommendation of the Royal Holiday Vacation Club. The club ensures reasonably priced resorts all over the region are open to greet the club members with some fantastic accommodation options. Retreats are available at the beachfront, giving the vacationer ideal scenic settings and environment of the beach.  The resorts are all-inclusive, providing the vacationers with luxurious accommodation, fine dining, drinks, entertainment, sports activities, and different recreational opportunities. The resorts have authenticated Mexican designs, and several programs to keep the guests busy during their trip.

The Royal Holiday Luxury Mexican Resorts

The club offers all resorts accommodation to its members. Those who are looking for the most luxurious services will also find the clubs have good options for their members. For elite travelers, the members can stay in luxurious resorts having more than 100 suites, beautiful spas, and resorts also have their private beach club exclusive for the guests of the resort. You will find many indoor pools, delicious culinary delights, some restaurants and buffet services, and the bars serving the best cocktails and wine. Some of these resorts will give you rooms overlooking the mountains and coastlines.

A stay in these resorts will allow you to fully enjoy, relax, and enjoy a host of activities when you’re back from your trip of exploring the region.

For Membership and other Details:

Royal Holiday Vacation Club

(81) 5980-1140

Reasons Why You Should Plan Your Next Holidays to Puglia

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With a delightful mixture of sightseeing and exciting activities, there are a lot of good reasons for planning your holidays to Puglia.

Puglia – the southern region of Italy has everything you think about the great nation. To start with, it is the sun-bleached heel of Italy’s boot, adorned by the turquoise blue water, sandy beaches and miles of wild coastlines of the Adriatic Sea. The cities are filled with chic bars and cozy eateries, while the countryside produces the ingredients- the olives, the cheese, the wines! People carved houses out of stones in the ancient times, and the architects built the extravagant churches and synagogues. It has seen countless number of conquerors, but also lovingly known as the ‘Florence of the South’.

Therefore, holidays to Puglia is a popular phenomenon. Be it a trip to bond with the special someone, or an occasion to spend with the family; Puglia is the destination for your perfect Italian holiday. Find out the reasons why!

Sandy Beaches

As a region surrounded by the sea, the silky sand beaches are an obvious attraction. The 4km stretch of Torre Lapillo formed an arc between two 16th century watchtower, making it ideal for families. Whereas, Pescoluse – the southernmost point is known as the Maldives of Puglia. The Baia dei Turchi is wild, for its lines of pine trees. Anyways, Puglia is not only about sunbathing. In July every year, the town Polignano al Mare hosts some of the world’s most-skilled divers. Spots like San Gregorio, Grotta della Poesia also offers some nice cliff jumping opportunities. For adventure seekers, there is also the opportunity of scuba diving at Otranto ad Torre Lapillo.

Sneak-a-peek to the Past

Puglia showcases some of the most exquisite ways of living of our predecessors. The Town Matera houses a complex of cave dwelling carved into the mountains during the ancient period. Grotte di Castellana goes back some 90 million years, and is now the most famous caverns in the region. The baroque splendor of Lecce, the 13th century castle ‘Castel del Monte’, the Scolanova Synagogue and other Jewish heritage in Trani, etc. are just a few examples of Puglia’s rich architectural heritage. The Trulli homes of Valle d’Itria sheds a bright light on its traditional ways of living in the countryside, with their fairy-tale like whitewashed stone and cone-shapes roofs. Many of Puglia’s archaeological sites have been recognized by the UNESCO World Heritage committee, and provides a charming sneak-a-peek to the past.

Great Tasting Foods

The highly-regarded Italian culinary arts extend to the Puglia region, albeit, with a twist of local delicacies. Great tasting obvious items like seafood and pastas can be found everywhere. However, it’s their heritage of local cuisines that got declared as an expression of a unique culture by UNESCO. ‘Fave e Cicoria’, ‘Caciocavallo’ cheese from Martina Franca, Biscotto di Ceglie, etc. are some of its local cuisines. The region is also famous for producing extra virgin olive oils, and its locally produced wines.

Travel-friendly Environment

For its popularity, Puglia is well-equipped to deal with a strong surge of tourists every year. There are a lot of great hotels and resorts, some of which are restored medieval farmhouse, or centuries old warehouses. There are also a lot private tour and public tour packages offered all across the year. From a day-long guided walking tour to a long safari across the region – you are sure to find a package suitable for your need. You can also choose to tailor-made your itineraries with the help of a guide.

Why You Should Consider Visiting Liverpool

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The English town of Liverpool is one of the United Kingdom’s best locations for international travellers for several reasons. This port city is known for its rich musical heritage and in the last decade has transformed into a world class destination for tourist attractions.

Find out why you should visit this incredible city with the following top highlights of what Liverpool has to offer.

World Class Shopping

For all you shopaholics out there, you’re going to love Liverpool! The city has a little bit of everything from the biggest brands to independent outlets. The best place to shop in Liverpool is without doubt the Liverpool One shopping complex. Your stores here include Victoria’s Secret, Zara, The Fragrance Shop and the LEGO Store. There are over 35 restaurants and bars for you to grab some refreshments as well as an ODEON cinema. Liverpool One is right by the waterfront and the complex’s Chavasse Park is a gorgeous location for soaking up the sun.

A Famous Musical Heritage

When people from across the world hear the word Liverpool, The Beatles are typically one of the first names to pop in their head. The band’s early history is well known and many landmarks across the city are featured in their iconic records. The Fab Four no doubt inspired Liverpool’s emergence as a musical hotspot, but they aren’t the only famous scousers to make a name for themselves. Other musical acts from the city include The La’s, Frankie Goes To Hollywood, The Zutons and Echo & the Bunnymen.

The Stunning Sights You Can Find in Liverpool

Liverpool is an incredible destination when it comes to catching stunning views and enjoying entertaining activities. The famous Liverpool Waterfront is always bustling with life and the Royal Albert Dock Liverpool should be on every visitor’s must-see list. The Radio City Tower and Anglican Cathedral offer tours which provide incredible views overlooking the city. As for parks, there’s a fantastic selection scattered throughout the city. If you want to catch the best sights of the city while on the go, you may wish to hop on board the City Explorer and LFC City Explorer tour buses.

Choose Accommodation to Suit You

With so much to see and do in Liverpool we recommend staying over for a few nights so that you have enough time to fit everything into your itinerary. Your choices are endless when it comes to choosing accommodation and the options offer an experience in their own right. No matter your preference or budget, you will find something to suit your requirements.

One of the most luxurious hotels in Liverpool is The Richmond Apart Hotel. This apart hotel has a range of luxury rooms and apartments to make your stay a comfortable one. There is even an on-site restaurant where you can dine in style. The Richmond Hotel is based in the heart of the city centre, so you don’t have to worry about travelling far to the best attractions. If you are looking for a budget option, the Sleep Eat Love Hostel is something worth considering. This luxury hostel provides a unique hostel experience which combines sleep, eat and love as one package. If you fancy staying outside of the city, look no further than the beautiful town of Chester. The Chester Townhouse Hotel is a fantastic option where you will receive the best benefits of a boutique hotel.

5 Water Activities to Enjoy in Croatia

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Croatia is blessed with a 2000 km coastline and an incredible 1,246 islands and islets. On top of that, you have some gorgeous lakes and rivers running through the country including the incredible Plitvice Lakes which are some of the most spectacular in the world.

As you can imagine there is no shortage of water activities to do here!

The Beaches are pristine and waters are clear, this country is an absolute dream for water babies!

So let’s take a look at the coolest Water Activities you can enjoy in Croatia.

White-Water Rafting

Adrenaline Junkies will appreciate navigating their way through the rivers, rapids, and canyons in Croatia. Travelers can experience white water rafting throughout the country all the way from Karlovac in the north of the country go down to the south in Dalmatia. Perhaps the most impressive rafting site though is at the River Una.

River Una borders Bosnia & Herzegovina and a White Water Rafting trip certainly makes a cool way to explore another country! There are a number of different routes you can take but while the course is challenging perhaps the most beautiful option is the route that leads from Strbacki Buk Waterfalls to Lahovo passing all the way through The Una National park.

Sailing

Find the perfect sailing holiday in Croatia! This country is indeed one of the best and most popular sailing destinations in Europe! With so many gorgeous islands to explore the country itself is perhaps best explored on a sailing boat. The Southern Dalmatian Islands are the countries hot spot for sailing where you can start off by exploring the Magnificent Unesco World Heritage site, the entire old city of Dubrovnik. Dubrovnik’s old town breaks out into the sea and is encircled by enormous stone walls. It is truly a man-made masterpiece as are some of the beautiful orange roofed buildings and churches inside. From Dubrovnik, many people set off on their voyage where popular stops include the likes of Hvar Island a gorgeous high-end party town, the relaxed & foresty Plakeni islands, and the idyllic Kornati islands.

Sea Kayaking

At the most popular beaches in Croatia is very easy to rent a Kayak and head off on your own to explore. This is also a great way to escape the crowds and find your own little coves and beaches which you can enjoy all to yourself!

Diving

Those who like to dive will not be disappointed by what Croatia has to offer. There is no shortage of dives sites in the Adriatic Sea. Divers can enjoy warm summer waters, impressive marine life, and some interesting Wreck Dives. Prices for PADI courses are reasonably priced at around €300 for 5 dives over a two-day course and intro dives are also an option.

Snorkeling

Those who aren’t keen on diving can still enjoy the impressive marine life that Croatia has to offer. Mljet and Korcula islands are both well-respected snorkeling spots that can also be enjoyed as part of a sailing trip. Those visiting Dubrovnik can head to nearby beach dance which features clear waters and an abundance of sea life.

5 Best Places to Travel in November 2018

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There are plenty of reasons to travel in the month of November- cool and pleasant weather, joys of festivities and events, an ideal condition for beach hopping and hiking, and many more. Someone said, “November is the month to remind us to be thankful for the many positive things happening in our life.” And, the best way to fill November with unlimited positivity is to travel to some of the most beautiful lands on earth. So, when the month of November is about to transform the world into a snowy wonderland, it’s time to check the best vacation planner and explore new horizons! So, here’s the list of 5 best places to travel in November 2018 for you!

Cuba

Cuba tops the list of best places to visit in November 2018. From the sultry streets of Havana to the glittering beaches of Playa Ancon, the Cuban landscapes look straight out of a picture postcard in the month of November. November is comparatively a calmer month in Cuba. Whether you want to walk through the Spanish colonial buildings of Cuba, learn the history of legendary Cuban cigars, or attend the musical cabaret shows at Tropicana, create a Cuba itinerary with TripHobo and explore its scenic beauty.

Australia

September to November is the spring season in Australia. The weather is pleasant, wildflowers bloom, and the Australian landscapes transform into a paradise. This will be the best time to wander through the harbor city of Sidney, jump off the Great Barrier Reef, or enjoy a gorgeous ride on the Great Ocean Road. The sun-kissed beaches of the Gold Coast are the best destinations for your Australian vacations in November. In addition to this, it is also a good time to explore the gardens of Canberra and party in Melbourne.

Patagonia

Patagonia might be a secret gem for many, but the natural beauty of this South American region is incomparable. With Andes Mountains at the border, the region of Patagonia is shared by both Argentina and Chile. The month of November witnesses large colorful blooms in Patagonia, hence making it one of the best destinations in the world for November. While on the Argentine side, you will find desert and grassland, the Chile side of Patagonia features rainforests, glaciers, and majestic fjords.

India

November marks the time of festivities in India. This is when Diwali- the festival of light is celebrated throughout the country. Therefore, this is when you can experience the cultural wealth of India most joyfully. Besides, the clear skies and cooler winds over the Indian terrain make sure that you are comfortable wherever you go. Whether you are partying in Goa, cheering over a wine on the romantic Mussoorie evening, or staying on a houseboat in Kerala, you will find everything blissful and beautiful in India.

Morocco

Morocco, the North African country with a Mediterranean atmosphere is another wonderful place to visit in November. Morocco is the fifth largest Arabian country with a great diversity. The temperature in Morocco fairly drops to make the weather wet and mild. This is a perfect time for activities like hiking along the Atlantic coast, wandering through the markets laden with lanterns, ceramic works, and jewelry. The forts of Morocco look majestic with the backdrop of clear blue skies in November.

Australia or Morocco, whichever place you plan to visit in November, you are sure to have an unforgettable trip.

Visit Kochi to feel the Wonders of the Old World

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The first European colony in colonial India, Kochi was occupied by the Portuguese from 1503 to 1530 and operated as the seat of power till then. This jewel of the Arabian Sea was an important spice trading center from the 14th century on the west coast of India, a tradition which exists till now. Kochi is home to a lot of historical monuments like the St. Francis Church built in 1503 is the oldest European church in India or the Pallipuram Fort which was also built in 1503 and still exists, earning it the title of being amongst the oldest existing European forts in India. Kochi is the personification of the saying ‘old is gold’.

How to reach Kochi

The first and foremost way most people look for is air travel and Kochi, with its Cochin International Airport (which is the world’s fully solar energy powered airport), is responsible for both the international and domestic flights. Availing tickets from far off places like Dubai to Kochi flights, New York to Kochi flights, Toronto to Kochi flights and more are easy.

Roads connect Kochi to its neighboring cities and states with ease since it is a node on the north-south corridor of the national highway system

Kochi is serviced by 4 major railway stations, namely the Ernakulam Junction, Aluva and Tripunithura, Ernakulam Town and Edapally and Kalamassery.

Things to do in Kochi

Surely people would love to explore the city and find out where they can entertain themselves in ways which are uniquely Kochi. So here’s a small compiled list:

  • Chinese Fishing Nets: Everyone must have heard how these are only seen in Kochi apart from in China. What’s so special about fishing nets that it deserves a special mention? Well, these fishing nets are fixed in land and have to operate by a lift so that fishing can be done. Not to mention that these are proof of once good ties between China and India.
  • Dal Roti: People from North India would surely love this place, as the name suggests and to its merit, earning a name as a restaurant serving North Indian food is not easy in a South Indian state. This place, with its laid-back ambiance and wooden tables, is popular for its parathas and Kati rolls. If anyone wants to experience homely, delicious, North Indian food then this is the place to go.
  • Elephant Training Centre: The unspoiled village or Kodanad is where the stranded baby and adult elephants are trained. Most hotels are successful in arranging trips to the village but if a more intimate experience is on the mind then going before eight will be advisable since then visitors will be able to lend a hand in giving a wash to the elephants. Watching these big animals roll around like babies is truly a pleasure to watch.

Kochi is a place which is rich in spicy aroma and old world architectural charm, combined with hospitable people. Visitors will enjoy getting soaked in the cultural and historical aura of the place.

How To Update Your Cottage Country Bedroom

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It’s easy to let things get out of date up at the cottage. It’s already furnished with the things you’d replaced in your home. You’re only up there on the weekends or (if you’re lucky) for a few weeks in the summer, and you have to make room in the car to bring up new furniture.

But the cottage should also be a place where you can relax and enjoy yourself. Human bodies are sensitive to their environments, and there’s no place that affects us more than where we sleep. Updating your bedroom in cottage country can help you relax and unwind on your getaways from the city.

First of all, let’s talk about light. Your bedroom at the cottage wants morning light. That means light curtains that you can draw at night that will still let the sun shine through in the morning. Thin white curtains should do the trick, while a lighter paint on the walls and in the fabrics are better at reflecting light. Use mirrors and lighter tones if you don’t have east-face windows and want to make the most of diffuse morning light. One of the best parts of cottage living is waking up naturally with the sun instead of an alarm clock. When the sun shines in on you in the morning, your body stops releasing melatonin (the sleep hormone). It’s the secret to waking up naturally and happily.

Second, it’s time to get rid of that squeaky old bed frame. You’re not getting a good night’s sleep when you hear creaking and metal groaning every time you or your partner shifts onto their side. An old bed frame can keep you up at night. You can find a huge selection of bed frames online for a reasonable price and even have it delivered, saving you room on your Friday night fight with traffic.

When it comes to bedroom furniture, wood will feel warm and appropriate for cottage living. Your headboard and any kind of night table or side table should be a real, natural-feeling wood. When you’re surrounded by the water and the woods, your home should feel earthy and rustic.

These are the kinds of things that will help you settle in after a long drive. If you’re not comfortable at the cottage, you’ll wind up struggling with the first night effect, where you struggle to sleep because you don’t feel comfortable in your surroundings. Pay attention to the details and make yourself feel at home.

Last but not least, don’t forget about the kids’ bedrooms. They should be easier-going than your own, but you can have a lot of fun with themes. For the cottage, keep things simple – you don’t want to have to redo everything when they get older. Stick to classics like nautical themes or cabin-in-the-woods, something they won’t be eager to see changed when they get older.

Updating the bedrooms at the cottage will make you feel more at home and relaxed. It’s your weekend getaway, your home by the lake. Make it feel like home.

Take the Road Trip of a Lifetime: Wayanad Guide

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Kerala is immensely popular for the holy trinity formed by Munnar, Kochi, and Allepey, thrusting Wayanad into the shadows. This is a good thing as it saves the place from experiencing a tourist stampede.

The area experiences decent tourist traffic with great hotels in Wayanad, but it is still considered as an off-the-beaten destination in Kerala. Are you thinking of a road trip? Then, Wayanad has the perfect balance of sports, hiking, adventures, and sightseeing to make the trip a once in a lifetime event.

The Travel Basics

One of the very first things you should know before you set out to Wayanad is that it’s not a town or a city, it is actually a northern Kerala district. The area is largely covered by forest and is located in the southern end of Deccan plateau.

In addition, you also need to know that visiting Wayanad means that you will be visiting either Sulthan Bathery, Kalpetta (Wayanad’s capital) or Mananthavady towns. One thing’s for sure, you won’t be able to sample all that Wayanad has to offer you in a single weekend. So, carefully choose what you really need to see and do!

Planning Your Trip

Unless you intend on visiting the Wayanad wildlife sanctuary, you should make Kalpetta your base. Kerala and Karnataka State Government buses can take you there from Bangalore and Mysore. There are no airports in Wayanad district, but you can use those in Kozhikode or Bangalore.

One of the best things about Wayanad is that it offers visitors an excellent local network of buses that are both frequent and very cheap. In fact, you can visit just about any tourist destination on public transport – the perfect solution for the solo backpacker.

Top Attractions in Wayanad

Sulthan Bathery is what can be considered as Wayanad’s gateway town, and the best location to stay if you intend on visiting the Mathunga Wild Life Sanctuary. The town’s name means the place where the king stationed his ammunition and army. Some of the top things to do and see in Sulthan Bathery include:

  • The Jain Temple
  • Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary
  • Edakkal Caves

Kalpetta town offers you a bittersweet symphony of life that includes attractions like:

  • Chembra Peak, which looks over the Wayanad territory – but you’ll need permission and tickets from the forest department
  • The Banasura Dam, which also happens to be India’s largest earth dam and number two in Asia

Mananthavady town is home to Paskhipatalam, which is a protected forest area as well as a sanctuary for several bird species. The park is located in the Brahmagiri hills and is only 8km from Thirunelli, allowing you to enjoy two activities in a single itinerary item. Trekking reveals sweeping views of the Nilgiri hills as you pass through clear water streams, wild grass, and pristine forests.

The Thirunelli temple is another noteworthy ancient place of worship attraction in Mananthavady that features Kerala architecture. According to the locals, the presiding deity here is Lord Vishnu, and it’s also an important pilgrim center in northern Wayanad.

Locals believe that taking a dip in the close by Papanasini river takes away all your sins while freeing you from any karma debts you have. Literary translated from Sanskrit, the name Papanasini means the destroyer of sins.

Conclusion

Wayanad is the perfect way to catch a glimpse of rural Kerala with waterfalls, woods, and wildlife. The vast mountains covered in mist, blue lakes, unending green meadows and wild forests make Wayanad a true “God’s own country!” In addition, it’s the perfect place for those looking for a break from the fast pace of city life.