DUBAI A PERFECT DESTINATION FOR YOUR CHILD

              Dubai, A perfect holiday destination for your child

Wondering where to take your kids to spend holidays?? Well then Dubai fits well. Where else in the world can you find a ski slope in a desert? A huge manmade island and  staggering superlatives of everything highest tallest largest and biggest. Considering a perfect escape with my family to where I could shop dine and play I hit this most glitzy of all emirates, the desert city of Dubai this year. Following are some must visit places which add fun and frolic to your child’s visit.

LEGO LAND

 It is a paradise for the Lego lovers which are fairly designed for kids between 5 to 8, Entering the park will drag you to the fantasy world where there are amazing buildings, animals and other structures on display made from Lego blocks which leaves you spell bound. There are several thrilling rides for kids while Duplo brick game for the toddlers.

                  Mini land adds more charm to the place as it features all miniatures of Dubai skyline and UAE landmarks which is the artwork of Lego bricks leaving you enthralled. The fact i liked about the park is that, there are Lego play areas near each ride where the kids can indulge in making Lego models while waiting for their turn on rides.

MIRACLE GARDEN AND BUTTERFLY PARK

Beautiful galore of flowers in the scorching desert is truly a miracle with breathtaking display of countless flowers adorned in the shapes like air craft, vintage cars castles etc. There is a kids play area as well which adds more fun to this paradise. In the vicinity is the Butterfly garden which is the unique attraction for children and nature lovers. It houses a huge display of many species of butterflies. Live butterflies flinging interacting and fluttering like a whole different world is a spectacular sight to behold.

GLOW GARDEN AND DINOSAUR PARK

 These are the latest unique attraction in Dubai for children. Glow garden is a eco friendly garden with lots of trees made out of plastic bottles, porcelain cups, medicine bottles low electric consumable bulbs which are all recyclable. Walk through the park takes you to the enchanting world of dazzling led lights with vibrant colors in the attractive shapes of flora and fauna with soothing music, a true audiovisual treat for the young children. There are few kiosks to grab a quick bite. It is not only a place for enjoyment but also it educates kids about animal kingdom, values of plants life and their importance in our life cycle. There are live music stage shows, games and activities which keep the kids entertained.  Do take the Panda train ride as you are bound to miss few spots on foot.

DINOSAUR PARK

 This Park is in the vicinity of Glow garden and is quite innovative for kids where they can see many species of dinosaur models flapping their tails and arms and making roaring sounds which makes them look real .This place seems like replica of Jurassic Park.

SKI DUBAI

 Slated as the world‘s largest indoor ski, nestled in the mall of Emirates, is a promising attraction for of all ages. This theme park is a true wonder in the desert country which undoubtedly transports you to the Polar Regions. Families and children can indulge in activities like snow zorbing, slides, chairlifts ,ice toboggan, snow zipping, making snow man etc. while younger kids get fascinated by snow sledging and encounter with penguin bring surreal touch to the venue. If you are feeling very cold then you can warm up over marshmallow topped mug of Hot chocolate.

It is advisable to carry your layer of thermal clothes as the temperature in this park is -4 degree Celsius and gears provided there are not enough. Magic Planet is another great place for kids in this mall, where you can leave kids fully supervised or let them play arcade games.

WILD WADI 

 It is another fun which offers an adrenaline pumping experience specially for children of all ages and keeps you entertained whole day. It features 30 thrilling rides which charge you up. The park also has a specially designed interactive play area structure for younger kids with friendly and professional staff. Photography service captures the best moments of your aquatic adventure.

Dolphin bay at Atlantis: To add more fun to your adventure, Dolphin encounter at Dolphin bay is a must do and a rare experience of playing  and swimming with dolphins.

UNDERWATER ZOO

 This zoo offers a wonderful experience amidst Dubai mall. It is a place where kids fall in love as they can see all sorts of aquatic creatures right from small shoal of fishes to mighty sharks and crocodile so closely. It houses 33000 marine animals and world’s largest aquarium in this aqua zoo. A walk through glass tunnel enchants your senses into the marine world. Your experience can be enriched by glass bottom boat ride.

Dubai mall also houses Kidszania, an interactive miniature city which is an ultimate treat for the smaller children while there is Sega Republic ,an indoor amusement park with rides and arcade games for the older children.

DOLPHINARIUM AND BIRD SHOW AT THE CREEK

 Dolphinarium is highly recommended fun place to watch the dolphin and the seal show where these intelligent and friendly creatures play ,paint,do tricks and stunts and which leave you engrossed and spell bound. This show is spanning 40 to 45 min and is a absolute delight for the kids.

Bird show : It is in the vicinity which displays an interesting interaction with the birds like parakeet and toucans which every child loves it . There is an option of getting photographs clicked at the end of both show with the dolphins and the birds in hands. There are many fun activities also in the park like trampoline, horse riding, train riding etc .

JEWEL IN THE CROWN BURJ KHALIFA

 Your child s trip remains incomplete without treating your eyes to the tallest building on the planet,Burj Khalifa which is the jewel in the crown. In the vicinity is the world’s largest choreographed fountain system set on the manmade lake which adds beauty to the entire scenery making it a “phographers delight”.

Burj Al Arab not only shares the spotlight of being the only seven star hotel of the world but also an iconic landmark which gives an identity to the city of Dubai.

Serenade your soul by relaxing playing and making sand castles at the beach add an experience which you can relish all your life. Dubai has a tropical climate with summer temperature reaching more than 45 degrees and so it is advisable to visit this desert city between November to February. December offers a chance to soak you in the shopping festival. Dubai being a tax free nation is a heaven for all shopping enthusiast.

If you want to enjoy the action packed holidays then Dubai is a sure ticket, as it offers a string of adventures to keep your bundle of joy entertained, right from safe beaches to exhilarating rides and therefore it is a huge hit with families.

Things to remember

1.    It is advisable to carry a stroller for kids up to 7 years as distances are long for the kids to walk.

2.    There is a height restriction in every ride based theme park so please enquire before going.

3.    Outside food is not allowed in any theme parks as there are plethora of cafes and restaurants inside.

4.    You can also avail the facility of quick pass to avoid wastage of time in long queue at theme parks, especially in Legoland.

HILL FORT KESROLI

Hill fort Kesroli, a slice of a royal stay

Keeping abuzz my love for heritage, I turned back the pages of history and visited Fort Kesroli this winters for a leisure stay and marked the occasion of my anniversary.

Nestled in the Delhi - Jaipur- Agra triangle ,on the foothills of Aravalli range, Fort Kesroli  is about 150 km away from Jaipur, and is undeniable an amazing piece of architecture from the 14 th century .The fort was constructed during the reign of the Yaduvanshi Rajputs and is witness to many historical battles which is now turned into a heritage boutique hotel and serves as a one of the most beautiful holiday destination with a wonderful amalgamation of the old world charm with impeccable hospitality and contemporary  comforts of the 21 century amidst the beautiful vistas of mustard and the lush green fields which is a must visit.

Wrapped in rich opulence, the Fort entrance was absolutely palatial with arched doors .After a steep walk through the cobbled path till the reception; I discovered the whole complex was full of bougainvillea creepers, bushes and trees.  Exploring the true maze of staircases, terraces hidden courtyards, walk able roofs and hallways revealed nobility .There were many nook and crannies and secret tunnels that lead different part of the fort .Each part was more intriguing than the other and served as the perfect backdrop for my selfies. Once a home to the kings, this fort resonated with an aura of regal splendor which suffused a royal feel in me and drove my senses to the yore of the rich past.

This heritage hotel has 31 rooms of which 4 are duplex suits, 5 are grand rooms, 10 are suites and 12 are rooms ,bathroom is attached to each room. Rooms are named as "mahal" likeTota mahal, Deepika mahal , Nirmal mahal etc. Some rooms are spacious but quaint some tiny but airy, some are expensive while some are just right for the budget travelers. Each room is unique with its own beauty, decor style and theme with different locations some open to the courtyards, some to the willable roofs while some open to the garden. The Fort Kesroli is more along the lines of a boutique hotel, so don't expect to be pampered the way you would be in a five star hotel as the rooms don’t ooze luxury. Rooms are adorned with the furniture that evokes old times ,furnishing is tasteful ,there is no television , rooms have paddle locks, windows are arched that fold downwards showing off the carpenters skill and uphold the majesty of the royal medieval era and pamper you with all basic amenities .The actual charm of this heritage hotel lies in the fact that it allows you to relax and enjoy in a historical setting and explore nature's beauty around on a bi cycle ride.

Fort Kesroli s signature lies in their hospitality and leaves no stone unturned to pamper you to the hilt with their gracious services. The fort houses a multi cuisine restaurant called “Ranawat burj “which serves a wide variety of delectable veg and non veg cuisines apt to match your taste buds and also brings out the robust flavors of the local rajasthani cuisines which enhance your entire experience of eating. Fixed buffets are displayed for breakfast, lunch and dinner, while there is an option of Ala carte for snacks menu. Appetizing complementary snacks like pakoras, cookies, cakes and beverages are also served at “Bulbul mahal” around sunset. From the restaurants i got a breathtaking view of the endless green fields and watched village life so close, which was not only soul soothing but also a treat to my eyes. At night the fort looked staggeringly beautiful with all lamps lit up adding grandeur to the ancient charm, engulfing my senses in the glories of the rich past. 

Durbar mahal is the recreation room for the guest’s entertainment which offers carom, cards, chess and other indoor games along with a TV. and a huge sitting for your relaxation. To rejuvenate your mind body and soul you can indulge in various holistic massage therapies at the spa, while a game of Bad Minton will actually tone your tired muscles. There are two swimming pools, one for kids and other for adults.

Away from the hustle bustle of the cities, Hill fort Kesroli proves to be an ideal locale which lets you soak in the royal charm of the kingly era, where you hear the call of the birds, crackling of fresh air ,rustling of bushes and a laid back ambiance of serene surroundings. Well equipped to throw grandest of weddings, Hill fort kesroli is also a perfect wedding destination for the couples who are looking to infuse royal heritage in to their special day.