Stories of Raku

A man who's in love with Travelling

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  • India
    • Himachal Pradesh
    • Karnataka
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    • Uttarakhand
    • Uttar Pradesh
  • Asia
    • Bhutan
    • Nepal
    • Vietnam
  • Africa
    • Tanzania
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  • Home
  • About Me
    • My Bucket List
  • India
    • Himachal Pradesh
    • Karnataka
    • Kerala
    • Uttarakhand
    • Uttar Pradesh
  • Asia
    • Bhutan
    • Nepal
    • Vietnam
  • Africa
    • Tanzania
  • Work With Me
    • Travel SEO Freelancer
  • Contact Me
Kerala

18 Most Amazing Cafes & Restaurants in Varkala

Varkala is a popular tourist destination in Kerala, attracting travelers from all over the world. It is known for its stunning beaches, cliffside views, and laid-back vibes. Besides this, Varkala…

read more
March 28, 2024
Tanzania

5-Days Wildebeest Migration Safari in Tanzania on Budget

 The Great Wildebeest Migration is one of the biggest wildlife events one can experience. Since my childhood, I grew up watching the wildebeest migration documentaries on Nat Geo. And finally,…

read more
November 25, 2023
Vietnam

Vietnam Tourist Visa for Indians 2025: How to Apply

Planning a trip to Vietnam and wondering how to get a Vietnam tourist visa for Indians, what are the steps to be followed and how should one apply? After applying…

read more
June 29, 2023
Uganda

The Ultimate Uganda Travel Guide for First-Time Visitors(2025)

Back in 2023, when I was on my safari in Kenya, I met Melina. As we kept talking about wildlife, she mentioned that she wanted to see the gorillas in…

read more
May 24, 2025
Uttarakhand

Gaumukh Tapovan: My Trek Rescue Story

We all have been hearing a lot about the avalanches and the incidents happening in the mountains recently. The avalanche that the NIM(Nehru Institute of Mountaineering, Uttarkashi) batch or the…

read more
November 5, 2022
  • Uganda Travel Guide
    Uganda

    The Ultimate Uganda Travel Guide for First-Time Visitors(2025)

    storiesofraku / May 24, 2025 / 7 Comments

    Back in 2023, when I was on my safari in Kenya, I met Melina. As we kept talking about wildlife, she mentioned that she wanted to see the gorillas in Uganda and that…

    read more
  • Places to eat in Bir
    Himachal Pradesh

    15 Most Amazing Cafes and Restaurants in Bir Billing

    storiesofraku / January 31, 2025 / 3 Comments

    Bir(बीड़) or as I also like to call it “home”(my favorite place in India). It is the paragliding capital of Asia and the second-highest paragliding site in the world. While Bir became famous…

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  • Bhutan itinerary 8 days
    Bhutan

    8 Days in Bhutan – The Perfect Bhutan Itinerary

    storiesofraku / October 6, 2024 / 2 Comments

    If Bhutan is on your bucket list, this 8-day itinerary is your key to unforgettable experiences.  Bhutan, also known as the “Land of Thunder Dragon”, is a small landlocked country in South Asia.…

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  • Zanzibar 7 day itinerary
    Tanzania

    7 Days in Zanzibar – The Perfect Zanzibar Itinerary

    storiesofraku / September 16, 2024 / 9 Comments

    Zanzibar is an archipelago(Unguja + Pemba) located on the coast of Tanzania, known for its pristine beaches and rich cultural history. Once part of the spice route and a hub for slavery, Zanzibar…

    read more
  • Palachak Valley Trek
    Himachal Pradesh

    Palachak Valley Trek from Rajgundha – Complete Guide

    storiesofraku / July 10, 2024 / 5 Comments

    Have you ever dreamt of a trek where you have to walk through a beautiful forest with the river always on the side and the snowcapped mountains playing hide and seek with you…

    read more
  • Safari in Amboseli National Park with Kilimanjaro at the back
    Africa,  Tanzania

    Safari Packing List for Kenya & Tanzania [Checklist Incl.]

    storiesofraku / July 1, 2024 / 4 Comments

    A safari in Kenya or Tanzania is an adventure. From planning the itinerary to finalizing the spots, there’s a lot to be done, some of which can be offloaded to the company you…

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  • Tanzania Safari Tips and tricks
    Tanzania

    11 Essential Tanzania Safari Tips for First-Time Visitors

    storiesofraku / April 14, 2024 / 0 Comments

    Are you planning your first Tanzania safari adventure and feeling overwhelmed with all the information out there? Planning for a safari trip can be intimidating, especially if you are a first-time visitor to…

    read more
  • Cafes and restaurants in Gokarna
    Karnataka

    10 Most Amazing Cafes & Restaurants in Gokarna

    storiesofraku / April 2, 2024 / 1 Comment

    Gokarna, a quaint coastal town in Karnataka, is known for its pristine beaches, temples, and beach trek. The small eateries are also famous in Gokarna, serving delicious local food. While it might not…

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  • Cafes in Varkala
    Kerala

    18 Most Amazing Cafes & Restaurants in Varkala

    storiesofraku / March 28, 2024 / 2 Comments

    Varkala is a popular tourist destination in Kerala, attracting travelers from all over the world. It is known for its stunning beaches, cliffside views, and laid-back vibes. Besides this, Varkala is also famous…

    read more
  • Ol Doinyo Lengai Climb
    Tanzania

    Guide to Climbing Ol Doinyo Lengai: Tanzania’s Active Volcano

    storiesofraku / March 9, 2024 / 0 Comments

    Ol Doinyo Lengai, which means “Mountain of God” in the Maasai language, is the only active volcano in Tanzania. While most tourists come to Tanzania to climb the mighty Kilimanjaro, Ol Doinyo Lengai…

    read more
  • Varkala Nightlife
    Kerala

    Varkala Nightlife: 3 Amazing Spots to Experience

    storiesofraku / February 25, 2024 / 3 Comments

    Are you looking to experience the vibrant nightlife of Varkala Beach? While the nightlife may not be similar to Goa’s, Varkala has its charm. Varkala is still very laid-back and has no nightclubs…

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  • Cheap gold in Bhutan
    Bhutan

    Is Gold Cheap in Bhutan? Everything You Need to Know

    storiesofraku / January 29, 2024 / 2 Comments

    Bhutan, known for its serene landscapes and unique cultural heritage, is often considered a hidden gem in Asia. But did you recently hear about how cheap the gold is in Bhutan compared to…

    read more
  • Bhutan travel guide
    Bhutan

    Bhutan Travel Guide: 20 Things to Know Before Visiting Bhutan

    storiesofraku / January 18, 2024 / 4 Comments

    Are you planning a trip to Bhutan? Bhutan is a small landlocked country in the Eastern Himalayas and is often called the Last Shangri-La or the Land of Thunder Dragon. Known for its…

    read more
  • India

    14 Long Weekends in 2024: How to Plan Your Holidays

    storiesofraku / December 27, 2023 / 5 Comments

    Are you someone who likes to plan their trip well in advance? This list of long weekends in 2024 with suggestions for the places to visit, will help you plan the best trip…

    read more
  • The great wildebeest migration in Tanzania
    Tanzania

    5-Days Wildebeest Migration Safari in Tanzania on Budget

    storiesofraku / November 25, 2023 / 0 Comments

     The Great Wildebeest Migration is one of the biggest wildlife events one can experience. Since my childhood, I grew up watching the wildebeest migration documentaries on Nat Geo. And finally, in 2023 I…

    read more
  • Tanzania tourist visa for indians
    Tanzania

    Tanzania Tourist Visa for Indians(2025): How to Apply

    storiesofraku / November 5, 2023 / 0 Comments

    Planning a trip to Tanzania in 2025 and wondering how to obtain a Tanzania tourist visa? Look no further, this article will cover all the details of applying for a Tanzania tourist visa…

    read more
  • Places to visit in Gokarna
    Karnataka

    26 Top Places to Visit in Gokarna(Things to do Included)

    storiesofraku / October 29, 2023 / 2 Comments

    Are you planning a trip to Gokarna and looking for the top places to visit and things to do? Your search ends here! After visiting multiple times, I’ve put together a complete Gokarna…

    read more
  • Sunset at middle beach
    Karnataka

    The Ultimate 3-Day Gokarna Itinerary (With Prices)

    storiesofraku / October 20, 2023 / 20 Comments

    Are you planning a 3-day trip to Gokarna? Gokarna is a small town situated on the coast of Karnataka, famous for its beaches and temples. I have been visiting Gokarna since 2017 and…

    read more
  • best places to eat in Hampi
    Karnataka

    6 Most Amazing Cafes & Restaurants in Hampi

    storiesofraku / October 13, 2023 / 0 Comments

    Hampi, popular for its ancient ruins, temples, and palaces is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The town dates back to the Vijayanagar Empire and is a popular tourist destination. Apart from its historical…

    read more
  • Mama Root Kizimkazi Beachfront view
    Tanzania

    Kizimkazi Travel Guide: The Hidden Gem of Zanzibar

    storiesofraku / October 7, 2023 / 0 Comments

    Are you planning to visit Kizimkazi as part of your Zanzibar itinerary and not sure what the place unfolds? This Kizimkazi travel guide will help you in exploring the hidden gem of Zanzibar.…

    read more
 Older Posts

stories.of.raku

Climbing Ol Doinyo Lengai, the only active volcano Climbing Ol Doinyo Lengai, the only active volcano in Tanzania

How did I find out about this? Since I was going to visit Tanzania for the safari I really wanted to hike there as well. Kilimanjaro was out of sight for two reasons: It was expensive and took 8-9 days and I didn't have both the time or money. 

After researching a lot I was able to find out about Ol Doinyo Lengai also known as the "Mountain of God". In the first instance, I wanted to do this hike, but when I researched more about it, I came to know it's very remote and it was not very easy to reach there. 

And then I found @benson_safaris_tanzania who were happy to collaborate with me on this hike and made my dream of climbing an active volcano come true. 

You can read about my experience of climbing Ol Doinyo Lengai here: https://storiesofraku.com/ol-doinyo-lengai-climb/
or you can also find the link in the bio.

[climbing active volcano, active volcano, active volcano in Tanzania, ol doinyo lengai, hike in Tanzania, mountain of god, sonyalpha6000]
2023 wrapped!!!✨ When I decided to take a break 2023 wrapped!!!✨

When I decided to take a break from my job in 2023 I was not sure how it was going to turn! Now that I look at it, it was one of the best decisions of 2023. But by the end of 2023 I started realising as much as I liked traveling I liked the inflow of steady income in the bank, which let me travel.  And by the end of 2023 I decided I liked that security and decided to get back to work but as a freelancer which lets me travel as and when I want to. 

I visited 6 countries last year, not sure how many more I visit this year!

In 2024 I have already started planning my trips or even booked some of them. This year I really want to slow travel and spend even more time at a place. 

I'm excited to spend my time in Bir and Varkala. What places are you excited to visit this year or have it on your list? Let me know in the comments.

#travelbloggerlife #travelaroundtheworld🌍 #travellifelove #storieaofraku #traveladdict
Aman, how was 2023 for you? To be very honest I r Aman, how was 2023 for you?

To be very honest I really can't describe how amazing this year has been, and traveling definitely has been the highlight. But more than the place it was the people who made the moments even more special.

In December'22 when I thought of quitting the job and traveling around the world, I had no idea the places I wanted to visit, I just wanted to explore. As 2023 progressed the ideas I had started coming to reality! 

Whether it was volunteering in Mantra for a month, travelling around Vietnam, Laos & Cambodia for 2 months, seeing the  wildebeest migration, meeting my cousins in Kenya, exploring Bhutan or attending my best friends marriage and many more such events made the 2023 very special.

What do I take forward from 2023?
I'm forever grateful for being able to travel, make friends around the world and to just do things that I love. By the end of 2023 I realised how important life is and how one event can completely change it, so for 2024 I just want to live. Whether it's traveling, spending time with friends or doing other things that I love, I just want to live in the moment!
 
2023 has been the best year of my life so far and a lot more to unfold awaits in 2024! 

PS: I obviously met a lot more people and am really sorry I was not able to add all of you! But I do remember each one of you❤️

Tell me what you take forward from 2023 to 2024!
Is this your thought too?🤔 This is me mostly a Is this your thought too?🤔

This is me mostly after every beach I visit! 😅

#zanzibar #beachdestination #trendingreels #sunsetmadness
Spotting the rare cat in Serengeti! Had to be a. L Spotting the rare cat in Serengeti! Had to be a. Lucky day because I saw not just one but two leopards on the same day

Check the 2nd picture and tell if you would be scared or not after it

#wildlifephotography #wildlifeplanet #wildlifeonearth #wildlifeaddiction #serengeti #serengetinationalpark #leopard #wildlifelovers #wildlifeshots #tanzaniatravel #wildlifephotography #sonyalphain #sonyalphasclub #sonyalpha #sonyalpha6000 #travelblogger #storiesofraku #dslr_official #big5 #big5safari #tanzaniasafari
Lost in the beauty of Zanzibar's beaches!🏝️ Lost in the beauty of Zanzibar's beaches!🏝️

#zanzibar #zanzibarbeach #zanzibardestination #beachdestination #beachvibes #beachday #bluebeach #tanzaniaunforgettable #tanzaniatravel #backpackers #backpackerlife #sonyalpha #sonyalphasclub #sonyalpha6000 #sonyalphain #travelblogger #travelblogs #storiesofraku #africanbeach #masaai #paradise🌴
Have you heard about this Archipelago which has th Have you heard about this Archipelago which has the most beautiful beaches in the world?

Yes you heard it right Zanzibar is one of the Indian ocean islands on the east of Tanzania🇹🇿. It has some of the most beautiful white sand beaches in the world!

Would this paradise🏝️ be on your bucket list?

#bestbeaches
#beachdestination
#zanzibar
#beachvibes #backpackers #backpackerlife #travelblogger
Zanzibar archipelago located off the coast of East Zanzibar archipelago located off the coast of East Africa in the Indian Ocean. Zanzibar is a semi-autonomous region and is part of the United Republic of Tanzania🇹🇿.

While it's not as cheap as Indonesia, it should be definitely visited if you're planning to see the safaris in Tanzania!

Would you want to visit this island?🏝️

#zanzibar #zanzibarbeach #beachvibes #beachdestination
🍽️ Zanzibar's tastiest secrets revealed! Did 🍽️ Zanzibar's tastiest secrets revealed!

Did you know the street food in Zanzibar is influenced by Arabs, Indians & Europeans because of it being a famous trading hub in the 17th century!

1: Zanzibar Pilau
2: Urojo(Zanzibar Mix)
3: Sesame Bread & Mishkaki skewers
4:  Potato fritters
5: Women Selling Mandazi in the market
6. Mishkaki Skewers & Chipps
7. Lady serving Urojo in Forodhani Market

You should not miss these two places for trying the local food in Zanzibar
1. Forodhani Night Market
2. Lukmaan Restaurant

Want to know more about the local delicacies of Zanzibar? Read here: https://storiesofraku.com/zanzibar-food-guide/(Link in Bio)

Which dish would you want to try?😋🍢

#zanzibarstreeteats #zanzibardiaries #zanzibarfood #middleeasternfood #omanicuisine #indiancuisine #zanzibarisland #swahilifood #omanifood #travelblogger #indiafoodbloggers #zanzibarfoodscene #zanzibartrip #zanzibartanzania #zanizbartravel #localfood #localcuisine
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Recent Posts

  • The Ultimate Uganda Travel Guide for First-Time Visitors(2025)
  • 15 Most Amazing Cafes and Restaurants in Bir Billing
  • 8 Days in Bhutan – The Perfect Bhutan Itinerary
  • 7 Days in Zanzibar – The Perfect Zanzibar Itinerary

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