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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 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)

In tourist destinations around mumbai and pune

Chikhaldara and Bhandardara -The secret hill stations of Maharashtra for peace seekers!

04/02/2023 No Comments

The Maharashtra state of India has a few hill stations, Chikhaldara and Bhandardara being two. These are not too far from Mumbai or Pune, with Chikhaldara being close to Nagpur. Maharashtra hill stations look much better and pretty in rains as the whole area comes to life – the greenery becomes a tad more obvious, slowly disappearing as rains squeeze out to winters. There are lakes and waterfalls to see, which are against a beautiful backdrop-the falls are in full glory in the rainy season.

8 reasons why you must visit Bhandardara and Chikhaldara:

Chikhaldara, known as Keechakadara, has beautiful viewpoints like Hurricane Point, Prospect Point, and Devi Point. There are few other worthy places to visit like Gavilgad and Narnala Fort, the Pandit Nehru Botanical Gardens, the Tribal Museum, and the Semadoh Lake.
The Gwaligarh fort, one of the few three forts in Chikhaldara, is a historic fort because this fort has seen many wars.

Chikhaldara is surrounded by Melghat Tiger Reserve, which is home to tigers, leopards, sloth bears, and other wild animals. You can visit to see some tigers in the Reserve.
Bhandardara is a lovely hill station for getting views of some points like Arthur Lake, Wilson Dam, Umbrella Falls, Randha Falls, and Ratangad Fort.
400-year-old Ratangad Fort, one of the favorites forts of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, overlooks Ratanwadi and Bhandardara lake. From the Top of the fort, one gets to capture Mount Kalsubai and the lake in the forefront.

Bhandardara has two famous falls – Umbrella and Randha Falls. Umbrella Falls is at Wilson Dam and are a sight to behold in monsoons. Randha Falls is of a height of 170 ft-must visited again in Bhandardhara.
Arthur Lake is a reservoir of the Wilson Dam on the Pravara River, which offers an excellent opportunity for boat rides and is equally breathtaking in terms of scenery with hills and forests.

Location: Bhandardara and Chikhaldara are 160 and 600 km approx from Mumbai/Pune, respectively, and Chikhaldara is about a 250 from Nagpur-another prime city of Maharashtra.

Tourist Attraction on the spot:

Chikhaldara – Gawilgad Fort, Shakkar Lake, Bhimkund Point, Panchbol Point, Harisal ;Bhandardara – WilsonDam, Ghanchakkar, Kalsubai Peak, Umbrella Falls, Arthur Hill Lake

Tourist Attraction in Vicinity:

You can visit Nagpur, Mumbai, Pune, Pachmarhi, Bhopal, Lonavala, and Khandala from these places.

Distance Charts:(Bhandardara | Chikhaldara)

Mumbai(170 | 670 km)
Hyderabad(700 | 600 km)
Chennai(1330 | 1220 km)
Bangalore(1010 | 1190 km)
Kanyakumari(1680 | 1850 km)
Delhi(1350 | 1120 km)
Nagpur (670 | 230 km)
Vijayawada(980 | 870 km)

A section of Randha Falls in Bhandardara

How to Reach Bhandardara and Chikhaldara:

Road Routes:

Mumbai/Pune-Igatpuri-Bhandardara-Aurangabad-Jalna-Khamgaon-Chikhaldara

IMPORTANT NOTE FROM MY EXPERIENCE:

1)Rainy season-July to October are the best months to be here because you’ll see lush greenery with gushing waterfalls.

2) The hill stations have lakeside and green pastures, so these spots are good picnic spots to spend a day or two.

3) Bhandardara becomes pretty warm during summers, so having an umbrella and some water helps you feel better.

4)Having a local private pillion or car is optional, but some tourist spots are far off each other. Hence, local transport being scant-need to take up private transport. However, it’s worth it if you come in monsoon time!

5)Public transport will help you reach right up here, but you’ll wish you had your car to drive. If you can ride up here if your home is Mumbai or Nagpur-it will be much better. Calculate what’s costing you more – a car with four people in or shared public transport with local sightseeing by a hired car!

RAIL: Igatpuri/Amravati is the nearest rail station to these hill stations

AIR: Aurangabad/Mumbai/Pune/Nagpur are some airports to get to Bhandardara and Chikhaldara.

ROAD: A laid out road network with smooth roads connecting big cities like Mumbai, Nagpur, and Pune to these hill stations. MSRTC has many bus services to reach here

Map:

Bhandardara and Chikhaldara route route from Mumbai to Nagpur

Time to Visit:

June to February is a good time to be here.

Shakkar Lake,ChikhaldaraShakkar Lake,Chikhaldara

Spend Time With:

Friends, Groups, Family, couple, Solo

Food and Lodging:

The number of hotels at these hill stations is pretty few. Bhandardara can be covered in a day leaving from Mumbai early morning. In contrast, Chikhaldara can be a day’s trip from Nagpur, so you make Mumbai and Nagpur as a base, and if you are tight on a budget, make Nagpur and Igatpuri your base.No booking needed. Hotels are an issue in these hill stations for food and snacks-better to have snacks and water with you.

Expense:

A 2-day trip to Chikhaldara/Bhandardara costs:

Food: INR 100/person/day(3 times a day)X2
Transport: Buses and trains will help you reach here. INR 1000 for state buses and for local sight seeing,hire a pillion which will cost around INR 800 at each of the place(you can actually let go off Bhandardara but still consider adding both costs)
Lodging: INR 700/day X1(only in case of Chikhaldara; Bhandardara doesn’t requires a stay)
Entry Fees :Nil is what I can say, INR 100 for safe side.

Total: 4000 INR(can be brought down to INR 2500 if you can leave out a few spots in both hill stations and walk real long!)

Nearby Attractions(Bhandardara | Chikhaldara)

Mumbai (170 | 670 km)
Hyderabad (700 | 600 km)
Pune (160 | 600 km)
Nanded (470 | 330 km)
Daman (230 | 630 km)

Panchbol Point

In tourist destinations around mumbai and pune

Panchgani,Mahabaleshwar and Kaas-The Three must-visit beautiful places near Satara

14/01/2023 No Comments

If you know about a few hill stations in Maharashtra, Mahabaleshwar is something you would have heard for sure! It comes alive in monsoons from June to October, when greenery remains intact due to heavy downpours and drizzles. The whole of western ghats comes to life when it rains, and you’ll be welcomed with several waterfalls and small streams. The viewpoints come to life. Panchgani is a plateau area that looks like a meadow in rains-dazzlingly green. When it comes to Kaas, it’s a plateau as well, but its prime attraction is a plethora of blooming flowers in July-August month as far as our eyes wander and a continued flow of beauty.

8 Good to Go Reasons to be in Mahabaleshwar, Panchgani, and Kaas:

Visit Panchgani, known for its green valleys and several beautiful waterfalls in monsoons and post monsoons. From where one can view the Dhom Dam and western ghats, Parsi Point is a must place to be here in monsoons.

Table Land Viewpoint– the highest point in Panchgani and Asia’s second most extended mountain plateau (about 6+ km) at the height of 4,550 feet MSL is a treat to watch in rains as the whole area remains green with patches of flowers. Plus, a drizzle adds the cherry on the top.
Kaas Plateau – a World Heritage Site declared by UNESCO, offers tourists lush green valleys and plateau along with a plethora of flowers of various colors during July, August and September. Waterfalls like Thoseghar and several little falls can be seen in monsoons.

Vienna lake in Mahabaleshwar is excellent for boating, and the grand Pratapgarh Fort is an excellent viewpoint for western ghats.
Mahabaleshwar has several spots and picturesque locations like Arthur’s Seat, Wilson Point, Elphinstone Point, Kate’s Point, Needle hole Point, and Lodwick Points. Don’t forget to switch on your cameras, especially in monsoons!
Panchgani is a place of strawberry cultivation. Hence, you should visit some orchards and get some products like jellies, candies, and other strawberry-made food items.
Mahabaleshwar is famous for berries like strawberries, mulberries, and blueberries; hence, get some for your friends and loved ones.

Location: Both Kaas and Mahabaleshwar are 200 km south of Pune and about 40-60 km west of Satara

Matheran is an option around Satara-a bit far away

Tourist Attraction on the spot:

Kaas Pathar is known for seasonal flowering and Kaas Lake; Mahabaleshwar has spots like Pratapgarh Fort, Vienna Fort, Elphinstone Point, Lodwick Point, Arthur Seat, Kates Point, Lingmala Waterfall, Sunset Point, Chinaman Falls, Vienna River, Needle Point, Echo Point, Tiger Spring Point; Panchgani has Table Land, Parsi Point, Sydney Point, Kamalgarh Fort to see.

Tourist Attraction in Vicinity:

You can visit Kolhapur, Ratnagiri,Pune,Mumbai, Dudhsagar Falls, Amboli and Aihole near Satara(300-400 km)

Table land looks kinda deserted in February

Distance Charts:(Satara)

Panchgani(50 km)
Mahabaleshwar(60 km)
Kaas(30 km)
Matheran(225 km)
pune(110 km)
Mumbai(250 km)
Hyderabad(550 km)
Cochin(1100 km)
Chennai(1090 km)
Bangalore(730 km)
Kanyakumari(1400 km)
Delhi(1600 km)

How to Reach Kanyakumari via Madurai and Rameswaram:

Road Routes:

Pune-Satara-Kaas-Mahabaleshwar-Panchgani-Wai-Pune(for public transport, come back to Satara from Kaas and catch another one for Mahabaleshwar)

IMPORTANT NOTE FROM MY EXPERIENCE:

1)Kaas is best to go in July and August because you for flowers here and rains is when flowers bloom-pink and yellows

2)Mahabaleshwar is best to go for in September and October when it rains lesser, and there’s still greenery around. Western ghats are a pleasure when there are greens.

3)Make sure you reach the Satara bus stand by 6 am to catch the early bus for either of these places. The sooner you go, the more time you spend at the top; buses are every 1 hour for Mahabaleshwar and Panchgani. Kaas is a bit less frequent.

4)When you come here in July or August, be prepared to be over the clouds and see waterfalls, but you can’t get good views from viewpoints, and it’s difficult to visit places in windy conditions! However, Kaas is okay because you see the plateau in front of your eyes.

5)Umbrella, water and snacks must be carried-better a raincoat when you are here in the rainy season when it rains bad-it pours!

6)Private car packages are heftily priced depending on spots you choose to visit; see the google images, see if they are worth seeing, select the top 5 places, and visit those for within say 1000-1500 INR. Better-much better is the much cheaper and affordable daily Mahabaleshwar darshan bus which leaves at 9 or 10 am for local sightseeing though you won’t be seeing all the places…

RAIL: For Panchgani and Mahabaleshwar, get down at Wai, and for Kaas, Satara is the best way to go.

AIR: Pune Airport is the nearest one.

ROAD: Take the Bangalore expressway from Pune/Mumbai, leave the diversion at Satara/Surur, and continue west to the desired destination. MSRTC buses might help if you want to save some bucks and travel 24/7.

Map:

Satara to Kaas to Mahabaleshwar to Panchagani road route

Time to Visit:

June to January is -the best time to visit, especially from August to October.

Spend Time With:

Family, Friends, Solo, Couple, Groups

Food and Lodging:

Satara will be the best base for cheap hotels, a few of decent quality. Mahabaleshwar will have many hotels, but it will be costly and hard to find a place in peak seasons. Better book in advance using Goibibo or Makemytrip or the Yatra website. Food isn’t an issue, so there is no need to worry about it. Kaas is a place to visit and return to Satara or go to Mahabaleshwar.

Expense:

A 2-day trip for this trip(reach Kaas by morning ten around and reach Mahabaleshwar by 4-5 pm)

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

Transport: INR 400 for the state bus from Satara to Kaas and back and to Mahabaleshwar is what it should cost. For local sightseeing, there will be Mahabaleshwar local bus tour available for INR 300-500, I guess, and for Kaas, you need to enter the valley and see flowers. For Panchgani, similar shared tours must be at places fixing the price of INR 500. (A car at Mahabaleshwar for sightseeing may cost INR 2500)

Lodging: INR 700/day X1

Entry Fees include various places (varies): At Kaas and a few places in Mahabaleshwar: INR 200 approx.

Total: 2900 INR(4900 INR in case car availed)