Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani: A Trail of Three Cities

Remember that summer romance from that unforgettable college trek? The best-friendships that were formed, the love that was sparked, the dreams that were seen under the starry night? Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani is a culmination of all those young dreams and more.

Bunny (Ranbir Kapoor) meets Naina (Deepika Padukone), his school topper, on a trek to Manali with his best friends (Kalki Koechlin and Aditya Roy Kapoor). And so starts a journey of a lifetime. Let’s trace their path, and who knows, maybe you’ll find the love of your life as well!
Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani, a trail of love, friendship and travel

Mountain Echoes: Manali

Ranbir and friends set out on a group trek to Manali organized by none other than MakeMyTrip, and scale the mountain heights while embarking on a series of adventures on the way.

They pay a visit to the famous Hidimba Devi Temple surrounded by a cedar forest. The temple is worshipped especially because it houses a block of stone that has carved on it the imprint of the feet of the Goddess. The other places that the movie covers include the Banjara Camps, the breathtaking Gulaba area close to Rohtang Pass, the stunning Hamta Pass and a stopover at Naggar.

Want to know a secret? Some of the snow-capped peaks passed off as Manali in the film are actually Gulmarg in Kashmir. So if you’re impressed by the gorgeous snow views, you might want to head to Kashmir after you’re done with Manali.

Take an unforgettable trip to Manali with friends

To Paris with Love

The film of course takes a turn when Ranbir moves to Chicago for a course in journalism. A travel photographer now, we meet him eight years later in the dazzling streets of Paris. From shooting a travel show in front of the Pantheon, an iconic church in the Latin Quartier, and romancing on Rue Mouffetard, one of the most vibrant and oldest neighbourhoods in Paris, to gazing up the Eiffel Tower, Ranbir covers the city of lights in all its glory. 

Watching him muse on the bridge across the River Seine, against the dynamic panaroma of the city, makes you want to catch a flight to Paris right there.

The magnificent city of Paris

Band Baaja Udaipur

As fate has it, all friends reunite for Kalki’s big fat Indian wedding in India’s favourite venue for destination weddings, Udaipur. Ironically, while Ranbir describes Venice – Kalki’s honeymoon destination – as the ‘Dharavi of Europe’ the wedding itself takes place in Udaipur, also called the Venice of the East. Scenes from the wedding are shot in the luxurious Udaivilas Palace. The venue looks absolutely exquisite with its regal structure and undulating outdoor.

Love is in the air as the actors set out to discover the city of lakes. They spend a day going from the magnificent Gangaur Ghaat to the regal City Palace. By the time the sun sets from their stunning viewpoint at Monsoon Palace, Udaipur is but a picture of romance.

Udaipur glistens under the night sky

Three gorgeous cities, and a quest for love, friendship and travel. Magic is on its way.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
	Shubhda Khanna: Writer, reader, dreamer, traveller. Travel through writing, read while traveling, dream of travels, writing in dreams. These are a few of my favorite things.

Customer Speak: Paradise that Ladakh is!

There is an old saying (and a wise one at that) – ‘Customer is like God.’

There is another saying about Kashmir – ‘Kashmir is Paradise on Earth.’

Well, we at MakeMyTrip thought of combining the two. Putting the Gods (customers) in a part of the Paradise (Ladakh)!

And we go bonkers with happiness when we are able to deliver all that we promise and our customers have an amazing trip.  Recently, Vidhi and Mukul Malik bought one of MakeMyTrip’s Ladakh packages on the Buy 1 Get 1 Free offer. Here’s what Vidhi had to say about the trip.

Vidhi and Mukul relaxing and enjoying in the beautiful valley of Ladakh...

There are some things which cannot be put in words. Love is one of them and then there is Ladakh - the land of scenic beauty, rustic charm and natural bounty. This beautiful place had been on my mind for many years now but my travel plans never materialized as the packages were always beyond my budget. Finally on 10^th May 2013, I got a chance to visit my dream destination when MakeMyTrip introduced the Buy 1 Get 1 Free offer. I took advantage of this opportunity and booked a deluxe package called Amazing Ladakh for 7 nights and 8 days for me and my husband.

Vidhi sure learnt something about a Buddhist's life from this little monk!

The moment we touched down in Ladakh, we were sure this was going to be a magical experience and we were not wrong. The scenic beauty mesmerized us and left us spellbound. Adding to that was the wonderful stay we had sans any hassles. Itinerary was very comfortable and made sure we covered all important tourist spots without feeling rushed. After we reached Leh, we had a day to ourselves for acclimatization. The cab facility provided was too good and the driver expertly navigated through the tricky roads and snow. At all times we felt that we were in safe hands. At Ladakh we stayed at Mantra Cottages. It was a nice place in a good location with picturesque views and an awesome staff. We were treated to different menus spread across several cuisines each day we stayed there. Mantra Cottages deserves a special mention because its service far exceeded our expectations, especially considering the remote place it is located in. I was so relieved to know that they offer running hot water facility from 6 am to 8 am in the morning and 6pm to 8 pm in the evening.

A happy couple!

The most relaxing place in this whole trip was Nubra Valley. We headed there on day 3 via Khardung La, which at 18,379 meters is known as the highest motorable road in the world. Thankfully none of us experienced any breathing trouble. I was pleasantly surprised to enjoy a good lunch that MakeMyTrip had arranged for on the way. At Nubra, we stayed at Apple Camps and had an amazing experience. Initially, we were a little uncertain about the tent accommodation but I am so glad we did. In fact, we have recommended a stay there to all our friends. In Apple Camps, we had an attached toilet that was very clean. The food was also great. I wonder how they managed to serve us so well even after being so far away from civilization. There is no water purification system at the camp site, so it’s better to carry mineral water bottles. Apple Camp also offers running hot water facility from 5 am to 8 am in the morning.

Next excursion was scheduled for Sindhu Ghat Trip, Gurudwara Pathar Sahib and Kali Mata Mandir (a 700 years old temple). Having seen and admired the beauty of these three, we started on the much awaited trip to Pang Gong Tso Lake. The first sight of this mesmerizing lake blew our minds away. There were a few food stalls at the lake bed  but we didn’t have to worry about food for MakeMyTrip’s team had arranged a yummy lunch for all of us but it was a little far from the lake.

The MakeMyTrip team at Ladakh was really helpful and cooperative. Thanks to them, my dream came true. Looking forward for many such offers from you.

Suggestion: Please make sure a proper medical kit is placed in every hotel/cottage for tourists to use

Regards,

Vidhi Malik

Chasing the Wazwan Trail – A Reason to Visit Kashmir this Summer

Quaint houseboats on the Dal Lake, the flower sellers’ canoes heaving with colours and snow-capped mountains - that’s the picture postcard Kashmir for you. Its bucolic charms influence visitors with an unparalleled sense of bonhomie and a visit can divide your life into ‘Before Kashmir’ and ‘After Kashmir’. But if you visit Kashmir and come back without an overdose of its extravagant Wazwan cuisine, your trip has not been worthwhile!

Kashmir is truly heaven on earth

Both robust and delicate at the same time, the Wazwan cuisine fits the imposing beauty of Kashmir like a kid-glove on lily-white hands. If the way to one’s heart is through food, then Wazwan is a one-way street to paradise. So promise yourself an unforgettable vacation this summer and hit the Wazwan trail in the stunning Kashmir.

A Meal Fit for Kings

Wazwan is the traditional Kashmiri Muslim multi-course meal (36 to be precise!); the art has been passed down generations and recipes are guarded zealously. The entire process of serving and eating the meal is a ritual where guests are grouped into four and presented with the food served on a large plate called tarami. The meal is a gastronomic superlative with the tarami piled high with rice and a variety of dishes where each one competes with the others in taste. It would be a tough choice with so many delicacies in front of you, but some must-try dishes include tabak maaz, aab gosht, rista, goshtaba, nadru yakhni and phirni. The meal ends with the soothing Kahwah, the traditional Kashmiri tea laced with cardamom and almond. Go for it like there’s no tomorrow! 

The lip-smacking rogan josh from the Wazwan

Chasing Wazwan

Kashmir is filled with beautiful places where you can sample the local food.

Srinagar: Some of the top choices for sampling Wazwan in Kashmir’s summer capital are - Mughal Darbar and Ahadoos, on the banks of the Jhelum River, Shamyana Restaurant on the Boulevard Dal Lake and the Wazwan thali at Kareema Restaurant on Residency Road. Even better, try to get invited to a local Kashmiri wedding (or gatecrash a lá 3 Idiots!)

Sonmarg: Located around 80 kilometers from Srinagar, Sonmarg is a trekker’s paradise, with its lakes, snowy mountains and forests. While most restaurants and hotels provide delicious Kashmiri fare, head to the stalls in the main market where you can sample some typical Kashmiri food, served piping hot by the local vendors.

Pahalgam: The dense pine and cedar forests and the pure mountain air is enough to get your tummy growling for some heavy duty Kashmiri food. Volga Restaurant, on Pahalgam Road offers some amazing Wazwan dishes as well as refreshing Kahwah. Located right in the center of the town, Paradise Restaurant serves some of the best Wazwan feasts in town.

The refreshing kahwah tea is a must-try when in Kashmir

Gulmarg: Mention Gulmarg and powder white snow and skiing come to mind. Glide down its slopes to head straight to Khaleel Palace, located close to the Gondola or the Sarposh Restaurant for some memorable Wazwan dishes.

Stay Safe

Kashmir welcomes an ever increasing number of Indian and foreign tourists every year and though disturbances occur occasionally, these rarely affect tourists. Still, we’d want you to stay safe and here are some pointers on how to stay out of trouble and firmly in the path of your Wazwan trail:

- Get a grip on the current political and local situation before heading to Kashmir

- Unless you know the state well, plan your trip with a reputed agency that will take care of your travel and accommodation

- Be smart. Avoid travelling at odd hours and venturing into conflict zones

Do these OR…pig out so much on rogan josh and phirni that you can’t move an inch out of your hotel room!

Phirni, a real treat for those with a sweet tooth

So, are you ready to travel to Kashmir for the delicious food? Plan you trip today and book flights and hotels only on MakeMyTrip.com!

Top Five Things to Do in Sri Lanka With Kids

Sri Lanka is a great place to travel with children. The island is small enough to travel around without spending endless hours in the car, and there are so many great things to see, do and experience on the way! Here are our top five things to do with the kids in Sri Lanka and thankfully there is plenty for the adults to enjoy here too!

1. See Baby Turtles

On the East coast between Bentota and Hikkaduwa is the tiny town of Kosgoda. Although ravaged by the tsunami, it has now rebuilt some of its turtle hatcheries. It is here that you can learn about the turtle hatching process, hold a turtle egg and release a tiny baby turtle back into the ocean; a joy that your children will remember for years to come. Don’t miss the old and rare, bright white Albino Turtle.

Visit the turtle hatcheries in Kasgoda and let your children experience something truly wonderful

2. Climb Little Adam’s Peak

While the “big” Adam’s Peak is the highest summit in Sri Lanka, Little Adam’s Peak is the perfect adventure trek for tiny legs. The trek is four kilometres and takes you through the tea plantations around the area surrounding the hill station of Ella. Your children can enjoy the fauna and watch tea being picked as you marvel at the spectacular 360-degree view at the top including the lovely Ruwana Falls.

Climb up to the Little Adam’s Peak - perfect adventure for the little ones

3. Splish Splash at the Beach

The beaches in Sri Lanka are clean with crystal clear, blue water and what could be better than grabbing a boogie board and splashing in the refreshing water with your kids. Some of the best seaside resorts are located on the South East coast of the country, with white sandy beaches that are ideal for building sandcastles with the kids! For a great family getaway try Bentota, Unawatuna or Hikkaduwa beaches.

Spend quality time with your kids at one of many seaside resorts in Sri Lanka

4. Explore an Elephant Orphanage

The Pinnawela Elephant Orphange is home to the largest herd of elephants in captivity, in the world. It is here that these great creatures are nursed to good health and also bred to ensure the growth of their population. Children can experience watching the elephants being fed and bathed at close quarters, or perhaps even get close enough to feed an elephant themselves! Education is a big part of the orphanage, so there will also be an opportunity for your children to learn more about caring for these gentle giants of the jungle.

Take your kids to say hello to the gentle giants at the Elephant Orphanage

5. Take a Scenic Train Ride

One of the most scenic rail routes in Sri Lanka is between the two hillside towns of Nuwara Eliya and Ella. While you enjoy the beautiful the views of the rolling emerald hills and tea plantations, your children will take joy in the great adventure that is this train journey! The train snakes its way slowly through the countryside and inside no less than 21 narrow tunnels.

Enjoy the scenic rail journey between Nuwara Eliya and Ella

Looking for a perfect vacation for the kids? Plan your trip to Sri Lanka and book your flight tickets only on MakeMyTrip.com!

Discovering India and the World: Spotted Lake, Canada

Through the Looking Glass…

…of Imagination!

Remember when we used to play hopscotch as kids, hopping over holes or chalk-drawn squares on one leg? In an age when baby dragons and ogres existed in the world for me, I wondered where they would play this game. Almost two decades later when I visited the Spotted Lake in Canada, my questions were put to rest.

The fascinating Spotted Lake in Canada

…of Scientific Reasoning

Located near the city of Osoyoos in British Columbia, Canada’s Spotted Lake draws visitors from around the world. The lake has high concentrations of several minerals such as magnesium sulphate, calcium and sodium sulphates and small amounts of silver and titanium. During summer, most of the water in the lake evaporates leaving behind large spots of these minerals varying between different compositions and colours like white, pale yellow, green and blue. These spots are largely composed of magnesium sulphate and crystallize in the summer to form hard natural walkways around and between the other spots.

The Spotted Lake is spotted not without a reason; there is scientific reasoning behind it

…of Social Perception

Locally known as Killuk, the lake is much revered by the natives of the Okanagan Valley. The therapeutic quality of the mud and waters of the lake has been utilised by the native Indians to heal aches and ailments. The Spotted Lake is believed to be the most mineralized lake in the world and each of the circles hold a different healing cure.

The water of the lake is said to have medicinal properties

The lake was originally owned by the Ernest Smith Family for about 40 years. They even attempted to convert it into a spa in 1979 but the natives resented for 20 years and finally bought the lake in October 2001 for $720,000.

It’s a bummer the lake is now surrounded by a fence to keep people off but you can get a good view of it from the highway. Many stop to admire its unique charm and beauty!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
	Surabhi Shikha: Some people just get wet, others feel the rain… I dance in it in ecstasy and then write about it.