Category: Transforming Travels
Konark Sun Temple: A Complete Guide to Odisha’s Iconic Heritage
The Konark Sun Temple is not just another monument in India. It is a living masterpiece carved in stone, a symbol of time, and a cultural beacon that has stood tall for more than 750 years. This UNESCO World Heritage Site sits in the coastal town of Konark, Odisha. Sailors of the olden days called it the “Black Pagoda” because they used its darkened silhouette as a navigational landmark. The temple was built in the 13th century. It is a grand chariot dedicated to Surya, the Sun God. Its architectural brilliance continues to draw historians, travellers, artists, and pilgrims from ... Read more
Georgian Cuisine for Vegetarians: Best 23 Dishes to try
If food could tell stories, Georgian cuisine would be a library of tales written in flavours. Picture yourself at a supra, which is a traditional Georgian feast. The table is overflowing with colourful salads, golden breads, sizzling stews, and desserts that taste like the countryside’s harvest. Every dish reflects centuries of history, a love for fresh produce, and the legendary warmth of Georgian hospitality. Georgia, often called the cradle of wine, is also a paradise for vegetarians. From walnut-rich starters to cheesy breads and hearty stews, Georgian vegetarian cuisine blends tradition with bold flavours. From bustling markets to traditional supra tables, ... Read more
Jagannath Puri Temple: Key Things to Know Before Your First Visit
The Jagannath Temple in Puri, Odisha, is not just a place of worship. It is an experience that blends spirituality, history, culture, and architectural brilliance. Standing tall since the 12th century, this sacred shrine of Lord Jagannath, along with his siblings Balabhadra and Subhadra, attracts millions each year. It is also one of the four Char Dham pilgrimage sites, along with Badrinath in Uttarakhand, Dwarka in Gujarat, and Rameswaram in Tamil Nadu, making it a once-in-a-lifetime pilgrimage for Hindus. But beyond its spiritual significance, the temple is wrapped in fascinating traditions, unique rituals, and mysteries that intrigue even the most casual visitor. ... Read more
10 Questions to Ask before Booking a Group Tour
At Transforming Travels, every journey should feel like it was made just for you, and every trip should give you co-travellers who make you feel as if you have met your long-lost friends. Whether you’re exploring remote valleys, buzzing cities or serene beaches, your travel experience should align with your expectations. While our website already has detailed sections covering inclusions, exclusions, cancellation policies, refund processes, FAQs, packing lists and terms & conditions, we still encourage you to ask us these questions directly if you still feel that you are missing clarity. Why? Because personal conversations leave no room for confusion ... Read more
What Is Group Travel and Why Is It So Popular Now?
Group travel is gaining popularity as it combines adventure, safety, and shared experiences. Discover why more travellers are choosing group trips over solo or couple getaways.
Chandratal Lake: Guide to the magnificient lake of Spiti Valley
Chandratal Lake – the most awaited part of any trip to Spiti Valley. How our group members always wait desperately to spend the last night of the Spiti Valley trip is unexplainable in words. In our latest Spiti Valley trip, during that 100 km drive from Kaza to Chandratal, every single soul was so excited to finally witness the magnificent Chandra Taal. After a long journey on dusty roads, we arrived at our campsite. The staff gave us a warm welcome along with some hot tea & pakodas in that cold weather. Post that, we were shown our super comfy ... Read more
Single use plastic bottle – Why I stopped buying it?
What is single use plastic? Single use plastic is meant for one-time use i.e. use and throw. For example, water bottles, straws, plastic cups, milk packets, biscuit wrappers, and many other food wrappers, etc. Single use plastic bottle – how many of you still buy it? I have been thinking that people who carry their water bottles instead of buying single use plastic bottle are a minority, but I got surprised by the response when I polled the same in our community “Women Tours in India“. Almost 77% voted for “carry their own bottle” while the remaining 23% voted for ... Read more
Chota Ladakh: Worth visiting or not?
“Chota Ladakh,” said the caption of a Facebook post boasting some stunning photos. Believing it to be some spelling error, I ignored it and continued scrolling through my news feed. A few days later, I desperately wanted to get out of Bangalore for a day trip. Most of the places were either closed due to covid-19 or seemed far for a day trip. As luck would have it, another post, with another set of beautiful pictures with the same caption, captured my attention. I realized that there was actually a place near Bangalore named Chota Ladakh. It was just an ... Read more
Responsible Tourism – Practices for traveling responsibly
What is Responsible Traveling? As the name suggests, responsible traveling or responsible tourism means that the travelers and destination makers are responsible towards their way of traveling/operating so that only good can be left through tourism. In last few decades, tourism has overloaded the destinations with irresponsible practices resulting in spoiling the environment, culture, and local economies. Internet is full of cases where naturally and historically important places have changed drastically and almost damaged by visitors. The joy of canoe rides in Alleppey backwaters is reducing by the unwanted companionship of plastic bottles floating in the water. There are so ... Read more
Weekend Retreat to a Himalayan Village – Alchauna
Alchauna, near Bhimtal is a tiny hamlet along the banks of Kalsa River in Uttarakhand. I went there with a group of 18 soul-inspiring women from all walks of life to celebrate Women`s Day Weekend. The trip was meticulously organized by Chandni Aggarwal from Transforming Travels, a travel based company that specializes in trips to the Indian hinterlands. I love to travel solo, as it’s less of a nuisance. This was the first time when I traveled with such a big group and that too, an all-women group. I was reluctant to go at first but talking to Chandni helped ... Read more