Category: travel

Review: country inn and suites by Radisson, Mysore.

by Umm Afaf's blog, posted in travel

Hello everybody.
I hope you’re doing well.


Travelling makes the soul happy.
The above quote perfectly fits my case. I’ve forever loved traveling, for me more than the destination the journey is an important factor. Plus if the mobile network starts fluctuating it’s a cherry on top of the cake.
I share a lot over my Instagram page, if you are not following me there yet you should,
https://www.instagram.com/aashiqaraweez/

I’ve been traveling to Mysore quite often in the past years, I’ve happened to stay at the country inn and suits few times and each time I posted about my stay, I’ve always got requests from my followers to write an overall experience of the stay. I am not even exaggerating here, but few of them followed up on when the blog post will be up. I never had plans to write about the experience at the country inn and suits, but I dint wanted to turn them down. So here it is.

The country inn and suites by Radisson Mysore is one of the top-notch hotels around the city. The ambiance, the rooms, the staff, and the food will surely make your stay a comforting and pleasant one.
What’s the most important thing about traveling?
The beautiful nature and the scenic view of the city right? Umm 🤔 partially right.
For me, the most important thing about traveling is a good scenic view and a great stay.
Today it is very common that we rely on google reviews and we book our rooms. I had a terrible experience when I trusted the google reviews 😒.
So without a further delay lets dive into my personal experience.

As soon as you enter, the lobby is huge and recliners all over because they know exactly how tired you are after the journey.
They welcome you with big smiles and a welcome drink.
There is no such delay or waiting when it comes to allotting the room that you’ve booked for.
The rooms are very neatly arranged and all the essentials are provided.
I love their ambiance of the rooms, cozy and spacious.
Amenities include all the basic requirements.
The bathroom includes a shower cubical and the loo which is kept clean.
The hotel is on the outskirts of Mysore thus ensuring not much of the hustle-bustle of the city.
The whole property is surrounded by greenery so expect a lot of fresh air around.
The property has a swimming pool, a gym, a little play area for the little ones, a spa, a business centre, on site restaurants and a few stalls which exhibits the main handicrafts of the city.
The staff is extremely friendly, courteous and helpful.
The breakfast had a huge spread, everything delicious no doubt.

To sum it up I did have a fabulous stay at the country inn and suites by Radisson. Mysore is a beautiful city with a lot of tourist attractions, but post the sightseeing we all prefer a pleasant stay right? so don’t risk your stay whenever you travel.
There are a lot of other stay options in and around Mysore, I prefer staying at the country inn and suites Mysore, because of the good stay experience in the past and a bunch of good memories.

**I’ve reviewed the property candid and honest**

All other details about the property, price details and the availability,

Contact here 👇
The country inn and suites by Radisson.
345/a hebbal area
Near Infosys campus.
Mysore
KA 570016
Ph. +91 8216642000

https://www.countryinns.com/mysore/

That’s it for now guys.
Until we meet again,
Stick around.

the memorable trip.

by Umm Afaf's blog, posted in life, travel

Hello everyone.

I hope you’re doing well.

“Family is not an important thing, it is everything”.

A little throwback trip is on my desk to pen down today and I really hope you enjoy reading it.

I am the excited kid on the candy store when there is planning on a trip. This was a family staycations at 2 cities. This trip was with my in-laws and I wonder why they can’t be called a family instead.

The trip was just after Eid and the level of excitement for Eid was doubled. I’ve always loved big fat family for everything from the throwback childhood stories, the food sharing, the laughs and giggles ensuring a great time.

This was our first official trip together as a family and everyone was really looking forward to a refreshing trip. We decided the destination to be a hill station and the first place that shows up on Google is the one and only OOTY.

One major thing that we terribly missed is traveling together in one huge vehicle instead we were split into 3 different cars. We did not have any plans for sightseeing because our sole intention was to have great family time with a great looking Ooty view. We had decided to homestay this time to get the utmost privacy.

We were extremely tired because as we entered the city of Ooty the crowd and the traffic were on the next level. It’s a 7 hrs drive from Bangalore so imagine the tiredness. Plus we were desperate to just reach the destination and doze off for a while.

As we reached the destination the first turn off of this trip, presenting the not so well maintained HOMESTAY. Sometimes I really wish I don’t rely on Google because dearest Google had some awesome reviews of the property and also a 4.8-star rating! The property didn’t have a great view, maintenance was poor but it was a huge house.

Imagine the level of disappointment. It took all of us a while to gulp that in. but having a great company made us feel better. We started joking about the expectation-reality factor and laughed hard. Sooner I realized that disappointment of the stay was overtaken by the loud laughs and jokes in the weighing scale. We decided upon sightseeing to get the feel and vibe of the city.

We were residing near the famous botanical garden so we walked off to see the place. Presenting the second turn off of this trip THE CROWD. I cannot even begin to explain how overcrowded it was that day. We reached late, the gates of the botanical garden were closed and the crowd outside was head to head crowd.

We realized this much later the reason for over crowd was because one it was a long weekend, two it was just after Eid and three the small city. We didn’t have a great experience with the food either. The food was pathetic, I really don’t know if I should blame the restaurant or the crowd.

The third, the final, the most tiring turn off of this trip THE TERRIFIC TRAFFIC. Ooty is such a small city and the roads were designed according to the population there. Now when the crowd is numerous visualize the traffic. It was bumper to bumper and slow moving traffic. We were stuck in the same place for hours. We could literally see the traffic from the top of the hillside to all the way down since most of the roads in Ooty are spiral. The traffic seemed endless. It took one hour to cover a 15 min drive. As we were exiting the city in every tourist spot there was a huge queue of vehicles.

We were really hoping to have a great stay at least at our second destination because we have had enough of it and we did have a great time at the destination 2 Alhamdulillah!

This trip is one of the most memorable trips for me not because of the turn offs but because of the company. If we hadn’t had a great company throughout, we would definitely have had a nightmare at the end of this trip. Even with all the turn offs we did enjoy and always looked for the positive sides of this trip.

It’s always important to be with likeminded people. The positive vibes are the most essentials in life and to be around with people with positive minds and vibes is a blessing in itself. When someone felt low there was another cheering up and that’s how we sailed through this trip.

The main motive for me to write about this trip is

We can’t really access/control on what/how the trip is going to be, but the fact how you are going to accept the reality is LIFE.

Accepting reality with a positive mind is wise and a great insight into life.

Choose to be happy over anything else.

That’s it for now guys.

Until we meet again,

Stick around.

Review: club Mahindra derby green, ooty.

by Umm Afaf's blog, posted in Review, travel

Hello everybody.

Hope you’re doing well.

It’s said in a quote that vacation are the best days of all. Sometimes when you feel depressed, worried about your daily routine and stressed days it’s your body asking you to take a break. When you go for vacation you come back with more energy and more enthusiasm, thus enjoying your work. What better than a prestigious stay in a hill station.

Recently we visited ooty and chose to stay at club Mahindra derby green. Club Mahindra needs no introduction, since it was my first experience here I thought I would give you guys the first impression of the property.

Started in 1996, the company’s flagship brand “club Mahindra holidays”, today has a fast growing customer base of over 235000 members and 50+ resorts at some of the most exotic locations in India and abroad.

This property is one of the oldest yet well maintained. The property is spread across 5 and half acres. I was pleased to see the city view and race course view from our room. It has almost 89 rooms. Since it’s an old property the structure of the room is little different from the usual ones. The room has amenities like tea/coffee maker, a microwave and other modern amenities. There is seating area for every room so that no one misses out on view outside.

The most favorite part of this property is that it is surrounded by greenery. The different flowers which has different colors will automatically bloom your days. It feels refreshing to be around the beautiful garden and sip on some hot tea. The birds chirping here is much better than the Bangalore hustle bustle. From the time you enter the gate of derby green till you exit, the property will make sure you’ll find greenery all around. At every nook and corner here will make you fall in love with the property. There are relaxing chairs and benches all over the property if at all you get bored with the same view from your room.

The hospitality here is cherry on top of the cake. Every staff working here will make certain that you’re having a great stay. The smiles are so warmth enough to make your day. From the security at the entrance gate to room service person everyone here is so kind and sweet. If there’s any kind of entertainment and fun happening around, they’ll call up individually and ask if interested. To every concern of ours they’ll find a solution.

We stayed here for 2 days so we had 2 complimentary breakfast and 1 buffet lunch here. The complimentary breakfast here had some delicious spread that one cannot resist eating. It included toast, pastries, fruits, juices, cereals, beverages, eggs etc. There is a live counter where you could ask for south Indian style hot dosas. The lunch buffet too had a vast spread. But as I was expecting biriyani for lunch I was little disappointed. There was obviously a tasty spread from north Indian to south. The food here had authentic taste of local food and we all know about the hygiene maintained here.

Overall my experience about my stay here at club Mahindra is forever locked in my memory book. Ooty is in itself a great place to visit especially from Bangalore as it the only nearest hill station. In addition if opted for a club Mahindra stay I am sure anyone’s trip is going to be fruitful and awesome.

Rating: 5/5

Value for money: 8/10.

That’s it for now guys

Until we meet again,

Stick around.

a lady driver!

by Umm Afaf's blog, posted in travel

Hello everyone.

Hope you had an amazing weekend.

This is an unexpected topic that’s come up here.

I recently started driving and there were few strange things that happened. I thought it would be great to share here and safeguard this in my memory book.

Driving was never on my list until my husband pushed me in it. The main reason I never wanted to drive is that, we woman multi task. even if we are doing a lot of work our mind run from topics to topics. driving is something where you should focus only on driving and I believed that a multi task woman like me will ultimately fail. So I thought it’s never my cup of tea.

But am glad I stepped out of my comfort zone to learn something that eventually makes a person independent.

I took a 15 days driving classes at my native and got adjusted to driving very quickly. It was all good until I had my teacher next to me and a big placard which had a red colored L board in it. But as soon as I started driving a normal car it was all different. One thing that’s common when you initially drive is that you will constantly hear honking even if you’re driving good or normal. It seems every vehicle wants to overtake your vehicle and driving feels as if it’s just giving others the way.

I never tried to drive faster only for the reason that I had to change gears and slowing down was forever tricky. Not changing gears felt that I am dragging the car with all of the power and the car dint wanted to come ;). Stopping a car was my favorite and I did it very well Alhamdulillah.

I kind of got confident in driving and I thought I am an expert already. Little did I knew what was coming my way? Bangalore traffic!

Pity to the person who thought driving was easy. Anyone who thinks driving is easy please visit Bangalore and meet the traffic. is it just clutch and brake? there is more to it.!

TBH, I appreciate every person who can drive on Bangalore traffic. Like there are vehicles coming from all sides and every person who is driving will make sure they honk so that everyone knows their car is coming. I first thought all the motor bikers do not know to ride properly. Then I felt the auto rickshaws that came in any direction destroying lane should be banned. Then I started hating the cabs, like the cabs never ever driven properly. But gradually understood that I am a new driver and it took me a while to understand that every person has some destination and they do not care about your destination.

Another thing that freaked me out is that every time there is a vehicle behind my car and they obviously start honking if I am going slowly or they want to go ahead of me. As soon as I give them the way every person who is overtaking my car will make sure that he catches a glimpse on who is driving. And when the person sees me driving it’s like there is a satisfaction on their face that their mind has won because they’ve already guessed that it’s a lady driver.

I’ve slowly got a hold of it. It feels really good that I know to drive. It’s felt tricky at the beginning but gradually I feel good at it. I still get a tiny heart attack when I see a huge vehicle coming my way. I’ve heard all kind of continuous honks when my car stopped in the middle of the road. I am still scared of overtaking a vehicle. I’ve seen frustration on people’s faces.

But what is important is the constant encouragement I get and a little push when I back out.

That’s my driving story!

What’s yours?

I would love to know!

I know there are a lot of driving related words here and I am sure every person who knows driving already, relate to this.

That’s it for now guys.

Until we meet again,

Stick around.

Traveling with toddlers.

by Umm Afaf's blog, posted in parenting, travel

Hello everybody.

Hope you’re doing good.

IMG_8190Traveling and exploring different cities is something that I would always look up to.

Be it be summer, winter or autumn. Traveling to a different city, eating their traditional food and taking a little break from the routine is never a bad idea.

I’ve always loved traveling whether it’s with friends or with family or as a couple. But as a parent it’s quite different from the usual trip. To be specific its always an adventurous trip. I feel traveling with a smaller baby is way much better than with toddlers.

Its unpredictable on toddlers mood. A happy faced toddler may look very excited before the journey begins but could be in worst scenario once the vehicle moves for about 10 kilometers or so.

Usually kids do not enjoy the ride or drive and thus gets fussy.

So here are the few tips that is tried and tested before you begin the adventurous ride:

1. travel during night/nap time.

It’s very important to plan ahead when you’re traveling with babies or kids. It’s always better to take a late night flight/train. Kids usually get tired during the day and end up sleeping.

A very important note here is never jumble with their routine. I used to skip her afternoon nap so that she sleeps early in the train/bus. When she skips her afternoon nap she gets cranky at the end of the day, feeling sleepy and tired, sleeps at the odd times ultimately ruining the sleep schedule.

Never pressurize the kid or their schedule. It’s the parent who need to take extra care.

2.carrying snacks, lots!

Its better to carry a lot of snacks when you’re traveling with toddlers. Taking different kind of snacks and drinks are more attractive to a toddler. Its savior when a kid gets cranky and irritated. One of the easiest way to stop them crying. Taking their favorite food/snack will also serve the purpose very well.

An important reminder here never show them every snacks that you’re carrying because they’ll end up having all of them at once.

b3dafa83-668b-4612-9330-daa81cabf54a-1.jpg

3.carrying activities/books.

One of the reason a toddler gets cranky is because they get bored during travel. So one of the easiest way is to make them busy. If your toddler read books then it’s sorted. Or else you could try coloring, carrying crayons, sketch pens, coloring books, few activities.

Activities like telling the colors that they see, things that they see around, spotting animals, singing rhymes, guessing game etc.

4.favorite toy/blanket/soft toy.

Carrying any of their all time favorite toy will make them feel home like. Each kid has one such thing that’s their absolute favorite. So its better to take it when traveling. they’ll end up playing with it thus killing some time.

5.comfortable dressing.

It’s an important factor to dress up comfortably when traveling. It’s basic rule that applies to all be it be babies, kids or elders. Kids are very specific about their clothing. They always prefer a good material and good quality dress. babies/toddlers get cranky very easily even if it’s a tiny cloth tag that is attached to their top or trousers. So Make sure dress up your little one comfortably.

IMG_57286.always favorable to kids.

Traveling is always planned ahead. Dates, tickets, hotel check in etc. are planned way too early. But sometimes there arises a situation where kid falls sick and we get into a confusion. Traveling with a sick baby is itself an untold story. The crankiness are on top-level when traveling with the sick baby.

Its better to reschedule the trip. Or it’ll ruin the whole fun-filled trip.

7.keeping them engaged.

Talking to them is another way of keeping them busy. Especially toddlers love talking.

I know they’ll end up asking 100 more questions than usual. The questions are repetitive that is the most annoying part. That happens with me too and I try to ask them questions and try to answer few of theirs.

Another tip I would suggest is to excite them about the destination. Tel them about the plans, the food and about the stay. If you’re visiting zoo, parks, water parks, themed parks basically which are kids friendly then talk a lot about it and intensify the topic.

IMG_56118.take breaks.

If the travel time is very long, take breaks. If you’re traveling on road you could easily stop and take a tea break or even for some stretching;)

trains/flights it becomes lil difficult. But never say NO to taking break. Walk on aisle, go to washroom or shift seats so that kids don’t get tired sitting in the same position.

9.tissues, wet wipes, hand sanitizer.

One will never have enough tissues and wet wipes during travel particularly if a toddler is accompanying. Also there are chances of lot of germs and bacteria when traveling on public transport.

So it’s always better to take care of our cleanliness.

Always carry spare clothes because it may get dirty at any hour and digging into the heavy luggage bags will obviously waste a lot of time.

10.be a cool parent.

Sometimes even all of the above things are taken care there are times when our babies get super cranky. We get tensed about other passengers who are on board with us. But babies are unpredictable. They may be super tired or sleepy or not in a good mood. Getting angry on them is a waste of money. they’ll end up crying more. Instead you could be more sweeter and have a lot of patience.

And about the other passengers I am sure everyone has gone through the same situation or everyone will go through the same situation in the future. So keep calm and have a fun filed travel;)

I hope the travel tips are useful for your next travel.

That’s it for now

until we meet again

stick around.

the shatbdi rail experience from Bangalore to Chennai.

by Umm Afaf's blog, posted in travel

Hello everybody.

Hope you’re doing well.

Traveling is something that excites every human being.

I am one such being who gets excited to the level that I research the city as if I am going to invade it. I always double-check the route, the stay, the travel before I plan a trip.

We recently visited Chennai and I was excited for my first travel experience with

shatabdi express Bangalore to Chennai.

It’s one of the fastest and comes under luxury category of trains.

Train experience.

*leaves sharp at time,

hence never expect a delay.

*once you get settled you realize that the seats are very comfortable and enough leg room to relax throughout the journey.

* the train staff give you a bottle of water with the latest newspaper.

*as u browse through the newspaper, you’ll get your preferred tea/coffee with a pack of digestive biscuits and a wet tissue to refresh yourself.

The best part of executive coach is that they serve you your preferred hot drink in cutlery and not in the paper glass which is an amazing part on your train journey.

*after a while, the perfect breakfast is served.

Breakfast saga.

A tray comes in which has 2 slices of bread packed, a sachet of salt and pepper, a sachet of ketchup and a tiny pack of butter.

Then comes in a hot cup of milk and a pack of corn flakes.

We had opted for non-veg.

So, we were served hot egg omelet.

Tea/coffee/green tea to end up the perfect breakfast.

the service and clean up after breakfast is real quick.

the staff is very friendly.

the food option is healthy too.

all the food is sealed, and the hygiene is maintained.

*the seats can be adjusted thus making a relaxed trip.

*the aisle of the executive coach is far better than the usual rush encounter. There can be easy movement without bumping into someone.

*there is a wide row above the seats for the luggage.

The toughened glass completes the look for the luggage aisle and makes the luggage compartment look classy.

*the toilets are clean, and hygiene is maintained.

*there are only 2 stops excluding the arrival and departure stations.

*the train reaches sharp at the time promised

*the armrest and footrest surely make comfortable seat.

There is reading light for every seat.

*the fare for the executive chair car comes approximately around Rs.1500/-

The only drawback I felt is about the pricing. I think the service can be improved for the fare.

I also think cornflakes can be served with cold milk.

Overall its a best experience compared to the usual train rides.

If you’re visiting Chennai, go see the rail museum and spend an hour or two.

You’ll definitely enjoy knowing more about the train history, train development in India and a lot more information on Indian railways.

That’s it for now guys,

see you soon.

Until we meet again,

sick around.