Smart and Effective Ways to Save Money to Travel | The Wanderer India

Who does not love to save money, especially for travelling? There is a misconception that travelling is an extravagant affair. But it can be as economical as you want it to be. Just a bit of smart planning and effective ideas are required to save money to enjoy a fun-filled trip. 

Travelling is something that helps us traverse the best sights of nature but budget dampens the joy. Instead of spending a huge amount of money at one time, we all should save as much money as possible to plan a thrilling journey. After all, every drop makes an ocean. We cannot neglect the budget, but we can look for ideas that help us make most of our travel and that too under budget. Here are the smart ways that will surely help you save up money to travel. 

Best ways to save money – 

1. Avoid Buying Redundant Stuff

People spend a lot of money buying stuff that might not come useful while travelling. So, instead of wasting money on unnecessary stuff, try to save it to indulge in the best activities possible. Carry two or three sets of clothes and rotate them occasionally. Buy one pair of shoes that is thrifty and durable. All in all, avoid buying redundant staff. 

2. Go For Off-Season

Most of the time travelling completely depends on the seasons and holidays. But instead of travelling during holidays, opt for the off-season. It will surely help you save money as the accommodation and travel charges are comparatively less. During the off-season, hotel owners make their properties available at cheap rates to attract travellers. Travelling in the off-season allows you to book economical tickets and hotels can be rented at a discounted rate. 

3. Decide Your Travel Mode

From airways to roadways, there are numerous travel modes that one can opt to travel. Travelling by flight might be pocket-shaking as the flight charges are a bit higher as compared to bus charges. If you are travelling to a nearby place, so go for the bus or train. Travelling by bus or train journey will surely help you experience the best locations and sights of nature. Another advantage offered by travelling on a bus or train is that you get plenty of time to read favourite books, listen to music, and take a nap. 

4. Book Thrifty Hotels

Ranging from expensive to thrifty, all sorts of hotels are littered everywhere and good research helps us book a thrifty stay. Hotels are the best money savers as they offer private rooms at a cheap rate. Booking a thrifty hotel room means having extra money to travel for a longer time and indulging in your favourite activities. Budget hotels also offer delicious food and have everything to cater to the clients. 

5. Curtail Shopping and Take Photos Instead

Shopping is the favourite activity of everyone. Shopping helps in buying the best and most popular stuff of the place we are travelling to. Buying things and keeping them as a souvenir is a common thing but instead of spending money on shopping, try to invest in a good quality camera to capture the best moments of your travel. Photos do not make your luggage heavy but stuff does. Well, it is not at all necessary to avoid shopping for cheap stuff. If your budget allows then go ahead with your shopping plans.

6. Opt for Walking Rather Than Hiring a Private Vehicle

Well, money can help you have the best experience of travelling but when you are running short of money you ought to avoid unnecessary expenses. Walking can surely help you curtail travel expenses and offer countless health benefits. Walking is the best way to explore a new city and helps save money. If the place you are about to head out is at hand then opt to walk rather than hire a private vehicle. 

7. Plan A Smart Itinerary That Does Not Cost You Money

Travelling does not mean residing in a hotel and exploring the nearby views. It means exploring the best sights and places of the destination we are travelling to. The best thing we all can choose to save money is by planning a smart itinerary that includes a cost-free expedition. Look for places that are either cost-free or under budget.

8. Bargain Hard

Bargaining is not at all easy; it requires a lot of effort to convince a person to reduce the profit margin but negotiation is the best thing that can help you save a lot to travel. Do not feel shy to bargain; after all, it is going to win you money.

Tips to Plan the Perfect Honeymoon of A Lifetime | The Wanderer India

The trend of Honeymoon is not new. It is as old as the love itself. Honeymoon is the golden period that helps newlywed couples to spend some quality time together and create new memories for the future life ahead. Though the concept of honeymoon is quite prevalent in Western countries, Asian countries like India have swiftly adapted to this post-marriage culture. Everything from planning a scintillating honeymoon, deciding the itinerary, and heading to the favourite destination are the common things that every couple dreams of. Just like any other travel activity, a honeymoon does require a lot of stuff that helps to plan a hassle-free honeymoon. So, if you are thinking to go on a honeymoon with your consort, then do go through the checklist lined up below. These tips will surely help you plan an impeccable honeymoon.

Tips to Plan the Perfect Honeymoon of A Lifetime – 

1. Select the Destination Together

Well, the honeymoon is the journey of two people so the planning should be done unanimously and the destination should meet the requirement of both. If you both want to head out to a destination full of thrilling experiences then lock your destination. All in all, look for the destination and route that you both enjoy. The process of deciding the destination is the first step where you both get to know each other well. 

2. Decide the Budget

Budget is the most important aspect of every journey and an economical travel plan surely helps us save money. Being a partner, you both decide your budget together and then move forward with the planning. The budget involves travel arrangements, activities, shopping charges, and other unforeseen expenses. If your budget meets the expectations then move ahead with the most exciting journey of your life.

3. Packing Items and Accommodation

So, once you have decided the destination and fixed the budget, the next step that comes before you is packing items that you both will be carrying in your luggage. Whether you are planning a honeymoon in your country or overseas, always keep extra copies of all the necessary documents. Look for the weather and pack clothing items accordingly. If the weather of the destination you are heading to is cold then do not forget to carry jackets and shrugs. Honeymoon is the golden period of your life so clicking pictures of the memorable moments becomes obvious. Always carry a good quality camera with you to capture the best moments of your life. 

All your honeymoon experience depends on the kind of accommodation you choose. So, look for a comfortable, invigorating, and placid stay to make most of your honeymoon. From luxury resorts to beach villas, the romantic accommodation helps in rejuvenating the spirit of the honeymoon.

4. Design the Itinerary and Activities

Another important thing that you must look at together is an itinerary. Plan an efficient itinerary that helps you experience the ethereal beauty of nature. Everything from the lush green land, high-rise mountains, and thrilling routes will add more charm to your honeymoon. While engaging in the sightseeing, tours, and activities make sure you both get enough time to know each other better. Think of the activities that you both can enjoy together and never forget to create insta-worthy memories. 

5. Plan Surprises

Who does not love to be surprised by the best gifts and moments? So, try to plan amazing surprises for your partner and make them feel special by offering gifts. Couples always look for the best romantic things they can do to impress their partners. A surprise dinner date on the beachside and a romantic stroll close to the tropical area is the best you can choose to add more fun to your honeymoon. You can take the help of the hotel staff or the travel agents to plan a surprise for your consort. 

6. Capture the Best Moments of Your Life 

Well, the honeymoon is something that not usually happens in life. So, always try to capture the best moments of your honeymoon. These moments will give you memories of a lifetime and help you tell the story to your future family. 

7. Read First-Hand Experiences

Try to read the first-hand experiences of couples to plan the perfect honeymoon of your lifetime. Connect with your friends who have a plethora of stories and experiences to share to plan an ideal honeymoon. These experiences will surely help you ameliorate your travel plans and execute them with ease. 

8. Be Specific About What You Want

Think of your requirements and plan your honeymoon accordingly. Be specific about want you want for your honeymoon and how you are going to execute it. Add your personal interests as a couple to your honeymoon and bond together for life.

Top 10 Winter Treks to Explore in India | The Wanderer India

Trekking is the most adventurous and fun-filled activity that everyone wants to take up once in a lifetime. Trekking refers to a journey through a remote destination on foot.  It is an outdoor activity that usually involves walking and strolling over mountainous regions. Well, trekking is an arduous activity that cannot be head out in the summer season as the sun emits a large amount of heat unbearable to the human body. Winter is the best season to move towards the mountains to witness the beauty of nature. 

During winters, the mountains are covered by a white sheet of ice and offer the best sights of the Himalayas. Marching towards the snow-capped peaks, passing through the frozen streams, and basking in the majestic views of the sun are some common things offered by the winter treks in India. So, if you are planning to go trekking then below is the list of winter treks that you can explore in India.

Winter Treks to Explore in India – 

1. Nag Tibba Trek

Located at an altitude of 9915 feet, Nag Tibba is one of the easiest treks that cover a distance of 16 km in 2 days. If you are a beginner then Nag Tibba will surely make trekking easier for you as you can cover an average of 8 km in 6 hours on both days. The weather of the trek is pleasant throughout the year and the winter season receives a high amount of snow making it a dreamy trek. 

2. Kedarkantha Trek

Kedarkantha is a popular trek that offers plenty of scenic views and thrilling experiences to the trekkers. The elevated mountains beneath the clear sky feel like that sky is going to touch the white land covered with a thick layer of snow. The yellow sunlight during the daytime adds more charm to the journey and the snow falling through the long pine tree is nothing but magical. 

3. Chadar Trek

Another trek full of panoramic views and glorious sights is one of the most difficult treks in the country. The trek challenges the dare and incites the never-ending urge to explore the heavenly beauty of the Himalayas. The rustic land and pristine river will make you feel closer to nature. The trek has a remote village inhabited and the villagers can be seen grazing their domestic yaks. 

4. Kuar Pass Trek

Kuar Pass Trek is an exceptional trek crafted especially for beginners that offer the finest views of the Nanda Devi Peak. Kuari Pass Trek is a moderate trek for all those who are stepping into the Himalayas for the very first time. Located at the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand, the trek starts from Joshimath and has four routes to reach.

5. Hari Ki Dun Trek

Circled by the snow-capped peaks, the Hari Ki Dun Trek is a one-stop destination where all the daring activities can be performed at once. The trek takes us through isolated villages untouched by tourism and displays the spell-binding views of mighty Himalayan peaks. Trekking in the daytime, camping near the pristine river, and bird watching are all that one needs to relieve the spirit of life.

6. Goechala Trek

With an altitude of 16000 feet, Goechala is a difficult trek to climb for amateurs but quite an easy one for all those who are accomplished trekkers. Goechala is a strenuous trek as it covers a distance of 65.7 km from Yuksom, Sikkim. The trek helps witness the glory of the world’s third-largest mountain peak ‘Kanchenjunga’ from close quarters. 

7. Brahmatal Trek

With the illusionary appearance of the Brahmatal Summit, it feels like touching the high peaks with hands. With an elevation of 12,250 feet, Brahmatal is an ideal trek for beginners and offers appealing views of the Himalayas. The might of nature can be experienced from different angles as the trek displays the endless beauty of nature. 

8. Hamta Pass Trek

Perched at an altitude of 14000 feet, the trek consists of waterfalls, pinewoods, dense forests, small lakes, and a 6000-meter-long peak. With a moderate difficulty level, the trek is preferred by both beginners and expert trekkers. A drive from the Rohtang Pass is nothing but a treat while returning from the trek. 

9. Dayara Bugyal Trek

The journey to the Dayara Bugyal Trek is exceptional as it takes us through open land, dense forests, and lush green meadows. The soothing atmosphere and peaceful ambience make it a perfect trek to head out away from the hustle of the city. Owing to the snowfall received during the winters, the trek is quite popular among adventure enthusiasts.

10. Dodital Trek

Set at an altitude of 2,250 meters, the Dodital Trek starts from Sangamchatti and goes through Agoda Village. The pristine lake nestled across high mountains rejuvenates the joy and offers immense peace to the mind. All the adventure lovers will surely find solace here as the trek is full of thrilling activities and charming sights. The trekking to the Dodital Lake ranges from easy to moderate as you move ahead and the lake can be reached in two days. 

10 Most Unusual and Amazing Places to Visit in India | The Wanderer India

India being an exceptional land has everything that one needs to satiate the travel urge. Everything from high-rise mountains, pristine lakes, scenic views, and lush green land pleases the heart and captivates the mind of travellers. India is popular for its diverse culture, rich heritage, brilliant delicacy, and eternally beautiful architecture. Tourists from the country and different corners of the world flock to experience the natural beauty and cultural diversity of India. Apart from all this India is filled with unusual places that astound the mind to a large extent and leave us thinking. Everyone plan to visit places surrounded by beaches and mountains. So, why not take a tour of offbeat places at times? 

Most Unusual and Amazing Places to Visit in India –

1. Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu

Rameswaram is a beautiful town located near Pamban Island that has now become a centre of holy temples and pilgrims. It is a place where Lord Rama’s Sena built a bridge with floating stones. The stones used in the establishment of the bridge had the name of Lord Rama inscribed on them. If you ever get a chance to visit Rameswaram you will surely see the floating stones. Spread over an area of 15 acres, Rameswaram Temple is an epitome of erstwhile dexterity and a prime attraction for tourists. 

2. Bara Imambara, Lucknow

Built by the Nawab of Awadh in 1784, Bara Imambara reflects the architectural brilliance of the Mughals. Bara Imambara is popular for the maze, known as Bhul Bhulaiya, which is situated on the top floor of the monument. The gravity-defying structure challenges the notion of gravity and the imagination of humans. The appealing monument comprises the Asafi Mosque and Shahi Baoli that catches the eyes of the visitors.

3. Karni Mata Temple, Rajasthan

Temples are believed to be crowded by the devotees but Karni Mata Temple is usually thronged by over 20,000 rats each day. Innumerable devotees visit here to worship and feed the rats. Rats wander here freely and are often seen drinking milk. Owing to being home to thousands of rats, the temple is profoundly known as Rat Temple. The popular temple is completely dedicated to a sage lady, Karni Mata, who was the official deity of the royal families of Rajasthan. 

4. Living Root Bridges, Meghalaya

Made of rubber tree roots, Living Root Bridges are the most beautiful bridges across the globe. The thick and dense roots provide strength to the bridge and make it robust enough to carry 50 or more people at the same time. The unusual structure of the bridge makes it a proud UNESCO site. The bridges look like grown naturally but they are actually grown by the natives of Meghalaya and gain strength with age. 

5. Jal Mahal, Jaipur

We all have seen palaces built high on the land. But, have you ever seen a palace floating on water? Jal Mahal is a water palace built by Maharaja Jai Singh II of Amber in 1750. The palace is made of red stone and built in the middle of Man Sagar Lake. The four-storey palace has four only one floor visible and offers splendid sights of nature.

6. Magnetic Hill, Ladakh

Magnetic Hill in Ladakh is popular for its anti-gravitational effect and optical illusion created by the descending terrain. Well, gravity is a natural phenomenon that pulls everything downwards, but a Magnetic hill completely defies the gravitational law and forces objects upwards. A visit to this unusual place will surely give a life-changing experience.

7. Great Banyan Tree, Kolkata

The Great Banyan Tree in the Botanical Garden of Kolkata is spread over 270 acres and is believed to be more than 250 years old. The enormous tree is the oldest tree in India and the widest in the world with around 3,300 aerial roots expanding over a large area. 

8. Loktak Lake, Manipur

Being the largest freshwater lake in India, Loktak Lake is home to a variety of endangered flora and fauna. The captivating lake welcomes 28 species of migratory birds each year which makes it an absolute destination for travellers. Owing to the formation of plumdis, Loktak Lake is also known as a floating river rich in biodiversity.

9. New Lucky Restaurant, Ahmedabad

The most eccentric restaurant will surely frighten your soul as it is the only restaurant in India where you can literally dine alongside the dead. The restaurant is built on the old cemetery and has sitting arrangements for the visitors next to coffins. Just like any other restaurant, the staff cleans the surface and places the fresh flowers on the graves making it an abominable dining place.

10. Hide and Seek Beach, Orissa 

Spending a day watching a majestic sunset on the beachside is the dream of everyone. But visiting a beach where the sea disappears in the day sounds incredible. The Chandipur Beach of Orissa is known as a hiding and seek beach because of the unusual phenomenon offered during the daytime. It plays hide and seek with the visitors as the water vanishes magically and returns rhythmically at different intervals. 

A Comprehensive & Detailed Pre-Trip Checklist for International Travel | The Wanderer India

Detailed Pre-Trip Checklist for International Travel

International travel is an utmost experience that everyone wants to have once in a lifetime. Arriving at the airport, boarding a flight, and flying high in the sky, these moments add priceless memories to our travel diaries. The thrilling experience of heading overseas can be turned scary if we forget to list out the essential things before takeoff. No matter if you are a consummate traveler or a newbie; everyone must prepare an ultimate checklist to have a hassle-free experience. Here is the detailed pre-trip checklist for international travel. 

Passport and Visa Check

The passport and visa requirements are the foremost thing to check to go ahead with the travel plans.

1. Passport Expiry Date

Go through the details available on the passport before you travel. Many countries require six months of validity on your passport before you depart for international travel. If you are applying for a visa to travel to a new country then do not delay. A passport is the most important thing to pack before travelling abroad. 

2. Visa Requirements 

Visa requirements differ from country to country, so make sure to visit the official visa website for the country you are travelling to know the visa requirements. Visa requirement is as essential as any other thing and should top your checklist. Make sure to carry multiple copies of all important documents.

Flight Tickets and Travel Insurance

Books your flight tickets and accommodation before you head out for international travel. Buy health and travel insurance to ward off unforeseen emergencies. 

1. Book Flight Ticket and Arrange Money Abroad

Think of your travel budget and book a comfortable flight and do not forget to book the accommodation to have a stress-free experience. Above all, arrange money for the country you are travelling to and always carry a credit or debit card to avoid petty issues.

2. Buy Travel Insurance

Life is unpredictable and so is the journey. Make sure to buy adequate health and travel insurance to protect yourself from unforeseen injuries. Travel insurance should cover the lost luggage, trip cancellation charges, and natural disasters. It will definitely save your money, if not then cover your medical cost. 

Covid-19 Safety and Medical Checkup

Travelling is enjoyable only after you follow the precautions to keep yourself safe from unexpected health issues. Covid safety and medical checkup should top your priority list before you travel overseas. Always abide by the Covid-19 appropriate behaviour to keep yourself and others safe from the virus.

1. Vaccination and Medical Checkup

The unexpected pandemic has changed the way of travelling and safety is something that one should never compromise with. A two-dose vaccination and a recent report of Covid test are mandatory to travel to any country. Make sure you have undergone a full body checkup to have most of your journey.

2. Mask and Sanitizers

Keep sanitizing your hands after regular intervals to prevent yourself from coming in contact with any sort of virus. Always wear a mask and carry essential medical products.

Essentials for International Travel

Since you are travelling abroad you need to take care of luggage weight and essential items to pack. Below is the list of items to pack before you travel abroad.

1. Clothes and Shoes

Everyone loves to dress up, especially while travelling. Travelling requires a lot of effort so always choose comfort over style. Make sure to carry a comfortable and sufficient number of clothes to enjoy your travel. It is so usual to click pictures while travelling so you need good outfits to post pictures on social media platforms. Avoid carrying redundant stuff to subside the pressure of managing things efficiently. Do not forget to pack comfortable shoes along with clothes.

2. Books and Headphones

Well, it is impossible to survive a long journey without entertainment. To keep yourself engrossed you can carry a lightweight book and headphones. Books and headphones will come in handy to escape the travel monotony.

Read More: Best Books to Read While Travelling

3. Cell Phone and Charger

Let’s just admit that we all cannot survive without a cell phone. A cell phone is one the foremost thing to pack as it comes in handy in multiple ways. It helps us stay connected with our dear ones and can be used as a source of entertainment. A cell phone with a high-quality camera helps capture the priceless moments of the journey. So if you have a cell phone you need a charger. Do not forget to carry a charger to enliven the joy of travelling.

4. Credit and Debit Card

Since you are travelling International it becomes so obvious for you to shop for your favorite and exotic items. A credit or debit card will surely save you from exchanging cash as some countries are mostly cash-free. 

Best Destinations to Travel Under 5000 Rupees in India | The Wanderer India

A budget-friendly trip is all that we want to get to escape from the ponderous routine of life. But the month-end blues and imprudent expenses drive us to put all the travel plans aside. A break from the grueling activities is the right of every individual and travelling is the best way to rejuvenate the joy of living. Do not let your budget dampen your enthusiasm for travelling. There are plenty of travel options that you can choose to make a thrifty travel plan. Here is the list of amazing destinations that you can head out to spend a jubilant weekend to travel under 5000.

Travelling is no longer an extravagant affair that can be set about whenever you desire. So, what are you waiting for? Get ready to add more experiences and memories to your life by visiting the below-listed destinations under 5000 Rs.

List of places to travel under 5000 Rupees in India –

1. Lansdowne

Encircled by the lush green land and scenic views, Lansdowne is an ideal getaway to spend a thrilling weekend near Delhi. A bus journey from the Kotdwar, a small town around 50 KM away from Lansdowne adds more charm and fun to travelling as it takes us through one of the finest locations in India. The travel expenses hardly cost Rs. 1000 and accommodation charges are from Rs. 1500 to Rs. 2000 making it an economical destination to travel to.

2. Rishikesh

The spiritual city of India is a center of meditation and yoga and its soothing atmosphere attracts tourists across the globe. Rishikesh is home to sacred temples and intriguing monuments. Located near the holy river Ganga, the town offers picturesque locations to visitors. With the expansion of a variety of ashrams, accommodation charges is incredibly low.

3. Vrindavan

Known for its alluring festive environment, Vrindavan has evolved as the pilgrim site for millions of believers. The exceptional architecture of temples speaks volumes of erstwhile dexterity. The Prem Mandir, Banke Bihari Mandir, Nandgaon, Shahji Temple, and Barsana are some of the top tourist attractions of the city. Countless budget hotels are available in the city to plan a thrifty excursion here.

4. Kanyakumari

Another destination to plan an economical trip under Rs. 5000 is Kanyakumari. The perfect way to reach here is a bus from Trivandrum and the ticket fare is around Rs. 250. The hotel charges range from Rs. 800 to Rs. 1000 leaving a satisfactory amount to indulge in exciting and fun-filled activities.

5. Hampi

The city of ruins enamours the visitors with a wide range of ancient monuments and temples. Located on the banks of the Tungabhadra River, Hampi is a proud UNESCO site that enchants one and all. The spiritual environment helps relieve the tedium of life and is a great place to spend an amazing weekend.

6. Kasol 

Kasol is a paradise for all those who love to perform adventurous activities. Everything from trekking, camping, shopping, water sports can be done here and the hotel fares are extremely pocket-friendly to spend a long weekend in the laps of nature. Embark on the train from Delhi to Kasol and hire a taxi to reach this beautiful town.

7. Binsar

Untouched by tourism, Binsar is all that one desires to spend a thrilling weekend witnessing the majestic sunrise and natural beauty. Transport and accommodation cost starts from Rs. 1200 and the town are fraught with appealing views of high-rise peaks and dense forests. Owing to pleasant weather and atmosphere, Binsar can be visited throughout the year.

8. Kasauli 

The beautiful city of Himachal Pradesh welcomes millions of tourists and is widely popular among honeymoon couples. The fascinating flora and fauna enhance the beauty of the city and offer a pure environment to inhale fresh air. Summer is the best season to visit the city as heavy rainfall augments the joy of travelling.

9. Varanasi

Varanasi is one of the most ancient surviving cities and is notable for the age-old belief of salvation attained after inhaling the last breath here. Home to rich culture and tradition, Varanasi has become a hippie town and attracts tourists all over the world. Popular for Banarasi saree, the city is the best place to travel under budget as the accommodation and transport charges are far less than excepted. A stay in the spiritual city will hardly cost Rs. 200 per day and a train fare from Delhi to Varanasi starts from Rs. 350.

10. McLeod Ganj

If you are looking for an exceptional getaway from Delhi to spend a thrifty weekend then McLeod Ganj is an ideal destination for you. The hotels of the beautiful hill station provide comfortable accommodation under Rs. 200 per day making it an affordable place to travel under Rs. 5000. 

Next time you want to make a thrilling travel plan then do consider the above-listed places for an economical trip.

Best Books to Read While Travelling | The Wanderer India

Embarking on a long journey via different travel modes appears to be thrilling in the beginning but as time passes the journey starts to bore. Peeping out of the window gets on the nerves as some views are not so pleasing and sleeping dampens the joy of travelling. The best thing we all can do to relieve the tedium of travelling is reading. Reading is the perfect activity that keeps us engrossed throughout the journey. From fiction to thriller, there are a plethora of books that we can read while travelling. The preference for the books completely depends on the taste of reading. 

Read More: List of Amazing Weekend Getaways Places From Delhi

Besides packing essential items in the bag, never forget to carry a set of books that might come in handy at different stages of travelling. Whether camping in the mountains or sitting in a hotel lounge, a book is all you need to relax.

Here is the list of best books to read while travelling –

1. Life of Pi

Life of Pi is a magnum opus by famous Canadian author, Yann Martel. The popularity of the book can be derived from the fact that it bagged the ‘Booker Prize’ to Yann Martel. Life of Pi is an inspirational story of a young man who manages to survive a distressed shipwreck in a lifeboat with a large Bengal Tiger. If you are actually on a long journey then you will surely get plenty of time to read this book as it consists of 100 chapters.

2. The God of Small Things

Written by notable Indian writer Arundhati Roy, The God of Small Things is nothing but a delight to read while travelling. Though the novel was published in 1996 it still is one of the most highly read books across the globe. The fictional books beautifully depict the childhood experiences of twins whose lives are destroyed by the love laws prevalent in 1960s Kerala.

3. Wings of Fire

We all experience some unusual struggles in life that break our courage but ‘Wings of Fire’ is an inspirational book that inspires us to be persistent until we live the life of our dream. ‘Wings of Fire’ is an autobiography of Indian president APJ Abdul Kalam. 

4. Vagabonding

The book is a paradise for all those who love to wander from place to place. Through ‘Vagabonding’ the author wants to teach how to be daring enough to take up a journey off from the usual life, manage the finances, decide on the itinerary, and return to the ordinary life. 

5. You Only Live Once? One for Passion, Two for Love, and Three for Friendship

Well, the title is itself inspiring and the moral imparted by this popular book is par excellence. Stuti Changle is the writer of this book and the book was published in 2016. The book will surely help you see the world in a better way and inspire you to live life to the fullest.

6. The Kite Runner

Khaled Hosseini is the writer of one of the bestselling books ‘The Kite Runner.’ Translated into 42 languages, the book delineates the story of two boys who grow together in Kabul, Afghanistan and discover an inseparable bond of friendship. The conversational style of writing makes this a must-read book.

7. Five Point Someone

The beautiful portrayal of wonderful years of college will definitely take you to your college life. ‘Five Point Someone is written by notable Indian writer Chetan Bhagat who is known for his exceptional writing style and lucidity. If you are thinking of a long trip then you can include this book in your checklist as it consists of 270 pages.

8. Shantaram

Written by Gregory David Roberts, Shantaram is a story of an Australian convict who escapes from prison and reaches Bombay to find love and meaning. The great depiction of the characters and unusual story make this book travel friendly as it consists of over 900 pages.

9. The Beach

The beach is a story of a young backpacker who looks for an isolated beach, spends a great time there, and explores a paradise untouched by tourism. Alex Garland is the author of ‘The Beach’ and exceptionally depicts the alluring beauty of exotic destinations.

10. Into the Wild

Written by Jon Krakauer, Into the Wild is an uncommon story of a young man who dies of starvation while camping alone in the Alaskan Denali National Park and Preserve. Adventure, wilderness, and the temptation of nature are the theme of this popular book published in 1996. The book will surely incite your craving to live a life close to nature and its latent beauty.

Above is the list of books that will surely help you have a great time while travelling.

Top 10 Places to Visit in Goa to Spend a Perfect Weekend | The Wanderer India

The smallest state of India has become one of the largest tourist spots in the world. Goa is immensely popular among travel enthusiasts and welcomes millions of tourists across the globe. Everything from soothing beaches, a spiritual environment, ravishing nightlife, and ancient ruins make Goa a place worth visiting. Goa enthrals the visitors with various captivating sights and thrilling activities. From sporting activities to amazing water rides, Goa attracts people of all age groups and is a paradise in the true sense.

If you are planning to spend a perfect weekend with your family and friends, then Goa needs your attention as it is home to one of the picturesque locations. Well, people think that Goa is a beach land but surprisingly it is covered with more than half of the forest areas. The alluring dense forests make Goa a nature place and offer a splendid atmosphere to breathe fresh air away from the hassle of the city. Here is the list of places to visit in Goa to spend a perfect long weekend. 

List of Places to Visit in Goa

• • Fort Aguada
  • The Church of Our Lady of Immaculate Conception
  • Grand Island
  • SinQ Nightclub

• Se Cathedral
• Anjuna Beach
• Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary
• Arvalem Waterfall
• Baga Beach
• Anjuna Flea Market

1. Fort Aguada

Located at the confluence of the Mandovi River and the Arabian Sea, Fort Aguada was once the prized possession of the Portuguese. On the historical ground, the fort was built in 1612 to cease the aggression of the Dutch and Marathas. The four-storey lighthouse presents a majestic view of the sunset. Photographers delight, Fort Aguada offers charming sights of clear sky and pristine water touching the bottom of the fort. The serenity of the fort makes it one of the prime tourist attractions of Goa. 

2. The Church of Our Lady of Immaculate Conception

The white scintillating church is famous for its excellent architecture and zigzag stairs that reach the top. The church of Our Lady of Immaculate Conception looks beautiful in the night as the colorful lights illuminate the surroundings and even the sky. Built in 1541, the church is one of the oldest chapels in Goa. 

3. Grand Island

Those who love undertaking water activities will surely find solace in the exquisite island. The short boat ride to reach the island adds more charm and fun to the journey. Encircled by the lush green forest the Grand Island is nothing but a sight to behold. What would be more thrilling than witnessing the clear sky while measuring the depth of the water? If you love basking in the sun, then Grand Island is undoubtedly the perfect place for you.

4. SinQ Nightclub

The popular nightclub of Goa hosts numerous parties to enchant party lovers. The club offers delectable cuisines of different continents. Holding a glass of drink and dancing to the popular Bollywood hit is all that you need to revive the joy of living. A budget-friendly club is an ideal place to spend a dazzling night on the beachside.

5. Se Cathedral

Dedicated to Saint Catherine, Se Cathedral is one of the major sightseeing attractions of Goa. Se Cathedral has one of the biggest bells of Goa and the sound of the huge golden bell can be heard across the state. The white marbled interior and spiritual atmosphere help experience the unusual power of the mighty. The outer part of Se Cathedral exhibits the Portuguese-Manueline architectural style.

6. Anjuna Beach

Anjuna Beach is a paradise for all those who love experiencing all colors of nature. The soothing beach and long coconut trees make this beach a perfect place to spend a day. A stroll on the muddy land and shopping in the flea market provides contention to the visitors. Anjuna Beach is an ideal place to visit with family and friends while in Goa. The beach is fraught with alluring activities and trendy nightclubs.  

7. Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary

The protected land is home to a variety of fascinating flora and fauna. The popular sanctuary of Goa consists of tropical and deciduous forests and is a natural habit for rare species of birds and animals. The sanctuary is a paradise for all nature lovers. 

8. Arvalem Waterfall

The sound of the vigorous water falling from the hilltop makes this place worth seeing. Major water activities can be performed here with family as the land is protected with railing. The ideal time to visit this place in monsoon seasons as the heavy rainfall help experience the most of this site. The cascading water makes this a perfect place to click pictures to post on different social media platforms.

9. Baga Beach

Well, Goa is a land of beaches and Baga Beach is yet another impressive beach to explore the offbeat sights and sparkling nightlife of Goa. Savoring the delectable seafood on the beachside will leave you amazed. Relaxing by the beachside, watching the day passes off, and spending the evening in the nearby nightclub is the perfect plan to spend a complete day on the beach. 

10. Anjuna Flea Market

The huddled market is at a walking distance from Anjuna Beach and is heaven for all the shopaholics. From native to exotic, all sorts of handicrafts are found in the market along with a bunch of visitors from different countries and land. The thrifty market offers the cheapest products such as junk jewellery, fashionable clothes, bags, and footwear. Do not forget to carry an extra luggage bag to hoard all your favorite items from the market. 

Above is the list of places to plan a perfect itinerary to explore each color of this beautiful state of India.