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The Pretty City Girl | Indian Travel & Lifestyle Blog


Just like you require a getaway from an urbane lifestyle and the closed squared homes, your dog needs it even more than you do. The best habitat for a dog is out in the open so it's your duty as its parent to take it out amidst nature. Easy treks can be a good option but if you couple these treks with overnight camping then your dog gets the rest he deserves. 

Camping with a pet dog is not as difficult as you think it is. You only need to be alert and let the dog do its duties. So there are going to be times when it barks at stray dogs and cattle and could be hard to handle but at such times it's you as a parent who needs to hold it and let it bark from afar. I have mentioned a couple of safety measures in the Dos and Don'ts below so you needn't worry. I have tried to compile as many pointers as I remembered and I hope you find these useful. 

Also, when you're taking your dog for camping, take along a person whom your dog obeys the most. You know there is always the number one commander followed by numbers two and three. Just so that your dog obeys, please tag along one of the three commanders. 



CAMPING WITH A PET DOG – DOS

1. Pack photocopies of your dog's documents
Carry photocopies of your pet's documents like its adoption/birth certificate (if any) and a health certificate from its vet stating that the dog is healthy to travel and is vaccinated. If your dog is registered to any major organisation, then carry a photocopy as its proof. Carrying these photocopies just ensures you can safeguard your dog if any legal issue arises. Also, you can show it to the police if needed. 

2. Carry a lot of food and water for your dog. Don't forget its treats & chews!
Pack the usual portions of food for your dog. However, it is recommended to carry drier items than wet ones. If your dog loves its packaged food, you can carry it. Chicken pieces are a good bet too! Just ensure they don't turn stale. Also, carry separate water for your dog. For instance, if you know your group requires 10 litres of water, pack a few litres more for your dog! And, don't forget to pack its favourite snacks if it disobeys or behaves like a good dog.

3. Carry dog leash
Of course, you would carry a dog leash. The tip here is to carry two types of leashes if possible. We need a longer one just in case we want to tie our dog to a pole for the time being and a shorter one while we're trekking towards the campsite. If you don't have a long leash, just carry two shorter ones and tie them together to make a long leash.



4. Choose a familiar campsite
If it's your first time camping with your pet then choose a campsite you're familiar with, especially if it's a weaker group. If the group is large, you can explore new campsites. But you should at least do thorough research beforehand. It's better if there's a hut nearby as you can order milk, buttermilk, rice, chicken, etc. from the hut dwellers for your dog!

5. Pack a couple of rag clothes
You already know it by now; if you're with your dog, you're surely going to need rag clothes! 

6. Keep a stick or stones nearby to shoo other dogs away (don't throw stick/stones on the dogs)
You must have a defence tool in case of stray dogs or wild animals approach. A stick is a good option or else you can act as if you're throwing a stone to shoo away animals. Also, pack a meat knife for extreme cases.

7. Ensure the dog's potty and urinal needs are fulfilled before you take it inside the tent
Ahan! Your tent is your home when you're out camping and making it dirty is the last thing you want. Make sure your dog has pooped and peed before you take it in for sleep. Or, if it doesn't poop/pee, just stay alert. Hoping that your dog is potty trained and barks whenever it wishes to go out.

8. Hold your dog when stray animals are around (cows, buffaloes, goats, sheep, dogs, etc)
You'll often meet other animals when you're in the mountains or by a lakeshore. And, your dog might start barking as soon as it senses animals. If those animals are near your dog, it is best to hold your dog with its leash. At this time, ensure to grab an object for safety. You can even divert your dog's attention by luring it with treats or any toy that is sure to work. For instance, my dog Kurama immediately comes to us on hearing the word 'laser'. He loves playing with it.



9. Pack your dog's blanket
If it's winter or if you know it would get cold, pack your dog's blanket too. The dog is going to feel as cold as you and it's gonna cuddle next to you to borrow some warmth from your body. 

10. Consult a vet if your dog was recently sick or is still keeping a little unwell
This holds true especially if there's a long trek involved. Dogs tend to eat insects, grass, and just whatever they see while they're in nature. So for precautionary measures, visit a vet and ask his/her opinions on the same.



CAMPING WITH A PET DOG – DON'TS

1. Do not let your dog loose unless you're sure, especially on narrow paths and steep valleys
Most dogs are smart and then there are a few dogs that are street smart. They know how to survive in wild because they've been on such terrains before or this knowledge has been passed to them through genes. However, a few dogs are simply pampered and because of their overweight or inactiveness, they might not have the exact precision. Do not let your dog's leash loose unless you trust its abilities. Dogs are better on such terrains than we humans are but we don't want to take risks. It's advisable to hold its leash on narrow paths with steep valleys initially. Once your dog understands the route, it is okay to leave it. However, always stay alert!

2. Avoid light coloured clothes
You don't necessarily need to wear older clothes when taking your dog on a walk but when you're taking it for camping, make sure you wear darker clothes because you would be in a car with your dog and its legs (and if it swims in a mud pool, then its body) are full of mud and they might ruin your lighter clothes. So try avoiding lighter shades and opt for blacks, navy blues, and greys.



3. Do not trek under the afternoon sun; leave early morning
Try to avoid trekking between 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm as the sun's heat is strongest at that time. Your dog's natural instincts are activated when it's on a trek so it's going to take multiple rounds and check if all of you are following. It would check on the first and the last person to ensure its squad is safe. When it does that, it exerts a lot of energy and continuously pants and has a heavy and repetitive breathing pattern. During such times, feed it some water and take multiple breaks under the shades. I recommend you to start for the campsite/home early morning or after the sun sets to avoid these hot hours.

4. Do not take off your dog's collar
Keep your dog's collar on until you reach home because that's how people would recognise it's a pet and you can use it for identification purposes too. If the collar has a name tag then that's even more brilliant. 

So, are you ready to take your dog out camping?
October 18, 2018 No comments
There is a reason why people opt for staycations once a while over long vacations and that's because we need fuel from time to time. We need a refreshing interval to keep going forward. We need something to revitalise and rejuvenate our tired bodies. A staycation can be best enjoyed if it is an epitome of luxury, and by luxury, I do not mean it is expensive. Luxury is when you simply relax...sip a cup of coffee and hum along with the insects and birds while taking all this in. It is when you get lost looking at trees while you spot butterflies. It is when you are meditating and reflecting on your thoughts on an open balcony. It is when you do nothing yet you feel pampered...by the food, the service, the hospitality. 

Ekam is one such luxuriant villa hidden amidst a blanket of pine trees. Located in Chail, it is just an hour away from Shimla. It is like staying on a hill station yet amongst the woods. Ekam is a lovely place to be. 


LARGE & SPACIOUS LIVING

When you see Ekam from afar, you would already imagine the sky-high roofs and the humungous interiors that the villa has to offer. You would dream yourself walking from one room to another and not knowing where to sit exactly. Whether to be on the cosy bed while admiring the classy decor or sit on the balcony, opening your nostrils wide to take all the fresh air in. Every corner of Ekam is contrived in such a way that you would be confused where to spend your limited time in. (Oh and the common area is a tough competitor especially if it's only you and your partner or a family you're at Ekam with!)

I recollect, as I reached the foothills of Ekam, where Mr Tiwari, the caretaker was standing to receive us, I was so eager to just rush and look at the property myself. We walked on the green grass and reached a bungalow when I wondered if this was it. However, that is where the caretaker stayed. And when I looked upwards, I finally saw the huge property, looking grand behind the trees! On entering, I was in awe with the magnanimity of it. The living room on the ground floor replicated those you see in the interior magazines. I had even complimented about this to Mr Sumeet and on that, I learnt, the complete house is designed by him! I have a special interest in interior decor, so I looked at everything with fascination and inspiration. 




FOOD – TRADITIONAL COOKING STYLE YET A MIX OF CUISINES

I remember, when I had got on a call with Mr Sumeet, the owner of Ekam, he sounded very excited about the food. I could not relate to his excitement until I tasted the food myself. We tried a mix of cuisines. The first night was Italian with a red sauce pasta, homemade garlic bread, and two barbecue pizzas with a thin crust. The dinner was followed by a piece of cake that was layered with chocolate ice cream in between. You could call it an ice-cream cake! 

The next morning, we ordered sandwiches and were served with freshly plucked fruits alongside. The foam on the coffee was fluffy and we regretted finishing it quickly. We thought of trying Indian food since Mr Sumeet sounded excited about it. We were served with dal, rice, rotis (ah! I still remember the taste), and paneer bhurji and dum aloo sabzi. The food was so delicious that I hated myself for having a small gut for I wanted to eat more!


The dinner that same night blew my mind. I tasted Burmese Khow Suey and I wondered why I hadn't tried it before. The noodles were so scrumptious and the coconut curry was to die for. I already have a heart for caramelised onions and garlic flakes so I was in a heaven. The homemade walnut cake drizzled with homemade chocolate sauce later was Nirvana!

I was totally impressed with the way the dishes are prepared and served. And having an expertise in different cuisines requires talent, I believe! Apart from the incredible taste, you would be surprised to know that all the food is cooked using traditional cooking methods. Some things are made on the firewood chulha and ayurvedic principles are followed like not mixing milk in recipes. Some of the cooking is also done in traditional handis. 

THE FARM & THE ORGANIC CULTURE

Ekam has about 350 fruit trees in their orchard ranging from apricot, apple, peach, nectarines, plum, pear, kiwi, pomegranate,  lime, etc. They try to grow whatever veggies they can. Currently, they have peas, ginger, tomatoes, capsicum, onions, arbi growing in their farm. Apart from these, they grow other vegetables like peppers, brinjal, broccoli. 

Their herb garden includes exotic herbs like rosemary, thyme, chives, asparagus, fennel, lemongrass, lemon balm, peppermint, oregano...no wonder the food is so flavourful!

Another interesting thing about their farm is that they don't use any chemical as fertiliser; they make their own fertiliser by using cow dung, gomutra (cow urine), and leaves. They have about four cows and a dog in their kingdom. Also, the water you drink at Ekam is pulled out of water springs; you can sense the difference in taste! It tastes much better than what you find in packaged bottles. 

WHY EKAM IS THE PLACE YOU NEED

Ekam is an ideal escape from the city life and is a peaceful abode surrounded by pine trees. The meaning of Ekam is "oneness" and when you're here, you feel one with nature. You need to actually stay here in order to experience what I mean by all this. It is an experiential stay which is overloaded with positive vibes and is sure to refresh you after. It shall shoo away the demons you're fighting in the head and you'll be back with a clean mind. The architecture and the abundance of greenery along with four bedrooms that can hold each member of your clan make it the ideal villa near Shimla.

The place is loaded with books and magazines and have a ton of board games to play. You also have outdoor options like badminton. Apart from this, there's a strong WiFi connectivity for you to send an urgent email. 



THINGS TO DO NEAR EKAM

Visit the farm – If you're feeling lazy yet want to step out and do something, visiting the farm could be a super option. You have so many trees and plants growing that you'd be surprised to notice the difference in the leaves and the stems of each type. The aroma that is released, especially on a winter evening, is truly worth it.

Take a trail around the property – There's an hour-long trek that goes around the property. It was the trail used by the British before the cement roads were built. You would be walking through tall trees and might find pine cones if you're lucky. Don't forget to bring the cones back as a souvenir for your friends. You can ask someone from the staff to take you around; I'm sure they will not refuse.

The Shimla to Chail route – If you're coming from Shimla, then you would witness one of the best roads in India. There is something about tall trees (read Deodar, Pine) that engulfs you as you pass another curve on this route. Since the sides are full of trees, you would be enjoying a no-sun zone, thus making your whole journey a mystical experience. I remember the first time I was on this route, I was mesmerised! 

Shimla – Shimla, the capital of Himachal Pradesh, is truly an unmissable city. Keeping aside the beauty, when I had visited it last November, I was shocked to find such fashionable people. Coming from Mumbai, I'd always assumed Shimla to be like another hill city; but it's so developed, especially the fashion sense of people here matches with that of a city like London! I'm not even kidding! Well, apart from understanding the fashion culture of Shimla, there are a lot of things you can do. The first one being the Mall Road, where you would come across cafes, restaurants, Tibetan markets, and big and small shops. Then there's Jakhoo Hanuman temple, which is located on a hilltop with scenic stairs that take you to it. Then there's the Ridge, the Christ Church, Scandal Point, Kali Bari temple, State Museum, etc. {Watch Shimla to Kufri vlog.}

Kufri & Fagu – If you come here, Kufri and Fagu are two towns you must visit. They are like hill stations on a hill station and always a degree colder than Shimla. So for instance, if it is 2 degrees in Shimla, it would always be 1 degree in Kufri. It is famous for its snow activities including skiing and is one of the places honeymooners go to. It is away from the hustle of Shimla and is indeed a beautiful place to stay at.
Fagu, on the other hand, is located a little higher than Kufri and is a place with apple orchards! It is not much developed and you would find a couple of hotels here; however, there are a plenty of eating options. The views from both Kufri and Fagu are truly delightful!

Chail Wildlife Sanctuary – This is a perfect day option for families as you get to see a lot of Himalayan fauna including Himalayan Tahr, Himalayan Brown Bear, Goral, and a lot of birds you had never seen before. You also see leopards, sambar deer, black bear, etc. Entry per person is Rs. 30. Extra charges for DSLR camera (Rs. 50 extra). {Watch Chail Wildlife Sanctuary vlog.}

Solan – You can visit the Mohan Shakti Heritage Park for a beautiful and maintained temple. The route from the main road to this temple is narrow but the views it has to offer is commendable. The temple itself has a mountain view and during winters, these mountains are covered with snow! It is truly a peaceful and spiritual place to be with its vast garden and a large cafe/restaurant inside the periphery. Apart from the park, you can visit Shoolini and Jatoli temples, Karol Tibba, etc. {Watch my Solan vlog.}


HOW TO REACH EKAM, CHAIL

From Delhi/Chandigarh, take a Volvo for Shimla. From Shimla, hire a taxi for Ekam, Chail.

BOOK A STAY

Website: http://ekamchail.com
Email: sumeetsingal112@gmail.com 
Contact numbers: 9810058247, 9312053928 

Watch my Ekam vlog:

October 13, 2018 No comments
I remember, as I laid my body on the bed, I had tears in my eyes. I was grateful that I was alive after a scary journey through the Jalori Pass to the Offbeat Footprints Ecostay. It was raining since the past three days and the roads were wet and the scene ahead, foggy. Jalori Pass is famous for its risky yet beautiful road. Honestly, we concentrated more on the road than what laid in the valley next to us. However, I remember seeing a type of flora I had never seen in my life before. The journey towards Offbeat Footprints is something I would never forget...


Whenever I visit a new locale, I always wonder how the locals live there. I wish to know their way of living, what lies in their homes and on their plates, what includes in their syllabus, what kind of clothes they wear, and in general, everything about their lifestyle. I have been to Himachal Pradesh four times and never had an opportunity to enter a Himachali home in its rawest form. I always saw these homes from afar, as I passed another beautiful panorama and always wondered how they lived on such steep mountains or amidst dense forests. I always wished to take a look in those houses. 

Finally, my dream came true in the form of Offbeat Footprints Ecostay. This property gave me an exact idea of how an authentic Himachali house looks from inside. Yes, one of those located amidst tall trees and dense forests. One of those where you don't see a house nearby and is the only abode, the only shelter amongst an impenetrable jungle. I stayed at Offbeat Footprints for two nights and it was a new experience. I have been inside a typical village house in Konkan, Maharashtra before, but this was the very first time I was understanding how a Himachali house looks from inside.

The three days at Offbeat Footprints were away from other souls, main roads, and from the chaos...but were very close to nature. It was a truly offbeat experience.

GETTING THERE

We left from Rampur Bushahr for Jibhi and it took us about five hours. We took the Sainj-Ani-Banjar route and our journey was divided into three prominent routes. The first part was rocky with hundreds of potholes in a metre's drive. We just hoped it did not continue till the end. Next part had smoother road but it was narrow and one side of it had rocks (and landslides, if we got too unlucky) and the other, a deep valley, where one slip could be fatal. The third and last part, the famous Jalori Pass had steep uphill and downhill (as much as 45 degrees steep). We reached a point between Jibhi and Banjar where Mr Brajesh's Royal Enfield was parked. He came to receive us. 
Once you reach this spot, you have a short trek to reach the property. When you’re sans any luggage and when the weather is favourable, it takes about 15 minutes to reach the property, however, while coming back, it takes some more time. We had about 80 litres of luggage on us, so we took about 20 minutes for the descend and more than half-hour while coming back. The trail goes through the forest and is outlined by shrubs. 

When you're on the main road you would wonder why there is no signboard directing you to Offbeat Footprints. That is because Mr Brajesh wants only those in love with nature to visit it. He wants people to visit it through reference because he knows that these people have seen the pictures and then have accepted to stay here. He wants to keep the property exclusive, thus not wanting to overpopulate it. I thought it was a wonderful idea. 


AUTHENTIC HIMACHALI EXPERIENCE

Offbeat Footprints is the closest to experiencing Himachali living. Whether it is the house made up of wood, stones, and mud or the simplistic lifestyle, one can truly understand what it feels like to live in Himachal Pradesh, especially in a typical Himachali house. You won’t come across any additional garnishing; it’s plain, it’s raw, and it feels homely.

The property is made up of elements found in nature. It is built using stones primarily with slabs of wood to provide additional support and then is sealed using mud. There is one bedroom downstairs–on the ground floor–and two bedrooms upstairs, i.e., on the second floor. The common area where people love to chill is the kitchen, which has an additional bed and an opening without a door. One wall of this area consists of bamboo sticks lined up horizontally. So you see, the common area is more or less like living in the open. This area had surprised me, especially when Mr Brajesh, the owner of Offbeat Footprints, narrated his stories. He lives in this house all by himself on some days and I was taken aback. The common area is almost open, without a proper window or a door; but I was glad to listen he stayed in his room, with the room's door locked. 


For a single person, the common area could be jaunting, however, when you have people around, the place appears warm and cosy. Though the opening means the cool winds get inside and you sit there with all the shawls wrapping you, it surely feels cosy there. You can sit, play cards, order Mr Brajesh or the local cook to make food for you (how about some siddus or pakoda?) or if you're like me, then you can work. You can see the guests coming and going and it indeed is a jolly place to be. I was sitting on this very bed for two full days as I worked on my laptop. 

What I liked about Offbeat Footprints is the rawness and the simplicity. The bedrooms have a bed, a couple of dim lights, and a few stools made out of bamboo. Even if you look around the rest of the property, you won't notice any decor that enhances countryside vibes; the way the furniture is laid is enough to portray that. 



LOCAL FOOD

Mr Brajesh, depending on the number of guests, summons a local to help him with the food and manage the rest of the property. We were lucky to have a large company and so we could see the mudhouse (and the tents) work in full swing. A few guests ordered Maggi whereas a few ordered bhajjiya. However, the best food we tasted was the Himachali Siddus. It was dripping with ghee and the walnut stuffing was way beyond scrumptious. I was so full after having one of it that I almost denied dinner but then had it afterwards at 11:00 pm the same night. 

Offbeat Footprints specialises in traditional Himachali cuisine and homemade North Indian food. We tasted Rajma, poha cooked in north Indian style, and capsicum sabzi, which tasted delicious with soft, fluffy rotis. The more I ate here, the more I wanted to taste different dishes. 

ACRES OF NATURE AROUND

What can be better than having acres of greenery around? And with acres of greenery, I mean, having so many trees around you that you spot no other house or no other soul. The periphery is overloaded with nature. And the best part is the river that flows right in front of the property. Since it was raining for the past three days, the river was gushing. It seemed like an endless flow! The little farm Brajesh is growing outside have sunflowers, cabbage, and a lot of other vegetables waiting to be consumed. 

In addition to the three bedrooms in the mudhouse, there is a campsite right in the back. There are three tents with a capacity of five each. The view from the campsite is commendable; you see the mudhouse and the river which hides behind trees and bushes. 


THINGS TO DO AROUND OFFBEAT FOOTPRINTS

Exploring trails – Offbeat Footprints is located in between a thick blanket of trees, which means, there are a lot of offbeat, unexplored trails around the property. You can either ask Brajesh to take you around or simply explore yourself. You shall require about 2 hours to explore a region. I suggest you do it after breakfast so that you reach the property on time for lunch. 

Serolsar lake – Serolsar lake is a trek that starts from Jalori Pass. From the top, you need to walk for about 5 km (say about 1 hour) to reach this beautiful lake. It also has a temple on its left which is dedicated to buddhi naagin. The route is picturesque and is majorly plain. There's about a kilometre long downhill patch. You would even come across a few dhabas on the top of Jalori Pass but nothing on the way. So ensure to pack your bags with sufficient food and water. In the temple, try halwa and poori. 
Do you know? It is believed that Draupadi had thrown a few rice seeds near this lake (which can be seen today near a rock) during her exile with Pandavas? You can ask locals to help you find these rice seeds.

Jalori pass – Jalori pass is both a heaven and a challenge for bikers. With its steep 45 degrees uphill and downhill roads and a beautiful panorama, as though, travelling with you, Jalori pass is a mystical paradise. In monsoon, the roads are covered with mist and a fresh aroma is released. From Jalori pass, you can trek to Serolsar lake and Raghavpur Garh fort.

Chehni Kothi – Chehni Kothi is an offbeat place in Banjar and not many people have discovered it. You need to do a small trek from the Shringa Rishi Temple in order to reach it. The trek is about 5-6 km from Jibhi. The views of the valley below and the centuries-old Kothi are scenic. There are a few coffee shops nearby where you can enjoy snacks with tea or coffee. 

Tirthan Valley – Another beautiful valley with its crystal clear river is located about 14 km from Bini. One can simply visit a coffee shop near the river or go trekking up the Chhoie waterfall or the Great Himalayan National Park. Even taking a walk through the village is going to be fun here.


ACTIVITES OFFERED AT OFFBEAT FOOTPRINTS

- Day hikes and riverside walk
- Splashing water in the natural pool
- Bonfire & sharing mountain stories
- Trout fish angling – catching and releasing trout fish
- Bird watching
- Jungle camping
- Visiting orchard – learning the local fruits, herbs, and their benefits
- Star gazing
- Living like a local – tasting local food, culture, and tradition

FUTURE PLANS FOR OFFBEAT FOOTPRINTS

Mr Brajesh plans of expanding his farm where all of the produce would be plucked right from it. He also plans of adding a stall, where he would sell local produce like green tea infused with rhododendron flowers (you don't want to miss this!), mushroom pickle, etc. He also plans to expand his property by building a cottage in the periphery. So the number of rooms increases and you have three options to choose from. 


HOW TO REACH

Take a Volvo bus from Delhi/Chandigarh and get down at Aut. From Aut, either take a local bus or hire a taxi for Jibhi. 

BOOK A STAY

Facebook: www.facebook.com/OFFEcoStay
Email: offbeat.footprints@gmail.com
Phone: +919805194669

Use coupon code "RUTUJA" to avail 20% off on your booking at Offbeat Footprints Ecostay


Watch my vlog:

October 11, 2018 No comments
When you do something for too long, you naturally learn some hacks along the way and develop “your way” of doing it. Each person has learnt some tricks either passed on by his masters or learnt themselves through different experiences. For instance, professional swimmers eventually find hacks to protect their hair from chlorine in the pool or prevent tanning. A teacher has her own way of imparting knowledge with her students, whether it is by conducting workshops or sharing some inspirational stories that have been inspiring students over the years. Likewise, when you blog for a number of years, you automatically come across resources that help you write better and write faster. 




We put in hours to build a blog post. From thinking of a topic to brainstorming pointers to clicking and compiling (and editing) photographs to writing and proofreading the text to sharing it across social media platforms. If there were no resources, our tasks would have lengthened and the stress increased twofold. So we are in a constant hunt to find software and apps to support us and reduce the burden of unnecessary manual work. In this post, I am sharing my secrets with you. The list includes all the resources I actually use and have been vouching through my six years of blogging. This information is extremely valuable to me and I hope it helps you too.

CLEAN TEXT

Cleantext removes all the formatting of a text and puts it back to its raw form. The website is especially helpful when you have written content at different places and want to compile it together in one blog post. Also, if you are pasting text from some other source and don’t want your blog post to look like a circus with different fonts and different colours, then this website is a great option. I agree that Blogger.com has an inbuilt “Remove formatting” option but using this option is okay if you’re editing the entire blog post. However, if you’re just editing a few lines, then cleantext is a better option. 



POWER THESAURUS

One of my favourite resources to come up with fancy synonyms when I’m running out of patience and intelligence is Power Thesaurus. There is another website by the same name but I like the interface of this one more. Rather, I use only this website for synonyms. On Power Thesaurus, you can search for synonyms and antonyms of a word or sometimes even a term. You get a ton of options – antonyms, most relevant synonyms, lengthier synonyms, example sentences, definitions, and segregation according to parts of speech. 

GRAMMARLY

Grammarly was introduced to me pretty late. I'm using it for over two years and have been impressed so far. This website is especially handy to correct the grammatical errors we ignore when our typing speed is at its top. Sometimes we are not even aware of the errors but Grammarly points them out. There are two versions to it: one is the basic, unpaid version and the second is an advance, paid version, where all the minute grammatical mistakes are corrected. I use the unpaid version and it works really well for my use. If you're looking for a deep grammar check, then you can opt for the paid version. Grammarly is not just a website but a tool as well. Even right now, as I type, Grammarly is checking my sentences, even though I'm typing on Blogger.com. That's because Grammarly comes with browser extensions and plugins. 

STOCK SNAP

Where do all the fancy pictures I use on my blog come from? They're from this amazing website Stocksnap.io. The pictures here have a creative commons licence, which means, they can be used by bloggers. Also, the pictures are professional and of high-resolution quality. You get a ton of options to choose from when you type in a keyword. All in all, the pictures are really beautiful and you needn't worry about any copyright issue too. 
Update in 2020: I no longer use this website for my photographs, but instead use Pixabay.com.



BITLY, GOO.GL

Shortening links is super important before sharing your posts elsewhere. Pasting a long link doesn't look that appealing and takes up unnecessary space. Social media platforms like Twitter has a character limit so one must be picky in choosing their words. Building sentences could be a tricky business and you have to try all the possible means to find an alternative to say all that you want in a limited space. Link shortener websites come handy to reduce the character count. I currently use bitly.com, however, goo.gl is equally good. These websites also let you see analytics (but I don't bother checking those).
Update in 2020: I no longer use these link shorteners. 

CANVA

The infographics and free printable calendar you see on my blog are all designed on Canva. I was the luckiest to discover this site as it helps me design whatever I want. The interface is easy and you have many template designs, fonts, colours, typography, and sizes to choose from. This is the website I can't do without and this very website has fostered design skills in me. It also has both free and paid illustrations, shapes, icons, charts, etc. Anyone can be a designer using Canva. They also have a mobile app. Though it is not as functional as their website, it helps in basic creatives for Instagram and other social media platform. 

UNUM

UNUM is quite a popular mobile app specially developed for your Instagram. It lets you load multiple pictures in an Instagram-like interface where one can arrange the posts according to what suits best. For instance, I can upload a couple of pictures from my recent trip and then according to the colours and aesthetics, I shall move them around to suit my overall feed. UNUM is not only an Instagram-feed designer but one can even write and save captions. When we're travelling or have a hectic day ahead, we don't have time to write heartfelt captions. UNUM lets you write captions beforehand, which is why I love the app even more.
Update in 2020: I've found a much better alternative to UNUM. It's the Preview app and it lets you store infinite pictures on the app unlike UNUM.

HASHTAGGER

This is another app for Instagram that I swear by. You just have to feed in one hashtag in the search bar, and it pulls out the most relevant hashtags for you. So if you put in "indian travel blogger", it pulls out the hashtags like "#travel", #indiantraveller", "wanderlust", etc. Also, you can select any 30 hashtags (maximum hashtags allowed on Instagram) from the list and paste it to your caption. Hashtagger comes in handy to make a list of customisable hashtags. 
Update in 2020: This app no longer exists on iOS.

P.S. This blog post was originally written in Oct 2018 and edited in April 2020.
October 10, 2018 No comments

I am a train person over a flight person (well simply because I cannot afford flight tickets). So whenever I have to travel outside Maharashtra, I prefer the train, especially the three-tier AC compartment. My train journeys are overnight most of the times and so I have to carry additional essentials. I am someone who cannot do without having all the things by me so I spend some more time packing essentials and having additional 'train backpack and pouch' is a requisite. It can get a little annoying when I'm listing down things to pack and when actually packing my bags, but as I mentioned above, having all the essentials next to me is crucial. 

I am listing down all the things you would find in my 'train backpack/pouch'. 

TOILETRIES & BEAUTY

Facewash
Facewash is an important item because travelling can make your skin oily. Washing face with a soap thoroughly takes off all the dirt and grease. I carry a travel-size facewash whenever I travel.

Toothpaste, toothbrush, mouthwash
Dental care is a must even when you're travelling on a train. The tip here is to carry a mouthwash, especially if your halt comes early in the morning or if it is too cold to brush teeth. This may happen on winter days when you simply cannot withstand the temperature and the cold winds coming from the door numb you further. During such times, you can use a mouthwash instead of brushing teeth. 

Hand soap
No matter if you visit the loo or not, you still require a soap to wash hands. And what's better than using paper soap? They are cheap (read Rs. 8) plus eco-friendly. They lather well and leave a nice fragrance after.  

Lip balm
Not quite essential and I don't always use it, but you know, you can. Travelling dehydrates you and the air conditioning can be quite drying. You can use a balm to soothe the lips. I use a lip balm only once when I freshen up before getting off the train. 

Comb
Brushing your hair can really help you look put together after a nasty 24-hour journey on the train. I recommend a comb over a brush for detangling. I usually comb my hair once in the morning after I freshen up or before getting off the train.

ENTERTAINMENT

Movies/tv-shows & earphones
I think oldies are the only ones who might not be entertaining themselves watching a movie or a tv show on their mobile phones. Even kids whine and end up watching Chhota Bheem on their mom's phone and when the kids are fast asleep, their mommas watch tv serials. So you see, the younger generation is not the only one glued to their phones; almost everyone travelling on a train have earphones plugged in. I recommend downloading the files before you get on a train because the network is unstable during the journey. 

Laptop (optional)
If you're like me, who hates watching videos on a small screen, then a laptop is the best bet. (Even a tab works well but the laptop has a larger screen.) I use my laptop to blog, edit vlogs, and watch movies and tv shows when on the go. I carry my MacBook Air which has a long lasting battery so I never worry. Plus, even if the battery drains, there are charging ports in the train.

Book (optional)
Reading can be challenging as the train moves. If you have sensitive eyes then it can really get troublesome. However, if you're amidst a thick Sherlock Holmes, then I know you can't give it a miss. 

FOOD & BEVERAGES

Hand sanitizer
You simply cannot touch food without sanitising your hands, no matter what. Hand sanitiser is a super important essential when you are travelling – be it on a train or a flight. I suggest keeping it in an open pocket (maybe the bottle pouch of your backpack) because you want it handy. 

Tissues
Having food on train equals spilling, a lot of it. So carrying tissues is a must. Keep it in the same bottle pouch as your hand sanitiser. 

Dry food (parathas, theplas, sandwiches, idlis)
My go-to travel food is something dry. I'm not a fan of potato chips or similarly packaged snacks. The food item I definitely pack is cheese sandwiches. They're easy to make – all you need is bread and cheese slices and tomato ketchup to make them. They taste delicious plus are pretty filling. The next food item I'm sure to pack is either aloo paratha or a methi/palak thepla. Aloo parathas can stale quicker so I avoid carrying them on a long journey. However, methi parathas taste amazing with pickle or ketchup. 

Newspaper
I have never carried a newspaper but I think I should start carrying it. Just lay a newspaper on the seat and then place your food on it. This prevents stains or oil to get on your seat.

MISCELLANEOUS 

Flip-flops or slip-ons
You can't simply walk around wearing your sports shoes or hiking shoes. You need an additional pair of flip-flops to quickly wear and remove, not just on the train but even when you reach your hotel. I recommend packing them in your bag while you wear your heavier shoes until you reach the railway station; once you're in the train, take off your shoes and wear flip-flops. 

Chain, lock and key
Can a long distance train travel be complete without this pair? You can't just trust anyone around you, especially if you're travelling solo. I can't do without chaining my luggage. 

Wallet
Even though you have carried enough food and water, there's always gonna be something you buy on your journey. It could be a cup of steaming elaichi chai or simply a pack of chips, you need a wallet in your train backpack, no matter what. 

Anti-acidity and anti-diarrhoea pills
Well, if you are too unlucky to taste the food on the train, God forbid, but you might end up feeling acidic or perhaps might increase the visits to the loo. Anti-acidity pills (pudin hara) or anti-diarrhoea pills (bi-quinol) are important when you're travelling on a train.

Bedsheet/shawl/scarf
A light bedsheet or something to wrap yourself is one of the things I carry. The train can get cold and sometimes you don't feel like trusting the blankets provided to you. During such times, you can simply draw in your bedsheet/shawl/scarf. 
October 09, 2018 No comments

I muttered to myself, “Eventually all my hard work is paying off,” as I swayed on the hanging chair attached to the verandah. This chair lets you reflect thoughts as you stare at the faraway mountains. When Arjun of SOS Accelerator contacted me, I was marvelled looking at the pictures of Sylvan Villa. One of those that particularly caught my attention was that of the villa and the adjacent mountain view. Little did I know that the pictures were only half of what I was about to experience. My stay at Sylvan Villa was one of the most luxurious and amiable and I recommend this property to everyone, irrespective of where you live.

On seeing the pictures, your first thoughts would be of how lush and comfy the property is to stay with your family or plan a reunion with your friends. The ideal weekend getaway villa, which is located less than an hour and a half from Chandigarh. A place that is warm, refreshing, and lets you recreate.

However, Sylvan Villa is much more than just that. It’s not just a luxuriant getaway villa but also can easily disguise as your home. With the staff being extremely humble—yes, your typical Himachali people—and the regionally found veggies that turn your food from good to wow, make your stay much more than just luxurious. 

I stayed at Sylvan Villa for two nights and wished to extend my time. We reached the property in the evening and were welcomed with lemon mint honey tea and the pakoda platter we had ordered.

When Mrs Bhavna, the owner of Sylvan, asked me to contact Mr Rasal for dinner arrangements, I never knew he was a local. When we spoke for the first time, his Himachali accent and the constant use of “Ji” after every sentence delighted me. I was looking forward to meeting Mr Rasal.


THE RICH HISTORY – DATES BACK TO 100 YEARS

Did you know? Sylvan Villa is believed to be a 100-year old property and that, it has been here since the British era? One can still feel the old world colonial charm as you move from one room to another. With antique pieces like a gramophone, charkha, old-fashioned telephone, rocking chair, one can experience the vibes of the British era at Sylvan. A lot of the decor items are archaic, thus throwing an extremely vintage aura around. You can feel it by looking at the details, not just inside the villa but in its periphery too. Also, I was taken aback when Bhavna told me Sylvan Villa was a school before–and that, it was the only school in Dharampur back then. I wonder how many giggles the property must have heard!



SPACIOUS & PLUSH STAY


The thoughtfully curated decor and the warm, cosy beds would make you not leave your room. The rooms additionally have a huge dressing room, which holds your luggage and gives you a vanity mirror along. The bathroom is spacious with two large washbasins and a mirror large enough to hold all your squad! 


There are multiple numbers of options to dine at—during harsh winter days, one can dine at the indoor seating, which is right outside the kitchen (this gives you steaming food quicker plus you can always summon the cook or Mr Rasal for extra rotis) or go upstairs and sit in the huge combined balcony. On clearer days, you can sit at the outdoor seating—which by the way is my favourite—and instantly get boosted seeing nature and experiencing the fresh air. There's another outdoor seating, which is towards the right of the villa. Or, if you're feeling extremely lazy and want to get pampered (especially on cold nights), sit in the living room, as you watch a movie or a cricket match. The last one is another favourite of mine for obvious reasons!

In all, there are three bedrooms—two being on the top floor and one on the ground floor—but they're expanding the property so you'll have more rooms in the future. The top two bedrooms have a large combined balcony, which I feel is the best meeting spot before you go downstairs. You can even have breakfast on the seating or play carom and board games. I used to work in this area and when I ran out of words, I simply read a book!


HUMBLE YET WORLD-CLASS HOSPITALITY 

If you watch my Instagram stories, you would hear me talk about the hospitality at Sylvan Villa prominently. Keeping aside how beautiful the property is, the aspect I loved the most about Sylvan is the hospitality. I was so touched by the way I was treated here. The hospitality matches with that of a five-star hotel but unlike the half-interested faces there, the staff at Sylvan is so humble and sweet that they’ll easily become a part of your family during the stay. This is by far the best property I have stayed at in terms of service. Thanks to Mr Rasal—the person who looks after cleaning and maintaining the house (yes, also the one responsible for making your stay comfortable) and his wife, Mrs Sunita, who works alongside.


FINGER-LICKING GOOD FOOD 

We were given a menu card by Mrs Bhavna to order food of our choice. Since we were reaching Sylvan Villa in the late evening, we ordered mixed pakoda platter for starters and paneer do pyaza, plain paratha, dal fry, rice, Belgian chocolate ice cream for dinner. On reaching, we had a warm welcome. We were served with lemon mint honey tea and the mixed pakoda platter while we watched tv along. Everything cooked at Sylvan was so delicious. I remember closing eyes after every bite. The onions were so fresh and crunchy and the mushroom pickle—found in local markets—was extraordinary. I'd say, the food was ten on ten. Even the way the ice cream was served was commendable.

For breakfast the next day, we had a large cup of passion fruit tea and a super huge sandwich each. The sandwich was so heavy that we could hardly eat the french fries and the mayo infused salad that was served alongside. Next morning for breakfast, we had mayonnaise sandwiches and a tall glass of hot coffee. You even have options like egg omelettes, parathas, frittatas for breakfast beside the sandwiches and a lot of options for beverages.

The dessert next night was Nutella banana chocolate crepe and it was so soft and delicious that it perfectly suited the weather outside. Any crepe fan would have ordered for one more, I'm darn sure. For dinner, the same night, we ordered egg curry and oh my goodness, it was so beautiful! (I can't help praising!) And, how can I forget Rajma? The dish tasted equally yummy and everyone loved it.

LOCATION: CLOSE TO THE MARKET YET AWAY FROM THE CHAOS

Set on Kasauli Hills in the town of Dharampur, Sylvan Villa seems to be situated in an apt location—it is proximate to the local market and yet cut the chaos of a town living. Sylvan is located on a hill, which passes through the market. The Dharampur railway station and other basic needs are at a walk's stretch. The Dharampur railway station connects you with Shimla and Kalka (Haryana). 
Besides the proximity, the panoramic view from the villa along with the huge lawn in front is perfect to chill with some chai and pakoda. 



THINGS TO DO AROUND SYLVAN VILLA

Manki Point/Hanuman Temple 14.2 km away – Hanuman temple is located on a hill and as you get close to it, the weather keeps on getting cold and hazy. Once you reach the top, the view below is amazing. As the name suggests, you would come across a lot of monkeys here. Also, carry your ID proof since it's a defence area. 

Gilbert Trail 12.8 km away – A photographer and hiker's delight, the Gilbert Trail is a must visit place, especially in monsoon. With plenty of flowers along the trail, the place has a ton of fresh air for you to revive. The stretch is about 1.5 km long. 

Sunset Point 12.5 km away – A family-friendly place, sunset point is a beautiful location to witness rainbows as your kids play on swings and slides. Sip a cup of coffee from the coffee shop here as the pictures of army martyrs rekindle pride in you. A well-maintained area, it is ideal for an evening walk. (TIP: Reach by 4 o' clock to beat the crowd.)

Christ Church 10.9 km away – Christ Church is a lovely place to visit after you are back from the Manki Point since the monument opens at 11:00 am. Located near the historic mall, the Christ Church has a peaceful ambience in and out. It has a ton of options to eat and shop around.


A PLENTY OF RECREATIONAL OPTIONS 

Sylvan Villa has a plethora of recreational options. For family bonding, there are indoor games like carom and a lot of board games. Additionally, the lawn in the front of the villa is perfect to play cricket, football, and badminton. There are television sets with all your favourite channels. There is a portable WiFi unit, that works great outdoors—for those of you who work from home or have an important email to send. There is an easy, one hour trail that takes you from the right side of the villa and scans you through a forest of tall trees. You further reach the sight of railway track and then enter the market. Grab a can of juice as you move ahead. You'll reach the GL Public School, and then you know the route further! This short trail gives you an insight of the forests around these classic properties in Himachal; those forests you always looked from afar but never ventured into. You will also come across cows grazing and a few locals working. This trail does not require a guide, however, you can always request for one. 

So you see, Sylvan Villa is a perfect staycation for family and friends with a lot of recreational options and three large bedrooms to hold every member of your clan. It can be best enjoyed if you stay there for two to three nights. Honestly, for me, two nights was way too less, and I wanted to sleep more on the cosy beds, have more delicious food, and be more pampered by the staff. I am surely coming back here again. 



HOW TO REACH

By road, reach the GL Public School, Dharampur (found on Google Maps). By keeping the school to your left, you'll find an off route towards your right that goes straight up to the villa. 

By rail, hop on the Kalka-Shimla toy train and get down at the Dharampur railway station. The villa is at a walkable distance, however, you can hire a cab too. You can even take a train to Chandigarh and hire a private cab for Dharampur.


BOOK A STAY


Website: www.sylvanvilla.com
Email: sylvanvilla@hotmail.com
Phone: 8284953611

Use coupon code RUTUJA to avail Rs 1000 off!

Watch my vlog:



October 04, 2018 No comments
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I'm Rutuja, a travel & lifestyle writer and youtuber. I make videos and love to explore the unexplored. Welcome to my blog! Read more about me.

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