Our Tour of Rajasthan

Karan Arora

Here is my review of Thrillophilia's wonderful Rajasthan tour experience:

Recently, I went on my first trip to Rajasthan, and it turned out to be the best trip I have ever had. All thanks to Thrillophilia! From the very beginning, the team at Thrillophilia were helpful and they made the whole process easy and enjoyable. Our advisor, Akshay Sharma was kind enough to explain everything about the trip inclusions, exclusions, and other essential details.

After a few discussions, we finalized the “Best of Rajasthan” package, which also included a free camping experience in Jaisalmer. Our itinerary covered Jaipur, Jaisalmer, Bikaner, Udaipur, Jodhpur, and Mount Abu. Thrillophilia even addressed our requests and customized our itinerary, which was absolutely great. They made sure everything went smoothly and were always available to help pre, post, and during the trip.

About Our Trip

We landed at the Jaipur International Airport, and our driver Haridas greeted us warmly. He took us to our hotel, where we relaxed for some time before going on our travel journey. We had the first day to explore the city on our own. So, we visited the Albert Hall Museum and Chokhi Dhani. After enjoying the culture of Rajasthan that night, we returned to our hotel.

Our second day was also spent touring Jaipur. We visited Amer Fort, Jaigarh Fort, and Nahargarh Fort. The views from these forts were breathtaking. We also saw the Jal Mahal, Birla Temple, and City Palace. The architecture and history were absolutely fantastic to know.

On the third day, we checked out of our hotel in Jaipur and went to Bikaner. There, we visited the famous Karni Mata Temple, which is also known as the Rat Temple. It was a very spiritual experience. From there, we went to the Camel Breeding Farm, where we saw different breeds of camel and learnt about the important role they play in the local economy and culture. The calm atmosphere of Bikaner was a nice change from the busy streets of Jaipur.

We travelled to the Junagarh Fort in Bikaner on the fourth day. This fort has many beautiful palaces and temples, like Gaj Mandir, Sheesh Mahal, and Anup Mahal. After exploring Junagarh, we moved to Jaisalmer. Known as the Golden City, Jaisalmer welcomed us with its yellow sandstone buildings.

After a delicious Rajasthani breakfast, we visited the Jaisalmer Fort, Gadisar Lake, Patwon Ki Haveli, and Nathmal Ki Haveli. Each site was unique and beautiful in its own way. In the afternoon, we went to the sand dunes for a desert camp experience. We enjoyed a camel ride and cultural performances there. After this magical experience, we stayed overnight in a tent, surrounded by the peaceful desert.

On Day 6, we left the desert camp and travelled to Jodhpur, the Blue City. We checked in to the Heritage Kuchaman Haveli and then went on to explore the city. We visited the Mehrangarh Fort, which offered stunning views of Jodhpur. We also saw the beautiful marble memorial at the Jaswant Thada. At the end of the day we hopped to the local markets and shopped for our families back home.

Day 7 started with a visit to the grand and luxurious Umaid Bhawan Palace in Jodhpur. After exploring the palace, we were taken for a comfortable drive to Mount Abu. It is the only hill station in Rajasthan.

The next day, we spent the entire day exploring Mount Abu. We visited the highest peak in the Aravalli Range called the Guru Shikhar. Moving forward, we saw the Dilwara Jain Temples, which are known for their intricate carvings. We even went for a boat ride on Nakki Lake. Some other attractions that we saw at the hill station are Achalgarh Fort, Trevor's Tank, the Adhar Devi Temple, and the Brahma Kumaris Ashram. We returned to our hotel, completely refreshed by the cool mountain air.

The 9th day was the last day of our Rajasthan trip. We checked out from our hotel in Mount Abu and went to the Udaipur airport for our flight home. Although our trip ended, we took home wonderful memories of Rajasthan’s culture, architecture, and hospitality.

Thank You, Thrillophilia!

I am so grateful for the amazing experience we had on our trip to Rajasthan. Every penny we spent was absolutely worth it!

I want to thank Thrillophilia for their excellent services and their team for creating such wonderful packages. We had an outstanding experience with Thrillophilia, and I hope this Thrillophilia review helps others plan their trips efficiently.

New Place in Hyderabad: TGs, the Oriental Grill

Teppanyaki is not a recent phenomenon in Hyderabad. If my memory serves me right the erstwhile Syn at Taj Deccan was the first teppan in Hyderabad, a metal cooking griddle that is used to prepare teppanyaki style food in Japan. Rika at Park Hyatt and Holy Basil at Radisson Blu followed, but we never had an exclusive teppanyaki restaurant in the city. The newly opened TGs the Oriental Grill at Hyatt Hyderabad Gachibowli has filled that void with a 70-seater restaurant with a teppan at every table.

The restaurant located next to the lobby opened to its clients about a month ago. There are about half a dozen teppans where the customers can enjoy live cooking. Food is prepared live on the teppan by the chef who interacts with you on your preferences. The restaurant believes in the philosophy of “Eat what you See”, and most of the dishes are prepared right in front of your eyes, the exceptions of course being the sushi and sashimi that are brought in from the kitchen. Seeing the food prepared in front of you tickles your tastebuds while the little chat with the chef enhances your knowledge about the dish and its ingredients.

Apart from Japanese, the restaurant also serves South East Asian cuisines such as Thai, Vietnamese and Indonesian, but the focus is on recipes that are amenable to live cooking. A range of different oriental sauces are used in the dishes. For diners who are not familiar with the cuisines, there are a few set menus to choose from, like an exclusive seafood menu, and Japanese inspired veg and non-veg menus.

We started with the flavourful Miso Soup, with Dashi stock and seaweeds. California Crab Roll – sushi with crab meat avocado and cucumber as well as Hamachi Sashimi made from Tuna that followed were delicious too.

The restaurant also has a list of eight specially curated cocktails. I tried two of them – Mezcal Picante (above) (tequila with basil coriander jalapeno syrup) and Fire Starter (cinnamon infused Jim Beam). Both impressed. Miso Old Fashioned was another one that looked interesting.

The main courses cooked live on the table are the highlights of the restaurant. New Zealand lamb chops, Pork Belly, Jumbo prawns and sea bass are some of the delicacies available that can be cooked in Oriental sauce of your choice. We started with the famed New Zealand Lamb Chops, a signature offering of the restaurant that was prepared in Blackew Pepper Sauce. Pork Belly was done in chili garlic sauce along with onion, garlic and bok choy. Shredded Lamb in spicy ginger sauce is another interesting dish. You can see how the Chef is preparing the dishes and interact with him regarding spice level or any other suggestions that you may have.

The Thai food here is also hot off the wok. A Thai Yellow Curry with Tiger Prawns, spinach and onions that went well with the Garlic and Egg Fried Rice prepared by the chef was bursting with flavours. Banana Leaf Wrapped Sea Bass with oyster sauce margination is another dish not to be missed.

The pick of the desserts was Salted Caramel Japanese Cheese Cake. They also have Bomb Alaska, a chocolate sponge and ice cream based dessert.

Location:

TG’s – the Oriental Grill

Hyatt Hyderabad Gachibowli

Road No. 2, Financial District,

Gachibowli, Hyderabad, Nanakramguda,

Telangana 500019

Call 93556 88898

Top 10 things to do in Andaman During Winter

Thrillophilia

Imagine waking up to the soothing sound of waves gently kissing the pristine shores, the salty breeze whispering secrets of ancient maritime lore. The Andaman Islands, a hidden gem in the Bay of Bengal, transform into a magical paradise during the winter months. With the temperature dropping to a comfortable cool, it's the perfect escape from the chillier climes. Whether you're an adventurer, a nature enthusiast, or someone looking to unwind, the Andamans offer a myriad of experiences that cater to every whim. Dive into the azure depths to explore vibrant coral reefs, wander through lush mangroves, or simply laze on the sun-kissed beaches. Each moment in the Andamans during winter promises a blend of tranquillity and excitement, making it an unforgettable getaway.

1. Explore Havelock Island's Radhanagar Beach

As you set foot on its powdery white sands, the turquoise waters invite you for a refreshing dip. Spend your day soaking up the sun, and as evening falls, witness a breathtaking sunset that paints the sky in hues of orange and pink. It's the perfect spot for a leisurely day with a backdrop that feels straight out of a postcard. For those seeking an unforgettable escape, exploring Andaman tour packages from Hyderabad can make your dream of experiencing this tropical haven a reality.

2. Scuba Diving in the Clear Blue Waters

Winter is the ideal time for scuba diving in the Andamans, with the waters offering unparalleled visibility. Dive into the underwater world at popular spots like Neil Island, where vibrant coral reefs teem with marine life. From playful clownfish to majestic manta rays, every dive is an adventure. For beginners, certified instructors are available to guide you through your first underwater experience.

3. Snorkeling at Elephant Beach

Snorkelling at Elephant Beach on Havelock Island is a fantastic alternative if scuba diving feels too intense. The shallow waters here are brimming with colourful coral gardens and schools of fish. Grab your snorkel gear, and float on the surface, letting the wonders of the marine world unfold beneath you. The beach is also accessible via a scenic trek through the jungle, adding a touch of adventure to your day. If you are planning a trip, consider looking into Andaman Nicobar tour packages from Ahmedabad for a seamless and memorable experience.

4. Visit the Cellular Jail National Memorial

Step back in time with a visit to the Cellular Jail National Memorial in Port Blair. This historical site, once a colonial prison, now stands as a poignant reminder of India's struggle for independence. The light and sound show held in the evening is a moving tribute to the freedom fighters, bringing history to life in a vivid display of lights and narratives.

5. Kayaking Through Mangrove Forests

For a unique adventure, embark on a kayaking trip through the mangrove forests of Baratang Island. Paddle through narrow waterways lined with dense mangroves, spotting wildlife like exotic birds and even saltwater crocodiles. The tranquillity of the mangroves, punctuated by the sounds of nature, offers a serene escape from the hustle and bustle.

6. Enjoy a Beach Bonfire and Stargazing

Winter nights in the Andamans are perfect for a beach bonfire. Gather around a crackling fire, enjoy some grilled seafood, and share stories under the starry sky. The minimal light pollution in the islands makes stargazing a mesmerising experience. Look up and get lost in the Milky Way, spotting constellations and perhaps even a shooting star.

7. Island Hopping and Exploring Hidden Gems

The Andamans are an archipelago of over 500 islands, each with its own charm. Hire a boat and set off on an island-hopping adventure. Visit Ross Island to explore its eerie, abandoned ruins, or head to Neil Island for its tranquil beaches and lush greenery. Each island has a story to tell and a unique landscape to discover.

8. Taste the Local Cuisine

Indulge in the culinary delights of the Andamans, whose cuisine is a delicious blend of Indian and Southeast Asian flavours. Fresh seafood is the star of the show, with dishes like grilled fish, prawn curry, and crab masala tantalising your taste buds. Don't miss trying the local speciality, fish amritsari, a delectable fried fish dish that’s perfect with a cold beer.

9. Trekking to Limestone Caves in Baratang

For the adventurous at heart, a trek to the limestone caves in Baratang Island is a must. The journey involves a boat ride through the mangroves and a short hike, but the sight of the ancient caves is well worth the effort. Marvel at the natural rock formations and the eerie beauty of the caves, a testament to the island's geological wonders.

10. Relax and Unwind at a Luxury Resort

After days filled with adventure, pamper yourself with a stay at one of the luxury resorts in the Andamans. Many resorts offer private beaches, spa treatments, and world-class amenities. Wake up to stunning ocean views, enjoy gourmet meals, and let the serene surroundings rejuvenate your mind and body. It's the perfect way to conclude your winter escape in the Andamans.

The Andaman Islands during winter are nothing short of a dream. With each activity, you'll find yourself falling more in love with this tropical paradise. So pack your bags, leave the winter coats behind, and get ready for an unforgettable adventure in the Andamans!