Astonishing Uttrakand!

This winter vacation was a different one. We chose cold colder vacation. Covered beautiful places at Uttrakand,India.

Day 1: Bangalore to Delhi

Evening flight to Delhi - Indigo airlines. Better to book late afternoon or evening flights to and from Delhi during December as fog/poor visibility can delay or cancel the morning flights. 

We had made our booking at Hotel Ajanta at Arakashan Road for two reasons: 1. This hotel had free airport pick up 2. It's closer to NDLS from where we had train to Haldwani(6AM). Hotel worked out pretty well, the airport pick up was waiting right at the exit and they confirmed the pick up before we left Bangalore itself. It took about 30 minutes to reach the hotel from Airport at night 11PM. 

Day 2: NDLS to Haldwani

We didn't want to do too much road travel. Chose the NDLS-KGM SHATABDI express. Note: Reach NDLS sooner than schedule there is baggage scanning. Keep some time to walk as platforms are pretty far.

One of best new trains is this Shatabdi express. Courteous staff, good hot food. Chai on demand. Didn't feel any strain of travel at all.

We had a taxi booked for entire trip, we had asked that taxi to pick us up from Haldwani as well. From Haldwani to Ramnagar(Jim corbett National park) it takes about 1.5 hrs. 

At Corbett we had our booking at Sarapduli FRH. Sarapduli is a smaller Dhikala. It comes 15KMS before Dhikala. Nice place. Sarapduli doesn't have canteen, so one has to carry all the essentials and cook is available, who would cook and serve. We can buy all of it at Ramnagar before entering Dhikuli forest gate.

We did shop at Ramnagar. Bought atta(wheat) flour, rice, Rajma, curd,milk, masala,oil, tea powder, salt,sugar. Some vegetables. Filtered water as well. All these were packed and loaded on our jeep. The jeep journey from Dhikuli(after Ramnagar) till FRH itself is a safari.

Jim corbett national park is a serene forest. There are rivers Ram ganga and Kosi flowing everywhere. Tall trees and very many birds. We spotted barking deers, Monkeys, Samba deers, many birds on this day.

We are given strict instructions to return to FRH before 5:30PM, after dropping bags at FRH we did a short trip to watch tower and came back.

Sarapduli has power only till 7:30PM. After that a solar powered lantern is provided. Bathroom and room is basic and neat. It gets cold in the night.

Day 3: Jim corbett National park - Dhikala

We woke up had nice tea and headed to our safari. Forest in the morning looks at it's best. Sunlight trying to enter through leaves. We spotted some more deers, peacock,langoon monkeys, birds.

We went to high bank from there one gets complete view of the river. High bank as name suggests is at a elevation providing better view of entire river.

We reached Dhikala and had breakfast at canteen. There is canteen and there is a restaurant at Dhikala. Dhikala is another FRH and it's beautiful. Complete river view from FRH itself. This is much bigger FRH and there is  a lot of open space to walk around and enjoy! We couldn't get a booking here!

After breakfast headed to river bank. Spotted enourmous number of spotted deer groups! Many many birds. We also saw a Jackal. He was swift! Amazing!!

Afternoon we had booked for elephant safari. This is one must do at Dhikala/Corbett. One really gets a feel of entering forest like an animal. Elephant's height gives a huge advantage and in a forest like corbett where grasses are so dense and tall, this gives a massive view.

While returning to Sarapduli, we spotted a group of elephants.

Day 4: Bye bye Jim corbett and hi to Nainital

Morning we spotted some fresh pug marks of the big guy(Tiger). But chasing/waiting didn't help. We didn't spot a tiger but we did saw a group of wildbore, massive sambar deer family. Jim corbett is an unique forest experience.

Helpful inputs:

1. During peak season booking Jim corbett without agent or connections is impossible.

2. All the rates in website is not what they would charge you. The place is so corrupt. Influence or money alone works.

3. Everyone expects tip

4. The guides/jeep drivers are not so knowledgeable as they claim to be. Ask them to slow down when you spot something. They argue but don't give in.

5. Tiger spotting seem to be happening here pretty frequently but accept what nature provides you.

6. Bargain hard or at least try :).

All of the above shouldn't stop you from visiting this place. Chose a off season, book yourself and go.

We were dropped back at Dhikuli at around 11 AM. Our taxi was waiting. We headed to for Nanital. On the way, we went to beautiful Corbett water fall. This water fall has entry fee of Rs.50 per person and Rs.100 for car. Well worth it.

At this time of writing Jim corbett museum is closed for renovation.

We reached the beautiful lake city at around 4 PM. We had booked our stay at Lakeview homestay. This place is right on mall road. Convenient location, but one has to climb stairs(like 100) to reach room. The caretaker is a very helpful guy. Rooms are spacious. Has a small kitchen. Loved the place. The room overlooks naini lake.

Evening we did boating and walked on the mall road.Boating is a must do at Naini lake. It gets real cold in the night. Among all the places we visited this winter, Nainital is the coldest. We had to use room heater.

Day 5: Nainital - Hi Himalayas!

Based on internet advise, we went to himalaya darshan viewpoint before 10:30 AM and yes it's captivating. Snow capped himlayas is visible clearly before noon. On way back stop over for Naini view. Entire lake is visible from this point.

Visited cave garden. This is a unique fun activity at Nainital. There are so many caves: Tiger cave, panther cave, porcupine cave, bat cave. It's easy and fun to do. Inside the cave is reasonably lit.

We took rope car and went to to snow view point. This place is poorly maintained nothing much to do. Once an old amusement park, now all broken. Still if you go with kids there are couple of rides which would interest them. This place also has a good view of Himalayas. Target and go before 10:30AM.

Rope car ride is fun and view through rope car glass windows is nice. But rope car needs more maintenance. The glasses can be cleaned for better view.

Nanital zoo

This is most underrated place in entire Nainital. Well landscaped with nice healthy animal collections. For animal lovers this is the don't miss place. We absolutely loved it.

Nainital zoo can be reached through their pick up and drop service only as the roads are too steep and narrow to navigate. They charge rs.30 per person for two way. A Sumo/tavera keeps doing this round trips.

Don't miss leopard, tiger, bear and massive Samba deers. Birds are also unique and beautiful. View from zoo is amazing too.

Day 6: Bye Nainital! Hi Almora, Binsar

Left Nainital and saw Hanuman gadi on the way. This place has a beautiful hanuman temple. Not too far from Naninital(< 5KMs).

We left for Binsar through Almora. Binsar has a beautiful bird santurary and a view point called zero point. Zero point requires a simple trek of 2KM one way. Zero point view point is strategically located at a place from where there is nothing between you and Himalayas. Take a guide if you are little scared to adventure it alone. Road is well laid so we did it without guide. Safe place. Plan in the morning so that you have a chance to see some birds and also would get a better view.

We stayed at Hotel Shivalik at Almora. We were given himalaya facing room. They have great room service as well. Comfortable clean rooms with a great view.

Day 7: Ancient Jageshwar and Lal Bazzar

We went to the ancient temple Jageshwar. This temple is from 9AD and it's one of the Jyothir linga. Beautiful temple set in a natural backdrop. There are 150 temples here I suppose. There is a archaeological museum opposite to temple do visit this place as well. Nice sculptures recovered from site are placed here. Keep a close watch on all tall trees while travelling to Jageshwar, many interesting birds can be spotted.

Have food at this "Welcome shop" at Jageshwar. Hot parathas made in seconds. Also try hot sweet lime/orange juice. Kind staff and tasty basic food.

Returned back to Almora and watched Mindblowing sunset from the room.

Night we went to Lal Bazzar. Awesome market. Prices are reasonable unique stuff. Almora is full of sweet shops. It is the sweetest hill station in 

 Kumaun. Try Bal mittai and another milk sweet covered in leaf.

Had dinner at Bansal cafe at Lal bazzar. They make great samosas and aloo tikkis. It just melts!

Sunset from Almora

Day 8: Pack and back in our favorite shatabdi express.

We left Almora at 8:30 bought some Bal mittai for home and headed to Katgodam. Enroute we touched Bimtal and Naukuchiatal. Both the places are beautiful. Plan sometime at these places. Paragliding is a happening thing at Naukuchiatal. They charge around 1.5k per person. We didn't have time to try. Looks beautiful. 

Beautiful Bhimtal

Beware of blanket hoax at Bhimtal and Naukuchiatal. This is all fraud. They would take 2k/5k from you. you are too far to come chasing them. Check the bills no one bought after 2011. Very convincing salesperson they have. So beware and don't fall for the trap.

After good food in train our favorite satabdi express dropped us back at Delhi at 9PM. We had made our booking at Krishna deluxe at Arakashan road close to NDLS. We took an auto and paid Rs.50 to reach the hotel. WE had made our booking through makemytrip and got confirmation mail and SMS. But hotel front desk said we have no rooms and we have to sort it out with makemytrip. We were bugged so asked them to put us somewhere. They put us at baba inn at same road little interior. On peak seasons better to call up hotel and get confirmation. Don't blindly trust the makemytrip confirmation SMS and all. 

Day 9: India gate and Sattar market

Headed to India gate at around 9 AM. There was march past. Had breakfast at Saravanabhavan at connaught place. Checked out room left luggage at front desk. Headed to Sattar market right down the Arakashan road. Took motorized rickshaw they take Rs.10 per person. Sattar market is massive, cheap and good. But everything is available at big numbers. We found very few shops who sell items as single piece. Others start at dozen or two. Fun it is!

Booked a ola and reached airport. It costs about 300rs.

Cold fun and adventurous trip ended with fond memories!

Mesmerizing Thailand

Majestic limestone rocks adding beauty to the scene!

My spouse, our four year old son and I went on this trip planned for which we booked ourselves. 

We are all vegetarians and we wanted to do best of all places within a budget.

Day 1: Travel, VOA, Siam ocean world, Chao phraya river dinner cruise

Flight to Bangkok. We made booking thru makemytrip on thai airways. We chose multi-city while booking itself with different dates:

Bangalore to Bangkok

Bangkok to Phuket

Krabi to Bangalore

This booking is useful as low cost flights for internal transfer have a cap on luggage size, weight etc. Same airlines, same rules.

Thai airways - Entertainment good, food is bad!

Landed at Suvarnabhumi airport at 5:30am local time. Immediately proceeded to Visa on arrival. Just follow the boards.

Tips for VOA:

1. Carry passport size photo in hand baggage

2. Pen, fevistick in hand baggage

3. Return ticket copy

4. Fill in the immigration form in the flight itself to save time

5. Take express queue 200baht extra apart from regular fee 1000 baht, worth it as immigration also no waiting. Only thai currency accepted, no credit/debit card or dollars accepted

6. Pick up form and fill it up, stand in queue with all documents with money.

After submitting the form you wait for 10 minutes and your token would be called and issued visa. Collect and proceed to immigration which is right next.

Collect the baggage and start walking towards the gate. If you need a local tourist SIM near Gate 7 there are all vendors. We chose AIS tourist SIM with 1.5GB data+50Bhat credit cost 299baht. It worked very well for us. Full signal and great data speeds. Hand over the phone they would set and restart and give you back. You can recharge in any 7Eleven stores as well.

We had a free pick up from hotel near Gate 3.

We had booking on a hotel Salil at sukumvit soi 11,Bangkok:

1. Early checkin based on availability

2. Free airport pickup

3. Located very close to Nana BTS station

4. Two great indian vegetarian in 300m

Once we reached the receptionist said we would get early check in only if we upgrade, upgrade was another 300 baht, it was okay. Anyway room was neat small. Had microwave, safe, kettle neat huge mattress.

In Thailand as all hotels have complimentary breakfast so all the other restaurants start only from 11 AM cafes, pizzas are exceptions.

After refreshing ourselves we had a great lunch at dosa king. Try their mango lassi, mind blowing. We had 2 meals here and all were great! Dosa, roti subzi everything was perfect.

On the same road there are another 3 Indian restaurants, we didn't try. Nobody was as busy as dosa king :).

After lunch we went to the nana station and proceeded to our first destination: SIAM ocean world

Siam ocean world is easily accessible in BTS(Bangkok's metro). It's about 3 stations from Nana.

We had got the entry tickets booked from India itself thru online http://www.alexholiday.com/ , we received immediate confirmation. Prices are competitive(less than what website quotes).

Once you reach destination show the printout of the email and you get the tickets.

Did you know ray had such beautiful face features?

Jelly magic!

This place is a must watch at Bangkok. Amazing collection! Keep a good 4 hours if you like marine life. Penguins, jelly fish, tunnels with sharks, ray are awesome.

We returned back to hotel in BTS and our pick up for next event chao phraya princess river cruise was at 6:30 am and the driver was there before schedule. We opted join in and it is cheap! It's a Toyota commuter (AC) vehicle picking up people from different points. 

The drive was about 45 minutes to reach pier. We were given stickers and asked to report to gate at 7:50 pm. We asked for upper deck and got the same.

The day we went was a Saturday the place was too crowded till entering the cruise. After settling the music, breeze and scene all are very romantic. Decent Indian food and nice live music. After a two hour cruise they drop us back to the hotel.

Day 2: Safari world, Baiyoke sky hotel

We had booking to Safari world thru Alex holidays. They didn't have child ticket option in website, they said we can pay when we meet them.

This was again join in and it was fun.

Safari world is about an hour drive from city center. Huge place with a nice animal collection.

Their shows are great. Don't miss orangutan show, Dolphin show, Elephant show. On a crowded day please reach for all shows atleast 20minutes early. It gets very hot and dry. Drink water/juice etc.

There was an Indian lunch arranged that again was pretty decent on a huge buffet hall.

Visit the egg world, macaw, walrus, white tiger, giraffe terrace

One can feed giraffe from a terrace

Meet Mr Walrus!

After all shows the van itself will take you around for a safari to see rhino, giraffe, flamingo etc.

Returned to hotel, had dinner and started for Baiyoke sky hotel. This is about 4 Kms from hotel, used local taxi. In Bangkok ask for meter and enter any taxi(remember Bangalore autos).

This is close to Indira market to buy all cheap souvenir etc. Cool place. Buy tickets for sky tower. There is a first elevator which takes you till 78th floor, then another to 83rd floor which has rotating viewpoint.

The view is amazing the rotating view point is cool, not scary as it rotates very slow!

Day 3: Boat taxi, Wat Pho visit

We got up relaxed and decided to visit Wat Pho (Temple of reclining Buddha). Took a train till central pier and from there took boat taxi(15 baht per trip). It was a nice experience.

Buddha temple is beautiful. Buddha statue is massive, temple is also pretty big. Have an hour to roam around and sit for a while.

Returned back same way headed airport and took flight to Phuket.

Phuket:

Phuket airport is about 30 KMs from Phuket town. Be prepared to shell out for taxi. This taxi trip costed us 750 baht. Phuket airport is small and old. Once you come out, there is a counter near entrance(Government prepaid taxi) go tell place they would assign taxi, pay meter+100 bhat(Airport charge).

Taxi was good, but on the way he said he needs to sign and stopped at some travel agency where the manager offered trips to James bond island, Phi phi. We declined and proceeded as rates were not competitive enough.

Our booking for hotel thru booking.com to Manohra cozy resort near Karon beach. Neat hotel, huge room, bathroom and safe. Breakfast is set menu here. Vegetarians have to stick to bread or corn flakes anywhere is Thailand. Strawberry yogurt is yummy here.

We wanted to be near a calm beach hence chose Karon beach. Patong is a happening place about 3 KMS from here. 

We took two wheeler for hire from hotel itself. This works out very useful to go visit beach/hotel or anywhere.

Went out and had dinner at Taj mahal hotel in one of the cut roads near Soi 16. Ask for  India Pakistan restaurant, everybody shows the place. Good food, oily though. Nice rotis.

We picked up couple of pamphlets from hotel lobby and contacted guys for James bond island trip. We went with the one who quoted less price and offered vegetarian food.

Day 4: James bond island and sun set point

The pick up van came before schedule 7:30 am and we packed breakfast and proceeded to pier. Pier is quite far takes a good 1 hour from Karon.

We had to wait at pier for 20 minutes and went to our cruise boat. Cruise boat is good as it has toilets(changing room) and ride is not bumpy like speed boat.

First stop after an hour is Panak island. There we were taken in a canoeing boat to see caves with bat.  It's amazing. Next stop was another place close by(talu island) for canoeing and it was beautiful!

Next stop is the famous Phang nga bay or James bond island where "the Man with the golden gun" was shot. Beautiful place but commercialized.  There is no beach just a short stop to click pictures.

On board we were served good lunch. Some yellow rice, nice onion rings, broccoli fries, Thai style cooked vegetables.

Post lunch we were given chance to swim in ocean and go to a small beach nearby. It's an amazing experience.

Later we did snorkeling as well  in the sea. All this made the trip worthwhile.

Post trip we returned to pier and to hotel on the same vehicle.

We took the bike and roamed around Karon, Kata and Patong beach.

Nightlife is best around Patong beach. We walked at Bangla road and continued after crossing road other side to ICC (Indian curry center). Great food.

Phuket food is more expensive than Bangkok and Krabi :). 

We returned to hotel and contacted thru phone another couple of agents for Phi phi island tour. Went with the best deal.

Being offseason(June first week) rates are competitive, places are not crowded as well. It rained one day that too briefly in the morning otherwise weather was warm. Off season is a good time to go to avoid crowd and enjoy best rates.

Day 5: Phi phi island, Karon Sun set viewpoint

Post breakfast again went to a different pier to board a speed boat. Speed boat also had a small toilet/changing room. It is a bumpy ride.

Before getting into boat they gave a huge lecture on how useful fins are to avoid stamping the sea urchins and pushed us to take on rent. You can skip it for they are not easy to use nor really needed for snorkeling :) 

Monkey beach, viking cave were shown from boat as it was high tide. At the next place we were allowed to swim and snorkel. Snorkel with life jacket is fun. We were allowed to swim around the boat.

Maya bay is the most beautiful place to visit in this entire trip.  Crowded but extremely scenic.

Next went to Phi phi don for lunch. Neat vegetarian lunch was served. There were toilets and change rooms as well here. Phi phi is heavily commercialized and crowded.

After Phi phi we were given a good amount of time to snorkel and swim at Koh Khai Nok Island, a beautiful place with fishes and corals.

Returned to pier and transferred back to hotel. We checked the sun set time and it was only at 6:40 pm on that day. We headed to Kata viewpoint.

We quietly watched an amazing sunset with a great view of all three beaches. This is a must do attraction at Phuket.

Dinner at GG pizza. Makes nice thin crust pizza. Had spaghetti as well. This is near Karon beach.

Day 6: Swimming and headed to Krabi

Post breakfast we headed to Kata noi beach for swimming. Amazing beach with fierce waves. Nice experience.

Returned and had a great lunch at Navrang mahal inside the sun sand resort Karon beach. Try their Aloo jeera, mind blowing.

We took a taxi to Phuket bus terminal through hotel (650 baht). There are hourly AC buses to Krabi. It takes about 3 hours and costs about 120 baht per person.

Roads and views are awesome.

Got down at Krabi took taxi to Golden beach resort at Ao nang beach. Ao nang is very close to main road and you can walk around for everything.

We just watched amazing sunset at Ao nang beach. We did dinner at Maharaja restaurant on the main road. At this time they were giving 20% discount on bill. Nice food.

We booked 4 island hopping tour with an operator next to the restaurant.

In Krabi food and all island tours are much cheaper than Phuket. If you are visiting both the places plan most of the time at Krabi. You would enjoy great beaches.

Day 7: 4 island hopping tour, Sunset at Ao nang beach

Breakfast was at good at Golden beach resort. It had more vegetarian options like fried potato, some salads, yogurt, more types of muesli/corn flakes.

4 island hopping tour consists of visit to Princess cave, Chicken island, Tup island, Ko Mawr and Poda island. Chicken island is shown from boat itself. A limestone rock in the shape of chicken. Looks cute.

Phra nang (Princess cave):

People do rock climbing here. There is a small shrine and cave here. Nice place to spend time.

Tup island and Maw island:

During low tide one can just walk across two islands. Tup island has good snorkeling. Thousands of fishes. Clear water to spot them as well.

Poda island:

It is for swimming, great place. Small shop where soft drinks and ice creams are available. 

Our operator missed veg lunch but helped us with some fruits. This trip was anyway only till 2 pm so we returned and had a nice lunch at Krabi.

Italian pizza is a great place for pizza. There are two vegetarian pizzas no 16( 4 cheese) and 17(vegetarian pizza). Both are great!

We spent time watching sun set at Ao nang right in front of our resort. This resort has a great pool as well.

Day 8: Railay beach, return journey

We headed to the government run boating service for our last beach of the trip, Railay beach. There are boats running every 30 minutes to all nearby island.

Railay island is beautiful. Both sides with huge limestones rocks. We saw people kayaking exploring nearby caves.

We bought a round trip ticket from Ao nang, but no body was returning. The boat doesn't start unless there are 6 people. We paid extra 3 tickets and came back. Pet ticket is 100 baht.

Recommendation: Dont' buy round trip, buy one way ticket. There are different agencies and they don't mix. If you have one way ticket, you can buy ticket for any boat leaving to return.

Don't miss the Railay beach.

Packed and took taxi to airport(500 baht).

Took a return flight to Bangalore.

We had 4 hours at Suvarnabhumi airport Bangkok. There are subway and pizzas for veggies at Suvarnabhumi. Don't miss the statue of Churning of milky ocean

Returned back with great memories of picturesque Thailand.

General tips:

• Buy a SIM and get 3G useful to book, check maps.
• Dont book any local transport from your place, go to agencies check options, negotiate and book
• If you are vegetarians(like us) you can skip breakfast as you anyway can eat only corn flakes/bread. Buying them from convenience stores 7 Eleven will be useful will work out much cheaper!
• Milk/flavoured milks, yogurts, tong nuts are all vegetarian at convenience stores like 7 Eleven/family mart
• No restaurant serves drinking water, so buy water from 7 Eleven. Find the cheapest and look for offers!
• Withdraw cash from ATM and put in safe. ATMs charge 180 baht per transaction so withdrawing in bulk helps.
• Check for the flag signs near the beach.
• Ask where is the pier how long it takes to reach pier before booking any tours.
• Speak slowly in English, everyone understands.
• Be ready on time, all pick ups are before schedule, they dont wait for more than 10 minutes.
• Swim at the designated places as speed boats keep coming. There is a rope tied with yellow beads for identification.
• Carry your hotel address anywhere in Thailand.
• Lock passport and other valuables in hotel locker. All the boat trip will make your bag wet.