Winter Road Trip to Switzerland

At a press conference yesterday held by Switzerland Tourism, I was excited to hear about the launch of the ‘Grand Tour of Switzerland’ – a 1600km road trip that combines all of Switzerland’s best touristic and nature highlights, in one scenic journey. The tour can be done from different gateways like Zurich, Geneva, Basel, Lugano etc and can be split into any number of journeys.

Press Story: Travel Trends in 2014

http://epaper.dnaindia.com/epapermain.aspx?edcode=820022&QuickEdition=yes

Sunny Secrets: Rediscovering India's Coastal Destinations

There is the guide book tourist checklist and then there is the trail of discovery off the radar. Diipti Jhangiani takes you through both routes rediscovering destinations along coastal India. 

Pondicherry

With its blue surfs, little cafes and French architecture, Pondi as it is fondly known is a city located along the eastern coast of India.

Tourist Checklist  

Walk along the Promenade and stop at Le Cafe for light munchies and a beautiful view of the surfs. Take the heritage walk, visit Aurobindo Ashram on the route. Top up on energy at Rendezvous restaurant to sample mouth watering local sea food. After having your fill, workout those calories with good old retail therapy at the souvenir stores at Mission Street.   

Off the Radar

Auroville, a township for alternative living, lies a few kilometres away from the city. Book a meditation session at Matri Mandir, a dome shaped meditation room at Auroville for a surreal experience.

For the adventure junkie, grab onto a surf board from Kallialay Surf School at Serenity Beach and master riding those waves.

Goa

Goa’s over hyped beaches have an identity of their own, but this state located along the western coast of India has a lot more to offer.

Tourist Checklist

Explore the by lanes of the capital city Panjim walking along Portuguese churches and homes. Build up an appetite by trekking up Fort Aguada and then head to Mango Tree for a late breakfast. Follow this up with trinket shopping at Anjuna and then cool off gazing at the night sky, grooving to music at Curlies.       

Off the Radar

Set off on a road trip starting with Tiracol Fort Heritage hotel for a breathtaking view of Querim beach at the northern most tip of Goa. Drive down to a spice plantation sampling vanilla pods and sumptuous lunch, followed by a dip in Dudhsagar falls, Goa’s largest waterfall toward the west. Follow the trail south heading towards Palolim beach for a picture postcard end to your Goan holiday.

Chadar in the Press

For the entire story: Click Here
For an audio recording of this story: Click Here 

Scuba diving in the Maldives

My article in the DNA newspaper  

For the complete story see my journey from learning the basics of scuba diving in Mumbai to becoming a certified Open Water Diver in Maldives. 

My Trip to Kargil Covered by Media