20-03-2023
Women Group
For long western travellers have defined what is exotic…and now as we…the Indian travellers take over a large slice of this lucrative industry….we decide what is exotic too. And in my opinion, Cambodia is the best mix of exotic and a warmish feeling of home mixed together.
From the moment I arrived, I was struck by the warmth and friendliness of the locals. Everyone I met was eager to help me navigate the city and make the most of my stay. I checked into a lovely hotel in the city centre, which served as a comfortable and convenient base for my adventures. I went to a small boutique hotel (I always choose them over luxury or cheaper chain hotels) called Tea House, which is described as a small, urban boutique hotel designed in an attractive retro Chinese-inspired style, and found in a central location near the Independence Monument.
After dumping our stuff my friend and I booked motorcycle taxi (one for each) and headed to visit the Royal Palace. The palace is a stunning example of Khmer architecture, with intricate carvings and beautiful gardens that provide a peaceful oasis in the heart of the city. I was amazed by the palace's grandeur and the wealth of history contained within its walls. But even more amazing was our chance encounter with a young Buddhist monk who was also visiting the palace. We struck a conversation with him and ended up spending almost an hour soaking up his ‘Gyan’ on Cambodia and their style of Buddhism.
Afterwards we explored the palace which is set within beautifully landscaped grounds, which include stunning gardens and ornamental trees. Visitors are greeted by a stunning entryway that leads to a central courtyard. The courtyard is surrounded by several buildings, each of which is adorned with intricate carvings and statues. One of the most impressive buildings within the palace complex is the Throne Hall. It's a massive structure that's topped with a gilded roof and features ornate decorations throughout. The Throne Hall is used for ceremonial events, such as coronations and royal weddings.
Another notable building within the palace complex is the Silver Pagoda. It's named after its gleaming silver floor, which is made up of more than 5,000 silver tiles. The Silver Pagoda houses an impressive collection of Buddha statues, gold and silver artifacts, and other precious objects. Other buildings within the palace complex include the Khemarin Palace, which is the private residence of the king, and the Chanchhaya Pavilion, which is used for state and ceremonial events.
Of course, no trip to Phnom Penh would be complete without sampling the local cuisine. So the evening was spent at the famous Foreign Correspondent’s club or the FCC along Sisowath Quay’s river promenade, where the Mekong and Tonle Sap Rivers converge. Being a member of FCC in India, I thought we might get some extra privileges there, but that is not so. FCC of Phnom Penh is just like any other restaurant or club. Anyway, we enjoyed a few drinks and indulged in a wide range of delicious dishes, from spicy curries to sweet desserts. One of my favourite dishes was Amok, a traditional Cambodian curry made with fish and coconut milk. I also enjoyed exploring the city's vibrant nightlife scene, which offered everything from rooftop bars to live music venues.
Throughout my trip, I felt safe and welcome as a solo female traveller. The locals were friendly and helpful, and I never encountered any issues while exploring the city. Overall, my trip to Phnom Penh was a fantastic adventure, and I can't wait to return and explore more of this beautiful country.
One of the first things I did was to explore the city's vibrant street markets. From colourful textiles to delicious street food, the markets were a feast for the senses. I enjoyed haggling with the vendors and trying new dishes, and the bustling energy of the markets was infectious.
Safety tips for solo women travelers in India
An all-girls trip will be the perfect getaway you don't want but NEED, away from the day-to-day hustle and bustle of your life. You will be your authentic self on this trip other than the modified version you have to present to the world every day.
India has many beaches other than the usual Goa that you previously must not have considered a potential vacation spot. This vacation, try something new! You never know; you could find a brand new beach favourite for your holiday.
You feel like you want to travel, but you don't want to leave your 'furry' companions behind. Finding pet-friendly venues in India is sometimes a challenge, and few hotels are willing to accept and keep our 'paw-some' companions. Pet-friendly travelling i
If you travel to any southern coastal city in India during winters, chances are that the prices will be too high and the quality of service will not be comparable to what you will get in Sri Lanka. The island has a better interstate road network, making l
Travel can set you free, expand your horizons and make you a student of global culture, but it can also make you feel unsafe and terrified if you’re not in the right place. Here is my list of some of my favourite destinations for women to travel to.
Traveling alone or with a group of women can promote independence and autonomy. It allows women to make decisions for themselves and take charge of their own experiences. This can be empowering for women who may not have had the opportunity to make their
Adventure travel has traditionally been a male-dominated industry, with men being the primary focus of marketing campaigns and the primary participants in many types of adventure activities. This has created a barrier for women who want to explore the wor
Shimla, located in the northern Indian state of Himachal Pradesh, is a picturesque hill station nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas. Known for its pleasant weather, stunning vistas, and colonial architecture, Shimla is a perfect place for you to vis
One of the most significant benefits of travel is exposure to different cultures. When we travel to a new place, we get the opportunity to experience different customs, beliefs, and ways of life. This exposure can help us broaden our perspective and learn
These are just a few of the safest cities for women to travel alone. Of course, safety is always relative, and it's important to take precautions no matter where you are. But by choosing one of these destinations, you can rest assured that you'll be in go
Safety concerns are a significant factor when planning their trips. India has been in the news for incidents of harassment and violence against women, which has led to a perception of the country being unsafe for female travelers. Despite this, there are
Lansdowne, a quaint hill station nestled in the Garhwal Himalayas. Lansdowne is a perfect getaway for nature lovers, adventure seekers and anyone looking for a peaceful retreat in the lap of nature. The place is famous for its scenic beauty, lush green fo
My trip to Cappadocia in Turkey was one of the most elevated experiences of my travelling life. One of the most unique experiences of my trip was visiting the underground city of Derinkuyu. This ancient city was built entirely underground, and it was fasc
Angkor Wat, located in the Siem Reap province of Cambodia, is a must-visit destination for any traveller, especially women travellers. The stunning temples and ruins that make up Angkor Wat are not only breathtakingly beautiful, but also provide a unique
Battambang is a charming and unique city that is well worth a visit. From the historic buildings and temples to the thrilling Bamboo Train and the Phare Ponleu Selpak Circus, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
While visiting the world famous beach town of Unawatuna, we were suggested a trip to the Cinnamon island by the caretaker of the beach villa we had rented out for our family trip. Cinnamon Island is a hidden gem of Sri Lanka. This small island is renowned
A trip to Cambodia can be an emotional churn. The country still has reminders of the atrocities of the cruel Pol Pot regime scattered across the country’s landscape. In this blog, I will share with you my experience visiting the Tuol Sleng Genocide Muse
Know what happened when two young Indian women from Delhi travelled to the capital city of Cambodia. Our meet and conversation with a Buddhist monk at the royal palace with silver pagoda, our trip to the famous FCC and the amazing food.
If there is anything that can pull you away from the beautiful temples of Angkor Wat, it is the aroma of rice and Amok. Cambodia is a culinary delight for a foodie like me who can enjoy the evenings after exploring the fascinating country
Sri Lanka is my all time favourite destination for a family holiday; not only because of the golden grained beaches but also because of the offbeat experiences it offers at minimal costs. One such experience is island hopping in Koggala lake, not very far
Some say Istanbul is one of the most exciting cities they have ever visited; at least some of my friends claim so. I too enjoyed my trip to Istanbul immensely, after all I travelled with three of my closest friends. One of the most significant experiences
We wandered into this area in Istanbul just by chance but then as we explored it, we realised we had hit the jackpot. A little bit of research and we knew we were in the right place. The creative and boho vibe in Tomtom is fostered by its abundance of art
By embracing the opportunity to explore new destinations, women can take control of their mental well-being and cultivate a healthier, happier state of mind. So, pack your bags and embark on your next adventure – your mind will thank you for it! And if yo
Walking inside the Hagia Sophia, I was struck by the incredible scale of the interior. The soaring domed ceiling and intricate mosaics that covered the walls and floors were truly breathtaking. The vast space was once a church, then a mosque, then a museu
I travelled to Cuba and made some really nice friends. These were the silent observers on the streets of Havana that mingled with the citizens. These were the statues on the streets and corners of Havana. Interestingly, many of them were not on any pedest
As I walked down the cobblestone paths of a 'not so tiny' but quaint village of Şirince, I spotted the Turkish evil eye embedded in our path. I couldn't help but wonder about our own versions of it in India, the nazarbattu.
What I am going to describe to you in this blog is not for the ones easily embarrassed. This is my description of my first time at a Turkish Hammam. Now as Indians, we are well acquainted with the term ‘hamman mein sab nange hain’ but then when you actual
There are some things that I cannot walk past without stopping and exploring; one of them is small bookshops and vintage memorabilia shops. It seemed to me that there were some very interesting ones in Havana, the capital of Cuba, and you would find them
Travel to Ladakh isn’t easy; it's expensive and it is can take a toll on your body...after all you are finding amusement at thousands of feet above sea level. So when you do take a trip to Leh-Ladakh, be very careful in creating your itinerary.
Meghalaya, also known as "the abode of clouds," is a picturesque mountain state that separates the Assam valley from the plains of Bangladesh. Cherrapunji is among one of the wettest places on earth. Floating clouds, rain and drizzle, impressive waterfall
One thought always overwhelms me as I sit down to plan a holiday in the hills; will it be too crowded? Any true-blue Dilliwala can tell you how genuine this fear is. There is no hill station within a few hundred kilometers of Delhi, that has escaped us.
Meghalaya, also known as "the abode of clouds," is a picturesque mountain state that separates the Assam valley from the plains of Bangladesh. Cherrapunji is among one of the wettest places on earth. Floating clouds, rain and drizzle, impressive waterfall
Travel to Ladakh isn’t easy; it's expensive and it is can take a toll on your body...after all you are finding amusement at thousands of feet above sea level. So when you do take a trip to Leh-Ladakh, be very careful in creating your itinerary.
This was my third trip to Ladakh, first was way back in 2005 when Leh was not even on the domestic tourist map. Second one was last year in 2022 and almost a year later; I was back in Leh, waiting to head off to explore eastern Ladakh. Exotic and starkly
From the moment we decided to embark on this incredible adventure, our spirits were intertwined in a bond that transcended the physical realm. I, along with my fellow female trekkers, shared a burning desire to conquer one of the most challenging experien