Category: Western India

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Relax Uncategorized Western India

The hidden treasures of fashion city Mumbai

Exploring the unconventional places in a city that are traditionally famous for its commerce, finance and entertainment, is another experience altogether. Apart from the common tourist spots, there a lot of other places in Mumbai those are worth visiting. They range from waterfalls and beaches to places of historical importance. One should include them in one’s Mumbai itinerary. Some of them which #ghoomophirosisters recommend is what this blog is all about.

Dana Pani Beach:

Dana Pani Beach is located at the end of Madh Marve Road in Malad. This secluded beach is surrounded by resorts thereby making it the best place to chill.

Kanhoji Angre Island – Across the Mumbai harbour:

This island is one of the places which has history attached to it. Earlier it was known as the Khanderi Island. The Portuguese had built this fort and the Marathas were held here. One can find ruins of cannons and a fully functional lighthouse. It is expected to be made into a tourist spot soon.

Arnala Fort – North of Vasai:

This island fortress is another Portuguese creation. The attractions on the island are the octagonal water reservoirs and various temples and tombs of the rulers. One will find comfortable accommodation at the resorts on the nearby Arnala beach.

Mahakali Caves – Andheri East:

These are also called Kondivite Caves. They have the oldest rock cut Buddhist monastery in Mumbai and boast of carvings of Buddha and Buddhist mythologies.

Global Vipasna Pagoda – Gorai:

Located next to Essel world, this is another place which pays gratitude to Buddhism and its teachings. It is amongst the largest dome structures in the world and also has a separate room for monks to meditate in. There is no excuse to skip it.

Vasai Fort – Vasai:

Also called Bassein Fort, the Portuguese had a strong hold over this place back in the old days. This is one spooky fort.  Because of having national importance, it is taken care of by the Archaeological Survey of India.

Banganga Tank – Malabar Hill:

One should not mistake it for a normal water tank because there is a mythological connection to it. It is believed that when Lord Rama felt thirsty, Lakshman launched an arrow into the ground and thus came out a tributary of Ganga. This is from where the name originated- Banganga Tank.

Pandavkada Falls:

Measured to be 350 metres high, Pandavkada Falls flow in Khargar, Navi Mumbai. During the monsoon time, the falls are covered by lush greenery and also they cover the Buddhist caves behind them making the view serene.

Gilbert Hill:

This structure is made up of frozen molten lava. With a height of 200 metres, it stands tall in Andheri. One will get a great bird’s eye view of the city from the top. Also one will find two temples on the top dedicated to Gamdevi and Durgamata.

Although the list of such places goes on, these are the top ones that deserve a visit!!

How to Reach Mumbai

 By Air: Mumbai has Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport with its two terminals being Santa Cruz and Sahara International airport. It is connected by domestic as well as international flights. Flight Tickets are pretty reasonable if booked early.

By Road: One can travel from Nashik which is 170 km away via Nashik-Mumbai Expressway. Buses also travel from Nashik to Mumbai within 2 hours and 20 minutes.  Mumbai is also connected via road to Pune, Aurangabad, Goa, etc It has a well-connected bus network.

 By Train:  If you’re traveling by railways, you can choose among Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminal, Mumbai Central, Dadar Railway station or Kalyan Railway station. It connects Mumbai with all major cities of the country.

 Where to stay:

Since this place is a famous tourist spot, there is no dearth of good Hotels in Mumbai.

Hyatt Regency: Situated on a short drive from airport, it delights is guests with the contemporary interiors and cuisine restaurants

The Lalit Mumbai: This is a great place to stay in Andheri. The highly recommended hotel as it offers a luxurious stay to its guests and staff is very cooperative.

Ramada Plaza Palm Groove: The location of this hotel makes it perfect to stay. The place offers serene views of the Arabian Sea. It is located in the plush location of Juhu and offers the luxurious stay with value for money. Its food joints, The Oriental Bowl, The Tangerine and The Deck Bar are must try.

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Corporate Outings Western Ghats Western India

Corporate Outing spots in and around Mumbai

Being the financial capital of the country, Mumbai works day and night. The people sitting in those tall buildings are some of the hardest working people and they work day and night in order to make their company grow. But there are times when the going gets tough and everyone needs a break. So here are some places that we are about to mention which are perfect spots for the office groups to spend some quality times at. So, it’s our try to let everyone know where the corporate sector of Mumbai can go in order to spend a day outdoors.

Adlabs Imagica- If the team is looking for a place full of excitement and nerdy action, this theme park is a must visit. Also known as the Disneyland of Mumbai, it consists of a snow park, a water park and a theme park. One of the very few places for corporate outings near Mumbai is always full of life with all the college groups, school children and families. Enjoy the watersports, the heart stopping roller coaster rides among many other things and have great day out at a corporate outing.

Lonavala- This beautiful hill station can be seen all covered with camps set up by the business corporate employees and the families almost all the time. For the history lovers, there are very ancient caves that they can see, for the more adventurous ones; there are more than enough places to do some trekking. The adventure lovers can visit the Della Adventure in Kunegaonndia’s largest adventure park and indulge in exciting sessions of paintball and dirt biking. The thrill is right there at this place and it is a great spot for the team outings.

Panchgani- A few kilometers away from all the hustle bustle of the city, the place is having an odd old worldly charm about it and is known to be one of the very few all natural places around. The place seems untouched by the forces of industrialization and makes for a perfect spot for spending some quality time alone or in a group, whatever you are looking for. Visiting Tableland, paragliding, group games, team building activities, sightseeing and trekking around the place is a must do along with a host of other activities and fun games.

Matheran– The best thing about this beautiful and soulful hill station is that, in order to maintain its all natural beauty and essence and to keep it pollution free, it has been termed as a non-vehicle zone. There are several places where trekking can take place and also the camping sites located in here also serve as great attractions to enjoy in the groups along with the adventure camps set up and some other good team building activities. The place is as calm and peaceful as it can get and all natural down through to its core.

Karjat- Also known as one of the very prime locations for the shoots of most Hindi films, Karjat also serves as a great hangout spot for the lovers of nature. There are many resorts at the place along with the sightseeing tourist attractions. Bike riding track is also there where one can ride their bikes down the valley while witnessing some beautiful sites. Bicycle ride, camping among other team building activities can be performed here in the arms of nature.

These above-mentioned places are most visited not only by the corporate sector teams and groups but individual families and friend groups as well. Hard work seems lovely if such lovely refreshments keep coming from time to time.

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Foodie Western India

The cafe scene in Darjeeling

Cafes in Darjeeling

As beautiful a place Darjeeling is for the nature lovers, it can also be seen as a foodie’s paradise if anybody wants to look at it that way. Everybody knows what exotic taste the home grown tea from here possesses. Other than the very delicious street food, carrying all the Bengali flavour, there are many different cafes in the city that are amazing. The new ones are opening up every day and it becomes hard to choose the best ones among them. But we have given it a shot and here is the list of top 5 cafes in Darjeeling that you must visit in order to satisfy your taste buds.

Gatty’s Cafe

Located on the famous Dr. Zakir Hussain road, this lounge cum cafe offers a lot of things to the visitors. From the shows of international and Indian cinema, delicious tea, some live music combined with some great food; this is one in all deal. From the homemade Indian cuisines to the international items such as pasta, sandwiches and pizzas, the place serves everything and as long as you stay here, there will be no moment of boredom. The great crowd in here makes the experience all the more vibrant.

Sonam’s Kitchen

Also located on the Zakir Hussain road, a few metres away from Gatty’s cafe, Sonam’s kitchen is also one other crowd puller in the place. The city is known for the tea, but the coffee right here in this little cafe will make you forget that fact. The coffee in your mouth is all you feel. They have an interesting collection of books and they deal mostly in the fast foods and stuff, but healthier and delicious to their core.

Foodsteps

The waffles and pancakes that are being served here are so delicious that people don’t mind standing in the lines to get their turns. The breakfast here along with a great cup of coffee is inhumanly tasty here. The different variety of the tea that gets served here reminds you very well of what this place is famous for. The waffles, grilled sandwiches and multigrain breads are the highlights of the vivid menu that includes purely vegan dishes. The Foodsteps is located at the Nehru Road.

Kunga’s

If the craving for some local food takes over, do visit Kung’s cafe located at the Gandhi Road. Deals mostly in the Tibetan meals, the noodles and the steamed momos here are just pure delicious. While Ranbir Kapoor, the bollywood actor, was shooting for his movie Barfi here, it is said that he fell in love with the food here and visited at least once a day despite the busy schedule.

Hot Pizza Place

HD Lama Rd is not known for so many good cafes but this one is an exception. Deals in Italian cuisines mostly but you can find almost anything here. Pasta, Panini, sandwich and noodles are the highlights of the restaurant and there are so many different varieties of pizza that one can get lost in all the taste and brilliant baking aroma.

Frank Ross Cafe

One of the very few restaurants in Darjeeling serving both the non veggies and the vegetarians alike is Frank Ross Cafe which happens to be located on the Mall Road. The global menu includes the native Indian dishes along with the international ones. A perfect amalgamation of class and style can be found here.

Revolver

As unique is the name of this cafe cum restaurant, so is its class. The gun themed place is sort of a museum for the tourists. Beetles are the biggest inspiration for the name of the place as it’s named after one of the most popular song from the rock band. Pancakes, mashed potatoes and soups along with a lot other items are the biggest highlights of the place. The cafe is located at Gandhi Road behind Union Chapel.

So these are the top 7 cafes one must visit during their next trip to Darjeeling. Delicious bites, piping hot coffee and friendly services in these cafes is sure to leave all the foodies in awe.

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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.

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Architectural Corporate Outings North-West India Western Ghats Western India

Urban legends of Pavagadh Hill

Such a historical hill that lives up to its name of “Fire Hill” as it ignites a fire within your skin. Sudden plans to visit the hill were made and we reached Champaner by bus. It was a 45-kilometer long ride from Vadodara but with good music to keep us company, the time went by before any of us noticed.

This hill has great significance as most Hindus know the story of how Parvati’s foot fell on this hill making it sacred. The Kalika temple on top of the hill has been visited by devotees since ages. Reaching the temple is no hard task. Public buses take you until the end of the road from where we started hiking up. Midway, when none of us could walk more, we took the cable ropeway which took us straight to the top. The sights from above the hill were just as majestic as the temple itself. We got to know from the locals nearby that every once in a while a fair is held at the temple and thousands of devotees come there. The pilgrim site was, fortunately, less crowded by the time we visited. The temple is open even at odd hours to accommodate people who have come from far for pilgrimage. We saw the temple and had darshan of Goddess Kali. There was also a Muslim shrine to a Sufi saint Sadan Shah Pir there.

We stayed at the Machi Haveli for the night after visiting the temple and some remains of Raval palace are still there even though it has been modified into a guest house for travellers. The next day we went out to explore the hill. The hill has different plateaus, the Kalika Mata plateau and Machi plateau which we had already seen and adored. Then there were also Mauliya Plateau, Bhadrakali Plateau, and Atak plateau.

We saw Teliya Talav and Dudiya Talav. The story behind the Dudiya Talav is that sage Vishwamitra had a cow that would speak and yield lots of milk. This cow was called Kamdhenu and one day it fell into the valley while grazing. It tried to get back up but couldn’t. Finally, she produced so much milk that it filled the valley and she swam to top. The sage prayed to the gods so that no cow would ever fall into the valley again and gods made a hill appear there. Well, it is just an urban legend.

We moved on to our next stop where we saw some beautifully constructed Jain temples carved from white stone which gave it a marvellous architectural charm. It was unbelievable to think that those temples dated back to the 14th-15th century. There were beautiful stone images inside of Tirthankaras. Within its vicinity, there is also a tall statue of God Bahubali which is almost 30ft in height. The entire place is splendid in its beauty and holy in ambience. There was also a Jain restaurant, gardens and Dharamshala nearby. We stopped there for some food and it turned out delicious. After wandering around the premises for some more time, we started clicking pictures and finding other places to see around there.

During our journey back home, we stopped at the foot of Pavagadh to visit ‘Vada Talabh’ and Kabootar khaana and then finally relaxed at a beautiful garden called ‘Virasat Van’. It was a serene atmosphere and the sights were beautiful. This experience gave us unforgettable memories of our trip to Pavgadh. Even now we have those visions behind our eyes and can feel the cool breeze upon my skin.

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Western Ghats Western India

“Matheran” Excellent idea to Hang Out!!

Maharashtra is one of the most happening states in the country, and we don’t mean it by the tourism point of view. Of course, there are some places which are tourist’s delight, but they aren’t in abundance. Once such place is Matheran, which is closest to the state capital Mumbai. Located in the arms of the great Sahyadri hills, Matheran offers some great visuals worth savoring.

How to reach there

Reaching here is no big a task. A Karjat bound local train will bring you here. As the motor cars are banned, you may have to find a parking spot somewhere else to park your car and then you can walk barefoot to Matheran. The entry ticket for the adults is INR 40 while the minors can get in at half of that amount.

However, there is one thing where the place serves as a great example for the rest of the country, any kind of motor vehicles are banned here completely. This step was taken in order to keep the place as pollution-free as possible. And the result shows, the air smells the best, the green is really green and the sky seems bluer than ever. There are talks about making some other places in the country to make them the same way as Matheran.

About the place, Matheran is a picturesque valley full of natural beauty which happens to be present here in abundance. People say that almost all the points of this beautiful place are visually stunning; at every point, you can get a great view of the sunrise, the sunset, and the photogenic valleys. A walk, rickshaw or a horseback ride, choose whatever, the experience will be far better than you must have imagined. However, one thing that must be kept in mind is that most of the best places where you would want to see the sunrise and the sunset will be crowded almost all the time. There will be aggressive monkeys that are known as great thieves. Watch out for them as they keep lurking around some corner waiting to get a chance to snatch some food and eateries.

Some of the most popular sites in Matheran are the Lake Charlotte, where a magnificent waterfall overflows from the lake. Other best places to visit in Matheran are Louisa Point, Charlotte Lake, Porcupine Point (Sunset Point), Panorama Point, Alexander Point, Echo Point, Prabal Fort and many more others.

Charlotte Lake is a serene scenic spot and a prominent lake in Matheran. This lake is the prime source of the supply of water to the Matheran region. With the truly mesmerizing waterfalls that spill out around the Lake during the monsoon season, the lake becomes a splendid site to explore.

The central bazaar is one of the most interesting places to shop for all those who want a taste of the local culture. There are plentiful little shops in the Central Bazaar loaded with stuff such as leather goods, hats, footwear and the very ambrosial sweet ‘chikki’ – which is a key attraction here.

For the adventurous trekkers, Matheran is a pure indulgence. There are manifold trekking routes to Matheran, the most famous being the one through the Garbett Plateau.

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Adventure Western Ghats Western India

Camping getaways in Mumbai that are a promising stress buster

So where are you heading this weekend? We all plan in advance to explore new things on weekends. But sometimes things get really monotonous as we indulge more often in things we have done before. If your idea of outing is to unwind yourself and breath in the goodness of pure nature, then camping is the right deal for you. So let the fragrant breeze touch your face and enjoy the warmth of bonfire in the dark chilling nights. We bring some of the hottest camping gateways near Mumbai for you. Here we go:

Blend the Warmth of Thrill and Tranquility Together in Kolad

Situated on the banks of picturesquely Kundalika river, Kolad camp is an exotic treat for travelers from around the country. It is a haven for kayaking, rafting, and boating enthusiasts. You can also trek to the hills, explore the villages, and experience the spirituality of nature scattered around. Some of the adventure activities at this spot, to boost your adrenaline are white water rafting, boating, kayaking and many others. As the night unfolds its charm, you can listen to the music of the river as you sit in the company of friends with a bonfire warming you up. You are bound to return with a handful of unforgettable memories. Kolad is at 130 km from Mumbai. If you are driving to Kolad, you can reach the destination in approximately 2 hours 30 minutes or also board a direct train.

A Night in Cave at Gorakhgad Fort

What makes this spot stand out is that you spend a night in a cave, not in your camp. The very idea of camping in a cave is thrilling and trekking to Sahyadri Mountain just adds to the fun. Touted as more than 100 years old, you can have ane experience of a lifetime as you view the world from the pinnacle of the mountain. This camping site is one of the most popular near Mumbai. Loads of people come here for camping on and off. Chanting of shlokas and music of devotional Shiva songs sung by villagers from distance in the night leaves you mesmerized.

Gorakhgad fort is an ideal place for those friendly bonfires with beers and ghost stories. Kalyan station is located at the central line of Mumbai Local system. One can easily get an ST bus from outside the Kalyan station and reach Murbad in about 45 minutes. From Murbad, one has the option to board another bus to Dehri village or one can hire a tum-tum (local transport).

The Barbecue World at Pavana

Right in the heart of Lonavala, this place is a rage amongst the youth of Mumbai and Pune. They throng this camping site on weekends to escape the monotony of a fast paced life in cities. This place also makes for a great barbecue site. You can gaze at the clear sky, experience the beauty of the open vast lands, and enjoy the breeze. Forts like Lohagad, Tikona, and Tungi are also in the vicinity of the site. You can explore and have your share of some history.

The driving distance between Mumbai and Pavna lake is 109 kilometers and it takes about 3 hours to cover the distance between Mumbai and Pavna. One can follow Sion-Panvel Expressway and Mumbai – Pune Expressway to NH4 in Khandala, Lonavala. Next take an exit from Khandala-Lonavala exit ramp from the highway and continue on to NH4 to arrive at your destination in Kol.

In the Heart of Green Hills at Karnala

A few kilometers away from Mumbai, it is every Mumbaikar’s dream gateway to escape from the hustle and bustle of the city life. It is also a bird sanctuary where you can listen to their exotic music or simply watch them in their natural habitat. Karnala sanctuary is a popular destination for amateur bird-watchers and ornithologists. People who decide to camp at this destination do indulge into some bird watching for a delightful break. You can trek to Karnala fort and also enjoy a waterfall during monsoon. Karnala is located at a driving distance of 60 Kms from Mumbai and it takes 1.50 hours to reach here.

A Trip Down the Orchards of Strawberries in Panchgani

Panchgani is one of the most popular gateways near Mumbai. You can spend some really good time trekking into the wilderness without any feeling of guilt. The place takes you back to the old British era in no time. You can explore the strawberry gardens, hit some stores to shop for jams and jellies, lay back and enjoy the pleasant view of this gorgeous hill station and explore the wonderful trekking trails that this town has to offer. Visited by a large number of tourists, it Panchgani makes your camping experience a blissful one. The road distance between Mumbai to Panchgani is 259 km, and also there are 7 direct buses plying between Mumbai to Panchgani.

These camping sites jotted with nature’s beauty also offer mind blasting activities for adventure junkies which add to the fun factor.

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Beaches Corporate Outings Rejoice Western India

The scenic mesmerising attractions at Daman and Diu

Two small enclaves in the westernmost part of the country, Daman and Diu are bounded on all sides by the Indian state of Gujarat. The places fall on the mouth of the Daman Ganga River and combined together, they form two of the most exquisite tourist spots in the country.

How to reach

The Daman airport is well connected with the Mumbai and the Vadodara airport. The nearest domestic and international airport to Daman and Diu is Mumbai, located at a distance of 193 Kms. From Mumbai, there are six weekly flights that would take you to Diu.

The nearest located railway station to Daman is Vapi, which is only 12 km away from the city. The Delwada railway station is closely located to Diu.

Places to visit

Devka Beach (Daman)- Devka beach is a pure beauty. The view of the sunset while sitting on the beach is a sight to savor. The untouched beauty of the beach is mesmerizing as it has been kept unspoiled, pure and charming. The well-maintained cleanliness and the crystal blue water makes want to not ever leave the place. The beach also has a special Amusement Park where you can indulge in a variety of recreational activities.

Cathedral of Bom Jesus (Daman) – Due to the strong Portuguese connection since the earlier times, the churches display a remarkable and brilliant roman styled architecture. One such beautiful monument is Cathedral of Bom Jesus, which is amongst the most significant religious monument for them.  The church was built long back in 1603 and the structure still stands beautifully.

The Lighthouse (Daman) – Located at Daman Ganga Bridge, the Lighthouse is one of the major landmarks of the district of Daman. Situated in the premises of a Fort, the Lighthouse is a serene place to visit, especially during the evening. The sunset view from the top of the lighthouse could be one massive reason for its popularity.

Mirasol Lake Garden (Daman) – The calm and serene man-made place makes the tourists spend a few hours in the silence amidst the trees and flowers. The boat rides and fountains add to the overall charm of the garden in a great way. The computer game parlors are also there inside the park to lure in the younger tourists.

St. Jerome Fort (Daman) – Also known as Nani Daman fort, the magnificent monument holds a massive statue of Saint Jerome, one of the earliest fathers of the Catholic Church. The main attractions of this fort are the Church of Our Lady of the sea which is a notable example of Portuguese style architecture and the Portuguese war cemetery which is almost as old as the fort.

Golden beach (Diu) – The golden sand beach is one of the highlights of Diu providing a mesmerizing view of the deep oasis of the Arabian sea. The astonishing view of the sunrise and sunset from the beach is breathtaking.

St. Paul Church (Diu)- One of the best pieces of architecture in the entire region, St. Paul church is a great reminder of the Portuguese influence in Diu. One of the highly visited religious monuments in the area is dedicated to ‘Our lady of immaculate conception).

Nagoa Beach (Diu)- One of the centers for the thrilling water sports in the crystal blue waters of the Arabian sea, Nagoa beach quite popular among the tourists. When the beach is not in chaos due to the water sports, its quite calm and peaceful.

Naida caves (Diu)- The Naida caves are located on the periphery of the great Diu fort. The biggest attraction about this place is a long channel of tunnels which are a cause for amazement for an average tourist.

Activities to do in Daman and Diu

Diu- Water sports are quite popular in the region and the adventurous waters of the Arabian Sea, at the Nagoa beach offers some of the best water sporting events the tourists could hope for. The parasailing, surfing, banana boat rides, jet skiing, water zorbing and the hot air balloon rides over the ocean could take the adrenaline junkies to a marvelous ride.

For the kids, there are little boat rides and beach biking where they could have something of themselves to enjoy. The early minutes of evenings are considered to be the best for having a go at these water sports. Apart from the water sports, the tourists can enjoy the bird spotting and dolphin spotting in Diu and along with that, the liberation day festivities shouldn’t be missed as well.

Daman- Talking about the outdoor activities, Daman has no dearth of options to offer the tourists. The adventure junkies can head to the Bordi beach, the Mandva beach and Tarkali beach where snorkeling, para-sailing, water skiing and wind surfing are rather common. The exquisite wildlife is also one other highlight of Daman which offers wildlife photographers and enthusiasts a great opportunity to feel the wild animals in their entire wilderness. Tadoba national park, Sanjay Gandhi national park, and Navegaon national park are the perfect spots for that.

What to eat

There are two basic cultural influences on Daman and Diu, Gujarati and Portuguese and the cuisines also reflects the same. The people here mostly have the access to the sea food for obvious reasons and it is delicious, to say the least. Tawakkal, Pind Punjab da, Hotel Miramar and Daman delight are some of the places you can consider where you could have north Indian cuisines as well.

Best season to visit

The place boasts of a moderate climate throughout the year and can be visited any time. The months of October to February which mark the winter season of Daman are considered the peak time to visit Daman as sightseeing is more comfortable during the day time. You can also take pleasure in water sports and other tourist activities during this time.

Stay

There are many beautiful hotels facing the sea. The rooms are clean and nicely air conditioned. Hotel Emerald, Hotel Sai Kripa and Hotel Blue Lagoon would be our best bets.

The place is perfect for a brief holiday and you must not be hesitant to come here due to the low popularity of the place compared to other holiday destinations in the country.

Categories
Corporate Outings Rejuvenate Western Ghats Western India

Lonavala – The Family Getaway for Mumbaikars

Everybody should make a Lonavala trip once in a lifetime. The resort town of Lonavala in the Sahyadri Mountains is Mumbai’s most popular weekend getaway. Numerous waterfalls that plummet and trickle through thickly forested hillsides are good to escape the madness of the busier lifestyle. Lonavala is a popular holiday destination and a luxe way to enjoy the vacation amidst the cool green valleys which delight the eye. Lonavala is also called the Jewel of the Sahyadri Hills.

It is a hill station which happens to be located at about a 3 hours distance of 64 kilometres from Pune and 96 kilometers from the state capital Mumbai. The expressway running through it is quite an easy way to reach here and the railway is also there to make it a bit faster and easier to reach. Like every other gorgeous hill stations, there are many points on the hills here where you can have a great visual of the entire valley and soothe your senses. There are many small villages which are seen tucked in between and this offers a great visual experience to the visitors. A few kilometers away is a point that gives a great of the fort of Chhatrapati Shivaji known as Rajmachi. The place is a great tourist spot and known as the pride of Maharashtra.

And as is happens to be the case, there is absolutely no dearth of eateries in probably the best holiday destination in Maharashtra. Restaurants like Hotel Chandralok and Cafe 24 and various roadside dhabas will make the foodies go crazy. The cuisines are the impeccable mixture of Gujarati and Maharashtrian food items. And how could one forget the famous sweet, Chikki? Lonavala happens to be one of the biggest exporters of the Indian sweet that has got the entire country drooling over it.

For the picnic, there is the very famous Ryewood Park in Lonavala known for its great views and services. The park is full of tall trees and occupies a great deal of space. There also happens to be a very old and grand Shiva temple in the middle of the park, which is a good place for the devotees of Lord Shiva. Valvan dam is also a very popular tourist spot in the area that attracts a lot of people from all over the country each year. About 12 kilometers away from the mainland Lonavala, is the Duke’s nose. The place is quite popular among the most adventurous of the tourists and is quite a lot of popular among the hikers.

During the visit to Lonavala, one can choose to stay at Fariyas Resort Lonavala that also has a nice banquet venue for partying. For a luxurious stay, one can opt to stay at Aamby Valley City known for its excellent location, great hospitality, and great food.

Being one of the most popular tourist destinations, there is no dearth of places to stay in the hill station. There are five-star hotels, some good lodges among other places where the tourists can have a good stay.

Tiger’s point is one other wonderful place to see in here, which sometimes is also known as Tiger’s leap. Just beside it, there happens to be the wonderful waterfall that only remains active during the monsoon season and is dry for the the most part in the year.

The ancient caves of Karla and Bhaja are other attractions about the place. It gives the tourists a great peak in the ancient history of the Indians about how they lived when the world was devoid of any sort of technological stuff. The very popular caves date back to about 1st century BC and are as beautiful as they get.

Lonavala is to Mumbaikars what Haridwar and Rishikesh are to Delhiites. Most of the people living and working in these two metropolitans do need some time off, and they are lucky to have these places at a few hours’ distance.

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Adventure Beaches South India Western India

Best places to enjoy Marine Life in India

Swimming side by side innumerable schools of dazzling fishes, peeking under the corals hoping to spot an unusual marine creature, adoring the heavy silence as you blade through azure waters with only the noise of your inhalation to accompany you – yes, that is what snorkeling is all about. The Ghoomophiro team checks out the best snorkeling destinations in India as follows.

The Andamans

Snorkeling in the magnificent and turquoise waters of the Andaman Islands is equivalent to doing it in Seychelles or Maldives. Havelock Island, known for its flawless, white sand beaches, is the ultimate hub for lovers of the sport. Unadulterated coral reefs remain of sunken sea vessels, gorgeous underwater rock formations, and lively marine life- all make for an amazing and unforgettable experience. Cinque Islands and Passage Island, which are known for shark sightings, are other famous spots in the Andamans.

Lakshwadeep

The best thing about Lakshwadeep is that it is less frequented as a tourist destination. The reefs around the islands are pure and unspoiled by human intervention plus the beautiful blue waters bustle with a variety of sea life. Kadmat Islands and Bangaram are the most visited and the former even has a diving school. Tourism policies for Lakshwadeep keep on changing, so make sure you acquire the required permits before planning a vacation.

Goa

Goa, India’s party capital is also a paradise for water sports aficionados. More than the sea life, which is present in plenty in the tepid waters of the Arabian Sea, it is the shipwrecks along the coastline that pull divers from all over the globe to this place. Some of the most well- known sites are Wreck of Suzy, Grande Island, Bay of Bounty and Cove of Shelter. Expect to sight angelfish, parrotfish, barracudas, snappers and Moorish idols. You should avoid going here during monsoons as the water gets dull and the ebbs are not very welcoming.

Maharashtra

Tarkarli is a hidden treasure on the Konkan coast. The Sindhudurg Fort has a grand coral growth on the submerged walls which houses plenty of aquatic creatures. The pristine, unpolluted waters allow excellent visibility and since tourism is still in its initial stage, snorkeling and diving here are much cheaper comparatively. Tarkarli is easily accessible by road from Goa, Pune, and Mumbai.

Pondicherry, Tamil Nadu

Pondicherry may not have acquired a name as a scuba diving destination in India but you’ll be happily surprised with what its warm waters have to provide. Arvind’s Wall, 4 Corners, Cool Shark Reef, The Hole and Danny’s Eel Sanctuary are pervasive with aquatic life and you can spot sea snakes, parrot fish, lion fish, crustaceans, groupers, moray eels, and triggerfish. If you are lucky enough, you may even have a tete-a-tete with a turtle or a reef shark. Chennai is the closest airport to Pondicherry.

Netrani Island, Karnataka

This tiny island off the coast of Karnataka is growing quickly in fame as a snorkeling destination. Also called as the Pigeon Island, Netrani is a coral island that is accessible from Bengaluru, Goa, and Mumbai. Barracudas, manta rays, stingrays, reef sharks, turtles, and stonefish are commonly sighted around this place. Because sharp rocks surround the island, it is not really possible to step onto it, Therefore, snorkeling expeditions are often launched from a vessel. The monsoon season should be avoided.So, a shout out to all the snorkeling enthusiasts to visit these amazing sites in India!

So, a big shout out to all the snorkeling enthusiasts to visit these amazing sites in India!

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