Pls tell about best hair artist / hair salon for men in Ankleshwar or Bharuch

​

Planning a 3–4 day trip to Dharamshala / McLeod Ganj / Dharamkot from 23rd to 26th August, travelling from the Chandigarh side with a female friend.

I know it’s monsoon and I’m not expecting perfect weather. I’m mainly trying to understand what the situation is actually like on the ground right now, rather than just looking at weather apps and seeing “rain” every day.

I’ve heard that Dharamshala–McLeod Ganj–Dharamkot can still be quite manageable during monsoon, because even when it rains, there can be breaks and the main tourist areas remain functional. But I’m also aware of the current landslide/road situation in Himachal and don’t want to take unnecessary risks.

So, locals / people who are there currently:

- How has the rain actually been over the last few days? Continuous rain or generally short spells with breaks?

- What are the conditions currently around Dharamshala, McLeod Ganj, Dharamkot and Bhagsu?

- How are the roads from Chandigarh → Dharamshala right now? Any major landslide/road-blockage issues?

- Is the Dharamshala–McLeod Ganj road currently okay for normal travel?

- Would you recommend staying in McLeod Ganj rather than Dharamkot during this weather?

- Are there any areas/routes that you would specifically tell tourists to avoid during heavy rain?

- Is it reasonable to explore the town/cafés/monasteries/viewpoints during this period, assuming we keep the itinerary flexible?

- And importantly: would you personally travel around these dates if you were in our position?

I’m not planning Triund or any serious trek if the weather is bad. Same with waterfalls/streams/isolated mountain areas — I’d rather skip those than take a stupid risk.

The idea is more of a relaxed trip: McLeod Ganj, Dharamkot, cafés, Tibetan food, monasteries, viewpoints, walks, etc. If we get a clear few hours, great; if it rains, we can just chill.

Also, 24th is a special occasion for us, so it would be great to know if there’s anything particularly nice around McLeod Ganj/Dharamkot for an evening — a beautiful viewpoint, peaceful café, live music, cultural experience, monastery/heritage place, or something that feels a little special. I’m not necessarily looking for a party/nightclub.

I’m basically trying to decide:

“Is Dharamshala reasonably safe and enjoyable for 23–26 August if we stay flexible, or should we abandon the plan and choose somewhere else?”

Would especially appreciate replies from locals, people currently staying there, or people who travelled there in the last week or two rather than generic “monsoon = don’t go” advice.

Thanks!

​

About a week ago, I posted here asking for advice between cars like the Brezza, Seltos Turbo, 3XO, Kylaq etc.

At that point, I was almost convinced that the Seltos Turbo DCT was going to be the one. The logic was simple: I have the budget, I like the features/space/cabin, and if I’m spending this much, why not buy the better car?

Well… after actually driving these cars, my thinking has changed quite a bit.

1. Brezza turbo

Finally test drove the Brezza turbo manual.

I wasn't expecting much, honestly.

But it was surprisingly fun.

I didn't take it beyond ~100 km/h, but within normal speeds it felt punchy enough and very easy to drive. The overall package just makes sense.

And that's the problem.

It's not the most exciting car on paper, but after driving it I understood why people keep recommending it.

---

2. Seltos 1.5 Turbo DCT

This was the car I was most curious about.

And yes — it's properly powerful.

Put your foot down and it moves. No complaints whatsoever about performance.

The seats, headrest, driving position, cabin, etc. were all excellent.

But somehow…

I didn't enjoy driving it as much as I expected.

I didn't hate it. Not even close.

It was actually a very good experience.

But after the drive, my reaction was basically:

"Yeah, this is powerful and comfortable."

Not:

"Damn, I want this car."

Maybe 10 minutes isn't enough to judge a car, but that's genuinely how I felt.

If I buy a Seltos, I would definitely take the Turbo DCT, because the NA didn't give me the performance I wanted. But now I'm questioning whether I even want to spend the extra ₹7–8L over a Brezza for it.

---

3. Renault Duster 1.3 Turbo

And then today happened.

I LOVED driving this thing.

The driving position, steering, engine response and overall driving experience just clicked with me.

This was probably the first test drive where I got out and thought:

«"Okay, THIS is fun."»

But then reality kicked in.

The rear-seat thigh support isn't great, especially for taller passengers.

And I'm also a little concerned about Renault's long-term ownership ecosystem.

There's a possibility I could get posted to Assam in the future, so service-network availability is something I can't completely ignore.

I'm not saying Renault is going anywhere — but compared with Maruti/Hyundai/Kia, I definitely have more uncertainty here.

So Duster is currently my heart's choice but possibly my brain's headache.

---

Where I stand right now

After all these drives, my personal ranking based purely on driving experience is roughly:

3XO Turbo > Duster 1.3 Turbo > Kylaq > Seltos Turbo DCT ~ Brezza

But if I include ownership, finances, practicality and long-term peace of mind, the ranking changes completely.

And that's where I'm stuck.

---

The actual dilemma

I'm earning around ₹24L/year, have investments going on, and can technically afford a ~₹18L car.

But the difference between a well-specced Brezza and Seltos HTK(O) Turbo DCT is roughly ₹7–8 lakh.

And that's not pocket change.

I could buy the Brezza, continue my SIPs aggressively and probably never worry about the car.

Or I could spend significantly more on the Seltos and get the more powerful, more premium package.

But after driving it, I'm not convinced that I enjoy it ₹7–8 lakh more.

---

So Reddit, I'm back.

My shortlist right now:

3XO Turbo Automatic

Brezza Turbo (manual only,sadly)

Duster 1.3 Turbo DcT

Kylaq Auto

Seltos HTK(O) Turbo DCT

Creta is also still somewhere in the background because objectively it's a very complete package.

But I'm trying to figure out something more fundamental now:

Should I buy the car I enjoy driving the most, or should I buy the car that makes the most financial sense?

Especially interested in hearing from people who have owned their cars for 5+ years.

Did you regret spending extra on the car you wanted?

Or did you regret buying the sensible car because you kept thinking about the one you actually wanted?

And if you were in my position, would you:

A) Buy Brezza manual and invest the ₹7–8L difference

B) Buy Seltos Turbo DCT and enjoy it

C) Go 3XO Turbo ( felt a bit small and is also used in taxi, so that's only turn off)

D) Take the Duster despite the service/network concerns

E) Do something completely different?

At this point I've test-driven enough cars to make the decision harder, not easier.

Hi everyone!

My girlfriend and I will be visiting Dharamshala/McLeodganj/Dharamkot from 23rd to 26th August, and 24th August is her birthday. Since this is our first trip together, I really want to make it a day she'll never forget.

I'm open to pretty much any kind of experience, whether it's romantic, adventurous, peaceful, or something completely unique. The budget is flexible if it's genuinely worth it.

I'm looking for suggestions like:

• A unique birthday experience that's only possible in or around Dharamshala/McLeodganj.
• Romantic cafés or restaurants with amazing views.
• Beautiful sunrise or sunset spots.
• Hidden viewpoints or offbeat places.
• Luxury or unique stays that are worth booking for one night.
• Private picnic setups, room decorations, bonfires, or candlelight dinners.
• Wellness experiences like sound healing, spa sessions, or anything memorable.
• Local experiences (tea estates, pottery, art workshops, live music, etc.).
• Any photographers who do surprise couple shoots.
• Anything you've done here that made a birthday or anniversary truly special.

The only thing I'm looking for is an experience she'll remember for years. It doesn't have to be expensive—just something genuinely special.

If you've celebrated a birthday here, planned a surprise, or know of hidden gems that most tourists miss, I'd love to hear your recommendations.

Thanks!

I'm 27, single (likely getting married in the next 1–2 years), earning around ₹24 LPA in a reputed PSU. This will be my first new car. I currently drive a used Chevrolet Beat, which I bought because I learned driving on it. Even today, I love its steering feedback, although everything else is just average.

I don't drive a lot—around 1,000 km/month on average. Some weekends might be 300–400 km, but overall my running will be modest.

One thing worth mentioning: my company offers a car loan at around 4% interest, so stretching my budget is financially possible. The car, however, will be completely my own personal car.

Cars I've driven

Mahindra 3XO AT

• Loved the turbo performance and driving feel.
• If I buy one, it'll probably be the RevX variant.
• Only issue: I see Mahindras all day at work (100+ XUV 400 at office as taxi), so it doesn't feel very exciting anymore.

Skoda Kylaq AT

• Fantastic to drive.
• Didn't like the cabin plastics (major turnoff even in higher model).
• Rear seat comfort wasn't great.

Kia Seltos (NA Petrol)

• Best interiors and overall feel.
• But the NA engine felt underpowered.
• If I go for it, it'll be the 1.5 Turbo DCT HTK (O), around ₹18 lakh on-road.

Now here's where I'm confused.

A part of me feels I should buy a manual for a few more years. I've never driven in hills or challenging terrain, and I feel driving a manual will make me a more confident and complete driver.

That's why I'm also considering the new Brezza ZXI. It seems incredibly value for money, should have great resale, and would save me around ₹6–7 lakh compared to the Seltos. I have a test drive booked tomorrow.

At the same time, I keep wondering whether I should just buy the car I'll genuinely enjoy every time I get behind the wheel.

I've also looked at the Thar MX3 AT (love the road presence, worried about comfort) and the Kushaq, so my shortlist is honestly all over the place.

My priorities:

• Safety
• Fun to drive/Powerful engine
• Reliability (have Nexon Diesel at home - don't like aftersales experience)
• Comfortable enough for a future family
• Budget: ₹11–18 lakh

If you were in my shoes, would you:

• Save money and buy the Brezza ZXI manual?
• Stretch for the Seltos Turbo DCT?
• Go for the 3XO despite my hesitation?
• Pick something else entirely?

Would love to hear from people who've actually owned or driven these cars. Which one would you buy, and more importantly, why?

I've been in this fragrance hobby for around 4–5 years now, but instead of blind buying bottles, I've mostly gone the decant route. It helped me try a lot without spending a fortune.

Current full bottles:

- Rasasi Hawas (more than half finished)

- Davidoff Cool Water (more than half finished)

Cool Water is my safe office scent. Hawas is what I usually wear for casual outings, dinners, or when I want something a bit louder.

Over the years I've tried:

- Afnan Turathi Blue

- Mancera Cedrat Boise

- Armaf Club de Nuit Intense Man (CDNIM)

- Afnan Supremacy (I think it was Not Only Intense)

- Lattafa Khamrah Qahwa

- YSL Y

- JPG Ultra Male

- ...and a few others.

Honestly, none of them made me go, "This is it." Some smelled amazing, some got compliments, some had great performance, but there hasn't been one fragrance that's been a complete wow for me.

Khamrah Qahwa probably got me the most compliments, but it's not something I can wear most of the year because of the Indian weather.

Now I want to stop buying decants and start building a proper collection with bottles/partials that I'll actually use.

The one fragrance I keep coming back to is Afnan Turathi Blue. Every time I think about my next purchase, that's the one that comes to mind. Maybe it's because it's versatile, fresh, and just enjoyable to wear.

At the same time, I'm seeing people recommend Ahmed Al Maghribi, Sheikh by Prestige, rare reef and a bunch of other Middle Eastern fragrances, and I'm wondering if I'm about to miss out on something better.

If you were in my position, what would you buy next?

Budget isn't a huge issue, but I'd rather buy one bottle I'll happily wear than three that just sit on the shelf.

My priorities:

• Versatile enough for Indian weather

• Good performance (6–8+ hours preferred)

• Mass appealing but not boring

• Something that actually feels bottle-worthy

Would you still pick Turathi Blue, or is there another fragrance you'd recommend over it?

Hey everyone!

Looking for some good places to just chill around Bharuch, Ankleshwar, or nearby. Could be:

• A nice tea , coffee or food spot ☕
• Good local snacks or street food 🍴
• A peaceful riverside or scenic place 🌅
• Hidden gems that aren't very well known
• Any go-to hangout spots with friends

Basically, any place where you like to relax, drive to, or spend an evening. Doesn't have to be fancy—sometimes the best spots are the local ones.

Would love to hear your recommendations. Thanks! 🙌

We're a group of **6 friends (late 20s)** planning a **Saturday morning → Sunday night** trip from Mumbai this weekend.

We've finalized **Mahabaleshwar/Panchgani**, but we're confused about the **best place to stay** and how to make the most of just one night.

Our priorities:

* Amazing mountain/valley views * Peak monsoon vibes (clouds, greenery, waterfalls) * Good swimming pool * Resort / Villa / Airbnb (all are fine) * Nice common area to chill together * Adventure activities nearby (ATVs, horse riding, boating, zipline, trekking, etc.) * Scenic property where spending time at the stay itself is enjoyable

We're looking at places around **Mahabaleshwar, Panchgani, Metgutad, Bhose, and Old Mahabaleshwar**.

A few questions:

1. Which area is the best to stay in for monsoon views and easy access to attractions?
2. Any specific resort/villa/Airbnb you'd highly recommend for **6–8 people**?
3. What are the absolute **must-do experiences** in July?
4. Which viewpoints are actually worth visiting in the monsoon (and which are overrated because of fog)?
5. Any hidden cafés, local food spots, or experiences that tourists usually miss?
6. Any adventure activities you'd recommend besides the usual sightseeing?

We're not looking for luxury—we're looking for the **best overall experience**.

Would love recommendations from people who've visited recently. Thanks!

Hi everyone,

We're a group of 6 friends (late 20s) planning a road trip from Mumbai this weekend.

Plan:

• Leave Mumbai early Saturday morning
• Return Sunday night

After looking at a lot of options, we've decided on Mahabaleshwar–Panchgani, but since we only have one night, we want to make the trip count.

We're not looking for luxury. We'd rather stay somewhere with a great vibe, beautiful surroundings, and enough space for the group to relax together.

Our priorities are:

• Scenic mountain or valley views
• Good monsoon atmosphere
• A swimming pool
• A nice resort or villa with a common area to hang out
• Good food nearby
• Adventure activities if they're actually worth doing

We're currently considering properties around Metgutad, Bhose, Old Mahabaleshwar, and Panchgani, but we're completely open to better suggestions.

A few questions:

• Which area would you recommend staying in?
• Any resorts, villas, or Airbnbs that you've personally loved for a group of 6–8 people?
• What are the absolute must-do experiences in the monsoon?
• Which viewpoints are genuinely worth visiting in July, and which ones are usually covered in fog?
• Any hidden cafés, local food joints, or lesser-known spots that most tourists miss?
• Any adventure activities you'd recommend besides the usual sightseeing?

Would really appreciate recommendations from people who've visited recently. Personal experiences are much more helpful than Google reviews.

Thanks in advance!

I'm genuinely asking, not trying to start a fan war.

I'm angry with the BJP over a lot of things. The state of education is embarrassing—paper leaks, delayed recruitments, unemployment, and now students having to protest just to be heard. What frustrates me even more is that the government rarely acknowledges its mistakes, let alone fixes them. A democracy needs accountability.

Yet, when I look at the alternatives, I still end up voting BJP.

Maybe it's because I've lived in both UP and Gujarat. Gujarat isn't perfect, but decades of industrial growth, infrastructure, ease of doing business, and governance are visible. UP has improved a lot too in recent years. Digitalization, highways, public infrastructure, and initiatives like the Padma Awards becoming more inclusive are things I genuinely appreciate.

At the same time, I don't like where BJP is heading on some issues. Majority appeasement shouldn't replace minority appeasement. The government also needs to keep a tighter leash on extremist elements within its support base. A strong Constitution and equal rights should come first.

As for the opposition:

• Congress still hasn't convinced me it has an economic or governance vision that inspires confidence.
• SP's image, especially in UP, is still weighed down by law-and-order concerns and local strongmen.
• BSP has faded.
• AAP has potential, but I don't think it's yet a credible national alternative.

I'm not against reservation, but I do think reforms like extending the creamy layer principle to ensure benefits reach the most disadvantaged deserve discussion.

So this is my dilemma.

I want BJP to get a political shock—not because I want it destroyed, but because no government should feel untouchable. I want it to introspect, become more accountable, and fix the issues it's ignoring.

But when election day comes, I still struggle to see a better national alternative.

So I'll ask again:

If not BJP, then who?

Edit : I feel upset too. Honestly, I feel helpless seeing the lack of accountability. The way student protests, paper leaks, delayed recruitments, and genuine concerns are handled is disappointing.

But voting isn't just about punishing one party; it's also about trusting another to run the country for the next five years. Who do I trust, and why? That was the discussion I wanted to have.

Instead, I see a lot of "anyone but BJP." I genuinely feel sorry that our political discourse has been reduced to that. If we're asking a government to be accountable, shouldn't we hold ourselves to the same standard while voting? Choosing a government is one of the biggest decisions we make as citizens.

If the answer is simply "anyone but BJP," then we're voting out of anger, not conviction. And that's exactly how democracies end up with governments that people later complain about.

Hi everyone!

My girlfriend and I are planning our first-ever trip together, and we've decided on Dharamkot/Dharamshala. We'll be there from 23rd Aug (morning) to 26th Aug, and we'd love some advice from people who've been there recently.

Current plan:

• Stay: Preferably in Dharamkot (heard it's quieter and has a better vibe than staying in Dharamshala).
• Budget: ₹2k–4k/night (can stretch to ₹5k if it's really worth it).

Hotels I've shortlisted:

• Sky House
• Bird House Retreat
• Ghar AC Mountain Vista

If you've stayed at any of these, which one would you recommend? Or is there another place in the same budget that's even better?

Travel:

We'll be taking an overnight bus/cab from Chandigarh.

• Should we book the bus till Dharamshala ISBT or directly till Dharamkot/McLeodganj?
• Planning to rent a scooty for the entire trip. Is that the best way to get around in late August (monsoon)? Any reliable rental shops you'd recommend?

Places we want to cover:

• Bhagsu Waterfall
• Shiva Cafe
• McLeodganj
• Dalai Lama Temple
• A few nice cafés
• Maybe half a day exploring Dharamshala

We're not looking for strenuous treks (so probably skipping Triund). We prefer scenic drives, cafés, viewpoints, and relaxed walks.

A few questions:

1. Any hidden cafés, viewpoints, or offbeat places that are worth visiting?
2. Any monsoon-specific tips or places to avoid in late August?
3. Anything you'd change in this plan?

Would really appreciate recommendations from locals or recent visitors. Thanks in advance!

I have a ~3,600 sq. ft. plot near Gudamba Thana, Lucknow. It's on the main road coming off the highway, just a short distance from the highway itself. The plot is currently completely open/empty and has boundary walls on all sides.

Instead of just letting the land sit idle, I genuinely want to create some value out of it.

So throwing this out to the Lucknow community — if you're a startup founder, running a small business, or have an interesting idea that needs a pocket of open land, I'd love to hear it.

I'm an IITian myself and pretty open to exploring unconventional ideas. Could be a partnership, a new concept, or simply an idea/recommendation from someone who sees potential I haven't thought of yet.

If you have something serious and relevant in mind, feel free to DM. Please no generic spam, brokerage pitches, or random “sir I have a business proposal” messages without context 😅

Hoping the Lucknow community doesn't disappoint. What would you build here?

Hi everyone,

I have a 225 sq. m. newly handed-over commercial shop available for rent at Capper Road, Lalbagh, right opposite Epiphany Church.

The shop is located at arguably the best/most prime spot within the complex, with excellent visibility and a great location for a showroom, retail outlet, office, clinic, café or other commercial use.

📍 Capper Road, Lalbagh – Opp. Epiphany Church
📐 225 sq. m. commercial space
🏢 Newly handed over
⭐ Prime location within the complex

If you are genuinely interested, or know someone looking for a good commercial space in Lalbagh, please DM me.

Direct owner listing.

I'm travelling from Gujrat and my friend from Harayana. Looking for somewhere peaceful and really beautiful — green mountains, mist, forests, nice views etc. Don't want super touristy/crowded, but also don't want to be stuck in the middle of nowhere with nothing to do 😅 Cafes, walks, small places to explore would be nice.

Budget around 5k per room/night.

Currently confused between Dharamkot/McLeod, Landour, Mashobara/Theog and Mukteshwar/Kasar Devi. Open to other places too.

Main concern is August monsoon/landslides and getting stuck because it's only a 3N/4D day trip. I know mountains are risky in monsoon, just trying to pick the relatively sensible option.

Anyone who's actually been to these places in August/monsoon — what would you pick? And any specific area/stay recommendations.

What is the likely UPSC Prelims 2026 cut-off based on marks calculated from the official UPSC answer key?

I have seen people with 78 marks claiming that they have qualified prelims.