A heavenly experience @ Tanah Lot , Bali

After river rafting and lunch, I was quite tired and wanted to rest. But our guide Mr. Bagooz insisted that we visit Tanah Lot. I wondered what special that place had! I got answers to all my curiosities when we parked our cab at Tanah Lot!

Tanah Lot means land in the sea in Balinese language. It’s a temple on the rock in the sea which is being given the dynamic shape by waves of the sea. As you reach the place, you will go through a street market. Once you reach the place, you will love the area.

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Nidhi KM

Review- Spice Mantraa an Indian Cuisine restaurant in Kuta, Bali

After witnessing a great dance performance of Kecak dance at Uluwutu temple, we headed to have Indian cuisine at Spice Mantraa .

Ambiance at Spice Mantraa 

It was a nice building with two floors to it. Location of Spice Mantraa is a prime one being opposite to Discovery Shopping Mall in Kuta. It is centrally located.

Spice Mantraa

I liked the interiors on the ground floor. We dined at the first floor which had few tables. Buffet was laid there.

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My experience at Uluwutu Temple in Bali

Last time when I had come to Uluwutu Temple I was very happy to see the Kecak dance. I was curious to know how Ramayana can be same as that of Indian Ramayana! I was amazed to see so much similarity between religion of Bali and India! I was curious last time so God gave me another chance to visit same Temple and attend the same dance there.

 Kecak dance

But you know this temple is right on the cliff of Peninsula in Bali! Since last time the sun had already set and it was dark, by the time we reached, so I could not have the splended view of water gushing towards the rock and making noise.

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Nidhi KM

Indonesia Tourism Media meeting at Le Meridien, Delhi

Yesterday I had gone for the Indonesia Tourism Media meet at Le Meridien.

The Ambassador H.E. Mr. Sidharto R. Suryodipuro welcomed us at the venue. He said that there is an increase of 86.85% in Indian tourists from January till October, 2017. Target is to reach 4,56,000 in 2017.

Mr. Sanjay Sondhi, the President and CEO of OM Tourism informed us that India comes at number 6 in terms of tourist market in Indonesia.  Bali is the preferred destination for Indians. There is an effort to invest in infrastructure to provide better offers and packages in the country.

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Nidhi KM

Afternoon spent at Conrad Bali in Kuta

After our visit to Turtle Island, we went for lunch to Conrad Bali in Kuta. I was quite hungry after the boat ride and visit to Turtle Island. Since I knew Conrad Bali is a luxurious property, I was already rest assured about my experience there. It’s only rare in hospitality world that expectations are not exceeded.

Ambiance at Conrad Bali 

The entrance was very good! A magnificent and magnetic lobby welcomed us with a view to ocean. It was a refreshing view.

[caption id="attachment_11497" align="alignnone" width="669"] Ocean view from lobby[/caption]

We sat in lobby for a while and enjoyed the ocean view. Staff was very courteous. After a while we headed to the restaurant Eight Degrees South. The entrance to the restaurant was beautiful. Seating arrangement was good. There was an open air seating outside overlooking the swimming pool.

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Nidhi KM

My experience at Turtle Island in Tanjung Benoa, Bali

Next day after our arrival at Bali, we headed to Turtle Island in Tanjung Benoa, Bali.

We had gone on speed boat. There were many corals and fishes on the way. Our journey on speed boat was amazing. It was a glass bottom boat. Our tour guide told us to drop bread pieces in water and we could see fishes coming up to grab them. I loved watching them.

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Nidhi KM

Interaction with the game changer - Mr. Ashwani Khurana , owner Karma Lakelands

After experiencing the property at Karma Lakelands , the Golf Resort, it became our utmost priority to have a word with the Predident , Mr. Ashwani Khurana who was present in the property while being absent! Strange it is ! Isn’t it? We had spent one night and two days at Karma Lakelands. While we experienced  Karma Lakelands, Mr. Ashwani Khurana was traveling. But, the amount of positive impact that was apparent at the resort , clearly showed the hard work, strategic thinking , time and money invested by Mr. Khurana. Everything was speaking about him, be it Golf Course, Villas , chalets , amenities and even staff there. We had got a lot of positivity from Karma Lakelands. You will see this unique statement of mine only in this article. There are three ways in which a person does a job. Some do it just for the sake of it, some do it with passion and people like Mr. Ashwani does it with a mission. He has planted 2,00,000 + trees in his lifetime. He indeed is a  game changer. Mr. Ashwani has a dream to  plant so many trees in the area that there is no dirth of water in future! This made us curious to meet him. There were more reasons that kept adding to our curiosity. So below are answers to all our curiosities.

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Nidhi KM

An evening at The Laguna Resort and Spa, Nusa Dua, Bali

I have heard a lot about The Laguna Resort and Spa. Being located in Nusa Dus, its a lusurious property with direct access to beach. We had gone there in the evening.

Ambiance at The Laguna Resort and Spa

The entrance of the property has got view of sea. The property is huge and very well designed. I loved the interiors, chandeliers, furniture and  the colour combination of the lobby.

[caption id="attachment_11446" align="alignnone" width="669"] The Laguna Resort and Spa[/caption]

When we reached there, it started raining. There was an open air seating arrangement which is a relaxing and refreshing area. Area is lush green. Anyone who sits there, must be experiencing a calm and soothing environment. I wanted to spend some time there but we were short of time so had to leave.

We then headed to see one of the rooms.

The room had nice decor and all modern amenities. There are room having garden view, lagoon view, lagoon access, studio rooms and more. I liked the room.

I saw another room which was a deluxe room having a nice bath. This room was beautifully laid.

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Nidhi KM

Review- Hill Fort Kesroli by Neemrana Hotels

Hill Fort Kesroli by Neemrana hotels is situated just 12 kms away from Alwar. I have been fascinated by Hill Fort Kesroli since last 5/6 years.

Side view of Hill Fort Kesroli

I wanted to experience this place since then. It was just now that I got a chance to experience the property with all my family members. So, I had gone there for two nights and three days stay. We had all age ranges starting a two year old till 60+. So each person would have respective reactions to the property.

High Walls of the fort

Ambiance of Hill Fort Kesroli

First of all Hill Fort Kesroli is situated at the top of the hill having breathtaking views of farmlands and Aravalli range. The fort has got huge walls.

One has to climb up a little bit to get onto the main section of the fort. The whole area gives the perfect feeling of a Heritage property. Mind it, it’s a heritage property and not a five star hotel or a luxurious property. It being a heritage property gives total feeling of being in a fort with big bricks all around and Kota stones on the way , at the entrance.

There is a little reception and by the reception there are three lawns studded with flowers. Further to those lawns is the dining area which has got garden tables placed next to the kitchen.

Then there is an inside dining beyond which there is a swimming pool.

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Nidhi KM

Review - Thai Airways from Delhi to Bangkok to Denpasar and back

We were supposed to go to Bali with Thai Airways. We had Thai Airways transfers from Delhi to Bangkok and from Bangkok to Denpasar airport and back.

Ambiance of Thai Airways plane

I got a seat in economy class. My seat was at the exit gates and I must say it was a very comfortable seating as I was able to sleep in both the flights from Delhi to Bangkok and from Bangkok to Denpasar airport. I liked the colour combination of the flight ambiance. It was a big aeroplane. There was one business class followed by three big sections of economy class having three bye three seating arrangement. Flight was very neat and clean and up to the mark. Washrooms too were neat and clean and well equipped.

[caption id="attachment_11394" align="alignnone" width="669"] Thai Airways[/caption]

Food

Food in the aeroplane was delicious as well as nutritious. They had taken good care to ensure guests have a balanced diet. I had chhole with roti and rice. Fruit salad was also there. I also had bun and butter. Bun was a little hard but I had it being hungry. There was regular service by the crew for juice, water or tea coffee.

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Nidhi KM

 

Review- Bali Dynasty Resort, Kuta Bali

Bali Dynasty Resort in Kuta is strategically situated at a prime location. The resort is easily accessible and is at a walking distance from Legian Street. By the time we reached the property it was already 4pm. It seemed to be a nice property.

Ambiance at Bali Dynasty Resort

It was a nice and soothing ambiance I would say. The drive way was all green and the entrance had two people playing the welcome music. It was a nice tradition to welcome guests. The lobby had waiting and networking area. To the right and left of lobby, there were rooms and ground floor area was dedicated to few shops, restaurant, swimming pool. There were many gardens in the resort. My room had all the luxury required for a comfortable stay. I loved the whole set up. Beds were comfortable and cozy. I had a very good night sleep.

My room had a nice view of the restaurant and swimming pool. It was a refreshing evening. The view looked great from my room's balcony.

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Nidhi KM

My experience during volcanic eruption of Mountain Agung in Bali

This time I am in Bali when the Mount Agung in Bali is very angry and aggressive. It’s been actively throwing smoke and little magma since 21st November . Fire can be seen from its opening from far. I am writing this article so that I can make you aware of this situation and what you should do during a volcanic eruption while traveling.

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Nidhi KM

Quintessential Indian cuisine at restaurant Queens of India

‘Queens of India’ is a restaurant in Kuta, Bali. It is just adjacent to The Bali Dynasty resort. It’s owned by an Indian who is married to an Indonesian. The experience of the restaurant was such that we went there twice. This review  is a collective review of both meals at The Queens of India.

[ Queens of India restaurant

Ambiance at Queens of India

The restaurant gives a feel of fine dining. As soon as I entered the restaurant, I saw beautiful red chairs. When I sat on one of the chairs, it is worth mentioning that chairs were nicely cushioned. I loved the velvet cloth of chairs and comfort of chairs. Overall design of the restaurant was fantastic. Every dining table was placed distant enough from the other to maintain privacy of each. Hindi music  was being played there.

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Nidhi KM

 

Aerial view of Maldives as seen from the aeroplane

I was thrilled to go To Maldives. As we were about to touch down Maldives, there were spectacular views and worth capturing . So I decided to add a separate post on Aerial view of Maldives

 Aerial view of Maldives

When we were about to reach Maldives there  were many islands on the way that we looked and I couldn’t resist myself clicking many photographs of the same.

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Nidhi KM

Experience nature and relax away from City and pollution @ Karma Lakelands

We had gone to Karma Lakelands in Gurgaon sector 80 for a weekend get away. We reached there around four in the evening. The beautiful property which was spread over close to 300 acres having lake all around, stole our hearts! We stopped by the Lake for sometime to see fishes.

Karma Lakelands has a nine hole golf course. As we entered  the premises, a greenbelt with colourful flowers and plants welcomed us. Now, what will be your reaction if along with this greenbelt, you would suddenly see some 10 to 12 peacocks enjoying their time? Well, for a second, we thought that we are at Sariska National Park!! There is a long driveway till you reach the reception. Journey of the drive way kept us gripped on the road as every road had a new view and plants!!

After you enter the main gate, you would see a directive to Chalets which are provided on rent to guests. Each of the Chalet has got two floors.

One is the ground floor where one can enjoy the dining and living room along with a little bathroom.

There is a  courtyard at the back which is beautifully maintained and has got lush green garden along with that there is a swing with some sitting arrangement.

Above floor has got two rooms each having an attached balcony.

Many of villas have been sold to various NRIs or builders in India and some of the villas they rent for family getaways. Each Villa is about anywhere between  18,000 to 24,000 yd.² which is a huge space and it includes front big Veranda with a lawn and parking space for three or four cars. At the back there is a big space where one can sit and enjoy. Each Villa has got two floors- ground and the first floor.

Our Villa at Karma Lakelands

Villa we stayed in had beautiful interiors with one bedroom on the ground floor, a big dining space and a big drawing room. The drawing room, dining room and bedroom overlooks the garden outside at the back.  The ground floor has a well equipped kitchen. At the entrance there is the lobby and stairs going down to the basement and up to three rooms.

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Nidhi KM

Dine amidst greenery at restaurant On Kourse @ Karma Lakelands , Gurgaon

On Kourse restaurant at Karma Lakelands overlooks the beautiful Golf Course. It is a multi cuisine restaurant with splendid interiors and great food.

 Ambiance of On Kourse Restaurant 

I met The Food and Beverage Manager Mr. Ajay Jawahar Sharma who introduced me to the Executive Chef Syed Mustaque who hails from Mushidabad.

Ambiance of On Kourse

The restaurant has a great combination of wall colours and Furnitures. There is a dedicated huge place provided to the buffet. One side of the buffet had main course, other side had snacks. There was a fruit , juice and milk section and breads section separate. Following this are tables well laid, enough to provide adequate privacy to guests. Beyond tables, there was a live counter where chef prepared dosa, omelette etc. All tables had a view to the Golf Course.

There was a seating outside and another seating in the lawn. Ample setting to choose to dine at!

 Lawn and Golf Course outside restaurant

Food at On Kourse

In the evening when we reached, we had some snacks like honey chilly potatoes, vegetable pakoras and French fries.

Nidhi KM

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Top 11 wildlife sanctuaries or National Parks of India

India is a great country having many hill stations, deserts, beaches rivers! The destination that teaches the world about yoga, Ayurveda and spiritually, is also a treasure of wild life, herbs and so much more! These herbs are used in many medicinal treatments. Flora and fauna of India is unique in its own way.  Wildlife sanctuaries and National Parks of India are worth visiting. Tiger being one of the major attractions in India, lakhs of tourists visit India  every year to see tiger. Bengal Tiger in India constitutes 50% of tigers in the whole world being endangered is one of the rare animals to spot. Sometimes professionals need to spend two months in a wildlife sanctuary to trace activities of a tiger. One of my experiences of spotting a tiger was divine that led me to write in this world of influencers. There are many more important animals for which the world converges to our land India.

Top 11 Wildlife Sanctuaries and National Parks of India

1. Bandhavgarh National Park in Madhya Pradesh is known for one of the highest density of Tigers in India. It is a breeding ground for leopards

2. Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary now named as Keoladeo National Park or Keoladeo Ghana National Park  houses 230 species of birds. Thousands of migratory birds visit here for breeding and wintering. It is one of the richest birds area in the world

3. Gir forest in Gujarat is the only home for Asiatic Lions. It is considered as the most important protected areas in Asia. I had myself visited Gir Forest and loved the experience. Due to lack of time, we straight away went to Devaliya in Gir where there is a sure shot Lion spotting. It is a restricted area created in the National Park where Lions are being monitored. It is a must visit place for sure shot lion spotting.

[caption id="attachment_11221" align="alignnone" width="669"] Gir forest- one of the National Parks of India[/caption]

4. Jim Corbett National Park is the oldest National Park in India established in 1936 to save the Bengal Tiger.

[caption id="attachment_544" align="alignnone" width="800" Elephant ready to cross the river[/caption]

We had done elephant Safari there and enjoyed to the core. We had to cross the river on elephant to reach the forest. It was an amazing experience to be there.

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Nidhi KM

A visit to GA. Nilandhoo island in Maldives

We had gone to an GA. Nilandhoo island near by Falhumaafushi island of The Residence Maldives. I was curious to know about the lifestyle of people there. While we were on speedboat, it was a superb journey.

When we reached the island, it started raining heavily. We waited for another 10 minutes in a shed and everything was alright. Staff from The Residence Maldives informed that there were only 800 people living on the island GA. Nilandhoo.

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Nidhi KM

Spa by Clarins at The Residence Maldives

During my stay at The Residence Maldives, I was supposed to experience the Spa by Clarins, a brand associated with The Residence Maldives.

[caption id="attachment_11192" align="alignnone" width="669"] Spa by clarins[/caption]

I reached the Spa area by Golf cart. A separate huge section has been provided to Spa by Clarins. I was happy to see this kind of space being provided which clearly showed how much importance was provided to spa. There were around 10+ rooms for spa.

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Nidhi KM

Interaction with Meenakshi Sundaram- General Manager at The Residence Maldives

While I was experiencing The Residence Maldives, I wondered about one thing. How can a property be so well kept and employees genuinely smiling and being caring. Be it the ambiance, food, service , everything was pleasing. I had many questions in my mind for the General Manager of the property- Mr. Meenakshi Sundaram. Good that I got an opportunity to interact with him.

Interaction with Mr. Meenakshi Sundaram 

1. Which country’s people visit The Residence  Maldives

The Resort is most visited by Korea, Japan, China, UK, Germany, Spain and France. Generally the occupancy rate is 65-70% and during peak season it goes up till 80%

2. What are you doing for Indian guests to come

We didn’t have an Indian menu. Now we have trained staff and also Chefs from India. Our spa- clarins is our pride. Marine environment is unique. It is the largest and deepest in the the world.

3. I see all employees happy and motivated. They serve with passion. What is the secret behind happy employees

We deal with frontline staff and look after them well. A happy staff makes guest happy. We have ongoing training programs to up skill our employees. Also, the key to pleasing staff is that during interviews, whether a person has less skill but a good attitude and has a smiling face, we try and employ that person. A smiling face tries to bring in a lot of positivity and such people are easy to work with. They have better skills for guest service.

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Nidhi KM

Review- SriLankan Airlines Business Class from Male to Sri Lanka

We were supposed to board Business Class from Male to Srilanka while going back to India. My experience with the first airline was very good! I was wondering how this Business Class would be different. Well, Mr. Chinthaka Weerasinghe , the Country Manager of Srilankan Airlines who was in the Maldives trip with us had hinted to us about the new Business Class that was about to welcome us. So, I was excited about my flight to Srilanka!

Ambiance of Srilankan Airlines Business class

As I entered the plane, I was pleasantly surprised to see the elite and sophisticated class. There were separate aisles provided to each passenger. I loved the privacy which was taken care in this set up.

I was totally impressed! Each aisle had the provision of enough storage and dining space and also comfortable leg space. You would love to see how strategic placement of electrical gadgets and storage has optimally utilized the space. I loved it totally.

Remote control, Flat screen, Head phones, newspapers and magazines, arm rest, foot rest and the reclining to full flat bed were just perfect.

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Dine with Royalty an Eat with India initiative

I was thrilled to know about the dining session with the Royals of India. Dine with Royalty is the initiative taken by ‘Eat with India’ team. The event was held at the Embassy of Belgium. During the evening when all guests arrived at the venue, Ambassador of Belgium , His Excellency Jan Luykx addressed audiences by saying Belgium is a foodie paradise. People in Belgium love to eat! Hence the choice of the foodie evening!

 Dine with Royalty- Event by ‘Eat with India’

H.E. said Sonal Saxena and Siddharth Katoch of Eat with India are food lovers and strongly believe that the regional cuisine does not get the required recognition. Everyone wants to eat international food. People are forgetting  Indian cuisine which has a treasure of luscious dishes. So Sonal and Siddharth want to promote Indian cuisine. The idea was to promote it in a non restaurant place.

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 (L-R) Rao Saheb Laxman Singh Ji , Daughter inlaw Princess Baisa Vijeta Singh Shekhawat, Nidhi KM - Founder Director Viharin.com, Rani Sahib Gajendra Kumari And Kunwar Akshraj Jodha