Harsh Sonawala is the co founder of India Someday and since his childhood, he has travelled to different parts of India and the world. The thrill of travelling and sharing his experiences with others was the reason behind starting India Someday. Other than the office where he is conjuring up marketing ideas, he can be found scuba diving in the Andamans or relaxing in a chalet in the Himalayas.
Bangalore, the growing capital of Karnataka, is one of the youngest cities in India and one of the most delightful to visit! Coined the ‘Silicon Valley of India’, it’s a hot spot for jobs, partying, shopping, architecture, and nightlife. Going further south, you will reach ‘God’s own country’, Kerala is known for its gorgeous backwaters, but there are also plenty of beaches, mountains, and wildlife sanctuaries that make the state very popular. Kerala is a nature lover’s paradise. If you’re interested in getting from Bangalore to Kerala, we have suggested the different ways you can in this article.
Get in touch with us if you have any questions or plans to start venturing into India; we can definitely help you with all of this tedious work!
Different ways of getting from Bangalore to Kerala
By Flight
Getting from Bangalore to Kerala by flight is probably the easiest mode of transport. Airlines such as IndiGo, SpiceJet and Air India have daily flights from Bangalore to Ernakulam (Kerala). The flights are inexpensive and short and it shouldn’t take you more than an hour to reach Kochi, a major historical port city.
If you are only doing a quick transit in Bangalore on your way from Hampi and then making your way to Kerala you might want to read our blog on getting from Hampi to Kerala.
By Train
The Bangalore-Ernakulam Inter-city Express runs between Bangalore and Kerala every day. The train leaves from Bangalore City Junction at 06:15 Hrs and reaches Ernakulam at around 17:00 Hrs. Sometimes the train can run late making it a journey as long as 12 hours. However, this is a great train to enjoy the countryside as the entire journey would be in daylight.
Alternatively, the Kanyakumari-Bangalore City-Kanyakumari Express is another great option. It’s also known as the ‘Island’ Express and is a good bet to travel from Bangalore to Kerala. This train leaves everyday at 20:00 Hrs and arrives at 12:50 Hrs at Trivandrum Central.
Getting a bus from Bangalore to Kerala isn’t at all difficult. Everyday there are a number of buses that’ll take you to Kerala. You can book the tickets online. Remember, booking for these buses only open 20 to 30 days in advance. You won’t be able to book it while planning your trip initially.
Nevertheless, getting last minute tickets shouldn’t be a problem. For any more information about getting from Bangalore to Kerala, or for any help planning your perfect trip to India, feel free to contact us.
Hill Station (Photo Credit – Sunil Bhaskaran from Pixabay)
If interested in planning a trip to Bangalore or Kerala or anywhere else for that matter, let us know and we can help you plan your Indian voyage.
This is a guest article which was contributed by our friend Rajesh who is an author and publisher for Gurdial Taxi Services. He loves to share his travelling experiences and provides useful tips which can help you in making your travelling experience the most memorable. Follow them on Facebook to get more updates.
Travelling is fun, but the experience becomes memorable when you have the right travel service provider. Although there are a number of travel companies around you, choosing the one that suits your needs isn’t easy. A number of fraudsters will try to con you under the pretext of being travel service providers.
It is essential to take a break from your hectic schedule and take a vacation. This not only offers you a chance to explore new places, people and foods but also help you to rejuvenate your lives and relations.
“Travel brings power and love back into your life.” ~ Rumi
So if you’re planning to travel, don’t delay it anymore. The first thing that strikes your mind is hiring a travel agent or at least getting some professional consultation. Well, it is an extremely important decision, as you need professional help to make your trip memorable.
But are all the travel companies reliable? Can you hire anyone without doing at least an online background check? NO! With a few trustworthy travel service providers, there are also some fake companies. While these companies will entice you with dreamy thoughts, they will burn a hole in your pockets too.
Don’t let them fool you, and before making a decision, keep a check on the following things:
Find your adventure
Certification
This is the best tool to guess the quality of service provided by the travel company. Nowadays, there are a number of certifications for which travel companies can apply, but they get the certificate by only fulfilling the necessary requirements. Also, they need to maintain the quality standard throughout to own the certificate. If you are travelling with them for the first time, make sure to check their certifications beforehand.
Some of the major standardized certifications are from associations like ISO (International Organization Standardization), TAFI (Travel Agents Federation of India), TAAI (Travel Agents Association of India), IATO (Indian Association of Tour Operators) and ADTOI (Association of Adventure Tour Operators of India).
Travel with a professional
Associates
You are out of your home and probably your country, new to the place, you can need anything, anywhere and anytime. Therefore, you need someone to help you in every situation. From the travel arrangements to accommodation and the delivery of the most scrumptious food, your travel company needs to be able to serve all your needs. This is possible only if they have a long list of reputed associates in different locations and have steadfast relations with them.
India Someday will have well-connected travel companies all over the country
Packages
You might be travelling alone, with your spouse, family or with a big gang of childhood friends. Everyone has a different requirement and a varying budget. It is difficult to put everyone in one frame. Therefore, make sure the travel service provider you are choosing is proffering a wide range of packages to serve all needs and budgets under one roof. Moreover, they should be a little flexible. For example, if you need a car for 2 days and 1 night, they should make the arrangements accordingly, rather than insisting you to stay for the next night.
Backpacker in India (Photo Credit: Pixabay)
Chauffeurs
Whether you are travelling for a day, a week or more, the driver of your taxi is someone with whom you need to spend a reasonable amount of time. Along the journey, he is the one responsible for your safety and security. You cannot take the risk of travelling with someone in the hills that is new to the turns and twists of the area. Hence, among all the things, don’t forget to look for the list of chauffeurs linked with the company.They must be licensed, insured and experienced. In addition, they should be friendly, punctual, well-mannered and polite.
The driver always wears a uniform of grey, blue, or khaki colour
Amenities
A number of companies serve you with varying packages and offers, and these depend on the companies’ policies. But there are a few basic facilities, which you can always look for. These include pick-up and drop-off facilities, 24×7 availability, emergency services, online or telephonic booking services and many others. If they are providing you with them, they are a superb choice!
Anytime assistance from your travel service provider is key
Travelling is a wonderful experience in itself. And having the right partner, i.e., the most reliable and proficient travel service provider, makes your trip outstanding and extraordinary!
Our friend Jenny decided to write a guest blog for us on planning a Safari Trip to Tadoba National Park. Jenny works with Tigers Heaven Resort in Tadoba, and definitely knows the inside scoop! Visit Tadoba National Park to glance at the beautiful wildlife India has to offer, including the famous Bengal tiger.
In 1955, the Tadoba Tiger Reserve was established and named after the local deity, Taru. According to the mythology, the tribal God Taru was famously killed by a tiger, and a shrine was devoted to him on the banks of the river Tadoba. Soon after, the park was declared a reserve in the year 1993, and since then has gained huge popularity.
Photography at the National Park
Location of the Tadoba National Park
Situated in the Chandrapur district of Maharashtra, the national park lies in the centre of the forest reserve, located within the Chimu hills. The park has been combined with the Andhari sanctuary to create the Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve.
Landscape
The extraordinary landscape includes valleys, meadows, lakes, and hills. Tadoba Lake, situated in the centre of the park, creates a picturesque and beautiful landscape. The National Park is the oldest and largest that you can visit in Maharashtra, completely encompassed by roughly 600 sq km of surrounding forest area.
Flora and Fauna
The diversity of flora and fauna in this national park is vast. Deciduous forests fill the entire reserve. The vegetation mainly includes Sal, Semul and Mahua. The national park also has Mango and Jamun fruit trees dotted around. Enjoy the unique experience walking through this natural reserve spotting tigers, spotted deer, wild dogs, leopards, sloth bears, blue bulls, wild boars, the langur, flying squirrels, and more.
Weather
Winter can be severe during the months of December to February. Summer starts from March to May followed by the monsoon season prevailing from June to September. It is always advisable to avoid the forests during the monsoons due to the risk of heavy downpours and flooding. Post monsoon season, the best time to visit the national park is from February to May. Furthermore, the park remains open throughout the year except on Tuesdays.
Where to Stay?
In the midst of the wildlife, you can stay in the budget resorts at Tadoba National Park. There are various camps and resorts that can provide you with great accommodation options. The Maharashtra Tourism Development and Forest Development Corporation of Maharashtra controls a selection of these resorts. Available are a variety of eco huts, guest houses, and dormitories at cheap rates, and some of the lodges may offer viewpoints for spotting the wildlife.
(Photo Credit – Rohit Varma, Flickr)
Safari Ride
The major attraction of staying at the Tadoba National Park is the safari ride that will provide you with the unique opportunity of getting up close with nature. Embark on an open jeep safari as it enables you to enjoy the excitement right under your nose. You can experience safe encounters with the world-famous Bengal tigers on the safari ride as you travel in open, comfortable jeeps.
Here you will observe jungle cats, hyenas, wild bears, and cheetahs as well. The park is also home to over 180 species of birds including endangered species of water birds. You can also spot migratory ducks and marsh crocodiles around Tadoba Lake.
Proof of identification is required before you can enter the park. Foreigners will also have to show their passport upon entry. All of these are mandatory for an open jeep tour. For an unforgettable experience, hire a tour guide for detailed information about the different species you can find in the forest. Make sure to book your safari tour in advance from Chandrapur.
National Park timings are:
06:30 hrs to 10:30 hrs, then 13:30 hrs to 17:30 hrs (November-February)
06:00 hrs to 10:00 hrs, then 14:30 hrs to 18:30 hrs (March-June)
Hem guest house is a homestay in Jodhpur. Named after their mother, who conceived the idea of turning their home into a retreat for travellers, the two brothers, Vipin and Rishi, now run this homestay.
Jodhpur city has few homestays, and Hem guest house is definitely part of the top tier. The family lives on the ground floor, and the top two floors are for guests. They have a rooftop restaurant which offers a striking view of the Mehrangarh Fort. Not showy or over the top in any way, this simple abode welcomes you with all heart and will go out of its way to ensure a happy and satisfied stay, and that you leave with a smile.
The restaurant provides a beautiful Mehrangarh view: Tripadvisor
Our Experience
Whilst there, there was also a group of boys staying there who were to leave for Udaipur the next day and they wished to rent Royal Enfield motorcycles in Udaipur and ride to Pushkar. Now, although the brothers (Vipin & Rishi) had come across such a request for the first time, they asked the guys to just give them a few hours. In that time, they made every call possible to their contacts in Udaipur, and by midnight, they had it all arranged. We were really impressed with their effort and conviction!
We dined together with the family, and what a delicious meal it was! Very simple vegetarian fare but we found it incredibly yummy. The USP of the guesthouse is their hospitality – service with a smile.
Dawn at Jodhpur (Photo Credit – Varun Gaba)
What we love about Hem Guest House Jodhpur
The warmth and hospitality extended towards the guests and the experience of staying with an Indian family.
View of the Mehrangarh Fort from the terrace.
Within walking distance of the clock tower and Mehrangarh Fort.
What we like about the Hem guest house in Jodhpur
Although compact, the rooms are clean with a comfortable mattress, clean linen.
Clean bathrooms with running hot water.
The traditional home-cooked food fixed up by the ladies of the house!
What we did not like about the Hem guest house
Personally, there isn’t anything that we didn’t like. But, we noticed that two of the guestrooms open into the kitchen and may disturb guests if things get too loud in the kitchen.
One of the pretty bedrooms of Hem (Photo Credit – TripAdvisor)
Hem is ideal for
Budget travellers
Single travellers
Travellers looking for a homestay experience
Rates and Details for Hem Guest House
The room rates during the season start from INR 1,600 for a Standard Room with Breakfast. They also offer discounts on non-ac rooms and for single travellers.
Life in Hampi is slow and peaceful, surrounded by beautiful boulders and ruins of the city, that still has the old world charm that sweeps you off your feet. Although Hampi already has made a special place in your heart, it is time to say goodbye and visit the next place on the portrait that is South India; to stun you and leave you vulnerable to its beauty. In this post, we’re going to help you figure out the different travelling options from Hampi to Kerala.
Kerala, God’s own country, was listed by National Geographic in the top ten paradises in the world and for good reason! Located on the south-western coastline of India, Kerala has everything; beaches, backwaters, mountains, dense forests and wildlife sanctuaries. It is a traveller’s paradise. So to help you plan your way to Kerala from Hampi, we have listed below the different travelling options to get you from Hampi to Kerala.
Nature walks are so peaceful! Wildlife in Kerala (Picture Credit: In Defense of Animals)
DIFFERENT MODES OF TRANSPORT
By Air
Hampi does not have an airport, the nearest airport is Belgaum airport (a 5-hour drive). However, there are no flights from Belgaum to Kerala either. The best option if looking to fly would be to either drive down or take a train to Bangalore and fly from there.
The drive to Bangalore would take at least 7 hours but there is a very convenient overnight train from Hospet to Bangalore (16591 Hampi Express departing at 20:40 hrs from Hampi arrival in Bangalore next morning at 06:00 hrs).
There are multiple daily non-stop flights between Bangalore and Kerala. Kerala has three main airports: Kochi, Trivandrum and Calicut and depending on which region you want to explore in Kerala, you could fly into that airport from Bangalore.
We suggest you make a stop at Bangalore (stay there for a day if you like the city, explore the nightlife) and then take a flight to Kerala. These flights are usually light on the wallet (priced approximately USD 32-USD 55 per person).
UPDATE – Since 2019, Hampi’s nearest airport is the Vijaynagar Airport at an hours’ distance. It is a small airport serviced by a daily flight from Bangalore. This is the only constant flight in and out of this airport. You can take one stop flights to Kerala via Bangalore, remember to leave ample lay over time in-between flights.
SpiceJet is a popular domestic flight carrier in India
By Rail
The closest station to Hampi is Hospet Junction. There are no direct trains to Kerala from Hampi. You will have to break the journey up into stops. You can either take the train to Bangalore (Hampi Express) and then take another train from Bangalore to Kerala or you can include Mysore (the City of Palaces).
Hampi Express runs up to Mysore which is 3 hours from Bangalore (Arr 09:30 hrs). From Mysore, you can begin your Kerala sojourn from the northern end (less touristy). Start in Wayanad in North Kerala, which is a short drive (3.5 hrs) or a bus ride from Mysore.
If you wish to skip Mysore and get straight to Kochi, these are the train options: 12677 Bangalore-Ernakulam Inter-City express. This train runs between Bangalore and Ernakulam Junction (nearest station to Kochi) seven days of the week. The train originating from Bangalore City Junction leaves at 06:15 Hrs in and reaches Ernakulam at 17:00 Hrs (the upside of taking a morning train is that you get to enjoy the pleasant views of the countryside as the sun rises above them).
Another option is the 16526 Kanyakumari Express, this train too runs every day, leaving at 20:00 Hrs and reaching Ernakulam the next day at 06:05 Hrs. The train goes further down to Varkala and Trivandrum too, ending at the southernmost tip of India, Kanyakumari. It’s the ideal option if you want to head straight to the beaches of Kovalam or Varkala.
By Road
There are no direct buses from Hampi to Kerala. You can take a KSRTC bus (government owned A/C and Non A/C) or a private bus to Bangalore and then change (bus/train/flight) to Kerala. Buses to Bangalore leave from Hampi bus junction as well as Hospet bus junction. These are overnight buses, about an 8-9 hour journey, all departing post-21:00 hrs. The bus tickets can be purchased directly in Hampi or purchased online.
Discover the beautiful paths across India
Alternative route
An interesting alternative travelling option from Hampi to Kerala is by including Goa! Read our blog, to find out more! India Someday would love to help you plan a trip to India that takes you from Hampi to Kerala, visiting gorgeous places en route.
If you’re headed to Goa for a while, we strongly recommend getting from Goa to Hampi. The ruins of Hampi beautifully compliment Goa, the land of sun, sea and inexpensive alcohol.
A village in North Karnataka, Hampi means ‘champion’. It’s located on the ruins of the ancient city Vijayanagara of the Vijayanagara Empire. The ruins are a timeless UNESCO World Heritage Site. Stuck in the 16th century and positively oozing with old world charm, Hampi is a delightful location. It’s great for all kind of travellers, from backpackers to comfort to luxury, so it should definitely be on your itinerary if you’re not willing to end the vacation in Goa.
Our practical guide explains the different travel options between Hampi and Goa and the pros and cons of each mode. It’s not exactly a ‘hop, skip and jump’ away, but Hampi is truly worth the travel effort. The distance from Goa to Hampi is 344 km. There are no flights from Goa to Hampi so you can either take a train or bus.
Our blog gives you a detailed overview on all the modes of transport, we also explain a route that allows you break the journey with some beautiful stops.
If you’re interested in going to either of these places, let us know and we’ll handle all the logistics for you.
Once you have relaxed on the beaches of Goa you now can explore Hampi
getting from goa to hampi By bus
There are state transport buses that run from Goa to Hampi. They tend to take much longer and can be uncomfortable. You often have to change state buses at Hubli or Belgaum which are the hub transport towns in Karnataka.
We frequently use Paulo Travels, which provides two bus services from Goa to Hampi and vice versa. You have the choice of a Volvo Sleeper and a Non AC bus. Both buses are scheduled for the evening.One departs at 18:55 IST and the other at 19:04 IST. It takes about 7 to 8 hours to reach Hampi by bus and should not cost you more than INR 600 – 800 (USD 8-11, EUR 7-9).
Private buses ply frequently between Goa and Hampi during tourist season i.e. October to Mid April. Availability outside those months depends on the operator if they see enough demand or not. In our experience, private buses between Goa and Hampi (and vice versa), very seldom run between May to September.
Tickets can be purchased directly in Goa, or purchased in advance online. If you decide to book a trip with India Someday, we will take care of your transport bookings, suitable accommodations and a whole lot of other tips.
Side note: Paulo Travels is usually a reliable bus in terms of punctuality and comfort. They frequently ply between Goa and Mumbai too. VRL and Neeta are another good bus service that you can use as well.
The ancient ruins you can see in Hampi are practically unaffected by change
Goa to Hampi by train
Getting from Goa to Hampi by train is our preferred option. We recommend you take the Howrah Express (not available Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays). You can board this train at 07:20 IST from Vasco Da Gama Station, in Goa and reach Hospet at 14:00 IST. Hospet is the closest station to Hampi, where you can take a rickshaw for about 20 km to reach Hampi. We suggest the train because it’s fast and you reach Hampi in the afternoon which leaves an extra evening to spend there.
Key things to remember about Goa to Hampi by train
Unfortunately there are no daily trains on this route, as mentioned above, the train only runs four days a week.
You must book the train well in advance, bookings open four months in advance and you ideally want to book the train at-least two months in advance.
Unlike private buses, the train runs the same schedule all through the year. The train journey is spectacular during the monsoons (i.e. June to September).
If you are an adventurous traveller, travel by non A/C Sleeper Class (SL) on this journey. WHY? A/C train classes have tinted glasses that mars the view of the green fields. Non A/C travel lets you experience the wind rushing through your hair, which is the best way to do this journey.
The journey is quite beautiful, full of ghats and the mesmerizing Dudhsagar Waterfalls. The Mandovi River takes a leap in all its grace (looks like milk flowing from a mountain), hence named the Dudhsagar Waterfalls (sea of milk).
The Howrah Express passing through Dudhsagar Falls (Photo Credit – Benjamin Rualthanzauva)
getting from goa to Hampi By Car (and driver)
How to get from Goa to Hampi also involves a car- you can hire a private car and drive from Goa to Hampi. However, it’s a long drive and quite expensive. Expect 7 to 8 hours (sometimes up to 10) on the road. It would also cost you anywhere between INR 9,000 to 12,000 (USD 120-160, EUR 110-150), and this is including fuel costs.
Hampi can also be a day trip – tourists can rent a car, go to Hampi and back. We don’t get this request too often and honestly, we strongly recommend against it for two reasons – we think that it is a tortuous amount of driving and Hampi deserves more time for how stunning it is! A sunset or sunrise may well be one of your most memorable India experiences. The entire red granite landscape glistens in the sun’s rays.
If an overnight bus journey is not your cup of tea and you have decided to make a trip to Hampi on an impulse (i.e. trains are sold out) then you would have to opt for this option. If you are a group of four travellers, the drive is much more affordable split four ways.
Hampi’s ruins are not only magnificent and have a rich history behind them, but they’re also so abundant throughout the town
Getting From Goa to Hampi with Stops en route
We believe the fact that Hampi is not so easy to reach has allowed it to retain its charm. It is worth the travel effort to get there as the landscape and ruins mesmerise one and all.
If you have time you can spend a couple of extra days getting to Hampi from Goa with either one or both of the stops mentioned below. Both stops are closer to Goa, so they only cut the travel time by 2-3 hours.
Spend a couple of nights at Off The Grid (truly off the Grid), a remarkable homestay lovingly created as a minimal eco-impact ‘refuge in the forests’. You take the same Goa to Hampi train, get off at station Castle Rock and get to them. You can also continue the same train onwards to Hampi after your stay. Alternatively, you can also drive to them and either drive or take a train onward to Hampi.
Another option is spending a night at the Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary, the humble Kadumane Homestay being one of our favourite places to stay. A car and driver or being patient with local buses is the best way to break your Goa to Hampi journey with a stop in Dandeli Wildlife Park.
India Someday can help you plan a great trip across India, or a great adventure that takes you across beautiful Goa, stops en route and beautiful Hampi, just get in touch.
You can also try out rock climbing or bouldering (Photo Credit – Adventure.com)
Getting from Hampi to Goa
You can use the same bus and train services from Paulo Travels or Howrah Express from Hampi to Goa. While travelling from Goa to Hampi we prefer that you take the train but when travelling from Hampi to Goa, we highly recommend taking a bus. This is because the trains originate from Kolkata, which is 36 hours away from Hospet, so they’re often late and at times and can be very dirty.
If you have reached Hampi and you’re wondering where to go next, try Kerala, ‘God’s Own Country’. Here are travel options between Goa and Kerala.
What are you waiting for? Plan your trip with us now and you won’t regret visiting Goa, Hampi or any other idyllic place in India you’d be interested in!
This article will give you some insight into the best ways to get from Mumbai to Goa. Goa is the smallest state in the country, but definitely one of the most loved. A popular holiday destination for the youth, it’s earned the nickname of the party capital of India. It’s a coastal state on the western coastline stretching along the Arabian Sea. Goa is known for its beaches, fishing villages and rich heritage architecture. Goa is a popular tourist destination for Indian and International travellers. For more information about what to do in Goa, visit our blog!
Stunning view of the sunset at Goa beach (Picture Credit: Pixabay)
By flight
Mumbai, just like Goa, is located on the western coastline. There are daily flights between Mumbai and Goa. It is the fastest mode of transport. If booked in advance the flights are cheap. Flights during Christmas or New Years or any of the long weekends (Indian holidays like 01st of May, 15th August, 26th January) are extremely expensive if booked at the last minute.
So if your trip coincides with Indian holidays, book your flights in advance. It takes an hour to reach Goa by flight. The Goa International Airport is located at Dabolim. Whilst this is probably the quickest mode of transport, flights are not the most sustainable way to travel.
Fly from Mumbai to Goa in just 45 minutes
By train
Getting from Mumbai to Goa by train is relatively cheaper. It’s obviously not as convenient as a flight. It only makes sense if you have time on your trip and are not on a tight schedule.
There are a lot of trains between Mumbai and Goa. You would want to take a train that originates from Mumbai. We would suggest avoiding one that starts from Delhi. These trains are often late and dirty. They do not stop at the more accessible stations in Mumbai, making your trip all the more difficult.
We suggest you pick any of these four trains:
1. Jan Shatabdi
Jan Shatabdi is the fastest train from Mumbai to Goa. It’s an early morning train from Dadar railway station in Mumbai and ends in Thivim in North Goa. It’s a single-track train and takes between 8 to 9 hours to reach Goa. The train leaves from Mumbai at 05:25 Hrs and reaches around 14:00 Hrs in Thivim. It’s a beautiful ride full of mountains and waterfalls. It is the second-fastest route to Goa.
2. Konkan Kanya Express
The Konkan Kanya Express is another superfast train between Mumbai and Madgaon. You can board the train from CST (Chattrapati Shivaji Terminus) in Mumbai. Get down between Thivim (North Goa) and Madgaon (South Goa) depending on where you’re staying. The train runs along the western coastline and covers a distance of 580 kms. This train is a night train from Mumbai, it leaves CST at 23:05 Hrs and reaches Goa at 10:45 Hrs. It takes around 13 to 14 hours, so ideally you go to sleep in Mumbai and wake up in Goa!
3. Mandovi Express
Mandovi Express is another daily train that runs between Mumbai (CST) and Goa (Madgaon Junction). It takes approximately 14 hours to reach Goa. The train is named after the Mandovi River, the lifeline of Goa. The route is the same as the Konkan Kanya Express, just slower.
4. Netravati Express
The Netravati Express is a Mumbai-Kerala train but has stops in Madgaon and Canacona. If you’re staying near the beaches of Palolem, Patnem or Agonda then this train is ideal. It’s a 45-minute ride from Madgaon to Palolem but if you get down at Canacona it’s just 3 kms away. The train starts from LTT (Lokmanya Tilak Terminus) a major railway station near the central suburb of Kurla at 11:40 Hrs and reaches Canacona Station at around midnight.
5. Matsyagandha Express
The Matsyagandha Express is essentially a Mumbai-Mangalore train, with similarities to the Netravati Express. This train also originates from Kurla. It is a good option if you plan to stay in South Goa. This train stops in Madgaon and Canacona in Goa. It leaves Mumbai in the afternoon at 15:20 Hrs and reaches at 02:30 Hrs. The reason why this train is so far down the list is purely because of the time it reaches Canacona. Apart from that, there aren’t really any major drawbacks to taking this train.
Dudhsagar Waterfall view from train (Picture Credit: 7SeasFly)
By Bus
The distance between Mumbai and Goa is approximately 600 kms. You can take a night bus from Mumbai and reach Goa in the morning. We suggest Paulo Travels. You board a Volvo at night, sleep through the journey and reach Goa in the morning. Bus services like Neeta and VRL are also good options if you don’t get a train ticket and flights are too expensive.
Mumbai, India
For some inspiration, check out Monica’s trip to South India. Alternatively, for any more information or for help planning your perfect trip to India, feel free to contact us!
Looking at visiting North India? Can’t get more than two weeks’ leave for it? Don’t you worry, as this article outlines multiple two-week travel routes/itineraries that you can follow when visiting North India. We give you an overview of the routes you can follow, the highlights of each route, and the modes of travel that you would have to use.
In this article, we have also tried to give you the cons of each of the North India options. This is more to help you compare routes and show you what you would be missing out on should you pick another route. In general, the routes explained are moderate to quick-paced trips, moving from destination to destination every other day.
We have explained an estimated budget for each route, too, ranging from backpackers to luxury travellers. At India Someday, we work closely with our clients to plan and book their holiday according to their individual needs. Should you need our help or have any questions, feel free to contact us.
Note: Something we tell all our guests right at the onset is that if your two-week trip can be extended to seventeen or eighteen days instead. The reason being, there is a lot to see and North India is a great value for money destination, so adding a few days will not break the bank.
Sweltering heat in the Thar desert of Rajasthan (Picture Credit: Tripadvisor)
NORTH INDIA Route 1 – Varanasi, Agra, and Rajasthan
If you want to visit the spiritual Varanasi, see the Taj Mahal, the deserts of Rajasthan (camp in the desert perhaps), and explore the other smaller towns in Rajasthan, then this route is for you!
You would be visiting some amazing and very diverse places during this trip. Varanasi is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. It leaves you with sights and experiences that you will remember for a lifetime.
In Rajasthan, the desert town of Jaisalmer is almost like something out of a fairy tale and you can spend an exciting night in the desert. Udaipur is a charming city of palaces and lakes and Jodhpur is home to perhaps the most impressive fort in all of India.
While on one hand, you follow a well-trodden part on this North India tour. There are great guided experiences on offer at each of these stops, insightful walking tours, old city cycling tours, food and yoga classes to name a few. North India trips planned by India Someday would include activities that we have tried and enjoyed first hand.
It is a quick-paced trip to include all the cities, no stop will be more than two nights. You would not be visiting any National Parks (North India offers some great ones). For budget travellers, including a stop at a National Park makes the trip expensive. Also, Rishikesh and Amritsar are fabulous towns and experiences; given a two-week time frame, you cannot include either of these two towns.
Cost of a two-week North India Tour with Varanasi
A tour like this would cost you anywhere between 500/600 (EUR/USD) per head for two weeks staying at budget places/hotels to 900/1000 (EUR/USD), if you prefer a private room and small, clean guest houses/heritage hotels. If you choose to stay in some of the Palace hotels in Rajasthan, you would spend upwards of 1800/2000 (EUR/USD) per head.
Photo Credit Rajiv Bajaj
NORTH INDIA Route 2 – Starting in Delhi, moving across Rajasthan, including Ranthambore National Park
This tour is similar to the one above but does not include Varanasi. This makes the trip a little slower, with fewer internal flights, and includes a wildlife stop at Ranthambore National Park. We recommend that you try to end this tour in Mumbai, as you get to explore another city (entirely different from Delhi), and most international airlines offer flights into Delhi and out of Mumbai for a similar price.
By limiting yourself to one region you would be exploring it extensively. Rajasthan is a wonderful state in terms of landscape, colour, architecture, food and hospitality. You’d visit a National Park and if you’re lucky maybe spot a tiger, have the chance to stay at some lovely heritage hotels, spend a night in the desert and visit the beautiful town of Udaipur.
What you will appreciate the most about this two week North India tour is that you do not have many internal flights. Rajasthan and all its contrasts will unfurl slowly. You can choose to book a car and a driver through the length of this tour or you can do this tour using a combination of trains and taxis.
Route variation – If you choose to not visit Ranthambore National Park, but still spend all the time in Rajasthan you could spend couple of nights between Jodhpur and Udaipur. The scenic region is home to a number of gorgeous erstwhile palace hotels. You can get to experience royalty, explore rural life and relax in a countryside setting. Let us surprise you!
Cons of this tour
Rajasthan, beautiful and interesting as it is, does receive a lot of tourists. Be prepared for that or travel in August and September, when it’s less likely to be crowded.
Note: The Ranthambore National Park is closed during monsoons, usually around mid-June to the end of September.
Cost of a Rajasthan Tour
Despite being touristy, Rajasthan has plenty of inexpensive hotel accommodations and some lovely hostels. It would fit the pocket of a budget traveller (looking at spending as little as 350/450 EUR/USD) and at the upper end, Rajasthan has some of the most stunning and expensive hotels in all of India so you could spend above 1800/2000 EUR/USD per head if you’d rather live in luxury.
Amer Fort in Jaipur
NORTH INDIA Route 3 – Yoga, Trekking and the Golden temple, including Rishikesh, Amritsar and Dharamshala
If you’re a fan of trekking, yoga, a mix of nature, fitness and spirituality, you would love this route, our personal favourite. While Rajasthan explodes with architecture, it lacks good adventure options.
Rishikesh is a beautiful multi-faceted stop, it is a bit of Varanasi (the Ganges, funeral pyres, temples and Ganga Aarti), some amazing adventure sports (great white water rafting, pristine river beaches, trekking and bungee jumping) and a distinct hippie vibe that ages ago dragged the Beatles and Steve Jobs here.
Amritsar is home to the moving Golden Temple, people who visit it equal it to the experience of seeing Taj Mahal and some even place it above. Finally, you spend time in the Himalayas, in the beautiful Buddhist town of Dharamshala and beyond.
This tour is a wonderful mix of culture, adventure and spirituality. Rishikesh will immerse you in adventure, yoga and temples, Amritsar in its food, the Golden Temple and the change of guards ceremony at the Wagah Border. Your affair with nature would continue in the Himalayas, with opportunities for some great day hikes and mountain vistas.
Gallu Temple (Photo Credits – Karan Sharma)
Cons of this tour
Apart from the fact that you would be missing beautiful Rajasthan and that there is not much architecture besides the Taj Mahal and Golden Temple, we cannot think of any cons to this tour.
Note: Mid-December onward, the Himalayas can get pretty cold, and parts of the trekking trails are closed.
Cost of a Rishikesh, Amritsar, and Dharamshala Tour
This can be a very economical tour as you can take trains and buses to get between stops. As a luxury traveller, your options in terms of stay are limited. Rishikesh has the beautiful Ananda Spa and Amritsar has a few five-star hotels, but on the whole, budget accommodation options are more popular. As a budget traveller, you could travel for two weeks for around 350/400 EUR/USD, and at around 900/1000 EUR/USD, you can stay at very comfortable hotels.
Golden Temple at it’s best
NORTH INDIA Route 4 – Delhi to Darjeeling
This tour is across the heart of India. You would visit places along the river Ganges (Ganga) and its tributaries and end your trip in the beautiful hills of Darjeeling. Gwalior, Orchha (and Khajuraho) are wonderful non-touristy stops on this tour that offer ancient architecture and a glimpse of the countryside. Also, included are the regular suspects Delhi, Agra and Varanasi.
Photo Credit – Samuel Cleminca (https://flic.kr/p/hwaqp8)
You would be visiting a wonderful mix of touristy (but un-missable) towns and also some equally lovely non-touristy towns. A history and architecture buff will love the ancient ruins of Orchha, the Fort of Gwalior and the mesmerizing and rich temples of Khajuraho, all enmeshed in the gentle pace of rural life in India. Varanasi offers an intense spiritual experience and Darjeeling ends with nature, light treks and tea plantations.
Orchha and Khajuraho are destinations that are closed to our heart. Splendid architecture, surrounded by rural life. Both are great destinations to explore on a bicycle. You can choose to spend an extra day in Khajuraho and go on a wildlife safari to Panna National Park, which has seen a heartening increase in Tiger population in the recent years.
Orchha Palace
Cons of this tour
You see none of the bigger cities in Rajasthan, the smaller towns of Orchha and Gwalior can mean virtually no other tourists, so if backpacking you may not meet many fellow travellers. You have to rely on multiple train rides for this route. Indian trains, while an incredible experience, are notorious for running late and do not have the cleanest restrooms. Not all the towns have high-quality accommodation on offer.
Note: The mountain state of Sikkim is gorgeous and it’s worth considering spending an extra week to explore the beautiful Buddhist state.
Cost of a Delhi to Darjeeling tour
As a budget traveller one can travel this route fairly inexpensively, the only trick is securing your train tickets. Expect the tour to cost you anywhere between 400/450 EUR/USD to 800/900 EUR/USD per head depending on your preferred level of comfort.
Lakshmi Temple, Orchha
NORTH INDIA Route 5 – Little Tibet bound (Ladakh)
If the majestic cold mountains get your heart racing, this is probably your tour.
To quote from our blog“Ladakh is straight out of a fairy tale. A place of purple mountains where there’s something new to view with every turn the road takes. The landscape is dotted with typical white Chortens (small stupas built by locals) as you get near Leh and the views themselves are an overwhelming experience”.
Leh Ladakh, as idyllic as they come
A few points you should bear in mind
A favourable time to visit Ladakh is from June to early October. You need to wait until the snow on the high passes melts for the roads to be motorable.
Visiting Ladakh makes your India trip a little expensive. To save time guests usually fly one way or both ways (Leh to Delhi, or Delhi to Leh). Also, transport and accommodation are more expensive in Leh and Ladakh. Backpackers beware!
Incredibly beautiful landscape (like none other), charming and stunning Buddhist monasteries, warm locals and delightful villages, Tibetan food, clear mountain lakes, great hikes (but you need to be quite fit!), jaw-dropping drives and crisp mountain air. All of Leh and Ladakh is one endless highlight.
Well worth the drive, the beautiful Nubra Valley
Cons of this tour
Leh and Ladakh are so remote that getting there takes time and is pretty expensive. The easiest way is to take a flight from Delhi to Leh, but that can cost a hefty sum and you may have to deal with altitude sickness as you travel from sea level to over 4000 meters.
The recommended mode of travel is by road so you gradually adjust to the altitude. However, this takes over three days. You need to take a bus to Shimla and then a two-day car ride to Leh (with an overnight halt in Keylong). Although the drive is gorgeous you also have the additional expense of the high cost of living in this area.
Cost of a Delhi – Leh & Ladakh tour
Even as a budget traveller you would spend more than what you would during a two-week tour elsewhere in India. Expect the tour to cost you anywhere between 700/800 EUR/USD to 800/900 EUR/USD per head. If you plan to fly into Leh and stay at the limited comfortable to upper-end hotels then you would spend 1500/1600 EUR/USD per head.
Nubra Valley with Double Humped Camels (Photo Credits)
Wow, you have reached the end of this article! Time to get talking about your trip to India, contact the experts and we promise you an incredible time in India.
Wondering how problematic it is to deal with touts in India? Picture this: you’re off on a trip to Delhi. The capital of India, a land of historic value and great energy, the kind of city that gets your heart pumping. Weeks, maybe even months of planning have finally reached their fruition. You have arrived. You can’t wait to explore Delhi and make this another memorable trip. But, the minute you step off the train, someone runs up to you, clings to your sleeve and smooth talks you out of your hard earned money. What a way to start the trip!
Sadly, this is an unfortunate aspect of travelling to India, the touts. They are people who will do anything to make a quick buck out of vulnerable first-time travellers. Those experienced can easily deal with it, usually learning from their mistakes or by reading up enough. The problem is, sometimes, no matter how much knowledge you may have, you can never be too prepared for these fraudsters. They’ll come at you from all sides, offering everything from hotels and taxis at ‘Cheap’ ‘Special’ or ‘Discount’ rates to hats, sweaters and keychains. Our guide on dealing with touts in India has come to the rescue; read up and laugh your anxieties away.
Heed the signs – Beware of touts in India (Photo Credits – sanjayausta.photoshelter.com)
Where do you find Touts in india?
You may think you will find touts only at crowded stations or monuments, but it’s much more widespread than that. A tout could be just about anybody, your taxi/ auto-rickshaw driver or your hotel manager. Anybody who is earning a commission or even a direct profit from getting you to part with your money is a tout.
You will find people trying to charge you extra for entrance at monuments, temples and mosques. The key is to avoid or ignore them, though your patience will be sorely tested. Their initial aim is for you to respond to them. Once done, they’ll dive straight into their sales pitch and bait you into buying something.
They will cling to you doggedly if you try to walk away. If you ignore them long enough, they’ll eventually turn their attention to somebody else. Make sure you buy your tickets at designated counters with prominent signs displaying entrance fees, and whenever possible try to dish out exact change. You would be surprised at how even the employees working for authorities like the railways or the bus services will try to short-change you.
If you take a cab or an auto-rickshaw from the railway station, a good chance is that the driver will tell you that your hotel is already fully booked or in some cases even shut down to try and entice you toward a ‘cheap’ hotel of his choice. Firmly tell them you’ve paid in advance, or call up the hotel and ask for a landmark. This is a common scam in India that you can easily get out of.
Always buy your ticket from the booking office
new Delhi
New Delhi is a city of warm, generous people who are very upset by their city’s reputation as a haven for touts. You will find a lot of people who genuinely want to help you without asking for anything in return. Thus, being too cautious might keep you from connecting with some truly lovely people.
A common scam is the train ticket scam at New Delhi. An official-looking person comes up to you, informing you that your train has been cancelled. Be careful when boarding a train from Delhi, your tickets are NOT cancelled, unless your tour operators tell you so! If anyone tries to tell you otherwise, just laugh them off and carry on with your journey. Always ring your tour operator to clear any doubts before giving in to this trick, as the solution offered by touts is buying a much more expensive train ticket.
New Delhi is full of bustle and charm, don’t let the touts ruin the experience (Photo Credit – Grant Matthews)
Pushkar
Pushkar is a holy city, home to a place of worship of great importance to Hindus. You’ll find the place packed with travellers. Both explorers and pilgrims making their way to ‘Tirth Raj’, the king of pilgrimage sites. The irony is that this land of goodness, godliness and devotion, has become a hotbed for mischief-makers.
The most common scam you will encounter is the form of paid blessings. Touts in India can indeed take on amusing disguises. When you wander across the town or the small lake, you will come across smiling priests (touts, yes that’s what they are, touts). They will ask you if you want to be blessed, after which they will pray for you, make you chant a few words and then demand outrageously large sums of money.
The best way to avoid them is to say upfront exactly how much you’re willing to pay (nothing more than INR 50-100) and then watch how they don’t want to give you ‘special blessings’ anymore.
Pushkar is gorgeous but notorious for ‘Priest’ touts (Photo Credit – Francisco Anzola, Flickr)
Agra
The land of the Taj Mahal draws in tourists from around the world and quick on their heels, the touts.
The touts in Agra have a very mind-blowing capacity for being irritating. Yes, all touts in India and over the world are irritating, but these guys are exceptionally good at pestering people. They will want to sell you little Taj Mahal replicas, ‘authentic’ pashmina shawls, and will tell you that your hotel or the Taj is far away and ask you to take the Tanga rickshaw (carriage) to a place that is quite literally 500 meters away.
The best way to deal with touts in Delhi, Agra or all over in India, in general, is to just ignore them, never run out of patience, and do a little bit of research about the place you are visiting. Just to reiterate, you will find a lot of genuinely helpful people who will help you. Indians are very welcoming people. Some might even help you negotiate with the touts!\
Be firm with the touts around the Taj Mahal so you can truly appreciate its beauty in peace
We understand that no matter how much you read, dealing with touts in India can be intimidating. If you want to avoid a sticky situation, feel free to contact us!
Hostels are a common phenomenon abroad and the trend is now slowly, and much to our delight, catching up in India too. Zostel is one such backpacker’s haven.
We were floored after spending a night at the Zostel in Udaipur! The atmosphere was young and vibrant. Even though it had been just over a week since it opened, most of the dorms were occupied!
Lake’s view
Our stay
We were upgraded to a lake facing room, after I completely fell in love with it while being initially booked in a mixed dorm! A sparkling, pristine room with super comfortable bedding and a commanding view of the lake. It couldn’t get any better, but it did!
Being Manchester United fans we were pining to see the Premier League match and Aviral, the property manager, and fellow fans obliged us and screened the match in the rooftop restaurant amidst pints of beers and loud cheers, yummy spring rolls and a great game which we won! We had a perfect evening.
Another plus here is the terrace atop the restaurant which is the clear winner of the best view of Lake Pichola from a rooftop. It is such a serene experience.
An interesting board at the reception desk
What we love about Zostel
The rooms and dorms were spic and span
The place does not look like a bachelor’s pad, although it’s being run by young guys!
You can chill, relax and be in your own zone and at the same time find company when you feel like chit-chatting
The view!
What we like about Zostel, Udaipur
The staff is courteous and helpful.
It is literally a stone throw away from the City Palace and Jagdish Mandir.
What we did not like
They offer an all-you-can-eat buffet breakfast for INR 100. However, the choices we felt were limited as they have eggs (but just boiled) and there was only tea, no coffee or juice.
The guy in the kitchen on the morning shift seemed a tad grouchy. We asked him for a cup of coffee but he did not seem eager to entertain us and as we were in a rush to leave we did not bother much; guess he just woke up on the wrong side of the bed!
Not all private rooms have the same lake view. Our room had complete clear glass panes covered with thick drapes; some rooms have just a single window with a view.
Lake-view dorm at Zostel, Udaipur (Photo Credit – zostel.com)
Zostel, Udaipur is ideal for
Backpackers
Single travellers
Young couples
Rates and details for Zostel
The dorms are priced at INR 549 per bed per night. The prices of the private room varies with the travel season. Starts from INR 1,999.
