Our Taste for Life

Lesbian Mumbai – Our Taste for Life

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Lesbian Mumbai - Our Taste for Life

Mumbai is an exciting city, bursting with energy, history, art, and awe-inspiring architecture. Previously known as Bombay, the city is the birthplace of Bollywood and home to the countries financial district. It is also famed for having a relaxed cosmopolitan vibe.

But what is it like to be Gay in Mumbai? Is the attitude towards the LGBT+ community as liberal as Mumbai’s reputation suggests? We travelled to Mumbai to find out. We learnt that following the historic 2018 decision to decriminalise homosexuality in India, the gay scene in Mumbai is in fact on the rise.

Truth be told; this was a surprise. In our experience, India was still very socially conservative. We certainly hadn’t heard of any hint of a gay scene in the likes of Jaipur, Varanasi, or even Goa! But with LGBT organisations such as ‘It Gets Better India‘ and the ‘Keshav Suri Foundation‘ continuously fighting for visibility and acceptance, times ARE changing.

As it turns out, Mumbai is indeed a city full of surprises. Asides from the gay scene, she is a paradoxical city. One that gives with one hand and takes with the other. An extreme divide between rich and poor; A city that makes dreams or breaks them; A fast-paced lifestyle that can exhilarate or exhaust. Mumbai is the epitome of crazy/beautiful India, and we loved every intoxicating minute of it.

In this travel guide, we will outline all the best places to go in Mumbai as an LGBT+ traveller. You’ll find a list of gay-friendly hotels and bars and our top tips as an LGBT couple in Mumbai. We will also touch on LGBT+ rights and social opinions in India, to help you prepare for an incredible, and most importantly, a safe, trip of a lifetime.

Lesbian Mumbai & LGBT+ Rights in India

When it comes to LGBT rights in India, the past 20 years have been a long and volatile road. A series of significant wins and disappointing setbacks saw LGBT activists taking one step forward and two steps back again.

By Charlotte & Natalie – Full Story at Our Taste for Life

Mumbai Lesbian Travel Resources

Lesbian Bali – Our Taste for Life

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Lesbian Bali - Our Taste for Life

Contrary to popular belief, being gay in Bali is not only accepted but in some ways, celebrated. With an influx of gay-friendly bars and hotels causing a stir from the coast of Seminyak to the cultural hub of Ubud, being an LGBT+ traveller in Bali has never been easier.  

I understand this may be surprising to some, considering Indonesia is the most populous Muslim country in the world. However, what with the predominant Hindu influence and tourism hitting an all-time high, Bali has a far more relaxed attitude relative to other parts of Indonesia. In short, the aptly named ‘Island of the Gods’ is proud to welcome all travellers.

We recently spent a lot of time in Bali, and we can surely confirm that this popular travel destination is worth all the hype. From magnificent mountains to rugged coastlines, and majestic waterfalls to smouldering volcanoes, the abundant Balinese nature is unlike anywhere else we’ve been. Combine this with the rich and vibrant Balinese culture, and you have everything you need to have a truly fantastic time.  

In this travel guide, we outline all the best places to go in Bali as an LGBT+ traveller. You’ll find a list of gay-friendly hotels and bars and our top tips as an LGBT+ couple in Bali. We will also touch on LGBT+ rights and social opinions in Indonesia, so you are fully prepared.

Lesbian Bali & LGBTQ+ Rights

OK, before we get stuck into our LGBT+ travel guide for Bali, let’s quickly talk about LGBT rights in Indonesia. While these may not be so relevant when travelling in Bali, it’s important to be aware of the situation so you can avoid any unnecessary issues along your travels.

Unfortunately, Indonesia doesn’t have the best reputation when it comes to LGBT Rights. The sad thing is, the situation seems to be deteriorating. While same-sex sexual activity is legal in most provinces, there is a strong movement to criminalise it and is currently under review by the government.    

Karni Mata Temple in Udaipur – Our Taste for Life

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Karni Mata Temple in Udaipur - Our Taste for Life

Karni Mata Temple in Udaipur overlooks the city of lakes and the surrounding landscapes. While the temple itself is only small and modest, the view from the fort is one of the best sunset points in Udaipur. After experiencing a magical sunset at Karni Mata Temple, we consider it to be one of the top places to visit in Udaipur in 2-days.

To capture awe-inspiring views of Udaipur, Karni Mata Temple is up there with the Monsoon Palace, as one of the best viewpoints in the city. Located on the Machla Magra Hills, east of Lake Pichola, you can access the temple via a short hike or ropeway.

In this guide, we advise everything you need to know ahead of visiting the Karni Mata Temple in Udaipur. Including entrance fees, opening times, what to expect & more.

Karni Mata Temple Udaipur

How to Get To Karni Mata Temple

Udaipur is an essential addition to any Rajasthan itinerary. It is one of the most popular tourist cities in the country and forms a part of our suggested one month in India Route. You can conveniently reach Udaipur via bus, train, or plane from all over the country.

Set East of Lake Pichola, Karni Mata Temple is accessible via foot if you don’t mind working up a bit of a sweat. From Udaipur City Palace, the distance is approximately 2km.  It’s a pleasant walk as you pass through various boutique stores and restaurants that you miss in the center of the town.

By Charlotte & Natalie – Full Story at Our Taste for Life

India Lesbian Travel Resources

Udaipur City Palace – Our Taste for Life

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Udaipur City Palace - Our Taste for Life

The Udaipur City Palace is a top tourist attraction and architectural marvel in Udaipur. Located on the banks of Lake Pichola, the opulent building is a seamless blend of Medieval, European, and Chinese architecture. Of all the palaces in Rajasthan, Udaipur is the largest, and arguably the most impressive.

Building works for Udaipurs’ City Palace commenced in 1559, although renovations and additions continued well into the 19th century. Today, the complex is made up of a series of exquisite palaces, gardens, and courtyards. No sightseeing tour in Udaipur is complete without visiting the City Palace, which provides a fascinating insight into the cities history.

In this guide, we advise everything you need to know ahead of visiting the Udaipur City Palace. Including entrance fees, how to get there, what to expect & more.

Udaipur City Palace – Getting There

Udaipur is an essential addition to any Rajasthan itinerary. It is one of the most popular tourist cities in the country and forms a part of our suggested one month in India Route. You can conveniently reach Udaipur via bus, train, or plane from all over the country.

Set peacefully upon the eastern banks of Lake Pichola, the City Palace can easily be reached on foot if you are staying in the city. Alternatively, you can take a rickshaw or taxi which are easy to come by in Udaipur.

By Charlotte & Natalie – Full Story at Our Taste for Life

India Lesbian Travel Resources

Ahar Cenotaphs in Udaipur, India – Our Taste for Life

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Visiting the Ahar Cenotaphs is one of the more unique things to do in Udaipur and could be considered somewhat of a hidden gem. Yes, despite being a spot of historical significance, many tourists erroneously it. While we, on the other hand, regard Ahar Cenotaphs to be one of the top places to visit in Udaipur in 2 days!

You see, Ahar is essentially a Royal cemetery for Udaipur’s late Maharajas. However, what might sound like a dark place on paper is, in fact, a spot of peace and serenity. Furthermore, if you are at all interested in Rajasthani architecture, you are sure to be left in awe by the intricately carved stone tombs.

In this guide, we advise everything you need to know ahead of visiting Ahar Cenotaphs in Udaipur. Including entrance fees, opening times, what to expect & more.

Ahar Cenotaphs Udaipur – A 2019 Sightseeing Guide

Udaipur is an essential addition to any Rajasthan itinerary. It is one of the most popular tourist cities in the country and forms a part of our suggested one month in India Route. You can conveniently reach Udaipur via bus, train, or plane from all over the country.

Set on the outskirts of the city, 2km away from Lake Pichola, the Ahar Cenotaphs can easily be reached on foot if you don’t mind working up a sweat. Alternatively, you can take a rickshaw or taxi, which are both easy to come by in Udaipur.

Full Story at Our Taste for Life

India Gay Travel Resources

Bali’s Sumapan Waterfall – Our Taste for Life

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Sumampan Waterfall

Sumampan Waterfall is still somewhat of a hidden gem in Bali. At the same time, it’s one of the most majestic waterfalls on the island. Located in the heart of a charming village in Ubud, a trip to the falls is a pleasant retreat from the busy town centre.

After stumbling upon the falls purely by accident, we were surprised to have never heard of them before. Lush rice fields and towering palm trees encompass the fall. While hanging vines and trees give it a real jungle vibe.

In this guide, we advise everything you need to know ahead of visiting Sumampan Waterfall in Bali. Including entrance fees, how to get there, what to expect & more. 

How to Get to Sumampan Waterfall

Sumampan is one of the best waterfalls near Ubud and easily accessed from most of the tourist hubs in Bali. It paves the way for Tegenungan Waterfall, so it makes sense to combine the 2 if you fancy a waterfall adventure.

To rent a scooter in Bali is around 60,000 IDR per day. The roads in Bali are, for the most part, in excellent condition. And if you are confident on a bike, this is the cheapest way to get around.

Full Story at Our Taste for Life

Bali Gay Travel Resources

Nahargarh Fort in Jaipur, India – Our Taste for Life

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Nahargarh Fort is a tourist hotspot in the magical city of Jaipur. Located high in the Aravali mountains, the breathtaking fortress provides an unrivalled view over the bustling city below. The fort is famed for being an architectural wonder, as well as being one of the best sunset spots in Jaipur.

Historically, along with Amer Fort and Jaigarh Fort, Nahargarh helped form a defence wall around the old Royal City. The name ‘Nahargarh’ translates to Tiger Fort in English, so I can only assume wild tigers once roamed the same mountains. As you sit atop the walls of the old fort, it’s easy to picture the scene. After all, Jaipur was once a barren desert city. We consider Nahargarh Fort to be one of the best places to visit in Jaipur, as mentioned in our 2-day Jaipur Itinerary.

In this guide, we advise everything you need to know ahead of visiting Nahargarh Fort in Jaipur. Including entrance fees, opening times, what to expect & more. 

Nahargarh Fort Jaipur – A Reliable 2019 Guide

Jaipur is an essential addition to any India itinerary. It is one of the most visited cities in the country and forms a part of the Golden Triangle Route. You can conveniently reach Jaipur via bus, train, or plane from all over the country.

Located roughly 30-40 minutes outside of the city centre, the easiest way to reach Nahargarh Fort is by taxi or tuk-tuk. Although, the tuk-tuks tend to struggle on the steep hair pinned road to the fort entrance, so taxis are the quicker option.

However you choose to travel, it pays to organise a return trip with your driver. The drivers who wait outside the fort are known to charge extortionate rates because they know your options are limited. By agreeing on a price beforehand, you will avoid any trouble on the return journey.

Full Story at Our Taste for Life

India Gay Travel Resources

Bali’s Leke Leke Waterfall – Our Taste for Life

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Leke Leke Waterfall is a stunning waterfall located in the heart of Bali. At the same time, it’s somewhat of a hidden gem, and those can be hard to come by on the ever-popular island. While you can’t swim at this waterfall, Insta-worthy Leke Leke is a worthy addition to your Bali Itinerary.

Located around the heart of the island, Leke Leke Waterfall makes for an adventurous road trip from the North of Bali or Ubud. With other activities such as cycling and tubing held throughout the grounds, you could spend the entire day here and not get bored.

In this guide, we advise everything you need to know ahead of visiting Leke Leke Waterfall in Bali. Including entrance fees, how to get there, what to expect & more.

How to get to Leke Leke Waterfall

Leke Leke is one of the most picturesque waterfalls near Ubud, and conveniently accessible from most tourist hubs in Bali. We combined our visit with a trip to Nungnung Waterfall, and both are located around 1-hours drive North from Ubud centre.

To rent a scooter in Bali is around 60,000 IDR per day. The roads in Bali are, for the most part, in excellent condition. And if you are confident on a bike, this is the cheapest way to get around.