2019 - The Pretty City Girl | Indian Travel & Lifestyle Blog

I don't really require a moisturiser staying in Mumbai. I use any lotion either received through collaboration or as a gift from my friends. But ever since the duration of my stays in Pune has widened, I started needing a moisturiser more than I thought I would. Unlike Mumbai, Pune has a dry climate. Forget winters, sometimes even in summers, you require some moisturising. So just imagine how dry the winters in Pune must be! But, I didn't want to moisturise my face with those body lotions so I thought of getting the right kind of moisturiser for the face (and I was okay to pay any price for it). I was looking for something that is not commercialised and is recommended by dermatologists.

Nowadays, I don't hunt on the internet for any recommendation. I just ask my best friends what they're using and I go ahead and buy the product. Of course, I read the ingredients and the features, and if they coordinate with my liking, I purchase the product straightaway. I've already bought three products purely on my friend's recommendations and they've been truly life-changing for me.

One of my best friends applies full coverage makeup on a daily basis but I was unaware of her step-by-step makeup routine, or for that matter, her skincare routine. Eventually, I came to know she moisturises the face and then applies makeup on top of it. So when I was hunting for a face moisturiser, I thought of asking her since her makeup is always on point. She suggested the Cetaphil Moisturising Cream, which was prescribed by her doctor. I went ahead and purchased the cream.

So how is the Cetaphil Moisturing Cream? Worth the purchase? Read the review -

CETAPHIL MOISTURISING CREAM REVIEW

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream is a rich, fragrance-free moisturizer that delivers intense hydration and replenishes sensitive, dry skin. This is a unique formula with HELO* SYSTEM that binds water to the skin, preventing moisture loss. It’s designed to provide immediate and long-lasting relief. This non-greasy formula absorbs quickly and goes to work right away, helping to leave dry skin soft and smooth to the touch. (*H- Humectant; E- Emollients; L- Lipids; O- Occlusive)

PACKAGING
The product comes in a tube (not to mistake it with the moisturising lotion that comes in a bottle). The branding is in blue and green and though the product bends towards the medicinal side more than the commercial side, the branding looks quite nice for that.

There's a flip cover to open the tube and taking out the cream is an easy, smooth process.

APPLICATION
After washing face, I applied the moisturising cream to only those areas of my face that felt stretched. I applied near my smile lines, i.e., on my cheeks, and a slight on my forehead. Just a little product is enough to cover the face. I have combination skin so I require less than a pea amount of the cream to cover my face.

I truly liked the consistency and the opening of the product. I've been using lotion on my face all my life so it felt good to use cream instead of lotion. And the fact that you can squeeze how much ever product you want satisfies me as when you squeeze a lotion, a lot of it ends up on your palm leading to a greasy face!

OVERALL EXPERIENCE
Like I told you, I was looking for a moisturiser on my face that does not have cosmetic features and is recommended by a doctor. I was done with using lotions on my face and ending up with that greasy, dark look. I have used this product quite less as it provides intense hydration. The fact that it does not contain fragrance makes me wanna jump with joy because I have an allergy to strong perfume smells. I can easily apply this on my face and sleep at nights without fearing sore throat.

I cannot say the product doesn't make my face look oil-free, but it is better considering other products I have tried. And, if you top it up with a talcum powder/compact powder then you have a lovely looking face! Your skin becomes smooth to touch and have a nice matte yet moisturised look. The lasting power depends on the humid levels, but yes, you need to apply after every wash.

PROS
- Only a little product is required
- Intense moisturising
- Non-greasy
- No fragrance
- Non-comedogenic (doesn't clog pores)
- Recommended by dermatologists

CONS
- Slightly expensive
- Usually not available at a local chemist

WILL I BUY IT AGAIN?
I don't think I'll be needing one any time soon considering how frequently and how much of a moisturiser I use. But yes, I definitely will! It moisturises my skin without making it look greasy.

EXTRA DETAILS
Price: Rs 389
Weight: 80 g
Where can you get it: In multichain drug stores such as Wellness Forever or online

December 23, 2019 2 comments

Days quickly blend together when you’re busy. You might be greeting the beginning of September one day and next thing you know, December is ending already. That means it’s almost Christmas, and you should be done with your gift shopping by now. If you haven’t even written a list of the people you need to buy gifts for, you’re in serious holiday-rush trouble.

One person who will always be on your list is your best friend. However, this doesn’t necessarily make the gift-buying process easy. You’ve been buying them gifts through the years and you don’t want a repeat of items you’ve previously bought. Here’s how you can find useful gits for your best friend this Christmas:

Scope their Social Media Accounts

If you and your best friend are two busy people, chances are you don’t get to spend as much time together. This means there is not much time to see them in their natural habitat and talk about the littlest detail that can give you an idea of the perfect gift. Fortunately, their social media accounts will give you plenty of ideas, especially if they post about their personal passion more than their professional achievements. From their social media, you can get some ideas on what kinds of products to buy.

Are they a fan of having their makeup on point? Eyebrow makeup for sale might come in handy. Do they choose comfort over style? Those comfortable hoodies and pajamas might be more to their liking. Take their social media account and use the information you gather wisely.

Think Back to Past Events

Not repeating gifts is an unspoken rule; however, it’s not a hard rule. You can bend it if you remember your best friend being exceptionally happy with one gift you gave them some years ago. But add a modern twist to it. For instance, if they loved the planner you got them in 2017, give them a more trendy version this year. How about those organizers with free coupons in them? Similarly, if your friend is a fan of gift checks over gifts, take that as your cue to just get them something they can use however they want. What if your friend doesn’t like receiving expensive gifts? Consider going the DIY route and giving them a personal item that you made yourself.

Trust Your Gut

The whole gift-giving process can be quite the stress if you have so many casual acquaintances to buy gifts for. You don’t know what they want and how they will react to your gift. Giving them something is just a courtesy––and you don’t expect much from them either. However, if there’s one person who shouldn’t be giving you a problem, that’s your best friend. If you see something that immediately makes you think of them, perhaps that is the perfect gift. Forget prices and trends and everything else––if it feels right, then it must be.

Your Christmas is better spent relaxing and taking some time off with your friends and family. So don’t stress over gifts and let your friendship guide you to the best present you can find.

December 20, 2019 No comments

Mount Abu was the first destination of my 40-day solo trip around India. I've been wanting to visit it since I was a kid. I had heard about honeymooners picking it; rather, my aunt who recently got married, went to Mount Abu for her honeymoon.

When I thought about this hill station, I had imagined it to be a desert completely. I thought since it's in Rajasthan, it might have sandy mountains with people that look like Arabs. Yeah, that's how I imagined Mount Abu as a kid! So this was the first place on my trip and I included it because I wanted to see what exactly is this place!

It turned out, there are no sandy mountains or Arabs residing here. Mount Abu is a hill station in Rajasthan and is frequented by Gujaratis and Rajasthanis due to its proximity. Now since this was my first destination on such a long solo trip, I wanted to ensure my stay is comfortable, luxurious, and cheerful. I checked for Mount Abu resorts online and liked the Hotel Aravali the most. I was looking for a lavish stay that's good on the pockets and went ahead to book a room for myself.

I took a bus from Udaipur to Mount Abu and reached the bus depot early afternoon. On reaching the bus stop, I hired a cab for Rs 100 (that's the minimum cab fare I suppose). The distance was a walk away but I was too tired.

ABOUT HOTEL ARAVALI, MOUNT ABU

At Mount Abu, often referred to an ‘Oasis in the Desert-scape of Rajasthan’, Hotel Aravali offers you the perfect relaxation experience with the finest mix of amenities and hospitality. Here you can indulge your senses in the world’s oldest mountain range. Hotel Aravali provides a unique ambience where modern architecture meets nature through personalised big and small gardens at different levels. With a humble beginning of 4 rooms in 1978, Hotel Aravali now provides 12 villas and 20 rooms. Situated at different levels of a hill to enhance the feeling of being part of the Aravalis. The distinct architecture breaks the traditional separation between open and closed spaces, creating an intimate relaxation experience for the guests.

CHECK-IN AT HOTEL ARAVALI, MOUNT ABU

After I reached the resort, my luggage was carried to the lobby area. I could understand the level of hospitality right then and knew I'd picked the correct resort as my first stay. After the check-in formalities, I was escorted to my room. The lobby area was near to the restaurant, which was aesthetic in itself. I especially liked the tiny fountains that led to the lobby. And all the landscape decoration was done by the owner's wife, which was absolutely incredible! To have a vision of a professional designer is totally applaudable!

THE STAY AT HOTEL ARAVALI, MOUNT ABU

I entered my room to find it big and luxurious. I was staying here for a night but wished I could extend my stay. The bed was comfortable, the bathroom huge and hygienic with branded toiletries provided. The lighting was calm and relaxing. I had called in for coffee and it arrived on time. Room service was really appreciable.

All in all, the stay was undeniably soothing and safe for a female solo traveller.

DINING & FOOD AT HOTEL ARAVALI, MOUNT ABU

I reached around noon so I had the opportunity to have lunch twice during my stay. As soon as I entered my room, I first ordered coffee. After freshening up, I went to their restaurant 'Silver Oak' for lunch. There was a buffet placed since a huge group had come there for a stay. The restaurant has glass walls and throws a gorgeous view. Undeniably refreshing after two long days of travel.

The food was lip-smacking. I served myself some Punjabi dishes along with naan, jeera rice, dal tadka, and raita. Next afternoon for lunch, I ordered veg biryani, which was equally a delish!

The dinner that night was extremely tasty. I had dal makhani, bhindi fry, butter rotis, paneer butter masala, and two veg starters. I had such a soundless sleep after all that food!

For breakfast I remember, I was not keeping well. I asked them to suggest something that was light yet filling. I had a long day to go. Firstly, I was sightseeing in Mount Abu, followed by an overnight bus to Jaipur the same evening. They gave me a glass of orange juice, coffee, chilli cheese toast sandwich (which was the best I'd ever had!), fruits such as banana, watermelon, and apple. Trust me, I felt so relieved and energetic after having this.
I was feeling too nauseated in the morning and did not want to have any paratha or omelettes. This breakfast was healthy, light, refreshing, and just the kind I needed!

AMENITIES AT HOTEL ARAVALI, MOUNT ABU

The hotel has a multi-activity hall that offers activities such as table tennis, carrom and a host of board games for guests of all ages. This hall also caters as a venue for film screenings, private parties, and gatherings. Hotel Aravali offers an unparalleled business experience with an air-conditioned conference hall and Wifi service.

EXPERIENCE AT HOTEL ARAVALI, MOUNT ABU

I absolutely loved my stay at Hotel Aravali. It was comfortable, relaxing, luxurious. The food was tasty, the restaurant clean and had a beautiful, refreshing view. The area and the steps especially truly reminded me of staying on a mountain slope. The staff is friendly. Must stay place when you visit Mount Abu, I'd say!

HOW TO REACH HOTEL ARAVALI, MOUNT ABU

You can get buses to Mount Abu from top cities like Udaipur, Jaipur, and Ajmer. The bus will drop you at Koyla bus depot from where you can take a cab for Hotel Aravali. The distance is not much so you can walk using maps as well. However, if you're tired, get a cab! the minimum fare is Rs 100 (that's what the cabbie told me!).

BOOK A STAY AT HOTEL ARAVALI, MOUNT ABU

Website: http://www.hotelaravali.in

December 14, 2019 No comments

With the recent shocking and maddening news about different rape cases registered on one single day in different parts of the country, re-emerged the old fear. Is India not really safe for women? I met a friend yesterday who has to travel to Hyderabad for work and she said she's worried because of the recent brutal rape happened in the city. I was saddened to know this is what women feel. I shared my two bits to her. I told her how it is safe and how she should not worry at all. But she was not convinced. I couldn't understand how to explain it to her.

Manikaran, Himachal Pradesh

Is India safe for solo women travellers? Well, it is subjective. And situational. I travelled alone around India, covering all the five directions of the country – West, North, North East, East, and South. So I'm in a good position to answer this question. What I experienced and the people I met and the kind of night travels I had on my 40-day solo trip around India, I can certainly say, India is safe for solo women travellers. Of course, at certain points in my trip, I did feel a storm of fear in my heart but that's got nothing to do with the men I came across on my journey. It was the fear in my heart; the men, irrespective of in which part of the country I was, never made me feel unsafe.

They were quite inquisitive on how and why I was travelling alone, and depending on the situation (and the current state of mind), my answers changed. Most of the times I would lie saying, "My friend is in the room; she has already visited Taj Mahal, so she's least interested to visit it again", or "Actually, my parents have already been to Konark and Puri so they'll be joining me here tomorrow." That's how I reassured to myself that I was safe (even though it was not true).

One of those times when I was terrified, was on my one-day sightseeing to Konark and Puri from Bhubaneswar. Since it gets dark too early in the east (just at 5:30 pm), I was terrified. It was just me and my taxi driver in the car. It was almost 6:00 pm and pitch dark around. My taxi driver, who was in his 40s, asked me if I don't get scared to travel alone. At that point, I already was slightly terrified due to the dark, but I answered confidently, "No, I don't get scared to travel alone. Sometimes you just have to trust men around you." I tried my best to tell him to not mess with me indirectly. Later in the conversation, I also mentioned how my dad was in the Navy (to make things better for me).

I was certainly terrified when he asked if I wanted to have tea. I was wondering, why would he want to drink tea now? I understand he's tired with the driving, but oh boy, it was total dark around. He stopped at a dhaba on our way to Bhubaneswar, and brought me a glass of tea. I shouldn't have taken that tea, I feel. But most of the times, I don't refuse tea. I was tired and needed some refreshment. We finished our tea and resumed the journey. The man did not make me feel unsafe; it was just the prevailing fear in my heart.

Kheerganga trek

Another situation when I was totally scared was when I was reaching Agra from Jaipur. My bus was supposed to reach Agra at 10:00 pm, but it got late and reached at 12:30 am! Just imagine! I had never been to Uttar Pradesh before so I did not have any clue about the state. I had asked my hostel to arrange a pickup for me but they refused. I tried booking Ola/Uber and after multiple attempts, I got an Ola auto finally. I was petrified, to be very frank.

To add to the drama, the bus stopped 5 minutes before my dropping point and waited there to unload some goods for a nice 20 minutes. My auto driver called me saying he had reached the pickup point but there was no way I could reach it. So I requested the driver to come to this petrol pump where the bus was. I'm so glad he came and did not cancel my ride because one inconvenience to the drivers and they straightaway cancel your ride!

My auto driver, a guy probably in his early 30s, arrived and the men from my bus helped me load my luggage in the vehicle. At 12:30 am, we were riding for my hostel on the lonely streets of Agra. On hearing my driver's sick voice (he sounded unwell with a sore throat), I started a conversation. "Is your throat not okay?" The driver replied, "Yes. It's been like this since a few days now. Just 4 days ago, I was down with a fever." I replied in a relaxed way knowing the driver is buying my conversation, "Yeah. The weather is really confusing. Sometimes it rains, sometimes it is sunny."

I did not realise when we reached my hostel. I just thought the talks about the weather and the driver's health would keep him busy to think of anything else. I was ecstatic. I was telling to myself how if I passed this test, it was equivalent to winning the world. The driver dropped me at the hostel safely and at 12:45 am, after all the check-in procedures, I was finally into my room.

Coorg, Karnataka

I faced similar situations where I was either boarding late night or getting off late night, however, not even once did I come across any bad vibe from anyone around me. Whatever I felt, it was just the prevailing fear in my heart. I suppressed it many times by acting all tough and badass. It certainly helped me be strong, courageous, and a don't-mess-with-me woman around. Was it my posture? Was it my attitude? Was it my clothing style? Or was it the goodness in people around me? I do not know. All I can say from experience is that it is safe for a solo woman traveller in India.

SAFETY TIPS FOR SOLO WOMEN TRAVELLERS IN INDIA

To talk about the precautions or safety tips, firstly, is to know where you're staying. Don't go for shady stays just because you're on a tight budget. It is better to be safe than sorry. Secondly, when it is dark, try to be around people. For late-night local travel, use Ola/Uber apps or simply, be on your toes even if you're going by local taxi/auto. Your attitude and confidence matter; do not show you're a weak person, even though internally, you want to cry running into someone's arms. On this trip, I had neither carried a knife (I had carried one but they confiscated it on the airport in the mid of the trip) nor a pepper spray. I had no self-defence tools with me (frightens me now to know!).

Your clothes. Well, no hard rule as such. But whenever you are wearing shorts/sleeveless and you know you will be reaching your room late, carry some covering, just in case. During day time, there's no need to fear. Keep your phone with you and a power bank, especially if it's gonna be a long day. Do keep your family updated with the live location on WhatsApp.

Amer Fort, Jaipur

That's it, folks. I hope you never keep yourself from travelling solo only because you are afraid of abductions and rape. Be brave and show it through your body language, clothes, facial expressions, and your personality. I would just like to add one sentence that personally pushes me to achieve the impossible,

"You are anyway going to die one day. It is better to do something you love and die than do nothing and die."

Am I right? Go ahead and plan your solo travel you've always been hoping. All my good wishes to you! You're brave; don't let these evil men or news or anybody for that matter tell you otherwise.

December 06, 2019 No comments

I was travelling to Coorg solo from Mysore and was looking for a resort to relax and refresh after a 35-day trip around India. Coorg being my last destination before I spend a night in Bangalore, I did not want to settle with anything less. I was looking for luxury resorts in Coorg when I stumbled upon Coorg Cliffs Resort. Just reading it made me sure of its incredible views so I went to their website and was blown over with the fact that they have an infinity pool! You simply book asap after knowing a resort has an infinity pool!

Lucky for me, the general manager of the resort was travelling from Mysore to Coorg on the same day as me, so the team asked me if I would like to join him instead of taking a bus from Mysore to Coorg. Though that meant I was missing on an adventure, I couldn't reject. I reached the resort in about three hours, comfortably, without having to put a strain on my mind.

ABOUT COORG CLIFFS RESORT

Located at an altitude of 3398 ft from the sea level, the coffee Capital Coorg is a magic to behold. Scenic views abound here and Coorg Cliffs Resort stands in its heart helping you unleash the land's soul. The 9 acres resort is situated at Hanchikad in Pollibeta and offers a hospitality experience that spreads across 300 acres of lush green plantation area. It’s built around trees and displays an eco friendly design evolved on the natural lay of the land. It's where the nature meets the luxury.

CHECK-IN AT COORG CLIFFS RESORT

I was extremely excited to stay at the Coorg Cliffs Resort because of the infinite views, the ambience, nature around, and the pool, of course. I was looking forward to it since the first day of my 40-day solo trip around India; heck, I guess, I've been dreaming about swimming here ever since I booked my stay!

When I entered their property, I was astonished to see such a dense border of coffee trees welcoming me with their green fruits and aroma. I remember turning my head from left to right, trying to capture as much as possible from my eyes as well as my camera lenses. I wish I could express how keen I was to step out of the car and rush towards the trees.

On reaching the resort, I was welcomed with a glass of organic ginger jaggery coffee and a wet towel for refreshment. I understood the kind of hospitality and was much pleased. After the check-in formalities, I was escorted to my room.

THE STAY AT COORG CLIFFS RESORT

My room lied in the first cottage and was located on the top. I was so grateful I was given this room. It was a suite with an attached balcony that threw such a mind-blowing view, I don't know what to say! Since I was travelling solo, I preferred staying in the balcony more than the room. Irrespective of what time of the day it is, you would always find me in the balcony, listening to the guitar on my phone and either doodling, writing or just reflecting on myself. I would even sit in the balcony late nights when I used to be accompanied by insects and a cool breeze. The kind of experience I've had here was truly unwinding, soul-stirring. I wish you were with me then, I'm sure you would have felt the same.

My room was huge with a spacious bed, good enough for three people to sleep in without any discomfort. The tv and ac worked fine. The WiFi was stable and was spread across the resort. You know how important WiFi is to me! There were branded toiletries, a pair of home slippers, a plate of cookies, and a bowl of fresh fruits to welcome me in. You get two complimentary water bottles every day and a mini-fridge for other needs.

The bed is comfy, the toilet is clean, and the room-cleaning happens after just a call. Overall, the cleanliness of the entire resort is to appreciate.

On the last day of my stay here, I had called in for room-cleaning and oh my gosh, about four members from the staff came in with a bucket of supplies resembling soldiers with arms. My room turned aromatic and I wished I didn't leave the place. My stay experience became twice beautiful after my room was cleaned!

DINING & FOOD AT COORG CLIFFS RESORT

The restaurant is attached to the lobby and is sparkly clean with the pool view. I always chose the seat near to the glass wall to simply enjoy the pool view while relishing on tasty food. They have indoor dining as well as outdoor dining.

The food quality and taste are noteworthy, needless to say. My room-plan included breakfast so every morning I enjoyed wholesome food that kept me full until early evening. From fresh fruit juices to pineapple sheera, aloo paratha, dosa, uttapam...the breakfast used to be a delicious affair!

AMENITIES AT COORG CLIFFS RESORT

What do I talk about the amenities? Apart from the incredibly huge and gorgeous infinity pool, they have another pool, equally good. With indoor activities like carrom, table tennis, foosball, chess, etc. and outdoor activities such as badminton, cycling, cricket, you are definitely going to have a blast here!

Coorg Cliffs Resort is a perfect place for a staycation because even if you're not much interested to explore Coorg, you can still have a truly relaxing experience on this hill station as the resort has so much to offer! Since I was alone, I played table tennis and carrom with the resort staff and that was the best thing to happen to me here! I simply love to play! And the fact that a female staff escorted me to all these places was incredibly thoughtful. They also have a tie-up with cab drivers so your sightseeing and pickup drops are taken care of!

On the last evening, I cycled around the property. The staff was so caring and cautious that they made sure I don't venture on the slopes. They told me multiple times to cycle on the plains.

PLANTATION WALK

Another special point I would like to mention is the nature/plantation walk. It's about a 45-min walk around the property where the in-house naturalist shows you around different plants and trees including coffee. All your coffee-related doubts will be answered by him! You'll come across papaya trees, coffee trees, pepper vines, silver oak trees, wild mushrooms, birds, insects, and also elephant dung that's sure to catch your interest as the stories behind are worth listening. The nature walk happens in the mornings and evenings and is a must-do activity in the resort. Please keep a morning or an evening off to catch this walk in nature.

EXPERIENCE AT COORG CLIFFS RESORT

I would suggest you book a stay at Coorg Cliffs Resort without any second thought. The infinity pool, the huge rooms with spacious balconies, the cleanliness, the extremely friendly and adorable staff, the yummy food, the number of amenities, hospitality, and so much more...is worth every penny! Just go for it and have an amazing time in Coorg! Definitely a must!

SIGHTSEEING IN COORG

Raja’s Seat - 36 km (Seat of the King & view Point)

Abbey Falls - 43 km (The waterfall is located between private coffee plantations with stocky coffee bushes and spice estates with trees entwined with pepper vines)

Mandalapatti - 54 km (It is a popular tourist destination which provides beautiful views atop the western ghats over lush forests)
Tadiandamol - 45 km (Thadiyandamol is the highest mountain of Kodagu district. It is the third highest peak in Karnataka)
Dubare Elephant Camp - 27 km (Provides an Elephant interaction along with the Safari)
Nisargadhama - 37 km (Island formed by river Kaveri with animal feeding farms and popular picnic spot)

Golden Temple - 44 km (The Namdroling Nyingmapa Monastery is the largest teaching center of the Nyingma lineage of Tibetan Buddhism in the world)

Iruppu Waterfall - 45 km (The best time to visit the Falls is during the monsoons, when the Falls is at full capacity and is a breathtaking sight)

HOW TO REACH COORG CLIFFS RESORT

From Mysore or Bangalore, take a bus for Virajpet and get down at Gonikopalu (Gonikoppal).
From Gonikopalu, take an auto (for Rs 350 approx) or a cab (for Rs 1000 approx) to the resort.
Alternatively, you can get down at Madikeri instead of Gonikopalu. This route is longer so takes more time and is more expensive too.

BOOK A STAY AT COORG CLIFFS RESORT
Website: www.coorgcliffsresort.com

Telephone: +91 8549053184 | 8549053184

Social Media: Tripadvisor - Facebook - Instagram - Youtube - Linkedin

Watch the Coorg Vlog -

November 12, 2019 No comments

Source: Prajakta S, Tripadvisor

Darjeeling is one of the hill stations I always wanted to visit. I'd heard about its dreamy landscapes, its aromatic tea gardens, its friendly people, its toy train, and its vibe. When I was planning my 40-day solo trip around India, I had to include Darjeeling, no matter what. This trip included most of those places I wanted to visit in India. When I announced at my home that I was going to Darjeeling, my mom said she would love to join me too. Though this was a solo trip, I couldn't refuse my mom. So she came along to Kolkata (for Durga Puja) and Darjeeling and I felt so refreshed after meeting her.

I wanted to make my stay in Darjeeling a memorable one, so I started hunting for luxurious yet economical resorts in Darjeeling. That's when I stumbled upon the Little Tibet Resort and knew at an instance that I would book my stay here. I was impressed seeing its gallery and its Tibetan decor. I was fascinated to know that I would get to experience a bit of Tibet staying in Darjeeling and that itself was so intriguing! Plus, the view from the resort was a huge brownie point!

The outdoor seating aka the garden

ABOUT LITTLE TIBET RESORT DARJEELING

The Little Tibet Resort combines traditional Tibetan charm with comfort and luxury. They offer traditional Tibetan hospitality and you get to taste Tibetan food, drink and music. The resort serves the best of Indian, Chinese, Continental, Tandoori, and Local Cuisines. The resort is centrally located near the Governor’s House on the Mall, and a comfortable walking distance from the Airlines office, Post Office, Banks, Foreign Registration Office and the Tourist Hub of Chowrasta. The resort is run by a second generation Tibetan family whose parents had to flee Kham (a province in Tibet) before the Chinese Aggression but have retained their language, culture, religion and the art of Tibetan hospitality to make your stay a comfortable and a memorable one.

CHECK-IN AT LITTLE TIBET RESORT DARJEELING

When I'd checked the pictures online of this beautiful boutique resort in Darjeeling, I was blown over. I always appreciate good views from the hotel, especially if I'm on a mountain. I like to see the valley, the rooftops, the greenery, the clouds, and of course, the mountains. The Little Tibet Resort in Darjeeling has a magnificent view.

When we reached the resort, the branding caught our attention. I knew the instant I read the name that the place is going to be a pretty display of everything Tibetan. When we entered the gate, we saw a path that led to the reception and the main building of the resort. The path was outlined with pictureque flowers hanging from the ceiling. The vibrant reds and pinks caught our attention. I could immediately sense the warmth of the resort.

On walking further, we reached the reception area. The check-in was hassle free and with the friendly smiles of the staff, we were given our room.

The spacious, comfy bed | Source: Management, TripAdvisor

STAY AT LITTLE TIBET RESORT DARJEELING

As soon as I entered the room, I was taken aback seeing the decor. Our room was huge and had a garden view. The window was so huge, I felt like jumping off it and rushing to the garden. Just seeing the view from my room made me feel so refreshed after a tiring 20 hours journey from Kolkata.

Our bed was wide, wide enough for three people to sleep without any discomfort. The puffiness of the bed made me want to take a nap. The clean bathroom made me feel like taking a nice, hot water bath.

Coffee Mugs with Tibetan traditional design

I stayed here for three nights and had the best of slumbers. The tv worked fine and my mom and I spent most of our indoor time watching tv while feasting on food alongside. We had branded toiletries at disposal with Tibetan mugs as our coffee mugs. Apart from that, there was a dedicated place to keep our luggage and hooks to hang our coats. Absolutely loved the stay here!

FOOD AT LITTLE TIBET RESORT DARJEELING
We got to taste the Tibetan/Nepali cuisine on request. We tried the Ting Momos, the Sim Rayo sabzi (this leafy vegetable is eaten mostly during the winter days or to soothe cold and fever), and the Alu Phing soup (a soup made out of noodles, potatoes, onions, and other ingredients).

Other meals tasted equally delicious. Not just the quantity but the quality is noteworthy too. The soft rotis reminded me of my mom's handmade rotis and even the main course was flavourful. Our room plan included breakfast so I was blessed with delicious, wholesome breakfast every morning. With fresh fruits, juices, coffee, tea, sandwiches, pakoras, and an array of breakfast items such as pancakes, parathas, baked beans, and oats porridge.

Tibetan/Nepali food at Little Tibet Resort

Buffet area at the restaurant

The best part is when on the last morning we had an early flight to catch, we had asked for a packed breakfast and they had provided with a tetrapack juice, fresh cut fruits, boiled eggs, and sandwiches with a complimentary Darjeeling tea gift pack and a souvenir. I'm not sure how many hotels provide with such thoughtful breakfast packs but I was surely impressed by them.

FACILITIES AT LITTLE TIBET RESORT DARJEELING

Under facilities, the first point I would like to state is the incredibly speedy WiFi. Most of the places that claim to have free WiFi usually have it either slow or dysfunctional. And being a digital nomad, it's important for me to have a fast WiFi. (As soon as I figured out that the WiFi here is fast, I finished editing my Jaipur vlog and uploaded it!) I was blessed to receive a stable connection after about 20 days of my trip!

The garden of the resort had such a magnificent view that I felt like sitting there until it got dark. It was cloudy all over and the faint sight of the roofs below made it a blissful sight. The garden has a dining, making it even more functional as on a warmer day, you can dine at the garden instead of the indoor restaurant!

MY EXPERIENCE AT LITTLE TIBET RESORT DARJEELING

My overall experience at the Little Tibet Resort has been incredible. My mom is all praises with its cordial staff, the tasty food, the service, the hospitality, the ambience, and the way they packed breakfast for us! Even when I write this, she tells me to ensure I cover all the aspects of the resort as she loved it! I personally enjoyed my stay too. The resort is perfect for couples looking for honeymoon resorts in Darjeeling or for families who are looking for comfortable and family-friendly hotels in Darjeeling.

Kanchenjunga view point is about 2 minutes walk from the resort | Source: Kunal_Mukherjee, TripAdvisor

HOW TO REACH LITTLE TIBET RESORT DARJEELING

By Road/Rail, take a bus or a train from Kolkata to Siliguri. I suggest to take an overnight luxury bus from Kolkata for Siliguri.
By Air, take a flight to Bagdodra or Kolkata airport. If you're flying to Bagdodra, then simply hire a cab for Darjeeling from the airport. And if you're coming to Kolkata instead, follow the first pointer to reach Siliguri.
On reaching Siliguri, you shall find sharing Sumos that take you to Darjeeling for Rs 150 per person. There are private cabs available too; just inquire around.
On reaching Darjeeling, arrange for a pickup from the resort or walk it up! You can hire a coolie to carry your luggage and walk till the resort.

BOOK A STAY AT LITTLE TIBET RESORT DARJEEELING
Website: https://www.littletibet.in/

Watch my Darjeeling vlog!

November 02, 2019 1 comments

I went on a solo trip around India for 40 days and had a lot to learn. This was my longest trip and I covered 9 states and around 20 destinations across India. I majorly stayed in dorm rooms and faced constant changes in the weather. I travelled using public transport wherever possible. The trip surely changed me into a new person and here are some life lessons I learnt while I was on the road –

Prejudices are only in your head. Try to love people across all religions, castes, and languages.
No situation, mood or emotion is permanent. If you’re happy right now, you’ll be sad later and if you’re sad right now, you’ll be happy later. It’s basically like a rollercoaster.
People belonging from all the states, languages, caste, religion are in fact, your countrymen…try to sense belongingness towards them.
Appreciate the differences in people, not just in the way they dress but also do not judge their traditional practices.
You are all you’ve got in the end.
Never leave your expensive belongings such as phone, camera unattended.
Probably the best way to taste local cuisine is through thaalis, especially when you have less time at a place.
The people around you are humans like you. Start a conversation with them.
Appreciate your own company. It's okay to go to fancy restaurants or movie theatres alone.

Learn to compromise and adjust. Sometimes it can get too tough. At such times you can either request people or simply take a deep breath and hope the situation passes sooner.
Know that you're too lucky that you eat proper meals on time. Because sometimes, omelettes, noodles or bread butter are the only options available.
Learn to be okay with the minimum. At times, you’ll end up having chips and biscuits as your meals because that’s the only safe option available.
Stop worrying that you spend a lot of money on the things you love. Please know that you can always earn the money later.
Preserve energy until you reach your destination. This applies to treks especially.
Some investments are really needed such as multi-pocketed pants while you’re in the transit.
Avoid arguments with the locals and be in the good books of everyone. Don't start unnecessary fights with them because they might end up being your only saviours and acquaintances in an unknown place.

Not everyone around you is evil. Trust them and appreciate their kindness. It might be so that your good deeds are coming back to you.
Don't rush. Please know that it is okay to relax. Stop being overwhelmed with work.
You’re your best doctor. Don't overeat and learn to balance meals.
Don't go all out. It’s okay to skip a few things in life. You can always revisit a place.
Smile through all the situations and find happiness in small things. Be happy it’s raining and the weather is pleasant or be happy it’s sunny and that it’s not raining.
Trust your gut feeling.
Writing down/venting out is perhaps one of the best lowkey therapies. If you’re feeling sad, simply write it down in a notebook.
Your friends and family love you way more than you think they do. Reach out to them if you’re feeling lonely.
Money < Safety. Even if a thing is expensive but safe, go for it anyway.
People might not be rude; it's just the way they talk!

Take things slowly. Recheck everthing twice and don't be in a hurry.
There’s something called Memory Replacement. It’s basically replacing your memories with new ones to avoid feeling sad. You make new memories in a place so that the old, painful memories don’t haunt you anymore.
Love a person as much as you want but don't base your happiness solely on them.
There are billions of people in the world. Don't let one person affect your mood.
Whatever is hurting you, won’t hurt you eventually. Stop revolving around the same problem and instead, try to genuinely get over the problem.
At times you’ll feel like crying and the best way to deal with it is to cry.
Not everyone is genuinely interested and might in fact just be bored. Learn to keep your details with you instead of sharing it with everyone you meet.
If someone has touched your heart in any way, let them know.
A tough situation will teach you who is yours and who isn’t.

Learn patience. Things will not always go the way you want.
Put others before you. This is the kindest thing you’ll do to yourself.
Courage and willpower will take you to places. All it needs is one step from your end. Remember: No guts, no glory; no legend, no story.
Start enjoying what you have instead of worrying about the future.
It is okay to not know everything. However, you should always have an appetite to learn more.

October 21, 2019 10 comments

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