Five Amazing Places to Explore Caves in India

As a high school student, I was intrigued by the terminologies called ‘Stalactites’ and ‘Stalagmites’ in my Geography curriculum. ‘These were formations of calcium deposits formed by continuous flowing of water over several years, below the Earth’s crust’, it read.

“These structures are beautiful to see. I had the opportunity to visit one of these underground caverns during my visit to France. We walked down a flight of stairs and then were taken on a boat, to see stalactites and stalagmites, underground”, my geography teacher said. Her voice echoes in my ears even today, because back then my jaws had dropped in awe wondering how beautiful the landscape and topography of the countries outside India were. I wished to see the stalactites and stalagmites someday.

Cut to today, I am so glad that time has been kind on me with so many opportunities to explore my own country, India. These opportunities have opened my senses to realize that “India is a world”. From snow to deserts, mountains to beaches, plains to rainforests, the landscape comprises of EVERY type from across the world! Based on my travels, I have seen some amazing cave systems in India. Without including the caves that have been part of India’s ‘art and architectural heritage’, here are five best places in India where you can explore caves in their natural form.

1. Meghalaya:

Top on the list, there are hundreds of caves that are open to explorers, hundreds being discovered every day and maybe thousands that are still unknown to people yet. ‘Krem Liat Prah’, India’s longest cave system is in Meghalaya.

2. Andhra Pradesh:

Borra caves’ in Andhra is the largest cave in India. A heritage railway line passes just above this limestone cave. Having such a big cave system is proof and motivation enough to know that several other caves are available in this region waiting to be explored by adventurers and tourists alike.

Inside the Belum caves

3. Chhattisgarh:

The state sitting within the mythologically important forests called ‘Dandakaranya,’ these forests are home to several limestone cave systems that are yet untouched by mass-tourism. Only about 57 caves are known to people as of now, and there is immense scope for exploring new caves. The remoteness of the places adds to the joy of the explorer while caving in Chhattisgarh. The video of exploring a cave at Bastar, Chhattisgarh is shared below.

Cave exploration at Madarkonta caves

4. Andaman & Nicobar Islands:

This archipelago and Union territory of India is one of the best kept secrets of nature enthusiasts who want to go caving. In fact, this is where I saw a stalactite and stalagmite for the first time in my life. The connectivity of these remote caves located on different islands through a channel of interconnected mangrove forests passing through pristine blue sea water makes it a memorable experience.

5. Karnataka:

While all the above cave systems I have enlisted above are limestone caves, Karnataka is home to some of the beautiful sandstone caves which are scattered across the middle and northern region of the state. Unlike underground, the caves in Karnataka are formed above the earth’s surface and give a completely distinct perspective of exploring this state, which is my home-state as well!

Rocky hills at Badami

Stories Through Souvenirs- An e-book

A compilation of 18 short stories based on my experiences of traveling on the roads of India, I’m happy to share that my second e-book is now available for my readers.

My book- ‘Stories Through Souvenirs‘ is a compilation of my stories of meeting people, hearing their stories and the learnings from my experiences. These are the stories of how these stories influenced me to become who I am.

Do give it a read and I am sure you will like it 😊

Pondicherry- 10 Places to Visit and Things to Do While on A Tour

Do you want to visit the tranquil beaches of the south? Journey to Pondicherry. The city was previously a French colony and is now a small union territory on the eastern coast of the Indian subcontinent. In both the monuments and the city’s alleyways, you can still see examples of that era’s architecture. The city is well-known for its beautiful beaches and historical sites to visit. There are also some fantastic cafés and restaurants to visit while on tour. To learn more about the location, try the local food.

Pondicherry is appropriate for individuals of all ages and walks of life. It is ideal for seniors, couples, friends, family, children, and business travellers. While in the city, there are several sites to see, some of which are listed here. Stay at Treebo Hotels in Pondicherry to make your journey unforgettable. These resorts are spread around the city and provide some of the greatest features.

Places to Visit in Pondicherry for an amazing trip:

1. Paradise Beach

Lovers may visit Paradise Beach, which is ideal for relaxing. Tourists are drawn to the area because of its natural beauty. The sun’s rays reflecting on the golden sands of the coast create a captivating view of the entire region. To go to the beach, take a ferry from Chunnambar. The Bay of Bengal’s stunning beauty is worth seeing. It is a photographer’s dream since exotic birds may be found here. So, take a stroll along the beach or spend some quality time with your special someone. There are also food vendors here for some snacking.

2. Sri Aurobindo Ashram

Aurobindo Ashram is a spiritual destination for those who are on a trip. To discover more about the place, visit the Ashram library. The location has expanded from a tiny congregation that worshipped Sri Aurobindo. The site is worth viewing while sightseeing in the city. The Ashram also has a hall where guests may view a short film about Sri Aurobindo’s life and work.

3. The Basilica of Sacred Heart of Jesus

How can one miss the city’s most famous church? This church is a masterpiece of Gothic Medieval Architecture and is well worth seeing. Stained glass and paintings depicting the life of Jesus Christ may be seen inside the church. The church is adorned for Christmas and Easter, and people travel long distances to attend the festivities. The magnificence of the building, on the other hand, draws the majority of tourists to this location. It was built in the early 20th century and has been rebuilt multiple times to keep the entire structure in good condition.

4. Rock Beach

Another beach to visit in Pondicherry is Rock Beach, also known as Promenade Beach. The location is ideal for seeing the sunrise and sunset. During these hours, the waters become golden, creating a beautiful scene. People come here for peace and quiet or to take a stroll with their companions. The palm trees that line the shore are also considered to be the most photographed spot in the city.

5. Varadaraja Perumal Temple

This lovely Dravidian-styled temple is well worth a visit when in the White Town of Pondicherry. During festivals, the temple is inundated with people worshipping Lord Vishnu in and around the shrine. Seek heavenly blessings here and marvel at the temple’s architecture. Lord Vishnu, also known as Lord Varadaraja, is claimed to bless everyone who comes to the temple. The temple was established in the 11th century, and several legends have been told about how the temple came to be. One of the most popular is that the Lord’s idol was discovered in the sea, which is how the temple was established here.

6. French War Memorial

The War Memorial, located in the seaside region of Pondicherry, is recognised to be very important to the French Indians who live here. The war memorial was created to honour the troops who died during World War I. The Memorial was created in the first half of the 20th century and is visited by people from all over the world. Because it is positioned on a beach, the view of the entire region is breathtaking. The 14th of July is marked as a day to remember the martyred warriors. The entire region is illuminated, and people gather to remember the people’s sacrifices.

7. Auroville

This Ashram, which is also a piece of art by the Sri Aurobindo Society, is located about 15 kilometres from Pondicherry’s main city. This location is a must-visit because of the tranquilly and tranquillity it exudes. It is being created as a township and has recently become one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country. Visitors to the city come to view the Matrimandir. The architecture of the Gold Dome is what draws the majority of tourists.

8. Arikamedu

History aficionados might visit the Indo-Pacific bead-making site at Arikamedu. It is an archaeological site located within a few kilometres from Pondicherry’s main city. The site is claimed to have been a trading centre during the 1st century BCE. In addition, the French Jesuit Mission’s ruins may be found here. The traces of a bygone age are a must-see, located in a remote place. The surrounding natural beauty is still undisturbed because not many people visit the location.

9. Chunnambar Boat House

The magnificent seas of the Bay of Bengal are very captivating in this location. The little hamlet outside of Pondicherry’s main city is a popular tourist destination. Visitors may also participate in a variety of water activities in the area. Dolphins may also be seen here. Sit on the beach and soak up the rays, or watch others participate in various sports. For some adventure, one may even take a boat trip in the backwaters here.

10. Shopping in Pondicherry

Last but not least, shopping in Pondicherry’s streets is one of the nicest things to do. Souvenirs for loved ones can be purchased here. Serenity Beach Bazar, Nehru Street Market, Saram China Market, and many more are places to visit while in the city for some shopping. To shop from the city, look for things such as handicrafts, clothing, food, home décor, handbags, and so on.

The streets of Pondicherry are also known for photographic sessions as they are painted in either vibrant colours or plain white. Visit the place to experience all of this.

To check out all these beautiful places in Pondicherry, book your stay at Treebo Pondicherry. These hotels in the city are available at budget-friendly rates and provide some of the best amenities. Some of these services at Hotels in Pondicherry include-

  • Complimentary Breakfast
  • Free internet access
  • Hassle-free check-in
  • Branded Treebo toiletries.

These hotels in Pondicherry by Treebo are:

  1. Itsy by Treebo- Coastal Grand De Heritage
  2. Treebo Trend B Coral
  3. Treebo Trend Yagna Residency
  4. Itsy by Treebo- Red Lotus Heritage
  5. Treebo Trend Raffis’ Andalusia
  6. Treebo Trend South Avenue

Bangalore Day Trips

If you are visiting Bangalore just for a day or are a resident of the city figuring out how to spend your day, here is a curation for those who are short on time and high on interest to explore. Depending on your choice, you can choose from what I have put-in together under three different categories.

Short drives:

The soil of Bengaluru is believed to be extremely fertile. One can visit a new farm and learn about agriculture in every direction. Also, several reserved forests dot the city boundaries. But the rapidly expanding boundary of the city has been soon taking over these green spaces and the limits of the city outskirts has been constantly changing.

My family and I have always loved to drive or ride out of the city in search of green spaces and spend some time in random destinations that are as random as just a lonely tree, a lake or a large boulder that gives a good view of the surroundings. Here is a list of such routes, trips and stories to help you plan yours.

  1. Day trip of villages around Channapatna
  2. Drive to Gulakamale lake
  3. Drive to Ragihalli Betta
  4. Drive to Koratagere Doddi
  5. Drive to Gullahatti Kaval
  6. Drive and local trip to Mekedaatu
  7. Drive to Ghati Subramanya and Makalidurga
  8. Drive to Kaiwara
  9. Driving around Devanahalli town
  10. Visiting GKVK university campus
  11. Driving around Haniyur village
  12. Visiting Railway Gollahalli
  13. Exploring Bannerghatta zoo and National park
  14. Driving around Hesaraghatta
  15. Drive to Biligundlu Ranganatha Swamy temple
  16. Drive to Bilikal Ranganatha Swamy temple

Treks & hikes:

Bangalore is blessed with abundant hills surrounding its periphery on all sides. There is an endless opportunity to explore a new hiking trail almost every day of the year. There are only a few that have been caught by the explorers and thanks to social media, have become popular. Here is a list of few such trails that I have hiked up and found time to document my experience.

  1. A natural arch – Bheemanakindi
  2. Night hike to see sunrise – Kunti Betta
  3. Hike to Siddarabetta
  4. Trek to Madhugiri fort
  5. Hike to Kunagalu Betta
  6. Hike to Acchalu Betta
  7. Hike to Balakodandaraya Swamy temple
  8. Hike to Suvarnamukhi Betta and temple

Explore city:

Once popular as the garden city, no one really saw Bengaluru to be expanding as much as it has and has been. Albeit being so modern, it is old and conservative. Despite being advanced with IT and tech, it is still laid back with its art and history. If you are someone with an interest to explore all sides of this metropolitan city, then I’ve tried my best to share some of my knowledge here.

  1. A Gastronomic walk-tour of South Bengaluru
  2. History of IISc and HAL, the two Premier institutes of India
  3. A list of premier museums in Bengaluru and their history
  4. Visiting a HMT watch store

Long drives:

These are places that you can visit in one day by road from Bangalore. if you are in a mood for a lonng drive, beyond Bangalore, here are itineraries for one-full day.

  1. Hogeynakal waterfalls
  2. Exploring nature around Mysore circuit
  3. Historical temples of Lepakshi
  4. Unesco Heritage (tentative) site- Temples of Belur & Halebeedu
  5. Exploring KGF (Kolar Gold Field)
  6. Pilgrimage to Adichunchanagiri betta

Favorite memories from the year 2022

Favorite Sunsets:

  • Sitting atop the Hemkuta hill and watching the sun casting a golden touch on the Vithala temple at Hampi, India.
  • Feeling all my stress getting washed down by the waves of the blue flag beach by walking deep into the sea at Padubidri beach, India.
  • Feeling the vastness and emptiness of the world while staring at the setting sun from the ‘End Of The World’ viewpoint, Saudi Arabia.

Favorite Sunrises:

  • Clapping my hands with joy at seeing the sun rising over the ruins of Hampi at Matanga hill, India.
  • Waking up in a tent pitched by the backwaters and kayaking out to watch the rising sun on river Shambhavi, India.
  • Hiking across an extinct volcano to watch the sun rise over the Arabian desert at Wahaba crater, Saudi Arabia.

Favorite Outdoor Activities:

Accomplishing the below outdoor activities in Karnataka that I had been contemplating for many years:

  • Cliff jumping at Sanapur lake, Koppala district
  • Rock climbing at Badami, Bagalkot district
  • Kayaking to watch the Bioluminescent waters at Mulki, Dakshina Kannada district.

Favorite Hikes:

Hiked new trails, explored new waterfalls, and feasted delicious cuisines in the Western Ghats.

  • Relished a variety of wild berries, took a dip at the Catherine waterfalls, and tasted Badaga cuisine while meandering through trails in the tea gardens at Kotagiri.
  • Walked through the misty grasslands to see a dilapidated fortress, stood atop the snout of a waterfall at Bandaje, took a dip in Kodige waterfalls, and tasted Malnad cuisine at Chickmagalur.
  • Discovered untapped hiking trails, visited lesser known view points and tried natural foods from the local tribal community and saw hills full of Arabica coffee blossoms at Yercaud.

Favorite Movies:

Albeit not a movie person, 2022 was a year in which I watched the maximum number of movies at a cinema, and that too solo. Apart from catching up on some highly recommended movies on OTT platforms, I watched four movies on the big screen. These four were the regional movies whose release I had eagerly waited for and was particular about a theatrical watch only. Apart from ‘777 Charlie’ which I watched with my family; I watched three other movies in the company of just myself: Rocketry, Kantara, and Gandhadha Gudi.

Apart from these, some remarkable events made 2022 special for me.

  • A trek to Kodachadri hill on New Year’s Day was truly memorable that found me socializing with more people and making newer friends.
  • Glen’, my pet dog who was one month old at the time of entering our home and warmed up our hearts in the first week of the new year.
  • I said goodbye to my first job after serving the company for over a decade, a change that I had been long contemplating.
  • Experienced a moment of realization that I was all by myself. A realization that the contacts, the people, the respect, and the inspiration I thought I had accumulated and given to people around me could all mean just ‘Zero’. A moment of realization that trusting even the people you have known for a long could be wrong. A moment of realization that the closest people could have no emotions of empathy at all.

Are Indians less patriotic?

On a recent trip to Saudi Arabia, I had come across people of several nationalities, all living in harmony and brotherhood in the country. I noticed that the people from the larger Indian sub-continent are greatly respected by the locals irrespective of their nationality. By the Indian subcontinent I mean, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and to somewhat an extent, Sri Lanka. Everybody shares a common language, ethnicity, and identity of being an “Indian”. During my stay there, I witnessed National festival celebrations of three countries including Pakistan’s Independence Day, Indian Independence Day, and Saudi National day (Independence Day).

Celebrating Pakistan’s National festival:

I arrived in Saudi on 13th August’22. It was the first day of my presence in a new country, I was all excited to get acquainted with my neighborhood. But, I was suffering from a headache due to lack of sleep. Hence, I just identified a mall, some Indian restaurants, and a few grocery stores nearby for availing emergency items and called it a day.

On the 14th morning, I noticed that a big Pakistani flag was hung in a shop located right in front of the hotel where I was staying. It indicated that the store was owned/run by a Pakistani citizen, and they were celebrating Pakistan’s 75th Independence Day. For me, it came as a surprise that another country’s flag was allowed to be displayed publicly. But what piqued my interest more was meeting a Pakistani national for the first time. It needs no explanation that any form of free communication between the people of India and Pakistan isn’t accepted in both nations when we are residing in our respective countries. I decided to buy a small flag as a souvenir to mark my first meeting with any Pakistani person in my lifetime. Hence, I crossed the road and entered the large textile store.

Ranging from bangles, frocks, cufflinks, brooches, keychains, and flags, there were several Pakistani National day themed knickknacks available for purchase. The shopkeeper asked me what I was looking for. I asked him to give me the smallest available replica of the Pakistani national flag in the thought that I could paste it in my personal journal/ scrapbook. But, there was none in the size that could fit into my book. He showed me some of the other accessories available, and I informed him that none could be used in my country. A little surprised, he asked me where I was from. I told him that I was from India. Learning of my interest in buying a Pakistani flag as a souvenir excited him. He happily handed over a small stack of miniature flag stickers into my hands and asked me to keep them all, for which he refused to accept any money. He wished me in advance for India’s Independence Day and I returned the greetings for his country’s special day before leaving his shop.

Celebrating India’s National festival:

It was 15th August on the following morning, a day that India was celebrating as ‘Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav’ back home on her 75th Independence Day. That day, there was no sight of any Indian flag hanging anywhere outside on the streets. I decided to seize the opportunity to explore the neighborhood a little more in the name of adding an Indian national flag to my journal in memory of my first Indian national festival celebration, outside of India. I walked into a few Indian textiles stores asking them if they had any Indian flags to which they responded with a negative. I walked into a few Indian restaurants to check if they had anything on display or if they could give me any leads to where I could find one. A few of them asked me the purpose of why I was searching for an Indian flag. When I told them that I wanted to use it as a souvenir, they either smiled or had a smirk on their faces. They must have wondered that I was some crazy woman walking freely on the streets of Saudi in search of my country’s independence.

None of them had any clue where I could find one. In the pursuit of an Indian National flag in Saudi Arabia, I wandered across a few streets walking over 9800 steps as indicated in the activity tracker on my smartphone. After concluding it to be a futile attempt to find an Indian tricolor, I decided to head back to my hotel. During my return, my eyes fell on a stationary shop and I decided to give it a last try. There was an Indian storekeeper who smiled upon hearing my inquiry. He took me to the section where a bundle of small plastic flags was kept. I asked for one flag for which he charged me 2 SAR without a bill. I came out of the shop all happy after a successful hunt at exactly the 10,000th step in the activity tracker, only to realize that I was standing just a few yards away from my hotel and that I had searched all over to find a little flag.

Indian National flag
Indian National flags at the stationary store

Celebrating Saudi Arabia’s National festival:

It was a long weekend due to the Saudi National day celebration on the 23rd of September. I was in Riyadh, the country’s administrative capital where several ceremonies were scheduled for the observance of the National day. The entire city was lit up and decorated with the theme of the Saudi national flag, which I was told was the case throughout the country. The level of public involvement and the fervor with which a national day is celebrated in Saudi was something that I felt missing back in my country on a national festival.

At the end of the National day celebrations, I and a few others who had accompanied me for the weekend were at the airport terminal in Riyadh, waiting for our return flight. We noticed that all staff working at the airport and the shops were wearing representative brooches or sashes. By then, I had realized that I had the national flags of two countries as souvenirs with a backstory of how I got them. I didn’t want to miss out on adding one from Saudi to the collection because that’s where I was to celebrate the national days of all three countries in 2022. I asked one of the staff about where I could get one for myself and that’s it. She got a sash not just for me, but one for each person who had accompanied me. Her colleagues and she were extremely excited to give us the sashes and click selfies with us wearing them. And any money offered in exchange was refused to be taken, as they called it a gift for us from them.

Conclusion remarks:

Sitting back on my flight, I was trying to recollect my experience of how a national festival was perceived by three different countries. As a foreigner, I was given a gift (free of cost) by Saudi Arabia and Pakistan with excessive excitement. Whereas, being an Indian, I expected myself to be warmly greeted by a fellow Indian on foreign soil and share the same enthusiasm to wish each other on India’s national festival. Instead, I bought an Indian flag from an Indian (it was a small cost by any reference, that could be waived off). It was not the free item I was seeking, but at least an Indian to be able to guide me to a place where I could get Indian products. The expectation was to meet another Indian who shared the same excitement to celebrate India’s festival as that of a Saudi or a Pakistani.

Are we Indians less patriotic? What are your thoughts?

Annual Summary

What is life without a bucket list and what is life without celebrating little accomplishments? It is important to be grateful for big successes and for the small joys.

Here’s a gratitude post summarizing each year of mine for the good things that have happened with me.

Lessons Learnt by a Trek Leader

Who is a leader? One who holds the group; One who owns the group; One who carries a group.

‘A team may have members with varied backgrounds, thinking ways, and cultures. But a leader is someone who despite the difference, is expected to maintain cohesiveness and lead the way to the success of the team. The quality of a good leader is being fearless, able to face challenges, and remaining unshaken.’ This is what we would define, and every other personality development trainer would teach.

But are we ever taught to think that like all members of a team, a leader is also human? Are we made to think about why even the best leader can fail? Are we taught to ask the leader if they had a good day?

To answer these questions, I would like to take the reference of my personal experience in this aspect and break the discussion into two parts. First, I would like to list the aspects of leadership I have learnt by taking on a role of a trek leader since 2019. In the second, I would like to discuss the realizations made while reflecting upon the situations that were created that brought me closer to a meltdown in 2022.

Part 1: Being a trek leader

There were times when I had to adjust. Once, while on our way to Kodachadri, our bus broke down. In the middle of the night, I had to stand on a highway and wave at every other bus that came our way which could accommodate the entire group. finally, when we managed to find a bus, there were two seats. I, being a trek leader had to adjust and sit on a crammed floor of a traveler just so that the rest of the team had the comfort of the seats so that they all could sleep well and save energy to complete the hike successfully on the following day.

There were times I had to carry. When a team member fell with an epileptic attack, when someone sprained their ankle or a bunch of new trekkers was all bogged down by the weight of their backpacks right in the middle of a trail, I have had to support them.

There were times when I had to convince others. The worst thing that can go wrong on a trip is to have all four tyres of your vehicle flat. With a group of thirty people, it was no joke to be stranded on a village road at midnight. When all attempts to find alternate transportation was futile, it was a leader who had to convince the team to agree into taking a tractor ride to the destination.

There were times when I had to hold the team together. When a murder took place right in front of the team, the morale of every member was shattered. Nor was I, being a trek lead prepared to face something like that. But I had to hold them all in decent spirits let not the visuals and the fear take over the minds of the remaining members.

I have had to control. Control the schedule, control the people who deviated from the rules, channel conversations and involve everyone to participate in the group.

I have had to assure anxious parents to trust me with their daughters’ safety while traveling with me and I had to assure unsure solo travelers about their apprehensions to backpack with a leader who was unknown to them. All to only come back after the trip and receive positive testimonials about me.

Being unbiased with the age, gender, caste, and economic strata with whom I interact, I have been told that I inspired people (in many ways that I do not know). My no-fuss, no allergy, and ever-willingness to try any food that looks new and the ability to snooze in any space when I am sleepy solves half the problem and makes it easy for people to connect with me, I have been told. I have been confident in my ability to adapt to absolutely any environment and figure out a way to make it a memorable journey. I have always believed that my ability to adapt and connect to people on an individual level has been my strength.

I have always believed that successful people should be able to recognize their strengths and weaknesses. No human is perfect and without shortcomings. But a true leader will work on the weaknesses and not let them bog him/her down. With an awareness of what makes him/her weak, it allows one to be better prepared to oversee a situation that might arise posing the same threats. This self-awareness is vital to being a confident leader.

Part 2: When a leader is shaken

What does it look like when the confidence of a leader is broken, when the leader is made to feel that he/she has always been wrong about himself/herself? How does it feel when the leader is made to feel that he/she was never correct?

A recent personal experience of a series of events dragged me to the edge of having an emotional breakdown. When I sat back and reflected upon the decisions, I had made in the past year which had finally gotten me to where I was at the time of this meltdown, there was a lot of self-realization I made. None of which pointed towards any evident wrong decision-making ability of mine but to the situations that were created for me to act.

Cut to August 2022, I was on an overseas business trip to a country which is considered to be on the conservative side compared to the rest of the world. I had been accompanied by a team of seven men and one girl. Despite being with such a large group, I was hit by a feeling of abandonment. It was a feeling of being unavailable for and by the people of my tribe when I needed it and of being restricted from physically going out to do things that made me happy.

It had shaken me so much that I used to have emotional meltdowns at the drop of the hat. I had begun to reanalyze and doubt all my decisions made in the last year, the on-goings, and the future ahead created by my own decisions. The situation brought with it, my inability to trust human beings in the same way that I did until stepping into the new land. I had failed as a person and all my leadership skills learnt over the last few years felt void, if it needs to be put in that perspective. All I needed was an anchor to bank myself in a land unknown across the ocean.

To me in this case, it was my boss at work who put on the hat of a leader. After spending a few weeks by then in the new country, it was the first ever interaction I was having with my boss. It was the first face-to-face interaction between us and the most basic question for any conversation to begin, I was asked about how I was doing in the new country. The most basic and simplest of questions had me shaken and the accumulated dam of emotions was broken. A word of assurance that there was someone to look up to was all I needed to get back on track, and this was one such. It was an interaction post which, I was alright and back in form to continue with my regular duties.

Lessons learnt from a leader: The first two may be generic, it is to have a good personal relationship at work or off work. The third lesson is specific to the workplace.

• A leader should be available for his team always. Whether or not related to work, it is essential to build a relationship of trust with the teammates.
• Keep clear and timely communications within the team. Whether there is a work update or not, communicate to stay connected.
• Assign clear work roles, and expectations, and follow up on progress.

Takeaways on a personal level:

• Any leader can be shaken. They too are human.
• In the end, nobody but only you will remain to care for yourself.
• Whether you see a person happy or strong, a greeting and a smile at a stranger cost you nothing but it can heal a person.

Famous Attractions in Singapore That You Must Checkout

Singapore is a place of technological marvels and skyscrapers. With the highly illuminated lights that dance around at night, showcasing the contemporary building, it almost feels like the stars have descended here. Singapore is well-known for its quick development, as well as the numerous opulent hotels with breathtaking views that are being developed there as well as new and beautiful retail malls.

There are numerous clubs that will have you moving, as well as a vibrant nightlife that you can enjoy with your friends. In the middle of all modernity, Singapore boasts a number of nature trails. At the Botanical Gardens and Pulau Ubin, you may explore Singapore’s verdant side. Budget-conscious tourists should definitely visit this location because there are numerous amenities that will make you feel at home.

Singapore is home to a wide variety of attractions, including neighborhood dive bars, busy temples, verdant gardens, and cheap marketplaces. Scroll down this list if you’re seeking for the ideal location to visit in Singapore.

Singapore Night Safari

By exposing visitors to the residents’ nocturnal lifestyles, Singapore Night Safari gives the classic zoo experience a fresh spin. There are four distinct habitat areas in the park, each with a route that allows you to see these secretive critters going about their “day.”

In addition to the expected presence of leopards on the Leopard Trail, additional wildlife include lions, flying foxes, civets, and porcupines. The pangolin, binturong, and other common and endangered species are among the native Singaporean creatures whose habitats are visited on the Fishing Cat Trail. Malayan tigers and spotted hyenas are featured on the East Lodge Trail, and the Wallaby Trail educates tourists to Australia’s marsupials.

There are private excursions, buggy rides, informative seminars, as well as once-in-a-lifetime experiences like a feeding session for Asian elephants, available.

Jurong Bird Park

The largest bird park in Asia, Jurong Bird Park, is home to more than 5000 birds representing almost 400 different species. The Waterfall Aviary, which covers 20.2 hectares and is the largest walk-in aviary in the world, is the main attraction.

Gardens by the Bay

Many people have heard about and admire this location. Every traveller should put it on their bucket list. Gardens by the Bay, a well-liked tourist destination, will take you to a fantastical location. The magnificent Supertree Grove, which is located in Marina Bay, is at its most stunning at night.

You have the sensation that you are in a magical location while you are there. There are numerous places to see, such as Flower Dome and Cloud Forest. This elevates the experience to genuinely outstanding. There are three sections of the Gardens by the Bay complex: the centre, east, and south. When the trip becomes too exhausting, you can use the promenade to pause and grab a snack or a cup of coffee.

Little India and Arab Street

Little India and Arab Street are well-known tourist destinations. You’ll feel quite at home there, apart from the busy metropolis, among its quaint shops, inviting cafes, and old-fashioned mosques. Arab Street is renowned for its distinctive architecture and marketplaces. It also serves genuine Arabian cuisine.

During the colonial era in Singapore, there was an Indian community known as Little India. Little India includes a wide range of markets, Mosques, and upscale retail opportunities, similar to the Arabian Streets. The most well-known Hindu temple you can visit is Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple, and there are also eateries serving Indian food.

Singapore Flyer

Singapore is best viewed from the air. You see the entire city from the air. Consider making a stopover plan. Or you might just sit still and observe the sun go down (if you are lucky enough to be there at sunset). Asia’s largest enormous wheel, the Singapore Flyer, which is essentially an observation wheel that reaches 165 metres.

The flyer gives you a look at the technology that powers the vehicle as well as a brief overview of Singapore’s past. It’s a good idea to brush up on your information throughout the travel. This location offers breathtaking views of the Singapore skyline, Gardens by the Bay, the F1 track, Indonesia, Malaysia, and other regions of Malaysia.

Universal Studios

Sentosa Island, an exciting tourist destination in Singapore, is home to Universal Studios. Unquestionably, this is one of the most well-liked destinations for family vacations. The ideal spot to go for a day of fun is Universal Studios. There are several eateries, cafes, and retail spaces that serve delectable cuisine and provide entertainment.

You can also go to Hollywood’s “Walk of Fame” to take pictures with well-known movie stars. Additionally, you can go to the “Walk of Fame” to take pictures with famous people. The Lost World of Dinosaurs, Sci-Fi City, Ancient Egypt Zone, and many other attractions and events at Universal Studios will keep you engaged.

Botanical Gardens

It is highly recommended to visit Singapore’s Botanical Gardens. You will feel rejuvenated after visiting this charming location with so many beautiful green areas. The first UNESCO World Heritage Site in Singapore is this garden. There are indigenous and rare species there. Lover of the outdoors will adore this well-known tourist destination. The national flower of Singapore, the orchid, can be found inside the park.

The Botanic Gardens also have a number of lakes that are home to ducks and swans. This is the ideal location for admiring Mother Nature’s splendour and unwinding to the calming sounds of birds, wind, trees, and swans. Popular places to escape the busy metropolis include this Park.

Chinatown

In the midst of the busy market, China Town is vibrant and alive. A trip to Singapore without stopping through China Town is considered incomplete. The colourful shops offering traditional Chinese goods are found everywhere in this bustling resort, along with its authentic Chinese cuisine, bright red lanterns, and bustling streets.

Additionally, the area is home to the magnificent Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and the Sri Mariamman Hindu Temple. These are two of the most well-liked attractions of China Market. To top it all off, you must visit Thian Hock Keng, one of Singapore’s most vibrant Chinese temples. The oldest temple in Singapore is this one, which the Chinese constructed in 1820.

Singapore Zoo

A fantastic site to visit is the Singapore Zoo. You will be astounded by the variety of rare and stunning species that call its confines home. A terrific spot to take the family is the Singapore Zoo. Giraffes are among the 300 species that it is home to. To accommodate various animal habitats, various zones have been made.

Polar bears, racoon dogs, and other arctic animals live on the frozen tundra. Insects and beetles abound in the lush rainforest that occupies Fragile Forest. In Fragile Forest, flying foxes can also be spotted. Lion-tailed Macaques and Java Langurs can be found in Primate Kingdom. It’s a terrific idea to spend the day at the Singapore Zoo. Numerous additional activities are available, including the Splash Safari Show, the Orangutan Exhibit, and the Jungle Breakfast.

Changi Museum

Singapore’s Changi Museum is a well-liked attraction. More information about those whose history involved Japanese occupation during World War II can be found here. The museum conveys a narrative through its pictures, sketches, and letters. With a gift store and chapel in the middle, the museum can be divided into five sections. Each zone has a number of murals that Bombardier Stanley Warren meticulously recreated from the originals. The Changi Museum also offers audio tours that you can take. Sun Yat Sen Memorial Hall and the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum are also noteworthy institutions.

S.E.A Aquarium

For both kids and adults, the spectacular SEA Aquarium on Sentosa Island is a fascinating and instructive attraction. More than 100,000 marine creatures are housed in this welcoming environment for families. Sharks, turtles, and bottlenose dolphins are just some of the magnificent marine creatures you will encounter on this trip.

In addition to the incredible aquatic life at the aquarium, the complex has other other attractions. Dolphin Island offers encounters with dolphins that are interactive. To swim with many different predator species, including sting rays and manta rays, you can also dive into the Shark Seas Habitat. A trip to the SEA Aquarium will be an amazing experience during your tour of Singapore.

Changi Beach

One of the best things to do in Singapore is take a day trip to Changi Beach. The oldest park in Singapore is the beach park. Between Changi Point (Changi Ferry Road) and Changi Point sits the calm 28-hectare beach known as Changi Beach (Changi Ferry Road). A 3.3 km long park is present. This tourist destination provides a range of entertaining pastimes, such as a stroll along the beach on a nice day.

Here, you may also take your family on picnics. And from there, you can even see the sunset. A excellent place for camping and BBQ gatherings is Changi Beach. Nearby is Bistro@Changi, a restaurant. Changi Village offers a wide variety of tasty seafood alternatives.

Are you rich?

You know what rich people do?

They make their money earn for them. A series of wise and sensible investments in form of real estate, development of existing real estate, deposits, shareholdings in companies, etc. People who were born with money or born rich enough are made known that it takes an effort to stay rich. Rich people have a strong enough financial backup if things go awry. It’s okay to lose a little money in the name of learning because they can afford not to repeat it.

What do people who become rich in a short duration do?

Spend their money on things and experiences they might not have had previously. They spend it like water without a thought for saving up for contingency, because they are blinded by the glitz and glamour the short fortune is showing them. They become used to the artificial sense of being rich and try to fit among the actually rich people, regardless of their personal financial background. So one fine day, when the income stops or rather their luxuries surpass their income, hell breaks loose, because they weren’t prepared for the struggle of remaining rich without a strong financial backing.

Salaried people without any strong financial background are more prone to the above scenario, when they start earning more than they what they expected in a short period of time. Not necessarily salaried people, there are lots of other people who can be like this. They fall into fake reality of being rich wherein, they are living their life on a month to month basis, solely dependent on their salary.

If you ask me which one I belong to, I honestly don’t know. I am a citizen of Bangalore born to working parents (pure middleclass upbringing). I never have money, yet I’ll have a little.

getting lost in traveling through places and time…