SARISKA TIGER RESERVE

Sariska is a well-known tiger reserve nestled between the Aravalli range and the Khatiar – Gir dry deciduous forests ecoregion. It is situated in the Alwar district of Rajasthan. Alwar is totally an off-beat district from the rest of the Rajasthan. It is serene and peaceful escaping the buzz of the state. If you have come to Rajasthan then do not forget to visit Alwar. I went to Al war after my stay in Udaipur. The serenity of this place relaxed me and I had a whale of a time there.

Alwar is just so different from the rest of the state. Sariska is a famous tourist destination. It is loved by especially nature lovers, animal lovers, and wildlife photographers. If you are one of the above mentioned then Sariska is no doubt a heaven for you. The maximum number of tourists come here to see the ferocious big cat. Sariska also comprises of scrub – thorn arid forests, dry deciduous forests, grasslands, and rocky hills. In the ancient periods, Sariska was a hunting preserve of the Alwar district. In the year 19 55, Sariska got sanctioned as a wildlife reserve. It gave a boost to the status of the tiger reserve which helped it to be a part of India’s Project Tiger in the year 1978. It is the first reserve in the world with successfully relocated tigers. In 1990, Sariska was declared a national park by the government. The reserve is rich in mineral resources such as copper.

You can take a flight to reach Sariska or you can travel via train. After that, you have to book a taxi/cab to get into the park. You can stay in the cottages near Sariska or in the hotels. I booked a cottage in the park itself.

I booked it beforehand so as to avoid the inconvenience after reaching the park. It is because many of the times it happens like you do not get proper hotels or rooms of your choice as they are pre-booked. So I would suggest you do the same to avoid difficulties after reaching the place. Also, pre-book the safari to the park. You can either directly contact the officers who book the tickets or you can contact your hotel staff to do the same. There are jeep safaris and canter safaris. The safaris take place in two slots; one in the morning and the other in the afternoon. You can book according to your preferences.

The villas inside the park are nice places to view nature. They have natural water bodies, swimming pools, places to sit and cherish nature. Before entering the park you should always keep in mind that the park is the home of many animals, birds, and trees. It is not at all our habitat. So you should not do anything that might harm wildlife. While visiting the park do not talk, put your phone in silent mode, do not eat. You should strictly follow the rules and regulations of the park otherwise you will be punished.


Here are some places to visit in Sariska –

1. SARISKA TIGER RESERVE The Sariska National Park is home to many animals and birds. It is famous for the Bengal tigers. People from the country as well as abroad come to see wildlife. To get a proper view of the forest and to view the animals and birds from a closer distance tourists go for safaris. I booked the morning safari in a jeep. I was really lucky that I got to see a tiger who was moving from one side of the road to the other.


The safari started at 7am. The sun was just rising then. The view of the golden ball from the middle of the deciduous trees was worth watching. There were many animals like the striped hyena, sambar deer, chital, nilgai, jackals, jungle cats, sloth bears, Indian wild boar, hedgehogs, Small Indian Mongoose, etc. There were birds like Peafowl, Grey Patridge, Bush Quail, Sand Grouse, Tree Pie, Golden-backed woodpecker, Serpent Eagle, and the Great Indian Horned Owl.

The best time to visit Sariska is after the monsoon that is from the month of October – March. This is the time when the winter season arrives and the animals come out from their own places near the roads to warm their bodies in the sun. So you can get a good view of the animals which will make your journey worthy of it. The Sariska National Park gives an enriching view of the wildlife which will certainly make you happy and contented. Moreover, the drivers and the guides are also well mannered and they try their best to satisfy the tourists with the safaris.

2. SARISKA PALACE The Sariska Palace is located on the edge of Sariska National Park itself. It is a magnificent palace where the Maharajas of Alwar lived. It is now converted into a luxury hotel. The palace was built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh of Alwar in the year 1892. This palace was built as a hunting lodge by the Maharaja. The palace is situated across lush green landscapes. It is a place where the tourists visit to get rid of the stress. The palace is now under renovation. It offers a picturesque view of the entire region with the deciduous forest as its backdrop p. Nature lovers will certainly enjoy visiting the palace.

3. PANDUPOL HANUMANJI TEMPLE Pandupol is a place in Sariska famous for the reclining idol of Hanumanji. It has a connection with the ancient connotations. It is believed that the strongest of the Pandavas that is Bhisma, defeated the giant Hidimbb and got the hands of his sister Hidimbi in this place. This place also has a spring emerging from the hard rocks. A 35 – ft waterfall is an eye-catching scene for the tourists.

4. KANKWADI – The Kankwadi fort was built by Maharaja Jai Singh I who was the senior general of Aurangzeb’s army and the grandson of Maharaja Man Singh who was one of the nine jewels of Akbar. This fort is said to be used by the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb to imprison his brother Dara in the 17th century. This fort is situated deep inside the forest, on a hillock. It is a rare spot that remains uncovered by tourists. The fort is 25km long and the road that takes to the fort is bumpy. If you want to visit this fort then you have to come at the time of the safari with a guide. The fort comes under zone 2 of Sariska National Park. It is taken care of by the forest department. The ASI officials come to renovate the fort. It is a great place to visit. The architecture of the fort is awesome. All the rooms and the lounge and the other places are interconnected to each other. Still, now the designs of the rooms are in good condition. Whenever you come to Sariska do not forget to explore the Kankwadi Fort.

  1. BHANGARH FORT – The Bhangarh fort is known all over the world for its eerie atmosphere and paranormal activities. This fort was built by Raja Bhagwant Singh for his son Madho Singh in the 17th century. This fort is situated at the border of the Sariska National Park. The entry to the fort is restricted before sunrise and after sunset. The guides tell the tourists the tales behind the mystery of the haunted nature of the ruined fort. At the entrance of the main gate, there are many Hindu temples such as the Hanuman temple, Someshwar temple, Gopinath temple, Keshav Rai Temple, Mangla devil temple, Ganesh temple, and Navin Temple. There is a Nachan Haveli and a Jahauri Bazaar. The Royal Palace is located at the extreme end of the fort limit.
    So this was all about Sariska. I hope you are going to plan a trip soon to explore Rajasthan and its beautiful national parks, forts and palaces, forests, and most importantly the desert which will certainly knock your socks off. Wish you all luck and have a great time ahead!
DR. (MISS) KHUSHBOO KAPOOR INTERNATIONAL EMCEE | TV ANCHOR | CELEBRITY DJ | ACTRESS |TRAVEL AND LIFESTYLE INFLUENCER
DR. (MISS) KHUSHBOO KAPOOR INTERNATIONAL EMCEE | TV ANCHOR | CELEBRITY DJ | ACTRESS |TRAVEL AND LIFESTYLE INFLUENCER


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BARCELONA-THE CITY OF GAUDI

Barcelona is a city on the coast of northeastern Spain.
It is the capital and largest city of the autonomous
community of Catalonia, as well as the second-most
populous municipality of Spain. As far as cities go,
Barcelona is the world’s most beautiful city.

It is a city by the sea yet envelope with wooded mountains, with
gorgeous architecture, beautiful churches, and a
pedestrian thoroughfare that is one of the prettiest
you will ever see. It is one of the largest metropolises
on the Mediterranean Sea, located on the coast
between the mouths of rivers Llobregat and Besos and
bounded to the west by the Serra de Collserola
mountain range.

The city is incredibly renowned for
the architectural works of Antoni Gaudí and Lluís
Domènech I Montaner, which have been designated
UNESCO World Heritage Site. Barcelona contains both
the authentic history and the wibbly bizarre. The city
by the sea sums to attract all types: the adventurer,
the couple, the parties, the cultural lover, and more
with an almost overwhelming variety of things to do.
Touring the architecture of Catalan architect Antoni
Gaudi is the reason to visit Barcelona.

Besides Gaudi’s art, there are different neighborhoods and attractions
to explore. Barcelona is a vibrant multicultural city
with a good variety of clothes, styles, and heritage
which make it an important cultural center a major
tourist destination. The city is also known for

arranging the 1992 Summer Olympics as well as world-
class conferences and expositions and also many

international sports tournaments. The city has a
maritime Mediterranean Sea climate with mild winters
and warm to hot summers, while the rainiest seasons

are autumn and spring. So the best time to visit
Barcelona is from May to June. Three days are enough
to visit the tourist attractions in Barcelona. The best
area to stay in Barcelona is Barrio Gotico ( the Gothic
Quarter). This is the historical and geographical heart of
the city and one of the best places to stay in n
Barcelona if you want to want to be close to all
important landmarks, attractions, and activities.
Barcelona, to me, is a giant theme park with a Spanish
flair where you can cross a street and be transported
from the present into a distant past. Traveling to
Barcelona by plane is probably the most common way
to get to the city.

The city’s El Prat Airport, which is
located outside the city center and reachable by metro
in around half an hour, receives local Spanish,
European as well as international flights. If, however,
you are in Spain or neighboring countries then travel
by bus or rail is an alternative too. A walking tour is
one of the best ways to explore the neighborhoods
and attractions. It will take only 3hours.

I will recommend taking a half-day for this tour so you can
really get to know the city. You can divide your
walking tour into two days to reduce your walking.

Things to do in Barcelona-

  1. LA SAGRADA FAMILIA

This architectural masterpiece combines fantasy
and reality. Anton Gaudi’s magnificent basilica
combines multiple architectural styles including Art

Nouveau, Catalan Modernism and Spanish Late-
Gothic. Both the interior and exterior look like

something out of a dream and will leave you
awestruck. While the church is still unfinished, it’s
one of the premier tourist attractions in Barcelona.

Upon its completion, La Sagrada Família will
consist of three major facades. The Passion façade
and Nativity façade are already complete, while
the Glory façade is still under construction. The
church boasts incredible spires (ten of which still
need to be completed), amazing towers, portals,
chapels and magnificent stained glass. Even
though it’s scheduled to be completed in 2026,
visitors can explore the gorgeous structure. Just
make sure to book your admission tickets in
advance.

  1. THE GOTHIC QUARTER
    The Gothic Quarter – “Barrio Gotico” in Spanish &
    “Bari Gotic” in Catalan – is an absolute must-visit
    on your trip to Barcelona. It is the oldest district in
    Barcelona and with all its narrow streets, squares
    , and famous gothic architecture buildings it is a
    great place to explore on foot. And when you’re
    ready for a break, there are plenty of cafes to
    grab a drink or a bite to eat in the area.
  2. PALACE OF CATALAN MUSIC
    The Palace of Catalan Music is magnificent, to say
    the least. This beautifully designed auditorium is
    picture-perfect with a mosaic of stained glass and
    eccentric chandeliers. It’s an incredible venue to
    watch an array of choral, orchestral, and opera
    musical performances. While you’re in Barcelona,
    it’s definitely worth taking a tour of the Palace.
    During the day the concert hall is magnificent, but
    it’s after dark that it truly comes alive, especially
    when there’s a show. It’s one of the top things to
    do in Barcelona at night. If you’re able, it is worth
    getting tickets to watch one of the concerts hosted

throughout the year. The venue boasts
phenomenal acoustics, and there’s no better place
to watch the tale of the Spanish gypsy girl,
Carmen.

  1. CASA BATLÓ
    Not far from the central Placa de Catalunya,
    explore another of Gaudi’s masterpieces with a
    tour of Casa Batlló. This UNESCO World Heritage
    Site is absolutely gorgeous and makes for
    stunning photographs. Designed without any
    straight lines, this apartment block has a uniquely
    organic feel to it. The exterior is covered in shards
    of stained glass, giving the building a water-like
    feel. The roof of the building is one of the most
    whimsical aspects which are designed like the
    scales of a dragon. The interior is just as unique
    with a stunning mushroom-shaped fireplace that’s
    the perfect place to warm up in colder months. Be
    sure to grab your skip the line tickets and avoid
    wasting time queuing outside this stunning
    building.
  2. LA BOQUERIA
    If you asked any locals about what to do in
    Barcelona, Mercat de La Boqueria would be at the
    top of their list. The market was started in the 1200s
    and has since become a popular center. It’s made
    up of over 200 stands, and foodies will be
    delighted by all that La Boqueria has to offer.
    Located in Barcelona’s city center, it’s the perfect
    place to buy some groceries, have a meal or to
    immerse yourself in the local culture. The market
    sees over 45,000 visitors daily and is a delight for

the senses. After exploring, you’ll even be able to
cool off with a beer at one of the market’s bars.

  1. LAS RAMBLAS
    Strolling through Las Ramblas is an essential
    Barcelona experience. The extensive pedestrian
    boulevard is located in the heart of the bustling
    city and is Barcelona’s most famous street. You’ll
    find a mixture of both tourists and locals
    exploring the mile-long avenue. This street is full
    of some of the best Barcelona things to do. Along
    the boulevard, you’ll find various talented human
    statues and Spanish artists (who will happily draw
    your portrait or caricature). There are also plenty
    of shops and restaurants and it’s the perfect place
    to enjoy some sangria while people watching.
  2. PARK GÜELL
    It is probably the most whimsical and colorful
    Gaudi’s works in Barcelona. You’ll find a couple of
    gingerbread-looking houses and modern designs
    with pillars. Parc Guell is a UNESCO World
    Heritage Site. As with Bunkers del Carmel, you
    also need to climb up a hill to get here. Definitely,
    buy tickets online as it gets busy. If you’d like to
    skip the lines and get a personalized tour, then
    consider the Park Guell Tour Guided Walking Tour
    by Getting Your Guide. You’ll stroll around the park
    with a live guide and discover the story behind the
    quirky structures.

8.BUNKERS DEL CARMEL
This is one of the best places to get a good view of
the entire city. There is a bit of a climb to get to the
top of the bunker, but the views are so worth it! If
you like, you can take snacks and a blanket with

you so you can it and relax while admiring the
view. Also, this is a great place to watch the
sunset.

  1. PARC DELA CIUTADELLA
    This gorgeous park is designed by none other
    than Gaudi. Actually, the entire park wasn’t
    designed by Gaudi – just the waterfall below,
    known as the Cascada Monumental. It is actually
    the only natural environment in the entire city! Go
    for a stroll and sit back for a moment. You will
    need the rest to take on the climbs coming up. In
    the 18th century, this park was used as a prison.
  2. BARCELONETA BEACH
    When most people think of beaches in Barcelona,
    Barceloneta is probably the first that comes to
    mind. From drummers to sand-artists to singing
    donut salesmen, it may just be Barcelona’s dirtiest,
    most crowded, and most touristy stretch of sand.
    However, that just means it’s also the most
    entertaining. Without a doubt, there’s always
    something going on at Barcelona’s most famous
    beach. Plus, it’s got some great seafood eateries
    along the shore in the eponymous Barceloneta
    neighborhood, a onetime fishermen’s quarter that
    retains its old-world charm.

Tourism continues to surge in this culturally colorful
city on the coast of Spain- Barcelona’s sample
architectural, artistic and culinary experiences make it
easy to understand why. There is a lot to love about
Barcelona. Messi and Neymar, Gaudi and the Barri
Gòtic, booming waterfront and shopping of all
varieties, tapas and sangria in corner cafes and

courtyards, legendary nightlife and many more.
Barcelona has something to offer for virtually every
visitor traveling on any budget.
Hope you have a nice time there!

DR. (MISS) KHUSHBOO KAPOOR
DR. (MISS) KHUSHBOO KAPOOR

INTERNATIONAL EMCEE | TV ANCHOR | CELEBRITY DJ | ACTRESS |TRAVEL AND LIFESTYLE INFLUENCER

MY VISIT TO THE GRAND HOTEL CASTROCARO TERME

The tickets for my solo vacation to Italy was booked a long time ago. I used to count down the days from the very beginning and at last, the day came. We left for the Italy vacation. We booked the grandeur hotel Castrocaro Terme for experiencing the beauty of the hotel. The hotel is situated on the slopes of the Tuscan-Romagna hills. At the back of it is the Adriatic sea.

It gives an awesome panoramic view of the whole area. The hotel typically boasts the Italian elegant design and the architecture. It merges the classical with the contemporary. The local food and the wine and the hospitality tradition embraces the Long Life Formula philosophy, which places the individuals at the center of an ingenious, holistic health-promoting approach.

The hotel gives a lifelong experience to the visitors who stay there and enjoy the facilities given by it. The place is peaceful and serene. I absolutely enjoyed it there. It felt like I was residing in a palace. I spent the most beautiful days of my life there.

We went there during New Year’s eve. They hold an imperial occasion on the night of NewYear’s Eve. I loved the warm behaviors of the staff there. They were so humble to all the guests. They treated us like their family members. They were definitely flawless. There were always three to four staff 24/7 at the front desk to provide adequate services to the guests. The place was extremely tidy. The rooms at the hotel are large and spacious. They have made the rooms differently for different purposes.

People mainly come to this place to enjoy the spa treatment, the ayurvedic treatment and to experience the mystery behind the long life of individuals. There are different rooms for families and couples. We entered the hotel at 12pm. The check-in time of the hotel is from 3am -5pm.

The hotel has a multilingual staff as tourists from different parts of the world come to explore this grand hotel. Languages like English, Spanish, French, German, Italian and Russian are spoken here. There are, in total, 104 rooms in the hotels. Each and every room offers thoughtful touches such as bathrobes and slippers, as well as comforts such as premium beddings and down comforters. The bathrooms of the rooms include baths or showers, bathrobes, slippers, and bidets. They also provide hairdryers and free toiletries.

They have a different place for storing the luggage of the guests. The rooms were neat and clean as every day housekeeping services were given. You can travel there in your personal car and they also have parking areas which are absolutely free. Free Wi-Fi is provided in some of the public places and complimentary wireless internet is easily accessible.

The hotel has a spa, health club, fitness center, a bar/lounge, and a sauna. It also has a restaurant and an indoor pool. It has two hot tubs. We had a free continental breakfast in the hotel. The rooms in which we lived also had business-friendly amenities like desks and telephones. They also have 6 meeting rooms, a computer station, and a conference center. Kids are also allowed in the hotel. Kids are welcomed for free. For infants, they also supply free cots(infant beds). It is a winning combination of luxury and harmony that will surely make your long life experience unforgettable.


• THE HEALTH SPA of the Castrocaro Terme makes an ideal setting for a multisensory thermal experience. The excellent chemical composition and high mineral content of the sulfur water make the spa rare and valuable. The health spa of Lucia Magnani Health clinic is a perfect place to regenerate the mind and body. The thermal water is preserved in the underground and it is green in color. The color is because of the microalgae that are present in the water naturally which is rich in chlorophyll. It is well equipped with indoor and outdoor pools, steam baths, icefall, water paradise experience, etc. Hot springs are available from 10am-8pm. Along with this they also provide massages and cosmetic treatments. The Health spa is also equipped with wellness rooms like Ayurveda and Oriental rooms. All these programs are designed in scientific methods which will help us to live longer.


• RESTAURANT

The restaurant of the hotel provides all kinds of dishes be it traditional local dishes or cuisine or diets according to the necessities of the guests. These dishes are cooked in a way that the tastes remain the same and in a way in which reduces the nutrient loss and does not add fat to the meal. They provided us breakfasts that were rich in vitamins, antioxidants, proteins, and nutrients. They also served as herbal teas and infusion. They gave us desserts which were absolutely healthy but tasty. The dishes there are made by the ingredients which are produced locally.


The grand hotel is surrounded by a huge park which is a beauty in itself. The redwoods, holm oaks, Himalayan cedars, oaks, and other flowering and medicinal plants which are grown there for centuries make the park majestic and make it a decent place to walk, jog or work out. The beauty of the park can also be enjoyed thoroughly while relaxing by the outdoor pools.
The hotel also has some rules and regulations.

• Government-issued ID proofs are a must for entering the hotel. • Guests, including the kids, should be present at the check-in and show their government-issued photo ID card or passport.

• Reservations are required for massage services and spa treatments; reservation can also be made by contacting the property on the number given on the booking confirmation. It should be made prior to arrival. • Kids aged under 3 are not allowed in the health club, fitness facility, or spa-tub.. • Guests under 18 are not allowed in the spa.

• Pets are allowed for an extra charge of EUR 35 per pet, per stay. One pet per room. • Pet-friendly rooms can be requested by consulting the property on the number provided on the booking confirmation.

• Designated smoking areas are there inside the property. • Extra beds are available for EUR 80 per night.


I really enjoyed my stay at this hotel. I will recommend you all to give it a visit at least once in your lifetime. You will cherish the experience for your lifetime. I honestly experienced the hospitality of the hotel and it is awesome. Also do not miss the Adriatic sea and the other sights close to the hotel. I will recommend you to come to this hotel during the New Year Eve as the hotel is decked up beautifully at that time. They take extra charges for visits during New Year. But the rates are not fixed. They keep on changing. The rates mainly depend on you, which type of facilities you want to enjoy, what all you want to do in the hotel. The hotel is also open now. You don’t have to be afraid about the pandemic because they keep on sanitizing the hotel. They keep the rooms, which are used by the guests, locked for a minimum of 72 hours and then they sanitize them, change the covers, and everything before handing them to another party. So you can relax and go to the hotel and enjoy your vacation. Hope you have a great time ahead!

Dr.(Miss.) Khushboo Kapoor
Dr.(Miss.) Khushboo Kapoor

Dr. Khushboo Kapoor is a world-renowned
Public Speaker, TV Anchor, Emcee, DJ, Actress, and Travel Influencer.