16 August 2015

Belated Birthday Giveaway #Turning24

Hello everyone! Been almost a month that I announced a giveaway but never had one. My birthday was on 24th July, damn it! Been THAT long!
How about a giveaway today? Never too late, ah?

Lately, I have been buying a lot of stuff from StalkBuyLove. The site has something for every fashionista. Be it dresses, skirts, shirts, tops, amazing bags, belts or scarfs! I have a huge crush on the recent 3 buys from the site. One is a lace shrug, 2nd is a sling bag and the last is a beautiful Betty lace dress. Take a look:



I am yet to do an OOTD. Stay tuned for that. 
Oh, and the dress... Isn't it gorgeous?



Moving on... I have picked 2 gifts for you all from SBL and the team is ready to send it off to the winners.


Like what you see? There will be 2 winners, 1 who will takeaway the Bold Black dress and other Elegant Chic Bag.

Now the rules:
1. Like our Facebook Page and that of Stalk Buy Love.
2. Tell me about your favorite fashion trend (and why!), the prize you would want to win among the 2 in the comments section below or tweet using the hashtag #Turning24 to @WanderlustGirl_.
3. Share the blog on Facebook/Twitter using the hashtag #Turning24 to earn brownie points. Make sure you tag at least 3 friends!
4. Follow me on Instagram.

That's it!

The contest is open till the 31st August 2015. Until we meet again, keep the participation on! There are 2 more giveaways in store... the celebrations gonna last very long ;)

P.S: Open only to participants with valid Indian address.

Much Love! <3

10 August 2015

Tale of a beautiful fort!

Nestled beautifully in the Aravalli ranges, Neemrana is a city of splendid historical monuments and enchants the tourists with its beautiful lakes and valleys. It is located in Alwar district of the state Rajasthan and is widely known as ‘Raath region’. Beautiful lakes, big hunting lodges, historical sites and several varieties of birds and animals makes this city a must visit while planning an escapade in Rajasthan.


The city is based in close vicinity from Delhi and thus serves as a weekend getaway spot and an apt destination to enjoy the vacations with family. The imperial ambience of the city, marked by a number of historical structures and monuments is worth experiencing. Various forts and palaces with their embellishments and decorations stand to take your breath away.

Neemrana is best experienced overnight.

Talk about Neemrana and not include the famous Neemrana Fort Palace? An absolute no! The Fort is located over the dark Hornstone Breccia rocks and is spread over an area of 50-65 meters. It was constructed by the Yadavas, descendants of Lord Krishna.



One of the most popular weekend getaways for Delhiites is the 15th century Neemrana Fort-Palace of Alwar. The 2.5 hectare property with six acres of fortified palaces tiered over 14 levels, is a marvel to see and experience. Being a heritage monument-hotel where the walls tell the story of five and a half centuries, it makes for one of the quick weekend destinations near Delhi.

Built from 1464 AD, Neemrana Fort-Palace is located on a high hillock and commands magnificent views of the surrounding beauty. It is among India's oldest heritage resort hotels. Its name derives from a valiant local chieftain named Nimola Meo.

Need more reasons to visit Neemrana? Celebrate these festivals there!

  • Janmashtami: Janmashtami marks the birthday of Lord Krishna. It generally occurs during the month of August. There is a sense of Euphoria in the entire city during the festival. The city remains immersed in chants and Bhajans dedicated to Lord Krishna. It is indeed a pleasure to be a part of the festivities during Janmashtami.
  • Diwali: One of the most important festivals of Hindus, Diwali, is also well known by the name of “Festival of Lights” or Deepavali. It is celebrated in the month of October or November. Diwali in Neemrana is celebrated with great pomp and show. Goddess Lakshmi is worshiped on this festival.
  • Navratri: Navratri, dedicated to the worship of Goddess Durga occurs twice every year and is celebrated with much enthusiasm in Neemrana. During the nine days of the festival nine different forms of the Goddess is worshipped. It is really a wonderful experience to be a part of these festivities in Neemrana.
Planning to visit Neemrana? Do visit between August-November. The months ensure a beautiful climate in Rajasthan!

08 August 2015

24 hours in Mumbai! #TheCityDiaries

You can spend a lifetime and still not see everything and that holds true for not just Mumbai but every city waiting to be explored by you.


Of all the places I have lived, none has the loveliness of Bombay! Be prepared to meet people from all over India and get ready to be jostled as you start to turn pages of your very own #MumbaiDiaries.

What if you had 24 hours to spend in Mumbai? Where would you go and what can you afford to ditch? Read on to and draft your itinerary.

Morning in Bandra

There’s nothing more beautiful than the mornings in Bandra engulfed in the aroma of freshly baked breads. Mornings are the best time to explore the beautiful Chapel Street and the serene Bandstand. Less crowded in the morning, Bandstand will offer a sense of romanticism in the air overlooking the magnificent Bandra-Worli Sea Link. Don’t forget to walk down the Carter Road by the sea to reach the Bagel shop for breakfast.




You can head to Hill Road for shopping. Early shopping attracts a lot of discounts as the shopkeepers try for their ‘Bohni’ (first sale) which they believe brings them luck. You can shop for clothes, shoes, bags, and all kinds of accessories at Hill Road market, also known as Elco Market. You can head to Good Luck Café which is an Iranian Restaurant and try your hands on Keema Pao, Maska Pao and Tea. You can even head to Amrut Sagar Fast Food corner which is delight for vegetarians and then you have Candies Cafe at Pali Hill for some more good food.

Afternoon in Dharavi and Lunch at Matunga

Once you leave Bandra, catch a Rick for the leather market in Dharavi. I would suggest you have a local friend to accompany you and the girls shouldn’t head there alone. Dharavi is one of the largest slums in the world and also a home to the best of leather goods. Be it bags or jackets or shoes. 




Tired shopping? - Head to Matunga for Bon appetite. I asked my Food Guide, Dakshin Adyanthaya (co-founder, Bhooka Janta) and here’s what he had to say, “Grab a highly affordable South Indian meal at Ram Ashray. You can also go to Cafe Mysore along with Nayaks sweets. One can try hands on the Kheema pav at Cafe Gulshan. And if you are still hungry head to Koolar and try their famous omelettes. Finish your food spree at DP's with their famous Cold Coffee and Ice cream sodas.” Phew. Matunga has some really good options, right?

Evening in Dadar and Mahalakshmi

Once you are full, head to Dadar which is the next stop from Matunga. The must visits are Siddhivinayak Ganpati Temple built in 1801and Mahalakshmi Devi Temple built in 1831. Offer your prayers to the deity and walk to Haji Ali which is in the same vicinity. 




The Haji Ali Dargah is a mosque and dargah located on an islet off the coast of Worli and is one of the most recognisable landmarks of Mumbai. Don’t forget to savour the amazing juices at Haji Ali juice centre right outside the Dargah.

Night in South Bombay

I can spend my whole life in South Bombay and still not get over the life on this side. Hop on a double Decker bus and visit the majestic ‘Gateway of India’. Standing majestically across from the Gateway of India, is the iconic 5-star – The Taj Hotel.

Take a stroll in the Fort area, admire the Roman architecture. Walking is the best way to see the lovely heritage structures of Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai Building, Sir J. J. School of Art, Mumbai Police Commissioner's Office, St. Xavier's College (My Alma mater), Flora Fountain, Asiatic society and more.

Go to Colaba Causeway and do more shopping, especially junk jewellery and accesories. Visit the 143 year old Café – Leopold also known as – Leo’s for a range of Sangrias and Chicken. The café is a major landmark of South Bombay and a must visit for all. 



After all the hard work and walking and traveling hostling the hustle bustle, it is time you put your thoughts together and look at the beautiful sunset at Marine Drive. If you missed the sunset, don’t worry; the night will just get more beautiful when all buildings light up. 


The Queen’s Necklace as it is fondly known as needs you to sit on the promenade or just take a slow walk with your friends at night. When the breeze splashes on your face, you will feel content with the 24-hour jostling. You will find couples sealing kisses, college students spending the best time of their lives and sort of the whole spirit of Mumbai at calm, here.

For some good Biryani, one can head to Bade Miyan and do some pet-pooja. One can also head to Café Mondegar which is open till almost 1 at night. Take a stroll by the Girgaum Chowpatty and savour the pav bhaji and delicious chaat. The lane opposite to Girgaum has the must-visit – Bachelor’s Juice House; go for their Chocolate milkshake, I bet you’ll find it crazily awesome (I am a fan).



Wind up your night at Marine Drive or sit on the rooftop of Intercontinental Hotel or Harbour View. Gaze at the amazing view and go nom-nom.

Don’t forget to travel in Mumbai local, even if it means a short distance. No Mumbai Local in your itinerary is like not-seen Mumbai at all!




Click lots of pictures alright? And do share your thoughts on ’24 hours in Mumbai’.

Until we meet again, keep traveling!

The article was originally published on the WeAreMumbai website.

07 August 2015

The city of high-rises #TheCityDiaries

Popular as the vacation spot of United Arab Emirates, Dubai is a scintillating city of high-rises and shopping malls. Transformed from a desert destination to the city of dazzling lights, people from all around the world visit Dubai for its sales, bargains, and fun experience it offers to family.

A few friends have recently moved to Dubai or travelled to the city to witness its famous glory. And yes, I do have postcards from the place which my sister’s best friend got for me. (I LOVE POSTCARDS!)

Famous for attractions such as the Burj Khalifa (the world's tallest building) and larger-than-life shopping malls, Dubai has many cultural highlights and glamorous add-ons to offer. Take a stroll around the city and you will realise that Dubai has more to offer than what meets the eye.

Best time to visit Dubai: October – April (i.e. 2 months away. Start planning!)

There are more than 400 flights available to Dubai on Cleartrip, among which 30 are non-stop. There are frequent flights from India for Dubai from Mum/Delhi. If you ask me which airline to pick from the many, I would go with Etihad. Why? Because my friends always refer it as the best! Its accolades go beyond the air.

Let’s dig in a little about the famous attractions which attract tourists from all around the world:

Burj Khalifa
Burj Khalifa is Dubai's landmark building, which is 829.8 m high and the tallest building in the world. The building provides a bird-eye view of the city’s skyline and is simply stunning, imagine a 360-degree view out across the skyscrapers with the desert on one side and the ocean on the other. Fascinating? That it is. 


Night-time visits are particularly popular with photographers due to Dubai's famous city-lights panoramas.

Dubai Museum
Housed in the Al-Fahidi Fort, which was built in 1787 to defend Dubai Creek, is the famous Dubai Museum. In its history, the fort served as a residence for the ruling family, seat of government, garrison, and prison. 
Restored in 1971 (and again extensively in 1995), it is now the city's premier museum.

Bastakia (Old Dubai)
Built in the late 19th century to be the home of wealthy Persian merchants, Bastakia is the home to Old Dubai.  


Lined with distinct Arabian architecture, narrow lanes speak the history of Dubai.

Dubai Aquarium
Dubai Aquarium houses 140 species of sea life and is one of the city’s top tourist attractions. If you enter the Underwater Zoo, you can walk through the aquarium tunnels. 


To keep the entire family happy, the Aquarium also offers Cage snorkelling and shark diving activities.

Dubai Mall
Dubai Mall is the city's premier mall that provides entry to the Burj Khalifa as well as the Dubai Aquarium. Looking for more entertainment options? The mall also has an ice-skating rink, gaming zone, and a cinema complex. 


It is famous for the annual Dubai Shopping Festival in January and February and the Dubai Summer Surprises Festival in July and August.


Jumeirah Beach
Dubai is blessed with long stretches and golden sands. The strip of sandy white beach is the most famous among all in Dubai – Jumeirah Beach. 


The beach has excellent facilities with plenty of sun loungers, restaurants, beautiful hotels, and water-sport operators offering jet skiing.

After reading this wanderlust-worthy list of attractions in Dubai, I am sure you are planning to visit the city. Make sure you include the following list of Dos’ and Don’ts in your list:
  • Drinking: Drinking or being drunk in public is not tolerated in Dubai. The legal drinking age is 21. 
  • Public displays of affection: Holding hands, kissing or getting cosy with your partner can get you arrested or lead to imprisonment. 
  • Homosexuality: Homosexual acts are illegal and subjectable to severe punishment.
  • Swimwear: Wearing bathers outside the beach is against Dubai's decent laws and swimsuits in general should be modest. Nudity at beaches is illegal.
  • Clothing: Woman's clothing may be considered indecent if it is tight, transparent, above the knee or shows her stomach, shoulders or back. Men should wear T-shirts at all times and short shorts can attract the wrong kind of attention.
  • Conversation: It is illegal to "harass" women - this includes unwanted conversation and prolonged stares or eye contact.
  • Photos: Taking photographs of people, particularly women, without permission is illegal and can lead to arrest or fine.
  • Drugs: The UAE laws on drugs are extremely strict and include death penalty or life imprisonment.


Have a safe and amazing trip! Don’t forget to send me some postcards from your travels.


Until we meet again,
Keep the Wanderlust ON!
@WanderlustGirl_

Disclaimer: All the pictures have been sourced from google.

02 August 2015

10 things to know before you move to Mumbai

A place for all - Mumbai

People from all over India visit Mumbai every day. Some stay and some leave only to come back. If you are planning on moving to this city or are here already, these 10 things are just what you need to know –

1. It rains a lot and by a lot I mean… a lot. There will be no greater feeling to you than the luxury of dry feet for those Monsoon months. The best time to show off those colorful umbrellas, raincoats and boots.

2. Mumbai will grow on you and so will the Bambaiya Hindi, bole toh Rapchik tapori language. Add these words to your vocabulary – Gardi, Bidu, Tapri, Khopcha, Faadu, Chindi, Waat lageli hai and more.

3. There will always be crowd at stations like – Andheri, Dadar and Kurla. You are never alone.

4. Mumbaikars always talks about 3 things – Traffic, Crowd and Weather. 24*7!

5. Mumbai is expensive. Got a place? Lucky! You might actually be living with 56 people all from various states.

6.  In every vicinity you will find a Vada Pav or Anda BHurji wala, even at 4 am.

7. You will learn to dodge crowd on Foot over Bridges, Local train doors, on the road, on the platforms; the list is endless.

8. Mumbai never sleeps. Yes, that’s true. Put it on repeat.

9. Every time you will sit on the Marine Drive you will realize, Holy Shit! I Live in Mumbai!


10. The city prepares you for the best and the worst at the same time. Once you live here, you can live anywhere. 


Picture Courtesy

The article was originally published on WeareMumbai website.