Bhutan

                                           An Incredible journey of a lifetime to Bhutan! 

Bhutan is a tiny landlocked Himalayan kingdom. Its ancient Buddhist culture and breathtaking scenery make it a natural tourist attraction. When you visit Thimphu, Paro and Punakha, you can experience the stunning views of the Himalayas and its great culture.  At various intervals throughout the year, the flamboyant religious annual festivals known as Tsechus take place around the country. Tsechus are festivals extolling the great deeds of the famous Buddhist.

Tsechus are celebrated for several days and are the occasions for mask dances that are clearly defined in religious content. It is a yearly social gathering where the people come together to rejoice dressed in all their finery.

Picture credits – Blaine Harrington 

Paro Festival is one of the biggest and most important festivals in Bhutan. It has been held annually since the 17th century when Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel (the founder of the state of Bhutan) and  Ponpo Rigzin Nyingpo initiated Paro Tshechu festival together with the consecration of Paro Dzong (fortress) in 1644. People travel from all over Bhutan and the world to witness the spectacle that is The Paro Festival.  

Experience a colourful celebration of Bhutanese culture and faith and witness sacred dances and rituals performed by monks and laymen in elaborate costumes. On the last day of their mesmerising performance, the monks display a gigantic Thangkha (embroidered painting) inside the Dzong.

Picture credits – Ruk Norzoe Travels

Festival Tours in Bhutan offer Tourists a complete insight into the nation's vibrant religion & Culture. We will pack you off to one of the greatest long exhilarating trips of natural splendour.


The proposed Itinerary is as follows:- 
5 NIGHTS / 6 DAYS TOUR : 2 Nights Thimpu + 1 Night Wangdi/Punakha + 2 Nights Paro.

Day 01: Arrival Paro by Druk Air & transfer to Thimphu (55 km, approx. 1.1/2 hour drive) - Fly into the Himalayas with Druk Air, Bhutan's National Air Carrier. As the aircraft enters the Paro valley, look down and you will see the Paro Dzong on the hillside overlooking Paro Chu (river) with the Ta Dzong, formerly a watchtower and now the national Museum, above it. You will be received by our representative at the airport who will transfer you to Thimphu, the modern capital town of Bhutan. We will be staying overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.

Picture Credit – Mail Online (Reuters) PARO AIRPORT

Day 02: Thimphu- Sightseeing in Thimphu valley including a visit to the following places: The National Library, housing an extensive collection of priceless Buddhist manuscripts; the Institute for Zorig Chusum (commonly known as the Painting School). Later we visit Textile and Folk Heritage Museum. After lunch, we will visit King's Memorial Chorten and then, visit the Handicrafts Emporium and local crafts shops, to browse through an example of Bhutan's fine traditional arts. Here you can buy hand-woven textiles, Thangkha paintings, masks, ceramics, slate and wood carvings, jewellery, interesting items made from local materials. That evening we drive past Trashichhoedzong, “fortress of the glorious religion” and stay overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.

Picture Credit – Lonely Planet

Day 03: Thimphu/ Wangdiphodrang (95 Km, 3.5 hour’s drive) – After early morning breakfast, we drive up to Dochu-la pass (3,088m/ 10,130 ft.) stopping briefly. Later we visit the Punakha Dzong, built strategically at the junction of Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu Rivers.  We also visit the ruins of the Wangduephodrang Dzong and local market. The district of Wangduephodrang is also famous for its bamboo products, slate and stone carvings. On the way, we visit Chimi Lakhang Temple. We shall then drive back to Punakha and enjoy an overnight stay at the hotel. 

Picture Credit – ShutterStock - DOCHU-LA PASS

Day 04: Punakha / Paro (125 km, approx 4 hour’s drive) – We drive to Paro en route visit Simtokha Dzong ('dzong' means "castle-monastery") also known as Sangak Zabdhon Phodrang. This dzong, was built in 1627 which is one of the oldest in Bhutan. It now houses the Institute for Language and Culture Studies. Later that afternoon in Paro, we visit Ta Dzong once a watchtower, built to defend Rinpung Dzong during inter-valley wars of the 17th century, which was inaugurated as Bhutan’s National Museum in 1968. 

Afterwards, we take a walk down a hillside trail to visit Rinpung Dzong. Built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the first spiritual and temporal ruler of Bhutan, the Dzong houses the monastic body of Paro, the office of the Dzongda (district administrative head) and Thrimpon (judge) of Paro district. The approach to the Dzong is through a traditional covered bridge called Nemi Zam. We will then stay overnight at the hotel in Paro.

                                                                                                 Picture Credit – Grand Asian Tours

Day 05: Paro - After breakfast drive up the valley to view the ruins of Drukgyel Dzong. We then take an excursion to Taktsang Monastery or Tiger’s Nest, the most famous of Bhutanese monasteries. It is said that Guru Rinpoche arrived here on the back of a tigress and meditated at this monastery hence it is called “Tiger’s Nest”. The excursion to monastery takes about 5 hours for round trip. While we return to Paro town visit en route Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest and most sacred shrines of the Kingdom. We will stay overnight at the hotel in Paro.

Drukgyel Dzong

Picture Credit- Rao Online

Day 06: Depart Paro – This day we drive to the airport for our flight back to the destination. Our representative will help you with exit formalities and then bid you farewell.

Package and Hotel Information: 

5 Nights 6 Days Package: 2 Nights Paro + 2 Nights Thimpu + 1 Night Punakha: (2 adults pax travelling together holding a valid Indian passport / Voter's ID card )

Hotels Envisaged:

4 Star hotel package: (Using base category room)

Paro                 : Tashi Namgay Resort / Udumwara Resort / Drukchen similar  

Thimphu         : Osel / Namgay Heritage / Ariya / Khang Residency / similar

Punakha          : Khuru Resort / Drukchen / Zhingkham

4 Star Hotels  : 02 paying pax:  INR 61,449 per person on twin sharing + 9% GST 

5 Star hotel package:

Paro: Hotel Le Meridien Riverfront- Classic Room-

Thimphu: Hotel Le Meridien- Classic Room (we will be able to give you a deluxe room at Taj Tashi Thimphu at an additional supplement cost of INR 9300+ 9% GST per person for 2 nights stay including breakfast and 1 Dinner at Taj Tashi Thimpu)

Punakha: Hotel Dhensa Resort- Suite Room

5 Star Hotels: 02 paying pax:    INR 77,999 per person on twin sharing + 9% GST 

For Festival supplement between 4 to 14 April travelling dates:

Please note there is a Festival Supplement for travel between 4 April-14 April (both days inclusive)

Festival is in Paro and guest can attend if travelling during 4 – 14 April.

4 Star hotel package:

Paro: Tashi Namgay Resort / Udumwara Resort / Drukchen similar - INR 1500 per person, per night                                   on double occupancy.

Thimphu: Osel / Namgay Heritage / Ariya / Khang Residency / similar - INR 2000 per person, per night on double occupancy.

5 Star hotel package:

Paro: Le Meridien Riverfront - Classic Room - INR 2700 per person per night on double Occupancy

Thimphu: Le Meridien - Classic Room - INR 2800 per person per night on double Occupancy

Thimphu: Taj Tashi - Deluxe Room - INR 3400 per person per night on double Occupancy

The cost shall include:

We provide base category room accommodation in respective hotels for 5 nights 6days as per the itinerary.

• Daily breakfast at the respective hotel's restaurant.

• One fixed menu dinner at the respective hotel in Thimphu.

• One set lunch at the cafeteria during Tigers Nest Hike.

• Airport/Hotel/Airport Transfers.

• Intercity transfers.

• Sightseeing tours as per the itinerary with English speaking guide as per itinerary given (Day 2, Day3, Day 4 & day 5 only).

• Inner line permits. 

• Currently applicable taxes (Transportation by private non A/c Hyundai Santa Fe / Tucson / Creta / Toyota Innova - for 2 pax ; Toyota HiAce for 4 and 6 pax).

The cost shall exclude:

Economy class airfare to Paro and back to home city

• Services of an accompanying exclusive English speaking Bhutanese guide.

• Meals other than specified.

• Entrance fee to the monuments @ INR 600 per person.

• Expanses of personal nature viz. tips, porterage, laundry, beverages etc.

• Anything not specifically mentioned in the clause, “The cost shall include”.

 Seema S Jaising

Che Travels/ Chhe Experiences 

India

Mob: +9198450 77065(Blr)

email - cheindia2000@gmail.com

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                                                                  Bhutan

A visit to Bhutan had been a long standing dream. It came true last year when I visited the place with my husband. I never thought I could get so attached to a country and its people in just 1 week. We planned for a 5nights 6 days trip to Bhutan in Mid March last year  As I keep writing I reminisce how amazing and incredible my journey was when I last visited this lovely picturesque place Bhutan. Above all the places I have visited, I would love to list out the best among the lot and the must’s one cannot miss, including the cities to visit, the food diary and a general guide to the things you can do. There are innumerable reasons to visit the country.

It’s a place full of positivity and one can find so many things to learn here from the Bhutanese culture and people. I strongly feel that if you love nature and travelling and if you haven’t visited Bhutan, then you’re missing a lot in life. The things I saw when I visited this place is that the people are kind, gracious and welcoming. As Bhutan is also called the Land of Happiness and Smiles, I could feel a sense of seventh heaven there, amidst its natural beauty and happy people. It took me by surprise that the roads in Bhutan are good to average, it is amazing that throughout Bhutan there are no traffic lights and yet the traffic is managed beautifully.

This small country located in the lap of Himalayas hugged by the Tibetan Region of China on one side and India on the other, the enduring image of the country for most visitors is the strong sense of culture and tradition. It’s truly an adventure across the lost Himalayan Kingdom. The best time to explore the country is during March-May.

                           
                               
                                                Picture Credit- Wa and Far Away

The state religion of Bhutan is the Drukpa sect of Kargyupa, a branch of Mahayana Buddhism. Bhutanese language and literature, arts and crafts, drama, music, ceremonies and events, architecture and basic social and cultural values draw their essence from Buddhism. One of the best ways to explore Bhutan is by Foot. 

                               
                                                   Picture Credit- Explore Bhutan

                                                                Thimphu 

Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan and it takes about 54 km (34 miles) from the Paro to Thimphu by road. The culture of Bhutan is fully reflected in Thimphu in respect of literature, religion, customs, and national dress code, the monastic practices of the monasteries, music, dance and literature..

It is a place with great architecture and the must see places here are the Tashichho Dzong (Buddhist Monastery) The other one I really wanted to see here was Bhudha Point, which is the world’s largest sitting Buddha and from this point I enjoyed a stunning view of Thimphu city. When I visited the Textile Museum I witnessed the art of traditional weaving. The Weekend Market here is exciting for all ages. I saw the vendors from throughout the region start arriving on Thursday and remain until Saturday night. I wandered around the stalls and found a pungent collection of dried fish, strips of fatty pork and discs of datse (soft cheese), as well as bottles of wild honey from southern Bhutan. Here the Handicraft stalls etc are packed, thus, giving me an idea of the authentic cultural essence of this city.

                                                   


                                   
                                                        Weekend Market - Thimphu


                                   
                                                         Picture Credit- Wind Horse

                                                                   
                                                                          Paro

Paro is a small beautiful town in Bhutan. It is also the home to the only international airport in the country. The flight to Paro is considered one of the most spectacular flight experiences in the world. While flying in and out of Bhutan, one can see Mt. Everest, Kanchenjunga, Makula, and other high peaks such as Jumolhari, Jichu Drakey, and Tsrim Gang. The crisp winter breeze carries the whiff of fresh air when you land in Paro

                                  

The first thing I noticed when I stepped out of the aircraft is the crystalline purity of the air. As I took the first breath of the air in Bhutan, I noticed that Bhutan is unlike any other country I have visited. This is especially true if you hail from the urban city life where the air tends to be polluted. So I took a moment to enjoy the fresh air Bhutan could offer.

As I have visited the place, I must say that Paro Taktsang (also known as the Tiger’s nest) is a must place to do a trek to early in the morning. It was a long trek which took me to the top of the Cliff where the nest is located from where we can experience a sense of purity and beauty of Paro. The hike up to Tiger’s Nest takes a couple of hours and the views are more breathtaking in more ways than one. 

Ringpung Dzong or Paro Dzong is a house of Buddhists monks. A visit to this Dzong is a must if only to view the marvellous woodwork in the central tower. There are a lot of things to see and do in Paro so never waste any amount of time doing anything when there is a sunset outside that you should be sitting under :) I saw the most amazing sunset view of Paro town which was from the Paro museum. It was best view of Paro town, the river passing through it, the golden rice fields and the entire valley can be seen from Paro museum. Either you drive up to the top or take the more scenic winding route from the cantilever bridge over the river through Paro Dzong and to the Paro Museum. The view from here gets great after a couple of hours after lunch and is best just before sunset.


                                                   

                                  
                                                    Picture Credit- Sharath Satish

                                                                    
                                                                   Punakha 

Punakha is a beautiful valley at the junction of Mo Chhu (Mother River) and Pho Chhu (Father River).  This place offers a 360 degree view of the Himalayan mountain ranges. I started my journey from Thimphu to Punakha (3-4 hour’s drive), it was a bright warm day and the sunshine flooded the mountain valleys. It was a scenic view just like how I imagined but much more amazing and beautiful. The first place I visited there was the Punakha Dzong which is Bhutan’s most impressive building. One it is beautifully located alongside a river, so the views are really amazing. Two the Architecture is very intricate and beautiful. I totally enjoyed the scenic view throughout and visited the market place there. It was totally worth it as I spent most of my time feeling the sense of nature around me.

                                                    Picture credit-   Thousand Wonders

                                                   

                                                               Food 

Now the most favourite part about Bhutan for the all food lovers (Includes me)- The most distinctive characteristic of Bhutanese cuisine is its spiciness. Chillies are an essential part of nearly every dish and are considered so important that most Bhutanese people would not enjoy a meal that was not spicy and if you’re looking for an Indian mix Bhutanese restaurant I would suggest Sonam Trophel Restaurant in Paro. The food here is delicious and mouth-watering. All you food lovers must try this restaurant. 

The most popular Bhutanese dish is Ema Datshi. This is the National Dish of Bhutan which is a spicy mix of chillies and the delicious local cheese known as Datshi. This dish is a staple of nearly every meal and can be found throughout the country. Variations on Ema Datshi include adding green beans, ferns, potatoes, mushrooms or swapping the regular cheese for yak cheese. The food here is spicy. The red rice we get here is similar to brown rice and is extremely nutritious and filling, another dish is Jasha Maru, it is Spicy minced chicken, tomatoes and other ingredients that are usually served with rice and also the momo’s here are simply amazing.

                                 

                                             Picture Credit- White Lotus (tours and treks)

I have such vivid memories of why I love Bhutan that definitely remind me why I love to be in the hills so much!

The reason you pay so much money to visit Bhutan isn’t for the world’s most delicious food or the best hotels of your life. It’s to explore a place unlike any other, from the architecture to the locals still sporting their tradition and to the many things that make the destination quite quirky. It’s a place where people love their king, where leaders go into battle with their troops when necessary and where the traditions of the good old days are still present, from the capital of Thimphu to even more so... I’ve been to many countries, and to me this was unlike any place I’ve been to before.

                                                         Seema S Jaising

                                              Che Travels/ Chhe Experiences
                                                                   India
                                                 Mob: +9198450 77065(Blr)
                                            email - cheindia2000@gmail.com

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                                  'The Answer to all your Hospitality Solutions'
        "Your Future Exists First in your Imagination, Then in Will and Finally in Reality"

The Kutch Full Moon Escape (7th to 12th February, 2017) Small Group Tour

After our arrival in Bhuj, we head to the Swaminarayan Mandir, also known as ‘Bhuj Mandir’. The Temple was ravaged and damaged during the massive 2001 Gujarat earthquake but from its debris, followers of the Swaminarayan Sampraday built a brand new temple that stands bathed in pure white marble and gold that is stunning with intricate carvings of Ramayana and Mahabharata that never cease to amaze you no matter how many times you look at it. Then we head back to the hotel and check in at Bhuj, and have a delicious Gujarati dinner there.
                                      

                                                    Bhunga at the White Rann Resort
                                                         Picture credits- ABC Tours & Travels

The next day we leave for Dhordo to discover the unending White Rann of Kutch and its perils. After driving for two hours we check in to the Bhungas, then spend the day discovering the resort and it’s adventures like Camel Cart rides, Segway, Parasailing (if weather permits) interspersed with large vegetarian meals and snacks along the day. We set out late in the afternoon to visit the Kalo Dhungar and Gandhi Nu Gham. Kalo Dhungar or Black Hills is the highest point in Kutch that has the panoramic view that feels like the Great Rann and the sky have merged together. At Kalo Dhungar is the 400-year-old Dattatreya temple (Lord Dattatreya is an incarnation of the Hindu holy trinity – Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh). Legend says that when Dattatreya walked on the earth, he stopped at the Black Hills and found a band of starving jackals. Being a god, he offered them his body to eat and as they ate, his body continually regenerated itself.

    

Full Moon White Rann 

Picture credits- ABC Tours & Travels

The third day after breakfast we visit the villages of Khavda and Ludiya which are famous for intricate handicrafts, pottery and embroidery work, then we head back to Rann for Lunch. The rest of the day is spent relaxing and watching the famed White Rann Sunset. After 7pm we will indulge in the Rann Utsav performances, handicrafts and other activities while we soak in the magnificent moonlight view of this stunning area hugging the Indo Pak border.

Saying goodbye to one of the bucket list experiences of one’s lifetime, we head back to Bhuj. En-route we visit Mandvi beach, the Vijay Vilas Palace (where the Royalty of Kutch still live). Once we reach Bhuj and check in to our hotel, we continue unravelling Bhuj and visit Prag Mahal, Aaina Mahal and Kutch Museum (if time permits)

                                                                              Mandvi Beach
                     Picture credits- http://www.gujarattourism.com/destination/details/12/339

The fifth day we leave early for Dholavira, the second largest Harappan sites in the Indian sub-continent and remains of the Indus valley civilization. Our guide will take us on a journey back into the history on our adventure. After lunch, we leave early evening back to Bhuj in time for dinner.

                                                   Dholavira Archaeological Site
                    Picture credits- http://www.gujarattourism.com/destination/details/12/339

We Leave back home on the sixth day with a heavy heart, but enriched with stories of another era and treasures along with memories from one of the world’s largest deserts across two countries.

Please email us on cheindia5000@gmail.com for itinerary and pricing for this trip or call us on +919845077065(Seema S Jaising) if you are interested. Bookings open until 15 Jan, 2017 unless spots fill up!

The writer is the owner of a travel experience company (Che Travel)

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 Sri Lanka- Colombo, (islands capital) Galle (beaches, contemporary Sri Lankan cuisine at Kaema Sutra, Peace Pagoda)

Sri Lanka has been written about for ages, the birth place of the famous demon Ravana from the Ramayana. This island country has more to it, with a stark scattering of stunning beaches, scented tea mountains and amazing forests all within this small country, is the most Exotic place to even visit as I felt during my trip there last year to celebrate the coming of 2015. We started the last day of 2014 i.e., my hubby, Arjun Pandalai Enthu friend Rura Edekar and always spirited mother Bindu Lulla Jaisingh with Colombo of course, shopping of course high on our agenda, we started off with Odel. Then dropped by for coffee and cake at Dutch Hospital (yes that’s a shopping village) and boasts of local boutique stores like Ayirate, barefoot (with best tea and cinnamon based products including cinnamon toothpastes) and of course The Ministry of Crab that serves the best black pepper crab this side of the world.  

We started the New Year by visiting the Buddhist Temple of Seema Malaka bang in the centre of the chaotic and colourful Colombo.  Apparently, the original Seema Malaka Temple had sunk into the lake, and the Government Commissioned, famous Architect- Geoffrey Bawa to design a replacement in the 1970's, that is to say the least is one of the most gorgeous Buddhist Meditation Centres I’ve ever visited.  Thus, this part of our visit was the much needed Serenade to a noisy partying we did the night before ending 2014.             

                                     Picture Credits - http://eatingcoventgarden.com/fabulous-sri-lankan-dishes-at-kaema-sutra-in-colombo/

Sri Lankan food is both delicious and spicy with a lingering taste of fresh herbs, spices in the sea, as the country is famous for all of them in abundance. My friend Angelo, who is a resident of Colombo, took it upon him to indulge us to the best food that his city had to offer, and like all hospitable Sri Lankans, introduced us to Kaema Sutra (literally means art of food) a joint venture of the glamorous Bollywood actress and model Jacqueline Fernandez – a chef Darshan Munidasa, located in the stunning Arcade Independence Square. Our meal of fresh cashew curry (my favourite), freshwater prawn curry (the size of their prawns would pat our shrimps to shame), boneless goat curry, chicken kothu (they even have a non-crab version of this though I wonder why you would like to be health conscious with all these yummy smell, taking over) with both plain and egg hoppers which kicked us into a definite state of food coma, a fitting end to our Colombo trip.

 

The next day we took off to the less touristy beaches in Vaskodava and the Dutch city of Galle, two hours from Colombo.  Enroute to Galle, we had a quick stop to Ambalangoda and boarded some mask’s for our homes (we can shop anywhere obviously grabbing another spicy Sri Lankan meat at a roadside shack, starting mindlessly a that clear blue Arabic Sea hugging it.

The quaint town of Galle is a must to visit for its cobbled stone streets. European style deserts in the cafe, (their cheese cake was even better than the one I have eaten in the town of Lake Como) and the Rumassala with a Peace Pagoda. The Ramasalia as legend would have it, is a spot where Hanuman, the Monkey God dropped some medical herbs that he was carrying to treat the wounded, fighting the war against Ravana. Right next to the Hanuman Idol, there is a glistening peace Pagoda built from the four stages of life of King Siddhartha to Lord Buddha on gold through statues. This is also one of the sights that had the most beautiful view of Galle Bay and the Dutch and the post also from there.

All in the Sri Lanka was a treat to all our senses and we left definitely wanting to return to discover many more of her hidden treasures to be uncovered and to come back for the taste of their fragrant cuisine and famed friendly hospitality.

 

For any queries contact- Seema S Jaising

Che Travels/ Chhe Events
India
Mob: +9198450 77065(Blr)
email - cheindia2000@gmail.com

A Slice Of Constantinople

“If one had but a single glance to give the world, one should gaze on Istanbul. “
Alphonse de Lamartine

View of European Side of Istanbul from the Asian Side on a Ferry (Pic courtesy – my own click)

View of the Hagia Sophia from inside the structure (Pic Courtesy – My own click)

The Colourful Glass Lamp Stores at the Grand Bazaar

This winter we decided to celebrate New Year and ring in 2014 at Istanbul in Turkey, in freezing temperatures and discover the exotic locales of this ancient civilization of Contantinople!

So  an adventurous bunch of us, our Friend Nayare, My hubby, mom, my sister and brother in law all packed in all our layered clothing, woolens and a lot of positive spirit and reached there, all geared up to take this city on and experience its culture.

Hugged by the Golden Horn, Bosphorus and Marmara Sea this massive ancient city, is a confluence of both the Asian and European side of the world. Thus attributing its diversity, cuisine and vibrant culture to this fusion of people from both sides.

We spent 6 days in Istanbul (it was called Constantinople in the olden days).The first 3 days were spent covering the monuments, walking the streets and enjoying the peculiar customs of its people. The Turkish people apart from being warm and friendly, are not conservative unlike most Islamic cultures. This was obvious when we visited the famed Blue Mosque(Sultanahmet Mosque) wherein both men and women prayed together there in this beautiful architectural masterpiece, named after the ceramic blue tiles lining the interiors of this mosque. We indulged in sampling a hot Turkish traditional apple tea in the cafe outside the mosque which is a Must do there.

The Hagia Sophia, a church earlier that had been converted to a mosque and now to a museum is a reminder of the former ancient Orthodox Greek rulers that ruled here. It is a stunning structure with an ethereal aura, with remnants of both Christian Holy Relics and mosaics as well as Islamic verses on the walls and ceilings.

The cold not deterring our spirit, we went On the third day to the amazing Grand Bazaar, which in one of the oldest covered bazaars in the world with more than 3000 shops. A treat to your eyes these shops stocked everything from spices to Turkish coloured glass lamps, carpets, blingy tea ware, ceramics, jewellery and Turkish evil eye in all forms and sizes. The rule here is to bargain all prices down to half when buying at this market. Two hours was just not enough to finish shopping here(-: We trudged back to our hotel with Turkish must buys including a Turkish lamp, blue ceramic Salad bowl and delicious dessert, Rose Turkish Delight.

Another definite thing to do in Istanbul is to visit a Turkish Hamam.  The experience is definitely worth a try…they basically have separate ones for both men and women, but its like a mass scrubbing bath in a hot steam room.  It reminded us of our childhood where an old matronly woman  first scrubs  you to detox your skin, then massages you with a foamy bath and finally washes you up. We kept away from the Touristy type Hammam and visited The Tarihi Galatasaray Hamam, which is quite Popular with the locals there. http://www.galatasarayhamami.com/ It was quite a refreshing way to start the New Year since we did it a day after the New Year festivities!

Turkish Food to say the least is sensual and delicious and the Turkish do really know how to rock the nightlife there. More on that in my next Blog to come…

Mysterious and Exotic Sri Lanka

    The Enlightened Buddha at The Peace Pagoda Near Galle 

Sri Lanka has been written about for ages as The birthplace of the Famous Demon Ravana, from the Ramayana...This Island country has more to it, with a stark scattering of stunning beaches, scented Tea Mountains and amaziing Forests all within this small country, is the most Exotic place to ever visit as I felt during my trip there last year to celebrate the coming in of 2015. We started the last day of 2014 i.e. my Hubby +Arjun Pandalai, Enthu Friend +Ruru Edekar and always Spirited Mother, +Bindu Lulla Jaising with Colombo Of course. Shopping Of course High on our agenda we started off with Odel, Then dropped by for coffee and cake at Dutch Hospital (Yes thats a Shopping Village) and boasts of local Boutique Stores like Avirate, Barefoot (with the best tea & Cinnamon based products including Cinnamon Toothpicks) & of course The Ministry of Crab that serves the best Black Pepper Crab this side of the world. 

Seema Malaka

 We started the New Year by Visiting the the Buddhist Temple of Seema Malaka bang in the centre of the Chaotic and Colourful Colombo. Apparently the original Seema Malaka temple had sunk into the lake, and the Government commissioned, Famous Architect, Geoffrey Bawa to design a replacement in the 1970s, that to say the least is one of the most gorgeous Buddhist meditation Centres I've Ever visited. Thus this part of our visit was the much Needed Serenre Antitode to a noisy partying we did the night before, ending 2014!

Sri Lankan Food is both Delicious and spicy with a lingering taste of fresh herbs, spices and the sea, as the country is famous for all of them in abundance. My Friend Angelo, whose a resident of Colombo, took it upon him, to indulge us to the best food that his city had to offer, and like all hospitable Sri Lankans, introduced us to Kaema Sutra (Literally means Art of Food) a joint venture of the glamorous Bollywood Hottie Jacqueline Fernandes & Chef Dharshan Munidasa, located in the stunning Arcade Independence Square. Our Meal of Fresh Cashew Curry (my Favourite), Freshwater Prawn Curry(the size of their prawns would put our shrimps to shame), Boneless Goat Curry, Chicken Kothu (they even had a non carb version of this though I wonder why you would like to be health concious with all these yummy smells taking over) with Both Plain & Egg Hoppers, kicked us into a definite state of Food Coma, a fitting end to our Colombo trip.

The Next day we took off to the less touristy beaches in Waskudawa & the Dutch City of Galle, 2 hrs from Colombo. En Route to Galle we had a quick stop at Ambalangoda, and hoarded some masks for our homes(we can shop anywhere obviously) grabbing another spicy Sri Lankan meal at a road side shack, staring mindlessly a thte clear blue Arabian Sea hugging it.

The quaint town of Galle is a must visit for its cobbled stone streets, European style desserts in the cafes (their cheesecake was even better than the one I've eaten in the town of Lake Como) & the Rumassala with The Peace Pagoda.

The Rumasalla as legend would have it, is the spot where Hanuman, The Monkey God dropped some medicinal herbs that he was carrying to treat the wounded, fighting the war against Ravana. Right next to the Hanuman Idol, there is a glistening Peace Pagoda built by Japanese monks, depicting the four stages of life of King Siddhartha to Lord Buddha in Gold through statues. This is also one of the sights that had the most beautiful view of Galle Bay & the Dutch Fort also from there.

The Sri Lankan Masks play a big role in Rituals & warding away Evil

Pic Courtesy - wikipedia

Our Large Meal at Kaema Sutra

All in all Sri Lanka was a treat to all our senses and we left definitely wanting to return to discover many more of her hidden treasures to be uncovered(-: and to come back for the taste of their fragrant Cuisine & famed friendly hospitality.