Tag Archives: Travel

Our Experience with Zoomcar – Siliguri to Sikkim

August 25, 2018 allgudthings 14 Comments

For us, Traveling and Road Trips are synonyms. We love exploring each place by driving through it and think that’s what makes up the real Travel Experience. If roads are a fantasy land then road trip are an injection of adrenaline. Honestly, they make us go high. It is like one moment you are passing through the lush green forests; other time you will be holding your car’s steering tight to cross a waterfall or snailing through the continuous ascent/ descent among the barren landscapes. They let us make pit stops to enjoy the drizzle, click various landscapes and take the off roads. The dream was to drive through Sikkim and this came true because of the cool Self Drive concept by Zoomcar.

Experience With Zoomcar - Siliguri to Sikkim

After exploring Spiti Valley, Leh Ladakh, Himachal, Uttarakhand, Rajasthan from Delhi by road trips, we have become habitual of the real thrill. But Sikkim was really far and we had limited days. So, we broke the journey into two i.e.– By Air and Road. The first leg; i.e. Delhi to Siliguri (By air) was covered early morning to have the real fun later.

So, before we take you on to the journey of Sikkim, in this post we will describe our Experience with Zoomcar from booking to drop up.

Booking Zoomcar

The Booking process for Zoomcar is quite simple and just 4 step away

Download the app and sign up
Choose the start and end time
Select Pick up and drop location
Choose a vehicle and the kilometer plan

Zoomcar app, will calculate the fare depending upon the number of days, chosen car and kilometers. Further, there are additional filters like with or without fuel. For example, we choose Scorpio Zoomcar with fuel for 9 days and paid around 20,000 for first 965 Kilometers, and 5,000 Rs. refundable security. Above this the additional Kilometers will be charged at Rs. 15 per kilometer.

After all the selection process and chosen package, proceed to pay and also upload a picture of your driving license. Within next 5 minutes, you will receive a confirmation mail and message, stating that your car has been booked. If in any case, your driving license is rejected, try clicking and uploading again, focusing on your picture.

Important Points

We booked the Zoomcar same day we had our flight and got our favorite Scorpio. But luck always doesn’t favor. So, if you have any preference for car do book yours in advance. Otherwise you will get whichever is available that time in the fleet.
Also, look for the discount coupons or offers. We realized after booking that there were certain offers on Couponzguru and Coupondunia.

Pick up & Drop up of Zoomcar

Pickup

Till day, Zoomcar service is not available in Gangtok. So, we were asked to pick up our car directly from Siliguri Zoomcar Parking lot, which lies 15 kilometers from the Bagdogra airport.

As we reached the Parking lot, our Red Scorpio and the customer care executive was waiting for us. He checked our license on arrival and handed us the documents bag, which had car RC, insurance and other important documents in it. Further he asked us to make a quick inspection of the car and make a note of the scratches, dents or issues car had. To be on the safer side, we made a quick short video and took pictures of the car .

Further the customer representative logged into the app, showed us the checklist explaining all the modules, made us sign, handed us the keys and we were all set to go.

Zoomcar, gave us one tank full diesel. Rest we had to add on our own which could be claimed back on producing the bills while drop off.

Drop up

We were explained while pickup to bring back the vehicle at designated time and spot. Rest the app and messages kept on alerting us about the time left to deposit the vehicle.

Zoomcar among the Tea Estates of Darjeeling, West Bengal

Drop up was quite quick. We reached exactly 10 minutes before the time. Their customer representative made a quick inspection of the vehicle to check the car condition. He noted the kilometers driven, and took the car papers and fuel bills from us. Upon finding everything in the good condition he signed off in the app. As soon as he signed off, the car got locked automatically and the process was over.

Our Experience with Zoomcar

Zoomcar proved to be the perfect companion during our Sikkim road trip. We were extremely comfortable, without our own Black Scorpio. The car was absolutely clean and had everything (stereo, charger etc) in functional state. There was full privacy as well as freedom. The company’s policies and procedures were clear and their pickup and drop facility too was quite prompt.

We got our security and fuel charges refunded within 5 days, after all adjustments. The best thing is there was no cribbing or hustle from pickup to drop. So, if you are like us who like doing things at your own pace, then Zoomcar is a great option for you too.

Additional Information

They have late fee charges, so try to reach back at the designated time
Make a proper note of dents or other issues in the car. If there are any additional damages or dents, the charges can go high till Rs. 10,000
Zoomcar app is quite helpful and have all comprehensive checklists. It provides you all the minute detail from registration to insurance papers, spares and tools.
Their all cars are GPS enabled. So, there is no need to worry as they can track down your vehicle in case of emergency or breakdown. They too keep a check on the vehicle speed. In case of over speeding i.e. more than 125 kmph, you get a quick alert. Zoomcar may add fine for the same in your bill
Zoomcar also give you a quick update on the interstate road tax by message. Pay it to be on the safer side and remember these charges are not reimbursable. We got one message while entering Sikkim state from West Bengal and we paid around 700 Rs for 9 days.
Make a note that you cannot drive in Zoomcar to North/East Sikkim because the permits for same are given to the Travel agents only

Note: We paid complete amount for this trip and the views are our own. You too can experience the same by booking here.

Tourism, Travel, UAE

Best attractions of Abu Dhabi, that makes you forget Dubai

March 11, 2018 allgudthings 14 Comments

Which city comes immediately to mind when you consider a trip to the UAE? Dubai! Yes, it happens almost by default. Have you been to Abu Dhabi yet? You’ll be surprised at just how many fabulous attractions are there in Abu Dhabi; that rival what Dubai has and more. Have you seen the Grand Sheikh Zayed Mosque yet, or been to Ferrari Island? Yes, Abu Dhabi is chock full of surprises, even for those who’ve visited this wonderful travel destination before. So, journey with us to find the wonderful attractions of Abu Dhabi.

But before that, let’s first understand how to get around in Abu Dhabi to visit the world’s class attractions.

How to get around Abu Dhabi?

The easiest way for tourists to get around Abu Dhabi is by taxi, car rental services, public buses, joining an organized tour group, or hop-on-hop-off bus service.

Attractions of Abu Dhabi

Capital Gate

When you first look at the Capital Gate Tower, Abu Dhabi, you’ll feel some concern as to the building’s safety. Don’t worry, it’s meant to look like that. The building leans westwards to an astonishing 18-degrees. The Capital Gate Tower is located at Khaleej Al Arabi Street. The structure is meant to be a modern day challenger to the Leaning Tower of Pisa. The Capital Gate’s lean is more than four times that of Pisa’s famous Leaning Tower. The tower is 160 meters (524.9 ft.) high and has 35 levels. In fact, the Capital Gate has been certified by the Guinness World Records as the ‘World’s Furthest Leaning Man Made Tower“.

Al Ain

Not far from the busy city of Abu Dhabi is the pristine, peaceful and lush oasis of Al Ain. It is dubbed as Abu Dhabi’s garden city. This golden world is empty apart from 100 feet dunes, the odd oil well or power pylon. It’s a lush paradise filled with palm trees and greenery far beyond your imagination of desert greenery. While at Al Ain, don’t miss a visit to the Al Jahili Fort, which is a permanent exhibition memento to the great British travel writer and explorer Wilfred Thesiger. Al Ain is one of the topmost tourist attractions of Abu Dhabi.

The Hidden Gold Souk

There’s a fabulous Gold Souk hidden in the Madinat Zayed Shopping Centre. The hidden gold market has so much gold it puts any Dubai market to shame. The quality and selection of the gold jewelry are undeniable. Watch in awestruck admiration as wall after wall of shelving is uncovered, all bearing the most fabulous 24, 22 and 18-carat jewelry. The Madinat Zayed Gold Souk is a real find for people looking for gold bargains.

Madinat Zayed Shopping Centre - Top Attractions of Abu Dhabi

The Corniche

The Corniche is a grand four-mile waterfront promenade that offers a number of places for families to picnic in verdant grassy alcoves. There are many pristine, fully-guarded beaches for people to enjoy as well. Pay homage to the Emirate’s flag, as big as a bus set on top of a 360ft pole and the 18-degree westward-learning Capital Gate Tower as you stroll along. Check out the Avenue Mall at Etihad Towers and the Qasr al Hosn Fort, Abu Dhabi’s oldest building a few blocks down the Corniche.

Abu Dhabi Corniche- Attractions of Abu Dhabi

Yas – The Island Of Adventure

Yas Island is an adrenaline-rich, red-hot arena full of the most energy-filled rides. Watch your knuckles turn white as you go adventuring on Yas Waterworld’s incredibly spectacular water slides. It is said to be the world’s biggest water park, Yas Waterworld will keep you on edge with a dizzying array of slides, endless wave machines and raft rides that pass through terrifying ravines, caves, and tunnels.

Yas Island - Top Attractions of Abu Dhabi — Yas Island – Top Attractions of Abu Dhabi

Ferrari World

Ferrari World is the first theme park in the world dedicated to the famous racing car, the Ferrari. The outstanding ride in Ferrari World is Formula Rossa, dubbed the world’s fastest rollercoaster, touching 150mph at its fastest. The city’s Formula 1 tracks await adventurous souls to take to the wheel of a true-blue racing car and zoom along. You can bike or even run on the Formula 1 racing track every Tuesday for free. Don’t miss the Du Arena, which draws great performers like Sting for star-filled music and drama performances.

The Louvre Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi’s most ambitious project so far, the Louvre Abu Dhabi, is finally open. The Louvre Abu Dhabi presents the grandest and greatest of the world’s treasure trove of art borrowed from various European museums including the Louvre, Paris. It brings great culture and advancement to Abu Dhabi, at its cultural district on Saadiyat Island. The Louvre in Abu Dhabi is the only franchise of the Paris Louvre in the world, and as such is a unique must-visit destination in Abu Dhabi.

Louvre Abu Dhabi- Top attractions of Abu Dhabi

The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

One of the world’s largest mosques, the Sheikh Zayed Mosque can hold an incredible 40,000 worshippers at the same time. Feast your eyes on the unbelievable 82 domes, 1,000+ columns, the world’s largest hand-knotted Iranian carpet, and 24 carat-gold-gilded chandeliers. The main prayer hall is dominated by one of the biggest chandeliers in the world; it measures 15 meters in height and 10 meters in diameter and weighs an astonishing twelve tonnes. The mosque is surrounded by reflective pools which amplify its ethereal beauty. Don’t miss watching the mosque’s striking white and gold colors that create their own reflected tapestry during sunset.

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque - Top Attractions of Abu Dhabi — Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque – Top Attractions of Abu Dhabi

Futuristic Zero-Carbon City

Abu Dhabi is the first city to pioneer a zero-carbon footprint city, where cars are not allowed. Masdar City, located near the airport, is completely off the grid; it’s powered entirely by solar power and the hot, strong winds that blow off the desert sands. Driverless pods run all around the city, for transport. The layout of the city is similar to ancient Arabian streets, with narrow alleys. When complete, Masdar City will be the most eco-friendly Arabian town in the world.

Masdar City- Top Attractions of Abu Dhabi

Arabian Wildlife Park

The Arabian Wildlife Park is located on Sir Bani Yas Island. This park houses more than 10,000 free-roaming animals. The entire park takes up more than half the island’s space. There are purpose-built viewing platforms for visitors to get an eyeful of wild animals. From these platforms, it’s possible to get up close the island’s giraffes as they crop leaves. Each platform is made out of recycled materials. The park holds many Arabian Oryx, cheetahs, hyenas, gazelles, and giraffes, apart from other wild animals. The Arabian Wildlife Park is one of the tourist attractions in Abu Dhabi that you mustn’t miss.

Conclusion – Best Attractions of Abu Dhabi

As you can see, Abu Dhabi has an array of wonderful attractions that Dubai cannot match. Each one is unique and must-see if you’re in the UAE. Dubai has much to offer; however, don’t discount attractions of Abu Dhabi in comparison. Abu Dhabi is slowly but surely shaping into a grand competition for Dubai. Make your travel arrangements today and check out the attractions of Abu Dhabi we’ve listed for you!

If you like it please share it and pin it for your future reference.

Best Attractions of Abu Dhabi that make you forget Dubai

[stextbox id=’custom’ caption=’Guest-Post Author Bio’]
Neha Singh is a postgraduate in Mass Communications, who loves everything about life. Traveling is extremely close to her heart and writing came to her naturally. An avid trekker & explorer, who often takes off some time from her busy life for mountaineering. She loves meeting new people & gets attached to their culture very easily. Her ambition is to explore as many places as she can in her life. She strongly believes in Gandhian principle – “simple living high thinking”.[/stextbox]

Also, Check:

Malaysia Travel Guide – where to stay, eat and travel

Himachal, India, Tourism, Travel, Uttarakhand

Tourist or Traveler – Don’t know who we are?

June 23, 2017 allgudthings 53 Comments

Are we confused who we are – Tourist or traveler?

Tourist or traveler; the two debatable words had put us in deep thoughts and left us wondering who exactly are we?

Let’s see if these pointers can really help us decide:

%CODE1%

During the beginning of our each journey and trip, we wander endlessly on the roads without knowing where we are heading. Which place will be our final destination being completely unaware of the pleasant and unpleasant events on the way? But in the same trip, at the end of the day when we are tired, the heart & mind juggle among themselves and says it would have been better if you had some fixed itinerary, at least a room booking. So isn’t that self-contradictory?

The saying goes that a tourist has a fixed scheduled plan and a traveler has none. He just follows his heart and the trails. So, who are we? A traveler in the beginning and throughout the trip? but tourist at the end of the trip or when we are tired?

On the way to Gangotri - Tourist or Traveler — On the way to Gangotri

We love traveling and want to be full-time travelers. We too never want to return back from the offbeat (like Tehri Dam, Mana Village, Kinnaur) and conventional places (like Shimla) but our work commitments, time, finances, and family pull us back. If not after 7 but surely after 10 days. So, what it is?

And the saying goes travelers like to travel slow, stick to places for exploring more. Whereas tourist comes back exploring the fixed trails in a fixed time. So, what are we– Tourist or traveler or a combination of both?

On the way to Badrinath - Tourist or Traveler — On the way to Badrinath

While traveling we taste traditional cuisines, stay at homestays and camps, mingle with locals, explore their culture and make new friends. But at the same time, we start craving for our staple food after few meals and days. We start missing people back home.

And some say, tourist always look for McDonald, Subway, Pizza Hut whereas traveler loves to munch on local delicacies. So, we are again confused nuts and where should we put ourselves into a tourist or traveler?

Views from Ranikhet Homestay : Tourist or Traveler — Views from Ranikhet Homestay

Before hopping to any of the places, we read the blogs and enquire from locals about the dos & don’ts at the destination. Whereas after reaching and seeing the suggested places, we try to roam around to find the hidden and mysterious gems of the place.

The saying goes that tourists follow the travel guide and fixed trails whereas travelers explore the offbeat place. So, what are we here – a Tourist or Traveler?

Trails near Kasol: Tourist or Traveler — Trails near Kasol

We always prefer traveling as a couple, with friends, family and also solo when it is the need of an hour.

In 2015 Holidify once illustrated in their post that tourist’s travel in a group whereas traveler travels alone. So in which category do we fall– tourist or traveler?

We trek, walk, hitchhike, travel by local transport and take road trips in our own vehicle as well as rented and shared cars/cabs.

The saying goes that tourist prefers taking cars or cabs instead of walking tours and treks. So where should we fit ourselves- a tourist or traveler?

We always carry our laptops, tablets, cameras, tripods, and phones on our trips. They are not only an essential component of our work but we use them to capture photographs too.

The saying is tourist carry selfie sticks, laptops, phones & tabs for luxury whereas travelers just carry cameras & tripods. So, where do we stand- A tourist or traveler or both.

We take pictures of landscapes, mountainscapes, and lakes with people, without people and our own selfies too.

For this many of my fellow friends quote, that tourists take selfies with monuments and landscapes behind whereas travelers just photo shoot landscapes and other people’s portraits. So who are we – a tourist or traveler?

The term tourist and traveler might have different dictionary meanings, but for us, these two terms overlap in every trip. One might be a traveler in his own eyes but the locals always take him/her as a tourist only. We too feel that the one who is a traveler is also a tourist and vice versa. Actually, both of them follows each other’s trail – but then does it really matter and do you care?

%CODE2%

I guess, it is just one’s own mindset and reflection of how he/she wants to be called and what they want to be seen as. For us – Travel is all about experiences and it’s an endless fairy land. So, simply wear your shoes, pack your bags and search for the next trail. It doesn’t matter anywhere whether you are a tourist, traveler or both, but more important is to enjoy the journey, destination as well as whole trip.

If you feel this was good, pin it and share with others.

India, Travel

34 best things of life, I am grateful for on turning 34

February 18, 2017 allgudthings 13 Comments

Gosh!! I didn’t realize it’s my 34^th birthday. Am I too old or getting younger? Honestly, the feeling is getting younger and the countdown has started in the reverse order after 30. That means I am 26 now. Isn’t that cool? It is because I have the best things of life with me! I feel that I still have the same youth and happiness as that of the twenties and my friends and family too compliment me on that.

34^thbirthday might sound like big responsibilities, big bills, big talks, big work and so much more. But I purely believe it is up to you how to take your life and your responsibilities. Times do slip out but it’s only you who can decide whether you have missed something or learned more. 34 years have slipped for me too, but I don’t regret anything. I just look back to know what all I have gained, learned and gather as the best things of life.

At times even I do get the feeling that I am almost half way or more than that done with my life journey but what relevance that thought has. Nothing fruitful! Who exactly knows how much way it is? So why should I worry? The simple philosophy now is to cherish what I have today and make my present as the best years of life. I live and want to live each day in a celebration.

So, today in this post, I will be listing my 34 best things of life which I really cherish and I am grateful for.

34 Best Things of Life

The greatest gift life has given me – my soul mate Tashi, who has accepted me with my 100 defects.
My parents who happily helped and supported me in every nick and corner of the world.
My siblings with whom I can talk any bull shit and they will pamper to say a Good Job. Keep rocking sis.
Being married in a great family where In-Laws is just a word.
Being born in a country like India, where there is so much cultural variation but still an utmost feeling of love and brotherhood.
To be born as women who can bear all the pains and still bring a smile to others face.
Having amazing friends, who bring happiness and belly hurting laughter into my life.
Meeting awesome staff that respected me and made me learned every day new.
Learning the real photography to capture all the memories.
Meeting Mridula Dwivedi – the known travel blogger who introduced me to the term travel blogging.
For realizing my passion i.e. Travel! Travel!
For doing what I love doing. I know many of us don’t get the opportunity to follow our passions but that is what my mate helped me in doing.
Being surrounded by people who share the common interest of travel.
For traveling around the world and meeting amazing people and seeing their cultures that I had barely imagined.
Good health that helps me to travel, explore and reach my milestones.
To Tashi for motivating me to start my own blog – AllGudthings – where I share my thoughts, ideas independently and connect with the lovely people of similar niche.
Having a know-how of digital world, social Medias and the marketing tools that remove the physical distance helps to stay connected and up to date.
My blogging friends, many of whom I have never met but have formed bonds on the Internet.
For the motivation, I get through comments and likes on my blog, although being busy in our daily routines.
My travel bucket list which motivates me to save and travel more.
For the ability to trek and see the most unexplored and untouched amazing trails of the world.
Seeing and experiencing the changing colors of sunsets and sunrises at the beaches and mountains.
Gazing at the starry night in the mountains.
Being part of travel communities and groups which make me feel I am on the road always and they do give me ideas on how to grow my blog.
For starting my own venture that gave me a freedom of individuality.
For all the ups and downs in life which have turned me into a more strong human.
The freedom I enjoy because of my family, husband and important credit is to the people who protect my country.
For a wonderful Coffee, that turns my bad day to a Good Day.
Being unequivocally happy and contented
Seeing 34 and still thinking that I am 26.
For having a baby heart which still cries and feels the pain of others.
Parties, festivals, and Laughter with family and friends.
For all the hugs, smiles and wishes of loved ones.
Last but not the least, for being myself, a unique God’s human.

I raise the glass for my 34^th birthday and look ahead for more birthdays to gather best things of life and travel to see the world and make memories.

ALL GUD THINGS