- Home
- Local Experts
- Pallavi Mandar Jadhav
Local Expert Tips
(28)Traveller Tips
(23)Endorsed Articles
(86)Another beautiful waterfall is the Devkund Waterfall, a top-rated monsoon trek near Mumbai. During that time, close to 10,000 people trek daily, and it is barely standing room at the falls. We were lucky to have trekked in the off-season and were the only people at the falls. An utterly private experience! This 12 km trek took us around 5.5 hours to complete. This clear pool at the bottom of the fall is filled with ice-cold water and relief after hours of walking. This place is considered a holy spot, and even though I am not religious, I can still feel peace. And that is why this place and photo is special.
#LocalExpertTip
This scenic sunset photo was taken at the end of a trek. Tired bodies but happy faces!
#LocalExpertTip
Bangkok has countless night markets and all of these are more than just shops. It is an experience, with installations, balloon artists, and even personalized accessories that can be prepared on the spot. There is even a night market around a decommissioned airplane. Asiatique is one of the most popular night markets with tourists and includes a Ferris wheel, haunted house and countless Insta worthy backdrops. Tourists can easily skip the fancy dinner reservation and head to a night market for authentic Thai food on a budget.
The photo is from a small pop-up night market a couple of years back. It has a ball pit and a balloon artist for kids, and some of the most delicious cakes I have ever tasted.
#LocalExpertTip
CentralWorld is one of the largest malls in Asia and includes a office tower and a hotel that keep it busy no matter what time you visit. Tourists are sure to love the unique installations that the mall regularly displays. If you are in Bangkok during the holiday season you cannot miss its multiple ornate and glittering Xmas trees both indoors and outdoors. The mall is also one of the top places in the city for the New Years countdown.
If you are traveling with children or elderly, try to arrive early so that you can find a space to sit during the festivities. Make sure to buy your return BTS ticket at arrival so you do not have to stand in long queues post midnight.
#LocalExpertTip
If you loved your experience at the Jim Thompson House, you might consider visiting the Jim Thomson Farm outside Bangkok. The only downside is that the farm is only open for a few weeks around New Years. The farm is spread across 240 acres and is decorated with a new theme every year. You can not only purchase pure Thai silk but also watch the silkworms at work. There are countless photo-op spots and several activities for children. It also includes a restaurant where you can grab a bite to eat.
#LocalExpertTip
During your stay at this homestay, you should visit Cafe Shillong, which is only 1 km (0.62 mi) away! This is one of the best places in Shillong to try a variety of thupkas and noodles. The staff are friendly, the service is impeccable, and they are quick to recommend some must-try dishes!
#LocalExpertTip
Nature lovers should definitely visit the Dawki River. This river is one of the cleanest bodies of water you will come across. So clean that locals claim you can drink directly from the river. Take a boat ride to the beach to enjoy a river-chilled drink or dip in the water.
#LocalExpertTip
I am personally a big fan of 'thalis', which is basically unlimited small portions of several veg or non-veg dishes including starters and dessert. If you ever find yourself in Nasik, you have to try the vegetarian thali at Purohit.
#LocalExpertTip
One thing I love more than beaches is secluded beaches. This one is the Korlai Beach in Alibag, only about a 21-minute drive from this hotel. For some reason, it has been empty every time we have visited. There is an old colonial fort on one end that offers the most amazing views of the Arabian Sea. It's also a perfect day trip destination from Navi Mumbai.
#LocalExpertTip
While everyone loves the beaches of Alibag not many know of this Portuguese Era fort overlooking the Arabian Sea. Korlai Fort can be reached via a short trek and offers unbelievable panoramic views.
#LocalExpertTip
The waterfalls in Sikkim are overcrowded, skip them and spend some time exploring the Rabdentse ruins near Pelling in Geyzing, West Sikkim. These offer an insight into the former princely state.
#LocalExpertTip
Sikkim is a mountainous state with countless hairpin bends and narrow bridges connecting remote regions. Rely on the expertise of the drivers for a safe trip in the state. If you think you might experience AMS, take anti-nausea pills before your journey and carry camphor to help with breathing. Allow your body to adjust to the high altitudes and spend a couple of nights at least in each place instead of rushing through Sikkim. This is a high mountain bridge that we crossed as we left Lachung behind and headed towards Lachen.
#LocalExpertTip
Sikkim is dotted with ancient monasteries on hilltops that offer the most spectacular views of the Himalayan state. This property is only a 16-minute drive from Sanga Choeling Monastery, a monastery in Pelling that has a unique glass walkway and is a great place to spend a few hours. Many allow visitors to meditate, and some have guides who can explain the history and significance of the buildings.
#LocalExpertTip
A lot of the high-altitude passes in the northeastern states are under a cover of snow year-round, with snowfall most of the year. Therefore, access to these depends on weather conditions. This is on the way to Nathu-La Pass in Sikkim, which we unfortunately could not visit during our trip due to snow on the roads. Visitors should be slightly flexible with their itineraries when visiting higher altitude areas.
#LocalExpertTip
While people mostly visit Rajhasthan for its magnificent forts, the smaller towns offer the perfect off beat excursion. This is a stepwell in Bundi was a delight to visit. The best part was that there were no tourists. If you are not scared of heights, do visit the temple within the well.
#LocalExpertTip
If you are not scared of heights definitely visit the observation deck at KingPower Mahanakhorn that allows visitors to view the running traffic from the 78th floor glass tray.
#LocalExpertTip
Share your city’s best-kept secrets and join our
Local Expert Programme
This is a great opportunity for locals like you to share insider knowledge and useful tips with travelers from around the world. You can tell our readers about your favorite hidden gems, restaurants, scenic parks, and more, and help others enjoy an unforgettable trip to your city. The best part? When you make a contribution, you can earn and accumulate credits that you can redeem for cash vouchers! For more details, check out this page. If you want to get started, sign up here.