Category: Beaches

Categories
Beaches Corporate Outings Relax South India

Give that tight work schedule and plan a team outing in Chennai

Chennai is one of the four Indian Metropolitan cities and one of the busiest Indian cities in general. The stress and the pressure on them to perform are quite unimaginable and it becomes more ruthless, given the amount of competition that those people may have to face on a daily basis. But thankfully, there is a concept of corporate outings to make things easier for them, if not completely tolerable. And there is no dearth of perfect spots for that in the city. Let’s take a look at a few of them.

Radisson Blu temple bay- The Radisson Blu hotel range may very well be the most famous and the best one in the country in terms of services. The resort in Mamallapuram is not only having all the facilities for a 5-star resort but also provides enough ways for the corporate teams to enjoy some spare time. The place is very close to the main city and a perfect location for holidays as well.

Radisson Blu temple bay

Ideal Beach Resort- Offering a great view of the surrounding beaches, the Ideal beach resort happens to be located near the very famous Mahabalipuram. The team outings are perfect here as they offer some great features and services along with some really good options for having fun and entertainment.

Beachside Frolic resort- This is one of the best affordable venues for the teams and corporate groups. It also acts as one of the UNESCO world heritage sites and that just enhances the importance of the place as a tourist spot. There is also a museum on the premises of the resort to cater the more curious ones of the people.

Indeco Resort- Indeco Resorts has a great reputation of being one of the most important heritage hotels in the entire area. The iconic shore temple is also nearby in the celebrated tourist spot Mahabalipuram. The rugged beauty of the surroundings makes it easily one of the very best group outing spots in the area.

This place is ideal for a team outing as it offers a relaxing and serene environment to the people as well as offers activities good for team members to de-stress. The hotel possesses the necessary infrastructure to organize picnics and get-togethers. The hotel at Mahabalipuram is at a walking distance from some of the important historical tourist attractions in the area.

Sparsa Resort- Thiruvannamalai is the place where the resort is located and is known to be the premier leisure resorts nearest to Chennai. The place is filled with the corporate teams, families and international tourists all the time. The entire duration of the stay is eco-friendly and amazing. The team can relax and soak in the tranquil and zen-like atmosphere and cherish their break time away from deadlines, client pressures, and the likes. The resort will be your new favorite spot for excellent vegetarian food and dishes that are wholesome and healthy to eat. The conference hall in this resort can accommodate close to 100 people easily. The resort is a team friendly place to vacation much ideal for team gathering, other fun indoor team activities and team-building exercises. The team will love the resort to the hilt.

Adventure Arena- It is located in the very beautiful Andarkuppan village, which happens to be located at a few kilometers away from Anna Nagar. The place secured a place in our list because it has come up with some great activities that can be done by the families and corporate teams together. What makes this place idyllic for team outings is that it provides a specially designed outdoor training program so that the team members get a chance to enhance camaraderie and team spirit.

If you think team gathering should be much more than just camaraderie, this place offers activities for different age groups and skills which different people possess who are on the visit to this resort. The resort has a specially defined area for training and character development that you would never want to miss out. Also, it has a well-equipped and well-furnished accommodation for the entire team.

Le Pondy- Located at a few kilometers distance from Chennai in Puducherry, the Le Pondy is one of the most favorite tourist destinations in southern India. It also happens to be the one and only historical resort in the entire area and offers some great luxury services to the people who come here in corporate groups or even individually.

There are many more places near Chennai where the groups can spend some great time filled with fun and adventure, and most of them are located in Puducherry. These events are gaining much popularity and many more such places are growing at a rapid pace near the metropolitans. The resort also has a spa which provides soothing treatments from well-trained therapists that help ease the body and mind making it the favourable spot for couples.
The Windflower Resort, Puducherry
The multi-cuisine restaurant in the resort has an attached lounge for casual gatherings perfect for team bonding. What more? Soothing spa treatments await you, inspired by the Balinese school of massage.

VGP Golden Beach Resorts, Injambakkam
VGP Golden Beach Resorts situated in picturesque Injambakkam is one of the more well-known resorts in Chennai perfect for a team outing. The resort emanates its grander in a striking manner where all the rooms (65 in total) offer an impressive view of the beach. It’s a pure joy to wake up to the gratifying sounds of the birds chirping and the cool sea breeze softly tapping at your window. Being host to some of the unique settings, the resort also serves a variety of food options for the team members.

Categories
Adventure Beaches Corporate Outings Itinerary Travel Trends

3 days in Goa is never enough!! Check out this itinerary to make sure you hit all the must-see spots

Goa is one such place where you can be for days as much as you want- a day, 10 days or month.  So if you have three days in hand for a destination like Goa, well plan your itinerary to cover most of it.

Day 1

Goa is well connected to other parts of the country by a network of rail, road, and air. Upon your arrival at Goa airport or railway station, take a taxi or avail other public modes of transportation to reach your hotel. To avoid the later hassle looking for hotels, make the prior reservation. Depending on your stay, north or south Goa, start your trip by exploring the nearby places on the first day. On your arrival, check-in to the hotel and take rest.

The best mode to go around in Goa is by renting a bike or scooter. You can start exploring from the south and eventually head towards north. South Goa is comparatively quieter than North Goa. Some of the popular beaches here are Colva, Agoda, Varca, and Benaulim. These beaches are home to some amazing shacks, discos and resorts, and ideal for honeymoon couples and those who want to spend some alone time away from the crowd. End the day with dinner at Curly’s or Mambos.

Day 2

Dedicate your entire 2nd and 3rd day for North and Old Goa, as it has a lot more to explore. Rent a bike or car to reach old Goa. Take a historical walk at the Latin Portuguese quarters, witness the grandeur of historical monuments and pay a visit to the ancient cathedrals. There are century old cathedrals such as Basilica of Bom Jesus and Chapel of St. Francis Xavier. Apart from the churches, there are some famous forts from the Portuguese era. One of them is Fort Aguada that has been majorly converted into a luxury hotel.
Spend your day exploring the ancient architecture and Portuguese colonies or Fountainhas areas of Goa. Passing through the streets of brightly colored houses, makes you gaze in wonder.  After devouring on sumptuous Goan food from any of the famous restaurant Gene or Ritz, head to Dona Paula to experience the sunset.


Day 3

For all those who want to see the fun side of Goa, head to North Goa. It is lined with beautiful beaches that abound in the number of water activities, pubs, and shacks offering delectable Goan cuisine. The popular beaches here are Anjuna, Baga, and Calangute where you can get indulged in in water sports such as Parasailing, scuba diving, and water skiing. This part of Goa attracts major tourist population all year round. You can even purchase some funky jewelry, spices, handicrafts, and souvenirs for your loved ones from the popular Anjuna Flea Market organized every Wednesday evening. Keep the night for the crazy trance parties that take place along the shore or at some popular clubs. Club Cubana at Arpora Hill in North Goa is a must place to be.  Another popular market is the Saturday Night Bazaar.

A 3 days trip to Goa if spent wisely can be a great one for holidaymakers to enjoy the sun, sand, and surf. Reach out to us for further bookings at ghoomophirosisters@gmail.com

Categories
Beaches Itinerary Relax Staycation

Exploring The Desert City of Palm Springs, California

A short two-hour drive away from LA is this desert oasis known for the popular names associated with it. Be it Frank Sinatra, Marilyn Monroe or Elvis Presley, none could resist the retro charm of Palm Springs, California. The place is already popular among tourists especially girl looking for a nice relaxing vacation. It is an Instagrammer’s dream place with the legendary pink door and so many chic spots. But anyone can visit Palm Springs to just kick back on the poolside and enjoy cocktails.

Here’s a travel guide for those visiting Palm Springs for the first time, with a to-do list that you should pin to your travel guide right now. It includes when to visit, where to eat and where to stay – there are a quirky selection of hotels and, if you prefer, many cool villas in Palm Springs.

Things To Do In Palm Springs – and More

Let’s begin with the most important question of when to visit:

January to April: These months experience the winter climate and are the peak season for tourists who get to enjoy all the tourist attractions. One must not forget that it is the desert area and what’s the fun of vacation if you have to complain about the heat the whole time?

May to September: The best part about visiting during this time is that there will be no crowds and you will easily find hotels at a great price. Though, you will have to tolerate the heat during the daytime. But if you consider yourself a night owl, the evening time would be perfect to wander.

October to December: Fall is a great season to visit Palm Springs for an average traveler. Not too much worrying about the weather and there won’t be a huge tourist crowd either.

The place is filled with hipster hotels and artsy places to stay that you would not even want to leave your hotel room. And on top of the list of best places to stay in Palm Springs is:

The Ace

The hotel has such a good vibe and is the most hipster hotel in the whole area. You can pick the room with fireplace and a patio to get the better living experience. But there won’t be any shortage of photo opportunities here so keep your camera handy.

The Saguaro

If the Ace is a hip place, then this hotel is a piece of art with cute shades at every corner. It’s more of a party hotel and you can enjoy your weekends to the fullest while staying here. Staying at Saguaro is like being surrounded by rainbows. The place even has two great restaurants.

The Hyatt Palm Springs

The main highlight of the place is the pool. The good music playing around and a pool bar on weekends made the whole experience ten times better. You can also get on a retro bike (available there) and wander the roads. Their restaurant, the guard dog in the lobby, the comfortable room makes it a perfect place to spend your vacation in.

Where To Eat

This is going to be the hardest list since Palm Springs is filled with places you would want to eat at. We suggest not filling up on one meal and just trying out different things at different places so you can get the whole experience.

Koffi makes the best latte around the place but you can also try their other refreshing drinks. For brunch, we visited Cheeky’s and their menu keeps changing but you can always find something that appeals to you. Then there was Birba which was the perfect pizza place. That taste you will find nowhere else.

Things To Do:

There are as many things to do on the way to Palm Springs as to do when you are there.

Go see the world’s biggest dinosaur and click a selfie with it. Enjoy the view of Palm Springs windmills and stop by at the Morongo casino to try your hand. Maybe Lady Luck would smile on you.

And once you are finally in Palm Springs, here’s what to do:

Bike riding: Many hotels give rental retro bikes that you can just take off on with your girlfriends and see Palm Springs in its natural beauty.

Shopping: There are many thrift stores and places where you can buy cute or antique things. One of the stores we’d suggest would be Just Fabulous. You would wish to get your hands on everything.

Instapics: There are a million photo opportunities in this retro fun town and you just have to find a cute spot and pose. Your Instagram account would look like a rainbow once you start clicking pictures in Palm Springs. From Vintage cars to the 60s look, and colors spread everywhere, you won’t have to look hard to find a perfect place.

Art Museum: There are two locations of Palm Springs Art Museums and if you have time, you can check them both out. Fr an art lover, what better thing to do.

Follow The stars: There is a Walk of Stars in Palm Springs areas and what’s special about it is that it honors famous celebrities who once resided in the area. You can find famous artist names and even the former Presidents of United States.

Palm Canyon Drive: You cannot go here. It is the tourist spot where you can just grab a bite to eat, look at amazing views of the palms and even spend some money on shopping, entertainment or gambling.

Palm Springs Air Museum: The place has a collection of planes from World War II which have been restored wonderfully to give you an idea of how planes must have looked during that time.

Joshua Tree National Park: If you are in Palm Springs for longer than a weekend, you might want to go here and be part of nature. The National Park has great views of mountains and even a waterfall. But you might not want to visit during the summer season because the heat would be crazy intense at the time.

A Walk In The Desert: A 20-minute walk through the desert would take you to Tahquitz Canyon and through the terrain is difficult to endure in the heat, the walk to the falls is worth it. Just don’t forget to carry water and sunscreen.

In the end, the best thing to do while leaving Palm Springs is getting your hands on a date shake at Hadley’s. The experience is not complete until you have tried that.

Categories
Beaches Corporate Outings Foodie North-West India Rejoice Travel Trends

From the popular beaches to the famous nightclubs, North Goa has a hang of everything

From lively beaches to the ancient historic churches, North Goa has a plethora of options for all those who want to see Goa from their perspective. North Goa stretches from the Fort Aguada at the tip of Panaji city to the borders of Maharashtra. It attracts the maximum crowd all year round and especially during the peak season of winters.

Baga Beach

For all those party animals out there, Baga Beach is a must visit for them. This is the place from where the hippie movement actually started. The beach is named after the Baga Creek, which empties into the Arabian Sea at the north end of the beach. Don’t forget to visit the flea market organized every Wednesday on the shores of the beach. Pick souvenirs, funky jewelry, fashionable clothes, devour some authentic Goan food at the shacks and party all night at the party hubs like Titos. For adventure lovers, the place offers a lot of water sports like para-sailing, banana rides etc.

Dona Paula

Named after a girl named Dona Paula de Menezes, with a tragic love story, this place is a lover’s paradise. This is an ideal place for couples to relax and sunbathe on the beach. There is a famous bird sanctuary, Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary where you can spot migratory and local birds. It is a perfect escape for all wildlife lovers. Dona Paula is quite popular for its water sports as well.



Calangute Beach

Another discovery of the hippies in the late ’60s was Calangute beach which is a paradise for nature lovers. Alongside the main road of the beach, you will find showrooms of handicrafts from Indonesia, Tibet, and Kashmir. Pump up your adventurous spirit and hop into water activities like kayaking, sailing, windsurfing, water snorkeling, water-skiing, and fishing. You can even simply relax and laze around in the sun at the lounge areas that are spread on the stretch



Vagator Beach

Lined with an umpteen number of nightclubs along its shore, Vagator Beach is a hub for late night trance parties. Local art, music, and nightlife are what defines the place well. The beach stretches for almost 30 kms and is distinctly divided into big and small Vagator. Head to those big cliffs of red rocks if you want to spend some alone time and enjoy the magical view of the sunset.

Some of the adventurous water sports that you must try on the beaches of, Goa are Jet Skiing, Banana Tube Boat Ride, Parasailing, Flyboarding, water skiing, paddleboarding, kneeboarding, kayaking, bumper, speed boat, scooter.

Backwaters of Chapora River

Yes, you heard it right. Goa is not only about sand and beaches. Experience the rustic beauty of Goa in the serene backwaters of Chapora River. Hire a boat for a day to sail in the river or stay in a houseboat, it is up to you. Let not the party fever churn all your time, it is equally important to spend some quality time with your loved one in the solitude of nature.

Fort Aguada

An uphill drive from Sinquerim Beach through the backwaters and lush greenery of Goa will take you to Fort Aguada. The road ends at Fort Aguada lighthouse which offers a breathtaking view of the coastline of North Goa. It is a Portuguese fort that was originally constructed in 1612 to protect against the Dutch and the Marathas.

The Church of Our Lady of Immaculate Conception

The first church in Goa, Church of Our Lady of Immaculate Conception is an example of simple yet fine architecture. The church has two altars, the one on the left dedicated to Jesus Crucified and on the right to Our Lady of Rosary. Don’t miss to visit the church on your next trip to Goa.

Nightclubs

SinQ – Located in Sinquerim, North Goa, near the Taj Holiday Village at Candolim, is the SinQ Beach club. It’s not just a club to experience but a perfect combination of a Goan tavern, a poolside deck, and lounge plus a nightclub.

Love Passion Karma –LPK at Nerul is one of the most exotic party destinations in Goa situated on the banks of the river Candolim. The view of amazingly sculpted terra cotta statues all around and the incredible water-front with a 400-year-old Indo Portuguese church in the backdrop will make you fall in love the moment you step here.

Club Cubana – Situated at Arpora Hill, North Goa, Club Cubana is Goa’s pride, the best place to party and let loose. Experience a night under the starlit sky along with white canopied loungers and beach-styled cabanas. The place also boasts a tempting Jacuzzi to cool off fevered brows and poolside.

Apart from the above listings, there are an endless number of places to go in Goa. So choose the ones you want to go and plan the itinerary in a way that you get to explore the maximum you can.

Categories
Beaches Rejuvenate

A memorable escape to bliss on the Indian Islands

The mainland India, especially the northern part is brimming high with all the picturesque tourist spots to hang out. And needless to say, the huge traffic of the foreign and local tourists have enabled the hospitality industry there to come up with luxurious attempts to lure in more and more of those tourists. In all that gloss of the mainland India, people usually tend to forget that there are some islands in the Indian Ocean which are no less than any other place in terms of luxury and comfort. Let’s get to know about a few of them.

Lakshadweep- Lakshadweep is one of the most beautiful places you can expect to find in the country. The 36 small and big islands collectively constitute Lakshadweep, whose name is defined literally as The Island of a hundred thousand lands. Out of all of them, Kavaratti is the most developed and has the most comfortable facilities to stay and spend some time at. Agatti and Bengaram are other two very popular little islands which are just recently getting the popularity that they deserve. It happens to be located near Kerala.

Andaman and Nicobar- If we talk about the Indian island most frequently visited by the international tourists, Andamans would be the one. They are located in the Andaman Sea on the east of the country. There are many popular stories about this set of islands that have made their way into the popular literature. Once upon a time, they were known as the dreaded Kaala Paani and now, as the times have changed, they are full of luxurious five-star hotels and resorts. However, the stories about the cannibals still existing in here may attract the most adventurous ones as well.

St. Mary’s Islands- These are a small set of four beautiful islands, located near the state of Karnataka. Also known as the coconut islands, these little pieces of landfall in the Arabian Sea, to the west side of the country. The biggest attraction of these islands is the massive pitch black lava stones that resulted with an eruption of the very aggressive volcano over the centuries. There are a great number of hotels on the islands promising a very comfortable stay.

Netrani Island- Located about 20 kilometers from Murudeshwara in the Arabian Sea, the Netrani Island also happens to be known as the Pigeon Island. For the tourists hailing from Goa and Kerala, the nearby places, the islands serve as a perfect place for some daring water sports such as Scuba diving. The biggest highlight of the island is only visible from the space though, as it looks like a heart located right in the middle of the sea. The island remains closed during the monsoons due to the heavy rains that fall in here annually. Any other time in the year is perfect for a visit to this little beauty of an island.

So, forget the hills and all the snow, have a visit to one of these islands and you will know how there is much more to our beautiful country what we are still unaware of.

Majuli Island

Majuli Island is one of the most coveted islands on the list of Indian Islands. It’s one of the biggest river islands in the world and the most unique of all the islands in India. We are sure to enjoy this place for its breath-taking sunrises and stunning sunsets. Out of all the islands of India, this one is the most unconventional one where you will find moss instead of sand on its coast and traditional north-eastern cuisine instead of seafood.

Diu Island

Who doesn’t want to visit an island so cool? Diu Island is a small island which has traces of Portuguese culture infused in it.

This island has a little bit of everything that appeals right from the architectural beauty and serenity. The beautiful beaches and tropical sea-food with a hint of Gujarati influence will make it a notch diverse from other islands in India. if you are looking to have a good time with your alcoholic friends, the best part is that alcohol is legal here, unlike in Gujarat!

So, which of these islands captivate your senses and allure you to visit them at least once? 

Categories
Asia Beaches

A string of three miniscule desert islands, Gilli Islands are known for their laidback feel and unique appeal

Bali, in the past few decades, has become a mecca for the backpackers who leave their homes in search of a foreign exotic and mysterious land. Bali fits the bill perfectly and the Gilli Islands located nearby, are just mesmerizing. As the tourist’s number is increasing every year, the place is getting more and more traditional but still, for the sightseeing purposes, you still need to walk on your feet, for there is no motor vehicle allowed on this land, consisting of three wonderful islands.

Get in

There are no airports in Gilli Islands. The nearest airport is in the mainland Lombok located in Bali. So, in order to reach the Gilli Islands, reach Bali first, do some sightseeing such as visit Uluwatu, Bali’s most important sea temple. You can also visit the Ubud Art Market to find beautiful silk scarves and handmade woven bags. In the end, take a boat ride to Gilli Island

.

Things to do

There are no motorcars allowed on the island. In order to cover longer distances, you need to book a horse cart. They are available for rent all over the island.

So, let’s see what is about the Gilli Island that impresses the tourists most.

Scuba Diving- Water Sports are religiously practiced here. There are pretty good diving spots around the island which are pretty good for the diving purposes and makes you feel alive underwater among all the beauty scattered around in form of colorful fishes and other sea creatures.

Free Diving- There are many different places on the islands which train the tourists on the free diving and if done correctly, it can prove to be far more enriching an experience than, done under supervision, scuba diving.

Yoga- The locales are known to be ardent yoga followers. Doing Aasans in the middle of such pristine land is nothing short of magnificent. Join the yoga classes and learn to be fit and healthy inside out.

Surfing-Although there are not many places for the surfers on the islands but the tourists can be seen here and there trying their hands at it. The ocean is a bit calmed down to make it not so ideal for surfing.

Party

Gili Trawangan is most suitable and has always had the stigma of being the party place. There are big party nights happening on Mondays at Blue Marlin, Wednesdays at Tir Na Nog or simply known as the Irish Pub and even on Fridays at Rudy’s.

Horseback ride

Horse rides may not be a preferred activity for everyone but suitable for families or couples. Riding along the beach at sunset and partly in the water is a great activity suited to more practiced riders. Stud Stables there have experienced guides and well-kept horses.

Visit the night market

Gili Trawangan night market is the main dining spot where you can eat well and cheaply. The night market opens just before sunset daily at the market square in front of the boat pier on Gili Trawangan. It’s impossible to miss the variety! The local warungs there sell various specialties such as fresh fish, seafood, Sate of all kinds, various rice and noodle dishes, grilled corn on the cob and much more.

Relax- This may seem a bit irrational, but one of the best experiences on the island is that it makes you relaxed down to your core. Relaxation is one key factor, combined with yoga and the pristine virginal nature, feels like heaven.

Sightseeing

Turtle sanctuary- Sanctuaries has been set up in the islands to preserve the endangered species of turtles. Along with it, some beautiful species can also be seen in their natural habitat roaming around in the well-established sanctuaries.

Sunset on the hills- Gilli Trawangan Island has a few hills that give out a great panoramic view of the area and the visual of sunset is amazing. Do come here.

Eat

Taste the amazing seafood and other Asian cuisines in the places like Ana Cafe, Juku, Karma Kayak and Manta cafe.

Stay

There are hotels for almost every budget option. Some affordable options could be Pondok Lita, The beach house, and Gili Villas.

Although, every time a year is the best time to give Gilli islands a visit, between June to September is considered the best. So, now you know what to do the next monsoon!

Categories
Beaches Rejoice Western India

Zuari river, Goa

After going to so many beaches in Goa, while we were driving from North Goa to South goa, we reached a bridge. The bridge gave such a picturesque view of the Zuari river. The river with its yellow hue (because of the silt), looked spectacular. It was a panoramic view so we decided to make a pit stop near the river. We spent some time on the beach looking at the landscape and the greenery that surrounded the river. Then we decided to take a boat trip.

The boat trip is a must for anyone who visits Zuari River as you get to experience the beauty of the river first hand up close and not from a distance. It is also apt for bird watching and we got close to many birds and were able to take pictures as well. The river is so calm and serene that it soothes your soul and as you see the sunlight reflecting on the water’s surface it is like millions of tiny diamonds are floating on the river.

A guided tour takes you to the mangroves for watching birds. Kamat is the man if you wish to find a tour guide. He runs a place called ‘Crocodile Station’. We saw 6 species of Kingfisher alone. We also saw Greater Crested Earnns and other species of birds that stood on the wooden stumps as we watched and clicked pictures. Also, the river is popular as a habitat for crocodiles and we spotted four of them while we were there. It was also a very strangely exciting incident. We could also see the Portuguese churches on the hills along the river side. The reflection of those trees and hills on the river made for a great view as well. There were some local fishermen with their canoes as well. Little fishes jumped around the boat making the experience very light and joyful. Then we saw a bunch of flying foxes bats hanging from a tree and though it scared us a little bit, the bats were inactive and were not bothered by anything. One can easily spend a few hours here looking at such diverse bird species and just enjoying the calmness of the river.

There is also a sunset point from where you can see as the sun sets and the horizon it forms as if it is dipping into the river itself. That is the best time to visit the river. Since not many tourists know about this spot, it is not very crowded but a charming place nonetheless.

As we drove along the road on the Zuari river, that is also an image that got framed into our minds. It is such a beautiful view that one cannot forget it Zuari river is not exactly a tourist attraction but can be good for a pit stop while you are on a road trip. It is such a natural thing of beauty and the high and low tides bring new changes in the river making it look rejuvenated. We found a local seafood restaurant nearby and sat down to try some fresh and delicious seafood. The prawns were just delicious.

We highly suggest travelers visit this place when you are in Goa. You can have a fun time on the bridge or go on the boat safari or do little birding.

Categories
Beaches Corporate Outings Relax South India

To DO’s in Kochi aka Cochin

Kochi or Cochin is one of the biggest Indian cities and the financial capital of the south Indian state of Kerala. Also known as the “Queen of the Hills”, Kochi is one of the evolving cosmopolitans in the southwest part of the country and a bustling commercial port. It is also popular due to its proximity to Allepey, where-in travelers rush to experience the alleppey houseboat

How to Reach

Cochin airport is the 4th busiest Indian airport and one of the main getaways to India. The international airport is located 29 kilometers away from the city center and is well connected to major cities of India and the world.  Kochi is home to two major railway stations – Ernakulam Town and Ernakulam Junction and is well connected to all the major railway stations in India. Cochin has a well-established network of Kerala State Run Transport Corporation (KSRTC) bus services that enables good connectivity to all the major cities in Kerala and other neighboring cities and states.

Places to visit

Fort Kochi- Once you reach the Kochi City of Kerala, you can board a cab, auto-rickshaw or bus to Fort Kochi. Fort Kochi is a region in the south-west part of the city of Kochi and an important part of a handful of water-bound regions. This little island offers some main tourist attractions such as Chinese fishing nets, Fort Kochi beach, Sree Gopalakrishna Devaswom Temple, St. Francis Church, Santa Cruz Basilica and Jain Temple.

Hill palace museum- It once was the palace of Kochi’s Maharaja and now it’s a full-blown museum that has been attracting the tourists in hundreds every day. With about 500 artifacts placed inside, this museum is rightly known as the biggest museum in the entire south Indian region. There is also a small zoo nearby.

Santacruz Basilica- It is one of the eight Basilicas in Kerala and amongst the oldest churches in India built by the Portuguese in the year 1502 when they shifted their base here to make the most out of the business opportunities the city had to offer. The place is counted as one of the heritage edifices of Kerala and visited by tourists the whole year-round.

Chendamangalam Fort- Historically, the fort is known as the prime minister of Kochi and is one of the important forts in Kerala. Now a great tourism spot, the place is famous for coir manufacturing and handloom weaving. Three rivers are flowing nearby the Fort, which adds to the scenic view of this place.

Durbar Hall ground- The place is the center for various cultural activities in the city. It’s a great place to take a break from the bustling city and spend time exploring the skyscrapers, restaurants, shops and crowded streets.

Cherai Beach- Kerala is full of beaches and backwaters that could satisfy your tourism bones to their core. Cherai beach is known to be one of the best beaches in the city which happens to be totally safe for water sports and general hanging out. This place filled with locals during weekends and backwater stretch is the scenic and pleasing sight.

Things to Explore

Kochi Books

This is one place you must visit if you are an ardent lover of books. It is the one-stop shop destination for all types of books that you ever wanted to own.

The Onam Festival

And there is the Onam festival. The festival of Onam is celebrated every year for 10 days that lasts from mid-august to mid-September. The festival marks the welcoming back of the mythical king Mahabali. The people are known to celebrate the festival with high-level enthusiasm as a parade takes place with showcasing different art forms. The final celebrations take place at Thrikakkara temple located in the city.

The Chinese fishing nets

Chinese fishing nets are fixed land installations used for catching the fishes, as the name suggests. Each installation is operated by a team of six fishermen.

The Chinese fishing nets are a great reminder of the close relations the city shared with Chinese emperors at one point in the history. These nets have been the official icon of the city and were gifted to then king of Kochi by the Chinese emperor Kubalagi in the 14th century. He gifted more than a hundred of them to the kingdom of Cochin, but only a few remain in the working condition.

Kochi Tips

–It may very well be a place as beautiful as Goa, but far more conservative. Wearing short clothes here is not good for the women.

-A half an hour time to the soothing ayurvedic massage must be tried. Ayurveda comes from Kerala and the massage parlors in Kochi are nothing short of magnificent.

-Coconut milk and cashews are a part of every other Kochi meals, so in case you are allergic, be aware every time of what you have been eating.

-There is a high margin of the population that doesn’t speak or understand Hindi, so be prepared for the worst.

Food

The cuisines from Kerala are popular all across the country for their seafood quality and other vegetarian and nonvegetarian cuisines. The restaurants in Kochi such as Hotel Thali, Hotel Unnikrishnan, Uruvi, Shri Krishna Cafe and the Royal food court serve some great Indian as well as international food items.

Places to Stay

There are some great hotels in Kochi to stay such as the Mariott hotel, Le Meridian, Hotel Crown Plaza and Keys hotel. There are options for every budget range.

The intense natural beauty of the state is perfectly reflected in the city of Cochin, so in case you want to spend some quality time away from the hectic city life, head here, you won’t regret.

Categories
Adventure Beaches Deserts Rejuvenate Travel Trends wildlife

These places could be a perfect holiday escape for families

A good trip is a remedy for almost every other problem you face in life and if that trip happens with the people whom you love the most in the entire world, there is nothing better than that. Today, we bring you the list of the best holiday destinations across the country that you can visit with your entire family. Have fun!

Rajasthan- Rajasthan is India and India is Rajasthan. This north Indian state has something about it which makes it feel like the real India. Whether it is the massive forts or the amazing food, this place is for families having the time of their lives. You could enjoy a lovely boat ride on the Nakki lake in Mount Abu and get dazzled by Udaipur’s Lake Pichola and the fine monuments such as Jaipur’s City Palace and Jodhpur’s Mehrangarh Fort.

If you could spend a little extra, there are enough luxurious options that you can choose from in order to give your family a grand experience.

Goa- Many may disagree with this one and argue that Goa is a party destination and no kids should be allowed there. But the reality is that not all the beaches are filled with alcoholic adults. There are some great beaches in Goa where families can be seen together having a great time. If you are heading for a family vacation in Goa, you should visit places as Basilica of Bom Jesus, one of the oldest churches in Goa, Calangute Beach perfect for a great family time together and Palolem Beach which is famous for dolphin sightings.

One other plus point is the food. From the north Indian to the Chinese to the seafood, it is a paradise for the foodies. The cherry on top is some lush visuals which are perfect spots for clicking photos to create memories.

Jim Corbett national park- Children love nothing more than seeing a tiger all out in the open in its natural habitat. Jim Corbett is the most popular Indian national park and offers some great sightings of rare and interesting species of birds and animals. The safety arrangements are top notch along with the night stay options. Just the very perfect place for a family outing!

Kerala- Whether it is the dense forests or the exotic backwaters, Kerala must be at the top on the list of places you should visit next. The beaches are all lush and beautiful plus the rainforests, everything is far better than you may have imagined in your dreams. However, for the relaxation and health tourism also, Kerala is the best, thanks to the Ayurveda and spa treatments that are given here in its purest form.

Kutch- If you are one of the very few who doesn’t happen to have much interest in the greenery and animal kingdom, head to Kutch in Gujarat to experience what rugged beauty can do to your senses. The barren and wide lands are exotic and the sunsets and sunrise at those places is a sight to savor. This is one of the most underrated tourist spots in the country and could be a perfect spot for your family to spend some time away from the usual life.

Darjeeling- Made popular all over the world thanks to the wide tea plantations, Darjeeling is one of the best tourist spots in the eastern India. The toy train ride is something the kids would enjoy and the adults can go for some more adventures. In short, there is everything for everyone to take some great memories back home.

India is diverse and beautiful, and reeks of true beauty from every corner, ideal for family outing. 

Categories
Architectural Beaches North-West India Travel Trends

An offbeat guide that proves Goa is much more than beaches

What comes to your mind as you first think of Goa? Golden sandy beaches, swaying coconut trees along the beach coast, a horde of hippies sitting on some rock on a beachside singing and dancing as if no one’s there to judge them. Well, there is a lot more to Goa unless you have explored it.

Old world charm of Portuguese architecture

Goa is a true blend of Eastern Indian culture and western Portuguese world, and the Portuguese colonies with some unique architecture is a true example of it. Some other major examples of it are Se Cathedral, Basilica of Bom Jesus and Our Lady of The Immaculate Conception Church. If you are an art connoisseur then make sure to visit these places to capture the true essence of the art.

A ride through the backwaters of Chapora river

You don’t have to go far south to Kerala to experience the house boat rides. Take a ride along the rustic beauty of Goa through the backwaters of Chapora on a houseboat. There is a lot more to feel in the solitariness of nature along with your loved one.

A journey to the Divar Island

Divar in Konkani stands for small. Divar Island is a small historical island that is located between River Mandovi and the Arabian Sea. Once a prominent Hindu pilgrimage center, today the island is an important symbol of Catholicism. The one and the only way to reach the island is by ferries. So, enjoy your ferry ride.

Experience the authentic flavors of Goan cuisine

One important charm of Goa is its delectable Goan cuisine. Seafood, fish curry and rice are the chief food of Goans. The food here is usually chili hot, spicy, and pungent. A lot of dishes are made from rice, fish, and coconut.

Take a spice tour

A tour through the spice plantations of Goa gives you a better insight into the daily life of a common man. Take a walk into this green paradise with fresh spices around. Pick up fresh, pure spices for your kitchen from the farm. You can even taste these exotic spices in a fresh lunch that are served to the guests on a tour. A visit during monsoon is a must as rains enhance the beauty of these plantations.

Heritage walk through the old quarters

Old quarters or Fountain has areas of Panjim are an important highlight in the city of Goa. This is the only part of the city, where Portuguese is the main spoken language of the locals. As you stroll along the streets of this old heritage you will find wishing wells next to every old cafe and bakery. The houses here are painted in vibrant colors which altogether makes you feel as if you are in a different land.

Saturday night market

Every Saturday from 6 pm till late night a sprawling market is set in the Airport region.The story that goes around this market is like about ten years ago, a German man conceived this idea to take a land on lease and start the market. When the lease ended, the goats decided to continue this market but throw away the foreigner. And since then, this market has been blooming. From spices, teas, Kashmiri carpets and silver jewelry to international designer stuff, you will find everything here.

Temples in Goa

 Goa might be home to beautiful centuries-old churches, but there is more to be explored. This beach state is also home to some really enchanting temples. Some splendid ones are Shri Saptakoteshwar temple, Maruti temple, Shri Mahadeva temple, Shri Damodar temple, Mahalaxmi temple and Sri Mahalsa temple which are prominent places of worship for the Hindus and must be visited.

While the tourists flock the beaches to catch the sun, But there is another side to the place, an offbeat Goa if you will, that remains unexplored. If you are one of those who can dance the night away, and love to experience adventures such as taking out your fishing pole and waiting for the fish to catch the bait! then there is something that the two of you could enjoy beyond the beaches of Goa.

Exit mobile version