BY: PRATHAM GOLCHA

1. Thailand– Thailand is famous for its warm locals, amazing seafood, pristine beaches, exhilarating temples, buzzing nightlife and handicrafts. This country attracts a lot of tourists from across the globe owing to the perfect climate and cheap commodities. The famous cities to travel in Thailand include Bangkok, Pattaya, Phuket, Krabi, Chiang Mai, Hat Yai & Koh Samui.
2. India– India has always been the go-to place for travellers owing to its historic culture and tradition. A lot of Mughal culture is found in the northern part. Delhi is a perfect mix of culture and modernity, with sublime architecture in the form of Qutub Minar, Jama Masjid, Red Fort, Lotus Temple, etc. Must-visit places include Delhi (NCR), Rajasthan, North-East, Kerala, Goa, Kashmir & Ladakh.
3. Iran- Iran is a wonderful place to unwind, relax and explore. The warmth in Iran can be found no where else in the world. The Iranian cuisine is scrumptious and the weather is just perfect. The mosques and local handicrafts are not to be missed. The capital Tehran showcases a subtle confluence of modern living & age-old traditions. Rose water and rose products of Iran are extremely popular.
4. Hong Kong– Hong Kong is the perfect getaway destination in Asia as it offers a wide array of attractions. Dominated mostly by Chinese culture, Hong Kong is prominent for its carnivals, festivities, Disney Land, Madame Tussauds, Victoria Peak to name a few. The night-life of Singapore is exhilarating and glorious.
5. United Arab Emirates– Dubai and Abu Dhabi boast of one of the most splendid and mesmerizing skylines of the world. The warmth of the local people is sublime and charming. The Ferrari World, Sheikh Zayed Mosque, Yas Waterworld are eminent tourist places in Abu Dhabi whereas, The Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall, Ibn Batuta Mall, Burj Al Arab Jumeirah, Desert Safari, Dubai Fountain and local ‘souqs’.
6. Vietnam & Cambodia- The best places to visit in Vietnam include Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, which have a lot to offer, ranging from world’s best coffee and mangoes to beautiful Buddha Caves and beaches. On the other hand, Cambodia boasts of Angkor Wat, the most remarkable tourist spot in the country. The cities of Phnom Penh and Siem Reap are ancient towns well-known for ruins of centuries-old temples, Royal Pagodas and palaces.
7. Malaysia– One of the best places to explore the modern architecture is Malaysia. With the bustling Kuala Lumpur as its capital, it has a variety of tourist places like the Batu Caves, Petronas Twin Towers, KLCC Park, Sunway Lagoon, Petaling Jaya, Jalan Alor, etc. Other places like Johor Bahru, Penang, Malacca, Ipoh, Kuching and Sibu are a hit amongst the tourists, thanks to the adventure infrastructure and Portuguese culture in some parts.

BY: PRATHAM GOLCHA

As Ladakh woke up on the morning of 6^th August, after the abrogation of Article 370, a new dawn beckoned and envisaged the region. I reached Ladakh in just a couple of days after the article was scrapped and was worried initially as to what the situation might be. After landing at the miniscule but cute Leh airport vis-à-vis the humongous Delhi one, I was left astounded. First, I got the best shock of my life when I exited the airport and came out. I found myself engulfed in the midst of barren Trans-Himalayan Mountains. I was shell-shocked to witness the sheer beauty. Second, the people seemed to be rejoicing and reveling in the Centre’s decision to accord special status to Ladakh. I could find a number of Indian flags flying high all around Ladakh, during my entire week-long visit, probably even more than you would find in the Capital itself. The famous and bustling Leh market had innumerable posters supporting the Government and one of them placed high atop the square read, “ The Union Territory of Ladakh celebrates its 1^st Independence Day.” This left me so proud of the feeling of being an Indian. When you reach Ladakh, you are advised to give yourself a day or two to get acclimatized to the conditions, since it is extremely cold and you can barely breathe. A visit to the nearby Shanti Stupa in the tiny city cannot be missed, which is a Japanese-style, Buddhist-themed, white-domed stupa built in 1991 and inaugurated by His Holiness The Dalai Lama the same year. One cannot miss going round the stupa as the amazing locales at 360 degree angle offer a spectacle to the eyes. The barrenness of the mountains in Ladakh with snow-covered ones at the rear is a sight to behold, which nowhere else in the world can you sight. Walking bare-feet on the snow-covered stupas and monasteries is a challenge, though. While back to our hotel late in the evening, a stroll through the main market of Leh introduces you to traditional Ladakhi artifacts, an array of shawls and stoles, variety of warm and furry woolens, age-old German bakeries, Tibetan refugee shops, Chinese traditional picks, to name a few. The next morning we set off for a tour to nearby places. The first on the list was the Hall of Fame museum. Constructed by the Indian Army, this museum is an ode to the bravehearts of the Army who laid down their lives in Sino-Indian and Indo-Pak wars, fighting for their country. You can here, relish seeing the different kinds of weapons captured by the soldiers during war, different varieties of arms and ammunitions seized from Pakistani and Chinese counterparts. Trails and information related to all the wars, letters confiscated from Pakistani soldiers, history and geography of Ladakh region can be found here and various shows pertaining to the bravery of Army are performed here in the evening. Next stop on our anvil was Spituk Monastery, an 11^th century monastery. A number of young and old Lama’s are found in the monastery, playing and hymning rhymes throughout the day. Centuries-old Buddha statues and demon faces are present inside and various offerings in the form of juices, chocolates, biscuits and wafers are offered. It was then, time to visit the ‘Sangam’- that is the confluence of Indus and Zanskar rivers, flowing through the countries of Pakistan, India and China. Situated in the midst of the cold desert on the Leh-Srinagar National Highway 1, the confluence spot is famous for worlds highest river rafting adventures. During winter, when rivers freeze, the Zanskar Gorge plays host to the Chadar Trek. Magnetic Hill was our next stop, which is just a couple of kilometers away from the ‘Sangam’. This place is truly magical. A big board in bright colors reads :” Magnetic Hill-The phenomenon that defies gravity. Park your vehicle in the box marked with white paint on the road”. And as soon as you do that, the vehicle automatically begins to move inspite of keeping it on neural. It’s something out of the world. We stopped there for about 45 minutes, admiring the enthralling and magnetizing beauty around. Ladakh shows glimpses of many countries- barren beauty of mountains from Afghanistan, Mongolia, Kazakhstan, culture and tradition from Tibet, language similar to that of China and essence truly Indian! After all, travails of the ancient Silk Road can be found here. Then, it was time to visit the Gurudwara Pathar Sahib. Situated at a mighty height of 12000 ft on the Leh-Srinagar Highway, this Gurudwara is operated by the Army and serves ‘langar’, that is community food service round the clock, 24*7. Considering the fact that it is situated in a remote place and bringing grains to such a cut-off place is an arduous task, you can’t help but eat a meal yourself to experience it. According to legends, Gurunanak had passed through this place while returning from Tibet. You can spot everyone relishing the langar there- right from truck drivers to foreigners to Army personnel themselves. Right from the Gurudwara, after a scrumptious ‘langar’, we set off for the supremely revered Leh Palace.  It was a royal palace, constructed in 1600, and the royal family stayed there in the nine-storied palace. Ancient paintings, ornaments, crowns, dresses and mythological stuff can be found in the palace, which is located right in the middle of the town. My late evenings were reserved for the delicious pastries and bakery stuffs from the German bakeries, which have been operating since decades in Leh. The strenuous day was over and it was time to plan for the next. So, the next morning it was time to embark on an extravagant journey to Nubra Valley. We left early in the morning as it takes about 7 hours to reach the Valley from Leh. After a 2 hour drive, we reached Khardung-La Pass, which is the highest motorable road in the world. The temperature was minus 10 at that time, and it was summers there. The place houses the highest café in the world and it is the highest pass of the world. In other words, I was literally at the top of the world, but you can’t bear the cold for more than 5-8 minutes. On the way, one could find several small traditional eateries like ‘dhabas’. Maggi, thukpa, rajma-rice are the most famous meals one can get on the highway, which is closed for more than half a year owing to excessive snowfall. We reached Nubra Valley in the afternoon. In the evening, we went to see the Hunder Sand Dunes, located near the Nubra Valley, which holds the distinction of being one of the world’s and India’s only cold desert. A ride on the Bactrian or double-humped camels is mandatory since it is only found here. The sand dunes in the midst of barren mountain landscapes are a treat to the eyes. The contrast of Indus river, Nubra desert, Trans-Himalayan Range, snow-covered mountains are a full-package in one place. This is the place where Ladakh separates from the Karakoram range, where the Shyok river meets the Siachen river to form a large valley. This place is close to the Gilgit-Baltistan region of Pakistan, Xinjiang region of China and also parts of Central Asia, Tibet and Afghanistan. There are various Ladakhi Cultural Shows in and around Nubra which showcase the traditional dances, songs and costumes of the region. Diskit Gompa, which is in Nubra itself was the first place we visited on the 4^th day. It foresees a 32 meter statue of Maitreya Buddha facing down the Shyok River towards Pakistan. The picturesque Buddha in the midst of the enchanting and gigantic mountains is a sight unparalleled and unmatchable. We returned to Leh the same day by evening. We had to get ready for a hectic next day to the marvellous Pangong Lake, which is in vogue nowadays for Bollywood flicks. The Pangong lake flows from India to Tibet, while India holds only 40% of the lake. It is the highest saline water lake in the world and the hues of the lake changes from red to green to various shades of blue throughout. It is a perfect spot to click a few snaps because of the astonishing beauty of the lake, which is at the disputed Line of Control of China and India. While returning to Leh from the lake, we stopped at the Chang-La Pass, which is the second highest pass of the world. Various permits are required by Indian and foreign nationals visiting these restricted areas. Day 6 begun by a propitious visit to the Thiksey Monastery. It is claimed to be the largest monastery of central Ladakh. The Maiterya Buddha sits inside the 12-storied Monastery. Various century-old Buddhist scriptures, wall paintings, murals, statues of deities and devils, etc are common attractions at Thiksey. We went to see the Rancho school and café, thanks to the 3 Idiots movie shot there. The school has been built by many patrons, including Dalai Lama. It mixes Tibetan Buddhism with modern studies to educate the local Ladakhi children. Next day, it was unfortunately, time to bid goodbye to this fantastic place, which really cannot be described in mere words. Everyone must, atleast once in their lifetime visit Ladakh to know how heaven actually looks like!

BY: PRATHAM GOLCHA

Sitting in the northern part of West Bengal is the mystique hill station of Darjeeling. Popularly known as “The Queen of Himalayas”, it is one of the most famous and sought-after hill stations in India, where tourists flock the place throughout the year. Situated 62 kilometers from the town of New Jalpaiguri, it is accessible to tourists from all across India. It is also well connected to eastern cities like Kolkata, which is approximately 600 kilometres away. Reaching there by road is the most common and plausible option from New Jalpaiguri. Flights also operate from Bagdogra airport, which is the closest airport. Incidentally, geographically the town is bounded on the north by Sikkim, west by Nepal and east by Bhutan. The first day was spent in acclimatizing ourselves to the environment and some shopping, which is a must-do because of the lovely local stuff. The beautiful flea markets in the town are a must-visit for every tourist. One would surely like the mesmerizing views of Mount Kanchenjunga, misty tea gardens, ferns and pines, amazing landscape and the warm people of Darjeeling, which comprise people of various descents such as Nepalese, Tibetan and Lepchas. The weather in Darjeeling is always pleasant and cold during monsoon and winters. The next morning we set off for the Tiger Hill, where we could see the gigantic Kanchenjunga top. We got up at 4 a.m to catch a glimpse of the K2 top and the majestic sunrise. The road is a lead-up of hilly trails and once we were there, we couldn’t resist the ever-famous Darjeeling Tea. My desire to be closer to God in heaven was fulfilled in the form of a trip to Sandakphu, which is a peak at a height of 11,941 feet above sea level. The beautiful statue of Buddha is a wonder in itself in Sandakphu. Later, we went to the very famous Himalayan Zoological Park which sits in the background of Mount Kanchenjunga. We were fascinated to find endangered animals such as Red Panda, Himalayan wolf, Snow leopard and various others such as  Ilama, Siberaian tigers, Royal Bengal Tigers, to name a few. The zoo shall not be underestimated because of the variety of animals and the presence of some endangered species which aren’t found anywhere else. Just close to this place is the very famous Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, where we found a number of tools and equipments used by Tenzing Norgay to climb the Everest. When in Darjeeling, one just can’t miss out on the sublime tea gardens in the midst of the misty hills and clouds. We visited one of the tea estates and tasted, what I can declare as the best cup of tea I, personally have ever had. You can even try your hand at plucking the dried leaves and watch them being processed in the factory. On the Tenzing Rock, you cant miss the rock climbing trials by many and few.Then, it was time for us to call it a day and we ended it in a fantastic fashion by visiting the local bakeries for some awesome goods and stuff. The very next morning we set off for the Peace Pagoda, which is a statue to cherish peace and tranquility. Four statues of Lord Buddha shimmering with gold, showcasing the different stages of His life adorned the walls there. The Japanese mantra of ‘myoho renge kyo’ sends a sense of calmness across one’s mind. For me, the highlight of the trip definitely was the Ghoom Monastery. The glorious and tranquil aura around the monastery was irreplaceable. There we rare Buddhist manuscripts there, bells and scrolls, which were historic. The ‘Maitreya Buddha’ posture was something out-of-the-world like. Then it was time to visit another monastery, the Tibetan Buddhist monastery. A 100 feet Buddha statue stands in this monastery, surrounded by a Japanese-style stupa and many gardens. The botanical garden of Darjeeling is perhaps, one of the most beautiful throughout the country. It consisted of various types of flora, ranging from herbs and cactuses to beautiful orchids. There were well over 150 floral species in the garden. You cant escape the local ladies selling hot steamed momos, traditional dish found near popular tourist gardens.We couldn’t bid adieu to the city without sitting in the popular toy train, one of the few in India. The journey is one of its kind and its experience is of a lifetime. Finally, we said goodbye to the city of Darjeeling and set off for our next destination, Kalimpong. Kalimpong is a small hill station situated in the Darjeeling district of West Bengal. It is surely heaven for nature lovers as it is endowed with breath-taking mountaineous landscapes, lakes and gardens. The most famous spot in the town is the Deolo Hill, which sits at a staggering height of 1700m. A recreational park has been built there, which offers an alluring view of the mountains and lakes. I brought out the adventure hero in me by doing para-gliding. Various other adventures like trekking are present there. The small villages along the way to Kalimpong were enchanting and delightful to watch. And how can one ever forget the gigantic Teesta river flowing all through. The Teesta is a tributary of the Brahmaputra and flows across to Bangladesh and it promises to never leave you alone throughout your stay in the region because it is everywhere.

BY: PRATHAM GOLCHA

“Let us rise up and be thankful, for if we didn’t learn a lot today, at least we learned a little, and if we didn’t learn a little, at least we didn’t get sick, and if we got sick, at least we didn’t die; so, let us all be thankful.” This quote by Buddha speaks volumes. So, how many of us are thankful to God that we are capable of buying this newspaper, capable of reading and understanding this article?  Most of us would not even have thought about all this because this is how we are, how we’ve been brought up; all this is ingrained into our minds. The key lies in appreciating, showing gratitude and thankfulness towards the things God or nature has endowed us with. Though there must be some who don’t believe in God and are atheist. Nevertheless, there’s no denying the fact that there is some superpower that has created this universe, some superpower that has infused life into all of us. However advanced science may become, nothing can surpass nature. Getting back to what we were discussing, about gratitude. People who knowingly count their blessings have been found to be less depressed and happier in their lives, a recent research indicates. In today’s strenuous life, majority of the people complain of stress, tension, anxiety, so on and so forth. Add to that self-imposed negative emotions like hatred and jealousy, the mental health worsens. The solution is very simple. Just take a pen and paper, and note down the things you have, write about the things that you are grateful about. Read them aloud and you certainly will notice the positive emotions and vibes overpowering the negative ones. On the contrary, make a list about all the things that you don’t have or feel at a loss or something you’re being deprived of. You would notice that the former list in endless and there are hardly a couple of things that are bothering us. What does it suggest to you? It suggests that why shall we focus our mind and energy on things we don’t have.  Once you get up, thank the Lord for giving you another day in your life, thank him for the flowing water that you’re getting from the tap, and the list is truly endless. We can, by practicing gratitude, relieve ourselves from negative emotions. Do some charity; give something back to the society. Practicing gratitude will definitely help people to reduce aggression and increase empathetic behavior. In the long run, it actually enhances a person’s self-esteem and morale and makes you feel happy and contented in your life. A person feels he has actually achieved “something” in life; material possessions and social positions are mere transitory. When we humans, ourselves aren’t permanent, how can our monetary assets and positions be, after all permanent? Particularly in today’s contemporary life, it is utmost important to be thankful because we are so engrossed into our “artificial” lives, that we forget who we actually are, what our actual self is. What a pity! Indeed, this is the bitter truth about today’s gen next, touted to be the successors of this world. However, what I wanted to bring to the fore is all about practicing thankfulness and gratitude. Apart from the mental and social benefits of practicing this, there are several biological or physical benefits too. For example, it helps in the development of a good immune system, induces better quality of sleep, decreases blood pressure, normalizes heart rate, etc. It is not difficult at all to practice. There’s no rocket science in it. Okay, ignore all the advantages for a second, do it for your own self – to feel good, to give you happiness. You will surely feel a sense of contentment. Let me share an instance with you all. When we have a blister in our mouth or have a small wound, why does our attention go there only, inspite of the whole body being completely fine? It is because instead of looking at the positive side that everything of our body is fine, we focus on that one thing that is troubling us. Similarly in life too, we mostly focus on the problems and not on the things that we have been provided. Look at the poor, they find it so difficult to even get two square meals a day, but we having the best of food and stuff, waste it and aren’t bothered about it. Now, one may ask, how does it even matter, whether we value it or not. But let me tell you, it matters. Even the smallest mercies in life must be cheered and felt content with. Therefore, one ought to focus on the positives of life and practice this noble thing.

BY: PRATHAM GOLCHA

1. England: The eloquence and splendor of Europe can best be felt in this beautiful country, in the UK. Ranging from quaint towns and country -sides to bustling cities like London, England is a perfect destination to experience both- the traditional essence of Europe and well as the ultra-modernized London. Smaller towns like Bristol, Newcastle, Liverpool, Manchester, Sheffield, Kent, and Nottingham are a treat for travellers. The glamour of London is unparalleled with any other city of the world.

• Belgium: World-famous for its waffles and chocolates around the globe, Belgium is the ultimate destination to indulge in these sinful delights. The mesmerizing castles, narrow lanes with ancient buildings and various churches are a must visit. Brussels, the capital of Belgium has a lot to offer. This ought to be on a traveller’s bucket list.

• Vatican City: The smallest country of the world, Vatican City is the place where The Pope resides. With just over a population of 750, this city is famous for St. Peter’s Square, Basilica and Vatican Museum. Michelangelo’s paintings are a must-see in Vatican.

• The Netherlands: Known for its amazing canals, The Netherlands is surely to leave travellers in splits. One can easily move around in the country on a bicycle or by walking. The Hague, Rotterdam, Delft and Leiden are popular cities in the country and some classic Dutch food and beer are sure to tantalize everyone’s taste buds.

• France: It is a sin, quite literally, to not visit the Eiffel Tower, when in Europe. Other places such as Bordeaux, Riviera and Chamonix Valley are simply glorious. French cuisine is quite famous globally, and trying some traditional French food, when in Paris is like icing on the cake. You will be left awestruck by the beauty when you cycle through the countryside and enjoy the local brew. There’s certainly more to France than just Paris.

• Switzerland: Synonymous with the mighty Alps, Switzerland is by far the ultimate holiday destination. Cities like Geneva and Zurich are quite posh and the country is home to en number of natural waterfalls, like the Rhine Waterfall. Swiss chocolates and watches are a must-buy. Museums, churches, castles and lakes are aplenty in this country, endowed with natural beauty.

• Italy: Ma-ma-mia, Italy is synonymous with pizzas and pasta. The Leaning Tower of Pisa, Roman Coliseum is a testament of the long history of Italy. Dolomites, Lake Como and Florence are fast gaining popularity.  One simply cannot miss the gondolas in Venice and the scenic canals. All in all, Italy is surely a place to visit and is highly recommendable.

BY:- PRATHAM GOLCHA

How many of us think that changing or molding ourselves to a situation that is beyond our control is brave and valiant? Moreover, how many of us are even aware of the power of adaptation? Adaptation is essential in order to survive and move ahead in the world. The ability to adapt to people, situations and surroundings affords people a greater opportunity to get what they want and what they need. Every sphere and facet of life poses challenges to us, and nowadays, a lot of people are falling prey to stress and anxiety. In order to cross these hurdles in life, whether major or minor, we need to adapt. So, in that sense, what does adapting actually mean? It simply means adjusting or acclimatizing to new conditions. Most of the questions posed by the challenges that we encounter in our daily lives can be answered through adapting to the situation, or in other words being flexible.

The millennials nowadays fail to regard this as crucial or vital. It helps a person reshape boundaries and be more open to change. Personalities who always like to maintain their status quo and are rigid in their behaviors may find it extremely difficult to cope with taxing situations. In today’s context, it has become all-the-more necessary to equip oneself with this crucial thing. According to the University of Kent’s Careers and Employability Service, employers want team members who can adapt “to changing circumstances and environments, embrace new ideas, who are enterprising, resourceful and adaptable”. Adaptability is not difficult, though ego issues of a person may play spoilsport. Once an individual gets into the groove and gets the hang of it, it becomes easier to tackle challenges and they no more feel like a burden, thereby reducing your daily dose of stress and tension. Hence, workplaces are looking for people with a positive mindset who are open to new changes and have problem-solving prowess in their arsenal. If we underestimate the power of adaptation, we might find ourselves at the receiving end, more often than not, along with a plethora of problems and cracking under pressure and crunch situations. You ought to adjust and adapt to the situation, and not vice-versa for you are a living being, not the situation! It is indeed, a new way of thinking, a new way of living, clutching on to possibilities, and most significantly, moving on happily in life. Though, let me make it amply clear that adjusting is a choice, which is very subjective, yet indispensable. There are en number of ways by which one can acquire this strength. Knowing one’s own self is cardinal for if you yourself don’t know what’s right for you, then who will? A thorough introspection is needed and self-talk is highly essential. Prioritizing things is quintessential. It is very easy to point a finger at someone as the cause of the problem or to avoid the problem altogether. Adapting enables you to counter these. Here, flexibility is the key as it helps to push one’s boundaries and break the shackles in one’s life. A quantitative balance between the two opposite sides is consequential. Being open to changes enables an individual to adjust better with surroundings, people and situations. The correct mindset, clear thinking and right frame of mind are needed to achieve this. Communication is tantamount to the thinking process. One ought to communicate to family members and friends and speak out, share the difficulties. Mounting pressure on oneself would further worsen the situation. Adaptability shall never be seen as a weakness; rather it is the strength that one possesses throughout one’s lifetime. People may consider you weak, in the sense when you adapt people may undermine your ego or consider you less important. But from the person’s own perspective, that is what is emboldening him. We all must acquire adaptability as much and as soon as we can and foster a better life for ourselves.

BY: PRATHAM GOLCHA

The first thing that comes on a travellers mind when thinking of a leisure and relaxing holiday is definitely pristine beaches, and what better than the mountainous island of Phuket. Phuket is Thailand’s largest island, situated in the southern province of the country. Previously known as Thalang or Jung Ceylon in Malay, it is tucked off the west coast of Thailand in the Andaman Sea. It was a former trading route between China and India. The pink sunsets, blue lagoons, hundreds of small and big islands, long-tailed boats and the ever- famous Thai Tuk-Tuks are sure to mesmerize everyone. It is well-connected from Bangkok Airport. There are a number of flights operating from Bangkok to Phuket daily. Also, the ancient town of Penang in Malaysia is close, which operates a number of flights for Americans and people from Far-East. We started our holiday in Phuket with an evening City Tour. The trip cannot be complete without a visit to the Wat Chalong Temple which is the most important and biggest Buddhist temple in Phuket. The Phuket Old-Town still has traces of the Sino-Portuguese essence. A breath-taking 360 degree panoramic view of the Chalong Bay and Phuket Town cannot be missed from the Kao Khad View Tower, situated a few miles from the town of Patong. One of the most marvelous structures around Phuket has to be the Big Buddha, which is a hit amongst the tourists. The Karon Beach can be viewed from the Karon view point, which is situated amongst the majestic hills of Patong town. You can spend your late evening at the shore by admiring the setting sun in a beautiful pink hue. The uncertain rains of Phuket take everyone by a pleasant surprise. The town of Patong is the most famous beach resort in Phuket. With a bustling night-life and tons of activites , Patong is the ideal place of stay in Phuket. It is the perfect destination for shopping and night-life, which is action-packed. The roads are relatively empty in Patong during the daytime. But as soon as it becomes evening, it feels as if the town has transformed. However, the next day was even more exciting. We set off for the Phi Phi Islands, which are a group of islands, between the Straits of Malacca and the island of Phuket. These islands are divided into two- Phi Phi Don and Phi Phi Le, the latter being the smaller amongst the two. These islands consist of clear blue waters and an amazing landscape of mountains. It rose to popularity thanks to the Hollywood movie ‘The Beach’, starring Leonardo DiCaprio. It takes about two hours to reach Phi Phi Islands from the cruise. It is almost like a town, drawing people from all around the world. You see Europeans, Chinese, Africans, Australians, Russians, Indonesians and Indians in large numbers around the island, with each nationality having their own set of cuisines and restaurants there. The population in the island is 80 per cent Muslim, with Hinduism, Christianity and Buddhism making up the other 20 per cent. The island has a number of lounges to sit back, relax and enjoy the beautiful landscape. We took a dip in the sea and did a variety of water sport activities like snorkeling, canoeing, deep sea diving, to name a few. It is a part of Thailand’s National Park, as a result of which it is spick and span and has a variety of flora and fauna. The limestone cliffs, fine white sand beaches, tall coconut trees and hidden coves are sheer beauty. The colour of water changes at regular intervals. You may find different shades of blue, like turquoise, sea blue, dark blue, indigo, etc at different places. It is heaven for sea-food lovers and lovers of Chinese and European cuisines, offering a plethora of eating and drinking options. The most famous Maya Bay of Phi Phi Islands had been closed down because of the inflow of large number of tourists which affected the marine environment. The last cruise from the islands is in the afternoon after which cruises don’t operate till 9 the next morning, owing to the distance and high tides during full-moon days. The evening was again spent in shopping and enjoying the local delicacies. It’s virtually impossible to stop yourself from indulging in these stuffs. Patong also has a number of cafes, McDonals’s, Ikea’s, Burger King and multinationals. The OTOP (One Tambon One Product) is a local entrepreneurship stimulus programme, a rather canny and prudent scheme designed to promote locally made products throughout Thailand. This ought to be on one’s bucket list while visiting Patong in Phuket. The next day we set off for the ever-famous and picturesque James Bond Island. The James Bond Island is a very famous landmark in the Phang Nga Bay, which sits in between Phuket and Krabi. This also rose to popularity through the movies ‘The Man with the Golden Gun’, ‘Around the World in 80 Days’, ‘Veere Di Wedding’, ‘Kaho Na Pyaar Hai’, etc. This island is rather eerie, with its signature rocky pinnacle with emerald-green waters.  A number of long-tail boats are available for rent which takes you through these islands and caves. It includes a stopover for a seafood lunch at Koh Panyee- a nearby Muslim fishing village on stilts. It is best to get a feel of the warm waters by soaking in for a while. It is rather striking to notice a single rock being the centre of attention of tourists courtesy its sheer majesty. The Phang Nga Bay is about 2 hours from Patong. Another evening can be spent in the FantaSea Show which is a Las Vegas style Thai cultural show mixed with state-of-the-art technology that leaves one in splits. It comprises of aerial performances, pyrotechnics, acrobatics, magic illusions, etc. Massages, like everywhere else in Thailand, are famous here too. They’re cheap and allow oneself to rejuvenate fully. It was finally, time to bid adieu to this magical and spectacular island province of Phuket. The 3 days spent here were surely not enough and there’s always a longing for more. Nevertheless, the experience in Phuket was amazing as it was laidback and silent, unlike the hustle and bustle of posh metropolis.

BY: PRATHAM GOLCHA

Krabi is synonymous with the term peace, serenity and tranquility. The laid-back atmosphere of Krabi  is sure to leave everyone awestruck. Krabi stands a testimony to the fact that a town or tourist centre doesn’t necessarily need skyscrapers and hustle and bustle to be popular. Krabi is essentially a secluded province on southern Thailand’s Andaman coastline. At the first sight, I found it completely opposite of what I had imagined initially. The province is gifted with natural beauty and isolated beaches. Ao Nang is the town where most of the tourists reside in Krabi. It is otherwise, a sleeping city. The most famous beaches in Krabi include: Ao Nang beach, Railay beach, Nopparat Thara beach, Phra Nang beach and Klong Muang beach. The coral reef vistas are one of the most beautiful and famous vistas of the world. I can go on to call it as the soul of Thailand. The province of Krabi is situated between Trang and Phang Nga. It is also popular for the amazing limestone-cliffs, eerie caves, unseen flora and fauna and not to forget the warm Thai locals. There are a number of ways to reach Krabi. There are direct domestic flights from Bangkok Airport to Krabi, which caters to a sizeable number of population. It can be reached via road as well. Phuket is only 2 hours and 30 minutes away from Krabi. Interestingly, it takes about 90 minutes to reach Phi Phi island of Krabi from Phuket. 

The town is busy catering to tourists all-round the year. Water-based activities and water sports ought to be on one’s bucket list while visiting here. I did many water sports such as rock climbing on the Phra Nang Beach and scuba diving. The beautiful hues of water on the beaches are sure to surprise everyone.  There are a wide array of accommodations in Krabi- ranging from budget hotels to deluxe resorts. Aromatherapy and massages are immensely famous in Krabi. We were staying in the heart of Ao Nang Town. The town has a number of mesmerizing beaches and one can travel to-and-fro easily from here.

Our first day in Krabi was spent on the Ao Nang beach, which is situated in the town itself. A walk down the streets to the beach is itself wonderful. One may find a number of shops selling authentic Thai stuff. Be it Thai ice-creams, local artifacts, beer, clothes or Buddha sculptures, this place has it all. The Ao Nang Beach is spread out. One may not find people thronging the beach and it is spotlessly clean as well. There are many boats which offer a ride in the sea. The rain and over-cast conditions made it even more heavenly. The beach is endowed with bounties of nature. The crystal clear sand, the turquoise blue water, thousands of sea-shells, crawling crabs, sea-side lounges and the beautifully jutting out limestone cliffs would leave one in splits. There are estimated to be around 200 islands and islets in Krabi, with each one having its own essence. Many of the islands have no access to landing in the sea, they protrude out with sharp edges of the cliffs. They surely seem intriguing and scary at times, just because they are extremely remote. Even a thought of getting stranded in the islands would send shivers down ones spine. The monsoon season had just begun when we were there and the high tides of the sea are sure to remind one of their forefathers . Majority of the islands are uninhabited and the smaller islets have many caves and reefs.

The next day was an adventure in itself for us. It was pouring cats and dogs. We were scheduled to visit the very famous Four Islands of Krabi. These Four Islands were – Phra Nang Cave and Beach, Tup Island, Chicken Island and Poda Island. They are to be visited in the aforesaid order only, with the journey culminating on the other shore of Ao Nang Beach. These tours are easily available across the city. One may try and explore. There are beautiful boats that take you across these islands. The first to begin was the Phra Nang Beach. It was a secluded peninsula, consisting of clear shallow waters, soft white sand, hundreds of coconut and mangrove trees, caves and coral reefs. I did rock climbing on this island, which is very popular because of the design of the hanging cliffs. There are various limestone cliffs in the backdrop and it is a paradise for photography. There is a cave too of a Princess, to whom the locals pray fervently according to their custom. The next stop was the Tup Island. It was sandwiched between the Poda Island and Chicken Island. This island is essentially smaller in area in comparison to the other islands in the archipelago. It is the ideal place for snorkelling because of the shallow and warm waters. The equipment for snorkeling is provided by the ship or cruise crew only. The stunning views of the Krabi coastline in the background are truly jaw-dropping. Intersetingly, there is a sandbar that pops out of the sea during low tides which links this island to the neighbouring Chicken Island and other small islets. Our next stop was Chicken Island, often called as Koh Poda Nok in local Thai language. The name is given to it courtesy its structure in the shape of a chicken.  Scuba diving and snorkelling are highly recommended in this island. If one doesn’t wish to take a dip in the sea, a stroll on the islands is a great option. The picturesque beauty of hanging cliffs, the Andaman coastline, coral reefs are a sight to behold. There was a cute little shack selling drinks and local snacks, there isn’t any construction on the island. It is an ideal place to click pictures on polaroid and phones. The last stop after this island was Poda Island or Koh Poda. It belongs to the Poda group of Islands. Many movies have been shot on this island. Koh Poda is located in the west of Ao Nang. The incredible marine world and coral reefs aren’t to be missed. A stop here is not complete without a Thai lunch, though it may taste quite insipid to Indians. I loved to sunbathe at shore of the island. Like us, never forget to carry a raincoat as the rains are highly unpredictable in the Gulf of Thailand. Next, we were ferried in the ship to the town of Ao Nang. This too is a National Park area. Thus, there are many restrictions on usage of polythene, polystyrene and single-use plastic. There is a very small number of Indian population in Krabi, but Indian cuisine is a great hit there. Krabi also boasts of a number of posh malls, the Central Mall being very famous. Almost every tenth shop in whole of Thailand is Seven Eleven, where everything is available under the sun. I bought dozens of Thai chocolates from there. The area is also famous for its bountiful soaps in all shapes and sizes, ranging from shape of a rose to a shoe. The rice soaps are a must buy in Krabi. Even the cosmetics are not very expensive. All in all, it is a perfect getaway destination for people of all ages. Its full of entertainment and crazy adventure. Make sure everyone,  Krabi is on your bucket list now.

BY: PRATHAM GOLCHA

How often do we come across parents especially in the Indian society, who boast of their children excelling in if not everything, but most of the things they do. They want their children to be insanely intelligent in academics, want them to hone every other skill, be extremely proficient in extra-curricular activities and make sure that they achieve success, by hook or by crook. The parents do not realize how much pressure the child is already under, be it school, home or peer group. They only add to their pile of pressure. Though it is true that no parent would want their child to struggle and be unsuccessful in their life, but the question that arises is that the quantity of pressure must be ascertained by them and it should be bare minimum. Children, nowadays are going through a lot of stress and strain in their lives. The moment they are born parents and relatives start betting on the future of the child, what job he will assume when he grows up. For instance, if a child likes to play with a ‘mechano’ set of toys while growing up, the parents already have thought engineering as a plausible career for him. This is prevalent in most of the societies. It has though, been found in recent studies that mild amounts of pressure help in increasing the performance and act as morale-boosters. But if this amount of pressure increases to extreme levels, it can turn dangerous for their children. Societal pressures in today’s modern lives are endless and extreme. For example, many-a-times we find that parents compare their child’s performance and intelligence to that of their relatives’ or neighbours’ children. This has a seriously negative impact on the child, who is under constant pressure to live up to their parent’s expectations. The parents in many cases set targets, such as first position in extra-curricular competions, above 90% in academics, exemplary performances in the field of sports, to name a few. The child, in many cases is not able to match up to the high standard set by the parents. In extreme cases, we hear of incidents such as suicide and deviant behavior by such children. It is amply clear that in today’s modern living, the children with the kind of lifestyle involved are susceptible preys to anxiety issues, insomnia, blood pressure, hypertension, depression, etc . All this is happening at a faster pace and at a very nascent and tender age. The dynamics between the child and the parent has found to be deteriorating nowadays. Hence, it is quintessential for parents to understand and talk to their child as to what issues he/she is going through and formulate reasonable solutions to solve them. I, though am thankful that my parents have never put me under pressure, asking me to score a certain amount of marks or compared me with my neighbor counterpart.

The extreme amounts of pressure result in negative impacts for the child. For example, the child does not obey the parents, shies away from having a conversation and gets involved in deviant activities. Parents have such unrealistic expectations such as they want their child to obey whatever they say, though they may not do it themselves. They want them to be perfectly behaved and always be in a jovial and good mood, which is always not possible, thus jeopardizing their feelings and emotions. The traditional bandwagon is such that it doesn’t really allow a child to free himself of the shackles. In the Indian context this particularly holds true because children live with their parents until their marriage mostly, while the converse holds true in the West. The child is thus, unable to experience the world by himself, rather a set of theoretical rules by the parents are like a rulebook which the children have to abide by. It thus facilitates severe dependence on the parents. How often have we heard our elders telling us the way they used to go to school (by rickshaw or cycling or walking) and the struggle prevalent in those days? These things have become insignificant and redundant  in the cosmos of the modern world. India hold the dubious distinction of holding one of the highest suicide rates of teenagers in the world.

The need of the hour is the education of parents along with children. They need to introspect and spend more time with the child by establishing a healthy environment, whereby the child doesn’t shy away from telling everything. They must encourage the child by accepting his flaws and achievements and making him realize that a failure isn’t the end of the road. They ought to establish a cordial relation with the child since an early age so that the child doesn’t get involved in crimes and deviant activities. It is thus, the need of the hour for the parents to accept their children the way they are. The environment of the home plays a vital role in this aspect. It has to be a two-way agreement. The children too, must not take undue advantage of the freedom given to them or misuse it in anyway. It is time we move ahead and forge healthy relationships, letting go of what people think, embrace the children and be happy, for the life is so short to fight and create misunderstandings. The relationship between the child and the parent is such a beautiful one, which God has created.