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Rafting Adventure in Trishuli – Nepal
Rafting is an adventure sport gaining a lot of momentum and popularity, especially in northern part of Nepal and India due to the immense heights from which the rivers flow through the Himalayas. An amazing activity of teamwork and swifting through the high and quick movements of water, rapids as they are called, with all the jerks, jumps and falls in the river, rafting is a very enjoyable and fun adventure activity to do.
I have done it several times in North of India and Nepal too. The most popular river in Nepal for rafting is river Trishuli, as it has many rapids, twists and turns and at the same time is not very dangerous. There are many resorts around truly which are on the way to Kathmandu from Pokhara or another way around. Depending on the length of time you want to raft you can choose the hours and the rapids. Generally, it is for 2 or 4 hours wherein you have a master who makes you learn the basics and commands throughout the raft whether to paddle, stop, go up or down etc.
The best is when 3 or 4 boats are rafting at the same time, they have competitions, games and many other things that make the ride more worthy. I did it with my other friends and also made some good friends there, this is what it generates be it teamwork, fun, enjoyment etc. As they say, just go into the waters and let it flow, but beware as the water would be cold :).
The Precise Guide to Lisbon – A City Worth Loving
There are some cities which touch your heart and leaves an everlasting impression on you which you cherish for the lifetime and always want to return to know more and more, Lisbon is the city that perfectly suits this description.
Street Art, Map My Escape
With its beautiful cobbled streets, architectural monuments, theatre and entertainment options, lively squares, musical performances, sea views, smiling locals, the charming trams, maze-like hilly pathways and an amazingly positive environment, Lisbon lives to its image of being a vibrant city.
Map My Escape
You will be spoilt of choices that this city has to offer to make your visit a memorable one. There are a lot of cheap hostels around the city which is a boon for the backpackers, Baixa Chiado is the station and the neighborhood which is very close to the center, party district Bairro Alto and many other attractions which are a short walk from here, so try staying around this place.
There are a lot of good restaurants and cafes around to try some local cuisine and the famous port wine. With a cool breeze throughout the day, the evening is the time when the city doubles its charm, there are some spots where both locals and the tourists spend their evenings with music, beautiful views of the Atlantic and the light up city, relishing some great food over discussions. Amongst many things to see and do, some of the essentials are
St. George Castle
The Jewel of Lisbon and a must visit for everyone who is going to this city is St. George Castle. Being nestled on a hill with a short walk up through the narrow streets of the historic old quarter, this place undoubtedly would give you the best views of this city. There are many towers on the surrounding walls where you can climb and have a look at the red roofs of this city, the famous 25 de Abril bridge on the Tagus river, the narrow alleys around and the other side of the city with stunning views and a clear sky which compels you to take pictures and save them as an everlasting memory. There is a minimal entrance fee of 8.5 Euros to get into the castle which covers all the parts and also the museums inside.
Jardim Botânico
A huge public garden inside the city yet very peaceful. Jardim Botanico is the place where you’ll see a lot of locals spending their quality time with the family and friends. This is the perfect place to go and chill if you get tired of walking around and exploring the place.
Praca do Commercio
Being referred as Lisbon’s biggest square situated on the riverfront of Tagus river is commonly called Terreiro do Paco amongst the locals. The square was being renovated recently as it has a lot of historic and cultural importance. The marble structures and monuments add to the beauty of this square. You can see many performers showing their talents, artistic shops around, young guys playing on the skateboards or people just relaxing over a cup of coffee.
Take a Tram Ride
Although it may sound very cliche, this for sure is an experience to take when you are in Lisbon. There are different routes in the old quarter where the tram operates, each has its own charm. So just board a tram and grab a window seat to get mesmerized by the amazing streets and architecture of Lisbon with that slow pace of life.
Walk around the historic quarter and See Cathedrals
There are many historic cathedrals and buildings that can be explored while walking around the old part of the city. One of the most famous and artistic is Se Cathedral which was built on the grounds of a mosque and has an amazing architecture. Its free of cost.
Party in Bairro Alto
The crazy yet amazing party district of Lisbon is Bairro Alto where you can see both locals and tourists flocking in late night enjoying the foot tapping music with snacks and drinks. The whole environment becomes so lively and happy that it would force you to stay late and keep enjoying.
Admire the Arts
Lisbon houses many contemporary art stores featuring the artworks of some of the best artists and painters, so if you are an art enthusiast, this city has a lot to offer.
Relax at the nearby Beaches
There are some good beaches amongst the coastline which is a short ride from Lisbon but a worthwhile experience. Whether you like relaxing on the beach or surfing on the waves, there are a lot many options to choose from.
Backpacking Guide to Portugal – The Vibrant Country
The beach country having an amazing coastline, super friendly and smiling locals, amazing food and wine, clear blue skies, stunning architecture, unique tram system and the beautiful cobbled streets is what defines Portugal.
The best thing is that it’s not highly touristic as the other countries of Europe, so you get a more local experience than a very touristic one, in addition to this, the country is not very expensive as the other European countries. The typical cost of accommodation, food, transportation and other activities are pretty much affordable.
The vibes that this country has, will surely make you happy and contented with your trip. Lisbon, the capital of Portugal is amongst those few places in the world that leaves a lasting impact on you and would surely make you think about returning and knowing this city more and more.
With a lot of Vibrancy in its culture, architecture, food, and nightlife, this country for sure is worth more than a visit. With its beautiful capital Lisbon, there are some other beach towns surrounding which are a perfect relaxing getaway and also the coast is famous for surfing, so if you wanna try, just go and surf.
Getting around Portugal is quite simple and cost-effective, the local transportation is quite affordable and smooth. With Lisbon Airport as the major hub connecting to almost all the major cities of Europe and TAP Portugal, the national airline offering cheap ticket deals, it’s quite easy to get there.
Transfers within the cities can cost you around 1.5 to 3 Euros and between the different cities around 25 to 40 Euros. A typical meal with port wine can cost somewhere around 15 to 25 Euros at decent restaurants and eateries whereas in the fancy restaurants it can even go up to 100 Euros, sandwiches and burger meals are somewhere around 7 to 10 Euros. Accommodation also is cheaper than the other European destinations, a bed in a clean and good hostel can cost around 10 to 15 Euros whereas a cheap hotel room can be somewhere around 30 Euros.
It’s very easy to move around and there are locals who are always ready to help you with a smile. Go there for the love of architecture, culture, and food and you’ll not be disappointed and will be left with a lot of memories to cherish upon.
Exploring and Experiencing Seville – The Jewel of Spain
This beautiful, artistic and architectural city in Southern Spain is definitely a must visit. Filled with beautiful architectural Cathedrals, palaces, narrow streets, Flamenco bars, traditional bullfight history and a lot more attraction, Seville leaves a lasting impression on you. Amongst the endless attractions, the ones which are not to be missed are :
Plaza De Espana – The panoramic semi-circular and artistically curated plaza in the iconic Maria Luisa Park which was being made in 1929 for hosting Ibero American Exposition now hosts various government offices and is a very popular tourist spot in the city as it has amazing boulevards, mosaic structures, statues etc. Almost everyone visiting Seville would for sure be visiting this place.
The Alcazar – Serving as one of the oldest palaces in entire Europe, Alcazar is a definite treat to the eyes. It’s been used as an inspiration for the sets of the series Game Of Thrones too. The shiny alleys and marble carved architecture make you go back in the history and admire the precision and vision of old times.
The Old Cathedral and Jewish Quarter – The beautiful, narrow and maze-like alleys of the Jewish Quarter are best to be explored on foot or on a bicycle. The streets are full of cafes and boutique restaurants to relax and enjoy the views of the old Cathedral which is huge and very beautiful. This area is being considered as the most scenic part of whole Seville. It is full of people throughout the day and gets its charm even more during the night when the Cathedral is lighted up.
Bullfight at Maestranza – One of the important sport in the Spanish history and culture, especially in Southern Spain, is bullfight. With a huge seating capacity, the Maestranza de caballería de Seville hosts one of the most famous bullfighting festivals in the world. There are guided tours of this place where the staff explains you different aspects, history and the way bullfighting is carried on, if you are lucky, you can get to see the real action if a bullfight is scheduled on that day. There are some days in a month when this tour is provided free of cost.
Flamenco Bars – The highly energetic foot taping traditional Flamenco dance is another unique thing to experience and explore in Seville. In the evening, this is the most engaging and cultural activity to enjoy. There are many Flamenco bars which serve amazing food and an amazing ambiance with this special Spanish dance. Most of the bars have an entry ticket for the show which can be purchased in advance at any time of the day.
Explore Seville for its tranquility and good vibes. You’ll even be happy doing nothing but just to stroll around the city.