Water is the driving force of all nature.
                                                                That rush and your will power!,
                                                                     Image Source: VerticalBug

It's interesting to know the growth of Adventure Sports in India.While some of the sports are relatively new,read my article on Huffington Post "Top 10 Adventure Sports in India you missed last time" and you'd be surprised on the various options we have now including Skydiving and Heli Skiing.With the rise of adventure sports enthusiasts,a rise in new ways and new techniques are highlighted.One such exciting new Sport is Canyoning.You can't call Canyoning all new,because of its similarity to Waterfall Rappelling. However,there are differences,and there are regions which caters to beginners and professionals alike.

Canyoning/Canyoneering is an exciting sport,a cross between abseiling or rappelling & caving into waterfalls. Canyoning is a combination of fun activities including sliding in water, jumping into the pool of water, passing through narrow passages. Let's check what wikipedia says with regards to abseiling and rappelling and Canyoning:

Abseiling (from German abseilen, meaning "to rope down"), also called rappelling, is the controlled descent down a rock face using a rope.Canyoning (known as canyoneering in the U.S. and Australia) is traveling in canyons using a variety of techniques that may include other outdoor activities such as walking, scrambling, climbing, jumping, abseiling (rapelling), and/or swimming.

In simple words,While canyoning is similar to waterfall rappelling, there is a slight difference wherein it involves scaling down an entire mountain from the top while waterfall rappelling is done mainly from a height of 100 feet. While in waterfall rappelling, you descend the rock attached to a harness, there are times in canyoning when you can slide down the rope.

Canyoning is mostly done is remote and rugged regions and of course India has lot of scope for Canyoning in established regions along with regions which has recently come up.

Who can do it? Canyoning Fitness Levels

There are Canyons with different grades suitable from beginners to advanced skill level. For beginners level canyons there are No specific skill requirement.  You will be given training on abseiling or rappelling before you will be asked to enter the canyon.For more moderate to difficult grade canyon  swimming is required.

Canyoning in Manali,India

Manali valley is abundant in rivers & waterfalls. The canyon is situated in Vashist on the Kroni river. For the medium canyon (grade III / IV) a 40 min walk will take you to your starting point high above the village, with a descent of aprox 3 hrs. The second canyon grade( IV/V) takes 2 hrs to go up & aprox 5 hrs to come back down. It starts with an 80m drop !!!Canyons are located around Manali and both Himalayan Extreme Center and Top Rock Adventures (TRA) organize Canyoning in Manali.

Canyoning in Uttarakhand,India

Canyoning is organised near the Neer Gaddu waterfalls at Rishikesh.RiverRain Adventures authorized by Uttarakhand Tourism Board organizers Canyoning in Rishikesh.Resorts in Rishikesh also offer canyoning facilities around their site; one of them is Elephant Brook Resort.Canyoning in Rishikesh would roughly cost you around Rs 2000 - 2500.

Canyoning in Maharashtra,India

Canyoning can be attempted at the Sandan Valley in the Bhandardara region and Ulhas Valley in the Karjat region of Maharashtra while Waterfall rappelling can be tried at Bekare in Karjat, Vihigaon and Naghotne as well as in Kolad and Bhivpuri in Maharashtra. Jungle Lore organizes waterfall rapelling in Maharashtra whereas Nature Knights organizes Canyoning in Maharashtra.

Canyoning in Goa,India

Goa Jungle Adventure operate fully guided jungle Canyoning trips from Palolem, Goa, for both beginners and experts. Call them or visit Casa Fiesta in the evening for further information or to try Canyoning in Goa.They have plenty of Canyoning sites depending on your grade of Canyoning.Sonnare is one such site.Poshvine also has Canyoning tours in Goa.

Canyoning in Karnataka

Canyoning can also be done in Dandeli at Sathkonda Canyon.his activity is carried out inside the Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary. Requires reasonable fitness and a head for heights.

While I haven't tried Canyoning yet,I think it is my bucket list for the next year.Have you tried Canyoning before?If yes,how was your experience like and if no,then why not?Wish you all a very happy x-mas,may Santa flood you all with wonderful gifts of your choice.

  From the Ramayana to the National Epic of Thailand,Oh Yes! Ramayana does exist in Thai folklore                                                      and in many ways,Thailand is quite similar to India
                                                                               yet very different.        
                                                       To know more:  Thailand Official Website               

Sawadee Kha,welcome to the land of happy smiling faces.Guess where I have been all the time,while you were missing me?Thailand it is,my second time but I feel like I hadn't known Thailand until now.While Thai Curry has also been my favorite,it was no less than a surprise that red,green and yellow curry are not the only choice we have like what we are used to believe in India.It was an alternative way of travelling Thailand.Thailand which is not Pattaya or Phuket and I am glad it wasn't Pattaya and Phuket.It is what Thailand really is.Into the most basic "Land of massive temples,kick boxing,waterfalls,cooking Thai Food,staying in a river camp,cycling and offering food to the monks,and of course shopping!".It was an year end soul cleanse in December with colors,cultures,history and adventures in Thailand.

"Sometimes its strange and you may not understand us.But the Thai people,we can smile and laugh all the time.Sometimes we know it's bad behavior to laugh at something but its our nature to always laugh before whatever has happened.Like when you see the kid's fall under,we laugh first but we know.Because we believe when you laugh the crisis is getting  better.Because we also believe if a kid fall and you scream they will stop and they will cry and they might think it's a serious thing they have to cry.But if you smile,they feel ok "its not that bad,I should not cry" they get stunned a little bit and then they laugh - Says Poom,happily smiling with enthusiasm.

Here's a quick photo essay before we discuss about visas,where to stay,how to plan,travel video and etc in the upcoming Blogpost. And if you have been to Thailand,you have to share a story.I am sure,for those just back from Pattaya,the stories are going to be strange,sweet or wild(You know what I mean!) but if you haven't explored Thailand as we did,you are missing the real Thailand the way It is supposed to be explored ;)

Dear Friends,


                        Video Recording in the middle of the street  for #Thailand Travel Video
                                               
Today For some Reason I feel like not writing about the places I go to,but on how lucky or rather not so lucky I have been.And with so many mails on how to be like me,I feel like just penning down my thoughts as it comes by.I would love,if you could add in your generous(straight from the heart) thoughts.I would also love if you choose to disagree with the way I live my life,but that wouldn't stop me from dreaming the way I want it to be.And it goes like..

                                                The tree which refuses to die in #Thailand
                                         Why don't we listen to our heart than our mind?

Life is all about choices
I remember long back
Folks told me,why don't you choose a safe career
And I had only one answer "That it has bored me for 4.5 years"
And now it is my time
I remember folks told me,
That love is for fun and marriage is serious
You have got to lose people to strengthen your bond
I chose to be with people who I had a bond
Why break some,to make one.
I remember my parents doubting my choice
Of career or of love
While they had little faith
Ain't every parent like that
I remember folks told me to be careful
For each bad memory I have,there are 100's of good ones
Replacing every moment.
For every person who think I have been lucky
Can you survive a 365 days fever and still smile?
Can you live with reports,diseases
And still pretend you have got all the strength in the world
And move with everything happens is for good.
Yes,I have been ill throughout the year
It was the toughest year of my life
But dat didn't stop me for venturing into 5 countries
Lucky I am to those and grateful to those
who had faith in me
Things did change,I had mood swings,
I talk less,fears which I can't define
At times I felt really weak
But slowly and slowly I am gaining the confidence
to win over my illness,to be me again.
Thankful to the new friends I made
Thankful to the contests I won
Thankful to the new experiences I have got
Thankful to the mistakes I made
Thankful to the old people who messed me up
Thankful to the happy new year ahead
Live with me
And you would know it's not easy
But nothing is..
I have heard people speaking of problems
When they have none,actually.
It's just missed opportunities
Or lack of positive attitude.
The only way to live is now,
If you love someone,tell them
Don't wait for a yes or a no
If you want to be someone
Don't wait for the money to come
Rather take a risk and be who you are
Time goes on
It wouldn't stop
But as long as you love what you do
Is what matters
If you love a person,be with them
If you do not love a person,leave
If you like something,grab
If you want something,express
If you wish something,pray
But do not just pray 
For more luck
Pray that you have the confidence
To plan and do what you want
Then unplan and make it happen
Life is simple
We,make it complicated
Thinking about things which might never happen
Than about things which should.
We,as Indians,most of us,including me
I come from a humble family
I can't splurge in millions
But I still can get a small
Maple syrup for my friend next door
I hardly take money from my hubby
I know he has his own dreams and so do I
We work sometimes together
Sometimes not so together
But we are still very much together
I don't like competing
I am good or you are good
Is not what I believe in
I believe as long as we are not harmful
We all are good.
You wouldn't believe when I started a blog
2 years back.
I didn't know what was a blog
I didn't know how to make it beautiful
I didn't know the codes either
I didn't know I had the courage
To stand in the middle of the road
and Speak to people
Or stand in the middle of the road
With the tripod and speak 
All I knew is I wanted to help people
out there,to figure out how to travel
On their own,and let them know
About people behind sports
and voila! Everything fitted in
Just as I thought it would be
I don't think I am successful even yet
But I am satisfied
With the work I do
How many of us are,really!
And not just to gain some random SEO
or a ranking or even money
It's a fine balance
Between what you want and what you are
And without losing respect
And your own sense of self
Is what is making me
Everyday,Every time,Every now.
For every person who has been bad with me
I wish them luck dat they can be gud to others
For every person who is good with me
They are safe in my heart
For every person who has warned me
I say them thanks
But also wish that they get the courage
To leap forward with their dreams
I believe in fairy tales
And they do happen for real
What do you call falling in love at first sight
Or winning something just out of the blue
Or songs playing somewhere far but your choice
There is magic everywhere
All you have to do is
Seize it tightly with both your hands
And not let it go..
Because once you do
It will be part of somebody's else dream
and you will have to wait.
But even then,
Time goes on
Life goes on
There will always be scope for
More new people,more new love
More new opportunities,more new you
More new all the good things in the world
Because what goes around comes around
If it is worth it
So have faith
In your dreams and people you love
But more importantly,
Have faith  in you!
Because the magic you create
Is the magic you are worth of - Anki S.

Ankionthemove Congrats Dubai for World Expo 2020 Win!
Previous Post on Dubai Abu Dhabi and Dubai PhotoEssay
Dubai All Posts
To know more : Visit Abu Dhabi Official Tourism Website

How To Get Dubai Visa[Official Website Click Here]


                  Me in Sheikh Zayed Mosque,Abu Dhabi,Where Blessings Shower Every Hour

I somehow wonder why on Internet we don't have many site that help us with visas. It's just us,searching in the whole Google network, or asking our friends or friends of friends to guide us through. Dubai was one such case.Although the process was simple,we decided to not take a risk and pre-query "Marhaba Services" who we have had heard from one of our friend that they guide you in the best way possible for Dubai. So we , took all our documents,and took the help of Marhaba Services who were very confident of our passports(UK & US stamped) and said that we will get in three days flat if approved,which we got over mail.I would highly recommend them, but now that I know what is required and what isn't, may be I can guide you through.Also,with Emirates Airlines you get assistance on visa.We couldn't book Emirates because our time didn't match,however,to avail visa assistance you can also follow up with them(I have heard they are the best airline to Dubai but never got a chance to fly in them sadly). Similarly , with low cost but convenient airline Air Arabia.However,in both cases your return journey should be by a single carrier i.e to and fro by Emirates or to and from by Air Arabia.

• A Tourist Single Entry Visa would ideally cost INR 6300  and is valid for 58 days from date of issue(Stay 28+2 days)
• You can also avail 96 Hours visa only Dubai which costs INR 4800 and is valid for 58 days from date of issue and is for 96 hours only.

What You Require for Dubai Visa

• Your passport(Mandatory)
• Return and Onward Journey Tickets(Mandatory)
• US/UK visa stamped copy(optional)
• 4.3 x 5.5 cms photo(Mandatory)
• Application Form(Mandatory)
• Proof of Stay (Optional - Booking.com is highly recommended:Read reviews before you book)
• Proof of Sufficient Funds to cover travel(IT returns etc)(Mandatory)

You may or may not require everything as stated above,but to avoid rejections its best to carry all documents as per checklist. The checklist changes from time to time, so please keep a track of what all is required currently.

Currency of UAE

UAE Dirham(AED) = INR 17(Current Rate)

Best Time To Visit

Year round but November to March is pleasant weather

Best Budget Places To Stay In Abu Dhabi & Dubai

Al Diar Dana Hotel , Abu Dhabi ( AED 300 Double Room,INR 5100) : Huge Spacious Rooms for its price
Al Diar Mina Hotel , Abu Dhabi ( $ 54 Double Room , INR 3294) : Lonely Planet Recommended
Dubai Youth Hostel , Dubai ( INR 2018 )

Best Mode of Conveyance

Similar to Many other cities in the world,Dubai and Abu Dhabi also has Hop On Hop Off Bus Tour which is very convenient and easy to avail.As a backpacker,I had used it in Scotland and found them to be immensely helpful(No more taking taxis from point A to point B unless it's an emergency).

Package or No Package / Flights we Opted For

Since we were on our own tour with friends,we chose to go without package.However looking at the options we have the MakeMyTrip Dubai package with Airfare looks like a good option.As the individual airfares itself cost somewhere around 16-25k(The lowest is Oman Air with 18k Airfare return).We chose Air Arabia to Shahjah as the timings were perfect for us(Leaving at 2 ,reaching at 5) and chose to board a bus from Sharjah to Abu Dhabi(AED 40 , 1 Hour).While return,we chose services of Qatar.Qatar Airways is one of my favorite Airline,I know I can never go wrong with Qatar...the leg space is adequate,the food on board is awesome and even the services of the crew are at par. Air Arabia however has pay for check in luggage if not prior notified about the luggage(Please read) you carry. Fortunately we had done so..

The Spectacular Sunrise of Abu Dhabi Airport


                                         The dawn shines over the tall monument in front of airport

I talked about my landing with lights in my last blog-post. Little did I say about my exit from the airport. It so happened that I was busy purchasing local sim card at the airport to activate my cellphone with a local number(Don't forget to do that,the roaming charges will burn your pocket),and just then I saw an orange hue outside.The dawn was slowly shining over a tall monument just outside the airport.I took out my Camera. and there goes Click Click. How beautiful can a sunrise be..Slowly and patiently I got into by bus from Sharjah to Abu Dhabi not knowing what lies ahead.What lies ahead was no less than a wonder. It started with heap of scattered sand on both sides and a broad road on which my bus was treading at its own speed. Moving ahead,moving on. And then came sea on one side and another. Sea?Deep Blue Sea?Sea with a backdrop of sand, sand playing with sea. Every moment Every second, I felt like taking pictures,but the window of my bus had dirty grey lines playing spoilsport. Even then I could manage to take some interesting snap shots.Would you like to see one?

            On the way..I told you the bus had dirty windows,but isn't this a great road to drive along.

Abu Dhabi First Glimpse

The rugged sand with endless sea took a smooth sophisticated way at the Corniche . Corniche is a road that winds along the side of a steep coast.It looked like I would love to walk there forever,or may be have a cuppa of Hot Turkish Coffee in one hand and admire the coastline.Talking of Turkish Coffee,the moment I arrived at Abu Dhabi Airport, I saw a small counter with Tea, Coffee, Turkish Coffee etc as Menu.Happily I gave him AED 10 and to that I had my first sip of the Turkish Coffee. It can be said in one word "Either you would like it,or you would abhor it - There's nothing that comes in between".It has a sharp bitter taste with tinge or flavors of spices.It reminded me of Kahwa in Kashmir to some extent only if it was made on Coffee. I added sugar, bitter isn't my favorite and so the sweetness with bitterness and flavors of spices was just what I wanted.

Sheikh Zayed Mosque : Where Blessings Shower Every Hour



The peace in us is enlightened with a soul connection of true spirits,of blessings,of all things good.I,cherish each moment from the entry to the exit to the grand Mosque where I wore an Abaya for the first time.It is simple,we have changing rooms,they give the Abayas to be worn over your own dress and voila! You are one of them.The sacredness that you feel at that moment,the oneness is no where else to be found.It is as if,we all are one.We all bow down to the same God and hence the blessings are all ours to be together happily shared with one another.I went inside,with a smiling face not knowing how beautiful it was inside.The carpet spread over was a single weave,the natural light shining as if giving a positive Omen.The mosque was a wonder,the water in front of the mosque added to the beauty while the intricate work on its door,its walls and everywhere was spectacular.

What To Wear In Abu Dhabi/Dubai

Respecting the culture,it is essential to wear little conservative clothing but that doesn't mean you have to be dressed in layers of clothing.I didn't find unusual stares in the whole of Abu Dhabi or Dubai or Sharjah;anything below knee is acceptable or an inch or two above too is acceptable.No transparent clothing,No ultra revealing clothes.As long as it is modest,it is acceptable.In Mosque there are dress codes,but you dress yourself for the occasion in the changing rooms.In Desert Safari in Dubai you can wear shorts also.In Malls too,the instructions are written to be dressed appropriately and no PDA:Public Displays of Affection and as long as you wear clothes you are comfortable in and its modest,shouldn't be a problem.As I said,I didn't find unusual stares anywhere.For Old Dubai Gold Souk area,wear clothes which are below knee or preferably full length.

                             Ankionthemove Congrats Dubai for World Expo 2020 Win!


Let me share with you all a secret.I wasn't very excited before going to Dubai,all I knew was "It is Dubai where many people transit from one airport to another" or go for another Desert Safari and fortunately this mindset of mine took a U-turn when my AirArabia flight slowly landed in the glittering lights of night in Sharjah!Never had I imagined in my dreams that Abu Dhabi and Dubai would be so beautiful ,that people are so nice,that conservativeness open arms for the new generation so effortlessly,that 6 lanes aren't always highways and beaches are not always for Maldives or Mauritius but Dubai too.It, what I thought was boring and lackadaisical initially when in India,was indeed a destination worth exploring not just as a transit but may be at-least for 6 days.I plan to go there twice,if given a chance,I think my 5 days visit was way too less now.Isn't that what happens when you fall in love with a place.


 Let me ask you once "Have you been to Abu Dhabi and Dubai and have spend some time there,slowly smoking the Shisha or watching rapidly moving Ferraris.What do you like most?"

         Wearing an abaya,my memories of Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi are priceless

You all must have noticed,that I took a break.Not replying to comments,not even writing a blog post for a week. Abu Dhabi and Dubai was the trip I had planned (rather my friends had planned for me) sans internet sans mobile connectivity.Sometimes,it is essential to take a real break,don't you think so?(And what better place than Dubai?With the nation celebrating its win on World Expo 2020,we witnessed a series of flags,spectacular lighting,and Dubai International Parachuting Championship too.So well,the stories are about to start,but let me tell you this time we don't have a video(I wasn't on work trip :) so I took pictures wherever I felt and not wherever I was supposed to).I was wondering if my blog TRP would go down,but I still have 700+ hits a day,not slowing down to somewhere 100 as I took a break.

                                                                       Dubai, Where the sea is blue...

I willingly was on a vacation,a real vacation with friends.The vacation I was dreaming of..So let me tempt you with the beautiful pictures above and as we go further I help you with visas,where to eat,where to shop,what to wear,and where to enjoy the most.And oh! If you want,you can also add your suggestions which will be put across in the blog post..Let people know how beautiful this place is :).