Moon – Page 6 – Footloose Forever

The Daily Post Photo Challenge: Relax

December 3, 2016December 6, 2016Posted in Photo challengeTagged Himalayas, Lachung, mountains, North Sikkim, photo challange, plunge, relax, swim, waterfalls12 Comments

waterfalls, north sikkim, lachung, himalayas

Imagine, you are riding through rugged mountain roads. It’s almost noon and you are tired of a long, bumpy ride. As you take a U-turn, you see a waterfall and discover a small pool at the bottom. With warm sun above the head, taking a plunge in the cool water would be the best way to relax and rejuvenate yourself. Do you agree? 🙂

In North Sikkim, you will find plenty of such waterfalls with naturally formed pools. Although I didn’t get a chance to take the splash, the sight of local boys playing in the water was pretty relaxing, too.

Published in response to The Daily Post Photo Challenge: Relax.

Go Goa in December: Yes or No?

October 13, 2016Posted in South IndiaTagged beach villas in Goa, Christmas in Goa, Colva beach, goa, Goa in December, Goa music festival, Goa tour, Goa villa rental, sunburn festival, supersonic festival, Things to do in Goa9 Comments

To be or not to be in Goa in December?

I was wondering there must have been uncountable debates and discussions on this topic. Well, everyone has his/her own reasons to justify why and why not to visit Goa in December, the peak season when tourists from all across the globe flock to the place.

For me, Goa in December means the best opportunity to get into the vibe of the place and experience the true spirit of Goa. While others can say that Goa is overcrowded in December and hotel prices are steep during this season, the reasons to visit Goa in December completely outweigh the cons.

Sunny beaches enlivened with soulful music, late-night parties, abundant seafood, cheap liquors and buzzing casinos, that’s Goa in high seasons.

Electrifying Music Festivals

If you love electronic music you should visit Goa in December. The Sunburn Festival, Asia’s largest EDM (electronic dance music) festival, is hosted in December every year. The newest addition to Goa’s crown is the Supersonic Festival. Organized at Candolim Beach in North Goa, this festival attracts and promotes young talents across the globe. Shake a leg at the music by international DJs and rock bands and have fun on the beach.

Grand Christmas Celebration

Goa has a majority of the Christian population. The place is dotted with old churches that epitomize the rich tradition of Christianity. Naturally, Christmas in Goa is a grand affair, celebrated with great zeal and fervor, which touches every heart. Beautifully adorned churches, shops selling homemade cakes and chocolates, and people in happy countenance everywhere – all add to the charm of Goa in December. You can witness Christmas celebration in some of Goa’s historical churches such as Basilica of Bom Jesus, Church of Our Lady of Immaculate Conception, and Se Cathedral.

New Year Parties

Goa turns out to be a paradise for party animals during December. With New Year round the corner, the towns and beaches come alive with lights, music, food stalls, and fireworks. With no cops to stop you, go partying on the beach through the night and watch fireworks.

Discovery of Goa’s Heritage

Goa is much more than its beaches and parties. Discover the rich heritage of Goa in its museums, churches, and historic edifices. In December, the weather becomes milder. You can take walking tours and explore the churches and museums without getting tired. Some of the must-sees are the Naval Aviation Museum, Goa State Museum in Panaji, Archaeological Museum, and the Museum of Christian Art in Old Goa.

Flickr Image: selmerv

Watersports and Cruises

Watersports are an eternal attraction of Goa. The sun is softer in December and you can enjoy a lot of beachfront activities in Goa. Banana boat rides, boating, and snorkeling trips are something you can’t miss in Goa. Adventure lovers can go for para-sailing, jet-skiing, surfing, and white-water rafting for more adrenaline rush. Families can enjoy cruising in Mandavi River and go dolphin-spotting in the sea.

Shopping at Arpora

Shopping can be fun in Goa, especially in December. The Saturday Night Market at Arpora can sweep you off your feet with exclusive collections of clothes, accessories, and antique items from across the globe. Shop, eat, drink and listen to live concerts at this seasonal market that offers a carnival-like atmosphere.

Anjuna Beach flea market is another shoppers’ paradise in North Goa. From funky jewelry to local handicrafts, the market offers eye-catching items at cheaper rates.

Offbeat stay experience in Colva villas

There are numerous beach villas in Goa that are ideal for family vacationers. If you are a solitude seeker like me, you may choose to stay at a Colva beach villa that promises luxurious accommodation along with a range of modern amenities and services to make you feel at home. Colva villa ensures quick access to some of South Goa’s secluded beaches so that you can enjoy your vacation in a peaceful, relaxing manner without missing the beachfront activities and fun in Goa.

Orange County – Your Next Vacation Destination in California

September 29, 2016September 26, 2016Posted in TravelTagged Anaheim, Boutique hotels in the US, californina, Disneyland tour, hotels in USA, orange county, orange county hotels, torrey pines7 Comments

Corona Del Mar, Newport Beach, Orange County, California

Beaches, hills, museums, theme parks, and sports arenas, Orange County awaits you with its diverse attractions. The county comprises large and small cities including Anaheim, the home to Disneyland. The spectacular beach towns of Newport Beach and Seal Beach promise luxurious retreats. Huntington Beach is a surfers’ paradise. The botanical gardens and wilderness parks in Laguna Niguel offer ample scope for outdoor adventure. Explore the beauty of the place and stay in some of the best hotels in Orange County.

Image via Flickr by occhietto

Hyatt Regency Orange County – Enjoy Vacation with Family

With spectacular settings, spacious rooms, and pet-friendly policies, Hyatt Regency Orange County is an ideal getaway for families and vacationers. The hotel’s proximity to Anaheim and shuttle service to and from the Disneyland Resort makes it a convenient choice for vacationers. Orange County beaches, shopping centers, and Anaheim sports stadiums are also a short drive away from this hotel. After a busy day at the theme parks, return to the hotel’s guest rooms featuring luxurious beds with pillow-top mattresses, televisions with favorite entertainment channels, and complimentary Wi-Fi access or unwind at the heated outdoor pool.

Hilton Irvine Orange County Airport – Work and Unwind

Located within walking distance from John Wayne Airport, Hilton Irvine Orange County Airport offers quick access to Newport and Huntington beaches. The hotel’s convenient location makes it easy for travelers to explore the local attractions such as South Coast Plaza and Spectrum Shopping Center. The rooms come with the hotel’s signature bedding, 42-inch HDTV, large work desks, Wi-Fi, telephones, and room service. Business amenities include photocopying and printing services, video conferencing, and audio/visual equipment rental at the hotel’s business center.

Image via Flickr by Eric Demarcq

Wyndham Irvine Orange County Airport – Combine Business and Leisure

Wyndham Irvine Orange County Airport is another convenient option for business travelers. The hotel offers quick access to John Wayne Airport and several corporate offices in the county. Free Wi-Fi, work desk with ergonomic chair, HD television, plush beds and premium bath accessories are some of the room amenities to help you stay productive and relaxed. The hotel’s business center is also open 24 hours. Other amenities include fitness center, outdoor sports courts, heated indoor pool, and free shuttle service to local attractions.

Atrium Hotel – Walk and Explore Local Attractions

Located close to the Orange County airport, Atrium Hotel offers quick access to the beaches, museums, and shopping centers. Elegantly decorated rooms come with king or queen beds, televisions, and private balconies. A range of leisure amenities includes a heated outdoor pool with pool lounge and private cabana, restaurant, and bar. Business travelers can take advantage of the hotel’s private executive business center, free Wi-Fi, and transportation to and from the airport.

Image via Flickr by Easterly Photography

Hilton La Jolla Torrey Pines – Stay Close to Nature

Nestled at the Torrey Pines State Reserve, Hilton La Jolla Torrey Pines offers spectacular views of the Torrey Pines Golf Course and the Pacific Ocean. The hotel offers an excellent opportunity for hiking in the nearby villages of Del Mar and La Jolla. Enjoy the spa services, play a game of tennis, relax in the outdoor pool, or get out and explore the beaches of Del Mar, there are many ways to unwind at Hilton La Jolla Torrey Pines. Business amenities include fax, photocopiers, printers, modems, Wi-Fi, and office rentals.

My Quest for Spirituality at the Holy Lake of Pushkar

September 25, 2016September 26, 2016Posted in Photo challengeTagged birds, lake, Photo challenge, Pushkar, quest, silhouette, spiritual, water18 Comments

pushkar, holy lake, rajasthan, twilight, temples

“If religion were true, its followers would not try to bludgeon their young into an artificial conformity; but would merely insist on their unbending quest for truth, irrespective of artificial backgrounds or practical consequences.”

~ H. P. Lovecraft

I have never been a religious person. I never go to the temples to worship or to pray. However, I am not an atheist either. I believe in God my own way. My quest for spirituality has always been focused towards nature. I find the divinity in the unspoiled beauty of nature. But a few years ago, during my stay in Pushkar, a small town in Rajasthan, I felt that spiritual connection right at the Holy Lake of Pushkar.

It was a spectacular sunset by the lake. Standing on the ghats (steps) of the lake, hearing the sound of temple bells, watching the orange fireball sinking into the horizon, the temple structures fading into the twilight, and the silhouettes of the birds ‘contemplating’ amidst the still waters (perhaps, they were still in search of food… 🙂 ), I felt eternity in those magical moments.

Published in response to The Daily Post Photo Challenge: Quest.

Festivals, Outdoor Adventures and the Boutique Hotels in Austin, Texas

September 25, 2016September 25, 2016Posted in USA Hotels and DestinationsTagged Austin, Austin hotels, Boutique hotels in the US, crowne plaza austin, hilton austin airport, hotels in Austin, TexasLeave a comment

Austin, the “Live Music Capital of the World”, bustles with music, art, film festivals, Formula One racing, and a series of events throughout the year. The city’s numerous parks, lakes, and nature trails offer excellent opportunity for biking, hiking, swimming, and boating. However, autumn and spring are the two seasons when tourists rush into the city. If you’re planning a vacation in Austin during the festive seasons, book your hotel early. Here’s a list of popular hotels in Austin, Texas, to help you choose the best accommodation.

Image via Flickr by StuSeeger

Hilton Austin Airport for Business and Leisure

Only two minutes from the airport, the Hilton Austin Airport ensures easy access to the downtown area with frequent shuttle service from the hotel. The hotel is also close to Austin’s famous Formula One circuit. Sound-proof rooms with luxurious king-sized beds, spacious bathrooms, and a range of modern amenities guarantee a comfortable living experience at Hilton Austin Airport. The guest rooms have Wi-Fi, work desks, and cable TVs. Suites come with other features like boardrooms and exercise rooms. An outdoor pool along with hot tubs and a lounge café are also there for recreation. If you’re traveling with your family, check out family packages and special offers on breakfast and Wi-Fi access to save on your stay at the hotel.

Crowne Plaza Austin to Enjoy the Outdoors

Tucked away in a suburban neighborhood on North IH35, Crowne Plaza Austin promises a quiet stay as well as quick access to the downtown hub and the University of Texas at Austin. Elegantly designed guest rooms come with flat-screen televisions, Wi-Fi, work desks, separate living spaces with sofas and coffee tables, and luxurious bathrooms. The hotel offers dedicated Quiet Zone rooms that keep out all the noises and help ensure good night’s sleep. A range of outdoor recreational amenities on site can keep you busy all day. Outdoor activities nearby include hiking, biking, horseback riding, and tennis.

Image via Flickr by notevenathing

Hampton Inn & Suites Austin – Downtown/Convention Center

A contemporary hotel in downtown Austin, Hampton Inn & Suites Austin – Downtown/Convention Center is only a short walk from the entertainment center and nightlife of Sixth Street. Due to its central location, the hotel serves as a convenient base for exploring the city. The rooms and suites are equipped with modern amenities, including large writing desks with ergonomic chairs, lap desks, and complimentary Wi-Fi. Free breakfast, a fitness center, and a rooftop pool will keep you energized. Amenities like laundry service, valet parking, and multi-lingual staff add to your comfort and convenience.

Image via Flickr by ejmc

Habitat Suites for an Organic Living Experience

If vacationing is your sole intention to visit Austin, Habitat Suites is the place for you. Surrounded by lush vegetation in a North Central Austin neighborhood, Habitat Suites is like an oasis in the city. Experience eco-friendly living in a hotel that offers non-smoking, hypoallergenic rooms, uses solar energy to generate electricity, and serves organic food without compromising taste and quality. Luxurious rooms with private patios and a range of complimentary amenities (including free breakfast, on-site parking, and your choice of wines and beverages in the evening) can make your holidays special at this eco-conscious boutique hotel.

The Daily Post Photo Challenge: Edge

September 10, 2016Posted in Photo challengeTagged colocasia leaf, edge, greenery, Nature, Photo challenge, rain drops, raindrops15 Comments

Have you seen raindrops on the edge of a Colocasia leaf?

It’s a pure delight to see…

Gloomy sky, incessant rains, muddy streets, and high humidity are some things very common in India during monsoons. But every season has its own beauty. Lush greenery and rain-washed branches of trees bring a freshness that makes the season special for me. 🙂

Published in response to The Daily Post Photo Challenge: Edge.

The Daily Post Photo Challenge: Rare

August 20, 2016August 20, 2016Posted in Photo challengeTagged hue, Nature, nature photography, orange, Photo challenge, purple, sky, sunset, sunset sky22 Comments

“Beauty is one of the rare things which does not lead to doubt of God.”

Jean Anouilh

A sunset is a common phenomenon we see everyday. In the rush of our busy, day-to-day activities we rarely find time to watch the sunset and enjoy its beauty. But today’s sunset was something special. From June to September it is monsoon in India, and the sky is covered with dark rain clouds most of the time. In this season, a fiery sunset sky like this is rare to see. So, I didn’t waste a moment to capture the beauty with my new Nikon D53oo. 🙂