Breathtaking views of Indian Ocean from Mauritius

When you go to Mauritius where you get the second purest air in the world, you know why skies are so clear and Indian Ocean looks so beautiful.

View from viewpoint

There are many places in Mauritius from where one could have breathtaking views of Indian Ocean.

Bluish green waters of Indian Ocean

On the way to Chamarel, we went to a view point from where we could enjoy those divine views.

Indian Ocean

Enchanting views

Feels like Heaven

There is also one more place called Macando view point. This point is very breezy and one can just stand there for hours and simply gaze at the nature's charisma.

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Nidhi KM

View from Macando

Komodo National Park, Komodo Island Indonesia

As kids we used to read, watch and hear a lot of stories on dragons and their attacks and how other animals used to dread from them. When I attended a seminar by Indonesia Tourism board, I realized, dragons still exist in this world. Oh, I was surprised and also scared of if I ever I encounter a dragon. Anyways, when I was invited by Indonesia Tourism Board, I was thrilled and even happier when I came to know we would be visiting Komodo National Park during our FAM trip.

Komodo National Park

The d day came when we were supposed to explore Komodo National Park. I was so eager to see a dragon and at the same time a bit afraid. However, I had gone to the park in an attire suitable for jungle visits. A T-shirt, jeans and my favourite running shoes. I knew it was supposed to be a good 2-3 hours walk. So had prepared myself mentally for the same.

Jungle

As we started walking in the jungle, I could feel the freshness of air, trees and fallen leaves. It was a beautiful scene.

Dense forest

On the way , we were shown palm tree which is used to prepare palm oil, palm sugar. Babies of dragons stay in palm trees to avoid cannibalization.

Palm tree

We had not gone very far, when we spotted few people standing. Oh wow!!, there they were. It was a pair. Male and female dragon.

Fierce dragon

Female dragon was very aggressive and was roaming around swiftly, gazing at each of us. It seemed very angry and hungry. There were two groups so 4 guides by the Komodo National Park. So, I felt a bit secured. All guides had big sticks in their hands.

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Nidhi KM

Female dragon taking round aggressively

Snorkeling @ Kelor Island perfect for beginners

Snorkeling @ Kelor Island is indeed perfect for beginners. I have come across snorkeling opportunities many times but have never experienced it intentionally as I had been too scared to put my face in the ocean  with the snorkeling apparatus without knowing swimming.

But this time I was enjoying the speed boat and when it stopped at Kelor Island, I just got down to see the beauty of beach. I got down from the boat to look at the water which was very clean. I could clearly see the sea bed. This tempted me to go further ahead in water when I realized the need to have a life jacket as I didn't know swimming. The underwater world was so inviting that I wanted to see it immediately. I got ready for snorkelling which I always dreaded. I surprised myself for my own reaction to snorkelling. How I had deprived myself of this heavenly experience only I can understand. Now I was all set to see the underwater world while remaining out of it. The water was so transparent that I could see corals very clearly.

Fishes were coming towards me as if asking who are you to enter my territory? Three fishes of same family came towards me, staring at me! Although they were small in size but had guts to question my entrance. It was a communication that I felt between them and me. How wonderful! I felt that I got more close towards God and his /her creation.

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Nidhi KM

On the way to Pink Beach

Cycling competition, Tour De Flores, Indonesia

Tour de Flores- Cycling competition is one of the most talked about in the world. Flores Tourism Department organized cycling competition in collaboration with UCI. I was also invited to witness the same. When I reached the finishing point, there was a flood of people all around the route. People were cheering around. Students, kids and adults, all were lined up, some were on the top of a short wall, some along the road, some on car roofs. Although it was a bright sunny day, but everywhere irrespective of heat, there was an aura of cycling. Hundreds of thousands if people had gathered together. I too joined the crowd and stood by the road.

Tour De Flores

After a while there was a whistle and police sidelined people and soon there was a cyclist riding a bicycle with super speed. Oh. It was great to see his speed

Cyclist

His dress , cars and other support system behind and overall environment was exuberating with energy and positivity. I was swayed by the whole atmosphere.

Support system of cyclist

Then another cyclist passed by. There was so much energy in the atmosphere.

Another cyclist

After a while three more cyclists passed by in line together.

Three cyclists in line

I also got an opportunity to meet with the Director West Flores Manggarai Tourism Department, Mr. Theodorus Suardi. He told us that there were total 26 countries that had participated in the cycling race with 160 participants. The route was 661kms long along the terrain of Flores island. This event was organised in Labuan Banjo in Flores to promote tourism. 

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Nidhi KM

Be fit in an interesting way @ Club Med, Bintan Island

Wanting a break and also longing to have an interesting fitness regime? What if such a superb combination realizes your dream of looking good while feeling good!! Well, I was thrilled to know that the famous Club Med, Bintan Island is launching a health regime that too with interesting activities!

Isn't it a great idea to spend a weekend focussing on health , get wellness tips from Internationally renowned instructors while enjoying scenic views!!

Club Med, Bintan Island offers

1. A weekend getaway for health and fitness lovers at ClubMed Bintan Island: Body & Soul from 20 May to 12 June 2016

2. On top of the regular Club Med Premium All-Inclusive activities such as flying trapeze, snorkelling, archery, kayak, golf, and more, participants can pick up refreshing new fitness exercises, as well as indulge in deliciously healthy meals and freshly concocted juices of assorted ingredients.

3. A reason to get together with loved ones having sane fitness goals! lLive the weekend according to the four colours of the Body & Soul program – Yellow (Rejuvenation), Red (Energy), Green (Balance), and Purple (Revitalization) and participate in activities carried out by our internationally recognized instructors. Participate in Tribal Rhythm for a rousing drumming work out that promises to tone your muscles and ignite your musical side. For a dose of energetic fun in the waters, Aqua Fitness is an exhilarating exercise that involves pumping beats, funky dance fitness moves, and working out with a partner in the pool. Other activities that participants can look forward to include:

a. BodyART, a body-mind training program designed for all fitness levels across all ages and body types

b. Dance of the Dragon, a Qi-Gong inspired activity that detoxes and brings rebalance to the body

c. K-pop Dance Lessons with a Korean dance instructor

d. Crystals Healing and Tarot Readings

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Content and photo credits Fortuna PR

10 things to do in Peru, Land of Hidden Treasures

Since my childhood days, I have been really fond of Geography. Reading the climatic conditions, terrains , vegetation etc has always fascinated me. I used to love reading about various countries and continents. Peru in South America was always on my mind because of its diversity of terrains and natural wonders.

When I got the information directly from the Peru Tourism Board via OM Tourism, I was happy to recieve first hand information about Peru. I thought to share it with you to help you plan your trips with authentic information.

Well, Peru has diversified 11 eco regions and 84 of the 117 life zones that exist worldwide. It is one of the world’s 10 mega diverse countries.

Culture of Peru

Peru is rich in cultural heritage, festivals and traditions. Inti Raymi ( Feast of Sun) is an ongoing festival throughout the year that specially keeps the spirits high. Isn't that interesting!

World Heritage Sites in Peru

QhapaqÑan (Inca Trail), City of Cusco, Machu Picchu Historic Sanctuary, Chavin Archaeological complex, Huascarán National Park, Chan Chan Archaeological Area(the largest citadel made entirely of adobe), Manu National Park, Lima Historic Centre, Abiseo River National Park, Nazca Lines, Arequipa Historic Centre and Caral(The oldest civilization of the Americas) to name some.

cusco-machu-picchu

Having diverse landscapes, marine, land and mountainous life, Peru offers unique experiences that one would cherish lifetime.

10 things to do in Peru

1. Mountaineering

The Andes mountain range,second highest in the world also offers peaks for beginners and seasoned climbers.

2. Trekking

To trek glaciers and snowy peaks, forests and waterfalls, desserts, beautiful towns and above all, the most hospitable people that one could imagine. desert; dense vegetation of the Amazonian forests provide thrills of lifetime.

Aguas Calientes, gastronomia, 5 de Diciembre 2011. Foto: Pilar Olivares/Promperu

3. Sand boarding and Buggies

Sliding face-down on a board along the great sand dunes is the unique pleasure offered by sand boarding, an adventure sport that has spread to several departments in Peru. The sport began in Ica, before spreading to Nazca, in Cerro Blanco (2,078 masl), the highest dune in the world, which is just for experts. In many desert zones on the Peruvian coast, there are dunes in which sandboarding can be enjoyed, including Sarapampa (Lima), Camaná (Arequipa) and Acarí (Arequipa), with the second highest dune in the world (2,068 masl).

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Pride Plaza, a property to experience in Aerocity, Delhi

Pride Plaza always used to be very visible during all my trips to the airport via Aerocity. I always used to wonder about its service, ambiance and hospitality.

Pride Plaza

I got an invite to review this property. This time I was accompanied by my family. Corp Comm Raja Singh cordially invited us with a detailed itinerary.

So, we packed our bags and a chauffeur driven car picked us up from our residence. We reached the hotel in just 45 minutes. After security check in, we entered the hotel which had a grand entrance. Behind the reception was  a vast and beautiful painting which was very catchy. It gave me a pure sense of belonging to a special place. I kept on looking at the painting for long. It reminded me of Amer Fort in Jaipur. 

Reception area

We were escorted till our room and were offered welcome drinks at both lobby and at our room. Kids had their own room and we settled in ours.

Welcome drink

Our Room

Both rooms were interconnected. Rooms had view of swimming pool. There were all modern amenities in the room. Everything was well placed and rooms appeared spacious. There were unique paintings in our room behind beds. These paintinings depicted open spaces and provided an optical illusion to give a feel of more space in the room. Whenever I looked at these paintings, I used to get transported to a different soothing world altogether.

Our room

Ambiance of Pride Plaza

Pride Plaza is quite a big property. Having a huge lobby and confectionery- Mr. Conefctioner to the left , Lounge and bar Stallion with beautifully dim and soothing ambiance just to indulge in cocktails and mock tails. Pan Asian restaurant Oriental Spice with sophisticated and formal setting. Cafe Pride is another 24X7  coffee shop , very spacious suiting for both formal and smart casual setting.

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Nidhi KM

Mr.Confectioner

Stallion Lounge and Bar

Oriental Spice restaurant