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5 Popular Weekend Getaways from Mysore

Blog, Destinations, Weekend Getaways - GoroadTrip - August 28, 2015

Mysore in Karnataka is geographically inclined for short trips or weekend getaways. You can plan a visit to a historical place, a place with scenic and natural surroundings or a trip to a wildlife sanctuary; with Mysore as the base, you can make the trip in two days. Some such weekend getaways from Mysore are:

5 Popular Weekend Getaways from Mysore

Madikeri:

Madikeri in Coorg is the closet hill station to Mysore at a distance of around 120 kilometres. Madikeri is a typical hill station with rambling hills, pockets of forests, valleys, streams and coffee plantations with the quaintness of Kodava culture adding to its charm.

MM Hills:

Around 135 kilometres from Mysore, these lush and green hills mark the boundary between Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. MM Hills or Male Mahadeshwara Hills was inhabited by the feared bandit Veerappan and his men. Now tourists can freely enjoy the beauty of the hills and bask in its natural surroundings of sandalwood and bamboo trees and watch the flow of two rivers, Cauvery and Palar. An ancient temple of Shiva set amidst the hills and valleys is a place worth a visit.

Sakleshpur:

A small town in the Malnad region, Sakleshpur is around 150 kilometres from Mysore. Abundant with coffee plantations, the place is a nature lover’s delight with a lush countryside. Sakleshpur is characteristic of thick growth of plants, majestic trees, pepper vines and small streams and waterfalls. Ideal for trekking and camping, tourists can also visit Tipu Sultan’s Manjirabad Fort which offer magnificent views of the Western Ghats from the top.

Belur-Halebidu:

About 15 kilometres apart these two heritage places are archetypal specimens of the intricate Hoysala architecture. The Channakeshava temple at Belur has a unique star shape and exquisite panels on the exterior walls that narrate stories from ancient times. The stone carvings of the celestial dancers stand out for their beauty and stunning art.

Talacauvery:

Near Madikeri in Coorg, Talacauvery is around 165 kilometres from Mysore. Set on the top of Brahmagiri hill at an altitude of around 4200 feet, it is the birth place of Cauvery River. As you climb up you dip into some misty clouds. Brace yourself for some knockout views when you reach the top.

Travel with your family or friends or just set off on your own. You will enjoy these interesting places either way.

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6 best Hiking Trails in Kerala that any Adventure Lover should not miss

Blog, Adventure Activities - GoroadTrip - August 16, 2015

God’s own country is blessed with an extravagance of natural wonders. While it is more popular for its backwaters, Kerala is a hiker’s delight as well. For some exciting and scenic hiking trails check out this list.

6 best Hiking Trails in Kerala that any Adventure Lover should not miss

Anaimudi Hills:

This is the highest peak in South India. Called Anamudi Hills, the hills have a vast expanse of greenery and stunning natural sights to absorb on a trek. Take in the scenery and breathe in the fresh and pure air; you might never want to take off your hiking shoes!

Chembra Hills:

The hiking trail to Chembra Hills starts from Meppady in Wayanad district. As you hike up the path of 14 kilometres winding into the mountains of tea plantations with puffs of misty clouds for company, you climb and reach the peak at 2100 metres above sea level before you know it!

Agasthyarkoodam Peak:

Named after Agasthya Rishi who made the peak his abode for the peace and tranquillity it offered, the peak is at a height of 1868 metres above sea level. The trek up this peak takes you through dark green forests which transports you back in times when walking was the only way to travel. As you reach the peak where a full size statue of Agasthya is present, you get to see many medicinal plants along the way. Ayurvedic experts be ready to fill your bags!

Periyar Tiger Reserve:

There is an organised trail at this place as it is a reserve forest in its original form. Trained guides accompany the trekkers and the trek involves a time of around 36 hours. So an overnight stay at the forest is mandatory. A brush with wildlife during this trek is a given!

Chimmini:

This trail favours ornithologists. It is in a wildlife sanctuary with a mind boggling 160 varieties of birds and several types of butterflies. Hikers can also trek on the outskirts of the sanctuary. The interior trek through the dense jungle is for the more ardent and ambitious bird lovers!

Pythal Mala:

For a short trek, you can opt to go the 6 kilometre stretch to the hill top of Pythal Mala. The beautiful flora and fauna up the path bowls you over as much as the amazing view at the top of the hill!

On this visit to Kerala, do not forget to pack your hiking gear!

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Flying High

Blog, Destinations - GoroadTrip - August 4, 2015

Air travel has come a long way today. Air traffic is as busy as other travel modes. Naturally the air stations or airports are as bustling. But there is a charm to airports that sets them apart from other stations. There is a dignity, professionalism and a courteous air combined with an attractive ambience. Some airports in our country have come by this charm by location and some by design.

A list of our charming and attractive airports are:

Kushok Bakula Rimpochee airport, Leh:

This airport on the lovely hill desert of Leh, Jammu and Kashmir, is in a natural landscape of snow clad mountains. At an altitude of 10,682 feet above mean sea level, this is one of the highest airports in the world. Flights from this airport have to take off only in the mornings as feisty mountain winds set in by noon.

Agatti Island Airport, Lakshadweep:

This airport has to be nature’s pet. You cannot match the natural scenic beauty that surrounds this airport with any other in the world. It is located on a really narrow strip of land that runs through endless blue waters of the Laccadive Sea. Only a single flight to Kochi runs from this airport.

Gaggal Airport, Kangra:

Another airport on a hillstation, Gaggal Airport is in the midst of the Himalayas. 14 kilometres away from Dharamshala, it is at an altitude of 2,492 feet. The serenity stands out when the cold winds whisper at this scenic airport. Flights operate mainly to and from Chandigarh and Delhi from here.

Dabolim Airport, Goa:

Located near the sea shore, this domestic and international airport is in the Dabolim village in Goa. It is one of the most beautiful airports of India.

Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi:

This is the busiest airport in India. It is the largest aviation hub for India and South Asia. The airport has been awarded the fourth best position in the world.

ChhatrapatiShivaji International Airport, Mumbai:

This airport is the second busiest in India and the busiest when it comes to cargo traffic. It has been awarded as the best airport in India and Central Asia.

Stroll through the book or cloth stores, relax in the lounges and satisfy your appetite at the many restaurants in the airports. A delay in your flight time will seem welcome.

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5 British Monuments in Mumbai

Blog, Destinations, Heritage & Culture - GoroadTrip - July 29, 2015

Bombay was handed down as part of the dowry in the wedding of Catherine of Braganza and Charles II in the year 1661! Initially British favoured Surat over Mumbai but eventually recognized its potential for its geographical position and shifted their base to this west coast city. The rest is history. One of the cities to grow phenomenally in no time, Mumbai started to make fashionable statements with its stylish buildings. Built under the guidance of Sir Bartle Frere, the city boasts of many colonial buildings of a high architectural competence.

5 British Monuments in Mumbai

Gateway of India:

Regarded as Mumbai’s pride, the Gateway of India was designed and built by George Witte to commemorate King George V and Queen Mary’s visit to Mumbai. The massive and striking archway took nearly 13 years for completion.

Mumbai High Court:

Designed by Colonel J.A. Fuller, the Mumbai High Court showcases the impressive Gothic style. It is one of the oldest colonial buildings in the Fort area of Mumbai that continue to dazzle tourists.

Victoria Terminus:

Blending Victorian Italianate Gothic Revival and traditional Indian style, the Victoria terminus railway station stands tall and imposing. It was designed by Frederick William Stevens and conceived to honour the Victoria Jubilee Day. The carvings on the wood, the turrets and the statue of Queen Victoria make the Victoria Terminus an attractive structure. The name was changed to Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus in 1996.

Prince of Wales Musuem

Built in the Indo-Saracenic architecture by George Wittet, the Prince of Wales Museum has three sections on art, natural history and archaeology. The museum is regarded as one of the best and finest museums in India. The bronze statue of George V outside the museum and the equestrian statue of Edward VII in the front, adds to the charm that the structure commands.The name is changed to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya.

The Town Hall:

Originally designed by Colonel Thomas Cowper, the Town Hall is a fine example of neo-classical and Greek revival styles. The building is placed high on an arcade basement with a colossal flight of steps leading to it.

It can be said without doubt that the British left with Mumbai, monuments worthy of its power, class and wealth.

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5 Best Weekend getaways from Kochi

Blog, Destinations, Weekend Getaways - GoroadTrip - July 17, 2015

God’s own country, Kerala, has a bouquet of travel destinations; hill stations, back waters, beaches, historical monuments, shopping, eateries, all bunched together in one string. With Kochi as the base one can plan and travel to all genres of destinations whenever they have a free weekend.

5 Best Weekend getaways from Kochi

Kumarakom and Alleppey:

Approximately around 60 kilometres from Kochi, Allepey and Kumarakom back waters are referred to as ‘Venice of the East’. With a vivid scenery, luxury resorts, house boats, home stays and local delectable cuisine, the back waters are an enticing weekend getaway from Kochi.

Munnar:

About 130 kilometres from Kochi is the choicest of hill stations, Munnar. The gurgling brooks, rambling hills, dancing green tea leaves and the wonderful mountain air makes you want to rush to Munnar every weekend if you are in Kochi.

Thekkady:

Just about 160 kilometres from Kochi is Thekkady. This place takes you directly into the lap of nature with its lush greenery and rippling waters. Wander through the forests taking in the scents of spices like pepper, cloves and nutmeg and stop at the town for a refreshing cup of the native filter coffee. Camp out at night to experience the pure air, forest smells and the sight of fireflies lighting up the sky.

Kovalam:

Drive down around 220 kilometres to visit the crowing jewel of Kerala, Kovalam. The Arabian Sea at Kovalam is at its beautiful best with some mesmerizing views of sunsets that have you rooted to the spot. The three crescent beaches of Kovalam lets you get your fill of beaches and the sea. Excellent and delicious cuisine of Kovalam are a yummy add-on.

Kanyakumari:

You can venture out a bit further and travel about 300 kilometres to the tip of India that is Kanyakumari. The scenic drive along the coastal line is incentive enough. Experience the unique sight of the sun setting over the Arabian Sea when the moon is rising above the Bay of Bengal at this peninsula. In addition to its ancient and mythological temples, Kanyakumari is famous for the Vivekananda Rock Memorial and Our Lady of Ransom Church.

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