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The Ideal 7 Day Myanmar Road Trip Itinerary

Myanmar (formerly Burma) is a Southeast Asian nation of more than 100 ethnic groups, bordering India, Bangladesh, China, Laos and Thailand, and with the opening of the land border, a couple of years ago, and the ease of obtaining an E Visa, taking a Trip to Myanmar from India has become quite easy and affordable.

I was lucky enough to have visited Myanmar for New Year’s, where we visited the Big 4 destinations, i.e. Mandalay, Bagan, Inle Lake and Yangon, which also form the famous Golden Kite Itinerary of Myanmar.

Each of these destinations is unique in itself, and while, Yangon (formerly Rangoon), the country’s largest city, is home to bustling markets, numerous parks and lakes, and the towering, gilded Shwedagon Pagoda, which contains Buddhist relics and dates to the 6th century; Bagan on the other hand is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and is home to countless temples and Pagodas, including the Shwezigon Pagoda.

The Itinerary that we followed was

Imphal (1 Day) – Moreh Border – Tamu – Mandalay (2 Days) – Bagan (3 Days) – Inle Lake (2 Days) – Yangon (1 Day) – Kolkata

Based on which, I have drafted this Ideal 7 Day Myanmar Road Trip Itinerary which can form the backbone of your Trip to Myanmar.

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But before you start scrolling down and planning your 7 Day Myanmar Road Trip, it’s a good idea to sort out your VISA and travel insurance first.

And we recommend SafetyWing – The Travel Medical Insurance for Travellers

Day 0 – Trip Starts

Start towards Mandalay from India via Land Border Crossing at Moreh – Tamu border.

All set to Experience Myanmar

Day 1 – Explore Mandalay on Foot

Reach Mandalay early in the morning and check in to your hotel. Depending on the area where you are staying, take a tuk tuk or Grab to reach the East Side of Mandalay Palace or just walk, until you reach the junction of South and East side of Mandalay Palace, as that’s where majority of the attractions are, including Mandalay Hill, the Sandamuni Pagoda, the Kyauktawgyi Pagoda, the Kuthodaw Pagoda, the Shwenandaw Monastrey, Mandalay Palace etc.

Rather than going to each and every Pagoda, I would recommend you to either explore the Kuthodaw or the Kyauktawgyi Pagoda first, then have some local lunch from any of the numerous food stalls in the viscinity.

Kyauktawgyi Pagoda

Now depending on how the weather is, and the intensity of the Sun, you can either, climb up the Mandalay Hill post Lunch, admire the panoramic views and finally head to Sandamuni Pagoda for Sunset; or you can first go to Sandamuni Pagoda post lunch, and then climb up Mandalay Hill, to see the first sunset of your epic 7 Day Myanmar Road Trip.

In our case, it was pretty cloudy the whole day, so we did Mandalay Hill first, and then when we were at Sandamuni Pagoda, the Sun finally decided to come out of hiding for some time, before finally bidding adieu for the day.

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After the sunset, you can take a tuk tuk or Grab and head towards Mahamuni Buddha temple, which is one of the most popular tourist attraction in Mandalay. And then to China Town market for some yummy dinner, before heading back, and ending the Day 1 of this 7 Day Road Trip across Myanmar.

Day 2 – Discover the Flavours of Mandalay

Plan your second day in such a way, that you start the day by seeing the sunrise from between the stilts of the famous U Bein Bridge.

The earlier you reach, the better vantage point you’ll get to witness a glorious Sunrise, and get some postcard worthy shots featuring the 1.2-kilometre long bridge which was built around 1850 and is believed to be the oldest and longest teakwood bridge in the World.

U Bein Bridge is around 12 KM from Mandalay, and takes 30 minutes by road.The best way it to go by GRAB, or by booking a taxi with your hotel a day before, as you don’t want to find yourself waiting for a taxi at U Bein Bridge to go back and proceed with your day.

The view from U Bein Bridge

After the Sunrise, we recommend you book a Full Day Mandalay Tour with Beyond Boundaries Myanmar, and proceed on the Food Tour. The USP of this food tour is that you’ll be trying out 6-7 different food items in a matter of 4-5 hours, and will be travelling from one place to the other on a Trishaw, giving you a unique perspective of experiencing Mandalay.

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After the food tour, head towards the jetty, in your private taxi to hop on a private boat with your guide from Beyond Boundaries Myanmar, and proceed towards Mingun.

Mingun is a town located 11 km up the Ayeyarwady River on the west bank from Mandalay. The main attractions in Mingun are the ruined Mingun Pahtodawgyi, the Mingun Bell, and the Instagram famous Hsinbyume Pagoda. This 19th century white pagoda provides ample opportunities for some really creative perspective photographs.

The Instagrammable Hsinbyume Pagoda

After the hectic day, its recommended to head to bed, and call it an early night, as on Day 3 of the 7 Day Myanmar Road Trip, you will be taking the morning bus from Mandalay to Bagan.

PS – You need to book this from your hotel in Mandalay, a day in advance.

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Day 3 – Mandalay to Bagan | Mt Popa Sunset Tour

This day, you need to start the day early, get done with your breakfast, and be prepared for the hotel pickup as you head to Bagan from Mandalay.

PS – There’s no point in booking intercity transport beforehand. Once you reach your hotel/hostel, sort out your transport to the next city. This way, you can be assured that you will be picked up from the hotel itself at no extra cost. And the tickets are cheaper as well.

The ideal time to start from Mandalay is around 8-9 AM, so you can reach Bagan in 4 hours’ time by around 12 – 1 PM.

The best place to stay in Bagan is along the Nyaung U – Bagan road. There are some good pocket friendly hostels like BaobaBed Hostel, Lux Pillow Hostel and Bagan Vibes Hostel where you can stay.

Also, be advised that you have to pay 25, 000 Kyat, when you enter Bagan, as the Bagan Architectural Fee, which is valid for a duration of 7-8 days. Don’t forget to take a photo of the receipt you get, as a backup.

We stayed at Bagan Vibes Hostel, and even though the location was a bit cut off, there was an E Bike Rental Store just in front, making life 10 times easier for us.

Once you reach your hostel, freshen us, and book your Mt Popa Sunset Tour, which will cost you around 9-10,000 Kyat / head.

The tour usually starts at 2-3 PM when you will be picked up from your hotel/hostel. After an hour’s journey in the shared minivan, you reach the base of Mt Popa, which is where you start climbing.

PS – Avoid wearing shoes, as you’ll have to climb bare footed all the way up.

It takes around 40 – 45 minutes to climb up the 700 odd stairs, and then you take a breather and enjoy the panoramic views from the top, and witness yet another glorious sunset during this 7 Day Golden Kite Road Trip around Myanmar.

The Monk and his Disciple captured together enjoying the Sunset at Mt Popa

Once the sun has set, and you have seen the sky become a canvas post sunset, you start your climb down, which won’t take you more than 30 minutes now.

By 7 – 7:30 PM you’ll be back in Bagan, and will be tired after the long strenuous day. Have an early meal, and call it an early night, but before that, make sure to book your E-Bike for the next day, and double check the timing for sunrise.

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Day 4 –Bagan Full Day Tour | Overnight Bus to Inle Lake

Depending on the what time of the year, you are taking this 7 Day Myanmar Road Trip, you will have to put your alarm for 4:30 – 5 AM for Summers and 5:30 – 6 AM for Winters. Please crosscheck the time when the balloons start going up. When we were there for New Years, the balloons were up at 7 AM, giving us a window of 30 odd minutes to click plenty of photos.

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First day of 2020 First Sunrise of 2020 Couldn't find a better picture to share than this, as the first one of 2020 and to kickoff #ETLRTravelDiaries2020 😍 . After all it's not an everyday affair to start the day with views like these 😎 . Bagan turned out to be the best place we could be in to usher 2020 in a way that will remain etched in our memories forever. No late parties. No getting drunk. No loud music. . Making it an easy task to wake up at 5 in the morning and rush to catch the sunrise. . Here's wishing my entire social media FAM a very Happy and Adventurous 2020, and may you travel more and travel often to places you always desired to 😊 . . . . . . . . . . . #EatTravelLiveRepeat #ETLRWithArnav #baganmyanmar #Experience_Myanmar #myanmartravel #TravelDiaries2020 #oldbagan #templesofbagan #indiantravelblogger #igmyanmar #myanmarburma #happynewyear2020 #snapseededit #googlelocalguide #SonyHX400V #sonyphotography #ig_myshot #ig_landscape #ig_sunrise #ig_sunriseshots #photographers_of_india #outlooktraveller #lonelyplanetindia #BeyondBoundariesMyanmar #instasunrise #destinationunknown #destinationunlocked #discoverit #wanderon

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The spot which we loved was a small hillock on the right side of Sulamani Temple, which gave us a good view of the balloons and the temples of Bagan. However, there are plenty more vantage points around Bagan, to enjoy a glorious Bagan Sunrise.

PS – When you are out to catch the Sunrise on your E Bike and some local approach and tell you that they’ll take you to a good spot – Go for it. 😎

Post sunrise, head back to your hotel/hostel for a hearty breakfast and a refreshing shower, before heading out again on your E Bike and visiting these Gems of Bagan.

Waking up at 4 in the morning and then riding the bike for 7 odd km in the freezing wind turned out to be totally worth it 😎

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Start with the Shwezigon Pagoda – A circular gold leaf-gilded stupa surrounded by smaller temples and shrines. The Shwezigon Pagoda, is believed to enshrine a bone and tooth of Gautama Buddha. The pagoda is in the form of a cone formed by five square terraceswith a central solid core. There are footprints below the four standing Buddha statues here.

Shwezigon Pagoda | Bagan

Next up is Ananda Phaya, one of Bagan’s best known and most beautiful temples. Ananda Phaya is located near the Tharabar gate, the only gate remaining of the original 12 in the old Bagan city walls. The Ananda was damaged during the 1975 earthquake, and has been extensively restored since then, majorly by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).

As you go temple hopping, don’t forget to keep yourself hydrated, throughout the day. Also, there are plenty of places where you can sit, relax and enjoy some refreshing fresh Coconut Water or some fresh fruit juices.

After Ananda Phaya, make your way towards Dhammayangyi Temple, which while having a similar architectural plan to The Ananda, has the most massive structure in Bagan. However, the temple has got a cruel history, as its believed that King Narathu built the temple to atone for his sins: he smothered his father and brother to death and executed one of his wives, an Indian princess, for practising Hindu rituals. The temple’s bad karma may be the reason it remains one of the few temples not to have undergone major restoration.

In front of Dhammayangyi Temple Bagan

Any visit to Bagan is incomplete without visiting one of the many Lacquer Ware workshops, scattered around Bagan. Lacquer Ware of Myanmar is very famous and makes for some excellent souvenirs and gift items, however, there are a lot of fake products in circulation as well. The ability to spot the fake lacquer ware products, is one of the key takeaways, as you learn more about the different steps involved in the whole process.

The expert craftsmen carving freehand – This is why No 2 lacquer ware designs are the same

After all this Temple Hopping, it’s time for you to enjoy a nice heart meal, at any of the cafes, scattered around New Bagan and the Nyaung U – Bagan road.

Post lunch, just drive around Bagan, do some photography, at any random beautiful temple, where there is no one, before heading to the jetty, and hopping on to a boat, to enjoy the ambiance and see the sun set behind the horizon, as you sip on some hot tea. With this sunset, Day 4 of your 7 day Myanmar Road Trip comes to an eventful end.

The beauty of Bagan through a different perspective

Thereafter, head back to your hotel / hostel, freshen up and wait for your pick up, for your overnight luxury bus, as its time to discover the beauty of yet another beautiful destination – Inle Lake in the Shan State of Myanmar.

PS – You need to get your tickets booked the previous day, ideally from the hotel / hostel or from the place you got your E Bike from.

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Day 5 – Full Day Inle Lake Tour

You will find yourself in Nyaung Shwe early in the morning around 6-7 AM, after being on the road for 9-10 hours in the luxurious semi sleeper bus.

PS – Make sure you have 15, 000 Kyat on you, as you’ll have to pay the Inle Lake Development Fee on your arrival in Inle Lake.

Depending on your budget, there are plenty of options to stay in this town of Nyaung Shwe which is the gateway to the famous Inle Lake.

While you can always stay in BaobaBed Hostel or Ostello Bello if you are tight on budget, but we’ll highly recommend you spend a few extra bucks and check into Viewpoint Ecolodge, which is adjacent to the main canal.

As you check out the property, you’ll see that there are only Water Villas here, i.e Bungalows built on stilts on the water, in a private lagoon tucked between roads on wither sides. The location, coupled with these water villas is the main USP of Viewpoint Ecolodge, and spending 2 days here is highly recommended.

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Once you have freshened up, and enjoyed a nice hearty breakfast, it’s time to hop onto your private boat and start the Inle Lake full day tour.

Once you are in the boat, all you need to do is sit, and relax and feel the fresh breeze on your faces. In an hour’s time, you will reach the heart of the lake, where you’ll find both, the traditional fisherman of Inle Lake striking a pose for the tourists, and the regular fisherman fishing in their own unique ways, by balancing on the boat with one foot and rowing with the other. It’s truly a delight to the eyes, to see them in action.

Your first stop will be the Lotus Stem Weaving factory, where you’ll learn more about the strength of the fabric derived from the lotus stem, and how the scarfs are made.

Next you will be headed to a cigar making factory and a boat making factory, wherein you will also be able to shop some souvenirs.

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By this time, it’ll be time for lunch, which you can either have it from any of the restaurants. OR if you are staying with Viewpoint Ecolodge, and doing this day tour with them, like we did, you will soon find yourself in the middle of Inle Lake for Lunch.

You’ll see that the food is being prepared in one boat, the toilet is on another boat, and your dining arrangement is on a third boat. As you start sipping your wine, your waiter will clap, and you’ll see another small boat, getting hot food for you from the kitchen boat.

The whole experience of trying out the unique Shan Cuisine coupled with the fantastic wine, was too good to be true, and we managed to gulp down the entire bottle by the end of our meal. This is an experience that will remain close to my heart forever, and something we recommend you enjoy as well, as it will definitely be a highlight of this 7 Day Epic Golden Kite Myanmar Road Trip Itinerary.

Lunching on a boat with the Vagabong (Debjani) in the middle of Inle Lake trying out different dishes of the Shan cuisine

Post lunch, your boatman will take you to meet and interact with the long-necked tribe (Kayan Tribe) women. The very fact that 12-13-year-old girls are sporting rings in their necks, arms and legs, weighing almost half of their body weight, yet carrying it with confidence and out of their own free will, will surely fascinate you.

The 14 Year Old Kalaw Girl sporting rings weighing almost half her body weight – See the confidence and smile on her face 😊

Without you even realizing, it will already be time to start heading back to the hotel now, before the sun goes down. The journey back will again take around an hour or so, and if you are lucky, you might see the sun go down, from your boat, and that is a sight to behold for sure.

Sunset Time at Inle Lake

As you’ll be back in your hotel after sunset, we highly recommend you take a stroll around the town after freshening up. As you walk you’ll come across the Fullmoon Travel Bus Stop, from where you need to book your overnight bus ticket to Yangoon for the next day.

Now you can either enjoy a hearty meal, at any of the cafes, or enjoy some yummy food back at your hotel along with some nice wine.

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Day 6 – Inle Lake Exploration Day 2 | Overnight Bus to Yangon

After waking up early on almost all the days, on the second last day of this 7 Day Myanmar Road Trip Itinerary, you have the liberty of waking up at your own pace, enjoying that hot cup of tea/coffee from the balcony, and listening to the sounds of nature, and ordering breakfast in your room.

After starting the day on a relaxing note, it’s time to experience the beauty of Inle Lake yet again, as you head towards In Dein Market. Its full-fledged market, where you need to have you’re A Game out, and further hone your bargaining skills.

PS – Please crosscheck the timing for the In Dein Market from the hotel beforehand, and keep a fair bit of cash on you.

You will get all kinds of souvenirs, clothes, etc. All you need to do is bargain, and always keep your eyes and ears open. Chances are that if you are looking to buy something from Shop A, Shop C will be having more variety and will settle for a lower price too. So, don’t get fixated on any one shop.

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Now, it’s time to head back to your hotel, and indulge in some self-pampering. If you are staying at Viewpoint Ecolodge, make sure to book your Spa appointment a day before, else if your hotel doesn’t have an in-house SPA, there are plenty of SPA’s along the road, that you might have seen when you were taking a stroll the previous evening.

Enjoy a sumptuous meal post your SPA session, before making your way towards Red Mountain Estate and Winery. The best way is to cycle all the way. The ambiance here is just perfect to relax, and soak in the moment and enjoy the panoramic views.

For 5000 kyat/person you can try 4 different kind of wines, along with some peanuts, which is totally worth for the experience you get.

Wine Tasting with a view

Sadly, it’s time to head back to your hotel, pack your stuff, and board your overnight bus to Yangon, bringing you to nearly the end of this amazing 7 Day Road Trip Journey across Myanmar.

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Day 7 – Experience Yangon

By the time you’ll open your eyes, you’ll be in Yangon, alighting at the Aung Mingalar Highway Bus Stop – This is where all the buses stop. From here, you need to get a taxi to your hotel. You might be able to get a GRAB as well, but as it will be hot and sultry, and you will be tired, its better if you bargain, and book a taxi on the spot itself.

You’ll get plenty of good options to stay, when you have a glance on Booking.com, but my recommendation would be to stay at Esperado Lake View Hotel, which has a rooftop dining area and a bar, from where you can enjoy panoramic views of the Shwedagon Pagoda and the Yangon Skyline during your Breakfast.

The picturesque Yangon Skyline – Panoramic View from the roof of Esperado Lake View Hotel

Once you have had a king size breakfast, and feel refreshed and energized to discover Yangon – The Last Destination in this 7 Day Myanmar Road Trip Itinerary, get a GRAB to Shwedagon Pagoda – The main attraction in Yangon.

The first visit to the Union of Myanmar cannot be deemed a succes without a visit to the 2,500 years old Shwedagon Pagoda, which enshrines strands of Buddha’s hair and other sacred relics. Found west of the Royal Lake aka Lake Kandawgyi, Shwedagon Pagoda is the most consecrated and noteworthy Buddhist site for the citizens of the Union of Myanmar. Shwedagon Pagoda is secured with many gold plates and the highest point of the stupa is encrusted with 4531 diamonds; the biggest of which is a 72-carat diamond.

PS – Be informed that there is a 10,000 Kyat/head entry fees for Shwedagon Pagoda.

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Next up on the agenda is the famed Circular Train Ride of Yangon, which has been deemed as one of the best ways of experiencing the culture and vibes of Yangon. The Yangon Circular Train dates back to 1954, and as of today, runs on a 45 KM loop taking a total of 3 and a half hours, stopping at 38-40 odd stations, making it, the best way for locals to commute, and for tourists to observe the locals in their element.

PS – Don’t forget to try out the different food items, that vendors will be selling throughout the train journey, as this is what will be your lunch for the day 😜

The best place to start and end your Yangon Circular Train Ride experience is the Yangon Central Railway Station, as the employees here are used to tourists, and are able to understand English.

Post this experience, you can again take a GRAB, and head towards Sule Pagoda, and stroll your way around the old colonial neighbourhood of Yangon. You’ll find plenty of chic cafes frequented by the expats in this area.

Depending on what time it is, you can either choose to take a ferry, and explore the town of Dala on a Trishaw, come back after an hour or so, and head to the night markets; or just relax at a café and directly head to explore Yangon’s Night Markets.

Yangon’s Night Markets are an amazing place for you to indulge in souvenir shopping and trying out different yummy dishes. Not to be missed is taking going on a DIY food walk on the 19th Street in Yangon.

Last but not the least, you have to check out one of the rooftop bar / restaurants in Yangon before calling it a night. Having a cocktail, overlooking the Yangon skyline, will bring a fitting end to this eventful 7 Day Myanmar Road Trip Itinerary.

L to R – ‘E’ – Our Guide from Beyond Boundaries Myanmar, The Vagabong (Debjani) and Me (Arnav) in front of Shwedagon Pagoda

Day 8 – Fly out of Yangon

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Recommendations to make the most out of your Trip to Myanmar

The best time to visit Myanmar is from November – Feburary, as the weather will be pleasant during the days, but might be a bit chillier at night.

If you are visiting between November – February, keep 1-2 warm layers, and pack only those items, which cover your knee as well.

Ideally, if you follow this itinerary, you will be spending 2 nights on the bus, 2 nights in Mandalay, and 1 each in Bagan, Inle Lake and in Yangon.

However, if you were to add a day for Bagan, and another day for Inle Lake, you can explore the less touristy temples in Bagan and do the Kalaw – Inle Lake Trek.

Another interesting option, is to add 2 more days in Yangon and explore Hpa-An – if you are an outdoor enthusiast.

Myanmar Souvenirs you need to Shop to remind you of your Trip to Myanmar

Thanaka – specially for the women

Lacquer Ware

Sand Art Paintings from the artist themselves (You’ll get these in Bagan, so keep an eye out)

Handmade parasols (the bright coloured umbrellas)

The Burmese longyi

Wind chimes

Cigars (Made from 100% natural ingredients)

Jewellery

Puppets

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7 Day Myanmar Golden Kite Road Trip Itinerary – Summarised

Day 0 – Trip Starts | Start towards Mandalay from India via Land Border Crossing at Moreh – Tamu border

Day 1 – Explore Mandalay on Foot – Mandalay Hill | Kyauktawgyi Pagoda | Sandamuni Pagoda | Mahamuni Buddha Temple

Day 2 – Discover the flavours of Mandalay – Go on a food tour | Mingun | U Bein Bridge

Day 3 – Mandalay to Bagan | Mt Popa Sunset Tour

Day 5 – Full Day Inle Lake Tour – Click the famous fishermen of Inle Lake | Visit Lotus Stem Weaving Factory | Cigar Making Factory | Boat Making Factory | Interact with the long-necked women tribe (Kayan tribe)

Day 6 – Visit the In Dein Market | Get a Spa Treatment | Visit the Red Mountain Winery – Overnight Bus to Yangon

Day 8 – Trip Ends | Fly out of Yangon

Hope you guys enjoyed reading about my escapades in Myanmar, and if you have any queries, or need any help in planning a trip to Myanmar, please feel free to drop in a mail to [email protected]

If you enjoyed reading this, and found this 7 Day Myanmar Road Trip Itinerary helpful you might also find these 7 Day Itinerary guides to be extremely helpful

The 7 Day Kerala Itinerary

The 7 Day Israel Itinerary

The 7 Day Bhutan Itinerary

The 7 Day Leh – Ladakh Itinerary

Disclaimer: No compensation was received for this article, however Viewpoint Ecolodge in Inle Lake, and Esperado Lake View Hotel in Yangon offered our stay complimentary, whereas Beyond Boundaries Myanmar, offered us complimentary tours. As always, the opinions on theETLRblog.com are (and always will be) my own!

The 7 Day Myanmar Golden Kite Road Trip Adventure The Ideal 7 Day Myanmar Road Trip Itinerary Myanmar (formerly Burma) is a Southeast Asian nation of more than 100 ethnic groups, bordering…

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eat-travel-live-repeat · 5 years

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Aahana Resort – The Corbett Wilderness

Aahana Resort is a luxurious abode, surrounded by the forests of the Bijrani Zone of Corbett National Park, situated in the state of Uttarakhand in India. The foundations of Aahana Resort, which is just a 5-hour drive from Delhi NCR, were laid in 2002 by Mr Tripathi, who had a vision of creating an abode, not just for the travellers from different corners of the world, but also for the 100+ bird species and 200+ species of flora that can be spotted, in the sprawling 14 acre grounds, where Aahana Resort – The Corbett Wilderness is spread out.

As of today, Aahana Resort – The Corbett Wilderness, is recognized to be one of the most ecologically responsible and sustainable retreats, amidst the wilderness of Corbett National Park.

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The Rooms at Aahana Resort

The 48 rooms are scattered across the 14 acre property, in 6 categories, with the Corbett Club, being the most basic category, and the Rangers Suite being the most luxurious one of the lot, for 2 people.

Corbett Club

Accommodation for – 2 adults, no extra bed

Room Size: 400 – 600 sq. ft.

Bathroom: 70 – 180 sq. ft.

King Size Bed / Two separate beds

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Jims Retreat

Accommodation for – 2 adults and provision for 2 extra bed

1 Bedroom

Room Size: 650 sq. ft.

Bathroom: 70-110 Sq. ft.

Jungle Lore Suite

Accommodation for – 2 adults and provision for 2 extra bed

1 Bedroom and 1 Sitting Room

Room Size: 625-750 sq. ft.

Bathroom: 70-110 Sq. ft.

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Rangers Suite

Accommodation for – 2 adults and provision for 1 extra bed

1 Bedroom and 1 Sitting Room

Room Size: 800 sq. ft.

Bathroom: 125 Sq. ft.

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Aahana Family Suite (2 bed rooms)

Accommodation for – 4 adults and provision for 2 extra beds

2 Bedrooms and 1 sitting room

Room Size: 1050 sq. ft.

Bathroom: 70-100 Sq. ft.

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The Villa

Accommodation for – 8 adults and provision for 2 extra beds 2800 sq. ft.

4 Bedroom (with bathroom en-suite) +1 Sitting room, Patio and Foyer

Balconies (300 sq. ft.) facing jungle and another facing garden

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All the room categories, have a King Size Bed and an enclosed rain shower in the bathrooms. The rooms are equipped with tea/coffee makers, a mini bar fridge, telephone, safe deposit box, 32”/42” LCD TV with Tata Sky connection, 24hrs running hot & cold water and excellent air-conditioning, and either have a balcony or an outdoor sitting area, overlooking the Garden or the Jungle, where one can relax and listen to the sounds of nature.

What to Do in Aahana Resort?

The thing which I absolutely loved after spending some time at Aahana Resort – The Corbett Wilderness was the variety of things I did, during the duration of my stay at Aahana Resort, which not only had an educative element attached to it, but also kept me entertained, and the esthetics of the place, made sure that I found the escape from the chaotic city life, that I was looking for.

Do a Property tour and learn about the Sustainable practices being followed at Aahana – The Corbett Wilderness

As the buildings occupy less than 25% of the total area the resort is spread out in, taking a leisure walk around the property, while learning more about the different species of flora and, the different measures adopted by Aahana Resort in the direction of sustainability, is one of the things, which you should definitely do.

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You’ll notice that, only CFL and LED lights, are used throughout Aahana – The Corbett Wilderness. These lights save power and reduces the emission of carbon dioxide from the generators.

Water conservation is at the heart Aahana Resorts Sustainable initiatives, and is driven by the innovative Root -Zone Treatment through Cannae plant (one of the biggest of its kind in Asia). The plant effectively recycles the waste water, generated and gets reused for safe areas like gardening effectively negating the carbon footprint. The pathways have also been designed, in such a way, that rainwater seeps through them, thus maintaining the underground water table.

When it comes to Solid Waste Management, all biodegradable waste generated within the property is decomposed and utilized as manure for the gardens and organic farming. The non-biodegradable waste, on the other hand, is collected, segregated and sent for recycling, maintaining the ecological balance within the resort.

If you notice, you’ll also see that empty paint boxes are used as dustbins and paper bags are made out of used newspapers.

This 100% waste management program also contributes to their motto of minimising carbon footprints.

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Visit the Naturopathy center and treat yourself to some well-deserved wellness therapy.

Healing occurs in a pleasing and timeless space that creates a sense of wellness, beauty and indulgence at the same time, and the peaceful surrounding Corbett environment, at Aahana – The Corbett Wilderness allows people to relax, rejuvenate and pamper themselves at the same time.

If you are wondering as to why should you indulge in the wellness packages at the Aahana Naturopathy Centre, here’s the answer:

The Treatments on Offer at the Aahana Naturopathy Centre

Visit the onsite Gaushala and Sewage Treatment Plant at Aahana – The Corbett Wilderness

Yes, you read it right!

Aahana Resort maintains a fully operational Gaushala onsite, and all the dairy products used on site, are freshly sourced from here.

Also, did you know that Aahana Resort also has one of Asia’s biggest and most unique Sewage Treatment Plant, which uses Canna Root Zone System?

In this process, there is no use of electricity and chemicals and 100% waste water from the facility is recycled to provide clean water for gardening.

Do Bird-watching

Did you know that you can spot over a 100-different species of birds, in and around the sprawling 14-acre resort?

If you have an interest in birdwatching, meet the in-house naturologist, who will give you some tips on the different features of the birds, and how you can spot them in their natural habitat.

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Enjoy a swim in the pool by the jungle

Overlooking the Multi Cuisine Restaurant is the Swimming Pool, and Swimming in this pool adjoining the jungle is a unique experience as it gives you a feeling of swimming in water with the jungle in the backdrop.

Go for a Corbett Jeep safari in the Corbett National Park

Away from the confines of mundane life, the Corbett Jeep safari is a journey into the world that is still untouched by mechanization.

Several species of deer, sloth bear, wild boar, fresh water dolphin, leopard, the marsh mugger and gharial crocodiles, over 450 species of birds and the elusive, nocturnal Royal Bengal tiger, call the vast jungles of Jim Corbett National Park.

In a nutshell, Aahana Resort – The Corbett Wilderness, is one of the few properties, where deliberate and conscious steps have been taken to follow sustainable practices, while keeping the luxury element intact and ensuring that no stone is left unturned, when it comes to providing the best experiences to the guests staying here.

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How to Reach Aahana Resort – The Corbett Wilderness?

Complete Address

Vill. Sawaldeh PO Semalkhaliya,

Jim Corbett National Park,

Ramnagar Nainital, India – 244715

Phone – +91-7088600021 Email id – [email protected]

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By Air

The closest airport to Aahana Resort is the Pantnagar airport, 70 km away, and the concierge at Aahana – The Corbett Wilderness, will be more than helpful, in arranging a pick up from the airport.

By Rail

Ramnagar railway station is just a 15 minutes’ drive from the resort.

By Road

Drive from New Delhi NCR to the Resort is 5 hrs, and the popular tourist lake town of Nainital, is roughly a 2-hour drive from the Resort.

State transport buses also ply between Ramnagar and nearby hubs like Delhi, Dehradun and Chandigarh.

Disclaimer : No compensation was received for this article, however Aahana – The Corbett Wilderness offered my stay complimentary. As always, the opinions on theETLRblog.com are (and always will be) my own!

PS : Images are either owned by the Author (Arnav Mathur) or by Aahana – The Corbett Wilderness, and all rights remain with them.

Aahana – The Corbett Wilderness | A Property Review Aahana Resort - The Corbett Wilderness Aahana Resort is a luxurious abode, surrounded by the forests of the Bijrani Zone of Corbett National Park…

#2019 #Corbett #Eat Travel Live Repeat #ETLR Travel Diaries 2019 #Experiences #Incredible India #Property Review #travel blogger #Travel with ETLR #Uttarakhand #Weekend Trip

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eat-travel-live-repeat · 5 years

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Top 10 Things to Do in Bhutan – The Land of Thundering Dragon

Top 10 Things To Do In Bhutan – The Last Shangri La

Bhutan – The Kingdom of Happiness remains unexplored, and unseen by millions of travellers till date, but is on the bucket list of a lot of people around the world. Read along to find the Top 10 Things To Do In Bhutan that will give you an exhaustive experience of Bhutan.

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#2019 #Bhutan #Eat Travel Live Repeat #Experiences #Himalayas #offbeat #travel blogger #Travel Tips #Travel with ETLR

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A 7 Day Trip to Bhutan - The Last Shangri La

A 7 Day Trip to Bhutan – The Last Shangri La

7 Day Itinerary for Bhutan – The Last Shangri La

Bhutan, is the Land of Thunder Dragon, the Last Shangri La, a Kingdom unconquered by the world’s stresses, and a country with “literally” the happiest people in the world.

This Last Shangri La hasn’t been much unexplored, and remains unseen by millions of travellers. However, this 7-day itinerary to Bhutan – The Last Shangri La, has a little bit…

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#2019 #adventure #Bhutan #Eat Travel Live Repeat #ETLR Travel Diaries 2019 #ETLR With Arnav #Experiences #Himalayas #Itinerary #offbeat #travel blog #Travel with ETLR

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eat-travel-live-repeat · 6 years

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Weekend Getaway from Delhi | Fredy's Bungalow | Property Review

Weekend Getaway from Delhi | Fredy’s Bungalow | Property Review

Just a few hours’ drive from Delhi, is this quaint heritage bungalow. Which is where you should be heading to along with your friends and families for a nice relaxing weekend getaway.

Managed and maintained by Itmenaan Lodges, Fredy’s Bungalow, is a European style home. Refurbished into a boutique hotel back in 2014, while keeping its authenticity and heritage intact.

And no matter in which of…

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#2019 #Bhimtal #Eat Travel Live Repeat #Experiences #Incredible India #Luxury Resort #Nainital #North India #Property Review #travel blogger #Travel with ETLR #Uttarakhand

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eat-travel-live-repeat · 6 years

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Best Road trips around the World

7 Road Trips that you need to take before you turn 40 Great Ocean Road – Australia

Taking a trip along the Great Ocean Road is on the bucket list of almost all travellers passing by Australia. The road passes through some of Australia’s most stunning coastline, taking in rainforest, sunburnt cliffs, shipwrecks, and, of course, the famous Twelve Apostles (a formation of rock pillars up to 200…

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#2018 #Amalfi Coast #Atlantic Road #Australia #Eat Travel Live Repeat #Experiences #Iceland #Italy #Leh Ladakh #offbeat #roadtrip #travel blog #Travel with ETLR

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eat-travel-live-repeat · 7 years

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Top 10 Attractions That are a MUST VISIT in MEXICO

Top 10 Attractions to visit in Mexico

Going on a trip to Mexico? You might have already bought your tickets, arranged for a dog sitter and accommodation-wise, you’re practically settled; all you have to do now is pick among your top three houses for rent in Mexico. Except for one thing—where do you go? There are tons of attractions, so it just might drive you crazy choosing where to go. To help…

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#2018 #Eat Travel Live Repeat #Experiences #Guest Blog #Mexico #offbeat #Travel with ETLR

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eat-travel-live-repeat · 7 years

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The Beauty of Sok San Beach Resort

3 Days in Sok San Beach Resort

Koh Rong was our second destination during our Cambodian leg of our Vietnam and Cambodia trip. To be honest, Koh Rong was never on our radar during our trip planning sessions. It was only later, maybe one month prior to our departure from Kolkata, did Koh Rong, appear on our Itinerary, and that too primarily because MAADS wanted to host us in another one of their…

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#2017 #Cambodia #Eat Travel Live Repeat #ETLR Travel Diaries 2017 #Experiences #Luxury Resort #MAADS #Property Review #travel blog #Travel with ETLR

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The Phnom Penh City Guide

Phnom Penh is one of the main cities in Cambodia in terms of the tourist inflow and the level of modernization in the city. Everyone who plans a trip to Vietnam or Thailand, makes it a point to include Cambodia in the itinerary, primarily for Angkor Wat. If one comes from Vietnam, one can easily take a bus to Phnom Penh which costs around 18 USD per head. The border crossing via land is pretty…

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#2017 #Cambodia #Eat Travel Live Repeat #ETLR Travel Diaries 2017 #Experiences #Luxury #Luxury Resort #offbeat #Property Review #Travel with ETLR

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Templation by MAADS - Property Review

Templation by MAADS – Property Review

Templation by MAADS is literally a sprawling Oasis barely 4 KM away from the mighty Angkor Wat, in the city of Siem Reap in Cambodia, and I consider myself lucky to have experienced the aura of this place in person.

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Templation by MAADS – Location

The location of Templation is one of the biggest USP, as it is conveniently located 3 KM from the Angkor Ticketing Complexin one direction and…

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The CabinZero Backpack Review

Little did I know, that a surprise was waiting at home for me, when I was wandering in the high altitude passes in the Land of Passes – Leh Ladakh.

On reaching back, that surprise was waiting for me all packed up. Within moments, I unpacked it and the moment I realised what it was, my joy knew no bounds whatsoever.

A brand new 44L Royal Blue Colour CabinZero backpack was there looking at me, and…

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#2017 #CabinZero #Product Review #Reviews #Travel with ETLR #traveloholic

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The 7 day Leh - Ladakh Itinerary

All you need to know to take The 7 day Trip to Leh – Ladakh this year

Leh, the main town in the district of Ladakh, in Jammu and Kashmir, India is without a doubt one of the most beautiful places in India. Being at a high altitude, the access remains restricted throughout the year, with roads being blocked for as long as 6 months. The roads usually open up in the month of May till Sept – October (the best time for the 7 day Trip to Leh – Ladakh), and June – August…

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eat-travel-live-repeat · 4 years

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A Foodie’s Guide to Bir Billing – The Paragliding Capital of India

Bir is a town situated in the west of Joginder Nagar Valley in the state of Himachal Pradesh in northern India. Now popular as the “Paragliding Capital of India“, Bir is likewise a prominent centre for ecotourism, spiritual studies and meditation. Bir is also home to a significant Tibetan refugee settlement with severable known Buddhist Monasteries . While Billing is the take off site for paragliding and Bir is where the landing site is; collectively it is referred to as “Bir Billing”.

In the past few years, Bir has become quite popular with the travellers, specially with those who are living the Digital Nomad Life. Popular hostel chains such as Zostel, The Hosteller, The Bunker etc have opened up properties in Bir, catering to the demand of the growing travellers, and likewise the Cafe culture has also grown and developed in the past 2-3 years.

A lot of creative minds, who chose to escape the city life and move to the mountains, have made Bir their home now! And the fact that there are direct buses plying between Bir and Delhi on a daily basis, has contributed significantly in the growth of tourism in the Paragliding Capital of India.

All these factors have made Bir Billing not only a popular Weekend Getaway destination, but also one of India’s growing Digital Nomad Hotspot.

I was fortunate to have spent around 2 weeks in March 2020 (Before Coronavirus aka COVID – 19 was declared an Pandemic by WHO), in Bir Billing, getting High on Himalayas, with a bunch of amazing people, and trying out different dishes to Eat in Bir Billing, on a daily basis, which helped compile this Bir Billing Food Guide, which mainly highlights what’s special to Eat in the different cafes and restaurants in Bir Billing.

These places have been listed in chronological order, with respect to their location, as you walk from Choughan Chowk towards Landing Site in Bir.

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Steamed and Fried Momos – Ram Bahadur Cafe

If you have a craving Momos, there’s no place better than Ram Bahadur Cafe !

This small ordinary looking food joint, holds a special place in the hearts of everyone who stays in Bir!

They have got Vegetable / Chicken / Mutton as a filling, which can be enjoyed either steamed, or fried. And my recommendation would be the Chicken Fried Momos, with spoonfuls of the yummy spicy chutney!

PS – Their momo chutney is to die for – just yummmm!

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Thukpa and Devil Momo’s – Nyingma Restaurant

Another few steps from Ram Bahadur Cafe towards Gandhi Chowk, and you’ll find Nyingma Hotel – a bright yellow structure, on the Left side of the road.

This will look like one expensive restaurant, because of the plush interiors, but trust me, the rates are pretty economical, and the food tastes yummy.

While the restaurant serves a variety of dishes, I found the Thukpa and the Devil Momos to be the highlights at Nyingma Restaurant. And Ginger Lemon Honey tea of course.

Unlike a lot of places, where the Thukpa turns out to be either bland, or too spicy, the Thukpa here is just perfectly balanced, and pretty heavy too!

Devil Momos are basically fried momos, tossed and served in a spicy garlic gravy.

If you are looking for a place where you can chat with your friends, while having some really sumptuous food, Nyingma Restaurant is the place to be!

TBH, I found this to be one of Bir Billings hidden gems, with respect to this Bir Billing Food Guide ! You will mostly find locals here, rather than the tourists and travellers!

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Hogging on Momos in Bir, be it fried, steamed or the devil momos, will forever remain one of my Most Memorable Experiences in the Himalayas.

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Home Cooked Food – Kuckie’s Cafe

Kuckie’s Cafe deserves a special mention in this Bir Billing Food Guide !

Why ? You may ask ?

Well, ask any one who has been staying in Bir for a while, where they go to when they crave some Home Cooked food, and the answer will be unanimous – Kuckie’s Cafe !

The food served by Kuckie Aunty is simple, but yummy, and not that heavy on the pocket. The moment you step in Kuckie’s Cafe, you’ll feel as if, you’ve entered the living room of your house, and having a few words with Aunty will make you feel at home.

Whether you are looking for a quiet place to read a book, or work, or simply have a conversation – Its very easy to find a spot for yourself at Kuckie’s Cafe.

BTW if you are looking for a place to volunteer, Aunty is always on the lookout for a helping hand.

Yummy Home Cooked Food

Ghar ka Khaana

Kuckie’s Cafe

Hot Chocolate – June16

The strategic location of June16 Cafe, makes it one of the most popular and frequented cafes in Bir Billing, where travellers can be seen throughout the day, sipping a hot beverage like hot chocolate or coffee chatting with other travellers, and Digital Nomads, engrossed in their work, while sipping some yummy Hot Chocolate, which is what I would recommend you to try out as well.

Hot Chocolate @ June 16 Cafe

Vada Pav and Cutting Chai – Bombay Local

If you are craving some authentic and yummy Maharashtrian street food, such as Vada Pav and Pav Bhaji, along with the famed Cutting Chai, Bombay Local is where you should go to.

The Vada Pav is economically priced at INR 40, and will definitely take you back to the streets of Mumbai or Pune.

Vada Pav @ Bombay Local

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Pasta’s and Fresh Green Salads – Paloma Vegan Bistro

Probably the only Cafe in Bir Billing, that caters only to Vegan Food.

Paloma Vegan Bistro serves some really delectable cakes, pastas and fresh salads, which you should definitely try.

Fresh Green Salad @ Paloma Vegan Bistro

Himachali Siddu – The Northern Cafe

The Northern Cafe is one of the best places to catch the famed sunsets of Bir, with a panoramic view of the landing site in front, and the mighty Himalayas on the back.

While the food is a bit pricey here, its one of the few restaurants and cafes in Bir Billing, where you can have the traditional Himachali Siddu. Also to try are the yummy pakoras, while enjoying the sunset.

Also, if you are a Digital Nomad, and are looking for a quiet place to work, I would highly recommend you to make The Northern Cafe, as your workspace during the day, when there aren’t that many travellers present.

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Mint Ice Tea – Musafir – The Traveller’s Cafe

If you are a traveler and are interested in the Indie Music scene, you might be aware about Musicathon Bir. Musafir Cafe is where it all started!

The Mint Ice Tea is sort of a legend, and I highly recommend you try it at Musafir – The Traveller’s Cafe, while enjoying the sunset, with soft Indie Music playing in the background.

If you are an artist, you are going to love the vibes at Musafir Cafe for sure.

I’ve also heard that their chicken curry is also quite sumptuous. So if you happen to stay here post sunset, you might want to check it out.

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South Indian Food – Avva’s Cafe

Strategically located beyond the Landing Site in Bir Billing, overlooking the green terraced fields, Avva’s Cafe, serves the best South Indian Food in Bir Billing. Period.

Yes, dining at Avva’s cafe, will be a bit heavy on the pocket, but the moment you’ll have your first bite, you’ll realise, that its worth every penny.

The idlis are going to melt in your mouth, the sambar is perfectly balanced and is neither too sweet nor too spicy, the coconut chutney is something that you’ll keep asking more and more, the dosas will be crisp with just the right amount of filling. And did I forget to tell that, you’ll get Rasam with kaala chana on the house.

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Avva’s Cafe has one of the Best views in Bir Billing, from where you can see the gliders fly in the sky, all day long.

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Bnoffee Pie – Silver Linings

Another quaint cafe, famous with artists, digital nomads and the local community is the Silver Lining Cafe, just opposite Avva’s Cafe.

What usually happens is that, travellers have a heavy meal at Avva’s Cafe, and then cross the road and make their way to Silver Lining Cafe, where they just chill, connect with other travellers, and enjoy their cup of coffee!

The Bnoffee Pie along with Coffee is what I’ll recommend you to try at Silver Lining.

Bnoffee Pie @ Silver Linings

Anything and Everything – Kaafila

Tucked in the bylanes of Chaughan village, amidst bright yellow fields with the backdrop of snow clad peaks is a quaint cafe named Kaafila – from the streets of Bombay that offers you a slice of Bombay in the mountains.

From the iconic Bombay wada pav to pav bhaji and other mouth watering delicacies of mumbai street food, Kaafila serves it all.

Occasionally, you can find artistic souls creating soothing music or just leaving their footprints behind by painting a part of them on their art wall. Also, on bright sunny days they bake amazing sweet treats too giving you a complete experience of a guilty food trip filled with tons of entertainment as you connect with fellow travellers!

They also host pizza and burger nights, live sports streaming nights, BBQ and bonfire nights and gaming nights where the community of travellers meets and interacts with each other.

Musafir Cafe as mentioned above in this Bir Billing Food Guide, was previously where Kaafila, is today.

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Vegetarian Thaali – Suryansh Bhojnalaya

This is the only place in this Bir Billing Food Guide, which is not near the landing site in Bir Billing, but on the highway from Bir to Palampur. Its 4 – 5 KM from the landing site, and the best way to go there is in a cab / your own vehicle if applicable.

The speciality of Suryansh Bhojnalaya serving only Vegetarian food is the Himachali Thaali and its pretty simple and straightforward affair. The food is sumptuous, healthy, and very economical.

One Thali for INR 150, is sufficient to feed two people, if they are not that hungry.

Himachali Thali @ Suryansh Bhojnalaya

Maggi and Chai – Multiple Places

This goes without saying, that the joy of having piping hot Maggi, while sipping Chai, is an experience thats synonymous with getting High on Himalayas.

Any any trip to the mountains is incomplete, if you haven’t sipped hot Chai, and slurped the Masala Maggi, while enjoying the view of the mighty Himalayas.

Getting Maggi and Chai in the mountains, is very easy, and can be found at multiple places through out Bir Billing, but the ones where you’ll have the best experience, are literally in the lap of the Mountains, away from the town.

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I hope you enjoyed going through this Bir Billing Food Blog, and found it as a useful Travel Resource for your Trip to Bir Billing. Don’t forget to Pin this Bir Billing Food Guide, for your future trip.

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eat-travel-live-repeat · 4 years

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Did you know that Cambodia is home to South-East Asia’s Largest Freshwater Lake – Tonle Sap ? Cambodia is also one of the few countries where luxury is very affordable. And despite having the eighth wonder of the world in its backyard, Cambodia’s real treasure is its people, as they have been to hell and back, struggling through years of bloodshed, poverty and political instability. Facts like these make Cambodia difficult to resist for the travellers, and if you haven’t yet been to Cambodia, it’s time to plan your Trip to Cambodia with this 7 Day Cambodia Travel Itinerary.

As you scroll down and go through this suggested One Week Cambodia Travel Itinerary, you will realise that this Cambodia Travel Guide, might be the one of the most useful travel resources that you might need in order to plan an epic Trip to Cambodia – The home of Angkor Wat.

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The 7 Day Cambodia Travel Itinerary

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Day 1 – Arrive in Phnom Penh

Chances are that you might either reach Phnom Penh by flight, or by bus from Ho Chi Minh City aka Saigon in Vietnam, to start this epic 7 Day Trip to Cambodia, and will be travel fatigued. So the best option is to relax at your hotel, and head out a while before sunset. This way you can enjoy a nice stroll along the boulevard, adjacent to the Mekong River, followed by exploring the Phnom Penh Night Market.

Day 2 – Killing Fields and S – 21 Prison | Phnom Penh Exporation

The first half of Day 2 of this 7 Day Cambodia Travel Itinerary, will go in visiting the Killing Fields and the S-21 Prison.

The Choeung Ek memorial is about a 45-minute drive from Phnom Penh. We highly recommend in this Cambodia Travel Guide that you combine the visit of both the S-21 Prison and The Killing Fields, for the sake of historical context.

Many of those who perished under the Khmer Rouge regime ended up in one of the dozens of ‘killing fields’ that can be found scattered across the country. These killing fields were ad hoc places of execution and dumping grounds for bodies.

Prior to 1975, Choeung Ek near Phnom Penh was an orchard and a Chinese cemetery. But under the Khmer Rouge the area became one of the infamous killing fields. This particular killing field is the site of the brutal executions of approximately 17,000 men, women and children, most of whom had first been through interrogation, torture and deprivation in the S-21 Prison (now the Toul Sleng Genocide Museum) in Phnom Penh.

After the fall of the regime, memorials were set up at many of the sites, some containing the bones and remnants of victims gathered from the area.

Post lunch, explore the different markets of Phnom Penh such as the Russian Market, Central Market, The Old Market or The Olympic Market, or visit other Phnom Penh attractions such as the Royal Palace, Wat Phnom, Silver Pagoda and the National Museum.

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Day 3 – Bus / Flight to Sihanoukville | Boat to Koh Rong

After exploring Phnom Penh, it’s time to relax by the beach. And there’s no place better, than the Koh Rong Islands off Sihanoukville.

To reach Sihanoukville, you can either take a morning bus from Phnom Penh, or even a flight. Once you reach Sihanoukville, it’s time to get on a speedboat and make your way to the Koh Rong Islands.

By the time you will reach, it will be post lunch, so after checking in your resort, and a quick nap later, you can enjoy a magnificent Sunset from the jetty of your resort, followed by the evening at your leisure.

Day 4 – Koh Rong Activities

Start the day with a hearty breakfast at the inhouse restaurant, on day 4 of this 7 day Cambodia Travel Itinerary, after which you can opt for a plethora of activities to do around your resort in the Koh Rong Islands, such as Scuba Diving, Snorkelling, Island Hopping Tour or a private boat tour to the nearby floating village and the mangrove forests. All you have to do is, fix up the schedule for the day, with the hotel concierge.

Day 5 – Boat to Sihanoukville | Bus / Flight to Phnom Penh

Post breakfast, head back to Sihanoukville on a boat from your hotel in the Koh Rong Islands, and then head back to Phnom Penh for the night, either by bus or by flight.

Once back in Phnom Penh, you have the option of staying for the night at the same hotel where you stayed before, or in a floating bungalow, known as Flotation by MAADS, on the Mekong River, overlooking the Phnom Penh skyline.

Enter the Bungalow Complex

And we highly recommend, in this Cambodia Travel Blog, for you to get this unique experience, of spending the night in a fully functional floating bungalow complex.

This will definitely turn out to be one of the most memorable experiences of your 7 Day Trip to Cambodia.

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Day 6 – Bus / Flight to Siem Reap

After exploring Phnom Penh and Koh Rong Islands, it’s time to head to Siem Reap – Home to the famous Angkor Wat, and also the last destination in this Epic One Week Trip to Cambodia.

This you can do, by either taking a bus or flight from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap. While the former will be a cheaper alternative, the latter will be a quicker option.

Reach Siem Reap, check into your hotel, and, around sunset head out to explore the night markets and the famous Siem Reap Pub Street.

An interesting addition to your 7 Day Cambodia Travel Itinerary will be the Siem Reap Brew Pub, where you can head to before going to the Pub Street, and have a brewery tour and taste the different varieties of the inhouse beer.

Day 7 – Angkor Wat Full Day Exploration

It’s the last day of your Trip to Cambodia, and no trip to Cambodia is complete without witnessing the sunrise at Angkor Wat and exploring the different temples in the Angkor Wat complex.

Angkor Wat, as you already might be aware of is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most iconic and important archaeological sites in South – East Asia. The word ‘Angkor’ means ‘capital city’ in the Khmer language, while the word ‘Wat’ means ‘temple’. It was originally built in the first half of the 12th century as a Hindu temple. Spread across more than 400 acres, Angkor Wat is said to be the largest religious monument in the world.

Did you know that Angkor Wat was originally dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu, but became a Buddhist temple by the end of the 12th century.

In order to catch the famous Angkor Wat Sunrise, you need to start your day early, probably by around 5 AM, so you can first head to the ticketing complex,and then to Angkor Wat for the sunrise. After the sunrise, you can make your way back to the hotel for the complimentary breakfast. Around midday, you can resume your Angkor Wat exploration, at your own pace. In case you need any help or guidance, the hotel concierge, will be more than willing to help you out, and make your life easy.

Day 8 – Trip Ends and Departure from Cambodia

After spending One Week in Cambodia, starting from Phnom Penh, then to Koh Rong Islands, and finally to Siem Reap, it’s time to end the trip, with bucket loads of happy memories and memorable experiences, and depart from Cambodia to your next destination.

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Where to Stay in Phnom Penh ?

The Pavilion

This Heritage Oasis Hotel, located a few steps from the Royal Palace and the Wat Botum (Royal Pagoda), comprises four period buildings, including Queen Kossamak’s former residence, giving out a sense of timeless tranquility among exuberant flora. Two large swimming pools each one with its own atmosphere and set up in a distinct part of the property, and private plunge pools contribute to the oasis feel of a place where each and every one of the accommodations keeps its own character and atmosphere.

All 36 rooms and suites at The Pavilion retain a distinctive character. There are rooms fitting all kinds of budgets and comforts. And the hotel has a strict policy of only 16 + aged guests, which kind of makes the whole atmosphere romantic and relaxing.

The location of The Pavilion is a huge plus point, as is its walking distance from the riverfront, where one can find a plethora of options to dine. There are few supermarkets as well, in the vicinity where you can get the fix of practically anything.

Flotation by MAADS

If you are really looking for some unique offbeat experience, then, in this Cambodia Travel Blog, we highly recommend you to spend a night in the Floating Bungalow by Flotation Phnom Penh.

The Floating bungalow complex comprises a bar, restaurant and of course a king size bedroom, overlooking the Phnom Penh skyline.

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The River Suite comes with a lounging terrace, a large and stylish double bedroom with king size bed and sofas, a bathroom and separate toilets. Screen windows open to the majestic Mekong and magical views over the city, so close and yet so far away.

If you are lucky, and get a cloudless sky, you are in for a memorable sunset and a glorious sunrise the next day.

Where to Stay in Koh Rong ?

Sok San Beach Resort

Sok San Beach Resort, Koh Rong island, is a traditional yet modern Khmer-style hotel located on one of the most beautiful islands of Cambodia.

Sok San Beach Resort is located in an idyllic and untouched location in Koh Rong – a 78 km2, lightly populated island where rainforest-covered hills, pristine mangrove estuaries and miles of pure white sand invite you to explore natural wonders.

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During the duration of the stay at Sok San Beach Resort, the guests can indulge in a wide range of activities like Snorkeling, Scuba Diving, Fishing, Kayaking, Island Hopping, or even take a Sunset Cruise. If you are lucky and the weather is in your favour then Plankton Discovery should definitely top your list of activities to do at Sok San Beach Resort. Mind you all these activities are decently priced with the average rate of around 20 – 25 USD per activity per head.

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Where to Stay in Siem Reap ?

Templations

Templation by MAADS is literally a sprawling Oasis barely 4 KM away from the mighty Angkor Wat, in the city of Siem Reap in Cambodia.

The location of Templation is one of the biggest USP, as it is conveniently located 3 KM from the Angkor Ticketing Complex in one direction and the mighty Angkor Wat, just 4 KM, in the other direction, which can be reached in as less as 5 minutes, which is like a blessing in disguise specially when you intend to witness a sunrise at Angkor Wat.

There are 33 suites and villas spread out throughout the property, along with an in house Spa, Gym, Restaurant and Bar; and while you can choose from The Junior Suite, The Pool Suite and The Pool Villa, our recommendation in this Cambodia Travel Guide would be to go for the Pool Suite.

Click here for a detailed Property Review of Templation by MAADS.

There you go, here’s our 7 Day Cambodia Travel Itinerary to discover the best of Cambodia in One Week. The Kingdom of Cambodia has a lot to offer to the travellers, such as the warm, welcoming and hospitable locals; the rich culture; the delectable Khmer cuisine; the budget friendly prices; among others.

Tips and Recommendations

# Spend 3-4 days in Siem Reap, take the 3 day Angkor Wat pass (value for money) and explore the unexplored corners of the Angkor Wat Archeological Park on cycle at your own pace. Also include a sunrise / sunset trip to Tonle Sap – South East Asia’s largest freshwater lake.

# Spend a few extra days in Cambodia and explore the cities of Kampot and Battambang.

# Carry your own water bottle, refill it wherever possible and keep yourself hydrated at all times.

# Also, make it a point to keep some munchies in your day pack, whenever you head out to explore anything, or anywhere in Cambodia.

# Be Responsible. Don’t throw your trash anywhere, rather keep it with you and properly dispose it off at your hotel at the end of the day.

# Support the locals. You’ll find a couple of artists in and around Angkor Wat, creating art and trying to sell. Do take a moment to appreciate their efforts, and shop from them, without haggling much. And trust me, these handmade drawings / paintings make for awesome gifts and souvenirs.

7 Day Cambodia Travel Itinerary – Summarized

Day 1 – Arrive in Phnom Penh | Promenade Walk and Phnom Penh Night Market

Day 2 – Killing Fields and S-21 Prison | Phnom Penh Exporation

Day 3 – Bus / Flight to Sihanoukville | Boat to Koh Rong

Day 4 – Koh Rong Activities

Day 5 – Boat to Sihanoukville | Bus / Flight to Phnom Penh | Stay in a Floating Bungalow

Day 6 – Bus / Flight to Siem Reap | Siem Reap Pub Street and Night Market

Day 7 – Angkor Wat Full Day Exploration

Day 8 – Departure from Cambodia

Now that you’ve got a good idea about what all destinations you should visit in Cambodia, where should you stay in Phnom Penh, Koh Rong and Siem Reap, and about the different things to do on your Trip to Cambodia, it’s highly recommended that you, get a Travel Insurance and check if you need a Visa to travel to Cambodia.

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We hope you found this 7 Day Cambodia Travel Itinerary, to be of help to you, as a reliable Travel Resource for planning your Trip to Cambodia. Don’t forget to Pin these images, and save this One Week Cambodia Travel Itinerary, for future travel planning.

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One Week in Cambodia | Travel Itinerary and Guide Did you know that Cambodia is home to South-East Asia’s Largest Freshwater Lake - Tonle Sap…

#7 Day Travel Itinerary #Cambodia #Eat Travel Live Repeat #ETLR Travel Diaries 2017 #Itinerary #Luxury Resort #Property Review #Siem Reap #travel blog

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