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Planning a trip to Europe but not keen on roughing in hostels or living the backpacker life? If you're in your 30s and looking for ways to travel smart without sacrificing comfort, here’s how you can do it! After visiting over 15 countries across Western, Eastern, Scandinavian, and Baltic Europe, I can confidently say that the key to the perfect trip lies in balancing where you save and where you splurge. Here are some tried-and-tested tips to help you save money on a Europe trip without being too frugal, while enjoying the finer things along the way. Ditch the taxis, hop on a bus to the city centre The first and most important maxim for a Europe trip – steer clear of taxis like logic in a Trump speech! Europe boasts an incredible public transport network, so shelling out for a taxi is an unnecessary splurge. Instead, opt for airport coaches that conveniently drop you in the city centre and even serve multiple other zones. These air-conditioned buses come with comfortable seats, onboard toilets, and sometimes even free Wi-Fi—all at a fraction of the cost of a taxi. Flixbus is a great option, offering affordable routes from airports and even between cities across Europe Sunny Airbnbs over stuffy hotel rooms European 3-star hotels have a way of stirring up disappointment —large lobbies hide small, cramped rooms with barely enough space to stand, let alone stow your suitcase. Instead, opt for a bright, cozy Airbnb, often at the same or even lower price than a hotel. Not only will you have more space, but you’ll also get a taste of local life, staying in homes that reflect the culture and charm of the city. Hosts often offer great insider tips too! In my experience, Airbnbs in Europe live up to their photos and frequently come with added perks like a sunny balcony, a garden, or even a terrace with city views if you’re lucky. A supermarket meal a day keeps expensive cappuccinos at bay I’ve spent more euros than I care to admit on overpriced cappuccinos and croissants at cute outdoor cafes, followed by meals at restaurants that devour your trip budget faster than a German car on the autobahn. That is, until I discovered the magic of European supermarkets! Chains like Migros, Coop, Sainsbury, and Carrefour are conveniently located near metro stations, bus stops, and almost every other corner, and they’re stocked with everything from fresh sandwiches and salads to wine and chocolates. It’s the perfect way to grab a meal without expending a big chunk of your daily budget. On longer trips, I’ve even stocked up on milk, cereal, fruits, and bread at my Airbnb to throw together a simple breakfast, saving money on at least one meal a day. Of course, I’m not saying you should skip out on Europe’s amazing cafes or restaurants entirely! Treat yourself to one good meal or café stop a day to soak in the local flavors and ambiance. But for everything else, your friendly neighborhood supermarket has got you covered. A sandwich, coffee and a bench in the middle of the Old Town square – the breakfast of champions (in saving money). Get a feel of the city with a free walking tour There’s no such thing as too much walking in Europe. While you’re at it, join an inspired tour guide and an assorted medley of tourists in sturdy walking shoes on a trip down historical squares, iconic buildings, and renowned landmarks. These tours are a fantastic way to soak up fascinating trivia, anecdotes, legends, and customs that shape the city's past and present.   If you’re unsure where to kick off your itinerary, a walking tour is the perfect introduction to everything the city has to offer, allowing you to dive deeper into the sights that capture your interest later on. Popular options like Sandeman and GuruWalk offer daily tours throughout the morning, afternoon, and evening. While these tours are free to join, it’s customary to leave a discretionary tip for your guide at the end. Mark your calendar for free activities in Europe Planning ahead can help you enjoy Europe's cultural treasures without breaking the bank. For example, in Paris, most museums offer free entry on the first Sunday of every month (from October to March). In Spain, many national museums have free admission during select hours, such as the Prado Museum in Madrid. If you're in Vienna, don't miss the opportunity to attend an opera with standing tickets for as little as 5 Euros!   Always check the official websites of the attractions you're interested in for special offers, free entry times, and exclusive deals. Sightseeing can drain your wallet like a faulty spigot, but with a bit of research, you can take full advantage of discounts and enjoy some free activities in Europe. Keep your eyes open and your calendar ready to make the most of your trip without overspending! Get a City Card or Pass based on trip duration A city card can be a game-changer for saving money and maximizing convenience. With perks like unlimited public transport, discounted attraction entry, and even shopping offers, they offer great value for your money. Before your trip, research the different types of passes available, tailored to the length of your stay and the sights you plan to visit.  Don’t wait until you’re at the counter with a line of tourists behind you — that’s when decision fatigue kicks in! If you're spending 48 hours or more in the same city, opting for a card that includes attraction entry is often worth it. For shorter stays, single tickets might be the better option. Plan ahead, and you’ll avoid the stress while getting the most out of your visit. Skimp on buying water so you can save more for wine Staying hydrated is essential, but spending money on bottled water isn't! In most parts of Europe, tap water is safe to drink, and many cities have public water fountains for easy refills. Some restaurants will even refill your bottle for free if you're dining there. To save those precious Euros, always carry a reusable water bottle with you to avoid buying water on the go. A quick note about still vs. sparkling water: Europeans often love their water fizzy! Supermarkets stock still and sparkling water in similar bottles, so if you're unsure, ask someone or use a translation app to avoid a bubbly surprise. Evaluate different timing options when buying inter-city train tickets When traveling across Europe, most people will visit at least two or three cities. Instead of settling for the first train tickets you find, take the time to search for options during off-peak hours, like early mornings or late nights, when prices are often significantly lower.  However, be cautious and check the duration and number of stops; the cheapest ticket isn’t worth it if you end up dragging your luggage through multiple train platforms every few hours! A train journey through Europe's alluring landscapes is high up there on the pantheon of travel bucket lists, but after you're done with a few, I recommend trying FlixBus for inter-city travel, especially for shorter journeys. These buses provide comfortable amenities, fantastic views through large windows, and are typically much cheaper than train tickets. With a bit of planning, you can travel efficiently and save money along the way! Use these tips to make your next Europe trip more affordable so you can put away some more for future trips. After all, you can't just cram the beauty of Europe in one trip, it beckons you every other summer and a few occasional winters. Start planning your trip with this guide on applying for your Schengen visa with the right documents to avoid rejection.

Ready to trade the chaos of Indian traffic for Europe’s wondrous, trust-based, conductor-free public transport? Transform into tireless crusaders of tourism prepared to walk 25,000 steps on cobblestoned streets in sandals? Set foot into a world where speaking English is more taboo than cutting in line, and where bad accents are forgiven more readily than bad manners. Here, scanners have no place at metro stations, bright sunshine seeks you till late evening and caffes and croissants magically appear in your hands throughout the day. If that sounds like your dream Euro-trip, there's just one thing standing between you and adventure: the Schengen tourist visa. Schengen visa application is the great equaliser that evaluates frequent travellers and first-timers with the same lens of suspicion. Applying for a Schengen visa might seem daunting at first, but while the process is straightforward, it can be a bit time-consuming. Travelers often need to navigate several steps, and though it might feel overwhelming for first-timers, once you’ve secured your first visa, the entire process becomes much easier to understand. Personally, I have applied for my Short Stay Schengen visa 5 times for different trips, and have received all of them - without any hiccups or requiring any support from a travel agent. The key to success? The importance of preparing your documents well in advance and organising them neatly in a folder cannot be overstated. However, I’ve noticed that many travelers make common mistakes that often lead to rejections. To help you avoid those pitfalls, here are some tips, based on my experience, to ensure your Schengen visa is approved on your first try. But first, here’s a quick introduction to the Schengen visa and when you need to apply for it. What is the Schengen visa Which countries accept the Schengen visa How long is the Schengen visa valid for? Where to apply for Schenge visa? How long does it take to process Schengen visa? Jump to Schengen visa Tips   What is the Schengen visa? The Schengen visa is a travel permit for travelling seamlessly between 29 European countries, members and non-members of the European Union. A visa issued by any of the member countries automatically grants you a permit to travel to other Schengen countries without applying separately to each. For tourists, a Short Stay Schengen visa is issued which can be single-entry  (enter the Schengen region once for upto 90 days during the validity of your visa),   multiple-entry (enter and exit the Schengen region multiple times during the validity of your visa) or a transit visa  (used to transit through the Schengen region for connecting flights but does not allow you to leave the airport. Which countries accept the Schengen visa? Here’s a complete list of the 29 European countries that issue and accept the Schengen visa for seamless travel across their borders: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland. Apart from these, four microstates—Andorra, Monaco, San Marino, and the Vatican City—are also considered de facto members of the Schengen Area.  How long is the Schengen visa valid for? The dates for which your visa is valid is mentioned on the document. For first-time travellers, it is possible that you may get a visa for your exact travel dates only. In other cases, you may also be issued a Schengen visa that permits stay for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. The details will be mentioned clearly on your visa once you receive it. Where to apply for a Schengen visa? VFS Global is the authorised representative to facilitate Schengen visa applications in India . The website offers detailed documents, guides and checklists for travellers to follow. I have found the call-centre to be helpful and well-equipped in incase of questions, just don’t expect them to magically bump up your appointment slot. In India, VFS centres are located in Delhi, Gurugram, Jaipur, Chandigarh, Jalandhar, Kolkata, Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Pune, Goa, Bangalore, Chennai, Pondicherry, Hyderabad, Kochi and Trivandrum. You can book an appointment at any of these centres to apply to the embassy of the Schengen country you’re visiting. Incase you’re travelling to multiple countries in the same trip, you can apply to the country that is your first point of entry to the Schengen region or the country in which you are planning to stay the longest. You can start applying through the VFS website here . How long does it take to process your Schengen visa application? Typically, your Schengen visa application can take 14 to 45 days to get processed so get your visa appointment at VFS Global atleast 2-3 months in advance. However, it is not possible to apply for a Schengen visa more than 6 months prior to the date of travel.   Mistakes to avoid when applying for Schengen visa from India Some of the common mistakes people make include not booking the right appointment slot, getting the picture specifications wrong and sometimes even risking applying with fake documents. Here are my top tips to ensure that your visa is approved: #1 Secure the First Available Schengen Visa Appointment & Reschedule for Your Ideal Date Booking a Schengen visa appointment can feel like a race against time, especially if you're planning to travel during peak season. If the only available appointment is weeks (or even months) away, don’t panic or adjust your travel plans just yet! Here’s a tried and tested trick: book the first available appointment, even if it’s too close to your departure. Once you’ve confirmed your booking with payment, you'll gain access to a wider range of appointment dates. VFS frequently releases new slots, sometimes even for the next day. The key is persistence—check for updates several times a day. You can reschedule your appointment multiple times at no extra cost until you find the perfect time slot. Remember, there’s no magic trick to guarantee the exact date you want, but with patience and consistent tracking, you’ll likely secure a more convenient option.   #2 Make a List, Print it Out, and Check it Twice VFS continues to favour the good old-fashioned method of submitting documents and paperwork as part of your Schengen visa application. To navigate this paperwork-heavy process smoothly, it’s best to play by their rules. Start by printing out the complete list of required documents, which you’ll find on both the Embassy page and the VFS website for the country you’re applying to. This is a very simple but important tip –having all your documents in place significantly reduces chances of your visa getting rejected. As you print each document, tick it off your list and add it to your application folder. Bonus: VFS conducts a thorough document check before submission, so you don’t end up wasting precious time in case something’s missing.   #3 Get it right with flight tickets Two magic words for booking your flight tickets - 100% refundable. Incase your Schengen visa gets delayed or needs more paperwork then refundable tickets or tickets with the option to change dates will give you the flexibility to make changes without cancelling your tickets and losing money. Bonus: I have seen some applications getting rejected because travel agents booked fake tickets in the system which get auto-cancelled in a few days. Embassies are quick to spot these and it invariably leads to visa rejection. As tempting as it may be, don’t pay heed to your travel agent’s advice on this on - go ahead and book refundable tickets. Make sure you book a roundtrip, the Embassy always likes to know that you have plans of coming back to your home country.   # 4 Wrong pictures? There’s a quick fix Your Schengen visa photo isn't the same as your passport photo! Each country has its own visa photo specifications, so don’t assume one set of photos will work everywhere. Make sure you check the latest requirements on the VFS or Embassy page for the country you're applying to. Share these details with your photographer to ensure they get the size and proportions right. But, if you still end up with the wrong photo, don’t panic! VFS centers often have in-house photo studios where you can get your visa picture taken and printed within 30 minutes (depending on the queue). While it might cost a bit more than an outside studio and take some time, it saves you the hassle of rescheduling your visa appointment. Plus, the VFS staff is super helpful—they’ll put your application on hold while you dash to get your photo fixed.   #5 Avoid these common mistakes with your documents If I had a Euro for every time people made these common mistakes, I’d be packing for another Europe trip! Here are three major pitfalls to avoid when submitting your paperwork: First, make sure your bank statements are attested by an authorized bank employee. This simple step is often overlooked, but it only takes a few minutes and is essential for your visa application. Second, Schengen visa application forms vary from country to country. Always download the latest form from the VFS or Embassy page. And if you’re unsure about any section, leave it blank! A VFS representative will guide you when submitting your application. Third, Schengen visa applications require an NOC from your employer. Make sure you submit a request to your HR in advance to avoid any delays at their end. #6 Pull out all the stops – show the Embassy you have strong reasons to return A big green flag for Schengen visa applications is demonstrating sound financial viability which signals your commitment to returning to India. Factors like having a stable job, owning assets like a house or any other property, good investments – all of these provide a strong fillip to your application. Even if the documents checklist does not explicitly ask for these, go ahead and attach copies. It will only help strengthen your case.

Weekend trips from Bangalore are legendary. No other city offers such effortless access to a diverse landscape that stretches from national parks, hills and coffee plantations to forests, waterfalls and tea estates – all within just 5-7 hours of driving. If, like me, you prefer your road trips to turn into mini getaways with atleast one night away, then buckle up and get ready to discover some unique stays. Brimming with character - think big windows letting in tons of natural light, quaint bedrooms styled with local flair, squeaky clean bathrooms and friendly smiles that make you feel right at home. Weekend Getaways around Bangalore Here’s my list of Bangalore weekend outing stays that I would recommend without a second thought:   Dhole’s Den, Bandipur A charming oasis in the middle of nowhere, being at Dhole’s Den is pretty close to going off the grid. A slow, bumpy drive down a dirt road brings you to this 4-room homestay that has been thoughtfully designed as a haven for nature lovers.  After a hearty, freshly prepared lunch meal you will inevitably be drawn to the expansive sitouts looking into the forest, common spaces with chairs made for leisurely lounging with a book, or even fishing experiments in the rain-fed pond. The lodge is designed keeping in mind eco-friendly principles and you can see that the hosts Karthik and Indgrid have made conscious efforts to introduce energy efficiency, recycle waste sustainably and minimise the impact of their homestay on the forest ecosystem. The small number of rooms ensures that each of them is spacious and has the host’s personal touch with a small collection of books from eclectic interests, framed pictures from safaris and memorabilia that the hosts have likely collected from their own journeys. Since you are in a remote location not too far away from the forest, expect the odd insects and spiders to creep up in some corners. For the perfect weekend break from Bangalore, aim to reach the place by lunch. Spend your evening exploring the property, followed by guided bird-watching trip with an in-house naturalist and wrap up the night with a bonfire before dinner. The next morning can be reserved for your jeep safari where you can catch a glimpse of the elusive dhols or perhaps even a tiger, if you’re lucky! Driving time for Bangalore: 4 hours Rooms:  4 rooms Meals : Includes 3 meals and evening tea with snacks Tariff:  Rs 13,000 per night for a room on double sharing Special mentions: Ingrid, the host, indulged us in some hilarious anecdotes from her recent encounters with some unexpected visitors from the forest. These stories help you understand and connect with your surroundings so much more! The nature walk was equally delightful as our guide expertly pointed out local birds, cracked open a local cactus flower for us to taste and even led us towards a small lake where deer gathered for their evening drink.   Villa Aroor, Chikmagalur Villa Aroor in Chikmagalur is a painstakingly restored 100-year old bungalow where every corner reflects a labor of love. The design draws inspiration from the grandeur of Karnataka’s rich cultural heritage seamlessly integrating it with all the comforts you would expect from a modern home. Surrounded by coffee plantations stretching as far as the eyes can see, Villa Aroor is a worthy tribute to the beauty of Chikmagaluru.  While the high ceilings with rattan lamps, four-poster beds and stately dining table seem effortlessly elegant, you can see a lot of thought has gone into the vast collection of games, books and elaborate menus inspired by local produce and flavors. The standout feature is undoubtedly the dining area, lavishly covered in glass walls that offer uninterrupted views of the valley and beyond, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the stunning surroundings. Villa Aroor, a great weekend destination around Bangalore, is a haven for coffee lovers with a special coffee bar stocked with every type of brewing machine and bean imaginable. The food menu is carefully curated as a mix of traditional and popular dishes during every meal offering something for every palate. Love long morning walks? The villa is nestled in the heart of a verdant tea plantation and you’ll likely encounter scores of workers plucking tea leaves from early in the morning till evening, stopping only for lunch or to smile and wave at you. Driving time for Bangalore: 7-8 hours Rooms:  4 rooms Meals : Includes 3 meals and evening tea with snacks Tariff:  Rs 5,000 per night for a room on double sharing Special mentions: The staff nudged us towards slippers as soon as we stepped inside the living room - a small but effective way to ensure highest levels of cleanliness. The bevy of staff working at Villa Aroor deserves a special mention for running the house around the clock and making sure the house is spotless and guests well taken care of. I was also impressed by their collection of games; after countless games of Codenames, it quickly became a family favorite. Don’t forget to take a tour of the family owned Quard Hitlow tea-factory and pick up some packets for your morning cuppa.   Eden BnB, Conoor I discovered Eden BnB through Airbnb; and while the pictures and reviews looked great on the app, I couldn't help but wonder if it might not live up to expectations in person. All my doubts were put to rest when we arrived at the homestay, the perfect sanctuary for our weary souls exhausted after an 8-hour drive from Banaglore. The garden leading up to the house lives up to its name and is every bit a slice of heaven. On a clear day, it is possible to get unobstructed views of the Nilgiri mountains right from the garden, with a side of your morning chai. Inside, you will find Jose Uncle and Siddhu aunty making copious amounts of tea, tending to the garden and swapping stories with the guests. It is their loving home that you come into – and under their watchful care and warm smiles, it soon feels like yours. The homestay has three rooms for guests and two rooms for the family making it a very intimate setting where you’re often drawn into conversations with fellow guests and the host family. We ended up spending a lot of time outdoors in the garden and discovering Conoor’s shops and cafes but always came back to hot cup of tea and enquiries about our day. Conoor coupled with Ooty makes for a must-do weekend trip around Bangalore. Driving time for Bangalore: 7-8 hours Rooms:  3 rooms Meals : Includes home-cooked breakfast and copious cups of tea Tariff:  Rs 8,000 per night for a room on double sharing Special mentions: The communal breakfast cooked by Sidhu aunty is a great way to collect all the guests and discuss their plans. Not to forget, great recommendations from Jose uncle for shops,  cafes and nearby hikes.   Sinnadorai Bungalow Kadamane Tea Estate, Sakleshpur The Sinnadorai Bungalows are charming tea and coffee estates across Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Kerala evoking the nostalgia of Malgudi Days with an imaginary ‘ sinna dorai’  or assistant manager of a south Indian plantation welcoming you to his estate. The tea estate at Kadamane is spread over acres and acres; the Sinna Dorai bungalow is only a small part of the plantation life with tea plucking and tea factories as their mainstay. The bungalow offers cottages done up in traditional Tamil style with spacious verandahs made for watching the rains with pakodas. The bungalow is especially popular during the monsoons when guests can enjoy misty views of the Kadamane valley. The bungalow also offers a basketball court and badminton court for travellers who want to get some activity in.   Driving time for Bangalore: 5 hours Rooms:  10 rooms Meals : Includes three meals and evening tea with snacks Tariff:  Rs 11,000 per night for a room on double sharing Special mentions: For evening tea, we were whisked away to the top of a ridge. Piping hot tea, mini vadas, pakodas, the wind blowing in my hair – a special sunset I still dream of sometimes.     The Bison Resort, Kabini Familiar with glamping - camping with a touch of glamour? The Bison Resort is all about barefoot luxury glamping in African style tents on the banks of Kabini river, overlooking Nagarhole and Bandipur Tiger Reserve.  We stayed at the Little Bison tents, ingeniously blend the amenities of an upscale hotel with the charm of rustic camping. One of the more extravagant stays that I've been at, these tents indulged us with spacious bathrooms, a cosy outdoor bathtub under the stars and a private dining tent set up for what can only be described as a feast! If you don't encounter any other guests at Bison for most of your day, its only because the lounge areas, dining area, an observation deck and pool are all spread out over a vast area. But one of the biggest draws for me was a watering hole, not more than a few hundred metres away from our tent. While we did not encounter any wildlife except the stray deer near our tent, we were told that spotting elephants, wild boars and sometimes even leopards is not unheard of. Driving time for Bangalore: 4 hours Rooms:  African style tents by the Kabini river Meals : Includes three meals and evening tea with snacks Tariff:  Rs 22,000 per night for a tent on double sharing inclusive of additional activities Special mentions: The watering hole was visible from our tent, and the prospect of sighting a deer or elephant while sipping on our morning tea was thrilling.

This 120-year-old bungalow has been reimagined as a unique homestay in Chikmagalur blending luxury with local charm. The villa offers elegant rooms, exquisite dining with regional flavors, and a cozy ambiance with stunning plantation views. You can enjoy board games, bonfires, and guided tours of plantations and a tea factory. All in all, the villa promises an exceptional, immersive experience! Namitha Aroor, the brains and heart behind Villa Aroor Chikmagalur homestay belongs to the unique ilk of hosts who design home stays as their own abode instead of simply being a commercial establishment available for guests. In the case of Villa Aroor, the bungalow was actually intended to serve as their family residence but later a serendipitous change in plans gave Chikmagalur one of its finest stays. This 120 year old Chikmagalur homestay has been purposefully restored and reimagined as an intimate sanctuary for guests seeking solitude in the company of tea and coffee plantations. Wavering between state of the art amenities and quiet, understated luxury reflecting local heritage, art and cultural symbols – the villa creates an effortless dialog between the impeccable services of a hotel and the cosy comfort of a place that feels like home.   The Space Villa Aroor is an expansive bungalow with a sizable front porch, a living room ideal for convivial family time, an opulent dining room that would fit right into a British estate home and its star attraction – an outdoor sitting area with uninterrupted views of the plantations, valleys and beyond. The villa has only four rooms, each with a different colored theme but similar layout and amenities. The design language is spacious and subliminally luxurious with each room leading to outdoor areas, a passage with a towering ceiling and bathrooms that belong to an issue of Architectural Digest magazine.   The small number of rooms means that it is possible to book the entire villa for an extended family stay. Even with single room bookings, the villas has plenty of nooks and corners to find your own alcove or mingle with the other guests if you prefer company.   Hospitality & Meals at Villa Aroor Homestay in Chikmagalur Supporting and boosting local employment, Villa Aroor has a team of people (both men and women) who manage the household like clockwork and keep the place pristine. Though most of the staff does not speak English or Hindi, they are well-trained to understand your requirements and direct any questions to the caretaker who is fluent in English. Unsurprisingly, the biggest team is assigned to the kitchen which prepares every meal like a feast for the gods! Anticipation works up an appetite as you read the menu of the day, hand-written in the dining room on a big chalkboard. The menu is elaborate and features local flavours as well as popular favorites with plenty of indulgences. Most of the fresh produce comes from the local farms so you can also sample seasonal ingredients and inventive preparations. The dining room also has a coffee station with every bean and brew imaginable, a delight for coffee connoisseurs. We celebrated our second wedding anniversary at the villa and were delighted and grateful for the thoughtful gesture of a celebratory dinner with complimentary cake, cosy dinner setup with candles, and splendid tableware.   Pastimes and Pleasures – Things to do at Villa Aroor Homestay in Chikmagalur This home stay in Chikmagalur draws you into its indoor spaces and outdoor experiences with alacrity, cajoling you to immerse yourself head-first in the Chikmagalur experience. Board game lovers will find a sweet and whimsical collection of classics like Carrom, Ludo, Connect 4 and some contemporary ones like Code Names. We found a comfortable spot to spend countless  hours delving into the board games outside against a striking backdrop of the plantations and with a theme song of the larking birds. The stay also has an impressive collection of books which can be leafed through if you’re not carrying one of your own. The weather is pleasant enough around the year to stake up a bonfire and strike up a conversation with the other guests or simply look at the starry skies.     Around and Outside Villa Aroor Chikmagalur Homestay During the evening, a knowledgeable in-house guide took us around for a walking tour of the plantation and chanced upon some species of frogs, spice trees and even saw some trees bearing the cocoa fruit. The following day, we decided to drive down to see the tea factory, a secluded and picturesque spot among the plantations to get some pictures and later even went down to see a waterfall. We went in the rainy season so leeches were uninvited guests for almost all our walks, especially down to the waterfall. We also found ourselves venturing out for long walks around the estate, plantations and the nearby village to explore the place and work up an appetite before the next meal. The plantations are run by an assiduous team of (mostly women) workers plucking rhythmically and pausing only occasionally to smile and wave at you. The Aroor family also owns the Quard Hitlow tea factory where we were able to get a full tour of the tea manufacturing process from plantations to packets ready for sale.   Tariff    Villa Aroor can be booked at Rs 10,000 per room on double occupancy for a night . The price includes all meals and tea time snacks. All the tours, plantation walk and drive to the waterfall were included in this price.   Final Verdict Villa Aroor is a rare find where the pictures and reviews live up to and perhaps even surpass expectations. The villas is clean, spacious and has a well-trained and hospitable team working behind the scenes to make your holiday experience special. Even if one is nit-picking, it’s hard to find faults with this serene oasis of luxury only manifested by most city dwellers. If you have a three-day long weekend coming up, Chikmagaluru makes for a great short road trip from Bangalore. Interested in exploring more boutique hotels, homestays, villas and Airbnbs around Bangalore? Read more here .

A true testament to the charm of a good homestay is meeting fellow guests who’ve returned for their second or third stay. As for me, I was happily joining the ranks on my second visit. Jilling Terraces in Uttarakhand’s South Gola range, about 1 hour away from Nainital, is a 90 year old house surrounded by nothing but 100 acres of uninhabited forest land. Christened the Chestnut House, this Nainital homestay was built in 1933 by a Sanskrit scholar for his Polish doctor wife pining for the cool climes of her country. Holding up to its sweet promises, the homestay is like a warm hug in the winters and a refreshing glass of chilled nimbu pani in the summers. Among the many luxuries of life is the ability to while away time without experiencing an ounce of guilt, and Jilling is one of the few places that affords you this indulgence. But more than anything, perhaps the biggest reason of them all to plan a stay at Jilling Terraces is the magic bullet that keeps flocks of raucous tourists away – a 1.5 km long and sinuous uphill trek that takes atleast an hour for city folks.   That and a mesmerising, almost private ridge that serves sunsets that paint the sky over the valley in stunning hues. Once is never enough – you’ll keep coming back for more. Discover the Chestnut House Meals and Pastimes Outdoor & Surrounds Tariff   Discover Jilling Terraces - Homestay in Nainital It takes an 8-9 hour drive from Delhi, followed by an hour-long trek to reach the cottage. But all is forgiven once you tread foot on its menagerie of pups, cats, horses and mules – the latter being the only mode to transport daily essentials, fire wood and every so often, the odd guest.    Perched atop a hill, Jilling Terraces homestay in Nainital welcomes you into its world of gum-boots donning friendly bhaiyas, tea served with generous boxes of bakery cookies, and vibrant, sun-kissed rooms with thoughtfully planned nooks and corners. The house has six self-contained cottages, evocatively named after local trees in the region – Padam, Buransh, Kafal, Ringol, Utish and the newly added, deliciously private, Oak Cottage. Two of them are cosier and ideal for a couple while the others have with an ante room, fireplace, small kitchenette and even a terrace – perfect for families.   Meals & Pastimes at Jilling Terraces All meals are served on the objet d'art, an oak and pine wood table: the centrepiece of the dining and recreation room. Under the watchful eyes of Dali, guests of Jilling Terraces sit together for meal times or to collaborate on a 1,000 piece jigsaw puzzle. All meals, including desserts, are delightfully home-cooked with the smell wafting through the air from the kitchen nearby, as you wait in anticipation for the medley of hot pots and casseroles to be served on the table. Meals are an integral part of the homestay experience and Jilling Terraces has perfected its wholesome recipes for guests looking for pahadi-style comfort food. A typical meal includes dal, three to four kinds of curries and vegetables, salad, raita, achaar and fresh rotis. The staff is happy to make small customisations if you tell them in advance. An evening barbecue is also possible at an additional cost. The dining room is also equipped with an enviable collection of books, puzzles and board games which can keep you comfortably entertained for a night or two. Whether it's a rainy day or a cold evening, there's always something to enjoy indoors.   Outdoors & Surrounds at Jilling Terraces All my favorite moments at Jilling Terraces start with a cup of tea and dragging a chair outside in the sun to gape at the Nanda Devi and surrounding peaks. As the day progresses, the staff encourages you to pack a chatai, some board games, a book and head to the ridge, only a 7-10 minutes easy climb away from the house. In a few hours, hot lunch follows, neatly bundled and hand-delivered by the staff in a large tiffin box and several small boxes filled with delightful accompaniments so you don’t miss out on anything, even 7,000 ft above. Several small treks start from the ridge and take you down to the village, up to a local temple and some other great spots in between to laze around. Just keep track of the path you’re taking as running into other people is likely only if you’re walking towards the village. The team at Jilling can also organise guided treks ranging from 5-10 kms depending on how long you want to be out for. The old Chestnut House brimming with new charm is an undisturbed and surprisingly undiscovered retreat in the hopelessly crowded Nainital and surrounding landscape. From a vantage point 7,000 feet above, the prospect of ascending and descending from the house throughout your stay becomes only a distant thought. Yet, you leave knowing that this is a path you will surely be treading again. Tariff at Jilling Terraces The Chestnut House has two large suites Buransh and Utish on the ground floor and two mini suites with double beds Padam and Kafal on the first floor. Ringol and Oak are independent self contained cottage that can host a family. The mini suites can be booked for Rs 11,500 per night on double occupancy while the bigger rooms are priced at Rs 13,500 per night. The price includes a porter to help with your bags, meals and tea/coffee.

Conoor, the second largest hill station in the Nilgiri mountains, is often overlooked for its more popular counterparts – Coorg, Wayanad, Sakleshpur and Chikamagalur. Coupled with Ooty, merely 19 kms away, Conoor makes for the perfect long weekend road trip from Bangalore. Across from the Bandipur and Mudumalai forests, as you drive past the undulating hills, tea plantations and conifer trees, Conoor welcomes you with misty mornings and a whiff of fresh tea leaves in the air. A two day itinerary featuring Conoor’s top things to do and places to visit will sufficiently acquaint you with enchanting remnants of its Tamil and British colonial heritage. Here’s a list of things you can plan for an unhurried, slow paced trip in Conoor. Top Things to Do in Conoor Cafes Shops Moddy's Chocolates Best Places to Visit Where to Stay   Cafes in Conoor First things first: when in Conoor, start off every meal with a freshly brewed cup of tea or coffee. Conoor’s cafes are steeped in the timeless charm of European food with cakes, cookies, pizzas, sandwiches and the ubiquitous cold coffee. My top two recommendations are Le Café at Little Earth Square and Birdhouse Café at Church Hill road. Le Café is housed in a square that also has a bar, an organic shop and two other cafes in a sunny, alfresco European style setting. Almost everyone makes a stop at Little Earth to soak in some of the mellow Conoor sun but there are plenty of tables so you won’t go back disappointed. Birdhouse café is a charming little café with a few tables to accommodate, I suspect, the rather small number tourists who end up discovering it. But I’m not complaining because this makes it one of those rare finds which makes it possible to enjoy a moment in the mountains without the maddening crowds. Evoking a French bistro, the main counter opens up into a charming window which also doubles up as a hand-written menu. Every cookie, cake and tart in the glass display vies for your attention and hypnotises one into believing that holiday calories do not count. Order yourself a sweet something, bring out one of the board games and treat yourself to a meal worth remembering. Explore the Shops Conoor’s artisanal sustained shops showcasing contemporary Indian styles are the discerning art curator’s delight. Red Earth is the place to go for home décor and memorabilia hand-crafted by the Todas, a local tribal community of Conoor, in their signature motifs. For eclectic collectibles like repurposed bookends, urlis and sculptures rooted in the regions of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Kerala, stop at Gottacombai.  Spend an afternoon browsing and pick up a small treasure to add a piece of Conoor to your home.   Moddy’s Chocolates A trip to Conoor is incomplete without the customary stop at Moddy’s, a beloved chocolate shop located at the Garden Road, in the heart of Ooty.  Famed for its selection on locally made couverture chocolates, fudges and butter fingers, Moddy’s is now also a mini department store with snacks, baked goodies and products from the Nilgiri region. I’m partial to chocolates with nuts, so I took home several bars of the dark hazelnut variety. The staff at Moddy’s is sweet and friendly, and not at all averse to offering samples of the various chocolates for tasting.   Best Places to Visit in Conoor  Ooty Lake Surrounded by eucalyptus trees, the shimmering waters of Ooty Lake are a popular spot in the evenings. You can explore the locale by renting a bicycle or get straight into the water (no, swimming is not permitted) in one of the many boats parked at the Boat House. You can rent a boat with a boatman or pedal away like we did – life jackets are compulsory and are provided with every booking. Dolphin’s Nose and Catherine Falls Like many other hill stations with creatively named viewpoints, Conoor keeps up the tradition with Dolphin’s Nose. From this vantage point, the uninterrupted views of the blue Nilgiri mountains are awe-inspiring, evoking a feeling that the clouds are gently descending upon you. On clear days, you can even catch a glimpse of the double cascading Catherine Falls, tumbling down from a height of 250 feet. Ralliah Dam Bearing a resemblance to Europe’s bridges, Ralliah Dam features an extended walkway over a shimmering water body, which serves as Conoor's primary water source. A short trek through a dense canopy of trees, a medley of birdsong and orange hues of sunshine lead you to the entrance of the dam - ideal for a visit during sunset or sunrise. Once inside, you can cross the long bridge and watch the water reflect myriad shades of blue. It’s also common to spot squirrels, monkeys, and the occasional bison in the surrounding forest, making it a perfect location for a peaceful retreat. Where to Stay In Conoor, we stayed at the Eden Bnb, the charming family home of Uncle Jose and Aunty Sidhu. Having lived here for many years, they have now transformed it into a beautiful Airbnb since their children have moved out. The first thing that draws you in is the garden, one can sprawl on the grass all day and dream of the life their children would have had growing up in the mountains. The warm smiles, excellent recommendations and spotlessly clean rooms and bathrooms have earned it consistently great reviews on Airbnb. You can read more about the stay here.   Plan a trip to Conoor to revel in the slow, unhurried life of the mountains! Conoor and Ooty offer small cafes, shops and enviable viewpoints to keep you away from the city atleast for a weekend. If you’re the proverbial ‘mountains’ person, Conoor’s charms may even have you daydreaming about a place of your own.

Ever since my sister moved to Switzerland almost five years ago, the country’s surreal beauty feels almost commonplace now. I can drive past a shimmering blue lake framed by the Alps without as much as looking twice, supress the urge to whip out my phone each time I spot cows in the rolling green meadows and can certainly overlook the unfathomably blue skies to focus my attention on a piping bowl of fondue. Just when I thought I was getting accustomed to Switzerland’s landscapes, along came the village of Murten and took my breath away! Recently, we discovered one of the best cities to visit in Switzerland, Murten. Murten, as the Germans call it, or Morat as known to the French, is a picturesque hillside village known for its medieval architecture, in the canton of Fribourg. Leaving behind scores Switzerland's idyllic villages, Murten has emerged as the winner as chosen by readers of Schweizer Illustrierte, l'Illustré, and Domenica Ticinoise — publications from its different linguistic regions. Even on a cold and bleak winter day in March, the sweeping views of its Old Town rooftops and cobblestoned paths transported us to a whole different world that dates back to over 6,000 years ago. Once built to keep trespassers away, walking around the ramparts of its perfectly preserved city walls feels like stepping into the set of a period drama. But if you ask me, the real showstopper that plausibly clinched the award in its favour is Lake Murten, inviting tourists to its glistening waters against a silhouette of Mont Vully and Jura. Best Places in Switzerland - Murten One of the best places to visit in Switzerland, getting to Murten is easy and highly recommended especially if you're on the lookout for something new to add to your Switzerland itinerary Reaching Murten If you have a Swiss Travel Pass then getting to Murten should be easy. Take the train going towards Fribourg and get off on the sixth stop, Murten. Depending on where you're starting from, train changes may be required. You can check Google Maps for hourly schedules. Things to do in Murten If you’re travelling to Switzerland, take a day trip to Murten to see the ‘Most Beautiful Village’ and spend your time planning these activities:  While strolling down, we discovered a passageway in the fortress with expansive views of the lake. You can sit on the ledge and feast your eyes on the panoramic vistas before you head down to the promenade. Though only 22.8 km2 long, Lake Murten, the smallest lake in the Jura Valley is a big draw for tourists especially in the summer months.  Its shallow waters transform into a hotbed for swimming, cycling along its promenade, kayaking and a ferry cruise service that takes you around the three lakes in the region. Even on a cold March day, we enjoyed a leisurely walk around the lake with a glass of hot chocolate and seagulls for company. If walking through the medieval Old Town piques your curiosity, you can also head to The Museum of Morat – a house full of stories, built along the old water mill under the forts, to learn about the history of the lake dwellers.  A permanent museum showcasing the 6,000 year old history of the region covering early settlements, crafts, archaeological artefacts and their everyday life is a regular fixture, apart from temporary exhibitions and events. Interested in seeing Switzerland without its hordes of tourists and souvenir shops? Head to dreamy Murten and find out why the locals think it’s the Best Village of 2024.

If there's one vacation spot that brings active and slow travellers together in one happy union, it's the sun-soaked tropical paradise of Bali. Hike up Mount Batur early morning and jump into a spectacular waterfall by day or just sleep in late and lounge around all afternoon in a day club by the ocean, no matter what you choose, every day in Bali is a day well spent!   Bali Travel Guide Before you state planning your trip, here are a few things to know and prepare for especially if you're travelling from India. Read on for the ultimate Bali travel guide to Bali currency, Bali visa for Indians, Bali e visa and more!   #1 Skip the airport queues with Bali eVisa for Indians Indonesia offers visa on arrival for Indian travellers but I highly recommend getting a Bali e-visa before you go to skip the queues and make more time for the beaches and cafes. I applied for a B1 tourist visa which allows single entry for a stay of upto 30 days through the official Indonesian immigration website here . Bali visa requirements for Indians are fairly simple and do not require too many additional documents - attach a copy of your passport and a visa picture based on the specifications provided, submit basic information about your trip like copy of your return tickets, duration of your stay in Bali, details of hotel bookings etc followed by online payment of IDR 500,000 through the website. I received my Bali visa on email within 10 minutes and the whole application process did not take more than 30 minutes. We had no problems during immigration at Bali and had a very smooth experience at the airport.   #2 Bali Currency - Indonesian Rupiah (IDR)  The official currency of Indonesia is the Indonesian Rupiah and it is valued at around 0.0050 Rs against 1 Indian Rupee. What this effectively means is that even when you're converting 30,000 Indian Rupees you end up with 56 lakhs worth of Indonesian Rupiah. Calculations are not for the faint-hearted as you end up paying IDR 50,000 (INR 250) for cab rides or IDR 200,000 for a meal (INR 1,000). While you may surmise that your wallet is getting lighter with every meal, this may not actually be the case as most bars, restaurants and cafes are affordable with prices at par with India. After checking with several prepaid travel forex cards and travel agents, I realised that loading IDR on my forex card is not an option. Your best alternative is to carry a thick wad of good old-fashioned cash and guard it closely throughout your trip.   #3: The best place to get your Bali SIM card is the airport Prepaid SIM cards are cheap, easy to find and reliable in Bali so there is no need to activate an expensive roaming pack from India. I found several kiosks near the airport exit and was able to buy and activate a local SIM while I was waiting for my coffee. I got a Telkomsel SIM card with good plans for trips ranging from a few days and upto several months. Once I paid for the new SIM, a team of women who looked like they would win an Olympic gold in SIM card activation, if it were a sport, clattered quickly and efficiently on several phones simultaneously and had mine ready to go in about 15 minutes. I would highly recommend buying your SIM card at the airport directly and booking your Grab and Gojek as first order of business with your shiny, newly activated network.   #4 Getting around is convenient if not quick – Grab, Gojek, Bikes All roads in Bali lead to – traffic jams! The ugly truth that no one talks about is that before you get to the dreamy beaches and cafes, be prepared to battle through long hours of traffic jams thanks to the abundance of cars, bikes and tourists on its roads which were never designed to match this unexpected influx of tourists.  On the flipside, it is always easy to find a cab or bike so getting around is convenient, if not quick. Regrettably, I never learnt how to ride a bike so getting around by cabs was my only option. However, I found most cab drivers to be friendly, chatty and more than happy to share recommendations about their cities. I also realised that almost all cab drivers are happy to take tourists around for a private tour as a side hustle so be prepared to hear about tours and packages during your ride, should you show some interest. I will admit though that none of them were pushy or bothersome, infact we ended up going for our half-day waterfalls tour with a cab driver we met on one of our drops. It’s worth mentioning that cab drivers in Bali are very friendly – they will surely greet you, ask you if you’re ready to go and even dismiss change with its clumsy currency. Bonus tip: Walk straight pas the flurry of local cabs and taxi drivers to the Gojek and Grab lounges at the exit for an app based taxi to your hotel. In my opinion, explaining your drop location and negotiating on price and wondering if you could have found something better is not the best way to start off your vacation. Gojek and Grab offer good rates plus a first-time discount to balance out the airport charges. Feel free to compare and evaluate app-based taxi prices and local cabs later as you ease into Bali.   #5 Vegetarian and vegan food Thank god its tempeh! Indonesia is credited with invented the chewy, flavourful fermented soyabean based plant protein, tempeh, which pairs well with most of the local food. You can find tempeh satay, fries and chunks replacing animal protein making it possible for vegetarians and vegans to try some regional food. It’s hard to find places that don’t have something with tempeh, tofu or the usual suspects like vegetarian and vegan sandwiches, pizzas, salads.  Bali is definitely vegetarian and vegan approved! Read more about my top picks for food here .   #6 Pick an Airbnb with a private pool over booking a hotel Personally, I’m an Airbnb girl! I love booking a place done up lovingly by a host, admiring their curious, trying the local shampoo and coffee they stock up on and just the general character of each unique stay over drab hotel rooms. In Bali, almost every second stay is an Airbnb and apart from generating employment for locals, they’re also pretty immaculately done up in rattan and cane with plenty of open areas and sunshine. It is also not uncommon to find villas with a private pool - a fixture I absolutely lived! In Bali, it is possible to get a place with a proper dive pool (not just a plunge pool) for a reasonable price and given its sultry weather, you’ll find any excuse to jump right in. Keep all these tips in mind to experience for yourself why Bali is one of the most popular vacation spots for Indians.

If a cuisine exists in the world, you can be sure to find a cafe or restaurant tucked away in a corner of Ubud that makes it pretty darn well! From Italian food to Korean, Turkish, Indian and not to mention the local warungs dishing out authentic traditional Balinese food, when in Ubud you can try a new cuisine for every meal of the day. Almost all restaurants in Ubud offer vegetarian and vegan dishes on their menu often served with tempeh and tofu as star side dishes. This was the first time I tried tempeh, an Indonesian plan-based protein made from fermented soyabean that results in a nutty flavour and chewy texture and I wasn't disappointed. The gold standard of vegan food in Bali, the duo of tempeh and tofu worked their magic adding a medley of satays and stir fry dishes to the menu and the vegetarian in me was impressed! After a lot of recommendations, research and reading reviews, here's my list of the personally tried, tested and approved best cafes and bars in Ubud. Watercress Ubud: Great for breakfast Location: Jl Monkey Forest Before you set out for a day of browsing the Art Market and going up and down Ubud's staggering waterfalls, fuel up at Watercress with their signature Benny Brunch, served late till 3pm. Ubud has no dearth of good cafes but I found Watercress to be wholesome, hearty and generous with portions - all the makings of a stellar find! The cafe also has a lot of vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free dishes making it easy for everyone to find something to like. If you're planning to start off your morning with Monkey Forest then forget everything else and walk straight to this cafe and walk down to the forest in about 15 minutes after you savour every bite. Sugriwa's Warung: A taste of local food Location: Jl. Sugriwa's No. 7 Your quest for local, authentic Indonesian food ends at one of Ubud's many warungs, or small-family owned restaurants, serving regional food. While there are many establishments serving local food, the experience that a warung offers is distinctive. Ubud is packed with warungs on every street; the options can get overwhelming but we asked locals for recommendations and finally made it to Sugriwa's warung for our first taste of Indonesian food in Ubud. Tastefully done up in rustic Balinese design with rattan lamps and a beautiful hand-pained tapestry of local fauna and art adorning the walls, Sugriwa is a feast for the eyes too. Get yourself a street facing table to indulge in people-watching while you savor your fare. We went straight for the tourist-favorite Nasi Campur and their take on vegan Nasi Goreng with tofu and tempeh satay. We wallowed with abandon in the medley of dishes and flavours on the plate and ended up spending an unplanned extra hour at the place because we were too stuffed to walk. Thank goodness for the street-facing tables! Lazy Cat Cafe: For coffee and treats Location: Jl Raya Ubud The legendary Lazy Cat Cafe is fascinating right from the moment you spot its signboard and all the way upto the eclectic mix of seating, vintage decor and interesting signs that are guaranteed to inspire you to whip out your phone and tell the 'gram about it. The cafe is spread over two floors with some outdoor seating which is particularly inviting as the sun sets. The unhurried atmosphere serves as a fitting reminder that sometimes the best thing to do on a vacation is to sit back, order dessert and watch the world go by. We loved the value-for-money combos that the menu offers like a dessert with a hot beverage and Happy Hour cocktails starting 4 pm for IDR 80,000. Jinny's Garden: For a laidback evening Location: Jl Goutama JL Goutama street is home to some of Ubud's best cafes and bars - small but charming establishments that beckon you to sit down and experiment with cuisines from all over the world. Jinny's Garden is my pick to a spend a casual evening before heading out for drinks and dinner. Located in a small alcove draped in endless vines and branches tapering towards the entrance, Jinny's feels like stepping into a magical garden. It's hard to imagine how befitting a rainforest of plants looks in a trendy bar setting with low-lighting and casual seating but Jinny's brings it to life easily. Clearly the staff at Jinny's has green thumbs and fingers on both hands as they manage to keep the plethora of plants stacked right upto the ceiling look all healthy and blooming. Grab a table next to the entrance to watch the chef mix together a myriad of concoctions and ingredients to serve you a beautiful plate of food, ever bit aesthetic as the restaurant itself. Jinny's is a strong contender on the list of Ubud's best cafes and bars! No Mas Bar Location: Jl Monkey Forest A Mexican cantina style bar, No Mas is just the place to get great cocktails, nibbles and live music. One of the few places open late till 1 am, No Mas has daily gigs with different themes like Latin, Alt Rock and G.O.A.T. Expect entertaining conversations with the musicians who are eager to share the stage with guests and very open to song requests. The innovative cocktails pair well with Mexican small bites like tacos, nachos and elotes and some other stellar bar fare.

When you're not exploring the umpteen cafes and boutique shops in Ubud, spend a day exploring its waterfalls. Ubud's lush, tropical setting makes it ideal to include a half day trip in your itinerary to see several waterfalls that can be covered by a taxi or a rental motorbike. This itinerary is ideal if you want to see Ubud's best waterfalls but don't want to spend a full day driving around. The three waterfalls included in this itinerary are all within a 20km radius of Ubud's centre and can be completed in 4-5 hours. Be warned though, the waterfalls require climbing up and down some steep steps before you encounter them. If you're active then this will not pose a problem as the steps are properly constructed, not too slippery and have spaces to sit and catch your breath. What to pack for the trip: Swimsuit Towel Waterproof phone cover Waterproof bag Snack The Cascading Waterfall: Kanto Lampo (12 kms from Ubud Centre) Kanto Lampo is a beautiful cascading waterfall that flows down a series of rocks jutting out from a slope and into a shallow pool below. Most of the other waterfalls in Ubud fall in a straight stream and so Kanto Lampo stands out in creating several smaller drops which make for a visual treat. While it is not possible to swim in the water here but Kanto Lampo is an Instagrammer's delight with a queue of tourists patiently waiting in line for their turn. Like at many other tourist attractions in Bali, there is a designated photographer who can take your pictures for a small fee. The pictures here could also be some of the best you take as the photographer takes his time, encourages everyone to try out several poses and is not shy to prompt you into a few standard ones. Bear in mind that the line does not move swiftly though. At a picturesque spot like this, expect a full-fledged 10 minute photo shoot per person. But in the end, the pictures are definitely worth it! Price: 150000 IDR per person Lockers: Yes Changing Rooms: Yes Possible to swim: No The One with the Natural Pool: Taman Sari (4 kms from Kanto Lampo) A short drive from Kanto Lampo brings us to the second stop in this half-day waterfalls itinerary, Taman Sari waterfall and natural pool. If you fancy a swim, this is one you can jump right into! After descending the steps, you will see a small waterfall towards the left and the big natural pool on your right. The pool is between 3 - 5 feet deep in several places and can be enjoyed by both swimmers and non-swimmers. Once you reach the other end, you will be welcomed by fresh waterfall streams which continually replenish the pool. There are also some rocks along the sides to sit down and sunbathe for a while before you head back. Price: 20,000 IDR Lockers: Yes Changing Rooms: Yes Possible to swim: Yes Set in the Midst of a Rainforest: Tibumana Waterfall (1 km from Taman Sari) Price: 20,000 IDR Lockers: Yes Changing Rooms: Yes Possible to swim: Yes Going down to Tibumana is a lot like passing through a dreamy rainforest - you will hear the birds chirping, a dense canopy of trees that keeps the sunlight away and a walkway of small bridges greet you from time to time. Exploring the approach to Tibumana took us more time than the other two waterfalls as we often stopped for pictures and to let others pass by the bridges. The waterfall itself is a gushing stream flowing in beautifully symmetrical motion surrounded by an impressive grotto covered in a curtain of trees. There were a few people inside the pool that forms within the cave but we chose to take pictures and enjoy the view. We started our trip after breakfast and were back in time to get lunch at a contemporary warung, Sugreeva's Warung, that was serving Nasi Goreng for lunch. This itinerary gave us enough time to get lunch, walk around with a cup of ice cream and later settle down at a cafe and watch a rainy day unfold. If you're looking for a itinerary that packs in some of Ubud's best waterfalls without being too overwhelming then this route is just right!