Bundelkhand Riverside - a hidden resort in a hidden town, Orchha

we traveled by road from Lucknow via Jhansi to Orchha, which means 'hidden', and reached quite late in the evening at a property that boasts to have been built in over 60 acres of land by the river Betwa. In the darkness, we could imagine the vast area as we drove through a thick forest to reach the reception.

I noticed a vintage Amby parked in the porch. Later I learnt that it was the first imported Ambassador which was gifted to the Maharaja of Orchha.

The night was quite chilly, and as we changed and came out of our rooms, we pleasantly saw a huge bonfire prepared for us in the lawn. A group of local musicians were playing Bundela folk. We were charmed. Guests can have drinks and dinner under the moon and stars if they want.

The manager, Mr Sood is a very warm and friendly person who like to participate in conversations with his guests.

We chose the restaurant, and were overwhelmed by the interior which was done up in a royal style. Food served was as per requests and great. Best is the breakfast, which is plentiful.

We were allotted riverside rooms each with a veranda that offers a breathtaking view of the Betwa river, then full of huge boulders and trickling water. Rooms were minimalistic but spacious, each had two heaters. Furniture were rustic but we liked it that way as it added to the charm of the place.

One must wake up early and go to the riverside where the resort has put up a tent with chairs. The time spent on that chair watching the river flow through the rocks bathed in morning Sun rays will get etched in your mind.

A walk on the terrace of the resort is recommended which offers beautiful vistas whichever way you look. This property was probably built as a hunting lodge and still has a very old brick temple which enshrines the local deity.

Bundelkhand Riverside is located slightly away from the bustle of the main town and perhaps this is its unique feature.

We missed the absence of wifi and the mobile network was really poor, but then we were on a business trip. For a vacation, Im sure those are the things you would want to leave behind.

Overall, a recommended place if you are a nature lover.

Canton Tower, Guangzhou

If you want to be on Cloud-9, then this is The place for you. At 488m, this is the tallest tower in China.

My eyes got attracted to the tower during the day while moving within the city. One cannot just miss the tallest structure in whole of China. The beauty of the structure is the 'twist', for which it is popularly known among locals as 'slim waist'. One should visit the tower twice, once during day, and once at night, as the views and experiences are simply great! Choosing the E-deck (the highest observation point) might pinch one's pocket a little, but you are assured to forget it once you go up.

I had the opportunity to go there only at night though, as I was on a business trip. The approach to the tower from a distance itself threw a wonderful view with its multicoloured lighting. It seems as if a painter has poured all the colours he had on the beauty.

I chose the E-deck package with the Bubble Tram tour. It was drizzling a little, and the tower was playing hide and seek amidst clouds. There are other packages as well to choose from depending on how far to the top one wants to go. One must visit the open air observation deck at the bottom of the tower (A-zone) also as it offers a stunning view of the city skyline across  the river.

One disappointing fact is that the revolving restaurant, unlike other ones (I have been to a few including  the 360degree at Macao Tower), does not take in guests who walk in. One must make a prior reservation one day in advance.

The experience in the Bubble Tram is unforgettable, especially at night. If you are with family, then the tram ride is highly recommended. Once in a lifetime experience!

The Yonghe Temple ( 雍和宮, Yōng hé gōng), Beijing

"Lama Temple", is a temple and monastery of the Geluk School of Tibetan Buddhism located in the Dongcheng District of Beijing, China. The building and the artworks of the temple is a combination ofHan Chinese and Tibetan styles.

Please note that I had to go for a second time as they close entry at 4pm. However, it was worth the trouble.

A great structure with tremendous significance in the history of Beijing. It houses the Statue of Maitreya (Budhha) carved out of a single white sandalwood tree 26 metres high which holds a Guiness World Record.

A beautiful temple with a mix of typical Qing Dynasty and Tibetan architecture. This is also a Tibetan Budhhist monastery. One of the largest in the world.

The Hall of Three Incence is a place where you can feel inner peace of mind.

You can buy incense sticks outside the temple before entry. Once inside you will feel like offering prayer. The serenity of the place is magical.

The best way to go there is by Subway; the station is adjacent to the temple. Getting a taxi can be real pain. Best time to go there is in the morning, so that you can spend a good amount of time inside many halls. A must visit while in Beijing.

Ngong Ping 360 - a day trip from Hong Kong

the most memorable cable car trip to the themed village of Ngong Ping is a must visit  attraction when in Hong Kong.

Take a cable car from the terminal near Tung Chung MTR station. Queue for the general cabins is very long. So, if you are not cash strapped,  ask the assistant manning the line for Crystal Cabin, and immediately you get VIP  treatment. They help you buy the ticket, and take you to the boarding area without having to wait long. The best part of the Crystal Cabin is that it has a glass bottom through which you can see the world passing by. You feel like god. It is an amazing experience in itself.

The journey to the island offers some spectacular views all along. The view of the giant sitting Budhha from the cable car is beautiful. Once you reach  the island, the themed village welcomes you with a plethora of attractions. You can buy t-shirts, gift items, various kinds of food, souvenirs, etc from many shops that dot the village.

If you buy the package tour to Tai O fishing village, there is a bus which takes the tourists to the village. Tai O is a very old fishing village with stilt houses around Tung Chung  Bay. You can take a stroll through the village market, visit the old temple and take a speed boat ride for half an hour which takes you around the village. It is worth visiting. Especially for  people who are interested in photography. But, please remember to get back to your bus on time,as it quite a distance from Ngong Ping.

Once back, there is Po Lin monastery and the giant Budhha sitting on top of a hillock. The Budhha is best photographed during the first half of day, as the sun sets behind it, and you might not get a good shot in that light.

While returning, please remember that there is a time limit for the cable car, and you must reach the terminal at least 30 minutes before the last departure.

For a day trip, it is worth the money you spend.