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	<title>The Holiday Scout Blog | Tag | outdoor</title>
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	<description>The Holiday Scout</description>
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		<title>Mizoram Diary</title>
		<link>https://theholidayscout.com/blog/wildlife-and-nature/mizoram-diary/</link>
		<pubDate>Sun, 28 May 2017 00:00:00 +0530</pubDate>
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		<description><![CDATA[Mizoram is a place for those looking to spend time alone with nature. Covered by 70% forest, the verdant velvet hills here roll on as far as the eye can see.Tourism in Mizoram is only in a budding stage. Despite huge potential for angling, wildlife spotting, trekking and more, noteworthy steps to develop these activities have yet to be taken. What visitors here will find magnetically attractive is nature&rsquo;s bounty itself. Majestic waterfalls wait to be found in secluded jungle clearings, and walking paths in the hills around the state capital Aizawl reward seekers with amazing panoramic views.Many Mizos still earn their living as small-scale farmers, working the extremely steep terrain by hand without machinery. In contrast, Aizawl is a modern city where virtually no remnants of Mizoram&rsquo;s tribal heritage remain visible. One exception is the Thakthing Bazaar where, every Saturday morning, narrow lanes fill with farmers from the countryside who come to sell their organically grown produce while fisher-folk ply their catches of river snails, crabs and prawns along with smoked fish and frogs.Spices are almost unheard of in Mizo cooking. Instead roots, leaves and herbs give contemporary Mizo dishes their distinctive smoky, earthy taste. And not to forget Sa-Um, the salty fermented pork fat which features prominently as a flavor enhancer. Visitors to Mizoram will be hard pressed to find a restaurant that serves great Mizo food. For now, the unique farm-to-table culinary experience is best enjoyed as part of a home stay. Fortunately we had a local guide who arranged this for us and so we got to try such Mizo specialties as Bekang Bai (marinated soya bean with eggplant) and Vawksa Rep (steamed, smoked pork with mustard leaves).STAYLocated in Chanmari in central Aizawl, the Grand Hotel has rooms that are clean and secure, with hot water available around the clock. Rooms on the top floor offer a spectacular view from the balcony. Amenities include complimentary Wi-Fi, satellite TV and breakfast. The hotel houses a restaurant with a wide choice of mainland Indian, Chinese and Continental dishes. The staff is friendly, courteous and helpful. We recommend this hotel particularly to first-time travelers to Mizoram. Here you will receive assistance on planning your stay and you will always return to a tidy room in a calm location.EATFor those keen on tasting traditional Mizo food, engage the service of a local guide and ask him/her to arrange a meal at a local residence. Otherwise, try David&rsquo;s Kitchen and Cozy Den, both in Chanmari, for mainland Indian and Chinese dishes.SEE &amp; DO1) Reiek Mountain Trek &ndash; located 12 kilometers from Aizawl at 1548 meters elevation, this 90 minute walk requires medium fitness and good footwear. The unpaved footpath leads through forest. After clearing it, the way is cobbled and there are stunning panoramic views to behold of Aizawl and the surrounding hills and valleys.2) Vantawang Waterfalls &ndash; located in Thenzawl, Serchhip district, around 3 hours drive from Aizawl, this majestic waterfall is located at the end of a canyon. There is a small observation platform from which to take photos and admire the impressive scenery. 3) Thakthing Farmer&rsquo;s Market &ndash; Saturday mornings in AizawlGETTING THERE &amp; AWAYAizawl airport (AJL) is serviced regularly by air from Kolkata and Guwahati. The roads in Mizoram are in relatively good condition. The drive to Aizawl from Silchar, Assam takes around 5 hours.<br>Original post at: <a href="https://theholidayscout.com/blog/wildlife-and-nature/mizoram-diary/">https://theholidayscout.com/blog/wildlife-and-nature/mizoram-diary/</a>]]></description>
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		<title>Five Irresistible Reasons to Visit Ladakh</title>
		<link>https://theholidayscout.com/blog/tribe-and-culture/five-irresistible-reasons-to-visit-ladakh/</link>
		<pubDate>Sun, 04 Sep 2016 00:00:00 +0530</pubDate>
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		<description><![CDATA[A&nbsp; Photographer&rsquo;s DreamMost of Ladakh lies at an altitude above 3000 meters. Ancient mountains made of granite and deep sea sediment display a striped and surrealistic coloring which, in the absence of forest, is amplified against a dark blue cobalt sky. Deep-hued lakes sparkle like jewels in the arid desert and sinuous rivers flow through craggy gorges, punctuated occasionally by the small green oasis of a village. All this forms a stunning backdrop against which the enchanting faces, dwellings and monasteries of the region are presented, images beckoning to be captured.A Gateway to Outdoor AdventureFed by snow melt from the lofty Tibetan plateau, the mighty Zanskar River unites with the Indus in a dramatic gorge near Nimmu Village in Ladakh. Offering class 3 rapids and views of a canyon lined with rippling layers of rock that formed during the uplift of the Himalayas, a rafting expedition here is a must-try activity. For those geared up to the fitness level required for trekking, Ladakh has many routes that provide spectacular views on their way past tiny hamlets and remote Gompas. A Showcase for Tibetan Buddhist Art &amp; ArchitectureThe proximity and influence of Tibet gave firm root to Buddhism in the North and East of Ladakh. Here prayer flags dot the landscape and conical whitewashed Chorten stand like sentinels guarding each village and monastery. Often nestled into cliff sides, the Gompa are places of retreat. A winding upward path opens onto a courtyard from which steps lead away to various assembly halls and vestibules. The outside walls are often painted with frescoes while inside, Thangka scrolls depicting central Buddhist figures are filled with the colors of crushed stones and a generous splash of gold.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;A Taste of the Silk RoadA walk around the narrow lanes of Leh Bazaar feels like stepping into a time capsule, going back to the days before souvenir seeking tourists arrived on the scene. There are many shops dealing in Thangkas, precious stones and artifacts like Gur-Gur, the container in which buttered tea is churned, and Perak headdresses studded with turquoise. Village markets are equally charming and offer genuine handicrafts of good workmanship at reasonable rates.A Land of Warmhearted People and CustomsIn Ladakh, sunny smiles and the magical greeting &ldquo;Jhuley&rdquo; welcome visitors. In any home, whether affluent or humble, guests are invited for a cup of tea and a place on the best rug in the house. Ladakhi food is wholesome, featuring noodles, vegetables and dumplings, and Ladakhi dress made of homespun wool is warm and comfortable. On auspicious occasions, ladies don embroidered aprons and shoes along with glittering jewelry and a top hat. Thanksgiving festivals after harvest are celebrated with fanfare and music, offering a wonderful glimpse of local villagers in their traditional finery.<br>Original post at: <a href="https://theholidayscout.com/blog/tribe-and-culture/five-irresistible-reasons-to-visit-ladakh/">https://theholidayscout.com/blog/tribe-and-culture/five-irresistible-reasons-to-visit-ladakh/</a>]]></description>
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