Hey everyone!
I’m not quite sure what is it about Rajasthan, North India that makes it on every traveller’s itinerary. Is it the natives’ bright colored poshaks (outfits) that contrast beautifully with the Blue Jodhpur or Pink Jaipur? Or is it the gracefully dressed women who have kept the old traditions alive in the 21st century. Or maybe it’s the state’s rich culture that men proudly display and fiercely protect. Or perhaps it’s the majestic forts that have witnessed history and are a testament to Mughal and Rajput architecture. Or could it be the spicy Rajasthani cuisine that has become so popular with travellers. Or is it the state’s love for folk and sufi music that sways people from all over the world. I’m not quite sure but what I am certain about is you can never have enough of Rajasthan. I love to visit Rajasthan specially during the music festivals that the state hosts and this time i had the pleasure to attend a folk/ sufi music festival in Ranthambore.
Ranthambore is mainly famous for the Ranthambore national park, known for its tigers, one of the largest in northern india. It also has many heritage and boutique hotels to indulge and now a music festival in the last week of January which brought me to Ranthambore.
Best time to visit- Weather wise best time will be from October- February end. But if you are photography enthusiast and into wildlife best would be april- june when there is less traffic and the hot weather is more suited to spot the tigers and leopards found in the ranthambore national park.
How to get there- There are frequent trains( day and night) from the capital New Delhi to Sawai Madhopur ( the train station) the train journey is for around 7 hrs, trains also from most of the bigger cities like Bombay, Calcutta,etc. Most hotels are conveniently located at a distance of around 10-20 mins from the train station.
Alternatively you can drive down from New Delhi for about 6 hrs, the roads are good and you have the opportunity to stop in between and explore. By Flight- direct flights to Jaipur the capital city of Rajasthan and then take a taxi to Ranthambore for around 3 hrs.
How to go around- Taxis or renting an open air Jeep that can fit about 7 people or a canter for larger groups fitting around 20.
Where to stay- My first pic will be the Nahargarh palace where i stayed. Nestled in the midst of the Aravalli hills it is about 700 mtrs from the Ranthambore national park, very tastefully decorated with vintage furniture and hand block printed furnishings and walls for the perfect rajputana experience. The rooms are huge, we were 3 of us and there were two double beds, 2 bathrooms and 2 huge sitting areas inside. The traditional and very indian heritagesque decor does make you feel like an indian princess, i sure did and didn’t want to leave! The other high end option is Oberoi and for modest budget Taj vivanta
Our room in Nahargarh palace, feeling like a princess! The room is 4 times what you see in the picture!!!
The dining room in Nahargarh palace.
Where to eat- Food is mostly in the hotels, i wouldn’t be able to suggest eating out. And most hotels have the buffet system so there is a breakfast/ lunch/ dinner buffet of about 20-30 delicacies 70% indian and 30% world cuisine. Room service is limited to only a few snacks and the idea behind the buffet system is to make the environment of a traditional indian home where family members come to the dining area and eat together.
Where to go
Scene at dawn
Ranthambore national park- Wildlife safaris in The Ranthambore national park is the main reason people come to Ranthambore. It was declared as one of the Project Tigers by the Government of India in 1973. A small portion about 1/10 of the forest is open to the public divided into 10 sectors. Sector 1-5 are old no 3 is the most beautiful with the Padam talao lake with water lilies 6-10 are new no 8 where we went is quite topsy turvy.
What you can see- You can spot Tigers and leopards chilling in their natural habitat. Other animals to spot are wild bear, deer, hyena, nilgai, monkeys, etc.
Timings-There are two popular safaris one early morning around 6am and second late afternoon around 3pm. If you only want to do one i would totally recommend the morning one which we also took. There is better chance to see the tigers and in general the forest is more fascinating in the mornings and Its really magical to see the stunning rajput and mughal architecture in the backdrop of the glorious colours of the sky at dawn.
What to wear- Morning is cold so its better to wear warm, wind cheating clothes. You can also take a blanket from your hotel to spread on the seat of the open jeep as they can be a bit damp from the night frost. A cap or beanie is advisable for both morning and afternoon safari.
How to book- You can book your safari online or you can also ask your hotel to book one for you. if going during busy periods from Oct- Feb its better to book in advance.
Your Vehicle- A jeep that can fit upto 7 people or a canter that fits upto 20.
Duration- 2.5 - 3 hrs
The best guavas i have eaten are in Ranthambore.
The Ganesh temple and Ranthambore fort- Set deep into the Ranthambore fort the temple of Lord Ganesha of Hindu religion dates back to 1300 AD. You go through a part of the forest to reach the temple and on the way you can see a few animals like monkeys and crocodiles, peacocks and snakes. There are about 250 stairs to reach the top but the stairs are mostly flat and you will find traditional rajasthani ladies serving water for hydration from the close by well on the way. There are also smaller temples of Lord Shiva and Lord Hanuman around the main temple. Climbing up will be well worth it as you can see heritage architecture and stunning views from the top. I recommend taking a guide from the starting point because he will explain about not just the temple but also the construction of the fort and past wars and traditions. They usually charge about rs. 400 or pound 5. We hadn’t planned to take one and we said no to all who came at the start but as we moved 10 steps to our luck this young student guide came to us, he was cheaper and much smarter and entertainig, he is also the photographer of the first picture.
Music festival- The nahargarh palace where i stayed hosted the first indian folk/ sufi music festival in ranthambore. Our trip was centered around the festival and it was pure joy to listen to soulful music in such beautiful setting. The organizers have decided to make it a yearly event around the last week of January. other than music there were cooking demonstrations, yoga and meditation sessions, hot air balloon experience and stalls selling traditional rajasthani and Indian clothes and accessories.
Our trip was for 3 nights and 3 days, the prime purpose was the music festival and we did the safari and ganesh temple on the last day at leisure, we could have easily squeezed in one more safari if we wanted so 2 days should be good to visit Ranthambore but if you love wildlife and photography can stretch it to ur hearts wish.
Thank you for stopping by! See you in my next one
Love
Chichi
The Ranthambore travel guide
Hey everyone!
I’m not quite sure what is it about Rajasthan, North India that makes it on every traveller’s itinerary. Is it the natives’ bright colored poshaks (outfits) that contrast beautifully with the Blue Jodhpur or Pink Jaipur? Or is it the gracefully dressed women who have kept the old traditions alive in the 21st century. Or maybe it’s the state’s rich culture that men proudly display and fiercely protect. Or perhaps it’s the majestic forts that have witnessed history and are a testament to Mughal and Rajput architecture. Or could it be the spicy Rajasthani cuisine that has become so popular with travellers. Or is it the state’s love for folk and sufi music that sways people from all over the world. I’m not quite sure but what I am certain about is you can never have enough of Rajasthan. I love to visit Rajasthan specially during the music festivals that the state hosts and this time i had the pleasure to attend a folk/ sufi music festival in Ranthambore.
Ranthambore is mainly famous for the Ranthambore national park, known for its tigers, one of the largest in northern india. It also has many heritage and boutique hotels to indulge and now a music festival in the last week of January which brought me to Ranthambore.
Best time to visit- Weather wise best time will be from October- February end. But if you are photography enthusiast and into wildlife best would be april- june when there is less traffic and the hot weather is more suited to spot the tigers and leopards found in the ranthambore national park.
How to get there- There are frequent trains( day and night) from the capital New Delhi to Sawai Madhopur ( the train station) the train journey is for around 7 hrs, trains also from most of the bigger cities like Bombay, Calcutta,etc. Most hotels are conveniently located at a distance of around 10-20 mins from the train station.
Alternatively you can drive down from New Delhi for about 6 hrs, the roads are good and you have the opportunity to stop in between and explore. By Flight- direct flights to Jaipur the capital city of Rajasthan and then take a taxi to Ranthambore for around 3 hrs.
How to go around- Taxis or renting an open air Jeep that can fit about 7 people or a canter for larger groups fitting around 20.
Where to stay- My first pic will be the Nahargarh palace where i stayed. Nestled in the midst of the Aravalli hills it is about 700 mtrs from the Ranthambore national park, very tastefully decorated with vintage furniture and hand block printed furnishings and walls for the perfect rajputana experience. The rooms are huge, we were 3 of us and there were two double beds, 2 bathrooms and 2 huge sitting areas inside. The traditional and very indian heritagesque decor does make you feel like an indian princess, i sure did and didn’t want to leave! The other high end option is Oberoi and for modest budget Taj vivanta
Our room in Nahargarh palace, feeling like a princess! The room is 4 times what you see in the picture!!!
The dining room in Nahargarh palace.
Where to eat- Food is mostly in the hotels, i wouldn’t be able to suggest eating out. And most hotels have the buffet system so there is a breakfast/ lunch/ dinner buffet of about 20-30 delicacies 70% indian and 30% world cuisine. Room service is limited to only a few snacks and the idea behind the buffet system is to make the environment of a traditional indian home where family members come to the dining area and eat together.
Where to go
Scene at dawn
Ranthambore national park- Wildlife safaris in The Ranthambore national park is the main reason people come to Ranthambore. It was declared as one of the Project Tigers by the Government of India in 1973. A small portion about 1/10 of the forest is open to the public divided into 10 sectors. Sector 1-5 are old no 3 is the most beautiful with the Padam talao lake with water lilies 6-10 are new no 8 where we went is quite topsy turvy.
What you can see- You can spot Tigers and leopards chilling in their natural habitat. Other animals to spot are wild bear, deer, hyena, nilgai, monkeys, etc.
Timings-There are two popular safaris one early morning around 6am and second late afternoon around 3pm. If you only want to do one i would totally recommend the morning one which we also took. There is better chance to see the tigers and in general the forest is more fascinating in the mornings and Its really magical to see the stunning rajput and mughal architecture in the backdrop of the glorious colours of the sky at dawn.
What to wear- Morning is cold so its better to wear warm, wind cheating clothes. You can also take a blanket from your hotel to spread on the seat of the open jeep as they can be a bit damp from the night frost. A cap or beanie is advisable for both morning and afternoon safari.
How to book- You can book your safari online or you can also ask your hotel to book one for you. if going during busy periods from Oct- Feb its better to book in advance.
Your Vehicle- A jeep that can fit upto 7 people or a canter that fits upto 20.
Duration- 2.5 - 3 hrs
The best guavas i have eaten are in Ranthambore.
The Ganesh temple and Ranthambore fort- Set deep into the Ranthambore fort the temple of Lord Ganesha of Hindu religion dates back to 1300 AD. You go through a part of the forest to reach the temple and on the way you can see a few animals like monkeys and crocodiles, peacocks and snakes. There are about 250 stairs to reach the top but the stairs are mostly flat and you will find traditional rajasthani ladies serving water for hydration from the close by well on the way. There are also smaller temples of Lord Shiva and Lord Hanuman around the main temple. Climbing up will be well worth it as you can see heritage architecture and stunning views from the top. I recommend taking a guide from the starting point because he will explain about not just the temple but also the construction of the fort and past wars and traditions. They usually charge about rs. 400 or pound 5. We hadn’t planned to take one and we said no to all who came at the start but as we moved 10 steps to our luck this young student guide came to us, he was cheaper and much smarter and entertainig, he is also the photographer of the first picture.
Music festival- The nahargarh palace where i stayed hosted the first indian folk/ sufi music festival in ranthambore. Our trip was centered around the festival and it was pure joy to listen to soulful music in such beautiful setting. The organizers have decided to make it a yearly event around the last week of January. other than music there were cooking demonstrations, yoga and meditation sessions, hot air balloon experience and stalls selling traditional rajasthani and Indian clothes and accessories.
Our trip was for 3 nights and 3 days, the prime purpose was the music festival and we did the safari and ganesh temple on the last day at leisure, we could have easily squeezed in one more safari if we wanted so 2 days should be good to visit Ranthambore but if you love wildlife and photography can stretch it to ur hearts wish.
Thank you for stopping by! See you in my next one
Love
Chichi
Hey everyone!
I, just like most of us can’t believe we are already in February and so close to valentines day!!!! Which means outfit planning! That said, i am not really a fan of days and dates because i believe in celebrating love all year round and not just on a specific date. Infact i do not believe in any days birthdays, anniversaries and that is also the reason you do not see any of those personal posts on the blog.
But Valentines i mostly think of as a prep to spring so i have put together 3 looks that are good for valentines as well as a sort of trend forecast/ outfit inspiration for spring.
1. Occasion- dinner
Pink is literally the colour everyone is wearing specially this soft muted shade and to our surprise it has also become a very chic colour to wear.
Merging florals
2. Occasion- brunch or movies
Ruffles are huge and they are everywhere. I am surely getting this skirt for myself i mean gingham+ ruffles in a pencil skirt style is a fashion masterpiece. Greenery is the pantone colour of the year but if you find it a bit intimidating pieces with greenery details are great!
Skirt- Topshop, knit- Topshop, Earings- Mango, Shoes- Public desire
3. Occasion- Hanging out
Last year was all about shoulders and exaggerated sleeves and this is the year of the bell sleeves.
For denim straight leg styles with raw hems or embroidery or mixed denim.
Mules please get a few, and how comfy we will soon forget to wear heels.
I hope this post was helpful! Do you have a favourite? What are you wearing for valentines day?
Thank you for stopping by! See you in my next one.
Love
Chichi
3 fresh valentines day outfits for every occasion
Hey everyone!
I, just like most of us can’t believe we are already in February and so close to valentines day!!!! Which means outfit planning! That said, i am not really a fan of days and dates because i believe in celebrating love all year round and not just on a specific date. Infact i do not believe in any days birthdays, anniversaries and that is also the reason you do not see any of those personal posts on the blog.
But Valentines i mostly think of as a prep to spring so i have put together 3 looks that are good for valentines as well as a sort of trend forecast/ outfit inspiration for spring.
1. Occasion- dinner
Pink is literally the colour everyone is wearing specially this soft muted shade and to our surprise it has also become a very chic colour to wear.
Merging florals
2. Occasion- brunch or movies
Ruffles are huge and they are everywhere. I am surely getting this skirt for myself i mean gingham+ ruffles in a pencil skirt style is a fashion masterpiece. Greenery is the pantone colour of the year but if you find it a bit intimidating pieces with greenery details are great!
Skirt- Topshop, knit- Topshop, Earings- Mango, Shoes- Public desire
3. Occasion- Hanging out
Last year was all about shoulders and exaggerated sleeves and this is the year of the bell sleeves.
For denim straight leg styles with raw hems or embroidery or mixed denim.
Mules please get a few, and how comfy we will soon forget to wear heels.
I hope this post was helpful! Do you have a favourite? What are you wearing for valentines day?
Thank you for stopping by! See you in my next one.
Love
Chichi
Hey everyone
Matching sets are literally the easiest and the most versatile piece you can have in your closet. Wear as a set or wear the bottom with a different top and vice versa. 3 easy outfits min without using ur brain!!! I think i have said these lines before! LOL!!! Anyways i can’t really stress enough how convenient they are and I strongly suggest getting one for summer and one for winter.
I have worn this check matching shirt and pant set from People Tree atleast five times in the last month pairing with different tops and bottoms and the great part about it is that it is pretty warm keeping me cosy and toasty. In todays outfit i thought of doing subtle print mix with leopard loafers and glittery red socks. Topped off with my leather jacket to add edginess (wardrobe basic) to the relaxed effortless look.
What i wore- matching pant set- people tree, jacket- topshop, shoes- topshop, socks- happy socks
For the last 3 or so months i have been thinking about simplifying life, looking for more meaning, deeper experiences and leading a more conscious functional life. I don’t know if its age or the people in my life with such personalities or so many of my online friends here in the blogging world but yes i see a change in the things and experiences that truly make me happy.
I now seek a more conscious meaningful life and in that direction with great pride and pleasure i present to you, People tree, a brand that is a pioneer in ethical and sustainable fashion. Their mission is to make customers feel good about wearing a product that not only looks great but is also made with respect to the planet and its people. Following the principles of Fair Trade in every aspect of their business here are some of their brand highlights:
- The worlds first clothing company to receive the world fair trade organization fair trade product mark in 2013.
- Believers of slow fashion i.e standing up against pollution, child labour, exploitation an opposite and an alternative to fast fashion which has devastating impact on the planet.
- People Tree developed the first integrated supply chain for organic cotton from farm to final product and the first organisation anywhere to achieve GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) certification on a supply chain entirely in the developing world.
- They source as many products as they can locally, choosing natural and recycled products over synthetic and non-biodegradable materials.
- Majority of the products are hand woven and shipped by sea to minimize global warming.
- Majority of the cotton is certified organic and fair-trade and azo free dyes are used.
- They believe that fair trade and organic does not have to be not fashionable so they have transformed ethical into contemporary, accessible and desirable also collaborating with leading designers to come with unique collections.
Major crush on these loafers they add the perfect effortless chic notes to any outfit! And navy and black yes please!!!
What i wore- matching pant set- people tree, jacket- topshop, shoes- topshop, socks- happy socks
There is a long mile ahead in the direction of becoming and living a conscious lifestyle but i am happy that i have atleast realized!
Would love to know your thoughts on the outfit and matching sets. Do you own them? Also thoughts on conscious lifestyle and sustainable fashion.
Thank you for stopping by! See you in my next!
Love
Chichi
Why matching sets, sustainable fashion
Hey everyone
Matching sets are literally the easiest and the most versatile piece you can have in your closet. Wear as a set or wear the bottom with a different top and vice versa. 3 easy outfits min without using ur brain!!! I think i have said these lines before! LOL!!! Anyways i can’t really stress enough how convenient they are and I strongly suggest getting one for summer and one for winter.
I have worn this check matching shirt and pant set from People Tree atleast five times in the last month pairing with different tops and bottoms and the great part about it is that it is pretty warm keeping me cosy and toasty. In todays outfit i thought of doing subtle print mix with leopard loafers and glittery red socks. Topped off with my leather jacket to add edginess (wardrobe basic) to the relaxed effortless look.
What i wore- matching pant set- people tree, jacket- topshop, shoes- topshop, socks- happy socks
For the last 3 or so months i have been thinking about simplifying life, looking for more meaning, deeper experiences and leading a more conscious functional life. I don’t know if its age or the people in my life with such personalities or so many of my online friends here in the blogging world but yes i see a change in the things and experiences that truly make me happy.
I now seek a more conscious meaningful life and in that direction with great pride and pleasure i present to you, People tree, a brand that is a pioneer in ethical and sustainable fashion. Their mission is to make customers feel good about wearing a product that not only looks great but is also made with respect to the planet and its people. Following the principles of Fair Trade in every aspect of their business here are some of their brand highlights:
- The worlds first clothing company to receive the world fair trade organization fair trade product mark in 2013.
- Believers of slow fashion i.e standing up against pollution, child labour, exploitation an opposite and an alternative to fast fashion which has devastating impact on the planet.
- People Tree developed the first integrated supply chain for organic cotton from farm to final product and the first organisation anywhere to achieve GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) certification on a supply chain entirely in the developing world.
- They source as many products as they can locally, choosing natural and recycled products over synthetic and non-biodegradable materials.
- Majority of the products are hand woven and shipped by sea to minimize global warming.
- Majority of the cotton is certified organic and fair-trade and azo free dyes are used.
- They believe that fair trade and organic does not have to be not fashionable so they have transformed ethical into contemporary, accessible and desirable also collaborating with leading designers to come with unique collections.
Major crush on these loafers they add the perfect effortless chic notes to any outfit! And navy and black yes please!!!
What i wore- matching pant set- people tree, jacket- topshop, shoes- topshop, socks- happy socks
There is a long mile ahead in the direction of becoming and living a conscious lifestyle but i am happy that i have atleast realized!
Would love to know your thoughts on the outfit and matching sets. Do you own them? Also thoughts on conscious lifestyle and sustainable fashion.
Thank you for stopping by! See you in my next!
Love
Chichi
Hey everyone
Leopard is one my favourite prints to wear!! Its almost always in fashion, one pattern or the other. I love that it has an edgy yet classy kinda vibe, totally up my road. Having said that I understand it can be a difficult pattern to rock all out for everyone so here are a few ways you can rock leopard print in a more subtle way:
- Belt- Belting is a great way to enhance your figure and a leopard belt can make quite a statement, so you can wear an all black outfit or all classy pieces and just add an edgy leopard belt to make the outfit fresh and trendy!
- Shoes are another great way to rock the leopard print specially leopard pumps and loafers.
- On the lapels or collar of a jacket/ blazer- If an all out leopard jacket/ blazer is intimidating choose one with the iteration on collars and lapels.
- Leopard scarf/ neckerchief- A pop of print around the neck is a great idea, pair with any solid outfit or even a great way to mix prints.
- Leopard print bag- fold over clutches or a sling bag or even a tote.
- Choose patterns that are more subtle and the colours a bit muted so then you can even go for a full leopard print coat or jacket, ill try finding one and link it below.
To put it short, if you love leopard print but can’t bring yourself to be dressed in it, add it to your outfits in the form of accessories!!!
Thank you for stopping by! See you in my next one.
Love
Chichi
Subtle ways to wear leopard print
Hey everyone
Leopard is one my favourite prints to wear!! Its almost always in fashion, one pattern or the other. I love that it has an edgy yet classy kinda vibe, totally up my road. Having said that I understand it can be a difficult pattern to rock all out for everyone so here are a few ways you can rock leopard print in a more subtle way:
- Belt- Belting is a great way to enhance your figure and a leopard belt can make quite a statement, so you can wear an all black outfit or all classy pieces and just add an edgy leopard belt to make the outfit fresh and trendy!
- Shoes are another great way to rock the leopard print specially leopard pumps and loafers.
- On the lapels or collar of a jacket/ blazer- If an all out leopard jacket/ blazer is intimidating choose one with the iteration on collars and lapels.
- Leopard scarf/ neckerchief- A pop of print around the neck is a great idea, pair with any solid outfit or even a great way to mix prints.
- Leopard print bag- fold over clutches or a sling bag or even a tote.
- Choose patterns that are more subtle and the colours a bit muted so then you can even go for a full leopard print coat or jacket, ill try finding one and link it below.
To put it short, if you love leopard print but can’t bring yourself to be dressed in it, add it to your outfits in the form of accessories!!!
Thank you for stopping by! See you in my next one.
Love
Chichi
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