Destinations Archives | The Good Life With IQ

Seven off-beat Rajasthan experiences

If you’re the type that loves heritage and culture but doesn’t want to do the usual touristy stuff, then try these seven off-beat Rajasthan experiences.

Udaipur: Our last stop after two weeks on the road in Rajasthan

Two weeks of riding through southern Rajasthan ended in Udaipur. With its lakes, palaces, and art around every corner, this city may well deserve its reputation as ‘the most romantic city in India’.

Things to do on the weekend in Hyderabad: The inner citadel of Golconda Fort

The inner citadel of Golconda Fort is arguably Hyderabad’s most popular sight, with its panoramic views and palace ruins. And even if you’ve seen it before, there’s always something new to discover.

Photo diary: Snow-capped mountains and Tibetan art in Dharamshala

We’d heard a lot about Dharamshala over the years; about its views, its food and its Tibetan-Buddhist-influenced atmosphere. Here’s the story, in pictures, of when we finally managed to visit.

Chittorgarh Fort: ancient, massive and imposing

The huge hill-top Chittorgarh Fort was the Mewar region’s defence against invaders for 800 years. The third stop on our motorcycle tour took us up the hill, and into the last surviving settlement within the walls.

Our Kenya safari: Up close with Africa’s incredible wildlife

We had always wanted to see the amazing wildlife of Africa up close. And our Kenya safari in Amboseli, Lake Nakuru and Masai Mara finally let us fulfil that wish. Despite the maddening amount of driving involved.

Bundi, a town lost in time

Bundi is a small town lost in time, peppered with crumbling mansions and temples, and with the old Garh Palace looming over everything. We were glad we took a friend’s advice and made this the second stop on our motorcycle tour!

The first stop on our motorcycle tour: A Ranthambhore safari experience

The first stop on our two-week motorcycle tour was Sawai Madhopur, where we had planned our first-ever Ranthambhore safari. We wanted to catch a glimpse of Ranthambhore National Park’s famous tigers, and—after a few hiccups—we did!

Hyderabad itineraries, and things to do in the city

Hyderabad’s 400-year history means the city has lots to see and do, not to speak of its rich and varied cuisine. This downloadable infographic will give you some easy-to-reference Hyderabad itineraries and things to do.

Jaipur: Our motorcycle tour kicks off

When we planned our two-week Rajasthan motorcycle tour, we made sure to be in Jaipur around Diwali time. The city is famous for its decorations during the ‘festival of lights’, and we weren’t disappointed.

Video diary: Southern Rajasthan on two wheels

Our motorcycle tour through southern Rajasthan covered Jaipur, Ranthambhore, Bundi, Chittorgarh and Udaipur. Here’s a quick video with the highlights.

Rajasthan on two wheels: Glimpses of Chittorgarh and Udaipur

During the second half of our two-week motorcycle tour through east and south Rajasthan, we explored the massive Chittorgarh Fort and the romantic ‘Lake City’ of Udaipur. Here are a few glimpses of what we saw.

Rajasthan on two wheels: Glimpses of Jaipur, Ranthambhore and Bundi

Touring through east and south Rajasthan on our motorcycle gave us a unique perspective and a greater appreciation of the things we experienced. Here are some glimpses of our experiences in Jaipur, Ranthambhore and Bundi.

IQ’s veg review: Tatva, Hyderabad’s best-kept vegetarian secret?

Tatva may just be Hyderabad’s best kept secret, as far as vegetarian restaurants go. With excellent Italian, continental and north Indian cuisine, this is a place foodies should try at least once.

An adrenaline rush on the White Nile in Jinja

They say the rapids on the White Nile in Jinja give the river its name. And rafting them is an adrenaline rush like no other.

A rejuvenating break in Malindi, on the coast of Kenya

If you think Kenya is just about wildlife, think again. With beautiful beaches, coral reefs, unique heritage and European influence, Malindi is a great place for a break from hectic safari-ing.

12 places with heritage sites that left us spellbound

Every place has some kind of history, with the past of some being longer and more complicated than that of others. But history leaves its mark in the heritage and architecture it leaves behind. And here are places with heritage sites that we found particularly fascinating.

Things to do on the weekend in Hyderabad: The outer ramparts of Golconda Fort

The central citadel of Golconda Fort is one of the most popular tourist spots in Hyderabad. But most visitors don’t realize that there are some magnificent sights among the outer fortifications, too.

The Pet Cafe: Hyderabad’s new pawty hotspot

Whether you’re looking to pamper your pet, exchange notes with other pet parents or just hang out with pet people over good eats, The Pet Cafe is for you.

Things to do on the weekend in Hyderabad: The chaotic but interesting Salar Jung Museum

The Salar Jung museum may seem a little disappointing at first. But look closer, and you’re sure to spot something spectacular in India’s largest museum.

Insta-featured on Lonely Planet’s website!

When I decided to take part in Lonely Planet’s ‘Epic Hikes’ Instagram campaign, I had no idea my post would end up on their website!

Video diary: The best of our memories of Africa

Riding over river rapids. Trekking through Martian landscapes. Swimming over surreal coral reefs. And, of course, admiring the breathtaking wildlife. This short video has best of our memories of Africa.

A hidden gem in Kampala: Kardamom & Koffee

If you’re in Kampala and looking to take it easy for a few hours, head over to the cozy Kardamom & Koffee for some delicious, fresh-made eats and brilliant conversation. And maybe even pick up a few things to brighten up your home on the way out.

This is what it’s like to visit the Charminar early in the morning

Nothing says Hyderabad like the Charminar. The 400 year-old monument and mosque was built when Hyderabad was founded, and is still the symbol of the city today. And though it’s impressive at any time of day, we decided to try and avoid the crowds and the summer heat by going at 7:00 AM in the morning.

Video guide: How to start planning your Lakshadweep holiday

If you’ve always wanted to visit the Lakshadweep islands but don’t know how to plan your trip, this short video guide will get you started.

My 50th blog post, and a roundup of my top 10 posts so far

It’s been a little more than year since I started this travel blog, and it’s been tough but fun! Though I’ve enjoyed writing everything I’ve published, here are the top 10 posts I’ve enjoyed writing the most.

Things to do on the weekend in Hyderabad: The vast Qutb Shahi necropolis

The necropolis of the Qutb Shahi kings—also called the Qutb Shahi tombs—is over 400 years old, and still shows you something new with every visit.

4 more unexpectedly great restaurants for vegetarians in Hyderabad

Here are four more restaurants in Hyderabad—besides the six I’ve already recommended—that you can eat at as a vegetarian and still get served great food (even if they’re recommended by a non-veg friend).

Hyderabad to Masai Mara: How to plan a Kenya safari from India

If you’ve always dreamed of visiting the endless African savanna to watch lions, elephants, cheetah and wildebeest go about their business, then here’s how to plan a Kenya safari from India, or anywhere else.Read more…

IQ’s veg review: Olive Bistro

Nice craft beer, a great view, and surprisingly good vegetarian food make Olive Bistro in Hyderabad’s Jubilee Hills a great place to eat, drink and make merry.

Things to do on the weekend in Hyderabad: 6 great day-trips around the city

These six great weekend destinations have heritage, modern marvels and natural splendour on offer. And they’re all within a few hours’ drive of the city.

6 unexpectedly great restaurants for vegetarians in Hyderabad

If you’re a vegetarian in Hyderabad and running out of places to eat, these six restaurants serve excellent vegetarian food, despite being better known for their non-veg.

Things to do on the weekend in Hyderabad: The ancient rocks of Fakhruddingutta

If you’re in Hyderabad and don’t know what to do with yourself over the weekend, here’s an idea. Spend an hour or two exploring the surreal expanse of rocks at Fakhruddingutta.

The forgotten Paigah necropolis is a must-see in Hyderabad

Go back in time to Hyderabad’s past with a visit to the Paigah Tomb complex, the last resting place of five generations of the foremost noble family of Hyderabad.

Eight great things to experience while visiting Bhutan

An awe-inspiring cliff-side monastery, blazingly fiery local food, incredible mountain views, and more in the remote but proud Himalayan country of Bhutan.

Eight things we learned in Ladakh, the highest desert in the world

From Martian landscapes, endless roads, and deep blue lakes to extreme temperatures, deceptive distances and strict schedules, you experience some interesting things in Ladakh!

Magical sights of Hampi that you may not even know exist

An ancient stone pathway leading through caves and streams. Monkeys sheltering from the rain on a crumbling temple gate. A sage meditating next to a stone companion. And palace ruins dissolving into darkness. These are just some of the magical sights that Hampi has to offer.