Santarini Travel

21/11/2017

"Don't be scared to walk alone. Don't be scared to like it."

It's always daunting to Travel alone and move out of your comfort zone. You tend to ask question's like ' What if I get stranded somewhere? How do I go out at night? Won't it feel weird to eat in a restaurant alone? '

But you're not the only one travelling alone. Travelling solo will change your life. Any form of wandering around this beautiful planet will bring changes and improvement to the lives of those with restless feet, but there's something special about solo adventures.

Advantages of Travelling Solo

1) You will learn how to rely on yourself:
Travelling to other countries in the world by yourself will show you the importance of relying on yourself in difficult situations. You are the most important person in your life so always make sure to trust your heart and take your own decisions.

2)Travelling alone helps you to get to know your self better:
Travelling alone will make you realize your own strength and weakness. Once you are out there on the road on your own you will be faced with decisions you need to make, fears you need to overcome and discover your true self and how much you are capable of.

3) It helps to get you out of your comfort zone:
Being away from the comfort of your home will challenge you in many ways and test your patience. You might be challenged to explain where you are going to a local person or do hiking for hours in the mountains.

21/11/2017

Based on our last post about Travel benefits, our post today is dedicated to Health Benefits Of Travel. Based on scientific research travel has tons of benefits. Today let’s talk about how travelling helps lower stress levels…

For many people, vacations or simple weekend getaways are part of their plans each year. Vacations are a great way to get families and couples to spend quality time together away from the everyday pressures of their lives. They are also good for people who like to travel solo. The simple act of "getting away from it all" helps people reduce stress, whether it is for a day or a week.

Dreaming about where you're going to go and what you will do when you get there can take your mind off pressing issues that cause sleeplessness, high blood pressure, and tension.

Professor and author Adam Galinksy says that “foreign experiences increase both cognitive flexibility and depth and integrativeness of thought, the ability to make deep connections between disparate forms.” This essentially means that new sounds, sights and smells all spark the creativity synapses in the brain.

According to a study, 86% of those who travel are more satisfied with their outlook on life, compared to the 75% who do not travel.

Some of the ways how Travel can help release stress are:

1) Fresh air and sunshine are good for our health. Fresh air increases oxygen in our blood and in turn, gives us more energy.

2) Sunshine is a mood elevator and can help people ward off depression.
Play and relaxation are perfect ways to decrease tension.

3) The whole point of a vacation is to get away from a daily schedule. Put those cell phones and laptops away if you want to experience total freedom from your everyday life.

How does this work?

Those who get away from their work and homes are typically less stressed and less anxious–decreasing the strain on their hearts. In fact, travelers also reported that their stress-free and light-hearted feelings lasted for weeks after they returned home from their vacation.

20/10/2017

If you are determined to do something or go somewhere...., nothing can stop you....

28/09/2017

Neatly tucked into the Western coast of India, Goa is the state associated most with touristy beaches, a happening nightlife and over 300-year old Portuguese architecture. Goa is India’s smallest state by area and fourth smallest by population. It is bounded by Maharashtra to the north and Karnataka to the east and south, with the Arabian Sea forming its Western coast.
Panaji is the capital of Goa and Vasco da Gama is its largest city. In ancient literature, Goa was known by many names, such as Gomanchala, Gopakapattana, Gopakapattam, Gopakapuri, Govapuri, Govem, and Gomantak

Goa, being in the tropical zone and near the Arabian Sea, has a hot and humid climate for most of the year.

Goa is visited by large numbers of international and domestic tourists each year for its beaches, places of worship and world heritage architecture. It has rich flora and fauna. Although Goa is the fun capital of India, this region was steeped in history.
North and South regions of the place are strikingly different - the north is a cultural hub with traditional eateries and markets, while the south is great for vacation with its 5-star hotels, private beaches and a mix of white sand and clean blue water. In Goa each festivity becomes more alive.
The cashew feni a traditional drink of Goa from the Spice Gardens would be a perfect spot for food adventurers.
*Some Fun facts about Goa:
• For a small state, Goa has an astounding number of bars. In total, there are about 7000 bars and almost all of them are licensed to serve alcohol.
• St. Francis Xavier died in Macau and his body was brought to Goa in 1553. Enshrined in a glass casing, his non-decomposed body is in the world-famous Basilica of Bom Jesus church.
• A national census indicates that on average a Goan makes INR 192, 652 a year.
• Goa has a forest cover in excess of 30%. The forests teem with exotic wildlife and birdlife. An abounding ecosystem characteristic of the Western Ghats can be found here.
• Goa’s Naval Aviation Museum is one of a kind and Asia’s first and only one. There are only about six other such museums's in the world.

28/09/2017

Mangalore is an Arabian Sea port and a major commercial centre in the Indian state of Karnataka. Mangalore is officially known as Mangaluru
The port city of Mangalore is well known for its tall swaying coconut palms, temples and pristine beaches.
It's home to the Kadri Manjunath Temple, known for its bronze statues, and the 9th century Mangaladevi Temple.
The History of Mangalore dates back to the Mythological times. It has been ruled by a number of rulers like the Kadambas and Vira Harihararaya. It was later conquered by thr Portuguese, who lost it to Hyder Ali. Until India's Independence Mangalore remained under the rule of the British who had taken over by defeating Tipu Sultan. Mangalore which was a part of the Madras Presidency was merged into a unified Mysore State in 1956.
*Some Places to visit in Managlore:
* Panambur Beach:
Panambur Beach which is close to the New Mangalore Port is one of the most loved, pristine, clean beach in the city of Mangalore. The Kite festival hosted at the beach during the month of April add's a dash of colour to the blue skies, sea and sands.
* Kudroll Gokarnath Temple:
This temple of Lord Shiva was built by Sri Narayana Guru for the Billava community, who were prohibited entry into any other temple in the area.
* City Shopping :
In Mangalore, one can shop for Silk Saris, Gold and Silver Jewellery as well as a number of ivory and sandalwood artifacts

28/09/2017

Mumbai is the capital city of the Indian state of Maharashtra. The official name of Mumbai until 1995 was Bombay.
It is the most populous city in India with an estimated city population of 18.4 million. Mumbai was originally a conglomeration of seven islands on the Konkan coastline which over time were joined to form the island city of Bombay. The island was in turn joined with the neighbouring island of Salsette to form Greater Bombay.
Some Reasons Why Mumbai Is an Amazing City:
1. Local Train Rides:
It takes one ride in a Mumbai local train to figure out the city’s geography. If you’ve got the time and an appetite for exploration, then you can probably figure out this city in a matter of days. And if you lose your way just look around, your fellow passengers will go out of the way to guide you.
2. Sea:
When in doubt, you can always turn towards the sea. Just sitting down and relaxing by the Juhu beach, Marine drive or The Worli-Sea Face can calm down frayed nerves.
3. Food:
If you're not from Mumbai, you’ll soon realize that in this city, you'll never eat your fill and never be hungry enough to starve. Mumbai street food ranges from Pani puri to Pav bhaji to Vada Pavs
Tourist’s locations in Mumbai:
1. Gateway Of India:
Located at the tip of Apollo Bunder, the gateway overlooks the Mumbai harbour that is bordered by Arabian Sea in the Colaba district. Gateway of India is the major landmark of Mumbai City. It was Built in the 20th Century to commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary to Mumbai.
2. Haji Ali:
One of the most important religious places in Mumbai. Haji Ali Dargah is truly a must-visit. The whitewashed structure is spread in an area of 4,500 meters and is flanked by marble pillars. Haji Ali is said to have miraculous powers and that whoever prays here gets his wish fulfilled.
3. Film City:
Located near Sanjay Gandhi National Park in the vicinity of Aarey Colony in Goregaon is probably the most famous place in Mumbai. Also known as Dada Saahab Phalke Chitranagri, Film City is spread across 520 acres and is abslolutely a dream world.

19/02/2016

17/02/2016

Kala Ghoda 2016, from Saturday 6th to Sunday 14th February 2016.

This festival has been very popular for many years now. This was the 3rd consecutive year I was visiting.

The creative work displayed at the festival is always fantastic. This festival gives a great opportunity to creative people from various disciplines to showcase their works - painters, sculptors, short film makers, dancers, musicians etc.

As a music enthusiast I enjoy the concert on the last day held on the legendary Asiatic library steps.

The main guest singer of 2016 was Ayushman Khurana with his band. Even the other two bands were very entertaining along with the compere RJ Sidhu. He surprised the people by bringing on stage the stars of the new movie 'Fitoor' - Katrina Kaif and Aditiya Roy Kapoor. People were very excited and there was a lot of shouting and cheering for the stars.

Then the main guest star Ayushman entered with a blast with his song 'Saddi Gali ' and continued with many more songs and made the audience stand up and dance to his songs.

At the end we left contented and with huge smiles on our faces.

15/02/2016

Darjeeling is a town situated in West Bengal, India. It is one of the oldest hill stations in India. The word Darjeeling has evolved from the Sanskrit, "Durjaya Linga", means "Shiva of invincible prowess, who rules the Himalayas." Darjeeling is famous for its teas... which are very aromatic and have a delicate taste. This town provides spectacular views of Kangchenjunga (one of the highest mountains in India).

Darjeeling in the modern era comprises of 6t’s- tea, teak, tourism, toy train, tiger hill, and trekkers paradise. It has several British-style schools... which attract pupils from India and neighbouring countries. The predominant religions of Darjeeling are Hinduism and Vajrayana Buddhism, followed by Christianity.

Many festivals are celebrated in Darjeeling like durga puja, Buddha jayanti, Holi, etc. But one of the famous ones is the Darjeeling Carnival. It comes in the month of November and last for 10 days. The main feature of this carnival is rock and instrumental music in English, Bengali and Nepali by the local talents.

A popular food item in Darjeeling is the Nepalese and Tibetan momo, a steamed dumpling containing meat cooked in a dough wrapping and served with clear soup and achar. A form of Tibetan noodle called thukpa, served in soup form is also popular. Darjeeling has many exciting tracks for motor biking....this offers you natural beauty with some adventure and thrill.

This town has a lot more to offer. Look out for more on Darjeeling. Till than stay tuned and keep travelling!

12/02/2016

Bade miyans, Colaba

Bade Miyan, is one of Mumbai's very famous street food outlet located just behind the iconic Taj hotel in Colaba. Known for its mouth watering seekh kebabs and bhuna ghost, you'd be surprised to find an empty seat anytime after 11pm. The area around it is always crowded with cars waiting for their orders to get served. It’s an ideal place for kebab lovers in the city. You'll definitely don't wanna miss this one.Bade miyans, Colaba

Nikhil
Team Santarini

11/02/2016

11/02/2016

Valentine’s day is just around the corner and will be celebrated throughout the world... 14th February is the day that every new generation couple looks forward to and not only the new, it has become a trend to express love even for romantic older couples. It is a festival of passion, love and affection and there are a variety of ways to express these feelings.... through cards, letters, flowers, chocolates, presents.... That can be given to loved ones.

February itself is called the month of love. Many outlets are decorated with hearts or roses with red, white and pink colours. It is the second best card selling season in the year. Many couples arrange romantic dinners or a night at a special hotel.

Restaurants and hotels have special offers at this time. Many restaurants plan candle light dinners for patrons. Valentine's Day is also a very popular date for weddings. In today’s era Valentine’s day is regarded as a festival that celebrates love between individuals and not just lovers. Therefore people wish “Happy Valentine’s Day” to their parents, siblings, teachers, or anyone who is special for them.

We wish each one of you out there a happy and a full of love Valentine's Day...