Bob the Explorer, Author at EXPLORE WITH BOB

In tourist destinations around mumbai and pune

Central Goa-Perfect for someone who loves buzz and history

15/04/2023 No Comments

One of the three parts of the Goa trip I covered over 7-8 days, Central and Old Goa, is something you can’t miss when you are here-most. Tourists don’t! Reis Magos Fort, Se Cathedral, Basilica of Bom Jesus, and St. Augustine Tower are some historical places that symbolize being in Goa with incredible vibrancy and aura! You have famous Dona Paula and casinos waiting for you in the Panjim area, and you’ll love the nightlife here. The most significant factor for being here is the Goa Carnival that happens every February with lots of pomp and show! You can’t miss that.

11 Reasons why you must visit Old Goa:

Facing the Arabian Sea, Bogmalo Beach is a great place to witness the sunset amidst the calm, less crowded sea shore.

Chorao and Divar islands (along with Bina Beach) at a distance of 5-7km from Panaji are known for snorkeling and exploring the marine life of the Arabian Sea.
Enjoy inshore and offshore river fishing, bottom fishing, fly fishing, and angling at Dona Paula.
Casino Royale, Casino Pride, and Casino Carnival are a few popular casinos where you can try your luck making a fortune.
Trek to the majestic Dudhsagar Falls near Londa in the rainy season and witness one of the most beautiful falls in the rainy season in India.

Goa Carnival, one of the main highlights of Goa, happens in February for four days, and you can’t miss the showcasing of Goa’s culture and traditions and the fun and music!
There are so many water rides you can do, say yacht rides, sea cruises, dolphin rides, and frankly, these are must-to-do things here in Goa.
Old Goa is known for the churches of St. Augustine, Basilica of Bom Jesus, and Church of St. Francis of Assisi.
Miramar beach at the confluence point of the Mandovi river and the Arabian Sea is known for adventure sports like jet-skiing and water skiing.
Cocoa Beach is an excellent visit for beautiful scenery, boating, aqua sports,scuba diving, water skiing, and gliding.
A Gothic architecture, the Church Of Mae De Deus is a charming story etched in stone. The Church of Our Lady of Immaculate Conception boasts a majestic structure. The Chapel of St. Catherine exhibits simple Renaissance-style architecture but is of immense historical significance.
One of the must-do activities in Panjim is to have freshly baked goodies from the old bakeries and visit wishing well, Chapel of St. Sebastian, and Altinho Hill.
Reis Magos Fort is a great historical spot to visit, for it was a residence for viceroys, a prison, and then an abandoned fort.

Location: Panaji will fall around 500 km south of Mumbai and 500 km west of Bengaluru.

Tourist Attraction on the spot:

Indian Naval Aviation Museum, St. Andrew’s Church, Japanese Garden, Immaculate Conception Church, Casino Pride, Panjim Church, Reis Magos Fort, Se Cathedral, Basilica of Bom Jesus, St. Augustine Tower, Bombolim, Siridao, Marivel, Dias, Vainguinim, Odxel, Caranzalem, Miramar, Biana, Hansa, Bimbel, Hollant Beaches, Dona Paula, Goa Carnival

Tourist Attraction in Vicinity:

You can visit Jog Falls, Ratnagiri, Gokarna, Doodhsagar Falls, and Murdeshwara in the vicinity!

Distance Charts:(Panaji)

Delhi(1890 km)
Mumbai(570 km)
Hyderabad(690 km)
Cochin(780 km)
Mysuru(620 km)
Chennai(950 km)
Bangalore(600 km)
Chandigarh(2200 km)
Shimla(2300 km)
Kolkata(2190 km)
Bhubaneshwar(1750 km)
Ahmedabad(1080 km)
Jaipur(1700 km)
Rameswaram(1200 km)
Kanyakumari(1270 km)

How to Reach Panaji:

Road Routes:

Mumbai-Ratnagiri-Kundal-Panjim-Vasco Da Gama

IMPORTANT NOTE FROM MY EXPERIENCE:

1)Central and Old Goa are about historical churches, Portuguese culture, and Museums. A goa trip becomes complete when you visit this portion of the state.

2)Goa Carnival happens on different days at several venues; old Goa will have a day or two reserved for itself. Check their official website before making a late Feb. trip.

3)Dona Paula has brilliant architecture, but you can get a glimpse from the entry gate due to poor structural stability. Still, Dona Paula beach is excellent for some sports and boating/cruising.

4)Even if you skip on beaches in the Old goa region-won’t be much of an issue as most beaches are small and not so clean-I mean, people hardly come here, and beaches aren’t well maintained. But Miramar, Biana, and Bogmalo can be good ones-they are long coastlines with some good time under the sun!

5)Have snacks, water, and a pocket umbrella with you at all times. You’ll not find many hotels on the way or along the beachside.

RAIL: Panaji has its railway station. Even Vasco has one. Madgaon will be a better choice for connectivity.

AIR: Dambolin airport is the nearest airport within Goa

ROAD: Panjim is well connected to cities like Bengaluru and Mumbai (KSRTC, KTCL, and MSRTC BUS services) due to regular buses and well-shaped routes, making the journey possible in 10-12 hours.

Map:

Time to Visit:

August to March is an excellent time to be here.

Spend Time With:

Friends, Groups, Family, Couples

Food and Lodging:

Hotels will be an issue in Central Goa not because of availability but because of pricing; better stay at Mapusa or Madgaon to cut down costs or cancel-enabled bookings in advance(Goibibo or Makemytrip, or Yatra websites are good ones). Food isn’t an issue, but the food at beach sides does cost a buck, and vegetarians need to be a bit careful-lots of the seafood on offer! Have snacks and water with you at all times-very a humid place!

Expense:

A 2-day trip to Panjim costs:(Night stay at Madgaon)

Food: INR 100/person/day(3 times a day)X2

Transport: Mostly you’ll be hopping on public transport. Assume a total of INR 300. Some places like Odxel beach or Bambolim beach might require a scooty or a pillion. So add another INR 400-500 for that.

Lodging: INR 700/day X1 at Madgaon

Entry Fees include various places (varies): INR 100 on the safer side. However, mostly this is not the case-most. Natural places in Goa is entry free.

Total: 2200 INR

Nearby Attractions(Panaji):

Mumbai(570 km)
Cochin(780 km)
Bangalore(600 km)
Mysuru(620 km)
Chennai(950 km)
Hyderabad(690 km)

In Tourist destinations around Bangalore

Cochin, Alappuzha and Ponmudi – beautiful beaches,attractive backwaters and lovely hill-station

02/04/2023 No Comments

The Kerala State of India has much to offer regarding greenery, forests, hills and beaches. One of the top spots we all know is Alappuzha, specifically for boat rides in backwaters in the early morning or sunset or just making a boathouse stay for a day or two, perfect for a honeymoon in winters-point noted! Cochin offers a Goa vibe with Portuguese and Jewish influence, beautiful beaches, boat rides and plenty of history. Ponumdi-many might not know, and it’s good because it’s less visited compared to Munnar or Ooty, and that’s why it’s peaceful being here with stunning views, more so after monsoons. If I was a resident of Thiruvananthapuram, off to Ponmudi every month at least once-it’s a must-visit place-trust me!

15 reasons why you must visit Cochin, Alappuzha and Ponmudi:

Ponmudi is a must-visit hill station in south India owing to its natural beauty and cool temperature-one of the top 3 hill stations for me in South India. Some notable tourist attractions in Ponmudi are Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary, Echo Point, Golden Valley near Kallar River, deer park, Ponmudi Falls and Meenmutty Falls.
You can also try the Ponmudi trekking through the streams of Seethatheertham in Ponmudi.

The stunning Fort Kochi Beach allows you to peep through the cultures and traditions of Kerala. There are a plethora of Chinese Fishing Nets here that are used for fishing by the locals.
Walking from Fort Kochi to Jew Street in Mattancherry, you can buy antiques and souvenirs. Also, the vibe of travelling through this street is unique and different; yes, it’s worth a visit.

Alappuzha is a host to several lakes and lagoons, hence called the Venice of the East. Houseboats on Alleppey backwaters are the prime attraction which can be used for a stay like a hotel, for activities like Sunset viewing, stargazing, paddy fields and village watching.
Alleppey Beach is a great clean beach with amusement facilities at Vijaya Beach Park, especially in the early morning and late evening when the cool breeze plays its part.
Vembanad Bird Sanctuary at Kumarakom in the Kottayam region on the banks of the Vembanad Lake gives a view of birds who fly from abroad for a few months here with the help of houseboats.

Location: About 450-500 km south of Bangalore and Mangalore lies Cochin, from where Alappuzha, Trivandrum and Ponmudi are within 300 km.

Tourist Attraction on the spot:

Ponmudi hill station; Cherai Beach, Mattancherry palace, Vypin, Marine drive, FortKochi, Vasco Da Gama Square, Chinese fishing nets, Naval Museum, Alappuzha beach and backwaters-Marari beach.

Tourist Attraction in Vicinity:

You can visit Kanyakumari,Munnar,Thrissur,Kodaikanal,Silent Valley and Palghat.

Distance Charts:(Cochin | Ponmudi)

Mumbai(1430 | 1670 km)
Hyderabad(1120 |1250 km)
Ooty(275 | 500 km)
Pune(1200 | 1530 km)
Munnar (120 | 310 km)
Cochin(0 | 230 km)
Mysuru(400 | 630 km)
Chennai(690 | 730 km)
Bangalore(550 | 690 km)
Rameswaram(460 | 370 km)
Kanyakumari(290 | 130 km)
Delhi(2720 | 2840 km)

How to Reach :

Road Routes:

Mangalore-Kozhikode-Cochin-Alappuzha-Thiruvananthapuram-Ponmudi

IMPORTANT NOTE FROM MY EXPERIENCE:

1)Except for Ponmudi, the other two places, Cochin and Alappuzha, are better visited between October and early February when it’s a bit less warm and much less humid. Carry an umbrella in any case because the afternoon will burn your head anyway!

2)Cochin has some historical places to see like Jew Market, the Portuguese establishment and some museums which you should give ample time to.A day will be more than sufficient. Don’t forget a ferry ride from Ernakulam to Kochi.

3)Ponmudi is the most lovely hill station in the south for me, and I recommend you as well -at least visit once. It is just 1.5 hours by bus from Thiruvananthapuram and is worth an all-day stay. Get on top of the water tank or the tower and see the magnificent view of the Western Ghats – it’s not to be missed! If it is drizzles-more lovely with the sun peeping through the clouds!

5)You can make a trip to Munnar if you wish to as it’s just 3 hours from Cochin by state bus. Also, Kanyakumari is pretty close to Thiruvananthapuram-that can be covered as well.

RAIL: Except for Ponmudi, for which Thiruvananthapuram is the nearest railway station, Cochin and Alappuzha have their own, with most trains making a halt.

AIR: Cochin and Thiruvananthapuram have big airports.

ROAD: The connectivity by road to these three places is well established. After reaching Thiruvananthapuram via Alappuzha from Cochin, you can get a bus to Ponmudi every hour. Kerela SRTC offers excellent bus services 24/7.

Map:-

Kochi-Alappuzha-Thiruvananthapuram-Ponmudi Map

Time to Visit:

October-March will be the least humid and best time to be here.
Ponmudi has to be your must-visit place

Ponmudi has to be on your must visit place

Spend Time With:

Family, Friends,Solo, Couple,Groups

Food and Lodging:

There are plenty of hotels in Cochin and Thiruvananthapuram, so there are no issues with that anytime. Ponmudi has a resort or two-but. It’s more of a picnic spot, and I am guessing you aren’t allowed at the top at nights-so. Thiruvananthapuram is your base. Alappuzha has many houseboats to stay in, so there are no issues. For food, Cochin-Trivandrum has options but be ready to get mostly local cuisines-you’ll get vegetarian food as well!

Expense:

A 3-day full-fledged tour will cost:

Food: INR 100/person/day(3 times a day)X3

Transport: At most times, say Cochin or Ponmudi, you’ll all be in buses-the max cost must be around INR 600-700, and a solo boat ride will cost around an INR 1000 for a 2-3 hours ride at Alappuzha. Lodging: INR 700/day X2 (1 night in Cochin and other night in Trivandrum)

Entry Fees include various places: INR 100 at most.

Total: 4100 INR(Boating is a must in Alappuzha -that’s why you are here!)

Nearby Attractions(Cochin | Ponmudi)

Mumbai(1430 | 1670 km)
Hyderabad(1120 |1250 km)
Ooty(275 | 500 km)
Bangalore(550 | 690 km)
Rameswaram(460 | 370 km)
Kanyakumari(290 | 130 km)

Munnar (120 | 310 km)
Cochin(0 | 230 km)
Mysuru(400 | 630 km)
Chennai(690 | 730 km)
Highways(230 |300 km)
Kodaikanal(300 | 335 km)
Thiruvananthapuram(200 | 50 km

In Tourist Destinations Revisited-The Himalayas

Khajjiar,Kangra and Billing-The Shiwalik Himalayas of India you can’t miss on!

13/03/2023 No Comments

Khajjiar has beautiful green meadows with mountains as a backdrop. Kangra has a famous Jwalamukhi temple where hot springs flow and fire is naturally ignited underground along with Kangra Temple. A Baijnath Temple with a stunning Himalayan backdrop also falls on the way to Bir-Billing, where Bir is the base and Billing is the top for the start of Paragliding-the world paragliding championship took place in Billing once, and this place is worth a shot! You can cover all this with the Pathankot-Jogindernagar Railway(Narrow Guage) railway, which frequents daily on the Kangra route with beautiful views of forests and fresh air all along!

Wonder-la Reasons why you must visit Billing, Khajjiar and Kangra:

When paragliding comes to your mind-look, no further than Billing and Bir, the height is perfect for paragliding at Billing with Bir provides excellent snow-capped mountain views on clear sunny days.

Kangra’s Jwalamukhi Temple is known to have emanated fire from underground rock, which has been considered God’s blessing. This is one of the reasons to be here. Fort in Knagra is also worth a visit due to its architecture and pleasant valleys that have been overlooked.
Kangra is the gateway to some scenic trekking spots like Kareri Lake, Indrahar Pass, Manimahesh and Triund, offering staggering Himalayan views of the Dhauladar range, not to forget Palampur in the near vicinity is known for its tea estates.

There are few notable monasteries in Bir and Kangra, like Gyuoti, Tashigong, Palpung and Tsering Jong, among many others, where you can attain peace and beautiful landscape.
Baijnath Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and hence is significant in Kangra. The bonus of viewing snow-clad Dhauladar ranges is more mouth-watering!
The meadows of Khajjiar and Khajjiar lake and Kalamuni top are must visit in Himachal. I had underestimated Khajjiar, but once you are in it, you will surely tell yourself you would have missed significant time!
Chamba is mainly known for many temples like Shree Hari and Chamunda Devi Temple, with a gateway to Sach pass of approximately 4500 metres of elevation, which serves as a gateway to Keylong or Kashmir.

Location: Chamba is 100 km northeast of Pathankot and Kangra is 85 km from Pathankot, and 80 km beyond Kangra is Billing

Tourist Attraction on the spot:

Bir-Billing Paragliding spot, Chamba Devi Temple, Khajjiar, Dalhousie, Kangra Fort, Jwalamukhi Temple, Nagarkot Temple, Tashi Jong Khampagar Monastery

Tourist Attraction in Vicinity:

Shimla, Sach Pass, Bhakra dam, Chandigarh, Amritsar, Tosh, Manali, Kullu, and Narakanda are some of the places with 300-400 km to visit.

Billing -Heaven for Paragliding

Distance Charts:(Kangra-Himachal)

How to Reach Khajjiar,Chamba,Kangra and Bir-Billing:

Road Routes:

Pathankot-Nurpur-Chamba-Khajjiar-Chamba-Sihunta-Shahpur-Kanra-Ranital-Jwalamukhi-Ranital-Nagrota-Palampur-Baijnath-Bir-Jogindernagar

Mighty Himalayas,Shivaliks,Baijnath Paprola

IMPORTANT NOTE FROM MY EXPERIENCE:

1)Khajjiar and Billing are two golden places you can’t afford to miss! Try paragliding once (1500 to 3000 INR) at Billing and spend some hours at the meadows of Khajjiar.

2)Public transport is 24/7 here, so hop in midnight and reach places by morning. Roads are pretty good too!

3)You’ll find hotels and restaurants regularly, so that won’t be an issue. Even vehicle repairs will do fine.

4)Temples are optional, but Baijnath temple shouldn’t be missed -the view of streams and mountains is damn awesome!

RAIL: The beautiful scenic rail for Kangra Valley is there from Pathankot Punjab to Jogindernagar, which you can drop at Kangra or Baijnath railway station. For Khajjiar, the road is a better option.

You can watch the below video to get a better idea! Do like and share if you find it worth it.

You can watch the below video to get a better idea!Do like and share if you find it worth…

AIR: Chandigarh/Amritsar are the nearest airports.

ROAD: A road from Pathankot bifurcates towards Chamba via Khajjiar and others towards Kangra. Best will be first to visit Chamba and Khajjiar, and state transport from Chamba will get you to Kangra Valley. Regular buses are available for Shimla, Bir and Dharamshala from Kangra. HPSRTC and private buses are aplenty to cater for your needs.

Map:

Time to Visit:

April-Early June; September to November

Spend Time With:

Family, friends, solo, couple

Food and Lodging:

Chamba and Kangra have no hotel shortages, just that peak season rates are on the higher side but available. Refer to Goibibo, MakeMyTrip, and EaseMyTrip if you want a booking. For food, you have lots of cheap and best hotels where you can have a good meal. Only towards Bir-Billing, you’ll need snacks with you.

Expense:

For a 3 day trip by state transport for Khajjiar followed by kangra and Billing:

Food: INR 100/person/day(3 times a day)X3

Transport: INR 600-800 max with public transport; more savings if commuted by train for Kangra only. A private vehicle will be required only from Bir to Billing(INR 1000)

Lodging: INR 700/day X2 at Chamba and Kangra (Check out on day 3 )

Entry Fees include various places (varies): No entry fees

Kangra Bus stand in the early morning hours of June

Total: 3900 INR(Can go upto to3200 INR if a shared car is availed for Billing)

Kangra Bus stand in early morning hours in June

Total: 3900 INR(Can go upto to3200 INR if a shared car is availed for Billing)

Nearby Attractions(Tso Moriri) (30-40 kmph is expected speed of vehicle)

Leh (650 km)
Chandigarh:(220 km)
Delhi:(450 km)
Kargil:(630 km)
Valley of Flowers:(750 km)
Khajjiar:(120 km)
Billing:(65 km)
Diskit:(730 km)
Hunder:(740 km)
Tso Moriri:(620 km)

Khajjiar Lake with beautiful Himalayas in backdrop

In tourist destinations around mumbai and pune

The North Goa-Welcome to a series of chaotic and most peaceful scenic beaches as well!

12/03/2023 No Comments

The goa trip is divided into three parts due to the travel I have made here-6, trips of 1-2 days each and so detailed! It does take 7-10 days to see the Goa thoroughly. So let’s get it straight here-North Goa it is-its a mix of both-noisy crowded beaches with water sports being an epicenter and quiet beaches where there’s not much of a crowd. So you can have a me-me time for your inner peace. You have forts like Aguada and Chapora to give aerial views of the beaches, and beaches like Querim and Arambol will make you trek through woods-give you good glimpses of the coastlines! Baga-Calangute-Anjuna is where you will be if you are a family person and love crowds and water sports!

19 Reasons why you must visit North Goa:

Scuba diving in North Goa is a great way to go below waters and discover the sea world!
Chapora Fort, famous for the Dil Chahta Hai movie, offers excellent views of the Chapora River and the Arabian Sea. Photoshoot memories!

Baga is the right place for water sports and nightlife with cafes like Tito’s, Britto’s, and Mambos.
Stretching from Baga to Candolim, these beaches are the most crowded and happening ones, Calangute being the most visited, one-offering nightlife, water sports, and unique markets.
The gorgeous Sinquerim Beach has a scenic sandy shoreline, where one can indulge in swimming and water sports.

Dolphin cruises are easy to have at the Sinquerim, Candolim, Calangute, and Baga beaches during sunrise or sunset.
Anjuna Beach is known for sports like Water skiing, Paragliding, Scuba diving, Windsurfing, Parasailing, Snorkeling, and Banana ride.
A cashew-coconut product of fermentation known as feni is served as local liquor here in Goa; you shouldn’t miss that!
Goa Carnival, one of the main highlights of Goa, happens in February for four days, and you can’t miss the showcasing of Goa’s culture and traditions and the fun and music!
Come the month of December, and you can visit the “Sunburn Festival” that happens for three days long, focused on having lots of music and a plethora of fun!
Located beside Vagator Beach, Chapora Fort is known for its sunset views.
The fireworks in the evening by professionals on many beaches is a beautiful event to be part of and awed at!

Location: About 550 km south of Mumbai is North Goa beaches-Pernem being the rail mark and Mapusa the road mark!

Sinquerim Beach with Sinquerim Fort view

Tourist Attraction on the spot:

Ah-lots of famous beaches you might know- Calangute ,Baga, Candolim, Sinquerim, Anjuna,Vagator, Querim,Arambol, Kalacha, Mandrem,Ashwem,Morjim Beaches;Aguada-Chapora Fort

Tourist Attraction in Vicinity:

You can visit South Goa, Old Goa, Dudhsagar Falls , Gokarna, Murudeshwara, and Jog falls, which will be within a 300 km range.

Distance Charts:(Mapusa)Pernem(20 km ex Mapusa)/Thivim(9 km from Mapusa))

Mumbai(560 km)
Hyderabad(680 km)
Cochin(790 km)
Mysuru(630 km)
Chennai(950 km)
Bangalore(600 km)
Ahmedabad(1070 km)
Jaipur(1690 km)
Chandigarh(2190 km)
Shimla(2300 km)
Kolkata(2180 km)
Bhubaneshwar(1740 km)
Rameswaram(1210 km)
Kanyakumari(1270 km)
Delhi(1880 km)

How to Reach Mapusa/Thivim:

Road Routes:

Mumbai-Ratnagiri-Kundal-Sawantwadi-Pernem-Thivim-Mapusa-North Goa

IMPORTANT NOTE FROM MY EXPERIENCE:

1)Have an umbrella-glucose-water-snacks. Remember always to have these four things when in Goa

2)In the Querim-Arambol-Ashvem Beaches section, you’ll need lots of stamina to trek those hills and get from one beach to another-so. Do have that when you are here! The trick to not getting lost here is to have the sea in sight!

3) Baga-Calangute-like beaches are too crowded and have lots to offer in nightlife and water sports. Want to bring some friends, booze, and have fun all night-welcome to North Goa!

4)Have as many stiff drinks as possible here as rates are highly subsidized, almost one-third of that of other big cities- don’t miss out on it.

5)Public transport connectivity is pretty good in this region. Scooty starting from INR 300 on rent without petrol also available.

6)For hotels, you’ll have difficulty getting good hotels at reasonable prices. Mapusa is the best bet, and anywhere close to beaches, be ready to pay affordable prices unless you make a booking

RAIL: Thivim/Pernem will be the nearest railway station; 2-3 trains do halt here.

AIR: Dabolim airport near Panaji is the nearest airport.

ROAD: Well laid roads with no issues in travel is what it is like being in Goa-whether you come from Bangalore or Mumbai; it Takes 12 hours on average by road from both the places..KSRTC and KTCL bus services are excellent to be here on time!

Map:

Time to Visit:

October to February it is!

Spend Time With:

Friends, Groups, Family, Couple, Solo(will be fun in another way)

Food and Lodging:

Mapusa can be the best bet, in my opinion, but in peak season, even Mapusa is fully packed, and so are the hotels near beaches. Rates are skyrocketing, considering that this is the most visited section of Goa. Book in advance with cancellation fees using sites like Goibibo, MakeMyTrip, or Yatra websites for visiting North Goa in peak season. Food is not an issue here, but seaside restaurants are expensive-do. Keep that in mind, and the Querim-Arambol section lags even with that-have. Snacks and water with you are what I always emphasize!

Expense:

A 2 day trip to North Goa with a night stay at Mapusa:

Food: INR 100/person/day(3 times a day)X2

Transport: Public transport will cost INR 300 max. Rest water sports are pretty optional(you can add INR 500-1500 a/c to your choice of sports)

Lodging: INR 1000/day X1

Entry Fees include various places (varies): Nil

Top view of Querim Beach from Arambol side

Total: 2000 INR

Nearby Attractions(Mapusa):

Mumbai(560 km)
Hyderabad(680 km)
Bangalore(600 km)
Cochin(790 km)
Mysuru(630 km)
Chennai(950 km)