Dear Friends and Folks,

There are so many things going on in my life as always.At one side I have my blog babes "Ankionthemove",on another is my event page on the way to revamp.On one side I have a wedding in the family,on another side I have an event to attend.Unfortunately,in few of my previous blogposts on Ankionthemove,the pictures are missing with an error of broken link.Wonder what that means!It hasn't been lifted from the junk of images worldwide,it was part of my picasa album gone phew :P.I have repaired a few,a few still left.

Being featured on wooplr for style(yes style!) was another high point.Republic day live was unparalleled experience in Delhi.And for the better and the best,I have an upcoming opportunity to meet and interact with 74 other travelers in Delhi Travelers Meet this Saturday..Looking forward to with all zeal and excitement.It doesn't end here,I have another video to complete on Delhi sitting in Bangalore before I travel to Mumbai,stay there for two days and go all the way to Ahmedabad in next 12 days.And when you ask me why Ahmedabad this time you have got the chance to join me too :) and given below is exactly how you can be part of the next 3 events this February.

Anki

The Wooplr Newsletter : Click For The Wooplr Blog featuring my Fab shopping Finds

http://blog.wooplr.com/recommendations-of-a-bargain-lover


Thanks to my favourite Indiblogger and the Shoppers Stop for the win



Join Me If You Can

For details on registration,mail me at ankionthemove@gmail.com or call me at +919845088909

1)Delhi Traveler's Meet [2nd Feb],seating capacity limited

76 already in,this sure is gonna rock the Kunzum Travel Cafe.The response is mind-blowing,if it exceeds 80,I have to split dates to accommodate so many people.The more the better.The better the double dates :)

DTM -> 76 nomads in

2)Rann Of Kutch [ 15th - 17th Feb],capacity 10 each per group

Even wondered of travelling to Rann and staying in the home stays?This is what we are up to this February.Already 5 travelers in for the fun that doesn't last all time of the year.



3)Hot Air Ballooning [9-10th Feb, 23-24th Feb]

Hot Air Ballooning is a seasonal activity.Hurry before it closes in peak summer.

Oman The Destination Next


                                                                          Photo Credit: Cntraveler.com

Warm blue sea,rocky mountains,wadis and lagoons,the green Salalah,forts in Muscat,Caving and Diving,Dune driving and rock climbing;The Sultanate of Oman is for everyone.For more information on Oman: Oman Tourism Official Website





Travel to Oman,Now!

1)Muscat was featured in the Lonely Planet Top 10 cities to visit in 2012
2)The Indigo flight from Mumbai - Muscat is 11-12k return on selected dates.So grab your tickets to the destination 'WOW'



Mr. Lakshmy from Bahwan Tours,Oman says...

"Oman is still very undiscovered and virgin.The omanis are very friendly and kind people.Do you know?Salalah is the only place in the Arabian Peninsula that has a regular monsoon season which turns the place into green paradise.That we have got one of the world's largest cave chambers!For you,someone in the age group of 20-30,we have got every adventure possible in every terrain imaginable.We have got a lot more to see,to do."

Important Facts and Figures

Currency :  1 Omani Rial = $ 2.6 = Rs 139(approx)
Visa  : All applicants must apply in person at the nearest Embassy of Oman in Delhi/Mumbai
Best Time To Visit : Oct - April
Capital : Muscat

Oman and India:A Hint Of Similarity

We love our culture,our traditions.Oman is the land of living culture,traditions and heritage,a perfect blend of modernity and ancient architecture. But the hint of similarity doesn't end just here.We have many things in common such as

1)Halwa : Halwa is a local confectionery in Oman made of sugar,rose water,cardamom and saffron.Halwa is a popular sweetened desert in India

2)Henna : In India,Henna or 'Mehndi' is considered auspicious for the bride to be.The lailat al henna is a women only celebration in Oman to honor the bride on the eve of her wedding

3)Pottery Making : Pottery making is still practiced in many parts of Oman as in India

4)Khanjar: We know what Khanjar is don't we already?Khanjar is worn by men in Oman on cultural occassions

Words Popular But We Do Not Know

Wadis - River Beds
Khareef - Monsoon

The Friday Weekend

The weekend starts on Thursday afternoon and continues till Friday.

The Omani Coffee

The Omani Coffee(Finjan) is richly infused with Cardomom and Sugar

Where To Eat

Lonely Planet Has A Comprehensive List on Where To Eat Click Here
You can also check this list for another food guide in Oman Click Here

Festivals And Events 

Oman Tourism Website has festivals listed Over here
Top 20 things to do in Oman




1)Visit the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque,Muscat
2)Visit the twin forts in Muscat Harbour
3)Visit the goat market in Nizwa
4)Walk in the Riyam Park and enjoy the view of White Incense Burner,Muscat
5)Join the annual Khareef Festival(July & August) and Salalah Tourism Festival(June & September"
6)Take a boat trip across Wadi saab,Tiwi
7)Drive down the 4-wheeler vehicle along the hairpin bends
8)Visit the world heritage site of bat
9)Camp into the Sharqiyyah desert(Wahiba Sands)
10)Try scuba dive and Snorkelling at Damaniyat Islands Marine Reserve

                                                               Salalah, Photo Credit:Earth-Cultures.com
   
11)Abseil down the canyon at Wadi Gurl
12)Visit the mountains plunge into the sea at Musandam Peninsula
13)Bash the sand dunes,drive
14)Visit the turtle beaches of Ras Al Had & Ras Al Jinz,Sur
15)Enjoy performance by Royal Oman Orchestra
16)Explore the ruins in Adh Dhariah
17)Visit the gold souk
18)Trek in high mountains with clear pools
19)Explore caves at 'Majis Al Jinn'
20)Bring back souvenirs such as Khanjars and Frank Incense

                                                       Cormorants at Oman,Photo Credit: Bugbog.com

Oman on your own and How

Here's some hint "Follow what I did during my trip to Maldives,and you might just a earn a confidence to travel to Oman without a package if at all" Maldives All Posts  

1)Book the cheapest airfare through makemytrip.com or expedia.com
2)Book your stay through many online portals.If you are two-three together, rent an apartment from airbnb.com or booking.com
3)Taxis are best way to get around.Though it is essential to agree on to the fare beforehand as most of the taxis are not metered.
4)ONTC operates a network of long distance & suburban route buses.
5)Oman air operates from Muscat - Salalah
6)You can also rent a self drive car for a day

Oman Tourism Advices

Oman tourism recommends to visit a reputable travel agent who can help with best airfares and stay options.

----------------Share your stories and experiences when you travel Oman.Looking forward :)--------------

                                                                                           Pose Anyone?

But more than that,it was the people who meant the difference as always.It was the education and the information I got through each stall.Truth is you cannot learn everything from google,not because its huge data,but because once someone adds their own personal touch,it becomes memorable,and so easy to remember.It is the excitement in their eyes.


                                                                  Ding A Dong Sing A Song @ SATTE 2013

I call it a carnival.Because we had the most beautiful fairies,the most handsome dude and the very charming doll to entertain us.Do you know how does she walk,like a tip top.Do you know he sang a charming Hindi song for us and also danced on tunes.The princess well is indeed a Cinderella,isn't she beautiful?

                                                                 Who said Business has to be boring!
 

The People I Met,The Countries They Belong : International Exhibitors

So let me share a little chit chat we had.On the Malaysian Tourism stall I met the folks from the board and then saw a few folks dressed in Malaysian attire ready to be clicked,so there I was.From the Turkey stall,I received gifts.The EYE souvenir I always wanted to have and the gentleman told me it is considered lucky in Turkey.The folks from Thailand and Bhutan were as polite and nice.The folks from New Zealand told me we have given the pamphlets do not forget to go through it.We know New Zealand already that how beautiful it is?Don't we.The folks from Spain were amazing.They took a map out,and explained me every thing related to Spain,the culture the festivals the food everything.It is so very similar to India.

It reminds me the attitude of People world over.Peter From Spain who I met last weekend is  a     skydiving instructor for last 10 years in Spain.Very Humble,down to earth and well spoken.

 
The folks from Oman were sweet to help me understand Oman which is still not explored.I promised I'll write an article on them,which is here : Oman The Destination Next.The folks from Indonesia had confidence in me that even I was a little skeptical of initially.My badge said blogger,and he said "Interested in Interviewing Embassy?He's there just for today,Journalists interviewing them.Wait for 15 minutes I'll call you?"..And all I could think was I barely have a camera,even though I had this rare excitement in my heart.


After waiting for half an hour in the queue of Journalists who were having all the gadgets which they could possibility have,the interview never seemed to end.One hour two hour and still we had the journalists inside and then I decided to just walk around other stalls.That was a good decision as later I realised the whole session was dedicated to journalists with each one taking an hour or two.My turn wouldn't have come anyways.But then Indonesia is one of the countries I really want to visit curtsey an Uncle who is just Back from Bali and he is all praises and praises.Moving forward,I went to Dubai,Abu Dhabi and Singapore.Next I went to Maldives stall where I told her I have just been there a month's back and our conversation started with which islands,and what all is more to see there.Its interesting to see how we connect with people we barely know.I went to Korea stall and got a small Korean gift.Wow! I love it.It didn't end here.The gentlemen explained me everything on Korea,I liked the "Jeju island with no visas".I met most of the participating countries,and as many stalls as I could cover..I wanted to meet everyone,and with everyone I met was the small gift or a pamphlet or a cd or a disc,I got it return.

The Folks From Back Home:National Exhibitors

The exhibition was huge,I did miss a few here and there.But I covered stalls from all Nationals and Internationals.A lady I met at the Chattisgarh stall almost became my friend as I had spend 3 years of my life in Chattisgarh,and we had so many things to discuss just because I knew her place.And same goes for everyone.The advices from Delhi tourism to the very generic question from Maharashtra tourism on how do I earn out of Blogging to the people from Orissa.I could connect more to the National stalls,because I had already been there.Kashmir - Kerala - Sikkim - All India Road Trip - There are barely states which are left - And Those few places within the states which are still - I have that in my Plan 2013 :)

                                                                       The Namaskar @ Orissa Tourism


Now that I am back,I aim to stay in touch with the folks I met,not solely for Business,but for the precious time they had devoted to explain me everything.




The day I went to SATTE 2013 and met so many people in Delhi,the same day I was awarded a momento in GCC Travel Awards in Bangalore.Though I do not have a snapshot of the momento at the moment,I promise I'll upload it the day I reach Bangalore :)







Folks from Delhi Join The 27 other travelers at the Delhi Traveler's Meet on 2nd Feb.See you all there. Meetup Invite

  


             
The art of being happy lies in the power of extracting happiness from common things.

The drizzle,the pickle,the peanut,the butter,the fog the chocolates,the wind the bubble,the ropeway the magic.Guess where am I?I am at the FOG Capital of India.Ah..who said so?Who else than me.The misty mountains touch our heart with the feeling of goodness(FOG) as we have fun over Gunhill(FOG) and the walk free of gears(FOG).

Yes,you guessed it right.I am at Mussoorie,the popular weekend gateway from Delhi.
For all previous posts on Mussoorie: All posts
                                                         
Mussoorie Popular Because..

It's laid back: We reached Mussorie at around 8 am,the shops were closed.The ponies were loose.The buses were lined up vacant.And when we ask a few locals passing by we got an answer as casual as it could be "When It'll open then It'll open:)"

It's romantic: Mussoorie is honeymooner's choice for more than one reason.The weather is too good to be true.I loved the gentle touch of FOG everywhere where I went.I loved the hot served food and the options to hike.What's not to love anyway?

Video On Mussoorie



What To Do In Mussoorie


                                        I sometimes fail to understand,why are people so cruel to animals?

It's a place where you can enjoy and cherish the simple things in life.But there are few things you should keep in mind,which we learned while we travelled.

1)Traveling in and around Mussoorie on a rented car is costly.Use buses or ricks.

2)Shopping in Mussoorie is great for bargains.Quote your own price wherever.



3)Enjoy chocolate pan,buy genuine peanut butter and taste the Tibetan food.

4)Watch movie at the 5d movie theater at Picture Palace



5D allows visitors to not only enjoy movies, but also feel everything that is shown on the screen.3D glasses with moving seats and a combination of scents, wind, and water vapour.

5)Dress up as a Garwali

Mussoorie A Place To Walk and Not Honk

                                                                    On the colorful lanes of Landour

Start walking from the main entry point where buses are lined up,visit the temple,climb the shortcut stairs right up to the mall road,keep walking,visit kulri bazaar still keep walking visit Landour.Get into the ropeway in between to Gunhill or you can even hike to Gunhill in 20 minutes.


                                                Everywhere is walking distance if you have the time.

Enjoy the various food options along.There are local shops selling bamboo chairs to woollens to the branded ones like UCB etc.If walking is not your cup of tea,take a rickshaw which is very popular mode of transport there,though I would suggest take your time and just walk around.

Mussoorie Been There Done What?

1)Gun Hill : Gun Hill is just a ropeway away from the main road,and the other side is very beautiful with view of valley and hills.It's small circumference where you can play archery,play games,meet the magician or dress up as a Garwali,and get your pictures clicked.

2)Landour : For me walking along the lanes of Landour was better than my trip to Gun Hill.For two reasons,one if it's walk up from the Kulri Bazaar,it's a beautiful walk down from a shortcut.Do not forget to walk the route,than take a car.In between the hike,is a small Landour Bazaar which serves hot chocolate brownie.

3)Kempty Falls : A popular gateway near Mussoorie,Kempty Falls can be reached by a bus from the bus stand.

4)Dhanaulti : Is situated between Mussoorie and Chamba.Eco park is the main attraction of Dhanaulti.From Dhanaulti, on the road towards Chamba lies the Surkanda Devi Temple, famous for its Ganga Dussehra fair in autumn.Located on Mussoorie-Dhanaulti Road are the Himalayan Weavers who produce hand-woven shawls, stoles, scarves and throws using only natural dyes and wool, eri silk and pashmina. You can get bus and taxi from Mussoorie to Dhanaulti.

5)Jharipani : I loved staying at Oak Grove School Jharipani.It's peaceful,its quiet and its still untouched.We enjoyed our hike up and down in the landslides.

The Unusual Robber's Cave Dehradun



 
Robber's Cave (locally known as Guchhupani) is a river cave formation located approximately 8 km from the center of Dehradun City.Local bus services are available up to Anarwala Village, from where it is a kilometre's trek away.You have to walk almost a km in the gorge in the ankle deep water.Emerging as a popular tourist spot,it is one of the most interesting places to visit nearby Dehradun.You can also take a bus from Mussoorie to Dehradun which takes around 40-45 minutes and then hop onto another to Anarwala village



Mussoorie Where To Eat

                                                               Taste Buds Bubbles With Momos

Kalsang -For Momos And Chinese Food
Casa Mia Bakery - For cakes and Muffins
Meeting Point Cafe - Tibetan Food
City Point Restaurant -Chicken Curries
Tavern -Beer and All Types Of Food

                                              My First Cliff Jump : An Incredible Experience

"Either you jump or get pushed!,Look straight and Do not look down" Said My Instructor.All excited to do this petty jump in Rishikesh from a cliff 30 feet from the ground 3 years back,it was one of my first adventures.Teamed up with white water rafting ,stay in camp and a trek to an unknown waterfall the adventures never seemed to end.Though I enjoyed a few seconds of under the water experience in cliff jump than anything else.You jump like hurray and you go into the water like whoosh ,stay there for fraction of second and bounce back just like a balloon on top of water.It isn't as relaxed as the Scuba Dive,but something which just lasts a fraction of second.





  Cliff Jumping At Rishikesh gave me the courage to try about everything that comes my way.If one place that defines the true adventure,it has to be Rishikesh any day.Kayaking,Cliff Jump,Bungee Jump,Raft and Trek,There are so many things to do.

Cliff diving/Cliff Jumping is probably the least complicated extreme sport. There's no equipment to buy, no special clothing to wear and no provider services to hire. It's just your body, sailing through the air from dizzying heights and plunging into a body of water below.Today, there are cliff diving competitions around the globe.

Cliff Jumping According To Wikipedia

Cliff jumping, cliffjumping, cliff-jumping may represent:
-Jumping from a cliff as a platform, see jumping platform
-Jumping off a cliff for a skydive, see BASE jumping


How Did Cliff Diving/Cliff Jumping Start

It's believed, when Hawaiian King Kahekili commanded his men to leap off the cliff on the southern end of the island of Lanai, as a test of courage and loyalty to him. They did!Later he refined the jumping into cliff diving competitions at the same site.That's how cliff Jumping Started

Cliff Jumping In India

Cliff Jumping,Rishikesh: Cliff Jumping in Rishikesh is very easy compared to rest of the sites.Some people jump for utmost fun,I did it too twice.It is part of the rafting packages in Rishikesh,and the thrill it gives is unparallel.

Cliff Jumping,Hampi: Where there are boulders and cliffs,there are bound to be cliff jumps.Though Hampi has not yet evolved as a professional dive site,you would still find the local kids at Tugbadhra river jumping on and off the cliff.



Cliff Jumping,St Marine's Island Karnataka: The best cliff jumping site is the pentagon lava cliff at the St. Marine's Island.Located at a height of 40-45 metres,this is still not popular as the Rishikesh one.

Cliff Jumping,Bedaghat,Jabbalpur: If you have traveled your way through the ferries in Bedaghat,you would see many small kids jumping off the cliff,and quoting their own rates for each jump.


Please note none of the sites except Rishikesh is easy and developed.If you still would love to try,its best to consult the locals and go ahead.Not every rock is inviting and nor every site is perfect for cliff jump.Not recommended for anyone whose heart is beating very very fast or those who suffer from heart problems.Best to plan your jump in groups.

Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series

The Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series, established in 2009 and created by Red Bull, is an annual international series of cliff diving events in which a limited number of competitors determine the Cliff Diving World Series winner.

Divers jump from a platform at a height ranging from 26–28 m. Competitions are held in a limited number of venues around the globe.

Best Cliff Jumping Sites Abroad

Today, avid cliff divers travel the world seeking the next great thrill and the ultimate leap. The beautiful locations that host popular cliffs and international competitions range from the frigid natural pools of Switzerland to the balmy waters of Jamaica. But exotic locations are just one factor that makes cliff diving exciting -- freefalling through the air at dangerous speeds is a big part of the rush.

Watch the video for the 10 most awesome Cliff Dives Sites In The World



Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series 2013

13 divers, from nine different countries, have been given a plane ticket to Australia and the chance to compete in the Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series after the initial line-up was confirmed for the 2013 Qualification Competition.

Stay tuned to redbullcliffdiving.com for more in the build-up to the 2013 Qualification Competition which will take place on the Hawkesbury River, in Australia, on January 31 and February 2.

Outskirts of Delhi N Just In Haryana



                                                            The Tughlaq tomb

"I love to be in the warmth of my blanket,tucked in like a baby.But sometimes this whole ritual of just lazing around is boring.More so when you are in the city which sleeps late.The city which is always in the news for good or more for wrong reasons.The city which is famous for both sardi and its garmi."

I still remember talking to one of my friend who very casually said "Me dilli ja ra hu,and den at a very excited tone dilli ki ladkiyan suna hai badi soni hoti hai.He was more excited about the gals than his own admission.I do not deny the fact,the gals in Delhi are very well groomed no matter what.So yes, Delhi is famous for gals.

But of late, Delhi has gained a strikingly notorious reputation of "THE RAPE CAPITAL" of India.So what if the gals are smart and sweet and everything else,it never gives anyone the right to do anything they want to.It happens everywhere in India,a touch here and there is so casual that no gal born can escape the brutal reality that we have to face.So on a starting note,we sign a petition towards NDTV initiative to stop rape.

                                                                                         NDTV Petition


Every coin has a good and a bad side to it.Delhi is in fact one of the cities which remains close to my heart for all the right reasons, touch wood till date.I remember walking along the qutub minar and the lotus temple with dad and mom way back when I was a child.I also remember,the short in between trips to Delhi during my summer vacations from Manipal. Either it served as a perfect stopover for Haridwar,Chandigarh or Jammu or it always remained the old chaotic self.But it was always there,and will always be.

3 Hours In And Around Delhi And Not the usual stuff

Video on Delhi






 I sometimes wonder,what if you have a day,just a day to roam around Delhi.Where would you go and what would you do?There are umpteen number of weekend gateways from Delhi online,and yes Manali,Kullu,Shimla,Nainital etc etc are truly one of the best places around but what if you just want to drive not so long.What happens then?

Then you are bound to search for your destination.I take you to few,we did in 3 hours flat!And no,we didn't go to Qutub Minar or Humayun Tomb or Red Fort which are famous and would be covered in subsequent posts but not today.

The Tughlakabad Fort And Tughlaq Tomb







                                                                 The walled Enclosure Of Tughlaq Tomb

We have had planned Surajkund Lake,but on the way came a magnificent fort.Surprisingly there was no queue.How could it be?It was the coldest day today.People would rather stay at home,and even I was dreaming to be at home in my small blanket,but then I was happy to have discovered a hidden gem out of the blue.

We took tickets from the counter,and started going up towards the fort and then realized how magnificent was the other side.It was all foggy but the red and cream of the tomb was a contrast we cannot deny to have fallen for.Delhi is one such city where places of architectural beauty has been modified,colored and improved on over the years.

We were the only ones to go in during the morning wee hours.There were parrots and monkeys,and in between was the tomb standing in silence.I sometimes wonder,why some places are still hidden and the thought itself make me to travel more and more.

Dr. Karni Singh Shooting Range,Tughlakabad Delhi


\

Spread over 72 acres,just ahead of Tughlakabad Fort,Dr. Karni Singh Shooting Range is members exclusive.We asked the terms and conditions,and turned out to be that for membership it costs 1500 for 3 months time-span. Not so costly for the world class Shooting facility.

SurajKund Lake,Faridabad Haryana

The Surajkund Complex is a large area which is spread across many resorts,miniatures of state symbols and the lake.The entry fee is 40 Rs.


                                                                 Surajkund Lake,I wish there was water!

When we started we thought the lake would be lake.But alas! The lake has no water,though the place wasn't at all shabby we expected to be in Haryana. We loved the stairs which go up and down like an open auditorium alongside the lake.The camels were loving the weather,and we were enjoying the peacefulness which we otherwise never get in Delhi

There were areas dedicated to each state in the complex,though the entry was closed.The gaurd said that the preparation has already started for the Surajkund Crafts Mela in Feb.





                                                                       I dunno what made me smile :)

For those who do not know,"The Surajkund Crafts Mela has been upgraded as an international event and is now known as as 'Surajkund International Crafts Mela' from this year February 1 to 15,2013.

That's it for today,if you haven't been to Neemrana yet,you should it's also one of the places to visit around Delhi within 1.5 hours.And it's beautiful!

                                                                    Stunts That Doesn't Hurt@Neemrana

Well A Gud News To All The Adventure Buffs/Participate in India's First Beach Skydive

3 Day Extravaganza of Adrenaline,Action & Fun at India's FIRST Beach Skydive,starting 17th Jan 2013 Mangalore.For details mail me at ankionthemove@gmail.com/skydiving@kakinienterprises.com or call me at 9845088909