Search Results for: rishikesh

Luxury parallel with divinity – Ell Bee Ganga View

June 23, 2014

How would you like to absorb the divinity and religious

fervor of Rishikesh? Ell Bee Ganga View is the newest
property in the heart of Rishikesh that offers guests uncountable reasons to
visit the holy city. Offering a spectacular view of the Ganges, it is the first
property that welcomes visitors who enter Rishikesh.

The multi faceted hotel
has a luxurious approach to enjoy the sanctity of Rishikesh. Launched on 14th
April 2013, the hotel promises a comfortable stay for business executives,
leisure travelers, and families.

Marbled flooring on each floor of the hotel

A sprawling property of 6 floors,
the luxury hotel is first of its kind to make a lasting impression in
Rishikesh. The owner Mr. Sahib Gulati, who has brought with himself years of
experience in hospitality, says “The idea behind launching the Ell Bee hotel
was to provide an experience to visitors and tourists to this part of India
(Uttarakhand) that will match with the best all over India and abroad”.

He
further says, “We felt that despite Uttarakhand having such popular
destinations like Rishikesh, Mussoorie, Haridwar, Dehradoon etc. there weren’t
enough luxury accommodations available in the region. Hence we decided to fill
in that gap and created a brand which provides such loyal luxurious experience
for the guests.”It is very easy to approach Ell
Bee hotel if you are coming from Delhi. While the right side offers a panoramic view of the free flowing Ganges, the hotel on the other side stands proud with
its robust appearance.

Artifacts displayed at the art corner at the lobby

As we approached the hotel, the
front office greeted us warmly. A welcome drink served in the form of chilled
glass of lemonade quenched our thirst and relieved us from the tiredness.The hotel lobby had an interesting display of artifacts’ in a small shop open for guests. Art forms,
decorative pieces, gift items are all displayed offering a large variety. The
lifts of the hotel are intricately done. Artistic and yet contemporary, the
brief ride upwards too us back to the heritage living!

While my family is escorted to
the suite provided to us, I prefer to visit the property escorted by the
manager.

Mysticism displayed on the windows in rooms

The rooms at the Ell Bee Hotel
have an interesting pattern of mysticism in their rooms. Each room had an aura
of sanctity and bliss reflected in the form of myriad art forms on the windows
or the floral art works on the walls. Exquisitely done by talented interior decorators,
these rooms spelt a class in its own. While they were rooms with the view of
the Ganga, others without the view had still interesting art forms of Gods and
goddesses that offered a visual treat for guests. Facilities like tea, coffee placed
in the room giving convenience to every guest.

I returned back to my suite and
was completely impressed. The sprawling suite had a breathtaking view of the
Ganges. True to its name, the view of the Ganga from the room multiplied the
beauty of the luxury hotel. The large windows usher in the bright sun light in
the room making it look brighter.

A fridge planted in our suite had
eatables and juices to satiate untimely hunger pangs. The comfortable beds with
soft mattresses and pillows are apt for a family of three, while an extra bed
in the adjoining room gives privacy for an additional member to enjoy the
benefits of being with the family yet have a private space.

Luxurious washrooms with the best facilities

Ell Bee’s washrooms are luxury
defined. The state of art amenities is parallel with any five star hotel. A
large Jacuzzi in the spacious washroom and a private bath area with multi
showers from every side gives a refreshing feel.

The refreshing shower made me
famished for lunch and so we proceeded for a warm lunch at the restaurant.

With a magical view of the
mountains from all sides and the holy Ganga ﬂowing through it, the open rooftop
restaurant – ‘The Sitting Elephant’ looks beautiful.

The attributes and traits
of elephants are in sync with the décor that has been meticulously designed. It
gives an appealing look to the restaurant. Elephants in the form of art forms,
wooden statues, hanging miniatures lend a Rajasthani feel to the restaurant.

The dining area offers the most
incredible view of the holy city. An open dining area as an added feature, the
restaurant on the fifth floor gives the diners a breathtaking view of the
Ganges gleaming through the gigantic mountains. Hanging pots in the open dining
area add to the eco friendly effect to it. A large water body in the centre with fresh
marigold flowers flowing is captivating.

Thus began our culinary odyssey.
The servers began their warm service while serving hot Indian food that
included freshly prepared dishes from the diligent chefs of the hotel. A nice
lunch closed with a sweet Indian delicacy satiated us and we climbed higher to
the terrace of the hotel.

The outdoor sitting area of the restaurant

Ell Bee has a panoramic
“Rishikesh 360 View Point” from its top floor that offers a complete panoramic
view of the River Ganga and the City.

The fast flowing beautiful 5km river
stretch of Ganga looks mesmerizing. Sights like the Triveni Ghat, a river side that
conducts evening Aarti prayers are a treat for guests to watch. Others like the
Manikut Parvat, Ganga Barrage, Rajaji National Park, Tera Manzil Temple, Kunjapuri
Temple,Narender Nagar can be witnessed from the roof top of the hotel.

A much needed snooze was
something we were looking forward to and so we headed to our room.As the curtains of the room are
drawn, the room glistens with its own shimmer reflecting the charm and aura
which is perfected by the subtle hues done by the artisans.

The evening aartis – melodious

The evening brings with it the
soothing sounds of evening aarti performed at the Triveni Ghat. Quite a welcome
to our ears, we descended from the hotel to witness the chants of the revered gurus
respecting their ode to the mighty Ganga and lighting the diyas. The sight is
spectacular as diyas flowing in the Ganga flow effortlessly.

The walk back to the hotel gives
us a brief story of the serene city with its ardent followers and sages who
have made Rishikesh their final domain. The city lights dim and we retire back
to our hotel.

A rather interesting dinner in
the form of Chinese cuisine surprises us with its mouth watering platters that
flare our appetites even further. The chef ardently prepared a lavish meal for
us that was clearly felt in the taste and aroma of each dish we devoured during
dinner.

The morning sun shines in the
room as we wake up from our comfortable sleep. The hotel ensures the
temperature to be set perfectly for the comfort of the guests, so our sleep was
undisturbed. A lavish buffet spread in the restaurant awaited us and so we
entered the dining area to enjoy the scrumptious breakfast.

The continental and Indian
choices were massive with an elaborate spread of cheese sandwiches, corn
flakes, porridge, fruits and Indian breads. Ell Bee is synonymous with luxury
and entertainment on parallel grounds. The fun never stops during the stay at
the hotel. Extra activities at the hotel include yoga and sight seeing that are
inclusive in the package. I was unfortunate to have missed the yoga class, but
was definitely sure to get involved in some activities the hotel promises.

The small tea corner at the lobby

An exciting river rafting
adventure activity was organized for us from the hotel. The jeep took us to the
venue for rafting where other excited tourists were awaiting their turn to
raft. Ell Bee ensured safely comes first, so we were provided with good rafting
guides and helpers who ensure our time was well spent and enjoyed thoroughly
during the fun activity. Accompanied with other tourists, we boarded the raft
and enjoyed one hour of non-stop excitement while the raft rode up and down on
the mighty Ganges.

The fun ride came to an end, and
our driver took us back to the hotel. We preferred to take some rest in the
room and watched some match on the television. It was time for dinner and we loved to the open dining area of the sitting elephant where we relished our
meal.

The next day we planned to
witness the early sun rise from the roof top of Ell Bee. It was a clear weather
and we clicked some brilliant photos from our camera. The time to leave the
hotel was approaching and our bags were packed for the return journey. The stay
was a comfortable and luxurious one that will settle in our memories forever.

The free flowing Ganges – View from the hotel

Hotel Ell Bee Ganga View promises
brilliant memories and an enjoyable stay that guests will cherish for a long
time. Any time of the season is worth visiting the place where the smallest
details are well taken care of.

Details:

Ell Bee from
Dehradun Airport is 16 Km; from Haridwar Railway Station is 24 Km and from
Delhi is 220 Km.

Address:

355, Haridwar
Road, Palika Nagar, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand 249201

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Tags: luxury hotels

A quest for thrill @ MEGATHON

May 6, 2014

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Get geared for a weekend full of adventure, fun and entertainment galore with India’s premier adventure
sports festival- MEGATHON. A three-day adventure sports competition, Megathon provides a platform for all you ardent adventure enthusiasts to partake in a myriad of unique sports under one roof at a competitive level.
The gala is scheduled to take place along the Ganges, approximately 1o kms from the holy land of Rishikesh, that is acclaimed to attract tourists not only for its temples, spirituality, serene environment and scenic beauty, but also for the host of adventure activities that the city has to offer. Megathon is a platform for the adventure lovers and travel enthusiasts to indulge in adventure sports which not only test their stamina and team collaboration but give them an opportunity to enjoy and compete with one another for the sheer joy of the sport.

The festival brings to your palette a host of competitions that include-White Water Rafting Race, Mountain Bike Relay Race, Quaterathon, Rope Pulling, Obstacle Course and Paintball Competition. These competitions will give you the opportunity to showcase your physical and mental skills in different ways.

The adventure sports will be conducted at all times with proper safety equipment and under the strict supervision of trained personnel. Apart from these adventure sports you can also look forward to some fun and relaxing activities like yoga & meditation sessions; attend the rock concert & shopping carnival; and a tour of the tranquil and beauteous Rishikesh.

The adventure carnival will be inaugurated by Harish Rawat, the Chief Minister of Uttrakhand and has a social cause attached to it. Jwala Gutta, left-handed Indian Badminton player who has won the National Indian Badminton Championship thirteen times till 2010 and also the Gold Medalist at Commonwealth Games will be attending the event.

Designed specially to address the common day problems of stressful mundane lifestyle through an exhilarating adventure experience, Megathon creates a dais for the participants to invest in team building, problem solving and relationship building exercises. The festival is a thrilling event full of quest for fun and entertainment that helps people break the monotony of everyday life.

So, call your adventure seeking friends, form a team of 6, partake in the thrill and rejuvenate yourself at Megathon! The three teams scoring the highest will be awarded with handsome prizes.

Dates: May 30 to June 01, 2014

Venue: 10 kms from Rishikesh, Uttrakhand

Packages: 2N/3D

Rs 13,999 per person for 3N/4D
Rs. 8,000 for students for 3N/4D

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Tags: Adventure Zone

Sanskriti – Heaven on Earth

April 25, 2014

324 Comments

Rishikesh, a habitat for the parched soul has a new reason
to visit the holy city – Sanskriti. The very essence of Ayurveda seeps in the
culture of the new Vedic retreat that sits pretty amidst the bustle of Rishikesh.
International tourists who come here to seek solace can now acquire tranquility
when they enter the retreat.

Sanskriti is located in the heart of Rishikesh which makes
it easily accessible for tourists. The retreat has 6 beautiful rooms that offer
a panoramic view of the mountains and the free flowing Ganges. Each room is
named on the holy cities of the country like Allahabad, Devaprayag, Haridwar,
Rishikesh, Varanasi and Kolkata. While you enter the retreat, a warm welcome
offered by the staff relieves your stress from the journey. Every room has
earthen lamps that evoke a sensuous aroma surrounding the air that freshens up your
mood.

You can devour the green tea kept on the table and freshen
up with a warm shower. A small staircase takes you to the heights of a
luxurious floor with a café, massage rooms and a yoga room. An open deck throws
open a beautiful view of the city which is lit up with diyas and shrill sounds
of the artis.

The organic café at Sanskriti has
some of the most succulent dishes that are delicious on the palette and light on
the stomach. Each dish is made with organic ingredients. Guests who are keen to start the day with
something healthy can relish a Six
Tastes Selection (Six Tastes-Set Breakfasts) that has perfectly combined, balanced meals incorporating the six tastes (sweet,
sour, salty, bitter, pungent and astringent) given in the Holistic Healing
Science of Ayurveda.

International guests looking for decent places
to dine at Rishikesh can stop over for some scrumptious breakfast like the Farmer’s Breakfast that includes Scrambled
Cottage Cheese, Hash Browns, Fried Tomatoes &Whole-wheat Toast served with
Fresh Coffee.

Lunch at Sanskriti is experimental with a
twist. The Indians can devour a large Indian
Thali that includes Soup, Mildly Spiced Vegetable Curry, Steamed Vegetable
Salad, Dahl (Lentils), Grain (Millet/Amaranth/Rice), Flatbread, Papad, Chutney,
Digestive Drink, Sweet while our International counterparts can relish an International Thali that comprises of
soup, Sautéed Vegetables, Vegetable Salad, Lentil/Bean/Nut Protein dish, Grain
Millet/Amaranth/Rice, Wholegrain bread, Chutney/Dip, Digestive Drink, Sweet.

There is always something exciting for salad
lovers. Light eaters can indulge in a Ginger, Sesame Carrot Salad with Lime and
Honey dressing or the Sesame Radish Salad with a Lime and Rock Salt dressing.
Those looking for something extra can include Flex Seeds (for Omega Oils) or
Sesame Seeds (for Calcium) or Spirulina (for Vitamins) or Raisins (for Iron) or
Figs (for calcium) or Dates (for Iron) or Tahini/Sunflower Dip (for Calcium and
Omega oils) or French dressing with Lime (for vitamin c and Omega oils). People
who love snacking can catch a quick bite at Sanskriti.

Healthy snacks and meals
like the Rice noodles with Sesame Ginger Vegetables have sautéed seasonal
vegetables with rice noodles, garnished with toasted sesame seeds & fresh
coriander, served with tahini and lime sauce. On the other hand, if guests are
looking forward to indulge can relish a scrumptious Veggie Health Burger with sunflower mayonnaise and fresh herbs in whole-wheat
that are served with seasonal side salad & sweet date chutney.

Pasta lovers can Choose from Penne or Spaghetti and relish their dish with vegetables, Olives and cottage Cheese. The
Wholegrain Meals include Sesame Millet Veggies served with Green Ginger
Chutney, Organic Brown Rice Pulao with Tahini and Lime Sauce and Moong Beans
and Rice Khichdi with Green Ginger Chutney.

The café boasts of some of the most exotic
thirst quenchers. The Beetroot, Carrot and Ginger Juice is a vitalizing
mind-body drink that is rich in iron, vitamins and minerals while the Carrot
and Ginger Juice is a rejuvenating mind-body tonic that soothes and calms the
digestive system. The veggie Vitamin Infusion is a high vitamin shot of
tomatoes, carrots, cabbage and spinach and ginger while the minty Tomato
Tantaliser is an infusion of tomatoes, fresh lime and mint blended together for
a tangy refreshing pick-you-up. The Spirulina& Lime Revitaliser , rich in
B12 and Vitamin C gives instant energy and balances the nervous system. These
meals can be devoured sitting at the deck enjoying the serene landscape of
mountains and the holy river flowing.

Besides the truly enticing array of healthy
eating, an Ayurveda massage is the next important thing that you must indulge
in. come to experience a heavenly sensation with the Kiarali massages offered
to Sanskriti guests. The Sanskriti Vedic Retreat offers a number of
Ayurveda and Panchakarma Packages for the guests.

All packages are designed to
make guests feel completely rejuvenated, refreshed and healthy. The treatments that are done here are prescribed by expert Ayurvedic doctors and are carried
out by Ayurvedic specialists under skilled supervision. If you want to opt for
a rejuvenating experience, book yourself for a Kairali preventive and
Regenerative package that can last between 3 to 22 days.

A perfect answer to balance mind, body and
soul, the Ayurvedic package is the best answer for a holistic experience. It
consists of the Abhyangam massage where two masseurs rhythmically massage you
and bring out the perfect well being and balance in you.

Kairali’s holistic treatment for
detoxification consists of rejuvenation and detox treatments that include
thereauptic cleansing techniques and diet for a complete rejuvenating
experience. This program includes, Virechana, Vasti, Elakizhi, Kadhikizhi,
Pizhichil, Navakriya, Shirodhara and Abhyangam. Other therapies that are beneficial
are the weight loss program, panchkarma treatment that assures a rejuvenated experience
for the guests.

Visit www.sanskritivedicretreat.com for an absolute diving experience and renew life!

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Tags: Wellness Retreats

V Resorts Rajaji National Park – Take a plush trip to the world of wild

November 11, 2013

1,331 Comments

This
winters, visit the land of leopards, elephants, wild boars, crocodiles and a
thriving world of colourful birds. All this and more you will find at Rajaji
National Park, just 5 hrs drive from Delhi. In the
midst of wilderness, the home of such wild beauties stands V Resorts – India’s
first chain of Offbeat Resorts (www.vresorts.in).

V Resorts at Rajaji National Park is all
set to welcome you from 1st December, 2013. It’s a charming
resort with 16 contemporary rooms offering breathtaking views of the
picturesque landscape of hills and farm lands. Ganga canal is just 2 minutes
walk from the resort. 8 rooms of the resort are with private plunge pools.
Apart from these to ensure that you have a great holiday experience V
Resorts-Rajaji National Park also offers you a charming swimming pool,
restaurant with bar, conference room, games room and host of adventure
activities. The location of V Resorts – Rajaji National Park is such that while
it places you in perfect serenity, disconnected from the world, you are only a
20 minute drive from the cities of Haridwar and Rishikesh. This also ensures
good connectivity of mobiles and 3G.

In the
foothills of Shivalik ranges of Himalayas in Uttarakhand, Rajaji National Park
is a paradise on earth for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. Densely
foliated by Sal Forest (predominantly) and other forest types, Rajaji National
Park is home to some 23 species of mammals, 49 reptile species and 400 birds
species. Project Elephant is running in this park and this is the North Western
limit for Asiatic elephants in India. The reptile species include King Cobra,
Tricarinate Hill Turtle, Monitor lizard, Mugger Crocodile etc. A safari to this
thriving wildlife comes to you at half the price you pay in Jim Corbett
National Park, courtesy Forest Deptt.

Rajaji
National Park is a bird watcher’s paradise. The most commonly sighted birds in
this park are the Fishing Owl, Oriental Pied Hornbill, Himalayan Pied
Kingfisher, Changeable Hawk Eagle, White Breasted Kingfisher, Orange Ground
Thrush and the fire tailed Sunbird.

Key
highlights of Rajaji National Park:

Ø 5
hrs drive from Delhi

Ø 23
species of mammals, 49 reptile species and 400 birds species

Ø Project
Elephant running in this park

Ø Leopards,
Striped Hyenas, Goral, Wild Boars, Jungle Cats, Sloth Bear, Barking Deer,
Rhesus macaque, Cheetal Deers and Indian Porcupine can be sighted

Ø Cost
of wildlife safari at Rajaji National Park is half the price of Corbett
National Park

Ø The
famous River-Rafting strip of Rishikesh is just 30 minutes drive from V Resorts

Ø The
revered Har-Ki-Pauri, site of the enchanting Arti in the
evenings is just 20 minutes drive

Come aboard
to recharge your batteries and a lifetime experience.

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Tags: Exciting Getaways

That Adrenaline Rush – Jumpin Heights

March 2, 2013

2,796 Comments

As a child you have always wanted to do things your parents would never allow – and that thing was probably jumping off something really high. Well, now your childhood dream can finally come true – only very safely so.

But for that you’ll have to travel a little bit. Located at the ‘heavenly abode of Rishikesh’ is Jumpin Heights, that promises you the biggest thrill of your life, with the tag line – “GOT GUTS?”

After White Water Rafting and mountaineering, Rishikesh has now become the hot spot of the new take on adventure – Bungee Jumping.

It is located on the scenic Neelkanth Road, at Mohanchatti, 13 kms from Laxman Jhula in Rishikesh, that is 25 km from the Jolly Grant Airport (Dehradun) and 230 km by road from New Delhi. The office of Jumpin Heights has a youthful appearance quite opposite from the peaceful city of Ganga. It has brilliantly colored walls that give you an open view to a breath-taking scenic view of mountains and waterfalls. A beautiful café with summer chillers and fresh sandwiches await you while you are getting all jittery before that giant jump.

Far from the maddening crowd, Jumpin’ Heights is run by Rahul Nigam, an ex-army officer after tremendous research in adventure activities with well-trained jumpers who are there all the time. He introduced the fantastic sport to challenge the fear factor and get that adrenaline rush. “Jumpin Heights started in October 2010 and became the first company in India to offer Bungee Jumping and The Giant Swing from an 83 meters cantilever platform. We also offer Asia’s longest 1-km-long Flying Fox.” Colonel Manoj Kumar who is the Executive director of Jumpin Heights says. He adds, “ It has taken 4 years for the idea of Bungee to conceptualize in a professional manner after tremendous research and consultations from International Jump coordinators and masters. They have almost 20 years of experience with special emphasis on safety and security. The masters from New Zealand themselves train the trainers and remain in constant touch with them so that no mis-hap happens.”

The activities of Giant swing and bungee are done by a cantilever platform built over a rocky cliff. It is very surprising to see men backing out compared to women from the platform; the ratio being 7:3.

The safety equipments included are harnesses that can bear a weight of around 2,000 kilos at one go. Rahul explains, “Safety standards offered by Jumpin Heights in India are comparable to safety standards and practices followed in Australia and New Zealand. Our trained staff looks at safety first with guidance from experienced Jump masters from these countries. The best part is the harness can bear a heavy weight person with ease. However it is advisable that pregnant women and patients with high blood pressure should avoid it.”

Marc, a senior trainer with the Jumpin Heights hails from New Zealand, says, “The spirit of adventure has suddenly spiked within Indians. They are ready to take the risk and willing to spend their money for this thrilling experience, which can be daring enough.”

He adds, “Indians have become more adventurous and want to challenge their fear factor instead of vacationing in some quaint, quiet hill station. We have people from all walks of life – children, adults, corporate honchos or anyone willing to challenge their fear factor. The experience they get from these activities is very exhilarating.”

Adventure lovers are made to experience the Flying Fox as a warm up before trying the activities. As the roller coaster ride starts at a spine-chilling speed, the gush of air on the face makes the experience worthwhile. The next stage of the experience is Giant Swing where a person is tied up with a strong harness that can bear weight of upto 2,000 kg and jumps from the platform at a thrilling speed. Falling at such a high speed, from a height of 83 meters is definitely challenging and gives you a feeling of accomplishment. The person is made to swing to and fro and get a panoramic view of the lush greenery down below.

The Bungee Jump is the last stage of the adventure trio. Sometimes there are people who back out in the last moment. Standing at the platform is not as easy at it seems so there are people who just prefer to give it up even after paying the full amount.

The jumper is made to wear a nylon rope on the ankle, a safety helmet and hand guards who then jumps from an 83 meter height. Two trainers are always beside the jumper, coaxing and comforting the jumper who is made to look in the front at a red board on a tree. And then all you that can be heard is the heart beat and feel of nerves squealing in fear. While you are assisted by supporting trainers by your side all that is required is inner determination of just letting go!

After the deadly count of Five, four, three, two one…..the jumper jumps off who lets out a blood curling scream and then realize you are still alive and triumphant. The bungee rope gives the body a jerk; so while the jumper is just hanging there upside down; all that can be seen in front is a scenic beauty of two hills caressing a stream. After the Jump, the jumpers are lowered down to a drop zone right inside the river, which only has 2 ft of water, followed by a trek to the café in the Jumpin Heights office. The jumpers can celebrate their victory with a relaxing drink of a hot cappuchhino.

Adrenaline pumping details:

Activities that set your heart racing are Bunjee jumping, The Giant wheel and the Flying Fox.

Combo – 1 has Bungee and Swing @ Rs 4000/- per person – $ 90 per person· Combo – 2 has Bungee + Flying Fox @ Rs 3500/- per person – $ 80 per person· Combo – 3 has Swing + Flying Fox @ Rs 3500/- per person – $ 80 per person· Trilogy Combo – has Bungy+Swing + Flying Fox @ Rs 5000/- per person – $ 110 per person.

Jump timings are from 9.30 am to 5.30 pm. The Jumping season starts from October to May and is shut down from June to September during monsoons. It has a classy café, where one can watch the dare devil stunts experienced by people live on the plasma screens. One can gorge on scrumptious snacks and coffee too while gazing at the serene environment around.

Jumping Heights is not just about the experience at that moment but the unique sense of confidence and memories one takes back afterwards. Souvenirs like T-Shirts, Caps, Mugs, Key Chains, Fridge Magnets and Coasters are given to the jumpers along with a certificate that congratulates them. Jumpers can also buy their jump video DVD’s and photos taken during their activity.

Also read:

5 ways to enjoy in Rishikesh

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Tags: Adventure Zone