Archives

9 attractions in the Garden City, Bengaluru

Blog, Destinations - GoroadTrip - March 16, 2015

The capital city of Karnataka, Bangalore, now Bengaluru, is a mixed bag of old culture and new trends. For its various shades, it is known by several names like City of Gardens, Silicon Valley of India, Air conditioned City and Pub Capital of India. Unlike other metros, Bengaluru does not have many heritage attractions. But it does have its own fair share of tourist attractions to visit.

9 attractions in the Garden City, Bengaluru

Lalbagh:

This famous garden was established by Hyder Ali in 1760 and developed by his son Tipu Sultan. With a centric glasshouse the park has the most variety of flowers in the world.

Cubbon Park:

Named after the Commissioner of Bangalore, Sir Mark Cubbon, the park allures nature lovers, joggers and children. It has many flowering plants of some exotic varieties and a play area called Bal Bhavan.

Bangalore Palace:

Built by ChamarajaWodeyar in 1887, the architecture of Bangalore Palace was inspired by the Windsor Castle of England. A royal family is still in residence at the palace and visitors are allowed for a fee. The palace is very impressive with its green lawns, fortified towers and arches and lovely wood carvings.

Tipu Sultan’s Palace and Fort:

Initially conceived and built in mud by Chikkadeva Raya, reconstructed by Hyder Ali in Indo-Islamic style and completed by Tipu Sultan, this palace is in the Bangalore Fort area. A highlight of the fort is the Hindu Temple built in the courtyard.

Vidhana Soudha:

A landmark building of Bangalore VidhanaSoudha was built in 1954. The massive neo-Dravidan structure holds four domes in the four corners and houses many government departments besides the Legislative Chamber of Karnataka. It looks best at night in its illuminated state.

National Gallery of Modern Art:

Located on Palace Road, the gallery is the third of its kind in India. Consisting of two wings, the gallery is present in a Colonial building with a garden and café in the premises.

Ulsoor Lake:

Constructed by Kempegowda II, the scenic Ulsoor Lake is in the heart of Bangalore city. Boating facilities and a promenade make it more attractive for tourists.

ISKCON Sri RadhaKrishnachandra Temple:

One of the largest ISKCON temples in the world, this temple is in Rajajinagar, Bangalore. The temple offers a peaceful sanctum for people who want to spend some quiet hours of meditation. It promotes spiritual learning and Vedic culture.

Innovative Film City:

Established recently in 2008, the Innovative Film City is around 40 kilometres from the heart of the city and is spread over 50 acres. It is a landmark attraction for theme parks.

Continue Reading

Best places to visit in Ooty

Blog, Destinations - GoroadTrip - March 10, 2015

Ooty is on almost every South Indian travel list of hill stations. Several of them may have visited it many times over. But here are some best locations that you should not miss out.

Best places to visit in Ooty

Toda Hills:

In an isolated part of the Nilgiri plateau the Toda Hills run into miles of green slopes. The Toda tribe resides here. They follow an interesting culture and are famous for their ‘doglas’ which are their homes. These unique structures are in the shape of half-barrels and located along the slopes of the Toda Hill. The people of the tribe herd buffalos and design intricate embroidery.

Nilgiri Mountain Railway:

A UNESCO site, the Ooty Mountain Railways run a toy train from Ooty to Mettupalyam. The journey in this vintage train is unforgettable and the scenic sights of nature along the way breath-taking.

Pykara River:

Located around 19 kilometres from Ooty, the Pykara River is mesmerizing. The Toda tribe hold the river in reverence and the area surrounding it is rife with wildlife. The beautiful river flows down as Pykara falls.

Porthimund Lake:

Prior permission from forest officials is necessary to visit the Porthimund Lake as it forms part of a reserve forest. This picturesque place gained more popularity through the movie Roja.

Parsons Valley:

Another attraction situated in the forest reserve, Parsons Valley can be called a hidden gem. This valley is the main source of water supply to Ooty. With prior permission house stay option in this picture perfect jungle is available.

Mukurthi National Park:

Built to protect the Nilgiri Tahr, this National Park is the first international Biosphere Reserve in India. The park is on the mountain ranges of the Western Ghats and is indeed a must visit.

Emerald Lake:

Earning the name from its green waters the lake reflects the surrounding lush green reserve forests. The lake winding in between the forests is a sight you will not want to miss. Climb up the dam close by and get ready to be bowled over by the vast expanse of natural beauty.

Avalanche Lake:

A few miles from Emerald Lake is another natural beauty, the Avalanche Lake. It runs between miles of sloping grasslands and tall forest trees and is a sight to behold.

Re-visit Ooty if you have missed out on all these beautiful locations. Be ready to let Ooty charm you all over again.

Continue Reading

6 States to travel in December in India

Blog, Destinations - GoroadTrip - February 27, 2015

Come December, Indians have an extra shake to their legs, an extra pep to their talk, and generally an air of liveliness and cheer, thanks to the cool winter weather. Naturally vacations and trips are planned to cash in on this pleasant climate. Be sure that you travel to those places which are off limits in the scorching summer heat. Some places for December travel are suggested below:

6 States to travel in December in India

Kerala:

The winter in Kerala sets in as soon as the gutsy south-west monsoon ends. The rains make the natural expanseof Kerala greener and the waters flowing out to full capacity. Consequently Kerala is at its grandest best in winters. With plenty of beaches, backwaters, sanctuaries and plantations in this state of God’s Own Country, Kerala is a lovely choice for winter travel.

Goa:

Popular world-wide for its Christmas and New Year parties and the Sunburn Film Festival in the winter months, Goa is an excellent place to be in December for party animals. The loud peppy music, dancing lights, delectable food and craziness of the crowds sends party vibes all through winter. Head there for an electrifying holiday.

Tamil Nadu:

Shunned in summers for the sweltering heat, Tamil Nadu is a state to flock to in winters. Rich with the heritage of Chola and Pandava architecture in the temples all over the state, long and lovely beaches, hills and parks, with mouth-watering cuisines thrown in for good measure, Tamil Nadu is a place to definitely enjoy in December.

Karnataka:

Karnataka has many dry places that are best avoided in the heat of summers. But in winter, they are the best places to visit and enjoy. Home to some powerful empires, Karnataka has many examples of sculpture and art in the temples of Badami, Pattadakal, Belur, Halebid, Hampi and in the mosques of Bijapur. Add the stunning hill ranges, many beaches and the modern cities of the state and Karnataka becomes a welcome winter destination.

Gujarat:

Known as the Cultural Capital of India, Gujarat’s culture and heritage can be enjoyed best in winter. Talk to the local tribes and visit the many archaeological sites and spend a happy December in Gujarat.

Rajasthan:

Picked by both Indians and foreigners for winter travel, Rajasthan is a popular destination. The riots of traditional colour, marks of royalty, cultural bonanza and a delicious array of cuisines make winter a grand affair in this ‘Land of Maharajas’.

Pack your bags, December is the best time to explore India.

Continue Reading

5 Destinations in India for Scuba Diving

Adventure Activities, Blog, Things To Do - GoroadTrip - February 12, 2015

Scuba diving can be an intoxicating water sport once you get hooked. Blessed with two seas and the Indian Ocean, India has plenty of scuba diving sites. Visit these locations of India for a fun filled and thrilling diving experience.

5 Destinations in India for Scuba Diving

Andaman and Nicobar Islands:

These islands and waters are home to an impressive variety of marine life. Visit the diving sites at Havelock Island, Fish Rock and Cinque Island and meet under water beings like Octopus, Angler Fish and Scorpion Fish. Get bowled over by the beautiful Coral Reefs in the deep clear waters of these locations. The sighting of dolphins at these islands is an exciting add-on.

Lakshadweep Islands:

Forming a group of 36 islands, the Lakshadweep Islands are off the Malabar Coast. The crystal clear waters of these islands make diving an enchanting experience. Dive into the deep waters at Aggati Island or Bangarram Island and lose yourself in the sea world of coral reefs and some exotic marine species. Take a cruise from Kochi and reach the islands overnight to add to the enjoyment.

Goa:

Goa is blessed not with just eye-catching beaches but also a host of diving sites. The diving points at the Jetty, Uma Guva Reef, Shelter Cove and Locker of Davy Jones, take you into an exploration of the secrets deep in the Arabian Sea. You will be able to see ship wrecks too along with the marine life in the waters.

Coastal Karnataka:

With an abundance of back waters and a long coastline, Karnataka has many diving sites. Explore the underwater world and be dazzled by the numbers of varieties of fishes. Spot whales, stingrays, cobias and turtles at diving destinations like the Netrani or Pigeon Island.

Pondicherry:

Rich in marine life, Pondicherry is an ideal scuba diving destination. To unearth the wonders of the Bay of Bengal dive into the sea anywhere at Cool Shark Reef, The Hole, Temple Reef or Four Corners. Get acquainted with the Lion Fish, Moray Eels, King Fish, Manta Rays, Parrot Fish and many more varieties of these marine species.

The diving destinations have dive schools for amateurs. So even if you don’t know to scuba dive you can still set out on this activity, when in these locations, with a little training and with the help of vigilant guides.

Continue Reading

Fun at Pondicherry

Blog, Things To Do, Weekend Getaways - GoroadTrip - January 22, 2015

Around 155 kilometres to the south of Chennai is the Union Territory of Pondicherry. It was a French colonial settlement until 1954 and today it holds the charm of its French heritage and the beauty of the shores of the Bay of Bengal. Get bowled over by this quaint territory and spend many interesting days as there are plenty of fun things to indulge in, in Pondicherry.

Fun at Pondicherry

Long walks:

Pondicherry is a walker’s paradise. With its streets lined with trees swaying in the sea breeze, the cobbled pavements, pockets of mustard coloured colonial villas and stylish boutiques, you can cover the city on feet and not feel tired. Another lovely place to enjoy a breezy and scenic walk is on the seaside promenade with several statues exhibited along with a Gandhi Memorial.

Surfing:

Enjoy riding the waves of the Bay of Bengal on a surfing board at Pondicherry. Surfing lessons are also given at the Serenity Beach around ten kilometres form the city centre by an accomplished surfing school.

Yoga:

Pondicherry boasts of some of the best yoga schools in India. You can enrol for a day course or a yoga retreat run by renowned yoga experts. Practice yoga and meditate on some of the solitary beaches and lose yourself in spiritual bliss.

Learn cooking:

With the famous Sita Cultural Centre in Pondicherry, you can try a spot of cooking. The courses target foodies and if you are one, turn an expert at whipping up some south Indian dishes and basic French cuisine. Surprise your folks back home with your local and international culinary skills.

Shopping:

There are plenty of shops with a variety of commodities that make shopping a thrilling experience in Pondicherry. Handmade crafts like trinkets and candles and other souvenirs like lampshades and paintings sell like hot cakes.

Auroville:

A visit to Pondicherry is incomplete without a visit to Auroville, its neighbour. To make your trip noteworthy volunteer at this place and involve in some of their activities like healthcare, child development and organic farming.

Pondicherry offers you fun and enjoyment on a French platter.

Continue Reading