Long weekends in 2013 to visit places in India

2012 is over, buddies! And what makes 2013 special, is the fact that the much dreaded and discussed apocalypse in the end of December 2012 did not happen. We are very much alive and kicking, so we should make the best of the life we have been blessed with. There’s a lot to do – and not just routine activities, but recreational as well. Its an opportunity to make the best of the long weekends in 2013 to visit different destinations in our country and rediscover the beauty of India all over.

Fog at India Gate in New Delhi

Its barely a week into January and the mercury continues to dip in the northern hemisphere. There’s a cold wave over India – its snowing in the hills, freezing in rest of North and Central India, quite cool in Bangalore and a pleasant warm weather in the coastal areas around Mumbai and Chennai. Who needs a further excuse to utilize opportunities to take a break over the weekend, far away from the ringing cell phone, beeping inbox, chaotic traffic and stress of daily life.

Clear Sky at Gateway of India in Mumbai

The calendar of 2013 has a lot of long weekends to plan for. You may need to take a day or two off from work, but when it is a question of a two day week end becoming four or five days at a stretch, no one would complain. The options to spend this spell of freedom are many: A holiday to rejuvenate oneself, or charge your batteries by just taking rest at home.  The key is planning and management of related matters such as funds, work loads, social commitments, etc.

Goa is a popular destination during the winter season

In the first month itself, Republic Day, January 26th is a Saturday. But those who work five days a week need not feel cheated. Id – E – Milad is on January 25th (Friday), so you have three days at a stretch. If the winter chill is bothering you, target the coastal areas. You can enjoy water sports in Goa, but make your bookings beforehand as the peak tourist season would have set in.

Opportunity of another 5-day getaway would knock at your doors in March – Holi is on 27th, a Wednesday and Good Friday is on 29th. So if you take a leave on 28th, you’ll get a continuous break. If you can manage to obtain leave on the 25th and 26th as well, you can club it with the prior weekend and have nine days at a stretch. Now, isn’t that exciting? You can plan for a long trip to your dream destination. The weather would be suitable for going anywhere. But since it’s the time of Holi, you may visit Uttar Pradesh, where the festival is celebrated with much fervor. You may also visit Shantiniketan in West Bengal, where a week long festival is held.

Spring Festival was started by poet and Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore at Shantiniketan

The holiday mood gets a new boost in April with Ram Navmi on 19th, a Friday. There is another holiday coming up on 24th, Wednesday on account of Mahavir Jayanti. So, all you have to do is obtain leave on Monday – Tuesday or Thursday – Friday (or both) and plan for a trip to someplace nearby?

Shimla was declared as the summer capital of British India

The first day of May is a holiday on account of Labour Day. After two months of serious attempts to get back to the working mode, you have a month long of festivities. Id – ul – Fitr on August 9th, Friday would liberate you with a long weekend. Independence Day, August 15th is on the next Thursday, and Raksha Bandhan is on 20th, the following Tuesday. I can sense your eyes lighting up, as you read this. To add to your happiness, Janmashtami is on 28th, a Wednesday. All you have to do is plug in the gaps between these holidays to have not just “long weekends” but a “super long holiday”.  You can visit Mathura or Vrindavan during this time, where celebrations of Lord Krishna’s birthday is an event to look out for.

Vrindavan hosts hundreds of temples dedicated to the worship of Radha and Krishna and is considered sacred by a number of religious traditions

When you may have finally pressed the accelerator to work, October 2nd, Mahatma Gandhi’s birthday, falls on a Wednesday. This year, Dusshera is on a Sunday, but as a compensation for this loss, Ashtami is on 11th, a Friday. Id – ul – Zoha is on 16th, a Wednesday, so you may take two days before or after to club it with the weekend.

Dusshara is a Hindu festival that celebrates the victory of good over evil

Festivities linger in the air till Diwali, on 4th November, Monday followed by Bhai Duj, the very next day. So, you get four days by default, and you may just run away into the hills. Discover hill stations in Himachal and Uttarakhand – the weather would be romantic, with a nip in the air, but comfortable.

December 25th to January 1st is the festive time when everyone wishes to enjoy.  Christmas (25th December) is on a Wednesday, and the first day of 2014 is also a Wednesday. You can easily take off on 23rd, 24th, and 30th, 31st to begin celebrating right from 21st!

Merry-Christmas

While so many long holidays in 2013, you may be wondering about what to do, where to go, relax and enjoy, get value for money and all related aspects. Come to us at The Other Home. Tell us the time you want to travel, and we shall work out solutions according to your needs. Browse our website, identify your options, and tell us what is in your mind. Share your budget, the type of experience you are looking for, the details of your companions on the trip, etc and relax. Let our team handle the rest. We have a bounty of properties and tie-ups all over India, with rich experience in the tourism sector to strengthen our ability to serve you the best.

Ski-in-Himachal

Enjoy 2013!!

Goa Tourism: 10 Things to do

Following are Top 10 things to do in GOA

1. Water sports

It’s not just Goa’s beaches that are dotted with people. You can find them up in the sky as well, screaming their lungs out! Goa’s popular beaches are filled with various beach activities like para sailing, banana boat riding, jet-skiing, etc. Along with a brief list, I’ve also included some indicative prices. The activities you’ll find on most beaches include:

Parasailing-in-Goa

• Water Skiing/Knee & Wake boarding Rs. 400-1200 for 15 minutes
• Jet skiing (locally referred to as water scooter) Rs. 400, 1000, 1500 for 2, 10, 15 minute trips respectively
• Wind Surfing Rs. 300-600 for an hour
• Para sailing Rs. 500-1250 for 5 minutes
• Banana Boat/Bump & Ringo Rides Rs 200 for 15 minutes
• Catamaran Sailing Rs. 600-1500 for an hour
• Speedboat rides Rs. 800- 1200 for 3-6 people for 10 minutes
• Grand Island Day Trip
• Dolphin cruises
• Scuba diving/ Snorkeling Rs. 2500 per dive
• Sunset/Moonlight cruise on the Mandovi River

1. Most are run by private operators and some may not have the requisite licenses/safety features.
2. All water sports are shut in the monsoon when the sea’s rough.
3. It’s always best to bargain down to an agreeable price before your ride.

2. Nature Trails

• The Sahakari Spice Farm in Ponda is a hidden gem. They offer a tour of the plantation, where you can learn about and taste the different spices and produce, take a cold shower, enjoy a traditional Goan lunch, and additionally get a chance to watch folk dances, swing between trees a la Tarzan, and bathe and ride elephants.
• The Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary near Molem offers as much as you want to pack in. Overnight stays in a tent/dorm, a chance to spot panthers, sloth bears, mouse deer, barking deer and over 200 species of birds. Also on offer are camping trips, elephant activities (shows, bathing, riding, painting), yoga and more.
• Crocodile Watching in Cumbarjua Canal, Quepem, Chorao or Thivim. With an expert to guide you, you can watch them in their natural habbitat of thick mangroves, from the safety of a canoe or boat.
• The Arvalem, Lamgau and Rivona Caves among many others are worth a visit as they overlook the sea, have evidence of prehistoric existence, and some beautiful legendary stories.

Sunset-in-Goa

3. Heritage Hunt

20 minutes west of Panjim, you’ll go back in Indo-Portuguese time. To Old Goa, where churches, convents, museums, art galleries, government buildings, bungalows and bakeries abound. Gasp at the magnificent Basilica of Bom Jesus, Se de Santa Catarina, The Archeological Museum of Old Goa, The Naval Aviation Museum and Institute Menezes Braganza.

4. Shopping Spree

• Ingo’s Saturday Night Bazaar in Arpora, can be an overload on your senses, and you never know what you might discover. When we say you can find anything, we really mean anything. The hundreds of stalls, stock items from all over the world – bohemain clothing and jewellery, stoner paraphernalia, music, and bikes. Even if you aren’t shopping, this market really is a fun night out. You’re sure to find fire eaters, poi jugglers, live musicians/DJs and great food from all over the world and don’t forget to stop by Daniel’s Bar.
• Anjuna Flea Market is held on Wednesdays, and once again has clothing, jewellery, souvenirs, and a whole lot of rubbish along with a whole lot of treasures. This one’s on the beach, so it’s really quite lovely even if it’s small. If you take the walking route (not motorable) from the last shack on Anjuna beach, you’ll be sure to pass a small shop that sells ultra-violet paintings, paint and canvas. You’ll want to pop in.

Flea-Market-in-Goa

1. Street Shops in popular areas like Baga, Calangute, etc are plenty and they sell the basic stuff like sarongs, clothes, bags, jewellery, shells and other souvenirs.
2. Most beaches also have vendors who walk around toting their wares.
3. If you don’t want something, it’s important to be firm with the vendors and shopkeepers, especially the women who can be rather pushy.
4. Always, always bargain.

5. Why not

• Get a Black Henna tattoo painted onto your body by artists in the markets and on beaches. Pick any design, it washes off in a couple of weeks!
• Braid your hair with colorful embroidery threads and beads by the tribal women who sit on the beach and in markets.
• Get a massage from the masseuses who walk the beaches. They’ll pamper your legs and back for a great price, with or without oil, right in the comfort of your beach lounger.
• Sip coconut water from the ladies who walk the beaches. It’s cheap and wonderfully cooling.
• Spend a night on the beach but only if you’re a larger group or a bunch of guys.

6. Gluttons & Gourmets

There really are so many eating out options in Goa and overall, the quality of food doesn’t leave one complaining (unless it’s a bad shack). That makes coming up with a list next to impossible, so what we’ve done is compiled a short list of favorites that we visit every time we’re in Goa.

Beach-Food-in-Goa

• Martin’s Corner in Betalbatim, is legendary for it’s king crabs, prawn vinadloo, garlic chicken and sea food that is grilled, fried, roasted, steamed and mixed with sauces and spices. Here’s the best part, a meal for two costs around Rs. 1200.
• Britto’s on Baga is another popular restaurant and shack famed for its food and service. Best for a candlelit dinner, with the breeze in your hair and your toes in the sand.
• Infantaria at Calangute is the place to go for breakfast with their large collection of superbly prepared snacks and bakes. Get there early, before the crowds.
• Curly’s on Anjuna is a lively, popular shack that serves some seriously good food. We love the banana-nutella waffles with honey, as well as the limonada juice that’s seriously healthy.
• Souza Lobo at Calangute is an old establishment, set up in 1932. While they serve a varied fare, try their traditional offerings.

7. Bikers Anonymous

If you can tear yourself away from the beaches, Goa has miles of intricate roads and paths that run right through paddy fields, cottages and bungalows. With the wind in your hair, and Goa at your feet, it’s not just a great way to get around, but also a great way to get lost.

8. Party Animals

From shacks with karaoke, retro English, Bollywood, popular club and electronic music, to the standard bars to uber luxe lounges and nightclubs, to open air, hilltop, beachside and semi-jungle raves, Goa has something to offer for every kind of party goer. Tito’s on Baga and Hilltop at Anjuna are evergreen, but new places keep popping up and shutting down all the time, so just keep an eye out for party posters and flyers, and a ear out for hushed whispers.

Beach-restaurant-Goa

9. Holistic Healing

• Ayurvedic treatments abound in Goa, but the best place to go is Keri village where experienced ayurvedic doctors run an age old natural practice.
• Yoga/Meditation is taught at almost every corner, but for yoga holidays, recommended places include Yab Yum, Yoga Magic, Ashiyana and The Mandala.
• Reiki is practiced and taught at several locations in Goa and we’ve heard lots about Neo Yoga Centre.
• Vegans and eco conscious people get their fill at Bean Me Up; a soya-station cum health food cafe in Anjuna.

10. Glamorous gamblers

There isn’t too much gambling one can do on Indian soil and that’s where Goa’s famed Casino cruises come in. Lately machine operated casinos onshore have become popular as well. But if you’re expecting a Vegas-style casino experience, forget about it. Goa’s casinos are largely frequented by men and there’s a reason why it’s at the bottom of this list! But if you do want to try it out, dress up, put on your lucky perfume, and hope to get lucky!

Karnataka Toursim: Gokarna Beaches

Gokarna is one of the lesser known beach-towns lying in the middle of Goa and Karnataka. In many ways it has the best of Goa’s beauty without its gnarly drunkenness. Here is all you need to know about this lovely, laidback town.

Kudle-beach-Gokarna

BEACHES

There are four main beaches in Gokarna – Kudlee Beach (pictured above), Om Beach (pictured below), Half Moon Beach and Paradise Beach (in order from North to South). As one goes further South, the beaches become even more secluded and pristine. Walking is the most common way of getting around. However, auto-rickshaws between the popular beaches are also available. Currents change on a day to day basis, sometimes making the waters too dangerous for a swim.

Om beach at Gokarna

FESTIVAL

Gokarna is most crowded during Shivaratri (February/March) when up to 20,000 pilgrims invade the small beach town. The 4-day festival involves large scale celebrations wherein two mammoth chariots are pulled across the main town.

THINGS TO DO

Most visitors will be there to spend time on the beautiful beaches to the south. Enjoy the sea and the views from the beach cafes or play volleyball on the sand. The beaches are clean, but ask locally about swimming, as currents can be strong.

Beach-ball-at-Gokarna-Beach

GETTING THERE

The nearest airport is in Goa. From Margao, which is 125 kms away one can take a train or a pre-booked taxi. With advance booking taxis or trains can also be taken from Mangalore or Bangalore, which are 225 km and 475 km away respectively.

Boat-Resting

EAT AND DRINK

Sea food is freely available. Thalis are fabulously inexpensive. The Namaste Cafe on Om Beach serves good Mexican, Israeli and Indian food. Restaurants are not allowed to serve hard liquor. Hence, beer is usually the only option.

Goa Tourism: Things to do in Panjim

Year after year, innumerable tourists descend on the famous little destination called Goa. Yet, every time it manages to offer something new and something unforgettable. Panjim is the capital of the Indian state of Goa. This small and charming the city lies along the left bank of the Mandovi River set up against terraced hillsand red-tiled roofs and a riverside promenade. We investigate the top things to see.

1.Take a dip into history

To date, the mysterious Fontainhas, which is considered Goa’s Latin Quarter and is located in the heart of Panjim remains one of the most charming places to explore. Apart from the vibrant coloured walls and quaint streets there are some delightful hidden surprises. Make sure you have some extra space in the bag to carry some delicious treats home.

Fontainhas in Panjim

2.Holy shrines

The heart of Goa is the Church Square or Municipal Garden which is home to the Portuguese Baroque Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Church. It was built in 1541 and other tourist attractions of the place are the 16th century Adilshahi Palace, the Mahalaxmi Temple, the Jama Masjid mosque, and the Chapel of St. Sebastian.

The Panjim Church of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception

3.The Carnival

Carnival celebrations in February go through Panaji and then the other parts of Goa. The colourful parade is a huge draw for the city and the area of Panajim.

Goa Carnival

4.Shopping

The 18th June Road is a popular area in the heart of Panajim for shopping.

5.Beaches

Goa is most famous for its beaches. And near Panji the most famous beaches are Miramar, Bambolim and Dona Paula. Dona Paula is the meeting point for two of Goa’s famous rivers, which meet at the Arabian Sea. Miramar Beach is located near Panjim but is very popular and can get over crowded.

Dona Paula

6.Green Goa

Goa has some fantastic villages to explore, provided you are ready to be lost in the luscious Arpora hills. You can plunge you right into the wilderness with local experts and naturalists who give inspiring talks on snakes and the indigenous flora and fauna. Highly recommended for environment enthusiasts.

Explore the villages of Goa

7.Birds of Goa

Many locals have an inherent eye for bird-watching in the hilly terrains of North Goa. For this you can arrange a day tour from Panjim. The Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary is Goa’s important bird sanctuary. It is located in Chorao and is home host to rare and endangered bird species. Bird watching walks are lovely all year round except from May – July when there is a lot of humidity.

A white peacock in Goa

8.The Mystifying Island

From Panjim you can access Old Goa, which has always been rather elusive to the tourists who throng the popular beaches up North. We suggest you do not miss a tour to the mystifying island of Divar. The island can be reached by regular ferries from Old Goa. An old white church, flanked by Banyan trees, stands atop a hill, visible from all points below. The sleepy island has stretches of fields and hardly any inhabitation. Great for a long drive and a quick break for a cold beer in local cafes.

9.Brown Town

From Panjim take a drive to Bicholim, a pottery town and an untouched destination. It is fascinating to see the mud covered town, still preserving the old art of clay and porcelain.

10.Serene Sands

Having heard of only the popular beaches of Goa, many miss many secret pristine beaches. A forty minute drive north of Arpora will lead you to beautiful lesser known beaches called Ashwem, Mandrem and Morjim. Carefully tucked away from the busy clamour of hotels and guest houses, spend some quiet time in the few tasteful shacks at the far end of these un-commercial beaches.

Mandrem beach

11.Test your luck

As you walk out of this faraway world, you can visit one of the only casinos in India. This can be done deep in the Mandovi waters, which provides the casino an off shore status thus making it legal.

Strike it lucky

PRACTICAL INFORMATION: Panjim Goa

• Season – November till April is the most pleasant to visit.
• Single/ Female Travelers – Though largely safe to travel alone, single or female travelers should bear in mind that it is good to avoid late nights.
• Connectivity – Well connected by flights, trains and buses to major metros and towns of tourists’ interests like Hampi.

Popular tourist destinations - GOA

Goa is one the best tourist attraction in India. It is very popular tourist destinations because of its gorgeous beaches. Apart from beaches Goa also offers attractions, Goa cuisines, water sports and a colorful culture. There are many more things to explore in Goa like churches, one of the major attractions, natural beauty, shopping and nightlife. The Goa Carnival is unique in the sense it’s not celebrated elsewhere in India.

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Beaches: 

Goa is a Land of Beaches, there are around 40 beaches in Goa,and some of them are still virgin. Anjuna, Calangute, Baga, Dona Paula, Colva and Bambolim are among the most famous beaches in Goa. Mostly beaches are divided into north and south Goa beaches. Each and every beach of Goa has it’s own importance, these beaches are paradise for beach lovers.

Famous Calangute Beach in Goa

Cuisines: 

The cuisine of Goa is one of the best in India. The cuisine is mostly seafood based that include crabs, prawns, tiger prawns fish etc. It is also considered as Goa cuisine can’t be complete without fish. Foods in Goa are influence of Portuguese and Hindu. Fish Curry and rice is a traditional food of Goa, which is really very delicious.

Goa Fish Curry

Wildlife: 

There are some famous wildlife sanctuary in Goa like Madei, Cotigao and Bondla Wildlife sanctuary, which supports a rich flora and fauna. These natural habitats are home for a wide variety of wild animals, including Indian Bison (Gaur), Cobra and leopard. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary in North Goa is famous for rare species of birds.

Wildlife in Goa

Culture: 

Goa offer a mix culture of India and Portugal. Culture of Goa including its heritage, people, fairs and festivals. There are number of churches in Goa built by the Portuguese and these are one of the great attractions in Goa. Rave Parties and late night parties on exotic beaches of Goa are the major attraction for tourist peoples. Goa Carnival and Nightlife in Goa offers a true flavor of mix culture of India and Portugal.

Culture of Goa

Natural Beauty: 

Goa is a state which is gifted with incredible natural beauty. Natural Beauty of Goa includes waterfalls, green forest, fabulous beaches and sunshine. Waterfalls in Goa are added attraction to its natural beauty, The Dudh Sagar waterfall is one the major waterfall in Goa.

Beautiful Waterfall in Goa 

Carnival - Goa

The state of Goa celebrates its one of the biggest festival of the year, the Goan carnival festival. Carnival at Goa is not stop three days and nights festival of fun,entertainment,song,music and colors. Goa Carnival is one of the most awaited festival and attracts many tourists from all over the world. Konkani dance, Street plays and Grand feast are few major attraction of Goa Carnival festival, It will be starting in February 2013,get ready for food,dance,music and fun.

Famous Goa Carnival