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Kerala, India – ‘God’s Own Country’, a state located in the southwestern part of India, is a land of remarkable diversity and cultural richness. It is renowned for its stunning natural beauty, with a network of backwaters, lush greenery, and pristine beaches that draw travelers from around the world. Kerala also holds the distinction of having one of the highest literacy rates in India, reflecting its strong emphasis on education and human development. The state is a hub for Ayurvedic practices and wellness tourism, offering visitors a chance to experience ancient healing traditions in serene settings. Additionally, Kerala’s unique matrilineal system in certain communities sets it apart from the rest of India’s predominantly patrilineal societies. With its vibrant festivals, rich history, and delectable cuisine, Kerala is a destination that promises a harmonious blend of tradition and modernity, making it a captivating and enlightening place to explore.
Nestled amidst the rolling hills of the Western Ghats, Munnar emerges as a breathtaking masterpiece of nature’s artistry. Here, emerald tea plantations cascade down verdant slopes, like a lush green tapestry woven by the hands of heaven itself. The air is crisp with the intoxicating aroma of tea leaves, and the symphony of rustling leaves and melodious birdsong creates a soothing serenade for the senses. Misty mornings unveil a mystical landscape where ethereal clouds embrace the lofty peaks, revealing the secrets hidden within. Munnar, with its tranquil lakes, cascading waterfalls, and the ever-present promise of a surprise behind every hill, invites wanderers to immerse themselves in a world where time slows down, and the soul finds solace in the enchanting embrace of this earthly paradise. We stayed in Munnar for 3 Nights and 4 days. During our stay, we explored places including local markets, nearby sight-seeing places, restaurants, old Munnar town, tea plantations, elephant park, and cardamom spice gardens.
Thekaddy
Elephant Bathing and ShowerPeriyar Boat Ride – Tiger Reserve
Thekkady, cradled in the heart of Kerala’s dense forests, is a place where nature’s wild, untamed beauty unfolds in all its glory. Here, emerald-green jungles teem with an astonishing diversity of flora and fauna, including the majestic Asian elephant and elusive Bengal tiger. The centerpiece of Thekkady is the Periyar Tiger Reserve, a sanctuary that offers not only the thrill of wildlife encounters but also the serenity of a picturesque lake cradled within its bounds. Boating across the placid waters of Periyar Lake, one can witness animals quenching their thirst at the water’s edge, creating a surreal tableau of harmonious coexistence. Thekkady is a haven for nature enthusiasts, trekkers, and those seeking an authentic rendezvous with the wilderness. It captivates the senses, not just with its lush landscapes and exotic wildlife, but also with the whispers of the forest that echo through the air, reminding us of the precious, untamed treasures that our planet holds.
Allepey
Allepey House Boat BreakfastAllepey House BoatAllepey House Boat ViewAllepey House Boat ViewAllepey House Boat Lunch
The iconic houseboats of Alleppey, also known as Alappuzha, are like floating dreams on the tranquil backwaters of Kerala. These elegant vessels, crafted from indigenous materials like bamboo and wood, offer a truly unique and immersive experience. Drifting lazily along a network of serene canals, rivers, and lagoons, one can soak in the picturesque scenery of emerald rice paddies, swaying palms, and quaint villages that line the shores. The houseboats themselves are a blend of rustic charm and modern comfort, furnished with cozy bedrooms, living areas, and even kitchens where skilled chefs prepare delectable Keralan cuisine. As the sun dips below the horizon, the houseboat becomes a sanctuary of peace, with the gentle lapping of water against its hull and the star-studded sky above. Alleppey’s houseboats offer an enchanting journey, where time seems to stand still, and the beauty of nature envelops you in its warm embrace, making it an unforgettable Kerala experience.
Thiruvananthapuram and Kovalam
Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple
Thiruvananthapuram, the capital city of Kerala, is a vibrant fusion of tradition and modernity. Nestled along the southwest coast of India, this coastal metropolis is renowned for its rich cultural heritage and stunning natural beauty. One of its most iconic landmarks is the Padmanabhaswamy Temple, a sacred shrine dedicated to Lord Vishnu. This temple, known for its awe-inspiring architecture and intricate stone carvings, is a testament to the region’s religious significance and craftsmanship. Just a short drive away from Thiruvananthapuram lies the tranquil beach town of Kovalam, famous for its pristine sandy shores and vibrant nightlife. Kovalam’s crescent-shaped beaches, lapped by the Arabian Sea, offer the perfect escape for sun-seekers and water sports enthusiasts. Together, Thiruvananthapuram, Kovalam, and the Padmanabhaswamy Temple encapsulate the essence of Kerala, where spirituality, natural beauty, and modernity coexist in perfect harmony, welcoming travelers to an enchanting journey of discovery.
Kanyakumari – Tamil Nadu
Thiruvalluvar StatueVivekananda Rock MemorialVivekananda Rock MemorialVivekananda Rock MemorialVivekananda Rock MemorialVivekananda Rock MemorialVivekananda Rock MemorialVivekananda Rock Memorial
Kanyakumari, situated at the southernmost tip of the Indian subcontinent, is a place where the boundaries of land and sea blur into a mesmerizing confluence. Here, the Arabian Sea, the Bay of Bengal, and the Indian Ocean converge in a tumultuous embrace, creating a stunning natural spectacle. Beyond its geographical significance, Kanyakumari holds a cultural and spiritual allure, attracting pilgrims and travelers alike. The town is home to the iconic Swami Vivekananda Rock Memorial, dedicated to the renowned Indian philosopher-saint, and the majestic Thiruvalluvar Statue, a tribute to the ancient Tamil poet and philosopher. As the sun dips below the horizon in a breathtaking display of colors, visitors gather at the shores to witness the ethereal beauty of the sunset, a moment that encapsulates the mystique and charm of Kanyakumari, making it a place of both natural wonder and spiritual reflection.
Overall Experience And Rating
We planned our Kerala trip for 9 Nights and 10 Days covering major cities including Munnar, Thekaddy, Allepey, Kovalam, Thiruvananthapuram followed by Kanyakumari in Tamil Nadu. We pre-booked a private car (Kotayam holidays) from Kochi Airport and travelled 1000 Kms in total to cover all the major attractions in Kerala and Kanyakumari. We stayed in Munnar for 3 Nights, Thekaddy for 2 Nights, and other places for a night. Major places to visit in Munnar include tea plantations, spice gardens, old Munnar town, boating, cheyyapara waterfalls en-route Munnar, and nearby local markets. We had pre-booked Periyar Tiger Reserve Boat Ride tickets and Elephant Junction Shower and Bathing tickets in Thekaddy before our travel. Our House Boat stay in Allepey was quite an amazing experience. We shopped a couple of extravagant in-house made Sarees, Dhotis, and Banana Chips for our friends and relatives from the local markets in Allepey. We visited Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Kovalam (Dhotis and Sarees are a must) and headed to Kovalam Beach for dinner later in the evening. We also visited Kanyakumari – a part of Tamil Nadu. Vivekananda Rock Memorial and Thiruvalluvar Statue is the major attraction there. Don’t miss out on the peacock feeding experience in Kanyakumari. Enjoy your trip!
Ambience – 5/5
Food – 4.9/5
Service – 4.9/5
Stay & Comfort – 5/5
Address: Kerala, God’s Own Country
The Food Punch Recommendation – 5/5
Contact us regarding any queries – thefoodpunched@gmail.com
The United Arab Emirates, or simply the Emirates, is a country in Western Asia. It is located at the eastern end of the Arabian Peninsula and shares borders with Oman and Saudi Arabia while having maritime borders in the Persian Gulf with Qatar and Iran. The seven United Arab Emirates include Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al-Quwain, Fujairah and Ras Al Khaimah. The capital city is Abu Dhabi which is the largest and wealthiest emirate among the 7 UAE Emirates. The currency of the UAE is Dirhams and the country code is +971. Abu Dhabi is the second most populous city after Dubai and is located on an island in the Persian Gulf off the central west coast. Abu Dhabi houses local and federal government offices and is the home of the United Arab Emirates Government and the Supreme Petroleum Council. The President of the UAE, who is a member of the Al Nahyan family lives in Abu Dhabi. The Emirate’s focus on oil exports and commerce is reflected by the skyline’s modern towers and shopping megacenters such as Burj Mohammed Bin Rashid and Marina malls. Beneath the white-marble domes, the vast Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque features an immense Persian carpet, crystal chandeliers, and a capacity for more than 41,000 worshipers. Abu Dhabi accounts for about two-thirds of the roughly $500 billion UAE economy. Dubai is the most popular emirate in UAE and is known for luxury shopping, ultramodern architecture, and a lively nightlife scene. Burj Khalifa, an 830m-tall tower, dominates the skyscraper-filled skyline. At its foot lies Dubai Fountain, with jets and lights choreographed to music. Atlantis, The Palm, a resort with water and marine-animal parks is located just offshore on artificial islands in Dubai. Burj Al-Arab, Dubai’s most iconic hotel is a global icon of Arabian luxury. This jewel of Jumeirah is a luxurious 7-star property located on a man-made island as a striking sail-shaped building. Dubai attracts billions of tourists each year and its major revenue model is based on tourism and not oil thus creating a safe environment for leisure and privacy. Below are the list of adventures we’ve experienced during our trip:
Dubai city tour starts with the famous Sheikh Zayed Road which stretches 55 km from the Dubai World Trade Centre roundabout to the border of Abu Dhabi. After eating our lunch, we straight away headed to enjoy Dubai Frame which is an architectural landmark in Zabeel Park, Dubai. It holds the record for the largest frame in the world with an extraordinary height of 150 m. The Guardian newspaper describes it as “the biggest picture frame on the planet”. We even visited Dubai Mall to shop, eat and enjoy the grand experience. Post that, we took a quick walk in the evening at Al Seef which is a contemporary Arabian street with different experiences including a museum of illusion, shopping essentials, restaurants and cafes, and epic Karak tea.
Desert Safari, Belly Dance Show, and BBQ Dinner, Dubai
Desert Safari in Dubai is the uttermost experience that will give you an adrenaline rush as soon as you hit the sands with a car with full potential in terms of torque and power. The desert safari is comprised of the dune bashing, which is a 4×4 vehicle adventure on dunes, and also a brief camel ride. We experienced this amazing 30 mins dune bashing at Al Lahbab Desert in Dubai. This enthralling adventure is pumped up with an extensive range of activities like shisha smoking, Belly dance show, Tanura show, night sand boarding, and Fire show followed by a lavish BBQ dinner. The evening desert safari tour is a combo of thrilling safari adventures and an experience of traditional Arabic culture.
Ski Dubai
Ski Dubai is an indoor ski resort with 22,500 square meters of the indoor ski area. The park maintains a temperature of -1 degrees to 2 degrees Celsius throughout the year. It is a part of the Mall of the Emirates, one of the largest shopping malls in the world, located in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. They have different versions of tickets based on the activities you decide to go with. Please choose your pass accordingly. Also, they provide free gloves and warm outfits to enjoy the snow park along with locker access. Major adventure activities include snow park rides, mountain thriller, zorb ball, snow bullet ride, zip lining, slope skiing, and live penguin encounters.
Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo
Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo is one of the largest suspended aquariums in the world. With the capacity to hold 10 million liters of water, Dubai Aquarium illuminates the marvels of the ocean floor and showcases one of the most diverse collections of marine animals worldwide. Right from catfish to sharks in the higher predator chain, this place has it all. They have created an artificial coral reef inside this aquarium which enables all the scuba divers to swim with some of the deadliest aquatic creatures including sting rays, sharks, octopuses, and piranas. Don’t miss out on the long tunnel at the entrance which acts as a photo stop for you and your loved ones with all your favorite and deadliest aquatic creatures in the background.
Burj Khalifa – At The Top
A level above breathtaking Soaring high at 555 meters, At the Top, Burj Khalifa SKY is fittingly Dubai’s most iconic destination. Get ready to enjoy exclusive access to the redefined, highest outdoor observatory in the world, spread across levels 148 and 125 of Burj Khalifa. Your journey begins when you step into the At the Top, Burj Khalifa SKY lounge, from where you will be personally escorted to a dedicated elevator having a speed of 22 miles per hour. Inside, watch in amazement as specially designed projections give you the feeling of flying over global landmarks as you ascend to Level 125. The observatory deck has multiple sections for the guests which includes a 360-degree panoramic view of Dubai from the top deck, a small cafe, souvenirs, and a 3-D headset experience. Deep dive into the breathtaking history of the construction of the tallest building in the world.
Dubai Musical Fountain Show and Lake Ride
The Dubai Fountain is a choreographed fountain system located on the 12-hectare (30-acre) manmade Burj Khalifa Lake, at the center of the Downtown Dubai development in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Illuminated by 6,600 lights and 50 colored projectors, it is 275 m (902 ft) long and shoots water up to 500 ft (152.4 m) into the air accompanied by a range of classical to contemporary Arabic and world music. The lake ride is 40 mins long and the guests get to enjoy the fountain show during the ride. People from different countries visit Dubai to enjoy this mesmerizing view of the magical fountain show at Burj Khalifa Lake.
Yacht Ride, Marina Dubai
Travel exploring the jewels of Dubai in a classic and stunning Yacht. Enjoy a spectacular and star-like ride, exploring Dubai through surfing the waters in a 37 feet bluewater yacht. The Yacht ride is an evening two hours romantic ride that starts from Dubai Marina and tours you around some of the most exotic places in Dubai including the view of Marina Canal, JBR, Dubai eye island, Skydive, Palm island, Ain Dubai, Atlantis, and Burj Al-Arab. It’s perfect for couples, simply sit back and enjoy the sensational views and romantic weather of Dubai.
Address Sky View, Dubai
The Address Sky View is one of the most iconic properties in Dubai in terms of comfort, accommodation, luxury, and food. In 2 striking contemporary towers linked by a skywalk, this premium hotel is a 9-minute walk from both the Dubai Mall and Burj Khalifa, a skyscraper with a viewing deck. It’s 14 km from Dubai International Airport. Ultrachic rooms have Wi-Fi, smart TVs, minibars, and Nespresso machines, plus balconies and/or skyline views. Club quarters add lounge access with free meals and drinks. Suites offer living areas; upgraded suites feature kitchens and separate living rooms. Amenities include an airy, sophisticated restaurant, a cafe, and a patisserie. They have two swimming pools: the first one on the ground floor and the most popular infinity pool which gives you a fabulous view of Burj Khalifa on the top floor. They also have a spa, a gym, and an event space.
Burj Al Arab, Dubai
Burj Al Arab is one of the most luxurious 7-star hotels in the world that is set on an island in a striking sail-shaped building. This luxury hotel is a 5-minute walk from Wild Wadi Water Park and 4 km from the Mall of the Emirates. The interiors are gilded in 24-carat gold. Approximately 1,790sqm of 24-carat gold leaf was used to embellish the hotel’s opulent interiors. Opulent suites feature floor-to-ceiling windows with gulf or city views. All have 24-carat gold iPads, free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and iPods. They offer Egyptian linens, designer toiletries, whirlpool baths, and butler service. Upgraded suites include snooker tables, libraries, cinemas, and private elevators. A breakfast buffet, parking, and water park passes are free. Amenities also include 9 restaurants and bars, 4 pools, and a private beach. There’s a spa, a gym, a helipad, and a kids’ club. You shan’t be allowed to enter this property without a restaurant or room reservation. Do enjoy your evening at the beach-facing Sal restaurant (a part of Burj Al Arab) which is located right outside Burj Al Arab. (Refer to the above pictures)
Four Points by Sheraton, Sheikh Zayed Road
Four Points by Sheraton is one of the best properties to stay especially on Sheikh Zayed Road in Dubai. Occupying a contemporary building in a row of high-rises, this upscale, 43-storey hotel is 4 km from The Dubai Mall and 6 km from The Dubai Fountain. Featuring floor-to-ceiling windows with city views, the modern rooms offer free Wi-Fi, flat screens and minifridges, plus tea and coffeemakers. Upgrades add living areas and access to a lounge with free breakfast. Chic 1- to 3-bedroom apartments add kitchenettes and dining rooms. Room service is offered 24/7. Dining options include a refined Italian eatery, a cozy pub, and a lounge bar on the 43rd floor. There’s also a rooftop pool & a gym along with an amazing view.
Ain Dubai
Ain Dubai is the world’s biggest and tallest Ferris wheel, located on Bluewaters Island, near the Dubai Marina in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Ain Dubai is 82.4 m (270 ft) taller than the previous world’s tallest observation wheel, the 167.6 m (550 ft) High Roller, which opened in Las Vegas in March 2014. The wheel carries up to 1,750 passengers in 48 cabins and provides views of Dubai Marina and landmarks such as Burj Al Arab, Palm Jumeirah, and Burj Khalifa. 10-12 guests can be accommodated in one chamber and it takes around half an hour for the ride to complete. Till then, the guests can take pictures keeping the most iconic locations in the background.
Smoky Beach, Dubai
Smoky Beach is a contemporary beach lounge in Dubai Marina offering sushi, salads, hot beverages, sandwiches, mocktails & smoothies. Do try their Moroccan tea with a teaspoon of honey and watermelon sheesha. The view is spectacular and feels refreshing every time you visit this place. You can even visit La Mer and Kites beach in your free time.
The Lost Chambers at Atlantis, The Palm
The Lost Chambers located in Atlantis, The Palm is the Largest Aquarium in the Middle East and Africa! Lost for thousands of years deep beneath the sea, the ancient ruins of the lost city of Atlantis have finally been uncovered. Come live out your Atlantean adventure at The Lost Chambers Aquarium home to 65,000 incredible marine animals. Explore the underwater mazes and tunnels of this lost civilization while encountering sharks, eels, seahorses, and piranhas. There are over 20 impressive marine life exhibits including a touch tank and our interactive Aquatheatre show.
Dolphin Dip and Play in Aquaventure at Atlantis, The Palm
Get up close with playful dolphins in shallow water with a dolphin encounter at Dubai’s Aquaventure Waterpark at Atlantis the Palm. Make your way to Dolphin Bay at Atlantis the Palm at your allotted time, and meet a marine mammal specialist for a 15-minute safety briefing and orientation session. Then, wade waist-deep into the water to interact with a dolphin. Enjoy a 30-minute in-water encounter as you pet and touch the dolphins in groups of no more than 10 people per animal. Including check-in and time to change into the provided wetsuits, the full experience should take around 1.5 hours. You can take pictures with the dolphins at an additional cost as per their rules and regulations. Also, please be gentle with them. Have Fun!
Sky Dive, Dubai
Sky Dive Dubai is one of the most amazing destinations in the world for sky diving. They have two wonderful locations in Dubai, the first one is the desert view and the second one is the palm island view. We would recommend going with Palm Island Sunset View. The Palm Dropzone offers visitors truly unique experiences. A tandem skydive from 13,000 feet above the Palm Jumeirah is an incredible experience and should be on everyone’s Dubai to-do list. Experienced skydivers can also avail of coaching, a full-service rigging loft, and free load organizing. You live only once. Just go for it.
New Year’s Eve with Burj Khalifa Fireworks
Celebrating New Year’s Eve in Dubai would be one of the best decisions in your life. New Year’s Eve in Dubai is indeed an absolute madness. The Dubai government arranges different viewing zones for all the tourists to enjoy the most exotic fireworks at the beginning of the year. The best viewing zone is Zone 14 – Gate 3 as it’s a family zone right in front of Burj Khalifa. Getting an access pass for unmarried people is difficult in this zone. Kindly pre-book your zone pass at U By Emaar application. They would be shutting the road access towards Burj Khalifa within a radius of 2 km post noon. Please ensure that you reach Dubai Mall at the most by 11:30 AM, You can spend your entire day there till 9 PM. All the viewing zones are within walking distance from Dubai Mall. You will have to choose the closest exit to reach your respective viewing zone. There would be provisions for food, water, and toilets in each of the viewing zones. Celebrate this once-in-a-lifetime experience with your loved ones. Enjoy the show.
Overall Experience and Rating
We had an amazing time in Dubai experiencing an amazing combination of #Food and #Travel. Special Thanks to @thakurjis and @vitsrulz for planning our itinerary. We landed at Dubai airport on 28th December and right after we checked in, we headed towards Al Lahbab Desert in a Range Rover for Desert Safari. Don’t miss out on riding ATV/Quad bikes at sunset. Skydive Dubai especially the Palm Island View was one of the best experiences we’ve ever had. Don’t miss it for the world. We were lucky enough to experience rainfall in Dubai as it’s one of the rarest phenomena. The Yacht ride in Dubai Marina was one of the most romantic rides of our lives. Also, Burj Khalifa Fireworks on New Year’s Eve have a special place in our hearts. If you would want to spend a good time with Dolphins, Aquaventure at Atlantis, The Palm would be a perfect place. As our itinerary was very tight, we tried to cover as many places as we could. The most recommended places to visit include Skydive Dubai, Desert Safari, Ski Dubai, Yacht ride in Dubai Marina, Burj Khalifa – At the Top, Musical Fountain, and Lake ride, Smoky beach, Dolphin dip & play in Aquaventure at The Atlantis, and Burj Khalifa Fireworks on New Year’s Eve. The most recommended hotels for stay and comfort include Burj Al Arab, The Address Sky View, Atlantis on The Palm Jumeirah island, and Four Points by Sheraton at Sheikh Zayed Road. Also, you can make use of online food deliveries in Dubai in case you want to try out different cuisines. We stayed in Dubai for 10 Nights and 11 Days and we still feel we haven’t covered all the places yet 🙂 #UntilNextTime
Ambience – 5/5
Food – 4.9/5
Service – 4.9/5
Stay & Comfort – 5/5
Address: Dubai, UAE
The Food Punch Recommendation – 5/5
Contact us regarding any queries – thefoodpunched@gmail.com
The United Arab Emirates, or simply the Emirates, is a country in Western Asia. It is located at the eastern end of the Arabian Peninsula and shares borders with Oman and Saudi Arabia while having maritime borders in the Persian Gulf with Qatar and Iran. The seven United Arab Emirates include Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al-Quwain, Fujairah and Ras Al Khaimah. The capital city is Abu Dhabi which is the largest and wealthiest emirate among the 7 UAE Emirates. The currency of the UAE is Dirhams and the country code is +971. Abu Dhabi is the second most populous city after Dubai and is located on an island in the Persian Gulf off the central west coast. Abu Dhabi houses local and federal government offices and is the home of the United Arab Emirates Government and the Supreme Petroleum Council. The President of the UAE, who is a member of the Al Nahyan family lives in Abu Dhabi. The Emirate’s focus on oil exports and commerce is reflected by the skyline’s modern towers and shopping megacenters such as Burj Mohammed Bin Rashid and Marina malls. Beneath the white-marble domes, the vast Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque features an immense Persian carpet, crystal chandeliers, and a capacity for more than 41,000 worshipers. Abu Dhabi accounts for about two-thirds of the roughly $500 billion UAE economy. Dubai is the most popular emirate in UAE and is known for luxury shopping, ultramodern architecture, and a lively nightlife scene. Burj Khalifa, an 830m-tall tower, dominates the skyscraper-filled skyline. At its foot lies Dubai Fountain, with jets and lights choreographed to music. Atlantis, The Palm, a resort with water and marine-animal parks is located just offshore on artificial islands in Dubai. Burj Al-Arab, Dubai’s most iconic hotel is a global icon of Arabian luxury. This jewel of Jumeirah is a luxurious 7-star property located on a man-made island as a striking sail-shaped building. Dubai attracts billions of tourists each year and its major revenue model is based on tourism and not oil thus creating a safe environment for leisure and privacy. Below are the list of adventures we’ve experienced during our trip:
The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is located in Abu Dhabi, the capital city of the United Arab Emirates. Abu Dhabi’s Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is one of the world’s largest mosques and an architectural masterpiece that beautifully combines Islamic architecture and design. It’s the key place of worship for daily prayers. The mosque is large enough to accommodate over 40,100 worshippers, while the main prayer hall can hold over 7,000. There are two smaller prayer halls, with a capacity of 1,500 each, one of which is the women’s prayer hall. Visitors to Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque must follow a specific dress code as a sign of respect. Shoulders and knees must be covered and shoes must be removed compulsorily before entering the prayer room. Women are also asked to wear abayas which are provided free of charge. When you enter the mosque, there would be several photo spots to click pictures. Please don’t take pictures from random spots and ensure that you follow their rules strictly.
Centro Yas Island, Abu Dhabi
Located just 3 km away from the Yas Island Marina Circuit, the Centro Yas Island hotel is 4 km both from the Ferrari World Abu Dhabi and from the Yas Waterworld water park. Guests staying at the property have free access to the Yas beach located right next to it. The polished rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows offer free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs and minifridges, as well as tea and coffee making facilities. Amenities include a casual restaurant, a sleek bar, and a cafe. There’s also an exercise room, an outdoor pool, and a tennis court.
Ferrari World, Abu Dhabi
Ferrari World Abu Dhabi is one of the largest indoor theme parks located on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi and it features Formula Rossa, the world’s fastest roller coaster. The Ferrari Rossa roller coaster takes around 60 seconds to complete and it travels at the highest speed of 240 km/h. Some of the highest adrenaline rides include Formula Rossa, Flying Aces, Turbo track, Turbo tower, and karting academy. This is the ultimate destination for non-stop, hyper-adrenaline, heart-racing fun! In between rides, get to see magical shows, savor the flavors of Italy and get exclusive access to the fast, prestigious world of luxury Italian supercars and their racing legends. Celebrate life’s wins and nurture the spirit of champions when you visit Ferrari World Abu Dhabi.
Warner Bros, Abu Dhabi
Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi is an indoor theme park in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, owned and developed by Miral Asset Management at an expected cost of $1 billion. The park features characters from Warner Bros.‘s franchises, such as Looney Tunes, DC Comics, Hanna-Barbera, and others. The park is located on Yas Island near Ferrari World, Yas Waterworld, and CLYMB Abu Dhabi, and is the third Warner Bros theme park. The park contains 29 rides, and shows. Our most recommended attractions include Flinstones, Tom & Jerry, Scooby-Doo, DC universe, Wayne Tech, Batman, Warner Bros magical parade, Riddler revolution, and Gotham city. Relive your childhood memories with your loved ones and don’t forget to create unforgettable memories at Warner Bros Abu Dhabi.
W Hotel, Abu Dhabi
Located at Yas Marina and the F1 Yas Marina Circuit, this modern hotel is 4 km from Ferrari World Abu Dhabi and 8 km from Abu Dhabi International Airport. Sophisticated rooms offer free Wi-Fi, LED TVs, and safety lockers, plus sitting areas and glass-enclosed bathrooms; some include balconies with marina or racetrack views. The 1-bedroom suites add living and dining areas. A rooftop terrace features 2 pools and a bar. Other amenities include a casual lobby lounge, a nightclub, and a polished restaurant, as well as Italian, Indian and Japanese eateries. There are also spa treatments, a gym, and a sauna, plus meeting and event space for up to 2,000 people. With lavish interiors and an amazing F1 view during breakfast or from your room, this hotel is definitely worth a visit. Please ask them for an upgrade if this would be your first visit to the property.
Overall Experience and Rating
We started our amazing trip from the city of Mumbai. Special Thanks to @thakurjis and @vitsrulz for planning our itinerary. We landed at Abu Dhabi airport on 24th December just before Christmas. We had booked our stay at Centro Yas Island for 3 nights and 4 days. On our way to the hotel, we decided to visit Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque – an architectural masterpiece that beautifully combines Islamic architecture and design and is a key place of worship for daily prayers. We explored some places next to Centro Yas Island along with Yas Beach on the day we checked in. We headed to Ferrari World in Abu Dhabi on Christmas where we had a wonderful time enjoying some thrilling rides. Ferrari Rossa is one of the most spectacular rides and is not to be missed. Other adventurous rides include Formula Rossa, Flying Aces, Turbo track and Turbo tower, etc. On 26th December, we went to Warner Bros in Abu Dhabi to relive our childhood memories. Warner Bros is a magical place to find all our favorite cartoon characters including Scooby-Doo, Tom & Jerry, Road Runner, Flinstones, Looney Tunes, etc. Not just that, they have created a brand new DC universe which includes Gotham City, Joker world, riddler revolution, Batman spacecraft ride, Wayne Enterprise, Batman and Robin 3D universe, etc. Please don’t miss the magical parade which happens every 2 hours in the main area of Warner Bros Studio. We checked in at W Hotel in Abu Dhabi the next day and were amazed to see our exotic room with lavish interiors and a fantastic F1 view. Don’t miss the sunset swim at the infinity pool at the top and Saturday night events on the rooftop.
Ambience – 5/5
Food – 4.9/5
Service – 4.9/5
Stay & Comfort – 5/5
Address: Abu Dhabi, UAE
The Food Punch Recommendation – 5/5
Contact us regarding any queries – thefoodpunched@gmail.com
#WorldofCorals !!! Located on Mudhdhoo Island in Baa Atol, Maldives’ first UNESCO world reserve, Dusit Thani Maldives is just 35 mins away from the capital city – Male via seaplane transfers or a 25-minute domestic flight from Male and 10 minutes by speedboat from Dharavandhoo … Continue reading Dusit Thani – Maldives
Gujarat, India’s westernmost state, has varied terrain and numerous sacred sites. Its capital city is Gandhinagar, while its largest city is Ahmedabad. In its urban center of Ahmedabad is the Calico Museum of Textiles, displaying antique and modern Indian fabrics. Gujarat is one of the four Indian states to prohibit the sale of alcohol. Gir Forest National Park in Gujarat is home to the only wild population of the Asiatic lions in the world. Gujarat has some of the major mountain ranges of India, including Aravalli, Sahyadri (Western Ghats), Vindhya and Saputara. Girnar is the tallest peak and Saputara is the only hill station in the state. One of the major tourist attractions in Gujarat is The Statue of Unity. It is a colossal statue of Indian statesman and independence activist Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, who was the first Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister of Independent India and the chief adherent of Mahatma Gandhi during the non-violent Indian Independence movement. It is the world’s tallest statue with a height of (597 ft) 182 meters. It is located on the river facing the Sardar Sarovar Dam on river Narmada in the Kevadiya colony in the state of Gujarat. Here is the list of places we’ve visited during our trip:
Hotel Imperial Somnath is a beautifully designed hotel with luxurious room interiors and spacious rooms equipped with all modern amenities. This luxurious property is 4 km away from Somnath Jyotirlinga Temple and 1 Km from Somnath Railway Station. This hotel offers a 24-hour front desk. At the hotel, all the rooms are well equipped with a desk, a flat-screen TV, a private bathroom, air conditioning, and a mind-blowing view. The daily breakfast offers buffet and vegetarian options. Guests can grab a bite to eat in the in-house restaurant, which serves a variety of Indian and International food dishes.
The Fern Gir Forest Resort
India’s favorite resort when visiting the famous Asiatic lions at Sasan Gir, The Fern Gir Forest Resort is a 5-star resort that offers 40 well-appointed, air-conditioned villas, suites, cottages and tents, and a very memorable vacation. True to an authentic experience of living in undisturbed nature, this property ensures the environment remains protected with its award-winning, environmentally sensitive programs. The resort is built in an ethnic style inspired by local design that has evolved the best balance in Gir’s hot summer and chilly winters.
#GIR Forest Safari
Gir Forest National Park is a wildlife sanctuary in Gujarat, western India. It was established to protect Asiatic lions, who frequent the fenced-off Devalia Safari Park, along with leopards and antelopes. Gir Jungle Trail, outside the fenced area, traverses deciduous forest and is home to wildlife including Vultures, Sambar deers, Blue bull, Wild Boars, Blackbucks, Peacock, Pythons, Indian gazelle, Chowsinga and more. The Open Gypsy Wildlife Safari is definitely worth your time and never to be missed.
Mahatma Gandhi Museum
Rajkot was Indian leader Mahatma Gandhi’s primary family home in India until 1915, including during those years when he stayed in London and in South Africa. Gandhi Museum, commonly referred to as Mahatma Gandhi Museum is located in the city of Rajkot. As evident by its name, the museum is an attraction documenting and exhibiting the life and work of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi. He was an activist of Indian origin who fought for the country’s independence against the British colonizers, by employing non-violent techniques thereby inspiring freedom fighters all over the world. Gandhi Museum, a significant heritage spot is frequently recommended for tourists visiting the region as it provides one with a background of Indian culture, mentality, and history. One may explore the museum consisting of 39 galleries in order to obtain enriching and interesting information about Gandhi and his ideologies. The museum also accommodates a souvenir shop, delightful food court, relaxing garden and facilities that can be availed as needed such as tour guides, parking, ATMs, an extensive library, information center for any concerns and restroom facilities among others. The ticket price is 25 INR per person and timings are 9 AM – 6 PM. Please plan your visit accordingly.
Shree Somnath Jyotirlinga Temple
The Somnath temple located in Prabhas Patan near Junagadh in Saurashtra on the western coast of Gujarat, India is believed to be the first among the twelve jyotirlinga shrines of Shiva. It is an important pilgrimage and tourist spot of Gujarat. This temple attracts millions of visitors from all around the world and has quite a picturesque view at night. Cameras are strictly prohibited inside the temple. The authorities have made a separate arrangement of digital lockers for the devotees right outside the temple. Have a wonderful time with your loved ones and may God bless you all.
Here are the most recommended dishes from our end:
Honest Gujarati Thali
Gujarati Thali from Honest Restaurant in Gujarat is one of the most recommended #THALI from our end. This limited thali contains a variety of food items including dhokla, salad, papad, potato sabzi, Gujarati dal, rice, buttermilk, mutter & cauliflower gravy, undhiyu, sev tomato sabzi, samosa, jalebi, green chili, and butter roti. The price of this delicious vegetarian thali is 220 INR inclusive of all taxes.
Overall Experience and Rating
We planned this amazing trip to Gujarat for 4 Nights and 5 days. We commenced our train journey from the Mumbai Central railway station in Mumbai towards Rajkot station in Gujarat. We hired a 6 seater AC vehicle from Rajkot station for a duration of 4 days. From there on, Hotel Imperial Somnath was our first staycation experience. We visited Somnath Jyotirlinga temple and a couple of restaurants nearby this property. The very next day we headed towards the Sasan Gir area in the state of Gujarat. We had booked two wintergreen cottage rooms at the Fern Gir Resort for 2 nights and 3 days. All the meals were inclusive as a part of this special package. You will be allowed to purchase alcohol in Gujarat provided you are a resident outside Gujarat and you have carried original address proof and pan card along with you. You can register for e-permit at http://eps.gpeonline.co.in/ and are allowed to purchase 13 cans of beer per permit. If you wish to consume wine then you can buy one bottle of wine (750 ml) and 8 cans of beer or you could opt for 1-liter whiskey and 4 cans of beer. On the second day, we went for Devalia Wildlife Gypsy Safari from 5 PM to 6 PM where we spotted a bunch of wild animals including leopard and lions. On the third day, we went for a 3 hour long Gir Forests Open Gypsy Wildlife Safari from 4 PM to 7 PM in the evening. It was an amazing thrill to be out in the open jungle and witness the wild animals hunt for their prey. If you happen to know someone from the forest department in Gir then you can have the privilege of experiencing a night wildlife safari with the government officials. On our way back to Rajkot airport, we visited the Mahatma Gandhi Museum and dined at our favorite thali restaurant. We had an amazing time in Gujarat experiencing the Gir wildlife safari and would love to come back again.
Goa is a state in western India with its coastlines stretching along the Arabian Sea. Goa is also known for its beaches, ranging from popular stretches at Baga and Palolem to those in laid-back fishing villages such as Agonda. Goa is visited by large numbers of international and domestic tourists each year for its white-sand beaches, nightlife, places of worship and World Heritage-listed architecture. Goa stands 6th in the Top 10 Nightlife cities in the world in National Geographic Travel. Notable nightclubs in Goa include Cubana, Chronicle, Mambos, and Sinq. One of the biggest tourist attractions in Goa is water sports. Beaches like Baga and Calangute offer jet-skiing, parasailing, banana boat rides, water scooter rides, and more. Here is the list of places we’ve visited during our trip:
Located right on the Anjuna River in North Goa, this luxury resort provides travelers with unparalleled views of the undulating river and the mangroves beyond. Its elegance and simplicity create a memorable holiday experience for guests thus becoming a perfect getaway for relaxation and comfort. The boutique resort boasts of 28 well-appointed rooms & suites equipped with modern amenities to make you #FeelHome on holidays. Food and Drinks served at this property are quite a delish. Pina Colada and Tequilla Sunrise are the most recommended cocktails from our end. Don’t forget to dive into the swimming pool at sunset.
Seahorse by Scilla Villas
Seahorse by Scilla Villas, a 4 bedroom stunning villa located in Baga is one of the most happening villas in North Goa. This fairytale villa with floor to ceiling glasses takes holidaying to a different level, describing a whole new level of a luxury stay. The villa is well-equipped with an L-shaped swimming pool, a self-catering kitchen, 24/7 power backup, TV and music system and 4 spacious bedrooms with beds, mattresses, wardrobes, en-suite bathrooms and more. You can enjoy the beautiful view of green lawns and flowering gardens on either side of your villa. The coconut palms and other trees dance gently to the breeze contributing to the lovely environment. The best part about your stay is you have housekeeping and caretaker at your call. The security keeps a watch over the villa and the private car parking within the villa guarantees safety for your car.
Sky Villa by Scilla Villas
A dreamy drive through Reis Magos leads to Sky Villa. This sea-view luxurious villa has 4 bedrooms and can accommodate up to 8 people plus your dog (yes, it’s pet-friendly). The bedrooms are divided on the ground and first floor but both have their own advantages. The bedrooms on the ground floor give you access to the living room and kitchen area in the villa. The master bedroom located on the first floor is extremely spacious and has a private jacuzzi along with a glass door shower facility. There is a private home theatre room specially made for entertainment purposes and has a 65-inch TV mounted on the wall with a tata sky connectivity. In the alley leading to the other bedroom on the floor, lie two recliners that one cannot resist the temptation of plonking himself/herself on them for they’re obscenely addictive. The sea-view from the central balcony located on the first floor looks quite mesmerizing. So, couples, you can live your Bali resort dreams right here, in Goa, hanging in the pool and having eggs, pancakes, and beers in the middle of that gorgeous private pool.
Watermark Goa
Indulge in the gorgeous view of the capital city by dining at Goa’s first offshore restaurant – Watermark. This floating restaurant offers an immense variety of food and drinks including Spicy Watermelon Salad, Picasso Cocktail, Honey Chilli Kachori, Raw Banana Chips, Keema Bruschetta, Spinach Cheese Gujiya, Herb Prawns, Chocolate Walnut Brownie, Happy Friday Cocktail and Thousand Thought Cocktail. The conversations become quite interesting at night while watching the signature light show at the Panjim bridge.
Tomato’s Goa
Tomato’s Beachside Kitchen & Bar located in Candolim was our first destination to fulfill our hunger. This beach facing restaurant gives a beautiful vibe of Goa. They even have multiple outlets across Goa. The most recommended dishes and drinks from our end include Pineapple tropical Sant, Kala Khatta Beerita, Garlic butter prawns, Falafel platter, Slow-cooked mushroom, and Chicken Risotto, Pepperoni pizza, Nutella pizza and Fruits Sundae ice cream. Have a lovely time out there.
Here are the most recommended drinks from our end:
Bro Code Beer
Bro Code Crafted Brut beer has 15% alcohol content. The beer gives you a slow hit but keeps you high for a long time. If you look for the best beer during the rainy season, then this is the one that you must try this year. It is essentially a sparkling wine cooler that is smooth & refreshing. A bullet-start to a night of debauchery and some wonderful conversations with your pals. Cheers!!!
Moonshine, Witty Bro, Blanc, and Breakfast Cereal Stout Beer
Breakfast Cereal Stout by Goa Brewing Co. is a Stout Oatmeal which is smooth and creamy in taste. The beer contains 4.5 percent alcohol by volume. It is usually a breakfast beer. Moonshine Beer is an alcoholic beverage created by fermenting honey with various fruits and spices. It is usually very potent, as high as 150 proof, which is about 75 percent alcohol. It offers some amazing flavors to try out. Witty Bro by Denninghoff’s is a Hefeweizen Wheat Beer and contains 5 percent alcohol by volume. It is eventually gaining popularity in the market. Kronenbourg 1664 Blanc is a premium wheat beer that turns every beer moment into a sip of French pleasure. It contains 6 percent alcohol content by volume and it is the most recommended beer from our end.
Banana Bonanza infused with rum at Burger Factory Goa is one of the best drinks we’ve ever had. Banana shake is poured in the glass containing crushed ice with slightly infused rum. You can even try the double bacon beef burger with cheddar cheese and bbq sauce. The outlet opens at 6:30 PM in the evening. Please make your plans accordingly. You’re just gonna love it.
Overall Experience and Rating
For us, Goa has always been one of the trips which never got canceled. Since this was a work trip, we collaborated with a couple of restaurants and three beautiful properties for a staycation experience. The most amazing adventures we did and places we’ve visited in Goa include curlies beach shack, club Cubana, dolphin ride and headset party at Palolem beach, Neptune cafe at Palolem beach, a short visit to Morjim beach, Arambol beach, Shiva Valley, Candolim, Calangute and Baga in North Goa, Churches in south goa, banana boat ride and parasailing at Calangute beach, Dudh Sagar falls, Antares, Thalassa, Anjuna beach, butterfly beach, Chapora fort, butterfly beach, Dona Paula, Brittos, Tito’s lane in Baga, Anthony’s cafe, Anjuna night flea market, Deltin Jack, Deltin Royale, Chances, Big Daddy and club LPK for experiencing nightlife. You can even shop a couple of accessories and dry fruits including cashew nuts from Panjim markets. If you’re traveling back via train or bus then it is advisable to take an alcohol permit. Kindly refrain from going to the casino and losing all your money out there. The best time to visit Goa is in the month of December. That’s when you get a huge number of tourists visiting the place. Coming to transportation, you can rent a car or bike based on your convenience. You can even book a cab on Goa miles application if you have any late-night party plans. Have a lovely time in goa and please do not drink and drive. #StayHydrated.
Thailand is a Southeast Asian country known for its tropical beaches, ancient ruins, opulent royal palaces and ornate temples displaying figures of Buddha. Bangkok, the capital of Thailand is an ultramodern cityscape that rises next to quiet canalside communities and the iconic temples of Wat Arun, Wat Pho and the Emerald Buddha Temple (Wat Phra Kaew). According to George Cœdès, the word Thai (ไทย) means ‘free man’ in the Thai language, “differentiating the Thai from the natives encompassed in Thai society as serfs”. Nearby beach resorts include bustling Pattaya and fashionable Hua Hin. Tourism plays an important role in the Thai economy. Around 33 million tourists visit Thailand annually. Talking about the places to visit in this country, here are some recommendations from our end.
Located at 150 km away from Bangkok, this beautiful city of Pattaya is always switched on. Lined with resort hotels, high-rise condos, shopping malls, cabaret bars, and 24-hour clubs, Pattaya is a must-visit place in Thailand. This vibrant coastal city shot to fame in the early 1980s and stayed there. From sunrise to sunset, Pattaya’s beaches are constantly brimming with life, as water sports lovers and sun worshippers take to the waters. After dusk, the action shifts to the streets, as revelers explore its electrified nightlife scene, where drinking and partying continue until dawn. Shoppers can find a range of local and international brands at Terminal 21 – an airport themed shopping mall along with an array of restaurants ranging from Thai to Indian. And with two airplanes outside and replicas of famous world landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and the leaning tower of Pisa inside, Pattaya’s new mall is likely to be an instant hit with selfie-loving visitors. Security guards dressed in airport uniforms greet customers at the entrance and each floor is a ‘destination’. Walking Street Pattaya is the biggest and busiest party hotspot in the whole of Thailand, with only a couple of the top places in Bangkok beating it for sheer volume and variety. A full kilometer stretch from its high-tech gateway at the Beach Road to the Bali Hai Plaza end, almost every building along its length is a nightclub, go-go bar, beer bar or restaurant. Pattaya is also famous for offering a mind-blowing skydiving experience to all the adventure lovers out there. Thai Sky Adventures Co. located in Sriracha, Pattaya is popularly known for providing tandem skydives from 13,000 feet with island views & courses. #WhenInPattaya, one can just be full of life.
Koh Larn Island
A popular vacation spot, this small island features scenic beaches, jungle monkeys & coral reefs. You can commute to Koh Larn Island from Pattaya via a 20-minute boat ride. If you are looking for a classic water sports experience, then you are standing in the right place. There are a couple of guesthouses and resorts in Koh Larn if you are planning to stay for a night or two. Koh Larn Island has plenty of water adventure activities including jet ski, snorkeling, scuba diving, parasailing behind a speed boat and underwater sea walking. Please ensure that there is no damage done to the jet skis for they charge a hefty amount as a penalty. Enjoy your time in Koh Larn.
Nightlife in Bangkok
Bangkok, Thailand’s capital, is a large city known for ornate shrines and vibrant street life. The boat-filled Chao Phraya River feeds its network of canals, flowing past the Rattanakosin royal district, home to opulent Grand Palace and its sacred Wat Phra Kaew Temple. Tuk-Tuk makes our traveling cheaper and easier in Bangkok for it can accommodate 8-9 passengers in a single go. You can find a number of massage parlors in certain areas of Bangkok and Pattaya. As prostitution is illegal in Thailand, kindly refrain from having sexual intercourse with illegal sex workers out there (if any). Khaosan Road or Khao San Road is a short street in central Bangkok and is the most happening street in town. Just like Tito’s lane in Goa, Khaosan Road is the most popular street in Bangkok internationally known as a center of dancing, partying, and amazing nightlife. One doesn’t need to walk more than 50 meters or less to find food on and around Khao San Road. There are street vendors selling spring rolls, crocodile meat, scorpion, silkworms, and pad thai at the cheapest rates. There are pizza parlors, hamburger joints, and yes, plenty of Thai food around. You can find a lot of tourists on this street at night and you would be amazed to see them do B-boying or play Limbo.
Welcome to Phuket !!!
Phuket, a rainforested, mountainous island in the Andaman Sea, has some of Thailand’s most popular beaches, mainly situated along the clear waters of the western shore. The island is home to many luxurious seaside resorts, relaxing beaches, spas, and restaurants. Phuket, the capital city, has old shophouses, party streets, and busy markets. Patong, the main resort town, has many nightclubs, fancy restaurants, fine dining places, beer clubs, bars, and discos. Patong is an ideal place to party and play. By night the town has a bustling nightlife which includes literally hundreds of restaurants, beer bars, Go Go Bars and of course night clubs. The nightlife is centered around Soi Bangla (Bangla Road) which is a never-ending party lane to hang out with your pals. You can find several strip clubs in this lane too. Visitors hoping for a glimpse into the exotic East might not find it here, though the steaming hot streets, neon lights and chaotic atmosphere of Patong can be overwhelming for the new arrival. The key to full enjoyment of the place is to pace yourself, drink lots of water and learn the meaning of ‘mai pen rai’ – which translates roughly to ‘It doesn’t matter’ or ‘Don’t worry, be happy’.
Ao Nang, Krabi
Ao Nang is a resort town in southern Thailand’s Krabi Province. It’s one of the most famous tourist destinations in Southern Thailand. It is a center for long-tail boat tours to the beaches of limestone islands such as Ko Hong, Ko Poda and Ko Gai (Chicken Island). Other boats make trips to Railay Beach, a well-known destination for rock climbers. With a huge number of 7-eleven stores and an amazing shopping street next to Ao Nang beach, this place has become a shoppers’ paradise. You can find first copy branded handbags, watches, clothes and accessories in the shops located in the market area next to Ao Nang Beach. Bargaining becomes a fundamental right on these streets. There is a pizza place next to this beach called “The Pizza Company” which serves some mind-blowing cheese burst pizzas. Also, there are a couple of relaxing massage parlors nearby offering a full body Thai massage.
Railay, also known as Rai Leh, is a large peninsula between the city of Krabi and Ao Nang in Thailand. It is accessible only by boat due to high limestone cliffs cutting off mainland access. You can purchase a return ticket to Railay beach from the Ao Nang beach ticket counter. You can spot a bunch of lavish resorts, chilling cafes, and markets with shops selling accessories on this beach. You can enjoy your time either swimming or playing beach soccer, water sports or go hiking on this peninsula. ‘Chang’ is the most consumed Thai beer here with ‘Singha’ and ‘Leo’ having an equal fan following. You can even connect to people traveling from other parts of the world. The last boat from Railay leaves at 6 PM which takes you back to Ao Nang beach. We bet you don’t wanna miss this one.
Phi Phi Island
Phi Phi Island is the hot topic of conversation for travelers all over the world. For some, it’s the only reason to touchdown in Phuket or Krabi. You can pre-book a speed boat from Phuket or Krabi which takes around 90 minutes to reach Phi Phi. Phi Phi’s beauty is a large chunk of the allure. The islands, when approached by boat, rise from the sea like a fortress. Sheer cliffs tower overhead, then give way to the beach-fronted jungle. It’s love at first sight. The best part about Thailand is that you can always find ATM machines, 7-eleven stores, and good network coverage at each and every island you plan to visit. The best bars in Koh Phi Phi Don are spread equally over the island’s three main areas: Tonsai Village (the main urban center), Tonsai East, and Loh Dalum Bay. Most of the bar options in Phi Phi go for two contrasting approaches: either the laid-back vibe or a pumping party atmosphere. You can find a couple of one-day boat parties on the Phi Phi islands. Some important ones include the Pirate boat party and the Blanco boat party. Blanco Boat Party is Koh Phi Phi’s original and only boat party. The boat ride takes you to Maya Bay, Monkey Beach, Viking Cave, Pileh Lagoon and more. The package cost is around 1200 Baht per person which includes – Buffet Dinner in Maya Bay, Snorkelling, Kayaks, Paddleboards, Cheap Bar & Live DJ. Drinks consumed at the Blanco bar would be chargeable. The 6-hour boat party followed by a scrumptious dinner is definitely the party of a lifetime. The after-party at Ibiza pool area next to the shore is even crazier than you might have expected. You can opt for the Pirate boat party too and share your experience with us.
Let’s discuss their favorite drinks/delicacies:
U Beer
Thailand’s local beer lovers, as well as international visitors, have been able to enjoy the fresh new taste of U Beer, a new brand adding to the Singha and Leo Beer, the market-leading brands already brewed by Singha Corp., a company also known as Boonrawd Brewery. U Beer, a lager with an alcohol volume of 5.0%, is available at selected venues (7-eleven stores) around the country in two bottle sizes, 620 ml and 320 ml.
Kopper Craft Beer
Kopper Beer is Thai Craft Beer Brewed by Thai Brewmaster. The properties are as follows – Style: “Amber Lager” Alcohol by volume (ABV): 4.5% Main ingredient: Gaba Rice, Acid malt, Carared Malt Identities: The Unique Copper Color Beer which is made from roasted Gaba rice. It’s a must-try beer in Thailand.
Chang Beer
In the Thai language, ‘Chang’ means elephant and the green and gold logo seen on cans and bottles features two white elephants facing each other across a golden fountain. Because of the way Thai grammar works, the product is referred to by Thai people as ‘Beer Chang’ rather than ‘Chang Beer’. Chang Beer is not only sold in large (640ml) or small (330ml) bottles at restaurants and drinking venues but also available in cans at shops. The combination of rice used in the brewing process and the stronger than average 6.4% alcohol content by volume can catch out unwitting tourists.
Pad Thai Noodles
Pad thai, or Phad Thai, is a stir-fried rice noodle dish commonly served as street food and at most restaurants in Thailand as part of the country’s cuisine. Pad thai is made with rehydrated dried rice noodles that are stir-fried with eggs and chopped firm tofu, flavored with tamarind pulp, fish sauce, dried shrimp, garlic or shallots, red chili pepper, and palm sugar, and served with lime wedges and often chopped roasted peanuts. This is one of the most recommended dish from our end.
Overall Experience and Rating
We had planned our trip for 7 nights and 8 days and could cover most of the heavenly places in Thailand. To start with, we converted a small amount of INR to Thai Baht at the Indian airport and the rest of INR at Thailand’s local money exchange counters. We stayed in Pattaya for 2 nights where we explored the food markets, its amazing nightlife and enjoyed the tandem skydiving experience offered by Thai Sky Adventures Co. We even got a chance to visit Koh Larn island from Pattaya. We arrived in Bangkok on the 3rd day and without wasting any time headed to the most famous street in town – Khaosan road. The very next day we boarded a flight to Phuket and booked a minibus which took us directly to Ao Nang, Krabi. We had an amazing time in Krabi exploring local markets and nearby food joints. We went on a day tour to Railay beach from Ao Nang via a speed boat and got back by 6 PM in the evening. Later at night, we dropped by the nearest massage parlors for a relaxing body massage. On the fifth day, we started our heavenly journey towards Phi Phi island via a private boat from Krabi. The magical experience at Phi Phi was simply outstanding and never to be missed. Right from the one-day boat parties to experiencing the Phi Phi nightlife, everything was simply worth it. On the seventh day, we returned to Phuket for another Patong adventure. Bangla walking street had the most lively vibe in Phuket. If you’re lucky enough, you can get to see a Muay Thai fight in Phuket. We spent our last night in Phuket chilling at the nearby beaches and experiencing the party atmosphere at night. We would like to suggest everyone stay in hotels or hostels and make every day count. Here’s wishing you a very happy and safe trip to Thailand. Cheers!!!
P.S. – Thailand offers Visa On Arrival (VOA) to Indian citizens for a stay period not exceeding 15 days and the Thai government may even exempt the application fee of 2000 Baht. Kindly carry all the valid documents required for VOI.
South Korea, an East Asian nation on the southern half of the Korean Peninsula is known for its green, hilly countryside dotted with cherry trees and centuries-old Buddhist temples, sub-tropical islands and high-tech cities such as Seoul (capital) and Suwon. South Korea is a highly developed country and its citizens enjoy the world’s fastest Internet connection speeds. South Korea has been renowned for its globally influential pop culture such as K-pop and TV dramas, a phenomenon referred to as the Korean Wave. Talking about the places to visit in this country, here are some recommendations from our end.
Suwon is a city located in South central of Gyeonggi-do. Suwon’s district has four general districts: Jangan District, Kwonseon District, Paldal District and Yeongtong District. Major attractions in Suwon include Suwon Hwaseong, a world heritage, and Samsung Electronics headquarters. The below are some of the places to visit in Suwon-Si:
Flying Suwon
Flying Suwon is a hot-air-balloon experience which takes you 150 meters up in the sky offering a near-bird’s-eye view of the city’s World Heritage–listed fortifications. Each ride can accommodate around 20 passengers and its duration is between 18-20 minutes. You can expect the place to be crowded on weekends and the waiting time is around 30-40 minutes. There is a park next to flying Suwon called “Tunso Rock Park” which gives a beautiful view of the city.
Gwanggyo Lake Park and Marsle Market
Gwanggyo Lake Park is one of the most beautiful lake park located in Yeongtong-gu, Suwon. The reflections of the tall buildings on the lake are just so spectacular to watch. The night looks even more magical when the lake park gets lit with colorful and bright lights. There are some cafes located next to the park where you can sip some coffee and enjoy the panoramic view of the lake. Marsle market is a popular market in Suwon known for selling clothes, handbags, and other accessories. You can find a lot of coffee shops, a comfortable seating area, and some local stores in this market.
Shopper’s dilemma at Nam-mun and Paldalmun Global Market
Nam-mun market is Suwon’s largest traditional market, covering a total area of 164 square meters and featuring over 80 kiosks selling a variety of food and goods. There’s a Daegu delicacy street surrounding Nammun Market and has about 20 stores specializing in minced pork wrapped with lettuce or Gimchi. Do try ‘Chi-maek’ – the compound word from ‘Chicken’ and ‘Maekju’ – the Korean word for “beer”. It refers to a combination of Korean-style fried chicken with beer.
The neighborhood surrounding Paldalmun Gate serves as the main business district of Suwon, where more than 300 stores and stalls are joined to make a huge market place. The atmosphere and the physical surroundings would leave you surprised..Since 1917 when the market first opened to the public, the vendors here have specialized in traditional garments, including handbook (traditional Korean clothes) and accessories.
Food items to try from these traditional food markets include chicken/veg momos with raddish pickle and a pinch of spicy sauce, fish cakes, rice cakes and soondae – korean blood sausage made of pigs intestines stuffed with cellophane noodles and vegetables.
#ISEOULU
Seoul – the capital city of South Korea is one of the most popular tourist attraction in the world. Seoul has the largest number of professional sports teams and facilities in South Korea. Seoul is home to 115 museums, including four national and nine official municipal museums. Seoul has a large quantity of parks. One of the most famous parks is Namsan Park, which offers recreational hiking and views of the downtown Seoul skyline. The below are the most recommended places to visit in Seoul.
Lotte World Experience
Lotte World is a major recreation complex in Seoul, South Korea. It consists of the world’s largest indoor theme park called “Lotte Adventure Park”, an outdoor amusement park called “Magic Island”, an artificial island inside a lake linked by monorail, shopping malls, a luxury hotel, a Korean folk museum, sports facilities, and movie theaters, Lotte World Folk Museum which uses imaginative techniques like dioramas, scale models and moving waxworks to bring scenes from Korean history to life, Lotte World Aquarium featuring 650 species of 55,000 different marine life forms up close where visitors can feel the ocean in an urban area, Lotte World Tower (SEOUL SKY TOWER) – a 123-floor, 555-metre supertall skyscraper located in Seoul, South Korea and is 6th tallest building in the world. The best way to enjoy your Lotte World experience is by purchasing a Lotte world combo pass which covers all the four attractions mentioned above. You can visit Lotte Adventure park, Lotte Aquarium and Lotte Museum on day 1. On the very next day, you can head to Lotte World Tower. You just need a single weekend to finish this amazing Lotte World Experience.
Dongdaemun Design Plaza
Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP) is the latest and most iconic landmark of the Korean design industry. Located at the center of the Dongdaemun area in Seoul, the DDP will serve as a key venue for design-related conferences and seminars, exhibitions, and other event gatherings. Designed by world renowned architect, Zaha Hadid, DDP is the world’s largest three-dimensional atypical architecture. The DDP is comprised of five halls: Art Hall, Museum, Design Market, Design Lab, Dongdaemun History and Culture Park. There is a piano placed in common area of the plaza and everyone is allowed to access and play the music of his/her choice. Don’t forget to visit the lawn area of DDP. It gives a spectacular view of the plaza from the top.
N Seoul Tower
The N Seoul Tower, officially the YTN Seoul Tower and commonly known as the Namsan Tower or Seoul Tower, is a communication and observation tower located on Namsan Mountain in central region of Seoul, South Korea. The magnificent projectors placed near the entrance of the lift lobby gives us a perfect holographic experience (refer the image). The tower’s main attractions include multi-colored digital art projected onto the tower at night, a terrace on rooftop, a digital observatory and HanCook restaurant and the n.Grill restaurant located on the bottom floors of the building. A recent attraction for courting couples is “Locks of Love,” thousands of padlocks attached to the fence by romantic Seoulites symbolizing their undying affection towards each other. Seoul has a number of viewing options where the guests can experience the nighttime city lights or gaze out onto the beautiful view of Hangang river but the tower’s digital observatory is unique, offering an astonishing 360 degree panoramic view over the city using 32 LCD screens for recounting the 600-year history of Seoul. That is why the N Seoul Tower is so popular and such a source of pride. One amazing fact about N Seoul Tower is its color changes at night based on the pollution levels observed during that particular day.
Myeong-dong Street Market
Myeong-dong is perhaps one of the most busiest street market in South Korea. Bustling Myeong-dong is a shopping area packed with luxury department stores, international fashion brands, street food stalls and homegrown cosmetics shops. Local street food delicacies offer Korean dumplings, ginseng chicken soup, chocolate and banana crepe, strawberry red bean mochi, sweet chicken, potato twisters with cheese, egg bun, Korean pancakes, chestnut, baked cheese, crispy sweet corn and cabbage omelette. You must try all the above mentioned food items.
Let’s discuss about their favorite drinks/delicacies:
Hotteok
Hotteok (Korean sweet pancakes) is a popular korean street food dish which is usually consumed as a sweet delicious snack or as a mouthwatering dessert. The dough for hotteok is made from wheat flour, water, milk, sugar, and yeast. The dough is allowed to rise for several hours. Handful-sized balls of this stiff dough are filled with a sweet mixture, which may contain brown sugar, honey, chopped peanuts, and cinnamon.
Quabegi
Quabegi is also known as “twisted korean donut” in south korea. The dough for this donut is made up of milk, egg, flour and yeast. It is then deep fried in an oil container and added to a mixture of caster sugar and cinnamon powder. Its a must try food dish in south korea.
Naengmyeon Water Noodles
Naengmyeon or raengmyŏn is a Korean noodle dish of long and thin handmade noodles made from the flour and starch of various ingredients, including buckwheat, potatoes, sweet potatoes, kudzu and arrowroot starch. These long cold noodles usually contain radish, eggs and mixture of all vegetables. It is definitely a must try dish in South Korea.
Fries & Burgers from New York’s Shake Shack in Gangnam
If you are really missing your normal routine then you should definitely try these french fries & burger combos with root or draft beer at Shack Shack in Gangnam. The chicken strips loaded with lots of veggies and mayonnaise sauce gave us an unforgettable experience. The dessert menu consists of Oreo special sundae and a normal vanilla or chocolate ice cream in waffle cone.
Egg Buns in Myeong-dong
If you are an egg lover then this is a most recommended dish from our end. A little loaf of bread is steamed with a whole egg inside along with almond, peanut and sunflower seeds. It is usually sweet and fluffy in taste. The very first bite will leave you stunned. Just #GoForIt.
Overall Experience and Rating
We had an amazing time exploring the republic of South Korea. We got here in the month of October and could cover two major cities during our travel period i.e. Suwon and Seoul. We got a chance to visit Samsung Innovation Museum and Samsung Digital City in Suwon. #SamsungInSuwon. We had an amazing time experiencing the Seoul International fireworks festival which happens once a year in the month of October. We always preferred to commute by bus or subway here and it was pretty convenient for us as well. Myeong-dong night market was one of the best food markets we came across in south Korea and the street was usually crowded on weekends. If you want to go on a shopping spree then you are probably looking at the right place. As South Korea is well known for its beauty products and cosmetics, you can grab your favourite make-up kit from one of the global markets here. Apart from the above mentioned places, you should visit Itaewon for Halloween, Thursday Party in Ingye Dong – Suwon, Club Octagon in Gangnam for late night parties, Coex mall & Coex aquarium in Seoul, Carribean Bay water park, Everland amusement park, Busan, Nami island and Jeju Island. Coming to our food recommendations, you must try Hotteok (Korean Pancakes), fishcakes, Quabegi (Donuts), Bindaetteok (Ming Bean Pancake), kimchi pang (pork buns), cabbage omelette, chocolate and banana crepe, spicy squid, barbecue lobster, egg buns and strawberry read bean mochi from their street food markets.
Zomato’s first edition of the grandest food & entertainment carnival, Zomaland, has benchmarked one of the greatest carnival success stories across the country. After launching its first edition in New Delhi and Bangalore, the carnival has set an electrifying vibe across the country by showcasing some stunning attractions with picturesque at every corner, a huge giant wheel placed right at the center of the venue, live bands, comedy shows, fun activities, funky photobooth spots for children and adults, immense varieties of food and drinks and much more. With a footfall of more than 30,000 people, this carnival has become an unforgettable entertainment destination.
Welcome to Fancyland!
If there’s one thing that should be spoken about then it ought to be this massive giant wheel which stole the show completely with its aesthetic presence. The event even witnessed some of the best entertainers on the stage to make people laugh, sway, groove and be amazed. This non-stop entertainment along with a perfect blend of food and games did its magic and added a never ending smile on peoples face.
Let’s discuss about our favorite drink:
Kingfisher Ultra Lager Beer
As the carnival witnessed some amazing food vendors at the venue, a chilled beer was definitely the need of the hour. The king of #GoodTimes satisfied our taste buds and kept us going by adding the necessary fuel to our energy levels. The Kingfisher lounge was decorated with a colorful lighting and a huge number of people gathered together to drink their favourite beer. Types of beer included Kingfisher Ultra, Kingfisher Ultra Premium, Heineken and Kingfisher Draught. Every single sip of Kingfisher Lager beer helped us beat this scorching heat.
Overall Experience and Rating
Our team got a chance to experience Zomaland at its best. Special thanks to the King of #GoodTimes – Kingfisher for the invitation. The event took place at White Orchid Convention Center located near Manyata Tech Park in Bangalore. Friday turned out to be quite sad for “The Local Train” fans but it was eventually covered up with some spectacular events on Saturday and Sunday. Zomaland had a tie up with some extravagant food vendors which gave us a perfect momentum for the rest of the evening. There was really great food & lip smacking cuisines right from sushi to salad. The photo booths made plenty of photo opportunities for everyone out there. The live music arena did light up our day followed by some stand up performances. Kingfisher was definitely our saviour of the day. The event altogether gave us an amazing vibe and was thoroughly enjoyed by our team members.
PS: Age Limit is 25. Drink Responsibly and Don’t Drive.
Ambience – 4.5/5
Food – 4.5/5
Service – 4.5/5
Stay & Comfort – NA
Address: White Orchid Convention Center, Manyata Embassy Business Park, Bangalore
Meal for two – Rs. 1300 (With Alcohol)
The Food Punch Recommendation – 4.5/5
Contact us regarding any queries – thefoodpunched@gmail.com
Credits: @Zomato
The Food Punch 