Author: krithikasblog

Backpacking trip to Goa

On By krithikasblogIn Travel5 Comments

Alright! I have been planning a Goa trip since my college days but didn’t happen for some reason.  Also, for most of the part consoled myself that this is not my kind of place. Glad that I didn’t take that so serious wherein Goa had turned out to be one of my favourite places in India.  Before fifteen days, if you could ask me whether a mountain or a beach without any second thought would have preferred to climb some hills.

This former Portuguese state offers something for everybody from laid back calm vibes, some beautiful clean beaches to thriving party scenes. The peak tourist season is from November to February and this is the best time to visit Goa. This is the holiday season when Goa comes to life and has its best weather. Rest of the year it is either so hot or heavy monsoon spells which makes uncomfortable to enjoy your vacation.

Had planned an itinerary for five days with a split of two nights in North and South Goa. Due to holiday season, air fares are expensive which is the best mode to reach Goa. Since it was an impromptu trip opted a seat in sleeper coach bus. Would highly recommend to book air tickets in advance to have a pleasant travel experience. Bus fare ranges between 1000-3000 rupees from Bangalore to Goa with an average 15 hours journey (Good luck with a roller coaster ride ☹)

Day 1

Bus dropped us at Panaji (Panjim) which is the capital of Goa. One of the best things to do is to hire a scooter/bike to ride around coastal roads and tracks. We hired scooter near Panaji bus stand because our hostel accommodation was 15 kms away and completely exhausted to walk around. After initial negotiation, settled for 400 rupees per day which is nominal considering holiday season and for the rest of the months it costs around 300-350 INR.

After my Mysore trip, backpacking hostels are my go-to stay option while visiting any popular destinations which saves a hole in your pocket and a chance to interact with fellow travellers. I booked accommodation in Woke Arpora, North Goa which is a beautiful old heritage Gaon style house turned into a Hostel.

Woke Arpora, North Goa

First spot of the day was Basilica of Bom Jesus which is an old catholic church known for its history and architecture. This is UNESCO world heritage site which holds the mortal remains of St. Francis Xavier in a silver casket.

Basilica of Bom Jesus

To feed our hungry stomach, checked into Tomatos candolim restaurant on our way which had rich Indian mixed western menu choices.  While indulging in food (as always) lost track of time and its half past four so rushed to next spot which is Fort Aguada closes at 5.30 pm. This Portuguese empire stands overlooking the vast never-ending blue water and there I am looking at the best sunset sitting on the half-broken fort wall.

Fort Aguada
Fort Aguada, Light house

It is unfair to end a day without visiting a beach in Goa so headed to Candolim beach to spend later evening. Without any doubt, wanted a peaceful night to rest down before prepping for a great day ahead 😊 excited!

Candolim beach, North Goa

Day 2

Having a well planned second day in North Goa, started off early to avoid any anxieties of missing out. Before getting into much awaited activity of the day, drove back to old Goa, Panaji to visit Insta famous colourful Portuguese houses near Fontainhas. Walking through the clean, well maintained streets with houses painted in vibrant colours naturally decorated with trees and plants are such an enriching experience. Some of these colourful houses are converted into café, heritage hotel and guest houses. It is a kind of experience to stay in this place to experience Portuguese art and lifestyle.

Fontainhas, Panjim Goa

There are endless beaches in Goa but Calangute & Baga beaches are at one stretch which is well-known for water sports.  Calangute is not just beautiful and clean overlooking Arabian sea also less crowded compared to other beaches. I had my best time here which happens to be my favourite in North. You can either avail whole water sports package which covers around six activities or go for any individual sports of your interest.

Parasailing in Calangute Beach

Parasailing was one such experience which is hard to get over for days. Once you witness other people sailing in the open air from shore in a colourful parachute, it’s hard not to be intrigued and want to try one for yourself. This is a kind of experience which is hard to fade from your memory. Watching over others screaming in the air tugs your adrenaline rush while waiting for your turn on the boat. If you’re on this ride, try going for a water dip which makes this drive distinct.

Stopped at Vagator beach which is also less crowded before climbing Chapora fort for yet another glorious sunset over the sea. On the other side of the fort, you can see Chapora river meets Arabian sea. Sadly, only a portion of the outer walls remains since it was not used for more than a century.

Vagator Beach

Yey! Up next was one place to eat, chill, play, shop which is Saturday night market. It is every street shopper’s dream place and don’t miss this if you’re in Goa. Checked into Saturday night market, Arpora which was walking distance from our hostel. Best possible way to end our north Goa trip was a ride on giant wheel!! 😊

Saturday night market

Day 3

It was a laid-back slow Sunday with all fuzzy packings and its time to check out from hostel and head to next destination. After 2.5 hours drive reached our homestay in Canacone, a city in south Goa. Feels like you’re in a different world, while North is all about nightlife, party, liveliness other hand south is known for its secluded clean beaches, scenic drives, silent party after sunset, less crowd and a perfect place to relax and rejuvenate.

Spent the rest of the evening in Palolem beach, a popular beach among travellers which was just 5 minutes’ drive from our stay. Well, you will never stop glorifying another sunset view over the sea. Palolem holds in my memory as one of these white sand beaches with clear water, calm waves, palm trees lined up over colourful wooden shacks near shore.  You can go for a boat ride or kayak here, and it was a delight to watch people doing kayaking when tied up with deep inside conversations.

Palolem beach, South Goa
Beautiful wooden shacks

Day 4

After all that chaos, it was tough to detach from that comfy bed for a morning walk near beach. Certain things you got to do not to regret later and I pat myself for that, whoa!! Just in 5 minutes’ drive parked near Patnam beach to head seashore. It is safe to say, small less crowded, quieter beach with a handful of tourists swimming, sun bathing, exercising also yoga classes near shacks.  

Patnem beach, South Goa

One of my favourite things to do is eat local cuisine, stopped at a local tea stall to eat breakfast. Don’t think am exaggerating, lip-smacking two plates of Pori, Pav bhaji and chai in 100 bucks. Due to rain prediction past noon decided to start from Cabo De Rama fort, a historical monument located near shoreline overlooking blue Arabian sea. This is the place you wanted to be to know the real meaning of peace and serenity. If you are visiting this place on a bright day, carry hat/cap to cover your face and a bottle of water for hydration.

View from Cabo De Rama Fort

Forgot to mention, south Goa has best roads which is safe to drive even for someone who is new into driving. The next shore is something on my list tagged as ‘must visit’ which is Cola beach, a hidden beauty that is still undiscovered my most tourists. This is known among foreigners which remains secluded throughout the year.  After a while, it was bit scary to drive due to very bad mud road along with the feeling of lost in the middle of nowhere. I was restless for the next few minutes until I spot a bike along the way.

Cola Beach

Oh! The view & fresh breeze of palm trees will blow your mind.  One distinct fact that separates Cola from others is the fresh water lagoon on its shore that connects sea. Not gratifying with magic words but one of the most beautiful places that I have come across which might never wash off from memories.

Lagoon Cola beach

Along the way, stopped at Agonda beach which didn’t blow my mind (might be holding high expectations) decided to have lunch at one of the restaurants with a beach view to regain the lost energy. Food was yummy with the company of a fur doggo friend who was a regular visitor there ha!

After a brief resting, it was time for some tasty Goan dinner with late night shopping near the lanes of Palolem beach. Food stalls were well lit with candles and lights playing some of the popular western albums.

Day 5

It is the last day in Goa also happened to be my birthday! One more year growing wiser (wink), haha. We had first half of the day available before the long drive to board our bus from Panaji. We took a stroll near Patnem beach for more than an hour before waving good bye to this laid-back paradise, South Goa. Did I tell you, I was lucky to spot some turtles on that day?

Until next time, see you!

Hiking & Camping experience in rural Karnataka

On By krithikasblogIn Uncategorized2 Comments

I was always fascinated about spending a night in a tent in the middle of nowhere by gazing at the stars above the Sky, lying under the open landscape, feeling the cool breeze whoosh through our hair and all these next to the warmth of campfire. Yeyyy! I get to experience this during mid-week of August with a bunch of peeps joined in the trekking group.

My last trek was three years ago so wanted to go for something which doesn’t have physical fitness as pre-requisite. Started our journey on a Saturday afternoon from Bangalore, campsite is 4 hours ride from city to one of the rural parts of Karnataka next to seasonal lake, farms, hills covered with red soil and greenery around, visual delight I must say.

There was a fun intro session among the fellow trekkers to break the silence, everyone must add a tagline with starting alphabet of their names which must be some dish. At that moment, I couldn’t think of any dish with ‘K’ (ha-ha), tagged with my favourite fruit Kiwi, group shouted “there is kebab, you can choose… Oh! Yea”

We reached our campsite in the evening, there I stand for a moment to relax but feeling something tapping between knees, it was my fur buddy Brownie (named him instantly). He was so handsome more of first love, loved the way he welcomed me😊

Brownie!

Soon after landing, group decided for a sunset hike which was fun alongside everybody was excited to view the magical sunset on the hills. The struggle to gasp breath was worth while sitting on the rock, chill breeze wiping those toxins on your face shared with peekaboo game of sun and clouds.

sunset view !

No later than 10 minutes, our trek leader shouted “guys! We have to reach our camp before sunset and it’s not a good idea to climb down in the dark”. When I said, “Subbu! 5 minutes please”, he added “when you’re close to nature, you should always be cautious and it’s so easy for anyone to get lost in this charisma”. However, I realized the significance of those golden lines when our group lost the way back to campsite on the other side of the hill. Here is a fun story, since brownie was following us from the base camp, everyone assumed that he is guiding us in the hills until that moment it shocked our mind, he is just following us hoping some feast on Saturday night. Added to the fame, he never misses guest appearance during weekends after spotting a group of hooman friends. Nevertheless, Brownie you’re a charm boy 😊

Even after losing the path, none of us had anxiety attack or any kind of sadness hoping (trek leader) for some way back to campsite.  That’s the strength of being in a group and stay united leaving all the differences aside. While walking on the trails, I was wondering what I would have been if left out on this place all alone! After hunting thoughts for few seconds, it’s better to climb up a tree and stay there until sun decides to greet me morning (ha-ha). Overthinking, I know. There are no wild animals in this place and its very safe to hike. After 2 hours of rigorous walking, google maps and all the possible digital search, it was locals who helped us to reach the farm safely.

Soon after divided into three groups to pitch our tents, that was my first time and couldn’t stop the excitement when it turns to be living home for a night. What’s next? Time to feed the tummy with yummy dinner along with the laugh stories.  My fur friend had his own share too from my plate, hope brownie had peaceful night that day.

Is that fair to end a hiking or camping without campfire unless clouds deny permission to do so? Campfire stories are special which shows different perspectives, life lessons, horror travel experiences, tongue twister games, singing, first adventure and what not even most painful incidents in life. 

Campfire

It was 2 a.m. when all decided to catch some sleep for next day and to my surprise tent was cozy and in no time it started drizzling outside when snuggled into my blanket. I loved this new experience of my life.

A part of the group agreed to wake up for a sunrise trek and I caught my sense at 5 a.m. in the morning while hitting snooze button. By that time sun was slowing greeting the world when four of us rushed for our morning energy boosting hiking experience.

Spent the first half of the Sunday by playing in the farm, swimming in the artificial pool next to seasonal lake, tug of war in the mud was super fun to end with fruit tasting session in the farm

Pool next to seasonal lake

Yea, time to say good bye to the group, brownie & other fur friends when we started our journey to Bangalore. Tired, sleep deprived but one more memory to cherish in my life. Looking forward to more adventures trip.  See you!

Solo backpacking trip-Mysore

On By krithikasblogIn Travel1 Comment

Ever since I moved to Bangalore 4 months ago, I was hoping to go on a backpacking trip in Karnataka to experience adrenaline rush and the sense of openness it creates in your mind to perceive other side of your dream world. Backpacking might not be everyone’s cup of tea but those who experience will tell you the kind of fun and adventure they have on their way.

Though I relish both group and solo travels, solo backpacking has a golden star in my heart which I like for the kind of independence it offers without much pre-planning.

There comes one Thursday evening where things aren’t in place which stress me a lot, literally wanted to move away from my staple life. The next moment Mysore is the place comes to my mind for a short weekend gateway.

Next Morning, picked the list of places to visit in the planner had set me in excitement mode and at the same time was little apprehensive during Friday night before leaving. Believe me, all that flew away once I step out on the road to railway station.

Day 1

Taking a train was my first choice, come on train journeys are so much fun and its more convenient mode of transport at least to me😊. It was a three-hour journey with exotic views on the either sides from lush green lands to sugarcane farms and the cleanest railway stations passes by every now.

Scenic view from Train!

Listening favourite podcasts by munching vada and a hot cup of chai made the journey less tiring. Reached Mysore station at 9.45 am, walked straight to railway museum since it is nearby also had to kill one hour before my check-in. To my surprise museum is closed for renovation so booked an auto to the hostel which is 2.5 kms away.

I decided to stay in this hostel which had great reviews online, The Mansion 1907. This place is overwhelming for solo backpackers which located in the center of the city, going anywhere is easy by walk. I like exploring places by walk if weather is in favor of my side.

Murals in Hostel, The Mansion 1907

Checked in six bed female dormitory room, after a short refreshment my stomach started to play music wanting some food.  Enquired in reception for best Mysore dosa and could observe the sparkle in her face when she says try Mylari dosa which is just 5 minutes’ walk from the hostel.

Hotel Mylari, Masal dosa

There I found famous Hotel Mylari which had two compact rooms with just two items (plain & masal dosa) on the menu. I instantly liked the place and there comes hot masal dosa with butter on top, absolute bliss for my hungry stomach in 40 rupees. Must try for all dosa lovers, comes from great dosa lover who can eat dosa all day.

First destination is Mysore Palace which is 15 minutes’ walk from breakfast spot, happy thoughts are running through with a smile on face.

Mysore Palace Gate

Entry ticket is 70 rupees and there I stand in front of stunning palace I have ever seen. I wandered around the palace which had good shades on the sides before entering inside. Placed my shoes in the footwear area, walked inside the palace. I took my own time looking around and imagining the life of a palace resident or being queen. Darbar, paintings, stunning ceilings, silver doors, architectural pillars, portrait of Wadiyar family which takes visual sense to all the historical movies I watched since childhood.   

Mysore Palace
Roof artwork inside Palace

Collected my shoes, walked around the palace in search of a shaded place to rest up sometime. On the way saw kids taking a camel ride, jumps screaming when the camel starts moving and parents on the side consoling them to stay calm. Lost in my thoughts when I sat under a tree where most of the family and tourists are enjoying their snack time.

After a while, took an auto from palace to St. Philomena’s Church which is 2 kms from palace and one of the main landmarks in Mysore. The church is one of the oldest and largest in the country designed by Frenchman Daly in Neo Gothic style build 200 years ago. Great architecture, no photographs are allowed inside the chapel.

St.Philomena’s Church

Lost in my own thoughts when I sat there with absolute silence, cold breeze rushing through the open windows along with birds chirping around. Spent nearly one-hour gazing in and around the church before I leave to the next spot Chamundi hills.

After some negotiations, one auto man agreed to drop me in Chamundeshwari temple which is in Chamundi hills. The ride is scenic, and you can view the entire Mysore city from the top. He was so friendly and kind enough to stop in some of the view points to explain the history of the place.

Auto ride in Chamundi hills
Mysore city- Bird’s eye view from Chamundi hills

By this time am little exhausted, looking around to have a mini snack and this local shop with colourful chairs fascinated me. Hot cup of chai and two medu vada for 30 rupees, had to tell you best chai I had in the last few months.

Snack time!- a cup of chai & vada

The temple was decorated with colourful flowers and filled with locals, tourists and people from different cities for divine Dharsana. Followed the trails of crowd to the entrance which leads to long queue, be ready to witness lot of monkeys around the temple hills.

Chamundeshwari Temple

After 1.5 hours of waiting, blessed with dharsana, didn’t knew that its auspicious month for the goddess. As it started drizzling in the hills didn’t spend much time later so walked to the bus stop and boarded bus back to Mysore which costs 30 rupees (AC bus). I declared this as day 1 and didn’t had any further energy when I laid back in my dorm bed.

In all this chaos, I forgot about my lunch and was damn hungry so prepared myself to walk down for light dinner and spent the rest of the time gazing the murals in the hostel walls and a fun conversation with fellow mates.

Day 2

Woke up to the sound of birds chirping next to the open window and trilled to start the day to one of the most stunning archaeological places in India. Grabbed a cup of coffee and ragi dosa from hostel kitchen before leaving for a long 35 kms bus journey to Somnathpura.  Packed my bags and was ready to check out after waving good bye to the pals I met previous day.

After 10 minutes’ walk, boarded into KSRTC bus from Mysore to Bannur (platform 9) which costs 30 rupees one way. There is no direct transport from Mysore to Somnathpura unless you hire a cab/bike or a tour package from an agent.

I was skeptical at first and must say it’s the best mode if you are on a budget trip. It takes approx. 40 minutes to reach Bannur bus stand, enquire with locals and they will direct to a place where share autos are available from Bannur to Somnathpura costs just 10 rupees.

The ride is a visual treat with mellow green agricultural land and coconut farms on the either side. Takes 10-15 minutes to reach Somnathpura village. Such a clean village and well-maintained temple. Entry ticket is 25 rupees if you pay cash and 20 rupees for cashless transaction, all debit and credit cards are accepted in ticket counter, Digital India I say 😊. There I stand in front of a spectacular Keshava temple which is a perfect model of Hoysala style of architecture. I pat myself for not wanting to miss this place in this trip, no words can explain the mesmerizing stone art carving behind each pillar, ceilings and one must experience this with own eyes. 

Chennakesava Temple, Somnathpura

It is primarily an archaeological place build in 13th century depicts Hindu mythology is a Vaishnava temple of Lord Vishnu. After spending 2 hours of walking around the corridor, gazing the ceiling and pillars of the main mandapa decided to relax in a stone bench under a shady tree for a bit before leaving this calm place.

View from Temple corridor
Chennakesava (Kesava) Temple corridor with small shrines
Outer walls of Mandapa- three main sections

With this, I was at the end of my two-day trip. Followed the same trails to reach Mysore and a train back to Bangalore. Yeyyy!! Physically exhausted but I feel lot better than past few months in life. Each one equipped with different perspective towards life, do what your mind wanders, it feels heaven 😊 Hoping for a next trip soon,  see you !