Sunday 25 September 2016

Cairns, Australia ... A Magical Wonder !!!

Hey Guys,

Cairns was our second destination in Australia post Sydney. A memorable trip indeed with quite a few bitter experiences as well, all in all it is a must visit place to be. We landed in Cairns just to realize that my husband has lost his zara jacket. We were running through the lost and found department of the airport, but alas ! no luck. Boarded our cab and reached hotel - The Pacific. It was a pleasant weather throughout our 3 day stay in Cairns and drizzled for quite a few hours as well. Sea was rough for the entire duration and we were a little unlucky as we could not enjoy the fun of snorkeling and soak sun at the green island.

We booked a tour from hotel helpdesk. The irish guy was really helpful as he helped in customizing our package. We got 2 deals, one for Kuranda scenic rail + Skyrail and the second one for Great Barrier Reef + Green Island.

Below are the highlights of our stay -

  • Cairns Esplanade Swimming Lagoon - One cannot enjoy beach as there were jelly fish and hence this area has been created which has a huge swimming area and presence of white sand around giving it a beachy touch. Enjoyed our evening at this place as it was quite close to our hotel, just 500m approx. 
  • Kuranda Scenic Railway and Visit to Kuranda Village - Kuranda scenic rail has a historic touch, it is really slow but you can cherish the journey as it passes through age old bridges and tunnels. Announcements are made at all important views so that the tourists can enjoy the scenic beauty as well. Kuranda Village is basically a shopping place wherein you can eat shop and watch wildlife. Trinkets, sculptures, paintings etc made by aboriginals are at display.
  • The SkyRail Rainforest Cableway - Must do a Cairns. Once of the most sporty thing that gives you an Adrenaline rush. It's spanning 7.5 km over the pristine rainforest and allows you to explore the rainforest as it has 2 stops in between. One of the longest cable way in the world, I loved every bit of it. You feel no less than a bird and sky is not the limit !
  • Green Island - A coral cay formed 6000 years ago. One of the most serene places that I have been in my life. Waves gushing, dark clouds hovering the ocean, we spent about 2-3 hours as it was a stop while we were enroute the Great Barrier Reef. Had beagles, brownies and sipped hot coffee while we got drenched in rain.
  • The Great Barrier Reef - No trip to Australia is complete without the visit to the great barrier reef. Day was not much favourable as the sea was rough and I got sea sick. Could not snorkel, however we went in the semi submersible, which for 30 min took us to the bottom of the ocean. There's a magical world beneath, one of the wonders indeed, formed over millions of years. ** Tip - Always take a sea sickness tablet prior to the start of the trip. Carry your own towels and a poncho for rainy days.
Best Eating Joints at Cairns:
  1. Splash Seafood restaurant
  2. Dundee's restaurant on the waterfront
  3. Waterbar and Grill Steakhouse
  4. C'est Bon Cairns
  5. Tandoori Nights
Adding couple of pictures of this beautiful place. Hope you all would enjoy!
Loads of Love and would be back soon with another post...
Cairns Esplanade Swimming Lagoon

Green Island

Green ... All around !!!

Waiting for the train ...




Bird's Eye View !!!






Sunday 18 September 2016

Brides, Is your Vanity Kit ready ???

With the onset of wedding season, brides would be busy shopping. With all the excitement around, its imperative that your vanity kit gets to the priority list soon or else you would end up compromising on the most important aspect of your beauty, your looks !

I recently got married and have a list of all the makeup essentials that can be added in your kit. You can customize it as per your requirements as well.

Eyes 


  • Eyeliners - Buy shades that matches the color of your eyes. you have a variety to choose from - roll on / pencil/ waterproof/ matte finish/ glitter etc. 
  • Kohl/ Kajal - Black is a must buy for every girl. Application on waterline enhances the look. Different colors can also be tried, however smolder can be used for smoky look.
  • Eye Shadow - In case you do not wear too many eye shadows, prefer buying an eye shadow palette rather than a single color. This shall increase your color range and also will be cost effective. Ensure that the palette has the color matching your wedding dress as well.
  • Mascara - For the final touch to your eye look up, buy a mascara of your choice. Waterproof or volumizing or lengthening mascara, the market has all. 

Face 



  • Foundation - The most important aspect is to buy a good foundation. Do not ever buy a lighter foundation rather it should be an exact match of your skin tone. Preferred ones are matte and that provide full coverage. I personally prefer a natural look and use Mac Lightful tinted cream with radiance booster, SPF 30.
  • Compact - A must buy for touch ups etc. It's mattifying agent and will prevent foundation to settle into fine lines.
  • Blush - Choose at-least one matte and one shimmery blush suiting your skin tone.
  • Make up Brushes - You can buy individual brushes or compact travel brushes. Must have ones are - Foundation brush, blush brush, eye shadow brush and powder brush.
  • Primer - Helps in preparing a good canvas for make up. It boosts the coverage and comabt any shine on your face, thereby letting the make up last longer.

Lips

  • Lipstick/ Lip gloss - Pick up shades that would match your skin tone and can be applied on daily basis. Hot red lipstick is generally preferred in the vanity kit of a newly wed bride. you can explore the lip gloss range as well. A clear toned lip gloss can be applied on almost every lip shade. Matt or Glossy lip shades, this can be decided on your preference. 
  • Lip Liner - This can be matched with the set of lip shades you have bought. Buy at-least one neutral shade of lip liner.  
  • Lip Balm - In case you tend to have chapped lips, application of a lip balm is a must. You can apply in the night for a smooth lip base.

Nails 

  • Nail Paints - Buy nail paints that matches the color of your dresses especially the wedding trousseau. There are matte finish nail paints as well, you can explore them for a wide variety in your kit.
  • Nail Art Stickers - In case you like nail art, can add a sticker packet as well.

Extras -

Apart from the above mentioned you can add on the below as well, not necessarily in the vanity kit. You can prepare an extra pouch with the below items that would be required as well.
  • Comb/ curler can be added depending on your hair type.
  • Water proof make up remover or a cleanser depending on the make up type that you have purchased.
  • A set of sterilized cotton balls for removing makeup.
  • Nail paint remover.
  • Face Wipes in case you have an oily skin type.
  • Tweezer for the last moment usage if required.
Happy Shopping and Happy Wedding !!
Do comment if you think this list to be useful.


Saturday 17 September 2016

Top 5 in Sydney ... (Eat, Stay, Travel and Weather)

Top 5 Places to Visit 

  • Opera House
  • Harbour Bridge - Tallest steel arch bridge
  • Bondi Beach
  • Sydney Tower Eye 
  • Taronga Zoo - Best for Kangaroo spotting
"In case you happen to visit Sydney on a Saturday, do catch a glimpse of Fireworks at Darling Harbour"

Top 5 Places to Eat

  • Farmhouse Kings Cross
  • est.
  • Guillaume Paddington
  • Zahili
  • The Spice Room

Top 5 Luxury Hotels

  • Pier One
  • The Langham
  • Shangri La
  • The Westin
  • Swisstoel

Best Way to Travel

Public Transport is the best way to commute in Sydney. Bus/Train/Ferry/ Taxi, all modes of travel are available in this city.

For more details related to commute are available at the below link.

In my opinion Opal card is the best out of the all. This can be used in both trains, buses and ferries. You need to tap on and tap off while you board/de-board. Kept it as my souvenir as this was the much awaited trip of my life.

Weather in Sydney

Average Temp in Degree Celsius

Best Months to Visit



Sydney in 48 Hours !!! ... Part 2

To be published soon

Sydney in 48 Hours !!! ... Part 1


It was half past 7, me and my husband were totally drained, all thanks to the 18 hours of tiresome journey. We traveled via Air Asia, one of the worst flights to travel in... Almost no leg space, uncomfortable seats and horrible food, even the drinking water was chargeable. But a spark of happiness was beaming, as we were in Sydney, the most coveted place ever since I had viewed Olympics 2000. We booked Shangri la for our 2 day stay and the hotel offers panoramic views of Sydney Harbour. It was chilly cold ... Australia was witnessing its winters and as we snuggled under our sheets, it started raining heavily. A hot cup of coffee was a relief and we were off to sleep.


Day 1 - Jet lagged, we started a bit late. Gorged breakfast, we started our jaunt with a visit to St. Mary's Cathedral, holds the title and dignity of minor basilica. Amazing Architecture with lighting, we spent about an hour and finally moved to Queen Victoria Building, the shopping place and trust me it was heaven.

Emptying our pockets and getting some poses clicked we headed towards Sydney tower eye, by far the tallest building in the city. It offers incredible and breathtaking views of the city. This place is visited by almost every traveler and is mostly crowded during the afternoon and late evening hours.

Beholding the beauty of the city in our eyes, we headed towards the Royal Botanical Garden. On the way you can find lot of places to grab food and coffee to keep you moving for the day. Wide and beautiful, this garden is at the harbour front offering views to the famous Sydney harbour bridge and the Opera house.

It was 1 PM and we grabbed food at the Opera kitchen and got ourselves ticket for an hour long tour of the opera house. Enriched by the history of this place and soaking in all the beautiful and iconic moments we finally planned to travel across the famous harbour bridge and the walk was so special to me. Sydney harbour bridge climb is also advisable in case the time permits.

Dead and weary we reached back into our hotel, had an amazing dinner, sipped some wine and here I am updating my readers with this post.
Gud night folks !!! Hope you enjoy the pics and the next 24 hours would be followed by soon.

Shopaholics ... Must visit ;)

200 Years of Royal Botanic Garden

St. Mary's Cathedral

The Arch - Sydney Harbour Bridge

Caught the Opera House ;)

City's Eye - Sydney Tower Eye




Monday 5 September 2016

TRAVEL DIARIES: PINK CITY JAIPUR

World weary with life, me and my friend decided to explore the royal city of West India and an instant travel was planned ! Well, call us demented or crackpots, with overnight packing, no bookings and reservations, we hit the road saturday morning for Jaipur. It was late March and weather was pleasant. After 4 hours of journey, finally reached our destination. Blink of an eye and our itinerary was right before us, (thanks to the hotel group for this though ;))
Day 1: 14 March, 2015
Started exploring from City Palace Jaipur, it demonstrates a fusion of Rajput and Mughal Architecture.  Adjacent to it is Albert hall of museum, exhibiting the imperial and majestic holdings of the rulers.
As we stepped out of the museum, it was drizzling under a bright sun. Splashing the waters we entered Jantar Mantar- observatory, to quench our scientific curiosity.
Next stop was Hawa Mahal, the palace of winds, extremely gallant and beautiful.

Grabing bites, walking up and down the famous Johri and Bapu Bazar, stealing some traditional sense of the city, trying colorful glass bangles, shopping bandhnis and Japuri quilts we finally made our way to Choki Dhani. It was heavily raining by then, but that’s how you get a kick ! A must visit place for a touch of traditional Rajasthani culture.
Day 2: 15 March, 2015
Had a snowy start to day 2, unbelievable for the month of March in a desert state🙂
After a scrumptious breakfast, we headed towards Amer Fort, surrounded by a beautiful lake adding to its beauty. The fort has an influence of Hindu and Mughal Architecture.
After admiring the beauty, we further advanced to Nahargarhfort. Curling through the wavy roads we finally managed to have a glance of the entire city – birds eye view.
Famished, we barged into a restaurant and gorged, sipped tea and made our way for Jaigarh Fort, which exhibits worlds largest cannon on wheels. (Miniature version below)
On the way back we stopped by Jalmahal, palace in the middle of Man Sagar lake. We stood enthralled, a masterpiece whose beauty cannot be described in mere words. At the very same place, I had my first Camal ride as well. Scary yet full of excitement, it was an utter delight.
Finally we reached out last destination, Birla Mandir(Laxmi Narayan Temple). Stunning beauty with sun shining on the white marble, we thanked the almighty for an amazing trip.
Dead and dreary, killed time munching stuff at World Trade Park and finally hopped onto our buses for Delhi.
Explored the entire city in 2 days, captured lots of moments, sweet memories, bought little things and lived the adventures to the core of our heart …!!!
Hope you enjoyed reading, will be back with another travel diary soon.

Sunday 4 September 2016

STUCK BUYING GIFTS, WAY BACK FROM TRAVEL, ARE YOU?

Traveling to varied and distant places, of-course lead to adventure and fun, but most important are the memories, moments captured, enthralling stories, weird talks with strangers that allures an individual to gear up for the next travel. Sounds like a maniac to me (who knows if I am one ;)).
But if you are reading this article, I am glad that you have the hindsight to recognize the dilemma that one is in while buying gifts back home for your family and friends. Not really a grueling job, but definitely a demanding task to ensure the best pick for all. Ranging from young to old, casual to classy, cheesy to pricey, I am sure the list will help you pick something for your dear ones way back from your next travel.
Souvenirs – Best Recommended for friends you know quite little about
Chocolates and Candies – Highly recommended for kids and people with sweet tooth.
Apparels – Specifically for people who are brand-marked, an addition from a distant land would mean a lot
Accessories – Suggested for the ones who have flair for fashion 
Vanity Collection – For your lady love or beau
Dweeby Touch – Special collection for the tech geeks
Hope you are now fully loaded with Ideas and can please your family and friends … 
Happy Shopping !!!

My Bucket List !!!

Life is a vast ocean of experiences and one should live to the fullest while it is too late to realize your dreams. Yesterday, while quenching my thirst at a coffee shop, I had happen to flip through the pages of a book gifted by one of my dearest friend -“The Little Book of Big Hopes” and I suddenly realized that we all dream but very few have the courage to attempt it in a life time. Dream it, Do It, Live in Hope… as it says, here goes my bucket list.


1. The WanderLust Gene, explore every corner "Visited Chicago, New York, Washington DC, Sydney, Cairns, GoldCoast" - Expandable list ;)
2. Be an Author
3. Art of Learning, (Any Foreign Language)
4. Being Bibliophile
5. Struck by Cupid’s arrow. " Got Lucky this August ;)"
6. Be a Sponsor, help educate the world
7. Luxurious Branded Queen
8. Sports car rider
9. Walk in the clouds, Sky Walk
10. Trek the trails
11. Hot Water Spring Or Volcanoes
12. Be a Matchmaker " Got 2 friends hooked :P "
13. Float in Dead Sea
14. Pose with Northern Lights
15. Witness the fall colors
16. Experience Adrenalin Rush, Go Sky diving
17. Sky is not the limit, why not dine
18. Be Sporty " Travelled in the World's longest skyrail at Kuranda, Cairns" - Expandable list ;)
19. Birdie, Ride a Hot Air Balloon
20. Explore, another profession
21.Go Zappy, Go Zip Lining
22. Swim the deep waters, explore Scuba diving or snorkeling
23. Solo Travels
24. Feel the snow and ski all along
25. Kayaking through the caves
26. Underwater Journey
27. Explore Wildlife " Explored Taronga Zoo, Sydney, Daintree Rainforest, Cairns"
28. Vacation on Cruise
29. Get Inked
30. Be a millionaire🙂
I am sure by now you must have been geared up and the article would have been food for your thoughts. Would be glad to know your bucket list as well, get started.

Neemrana - Delhi Weekend Gateway

With the onset of holiday season, I thought of penning down my Neemrana experience, one of the favorite weekend gateways from Delhi. Neemra...