If you’ve been to Shimla recently, you already know this: the charm is still there, but the crowds are louder. Over the years, as someone who has spent much of his life exploring the Himalayas (read more about me on my personal travel blog Footloosedev.com) — first as a backpacker, then as a full-time travel […]

We shut down our glamping site in Manali ‘FootlooseCamps Resort Hamta’ in August 2024. 9 months later, in May 2024, we shut down our second site Footloose Camps 2.0 The Homestay. Neither of the decisions were done in haste. The decision to shut down both our properties in Manali was calculative. Manali was shifting toward a

The office cubicle can wait. The spreadsheets will still be there on Monday. But that feeling—the crisp, thin mountain air, the quiet crunch of fresh snow under your boots, and the sight of pine trees dusted with icing sugar—that is what a soul needs to recharge. As a fellow young professional perpetually looking for a

If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably fallen in love with Shimla’s colonial charm and bustling energy. But what if I told you that the real magic lies just beyond the city limits? I was born in Shimla and so I know this place. Having spent years exploring the winding roads and hidden trails of

Manali, the jewel of Himachal Pradesh, is a year-round destination that draws tourists with its snow-capped peaks, lush valleys, and adventurous spirit. However, the question that looms large for many travelers is: “Is it safe to travel to Manali during monsoon?” The answer, like the mountains themselves, is not a simple yes or no. It’s

Travelling India – A Backpacking Adventure Like No Other India is a land of sensory overload, a kaleidoscope of colours, sounds, and emotions that will challenge and reward you in equal measure. For the solo traveler, it represents the ultimate test of resilience and an unparalleled opportunity for self-discovery. This article isn’t just a guide;

If you thought Goa or Manali were the hottest travel destinations in India, think again. In 2025, Shillong, Meghalaya—popularly called the Scotland of the East—has emerged as India’s most-searched hill station, surpassing even classic tourist favourites. With misty waterfalls, pine-covered hills, lively markets, and the charm of Khasi culture, Shillong has quietly transformed from a

Nestled in the serene hills of Himachal Pradesh, Old Manali is a charming retreat known for its laid-back vibe, scenic beauty, and vibrant café culture. Whether you’re a digital nomad, a backpacker, or a traveler seeking delicious food with a view, Old Manali’s cafés offer an unforgettable experience. From cozy wooden interiors to sunlit terraces

Who wouldn’t want to restart their life and live off running a successful Homestay or Airbnb in Goa? I mean I would do that too! Despite having a similar life — and owning a hotel on lease in Manali — when the mountains start getting too much, and I miss the coastal life, I find

The first time I arrived in Jibhi, it felt like stepping into a fairy tale. Tucked away in the Tirthan Valley, this tiny Himalayan hamlet is a world away from the crowded tourist hubs of Manali and Shimla. With its wooden cottages, gushing rivers, dense pine forests, and misty mountains, Jibhi is often called “Mini