Our Tashkent Tour!

MIH recently organized an Inter City meet of Rotary Clubs from Uttar Pradesh in Tashkent. Being a very large group( 160+ passengers) it was a big challenge - a mix of chaos and fun all the time but we enjoyed it thoroughly .

Our very thoughtful and detailed efforts and meticulous planning won hearts of each Rotarian. We, indeed, MADE IT HAPPEN.

The group visited Tashkent and Samarkand.

Tashkent (city of stones) still retains the feeling of the old socialist times.. Lada cars on the roads (Of USSR times), old factories with burn out chimneys, wide & empty roads, women wearing scarves and cleaning the roads early in the morning, airport with basic but practical infrastructure, absence of two wheelers on roads, no fancy advertisements, clean streets ,excellent public transportation & a bustling night life !! To top it all - We all had a great feeling of becoming Millioniers in Uzbekistan. One Hundred dollars gave us approx 0.5 miliion SOM !!

It was great to observe the respect our visitors had for our ex PM Shri Lal Bahadur Shastri when they visited his small memorial. We also took time to pay wreath at the memorial for the millions killed during the Stalin rule. Members enjoyed the night life by attending gala evenings at local restaurants .Visiting the local market , buying local handicrafts and dry fruits , getting self portraits prepared by the street painters brought some cheers to local & needy economy!!

We also went on a day excursion to the beautiful Chingam mountains climbing up by an old chair car. It was a thrilling ride, the view from the top was spectacular with snow and more snow. We also visited the blue and clear Charvak lake where eair was at its purest best.

Make It Happen with IFFI, Goa

 ‪#‎IFFI‬ at ‪#‎Goa‬ :

Sitting from our stall, we are watching Kabir Khan, Shekhar Kapoor, Dev Patel and others. We Just met a famous Malayalam actor& director - Vineeth Kumar & Surendra Pratap Singh- Jolly LLB fame!! They came to our stall! Wow!

Make It Happen in collaboration with Goa Heritage Action group are offering some exciting Heritage Walks and Tours during the International Film Festival of Goa ( IFFI) from 20th – 30th Nov 2015

Among all the activities, we are currently organizing walks and tours for Jury and delegates on the invitation of the IFFI organizers and Govt of Goa .. Currently a set of delegates are touring Divar Islands (remember Finding Fanny?).

If you are in Goa do not miss these exclusive tours.

Look out for our stall at the Inox Pavilion. 

The Gorgeous Chandrataal Lake : Memories from our Himachal Road Trip Aug 2015

It takes a spirit of adventure and a brave heart to drive though some of the deadliest roads to reach this most serene and gorgeous turquoise lake. After a bumpy ride of 70 km from Gemur through steams, mountain carved pathways and pebble roads we reached our campsite which is 3 kms from the lake. The last 12 km drive was literally driving on the stones, on a narrow path and through small streams of water that could have swept us with them, if they so desired.

We reached Parasol Camp by evening exhausted at the same time delighted that we survived the deadly drive. The winds were getting chilly and in spite of the warm hospitality of our host Bishan ji, who entertained us with stories from the mountains and cooked us a homely dinner,  the weather was getting the better of us and we were eager to get into our tents and get warn inside the thick blankets.

The next morning we head to the gorgeous Chandrataal Lake with Sonu ( Bishan’s brother). The lake is breathtaking. The 5 km Parikrama  (a clockwise circumambulation) around the lake is highly recommended and can be done with reasonable level of fitness. The sun was out and colors of the lake were magical. The Parikrama is usually taken by Buddhists. At places we met the piles of stones that Buddhist believers put as a way of marking the path for those who follow.

Half way through the Parikrama we met 2 shepherds who had put up a small tent where they sat while their sheep grazed.  One of them was preparing Ghee. They offered us a cup of tea and though we did not speak the same language we sat for a while and experienced their little world.

As we were returning we met Bishan who had head off early in the morning with Murli, a solo traveler who was on sabbatical from work  and exploring the Himalayas.  We had a quick photo session and bid adieus. Hope to cross paths again soon.

 We were off to our next destination – Kaza.

Kerala and the South West Monsoons – a match made in the clouds

(Going a bit back on our #Monsoon trail once again to #Kerala - truly we can't have enough of it)

After Kovalam’srainy beach and Trivandrum’s good Lord Swamy Padmanabhawatching the world go by on his recliner serpent, it’s time to move on to more languid country. So think Vasco-da-Gama,the spice trade, Travancore kings, Namboothiris, and as your mind meanders, stop and gasp at the magnificence of the Ashtamudi Lake. Inhale. You’re at the gateway to the famed backwaters of God’s Own Country, Alleppey.

As you make your way to backwaters-world, en route you could wrap yourself in acres of paddy fields like a wet sarong on a rainy day. Idyllic, green and wet, this is Kerala’s rice bowl, probably the only place in the world where farming is done below sea level.

Kettuvallams wait for experience-seekers patiently, tethered to the pier at Alleppey. As you step into one, you know it’s time to go with the flow. You watch the world go by, wave to the young boys running along the embankment, look up at the sudden flash of avian colour and enjoy the languorous ride. 

From Alleppey chase the dark clouds to Kochi, a delightful blend of old-word charm and bustling metropolis. Fort Kochiis a must-see place ideal for rambling and sauntering through its rich historical and cultural heritage. From the peace of the old colonial bungalows experience a different kind of peace in a Namboothiri home in Nilambur. This district is rich in different wooded forests especially teak, housing the world’s first Teak Museum. As you sit in the courtyard of a Namboothiri homewith the rains pitter pattering down, time stands still. 

Until suddenly…

You see a row of men lining up the path, beating their drums, and dancers dressed in the most vibrant, eye-popping elaborate costumes and head dresses, dancing in slow rhythmic steps, propitiating the Gods.Watch with awe as these Theyyam dancers perform this ancient dance to worship ancestors, in front of age-old shrines.

After the Theyyam routine, you come back to earth and chase the rains to Bekal, one of the best preserved forts in Kerala. Located at Kasaragod, this 300-year old fort offers a spectacular view of the Arabian Sea. While in Kasargod, a visit to the oyster farm, Oyster Opera, is a must. Listen, see and experience the  transformational oyster and mussel farming conducted in this award-winning eco farm recognized for its innovative methodologies. Yes, it’s time to whip out your travel diary and journal away about this remarkable enterprise accompanied by the warm outpourings from the sky.

As you chase the South West monsoons from one place to the next, enveloping you in perpetual dampness, you are reminded of Coleridge’s Rime of The Ancient Mariner: And now the storm blast came, and he was tyrannous and strong: He struck with his o'ertaking wings, And chased us south along.

From Kerala to Karnataka, onward ho. Or as they say in Kerala, “namukku pokam” (let’s go).

Chasing The Monsoon - Waterfalls, Heritage, Food and Beaches of Karnataka

Having witnessed the onset of the monsoons in Kovalam  and traversed the countryside of Kerala  soaking it in , the next stop is Karnataka. A neighbouring state, Karnataka is also endowed with amazing beaches, distinct cuisine and a rich cultural heritage and natural splendor.

As you drive down from Kasaragod in Kerala to Udupi in Karnataka, you can read up on this coastal city’s riveting back story on how it got its name. Udupi is steeped in culture and boasts of lip smacking Udupi foods like idlis, vadas and golibaje and beautiful beaches that you can soak in, in Udupi as Udupi soaks in the rains.

Further up, North of Udupi, stop by at Banavasi. Not a regular on most tourist maps, this little gem of a destination is an atypical spot, casting its spell on you with its ancient architecture and bucolic lifestyle. Banavasi has something for the historians, architecture buffs, and for those seeking something unique. A monthly pineapple fete is held on the first weekend of every month where a group of women cook up a veritable pineapple storm.Don’t forget to try the local “khanavalis”, or small local cafes that serve hot, delicious food with a dose of warmth, generosity and love.

As you bid adieu to Banavasi, it’s time to let your jaws drop at the sight of Jog. Jog Falls are the tallest single tiered cascade in India. Get up close, personal and wet and sprayed as you slowly and carefully climb down the 1380 steps to the base of the waterfalls, or get a view from the old British bungalow across the road. Its sight cannot leave you unmoved, as the 4 falls Raja, Roarer, Rocket and Rani spill the Sharavathi river over the mountainside in a breathtaking spectacle of Mother Nature at work.

As you watch the folk dance Dollukunitha being performed in the night, hear the thud of cymbals, feel your heart pound in tandem, you feel truly blessed as Mother Nature showers you with her benevolence.

Wake up next morning and follow the rains to Susegado, sea, sand and feni. Any guesses?

Chasing the Monsoon - Rain-calling at Kovalam & Trivandrum

If you haven’t heard of Kovalam beach in Kerala, then you’ve probably been living under a rock. Located North West of Kerala, (a state in the South of India), just about 16-18 kms from Trivandrum (old Anglicised name), the capital city of Kerala, Kovalam is a lovely crescent-shaped stretch of beach which actually is a cluster of 3 beaches separated by rock promontories viz.,Lighthouse, Samudra and Hawa beach.

It is here that the famed South West monsoons hits India, using Kerala as the gateway, making its way through the Southern states to other parts of this vast country. You’re at Kovalam. Pause. Will it rain or won’t it?

Well, based on the outcome you could decide to:

·    laze languidly under the shelter of a beach shack or get an Ayruvedic massage

·    sip your beer alongwith some mouth watering fried squid or fried fish Kerala style, for company

·    look for bargains at the local shops lining the Lighthouse beach

·    find out the real story behind the name Hawa beach or

·    dash off to the Indian Meterological Observatory located at Thiruvananthapuram (new name meaning, City of Lord Anantha) and check with the rain astrologers (the Met dept. folks) if the rains are “on course”

 Going by historical records, the rains have hardly ever strayed beyond 1^st week of June. However, if the rains disappoint by not showing up, you can show up at the iconic Sri Padmanabhasamy Temple where Lord Vishnu is found reclining on his serpent and pray fervently. Spoiler alert: adhere to their dress code (yes they can refuse entry if your attire doesn’t meet their criteria, your fervent prayers notwithstanding).

Journeying with the rains as it snakes its way across the state to Karnataka, Goa and beyond, is compelling in its beauty, tranquility and urgency. Cue: run out and get drenched, photograph the soft after-rain glow or just hold your breath till your next lush and abundant destination. Metta!

Delicious tidbits:

•         The SW monsoons are known as Edavappathi, after the month of Edavam.
•         The Meteorological Observatory in Trivandrum, one of India’s oldest observatories was started by the Maharaja Swathi Thirunal of Travancore in 1836
•         Prince G V Raja found immense tourism potential and invited Thomas Cook & Sons, UK to develop and promote the region
•         The candy striped Lighthouse is 35 m tall and you can climb to the top for spectacular views
•         Fusion, German Bakery, Swiss Café are where you get some good grub at Kovalam

Make It Happen

MAKE IT HAPPEN has been pioneering immersive and experiential travel programs in India since 2011.

MIH was born out of the passion to offer travelers authentic and local experiences bringing about awareness and appreciation of diversities in culture and mutual respect to communities we visit.

When you travel with us, we will take you beyond the beaten tourist paths and dive deeper into authentic, local experience connecting with people from other cultures in ways that enrich your lives and creates lasting memories.

Travel can be a great way to refresh you souls’ desires, go beyond your inhibitions, trust your deepest knowing, push you to a world on new possibilities and discover a new you.

Join us as we explore a whole new Paradigm of Living through travel.

We are the Travel Designers.