10 Days in Europe

Travelling to Europe is many people's dream. I got my turn with business travel to Norway Sep'2024 along with a group of 5 people. Post business we planned a short vacation in western Europe.

I will share here my EU travel experience from India.  That might help for those who travel in budget.

Itinerary:
Chennai - Frankfurt - Chennai   (Typically round trip cost 50K to 80K INR)
Other Options from India: - Doha/ Dubai/ Amsterdam/ Paris 
Note: I travelled in Qatar airways via Doha, for sure Qatar gives best travel experience.
Counties Covered: Belgium >> France >> Swiss >> Italy >> Germany and Norway

Visa:
For EU you have to apply Schengen visa that allows you to travel around 27 EU countries.
Typically valid for 90 to 180 days however validity might be constrained based on the embassy's decision.

Where to Apply:
For business you have to apply in the country where you are going to travel for business. 
For tourism check your itinerary find the country where is your maximum stay.  Apply in the appropriate country.  Schengen visa demands lots of document, take time to prepare and please vouch the supporting docs.  Rejections was high post COVID, things might change in future.
For Norway Visa Check here for details

Luggage Storage:
Prefer to keep minimum luggage for hassle free travel.   
You get good 24x7 luggage storage in both airports and railway stations.
I stored my luggage in Frankfurt airport storage ~EU 10 per day and took 1 backpack for travel.
Note: Frankfurt airport storage works 24x7 however railway station luggage storage work on fixed time
(Check the counter timings before dropping your luggage)

Transport:
Flight:              Flughafen Frankfurt Main (Direct train connectivity from airport, you can walk)
Trains:             If your stay is more than 3 days, prefer to take Euro Pass will explain in detail
Local:              EU is well connected with Bus/ Tram/ Metro/ Cabs
                       (Prefer to take 1/ 2/ 3 day pass for local transport (bus/ metro) based on your stay) 

SIM Card:
For Indian travelers Airtel international roaming at ~Rs.3000 is very good comes with one month validity. It worked well for me in all the places without any issues.

Forex:
Everywhere card works keep less cash handy, use travel card everywhere. I used HDFC forex card worked seamlessly across all places.

Language:
Europe is similar to India, like each state language in india here in EU each country speaks different language.  However english works everywhere, we didn't feel any difficulty in communication.

Food:
There are lot of Indian restaurant across Europe, since lot of Indians coming for vacation like us.  however its relatively expensive for budget traveler like me. Lot of choices are there for Non-Veg people and for Veg its quite challenging to eat food in budget. 

Read to Eat: 
Hotel    - Buy any ready to eat food with aluminum package (Many hotels have only kettle) Saves INR 2K per meal
Hostel  - Common kitchen, you can cook what you wish (If you are lucky you can take leftover groceries from fridge)

Eat Out: 
For non veg indian, you see kebab restaurant everywhere across Europe, you will get good Chicken/ Beef roll or plate (Like Shwarma) ~INR1200 per meal (I mostly survived with kebabs only) Most of the middle east restaurants are hallal.
For veg Indian, would suggest to stay in hostel cook your own food.  For family want to eat out allocate some good budget for food.

Local Food: Try local food like French Croissant and Crepe, Swiss Chocolate, Italian Ice creams, Belgium Chocolate and Waffles   

EURO Pass:
Europe is very well connected with high speed trains and you can travel hassle free with reservation.  If you are planning to visit few countries in a month then blindly go for euro pass.

Where to Take:
https://www.eurail.com/en/eurail-passes/global-pass many pass options based on your need.
Benefits:
https://www.eurail.com/en/eurail-passes/deals (we got discount for Top of Europe)
Pass Type:
If budget permits, prefer to take 1st class (So you have option to travel both 1st and 2nd class) 
Reservation:
Reservation comes with additional cost, however it is very much needed for hassle free travel
EU Pass App:
https://www.eurail.com/en/plan-your-trip/rail-planner-app install this app for planning/ travel 
Tickets:
Get you travel itinerary in the app before travel and ensure to activate the pass every day before you start your travel.  Show the pass from app when ticket checker demands also keep the reservation handy in printouts. 
Youth Pass:     
16-24 Years will get discounted pass
Video:               
All abut EU Rail pass 

Note: if you are travelling only to swiss then prefer you to take Swiss Pass

Activities:
There are many options depends on the group you can choose. That includes Nature/ Museums/ Architectural/ Adventures/ Trekking/ Heritage.  Book all entry tickets in advance.

Brussels:  Atomium/ Mini Europe
Paris:        Louvre Museum Tickets/ Eiffel Tower and River/ Arc de Triomphe (10K) 
Rome:       Vatican Museum/ Colosseum Guided Tour 
Interlaken: Jungfrau Top of Europe (16K) / Lindt Factory Tour 
Munich:     Oktober festival    

Convenience Store:
Coop/ ROMA 2000/ Seven Eleven stores are available everywhere you can get all the essentials items.

Shopping:

Big NO for budget travelers or plenty of options if you have fatty wallet.

Accommodation:
If you are in a group, average cost per person ~INR 4K per day for twin sharing room (Privacy) or lot of hostel options also there which quite safe too.  Check reviews in both google/ travel website before booking.  Swiss is quite expensive we stayed in Balmers Hostel try once for life time experience.
Bookings:  Booking.com/ https://airbnb.com/ https://hostelworld.com/

Note: Confirm payments are done and check with the hotel before arrival to avoid any last minute surprises. 

Budget:

 ~62,500  Entry Tickets
 ~09,000  Locker
 ~32,000  Shared Accommodation
 ~46,000  Euro Pass
 ~02,000  Insurance
 ~10,000  Travel Essentials
 ~99,000  Food/ Local Transport/ Others Expenses
------------------------------------
2,60,500  Total Expenses (Approx.in INR) excluding visa/ flight tickets 
------------------------------------

Warning: 
EU Western and Scandinavia are very safe.  However places like Paris, Rome you have to be very cautious.  Take care of your belonging in public places, keep your wallet/ passport safe and don't carry any expensive items. 

• Beware of pick pockets and cheaters
• Never go to isolated/ lonely places alone
• Stay in a group if possible
• If anyone approaches you to help (No thanks and stay away from them)
• Google Map is always your friend (For any help go to public transport counter/ Cops) for help
• We got cheated in Paris metro ticket vending machine, they guy approached us to help and tricked give 2 hour ticket instead day pass.
• BE SAFE (Keep Helpline numbers handy)

If you planned your travel well for sure you will get unforgettable memories in budget.  
Overall it was a very good experience.  Travel is Fun !!!  May God Bless you !!!

Lens Reflections: 

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Article: Saheed April 25, 2024  No comment

5 Days in Thailand

"The Land of Smiles" was there in my wish list.  On Aug-2023 got an opportunity to attend conference in Bangkok. I will share here my Thai travel experience.   

Itinerary: 
Chennai - Bangkok - Phuket - Pattaya - Bangkok - Chennai   (Thai Airways INR 30k or Air Asia INR 15k) 

Note: I travelled in Thai airways which is awesome, however Air Asia also decent for budget trip.
Visa:
Thailand has On-arrival / E-visa  options for more details visit official website. 
I opted for E-Visa and the port of entry is seamless. 

Note: On-arrival visa they will accept only cash.

Luggage Storage:
You get good affordable 24x7 luggage storage in both the airports. However you can also keep the luggage in hotels too without any additional cost.

Transport:
Flight:              Suvarnabhumi Airport (Thai Air) / Don Mueang International Airport (Air Asia)
Cab/ Train:      Bangkok has very good metro connectivity and cabs at affordable price (Use Grab App)

SIM Card:
For Indian travelers Airtel international roaming at Rs.800 is good or local prepaid in airport. If you are using cabs/ food online service better take local SIM so they can reach you easily or if you are in a group may be one person can take local SIM.

Forex:
Thailand is cash based economy most of decent hotels card will do. However everywhere you need to use only cash.  Don't exchange in airport go to Sukhumvit Road for good exchange rate.

Language:
Thai is the common local language and English works everywhere.

Activities:
There are many options depends on the group you can choose.  There are lot of options Night/ floating/ weekend Market, Palace, Malls, Temples and local street food and more.  If you night owl kind of person visit Sukhumvit.  

Convenience Store:
Seven Eleven stores are available everywhere you can get all the essentials items.

Food/ Stay:

There are lot of Indian restaurant, I had in Amristr Restaurant was very good and they do have branches in Pattaya and Phuket too. There are lot good affordable hotels in Thailand. I stayed in Swisshotel always choose hotel which is near to any metro station.  

Shopping:
For shopping Indians must visit Indira Square (You need bargain however you will good deal here)
Chatuchak Weekend Market (too massive lots of shops most of them open only on Sunday)

What to Buy:
There are lots of good Medicines in Thailand, check with local people before buying. 
Below 2 are the best from my experience.

Pim Saen Balm Oil   Works very well for Cold/ Cough gives immediate relief from running nose
Cheng Chen Oil:       Gives very good relief particularly for headache and cold

What to Buy:
There are lots of good Medicines in Thailand, check with local people before buying. 

YouTube Info:
There are many you tube channels has thailand videos, however this is the best one which gives more local insight and very informative.  Please do visit before you travel.

Channel:  Live Love Thailand

Bangkok
Good city life and culture 2-3 days is good enough to cover Bangkok.  I have spend only 1 sunday for local visit and spent 3 days business purpose.   

Phuket
Scenic nature and pleasant weather.  Depends on your interest you can stay up to a week.  I spent 2 days in Phuket stayed in Royal Paradise Hotel it was decent/ affordable very close to Patong beach and Amritsar Restaurant.

Airport to Hotel use Grab or Prepaid Airport Taxi (Buses also available, Phuket airport is little away from city)

Bangkok to Phuket Air Asia 2 way costs around INR 6K only. 

Day 1: Local sight seeing (Standard Package - Negotiate/ bargain with local travel guys or hotel)

Day 2: Phe Phe Island (There are many options we choose Phe Phe)  (Travel guys will pick/ drop you from hotel)

Pattaya
1 day is fair enough to cover Pattaya.  Pattaya is 2 hours drive from Bangkok airport. It has nice beach and night life with lots of Indian crowd. Places like Floating Market/ Tiger Park/ Walking Street and coral island. 

Warning: 

Avoid taking 2 wheelers rent, you might get cheated its not safe and foreign license is not acceptable it seems.  Traffic challans are very costly.  
For questions always check with hotel travel desk, never indulge with anonymous people.
Careful with your belonging while you are in crowded places.  

Thailand is budget friendly with beautiful beaches, city life, nature and many more.  Overall its a very good experience.  For family travelers don't miss Bangkok, Phuket is must and for friends visit all 3 locations.  Have Fun !!!  God Bless you !!!

Lens Reflections: 

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Article: Saheed February 24, 2024  No comment

4 Days in Dubai

Visiting "The Pearl of Gulf" was there in my travel wish list for pretty long time.  On Apr-2019 got an opportunity to visit Arizona with my colleagues.  Took this opportunity and went through Dubai, we took emirates everyone's favorite.

Itinerary: 
Chennai - Dubai - Boston- Phoenix - New York - Dubai - Chennai   (Emirates)


Visa:  
For Indians getting UAE visa is very simple,  since we hold USA visa we are eligible for On Arrival Visa.  Indian B1/B2 Visa holders can apply visa online or port of entry (special counters are there) Note: Transit visa is valid only for 4 days.
If you are travelling through emirates then you can apply transit visa though emirates website.

Stay:
Dubai is the best place for tourist, if you are travelling as a group, for sure you will get best hotels at cheaper price. Dubai is very well connected by metro and it is advisable to stay near any metro station.  We are 4 and we stayed in Hilton near to Airport metro. For 3 bed double room costed around USD 60 only.  Dubai Mall is in the center of the city so plan your hotel in close proximity may be around 10 km from mall. 
Hotel: www.dubaiairport.hamptonbyhilton.com using Booking.com

Food:
There are many good restaurants around Dubai, if you are Indian you don't need to search for any restaurant just step out on the road you will see lots of Indian restaurant particularly Kerala type.  We are so lucky that Sangeetha and Ponnusamy Hotels (South Indian Tamil style) and one Kerala restaurant is few meters away from Hilton and the food was so delicious, we didn't feel that we are in different country. 

Local Connectivity:   
Metro (Best choice)
City Bus
Uber, Kareem and Dubai Taxi

If you want to roam around the city take Metro train it very well connected to many places.  You can take route pass or just buy ticket based on your destination.

Language:
English and Arabic works everywhere however in Dubai almost 70 percentage of the people are Indians in that may be 60 percent are Malayalies.  If you can speak Hindi or Malayalam you can go anywhere in UAE.


What to Do:
Dubai has lots of places to see of-course you can easily spend entire month for Dubai vacation however we were in transit visa so our itinerary was only for 4 days.  We reached on Sunday morning and started back on Wednesday evening.

Day-1:
Hotel Check in time is 12:00 pm since we landed on Sunday morning 8:00 am, we are forced to wait in the reception since most of the rooms are occupied.  We were in jet lag so took rest and evening we took metro and went to Dubai Mall.  Its Big yes it is really BIG you can spend entire day inside the mall.  From metro station you can directly walk into Dubai mall.  There are few interesting things to do inside mall.

Burj Khalifa (You can book ticket online - Morning is cheaper and Evening is little expensive)
Aquarium (Book together with Burj Khalifa)
Fountain (Shows starts from 6 pm onward for every 30 minutes)

Dubai Mall

Day-2:
Morning we planned for city tour.
All the hotels has tourist desk and mostly the prices are reasonable however please check it online before booking.  We took 1 sedan car for local sight seeing, since we are 4 people the price is very reasonable for us instead of taking city bus ride.  We got a Pakistani driver cum Guide mostly the drivers are tourist friendly, however please be cautious everywhere.  I will add few interesting places that we visited.

Gold Souk (Gold Market) - Must Visit (You will get pure gold but making charge is high)
Old Dubai (Spice Market) - You can buy some Dates (You need to bargain everywhere)
Creek - Boat ride just INR 20 for 5 min ride (Must Try)
Dubai Museum - Must visit to know tribe's life style and Dubai's transformation
Jumaira Beach - Nice beach please make sure you visit in the evening 
Atlantis Hotel - Just see in front of road (You will riding under the sea tunnel to visit this hotel)

Evening, from the hotel we took metro train to visit Naif Souk local city market.  You will get everything clothes, Spices, Electronics and more.  Since Dubai is tax free country you will get electronics items at dam cheap price than India and USA.  For instance we bought a DSLR in USA for INR 32K and the same model in Dubai is available at only 25K.  Many indians purchase iPhone here.

Tip: For Indians gold is little cheaper in Dubai due to high Indian tax, however you can carry only 20 grams or else you will be ended up in paying more custom duty.  It is prefer to buy gold in reputed shops like Malabar, Joy Alukas etc since they have branches in India and the gold is pure.  For tourist Gold is Tax Free if you are buying in the city you can pay the tax and claim it in the airport counter by showing the bill.

Dubai Creek

Spice Market

Dates Different Type

Day-3:
Morning we booked online ticket for visiting Burj Khalifa and Aquarium.  Its must visit if you want to see the world tallest building and world's high speed elevator. Aquarium is also good however please buy tickets together to avail discount.

Evening, we booked for desert safari (Must try don't miss it)  Pickup/ Drop will done from the hotel in Land Rover 4 wheel drive.  They picked us around 4 pm and took us to the middle of the desert for ATV ride.  Adventurous person can give it a try or just skip it since it is little expensive and not part of your desert safari package. Once ATV is done they will take you to the desert ride.

Off Wheel Ride - Wow, all energetic people must try - Included in Package
Selfie with Falcon - @ 10 AED
Camel Ride - Funny Take off and Landing is scary - Included in Package
Lebanon Fire Dance - Included in Package 
Belly Dance - Included in Package
Hooka - Included in Package

Dinner - Included in Package

Burj Khalifa

Desert Safari 

Day-4:
After breakfast we checkout the hotel and kept our luggage in the hotel clock room. We booked package ticket for Dubai Parks.  It has 4 different parks inside,
1.Motiongate
2.LegoLand
3.Lego Water park
4.Bollywood Park
We got only half day so we took 2 park package since we are Lego fans so visited Lego land and Motion gate park.  I enjoyed a lot and i highly recommend this place if you are Hollywood animation movie fan.  We reached back to hotel by 3 pm and left to airport.

Overall it was memorable pocket friendly trip for each person it took just 30K for 4 days.

Lego Land Minature

MotionGate

Thank You for Reading.

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Article: Saheed February 03, 2020  

Trek to Kodachadri

It was decided looooong loooooong ago to goto kodachadri,  unfortuanatly we couldn't make it then the time comes “chritmas eve” and we planned our trek to the misty kodachadri. 

Breath taking view of Kodachadri

Initially we thought of going as a group in a tempo, but some people stepped back at last moment.  Still we don't want to cancel it, because we follow this message “ONCE I DECIDED, I NEVER LISTEN TO MYSELF” :-)


Let me explain how we made this trek cost/time effective, the credit goes sudheer.  He is our guide/organizer/translator blob.., blob.., blob.., 

The day comes for the unplanned trek.  The day before the trek we tried all the possible tried on-line tickets to Kollur/Nittur.   We are so lucky, We didn't get even a single ticket, so we thought starting our journey from KBS-Majestic  through all the possible solutions,  Sudheer used tortoise and recalled his college days and proposed a Shortest Path (Algorithm) :-)  Bangalore - Shimogo -Nittur  - Koachadri.   Yes, this is the easiest/fastest route to reach kodachadri from bangalore.

As we thought of going by redbus.in and we finally made it by red coloured bus-KSRTC. we got the seat near back tyre, so our trek started from KBS itself.  Our Conductor told bus will be leaving @ 10:15 PM and i got surprised when the bus left sharp @ 10:15 Kudos to ksrtc.   

Our lead Sudheer been to Kodachadri many times may be around 10+ but still he didn't have tortoise in his pocket to recall his memories. We are confused how to get proceed further. Either stay on top near to the temple, pwd guest house/ stay in a tent/come back to nittur and stay.  There are many home stay near Nittur and the famous person there is Rajendra may be he might be good in internet to attract Bangalore crowd. 

We reached Shimogo next day @ 4.15 AM but we didn't get bus to Nittur and we enquired the first bus to Nittur is 6.00AM (Anjaneya Travels) and the bus left sharp @ 6:00 AM and it is 3:30 hrs journey to Nittur.  We reached Nittur @ 9:30AM and we finished our breakfast in the near by hotel.

There is 3 possible ways to reach Kodachadri peak,

• Route No 1 (IDULEMANE FALLS)
• Route No 2 (SANTOSH HOTEL)
• Route No 3 (JEEP ROUTE)

Route No 1: If you are coming from shimogo, you need to take inside road just 1 km before Nittur Bus Stop and need to walk around 7KM to IduleMane Falls  (or) Hire a Jeep near Nittur Bus Stop and get down at Rajendra’s guest house, which 5kms from IduluMane Falls or jeep can go till IdluMane falls itself but what is the fun if you go by jeep.   [Warning: In monsoon make sure that Idllumane falls is not overflowing as you need to cross and climb from this falls], This is pretty steep climb inside forest.

Route No 2:  If you are coming from shimogo, after Nittur Bus Stop you need to proceed 5.5 Kms on same road from there to Hotel Santosh is around 5 KMS. If you are coming by your own vehicle you can park there in santhosh hotel,  If you are confused where to get down, just get down at Nittur Bus Stop and take a jeep till Santosh Hotel. 


Route No 3: This is longest trek route compared to other two. This trek trail is marked in Blue line. Total length of trek trail is around 15 KM of course depends on the place where you start, This route will be helpful in heavy rain.



We want to enjoy the trek, so we opted for Route no 1, We took a jeep from Nittur to Rajendra’s Guest House which is 4-5 km from Idule Mane Falls/3Kms from Nittur bus stop and started walking in a road for 4 km while walking you can find some water stream/ govt school/ paddy field.


For accommodation at top there is Govt guest house located at the peak. you need to book that in advance, There is home stay, and even tents are available for staying... I guess Rajendra can help you out guest house and tent. And contact home stay before you start. I've provided all the contact numbers at the beginning.

TIDBITS:
YOU MAY FEEL LITTLE TIRED HERE, THE SUN IS TOO HARSH NO SHADES.  WE HAD SOME SINKERS AND PROCEEDED FURTHER.  

Note:

• If your are trekking, carry enough water, chocolates
• Carry less luggage as possible and wear light weighted shoes
• It is advisable to start trek before 2PM. 
• It requires around 4-5 hours to reach peak....so dont get yourself struck in dark!
• Carry a torch with enough focus, and enough protection against cold
• Be careful in rainy season as there are leech which can trouble you
• Best time to visit would be just after monsoons...as it'll be green all over
• Its advisable to halt a night to see both sunset and sunrise

Spots to visit are Hidulmane falls and Arishinagundi falls.- both falls to be visited with guide... you can get hidulmane falls on route 2. For Arishina gundi falls one needs to take permission from forest office at Kollur......

From Idulmane to Peak

From the Falls you need to take a right and climb, It is slippery and steep you need to watch your steps and take care of your ankle. Where ever possible hold the root/stem of the tree, before holding just pull it hard to ensure it is safe. If needed use 4 legs (including ur 2 hands)

From Moogambiga Temple to Sunset point

There are 2 ways you can reach the Sunset Point,

Stay @ Batteru Mane (Priest's Home)

We stayed in batter Mane itself as we couldn't get tent, Over night stay on the floor Rs.100  per head, they provide Mat and Bed sheet.  See the below picture of our sleeping dragons (Sudheer, Abinash).

Food and Water at Temple

Here we had our Lunch at 5:30 PM, It is Rs.60 and we had like anything as we are exhausted in the trek and we had water in the near by stream.

SERVICES AVAILABLE FOR GUIDE/FOOD/ACCOMMODATION:

Mr. Rajendra:                         +91-9449145540, +91-9449501945

Pathalagere Guest house:     08185290404, +91-9482325588, 
                                                   +91-92428 92299; 08185 290368
Satish A M, MATRUKRUPA HOMESTAY, +91-9449132989,  +91-9379252768
Bhattra Mane - Seetharam Jogi  91 9480130939 / 91 9242485087 / 91 9242621925

• Note: Rajendra is the prominent person provides good service in Nittur.
• DON'T TAKE TOO MUCH WATER, IT MAY SLOW DOWN YOUR TREKKING PHASE.
• BREATH USING YOUR NOSE, IF YOU BREATH THROUGH MOUTH THEN YOU WILL BE FEELING THIRSTY.

Disclaimer: 

I didn't contact any of these persons, These information is available in internet. You need to contact and stay at your own risk.

LETS START THE TREK...

Starting Point: Rajendra's Home

CROSS ROADS BEFORE IDULUMANE FALLS

HOT SUNNY WEATHER NO SHADES FOR 2 KM

HERE WE GOT THE SHADES AFTER 2 KM WALK

Here comes the dog, It comes with us till we come back to Nittur.

PADDY/SUGAR-CANE FIELDS AFTER 3-4 KM WALK

AFTER TOOK LEFT JUST 1 KM WALK 

WALKING PATH TOWARDS IDULUMANE FALLS

IDULUMANE FALLS NEED TO CLIMB LITTLE MORE..,

IDULUMANE FALLS – DONE 5 KM TREK/WALK

YOU CAN TAKE A LITTLE BREAK HERE IN THE LITTLE SHADOW..,

Sudheer with Guide Mr.D

Sunset Point @ 5:45 PM

Sunrise @ 5:45 AM

Its Me after completing the Trek (Waiting for a Jeep @ Morning 8:00 AM)

We had our breakfast in the hotel near to the temple.  Airtel tower is good here, If you hire a jeep fully to Nittur then you need to pay Rs.1000, If  10 people are sharing then per head is Rs.100 and we paid Rs.200 for each because the jeep supposed to leave without anyone.

• Kodachadri is located in Shimoga district.
• No permission is required from anyone to visit this place.. We did not take any permission.
• Its ideal place for all adventure lovers and for people who love Nature. Scenic beauty at the top is mind-blowing....
• Nearest city to kodachadri is kollur at 20 kms, where u can fresh up have lunch and all.....

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Article: Saheed December 31, 2013