shreyavaidy

[shreyavaidy]

Fernweh ?

Last year, at this time I was on a plane to New York. It was one of those milestone moments in life wherein I felt a whirlwind of emotions as I set out from my home city Chennai towards the city of my dreams – the greatest city of them all. I still remember how hopeful, anxious, happy and emotional I was – all at once. It is hard to believe that a year has gone by – so fast, so beautifully.

Star…

[shreyavaidy]

Heyy folks!

Yes, I know how this looks. Amidst the madness of grad school, moving to the greatest city on earth and getting my life together, I almost turned this bi-monthly (fine, it used to be once upon a time) blog into an occasional afterthought. But fret no more as I have a post that is sure to please you – visually at least.

Recently, I went on a park ranger led photography hike in Inwood Hill Park, Washington Heights. This park which is located in the upper most part of the borough, is said to be one of the only natural landscapes surviving in Manhattan and has some fantastic foliage and views. To anyone who knows me, it was abso-freaking-lutely everything like the colors featured in two of all time favorite songs Pachai Nirame and Tumhi Dekho Na.

The park ranger guided us through the trail which lasted nearly two hours. He helped identify indigenous trees, various plant species, cave sites of early settlers and told us about the fascinating history of the place. I’d recommend visiting the park to anyone looking for some real nature within a subway ride in this concrete jungle.

Here are the Fall colors from the Inwood Hill Park, in the upper most part of Manhattan.

Entrance to Inwood Hill Park, Washington Heights.

  Beech tree 

Orange and Yellow Utopia

View of the Herry Hudson Bridge from the park

  From the top of the park across the Hudson, with NJ on the other side

  Hope you enjoyed the way I captured these colors as much as I enjoyed seeing and taking them. Until next time then!

Just the fall foliage I'd been dreaming of! Heyy folks! Yes, I know how this looks. Amidst the madness of grad school, moving to the greatest city on earth and getting my life together, I almost turned this bi-monthly (fine, it used to be once upon a time) blog into an occasional afterthought.

[shreyavaidy]

I have had the chance to follow Wimbledon 2017 quite intently this summer, and it has been absolutely fantastic. The nail-biting Rafa v Muller five-set, Novak’s unfortunate retirement due to injury and defending champion Murray’s exit has already brought the big four down to 1 (#TeamFederer always) as we approach the semis. Well, it isn’t the best tennis tournament for nothing right, so what better chance to do a #throwbackthursday for Wimbledon than right now.

Held since 1877, it’s the oldest tennis tournament, only one of the four international Grand Slams played on grass and is often remarked to be the most prestigious tournament by fans and players themselves. So naturally each summer, avid tennis lovers gather at London to watch matches and enjoy the charm of the two week long championships with classic Wimbledon touches such as Pimm’s Cup cocktails and strawberries and cream.

I started playing tennis at a very young age and so a natural fondness was always attached to the sport, its legends and tournaments. Fortunately, I was able to visit the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club not once, but twice.

Located in the South West of London, reaching the club itself requires you to switch trains and take a bus uptil the entrance but you can figure it out with just a simple google search now. Though I didn’t visit during the time of the championships, I was able to take the official tour of the entire facility leisurely (which is closed during the tournament on hindsight) and visit the Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Museum.

The tour begins at the entrance and the official guide walks you through the various iconic locations like the F.J.Perry statue at the entrance, the practice courts, Henman Hill or Aorangi Terrace where the matches are relayed on the big screen, and the No.1 court and center courts where the best of the best battle it out each year. The scores from the last played match (finals of the latest championship) still remains on the score board and I was thrilled to see it.

The tour also takes you through the unnoticed back end that runs the tournament as you visit their offices, press rooms, changing rooms and much more. Throughout the tour you get insights and interesting quirks from the guide that lets you imagine the situations that would have played out in the spaces you are currently standing. I also learnt how meticulously the grass is kempt and maintained throughout the year for those two coveted weeks of play.

After the tour, you get to visit the museum that showcases various pieces which describe the tournament right from its inception, through the making of raquets, court designs, historic victories and losses and to the gear of the reigning winners. And at the very end, in typical fashion of any tourist location in britain, you have the gift shop with all the official wimbledon merchandise (at exorbitant prices ofcouse) that you can try to splurge on.

  Additionally, I recommend that you try a snack at the restaurant or coffee shop and if strawberries are available you are certainly lucky!

If you are looking to attend the tournament specifically in the future, please keep in mind that a large portion of Wimbledon passes is sold by ballot in advance, yet the tournament is one of few major sporting events where tickets are available to buy on the day of play. So plan ahead. Even otherwise, if you find your self in London with even half a day to spend, I would say you can visit the club as I wouldn’t mind doing it all over again.

  Walkdown Wimbledon I have had the chance to follow Wimbledon 2017 quite intently this summer, and it has been absolutely fantastic.

[shreyavaidy]

On this Fathers day...

What began with a few scattered thoughts, formulated into an article that means a lot to me..

Father’s day (or Fathers’ day) is a day on which we’ve become accustomed to pause and thank our dads for their contribution in our lives and families. And in more recent times, this often seems to happen through social media appraisals with a whatsapp forward in a family group, a nice picture brimming with saturating levels of affection in the caption or a cliched share of some sappy posts. To…

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Have you ever wondered what the abode of a paleolithic man looked like ? Or if you could step into the very same ground where the humans from the prehistoric period walked and lived ? Then you should certainly head to Gudiyam Caves.

They are rock shelters of Southern India identified by British geologist Robert Bruce Foote, holding a great amount of archaeological significance even today. The ancient site is located just 65 kilometers away from Chennai and is definitely worth a trip.

Gudiyam Caves are said to be the location which helped mark the existence of Tamilians who lived on this planet as far back as the Stone age. 

Reading about a short film on Gudiyam caves that made it to the prestigious Cannes Film festival in 2015, sparked a curiosity in me to want to make a visit. Having looked up some posts and sites on the internet, a couple of my friends and I took off to see the site and trek.

Being just around 10 kilometers from Thiruvallur, it’s ideal for a short day-trip from Chennai on any given weekend. With a gruesome summer already showing it’s horrible effects, we started at around 7 AM in the morning to escape the harsh sun, and I’d advise the same for anyone. Enabled with Google Maps (do not trust completely and I will tell you why), we were easily able to get up to the road leading to the Gudiyam village within a couple of hours.

Tip : You could opt to take a bus till the main town nearby and hire a vehicle to reach the caves but this area is quite remote so it may become hard to hitch a ride back, so be wary!

The path leading to the small village where the trek starts is virtually a 3 m ride on some tumultuous kaccha roads laden with rocks and sand. So you may figure, that these roads do not show up on maps, but even the main roads leading to them are not accurate on the App so I would recommend you keep enquiring with the local inhabitants on how you can reach the caves (in tamil obviously). Once that stretch is over you will find yourself amidst a few houses in the foreground and the mountains in the background. From here your vehicles can’t progress and you can begin hiking to the top of the hills to the caves.

We lucked out and found a localite right there to come with us as a guide to the caves. You could also request one of them and pay them a nominal amount for their service.

The hike begins with red sand out in front and wild shrubs all around the vicinity, but as you progress the greenery in the landscape increases and you find yourself completely surrounded by trees and a narrow stone pathway leading you ahead. The trail in this part can be a little hard to figure and this is when taking along our guide came in handy. But interestingly, two additional locals also joined us through the entire trip. Two of dogs from the Gudiyam village tagged along and hiked all the way and back, we grew pretty fond of them and spent our time amidst rural life,  giving them nicknames and trying to surrender into the bygone era of nature and chaos free lifestyle.

  The trek to reach the caves, is around five kilometres uphill, and is quite exciting when you start climbing boulders along the side of the mountain while being enveloped by tree branches, shrubs and leaves all around you until you reach the cave itself. It took us around an hour to get to the first cave, where we saw the ancient sites and even climbed on the the top of the mountain to catch the brilliant panoramic view of the entire area.

Climbing back down from this was a little daunting as the ground was shaky and I kept praying no rocks I stepped on accidentally brittled away. But with a little care and some company to help maintain balance under the canopy, this stretch remains my takeaway. Hiking to the next mountain took another hour and we arrived at the bigger cave which houses a small shrine and we were told that the temple routinely has worshippers from the village. Here the save walls on one side were completely laden with honey combs, tall creepers and a vast multitude of greenery. We decided to just take a few minutes to take it all in and relax before heading back down.

The route up and back down is pretty much identical, but with no humans in the vicinity it could get scary if you did not know which way to go. We is supposed to be aboard and a guard on duty at the beginning who you can inform about your trek before you embark on it as the route could be unsafe at times, but we didn’t find either of them. To be on the safer side, we did however call the archaeological department a few days in advance and they said there is even a museum in the area set-up to understand more on the site, but sadly we were not able to spot it. (Perhaps if anyone else does, you can let me know!)

Tip: Take plenty of water as you do not have access to any shops or facilities near the caves or even in the Gudiyam village. Some light snacks will help you along the way. 

Make sure you wear comfortable footwear that is trek conducive. I would recommend rugged shoes (not flat running shoes) or sandals.

The trip to Gudiyam and back can be quite interesting otherwise as well; for you’ll pass through Poondi reservoir on the way. This place is quite a sight to behold, as we managed to catch a glimpse of the place which felt soothingly calm after a tiresome trek.

Some of the pictures in this post were taken by my super enthusiastic talented friend, you can follow more of her work on her Instagram page – @tejalsatish

  Until next time!

Trek to Gudiyam Caves Have you ever wondered what the abode of a paleolithic man looked like ? Or if you could step into the very same ground where the humans from the prehistoric period walked and lived ?

[shreyavaidy]

The Mylapore festival is back! Held each year in the beginning of January, the fest highlights one of Chennai(madras) city’s most sought after localities in all its glory. Mylapore is said to be a precedent of the city itself and has a wide array of wonderful things to offer from the infamous temples like Kapaleeshwarar temple to the long-held tradition, culture, fine arts and much more.

This evening, I happened to join an interesting food walk curated by Mr. Sridhar Venkataraman, through those soulful streets of Mylapore. A casual glance across the post about this walk in the morning and I decided on a whim to attend as I was equal parts hungry and inquisitive. Eager to understand how different this area I’ve frequented so often with my grandmother on pious duties would look through a foodie’s perspective.

  We started off from Kutchery Road near the post office, all set to conquer the mid-day stupor with a brisk walk and scrumptious snacks. This set agenda was certainly met with good results, as our guide led the way giving honest suggestions and a quick overview on each of the joints we visited with some recommendations on what tastes best when and how. *inside scoops on the walk only*

Some of the stellar stops began with Rayer’s Mess that has been around in the locality for ages and ages. It’s one of the smallest set-ups, with hardly 16 seats and a tiny narrow passage way but packs lip-smacking items like hot bondas (potato and mysore varieties) and gulab jamun around the evening.

Continuing towards the main tank and temple, we sampled some of the best puff pastry, rose milk and badam milk at ‘Softy zone’ and learned that the key to a food walk is to share and try each item or inevitably skip your regular dinner.

The walk was a good mix of old and new, some stalls and favourites  like the Jannal kadai bhajji or mami tiffen canteen that I’d succumb to at anytime and some fresh additions that I certainly relished.

One among the special features of the festival is the popular food street set up right through south mada street. They have a wide variety of stalls lined up on one end and some home made items and toys too transpose you to a carnival right in the middle of town. I would definitely recommend trying this out and visiting Mylapore during the festival as its ever more vibrant, full of life and lots of fun. I took along my friend who took some of these lovely snaps and we thoroughly enjoyed the entire atmosphere.

Check out the Mylapore festival website (http://www.mylaporefestival.com/2017/) with the exact schedule as I wouldn’t want to miss it this weekend for sure.

  Mylai food trail The Mylapore festival is back! Held each year in the beginning of January, the fest highlights one of Chennai(madras) city's most sought after localities in all its glory.

[shreyavaidy]

Happy 2017!

And the year has actually finally ended and as always the new year brings with it tons of wishes, hopes, dreams and goals.

I’m not one to simply believe that a single day can change the entirety of our lives so easily, but I’m going to invest in the possibility of positivity today. Today, I shall believe that we can change for the good. Believe that we can be more compassionate to others, focused…

[shreyavaidy]

YES, it’s that time of the year again. With the third week of November giving you the chills, making you question how this year has gone by so quickly, bemusedly and quite shockingly. And with no time to spare, the last month of 2016 is well on its way even before we can all digest it all, but the silver lining does exist (for some of us at least). Travel is in the air and the best of us may already be planning or getting ready to jet-set and go. And if you are anything like me – sitting this one out, just wishing you could fly away – don’t worry we have each other and all those envy worthy photos from your friends and family across the globe. Magical time indeed!

Anyway, I have curated the best of the best travel hacks from the depths of the internet (lol ok pinterest) and my own personal experience that are absolutely brilliant! 

First things first, you should always pack the essentials – tickets, ID, passport and cash – before anything else. Besides keeping a physical copy of all of the above, be sure to carry a soft copy and one that doesn’t require the internet to load.

Cheapest tickets

We all know how expensive airline tickets can be. To make the best of this, all experts say that the best price can be availed on Tuesday afternoons at 3 pm if you book 6 weeks in advance!

Moreover, airlines track information and cookies from your search entries and hike the prices at times. So make sure you browse for your tickets in ‘incognito’ or ‘private’ mode so as to keep all your information super secure.

If you are a student, you can even make use of websites like statravel or studentuniverse to get the best offers on student discount.

A Universal Adapter

The worst part at the end of a tiresome day of touring is to wait turns and charge your devices. With the universal adapter, you can multitask and its a win-win for everyone. This comes in handy especially if you are traveling abroad. I got mine online and it comes with a handy case that is just perfect to pop into any bag. You can get one here for just 120 rupees! (65% off)

Tip : If you just happened to forget your adapter all together, use the USB port in the TV. Most hotel rooms will have them and you can charge your phone back to life quickly.

Cord holder

It is needless to say that we have all succumbed to technology and have atleast 2-3 devices on us each with their chargers and connectors. This hack will help organise all those cords in a mess-free fuss-free manner that I just love. Take a toilet roll holder and customise if you like. Fold your cord/cable and fit it right through and that’s all. Its really that easy guys.

Tip : Use washi tape and label your cord holder or create a quirky design to personalize it. 

Accessories wrap

This one is just so clever and it reminds me of why I love Pinterest so so much. This is the easiest hack to pack long chains and jewelry that is so prone to getting tangled. Take some clingfilm or glad wrap and just place your accessory on a sheet, cover it up with another layer and you are all done! I personally feel this hack is way easier and space saving than buying medicine/pill boxes or linking your chain through straws (who has the time for that amirite ?). You can get glad right here for lesser than 200 rupees and it’s uses are endless tbh.

Reusable Bags

This is a perfect solution to several scenarios while traveling. These bags can be used to store your essentials on the way and double up as storage space to carry your new purchases. They even be used to cover and store your precious hand bags when you’re afraid they may get dirty, while storing it under your seat on the airplane or in a locker etc,.  Actually the  ways to use extra bags dont even have to be enunciated like my dad says “You never know when you may need more covers/tissues/bags Shreya!” That is a mantra I live by now. And it totally helps. (read hoarding at times)

Get an eco-friendly jute bag or large tote bag, for maximum utility.

Tip : Also, throw in a couple of smaller ziploc covers to keep track of your small essentials.

Price tag/Visiting card

This too can be multi-functional. Grab a price tag card (I do this all the time) or visiting card to use as a bookmark for your book and double it up as a way to store your ear phones in a tangle free manner. An old credit card could be an even better solution as its rigid. You can customize it or make some grooves to create your own fit.

Trusty Water Bottle 

Water is certainly the most essential item and carrying a small water bottle that is spill-proof and tucks right into your carry-on is undeniably a boon. It has happened too many times when I forgot a water bottle and had to pay far too much to purchase one, when potable water was readily available in the vicinity. So be smart and pack efficiently!

This infograph should be your best friend while packing. Trust me, it’ll get you through.

I know it has been a long long time since I made a post, but I promise am going to bounce right back with lots more interesting, fun scoops in the next few months. Just bear with me guys.

Until next time!

Travel Hacks You Didn’t Know You Need YES, it's that time of the year again. With the third week of November giving you the chills, making you question how this year has gone by so quickly, bemusedly and quite shockingly.

[shreyavaidy]

Start the day right with a smile

Le internet

[shreyavaidy]

On embracing it all!

http://danishapiro.com/on-embracing-it-all/

“To die unconfused”

Read this soul-stirring piece this morning and had to share it! 

[shreyavaidy]

“The cure for anything is salt water- sweat, tears or the sea.” – Isak Denisen

Oman is rooted in cultural traditions, hypnotizing landscapes and the serene sea side. Spanning over 1700 kilometers of coastline that runs right along the Gulf of Oman from the north to the Arabian Sea in the east and southern frontiers, the sultanate surely has some of the most stunning and secluded beaches the Arabian Peninsula has to offer. Mixing the dramatic coastlines with the hazy heat, some truly unforgettable water sports, snorkeling and diving spots, Oman becomes a must see on any beach bum’s bucket list.

During my visit to Oman I got to sample a few beaches, some closer to the capital of the Sultanate, Muscat. There is no dearth of variety among the beaches sprawling along the Oman coastline, each unique in its own way and yet embodying the same essence of tranquility with calm blue waters and ocher sand galore everywhere.

Bandar Jissah was the first beach I encountered in Oman, which is located at around 25 kilometers from Muscat, and makes the perfect remedy for those days when the bustle of Muscat’s souk markets gets too intense. The drive along the sweeping coastal roads was yet again most memorable with the rugged mountains on one hand and the serene sea flowing along the other. The roads are bendy and it seemed almost like a downhill slope while reaching the beach and main tourist areas, which was a refreshing experience.

Drive leading to Barr Al Jissah

The main attractions at the beach are the Qantab – a small local fishing village that sits along the alluringly blue waters and rocky hills surrounding the lagoon; the ruggedness of the rock creating a beautiful contrast against the stillness of the sea. Local fishermen’s boats bob silently by the shore and snorkeling opportunities. The second being Shangri-La’s Barr Al Jissah resort – one of the most luxurious and exuberant resorts on the planet offering 3 different hotels, several restaurants, activities and much more.

Qantab Fishing Village

The most enjoyable beach that I visited was the Al Sawadi beach. Situated in Al Batinah south governorate of Oman, this beach was one long drive from Muscat and leaving early in the morning to escape the hot bright mid day sun made for the best time to explore it. The beach being much less crowded or touristy with it’s the clear blue water and lagoons was almost perfectly serene.

Taking a local fisherman’s rusty old boat we took a trip around the lagoon and across the shore to see the precipitous, long-standing and yet beautiful mountains. The speed boat ride was swift, fun and memorable. But the best part of this beach is the tidal flat walking! The surreal experience of actually walking on the sea bed right across to the center to the other shore was mind blowing. This particular walk entails some amount of risk as it involves walking down the slippery, coral filled sea bed from the sea shore to an island and must be done before high tide. But this is a truly mesmerizing experience and I would recommend it to anyone who loves some calm and tinge of adventure.

This is merely the tip of the iceberg as the Sultanate boasts of around 8 to 10 prominent beaches like the Qurum beach, aviation beach, Ras Al Hadd and so much more. Sadly, I didn’t get to sample more and I really hope I get to do so in the future.

Until next time, ma’ asalamah habibi!

Beaches of Oman "The cure for anything is salt water- sweat, tears or the sea." - Isak Denisen Oman is rooted in cultural traditions, hypnotizing landscapes and the serene sea side.

[shreyavaidy]

If edge is what you’re looking for, then edge is what you get. Yes, let me explain. Muscat the capital city of the Sultanate of Oman, situated on the coast of its gulf is quite literally and figuratively perched upon an edge. The second more enticing kind of edge, with it’s conscious intent to maintain old-world charm along side minimal or essential contemporary changes is what truly sets it apart from the other GCC capitals.

  Muscat can be easily considered as the heart of Oman, and it gives you the best opportunity to experience a sample of the magnificent country and indulge in Omani culture even within just a weekend getaway! Being wedged between the Arabian Gulf and the mountains, it seems no matter where you are the scenery is spectacular. The entire city with its low-rise buildings – the tallest being 14 stories high – and villas, is encompassed amid limestone and volcanic rock formations, making any outing a delight to your eyes. I still vividly remember arriving in Seeb Int’t Airport post 1 am and being drawn out for a ride through the city by my Uncle, who wanted to show me how the night lights glistened through the rocks on one hand and the corniche on the other. But I must admit it was absolutely worth sacrificing some sleep!

  The city is a sprawling mass and walking around from place to place would be quite an arduous task if you don’t have a car (or driver), but taxis and buses for long distances are available. Our first stop in exploring Muscat is almost a staple – Al Alam Palace. Sultan Quboos’s ceremonial Al Alam Palace, the tint of blue and yellow on its front facade, set it apart from palaces I’ve seen in the middle east for sure.  The palace is not open to public always, but tourists can walk around the yard in front of the palace at any time.

The breath-taking Sultan Quboos Grand mosque and Mutrah souq form two of the other biggest attractions within the city, which we unfortunately skipped due to time constraints and having seen quite similar ones in the GCC before.

Driving around Muscat was what really mesmerized me and in that spirit we set off to see the Wadi Daqyah Dam and Qantab beach on the first day. The roads leading to the dam were well winding along the limestone mountains and at several places one could see the big blue sea right beside the curviest of uphill roads. The dam as it is is an engineering marvel, situated high above the mountains and the view surrounding is just astounding. Before the final climb up to see the dam, points where the water collects between small peaks makes for surreal images (as shown below).

  Another highlight of Muscat without mentioning which, this entire post would be incomplete, is the coveted Royal Opera House. This one of a kind opera house was built on the orders of the ruler of Oman, Sultan Qaboos bin Said Al Said an ardent fan of classical music and arts is the premier venue for all things music, dance and arts. Just seeing the outside (courtyard, gift shops, hallways) of the spectacle of a structure that it is at night, makes you wanna wish you had planned in advance to perhaps have seen a show inside.

  Stay tuned for the next piece on the second day of my trip to Oman.

Until next time, Wadaeaan!

  Oman, muscat is mesmerizing. If edge is what you're looking for, then edge is what you get. Yes, let me explain.

[shreyavaidy]

Today is a significant day for me, as it marks the 2nd year anniversary of the blog and coincidentally also happens to be the day that I've hit 100+ on Instagram. Need less to say I'm stoked 😀💓 I'm not one to plaster milestones (and I still think this is merely one) but I recently read that an occasional pat on the back helps positive reinforcement. So what better occasion to spread the positivity, right ? But more importantly I want to thank you! Yes, you who read my writing, commented, criticised and/or encouraged me. 💜 It's been a hell of a journey and the reasons I started blogging, the expectations I had and the dreams I've dreamt have all changes and evolved in these two years and all I hope for now is that it's for the better 😀 Once again, thank you and let's always go out and see the world, it's totally worth it all 🌍🌎🌏 #traveltreasurer

[shreyavaidy]

traveltreasurer turned 2 today!

[shreyavaidy]

Undoubtedly, this is one of the most sought after places in Jordan, but having lived and traveled across the middle east, I wasn’t exactly too excited to see Wadi Rum. So I just waited to see what it actually beholds in reality without reading or researching too much before hand, which in retrospect was what made it worth the while for me.

Driving 1 and a half hours from Petra to Wadi Rum, our driver told us that it’s the largest sandy desert in the country spanning several acres from Jordan, up and into Saudi Arabia. What I enjoyed most was how gradually I could see, feel and experience the entire atmosphere and surroundings change during this ride. I distinctly remember turning left from the King’s Way (ancient caravan route and present highway in Jordan) into a road leading into the valley, where on either side lay watermelon farms, small houses, railway tracks and then all of a sudden we parked in front of our camp that was all encompassed by red sand, mighty sandstone mountains and tranquility!

The entire desert is believed to have been submerged under water 10,000 years ago and with time, natural calamities, erosion and age gave rise to the landscape. What makes the valley (wadi in arabic) so special are the hundreds of beautiful sandstone and granite rock formations, its expansive area that has majorly uninhabited except for the bedouins and the red color of sand itself. YES, this IS the place where Matt Damon shot the Martian last year!

  The small mound behind me is exactly where Matt Damon was sitting in martian (as captured in the next pic)

I hadn’t known this until we reached the exact spot where the scene was shot when our jeep driver a local bedouin casually said how many movies were shot in that particular place as the red sand and its texture made for perfect shots in a director’s eyes. Infact, Lawrence of Arabia was the movie that put Wadi Rum on the big screen, a story based on the real life of British officer T. E. Lawrence (Lawrence of Arabia) who based his operations here during the Arab Revolt of 1917–18. Lawrence used Wadi Rum as a base to camp away from the ottoman eyes and to meet with the local Bedouins in the region to arrange a joined attack to capture Aqaba.

Jeep tracks on the sand

Rock bridge

The silk route or caravan route used to pass through this iconic desert and proving this you can find several drawings and inscriptions on the rocks which 4000 years old but still intact.

4000 year old Camel drawings

View from the jeep

There are several trails, tours and ways to explore the valley like a short 2 hour jeep tour, camel rides, hikes and much more. Each present a different view and experience. There more than camps – some 5-star and one even with a ridiculous swimming pool in the middle of the desert – where you can spend the night in the valley, immerse yourself in local Bedouin art, music and culture while reveling in the one-of-a-kind sunset and starry skies.  Due to time constraints I was only able to take a jeep tour of wadi rum, but I would strongly recommend staying back and getting the full experience.

“Vast, echoing and God-like” is what Lawrence is believed to have called this natural wonder and it surely lives up to those words in every way!

Wadi Rum - Mars on Earth ? Undoubtedly, this is one of the most sought after places in Jordan, but having lived and traveled across the middle east, I wasn't exactly too excited to see Wadi Rum.

[shreyavaidy]

How could I have visited Jordan and not write an article about Petra ? A lot has been written and said about Petra but nothing prepares you. It really does have to be seen to be believed.

Petra is one of the seven wonders of the world, a UNESCO World Heritage site and definitely Jordan’s most valuable asset. It’s a vast, unique ancient city that was cut and carves into sheer rock face by the industrious Arab tribe Nabateans more than 2000 years ago! Petra is often called ‘The Lost City’ in spite of being a vital component in the Silk route – connecting China, India, and southern Arabia with Syria, Greece and Rome – as it was suddenly completely lost to the west and remained so from 15th century for a good 300 years until a Swiss traveler rediscovered it. Its said that Johann Ludwig Burckhardt, the Swiss traveler tricked his way into the fiercely guarded site by befriending the local tribes, dressed as an Arab from India wishing to make a sacrifice at a tomb inside Petra.

The city is spread over a huge area spanning multiple acres and is cordoned off to preserve its integrity. Even as you enter through the large visitor’s centre and swipe your tickets to enter, you see and feel how big and significant the place is from the sheer volume of tourists, guides and shops flocking the place in comparison to any other site in the Jordan.

I can never forget my driver’s candid remark as we drove into Petra, “I have been inside the Petra site more than 50 times, but each time I find something new and it totally amazes me”. 

Walking from the entrance to the infamous Siq takes a good 20 minutes with a few buildings and ruins from those times on the rocks of Petra, on either side of the pathway. Sadly Jordan currently faces an acute water shortage, but legend has it that millions of years ago the entire area of Petra was once submerged under water and in the times of the Nabataeans the area was still so well irrigated as their city with the efficiently laid out water channels and storage tanks proves even today.

At 1.2 kms long and ranging from 9 metres t just 3 metres of width (in certain places), with clearly carved out sculptures, temples, water channels and breathtaking views from the gorge, the Siq at Petra is one of the most unique. And like a pot of gold at the end of a captivating rainbow, the awe-inspiring, astonishing and breathtakingly beautiful Treasury stands at the end of the Siq.

The treasury – the name doesn’t mean much tbh, it was a temple & tomb of the ruler who made it – is one of the most exquisite displays of the ancient Nabetean prowess in architecture and culture. The facade incorporates Greek and roman styles but has proven to be undoubtedly their own as they carved out elements in addition that accentuated each column, heading or sculpture.

Despite having walked 2 hours only in total anticipation of this wonder, I was still awestruck by its sheer magnificence and just stood silent for a good 5 minutes in front of the treasury. YES, also the same spot where they filmed the last scenes of Indiana Jones and the last Crusade so! The Nabateans were indeed a very clever group, for having planned to showcase their best work in a well guarded, self-sufficient space at the end of the long narrow passage (gorge) that also stood as a heavy guard of the entire city. Today, the space in front has tons of camels available for rides, shops selling souvenirs and so on.

As I said, Petra is HUUUUGE (huehuehue pun intended for those who can catch the reference) and the site only just begins after seeing the treasury. There are several guided tours, treks and trails that tourists can use to visit the vast multitude of tombs, temples and monuments inside. Excavated sites lay lined up on either side of the main path, like the dilapidated roman amphitheater, several tombs & temples, a large market place are on the main passage that leads up to the monastery, located on the north side of the city centre.

936 rough, narrow, slippery steps cut out of sandstone lead to the second largest facade in the site.  Though most people say the climb takes about 45 minutes, its a whole lot more strenuous and can take any where from 1 to 2 hours, but its still fun and quite the experience. Adding to the nature of the brittle, narrow sandstone steps often winding around the mountains, plenty of donkeys and horses ride up and down the path carrying tourists to and from the monastery. Yes, it was terribly annoying when they kept nudging me out of nowhere while I was frantically trying to climb and it was scarier to imagine sitting on them, looking down the steep valley. So though the walk is quite taxing, I wouldn’t advise anyone to take the animals as it also breaks my heart to burden those poor souls.

Reaching to the top you get rewarded with the amazing facade of the monastery and a small shop serving drinks and eatables with plenty of seating, so you can sit back and relax for as long as you please while taking in the gorgeous views. If you are still thirsty for some trails and climbs, you can climb up some view points in and around or to the highest point of Petra, which is a 50 meter tread up some rough rocks and boulders, but offers a spectacular view of the monastery on one side, the entire city of Petra around and the green valley with a distant view of Israel on the other. I did it and it was definitely awesome!

Walking back you need to take the exact same route, down those steps walking through the main pathway, reaching the treasury, through the Siq and back to the visitors center. The entire length may cover somewhere around 13 to 14 km and to aid tourists, the local bedouins have set up shops selling drinks & snacks to refresh yourselves, souvenirs or maps for taking with you and an array or horse carriage rides, camels and donkeys in each stretch of the city. With the hot sun gleaming and continuously through the day, I was not just tired but excessively tanned but you only see Petra (for the first time) once, right?

Attractions besides visiting the ancient city would include : ‘Petra By Night’ a mesmerizing event held thrice a week in front of the treasury where candles are lit & tribal songs are sung; Turkish baths in the surrounding area of Wadi Musa; Seeing the beautiful sunset through the rocks of Petra from Wadi Musa.

  The wonder(ful) Petra! How could I have visited Jordan and not write an article about Petra ? A lot has been written and said about Petra but nothing prepares you.

[shreyavaidy]

The best salvation on hot dry summer days are to soak and immerse yourself in cold water or some delicious ice cream, and fortunately I was able to do both on the second day of my trip to Jordan. The best climate to visit the country is from April to the end of May or during autumn before the harsh winter sets in, but owing to its naturally dry and desert atmosphere, some afternoons in May can be quite taxing. On such a day we set out to float in the infamous Dead Sea and visit the Mujib Wildlife Reserve.

Its safe to say that the Dead Sea is one of the biggest attractions in Jordan, so expectations were sky high, but I must admit that it didn’t disappoint. This unique salty water body is 418 meters below sea level, making it the lowest point on the earth, so the hyper saline water naturally offers no capacity for marine life to exist, and its buoyancy makes floating very easy. Interestingly the water is enriched with over 50 minerals, so soaking in the water and applying some natural mud masks are said to help rejuvenate and liven your skin, making you even 10 years younger. *Le me waiting for soft supple baby skin to reappear after dead sea soak*

After this helluva experience we suddenly decided to drive a bit further down to the Wild Life Reserve – Wadi Mujib. This turned out to me one of the most memorable things in my life and undoubtedly the best hike yet!

Wadi Mujib is situated on the eastern shore of the Dead Sea, is a large area that is inhabited with a bounty of natural beauty ranging from enchanting rock formations to flora and fauna. Its a staple and a must for regular hikers or adventure enthusiasts (like me), with plenty of trails and tours to offer. The popular, most common trail is the Siq Trail that we opted to go on, which usually takes 2 hours and is considered the less complex one of the rest.

The trail begins by the Mujib Bridge on the Dead Sea Highway, from where you walk down a steep ladder, into the nature reserve and onto the river bed itself where you start walking into the gorge of the river valley. The water of the Siq flows from the Mujib Valley from above, through the boulders of rocks to make a waterfall that also serves as the end point of the trail. This fresh water from the river later joins into the dead sea at the other end beyond the bridge.

We were informed that it was a one-way route and we had to walk back the same way, which didn’t quite strike us as an enormous task until we actually began. A rough estimate of around 20 people were on the trail walking at their own speeds, along with me. The path was initially easy with the water level just a tad bit above your ankles and a few sharp stones and rough pebbles along the way, but gradually the water level kept increasing we we walked against the course of the water towards the waterfall.

The trail gets harder as the current pushes you and you can easily step on very soft stones or pebbles and slippery rocks under the water. There are a few guides on the trail that help most of the hikers in the rough parts as it continues, and I must thank mine who pushed, balanced, lifted and made me get to the very end. The trail entails a certain amount of rope climbing on rocks as the water gushes across which was very hard to get past in one try. The Siq has some jaw dropping views, as you look to either side of spectacularly colored sandstone rocks, water flows right between them and under your feet and looking up you see clear blue skies. Just getting to the waterfall took me a good 1.5 hours, with a lot of tumbling, balancing and bruises to take back home but it was completely worth it. On the way back I got the rush of sliding down rocks I’d climbed up in a few places, but only very carefully as the depth of water was imperceptible and could be dangerous if done amateurishly.

Certainly a victory pose after I finished the difficult parts and was on the walk back

The River Canyon formed was beyond beautiful and surely cameras do no justice to what you actually see and experience inside the gorges. Though I had strapped on my camera along with a water proof bag and so, it became too difficult to take it out in the water or even think about snapping pictures when I was primarily concentrated on balancing myself between boulders as water tried to push me down incessantly.

Take a look at this video that almost perfectly captures the entire experience! 

Read about my visit to the Dead Sea in Jordan and the best hiking experience Ive had yet :D The best salvation on hot dry summer days are to soak and immerse yourself in cold water or some delicious ice cream, and fortunately I was able to do both on the second day of my trip to Jordan.