Author: Yusuf Chachia
Golden Temple, a place of devotion and peace
Religion or faith have no bar here. You could even be non-religious. Yet, the sanctity of Harmandir Sahib, popularly known as Golden Temple will touch your heart. It is located in the city of Amritsar in one of the northern states of India, Punjab.
Main entrance of the Golden Temple in Amritsar
The long path in the lake is the approach to the main temple. Inspite of round the clock devotees, discipline prevails.
The Golden Temple is the most revered gurudwara for the Sikhs. Harmandir Sahib is its official name. But due to its the gold plated building, devotees lovingly refer to it as the Golden Temple.
The main building of the Golden Temple is surrounded by a lake. People of all religions come here in huge numbers to offer prayers and take a dip in this supposedly holy lake.
We spent an entire day at the Golden temple. Spent hours sitting by the lake on the sparkling clean floor, admiring the beautiful Golden Temple in front. We could just feel the devotion in the air.
Golden Temple in the golden hours
Both the sunrise and the sunset are glorious in the premises of the Golden Temple.
As the sun sets, the Golden Temple is bathed in beautiful yellow and blue lights. You can actually spend the entire night at the Golden Temple. Just get a sleeping mat and lie down on the marble around the holy lake and enjoy a blissful night.
The long wait in the queue to get inside the Golden Temple is totally worth it. Have patience as the queue slowly but steadily inches forward. Because The insides have to be seen to be believed. Photography isn’t permitted inside. You have to store in your memory the beauty that accosts you. It is two floors of sheer brilliance. Probably even more beautiful than the Taj Mahal!
Take all your time to soak in the art around you, the music reverberating inside.
Culinary tourism around the Golden Temple
Food from Punjab is the most well known cuisine across the world. And Amritsar is brimming with “dhabas“. These are small, traditional eateries run by the same family fro generations. We went to one of the oldest such dhabas, named Kesar da Dhaba.
It is over a hundred year old establishment in the maze-like markets of old Amritsar is famous for cooking all their food in “desi ghee” (Indian equivalent of butter). Like all things Indian (food), it is rich, tasty and devoid of preservatives.
We had a lavish lunch of Dal Makhani, Chole and Paratha in the Punjabi Thali in Amritsar at Keasr da Dhaba. For the non-Indians, that is: Buttered lentil curry, Bengal gram pulses cooked in a spicy curry and layered Indian bread.
This single “thali” (meal plate) was more than enough for the two of us. All one should ideally do after eating this is find a beautiful tree, lie down in its shade and dream of the culinary extravaganza you have just experienced.
Visit to the Wagah Border in Amritsar
While visiting the Golden Temple, we also did a half day trip to the “lowering of the flags” or the Beating Retreat ceremony. It is performed jointly everyday by the armed forces of both the countries. It is one of the major tourist attractions in Amritsar.
Outside the Golden Temple, you will find hordes or taxi drivers asking if you would like to visit the Wagah border. There isn’t much difference in the prices and services that they offer. Just pick one that agrees to leave at the earliest.
But really, the main reason you should visit the city of Amritsar is the Golden Temple. Right from the langar and the volunteers to the ghee laden prasad, everything will touch your heart. Unlike many other religious places in India, Golden Temple is untouched by commercialism. The Golden Temple is what a religious place should ideally be. It gave us a holy experience to the fullest.
Top 10 things to do in Madinah during Umrah
Are you planning on a trip to Madinah during Umrah and have already booked your Umrah package ? But how can you get the best of this city? Madinah is a wonderful city with many things to do, explore and see.
Here are some of the things you should definitely not miss on your Umrah trip to Madinah if you are looking forward to an extremely memorable journey to this amazing place…
Prophet’s Mosque – Masjid Al-Nabawi
This extremely stunning mosque takes the second place when it comes to the holiest places in Islam with the first being Masjid al Haram.
It is here that the Islam’s most revered Messenger, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is buried. It is marked by a beautiful green Dome that is considered to be one of the most beautiful domes in Islam.
The beautiful umbrellas seem to be another signature mark of this mosque. A visit to the Prophet’s mosque lying in the heart of Madinah is a must. Your trip to Madinah is going to be incomplete without visiting this most important landmark of the place.
The Quba Mosque
Quba Mosque is known to be the oldest mosque in Islam and stands among the 3 historically important mosques in Madinah.
It’s high reverence and importance lies in the fact that it was founded by Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) on his way to Madinah from Mecca.
Even though it is so old, it has a distinct beauty to it and what can be more beautiful than being built by the best man the world has ever seen. Still not convinced? Take a look at its pictures to instantly know why it is a must visit mosque!
Masjid al-Qiblatain
If architecture is your thing you will instantly fall in love with this mosque. It consists of a traditional design with minarets, twin domes and a raised prayer hall.
What makes this mosque unique? Every mosque has a qibla that is the direction in which Muslims pray which is the Holy Kaaba in Mecca. However, at the time of this mosque the qibla pointed in the direction of Jerusalem.
Then the revelation from Allah instructed the Muslims to pray in the direction of Kaaba after which all the mosques had to change their qiblas.
Mount Uhud
Uhud is a group of mountains 7 kilometers in length and 3 kilometers wide located in the northern side of the city and you can go there on foot.
This mountain has significance in the history of Islam pertaining to the famous Battle of Uhud fought during the life of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
You will find street vendors selling different kinds of products and also little markets at this mountain.
What you should NOT miss is climbing to the top of the mountain and giving your eyes a treat of an incredible view with a beautiful landscape surrounding it.
The best of restaurants
Do you have a taste for different kinds of food? This city will give you a huge variety of places to have your dinner and some must-try restaurants.
Step into any restaurant and enjoy Arabic cuisine. Apart from Arabic cuisine, you can find many Pakistani and Indian restaurants plus some great western food chains spread throughout the city.
Let your tongue revel in the taste it likes!
Yanbu Beach
Now who doesn’t love beaches! 200km away from Madinah, you will find a beautiful green oasis by the name of Yanbu beach. The old town of Yanbu doesn’t only offer a beach but also a modern shopping tour.
Are you into diving, snorkeling or other water sports? The coast is just perfect for your water sports interests. Don’t forget to see the coral reefs and aquatic life.
When you are done with the beach fun, do skim through Al Balad which includes new buildings and huge shopping malls. This old city is a treat to the eyes with traditional desert architecture and Bedouin buildings.
The Desert at Mada’in Saleh
Are you someone who deeply desired to visit a desert? Then don’t miss it this time! The desert at Mada’in Saleh is located south of Al Nafud. This is no doubt one of the most incredible sights that you will find in the entire Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Leave your hotel early because you need time to drive to this place and explore the site.
Want to know how this place got its name? According to the Holy Book of Quran, people of Thamud settled here after Prophet Noah.
Thamudis are known for carving huge homes in the mountains, the remains of which you are likely to see here. Prophet Saleh was sent to these people and thus the name Mada’in Saleh but they didn’t listen to him and the place was struck by lightning blasts and an earth quake as a punishment.
The malls of Madinah
Shopping malls might not even hit the chord in your mind in this historically religious city but Madinah is home to some of the finest malls in Saudi Arabia.
You can spend your leisure afternoons in Al Hasan Mall, Al Rashid Mega Mall and Al Noor Mall and enjoy your stay.
Are you someone who happens to be shopaholic? Madinah is just the place for you. You will never land home empty handed because of the huge variety of shops at your disposal. That’s for sure!
The Old Bazaar
Break the monotony of visiting grand markets by visiting this Old Bazar. It is bound to give you a unique experience.
This amazing Bazaar is located in one of the main streets of Madinah and you will probably find it pretty crowded.
If you are out looking for souvenir, this is the best place to hunt them down apart from the typical Arabian products.
The Archaeological Trail of Madinah
Is archaeology one of your major interests? Then let your eyes see what they have never seen before.
All you have to do is go 400 km from Madinah and find the traces of ancient civilization that have huge marks in the history. Hedjaz railway is the first desert wonder where you can still notice pieces of locomotives and ruins of train station.
Then move on to Al Ula where there is a castle and historic parts worth visiting and the mysterious historic constructions can be found right beneath Al Ula.
18 gorgeous fall images of Pigeon Forge and the Great Smoky Mountains
If you’re a fan of fall — the type that gives an open-armed welcome to sweater season, the chill to the air, an excuse for that second (or third) cup of coffee — you’ll be a fan of Pigeon Forge. There’s possibly no other place in the country that celebrates autumn as ferociously, and nature seems to follow suit. The nearby Smoky Mountains explode into HD, festivals usher in the season, and the crisp air is accompanied by an intangible excitement that comes with knowing the best time of year is finally upon us.
If you haven’t been, it’s time to add it to your list. Here’s what fall is like in Pigeon Forge, in 18 awesome images.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park explodes in color.
Pigeon Forge sits just four miles from the entrance to Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Even in town, you’ll feel like the mountains are looming over you. And especially in fall, you can’t come to the city and not go to the most popular national park in the country.
For starters, it’s free — one of the few mainstream national parks that can say that. Even if you have only a few hours, scoop the loop of Cades Cove, or just find a nice spot to pull over and picnic (more on scenic hikes and drives in a bit).
Night falls on the Parkway.
When you enter Pigeon Forge for the first time, odds are you’ll hit the Parkway. It runs for five miles along the Little Pigeon River, and nearly every foot has something to add to your list — local shops, wax museums, theme parks, pancakes (lots of pancakes), you name it. Nab one of the dozens and dozens of hotels here if you can, park your car, and you’re already in the heart of everything.
Pro tip: There’s a trolley that goes up and down the Parkway for 50¢ a ride, escorting you to and fro, making getting around a breeze.
The entire town gets decked out.
When they say fall explodes in Pigeon Forge, they’re not just talking about the leaves on the trees. Storefronts, streets, restaurants, sidewalks — everything is decked out in an array of reds, blaze oranges, and golds, and there’s always an impressive display of gourds somewhere nearby. The weirdly good combo of maple syrup and live music can be found in abundance, funnel cakes get churned out in the hundreds at harvest festivals, and Dollywood gets dressed up to the nines, to the surprise of no one.
If you thought ringing in fall was relegated to breaking out your first sweater while drinking a PSL, it’s time to dream bigger.
The hiking gets even better.
Talking about the hiking options in and around Pigeon Forge could take days. There’s over 800 miles of hiking trails in the national park alone, so if you plan on even putting a dent in the area, you’ll need to stay awhile. Here’s a few highlights:
- Seventy-one miles of the famous Appalachian Trail run right through Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Hit the area around Clingmans Dome for some serious elevation, and go back home saying you’ve “hiked the AT.”
- If it’s waterfalls you’re after, check out Laurel Falls, a quick 2.6-mile round trip. It’s paved for the most part, and there’s tons of laurel and rhododendron thickets along the way.
- The Alum Cave Bluffs Trail is also super popular, with views about as impressive as they come. It’s just over five miles long round-trip, and parking can be found on Newfound Gap Road. There’s history here, too, as the trail was used back in the day when mining for epsom salts was a major industry.
The streets buzz with activity…
Remember how we said Pigeon Forge has a bit of everything? That was no joke. Hit up Iron Mountain Metal Craft, and you could leave with a knife you just made yourself. We’re not kidding — score a knife lesson here, and you’ll be forging the blade, hammering the red-hot steel, and twisting the handle to make your own. If it sufficiently whets your whistle, you can move on to general blacksmithing lessons.
…and the calendar fills up with shows.
There’s live music coming from nearly every nook and cranny of the city, but sometimes you want to get off your feet and relax in a plush velvet seat to take in some spectacle. Pigeon Forge always has a calendar full of a wide variety of shows, including comedy acts, skits, themed competitions, magic tricks, and live music. There’s a little bit of everything here, and the performers are legit.
Also, don’t forget about the family dinner shows that are available, where you can satisfy family hunger and enjoy a solid show at the same time. No matter which you choose, you’ll definitely walk away entertained.
The scenic drives are unbeatable.
If autumn shines in one place in the US, it’s right here. The scenic routes are good any time of year, but there’s nothing like coasting a tree-lined road through the Smokies when the leaves are at their peak. Here’s the top four drives that should be on your radar:
- Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail – It winds through the forest, past log cabins and grist mills, for a quick 5.5 miles. If you don’t have much time, this is the way to go.
- Upper and Lower Tremont Road – This is where you’ll get the views that are probably in your head — serene waterfalls, foliage wherever you look, etc. But once you see gravel, that’s Lower Tremont Road, where most visitors stop and turn around. Hint: Don’t. It’s where the benefit of solitude really hits.
- Cades Cove Loop Road – It’s 11 miles, but with a 20mph speed limit and a million things to see, plan for a few hours. You’ll spot wildlife all over the place, and a number of historic structures will make you stop, too. This route is pretty popular, so be prepared for traffic.
- Newfound Gap Road – This one goes right through the heart of the Smokies, snaking along 31 miles of pine, hardwood, and fir forest. Bring a jacket if you plan on getting out of the car — it can be a bit chillier here, topping out at 5,046 feet.
Word to the wise: You won’t find any gas stations within the national park. Be sure to fuel up first.
And your autumn home is right nearby.
This can be taken two ways. Number one: If you live in the eastern US, odds are Pigeon Forge is within a day’s drive of where you live. No wonder Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most popular of the 59 — in fact, it sees roughly twice as many visitors as the second-most popular, Grand Canyon. This is the ultimate American road trip.
Number two: Regardless of whether you’re camping, trying out RV life, staying in a hotel, or renting a cabin, Pigeon Forge has the small-town charm that will make you (and your family) feel at home. Put yourself here, minutes from the action, right inside the best fall has to offer, and watch your ultimate American road trip unfold.
THE BEST PLACE IN AFRICA TO SEE LIONS: KGALAGADI TRANSFRONTIER PARK
I didn’t have Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park on my list of things to do on this trip through Southern Africa. Then, a friend of mine mentioned that it might be the best place in Africa to see lions. He said that on his trip to the park, he saw over 20 lions, in various prides, before breakfast one day. So, when I looked it up on the map, and realized that it really wasn’t all that far out of my way, I decided to add it to my schedule.
Now, since I’m a bit behind on my blog here, I thought I’d just mash both of my videos from my trip to Kgalagadi into one blog post.
The first is a 4k video I shot in the park. Day 1 in Kgalagadi was unreal. It started off pretty slow, but then just as the sun was about to set I came across 2 young male lions. Not only were they active, but they just seemed to constantly be walking through beautiful light for photography. It was amazing. These lions, too, are the famous black mane Kalahari Lions. So, it was incredibly special to see. Of course, there was more to the day than just lions. Check it out.
Then, my second day spending Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park I again went on a game drive. I again learned why this is the best place in Africa to see lions. Not only do you see a lot of lions in the park, but you have really special moments with them. Rarely are there other vehicles around when you see them, and most of the time the lions are really close.
I should say, too, that this park isn’t just know for lions, but a great place to see big cats of all kinds. There are also lots of Cheetahs, and Leopards in the park. On my two drives, I saw 2 leopards as well, though I wasn’t lucky enough to see Cheetahs. There are also some more rare cats like Caracal an African Wildcats within the boundaries.
Some Photos from Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park
I think I had some pretty good luck with the photography side of things in the park. I got some great wildlife hanging around some beautiful light. On a couple occasions it just all came together. I’m pretty happy with things considering these were all shot on just 2 game drives.
First sighting in the park was a beautiful Gemsbok in some nice light.
Maybe my favourite lion photo I’ve ever taken.
Love these bee-eaters!
Lots of Giraffe in the park as well. No Rhinos or Elephants, but lots of these guys.
First sunset, lion was on the prowl!
Not really sure what kind of bird this is, but it is beautiful.
7 fun things for families to do when visiting Lausanne
By Yusuf Chachia on Sep 26, 2019 in Accommodation, Attractions, Cruises & Boat, Travel, Europe, Family Travel, Featured, Food and Drink, Going Out, Hotels, Leisure Travel, Regions, Restaurants, Speciality Travel, Switzerland, Travel Miscellany, Western Europe
With its rich and diverse tourism offering, its privileged position within the heart of Europe and its incredible location on the northern shore of Lake Geneva, the Olympic capital of Lausanne is not just a famous sporting city but also a cultural one that springs to life during the Summer months.
The Summer is also a great time to visit for cultural events such as Festival de La Cité and the Winegrowers Festival (Fête des Vignerons) and, with the city being so accessible (just 40 minutes from Geneva International Airport, and two and a half hours from Zurich Airport) and easy to get around once you’re there, there are so many exciting things to enjoy, along with numerous architectural highlights and plenty of green spaces. Here we share a handful of our own experiences from our recent family stay in the welcoming capital of Vaud.
Take a tour of the city
A great way to get to know any city is through a local guide, and Lausanne is no exception. We took a private walking tour with a local guide, allowing us to discover the magic of Lausanne, its evolution around the Cité hill sculpted by the Flon and Louvre rivers, to explore both the ancient and modern architecture of the city centre, and learn all about the different districts.
We learnt how Lausanne had been an important commercial passage between France and Italy since Mediaeval times and visited Lausanne Cathedral, consecrated in 1275 and today one of the most beautiful Gothic buildings in the whole of Switzerland.
The interior is equally impressive with its stunning rose window, great organs, painted portal, 13th Century choir stalls and ancient and modern stained glass windows. This is also a place where, if you happen to be following the Camino de Santiago within Switzerland, you can get your pilgrim passport stamped.
It is from the cathedral that each night, between the hours of 10pm and 2am, that a night watch (le guet de la cathédrale) calls out from the top of the belfry; you can learn more about this 600-year-old tradition in the video below.
Our tour also took us to Lausanne Castle which has been completely renewed and, once the bishop’s residence, now serves as the seat of the state of Vaud. Outside it stands the statue of Abraham Davel, resposible for liberating Vaud from the power of Berne, but later betrayed by military colleagues and beheaded. However, it was because of his efforts that Lausanne became independent.
A Luxury Travel Blog
On completion of its construction in 2012, The Alpina Gstaad was the first five-star hotel to be opened in Gstaad for over a century. Set in five acres in the Bernese Oberland, the hotel blends traditional Swiss architecture with contemporary flair – both inside and out.
This 56-room luxury hotel is co-owned by Jean Claude Mimran and Marcel Bach – look carefully and, within the hotel’s regularly rotating art gallery, you’ll find artwork to signify the owners’ respective Senegalese and Swiss roots. The interiors combine Ringgenberg limestone, antique fir wood and tanned leather to give a modern, minimalist, yet cosy feel in a chic Alpine setting.
The welcome
We arrived by train from Lausanne, changing at Montreux, and had communicated our arrival time in advance with the hotel. A driver was there to meet us the moment we arrived and drove us up the hill to The Alpina. The hotel is reached along a dramatic tunnelled approach that leads to a two-tiered vehicular access point at the hotel’s main entrance. We were welcomed in and our bags were taken care of.
Once inside, a staircase leading to the lounge, bar and restaurants lies ahead, flanked by large, beautiful fresh flower arrangements, with reception to the left and the concierge desk to the right. Here we were warmly welcomed by a number of staff, including a personal welcome from Tim Weiland, The Alpina’s General Manager with a wealth of experience, having worked for more than 20 years at luxury hotels all over the world.
The room
We stayed in rooms 208 and 209 – interconnecting De Luxe rooms (one double and one twin) with views out towards the sun-drenched slopes of Schönried. At 33 square metres in size, they offer ample room and have a private terrace on which you can sit out and admire the view.
The rolling green hills – with chalets dotted about here and there – are a beautiful sight in the Summer months. In the Winter, they are of course snow-covered and this area in particular is a popular skiing area for Swiss former alpine skier Michael von Grünigen who was born in Schönried.
The bathroom
The bathroom is spacious and feels bigger still thanks to the neutral, light beige tones. A bath lies at one end of the bathroom, and at the other a separate large walk-in shower with dual shower heads.
Fluffy robes and slippers are provided, along with a supply of Acqua di Parma toiletries.
The facilities
With four restaurants, the hotel is extremely well-catered for when it comes to dining. There’s the Alpina Lounge & Bar, the Michelin-starred Sommet restaurant, the Japanese MEGU restaurant which also has a Michelin star, and Swiss Stübli which specialises in Swiss cuisine.
Sommet is also where breakfast is served each morning. As well as the usual buffet options you might expect, there’s a juice bar manned by a member of staff from the spa and a variety of cooked options that you can order. Among them are some Asian specialties including Martin Göschel’s breakfast recommendation to set you up for the day ahead: an Asian-inspired soup with vegetables and noodles, inspired by Martin Göschel’s breakfast stops when cycling across the continent.
The Alpina Lounge & Bar is a relaxed dining atmosphere where the signature dish is The Alpina beef burger but also excellent is the crustacean bouillabase with different types of fish and seafood, a rouille sauce and homemade mini baguette.
Dinner at Sommet Restaurant is a real treat. We began proceedings with a poached quail egg accompanied by a wonderfully light and subtle celery mousse.
Travellers 