I always had a soft spot for photography in my heart for as long as I can remember. But it was my journey to Gir Forest National Park that truly ignited a new passion within me for wildlife photography.
Along the banks of Gomti river resides the largest city of Uttar Pradesh, Lucknow. The capital city is known for its amazing Chikankari (traditional embroidery style), Poetry, Gardens and Kebabs.
I was over the moon when I found out that I was going on my first office off-site trip. We had no idea where we were heading as the location was a surprise. As we drove down Sohna Road in Gurgaon, I couldn’t believe it when we arrived at the Taj Gateway Resort.
Honestly, it was a dream come true staying at a five-star resort (and not paying a penny for it #corporateperks). The property is enormous and surrounded by greenery. It is so huge that you can spend your entire weekend roaming within the resort and have a good time. Here are five highlights of my stay at the Taj Gateway Resort.
A gigantic room surrounded by greenery
I stayed in the two-story cottages surrounded by beautiful green lawns. My room was on the first floor, and I saw many right birds outside my window. It was truly heavenly. The room itself was spacious and had a simple yet elegant decor. But the bathroom was my favorite part! It had wooden floors, huge mirrors, and a comfortable bathing area. It even had its own dressing area and was stocked with all the toiletries I needed, including a cozy bathrobe. I was impressed by it so much that I could have spent an entire day here! 🤣
The gorgeous decor & surroundings of Taj Gateway Resort
The resort is a serene oasis that offers a respite from the hustle and bustle of the city. The property boasts stunning cottages, massive ballrooms, and expansive lawns perfect for biking. In addition, the resort is environmentally conscious and has incorporated recycled materials into its decor. The amphitheater is ideal for hosting events like wedding sangeets, and the pool is just the right spot for guests to unwind. Plus, it has a few hidden gems that you will spot while strolling the gardens. Like I did on the way to the paintball region, a watchtower. I decided to climb it and catch breathtaking views of the Aravalli mountains during the sunset.
Pro tip: You can rent the bikes from the resort garage.
Delicious and innovative food
I absolutely loved the food at this place! The breakfast options were a great mix of Indian and continental dishes, and I particularly enjoyed the masala dosa with pineapple and coconut chutney. The lunch and dinner buffets were fantastic, offering a variety of cuisines, including Thai, Indian, Middle Eastern, and Italian. Some of my favorites were the Thai fish curry and biryani. But the real standout was the desserts – they had such an incredible selection of cakes and pastries. I couldn’t resist trying a few!
Indoor games to outdoor activities
The resort had activities for all age groups, from a dedicated kid’s zone to a room filled with fun arcade games. There were so many fun things to do. We spent half of our day exploring the indoor game room, playing air hockey, foosball, and table tennis, followed by an extended session of badminton and a few rounds of Paintball.
Pro tip: The resort offers custom activities and games upon special request. Therefore, if you are visiting in a large group, you can let them know.
Hiking the Aravallis
An early morning hike to the hilltop was the highlight of our vacation! It was a joy to embark on at the request of our group. We were fortunate to have a knowledgeable staff member guide us to a nearby lookout point at Damdama lake. We started before sunrise, climbing rocks and walking through the wilderness to reach the lookout just in time to watch the sunrise. Although, we didn’t get to see the lake due to the thick fog. Nevertheless, we had a great time on the journey and saw some impressive wildlife along the way.
Overall, I loved every bit of my time at Taj Gateway Resort, and I highly recommend this place for a quick getaway. If you are visiting Delhi for the first time and don’t have enough time to explore the city at your pace. Here are some great tours you can take to make the most of your visit to Delhi.
Dasara or Dussehra is the biggest festival of Mysuru (Mysore). A 10-day long celebration, that includes elephant parades, cultural shows and the illumination of the entire city along with extended illumination of the Mysore Palace.
As a college student, touring factories has always been a thrilling experience for me. It makes us mindful of the products we use daily by teaching us about the process, the hard work, and the technology that goes into its production. Therefore, while on my road trip to Ooty and Mysore, I visited the Dodabetta Tea Factory, the highest-elevation tea factory in South India.
Mysuru or better known as Mysore is a city with an extravagant history and royal heritage. As soon as someone mentions Mysore, the first thing that comes to our mind is the majestic Palace of Mysore. Art and culture is something deeply rooted in the city and doubles during Dasara. The name derives itself from the demon god Mahishasura who ruled the ancient kingdom of Mysore according to Hindu mythology.
Ooty is a city tucked in the Blue Mountains of the Indian state, Tamil Nadu. This hill station is crowned as the ‘Queen of Hill Stations’, is a great choice for an ideal southern getaway. What makes this place more attractive is its pleasant weather and the scenic beauty. Amidst the eucalyptus and pine forest, resides a city that gives that awaits exploration. From highest peak to the prettiest lakes, let us dig into the city’s core to experience Ooty to the fullest.
The best thing about being on road is that you get to explore beyond the set itinerary. Pykara is one such place that we explored on our journey to Mysore from Ooty. This came as a pleasant surprise from our driver to us and to be honest, this place was an epitome of beauty.
Planning to celebrate Durga Puja in C.R. Park? Don’t worry—this guide has everything you need to know, from the best way to get there to the must-visit pandals and food stalls.