Welcome 2017 @ Westin Sohna Resort and Spa

Still deciding last minute plans for the New Year? You have some lucrative offer at the 11th hour! The Westin Sohna Resort and Spa offers specially curated packages for you. Rejuvinate your senses with the stay packages starting from INR 30,000 plus taxes per room per night. It will be more merrier because of the exotic location of the resort and also the unparalleled hospitality combined with the 'feel well' concept. So, you will be all jazzed up and energetic for 2017. So, here is the offer!

New Year Celebrations @ Westin Sohna Resort and Spa

Offer at Westin Sohna Resort and Spa

Being born and brought up in Delhi, I am so used to its markets and exactly know where to shop for my needs. Travellers need to know where exactly to go and buy stuff for various needs of theirs. I don't say that I have the best knowledge of markets to shop in Delhi but would try to put it across with the best of my knowledge. So here you go!

Popular markets to shop in Delhi

There are markets that are whole sale markets. One can buy from anything to everything there.  The stuff is very good and at cheap prices. The only thing is that these markets are extremely crowded with narrow lanes and a lot of surfing needs to be done. These are Chandni Chowk and Sadar Bazar. I have always gone to Chandni Chowk for wedding sarees for all ranges starting from gifting sarees till wedding sarees. Men and women Suits, dresses for kids, jewellery. Khari Bawli Is the stop shop for all spices, pulses, dry fruits. Bhageerath Place for Chandeliers and other electrical appliances. Main reason to shop there is again quality, variety and best prices and bargains. Chandni Chowk is also very very famous for food. People specially go there to experience food.

Connaught Place

Budget markets famous for clothing are Sarojini Nagar, Kamla Nagar and Janpath. You will find many trendy and cheap stuff there. These are hub for collegiates. You will find many small and quirky food joints as well.
Sarojini Nagar markets you will even find kitchen and linens and even trendy curtains stuff as well.

If one wants to shop for marbles and tiles, one must go to Raja Garden and Mangol Puri.

For furniture

Nidhi KM

Getting prepared for a beginner ski holiday

I am always fascinated by ski. Now that my kids are entering the adventurous or curious age, they want to ski. So, we decided to take them skiing. Little I knew that skiing requires preparation. To seasoned skiers, this statement may look foolish. I just thought to explore about skiing online when I observed that there is a full fledged planning and preparation required for skiing. Below is what I learnt

1. First and foremost, choose a skiing destination that is favourable for beginners. In India, beginners can start from Auli.

2. Try and book for a ski resort so they can help you in every manner for your skiing requirements and can provided you well trained staff.

3. If you are skiing with kids, avoid them ski before 3 years of his/her age and the child must must be potty trained

Read more

Nidhi KM

I have been visiting Shani Mandir since last 15-20 years. Last I had gone was like some 3 years back. Have been craving to go since long but wasn't able to as kids were small and didn't want to stand in long queues with them. From last time's experience and good hope, I took a chance again to visit the temple. Glad that we made it. We started by 8 am and reached Shani Mandir by 12.30. It was a nice weather in mid December. Thankfully no queue and no rush. We straight away entered the temple after taking a packet of stuff for ceremony in the temple. It was a new scene this time. I could see Shani Dev's statue on all 4 sides for the ease of pilgrims. People were coming and going fast. After Darshan, we headed to Lord Shri Krishna's temple and after visiting the same, we worshipped people tree and returned to our cab . There was a feeling of satisfaction. viharin-com-Statue of Shani Dev outside Shani Mandir Statue of Shani Dev outside Shani Mandir With a peaceful heart, we headed for Vrindavan where we had booked a room in an Ashram called Radhey Shyam. It was 3.30 already and after having tea, we pushed off for Banke Bihari. There also, it was less rush. So we all and kids were able to do the Darshan nicely. As we were very tired by now, just wanted to have food and sleep. Food was delicious at Radhey Shyam Ashram. There was an overall degradation in hospitality though and cleanliness of rooms and bathrooms. We went to Nand Gaon and to see he temple where Shri Krishna used to stay. This is tge place where Shri Krishna was brought up. It is said that the whole family statue was recovered from underground. There is a belief that a cow used to eat and drink very well but never yielded milk. When people followed it , they realized that the Cow used to yield milk at the place where the whole family statue was recovered. viharin-com-On the way to Nand Gaon On the way to Nand Gaon Then we went to see the Govardhan Parvat which doesn't seem to be a parvat any more. Though there is a boundary line but I could never imagine a parvat decaying to ground. viharin-com-On the way to Govardhan Parvat On the way to Govardhan Parvat All my fascination about the story of lifting Govardhan Parvat by Shri Krishana vanished in a second. However, I felt good to atleaset see it. Many pilgrims visit it bare foot some even do the rounds by lying down fully on the ground at every step. Such an exercise and faith. viharin-com-sarson-farms Mustard or Sarson Farms Overall a graeat experience ! Loved it. Nidhi KM © Viharin.com

I have been visiting Shani Mandir since last 15-20 years. Last I had gone was like some 3 years back. Have been craving to go since long but wasn't able to as kids were small and didn't want to stand in long queues with them. From last time's experience and good hope, I took a chance again to visit the temple. Glad that we made it. We started by 8 am and reached Shani Mandir by 12.30. It was a nice weather in mid December. Thankfully no queue and no rush. We straight away entered the temple after taking a packet of stuff for ceremony in the temple. It was a new scene this time. I could see Shani Dev's statue on all 4 sides for the ease of pilgrims. People were coming and going fast.  After Darshan, we headed to Lord Shri Krishna's temple and after visiting the same, we worshipped people tree and returned to our cab . There was a feeling of satisfaction.

Statue of Shani Dev outside Shani Mandir

With a peaceful heart, we headed for Vrindavan where we had booked a room in an Ashram called Radhey Shyam. It was 3.30 already and after having tea, we pushed off for Banke Bihari. There also, it was less rush. So we all and kids were able to do the Darshan nicely.

As we were very tired by now, just wanted to have food and sleep. Food was delicious at Radhey Shyam Ashram. There was an overall degradation in hospitality though and cleanliness of rooms and bathrooms.

Read more

Nidhi KM

Restaurant review- Arabian Nites, Gurgaon

Arabian Nites, the jazzy name rings a bell in my mind. I quickly agreed to the review request. I was so curious to visit the outlet. I felt like childhood connection with the name. So, we reached the restaurant as decided.

Ambiance at Arabian Nites

The outlet is small and is at a strategic prime location in Super Mart 1 in Gurgaon, DLF Phase 4. As I entered the little the place, I realized how small the outlet is but still done up so well to make it look spacious, quirky and perfect.

Arabian Nites

I loved the setting. Kitchen is an open transparent kitchen. The outlet has few tables and chairs placed in a way to provide adequate space to diners while they see the food getting prepared. Its an outlet for all ages. Loved the way it was done up!

Arabian Nites, famous for Lebanese street food is another branch to the Main restaurant in South Delhi. I chose for a Non Veg Platter that had a shawarma, 2 Khubuz , 2 pieces grilled chicken, baba Ghanoush and hummus.

Sultan Platter

I loved the Shawarma that was irresistible. It was stuffed with chicken pieces right from the first till the last byte. Chicken was soft and melted in my mouth. It had perfect blend of spices satiating my taste buds. Just loved it. Bread was soft and good. It went well with hummus and Baba Ghanoush. Grilled chicken was good. It had a skin that reminded me of half fried egg. I was already full by the times I ate chicken. My favourite was Shawarma.

Service

Nidhi KM

Stylish The One at Le Meridien New Delhi

Stylish The One at Le Meridien New Delhi

I was at Le Meridien, Delhi with my kids and we were supposed to dine at The One , all day dining restaurant. When we entered the ambiance was perfect for a relaxed dine out. Since I was dining alone with my kids for the first time, I told them to behave well and of course they did. Restaurant staff was very friendly and heard them carefully. I realized that kids were able to explain their needs well and the hotel staff patiently heard them.

Ambiance at The One

Stylish red and black ambiance at The One created an aura of a nice and relaxed dining. Furniture was comfortable and contemporary. There was a lavish spread of buffet and live counters.

Buffet at The One

Food

HappyMongoLearning a great program for kids

We started using HappyMongoLearning study tool from September and I must tell you that its been a fantastic journey. I would say that indeed its the best I have done for them so far in studies. I saw instant results. First of all my elder one started craving for it when I did not touch HappyMongoLearning tool kit for two weeks. When I started the app, both of them climbed to it as if they were playing video game. Can you even imagine that my elder one himself got his pencil and workbook whereas he always asks me for it.

While my elder one explored all the tabs of the module, younger one wanted to do reading. He remembered from last time so much fun it was. I could see the strong concentration and focus they had for it. I can vouch that they have become smarter than the rest.

Read more

Nidhi KM

EncouragingGirls this Christmas @ Le Meridien, Delhi

A visit to Le Meridien during Christmas time is an experience in itself. While the last year focus was on recycling of digital junk CDs that beautified Christmas tree, this year's focus is on EncouragingGirls. This time Christmas Tree was not a normal tree, it was of the concept of women Santa Claus and not our traditional Santa.  I had taken my kids along this time for them to enjoy the festivities! As we entered, beautiful  and unparalleled Christmas tree that no one can ever imagine welcomed us!

Christmas Tree EncouragingGirls

Moving further, a real fairy took my kids to the venue.

Ginger bread house and a fairy inside

Further ahead was coffee shop Longitude decked up in full festivities. Isn't it amazing! This time, the whole concept of Santa Claus changed! This Santa was a girl! What a pleasant surprise! A woman Santa Claus brightened the atmosphere there with a beautiful saari and Santa cap. It was lovely and refreshing to see her. I loved this new age concept! It's absolutely amazing!  Women are givers of love and emotions! 

Read more

Nidhi KM

With the onset of winters, different travellers have fun in their own unique way. While some want to shop, others enjoy a snow falling destinations while sipping coffee. I also admire people who want to ski at that time. Although I am an adventure lover but with time and stage of my life, I have slowed down a bit. But these winters again have put me at the thought of skiing. Although my kids are quite young but through TV or movies, slowly they have developed a fantasy for skiing. So probably next year I might go skiing. But before I do that proper planning needs to be there as I need to ensure that my kids get well adapted to the environment, temperature and altitude. So first of all, I have done my research on skiing destinations in India from various sites like Wikipedia and more. Sharing the same with you. The finalized destination will be a result of calculation of distance, comfort, accessibility for us considering little kids.

Top 12 skiing destinations in India

1. Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir is a picturesque location with good snow. Best time to visit ius from December to March. Srinagar is the nearest airport

2. Gulmarg in Jammu and Kashmir is yet another place in India to enjoy skiing. This place is famous for being the 7th best in Asia and having highest cable car in world.

3. Mundali is another feather in cap of Uttaranchal with key access point as Dehradun

4. Munsiyari- Munsiyari is in Uttaranchal.

5. Auli in Uttaranchal is another destination with the nearest railway station or airport at Dehradun. We might considered this next year , it being closer to Delhi and one f the most upcoming hill stations.

Read more

Nidhi KM

Don’t miss Jal Mahotsav in Hanuwantiya, Madhya Pradesh

I went to Varanasi and Khajuraho last year in Madhya Pradesh. I loved being there. Over the periods of one year,  I get attracted towards Madhya Pradesh for many reasons. It has also a participated in Heritage 365 in which I learnt Ujjain and Ahmedabad are declared as Heritage cities. This time I am attracted again to the state because of Jal Mahotsav! Wow! I have been wondering what the experience would be!! I witnessed the curtain raiser of the same.

Jal Mahotsav curtain raiser

All prestigious authorities had come to do the honors. Mr. said Madhya Pradesh is a very easy state to work with as there is a lot of positivity in the state. You make up your mind and do it. The state has quick, transparent and friendly policies.

Mr. said Parsuli river experience with barefoottrek with shoes in hand for 3 kms. Tribal museum in Bhopal is a world class museum. Waters ars pristine blue. Indira Sagar Dam is the biggest water body in Asia with 950 sq kms having 119 islands. Anyone who wants to ply a houseboat can apply for the same. He unravelled the introduction of two houseboats. He invited investors and private players to start making money. Caravan tourism. Vastratan dedicated to textile industry. Anyone having an interest can explore. In London a craftsmean produced block painting and gifted scarves to people in WTM London. Royal courtyard of Jehangir Palace hss been called as a wedding destination. Small hillocks became islands which are not national parks or sancuaries that house exotic species. Hanuwantiya is an islandLog huts can also be built. 49 regions have been identified for hard and soft adventure with permission of forest authorities. Kerva dam Zip line is the longest zip line in Asia. Its over the dam and going over the water body on the other side of dam. Parasailing is another activity in store of Jal Mahotsav. Mumtaz Mahal was burried in Bahranour Palce in MP and was later moved to Taj Mahal. He mentioned that not all forests are National Parks and Sanctuaries but they have got beautiful and exquisite flora and fauna which must be explored for example Satpura.

What does Jal Mahotsav offer?

Nidhi KM

Festivities at German Christmas Market

Enjoying Christmas in German Christmas Market at German House, Indo- German Chamber of Commerce is a feeling in itself. The whole ambiance was buzzing with people, stalls, art and craft items, bags, toys, eateries and festivities. There were gentry of mainly Delhi and foreign dignitaries. I could see many Germans in the complex.

German Christmas Market

I had gone with my friend and our kids were quite excited to witness the German Christmas market. As we entered there was a stall of toys. Our kids just got glued there and we bought them a tiara and magic books. It was so much fun for them. They just loved being there.

A little further was painting competition hosted by Apeejay education Society. My niece and elder son did beautiful drawings. I didn't even realize how my son could draw a beautiful Mahal. Now I know about his interests. He is fascinated by Royal eras. My niece is a nature lover just like me. I always used to draw what she did. She drew a beautiful scenery of nature with trees, sun and huts , birds and grass around.

Read more

Nidhi KM

Enjoy your royal past via Heritage Tourism

I have always been fascinated by forts and palaces. Whenever I visit Amer Fort or for that matter forts in down South, they transport me to the era of those royal times and life. I had recently visited Amer Fort and my excitement rolled further upon hearing about Heritage 365 which promotes Heritage Tourism.

Heritage 365

I was so glad to learn that Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan Tourism have joined hands together with Indian Heritage Hotels Association to showcase their hidden jems of locations and heritage properties to the world travellers be they expats, domestic or International tourists in luxury, budget and adventure segments through Heritage 365.

Panel discussion for Heritage 365

This initiative has been supported by Embassy of Italy in India, his highness Mr. Lorenzo Angeloni and Yes Bank. Heritage 365 is the brainchild of Mr. Aman Math, a pioneer of Heritage Hotels and Heritage Tourism. 

Read more

Nidhi KM