Bedouin's Diary - Travel Blog

1. Chilika has 3 entry points - You are probably aware of the fact that Chilika Lake is the Asia's largest brackish water lagoon and an impressive array of bird life, both native and migrant, makes it one of the best places in India for bird-watching, splashing around in the water and quiet relaxation. And you are planning for a trip to this famous lake listed in UNESCO World Heritage tentative list. But are you aware that there are 3 entry points for this lake? Or do you know Satapada is home to the Irrawaddy dolphin? Or do you know you have to head towards Barkul in order to enjoy water sports? If not, please have a look at these 3 essential things you should know before embarking on a journey to this blue lagoon. There are three entry points to this large lake - Satapada, Barkul and Rambha. All 3 places are well connected by road to Puri, Kolkata and Chennai through National Highway. Satapada is on the eastern bank of the lake is about 50 km by road southwest ...

1. Drive over Mukutmanipur Dam - A drive over Kangsabati dam at Mukutmaniur will relieve stress and anxiety. Moreover, it is free. But, you have to collect passes between 10am to 4pm. Trust me, you will definitely cherish the scenic view of the dam from Musatirana view point. 2. Drive to Jhilimili - Though Jhilimil has nothing special to offer, a drive to Jhilimili, especially Talberia Dam is very much recommended. You will not only enjoy the scenic beauty of the dam, but also enjoy the drive through I picturesque hilly road. 3. Drive through Taldangra forest - If you have a plan to cover Bishnupur, you should drive through Taldangra forest. The scenic beauty is awesome. 4. Experience Susunia - If you are interested in history, rock climbing or picnic or just want to stay in nature's lap for day, you should pay a visit to Susunia hill in Bankura. It is a known archaeological and fossil site. You can also see 4th century inscription there. Moreo...

1) Guru Ka Langar Do NOT forget to have meals in the langar which operates round the clock. Meals in the langar are simple vegetarian but tasty. They usually consists of rotis, daal, a vegetable dish and kheer. Having meals with strangers sitting in a line on the mat laid out on the floor of the langar hall is a wonderful experience you would love to cherish for the rest of your life. 2) Palki Sahib ceremony Palki Sahib is ceremony of carrying the holy book Sri Guru Granth Sahib to and fro Darbar Sahib and Akal Takht Sahib. Sri Guru Granth Sahib stays in the Akal Takht Sahib in the night. It is carried to the Darbar Sahib by Palki Sahib (palanquin) in the early morning between 4 am and 5 am depending on the monthly schedule. In the same way, at the end of the day, it is carried to the Akal Takht Sahib by Palki Sahib (palanquin) from the Harmandir Sahib in the night at 10 pm. It all happens amidst chanting and reciting of hymns. The experience will surely be etched into memory...

5 Facts about Puri You've Probably Never Heard Before 1. Vimala Temple inside Jagannath Temple complex Vimala Temple, regarded as one of the four Adi Shakti Pithas, is located within Jagannath Temple complex. The temple is located in the south-west corner of the inner enclosure of the temple complex, next to the sacred pond Rohini kunda. Food offered to Jagannath does not get sanctified as 'Mahaprasad' until it is also offered to Vimala. 2.  Non-vegetarian food offering inside Jagannath Temple complex During Durga Puja, Vimala is offered non-vegetarian food and animal sacrifice. It is considered necessary to placate the goddess who assumes a destructive form during the festival. In strict secrecy during the pre-dawn hours, animal sacrifice (he-goat) is offered in the temple, while fish from the sacred Markanda temple tank are cooked and offered to Vimala, as per Tantric rituals. The rituals are completed before the doors of the main sanctum of the Lord Jagan...

Most people have an urge to travel. Everyone has their own reasons that they decide to travel. We are not going to list out those reasons here. Rather, we would like to share with you our own reasons to inspire you digging out your own which will eventually fore you to plan your next trip you have always desired. Why do we/ Bedouins travel? Traveling is one of our favorite hobbies. Travelling is not something we are good at. It's something we do like breathing. Hopping around the beaten and unbeaten paths make us feel like free soul. A soul which is ignited by curiosity, encapsulated by wonder and wrapped with the lust for more of the beautiful earth. Travel offers us colourful places served on a platter of varied culture and traditions, spiced with modern beliefs and lingering beauty of preserved heritage. In today's world, we are lost in the hustles of what we call life. Traveling gives us breathing space as it takes us away from our daily routine. It helps in r...

Visakhapatnam, popularly known as Vizag, is one of the most beautiful and cleanest cities in India. The Jewel on the Coromandel Coast boasts of virgin beaches, laterite hillocks, and stunning landscape. It is undoubtedly one of the most picturesque and romantic cities in India. There are plenty of places with breathtaking backdrops which make the perfect setting for the most romantic and memorable moments. Here are our favourite 5 most romantic places in and around Visakhapatnam that are perfect to pop the very important question and spend time with your loved one. 1) Yarada beach - the most romantic place in Visakhapatnam Yarada beach is inarguably the most beautiful beach in Visakhapatnam. It is nestled between the hills on all the three sides and the mighty Bay of Bengal on one side. As soon as you will enter the beach, the tranquility of the beach will overpower you. The beach offers a fabulous landscape with its exotic blend of golden sands and the lush green stretch of...

Hyderabad is a city that is steeped in a rich history and strong culture and definitely worth a trip to. Though the ‘City of Nizams’ has turned into a fast growing cosmopolitan centre, it still exudes old-world charm. Old bazaars and palaces coexist with new malls and office buildings in perfect harmony. Undoubtedly, the glimpse of a grand past with promise of a successful future makes the 'City of Pearls' worth visiting. Moreover, delicious Hyderabadi Biriyani is always there to spice up your trip. But, before embarking on a journey to the city, please have a look at these 7 essential things you should know beforehand. 1) Prepaid Auto counter at Secunderabad railway station Prepaid Auto stand is available just outside the Secunderabad railway station. So, if you are arriving the city by train, you can avail this nice facility built to avoid auto drivers from charging unreasonable fares from passengers in general and outsiders in particular. They have a fixed rate cha...

Are you planning to visit Santiniketan? Do you want to avail train or service from Kolkata? Why don't you take control of the wheel and explore the darling of Rabindranath's heart at your own pace? A road trip to Santiniketan will give a perfect opportunity to experience new things and make memories along the way. Let's explore 12 best things to do on a road trip to Santiniketan. 1) Explore khoai on foot Don't you want to explore the place which inspired Rabindranath Tagore to write the beautiful poem "Gram chara oi ranga matir poth" (red path beyond my village)? You cannot say your Santiniketan visit is complete without visiting Khoai region. This place is characterized by a patch of dry forest formed by Sonajhuri trees on a landscape of laterite soil rich in iron oxide, often in the shape of canyon. A morning/ evening stroll in this region will definitely give you a new lease of life. Sipping a glass full of ' khejur ros ' (date juice) in...

Located at a distance of around 130 km from the city of joy (Kolkata) and kissed by Bay of Bengal, Henry's Island is an offbeat tourist destination. Vast stretch of empty beach, placid sea, clear blue sky and excellent sea food are some of the attractions of this weekend destination. This beach destination is ideal for travellers looking for tranquility. Here is our guide to get out of the tourist trap and enjoy this picturesque place off the beaten path. 1)  Stay in nature's lap at Sundari Complex Do you want to spend time in nature's lap sacrificing little bit of comfort (air conditioner)? Sundari Complex, managed by Fisheries Department of West Bengal , is the answer to your quest for chilling out in the midst of dense mangrove forest. Bani watch tower inside this facility is the ideal vantage point to watch myriad colourful birds especially during winter. What is more, Henry's Island beach is stone's throw away from the complex. Last but not the least,...