Posts for Weekend Getaways Category

5 Best Picnic Spots near Mysore

Blog, Destinations, Weekend Getaways - GoroadTrip - June 18, 2015

When in Mysore there is no dearth of picnic places whenever you are in the mood for one. There are so many picnic spots all within a 100-kilometre distance that choosing one can more challenging than the trip! Some fun-to-be picnic spots are listed here.

Balmuri Falls:

Around 15 kilometres from Mysore, Balmuri falls is a small but beautiful waterfall. When the water flow is slow, you can wade in the water. But you can always splash about in the many pools and streams that wind their way through the lovely rocks and shrubs. Local boat rides are also enjoyable. You can feast on your picnic basket on the shady and cool banks but be sure to leave no garbage behind.

Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary:

Just about 18 kilometres from Mysore is Ranganathittu Bird sanctuary, which is one among India’s largest bird sanctuaries. Home to a colossal variety of birds, the sanctuary is a bird lover’s and photographer’s delight. The River Cauvery and a group of islets, some lush with greenery, are a visual treat. You can even watch the flocks of birds from a boat.

Kokkrebellur:

Another delightful place for ornithologists, Kokkrebellur is a birding destination for many species of birds like spot-billed pelicans and painted storks. They are all perfectly at home with the locals who treat the birds as important visitors and care for the nests and young ones of the birds as well. The sight of these birds quietly resting on all the tree tops is an incredible scene.

Channapatna:

Turn your picnic into a shopping spree at Channapatna located around 85 kilometres from Mysore. Famous for uniquely crafted wooden toys and silk filatures, tourists find it really interesting to see products of both the industries with a walk in the village.

Ramanagara:

Made famous by the movie, Sholay, Ramanagara is as dramatic in real as shown on the reel. Located around 100 kilometres from Mysore, there are many attractions here like rock climbing, caves and the popular Ram temple that make it an ideal picnic spot.

Just pack that picnic hamper, throw in a few sheets, collect your friends and set out on your picnic. Destination is the least of your problems when you are heading from Mysore.

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6 Best Coffee Destinations in India

Blog, Destinations, Weekend Getaways - GoroadTrip - June 7, 2015

In India coffee plantations are mainly found in the southern states and partially in the north eastern region. Typically grown on higher altitudes, coffee plantations need shade more than direct sunlight. In total, 13 different types of coffee are grown in India. Considered to produce one of the finest coffee in the world, Indian coffee plantations are popular for their strong coffee with deep aroma and colour. Some of these coffee plantations are:

6 Best Coffee Destinations in India

Chikmagalur:

Coffee in India was introduced first in Chikmagalur. Known as the coffee land of Karnataka, the geography and climate of Chikmagalur favours coffee growth. Consequently Chikmagalur coffee is in great demand.

Coorg:

Coorg is India’s largest coffee producing district. The region boasts rich varieties of coffee like Robustas and Arabicas. Coorg is famous for intercropping as well as the coffee plantations also have spices like black pepper and ginger growing along.

Wayanad:

Wayanad is situated between the mountains of the magnificent Western Ghats. It is the green paradise of the Malabar region and known as the coffee county of Kerala. With its cool climate and hilly regions, Wayanad is best suited for the Robusta and Arabica varieties of coffee.

Yercaud:

Located in the Salem district of Tamil Nadu, Yercaud is relatively a small hill but has the best coffee forests of India. The other places with coffee plantations in Tamil Nadu areKodaikanal and Coonoor.

Araku:

From the Eastern Ghats in Vishakapatnam district of Andhra Pradesh, we have the coffee plantations of Araku valley. Distinct for organic coffee brands, coffee here is grown by the tribal people of these hills. Surrounded by a number of mountains and reserved forests, Araku valley is amazingly scenic. The entire area from Vishakapatnam to East Godavari districts is known for coffee plantations. Other areas growing coffee in Andhra Pradesh are Maredumilli, Paderu and Chintapalli.

Daringbadi:

One of the untouched hill stations, Daringbadi of Orissa is infamously called the Kashmir of Orissa.Blessed with pine jungles, lovely valleys and impressive mountains, Daringbadi has long coffee gardens. The cool climate and forest areas of this place make it compatible for coffee growth.

Espresso, latte, cappuccino or filter coffee; have it any way you like. Coffee lovers are hooked from their very first sip.

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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.

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One day trip from Mumbai

Blog, Destinations, Weekend Getaways - GoroadTrip - November 17, 2014

While the city of Mumbai is the most visited for natural attractions and monuments, there are plenty of places at short distances from it as well. Plan a picnic every week and watch your holiday turn into a fun filled one.

One day trip from Mumbai

Mandwa:

If you have a penchant for water sports, you can travel about 100 kilometres from Mumbai to the village of Mandwa. It is accessible by sea and land. With a host of private adventure companies setting base here, it has become a favourite water sports hub.

Kolad:

Set on the banks of the Kundalika River, Kolad is an ideal place for rafting. With experienced and trained rafting guides, the sport can be enjoyed by thrilled adventure lovers.

Alibaug:

Approachable by road and also by ferry from the Gateway of India, Alibaug has an interesting variety of attractions to interest tourists. Along with plenty of beaches like Nagoan, Versoli, Akshi and Kashid and temples like VikramVinayak and KanakeshwarDevasthan, there is Kulaba Fort and Phansad Sanctuary to visit in Alibaug.

Karjat:

Blessed by an ideal geographical location, Karjat is thronged by visitors for various reasons; for the natural beauty of the hills, for the water activities that the River Ulhas has to offer and for its sprawling location over the Western Ghats and the Konkan region. The natural scenery of this place has attracted many international production houses like Twentieth Century Fox and Walt Disney to set up facilities here.

Durset:

With a raw beauty, Durset around 100 kilometres from Mumbai, appeals to visitors looking for peace and tranquillity amidst the marvels of natural surroundings. The Amba River gives the place a fresh appeal and you will feel invigorated with a chance to indulge in activities like rock climbing.

Kamshet:

Kamshet in Pune district is perfect for tourists aiming at some adventure activities, exploration and a trip down the historical route. The ancient cave temples, hill fortresses and colonial hill stations along the route to Kamshet makes for many pleasant stops. Once you reach Kamshet you can enthral yourself by paragliding amidst the green rambling hills and striking sunflower and paddy fields.

Malshej Ghat:

Located in Thane district, Malshej Ghat is a mountain pass in the Western Ghats. Renowned for its beauty, the Ghat is abundantly blessed with flora and fauna, birdlife and wildlife including cuckoos, quails, flamingos, peacocks, leopards and tigers.

All within a proximity of approximately 150 kilometres from Mumbai, these picnic places give you adventure and history along with the grandeur of nature’s beauty.

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