Monthly Archives for August 2015

5 Popular Weekend Getaways from Mysore

Blog, Destinations, Weekend Getaways - GoroadTrip - August 28, 2015

Mysore in Karnataka is geographically inclined for short trips or weekend getaways. You can plan a visit to a historical place, a place with scenic and natural surroundings or a trip to a wildlife sanctuary; with Mysore as the base, you can make the trip in two days. Some such weekend getaways from Mysore are:

5 Popular Weekend Getaways from Mysore

Madikeri:

Madikeri in Coorg is the closet hill station to Mysore at a distance of around 120 kilometres. Madikeri is a typical hill station with rambling hills, pockets of forests, valleys, streams and coffee plantations with the quaintness of Kodava culture adding to its charm.

MM Hills:

Around 135 kilometres from Mysore, these lush and green hills mark the boundary between Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. MM Hills or Male Mahadeshwara Hills was inhabited by the feared bandit Veerappan and his men. Now tourists can freely enjoy the beauty of the hills and bask in its natural surroundings of sandalwood and bamboo trees and watch the flow of two rivers, Cauvery and Palar. An ancient temple of Shiva set amidst the hills and valleys is a place worth a visit.

Sakleshpur:

A small town in the Malnad region, Sakleshpur is around 150 kilometres from Mysore. Abundant with coffee plantations, the place is a nature lover’s delight with a lush countryside. Sakleshpur is characteristic of thick growth of plants, majestic trees, pepper vines and small streams and waterfalls. Ideal for trekking and camping, tourists can also visit Tipu Sultan’s Manjirabad Fort which offer magnificent views of the Western Ghats from the top.

Belur-Halebidu:

About 15 kilometres apart these two heritage places are archetypal specimens of the intricate Hoysala architecture. The Channakeshava temple at Belur has a unique star shape and exquisite panels on the exterior walls that narrate stories from ancient times. The stone carvings of the celestial dancers stand out for their beauty and stunning art.

Talacauvery:

Near Madikeri in Coorg, Talacauvery is around 165 kilometres from Mysore. Set on the top of Brahmagiri hill at an altitude of around 4200 feet, it is the birth place of Cauvery River. As you climb up you dip into some misty clouds. Brace yourself for some knockout views when you reach the top.

Travel with your family or friends or just set off on your own. You will enjoy these interesting places either way.

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6 best Hiking Trails in Kerala that any Adventure Lover should not miss

Adventure Activities, Blog - GoroadTrip - August 16, 2015

God’s own country is blessed with an extravagance of natural wonders. While it is more popular for its backwaters, Kerala is a hiker’s delight as well. For some exciting and scenic hiking trails check out this list.

6 best Hiking Trails in Kerala that any Adventure Lover should not miss

Anaimudi Hills:

This is the highest peak in South India. Called Anamudi Hills, the hills have a vast expanse of greenery and stunning natural sights to absorb on a trek. Take in the scenery and breathe in the fresh and pure air; you might never want to take off your hiking shoes!

Chembra Hills:

The hiking trail to Chembra Hills starts from Meppady in Wayanad district. As you hike up the path of 14 kilometres winding into the mountains of tea plantations with puffs of misty clouds for company, you climb and reach the peak at 2100 metres above sea level before you know it!

Agasthyarkoodam Peak:

Named after Agasthya Rishi who made the peak his abode for the peace and tranquillity it offered, the peak is at a height of 1868 metres above sea level. The trek up this peak takes you through dark green forests which transports you back in times when walking was the only way to travel. As you reach the peak where a full size statue of Agasthya is present, you get to see many medicinal plants along the way. Ayurvedic experts be ready to fill your bags!

Periyar Tiger Reserve:

There is an organised trail at this place as it is a reserve forest in its original form. Trained guides accompany the trekkers and the trek involves a time of around 36 hours. So an overnight stay at the forest is mandatory. A brush with wildlife during this trek is a given!

Chimmini:

This trail favours ornithologists. It is in a wildlife sanctuary with a mind boggling 160 varieties of birds and several types of butterflies. Hikers can also trek on the outskirts of the sanctuary. The interior trek through the dense jungle is for the more ardent and ambitious bird lovers!

Pythal Mala:

For a short trek, you can opt to go the 6 kilometre stretch to the hill top of Pythal Mala. The beautiful flora and fauna up the path bowls you over as much as the amazing view at the top of the hill!

On this visit to Kerala, do not forget to pack your hiking gear!

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Flying High

Blog, Destinations - GoroadTrip - August 4, 2015

Air travel has come a long way today. Air traffic is as busy as other travel modes. Naturally the air stations or airports are as bustling. But there is a charm to airports that sets them apart from other stations. There is a dignity, professionalism and a courteous air combined with an attractive ambience. Some airports in our country have come by this charm by location and some by design.

A list of our charming and attractive airports are:

Kushok Bakula Rimpochee airport, Leh:

This airport on the lovely hill desert of Leh, Jammu and Kashmir, is in a natural landscape of snow clad mountains. At an altitude of 10,682 feet above mean sea level, this is one of the highest airports in the world. Flights from this airport have to take off only in the mornings as feisty mountain winds set in by noon.

Agatti Island Airport, Lakshadweep:

This airport has to be nature’s pet. You cannot match the natural scenic beauty that surrounds this airport with any other in the world. It is located on a really narrow strip of land that runs through endless blue waters of the Laccadive Sea. Only a single flight to Kochi runs from this airport.

Gaggal Airport, Kangra:

Another airport on a hillstation, Gaggal Airport is in the midst of the Himalayas. 14 kilometres away from Dharamshala, it is at an altitude of 2,492 feet. The serenity stands out when the cold winds whisper at this scenic airport. Flights operate mainly to and from Chandigarh and Delhi from here.

Dabolim Airport, Goa:

Located near the sea shore, this domestic and international airport is in the Dabolim village in Goa. It is one of the most beautiful airports of India.

Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi:

This is the busiest airport in India. It is the largest aviation hub for India and South Asia. The airport has been awarded the fourth best position in the world.

ChhatrapatiShivaji International Airport, Mumbai:

This airport is the second busiest in India and the busiest when it comes to cargo traffic. It has been awarded as the best airport in India and Central Asia.

Stroll through the book or cloth stores, relax in the lounges and satisfy your appetite at the many restaurants in the airports. A delay in your flight time will seem welcome.

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