Posts for Things To Do Category

Beach Side of San Diego

Blog, Destinations, Things To Do, Weekend Getaways - GoroadTrip - December 29, 2016

With a coastline of almost 70 miles, San Diego California is connected to several beaches. Each beach is a winner with pleasant weather, silvery sand and calm water suitable for all seasons. Some of these beautiful beaches, which are guaranteed by locals and visitors, are:

Beach Side of San Diego

Coronado Beach:

In constant weather Coronado Beach is a wide and shallow beach. It is perfect for families with gentle waves suitable for swimming, surfing or boogie surfing. Coronado Beach has the distinction of being one of the most romantic beaches and the best family beach in the world. He also enjoyed a bit of celebrity as the beach featured in the romantic comedy “Some Like It Hot” starring Marilyn Monroe.

Mission Beach:

Mission Beach stretches for about two miles between the Pacific Ocean and the entrance to the Mission Bay Canal. A walk along the beach and the bay allows people to walk around and even ride a bike. Activities such as giant roller coasters, beach volleyball and surfing on designated beaches make Mission Beach a huge tourist attraction.

La Jolla:

The approximately 1.5 km long sandy beach La Jolla is a perfect beach destination for families. It has Kellogg Park next to it with lawns to relax and enjoy a picnic. The gentle waves, especially in summer, make it perfect for the diving courses that are held here. Surfing is also allowed, but in certain areas. Visitors can also visit the Steven Birch Aquarium nearby.

Imperial Beach:

Located five miles from the US-Mexico border, Imperial Beach is popular for the US Open Sandcastle Competition, which takes place every summer. In addition to swimming and surfing, beachgoers can take a tour of public art or a nature walk in the famous Tijuana Estuary to observe birds.

Pacific Beach:

The Pacific Beach nicknamed “The Strand” stretches for about two miles. Pacific Beach is one of the busiest beaches in San Diego and usually has large crowds. It offers a magnificent view of the sunset and is also dotted with many shops and restaurants.

Silver Strand Beach:

One of the most popular beaches for camping, Silver Beach Beach is between Coronado and Imperial Beach. Tourists can also enjoy a variety of activities such as swimming, kayaking, water skiing, surfing and boating in the sea and beach volleyball on the shore. Campers are helped with picnic tables, barbecues and fire rings on the beach to increase the fun of camping.

Solana Beach:

Located in the north of San Diego, Solana Beach is enchanting with its hidden coves and beautiful cliffs. From almost every corner stairs lead to the beach on the cliffs. The beach is popular for its five hot spots; On the beach, Tide Beach, Seascape Beach, Fletcher Cove and Del Mar Shores.

Ocean Beach:

Ocean Beach is a beach where dogs can run without a leash. Fishing without a license is also allowed here. Lifeguard stations are an integral part of the beach as the sea has strong tears that restrict swimming and surfing to designated areas.

Tourmaline Surfing Park Beach:

Tourmaline Surfing Park Beach is another beach in the north of the country of San Diego. He is known for surfing and windsurfing. Surrounded by cliffs that are almost 75 feet high, the beach is in a very beautiful location. He has lifeguards all year round. Separate areas are reserved for swimmers and surfers on the beach.

Windansea Beach:

The beach of Windansea is located in La Jolla and attracts experienced surfers and swimmers with rocky shores and waves on the coast. The beach also provides privacy for swimmers and sunbathers as it has large rocks strategically positioned on the beach.

Moonlight Beach:

Frequented by North County Beach Goers, Moonlight Beach is a state beach in Encinitas, San Diego. It is a privileged family getaway as it has a beach volleyball court and surfing facilities. It also has a large playground on the sandy beach for children. Snack bars and good restaurants complete this beach vacation destination.

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6 Things to do in South Lake Tahoe

Adventure Activities, Destinations, Things To Do - GoroadTrip - November 17, 2016

South Lake Tahoe is located on the southern shores of Lake Tahoe and is a city in California, United States. It is one of the most populous cities in El Dorado County. Also called Lake Tahoe Boulevard, the city has much to offer in every season. Some places to go to Lake Tahoe Boulevard are:

6 Things to do in South Lake Tahoe

Taylor Creek Visitor Center:

The Taylor Creek Visitor Center, located about three miles from South Lake Tahoe City, is a center that offers four interesting self-guided trails and the Stream Profile Chamber. The Rainbow Paths, Sky Lake, Forest Tree and Smokey trails give tourists a nature experience that includes the river, swamps and forests.

Vikingsholm:

Vikingsholm is a colossal mansion on the shores of Emerald Bay in Lake Tahoe and is located in the National Register of Historic Places. Vikingsholm is considered one of the great examples of Scandinavian architecture and is currently part of the Harvey West unit of Emerald Bay State Park. Visitors can visit it during the summer months, but the surrounding countryside can be enjoyed all year round.

Heavenly Mountain Ski Resort:

The Heavenly Mountain Ski Resort sits on 4,800 acres and has the highest elevation in the Lake Tahoe area. About 33% of the area is suitable for skiing. With the heavy snowfall of the season, the ski resort has one of the largest snow-making facilities from November to mid-April and therefore ski tours.

Regan Beach:

Regan Beach is the oldest beach in the city of South Lake Tahoe. With shallow waters, the beach is ideal for swimming and kayaking. It also has excellent facilities for children with a playground, a large lawn, a volleyball court and a viewing platform.

Lower Eagle Falls:

Lower Eagle Falls rises 150 feet from Upper Eagle Falls to Emerald Bay State Park. The falls are best in spring when the water flow is highest.

Pope Beach:

The beach of Pope Beach is a popular tourist destination. The sandy beach is ideal for sunbathing and the calm waters of the sea for swimming. Tourists can enjoy magnificent views of Lake Tahoe and the back of the Sierra Nevada from this beach.

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Ferry to Paradise – Traveling the Andaman Islands

Blog, Things To Do - GoroadTrip - September 9, 2015

Respecting the old adage ‘when in Rome, do as the Romans do’, while on the islands, the rest of India is referred to as ‘mainland’. Apart from Hindi which is widely spoken, broken Tamil and Bengali will get you by too; it is from Tamil Nadu and West Bengal that the majority of the present day locals originate.

For those of you more than used to the jagged rock of the west coast or rough surf of the east, the beaches of the Andamans are like being transported to a parallel universe. Just taking in the view as you walk into one of the hundred thousand beach shores for the first time is a transcendental experience, much like a dream from which you don’t want to be awoken.

If you thought all those clichéd descriptions of white sandy beaches and blue waters were over-rated, think again. Often you wind up being the only person on vast stretches of uninhabited beach, making you feel like you have entire islands to yourself!

With multifaceted landscapes of coral garden, mangrove, sand strewn beaches and dense jungle – the Andaman and Nicobar Islands contribute more than their fair share to the spectrum of habitats that thrive in India.

Travel to the islands from the mainland is mostly done from the ports of Chennai or Calcutta (Kolkata). You do have the choice between ship and plane though word of mouth renders the former a non-option on account of the dismal conditions on board.

The journey by ship will take more than a couple of days and while you can choose from a range of classes while booking your tickets, the ‘Deluxe’ class, which enjoys the highest premium, will cost you as much as a medium priced flight.

When it comes to booking flights to the Andamans, a bit of planning will take you a long way. We say this because it is best to be able to pounce on the many discounts and mega sales from airline portals during the short span in which they are offered. It would be even better if you put yourself on ‘alert lists’ where you will be notified when prices of flight tickets to and from Port Blair drops. Employing all of these methods and with a little luck, you should be able to book a Chennai-Port Blair return from anywhere between 4000-8000 INR.

That said, no matter how good the discount, it is not recommended that you take a chance on visiting the islands off season (season: October-April/May). The incessant near-cyclonic tropical monsoon of these islands will have you strapped down to one spot as the rains often throw ferry schedules off track, among other things.

The Andaman and Nicobar Islands have only one major airport at Port Blair. Once out of the small airport and into bright sunshine and winding roads of this tiny island town, you should make immediate arrangements by ferry (public or private) to reach your first and next destination.

The most popular island for tourists is Havelock to which many public and private boats ferry enthusiastic visitors. All of 13 kilometers square and neighbored by the equally popular Neil Island, there is a lot to do and see while here. Taking luxurious swims in the pristine blue waters of the world famous Radhanagar, early morning treks to Elephant Beach, discovering the hundreds of snorkeling locations or enjoying a delicious meal at one of the many beach-type shack restaurants are only naming a few.

If the duration of your holiday totals to longer than a week, then it would be a crying shame to spend more than three days on Havelock. We say this because a minimum of ten days lends a traveler a fair amount of time to be able to get a taste of more than just what’s popular in the Andamans. On the other hand, if you have only a couple of days at your disposal, stay put at Neil and Havelock and surrender yourself to the persuasions of the utterly luxurious pace at which time moves.

You will be hopping on and off a number of ferries as they are the main means of transport around the islands. Booking ferries is drummed up to be a Herculean task, but it isn’t so. You are sure to be approached by a number of brokers and/or package tour dealers; though enticing, bear in mind that booking a ferry is not as difficult as they make it seem and with patience, it really only takes one try before you get the hang of it.

Depending on where you have to go, duration of travel and availability of ferries – ferries to most islands can be booked from the multiple jetties in Port Blair and you will be spending a lot of time here while doing so. While you are forced to spend time waiting for ferries in Port Blair (especially for those traveling over long periods of time), there are a number of one or half-day activities to keep you occupied (Ross Island, Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park, Jolly Buoy, Chidiyatapu etc). However, in terms of showcasing the essence of the islands, these barely make a dent.

This is the primary reason why we recommend that you spend as little time as possible in Port Blair. You will quickly learn that Port Blair is not your regular thriving metropolis so much so that it is difficult to find a good restaurant serving dinner beyond 9pm. Another recommendation is to prioritize the government/public ferries over the privately run outfits as the latter are infamous for not adhering to safety protocols, a negligence that has often culminated in fatal accidents.

The ferry rides can be grimy and sweaty, especially in the mid-afternoon, heat but if you manage to break away from the crowd and escape to the deck in front of where the captain steers the boat, the sea breeze will blow you away. Surging ahead into miles of uncharted ocean, this is an unbelievably glorious spot to unwind.

Our personal recommendation would certainly be to travel and see as much of the islands as you can. Diglipur and Mayabundar are places in the north that demand an overnight journey at the least, but are teeming with endemic flora and fauna just the same. Little Andaman to the south, between Andaman and Nicobar, is easily one of the most phenomenal places on earth. This secluded island generously offers its golden sand beaches to the few tourists who make the long journey to it. The waterfalls and creeks of this island are hauntingly beautiful and Kala Pathar is also nearby.

Foreigners with an Indian visa need a permit to travel to the Andamans; this can be procured from immigration authorities on arrival in Port Blair (as well as from Indian Mission Overseas; Foreigner’s Registration Office or Immigration Authorities at Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai). These permits lapse within a period of 30 days after which they can be extended, with permission, by a fortnight. Be a hundred percent sure of your arrangements to exit the islands in time with the deadline on your permit as the internal security in the islands run a tight show, not hesitating to take severe action against overstaying defaulters. This permission comes with a list of places where foreigners are permitted to halt overnight as well as those where they can’t. The Nicobar group of islands is off limits for foreigners as well as Indian nationals alike.

Whether it is the crisp ocean breeze or the appetite you work up by trekking and swimming, it doesn’t matter, for the food on the islands is top notch. An eclectic mix of local tastes with tourist preferences, Havelock especially offers the best with seafood being the obvious specialty. Restaurant and accommodation choices on Havelock are a long list to choose from, suiting a range of tastes and budgets.

While Havelock has recently installed a couple of ATMS, most other islands still don’t have this option. Make sure to carry sufficient cash before boarding your ferry to an island hundreds of nautical miles away. Also, ensure that your ferry does not arrive on an island after sunset or before sunrise as local transport and finding accommodation at an unearthly hour are risks to be avoided.

The vibe at Havelock is a strange but wonderful combination of easy going and energetic. Walking along its main street, you will see a number of dive shops. Step in to any one to be immersed in the obsessive dive culture that will quite easily seduce you. Snorkeling and scuba diving are arguably the best way to experience the phenomenal beauty of the Andaman Islands.

Consider these as mere pointers, a nudge to start you off in the direction of the forgotten paradise of the Andamans – because the most unforgettable experiences we’ve had in the Andamans cannot be described; words barely do justice to this profoundly moving experience of nature’s bounty.

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51 Things to do in Chennai

Blog, Things To Do - GoroadTrip - July 6, 2015

51 Things to do in Chennai

1. Make a beeline for the Marina Beach, Chennai’s most popular tourist attraction; it is the second longest beach in the world! You can’t leave without enjoying the vast expanse of sea, sand and sun. And try to catch a sunrise on the beach; it’s a mind-altering experience!

2. Eat hot bajjis on the beach – crisp onion, chilli, potato and raw banana fritters freshly fried. Nothing to beat the feeling of hot bajjis eaten on rickety chairs on the beach as the wind whips your face.

3. Alternatively, try out the local favorite – sundal, boiled chickpeas, seasoned with mustard seeds and coconut.

4. On the subject of beaches, Elliots Beach in Besant Nagar is quite a happening place with beachside restaurants, ice cream joints and fast food.

5. Tie mallipoo (jasmine) in your hair. It beats buying a bottle of Kenzo any day.

6. Head off to Mamallapuram (fondly known as Mahabs) and soak in the beauty of the Shore Temple and all the lovely monuments.

7. Mahabs is dotted with shops selling stone carvings, woodcarvings, soapstone figurines, handicrafts and seashell jewelry. And yes, you can bargain at almost all of these shops.

8. Enjoy a picnic in the shaded environs of Tigers Cave, on the way to Mamallapuram.

9. Gorge on seafood at Mahabs – fresh catch is dished up in many delicious ways.

10. If you come in January, you can catch the dazzling spectacle of the Mamallapuram Dance Festival and get to see various art forms performed in gorgeous surroundings.

11.From Mamallapuram, keep going till you reach Pondicherry. You can shop, sightsee and eat at one of the many lovely restaurants in this charming town. This former French Colony is a one-hour drive from Mahabs. And, don’t forget to visit Auroville.

12. Spend a day at Dakshinachitra on the East Coast Road and learn about South Indian culture. The centre showcases the living traditions of art and culture, folk performing arts, crafts and the architectural traditions of South India.

13. Enjoy soft fluffy idlis and filter coffee at Murugan Idli Shop. You will get four varieties of delicious chutney and sambhar; you can also ask for podi (powder) and oil.

14. Try out fiery Chettinad food at the many Chettinad restaurants that dot the city.

15. Spend a day at Kalakshetra School of Dance, which was founded by Rukmini Arundale. Soak in the lovely ambience – gracious architecture and the verdant campus – and get to see Bharatnatyam and other dance forms performed by lovely, graceful dancers.

16. Schedule a stop at the Madras Crocodile Bank and get entranced by hordes of crocs! A fascinating place to visit, one can see several species of Indian and African crocodiles and alligators bred in captivity and kept here in open pools. There is also a small snake farm that conducts demonstrations of venom extraction. Not for the squeamish!

17. Pay a visit to the Madras Snake Park and learn about these slithering reptiles. The Guindy National Park is adjacent to it and you can enjoy the beauty of natural surroundings bang in the heart of the city.

18. Spend a day at Vandalur Zoo and catch a glimpse of the many exotic animals that are there.

19. Head to St. Thomas Mount; sit atop the serene hill and be enthralled by the sweeping view of the city and the airport. The quaint church too is where St. Thomas was martyred is worth a visit. Its serene ambience will calm and soothe you.

20. for a thrilling catamaran ride with the local fisherman. Be warned…you need nerves of steel!

21. Check out the local sabhas for Carnatic music kutcheris and Bharatanatyam dance performances.

22. Amuse yourself at one of the many amusement parks like VGP, Kishkinta and MGM Dizee World

23. See artists at work at the Cholamandal Artists Village. This peaceful artists’ colony on ECR is a must-visit for art aficionados.

24. Admire the beautiful Kapaleeswarar Temple in Mylapore with its magnificent gopurams and traditional South Indian architecture.

25. Take a walk down the crowded by-lanes of Mylapore next to Kapaaleswar Temple; the aroma of freshly filtered coffee and hot, spicy bajjis, frying in ladles of bubbling oil permeate the air. Little roadside stalls sell an array of products from strung jasmine and marigold to slippers, an amazing range of bindis to bangles and costume jewelry.

26. Take a walk down history lane with visits to the Government Museum in Egmore and Fort St. George, which is where the British originally settled in 1640.

27. The Fort is also home to one of the oldest British churches in India – St. Mary’s, built in 1680. The highlights of the church are the altarpiece and a striking painting of ‘The Last Supper’ done by Raphael.

28. Pig out on South Indian food at Saravana Bhavan. They have outlets all over the city and their dosas, sambhar rice, curd rice, tamarind rice and thalis are just yum.

29. Add some stunning kanjeevaram and chungdi saris to your wardrobe. They come in a dazzling variety of colours and designs at the many shops that dot the city. T. Nagar and Mylapore have many lovely sari shops.

30. Pay a visit to the Theosophical Society in Adyar. Not only can you learn more about the Society you can also enjoy the beauty of nature in its lovely verdant campus. It’s an oasis within the city.

31. The banyan tree at Theosophical Society is supposedly 450 years old and sprawls across approximately 40,000 sq.ft.

32. A visit to Nalli is a must; their selection of saris, for which they are legendary, is awesome.

33. Buy temple jewellery; it’s unique, it’s beautiful. From earrings, studs, chains, pendants to hair ornaments, there’s a stunning variety. Originally, temple jewelry was made in gold, studded with uncut diamonds and rubies, and emeralds, sapphires and pearls but today you will find more affordable pieces.

34. The gypsies have set up roadside stalls in Besant Nagar and they sell lovely, colorful beaded jewelry at virtually throwaway prices. A great bargain.

35. For fabrics of every hue, texture and design, visit the pavement stalls off Pantheon Road. You can pick up material for curtains, upholstery and clothes at great prices. Remember to hone your bargaining skills!

36. For handicrafts pay a visit to Poompuhar or Victoria Technical Institute and pick up traditional artefacts.

37. Need some retail therapy? Head to one of the malls – Express Avenue, Phoenix Mall or Citi Center. Window shop, choose from a mind-boggling variety of foods at their food courts, and just wile away the time.

38. Sathyam Cimemas, the multiplex, is a great place to go if you have nothing to do. Catch a movie or eat sinful desserts at Ecstasy.

39. If you are adventurous, check out one of the Tasmac liquor shops. Be prepared to push and shove your way through drunken hordes to get yourself liquor; chances are you won’t get the brand you want, very rarely will you get a full bottle (you will have to cart back an annoying collection of quarter bottles).

40. Grand Sweets and Snacks is not to be missed. It is a veritable institution here and their sweets and savories are freshly prepared and delicious. Don’t worry about the calories!

41. The legendary Mysore Pak at Shri Krishna Sweets (which has branches all over the city) is to die for – sinfully rich, soft and absolutely melt-in-your mouth.

42. Chennai’s Mass Rapid Transport System (MRTS) is one of a kind. Want an elevated tour of the city? Hop onto one and spend a morning or afternoon travelling through many parts of Chennai.

43. If you’d like to do a spot of boating, drive down to Muthukadu Lake, which is on the way to Mamallapuram. There are speedboats, rowboats and pedal boats. In summer, the heat can be scorching though.

44. If you care about the environment, from November to April, you could take part in the Turtle Walks that kick off on Besant Nagar Beach. If you’re lucky, you might spot an Olive Ridley turtle laying eggs.

45. A walk down T. Nagar’s crowded shopping areas in Pondy Bazaar and Panagal Park are a must. You will have to jostle your way around but it’s fun, and when you get tired of it, just pop into one of the air-conditioned sari or jewellery shops!

46. For haute fashion, a trip down Khader Nawaz Khan Road, Chennai’s very own ‘Fashion Street’ will leave fashionistas happy and sated!

47. Erected over the tomb of the apostle St. Thomas, the San Thome Basilica is a significant pilgrimage centre. Its graceful spire, the majesty of its structure and the exquisite stained glass windows and its Neo-gothic structure make it one of Chennai’s most elegant landmarks.

48. Chennai is famous for its filter kaapi – made with freshly ground coffee beans that exude a tantalizing aroma; this is an experience not to be missed. Nothing like a steaming glass of coffee served up in the traditional stainless steel tumbler.

49. And of course, don’t forget to eat a sumptuous thali meal complete with mounds of fluffy rice, sambhar, rasam, porial (vegetables), applam and pickle followed up by a delicious payasam.

50. In the heat of Tamil Nadu’s scorching summers, a refreshing plate of the ubiquitous thayir saadam (curd rice) with a dash of pickle will leave you feeling cool and satiated.

51. The best time to come to Chennai is between November and February. Not only is the weather wonderfully pleasant, December is when the music season is on and everyday you can catch concerts and performances at the various sabhas and also get to taste authentic local food.

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5 Destinations in India for Scuba Diving

Adventure Activities, Blog, Things To Do - GoroadTrip - February 12, 2015

Scuba diving can be an intoxicating water sport once you get hooked. Blessed with two seas and the Indian Ocean, India has plenty of scuba diving sites. Visit these locations of India for a fun filled and thrilling diving experience.

5 Destinations in India for Scuba Diving

Andaman and Nicobar Islands:

These islands and waters are home to an impressive variety of marine life. Visit the diving sites at Havelock Island, Fish Rock and Cinque Island and meet under water beings like Octopus, Angler Fish and Scorpion Fish. Get bowled over by the beautiful Coral Reefs in the deep clear waters of these locations. The sighting of dolphins at these islands is an exciting add-on.

Lakshadweep Islands:

Forming a group of 36 islands, the Lakshadweep Islands are off the Malabar Coast. The crystal clear waters of these islands make diving an enchanting experience. Dive into the deep waters at Aggati Island or Bangarram Island and lose yourself in the sea world of coral reefs and some exotic marine species. Take a cruise from Kochi and reach the islands overnight to add to the enjoyment.

Goa:

Goa is blessed not with just eye-catching beaches but also a host of diving sites. The diving points at the Jetty, Uma Guva Reef, Shelter Cove and Locker of Davy Jones, take you into an exploration of the secrets deep in the Arabian Sea. You will be able to see ship wrecks too along with the marine life in the waters.

Coastal Karnataka:

With an abundance of back waters and a long coastline, Karnataka has many diving sites. Explore the underwater world and be dazzled by the numbers of varieties of fishes. Spot whales, stingrays, cobias and turtles at diving destinations like the Netrani or Pigeon Island.

Pondicherry:

Rich in marine life, Pondicherry is an ideal scuba diving destination. To unearth the wonders of the Bay of Bengal dive into the sea anywhere at Cool Shark Reef, The Hole, Temple Reef or Four Corners. Get acquainted with the Lion Fish, Moray Eels, King Fish, Manta Rays, Parrot Fish and many more varieties of these marine species.

The diving destinations have dive schools for amateurs. So even if you don’t know to scuba dive you can still set out on this activity, when in these locations, with a little training and with the help of vigilant guides.

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