Posts for Weekend Getaways Category

3 Hillstation getaways from Mumbai

Blog, Destinations, Offbeat, Weekend Getaways - GoroadTrip - July 16, 2016

‘The winter air feels so crisp and nippy’, said Sneha as she entered the office. ‘Yes, I had to wear a sweater, imagine in Mumbai!’ said Rohan and laughed. ‘We should be outdoors in this weather and not sitting cooped up at our desks,’ Meena sighed. ‘Yes, madam, let us leave all our work and head out, who will finish these reports?’ teased Prakash. ‘And we have a meeting with the clients next week,’ added Aruna. The five friends had a start-up which was doing quite well in the one year of commencement.

Meena persisted, ‘We have not taken a break in a year. Let us go on a short trip. The reports are nearly done and we are ready for the meeting.’ Rohan was also in favour of the suggestion and soon all five decided to take a four-day break. The next decision was the place to visit. Prakash said, ‘Let us go on a road trip. I read about it all the time on goroadtrip.com. It’s so much fun.’

‘Sounds great,’ ‘but where?’ they wondered. Rohan who was new to Mumbai said, ‘Let’s explore the hill stations close to Mumbai.’ ‘Hill stations in winter? That should be cool!’ laughed the others.

As all their decisions were instant, the five friends set off the very next day.

Their first stop was Matheran, a petite hill station two hours from Mumbai. This eco sensitive hill station was a treat to all their senses with the pure, invigorating air, scenic views, waterfalls, lakes, parks and a surprisingly large variety of medicinal herbs and plants.

After spending a day at Matheran, they friends left on the 96- minute drive to Lonavala. Slightly more commercialized than Matheran, Lonavala offered plenty of activities like waterfall rappelling, trekking and farm tours which the friends enjoyed immensely. They also visited the Korigad Fort and Bhaja caves. While returning back they bought many boxes of the famous Lonavala chikkis to take back home.

They reached Mumbai after two days in Lonavala but were in no mood to return to their routine. ‘Let’s extend the trip,’ said Meena still restless. ‘We can go south of Mumbai this time’. Deciding to indulge her and wanting the extension themselves, they all continued on the National Highway up north.

Three hours from Mumbai they reached Kalsubai which is the highest peak of the Sahyadris in Maharastra. But since it required a three-hour trek to reach the summit, the friends decided to reserve it as an exclusive trip for another time. They proceeded to Bhandardara. A hill station set in the Sahyadri ranges, the place felt blessed abundantly with nature’s best. The high mountains with the lush greenery and soft waterfalls gave the friends plenty of options like trekking and boating. The friends felt completely relaxed and sat quietly together watching the lovely sunset over the hills that evening.

The next day they returned to Mumbai recharged but with the idea of another road trip already formed.

Also read 3 Unbeatable Hill stations of Tamilnadu

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Beyond the Beaches of Goa

Blog, Destinations, Offbeat, Weekend Getaways - GoroadTrip - January 23, 2016

Our mind-map of Goa freezes on its beaches … a cliché committed by the Western yearning for sun and sand. However, there is a wonderful landscape in Goa’s interior, populated by interesting characters, a rich and vibrant culture and a gastronomic tradition that is a cuisine with many flavors and cooking techniques.

Let’s start with the oldest Latin quarter Fontainhas in Panjim or Panaji. It lies at the foot of the Altinho hills with springs on the west side, which give it the name Fontainhas. To the east is the ancient Ourem Creek, built on reclaimed land. In Fontainhas, fairy lights glitter at the bistro entrances on the roadside. As you float through the streets, you can hear the soothing sound of violins and accordions interrupted by rattling pelvis while someone beats a rhythm on the drums. The guest houses are old mansions full of carved wooden furniture, lace curtains and scents of wonderful food flowing through the open doors.

The chapel of San Sebastián in the area is a bright white with noise that crosses the street on which it is located. Built in 1818, it contains a crucifix that was in the palace of the Inquisition in Old Goa. In mid-November, the street mass in front of the chapel shows the love of life, laughter, food and Feni. He celebrates the feast of Our Lady of the Law of Livrament. Next to the chapel is a painted fountain, which should fulfill wishes!

As you drive through the winding streets of Goa, you will be amazed by the ceramic facades of the houses. It seems like the walls of the bathroom have been uncovered, but other pretty bungalows with Spanish villa designs redeem the cityscape. The Goanic architecture of churches and ancient buildings reflects the remnants of Portuguese civilization. The bungalows with loft verandas and atypical wrought iron balconies, the patios often with a ringing fountain and tiled courtyards have old world charm. The famous buildings include the famous Basilica of Bom Jesus, the Church of St. Francis, the Se Cathedral, the Church of St. Augustine, the Church of St. Anne and Mary Immaculate Conception.

Shri Mangesh Temple in the village of Mangeshi in Priol, Ponda Taluk, (near Mardol near Nagueshi) is 21 km from Panaji. This temple is one of the largest and most visited temples in Goa. The most famous and most revered singer in India, Lata Manghkar and his family, got their name from this temple. The story of this temple is part of the virulent history of Goa!

The streets of the village are populated by the seller of Vadapav, the coconuts piled in the citadels and the sellers of bananas in the light saris. When it’s the right time of the day, you see women walking on the basket with the basket swinging a tune that only they can hear. The vegetable cart rolls like an impressionistic painting in magnificent colors, with the red tomato as a highlight. Bougainvilleas of all colors climb and crawl along doors, walls and doors, and palms waft in the breeze reminiscent of the sea.

Located near the border between Goa and Karnataka, the Dudhsagar waterfalls are a wonderful sight and can easily be reached by bus and taxi.

The Dr. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary is located near Panaji on the Mandovi River. It is a mangrove grove where amazing bird species live. Covering an area of ​​1.78 square meters, you can take a ferry and a pleasant ride early in the morning to reach the shrine.

The Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary in Mollem is Goa’s largest conservation area. Therein is the National Park of Molem. The Sanctuary has many animals including Gaur, Sambar, Leopards, Spotted Deer, Thin Tori, Jungle Cats, Malaysian Giant Squirrels, Pythons and Cobras. Plan to stay a few days to see the wildlife.

Take a wonderful walk to Surla Falls and discover the deeply satisfying atmosphere of Tambdi Surla Village and Shiva Temple in the thick jungle of Bhagwan Mahavir National Park. This classic 12th century temple with its intricate structure is carved in basalt. Its timeless beauty has survived severe weather conditions, attacks from Portuguese attacks and others. Paved paths and avenue

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Pondicherry – Where India meets France

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

With its chilled out laid-back atmosphere, Puducherry Tourism’s tagline ‘Give time a break’, aptly sums up a holiday spent here. Pondicherry (Puducherry), with its quaint French names, its boulevards and grand villas is dotted with restaurants and cafes serving French and international cuisine, and delicious seafood.

Pondicherry – Where India meets France

1. Promenade Beach

Promenade Beach is one of Pondicherry’s most enduring landmarks and its most popular beach. While the beach per se is a rocky stretch, the 1.5 km long Beach Road or Goubert Avenue, which runs parallel to the Beach, is well-maintained and is a great place for a leisurely evening stroll.

2. Manakula Vinayagar Temple

Manakula Vinayagar Temple dedicated to Lord Ganesha is a famous temple in Puducherry (Pondicherry).

3. Chunnambar Backwaters

The Chunnambar Backwaters is a very popular destination for fun, sports, romance, and beauty. The water is clean and the sand pristine.

4. Aurobindo Ashram

Sri Aurobindo Ashram, Pondicherry’s most well-known tourist attraction attracts spiritual seekers not only from India but from across the globe.

5. Auroville Beach

Auroville Beach is a beautiful beach located in the vicinity of Auroville. It is situated along the shoreline bordering the Bay of Bengal and is a famous destination among tourists who visit Pondicherry.

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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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5 Best Weekend getaways from Kochi

Blog, Destinations, Weekend Getaways - GoroadTrip - July 17, 2015

God’s own country, Kerala, has a bouquet of travel destinations; hill stations, back waters, beaches, historical monuments, shopping, eateries, all bunched together in one string. With Kochi as the base one can plan and travel to all genres of destinations whenever they have a free weekend.

5 Best Weekend getaways from Kochi

Kumarakom and Alleppey:

Approximately around 60 kilometres from Kochi, Allepey and Kumarakom back waters are referred to as ‘Venice of the East’. With a vivid scenery, luxury resorts, house boats, home stays and local delectable cuisine, the back waters are an enticing weekend getaway from Kochi.

Munnar:

About 130 kilometres from Kochi is the choicest of hill stations, Munnar. The gurgling brooks, rambling hills, dancing green tea leaves and the wonderful mountain air makes you want to rush to Munnar every weekend if you are in Kochi.

Thekkady:

Just about 160 kilometres from Kochi is Thekkady. This place takes you directly into the lap of nature with its lush greenery and rippling waters. Wander through the forests taking in the scents of spices like pepper, cloves and nutmeg and stop at the town for a refreshing cup of the native filter coffee. Camp out at night to experience the pure air, forest smells and the sight of fireflies lighting up the sky.

Kovalam:

Drive down around 220 kilometres to visit the crowing jewel of Kerala, Kovalam. The Arabian Sea at Kovalam is at its beautiful best with some mesmerizing views of sunsets that have you rooted to the spot. The three crescent beaches of Kovalam lets you get your fill of beaches and the sea. Excellent and delicious cuisine of Kovalam are a yummy add-on.

Kanyakumari:

You can venture out a bit further and travel about 300 kilometres to the tip of India that is Kanyakumari. The scenic drive along the coastal line is incentive enough. Experience the unique sight of the sun setting over the Arabian Sea when the moon is rising above the Bay of Bengal at this peninsula. In addition to its ancient and mythological temples, Kanyakumari is famous for the Vivekananda Rock Memorial and Our Lady of Ransom Church.

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