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Explore the Morocco tour with Ghoomophirosisters

Morocco

MOROCCO TOUR 14Days from Casablanca- TREK MOROCCO DESERT TOUR

We, the Ghoomophirosisters, made up a plan to explore the splendid landscapes of Morocco and took a ‘Trek Morocco Desert Tour’. The excitement was on the verge to witness the beauty of sea, oasis, atlas, and Sahara in Africa. It’s a royal city with vicinity to the Atlantic and Mediterranean coastline. Being a North African country, it has a fantastic mountain and desert views, and the add-ons are the Berber villages via the Kasbahs, castles of Morocco and the souk selling Arabic jewelry, lanterns and a lot more. 

You can check with the tour operator for the variety of packages to make the most of this beautiful location, and our choice was trek-morocco desert’s 14-day extensive tour to capture every bite of this beautiful country. We took the services of Travelers who are fond of landscapes can take up a 7,8, 10, 13, or 14-day package as per their preferences. 

Our flight schedule is from Indira Gandhi International Airport and would reach Casablanca (CMN) in 15h 45min. You can hunt for flights from other cities in India as well. To catch up on a direct flight, opt amongst Gulf Air, Turkish Airlines, Capital Airlines, Delta, Oman, and KLM. May is the time when your Morocco trip falls cheap. 

DAY 1: CASABLANCA 

Our journey to ‘Trek Morocco Desert’ begins with a warm welcome at the Casablanca airport. Hotel pick up was at the wait, and we were first taken to Hasan II mosque, DinnerDinner, and the overnight stay at the hotel. Through the journey, we got some mesmerizing views of Casablanca city and awestruck views of cornice and sea. Hasan II is the second largest mosque of Africa and 7th largest in the world. We were taken away by the sight of its minaret, which seems to blend with the skies. It was a privilege to witness such magnificent architecture, and the beautiful route further took us to DinnerDinner at a veggie where we pampered our hunger pangs with tasty cuisines following the leisure time at the hotel. 

DAY 2 : Casablanca-Marrakech:

After the morning breakfast, we had a departure to Marrakech via Sidi bouatmane. It was a soul-soothing 3h long drive to reach the red city, and Ghoomophirosisters has a fun time with chic talks throughout the way. Our local guide took us to witness the picturesque town, and the popular attractions included Jemma el-Fnaa, a part of Medina and colourful souks where you get the real essence of authentic spices with shouts of merchants giving you a call. Bahia Palace, Ben Youssef Madrasa, Saadian Tombs, El Badi Palace and the famous Marrakech museum that depicts the galore and culture of this country. After the whole day of pondering, we took a horse carriage ride in the night at the new city gueliz to conquer the night views as well. Later, we had DinnerDinner on the way to the hotel and the overnight stay. 

DAY 3 : Marrakech-Atlas mountain(imlil)  

With a tasty morning breakfast at the hotel, our journey begun with a long car drive to Imlil at the atlas mountain. It is a perfect destination for trek lovers and thoroughly had the most of it. A 2-hour walk within the small town and the majestic view to the Atlas mountains was breathtaking. View to Peak Toubkal is a pleasant sight from the village. Our next plan was to trek through the atlas. So we had a sound overnight sleep with enthusiasm for the following day. 

DAY 4 :toubkal peak 4167m- Imlil Atlas

For the next two days, we will stay in the lap of the atlas at Imlil and explore the authentic villages of Berber. Hiking and trekking in this region is a perfect experience for trek lovers like us. Our women gang decked up in trek gears to explore the mountain ranges that have a distinct scent of purity. We spent a good time while hiking and trekking in the atlas and its villages and also got up the mounts using mules and horses. Views and landscapes you witness while trekking through the mountains is a sight for life. It further led to walk around Imlil or the armed villages. There’s a small tea spot known as ‘hamou house’, and you can have amazing sips of refreshment over there. 

DAY 5 : imlil to Ait ben haddou kasbah

After the morning breakfast, we took the grandeur of Atlas Mountain via Tizi and tichka 2260m. A drive towards telouet off-road allows to capture the scenic beauty, and the next stop was Kasbah of ait ben haddou. It is a magnificent castle that depicts the glory of the picturesque town. On the way, we had a refreshing tea at Rue de Kasbah that gave us a quick boost of energy. The tea stall person also gave a quick brief about the history of that place. 

DAY 6 : Ait ben haddou kasbah-fint oasis-ouarzazate

After a silent night at the Kasbah, Ghoomophirosisters woke up with a ray of fresh morning sunshine and had a veg breakfast to charge up for an exciting day. Our next drive was towards the cinema area at Hollywood African city. Ouarzazate is the door to a desert area that takes increases the anxiety for stepping ahead. We got a few pictures at the door, and it was a memorable day for us as something very grand and majestic was at our sight. It is a must-visit attraction while being in Morocco. Later, our local guide took us to the oasis and film studios. Our night stay at Ouarzazate made us felt closer to the heavenly landscape, and we had fun hanging out during the night time. 

DAY 7: OUARZAZATE-ROSES valley 

Early morning breakfast kicked us to depart from Ouarzazate, and we head towards Kela MGouna. This is also known as the Roses valley due to the rose festival held here each year. You can explore here with a visit to divine Kasbah and other historic attractions over there. With a visit to amridil ksar and skoura oasis. Further, we had an eye-pleasing sight to discover the roses valley in that region. 

DAY 8: roses valley-Merzouga desert

With a new day, a new journey starts for Ghoomophirosisters. Our girl gang took a drive to Sahara and initiated the prime attraction, ‘Trek to Morocco desert’. A gentle, soothing camel ride towards the golden dunes of Merzouga was a real sense of achievement for us. It was a raw journey through Sahara desert trek towards the todra and Dades gorges. With some free time, we captured the sunset and sunrise at the golden land that was miraculously marvelous. During the luxury night camp in the desert, we also had some fun dance and singing activities for sheer entertainment.

DAY 9 : Merzouga Desert-Kasbah Zagora:

We took breakfast at the camp, and the drive towards Zagora towards the Draa valley was on. A glance to Mustapha tent at the Draa valley was a thorough delight that followed with Arabi chief Kasbah. A plethora of culture, art and architecture was at our display. With the movement ahead, we also got to explore the longest river Draa in Morocco. 

DAY 10:Zagora-AGADIR

With the next morning, we went to Agadir and lead to the top of fort Agadir (oufella). View to Atlantic coast and seamless blue seas was a soothing sight. We had some rest moments over there to capture a sunset that holds our memories for quite long. Next road trip led to taznakht cooperative where incredible carpet displays were awaiting us. Besides, many varieties of saffron is a peculiarity here and spices to delight your taste. Whenever you visit here, do not skip to sip the saffron tea that is one of its kind over here. 

DAY 11:AGADIR-MARRAKECH

Next day, we drove back to Marrakech and follow the visit to Tizi n tasst, ouirgane lake and the Atlas mountains. We had a grave sight to Ourika valley and later an escort to plateau de Kik. 

DAY 12 : MARRAKECH- ESSAOUIRA

We had a morning breakfast and the head with a departure to Essaouira. During the afternoon, a city tour with rull at Medina of Essaouira or Medina of jews was a terrific experience. Later half was well spent in exploring the Portuguese town that has exquisite handicrafts, silver jewelry, and the inlaid wood of Thuja at the display. We, women, had some excellent shopping of fancy chunks that we also bought as memorials for friends. Argan trees and the cooperative of women was a fascinating visit followed by DinnerDinner and the overnight stay. 

DAY 13 : ESSAOUIRA – EL JADIDA – CASABLANCA : 

Breakfast led by departure to Casablanca through El Jadida with a lunch treat at El Oualidia. After that, continue along the Atlantic coast via El Jadida that takes us back to Casablanca. Along the road trip, we had incredible sightseeing while driving through popular cities of El-Jadida and Essaouira. Dinner and night stay.

DAY 14: CASABLANCA – MOHAMED V AIRPORT

We were quite tired after the long roller coaster trip and took breakfast before heading towards Mohammed V airport Casablanca. From there, we took a direct flight back to New Delhi and revived the fun moments.

Ghoomophirosisters would recommend this trip from Trek Morocco Desert to all their readers, as our experience in Morocco was sheer pleasure!

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Asia Himalayas Solo Women Travel Travel Tips

Trek to Annapurna Base Camp – Discovering the roof of the world.

Nepal and the Himalayas – just hearing these words may bring to mind pictures of awe-inspiring snow-capped peaks, colorful prayer flags flapping in the wind, the typical hustle and bustle of Asian streets… but there is so much more to it. The real adventure is something that you can experience, and the best way to discover a country is on foot. One of the best treks for first-timers in Nepal is the Annapurna Base Camp trek (4130 m), which is supposed to be beginner-friendly. Besides the trek itself, this route gives plenty of opportunities to discover nature, take photos and get to know the country and its beautiful people. For hassle-free planning, using a local agent is the best option – they can provide a knowledgeable guide and deal with paperwork, permits, and all the logistics.

Once arrived in Kathmandu, the next stop is Pokhara, which can be reached by private transport or bus – it’s a long ride, but also a good opportunity to watch the outer world through the window and get the first glimpse into the everyday life of the Himalaya nation. For a shorter trip, it is also possible to catch a flight from Kathmandu. Pokhara is still very “city-like”… but the spirit of the mountains is definitely in the air… and if the weather is clear, the Himalayas can be seen at the horizon, setting the mood for the upcoming adventure.

One of the possible starting points of the Trek to ABC is Nayapul. It’s a steep start with countless stone stairs leading the way to higher altitudes. The best strategy is to take many breaks and to remember: If it goes down, it will go up again for sure. With this in mind and good preparation with exercise before the trip, the challenge can be tackled with confidence.

The vegetation at the beginning of the trek is tropical and lush, the route takes trekkers over suspension bridges, through deep valleys, passing waterfalls… Groups of donkeys carrying supplies are a common sight…. Attention! They push through and can give people a harsh kick if they are too close. It’s best to stay away from the downhill side and wait on the mountainside until they pass. Along the way, restaurants or teahouses run by local families serve all kinds of yummy food – anything from pizza or Korean noodles to fried chocolate bars. But the traditional Dal Bhat with lentils, rice, curry, and vegetables is most recommended; it’s a good source of energy, not too heavy, and there is a reason why it is the most favorite dish amongst Nepali. Everyone’s recipe is slightly different, so it never gets boring. Momos (dumplings) are a must-try too, and of course, garlic soup, which can help prevent altitude sickness.

A nice place for a first overnight stay in Ghandruk where trekkers can end the day in company with fellow adventurers, try the local beer, and enjoy the view into the starry sky. Before continuing the trek on the next day, the charming Old Gurung Museum gives an interesting insight into traditional local life. The vegetation at this stage is still lush and green, but reaching higher altitudes, the peaks at the horizon will come closer, the sceneries get rougher and the temperatures drop. If the sky is clear on the next stop (for example Chomrong), an amazing view of Machapuchare (6.993 m) will await. The holy mountain is known as the “Seat of the Buddha of Infinite Light“. During the journey, people from all over the world will cross each other’s paths, and while everyone is having the same goal, it’s a beautiful opportunity to connect, share stories and make new friends. In higher altitudes, the number of guesthouses is limited, but there is always a place to sleep (in Deurali, for example) – and a guide can be very helpful to secure a spot.

The next stop before the big day is Machapuchare Base Camp – from there, Annapurna Base Camp is just a few hours away. Leaving early morning increases the chances of a clear view… The trail to Annapurna Base Camp is not too steep, but the thin air can take its toll, and even if there are no more stairs to climb at this final stage, it is important to not rush. Annapurna Base Camp has a lot of majestic mountain landscapes with 8000 m peaks. The scenery is breathtaking…. and will leave trekkers with memories that last for a lifetime.

To finish the trek with the last highlight, on the way down, trekkers can take a detour to the hot springs of Jhinu Danda. The warm water is bliss for tired muscles and a perfect ending to an unforgettable adventure before heading back to Pokhara.

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Rejuvenate Solo Women Travel Spiritual Hubs

12 Jyotirlinga of India

Jyotirlingas are the divine places of Lord Shiva where he resides in different forms. The meaning of this particular word also resembles its meaning. The word ‘Jyoti’ means light which is also called ‘radiance’ and lingam or linga means ‘sign’ or ‘image’. So the word Jyotir-linga means ‘Radiant signs of Lord Shiva’. There are currently 12 main Jyotirlingas in India and there is a story behind the formation of all these Jyotirlingas.

The Story behind the formation of Jyotirlinga

In Shiv Purana you will hear an incident that took place thousands of years ago. When Lord Vishnu and Lord Brahma were discussing who is supreme and that discussion turns into an argument. Then lord Shiva appears there to settle their argument. He made the infinite pillar of light appear there and that pillar pierced all the three worlds when it appears. Then lord Shiva told both of them that whoever finds the light first will be the supreme God.

They both went in the opposite direction and after a while, they both didn’t find the end of the pillar. So Lord admitted defeat and told Lord Shiva he couldn’t find the end while Lord Brahma lied saying he did find the end of the pillar. Seeing him lying, Lord Shiva got furious and cursed Lord Brahma. That no one is going to worship Lord Brahma even though he has created this entire universe.

In that anger, the Lord Shiva infinite pillar of light appeared on the earth in 64 places in the form of Lingodbhava. From those 64 places, only 12 are majors, and they now are known as the 12 main Jyotirlingas of India. In each Jyotirlinga Lord Shiva resides in some form of deity and blesses all the people.

12 Jyotirlinga of India

Somnath Jyotirlinga

  • Deity: Somnath
  • Timing: Every day from 6 am to 9 pm
  • Nearest railway station: Somnath railway station

The Somnath Jyotirlinga, in Gujarat it’s located in Prabhas-Kshetra. This is the first Jyotirlinga, which is why it makes the most pilgrimage sites in this list. There is a story behind how this Jyotirlinga formed. The son of Lord Brahma Prajapati Daksha had 27 daughters that married the moon. The moon was paying attention to the most beautiful daughter of them all named Rohini.

Prajapati Daksha after seeing the lack of affection from the Moon towards his other daughters. He got angry and cursed him that his light and the beauty that he is so proud of will get lost. So to remove that curse The Moon worshipped Lord Shiva for a long time in this place and asked him to remove the curse. Since that time Lord Shiva resides here in the form of  Lord Somnath.

Nageshwar

  • Deity: Nageshwar
  • Timing: Every day from 5 am to 9 pm
  • Nearest railway station: Dwarka railway station

This Jyotirlinga situated in the beautiful city of Dwarka. Which is also famous for being the house of Lord Krishna as well. The Jyotirlinga of Dwarka gets visited by thousands of people every year. They come to see the statue of Lord Shiva which is 25 m tall, the garden and especially the view that you get of the Arabian sea from there. Here in this temple, Lord Shiva resides in the form of Nageshwar.

Bhimashankar

  • Deity: Bhimashankar
  • Timing: Every day from 4:30 am to 12 pm and 4 pm to 9:30 pm
  • Nearest railway station: Karjat station

This shrine of Lord Shiva where he resides here in the form of Bhimashankar. It’s located on the Banks of River Bhima, and there is a structure or you can say a sculpture of Lord Shiva. That sculpture worshipped by thousands of people. This beautiful shrine was built by Bhima who was the son of Kumbhakarna. In this amazing place at the time of Maha Shivratri, everyone celebrates it with great energy and enthusiasm. Also, the best thing about this place is that it shows the bond between Lord Shiva and Maa Parvati as there is a Parvati temple close by this temple.

Trimbakeshwar

  • Location: Maharashtra
  • Deity: Trimbakeshwar
  • Timing: Every day from 5:30 am to 9:30 pm
  • Nearest railway station: Igatpuri railway station

This temple situated at Brahmagiri mountain which is in the place of the origin of Godavari River. Also known as Gautami Ganga because Gautami Rishi prayed Lord Shiva to live here. So after that Lord Shiva resides there in the form of Trimbakeshwar. The best thing about this shrine is the formation and how it’s built from the inside. You can see three pillars inside this divine shrine that resemble the 3 principal dignities of the universe Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu, and Lord Shiva.

Grishneshwar

  • Location: Aurangabad
  • Deity: Grishneshwar
  • Timing:  Every day from 5:30 am to 9:30 pm
  • Nearest railway station: Daulatabad Train station

This divine shrine located near the Ajanta Caves and Ellora Caves. One of the best things that you will see in this shrine is how massive and impressive the architecture of the temple is build. There are many Gods and Goddesses craved in the structure of this red stone temple. The temple that  Ahilyabai Holkar built in the past. Now the locals there call this as Gru Someswara and Kusum Eswarar. There are many other things that you can find by going there and hearing from the locals.

Vaidyanath

  • Location: Jharkhand
  • Deity: Vaidyanath
  • Timing: Every day from 4 am to 3:30 pm and 6 pm to 9 pm
  • Nearest railway station: Jasidih Junction

This divine temple in Jharkhand has an interesting story behind it. The most ‘Gyani Pandit’ Ravana who worshipped Lord Shiva for his entire life, he one day asked Shiva to come with him to Lanka. Then Lord Shiva told him to take this Shiv-Linga and make sure you don’t drop it or put it down anywhere. If you can do that then only I will come to your Lanka with you. When he was carrying that Shiv-Linga, Lord Vishnu tried different magics and in many clever ways made him put the Shiv-Linga down. Since that time at that place, Lord Shiva resides there in the form of Vaidyanath.

Mahakaleshwar

  • Deity: Mahakal
  • Timing: Every day from 4 am to 11 pm
  • Nearest railway station: Ujjain Junction

This divine shrine of Lord Shiva located in Mahakaleshwar was made by a 5-year-old kid named Shikar. That kid was inspired by the King of Ujjain. Since that time Lord Shiva resides here in the form of Mahakal and also this is one of the 7 Mukti-Sthal in the whole of India. The word Mukti means freedom of your souls from your body. So this is the place to go and experience the nerve ending the life of eternity.

Omkareshwar

  • Timing: Every day from 5 am to 10 pm
  • Nearest railway station: Omkareshwar road train station

The shrine of Omkareshwar which also means ‘the sound of Lord Shiva which is Om’ this Om word is often used in many mantras and to mediate all over the world. So this shrine is located in Madhya Pradesh at an Island called Shivapuri. It’s believed that thousands of years ago in this place there was a war between Gods and Demons. So all the Gods prayed to Lord Shiva to help them with the victory in this war. So Lord Shiva helped them while coming there in the form of Omkareshwar. Since that time he resides here as Omkareshwar.

Kashi Vishwanath

  • Deity: Vishwanath

This divine temple which is also called The Golden Temple of the city Varanasi. Situated in the beautiful state of Uttar Pradesh. The temple was the creation of Ahilyabai Holkar. The devotees believed that this is one of the first Jyotirlinga where the impact of God was experienced. So in this temple, Lord Shiva is worshipped and resides in the form of Kashi Vishwanath. This particular temple is believed where God blesses you, so you can have happiness and liberation.

Kedarnath

  • Deity: Lord Kedarnath
  • Timing: May to June
  • Nearest railway station: Rishikesh after that you need to change many buses and even walk in the end.

In the Himalayan Range at 1200 ft lies this amazing temple of Lord Kedarnath. This shrine is also a part of 4 Dhams and to get here you must walk a lot and there are things that you need to consider before coming here. The temple only opens from May to June as the weather conditions make it hard to visit any other month. You have to cross both holy rivers of India which are Ganga and Yamuna to get here. It’s believed that if you bath the Shiv-Linga here with the water from Ganga and Yamuna it will help you get rid of your problems, and bring you inner peace.

Rameshwaram

  • Deity: Ramanathswamy
  • Timing: Every day from 5 am to 1 pm and 3 pm to 9 pm
  • Nearest railway station: Rameswaram railway station

In the city of Rameswaram, this amazing temple with a more amazing story is located. This is one of the most visited temples in the Southern part of India. It is believed that when Lord Rama had to cross the ocean by building the Rama Setu bridge to get to Lanka he worshipped Lord Shiva by making a Shiv-Linga till the time he rested in this temple. That Shiv-Linga still exists and is also named after Lord Rama. This divine shrine is also considered as one of the 4 Dhams in India.

Mallikarjuna

  • Location: Andhra Pradesh
  • Deity: Shiva, Parvati, and Bhramaramba
  • Timing: Every day from 4:30 am to 10 pm
  • Nearest railway station: Markapur railway station

In the state of Andhra Pradesh at the top of the Shri Sails Mountain, this divine shrine of Lord Shiva is situated. Once you get there you will be fascinated with the architecture and the sculpture of this holy shrine. This shrine is also listed on the 52 Shakti Peethas list of India. In this temple deities like Shiva, Parvati, and Bhramaramba resides. So if you look at it this is for sure one of the best 12 Jyotirlinga in India.

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Adventure Relax Solo Women Travel South India Travel Trends

Karanataka’s Hidden Wonders: A menu of Unexplored Karanataka

Karnataka continues to gain popularity among tourists on the back of its biggest attraction – the Nightlife of Bangalore, the markets of Mysore, etc. However, there are some hidden gems that remain unknown. Today we bring you a list of Bangalore’s hidden wonders

1. Bidar

Bidar’s wealth of monuments is simply inconceivable – with 61 monuments of which at least 30 are tombs. It has been associated with the Mauryan empire and finds a mention in Mahabharata, Harivamsa, Bhagavata, Purana, Malavikagnimitra, etc. The monuments here though were mostly built by Muslim rulers.

2. Anegundi

A 20 km ride on State Highway 49 from Hampi will take you to the next item in our list of Karnataka’s Hidden Wonders – Anegundi. It is claimed this almost forgotten town served as the Kishkindha, the kingdom of monkey kings Bali and Sugriva mentioned Hindu epic Ramayana and which was also the abode of the monkey god Hanuman. Anjanadri Parvatha is believed to Lord Hanuman’s birthplace and has a temple dedicated to him right at the top. Apart from that, there is not much to see here apart from the lush greenery. That said, Anegundi has a history far older than Ramayana – and is said to have been settled in for four billion years based on researches carried out by geologists who have found stone age traces here.

3. Badami

The first in our list of Karnataka’s Hidden Wonders is Badami. In its most glorious days, Badami was the capital of Badami Chalukyas but now it is a relatively forgotten town though it still stands in all its splendor. Among the sites to see is Agastya Lake next to which are cave temples design in Dravidian architecture, made of two giant sandstone hills.

4. Arbi Falls, Dashrathnagar, Manipal

Arbi falls are located at a distance of 5 kilometers from Manipal which, in turn, is located at a distance of mere 64 kilometers, the nearest major tourist destination of Karnataka via  NH 66 and SH 67.  From the base of the hill, the falls is just a small hike away. This hidden wonder of Bangalore is relatively unknown to the mainstream tourists and thus a nice peaceful place – far more peaceful than more popular waterfalls and thus making it second in our list of Karnataka’s Hidden Wonders.

5. Shivagange

Third, in our list of Bangalore’s Hidden Wonders Despite being located so close to Bangalore, Shivagange peak continues to get ignored by the tourists. For locals, though it is an important Hindu pilgrimage site. The site of the worship comprises of Shivalinga-shaped mountain and a spring that comes out of it locally known as Ganga. The site is also home to sculptures of Nandi or Basavanna that are brilliantly carved on the top of a steep rock. You can reach the site after an easy hike too.

There are some other temples nearby – and you must also see the cave temple of Sri Gangadhareshwara that, if mythical legends can be believed, is connected by a secret tunnel to the garbha griha (sanctum sanctorum) of another temple to the Gavi Gangadhareshwara temple in Bengaluru.

6. Augumbe

Now something that fiction lovers can’t ignore, this relatively unknown town has been labeled as Cherrapunjee of South. However, the reason why it makes to our list of Karnataka’s Hidden Wonders is it’s having served as the basis of Sahitya Academy Award-winning author RK Narayan’s magnum opus Malgudi Days.

If you have a nostalgia for the imagined town of Malgudi immortalized by Narayan’s works, you must visit the Malgudi Mane here. We also recommend watching the sunrise on Kundadri Hills.

7. Bijapur

Established around a thousand years ago, by the Chalukyas of Kalyani, Bijapur was initially christened as Vijayapura or the City of victory. If you are a history freak, the lack of Bijapur’s popularity might bewilder you. The city has several historical monuments like Ibrahim Rauza, Gol Gumbaz,  Anand Mahal, umma Masjid, Jod Gumbaz, J Saat Manzil, Jal Manzil, etc – mostly built during the rule of Adil Shah dynasty, still waiting to be recognized by the tourism industry. It is this very lack of popularity though which has earned it a place in our list of Karnataka’s Hidden Wonders.

8. Mullayanagiri

Mullayanagiri is named after the great sage Mullapa Swamy, a temple to whom is dedicated to the peak of the mountain. Despite its location near Bangalore and it’s being one of the best if not the best trek in the state, Mullayanagiri fails to attract tourists.

8. Shivanasamudra

Shivasamandua is a small island town where Kavei drops down to form to incredibly beautiful waterfalls -Gaganachukki and Bharachukki which are together called the Shivanasamudra falls and earn it a place in the list of our list of Karnataka’s Hidden Wonders.

The town also has ancient temples such as those dedicated to Sri Ranganathaswamy, Sri Someshwara, etc that constructed in the Dravidian style of architecture.

9. Shettihalli

The Church here, Shetttihali Church is also known as the Submerged Church and the Floating Church and is the next item in the list of our list of Karnataka’s Hidden Wonders. It was built by French missionaries in the late 1800s and later become an abandoned sight with the construction of the Hemavati which leaves it partially submerged during monsoons.

10. Chitradurga

Next in our list of Karnataka’s Hidden Wonders is Chitradurga, claimed by many to be the birthplace of Hidimba and Hidimbi, the demon brother-sister duo from the Mahabharata. The place is home to rocky hills and beautiful valleys a fort known as Kallina Kote or a stone fortress that has 18 temples.

According to a legend, Obavva, the wife of a guard, once single-handedly managed to kill several soldiers of Hyder Ali’s (Tipu Sultan’s father) army who were trying to infiltrate into the fort with an Onake (which is a long wooden club meant used by women pounding paddy grains), before giving in to her injuries.

11. Marvanthe

Next in our our list of Karnataka’s Hidden Wonders is Marvanthe. Marvanthe is home to Karnataka’s most amazing sea beaches. A drive on National Highway is another valuable experience worth having as you drive between the Souparnika river which flows right next to the Arabian Sea.

12. St. Mary’s Island

Last in our list of Karnataka’s Hidden Wonders is St. Mary’s Island. Named as one of the 26 Geological Monuments of India in 2001, by the Geological Survey of India, the island is supposed to the place where Vasco De Gama first landed before he ‘discovered’ India. According to the legend, it was he who named the island upon landing here.

Conclusion

Even with this additional list of attractions, we can’t fully enumerate all the wonderful places there are in Karanata. There are, for example, Talakadu, the temple town of Banavasi, Karkala, Gadag, Bylakuppe, etc – not to mention Hampi which we believe has made it to the list of prominent attractions ever since the publication of V. S. Naipaul’s infamous book ‘India: A Wounded Civilisation’. But we do hope this gives you some ideas. Tell us what other places should have made it to this list in your opinion. Do tell us in the comments below. J

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Adventure Itinerary Solo Women Travel South India

The best of Karnataka: A 7-day itinerary

Karnataka is increasingly growing popular venue among tourists because of the diversity of geography, wildlife, natural vegetation, food, art and culture, mountains, valleys, rivers, sea beaches,  historical sights, temples, shrines, adventures ….. and well everything that the state offers. Today Ghoomophiro brings you a 7-day itinerary that will with least of effort from you will try to ensure you get a bit of, preferably the best of all the pleasures this state has to offer.

How to reach Karnataka?

We recommend setting your first camp in Bangalore, the silicon valley of India. It has its own international airport 40 kilometers away from the city and a railway station right at the heart of the city. Air, rail or road – the city is well connected by all those ways to the rest of the world.

Day 1

Brunch at MTR

Okay before you head to the most iconic place of the city, you might be hungry in that case we recommend to let your first meal in the state be Mavalli Tiffin Rooms (MTR) – a south Indian legend and the best place to enjoy authentic Udupi food.

Afternoon- Bangalore Palace

Okay now your bellies full, you can easily spend your afternoons in Bangalore Palace. An amazing palace that needed 80 years to be completed and has courtyards that are reminiscent of the Victorian era. We won’t go into details and let the beauty of the palace speak for itself.

A late lunch – Street Food

Before moving to the next destination, we recommend trying some street. Otherwise, if you are more into luxuries the ITC Pavillian about 20 minutes from the palace is a good alternative.

Evening – ISKCON Temple

The ISKCON temple at Yeshwanthpur Industrial Suburb has a building which shows architectural genius and is the perfect place to spend your first evening in Karnataka. The temple opens at 4:15 p.m. and is bound to impress you especially if you have a religious bent of mind.

Nightlife

From temples to night clubs, may gods forgive us but then Bangalore is not seen if you have not seen its nightlife and for this you must head to MG road where you can visit a number  of clubs (Arbor, Hoppipola, Indian Brewing Company to name a few) – we suggest trying more than one of them

Day 2

Breakfast and Head to  Mysuru

Since you must be tired or having a bit of hangover from last night, we shall start the second day a bit late but not too late for you can rest a little in your three hours long ride to Mysore after having breakfast in hotel itself. We recommend hiring a personal ride especially if you are traveling in groups.

Early Lunch

Take lunch in one of the local food points, preferably Vinayaka Mylari. For the sweet dish, try Mysore’s own invention – Mysore Pak.

Afternoon attractions – Mysore Palace

Mysore Palace will make you forget the Bangalore Palace a little. It attracts the second largest number of tourists in India, second only to Taj Mahal among monuments.

Mysore Palace. Those facts should be enough for you to imagine the aesthetic pleasure the palace has to offer to its visitors.

Afternoon attractions  – Saint Philomena Church

Also known as St. Joseph’s Cathedral is one of the tallest in Asia. This church is designed with Neo-Gothic architecture that takes its inspiration from the Cologne Cathedral in Germany.

Evening Attractions

And now is the time you get yourself shopping – maybe buy a few souvenirs too. We recommend rosewood artifacts, Mysore paintings, small stone sculptures, etc for souvenirs. Shoppers might want to buy sandalwood products (you can buy the government factory and see them manufactured), coffee powder (brought here from Croog, famous for its coffee plantations), and Mysore sarees.

Dinner – Tiger Trail

What makes Tiger Trail amazing is the sights you will be feeding your sights on as you eat your food. We highly recommend getting your hands on famous Mysore Paan as a sweet dish.

Night attractions – Karanji Lake

The beautiful Karanji lake is surrounded by a butterfly park, India’s biggest walk-through aviary and a little further is located a natural museum of History. Take your time and enjoy all these as much as you can before setting to rest for the night.

Day 3

Breakfast – The Old House

The old house is exactly what the name suggests – an old house only also an amazing food point to enjoy breakfast.  The trouble is you will have to be here early to find a seat or you will just have to settle for some other food point.

Morning  – Chamundeshwari Temple

Breakfast is done. Drive the 13km to the Chamunda Hill and keeps your eyes open to enjoy the enchanting views that will greet you in the one-hour journey. Chamundeshwari temple is one of the 18 Shakti peeths of the country and is one of the important places of pilgrimage for Hindus.

Lunch – Foodie Restaurant

This semi-popular food restaurant falls on your way back to Mysore and is a great place to have your lunch.

Afternoon – Jaganmohan Palace and Art Gallery

The Jaganmohan Palace used to be the home to the famous Mysore royal family (of which Tipu Sultan was the most famous ruler) before the construction of the Mysore Palace. The palace has now been turned into an art gallery. This is just the place for the art lovers to lose themselves in.

Evening – Drive to Hasan and see Bhagawan Bahubali temple en route

Once you have been able to break away from the art gallery. Drive for 3 hours to reach Hassan. The Jain temple Bhagawan Bahubalit temple falls in the way and it has a gigantic Gomateshwara statue that was carved out of a single stone as far back as in 981 A.D.

Dinner at a local’s house

There are not a lot of commercial entities, thus we recommend having some packed food with you or eating at a local’s house. You can go to bed early tonight.

Day 4

Early Morning – Vasantha Mantapa and Chennakeshava Temple

Hoysala is famous for its ancient temple Vasantha Mantapa. Visit the temple after having some local breakfast or snacks. Then head to Belur and see Chennakesava Temple there which has been recommended as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Then head to Chikamagalur – a one and a half hour drive away.

Lunch and afternoon attractions – Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary

We know you must be tremendously hungry by this time. First, have your early lunch at Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary.

And once you are full, spend the afternoon exploring this amazing sanctuary full of exotic flora and fauna after wishing for yourself luck good enough to see a tiger.

Trek to Kudremukh

Spend the evening hiking on the trek to Kudremukh. The trek is surrounded by brilliant vegetation and is quite easy.

Dinner and Nightime

Take a guest house here and after dinner, request your guesthouse to set a campfire out in open. While your night away doing lazing bonfire things, playing antakshari, telling stories, etc.

It’s time for some backpacking, to experience nature up close and personal. A visit to Kudremukh can only be possible via an easy trek. Once up there, you’ll thank yourself for going ahead with it.

Day 5

Morning – Kudremukh National Park

After having an early breakfast, you can try your luck once again at spotting a tiger in Kudremukh National which has countless other gifts endowed to it by nature for every visitor here to enjoy.

Lunch

Mangalore is a coastal town and thus it has delicious seafood to offer. Thus unless you are a vegetarian, we recommend some local seafood, fishes in particular specifically at Machali, a famous local restaurant.

Afternoon – St. Aloysius Chapel

Constructed by Italian Jesuits who have played a tremendous role in education and general social upliftment of Mangalore’s Catholic community, the church is an architectural marvel with beautiful paintings done all over the walls that are

Evening  – Sultan Battery and Tannirbhavi Beach

As evening arrives, head straight to Sultan Battery to enjoy the tremendous sight of sunset from the Batterywatchtower. Once done with that, go to Tannirbhavi Beach and while away your time lazying around the beach.

 

Dinner

Have your dinner by poolside in the Cardamom Restaurant and make sure to follow it up by Pabbas Ice Creams

Day 6

Morning  – Mangala Devi Temple

The temple is dedicated to Mangaladevi. after whom the city is named. It was built by great Hindu saint Lord Parashurama. This brilliant piece of architecture is mostly made of wood staying true to the region’s ancient traditions.

Once you have your fill with the temple, head straight to Coorg.

Lunch

Eat at some local food joint of your preference.

Afternoon – Madikeri Fort

Madikeri is a hill in Coorg and its top has the fort that has in it artifacts that once belonged to the legendary local ruler Tipu Sultan.

Evening – Go microlight Flying

Microlight Flying is one of the rarest experiences to be had in India but Coorg, the adventure capital of the country, offers it for you. The microlight gliders can hold up to two people and have the ability to rise up to 5000 meters and fly at an impressive speed of a hundred kilometers per hour. Please note that there are a number of other adventures you can have instead – rock climbing, river rafting, kayaking, Quad Biking, etc. The choice of adventure is up to you.

Dinner

Have dinner at a food joint nearby and go to bed early in order to be freshened up for the last adventure of the trip and journey back to home.

Day 7

Morning – Dubare Elephant Park

This elephant Park is one of its kind in India – and a must-visit place for the elephant lovers of the country. The elephants are groomed, trained, fed by naturalists in a natural environment and you can participate in these activities under their guidance.

Once you are done here, if you still have time before your flight back home, you can head to a coffee plantation and experience walking amidst them.

Conclusion

We have tried to bring as much of best of Karnataka as possible to you in these 7 days. You can change this itinerary according to your wishes. Nature lovers may want to spend more time in Mangalore or Coorg; while adventure lovers will definitely wish to spend more time trying their hands at adventures Coorg has to offer and a lover of urban nightlife won’t find just one night at Bangalore sufficient. If, on the other hand, you are greedy for all those things like us, you may want to elongate your trip or visit it again. After all, you can never have enough of Karanatka. J

 

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Rejoice Rejuvenate Relax Solo Women Travel Travel Tips Travel Trends

Your Holiday Plan for 2020 with several extended weekends

Are you one of those who love to plan your holidays in advance? If your answer is yes, we have a holiday plan for you which offers you the chance to have 12 big getaways within 2020 by making use of some big weekends covering it all – mountains, beaches, adventures, festivals, etc.

If you are one of those people who love to plan their holidays and apply for leaves much before everyone else in the office – though we have tried our best to ensure you won’t need a leave-in most cases, the list of long weekends in 2020 will come in handy for you. Modify this plan to make one of your own and you can apply leaves in advance.

January 11 to 13

Lohri a popular holiday falls on January 13 every year which in 2020 happens to be Monday. Along with the previous two days, it gives you enough time for the perfect weekend.

Suggested places to visit:

Although you can go anywhere, there is no place better than Punjab to be around Lohri. We recommend making Amritsar as your destination. Visit Lohri Mela there; the prestigious golden Temple, the most important religious spot for Sikhism, and Jallianwala bagh which still has the aura of terror created by the 1919 massacre there.

February 21 to 23

Mahashivratri falls on February 21 in 2020 which is a Friday and thus adds an extra day to your weekend.

Suggested place to visit:

Ujjain is one of the best places to celebrate it. Mahakaleshwar Temple is one of the 12 jyotirlingas. The festival is celebrated on the banks of the local river Kripa. According to the local legend, Lord Shiva took residence here on request of citizens of Avanti (the ancient city later renamed as Ujjain). The request was made after Shiva vanquished Dushana, a demon who tortured the people of Avanti. Kal Bhairva Temple, Ram Mandir Ghat, Bharatihari Cave are some of the other spots you can visit.

March 7 to 10

The colorful festival of Holi falls on a Tuesday in 2020. Thus you might have to take a leave on Monday, March 9, but it shall leave at your disposal a 4 day weekend from March 7 (Saturday) to March 10 (Tuesday).

Suggested Place to visit

Where better to go to celebrate Holi if you can go to Mathura and/or Vrindavan. The two towns of spiritual importance being connected to the life of Lord Krishna have many amazing temples to offer. And Holi is a popular festival here being a festival being much loved by Lord Krishna himself.

April 2 to 6

A gazetted holiday Ram Navami falls on April 2 (Thursdays) and another Mahavir Jayanti falls on April 6 (Monday). Weekend falls on April 4 and 5. if you can take a leave on April 3 (Friday). Even if you do not get the leave you still have a 3 day weekend (April 4 to 6).

Suggested places to visit

The longest weekend of the year is best celebrated by going to Karbatsk. You will find with us a five-day itinerary that will help you get the best of Odisha – including it’s a holy triangle of Bhuvneshwar, Konark Sun Temple, Puri, Chilka Lake and many other amazing spots with evenings on sea beaches also included.

April 10 to 12

Good Friday is always on Friday and a gazetted holiday always adds to your weekend. Just 3 days since you came back it is time already to go backpacking again.

Suggested places to go

The twin towns of Mussorie very deservedly called the ‘Queen of Hills’ is the perfect place to go to. If you are still tired from your last weekend travels, the holiday will be very laid-back lazying in the cradle of Himalayas. If fancy has you to see places; there are several to be found here – Kempty falls, mall road, Sir George Everest House, Sister’s Bazaar, Char Dukan, etc.

May 23-25

With the gazetted holiday of the festival of Id-ul-Fitr falling on May 25, Monday; we have another 3-day long weekend.

Suggested places to go

Darjeeling is our suggestion for this weekend. A chance to ride toy trains (especially through Batasia Loop) and Ropeways; river rafting, as well visiting Tiger Hills, Nightingale Park, Singhalia National Park, Rock Garden, the Peace Pagoda, Sandkhaphu, etc and of course the world-famous tea plantations are some of many attractions that this hill town has to offer.

October 2 to 4

October 2 is the National holiday being Gandhi Jayanti as always. In 2020 it falls on Friday giving you a three-day long weekend.

Suggested places to visit

Indore, aptly dubbed as the food capital of India, and now the cleanest city of the country is the place to be for the first half of this weekend – visit Rajwada Temple, Lal Bagh Temple, Indore Museum, etc are some of the places to visit in Indore. For the second half of the holiday make a trip to the holy island of Omkareshwar and holy town of Maheshwar.

October 24 -26

Dushera falls on October 26 which is Monday. You this have a three long weekend

Suggested places to go:

With relatively cool temperatures; it is a good time to visit the pink city of Jaipur. Amber city light and sound show, Hawa Mahal, Jantar Mantar, Jal Mahal, etc are some of the city’s countless attractions.

October 30 to November 1

The third long weekend in the blessed month of October is occasioned by Id-e-Milad which falls on October 30, a Friday in 2020 and thus… You guessed it, a three-day long weekend.

Suggested places to visit

Delhi shall be the destination we suggest for this 3 day weekend. The capital city has a rich history and is thus full of a number of attractive places to see like India Gate, Red Fort, Qutub Minar, Chandani Chawnk, Lotus Temple, Humayun Tomb, Rashtrapati Bhavan to name a few.

November 13 to 15

Diwali, unfortunately, falls on November 14 a Saturday in 2020 but Chhoti Diwali which falls on a day before (November 13, Friday) will still increase your weekend to 3 days.

Suggested places to go

It is cliche to reserve Goa for Christmas or new year’s Eve and we have something special to suggest for Christmas. The occasion of Diwali is the occasion for Narak Chaturdashi which unusually celebrates the victory of a demon named Naraksur. The festival is marked by grand possessions throughout the state. And of course, there are beaches, wine, natural beauty, etc.

November 28 to 30

Guru Banal Jayanti falls on November 30, a Monday in 2020. This makes for another 3 day weekend.

Suggested places to go

If you haven’t already seen the Taj Mahal, let this be your occasion to make a trip to Agra. Jama Masjid, Fatehpur Sikri, Akbar’s tomb are some of the other places to see in Agra.

December 25 to 27

The Christmas day falls on a Friday bringing in another 3 day weekend with Saturday and Sunday that follows on December 26 and 27.

Suggested Places to go:

An Andaman island named Swaraj Island is our suggestion for this holiday – a perfect place to enjoy the incredible beauty of the Arabian sea.

This is all from us today. You can use our plan as a draft to plan your own holiday. Feel free to make adjustments and changes according to your tastes and needs. 🙂

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Central India Group Travel Itinerary Solo Women Travel Spiritual Hubs

Best of Amritsar in 24 hours

Amritsar in Punjab is more than just a city filled with history, it is the cultural capital of Punjab. When we planned to visit Amritsar, we just had 24 hours to explore the best of the city and since there was so much to do, we prioritized the top-places to see. We landed in Amritsar via road early morning at 6 am. The sky was filled with the hue of sunrise and the entrance of Amritsar is adorned by a beautiful dome-shaped welcome sight. Amritsar, the place that played an important role in Indian history during British Raj got its name derived from a lake surrounding the Golden Temple. Amrit Sarovar, literally meaning a holy pool of nectar surrounds the Harmandir Sahib. These stories were told to us by our cab driver who was a resident of Amritsar, so we left it up to him to let us experience the food, culture, sights of Amritsar in the best ways possible.

1 Golden Temple aka Harmandir Sahib Gurudwara

We started our day with a visit to the iconic Golden Temple. Thankfully, we were already dressed in traditional Indian clothes so we already had a dupatta to cover our heads which is mandatory before you enter the Gurudwara. Since it a popular pilgrimage and we were there on a Sunday, we had to wait in long queues before we got inside. But even there, we were just enjoying the architecture and observing how immersed people were in their prayers. After paying our respects, we moved to the langar area and had prasad. The community meals are offered to every person who visits the Gurudwara and the langar was delicious. Moreover, the halwa (known as kada in Punjabi) is given as prasad to everyone. The Gurudwara also allows people to stay there for free if they offer service at the temple in return. We did not have much time or we would have loved to experience that as well.

  1. Jallianwala Bagh

The next stop on the tour was the infamous Jallianwala Bagh. Though Jallianwala Bagh is just one km away from the Golden Temple, it takes some time to reach there because that area remains quite crowded. As soon as we entered the garden, we were reminded of the heart-wrenching tragedy that took place there back during the British rule in 1919. There is a memorial in the garden commemorating the Martyrs who were massacred there. The well in which people jumped to save their lives can be seen but one look inside the dark well is enough to give you a nightmare for days. We could also see the bullet holes in walls and there are boards everywhere to help tourists who do not know what happened in Jallianwala Bagh. Paying our respects to the martyrs of Jallianwala, we refrained from clicking many pictures there as we usually do. But just being in that space reminded us of how far India has come and how many people have laid down their lives to make it independent.

  1. Maharaja Ranjit Singh Museum

After Jallianwala Bagh left us reminiscing on the History, we visited the Maharaja Ranjit Singh palace which is now in the shape of a museum. The Palace is preserved as it was 400 years ago when the king used to live there. Now, the swords, armors and other historical artifacts are kept there for the visitors to see. There were many paintings in the Museum as well, along with other belongings of the King like the old currency. It was quite a quick visit to the museum before we went to the most-awaited spot on our visit to Amritsar- The Wagah Border.

  1. The Indo-Pak Border

Right after our tour of the museum, we went to the Wagah Border. The Wagah Border has a parade that starts at 5 pm and we were lucky enough to reach there by 4:30 pm so we could still watch the hour-long parade live. We could not find good seats since people start coming in from 2 pm to find a seat. There is a huge rush on the Indian side of the border. There is tight security present there but we were allowed to carry essentials like water bottles, our sunglasses, and phones. The entire parade is a sight to behold and afterward, one the crowds started to disperse, we went and clicked some pictures with the soldiers. From the Wagah Border, we could easily see the other side- Pakistan and wondered why there wasn’t as big a crowd gathered on that side of the border as well.

  1. Go shopping

No trip to Amritsar is complete without shopping for Amritsari jutti. There is a Kapra Bazaar near the Golden Temple where we went to buy the famous Phulkari cloth and look for Amritsari Jutti. The -Kameez, Dupatta or Phulkari-cloth. We also bought some dresses from the Kapra Bazaar but the best place to buy Amritsari Jutti, as suggested by many locals there is the Raunak Store in Pink plaza. Amritsari Jutti is leather footwear traditionally called Jutti. It complements the traditional Indian-wear and is a great ethnic-wear accessory.

  1. What’s Punjab without Punjabi Food?

Throughout the day, we munched on local Amritsari cuisine. The day began with Aloo Parantha with extra butter and a glass of Lassi for breakfast at a local Dhaba. Then the langar at Golden Temple worked perfectly as lunch and for snacks, we had jalebi and Amritsari Lassi at a Dhaba near Golden Temple. For dinner, there are plenty of options in Amritsar but it is a bit hard to find pure vegetarian restaurants. There is a place called Brother’s Amritsari dhaba that serves delicious Paneer Butter Masala, Daal Makhani, Channa and Naan. We got the veg thali which had salad and raita as well as Amritsari Papad.

When it was finally time to leave Amritsar, we realized that within 24 hours, we had seen most of the popular places in Amritsar, shopped and enjoyed Punjabi delicacies while being entertained by our cab driver’s Punjabi commentary on everything.

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Adventure Group Travel Himalayas North India Relax Solo Women Travel

5 Must see destinations in North India

North India is one of the most gifted lands when it comes to natural beauty – whether it be in its beautiful Himalayas offering Panoramic views or historical cities like Delhi or Agra. Delhi, Agra, Kashmir, Mussoorie, Chandigarh, Jammu, Nainital, Ladakh, Dehra-dun, Lucknow, Ayodhya, Vrindavan, Rishikesh, Mohali, Amritsar, etc the list goes on and on. Today, we will bring you a list of 5 must-see destinations in North India.:

1.    Mussoorie

Aptly dubbed as the Queen of hills, Mussoorie is the first destination in our list of 5 must-see destinations in North India. It might as well be called the travel capital on North India for it is a favorite tourist spot for people of Delhi, Chandigarh, NOIDA, etc looking for a hills station getaway for a weekend. The Kempty falls of Mussoorie is a really fun picnic spot if you are traveling with family or friends. The spirituality important Jawalaji temple of great spiritual importance for Hindus is not much far. You can do your shopping at Mall road and the best of it all is that you can do all this and much more within two or three days and still be back home in time to find enough rest before you start on your next week.

How to reach Mussoorie?

Mussoorie is connected by roadway to Delhi via Saharanpur-Delhi road – a distance of only two hundred and ninety kilometers from Delhi. The nearest railway station and airport though both at Dehra-dun from where you will have to get a taxi or a bus to Mussoorie – a bus leaves for Mussoorie every hour or two.

2.    Chandigarh

Next, in our list of 5 must-see places in North India is Chandigarh. A union territory and a capital of two states, Chandigarh is one of the few planned cities of the country and one of the cleanest. Thus it is no surprise that it is one of the most favored destinations in Western India. The Rose Garden,  Sukhna Lake are some of the major tourist attraction but its strength lies in its markets (especially popular is the market in Sector-17). Being the educational capital of Punjab and Haryana, It has developed a very active nightlife too.

How to reach Chandigarh?

National Highway 1 connects Chandigarh to New Delhi. The green city is well connected by rail, road, and air with all major cities in the region.

3.    New Delhi

How can the capital of the country be left out of our list of 5 must-see places in North India? New Delhi has a rich history and thus have many historical landmarks – Qutub Minar, Lal Kila, India Gate, Jama Masjid to name just a few and there are several museums making it a great destination if you are interested in country’s rich history. In case you are out for fun and partying, its pubs and nightclubs ensure a rich a nightlife.  The street food here offers a great variety and is a tourist magnet in itself. And there are different markets selling almost everything on the planet and catering to consumers of different budgets.

How to reach Delhi?

Delhi’s international airport connects it to the rest of the world. It also has brilliant road and rail connectivity to the major cities of both North and South India

4.    Jaipur

It seems preposterous not to include at least one of the amazing array of tourist destinations of the Rajput state of Rajasthan in our list of 5 must-see places in North India. And the city to get this credit is Jaipur. Dubbed as the pink city, Jaipur deserves the honor. Its popularity is owed mostly to its forts and historical sites – Jantar Mantar, Hawa Mahal, Amber Fort, Jal Mahal,  Jaigarh Fort, City Palace, Nahargarh Fort to name only a few as well as to the friendly people who live here. One also gets a chance to enjoy the delicious street food and you can get photographed in traditional Rajasthani dresses. You can also buy locally handcrafted goods as souvenirs.

How to reach Jaipur?

In terms of convenience, nothing beats traveling by road – by bus. Sanganer airport that is only 12 kilometers away handles both local and international flights. However, we highly recommend trying a ride on Palace on Wheels at least once if you can.

5.    Agra

Any list of 5 must-see places in North India would be incomplete without a mention of Agra – the city that is home to one of the seven wonders of the world – Taj Mahal. Taj Mahal was built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory and love for his deceased and beloved wife Nur Jahan. It is a stunning wonder in marble which is said to be the result of the labor of over twenty thousand masons, jewelers, workers, artists, etc whose hands, so the local legend tells us, were ordered to be cut off Shah Jahan after the construction was complete. The city is thus a magnet for romantic and honeymoon tourism among both local and international tourists.

How to reach Agra?

Agra’s airport hs flights to and from New Delhi. By railways, it is connected with major cities throughout the country while by road it is well connected to the surrounding region including Delhi.

Conclusion

How did you like this list? What places will make it to your list of 5 must-see places in North India? Do write to us in comments below. 🙂

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Beaches Ghoomophiro Blog North-West India Solo Women Travel

Things to do in Panjim

Goa is the holiday capital of India and Panjim is the capital of Goa. That introduction should be hint enough as it’s the enormity of attractions it has to offer.

Here is what #ghoomophiro thinks must do’s while in Panjim.

Our Lady of Immaculate Conception Church

The first in our list of 12 amazing things to do in Panjim is a visit to the place that has become the face of the city – Our Lady of Immaculate Conception Church. This church that is standing here for over 400 years has not lost in its beauty and still enchants anyone and every one with its architectural brilliance.

Maruti Temple

Maruti is another name of Lord Hanumana. This beautiful saffron-colored temple grows even more beautiful at dusk when it gets it lits up and shines like a pearl in the hills. The temple is located at top of a hill and it is a somewhat hike of steps to reach there.

Adil Shah Palace or Old Secretariat

Enough with religious places, next in our list of amazing thing stop do in Panjim is a visit to the only palace in the city – that once belonged to Adil Shah. The yellow and white building is now home to some of the best art exhibitions you will see in the country.

Cabo Raj Bhawan

Cabo Raj Bhawan’s brilliant architecture of this building situated at next to the Arabian Sea makes a visit to it fourth in our list of 12 amazing things to do in Panjim.

Residence of Goa’s governor is open to the public on the last three days of weekend – Friday to Sunday. But you must book online to be able to visit it, and the booking costs 300 INR per person and you must have a photo of with you.

The tour will let you see Aushadhi Vatika (literally a herbal garden); the helipad; the cannon point where the cannons still standing to look at the Arabian Sea willing to take on perils that might come from that way; Raj Bhawan museum, church where Dona Paula is buried, Grotta and, of course, the beach.

Mahalakshmi Temple

Okay, one more temple. But Mahalakshmi temple is the most popular temples in Panaji, we just couldn’t help but include it in our list of 12 amazing things to do in Panjim. It is popular with the unique Deepstambh in brickwork here.

Goa State Museum

Next in our list of 12 amazing things to do in Panjim is Goa State Museum.  There are some amazing artifacts here – including a wooden Raath (chariot); the ancient Hindu stones that honor the brave who sacrifices there loves posthumously, etc

Sunset at Dona Paula

Next in our list of amazing things to do in Panjim is watching the sunset at Dona Paula. A perfect vantage point where all you see is sea, sky, and sun, it is a perfect place to enjoy your sunset in Dona Paula. You must arrive half an hour before the time of sunset. The sunset at Dona Paula is best enjoyed during months after the monsoon (October and November) when the sunsets are even more particularly beautiful.

Miramar Beach

Included as next item in our list of amazing things to do in Panjim is a visit to Miramar Beach. Popular for its stunning sunsets, it offers you a chance to take a boat ride deeper into the sea. And there are dinner cruises available.

Fontainhas Heritage Walk

The Fontainhas is perhaps the oldest part of Panjim and is sometimes also called the Latin Quarters. It is known for its Latin architecture and colorful houses and steep staircases that connect it to the hill above making a cultural visit here one of 12 amazing things to do in Goa

Mandovi pleasures

Mandovi river and nearby areas offer a number of experiences which together form the next item in our list . To begin with it is just an amazing place for those who enjoy walking. Walk along the shores of Mandovi river and let your eyes feast on the beautiful sights it has to offer including tranquil peace of watching the sunset (particularly at Darya sangham).

You can also hire a private boat to explore the backwaters of the Mandovi river. Organized cruises mostly start in the evenings. Who knows you might even see dolphins!

You will also have a chance to go bird watching in the Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary nearby which is home to a number of exotic birds. All these pleasures together form an item we couldn’t help but include in our list of 12 amazing things to do in Panjim.

When to visit?

Panjim celebrates a number of festivals, the following ones are especially recommended at times to be in Panjim:

New Year – the fireworks at beaches are not an awesome sight to start your new year with; especially those at Miramar Beach.

Lokotsav – a folk festival when a number of artists from all over India perform at Kala academy for a duration of 10 days or so at Kala academy. The street food from all over the country also finds its ways into the city.

Viva Goa Carnival – full of joys that best carnivals can offer whether it be colorful decorations, music, dancing food and drinks, it is celebrated in the month of February.

Shigmo  – on the 18th of June every year, the streets are filled with tradional music.

Sao Joao – The onset of monsoons is celebrated by jumping into wells and well, these days into swimming pools.

Narkasur Chaturdashi – Goan version of Diwali involves children creating a demon names Narkasur which is burnt on the day of the festival.

IFFI – International Film Festival of India held in November every year turns places like Kala Academy, ESG and INOX theatres are full of cinema lovers.

GALF – Goa Arts and Literary Festival held in December every year bring literature and art lovers to ICG (International Center Goa) for 4 days in which talks, panel discussions, workshops, networking, etc are held.

Christmas

Ganesh Chaturthi

What to buy?

Panjim is center to Goa’s and, often, national and international culture so there is no dearth of souvenirs you can buy in Panjim. Some of the places you can buy you from – Mario Miranda Gallery near Panaji Church, Wendell Rodricks Boutique in Campal, 18th June Road, etc.

What to eat?

The  Zantye is where you can buy cashew and Kokum Sherbet. We recommend trying local fusion food at Black Sheep Bistro and Fish Curry at Ritz Classic. If you are into bars or cafes, Panjim has them almost everywhere.

Hotels in Panaji

Panjim has a number of both high-end, mid-range and budget hotels. The high-end hotels (Cicaade De Goa, Marriott Resort and Spa, Grand Hyatt, etc) are often next to sea beaches and offer stunning views making the price worth it. Among budget hotels, we recommend Hotel Mandovi which offers a charming view of the river.

Conclusion

Panjim is Goa in miniature, it will take you several days to take all it has to offer. We hope this article helps you in finding the best of pleasures it has to offer. J

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Culture North-West India Rejuvenate Solo Women Travel

Assagao, The flower Village of North Goa

Goa is famous for its beaches and nightlife and has won the title of tourism capital of India on the back of those attractions but they do not form an exclusive list of the pleasures the state has to offer at all. Some of its lesser-known attractions its beautiful villages, a lot of which offer a serene distraction in case you have had too much of its beaches. Its traffic-free country lanes and pretty landscape with beautiful churches and pretty flowers are a welcome change from Goa’s more mainstream attractions.

Its tranquil beauty is so different from the noise of party-loving party culture of Goa that you might think that you are not in Goa anymore. But do not be deceived – Goa’s beauty is still there but just at a different, and if we might say, and even more original wavelength.

Today, Ghoomophiro will talk about their experience in Assagoa. Assagoa is also known as ‘Fullyanchem Gaon’ or the flower village of North Goa as well as several other nicknames – “Little Delhi”, “Goa’s South Extension”, ‘Artist’s village’, “The Beverly Hills of Goa”, “Goa’s Tuscany”.. Assagoa is a village in  Bardez, Goa. It is located about 4 kilometers west of Mapusa. This flower village of North Goa was ruled by Portuguese like the rest of the state and this has left very little trace of earlier cultures that had resided in it.

History

According to a local legend, the village got its name when a prince, who had lost his way on the hills of Assagao on a dark night, heard the cock crow to signal the time dawn. Overjoyed and relieved of his fears, the forlorn prince heaved a sigh, Assa re ganv. The earliest known inhabitants of Assagao were Saraswat Brahmins of the Atri gotra among some other Hindus who all had Ravalnath as their presiding deity. There was no dearth of temples back then but none survives now – after it has survived Portegeuse rule.

How to reach Assagao?

The forty-kilometer journey from Goa airport can be made on the personal vehicle or taxi or a hired vehicle. It is best visited as a one day detour from Panjim.

What to eat?

Assagao has grown to be a full-blown tourist attraction with a number of eateries offering very delicious varieties of Indian as well as western cuisine.

What to buy?

Assagao’s shops are the best in Goa if you feel like buying souvenirs. There are shops here offering anything and everything – garments, jewelry, electronic accessories, etc.

Where to stay?

Assagao offers accommodations options for people of all budgets and pockets. Some of these offer specialized services such as spa, yoga, etc.

Places to visit

  1. Villa Blanche Bistro

A quiet eatery in a quiet village tucked right inside commercial noise of holiday paradise that is Goa, Villa Blanche Bistro was our first stop. It had mouthwatering Italian and German delicacies on offer which we munched away in our breakfast. This was the reason why we visited it on Sunday – to have a taste of every dish they had to offer.

  1. Hotel Astoria

This 250-year old heritage bungalow is the perfect place to have your evening drinks or early morning snacks while sitting in shades of mango trees and coconut palms and listening to songs of bulbuls and other birds.

  1. Purple Valley Goa

There seems something absurd in talking about ‘yoga in Goa’ but you can do exactly that at Purple Valley Goa which has a large open area for meditation and reflection. You can also stay at Ganesh House, Savasana House or cottages in here. Moreover, all the food served here is organic and vegetarian – helping you experience life from an ascetic’s point of view.

  1. St. Cajetan’s Church

St. Cajetan’s Church is one of 23 churches in Bardez built by the Portuguese. The beautiful church of Assagaon is a piece of architectural genius and greets its visitors with a rich history.

  1. Project Café

The Café that has become an attracted some of the most popular artists of the country to a small village like Assagao – the café is a cafe, a retail store, an art gallery, Whether it be writers, painters, musicians etc, Project Café is fast on the road of becoming artists’ parliament of India. Pay a trip here and if you are lucky you might come across some artist you have dreamed of meeting all your life.

Conclusion

Assagao is a beautiful little village that might have been made for lovers of beauty only. It has its own exclusive pleasures to offer even within Goa. Talking in terms of luxury hotels, we prefer ones in Assagao over those in Panjim. We even recommend making a special trip just for Assagao. Though there are no sea beaches within the village, there are popular beaches like Anjuna beach in the neighborhood.  Have you been to Assagao? What has your experience there been? J

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