Solo Traveling – NOT Easy

While vacationing with your folks/friends/colleagues, you often think about hopping around at similar places alone, to do what you actually want to do. You don’t have a choice, at that given time, because you are in a group and you are supposed to do, what feels right mutually. But one thought has crossed each and every individual’s mind, more than once in their life time – to travel alone! To go solo to those hills and/or beaches, care less and feel more.

Care more about what you need, and feel less about other every other emotion/person!

But is it safe? We are not saying it’s impossible, we are asking you to be prepared for what you are about unfold, if solo-traveling is one thing, you wish to tick off from your list.

1)      Research and Understanding:

Even if Goa is all about clubbing, booze and beaches; do you really think, you will be able to survive there with no other support? It is important for an individual to understand, if he/she are going to travel alone, they need to know whereabouts of that place, before they land in. Understand the culture in that region, know about the situations or consequences you can be in, places to visit, things to-do, etc.

2)      Worrying About Being Lonely?

Often, when people are traveling in groups, they tend to miss out on places/people/things/elements which are more beautiful than those basic and legendary historical monuments. You can never be lonely, while traveling alone, because you have so much to do/see/feel, that you don’t get time to spare or rest. And that is why; people wish to travel alone – to find peace, solitude and to rediscover themselves.

3)      Only You Can Help Yourself:  

There can be plenty of situations and consequences of your doings, when you can be in need of someone, whom you can trust and show faith/confidence in. But you chose this way; in those times, you are expected to show your presence of mind, and be your own help. Life can take miserable turns, at any given time, it totally depends on how you wish to deal with them.

4)      Is It Easy? Would I Be Able To Do It?

If you have enough confidence and strong desires, to be where and how you wish to be at, then it is going to be easier for you. Everyone have their first times for everything, in their lives, it depends on how they learn and treat their mistakes and achievements. Being over confident is one huge mistake, one can commit.

Read more about solo travelers and other people, who share their experiences online. Their experiences are no lesser than a lesson or a teaching, which can come handy, when you are traveling solo! It is a gutsy task to do, but the fruitful results are the unexplored parts of you. And you cannot miss out on them!

Festivals And Travel – What Tourists Are Fond Of

Around the world, our country is famous for its culture & traditions. And, from around the world, people come to our country, just because of our rich heritage and our love towards the festivals. The festivals, which they wish to get colored in, and transform themselves into one of the locals, to celebrate it with all of us.

If you are looking forward to celebrate these festivals with your family, friends, partner/spouse, etc; you can always look out for holiday resorts in Nainital, Bhimtal, Naukuchiatal and Mukteshwar. Connect with PuraStays for more details of the packages, which are custom made for such festivals.

Some of the festivals are as follows, which they prepare for, throughout the year, just like us: 

1) Diwali:

It is one of the most prominent Hindu festivals of India, is celebrated with a lot of pomp and show. During this festival of lights, houses are decorated with clay lamps, candles, and Ashok leaves. People wear new clothes; participate in family puja, burst crackers, and share sweets with friends, families, and neighbors. The festival marks the return of Lord Rama, along with his wife Sita and brother Lakshmana, after a long exile of 14 years. Homes decorated with fancy lights, candles and clay lamps, bustling shops and markets, and fireworks and crackers.

2) Dussehra: 

Dussehra, also referred to as Vijayadashami, is also among the most famous festivals of India. It is celebrated in different forms countrywide. Ramlila(enactment of scenes from Ramayana) is held everywhere for 10 days. It’s culminated with “Ravan Dahan” – the burning of huge effigies of Ravana, Meghnath and kumbhakaran which is a real spectacle to see. It celebrates the death of the demon king Ravana at the hands of Lord Rama. Hustle bustle of the decorated markets, Ram-leela acts, and the big event of the burning of effigies of Ravana, Meghnad, and Kumbhakaran - everything is a part of this festival!

3) Durga Puja:

One of the important Hindu festivals of India, Durga Puja is celebrated with grandeur by Bengalis, throughout the country. The 10 days of fast, feast, and worship of Goddess Durga are accompanied by cultural songs, dances, and dramas. Huge and beautiful Durga idols are made and placed in specially made artistic Pandals(canopies). People dress in traditional wear and go around the pandal – hopping, praying, and feasting. It commemorates Lord Rama’s invocation of Goddess Durga before going to war with the demon king Ravana. The festivities include: Plush pandals, incredibly beautiful ten armed Durga idols, and the PUJA.

4) Ganesh Chhaturthi:

Ganesh is the beloved elephant-headed god, a favourite throughout India, and Ganesh Chaturthi is the festival that honours him. It runs for 11 days in late August or September, depending on the cycle of the moon. Similar to Durga Puja, images of Ganesh are made throughout the year and displayed during the 10-day festival. On the 11th day, called Anant Chaturdasi, the images are paraded through the streets, accompanied by singing and dancing, and finally immersed in the sea.

Meanwhile, if you are looking for holiday resorts in nearby hilly areas like Nainital, Mukteshwar, Bhimtal, Naukuchiatal, Mananli, etc; you can always contact PuraStays, and know about their special festive packages, custom made for these kinds of festivals.

Budgeted Destinations for Teenagers – Get Your Gang Now!

We, as teenagers, are not in a position to spend lavishly on our trips, while vacationing. Hence, when it comes to holidays andvacation, we all get to the list of destinations, which will not burn a hole in our pockets. And to think about spending our money on quality, and the best we could think of, we go for beaches or hill stations – depending on the weather/season.

Following is the list of those locations, which can be your next vacation goal, and where you won’t find a burning hole in your pockets –

1)      Jawani in Manali:

No, we are not saying this after watching – Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani; but, Manali has proved to be one of the top destinations, which is full of tourists, throughout the year. This location is full of adventurous sports, local shopping sprees, snow treks, etc.

2)     Raft in Rishikesh:

The place might be known for a religious place, but is an adventurous hub for all the sporty spirits out there! This is the best place for your college gang to crash, raft and camp, on the sides of the Ganges. With the pleasant weather and a wild side on the roads to it, Rishikesh should top your list.

3)     Go Goa!

Everyone knows about this place and no matter what your budget is, people pull on-and-off strings to be there, at least once a year. If you have had it enough with the heat and pollution, pack your bags and fly in to Goa! It has been a tourist spot for everyone, from around the world.

4)     Choki Dhani – Local Flavor of Jaipur:

A separate tourist hub has been developed in Jaipur, especially for foreigners, to give in the real taste of India. Choki Dhani gives out village vibes to its visitors, and is maintained by a well trained staff. If you wish to eat delicious food and rest in your tents, head out to this place with your gangs!

5)     Camp at Coorg – Karnataka:

Book your tickets and head out to camp in the India’s very own Scotland! Revel in the cool air, lush green surroundings and enjoy some locally grown delicious tea and your batteries will be charged like never before. Breathe in fresh air and exhale your adventurous spirit, in the wilderness of COORG.

6)     Ski in Auli – Himachal Pradesh:

Who wouldn’t love to leave their gang’s mark on the snowy mountains, while sliding down on individual skiing boards? Situated in Auli, Himachal Pradesh, this sporty destination has been attracting travelers, from around the world. The best part is, for except the sport itself, you wouldn’t have to burn a hole in your packets.

There are several places in the county itself, which serve great experiences and greater package of memories, to your friends’ groups or to yourself. These places canalways be visited alone, because when you are solo onto these destinations, you are able to explore yourself in a proper manner. 

Offbeat Things To-Do in Bhimtal – Lesser Known the Beautiful

Bhimtal, known as the cousin of Nainital, has been just another weekend getaway destination to the people, living in nearby cities/towns – Delhi, Haryana, Nainital, NOIDA, etc. Where Nainital is known for bustling cities, Bhimtal is known for its natural beauty and serene quietness. But is Bhimtal just an option? Does that place not include anything worth, to stay for more than a day? 

The answer is a straight, and a blunt – NO! One, who has explored Bhimtal in-and-out, can count at least fifty things to do there. Besides beautiful hills and mountains, and quiet lakes, Bhimtal has more of it, which is still left untapped!

1) Boat and Angling:

You would ask: “what’s so special about boating in Bhimtal lakes, when we have the same in Nainital and many other places, in the country?” Well! They let you do angling. Very less individuals know about the sport, or rather a pastime for the locals there; you will be provided with fishing rods and all the other equipments, once you go there. This is very common sport in South India, but if you are not willing to go to the lands down under, Bhimtal is your savior! 

2) Stargazing and Camping: 

As mentioned above, Bhimtal is not meant for tourists. It provides with wild vibes to the travelers and a starry night, while it is all dark and quiet. Bhimtal provides with the best camping suites in the country, where individuals are provided with full assurance and safety. 

3) Adventure Sports: 

An adventure junkie would fall in love with this place, as it provides with plenty of adventurous sports, around the region. From trekking to paragliding over the hills, it has them all! And with fewer tourists and more of like-minded people – travelers, it sure is fun! 

4) Picnic at the Lakeshores: 

Who would not love to go the lakeshores and enjoy picnics? You can walk along the lines of the hills and then to the lakes, and enjoy quality time with your friends/folks/partner, while quietness surrounds your peace of mind. 

And with PuraStays, you get to live your life like a king. Your basket will sure have options of all the home-cooked delicious food and wines.

5) Butterfly Research Centre: 

A research centre, right in the heart of the city, provides with detailed research study of all kinds of butterflies. No words can explain the beauty of these creatures, but are all butterflies not dangerous? 

6) Island Aquarium: 

Located on a beautiful island, near the Bhimtal Lake – the aquarium is open for all the travelers/visitors, with a minimal charge for entry, but gives an amazing experience to all the age groups. 

7) Hidimba Parvat – 

It is another trek in the land of Bhimtal, which is widely known for serenity and peace. Talking about the end of the trek, many travelers have found bliss and beautiful views, to look at. 

So, do you still think, that Bhimtal deserves only few hours? With less restrictions and disruptions, from other fellow tourists, this place is an amazing destination for solo travelers as well. And with our full assurance, Bhimtal has never disappointed any traveler/tourist.