It was our 1st road trip in my new I-10. We started off early and straight hit the Nasik highway from Ghansoli. 1st hault taken after about an hour for breakfast (vada pav and Chai) on a roadside Tapri. The taste was good as the vada’s were served to our plates straight from kadhai.
While on the way to Trimbakeshwar temple near Nashik, we saw a huge water body and were fascinated to go there. It was Lake Vaitarna, serene and a landscape worth capturing.
We left for the ancient temple of lord Shiva again, which is of great mythological importance and 1 of the 12 Jyotirlingas. Kusavarta, a kunda (sacred pond) in the temple premises is the source of the Godavari River, the longest river in peninsular India. The current temple was built by Peshwa Balaji Baji Rao (Nanasaheb). Finding a parking space close to temple entrance was a tough task as it was a weekend. After reaching the temple gate we found out that the entry was closed as it was already too crowded. Then 1 of our hyper exited friend went on a pass search mission and came back victorious. There we were in the queue for darshan and came out in about hours time. The temple is made of black stones.
Our next destination was Sula vineyards in Nasik. After entering this place you will feel as if you have reached some vineyards in Switzerland. Widespread grape farms and breeze rustling through the leaves will leave you mesmerised. Hurry up and register for the next wine tasting tour, which allows you to see the wine manufacturing process and also taste some of the finest wines produced in the Indian sub-continent. White harvest and Dindori are must haves. Also they have an excellent restaurant serving stuff with cheese as a prime ingredient because as they say, wine tastes best with cheese.
Sula vineyard also provides staying options but being frugal we did not opt for it. Sula fest is an annual music fest and a must visit.
While returning back we had enjoyed a tasty Maharashtrian meal comprising of bhakri, pithla, dal, jwari, kadhi and bhaat.
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When traveling, one of the objectives is to make the most of the time and to return home with the feeling of not having lost anything in the newly discovered city. It’s a complicated task, I know, so I’ll give you a hand with this selection of the 8 things you can do in Barcelona. If you have many on the list you can always come a second time.
Walk to discover the city:
Barcelona is a big city, but it is perfect to witness beauty while walking. Forget about a day of the subway or the tourist bus and re-cross it by giving nice walks and wandering around the roads. You can choose to visit the most important buildings and parks of the city such as Citadels, Joan Miro Park or Montjuic castle, but there is also a Barcelona that does not come in the guides. We encourage you to go up to Horta, to know the charm of the Saint Andreu neighborhood, to see a side of the lesser known Example and enjoy unique panoramas.
Go to concerts:
Barcelona has plenty of live music venues such as Razzmatazz or Sala Apollo, but it also has wonderful concert halls. The Gran Theatre Del Liceu is a splendid survivor decorated with gold leaf, luxurious red carpets and lots of ornamentation. Check the schedule since the tickets are not always as expensive as it may seem and is a place worth a visit.
On the other hand is L’Auditori, an elegant space with capacity for 2,400 spectators that not only program concerts of classical music but also jazz or world music. The Palau de la Musical Catalonia’s is famous for its modernist architecture and the number of activities it hosts. Barcelona also hosts various festivals from Primavera Sound to Barcelona International Jazz Festival, Sonar and Cruilla, and others.
Gaudi and Modernism:
Undoubtedly, one of the tourist attractions (and also for those who live here) is to admire the modernist architecture and the works of Gaudi in particular. You can find several examples of his work throughout the city, whether civil or religious buildings. The most famous is the Sagrada Familia, impressive on the outside and inside; The Park Guell, a place almost of the story that emulates an English garden or the Pedrera, but do not miss the opportunity to visit other buildings of Gaudi that sometimes occupy a smaller place in the guides.
Discover the Barcelona of the young Picasso:
Picasso remembered Barcelona as beautiful and brilliant, a city where he spent his first years. Follow the steps of the genius by visiting the regions that marked his youth. Walk along the street of The Queen Cristina and then cross to street number 3 (street of Merce) where his family lived, although the building was destroyed. If you need to stop on the way, get closer to Ells 4 Gats, a place where artists of the time met for dinner parties, dinners, and art meetings. Finally, visit the Picasso Museum, a gallery that houses
the works of Picasso’s formative years.
Try the seafood cuisine:
Nobody should leave Barcelona without trying their seafood cuisine. The city offers Rias de Galicia, in Poble-sec and Cachitos which is famous for its fantastic variety of fish and seafood. Cal Pep, in La Born, is known for its three-phase, a mixture of fried chanquetes, squid and shrimp and exquisite noodles. In La Barcelonnette, you will find La Mar Salada and Can Sole with fresh fish and seafood every day.
Climb the mountain of Montjuic:
The Montjuic Mountain is perfect for strolling through trees and having a great view, but it very costly to access… There are facilities that were built for the 1992 Olympic Games, including the Palau Saint Jordi or the telecommunications tower designed by Santiago Calatrava. Those who have more energy and climb to the top of the hill will find the Olympic Stadium and the Jardi Botanic at its feet, Plaza de Espanya is the most popular entrance to the mountain, and you can also take advantage of the Pavello Mie’s van der Rohe and the Caxias forum cultural center.
Bath in the Mediterranean:
Barcelona has a little more than 4 kilometers of beaches in which to stretch the towel, plant the umbrella smeared with cream and put the backpack to a good collection is a good choice. With just a few minutes by train or a short drive, you can visit other coastal towns with dream beaches. The Mediterranean is a gift!
Approach the sky:
Even if you are not a loyal believer, you should visit the magnificent churches of Barcelona for pure artistic and architectural pleasure. Saint Pau del Camp is a rare example of Romanesque architecture with a fantastic cover-up and superb pathway and the elegant Basilica of Santa Maria del Mar is perhaps the best example of the survived Catalan Gothic architecture and is a place of peace up to the atheists. The Gothic religious building par excellence is the Cathedral of Barcelona, dedicated to Santa Eulalia, the
patron saint of the city. The majestic Gothic with a monastery is famous for its 13 white hollows.
About the author in his own words: This article has been written by Daniyal Buksh a professional content strategist and digital marketer at flights to Stockholm from London. You can catch him on Facebook.
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The hustle and bustle of the everyday city life in Delhi wears us all down. And the end of a long working week calls for a calm and blissful holiday. Doesn’t it? Escape from the boredom of your monotonous life, and let The Happy Wanderer recommend the trip you have been thinking about since so long!
We bring to you the most exotic off-beat locations near Delhi:
#1 Surajgarh Fort, Rajasthan
Property of the luxurious Kangra Group of Hotels, the Surajgarh fort lies approximately 190 kms from Delhi. The name of the palace literally means “The Castle of The Sun”. This 4 acre fortified palace gives its guests the experience of living like a Maharaja. It has fine and colourful architecture, a beautiful swimming pool and the essence of history. You can easily visit the locals there, explore the nearby forts and exotic locations on a camel back or just chill in the luxurious hotel.
#2 Shoghi, Himachal Pradesh
Approximately 345kms from Delhi, and 15 kms from Shimla.
Located in the Solan district of Himachal Pradesh, Shoghi is an ideal destination for a family holiday. Sprinkled with numerous temples like the Taradevi Temple, unexplored countryside and stunning views of the breathtaking Himalayas, Shoghi is an excellent weekend getaway. Perfect for trekking and adventure walks through the jungles ,this place is far away from the hustle of Shimla.
#3 Dholpur, Rajasthan
Dholpur is a city in eastern most parts of the Rajasthan state of India. Only 260 kms away from Delhi, Dholpur has several tourist spots like the Van vihar Wild life sanctuary, ravines of Chambal, National Chambal wildlife Sanctuary, The Machkund temple etc. With a vibrant history and rich culture, this beautiful place takes you to a mesmerizing journey back in time.
#4 Chakrata , Uttrakhand
A secluded hillstation with a peaceful environment, Chakrata is a fascinating weekend destination in the Dehradun district of Uttrakhand, approximately 310 kms away from New Delhi. It is a picturesque place with splendid places like The tiger falls, , and is an ideal destination for nature lovers, bird watchers and adventure enthusiasts.
#5 Kasol, Himachal Pradesh
Kasol is a small village in Himachal Pradesh, stretched along the Parvati River. With the view of snowy mountains this place is a famous travel place for explorers and travelers. This village also known as Mini Israel is situated approximately 520 kms from Delhi. You’ll find cuisines from all over the world here. Low on rates and high on value, this place is a must go for you all!
You can easily reach there either by your own car, or by taking a Volvo. The nearest airport is located in Bhunttar (Kullu) (but the flight rates might just create a hole in your pocket!)
Got bored of mainstream so fast !! Read about this “offbeat” place calledLanjhini
About the author in her own words:
Yashita Mahajan, 22 –
My love for exploring the world makes me write, click and follow my dreams. And this is the reason why I started my blog The Happy Wanderer. I am currently pursuing my MBA from Hyderabad. I believe that it’s the little things and experiences in life that keeps us going, so live each day, and keep the negativity away! You can reach me on yashita0405@gmail.com
Disclaimer: *Contents in this story is Authors personal views and presentation.
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Goa is one of the most beautiful and popular destinations of India! Planning a romantic outing, Go Goa! Reunion with school friends, Go Goa! Family holiday where the planned destination is a beach, Go Goa! You want to go parasailing with your loved one or go for a beautiful boat-ride to watch the sunset with dolphins jumping in the background, Go Goa! If you want to try your luck at a casino and let your hair down, Goa it is! If you want to be a part of rave parties to enjoy the nightlife of the place, Goa definitely is the best place. If you are fond of sea food, then this is the place to be! And if you are looking at having a relaxed weekend with chilled beer, then you are in luck as the taxes levied on alcohol is much less than any state in the country!
Here’s a list of activities to do in Goa. Before I share my itinerary, I would like to give you the various options Goa has to offer so that you can decide to tweak your itinerary to whatever suits you. I have divided the place into three categories, so that you can choose where to spend most of your time.
North Goa:
North Goa is famous for a number of beaches which is a must visit! This place is lively, full of folks in a holiday and merry making mood! There are a few activities on the beach like parasailing. If you wish to be a part of the hullabaloo then you should be at the Baga beach around 4:00 pm and wait till the sun becomes a huge red ball of fire and sets into the horizon.
Places to see in North Goa:
Baga beach
Calangute beach
Vagator Beach
Anjuna Beach
Fort Aguada (Fisherman’s Cove)
Chapora Fort
Arambol Beach – know why Arambol beach is so awesome by clicking Arambol
Restaurants to eat in North Goa:
Tito’s
Ratnasagar Hotel
Suza Lobo
The Capricorn
Blueberry cheese cake under attack at Titos!
South Goa:
If you like your beach less crowded and want a quiet walk holding hands with your loved one, then you must be at the southern end of Goa. If you dream of beautiful candle light dinners by the sea under a starry night then you have chosen the right place. There are local boat rides available to watch dolphins play in the sea, and to the virgin beaches situated a little away from the shore. Crystal clear water and warmth of the sands makes one wish that time stops for some time while they soak in the bliss of the tranquil surroundings. South Goa is definitely home to the best beaches of the Konkan coast of India.
Places to see
Palolem Beach
Candolem Beach
Colva Beach (Babumoshai)
Places to eat
The Pentagon
Palacio do deau
A romantic candle light dinner at Palolem beach. Flames from the sea shell buried in the golden sands made the evening even more romantic and beautifulGet set and eat! You can choose the fish you want ( read prawns and crabs also), the choice of sauce and ask them to barbecue it! Tastes delicious.
Panjim:
The capital of Goa, Panjim houses the most beautiful and quaint churches in the area. Vasco-da-Gama arrived at India in the 15th century but has left behind a Portuguese culture in the streets of Panjim.
Places to see
Church Square
Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Church
Goa State Musuem
Places to eat
Fisherman’s Cove
Anantashram
Feasting on Fish Fingers! At the Fisherman’s Cove.
How to travel in Goa?
The best and most pocket friendly option is to rent a bike. That is the best way to go around Goa. You could also rent a car. Remember to keep your driving license with you since the Goan Traffic Police is pretty strict when it comes to checking documents. Buses are a very few, and getting public transport during the night can be difficult, plus they charge you exorbitant rates.
Shopping at Goa
Flea markets are very popular in Goa and you will find a lot of stalls on the road and in crowded destinations. You don’t have to visit a shopping area as such. Plenty of beautiful skirts and blouses are available in floral patterns along with accessories. If you haven’t had the time to pack beachwear, you will find it in plenty on the streets of Goa.
Goan specialities
Thanks to the international tourist population, you will find all kinds of cuisines in Goa. There are plenty of restaurants serving continental food. However, do find time to taste the coconut gravy delicacies of the Malabar Coast which will steal your heart. Also try the local liquor Fenny (also called Feni), made of cashew or toddy palm.
What to carry?
Beachwear
Sunscreen
Good Camera
A small torch
Cash as not many places accept cards
A good book
Light music
My itinerary in Goa:
Day 1:
Relax in South Goa. Run to Colva beach in the morning and be back by noon before the sun sets ablaze. Post a shower you can dine in one of the restaurants in South Goa. I loved the restaurant called Babumoshai in Colva beach for serving delicious pomphrets. But you can pick any restaurant of your choice.
Move to Palolem beach in the evening.Be there by 4:00 pm. I would highly recommend a boat ride to Honeymoon Island. Tip the boatman to take you to areas where you can see dolphins play and lap in nature.
Watch the sunset from the beach. If you’re lucky on a non-cloudy day, the red ball disappearing into ocean blue is a sight to behold. Take a walk by the beach line. Find yourself a restaurant on the beach and enjoy candle light dinner.
On a boat ride, heading towards the orange sun before it kisses goodbye!
Ensure you have a rented bike or have booked a taxi back. You may not find transport if you are really late. Also, lock your rented bikes well. People often find fuel stolen while they were away and are stranded at night.
Tuck in!
Day 2:
Book a cab and go towards Panjim. Leave early morning, and see if you could carry your bags with you.
Once in Panjim, visit the church square and eat at Anandashram near the Honda showroom. Walk down the narrow lanes with Portugal influence. Visit the church and head to North Goa beaches.
Baga beach is a good place to be. Try some water sports activites and enjoy the view of the crashing waves. Tito’s, at Baga Beach must be in your bucket list.
Parasailing at Baga Beach
If you are a party lover, you must visit Anjuna beach. Curly’s is an awesome place with great music and good food. There are other places in the neighboring region as well.
Crash!
Day 3:
Visit Chapora Fort and Fort Aguada. Do not miss Fisherman’s Cove, a lovely restaurant on Fort Aguada Road.
Spend some time in the flea markets and shopping centres and relax.
Head back to the beach in the evening! You can visit Calangute or Vagator beach.Or go back to Baga! Plenty of good food in the vicinity there.
Have a great trip to Goa and bring back wonderful memories. I am sure it will be worth a thousand smiles and wonderful moments that you will cherish in the years to come. Do mention what about Goa intrigued you the most!
About the author in her own words: A Bengali brought up in the cosmopolitan city of Bangalore, I believe in living life to the brim. I have spent years to hone up my technical skills to get the coveted tag of an “Engineer + MBA” and worked with some of the best brands of the corporate world. I love to splash colors on canvas, disappear into a different world by picking up a good book and flipping a few pages, put together some spices and meat to please my taste buds, sway to my favorite tune each time I hear good music and of course explore a new place every time I get a chance! Well, this doesn’t even sum up 0.1% of me! Each article here is a bit of me, a bit of what I think, a little of what I feel and are pieces of the jigsaw puzzle which makes me, Me!
Disclaimer: *Contents in this story is Authors personal views and presentation.
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Its unique five-story exterior is akin to the honeycomb of a beehive with its 953 small windows called jharokhas
The original intention of the lattice was to allow royal ladies to observe everyday life in the street below without being seen since they had to obey strict “purdah” (face cover).
Windows (Jharokha) has colorful panes so it will light the hallways with different colors.
Stay tuned for our upcoming story on Garadia Mahadev – Grand Canyon of Rajasthan
Story & Pictures by Utkarsh
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At yatripandit, we believe there should be no boundaries on travelling especially when it comes to jungle and wildlife. It is the only one, out of 543 wildlife sanctuaries in India where you can drive your own car inside the protected area. When we came about this unique fact about Barnawapara, we were already inside our Ford Ecosport heading towards the Jungle.
My younger brother suggested us this trip and 3 of us along with him, left from the capital city of Chhattisgarh, Raipur at 2pm and within 2 hours we were at the entry gate of Barnawapara. The highways are maintained in tint condition and cruising on them gave us great adrenaline rush.
Where to stay: We chose to stay at CG Tourism’s, Hareli eco resort ditching the more famous ones like Muba Resort and celebration. We did not regret the stay and hospitality even one percent and saved some bucks as well. The resort is well maintained, wide spread, and located on a lake side. Its service is fabulous as well and can be booked from various online platforms.
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After getting our room keys and dumping our luggage, we boarded our car and headed straight to the protected area entry gate. A guide, who are usually local village boys can be hired from the entry gate at a nominal price of 300-500 INR. Getting a guide is a must otherwise you might get lost forever in the wilderness(just exaggerating a little more). It was a good 1.5 hours ride on bumpy jungle roads. And we were lucky to spot a sloth bear lazing around by the road side, wild boar and a heard of deer.
Back to our machan like rooms in the Hareli resort, changed and got fresh to have a relaxed time sitting in balcony sharing some talks from our old jungle trips(read about Bandhavgarh and Bastar), laughs, relishing some drinks with freshly cooked snacks and doodling over music. All we needed after that was a good dinner and some nice sleep. The dinner was cooked on demand and was more like a home cooked food. We truly enjoyed every bite of it.
Water body – Life line of the Jungle
Pagdandi
Wild Boar
What to do: Jungle safaris are all about waking up before dawn and in Hareli resort the chirping birds played our alarms clocks. Within minutes we were driving in our Ecosport again and reached the entry gate driving through the fog and mist in no time. Hired a new guide and there we were inside this beautiful jungle which is spread over an area of about 245 sq km in the Mahasamund district of Chhattisgarh. Bird watching in Barnawapara is one of the most enjoyed activities. The major fauna of the Barnawapara Sanctuary include Tigers, Sloth Bear, Flying Squirrels, Jackals, Striped Hyena, Wild Dogs, Chital, Sambar, Nilgai, Gaur, Muntjac, Wild Boar, Cobra, Python, Antelopes, Leopards, Chinkara, Black Buck, Jungle Cat, Barking Deer, Porcupine, Monkey, Bison, to name a few. The sanctuary also has a large population of birds that include Parrots, Bulbul, White-rumped Vultures, Green Avadavat, Lesser Kestrels, Peafowl, Wood Peckers and the list can go on and on. We could spot many of these but tiger. 😦
Africa look alike lake
Do not miss climbing to the highest watch tower and observe the forest silently breathing pure and light. That greenery; spread till the horizon is the best treat you can offer to your eyes, tired of laptop and cell phone screens.
When to go: The protected area is closed for tourist during Monsoons(June to Sept) every year. The most suitable time of the year is winters i.e. November to March.
Not to worry if you donot have your own can to offroad, Gypsy’s and jungle safari’s can be hired at the entry gate or Hareli resort can arrange the same for you.
Bidding adieus to this self motorable jungle; we were back again to smaller concrete Jungle(Raipur) in 2 hours and next day to a bigger one(Pune). We captured many memories and pictures. We surely are returning back to this jungle very soon.
Stay tuned for our upcoming story on rules of the Jungle (Which are NOT location specific).
Story by: Abhimanyu
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Here I am going to discuss a story of one my best colleague. Before getting pregnant she had arranged and paid for a trip for the year 2013.
When she confirmed the pregnancy, the trip was about to occur, and she was 16 weeks pregnant. She went to her dear doctor, Dr. Izilda Pupo, and everything was fine with her and her baby, and then she went to India in February of that year. She had gone there for 9 years and knew that the trip was long, both the flight and the duration: 21 days.
But it was a trip of great importance to her: of study, spiritually and leisure: her vacations. So she listened well to the details of my doctor and friend, but of course, as on every trip, she had surprises: some good and some not so good!
I would like to give some tips to all pregnant women, since travel agents and airlines are not always ready to receive (pregnant), nor are their babies, who are still being generated and need special care, since the (with vaccines and perhaps useful medicines), such as during flights, roads, and even the places to be visited. Another thing she did and it was very good, were yoga classes. It helps her stretch after so much traveling, as well as keep mind focused on gestation, and have been great lessons! And many stretches during plane travel!
Well, the trip she made to India was full of domestic flights, train and bus, and always long journeys.
So, the first tips are as follows:
Before Travelling:
Let your doctor know in advance about the trip so he / she can alert you to basic care
Make sure the country you will require requires a special vaccine. To enter India, we must have the vaccine against yellow fever, but pregnant women cannot take this vaccine, so in this case we have to go to Anvisa with the obstetrician’s certificate stating that she is pregnant and, we get a vaccine release; There are also clinics that are licensed by Anvisa to issue this authorization
Talk to your doctor about what medicines you may need (nausea, flu, diarrhea, headache, bad digestion, colic) and take during pregnancy – take a prescription with all medicines and buy it at Brazil (carry the suitcase)
Take out health insurance to have during the trip (mainly to the outside).
During the trip:
On long flights or even internal trips lasting longer than 2 or 3 hours, walk and stretch, especially on the legs, feet, so as not to swell;
Check with your doctor if you need to wear compression stockings while traveling. Try before the trip, so that it is useful and comfortable;
Do not try new foods that you do not know about the reaction of your body;
Drink plenty of water and liquids; but try to know the source (gas water seems safe);
In case of places with mosquitoes, take repellent authorized by his / her doctor; without addition of DDT;
Try to take breaks during the trip, even if the group has a rhythm of its own, respect yours at the moment.
On the plane:
Please inquire before shipping. Ask for a seat in the front of the plane, preferably in the aisle, so that you can get up more easily (to stretch and go to the bathroom). Do not pinch your pee because it stimulates urinary tract infections and / or constipation.
On the train:
If traveling at night, try to accommodate yourself in bed wagons, to keep your legs elongated.
In the car / bus:
Carry pillows or cushions to keep neck support in case travel is long and place the seat back to stretch your legs as much as you can.
Meals:
Also check the menu before you can order a nutritious meal for the pregnant woman.
Safety during travel:
Wear your seatbelt always below your belly (on airplanes, trains, buses); in cars, are usually 3 points, ideal for pregnant women.
Rest – Jet Lag:
Respect your body and adjust the spindle of your country on the back, allow yourself to rest for 1 to 2 days before returning to routine.
Tips on the vaccine calendar for travelers and also for pregnant women:
Look for clinics that are authorized to issue the International Certificate of Vaccination.
Author Bio:
Kazim Raza is a Digital Marketer and Search Engine Analyst. I love socializing and playing soccer. One of my target is to guide people how to earn a living via online marketing. There is a proper method to do this, and once you learn what that is, you become unstoppable.
Disclaimer: *Contents in this story is Authors personal views and presentation.
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This edition of our Bhutan trip is meant for the backpackers, for the budget travelers, and everyone in between. Take part in this 1-week adventure in the land of happiness with EIT and explore the vast mountains, the royal monasteries and so much more!
Day 01:
Arrival at Phuentsholing. Transfer to Thimphu. Travel Time – 6.5 – 7 hours.
Check into hotel
Day 02:
Local sightseeing after breakfast (Memorial Chorten, Buddha Statue, Thimphu Dzong, Takin Reserve,
National Museum of Textiles)
Evening sightseeing (Changankha Lhakhang and sightseeing left over from previous day) and shopping etc.
Day 03:
Mild hike to a monastery near Thimphu
Personalised postal stamps at Thimphu Post Office, and evening free for rest and shopping
Day 04:
Check out of hotel after early breakfast & leave for Punakha district. Travel time – 2 hours.
All sightseeing in Punakha via Dochu La Pass (Chimi Lhakhang, Punakha Dzong & iron suspension bridge)
Evening free for rest after a hectic day
Day 05:
Early breakfast & leave for Paro Travel time – 3 hours
Local sightseeing at Paro (Paro Dzong, Dungtse Lhakhang, Kichyu Monastery)
Evening free for rest
Day 06:
Early breakfast and begin climb to Tiger’s Nest/Taktsang. Climb will take about 2.5 – 3 hours.
Evening visit National Museum and thereafter go shopping/exploration in Paro town
Day 07:
Departure from Paro after breakfast
This itinerary can be customised to include a longer stay in Thimphu, especially for first time visitors to the country. However, the Price Tag will then change
Note: Bhutan trips are planned in association with our travel partners, Easeindiatravel
For reading a traveler’s 1st hand experience please click Here
you can directly contact our tour partners, “EASEINDIATRAVEL“on info@easeindiatravel.com. Mention Yatripandit’s name to get special tarrifs.
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We know you liked our last story, kuch khaas hai kaas on Kaas Plateau published in September 2017 and as promised here we are sharing the 2nd phase of that amazing Road trip with Sandy. If you missed reading the preceding story, click here and then read the current one.
Here you go, After dumping the idea of quitting jobs and realizing that its getting dark, we hit the road again to reach our final destination- Guhagar. It was about 180 kms drive from Satara via karad and Chiplun. The roads were not in a good condition throughout the journey and there were some steep ghats, then we reached to the pre booked Nilambari Resort.
Abhimanyu
Utkasrh
Sandy
Where to STAY: It was a 3 bed non AC room with attached toilet and television. The resort owner is very friendly and we could bargain and get the fare down to Rs 1000/- from Rs.1500/-. After having typical Konkani poha and tea served at the Resort, we headed to the beach which is about a five minute walk from the resort.
What to EAT: While in Guhagar, one must try Konkani vegetarian food like ukdi chamodak, sol kadi, Bhaves, kokam sharbat and Thali-pith of Suruchi hotel is a must eat. Konkani sea food is globally recognized for its taste and while in this part of the sub-continent, one cannot afford to miss: kalva, mhakala, vaghal, bonbil, kolim, kombadi vade, mori mutton, Ghol, Rawas etc.
We were awestruck after feeling the smooth white sand on this virgin Guhagar beach. The water was clear and so was the beach. It felt as 3 of us were the only tourists. After having a dip in the Arabian sea, we headed towards the famous Gopalgarh fort which has great historic significance. It is believed to be built at the start of 16th Century by the Siddis. It was captured by Shivaji Maharah in 1660.
Being one of the most important lighthouses of India, Anjanvel Light house is a must visit. The lighthouse operator explained us the technicalities involved in signaling and controlling the ships. We halted at an unknown and unnamed venue on the hill and facing the mighty Arabian Sea for some time and did not realize when we ended up halting there for hours. The air was the freshest that we ever had inhaled and the breathtaking view was the best ever experience we could have captured in ours lens, eyes and hearts. The thought of quitting job was dwindling all over again. We enjoyed some late night drinks on the beach in the moonlight and under the sky full of twinkling stars.
Vyadeshwar and Velaneshwar temple: Both are temples of Lord Shiva and are the Kuladaivat of a lot of Kokanastha Brahmins.
Next morning we were all set to hit road and decided to take the road less traveled, where we had to cross Dabhol creek on a ferry along with our car, which was a superb experience to reach Ratnagiri. Visited an ancient Chandika Devi Temple to reach Pune via not so easy to drive Tamhini Ghat. The ghat is full of waterfalls and scenic beauty during the monsoon. We drove back to Mumbai with a lifetime experience, much improved bond of friendship and promises for the many more upcoming roadtrips.
Must carry stuff on a roadtrip: Aux cable, cigarette point charger, knife, water, jacket, extra pair of shoes, sunglasses, sunscreen, old newspapers, mat, bedsheet, nail cutter, mug, DSLR, football, snacks, beachwear (if the place you heading to has a beach)and hell lot of great music.
Do not miss to listen to the music what we love on roadtrip by clicking HERE
Story by: Abhimanyu
Pictures by: Utkarsh & Sandy
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Treks in Bhutan are not easy to come by. They require a lot of prior planning and the logistics are daunting. But hiring an authorised tour operator means that you can simply show up and the rest is taken care of!
Amongst the better known treks in Bhutan is the Druk Path Trek which takes you from the city of Paro to the city of Thimphu. A trek that lasts 5 days meanders through some of the most outstanding and picturesque locales you will have seen.At one point of the trek you climb up to 4100 metres!
You may see snow, get caught in snowfall or rain or both, camp next to pristine lakes and eat authentic Bhutanese food cooked by the cook accompanying your trip along with the horseman, the assistant and the trek guide.
Trekking in Bhutan is like travelling with a community – there is never a dull moment, the booze is brought out at sun down and there may even be singing and dancing!
You can get a ‘feel’ of the terrain in this time lapse video that we shot at Jigmelang-Tsho.
7 Nights/8 Days
Day 01: Arrive Paro/Phuentsholing. Sightseeing for Air Arrivals Day 02: Climb Taktsang for acclimatisation Day 03: Paro – Jele Dzong (trek starts – 7 km/4-5 hours, overnight camp) Day 04: Jele Dzong – Jangchulakha (trek – 10 km/5.5-6 hours, overnight camp) Day 05: Jangchulakha – Jigmelangtsho (trek – 11 km/4-5 hours, overnight camp) Day 06: Jigmelangtsho – Labana (trek – 15 km/6-7 hours, overnight camp) Day 07: Labana – Thimphu via Phajoding (trek – 10km/5 hours). Transfer to Paro Day 08: Departure from Paro
*This itinerary can be customised to include a longer stay in Thimphu, especially for first time visitors to the country. However, the Price Tag will then change
Note: Bhutan trips are planned in association with our travel partners, Easeindiatravel
For reading a traveler’s 1st hand experience please click Here
you can directly contact our tour partners, “EASEINDIATRAVEL“on info@easeindiatravel.com. Mention Yatripandit’s name to get special tarrifs.
Please click on the ads which appear on the website and help us earn some money to travel. This blog is still very young and growing. If you like the story, do not shy away from reciprocating your love in form of likes comments and sharing on social media
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About the author in her own words: A Bengali brought up in the cosmopolitan city of Bangalore, I believe in living life to the brim. I have spent years to hone up my technical skills to get the coveted tag of an “Engineer + MBA” and worked with some of the best brands of the corporate world. I love to splash colors on canvas, disappear into a different world by picking up a good book and flipping a few pages, put together some spices and meat to please my taste buds, sway to my favorite tune each time I hear good music and of course explore a new place every time I get a chance! Well, this doesn’t even sum up 0.1% of me! Each article here is a bit of me, a bit of what I think, a little of what I feel and are pieces of the jigsaw puzzle which makes me, Me!
Yatripandit 