admin – Cirrus Travels & Holidays

Japan

admin — Tue, 23 Jun 2026 05:18:37 +0000

My perception of Japan has always been of a country full of skyscrapers, less space, expensive, where language would be a barrier to communicate and travel. Last few years I saw so many people travelling to Japan, being a travel consultant the more I researched the more it started intriguing me. Not only places but seasons, every part of Japan has a season when it shines.

Cherry blossom is the most hyped time to visit but I would differ, autumn has the country’s flora & fauna dressed in the warm hues of red and orange, gold and brown competing for attention, it’s beautiful.

Space is scarce but communication is no problem, with google translate people understand what is asked and go out of their way to help. They will walk all the way to your platform, probably missing their own train in the process. Gentle smiles and constant bowing to show respect is their way of making all visitors welcome.

In school as part of extra classes I had taken up flower arrangement, my teacher was Japanese. Looking at the pretty gardens and even curbside arrangements perfectly done was reminded of her. A country which is a stickler for perfection, not only the environment but also the food served has to be perfectly arranged and plated so well it almost breaks your heart to eat it.

My feelings before and after the trip remains same, from FOMO ( fear of missing out ) to FOMO ( fear of missed out ) With so much to do it will take a lot of trips to erase that feeling. 10 days of hectic rushing around and so much still remained to be ticked off.

Packing tip : Very rarely would you find short dresses been worn, Japanese dress conservatively. Most places shoes have to be taken off, carry nice looking socks.

A country which has always been ahead of the times still has some places where the operations are physical and not digital. Most inconveniently the Japan rail pass and seat reservations. The JR pass can be bought by visitors to Japan, a tourist visa is mandatory, it’s super useful and covers most trains including the bullet trains. Has to be bought before travel in one’s home country and comes as a voucher. On arrival at airport the voucher is exchanged for the actual pass after the tourist visa is authenticated.

It’s advised to book seats despite having a pass. Though there are compartments which allow unreserved pass holders if the train is going full it may mean missing a train if no seats are available. Best is to do all research before travel and have all the trains with dates and times handy to be booked. Exchange pass and book all seats at the same counter before leaving the airport. This time investment will make the rest of the trip worry free. On arrival at Narita airport look for the JR East travel service, they do it. Their office hours are from 8:30 AM to 6:30 PM, beyond these hours on the same floor there is a ticket office which also does it. There are some kiosks also which book seats but the process is tedious, passport numbers etc have to be fed every time.

Many trains do not have luggage storing facility, some have limited luggage space which has to be pre bought. Best to travel with limited luggage, airports as well as hotels have luggage courier facility, for a fee the bags can be sent to the destination and travel can be hands free. I did not use this thought the booking process will take time, also did not want the anxiety of waiting for bags at destination.

Most public transportation frowns upon people talking on their phones and eating. There are signages everywhere discouraging the same. There are almost no dustbins in Japan, everyone carries their trash back home to dispose, better to have a bag handy for the same. it’s ok to slurp but not ok to sneeze , in fact slurping while having tea is encouraged.

Paying in Japan : Many places accept only cash, it’s considered rude to give money in hand, all places including taxis have a tray where money is to be placed. Most shops offer tax refund to visitors on the bill itself, passport has to to carried for them to feed in the passport number. They do not do it on copies or if shown on phone. Airport does not have tax refund.

Shoppers paradise : Japanese are very proud of all they manufacture, rightly so as they have know to be perfect in all that they do. The clothes, simple but so soft to touch and made so well. Electronics the world admits they make the best, even small stationary items cute and functional.

Shopping in Tokyo :

Ginza : The world’s biggest Uniqulo is there in Ginza. On weekends the main street in Ginza turns into a pedestrian street. People are seen lounging in the middle of the road with their own chairs, all top brands are found here.

Akihabara : For all who love to browse and buy electronics. Here there are shops selling animated ( anime) clothes and toys as well. The local guide said that’s because all gizmo lovers love anime as well.

Shinjuku, Shibuya & Harajuku : Shinjuku is another area where high end sophisticated shopping is good, for fast fashion Shibuya has a lot of good shopping malls. The malls in Shibuya I felt mostly cater to teenagers. In between these 2 areas is Harajuku, the shopping lanes here are car free, a lot of shops here sell verified branded second hand clothes and accessories.

First Avenue Tokyo Station : Inside Tokyo Station there is an area Tokyo Character Street, which has shops filled with popular Japanese comic characters, it also has a lineup of sweets from Japan’s leading confectionery makers.

Outlet malls : Mitsui and Gotemba are the most known ones. I went to Gotemba, it’s has a direct bus from Shinjuku station. Takes around 2 hours one way. Unless shopping is a big priority on a short holiday this may be a waste of time. The bigger brands do have some good deals, the medium ones don’t have variety and neither do they have good discounts. However if someone wants to make it a day of fun, the layout as well as views of this mall is the best I have seen in any country. Vistas of Mt. Fuji on a clear day and shops having a layout which is almost like terraced paddy fields, I loved it.

Don Quijote : These shops are found in many places and sell almost everything under the sun from clothes to medicines to high end bags. Some of them are open 24X7. They offer tax free shopping ( provided you have passport handy ) and are super crowded even at midnight. Brands are kept so casually that the first instinct is that they are fake, however they are supposed to be original, maybe preloved. The prices are also just a bit lower than other stores, not throw away prices for sure. Alcohol here is well priced. Daiso is one more shop found many places. It’s the equivalent of a dollar shop. Good to browse for cute gifts to take back home. Muji also found many places is is so Japanese, lovely fabric and solid colors.

Food recommendation : Vegetarians please carry some food, it’s very tough to find vegetarian food specially in smaller cities like Kyoto, Tokyo is better. Carry some soya sauce as local ones have fish. Armed with soya can ask for boiled/ sautéed vegetables and add own seasoning. Happy cow ( the app ) was not that happy in this. country, was unable to help in most places. Some sightseeing places had street vendors selling potato and sweet potato fries made in vegetable oil. Okonomiyaki ( Japanese pancake ) is a local dish that can be made vegetarian if the same can be explained.

Vegan Ramen UZU Tokyo : Outside team labs at Tokyo not only was the ramen outstanding, the ambience was equally fabulous.

Izakaya Masaka Tokyo : In a mall in Shibuya, Japanese vegan dishes, rare to find and superb to eat.

Stay recommendation : A must do is stay in a Ryokan. It’s a Japanese Inn. Has tatami-matted rooms, futons instead of beds. Low tables in rooms to sit cross legged and enjoy tea. Nemaki ( a Japanese robe ) is kept in the cupboards to wear around the Inn. Shoes are not allowed, there is a locker at the gate where shoes worn on the road are stored. To wear inside the Inn Uwabaki ( slippers ) are given. They have communal, gender separated baths in addition to en suite baths. Breakfast is not a buffet but beautifully laid out freshly made food. For vegetarians, its’s just a feast for the eyes and not the stomach.

Waiting for Ramen

Futons

Low seated tables

Lovely to see, nothing to eat

Hot individual pots of food.

There probably would be loads of must do activities in Japan but the 2 on top of the list would be bathing at an Onsen and attending a tea ceremony.

Onsen : Mention of Onsens in Japan is as early as 8th century. It’s said regular bathing in an Onsen can help in weight loss, skin rejuvenation as well as treat physical pain and aches, cure many diseases, Originally Onsens were found in nature, flowing streams with hot bubbling water from volcanoes rich in minerals .

With commercialization most of them now have facilities around it, showers, recreation areas, massages, meals etc. However to qualify as an Onsen the water must have required level of minerals and minimum temperature has to be 25 degrees Celsius. . Royokans are made around it offering stay facilities as well for people who want to stay long periods for treatment or rejuvination. Some very commercial Onsens offer baths in red wine and chocolate as well as mineral rich water. Some hotels and bathhouses have mineral water supplied to them from the original sources.

Most authentic Onsens in Japan do not permit anyone inside with a tattoo. The reason being that tattoos were associated with people of organized crime groups and since its communal bathing others would get intimidated seeing inked people. Now even some of the older Onsens do permit people with tattoos, some provide covering tapes to hide the tattoo. It took me a lot of research to find an authentic one in the mountains which would permit tattoos. Highly recommend Tenzan Onsen, it’s in the Hakone area surrounded by forests, they have sauna, massages, lounging areas, a lovely restaurant.

Earlier Onsens were not gender separated but now they are. Authentic Onsens do not permit even bathing suits to be worn. Japanese are comfortable to roam around as nature intended. Saw a family of 3 generations enjoying their day together at the Onsen.

Tea ceremony : The best place to experience this would be Kyoto. This is a very formal affair. Shoes have to be opened outside where the ceremony is performed. The host wears a traditional kimono & explains the process and the importance of the ceremony. Guests sit on tatami mats with legs folded at knees. Low chairs are offered to those who cannot kneel & sit. A sweet is served along with matcha tea. Matcha tea is supposed to have cancer fighting antioxidants. A whisk is given and guests are taught how to make their own matcha tea. Some places a kimono is offered to the guests to wear as well. The whole experience evokes a feeling of zen. Talking while the ceremony is going on is frowned upon. The ceremony takes around 45 minutes. After it’s over the host is happy to answer any questions and take pictures.

The most fun thing I did was to get an EKI stamp book made for myself, its a small book size of a passport, typically having 50 pages. I was not sure I would get it at the airport, did some research and got it custom made with my name. At airports, stations and most of the sightseeing places look for EKI stamps, a fun way to document the journey. Temples and shrines have Goshins which can be stamped, at some shrines they paint it in your book for a small fee. It’s also a way of giving employment to the priests. Some priests may refuse to paint in your book if they feel it’s not a Goshuin book. I could not find this book at the airport. At shrines they were selling it. Was fun to reach a station and the first thing to look for stamps even before trying to locate the correct platform. A treasure hunt across the country.

Kyoto : 2 hours by bullet train from Tokyo is the earlier capital to Japan. The name itself also means capital. This is one of the best places to experience a Ryokan stay. The one thing I missed doing here is have cute looking ice cream. I saw so many places on Insta with pretty ice creams in Kyoto but failed to locate any.

There are so many of Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines in Kyoto and obviously not possible to visit all. Recommend visiting Kiyomizu Dera, located on a hill and very much in the city center of Kyoto. It’s a world heritage UNESCO site, some parts of it it can be explored without paying an entry fee. Cause I had limited time explored a fraction of what this site had to offer, keep aside a couple of hours and visit this at leisure, it offers spectacular views of the city as well as the valley. It’s famous for the viewing platform, water from the Otowa waterfall which is said to fulfill wishes, 3 storied vermillion pagoda. There are many shops on both sides of the lane on the hill leading up here. These shops mostly start shutting after the temple hours are over which is 6PM

An hour away by road or train from Kyoto is Nara deer park, the entry is free, biscuits can be purchase to feed the deer roaming around freely. Any food in the backpack ? They can smell it and will keep following, its fun to feed them, they are quite docile and friendly, hold up your hand and say all done, they will move away. The guide was saying some of them also bow like Japanese do. I think with the advent of so many visitors they have become multi lingual. 1240 acres of land for them to call their own, that also in a country like Japan where land is expensive. I think they are quite privileged.

A short walk away is Todai-ji Daibutsuden (Great Buddha Hall) I got my first hand painted Goshuin here, fascinating to see them paint carefully and precisely on the books which then become treasure troves forever. Interesting to observe Japanese are quite superstitious. Paper fortunes ( o-mikuji ) are sold at most Japanese temples and shrines. About half of the o-mikuji predict bad fortune. It is customary to leave the bad fortune behind by tying it at a designated spot at the temple or shrine. If you receive a good luck paper fortune, you are to keep it. Costs about 100 to 200 yen and is available in several languages. To receive o-mikuji, a cylindrical or square pillar box plus long thin sticks (Mikuji-bo) is used to shake and draw the paper fortunes. Vending machines that dispense o-mikuji are becoming popular now. It’s a fun thing to do, not to dwell on it too much.

An hour away from Nara is Togetsukyo Bridge and Arashiyama Bamboo Forest. Only a few minutes away from each other and in the midst of nature, combined this is a very common tourist spot and has a lot of shops selling food and souvenirs. The wooden bridge is across the Katsura river and has incredible views. There is no entry fee for the forest and Instagram has made this a must visit spot. On a less crowded day it would be nice to walk around and take a boat ride on the river. Must have Ice cream here at Rilakkuma café, it’s a themed café, loved the soft serve with the cute edible teddy on top.

Less than half an hour away from here is the Kinkakuji temple, a UNESCO recognized World Cultural Heritage site. Built at the edge of a large pond almost looks like its floating in the water. The top 2 floors are made in gold leaf and dazzles from afar. Can follow the path and stroll around enjoying the beautiful gardens around. This would not take more than half an hour.

Half an hour away is Fushimi Inari-taisha, keeping this as the last stop makes a lot of sense, its open 24 hours, has no entry fee and its just 10 minutes away from Kyoto. Dedicated to the God of rice, Inari, this shrine is famous for thousands of orange Tori gates behind the shrine which form a path snaking itself deep into the forest. The fox statues seen frequently are because foxes are supposed to be messengers of Inari. Depending on energy levels and time it would be great to go further down the path and deeper in the forest as then the crowds thin down and the beauty of the bright gated tunnel with trees all around can be enjoyed. I was lucky to be here at sunset and the views were unforgettable.

Osaka: A bullet train takes 25 minutes from Kyoto and is covered by JR pass. The train I took had Hello Kitty themed compartments as well as regular ones. Japan is big on themes, there are theme cafes, restaurants, trains. There is a train called Garaku which can be taken between Osaka and Kyoto, it’s got a ZEN garden and compartments themed on seasons. The frequency for this one is less.

To cover Osaka fast one must limit the places to be seen, which unfortunately I had to do. Take an Osaka pass, which can be bought from home country but has to be exchanged in Osaka for the actual one. Even though I had the address of the exchange counter it was super tough to locate it. Was inside a mall with no signages. Worth the time spent as then one can just enter all places without standing in line. All local transportation is covered in the pass. Umeda tower entry is also included but not for evening for peak hours.

Osaka Castle, don’t get limited to visiting just the castle, explore the lovely Nishinomaru Garden just before it, views from the garden of the castle are super. The entry fee to the garden is separate from the castle, however the Osaka pass covers both.

Shitenno-ji Temple is one of the oldest Buddhist temple in Japan. Will not take time to explore this one. Has an entry fee covered by the Osaka pass.

Had to give Tsūtenkaku tower a miss as the lines were crazy and no exceptions were made for the Osaka pass.

Umeda sky building consists of two towers that are connected at the top by the Floating Garden Observatory which is the highlight of the building. It has breathtaking views of Osaka and the floors were twinkling like stars. To pass between the two towers there is an escalator, this too offers stunning views. Entry is covered by Osaka pass, though at non peak hours.

If doing on the same day, a short ferry ride away from Miyajima is Hiroshima peace memorial. It’s hard to believe the scale of destruction that happened here. Was apprehensive about visiting here after all holidays are about happiness and positivity. Not sure what I was expecting but definitely not this beautiful peaceful place full of Zen. The guide while narrating and showing places where disaster had struck was talking more about how the people have shown resilience, not only people but even the city, it was predicted that it would be decades before vegetation would thrive here, defying that, all around was greenery and flowers. A statue of Sadako the girl who ultimately succumbed to the aftereffects to the radiation is one of the first things seen. She is remembered through the story of the 1,000 origami cranes that she folded before her death.

Just outside the museum there is an eternal flame, which will burn till all nuclear bombs are abolished. Though the city is now a thriving one with people working and business as usual the Atomic bomb dome has been left untouched as a reminder of the tragedy.

The museum had stark depictions and pictures of the holocaust, somber moments and a lesson to the world why this should never happen again. A paper crane made personally by Obama and displayed prominently stands witness to the peace prevalent between the 2 countries now.

Tokyo : Thanks to bullet trains taking flights are not necessary in Japan. In a little more than 2 hours one can be in Tokyo from Osaka. Unfortunately the last leg of my journey. Doesn’t matter, coming here again, God willing.

Highlight of Tokyo, team labs. Tough to explain what it is and would want to kind of leave the mystery intact. All that I can say is that it is a immersive and interactive digital art museum. Tickets do get sold out, better to buy in advance. Don’t wear skirts or short dresses. Preferably wear something that can be rolled up as well. Keep aside at least a couple of hours to enjoy this to the hilt. Don’t forget to have the world’s best Ramen just outside the museum.

Tokyo Imperial Palace : the emperor still stays here, the outer grounds are huge parks and the inner grounds can be accessed only by guided tours or on public holidays. Nijubashi Bridge here is a good backdrop for pictures to be clicked.

Senso ji temple : The oldest Buddhist temple in Asakusa, Tokyo. The temple has a five-story pagoda, the Asakusa Shrine, and an incense burner where visitors can participate in the ritual of purifying themselves with incense smoke. Just outside the temple is Nakamise Shopping Street, one of the oldest shopping streets in Japan, and has a wide variety of traditional Japanese souvenirs and local food, a lot of shops here have vegan street food. The temple closes at 5 PM and so do the shops.

Tokyo Tower : Open from 9 AM to 10 PM this was an average experience, can be skipped. They have a glass floor on the top deck, an aquarium, wax museum, roof top garden. Maybe Shibuya Sky or Sky tree would be better for a viewing experience.

Shibuya scramble : wondered what is so fascinating about people crossing the road ? what’s the hype about ? The deal is that all the lanes at the crossing open up at the same time. It’s a sea of people crossing all the lanes together. They are going about their regular day while tourists are going berserk taking pictures & videos. The best place to watch this is from a Starbucks located at the crossing in a building which has perfect viewing vantage point.

Have to share the story about Hachiko the faithful dog. It’s said that Hachiko would see his owner off every day to work at Shubuya station and would come back in the evening to pick him up. One day the owner died at work but Hachiko would still go every day to the station till the time he died. There is a statue of Hachiko at the Shibuya crossing. I needed a picture with him, in a world of false promises such stories are heartwarming.

In search of an authentic Onsen and because Owakudani the volcanic valley sounded so fascinating I tried to find the shortest route for a day trip from Tokyo to cover both & more, all research said Hakone by public transportation would take 2 hours.

Let me tell you the shortest route for it. From Tokyo station take a train to Odawara ( 30 minutes ) from Odawara take a shuttle train to Hakone ( only 15 minutes ) The first part is covered by JR pass, beyond that take a Hakone free pass which covers all modes of transportation as well as the pirate ship cruise. Again the pass can be bought in home country but has to be exchanged at Odawara.

From Hakone can walk ( 25 minutes ) or take a bus to Teinsen Onsen. Enjoy the Onsen, be sure to have the lovely coffee they serve. Take a bus to Hakone Shrine, after visiting the shrine go further down to get a picture of the Tori gate. Continue the journey, take a bus to reach Lake Ashi, enjoy the lovely Pirate ship cruise, Tori gate is visible from the ship as well in case if one has skipped visiting the shrine. On a good day would be wonderful to just stand on the open decks and enjoy the mountains around.

Don’t take a round trip of the cruise, get off at Togendai. This is from where one can get the ropeway it starts at Togendai station, the first stop of the ropeway is Ubako ( dont get off here ) then is the Owakundani Station & the great boiling valley. Owakudani was a volcanic crater valley with active Sulphur vents and hot springs. This crater was created during the last eruption of Mount Hakone some 3000 years ago. The view that awaits as soon as one gets off is well worth the effort and more. They have guided walks around here, that is free but one has to register for it, limited slots, which get over fast. Alas could not do this as was raining heavily the day I visited. This place is supposed to be cold all year around and jackets are required, the day I visited was super cold. The jacket I carried could not protect me at all. Here one can have the famous black egg which is supposed to add few years to life span. It’s regular eggs boiled in hot Onsen water. The sulfur in the water turns the egg shells black, inside is a normal hard-boiled egg, safe to consume. Not that I had it, I’m fine with having a shorter shelf life.

Take a cable car again to go to the open air museum. It’s open only till 5 PM. From there one can take a bus to Odawara, journey is around 50 minutes, frequency of busses is less. Or can take a taxi which will take 20 minutes. Odawara to Tokyo is by fast train, 30 minutes. Whew…got exhausted explaining this. Feel free to skip a few places, to enjoy fully stay overnight at Hakone, Teinsen has stay facilities, of course there are many places to chose from to stay overnight at Hakone. Check bus timetables, frequency is less between each point. On a clear day Mt Fuji can be spotted from Owakudani and also the cable car.

Mt. Fuji can be viewed from Hakone or from Kawaguchi, since I had already planned an extensive Hakone trip where Hakone would be the hero and did not want any other sightseeing to eclipse it, took a tour for Mt Fuji. from the Kawaguchi side. It is a lovely tour, takes up the full day but well worth it. Depending on season it starts with that season’s fruit picking and eating to hearts content. With very little breakfast in our tummies we devoured the current fruit offered…strawberries with cream dip. Rows of the fruit, biggest & sweetest ones ever had. Since this was a group tour had to hang around a bit, next stop was Shibazakura viewing, here again the tour changes depending on season. Shibazakura is in April & May. Shibazakura festival site is a bit difficult to visit using public transportation, can go to Kawaguchiko Station, and catch a bus to the festival, which takes around 30 minutes. The traffic here was really slow moving, eating into the time I could spend at the festival. Near Lake Motosuko it’s fields of beautiful pink, purple and white flowers with a backdrop of Mt. Fuji. Tough to put words to the mesmerizing sight. Loads of food trucks are around, those making a day outing of just this festival will have plenty of food choices. Alas we had very little time here. Had read about a stream where one can dip ones legs and enjoy the surroundings. Did not get to see it, forget about enjoying. it.

From here Mt. Fuji 5th station was an hour away. Highlight of anyone’s Japan trip. With unexpected rains was not sure if we would get a glimpse of Fuji-san but I did….took loads of pictures before Fuji-san could hide in the clouds. There is a Shinto shrine here, very peaceful, Mt. Fujiyama Komitake shrine. Though the highlight was kind of over and I was satiated went to the next sojourn, Lake Kawaguchi. Views of Mt Fuji from the lake are very different than from 5th Station, if possible one must do both. Kachi Kachi ropeway which starts from here was disappointing, though it offers views of the Lake and of Mt. Fuji I personally felt this can be skipped. From here back to Tokyo is just an hours drive away. Doing the circuit was a day superbly spent.

It’s quite a long read I know but while writing also I was getting FOMO, am sure have missed out on quite a lot of tips. Have to go again to write a part 2 as well. Ending with a couple of Japanese words I love. During the pandemic read the book Ikigai, it hooked me on to the Japanese way of thinking.

Wabi Sabi : Finding perfection in imperfection & being content & peaceful. ( My absolute favorite philosophy of life summed up in one word )

Ikigai : A reason for being.

I am not perfect, I accept myself with my flaws. Embrace & love what I have, while seeking improvement, I am not striving to be faultless.

Azerbaijan

admin — Mon, 22 Jun 2026 12:27:19 +0000

That’s the tagline given by the tourism board, given to encourage travelers to scratch beyond the surface and experience the culture, take part in various activities offered.

Very apt, after coming back to one’s own country travelers will wonder did I do justice or should we have stayed a bit more ? Soaked in the culture some more ? No end to greed I guess.

By the Caspian Sea, sharing borders with Russia, Turkey, Armenia, Georgia and Iran. For Indians it’s E visa & can be obtained in 3-5 working days. A safe destination that is easy to travel, hiring a car with chauffer is will not burn a hole in the pocket. If combining countries one can exit Azerbaijan by road to go to neighboring Georgia but cannot enter Azerbaijan from Georgia by road. This is valid for now & may change later.

Azerbaijan celebrates the Persian New Year with the Novruz festival in a big way . To check out dates & visit around that time would be a fabulous idea, weather is ideal as well, chances of getting snow in the mountain regions. It was a coincidence that I travelled on those dates & there were festivities all around, Nizami street was full of pop up stalls with games & food, total carnival vibes.

Easter eggs everywhere

In autumn (September and October), there are several festivals celebrated. In September Baku hosts the Grand Prix ( 18th -21st) probably better to not travel during these dates as everything is crowded & expensive.

I found the metro in Baku simple to navigate despite language issues. Each trip is standard .50 ANZ. Buses in Baku are also easy to use & connect well.

Metros also have underground art, travelling is not only simple but opportunities to appreciate art. Xalglar Doslugu and Elmler Akademiyasi Stations are embellished with mosaics and other Soviet-era decorations.

Many places still accept only cash. Recommended to change currency to get Manat. (ANZ) Most supermarkets & even small local shops willingly exchange USD, GBP or EURO. While buying even something as basic as a packet of wafers be careful as even supermarkets may charge way above the printed price.

Airports are naturally the first impression of how a country is going to unfold. Baku was cute, modern & compact, there were huge decorated Easter eggs and grass grown in various pots as symbol of growth, renewal & arrival of Spring as Nawruz was around the corner. As Iran is a bordering country there is an influence of Irani culture here

Broadly would recommend 3 places to explore in Azebaijan : Gebele or Gabala, Baku & Shahdag. Recommended to travel as a prebooked tour, it’s reasonable & saves mind space for enjoying the country. Food recommendations would be lacking on this blog as being vegetarian I survived on food carried from back home.

Airport

Easter eggs @ airport

Gabala : North of Azerbaijan, famous for ski slopes & other winter sports like snowboarding & snowmobiling. Best place to enjoy would be from Tufandag mountain resort, for all those who prefer to relax & not exert the resort has a lot of cafes, food stalls, music, bonfire going on throughout the day at the cable car station. One can take a cable car from the resort to the mountain top.

Gabala

Cable car @ Gabala

Early morning fog

From Baku to Gabala a must stop place is Alpaca farm. Cute, cuddly & docile they are so endearing. Also adding to the Alpaca experience is the patient and knowledgeable staff. They have a small cafe & shop. We got a cookie each as a souvenir. One can feed the females, (food to be given to them is part of entry ticket), get close & take pictures with the males. We were warned not to touch the females, they are kept in a separate enclosure. Tipping the guide in charge is expected.

Alpacas are native of South America, look like sheep but are part of the camel family. They can survive extreme climates because of their hair, they are sheared only once a year and the price of their wool is higher than traditional wool. Graceful & friendly, even those who are scared of animals will not hesitate to hug these cuties.

Enroute one can do a wine tour, stopped for a wine tour at Savalan Apsi winery, felt it was a waste of time & money. It was more like someone giving a lesson than a fun experience, the table setting for wine tasting was impressive though. Personally I was not very enamored by the local wine I had anywhere in Azerbaijan. Instead of a wine tour a fabulous very recommend lunch stop would be at Abqora, it’s a restaurant where Shirvan wines are located, near Alpaca farms and very picturesque.

A few more stops on way would be at Shamaki village, a drive around is good enough. Shamaki Jummah Mosque, the oldest mosque of the country built in 743AD, since then it has been destroyed & rebuilt many times, latest being in 2013. It’s beautiful & peaceful. Nohur lake, there is a games zone, go carting, horse riding etc. If travelling with children they may enjoy the break. Decent food stalls, not a mandatory stop but can add to itinerary if time is no constrain.

Baku : One can feel confluence of Turkey here, and in many places the Turkish flag soars along with Azerbaijan’s flag. Great vibes, amazing restaurants, sheesha places, cafes, futuristic buildings, cobbled lanes with vestiges of an era gone by. It’s a blend of modernity & transportation back to ancient ages. Vintage cars, shops selling luxury brands, carpet shops, small souvenir stalls all blend together seamlessly.

Just across Baku old town is the Baku Boulevard also known as Denizkenari Milli park, along the Caspian sea it starts at Flag square and goes beyond freedom square, 5 kms of promenade with shops, cafes, Baku Ferris wheel ( inspired probably by the London eye ) & a small meandering cute boat ride. Enough and more to do here.

Would highly recommend staying at Old town over staying at the promenade. Baku has so many amazing hotels, to choose from them would be tough. Would recommend Art gallery, a small boutique hotel with limited rooms but amazing location, In old town with European vibes, small shops & cafes around, walkable to Nizami street, opposite the boulevard, big rooms, fabulous service. Only thing lacking was limited breakfast options.

Covering all places in Baku city in a day is very doable, add another day to cover the places around.

For Baku start with exploring old town, try to not stop too many times to shop for souvenirs, walk across to the fountain square, from there a short ride away is flame towers, get off there, walk along Martyrs’ Lane, which is a cemetery & memorial on the hill dedicated to all who lost their lives in the first Nagorno – Karabakh war in January 1990. Originally known as Kirov Park, it honors Azerbaijani national heroes. Walk ahead to the viewpoint, it’s a great place to take pictures of the city as it’s on a hill with amazing views of the sea, Baku wheel & Baku city. Take a funicular to go downhill. Carpet museum is almost where the funicular ends. To rest a bit take the Venice boat ride. It’s a peaceful waterways stretch along Baku Boulevard, where one can hop on a tiny gondola and float under decorative bridges. Having done that walk along the Boulevard approx a km and cross the road at the puppet museum.

As one crosses the street from peace one is transported to a busy street lined with shops and cafes. A place where one can spend hours without knowing where time flew. Great to stop for lunch & end with a baklava. Being neighbors with Turkey is probably the reason behind this delicacy being perfectly prepared. ( A layered dessert made of filo pastry, filled with chopped nuts, and sweetened with honey ) The variety of baklavas is mind blowing, most shops give a small taste if one gets totally confused on which one to buy.

In the evening or as continuation after a lunch break can walk from here to Shirvanshahs palace, a 15th-century palace built by the Shirvanshahs and described by UNESCO as one of the pearls of Azerbaijan’s architecture. A short walk away is the museum of miniature books. It holds the Guinness World Record for the largest collection of the tiniest books worldwide. The museum features a variety of miniature books, including some that are only 2mm x 2mm and require a magnifying glass to read. Entry to the museum is free, and it is open from 11 am to 5 pm.

This part of town done exploring, a drive away is Heydar Aliyev Center. Famous for it’s unique architectural design, it has a fluid undulating structure. Designed by the renowned Zaha Hadid. An architect very well known the world over, winner of highest prize for architecture in the UK, The Stirling Prize. He is also known in the UK as ‘The Queen of the curve’ Not only the exterior but also the interior has a lot of curves instead of straight lines.

To enter one can buy a museum & exhibition entry which does not include the classic car section which is a must visit. The car exhibit entry can also be bought as a standalone ticket. Vintage cars displayed here are in perfect condition, with huge blowups next to them of yesteryear celebrities driving or modelling with the cars. It houses rare car models from across the globe.

The entry ticket includes an interesting museum section which is engaged in studying, promoting and protecting Heydar Aliyev’s heritage. Spanning 3 floors it has many items on display that show Azerbaijan through the ages. From traditional clothing to musical instruments, to other designs throughout the city. Azerbaijan in a nutshell.

Outside Heydar Aliyev Center is the I LOVE BAKU sign with a backdrop of Heydar Aliyev center & of green gardens.

Hectic but possible, all in a day, be prepared to walk a lot.

Gobustan : Rock petroglyphs & mud volcanoes. An hour away from Baku is the Gobustan National Park Museum, outside the museum there are rock art petroglyphs dating back up to 40,000 years. More than 6,000 individual carvings were discovered here in the 1930s and have been protected through the Gobustan National Park. Many of the petroglyphs found here depict horses, goats, lions and other animals. Evidence suggests that animals were carved into the rock as part of pre-hunting rituals, maybe for target practice. Other petroglyphs are records of Gobustan’s culture, dance ceremonies, pregnant women depicted in profile and abstract status symbols. Faded over time, taking a guide to explain and point out the significance is recommended, guides are mostly available in the museum.

Mud volcanoes are around 30 minutes away from the museum, to reach them a tougher vehicle is required, these are co ordinated by the tour company.

Methane and carbon dioxide gases released from deep within the Earth cause Gobustan’s mud volcanoes to constantly bubble away, releasing a slow drizzle of wet mud that plasters the surrounding ground grey and black. More than half of world’s mud volcanoes are found in Azerbaijan, many in Gobustan. It’s safe to get up close as the mud is cold and the bubbles are small. Many tourists collect the mud coming from the volcanoes for applying as face packs. Not sure if it is of any good at all. Tour companies give plastic shoe protectors as else the sticky mud will take forever to be scraped off the shoe.

Absheron : Around 30 minutes from Baku is the Ateshgah Fire Temple. History of the temple goes back more to time immemorial, when Zoroastrians would come here to worship the inextinguishable fire. After the introduction of Islam the temple was destroyed & many Zoroastrians migrated to India. During the 15th -17th centuries Hindus/ Sikhs came to Absheron for trade & started pilgrimages to Surakhani. The Indian merchants started to rebuild the temple, the earliest part is dated from 1713. The latest part, the central temple-altar, in 1810. During the 18th century, chapels, cells and an inn were added. The temple has Hindu Gods & carved inscriptions in Hindi.

In beginning of 19th century the Temple got it’s present day look, mid 19th century due to earth’s movement natural gas yield stopped as did the fire burning. Pilgrims interpreted it as a punishment from God and abandoned the temple. It was used as a place of worship till 1880. Now this place has been opened for tourists with artificial fires.

Yanar Dagh, the burning mountain is hardly 20 minutes away from the fire temple. A huge sign marks the mountain much before the fire is seen. Fire at the bottom of the mountain has been burning from last 4,000 years. Historically, Yanar Dag was a site of worship for Zoroastrian fire rituals as they revered fire as a symbol of purity & divinity. In present day tourists also throw coins into the flames after making a wish. Heat from the fire burns the coins, leaving behind melted metal & hopes of many. There is a line around the fire which one cannot cross ( Lakshman rekha ? A Hindu story to be narrated some other time ) On the premises there is a museum, a cafe & a small shop. Tickets are required to see the mountain.

Gobustan & Abershan are normally clubbed together as a single day trip.

Shahdag : Around 3 hours from Baku surrounded by the breathtaking landscapes of the Greater Caucasus mountain range. Pristine glaciers and deep ravines, stunning mountain lakes and canyons. A white fairytale for most part of the year. Even summers have pleasant temperatures of 20°C.

One of this region’s largest national park, it has the largest ski resorts, having 19 ski slopes with various levels of difficulty. Shahdag is bestowed with nature’s gifts to the point where if places could be envious then Shahdag would be the place all other regions are jealous of. Here one can do skiing, snowboarding, ride snowmobile or do sledging, whatever thrills. Walks & treks can be enjoyed in summer.

Taiwan

admin — Mon, 22 Jun 2026 11:18:52 +0000

“I went for Sun Moon Lake — and ended up falling for an entire island.”

Taiwan surprised me in the best possible way. The official tourism tagline ” waves of wonder ” fits perfectly because the island really does offer incredible natural beauty and constantly changing landscapes. In Taipei alone you can hike a small mountain, and within an hour be standing near a live volcanic site. The options honestly feel endless.

Once I started researching, I couldn’t stop. How could an island of just 35,000 square kilometres — two-thirds of it mountains — have so much to explore? It quickly became clear that one trip would never be enough.

What began as a relaxed plan to unwind at Sun Moon Lake and spend a few days in Taipei turned into a full-on exploration mission. I was out from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily, my Garmin happily recording 25,000 steps a day. It’s impossible to “see it all,” but I definitely tried.

I’m sharing my experience here in the hope it helps someone planning their trip. While researching, I found too much information overwhelming, so I’m sticking to useful, relevant, simple tips. What I have not added is food ( I survived on what I had carried from back home ) & night markets. ( Cause I barely went to any )

All through my trip, I kept thinking: this feels so much like Japan. Cherry blossoms in season, unbelievably punctual high-speed trains, digital toilets with warm seats (that require reading glasses to decode!), limited vegetarian food options, Language issues, even station stamps like the eki stamps in Japan.

Create your own stamp books

The locals were incredibly polite and helpful. People who spoke English would stop to guide me through train stations, or even walk me right up to the correct bus stop without me asking. I’ve promised myself I’ll do the same back home in India — help anyone who looks a bit lost.

So here I am, Kindle and selfie stick in hand, reliving my Taiwan sojourn.

Transportation in Taiwan — my experience

There are plenty of taxis, but most drivers don’t understand English. Uber is definitely easier — the drivers still may not speak English, but at least the destination is already entered in the app, so there’s no confusion.

Public transportation is fabulous. I actually found buses easier than the MRT, because MRT stations have multiple platforms and the English signage isn’t always clear. I also noticed that in most main areas, the bus stop and MRT station share the same locality name, which makes navigation simpler.

In Taipei there are six colour-coded MRT lines, while Taichung currently has only one. Taichung MRT trains and stations feel swankier — probably because they’re newer. In many places, even the zebra crossing lights up when it’s safe to walk. Honestly, Taiwan is worth visiting just to experience how smoothly their technology works.

For intercity travel, one can take the THSR (high-speed rail). It runs at about 300 km/h, so you can cover large distances quickly without spending too much time or money. Even when you book tickets online, you still need to exchange them for a physical ticket at the station to enter the platform (just like in Japan).

If you plan to use public transport, buy an EasyCard from any 7-Eleven or FamilyMart. The card itself costs TWD 100–300 depending on the design — many people even keep it as a souvenir. One can load any amount onto it.

It’s a bit difficult to get a refund for the remaining balance (only select MRT stations in Taipei do it), so it’s better to use it up at 7-Eleven or Family mart before one leaves.

EasyCard also gives you small discounts — usually around 20% on rides, or NT$8 off when transferring between bus and train within an hour. It saves one the hassle of explaining destinations, buying tickets each time, and hunting for change.

Note:

many buses do not accept cash
one needs to tap in and tap out (even on buses)
the remaining balance shows on the screen every time one taps

Super easy once you get the hang of it

Currency

Cash is still king in most smaller places, so it’s best to carry a mix of cash, credit/debit card, and an EasyCard. This combo pretty much covers everything — street food, small cafés, convenience stores, and public transport.

Taipei

There’s so much to explore in and around Taipei as day trips. You can easily earmark 3–5 days here. Within the city, I’d recommend the places listed below.

Elephant Mountain (Xiangshan)

Elephant Mountain, locally called Xiangshan, is an easy and very popular hike. Take the MRT to Xiangshan Station, exit, cut through the park, and follow the arrows on the pavement that point toward the trail. Another nearby landmark at the start is Daitiandian Lingyun Temple.

The hike is a short climb — about 45 minutes to the very top. From the moment one start, it’s stairs all the way up. Look out for the cute elephant designs on the railings along the path.

The main viewpoints are:

Photographer’s Point – Taipei 101 looks the closest from here
Six Boulders – large rocks where people sit and take photos, don’t stop, continue for a better vantage point.
The Peak – about 15 minutes further up, with a covered platform and the best city + Taipei 101 views

On the way down, one can take a different path to get new viewpoints. If hiking is on the agenda, continue from Elephant Mountain to Thumb Mountain and 9-5 Peak — the two main peaks of Nangang Mountain. They offer similar views as Elephant Mountain, but from higher up and with fewer crowds.

There are no shops for food or water on the trail. I spotted a public water fountain and an open-air gym area where locals work out, but that’s about it — so carry water.

Best time to go ? Sunrise or sunset for the views .

After the hike I went to Taipei 101. The experience was nice — the view, honestly, not half as good as from Elephant Mountain.

Daitiandian Lingyun Temple

Cute Elle

Giant wheel at the park

Taipei 101

I was actually thinking of skipping Taipei 101 since I’d already seen amazing city views from Elephant Mountain. But I had an evening free, and curiosity won — this was the tallest building in the world from 2004 to 2010, until Burj Khalifa came along.

I also kept wondering: how does a city so prone to earthquakes dare to build something this tall? So I went mainly to see the world’s largest tuned mass damper, more than for the view — and it was worth it.

It’s a huge golden steel ball suspended between the 92nd and 87th floors. It acts like a giant pendulum, moving opposite to the building’s sway during strong winds or earthquakes and reducing the movement by up to 40%. one can actually see it from the observatory, and there’s a short video continuously playing that explains the mechanism in simple terms.

The observatory itself had Christmas displays when I visited — very cute photo spots everywhere. The elevator ride is part of the fun too; the screen shows speed and position, and it takes only about 30 seconds to go from the bottom to the top.

Inside the building there’s high-end shopping and a food court. Neither was of much use to me — too expensive and mostly non-vegetarian food. But the area around Taipei 101 has great vibes and lots of shopping, so it’s a nice place to spend an evening even if one does not go up to the top.

Longshan Temple

There are temples all across Taiwan, but I chose Longshan Temple to experience local temple culture — and also because it’s one of the oldest, originally built in 1738. It has been damaged and rebuilt multiple times due to fires and earthquakes, yet it still stands beautifully.

The moment one steps inside, there’s a sense of calm that only places of worship that have existed for centuries seem to hold. I’d highly recommend visiting and giving yourself some time just to sit, observe, and feel that peace — it goes beyond any single faith.

There are three daily chanting ceremonies:

6:00–6:45 AM
8:00–8:45 AM
3:45–5:00 PM

If one would want to plan visit around them, it’s worth it. While the chanting is happening, visitors are still free to walk around respectfully and take in the atmosphere.

The temple has a namesake MRT stop, Longshan temple MRT. Alight form there & follow signages to the temple. One of the most famous walking street is a 20 minutes walk from Longshan, Ximending. Can combine both together. If possible go to the temple around sunset & to Ximending after that.

Longshan temple

Ximending

Hop onto the MRT and get off at Ximen Station to reach Ximending Night Market. It’s a large pedestrian-only zone right in the middle of Taipei — lively, bright, and full of energy.

Ximending is known as the epicenter of trendy, youthful fashion in Taipei, with street performers, pop-up stalls, bubble tea everywhere, and lots of shopping.

On weekends it can get really crowded, so be prepared for shoulder-to-shoulder walking — but that’s also part of the fun.

It’s the best place for local clothes, cosmetics, and souvenirs — basically Taiwan’s version of Japan’s Harajuku. You won’t really find big international brands here (for that, head to Taipei 101), but that’s exactly the charm.

The whole area is car-free, so you can just wander around without worrying about traffic. Most shops start opening after 5 PM, and that’s when the vibe really picks up.

Japanese pop culture is huge here — you’ll see lots of shops with anime-style characters and vibrant colors everywhere. And speaking of Japan, there’s even a big Donki (Don Quijote) store in Ximending — with all the fun, but without the crazy queues you usually find in Japan.

Day trips from Taipei

Beitou, Yangmingshan, Qingtiangang & Yehliu

These places are best done as a day tour. It can be quite difficult and time-consuming to manage all of them on your own using public transport.

The tour I took started with Beitou — a small town just outside Taipei, at the base of the Yangmingshan mountain range, with a few nice hotels. The hot springs here have existed since time immemorial, but they really came into regular use in the early 1900s, mostly by wealthier Taiwanese and the Japanese.

The best time to visit is in winter. As one walks along the paths around the steaming sulfur springs, one constantly get a strong whiff of sulfur. The mist hanging in the air and the bubbling water are such a surreal combination.

There’s a small seating area near the main pond at the top of a little hill. The seats are actually heated by the hot spring water flowing below. I didn’t realize it at first because the signage is mostly in Taiwanese, until someone kindly pointed and gestured for me to sit there. It was a cold morning, and even though the benches are stone, they felt wonderfully warm and comfortable. I sat there for as long as the tour would let me.

There’s also a small museum that showcases the history and geology of the valley. It takes barely 10–15 minutes to see — nice to visit and check the box.

One can also bathe in some of the many hot springs in the area — there are over 20 hot spring hotels and bathhouses to choose from. Prices vary, but in general, Beitou hot springs tend to be more expensive than other hot springs around Taiwan.

The hot springs come in two varieties:

Japanese-style: separate-sex, nude baths
Taiwanese-style: mixed-sex, clothed in bathing suits

Most places, even the public baths, also offer private rooms if privacy is preferred.

A short drive from Beitou is the Yangmingshan Flower Clock — a nice spot for a quick photo. One can walk a few steps uphill to find a small temple as well. Exploring this area takes just 20–30 minutes.

Next up was Bamboo Lake — a former lake created by a volcanic eruption. In spring, the area turns into a sea of white calla lilies. When I visited in winter, it was still pretty, though probably not at its full glory.

After that came Xiaoyoukeng, a simmering dormant volcano. By public transport, it would have taken about an hour from Taipei. Situated at around 805 meters, the views are spectacular. Fumaroles emit gas and steam, and the sulfur smell is strong, with geothermal heat that’s noticeable as one gets closer. There are bubbling puddles along the footpath — very hot and not to be touched.

There are trails for exploring, and walking uphill gives a full view of Xiaoyoukeng. From the nearby platform, one can also see the volcanic cones of Qixingshan. A small café serves hot food, coffee, and snacks — perfect for a quick break after exploring.

If trying to maximize the day and include the Lengshuikeng to Qingtangang trail, it’s better not to get tempted to explore all the peaks and side trails along the way, even though the mountains look irresistible.

The main trail is about 2 km one way, not counting the Juansi Waterfall detour. There are plenty of English signages, so getting lost isn’t a concern. I hiked it from Lengshuikeng to Qingtangang, and the reward at the end is spectacular: vast, open grasslands that immediately reminded me of Switzerland. The fields are wide and uninterrupted, which also means it’s wise to carry a cap and sunglasses.

These grasslands were originally planted by the Japanese and are beautifully maintained. I even spotted a couple of wedding photoshoots happening while I was there.

If one does the trail in reverse, ending at Lengshuikeng, one can enjoy free foot baths after the trek. There are cafés at both ends of the trail, perfect for a coffee or snack to recharge.

Yehliu Geopark

It sounds hectic, but the last stop one can squeeze in for the day is Yehliu Geopark. The park is full of strange, otherworldly rock formations, each with its own character — some aptly named, others just naturally mesmerizing. Walking through it felt like a scene straight out of a Star Trek movie.

The most famous landmark is the Queen’s Head, and yes, there’s usually a line to snap a photo with her. I skipped it, because so many other formations were equally fascinating. Even the unnamed rocks, thousands of years old, had their own charm and couldn’t be ignored.

Part of the Datun mountain range, with the sea stretching alongside, Yehliu was a perfect way to end a very busy day. After taking photos to your heart’s content, be sure to sit along the shore for a few moments and simply soak in the views — it’s a peaceful, grounding way to end the tour.

Jiufen & Shifen

Jiufen and Shifen are another must-do day trip from Taipei, but unfortunately, I didn’t have enough time to visit on this trip — maybe next time!

These towns are famous for their lantern-lit streets and ethereal atmosphere, and Shifen is home to some impressive waterfalls. I would have loved to see them after sunset, when the lanterns glow and the whole place feels magical.

Taichung

Just an hour away from Taipei by high-speed train, Taichung is a smaller city that makes a great base for day trips to Sun Moon Lake, Cingjing Farm, and Alishan.

Within the city itself, you can explore highlights like the National Taichung Theater, the colorful Rainbow Village, and the scenic Gaomei Wetlands.

Taichung — What to See in a Day

All three sights can easily be covered in one day.

National Taichung Theater
Start here — entry is free. Designed by a Japanese architect, the building itself is the highlight. It’s constructed without supporting pillars or 90-degree walls, and the curves make it feel almost organic. Inside, there are performance venues, open event spaces, an outdoor plaza, and a rooftop sky garden (with a café — lovely stop if the weather is nice). Even if not watching a show, the architecture alone makes it worth a visit.

Rainbow Village
Next, head to Rainbow Village — though honestly, this one was a total miss for me. It’s basically a few brightly painted houses and a cute bus stop. That’s about it. Pop in only if you want to tick it off the list, otherwise you can happily skip and not feel FOMO.

Colorful mural in Rainbow Village, Taichung.

Gaomei Wetlands — Sunset Only!

A little away from the city lies Gaomei Wetlands, and this is one place that’s worth timing right — visit only at sunset. It’s spectacular. The landscape opens up into a vast stretch of mudflats, dotted with crabs and migratory birds, framed by giant wind turbines that complete the dramatic skyline.

There’s a long wooden boardwalk for easy walking, although the strong winds can make even that feel like a mini adventure. At the end of the boardwalk, many people take off their shoes and walk barefoot on the mudflats. It was far too windy for me to even take my hands out of my pockets, but I definitely saw braver souls out there enjoying it!

Across the road from the viewing area stands the Gaomei Lighthouse — a striking red-and-white landmark. Its light has since been relocated to the Taichung Port Lighthouse, so today it mainly serves as a photogenic sightseeing spot and part of the scenic landscape.

Sunset here isn’t just about the sky — it’s the reflection on water, silhouettes of windmills, the vast horizon, and that feeling of being surrounded by nature. Truly memorable.

Alishan — A Day Trip That Still Feels Magical

Soft mist, quiet moods, and a magic that follows you home

From Taichung, I visited Alishan as part of a tour. I would have loved to make it an overnight trip, but a few practical reasons held me back:

I didn’t have enough days in hand
public transportation logistics looked daunting for a solo traveler
hiring a private car for one person was quite expensive
accommodation options inside the park were sold out, and staying nearby would have been difficult without a car, since there aren’t many taxis in the area

After a lot of deliberation, instead of giving up on my dream of visiting this mystical place, I compromised and booked a day tour. If one can stay overnight, it would be magical to catch the famous Alishan sunrise — but even as a day trip, I felt I managed to see and experience quite a lot.

It’s a long 3.5-hour journey each way from Taichung. Because the start is very early, you can either nap or simply enjoy the beautiful mountain scenery along the route. Honestly, the drive didn’t feel tedious at all.

Once in Alishan, or even along the way, there was a bus stop with plenty of stalls selling local wasabi products. Wasabi was originally cultivated here by the Japanese. Large-scale farming was banned around 2010 due to soil erosion, but it has gradually been reintroduced in greenhouse cultivation. Wasabi is sold in many forms — powder, paste, snacks, and even ice cream.

If time is not am issue stay overnight. If not — don’t skip it. Even as a day tour, Alishan still feels every bit as mystical as you imagine.

Lost in a cloud-forest where the trees are older than stories

Alishan National Forest Recreation Area is pure magic. There’s a small entry fee and a visitor centre where you can pick up a free map — and then you’re officially inside the mist.

Think towering cypress trees, soft light, wooden boardwalks and that calm, hushed feeling you don’t forget.

No “roughing it” here — it’s super easy to navigate:
clear paths
great signages in English
cafés & restrooms when you need them

Everything one needs … but discreet, so nature still takes center stage.

Alishan Forest Railway is one of the most scenic train rides in Taiwan, winding through tea plantations, forests, and little mountain villages. Tickets are hard to get, and the full journey from Chiayi to Alishan takes about 3–5 hours each way, so an overnight stay is ideal. Just for the experience, there are shorter rides within the forest too.

Key stations for short rides

Alishan : The main hub where there is the start and end journeys, connecting to other forest lines.

Zhaoping : A short, quick ride from Alishan Station (about 7 mins), ideal for starting walks to the Sacred Tree area.

Shenmu : Located further along, it’s a good spot to get off and walk back towards Alishan, taking about an hour to walk from Zhaoping.

Chushan : Famous for sunrise viewing; runs early morning with a special timetable.

Don’t miss inside the forest:
Sisters Ponds – named after a local legend
Giant Tree Boardwalk – walk among ancient cypress giants
Three Generations Tree – over 1,500 years of history in one trunk
Shouzhen Temple & the wooden Zhouzi Bridge – quiet, timeless, beautiful

Sun Moon Lake

I saved my favorite part for the end. Sun Moon Lake turned out to be bigger and more beautiful than any photograph I had seen. The paths were longer than I had imagined, the lake quieter, and the small cluster of hotels on one side gave it an almost hidden, intimate feel. Surrounded by mountains, the lake is said to resemble the sun on one side and the moon on the other — that’s how it gets its name.

It took barely an hour to reach from Taichung THSR, and the journey itself was scenic. I stayed at a hotel right by the lake, separated only by the cycling track . The trees around were brushed with autumn colors, and this was the place I had promised myself I would slow down, polish my newly acquired cycling skills, and simply unwind. I almost managed it.

The cycling path along the lake is the natural first thing to do. It runs for about 5 km one way and then you turn back, not a full loop. Cyclists, runners, and walkers share the route , A couple of cute bridges and clearings with benches to sit and admire the view completed the picture perfectly. It is all very gentle and unhurried.

After that, one can head to what must be one of the most scenic Starbucks locations — right on the lake in the Shuishe area. Its outdoor terrace has uninterrupted lakefront views and was surprisingly not crowded at all. On a related note, Starbucks has a presence in almost every corner of Taiwan.

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To explore further and enjoy the areas around the lake from the water, the best option is a one-day boat pass for around NTD 300, valid for unlimited rides (cash only ). Starting around morning keeps the day relaxed and still leaves the evening free for the lakeside. Tickets are sold at the pier, or can be purchased in advance.

From Shuishe Pier, the first stop is Xuanguang Temple Pier. The temple dedicated to the monk Xuanzang is peaceful and scenic, a lovely place just to sit quietly for a while. From there, a short uphill walk leads to Cien Pagoda. For those who want to push a bit more, it is possible to climb the many steps inside the pagoda for wide lake views.

The next main stop is Ita Thao Pier, an aboriginal village area with food, shops and a lively atmosphere . This is also where the cable car to the Formosan Aboriginal Cultural Village departs. The cable car ride itself takes about 10 minutes and offers great views, with a glass-bottom option available for a slightly higher price. The Aboriginal complex includes themed zones, rides and large European-style gardens. I couldn’t do this because the tickets were cash only, and with limited NTD left I chose to hold on to it, instead I sat in the square and listened to live music, which felt just right. From Ita Thao, one can take the ferry back to Shuishe Pier, making it a relaxed and unhurried morning

One place I did omit was Wenwu Temple — try to fit that in if possible. What I did do, and would highly recommend, is maximizing time in this beautiful town. Wake up for the sunrise, be outdoors, slow down, and simply soak in the calm.

Sun Moon Lake is one of those places that lingers long after you leave

Kashi ? Benaras ? Varanasi ?

admin — Sat, 29 Oct 2022 05:42:08 +0000

For a city that’s supposed to be older than history it’s kind of obvious that through time people know it by various names. As Mark Twain said…Benares is older than history, older than tradition, older even than legend, and looks twice as old as all of them put together. Supposedly the oldest city in the world, with time it got a lot of names, what remained constant is the extreme character of the city, scholars with knowledge of the ancient scriptures at one end of the spectrum and free ( not that evident any more ) use of bhang and charas ( local drugs ) at the other. My guide asked if I would want to have any as I was super enthusiastic to do all that Varanasi had to offer, this I politely declined as having either would mean getting knocked off for at least 8 hours, what a waste, on a short tight trip.

Spiritual capital of India and home of Hinduism from last 3000 years Varanasi has been the center of learning over decades. One of the oldest universities, BHU university was founded here in 1916. The campus is huge with clean lanes lined with trees.

I have an old connect with Benares ( It will always be that in my mind ) it’s where a lot of my holidays have been spent, it is my mama badi( uncle’s house ) My memories of Benares is a laid back town where everyone has a lot of time on hand. The Varanasi I visited now was bustling, ready to burst on it’s seams and however much the current government may be trying to regularize and beautify the city they have a herculean task on hand. Would be great if they could work on the air quality as well. Even though I was coming from a crowded city like Mumbai the air pollution was tough to handle.

Along with a lot of history and religious beliefs, it’s also where most cremations would take place. It’s believed that if one is cremated in Varanasi, and their ashes are immersed into the sacred water of the Ganges, their reincarnation cycle will end and they will attain Nirvana. For any tourist visiting Varanasi this aspect of life and death can’t be overlooked. Earlier and probably even now widows were banished to Varanasi, forsaken by society, they would either beg on the roads or turn to the oldest profession on earth. Experiences is what the city is all about, not just tourism. It’s like watching a movie which is stark and real, away from all pretense and glamour.

Temples :

Vishwanath Temple : Its in the campus of BHU, has the tallest temple tower in the world at around 250 feet. Worth visiting to roam around BHU, soak in the quiet which defies the chaos just outside.

Durga Kund Temple : Also known as monkey temple ( obviously named as it has loads of monkeys ) The statue here is supposed to have appeared on its own and is not man made . Most of the walls are red signifying Mata Durga. There is a pond to the right side of the temple with steps all around. Mata Durga is known to be the protector of the city of Varanasi.

Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple : Of the 2 most visited temple of Varanasi, Sankat Mochan is one, sankat mochan means to relive problems. Located at Assi ghat the temple dates back to the time of Goswami Tulsidas – a Hindu Vaishnava saint and poet. It’s said to be the place where Tulsidas saw Lord Hanuman and wrote Ramcharitmanas . It’s most crowded on Tuesday and Saturday, the days of Lord Hanuman. Red peda ( sweet ) is offered to the God here and relished by locals. It’s sold in the shops outside. Statutory warning, its over sweet and maybe not suitable to all palates. My mother is an ardent devotee of Lord Hanuman, on my annual visits to Banaras mom would often drag me here for blessings from Lord Hanuman. This is one place which I had faint memories of and looked probably unchanged.

Kashi Vishwanath Temple : The main temple visited by all who travel to Varanasi. The temple stands on the western bank of the holy river Ganga, and is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, it’s known as the holiest of Shiva temples. The main deity is known by the name Vishvanatha or Vishveshvara meaning Ruler of The Universe. Varanasi city is also called Kashi, and hence the temple is popularly called Kashi Vishvanath Temple.

It has seen major renovation and streamlining of facilities. Everything starting with darshan to abhishek can be booked online. The morning aarti gets sold out a couple of weeks in advance as it has only 150 slots. I had pre booked the Rudra Abhishek and found the process smooth, go to the booking office, show the confirmation, immediately a pandit is assigned who carries with him all what would be required for the Abhishek (offering) Inside there are separate queues for those having a paid ticket and those who opt for free darshan. The priests don’t permit more than a few seconds once you reach the main shivling, to want a really good darshan keep calm and hold firm, after all even with the paid ticket the lines are long, a few seconds to connect with HIm is not too much to ask for. There are three domes each made up of pure gold, donated by Maharaja Ranjit Singh in 1835. Lower portions and door frames are now being converted to gold, it’s said 23 kgs of gold have already been used and the process is still on. All houses behind the temple have been broken down to ensure a clear path from the Ganga to the temple, plans are on to enable access to the temple by boat as well as road. No phones, electronics, digital watches, big handbags are allowed inside, lockers are provided at the booking office to keep all valuables.

Fun pondering : Since Varanasi has a lot of presence of Lord Shiva what exactly is Shivling ? Some say it’s the private parts of Shiva and Parvati others opine it’s the symbol for the creation of the universe through the combination of the active energy of Lord Shiva and his Shakti. The symbolism of the lingam also represents the base of the spine, meaning the Muladhara chakra, upon which the kundalini is resting, waiting for awakening.

Book tickets for Kaashi Vishwanath : https://shrikashivishwanath.org/

Other temples to visit : Kaal Bhairav, Tulsi Manas, Maa Annapurna…and quite a few more.

Experiences :

Boat ride on the river Ganges, there are total 88 ghats ( banks ) and a ride along the ghats will give you an almost complete picture of Varanasi without having to be part of the chaos Varanasi is. You can carry a snack along to munch as the city unfolds, with every ghat having significance. Taking a guide will make it informative and interesting. At the ghats most common sights are people taking a dip in the holy water to wash away their sins, and cremations. Most cremations are done at Manikarnika ghat. Ganga aarti is conducted every evening at sunset at Dashwamedh Ghat.

Morning Ganga Aarti is at Assi ghat, time for Aarti varies as it’s performed at sunrise. Advisable to reach a little early to get a place to sit closer to where the Aarti is performed. Total of 9 priests are assigned for it, 8 dressed identical, one in the center is the head priest and dressed differently. The priests chosen to do this important ritual is by virtue of their knowledge, not lineage ( and probably arm strength as the aartis looked too heavy to lift, leave alone perform with it as they did effortlessly ) By virtue of having lived his entire life in Varanasi and having a lot of contacts my cousin managed to get me first row seats and the honor of lighting up one of the Aarti. The experience was surreal, even now just watching the video gives me goosebumps. After the aarti there are women selling small bowls of flowers and a candle to float in the water and make a wish, it’s an old tradition. Toss aside skepticism, float one, close your eyes and wish, who knows when the Gods will say Amen. Time permitting stay back for Subah e Benaras which happens after the Aarti at Assi Ghat, flow of program is, chanting of shlokas by the students of a local school, a havan which all can watch and participate, yoga class free for all.

Note : Look out for the most delicious tea possible, its served in small paper cups, made of local spices topped with lemon juice and herbal tea.

Sundowner at either Brij Rama or Guleria Kothi, they are both on the banks of Ganga, old palaces converted into hotels. Prior reservation is recommended. Guleria Kothi@Ganges(A Boutique Heritage Hotel) Landline : +91-0542-2406666/7 Mobile : +91-7991919101/2. BrijRama Palace Varanasi +919129414141.

Note: No alcohol is served near the Ganga, sundowner would not mean a glass of beer or wine.

Heritage walks : Can be booked at banarasculturalfoundation

Food : Due to the religious vibes of the city non vegetarian food and alcohol is served only in places slightly away form the holy river. Though most places have food suitable to the Indian palate with the influx of tourists across the globe there are enough places for them to enjoy a meal as well.

Kashi chat Bhandar and Deena chat bhandar for chat. Ram Bhandar for the best kachoris, their alu chana kachori gets sold out by 10:30. Blue Lassi near Kashi Vishwanath temple, Lakshmi Chai for signature chai, served in earthen cups. Smell and flavor of the baked earthen cups is part of the allure, team it with Banarasi malai toast ( Vegans would cringe to see the malai ( cream ) topping which is thicker than the toast ) or with butter loaded toast. Pizzeria Cafe for a view of the river and thin crisp pizzas and apple pies. Aum Cafe for healthy juices, herbal teas, super tired ? A massage is also available here. Craving for breads not paratha ? Brown Bread Bakery, they have vegan food as well. Malai ki roti is the to die for local sweet for, 2 layers of very thin malai and stuffing of pista….. devine. Ram Bhandar is a good place to buy this from. Memories of this delicacy will last forever on the taste buds. When in Varanasi end your meal like the locals, with paan from Keshav.

Shopping : Known for it’s beautiful silks and intricate weaving a saree bought here was passed down though generations. As treasured as a piece of jewelry. Back then real gold and silver were used as threads and woven intricately, those sarees if anyone is fortunate enough to have inherited apart from antique value it has same value as silver and gold. After decades It will still shines as if made just yesterday. All found on the streets now are machine made. Select shops have the authentic weaves but those also are obviously not gold or silver weaves any more. Thatheri bazar is full of shops selling all kinds of bright clothes and artifact, its a kaleidoscope of colors, rioting through the visual senses. Cars are not permitted here, only e-rickshaws.

Around Varanasi :

Sarnath : Just 10 kms and half an hour away, one of the holiest Buddhist sites, It’s known as the place where Gautam Buddha gave his first sermon, beautifully maintained it reflects the peace which just seeing a deity of Buddha evokes. For 1,700 years it was a center of pilgrimage and learning, and a place where monks stayed.. Beware of guides who may charge you less but will try to make you shop from locals to earn a commission.

Ramnagar Fort : The 17th century home of the Maharaja of Varanasi, it’s now a museum, housing vintage cars costumes and weapons. Personally was disappointed as we took almost an hour to reach here due to crazy traffic (to travel 1 km in city center Varanasi may take you 20 minutes ) and all the exhibits were in shambles, coated with dust. They charge Rs 75 as entry fee, the least they can do is keep the place dust free. Redeeming factor, it houses a temple dedicated to Daxina Murty bhagwan and also Ved Vyas, the author of the Mahabharata. The only temple dedicated to him in India. Overlooking this temple is the peaceful Ganga. Sunset from here would be spectacular.

Stay : Topmost would be Brij Rama and Guleria Kothi, they are on the banks of Ganga and charge a premium for the location. Palaces converted to hotels they have a charm which regular hotels won’t have. Taj, Radisson, Clark are the other regular ones. There are smaller accommodations by the river but I can’t vouch for any. After the hectic trip I opted to stay the last night at Tree of Life which is 10 minutes away from airport, and half an hour away from city center of Varanasi. It has only 18 suites, a lovely garden and pool. Was the perfect way to unwind and end the hectic trip over a glass of wine. Morning was bliss with birds chirping and beautiful exotic trees surrounding the 650 square feet esthetically done up room.

My observation of Varanasi would be is that it’s the chaotic version of Venice, connected beautifully by boats but they don’t ply when the river rises and that cripples the city silently.