Routes & Destinations In India Archives - Page 10 of 13

Orchha – My experience with locals

Posted on September 27, 2015May 6, 2025 by Harsh Sonawala

This is one experience that I won’t be forgetting anytime soon. The beautiful smiles and contagious laughter of Neetu, Vishal and Sahil will feed my soul for a long time. For starters, I highly recommend checking out Orchha.

Off the typical path for most travellers (but fear not, there are plenty of souvenir shops and eager locals hankering for your business). Orchha has some pretty impressive sites, a serene nature preserve, and a local homestay program organized through Friends of Orchha that is well worth your time and support.

Huge thanks to India Someday for connecting me with the amazing experience of visiting a much less touristy (and nature-rich) area and staying with a fabulous family. Accordingly, if you’d like to have the similar experience, plan your trip with them.

Hangin’ with the Sadhus in Orchha, India (Photo Credit – Mark Robinson)

Getting There

I took the early train from New Delhi to Jhansi, the biggest transit hub close to Orchha. Then, played a long round of the usual rickshaw bargaining game. I had been told INR 150-200 would be appropriate. One driver latched on to me from the moment I stepped off the train, incessantly naming his price. He followed me around as I tried negotiating with others. Making it clear, through his whiny persistent voice, that he wouldn’t be giving up any time soon.

It was pretty annoying but, as someone who can be persistent myself, I was pretty impressed by his determination. Once I realized 200 was as low as I could get, I hopped in his yellow and green tuk-tuk and was blown away by his immediate transformation into a super-friendly, chilled out driver.

We enjoyed a fun and bumpy drive to Orchha, where I was met by Ashok of Friends of Orchha. He took me deeper into the Ganj village where I would be staying with a local Indian family. Always something fun about hopping on the back of a motorbike!

Hand-carved wooden printing blocks Orchha (Photo Credit – Arian Zwegers)

The Homestay

Ashok introduced me to the family and showed me the very clean stand-alone washroom and shower. My nicely decorated room was equipped with a large mosquito net, sitting area, and windows looking out onto the cows and garden. Much more simple and non-frilly than the plush places I’ve been staying at. It wasn’t quite as rustic as some other villages I’ve visited.

While I personally would be down with staying in a hut or somewhere more bare-bones and basic, with the right expectations. Accordingly, bring your own toilet paper and know you can purchase bottled water just down the street.

I think even those with high standards for their accommodation would feel comfortable here. In fact, as someone who loves a firm bed, I have to say that this was one of the best I’ve been on. And let me tell you, I’ve stayed in some pretty high-end places thanks to India Someday!

The homestay is simple yet effective

The Family

I was welcomed with a delicious cup of chai as I sat on the charpai (bed-cot made of wood and tightly-woven rope) in the open-air living room. Neetu, the 13-year-old daughter, was helping her grandmother prepare lunch. I joined them in the kitchen and offered to help but was granted the fun role of the spectator. I haven’t yet taken a cooking class here in India but this was the next best thing.

Neetu’s English is quite impressive and her enthusiasm, curiosity, and smile are delightful. I learned that her mother had passed away a bunch of years ago in an unfortunate accident. I shared that I too had lost my mom and as we spent more time together.

It was nice to hear her mention things she remembered about her mother. Like that she ate super slowly (like I do) and always said it was healthier to do so. The lunch was delicious. Almost all they eat is homegrown in their beautiful garden.

Two additional guests arrived and we all started getting to know each other as we helped Neetu prepare for her upcoming school exam on technology and computers. I’m glad I wasn’t the one having to take the test. I didn’t know half of what she was learning, including the origin of the word COMPUTER – Common Oriented Machine Particularly Used for Trade and Education Research.

Neetu and her grandmother preparing a meal as I sat as a spectator

Exploring the town during Ganesh Chaturthi

After some much-needed rest (getting to a 06:00 am train and then being in 100 degree weather is quite exhausting). The French guests and I hopped on the homestay’s pretty decrepit bicycles. We ventured down the dirt road through the small markets and down to the boulder-full river.

Despite having a bent wheel and a seat so low my knees nearly reached my face when I pedaled (no Allen wrench available for seat adjustments). I was stoked to be on wheels. It was the final day of Ganesh Chaturthi and we watched a steady stream of Ganesh statues be carried into the waters as a closing part of the 9-day celebration.

It seems like there’s always a festival or celebration going on in India. We enjoyed the town until the sunset behind the chhatris (cenotaphs to Orchha’s rulers). Watched the vultures flying above us while the locals swam celebrating Ganesh down below.

You can read this article to know more about other festivals in India.

Ganesh statues being taken to the river on the last day of Ganesh Chaturthi

Games with the family

Chopping Okra (Bhindi) on the kitchen floor with the kids, I watched grandma, Khamla Basti. In her squatted position tend to the cooking at the floor-level stove. I found the kitchen to be immaculate (if you don’t count the flies) and incredibly organized.

The boys, ages 6 and 9, had the most contagious laughs and captivating smiles. As I write this, it’s quite powerful how much I miss them. It was fun watching Vishal give his dad a leg massage, holding onto a rope dangling from the ceiling, a creation of their dad’s the kids seemed quite proud of.

I had shown them the frisbee I brought with me and they were getting quite excited to give it a try. Accordingly, we left grandma to the cooking and ventured out to the area alongside my room, in front of the cows, where I couldn’t stop smiling as we all chuckled with each whirl of the disc. As a backpacker, you definitely don’t want to be carrying any extra weight – but I am having zero regrets for toting my frisbee! We had a blast.

The kids excited with the frisbee I bought them

The nature reserve

A good night’s rest was had by all and a delicious breakfast (Poha) was served to us before we hopped back on our rickety bikes towards the nature preserve. We rolled down the hills, through the town, and followed directions to the 2nd entrance of the preserve. This is where we were told the gate would be open and there was no ticket counter.

Let the adventure begin

Labouring on our decaying bikes, we passed dozens of monkeys (they never cease to capture my attention), some peacocks, and lots of birds. The dirt path led us to some scenic views of the boulder-full rivers. The highlight being an area where the waters were deep enough for us to have one of the most refreshing, beautiful swim. I guess my fear of crocodiles (as the sign near the park’s entrance warned) made me just a tad less relaxed! Not a soul in sight aside from the one white cow who seemed to have the inside scoop on the best place to while the day away.

If it wasn’t for running out of drinking water and wanting to tour the eye-catching sites in the afternoon, I could have stayed there for many more hours.

We pedaled back towards the preserve’s exit where we were met by 3 men including a stern-looking gun-toting officer requesting INR 150 from each of us. We paid up after a bit of skepticism and negotiating (turns out that is the standard tourist rate for the nature preserve) and as we began to cycle towards town.

A hiccup

I heard (and felt) that familiar POP sound of a blown tire. My decrepit bike had led me to a heavenly swimming hole but failed me for the rest of the day. A new tube would have cost INR 10 but the tire itself needed replacing and it seemed too pricey for them to pursue right away, yikes.

As I reflect, I realize I perhaps should have spread the bike love and some tourist $ to have replaced it for them!. I enjoyed a tasty lunch and some Wi-Fi in the air-conditioned Betwa Tarang rooftop restaurant (huge portions). Lounged there for the hottest couple of hours of the day. Thereafter, bidding farewell to the French guests who were soon catching the train to Delhi.

My travelling companion taking a nice dip in the cool water

Jehangir Mahal

My plan was to return to the homestay for a few hours to hang out with the kids. However, it was too far to walk in the blazing heat when I knew I wanted to visit the impressive Jehangir Mahal and other nearby sites in the afternoon. I found the medieval Islamic architecture to be amazing. I loved climbing the hidden staircases, peering out the arched windows and literally getting lost in the mazes. One entrance ticket (INR 250) covers most of the major sites.

When I did return to the homestay after sunset, we had a blast! We studied for Neetu’s test, played more frisbee. And, they put me to shame (even the 6 year old) at Carrom, the finger billiards game I’m loving here.

Orchha has some pretty impressive sites, a serene nature preserve and is well worth the stay

Feeling like one of the family

For dinner, I was invited to join the kids to eat at 08:30 pm. This is when Jodha Akbar, their favourite TV show, was on. I felt honoured! I also got a kick out of the show about a Muslim King and his Hindu Queen.

We stayed up late playing more frisbee and prepping for the computer exam. The kids would all have school the next morning and we joked about waking up at 04:00 am (Neetu had to leave by 06:30 am). This is so that we could do everything we wanted (more frisbee, more carrom, etc.). I planned to wake early to say goodbye to Neetu or she was to wake me – but sadly, we missed each other.

I so treasured our time together and started feeling attached, wanting to come back to visit again. The youngest little peanut was still asleep when I had to leave. Vishal was all suited up in his school uniform, in serious mode. However, before he left we got a few disc tosses in and said farewell.

Helping the kids with their studies

Overall

I already miss these kids, having thoroughly enjoyed living with them these past couple of days. I’m left wondering how it must be for them. Strangers in their homes on a regular basis. Some, they might not connect with at all and others they perhaps get attached to as well.

I must say though, that Friends of Orchha is doing some terrific work. The homestay is the primary source of income for this family. 6 other families participate as well and, as you can imagine, many others are interested.

The families receive the majority of the room charge and all of the meal fees. The remainder is used for loans taken to build the place. And, the organization also runs a youth centre (temporarily closed for construction). And they have also purchased toilets for other homes in the village. What a memorable experience.

Thank you, India Someday.

Thank you, You Wander We Pay.

Namaste.

Sad to be leaving such a welcoming place

Feeling Like Royalty in Udaipur

Posted on September 11, 2015May 6, 2025 by Harsh Sonawala

Thank you, India Someday, for putting me up like royalty in Udaipur and for these first couple of cities. The air-conditioned bus (with plush reclining chairs) from Ahmedabad to Udaipur dropped me on the outskirts of town. Post this, I proudly negotiated an INR 50 rickshaw ride to the Old City.

Beautiful sunset in Udaipur (Royalty in Udaipur!)

The Madri Haveli

My room (or shall I say rooms) at the Madri Haveli, in the master suite, made me feel like a queen. With multiple seating areas to choose from, nooks and crannies with beautifully shaped windows looking out onto the charming old city. Also, a separate regal bedroom, and an eye-catching stone bathroom (larger than my NYC bedroom), replete with a giant tub, two sinks and a great supply of adorable Colgate toothpaste and other toiletries.

I made my way to the rooftop and was awe-struck by the stunning views of the lush mountains, beautiful lakes and the enchanting city. I knew I’d be more than content if I never left the grounds and treated myself to some laptop time in what became one of the world’s prettiest offices.

Madri Haveli Udaipur

Boat ride around Pichola Lake

I meandered the busy colourful crooked streets and worked my way towards the quintessential boat ride around Pichola Lake. I entered at Lal Ghat (where all tourists were Indian) and took the INR 250 ride around the beautiful waters, staring out onto City Palace and Jagmandir and Jagniwas Islands, quickly gaining a sense of the regal life of India.

Drawn to the green park space nearby, I wandered the windy paths, checked out some sculptures and spotted my first monkey hanging out.

Breakfast on the rooftop – Madri Haveli (one of the many royalty in Udaipur)

Jagdish Temple

Working my way back to the haveli, I stopped to visit the Jagdish Temple. All dressed up with lights, streamers and statues, and packed with folks celebrating Janmashtami; Lord Krishna’s birthday.

I slipped off my shoes and joined the packed line of exquisitely dressed women in colourful saris to enter the temple, built in 1651. A clay pot dangling high above the open public square, I grew excited for the community celebration that would happen the following eve.

For now, it was teeming of people, lots of music, and in the evening, a midnight procession marking the birth of Krishna.

Pilgrims walking up to the temple in Udaipur

The food

I was thrilled to meet the Udaipur artist, Rajesh Soni. In addition to photography, he does beautiful work hand-colouring, in fine detail. Also, he does others’ digital pictures, many of which were on display in the Madri Haveli Gallery.

We drove to the new part of Udaipur, passing the famous Fateh Sagar Lake (or FS as they call it here). This is where droves of locals go to hang out in the evening. You would find them sitting on the water’s edge and eating at the plentiful food stands across the road.

He brought me to a typical Indian thali place where unlimited vegetarian dishes are served by eager waiters. I’m so loving the yoghurts and delicious aromatic flavours of each meal more than the next in this country!

Our drive back was insane. His small car is in competition with the motorbikes, bicycles, rickshaws, people, cows, goats, and who knows what else. The streets are windy, super narrow, and barely have room for one car to go by.

He had an impeccable sense of the car size. And he magically finessed his way through the tightest of squeezes, at impressively high speeds.

I retreated to my royal room and woke to a rooftop breakfast fit for a king. Fresh fruit, black tea, cheese omelette, banana crepes, and four pieces of toast with an assortment of jams and that delicious Indian butter.

I enjoyed learning that the Amul brand of butter I’ve been loving started out as a women’s cooperative. As it goes, some women started a milk society collecting milk from everyone’s house. This eventually got developed into a large, established company.

Breakfast with a view at Madri Haveli

Ayurvedic Massage

I spent the day having my first Ayurvedic massage, meandering the Udaipur streets, and lap-topping atop my glorious shaded rooftop. Struggling to find the place listed in Lonely Planet and overwhelmed by the plethora of choices, I decided to go with a place in the Lal Ghat area. This is where I was sold on having a massage provided by a woman.

Loving a good massage and having experienced some of the best throughout my travels, but never an Indian Ayurvedic treatment, I was curious. Throughout my hour of being gently massaged, I was curious if this woman’s work was indeed a good sampling of Ayurvedic massage. Because if so, I was going to exchange my rupees for bahts and head to Thailand!

Thankfully, the guy who ran this questionable operation wanted a genuine debrief. He has also offered earlier to return my money if I wasn’t satisfied. Dissatisfied though I was, I didn’t intend to ask for a refund. We spoke at length about Ayurvedic massage, and I much more enjoyed the next half hour of treatment he gave me.

The moral of the story is to make sure you go to a reputable place. Especially if having a woman is important for you. It became clear to me that this woman had no idea what she was doing.

Overall, it was a restful day in charming, well-touristed Udaipur, the City of Lakes. I loved hearing the sounds of the Krishna celebrations and staring out at those beautiful hills.

Thank you, India Someday.

Thank you, You Wander We Pay.

Namaste.

If you’re looking to experience royalty in India but don’t know where to start planning, get in touch!

Lounge area in Madri Haveli

Goa is more than beaches and barking dogs

Posted on August 15, 2015May 6, 2025 by Harsh Sonawala

Sarah and her husband from Canada are travelling with their children aged 12, 10 and 5 for a year across Europe and Asia. They used our help to plan parts of their India trip and are guest authors for a series of blogs on travelling in India with children.

In our two month trip around India, we spent about two weeks in Goa. It is definitely a place that you could lose yourself in and end up staying much longer than expected. It is a very gentle entry into India and a bit of a respite from some of the tougher elements about travelling in India.

There is much less poverty in Goa, there is certainly an abundance of western food and, of course, you can always get a drink of something alcoholic. These things are not the case in many parts of the rest of the country. Of course, the beaches make Goa a perfect place for a holiday or a place to chill out and relax or even recharge before you carry on with your India travels.

Goa is a perfect place for a holiday and a place to chill out

Kayaking in the backwaters

Goa is actually much more than beaches. If you were to go to Goa and spend all your time on the beach you would no doubt have a wonderful time, but you would miss out on so much more that Goa has to offer. Just like Kerala, Goa has a network of backwaters where you can paddle for ages and see a variety of birdlife and animals. The sounds of nature are magical and there is a lot of the traditional life of the people happening on the river banks. It is peaceful, serene and inspirational.

Another blog entry by Sarah – Dispelling the myths of travelling in India with Children

Sal Backwaters, South Goa (Picture Credit: Tripadvisor)

Spice Farms

The spice farms are also a must-see in my mind. You will see how many things grow that you use in your daily life, and certainly some things will baffle you. You might find yourself saying, “Funny, I never thought about that before!” And becoming more curious about life is a bonus. Learning about how things are made not only makes you more interested and ask more questions, but you will suddenly find that you start asking a lot more questions and learning a lot more about other things too.

Spice Garden (Photo Credit: Thrilling Travel)

Markets and colonial villages

Goa has several large markets. Whether you are looking for a hippy scene, cheap clothes, traditional handicrafts or even fruit or vegetables, you will find it here. Different markets happen on different days so if there is something that you are interested in seeing, be sure to check into which day it is on and the location.

As well as lots of charming little villages, Goa’s cities offer beautiful architecture from its Portuguese colonial history. In Panjim, Old Goa or Margao, there are churches and buildings to admire throughout the province. The old houses are also absolutely beautiful. Getting off the beach and into the town will definitely give you a feeling of the bigger picture of this little province and you see the influence of its colonial past all around you.

Travelling around India with children and using different modes of transport! – Another great and super useful blog by Sarah and Gregor.

Immaculate Conception Church in Panjim

Embracing all parts

And a blog post on Goa would not be complete without some mention of the dogs. Before we arrived, we read lots of TripAdvisor posts complaining about all the barking dogs on the Goan beaches. It is true – Goa has loads of stray dogs and it seems like the night time is party time for them. The thing is though that you can’t avoid it, so the best thing is to embrace it.

We decided to view these lovely creatures like a bunch of teenage boys; sweet on the inside but all trying to assert their position. They were friendly as could be and hovered a bit at dinner time as they were always keen to get a bit of food, but they could easily be shooed away as well. At night, they howled and barked at one another – but it made us laugh. The partying dogs of Goa added to the charm and we made sure that our earplugs were handy!

If you seek fame go to India! – India’s obsession with taking pictures with foreigners.

Next stop Kerala

We hope you enjoyed this blog! If you have a trip planned to Goa, we also suggest you read our more detailed blog on things to do in Goa. If you need our assistance in planning your trip to this beautiful region, do get in touch with us. We would be happy to help you plan a customized trip according to your travel needs!

Offbeat Tours in India

Posted on August 13, 2015May 6, 2025 by Harsh Sonawala

While travelling to India, most people have an idea of the places they must see, like Agra, Delhi, and Jaipur (The Golden Triangle), the beaches of Goa, the backwaters of Kerala, or even the romantic Udaipur and the bustle of Mumbai.

But India is so vast that you can actually find places that aren’t a part of the tourist trail. We secretly always hope these places remain hidden so that they don’t lose their charm. So, here’s a list of our favourite offbeat destinations in India. We’re trusting you with our secret!

If you’ve already decided that you’re coming to India, or are on the fence, contact us and we’ll help you decide or choose a route that fits you.

You’ll witness beautiful mountains views in both of these routes

Lahaul Spiti – the lesser-known Himalayas

When you think of the Himalayas, the first place that comes to mind is Leh and Ladakh or perhaps Shimla, the British Summer Capital. But the Himalayas are also home to a bunch of wonderful lesser-known regions.

One such region is Lahaul – Spiti. It’s a part of northeast Himachal, and though travelling here can be difficult, the view surely makes up for the extra efforts.

You don’t find the best roads here, but you will find grass trails, mud paths, and friendly locals who work as a team to make even an 8-hour drive seem surprisingly pleasant.

The route that explores the unknown mountains of the North

Delhi/Chandigarh – Shimla – Thanedar Kotgarh – Sangla – Kalpa – Tabo – Kaza- Kullu (Manikaran) – Chandigarh/Delhi

Here, you must start your trip in Delhi or Chandigarh and then head to Shimla. Shimla isn’t the prettiest hill station because of extreme commercialization, but it still has an old-world charm to it. You could experience hospitality like never before by staying at Sunnymead in Shimla.
The next stop would be Thanedar Kotgarh, a small, quaint village where you get to see ranges of mountains. Walking through the apple orchards is a must here.
The next stop is Sangla, a heavenly getaway. The Himalayan mountains surround you, and you can hear a gushing river as you watch the world go by. For your time in Kaza and Tabo, we would highly recommend trying Ecosphere, as they work for the well-being of the community.
We also suggest checking out the Tosh/Parvati Valley if you’re looking for a laid-back experience post long car journeys. Both these places have a decent nightlife, and you might just be able to catch a party and perhaps have company for the route ahead.

The road journeys for this particular route are open from July to September. The journey is absolutely worth it as your vision will always be occupied by the striking monasteries and perfect blue skies.

In terms of travel, it would be best to hire a chauffeur-driven car for the entire trip. However, you could also take local buses if you are on a tight budget.

Best time to travel: July to September

Number of days needed: 15-18

Ideal for: Couples | Families | Friends

Lahaul and Spiti (Photo Credit: TourMyIndia)

Uttarakhand – more than just Rishikesh

Uttarakhand is known for the snowy winter, larger-than-life mountains, small villages, and simple people. This region is famous for adventure sports such as river rafting, trekking, skiing, camping, rock climbing, and rappelling. We’d advise you to combine a trip to Jim Corbett National Park with the Kumaon hills and the touristy Rishikesh for an overall experience.

Consider this route and get a massive adrenaline rush

Delhi/Dehradun – Rishikesh – Jim Corbett – Nainital – Kathgodam – Delhi

You could either start your trip in Delhi or directly take a flight to Dehradun and then head to Rishikesh. Rishikesh hit stardom when the Beatles spent a few months there with their spiritual guru. And ever since, Rishikesh has had lots of yoga shalas and courses for tourists wishing for a calming and spiritual experience. That aside, it’s a nice small town on the banks of the mighty Ganges River (where you can river raft). It also offers great places to eat.
The next stop would be Jim Corbett National Park. A dense forest with the chance to spot a tiger in the wild, it’s exactly like how Ruskin Bond describes it in his books. You may spot the elusive tiger if you are lucky enough and will definitely see a host of other wildlife. From here you could make your way into the Kumaon Hills and the beautiful hill station of Nainital. Thereafter, making your way to a lovely property called Itmenaan tucked away in the mountains.
As you make your way back down to Delhi via Kathgodam, you can add a few more places to your itinerary. If you have the time you could include places like Munsiyari, or Ramgarh. One thing we can promise is that not too many people would have travelled this route.

In terms of travel, it would be best to hire a chauffeur-driven car for the entire trip.

Best time to travel: February to June

Number of days needed: 12-15 days

Idea for: Couples | Families | Friends

Find Out More: Discover the Best Time to Explore Incredible India

Jim Corbett National Park

We can come up with a variety of combinations if you are specifically looking for offbeat tours in India. This post just explores two of them. Do get in touch with us and let us know the number of days you have, and we can then plan the trip for you.

India Someday North India budget group tour detailed plan

Posted on July 24, 2015May 6, 2025 by Harsh Sonawala

We promise you a tour that is the right mix of ‘Understanding India, Experiencing India and Exploring India’.

Understanding India – India evokes a million questions! Religion, the cows, arranged marriages, the food, the culture, the famed Indian weddings and more. It usually takes a life-time of understanding it all, but we will try our best to explain in fourteen days.

Experiencing India – We’ve included activities ranging from slum tours to cooking classes, Bollywood dancing to a rural visit, we’re sure this will help you experience India through active participation, rather than just looking at monuments and sights

Exploring India – You will see a lot and do a lot and we will be around, but we DO NOT plan on holding your hand all the way or keeping you under strict schedules. Expect time in each city to explore/do things on your own too.

An overview – Day-to-day plan for India Someday Group Tour

Do not worry! We do not have a daily 9 am to 9 pm agenda on our trip. But, we do want to give you an overview of your time in India in terms of

Things to see and do in each city
Which activity will be in which city
Amazing spots/monuments that we will stop at while driving in-between cities
Optional activities that are worth knowing about (you can sign up for them in India)

Welcome to India, a land of colours and spices (Photo Credit – Shri and Sam)

Day 1 – Mumbai: Introductions, Easy Sightseeing and Nightlife

What Mumbai (or Bombay as we locals still like to call it) lacks in monuments it makes up for in energy and a distinct city vibe. Bombay usually strikes most travellers as both a crazy and yet a very likeable city.

We will start your morning a little slow with introductions (as some of you may be jet-lagged) and then venture out to explore the city. We will use a mix of public transport (trains, buses and taxis) to explore a bunch of touristy and non-touristy sights. We will be with you throughout this day.

Some of the possible highlights would be the Jain Temple, with lovely sea views, a very cute (free entry) Gandhi museum, a very interesting open-air laundry (Dhobi Ghat) and just in general being plugged into the city riding buses with locals and seeing the craziness on the streets of Mumbai first-hand.

Lest we forget, an introduction to some local Indian food.

While some of you might be tired since it is Saturday night we would love to show some of the city’s nightlife! It makes for a very different experience, seeing the affluent and young party side of Mumbai.

Mumbai Stay – Mumbai is an expensive city, Travelers Inn (Reviews), is very centrally located and clean, but a basic hotel. Stay would be in rooms.

You cannot visit Mumbai without tasting the delicious street food (Photo Credit – Bharat Mirchandani)

Day 2 – Mumbai: Slum Tour, Bollywood Dance

A slum tour in Mumbai is an eye-opening experience. You will see a very densely populated part of Mumbai, but the way they live and how industrious they are would amaze you. Including travel, the slum tour can take anywhere between 4-5 hours. We’d spend the evening trying some Bollywood Dance moves.

You’d still have pockets of time should you wish to shop or explore a little of the city on your own. We are always happy to guide you or come along.

Slum Tour and Bollywood Dance class costs are included in tour costs.

Mumbai is the home to Bollywood, make sure you watch one Bollywood movie during your visit (Photo Credit – Tumisu)

Day 3 – Mumbai: Free exploration time

While we hope to have given you enough of a glimpse into the flavours of Mumbai, there is still a lot to see in the city. There are lovely museums and art galleries to explore which are walking distance from your hotel. You can take an early morning cycling tour, or hop onto a ferry to see the caves of Elephanta.

There are a couple of lovely audio walking tours too. Or just shop/relax and you might find something cool in the city on your own!

Travel to Udaipur – We would be taking an overnight sleeper bus to Udaipur, this is the longest commute between any two cities on our trip. The bus would depart at 06:00 pm in the evening and reach Udaipur at 09:30 am the following morning.

Visit Elephanta Island, just off the coast of Mumbai, to explore some Hindu caves (Photo Credit – Keya Arati)

Day 4 – Udaipur: Exploring the old city and dinner by the lake

Udaipur is a charming medieval city on the banks of Lake Pichola, a beautiful mix of lakes, rolling hills, lovely palaces, and endearing locals. Our overnight bus journey would effectively take us back in time as we explore the old parts of Udaipur the next morning.

A lovely palace by the lake, a touristy (but very pretty) boat ride that gives you views of the city.

We will spend most of the first day exploring the popular sites in Udaipur. A bunch of them are clustered together within walking distance, and for others we’d use a tuk-tuk. We will end the day with dinner with a beautiful view of the lake.

Udaipur Stay – A very charming homestay (Reviews), a huge house with common areas and a very homely and relaxed vibe. You can also read an India Someday Review of Chandra Niwas, Udaipur.

City Palace Udaipur, the largest palace complex of Rajasthan located on the banks of Lake Pichola (Photo Credit – Volker Glätsch)

Day 5 – Udaipur: Rural Visit/Trek

Udaipur is a small town, a short drive in almost any direction and one would be in the midst of the countryside, small villages and rolling hills. We will spend the first half of the day in these villages, either cycling or on a light trek and you’d get glimpses of rural India.

You would have the evening to yourself.

Trek up the Aravalli Mountains just around Udaipur (Photo Credit – Narinder Pal)

Day 6 – Udaipur: Free exploration time and cooking class

You will be cooking Indian lunch today and then we will eat what we have cooked. Apart from that it would be an easy day for some more exploring/relaxing or shopping. If everyone is up for it we know some beautiful heritage hotels that offer some fantastic views in Udaipur, and we could go there for a drink.

Cooking class is included in the India Someday Tour.

Take a cooking class and learn all about what spices to use in Indian dishes (Photo Credit – Kristina Tripkovic)

Day 7 – Drive from Udaipur to Jodhpur

(with a stopover to visit Ranakpur temples and Kumbhalgarh Fort)

If any Indian monument will come close to (or perhaps exceed) the Taj Mahal in mesmerising a traveller it would be the stunning Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur. The crowning citadel of another lovely medieval town with endless narrow alleys and blue houses, where one would love to get lost! But, it would have to wait until we drive there.

Udaipur to Jodhpur is a very pretty drive. Beautiful Indian countryside and a stop to visit the stunning marble temples of Ranakpur. Kumbhalgarh Fort is another optional stop en route to Jodhpur. One has to climb a steep flight of stairs but is rewarded with a beautiful view.

We’d reach Jodhpur towards the evening. Our guest house rooftop offers a magnificent view of the lit-up Mehrangarh Fort. You’d have the evening to still walk around the old town, aimlessly walking in these old towns in itself is so much fun.

Jodhpur Stay – Another homestay, Hem Guest House (Reviews). It is located in the heart of the old town and their terrace offers great views of the fort. India Someday Review of Hem Guest House.

On the way to Jodhpur, you must visit the Ranakpur temples (Photo Credit – Volker Glätsch)

Day 8 – Sightseeing and Ziplining from the fort (optional)

A stunning fort, yet another temple, a lavish palace (converted into a luxury hotel) and a desert rock park are few of the sites we would explore today. Unless you have a phobia of heights, the ziplining experience at the Mehrangarh Fort is an amazing experience. It is optional for those that wish to do it!

Mehrangarh Fort during the golden hour (Photo Credit – Yash Raut)

Day 9 – Drive to Pushkar

A sacred lake, innumerable temples, a confused religious and yet hippie vibe! Pushkar again is not a town with any stunning monuments, but just a great small town to aimlessly walk around and soak in the atmosphere.

Pushkar Stay – A charming old Haveli (house) converted hotel, Hotel Kanhaia Haveli (Reviews)

Pushkar Camel Fair, popular opportunity to witness an old traditional style Indian festival (Photo Credit – Ashish Sangai)

Day 10 – Drive to Jaipur, Sightseeing

We would explore the Ajmer Dargah on the way to the railway station to take our train from Ajmer to Jaipur.

Jaipur is a lot bigger than the other towns we would be visiting in Rajasthan. We will try to explore Amer fort on our first evening as the views around sunset are splendid and end our day with a Bollywood film.

Jaipur Stay – We’ll be staying at very cool Moustache Hostel (Reviews). We’ll stay in dorms, unless you have requested for a room.

Explore More: Rajasthan’s Outstanding Destinations

Hawa Mahal the most iconic monument in Jaipur (Photo Credit – Aditya Siva)

Day 11 – Sightseeing, optional shopping or Elefantastic

We’d spend the first half of the day exploring a bunch of monuments within Jaipur city. For those interested, Jaipur has a fantastic elephant farm and experience at Elefantastic.

While the activity is not included in the cost of the tour, for anyone that loves animals and is amazed by elephants this is a great experience. You can spend the second half with elephants or shopping/more exploring.

Elephant Farm Experience (Photo Credit – Kevin Jones)

Day 12 – Drive to Agra

Our drive to Agra will have a couple of stops, first to visit the step-wells of Abhaneri and then to visit the fortress city of Fatehpur Sikri. We will see Taj Mahal twice on your trip, the first time from across the river around sunset.

Agra Stay – Would be a small comfortable BnB – Mohini Homestay (Reviews).

The stepwells of Abhaneri make beautiful holiday photos (Photo Credit – Susan Fleming)

Day 13 – Taj Mahal and drive/train to Delhi

Wake up early in the morning to visit the Taj Mahal at the break of dawn, it is absolutely gorgeous under the soft rays of the morning sun. We’d then look at the Agra Fort, Baby Taj (an equally impressive monument), and if time permits, Akbar’s Tomb. We would then either take a train/bus or car to Delhi.

Delhi Stay – Our stay in Delhi would be in a hostel too, a very calm and yet central location. Moustache Hostel (Reviews).

Sunrise at Taj Mahal (Photo Credit – Shan Elahi)

Day 14 – Delhi sightseeing

Delhi or Bombay which is a better city? We already know the answer, but we will let you decide. Unlike Bombay, Delhi has some fantastic monuments! There’s an excellent metro to get to all places. Great food, both restaurants and street food. A lot of history and nightlife too!

Here is an insider guide to what monuments you cannot miss on your trip to Delhi.

The Baha’i Lotus Temple in New Delhi should not be missed (Photo Credit – harmeet9000)

Day 15 – Little more sightseeing and departures

We will have a few hours on the last day for some final sightseeing followed by arranging transfers to the airport/railway station!

If you would like to take this trip or a similar one with any extra stops, then get in touch with us now. We at India Someday will be there for you while booking and during your trip to make sure you have the best holiday possible.

Learn More: Engross Yourself in Things to do in India

Adorable little schoolboys wave goodbye (Photo Credit – Church of the King)

Best City to Fly into India

Posted on July 16, 2015May 6, 2025 by Harsh Sonawala

Looking at travelling to India but not sure about the flights to India? which is the best city to fly into India? Our blog should give you an overview of the best cities to fly into India depending on which region you’d like to explore.

You can also explore our popular North India and South India travel routes.

Time to book your flights to India (Photo Credit – Jan Vašek)

Touring North India? Fly into Delhi, but explore flights into Bombay

When planning a trip to a country as huge as India, the most frequent question that we get is which is the best city to fly into India?

If you plan to visit Rajasthan, Varanasi, or travel to the Himalayas (Kashmir, Leh and Ladakh or Himachal Pradesh) then the best city to fly in to is Delhi. Most international flights to India fly into Delhi.

On the other hand, if you’re thinking of touring around Rajasthan, do explore open-jaw flights to India. For example, fly into Delhi and fly out of Mumbai (or the other way around).

Delhi and Mumbai are very contrasting experiences, definitely worth including both in your list of places to visit in India. Delhi has some splendid monuments and great history. Mumbai (especially the southern end) is very easy to walk around, and has a spirit which will simply engulf you.
Udaipur (Southern Rajasthan) is equidistant from Delhi and Mumbai. Hence, if you are looking at touring across Rajasthan you can fly into Mumbai and then travel to Udaipur and travel across Rajasthan. It can also be done the other way around; visit Rajasthan and end your trip in Mumbai after Udaipur.
Gujarat is another interesting and not a very touristy state. It is convenient to reach both on the way from Rajasthan to Mumbai or a stop on the way from Mumbai to Rajasthan.

Here are some great travel routes in North India if in need of inspiration.

Useful Tip:

A number of our guests from USA choose to fly on Air India (AI 102), as they operate a direct flight from New York (JFK) to Delhi, and Delhi to New York (JFK). Air India has a very good network of domestic flights in India too, so irrespective of where your trip ends in India, it connects you back to your Delhi-JFK return flight via an internal Air India flight.

Discover More: Tips for US travelers to India

Bandra-Worli Sea Link (Photo Credit – Rajiv)

Touring Northeast India? Fly into Kolkata, Explore flights to Delhi

Visiting the Northeast, you have to ask yourself, are you planning to visit only the Northeast (cities like Kolkata, Varanasi, Darjeeling, Assam, Sikkim, etc.) or do you plan to spend some time there and then make your way westwards?

An interesting tour plan would be working your way from Delhi along places on the river Ganges i.e. Gwalior, Orchha, Khajuraho, Varanasi and then ending your trip with time in Darjeeling or Sikkim. Flying into Delhi and out of Kolkata would be a great option for such a tour.

You could also do this tour the other way around by flying into Kolkata and end in Delhi.

If you plan to explore the more remote Indian states of Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, Meghalaya, Tripura, Nagaland and Sikkim then the best city to fly into India would be Kolkata. However, if international flights into Kolkata are very expensive you can also look at flying into Delhi and then taking an internal flight.

The Northeast is a unique and beautiful place to visit, so check these reasons why it would be a memorable trip!

Visit the tea Gardens in the beautiful Darjeeling, you won’t regret the peaceful nature here (Photo Credit -Boudhayan Bardhan)

Holidaying in Goa, and South India?

If you are looking primarily at a beach holiday and spending most of your time in Goa then the best city to fly into India would be Mumbai or Goa and explore Bengaluru.

There are over ten daily and inexpensive flights from Mumbai to Goa. Daily trains and buses too (for more information read getting from Mumbai to Goa).
If you are lucky you will find direct flights to Goa too! These are usually operational only during the winter months and common from Europe/Russia. Just explore and research in terms of flight connections.
Bengaluru may seem far from Goa, but it’s well connected by daily and inexpensive flights. You can also look at flying out of Bengaluru and touring across the state of Karnataka by road as you make your way from Goa (Goa-Hampi-Mysore-Bengaluru).
Avoid looking at flights into Delhi, unless you also plan to visit the Taj Mahal or a little of Rajasthan. There are only a couple of daily flights from Delhi to Goa and they can get quite expensive.

Find Out More: Investigate the Ideal Time to Tour India

Looking at a South India Tour? Fly into Bengaluru, Chennai, or Kochi (if only visiting Kerala)

Looking at spending time across Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Kerala?

For the South Indian tour the best city to fly into India is Chennai or Bengaluru. When planning a South India tour we usually recommend starting with Karnataka or Tamil Nadu and ending your holiday in Kerala. Kerala is beautiful, relaxing, and provides great massages so all in all, an ideal way to end your journey through India.

You may want to explore looking at flights to Bengaluru/Chennai and out of Kochi or Trivandrum. However, if expensive, remember Kochi to Bengaluru/Chennai flights are frequent and inexpensive.
While Kochi and Trivandrum (cities in Kerala) seem close to each other on a map they are a four drive from each other. So if you plan to end your holiday on a beach in Kovalam/Varkala then Trivandrum would be a perfect choice. However, if you are keen on Mararikulam then Kochi would be the right choice. Moreover, a lot of other places of interest in Kerala are close to Kochi as well. You may wish to bear that in mind when booking flights.

Useful tip: Most middle east airlines i.e. Emirates, Etihad, and Qatar Airways have good connections in and out of airports in Kerala.

Explore Further: Ideal Time to Visit Kerala

At India Someday, we are avid travellers that specialize in assisting travellers plan their holiday to India. Whether it’s flights to India, getting around or accommodation, feel free to get in touch if you have more questions, or fill out our questionnaire to plan your trip accordingly.

Apart from the wonderful beaches, Kerala has so much to offer (Photo Credit – Elroy Serrao)

Getting From Chennai to Kerala

Posted on July 8, 2015May 6, 2025 by Harsh Sonawala

Tamil Nadu as a state has a lot to offer for a holiday, Chennai not so much. There isn’t a lot one can do in Chennai. We’re not saying that Chennai is a bad place to visit, but it’s not something you would regret missing. If you’re in the city and looking for something that packs more of a punch, this post will help you understand how to get to Chennai from Kerala.

There are multiple ways of getting to Kerala if you are in Chennai, but it depends on what your plan is. Are you in Chennai because you are planning to explore Tamil Nadu? Or are you in Chennai because you want to explore Kerala? Maybe Chennai is just a pit-stop along the way?

There are various ways of doing this trip. Tamil Nadu in itself has a lot of beautiful places to offer. It’s a state known for its temples. So if you’re a fan of architecture and history and find peace in temples, we suggest you spend some more time in Tamil Nadu before you head to Kerala.

Bridheshwara Temple

By Flight

To sum it up there are two ways of going from Chennai to Kerala. One is to directly take a flight/train/bus from Chennai to Kerala with plenty of options to get there, depending on what your interests are. If temples and culture are more attractive to you than backwaters, beaches and forests you might prefer to simply stay in this state.

Almost all domestic airlines ply daily non-stop flights between Chennai and Kerala. You can fly either to Cochin, Trivandrum or Calicut in North Kerala. This is the fastest and most convenient way to get to Kerala.

By Road

You can start by driving South to Mahabalipuram (just 50 kms away). Spend a night there, explore the beautiful temples and then head to Pondicherry. It’s a lovely city built in the French style of architecture. It has some of the most amazing churches and temples and the Aurobindo Ashram. If France was a jigsaw puzzle, Pondicherry is a jigsaw piece that the French left behind!

Spend time in Pondicherry visiting the serene churches, temples and ashrams. Spend a few of your evenings watching the sun go down on the beaches of Pondi. Head next to Madurai but not before making a couple of stops on the way first.

If you still haven’t had enough of the beautiful temples and the simple yet elegant towns, check out Tiruchirappalli (Trichy) and Tanjore (Thanjavur). These towns are an hour away from each other and almost 5-6 hours away from Pondicherry. You can spend a night or two in Trichy or Tanjore before you head to Madurai. It is approximately 4 hours away and getting on a bus shouldn’t be a hassle.

Madurai is the king when it comes to protecting the old world charm. Known as the Athens of the East by some, the city that never sleeps by others. The Gandhi Memorial Museum is a place you should visit along with the Meenakshi Temple. Because of the geographical location of Madurai you are not too far (only a 4 hour drive away) from the abundantly blessed hill station of Munnar in Kerala (blessed by nature and more importantly, chocolate). What else does one want?

You can always explore Tamil Nadu first. Go to Madurai and from there go to Kerala and start your Kerala exploration.

Travel though beautiful forests

By Train

Taking a train from Chennai to Trivandrum (Chennai-Trivandrum SF Express) means skipping a lot of the places in Kerala and Chennai. We suggest you take this train only if you are heading to Varkala. This train runs seven days a week.

A train from Madurai to Ernakulam is a 12-hour journey. We suggest you take the Chennai Egmore–Guruvayur Express. This train also runs 7 days a week, departing from Chennai at 07:40 hrs, stopping in Madurai at 16:40 hrs and arriving at Ernakulam at 03:25 hrs.

To summarize getting from Chennai to Kerala isn’t really difficult, there are a lot of trains, buses and flights that are available, but we suggest you explore Tamil Nadu before you visit Kerala. If you can’t wait to get to Kerala then leave now!

Explore Further: Insights into the Best Time to Visit Kerala

Chennai Central Railway Station

Getting from Bangalore to Kerala

Posted on July 6, 2015May 6, 2025 by Harsh Sonawala

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!

Wondering when is the best time to visit India? Or interested in looking at different South India travel routes? We have it all.

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.

For more information on when exactly to visit Kerala, give this a look.

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.

Dive Deeper: Understanding the Ideal Time to Visit Kerala

(Photo Credit – cheersabhishek)

By Bus

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.

Travelling options from Hampi to Kerala

Posted on June 26, 2015May 6, 2025 by Harsh Sonawala

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.

Look at some of our South India travel routes here.

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.

Munnar in Kerala, a gorgeous hill station

You can also read about our friend Nicky’s solo adventures in Kerala.

Getting from Goa to Hampi

Posted on June 18, 2015May 6, 2025 by Harsh Sonawala

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 16^th 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.

Wondering how to get from Hampi to Kerala, here is one of our other very useful blogs! You can also browse through our travel route ideas for South India. Feel free to get in touch to speak to us about your trip to India.

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!