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!Â
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. Â 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. Itâs an early morning train from Dadar railway station in Mumbai and ends in Thivim in North Goa. Itâs 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. Itâs 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 itâs 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 arenât 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 donât 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 â 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.Â
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 blogâLadakh is straight out of a fairy tale. A place of purple mountains where thereâs 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 experienceâ.
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!
Route Delhi â Manali â Leh â Nubra Valley â Leh â Delhi (route on GoogleMaps)
Highlights of this tour
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 â 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.
This is a two week North India tour starting with Delhi, followed by Varanasi, Agra and then a loop around Rajasthan. A little quick paced, but you would pack in some fantastic towns and sights. The tour is explained in detail, with an explanation of tour costs. Feel free to contact us for any questions.
For a lot of our travellers two weeks is all the time they have to travel around India. The Taj Mahal and Varanasi is often on their bucket list when they look at touring the Northern part of India. Rajasthan is a wonderful mix of architecture, small medieval towns, and lots of colour.
The following tour is ideally suited for those looking to visit India for two weeks while also looking forward to exploring Rajasthan, the Taj Mahal and Varanasi.
The Majestic City Palace of Udaipur sits on the banks of Lake Pichola
Tour Overview
This is a relatively quick paced trip; covering a lot of distance (some of the travel is made easy with internal flights). But, you will visit some fantastic destinations.
The city of Varanasi is one of the most ancient and spiritual cities in the world to Jaisalmer. Here stands an old fort town by the edge of the endless Thar desert. There is also the city of lakes and palaces, Udaipur and the Taj Mahal in Agra, respectively.
Hawa Mahal, one of the many beautiful monuments in Jaipur
Trip Pace and modes of travel
Being a fast paced trip – average stay at each destination would be two nights, you would make use of a combination of internal flights, train journeys (including an overnight train journey), a car and a driver.
Backpackers, young travellers, those who do not mind fast-paced travel, solo travellers (the route is where you can meet other fellow travellers).
Varanasi Ghat
Cost of North India Tour with Varanasi and Agra
Depending on your style and preferences, the tour can range from USD 500/EUR 450 to USD 1000/EUR 900 per person.
Depending on:
– You are happy staying at budget places and hostels (lots of cool hostels in India now)
– Or if youâd like to stay at a few mid priced heritage hotels (in Udaipur, for example)
– Don’t mind substituting one of the flights with trains
– Willing to change one of the train rides with a private car and driver
The costs include:
– Overnight stay throughout your trip
– All train tickets
– Taxi and a driver between cities when train is not possible
– India Someday planning and bookings fees
– All taxes
The tour follows the following route:Â Delhi – Varanasi – Agra – Jaipur – Jaisalmer – Jodhpur – Udaipur – Delhi (Route on GoogleMaps)
While you cover a lot of distance on this tour, the first two long legs i.e. Delhi to Varanasi and Varanasi to Agra, are quite convenient with direct internal flights
The travel around Rajasthan is a mix of trains and buses/cars. It’s countryside is really pretty with small rural towns, the countryside lifestyle, their occupation of rearing cattle, and in certain stretches the wilderness
For a number of our guests the overnight train from Jaipur to Jaisalmer is a memorable experience. The passengers you meet on Indian trains are always eager to strike a conversation with you
Jaisalmer, Jodhpur and Udaipur (Southern Rajasthan) are all spectacular little towns. It seems as though they are frozen in time; endless alleys and old houses
Jaisalmer offers one to spend a night in the desert, ride a camel and sleep under the stars (our guest Samantha, chronicles it beautifully here)
There cannot be a more perfect end to an Indian holiday than Udaipur. A charming town, by the banks of Lake Pichola. Beautiful lake views, sunsets and one can go trekking or cycling in the hills nearby.
It really depends on your budget. We plan tours for backpackers where most of the accommodations are hostels/inexpensive hotels and home-stays. We’ve planned trips with mid-budget places to stay, small heritage hotels, comfortable BnB’s and a couple of splurge stays. You can also choose to stay at the nicest boutique/luxury places that each of the towns have to offer.
The following information should give you an idea on what kind of accommodations to expect at what trip cost.
Backpacking North India @ USD 500/EUR 450 per head
You would be staying at hostels and cheap guesthouses. North India has some fantastic hotels that are ideal for backpackers. Clean, safe, inexpensive, fun and you get to meet a lot of travellers.
Hostel Hopping North India – a blog entry on the hostel experience in North India by one of our friends.
Common area, Moustache Hotel Delhi
Mix of hostels, Home-stays and few heritage hotels @ USD 700/EUR 600 per head
When travelling as a couple you wouldn’t mind staying at a hostel, but you’d also like your own private room every now and then. Rajasthan offers some wonderful small heritage hotels and home-stays that do not cost a fortune.
These Heritage hotels and home-stays cost under USD 50/EUR 45 a night for a private room.
Thus, a stay with a combination of both – home-stays and heritage hotels, would be a great mix to experience.
Always a private room and bathroom, heritage hotels, quality home-stays @ USD 1000/ EUR 900 per head
If you prefer having a private room at all times and look for accommodations that are always comfortable, then your budget would go for around USD 1000/EUR 900 for a North India tour.
Between USD 50 to USD 80 a night, you can always stay at a very charming and comfortable BnB/Guesthouse/home-stay or heritage hotel in North India.
Shahpura House in Jaipur (Photo Credit – Shahpura House)
Stay in Rajasthan’s Royal Palaces and luxurious campsites – USD 2000/Eur 1800 ++ per person
No state in India (perhaps the world) can boast of so many royal palaces. If you’d like to live like the Rajasthani Kings lived a few centuries ago, then you can stay at one of their Palace converted hotels.
There are many newer, chic boutique hotels too that offer uber luxury and some mesmerising campsites in Rajasthan.
We plan trips across budgets. So, just get in touch with us if you are interested in a tour similar to the one described in this blog. We’d love to help you plan a memorable Indian Holiday!
Always wanted to explore India? Not too keen on travelling alone? How about we take you for a trip?
We have put together a two week itinerary across North India, filled it up with a bunch of amazing activities and we will travel with you to ensure you have a smooth trip and fall in love with India.
You’ll be in for a stress free trip, as we will ensure all travel arrangements are in place
Get more out of your time in India, we as locals know our country well (oh! and we are young and cool and fun!)
You’ll have more money for spending since it’s a very reasonably priced tour
Harsh (one of the India Someday founders) showing his friends around Jaipur!
Dates of the tour
We are currently running the same tour twice. The dates are as follows
Tour 1 â Saturday 22nd Aug to Saturday 5th Sept 2015 (14 nights/ 15 days) *
Tour 2 â Saturday 3st Oct to Saturday 17th Oct 2015 (14 nights/15 days)
*Tour 1 Price – 675 USD/ 600 Euros/ 450 GBP Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â (including stay, breakfast, few dinners, travel between and within cities, and many activities) – scroll down for more details on price (Price of Tour 2 is 10% more as it is tourist season)
*Both the tours start in Mumbai and end in Delhi. Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â
More about the tour
Route and places – We will visit eight places (cities and towns) across our tour. Bustling cities, colourful historical cities, a small spiritual town called Pushkar and obviously, theTaj Mahal.
The Udaipur City Palace, just one of the many stunning monuments you will visit with us!
Travel Style â It is a backpacking tour, we will be staying at a mix of hostels and traditional guest houses. We’ll be using local transport and hired vehicles with a driver as our major modes of travel, along with one overnight bus journey and one short train journey. Eating at local restaurants, and dipping into the nightlife when a city offers (Mumbai and Delhi).
Travel Philosophy âOne or more of us from India Someday will travel with you throughout your tour. While you can rely on us for any kind of support/questions we are there to ensure you make the most of your time in India, i.e. enjoy the food and understand what you are eating, engage in cool activities, understand Indian culture, explore parts of cities and towns you might not have on your own, but we do not intend on holding your hand all the way or making you stick to a strict daily sightseeing schedule. While we’re always available, you’re not bound to hang out with us!
There will always be time in each city when you can explore the place on your own.
Group Size â Max 10 participants, plus 1-2 tour leaders from India Someday
Eat like a local! We know the best places to go eat đ
Who is this tour for?
This trip is focused towards young travellers, (18-35 year olds) However, there are no age restrictions as long as you understand it is a backpacking tour and most of the travellers will be young.
You can sign up as a solo traveler, with friends or with your partner.
Price and inclusions
Tour 1 â Saturday 22nd Aug to Saturday 5th Sept 2015 (14 nights/ 15 days) – USD 675/ Euros 600 / GBP 450
Tour 2 â Saturday 3st Oct to Saturday 17th Oct 2015 (14 nights/15 days) â USD 750/ Euros 660/ GBP 500
What is included â quite a few things đ
14 nights of accommodation with breakfast and 3 Dinners
All transportation between cities and local transport within cities when exploring as a group
Our assistance throughout!
And the following activities
Guided Slum Tour in Bombay (Mumbai)
Bollywood Dance workshop in Bombay (Mumbai)
A game of cricket in Mumbai (You know you’ll love it.)
India is primarily a country of three major seasons. The summer (March – June), monsoons (June – September) and winter (October -February). Depending on what part of the country you are travelling to or are in, the weather will be one of these ranging from mild to extreme. Generally, the monsoons in Mumbai arrive by the second week of June, providing instant relief from the heat and humidity caused by the preceding summers in Mumbai.
Kids out on their bikes, enjoying the weather, on Marine Drive which overlooks the Arabian Sea
The monsoons in Mumbai
Beginning from the southern coast, the monsoons reach Mumbai in the first ten to fifteen days of June. Mumbai and monsoons are a winning combination. The city looks a lot more beautiful. You can see kids in the city switch from their beloved cricket to football or playing in the rain. Often you can see adults at Marine Drive or Juhu Beach enjoying the rain.
The monsoons also have a very tricky drawback here, because in Mumbai it doesn’t rain it pours. Moreover, the roads in the city are not all that great, so at times it can be dangerous. Caution is advised. Poor infrastructure and planning may lead to a lot of problems with travelling. Trains and buses run late. The famous Mumbai traffic is also at its best. Travelling is always met with a certain delay. Having said that, monsoons are also the time when you would want to be in the country. And if you already are, we suggest you visit Mumbai.
Mumbai is a city made up of seven small islands, surrounded by the sea which is one of the most vital parts of Mumbaiâs identity. It’s the only constant in a city where everything keeps changing with time. The sea is a big part of what makes the city of dreams stand tall, and the rain adds so much to its beauty. Here are a few things you could do to enjoy the season to the max.
Aerial view of Mumbai
Things to do in Mumbai during the monsoons
Marine Drive
Marine Drive is a landmark of Mumbai. People from all walks of life, regardless of the distance make it a point to visit Marine Drive. Itâs on top of our suggestions too. Take a stroll down the promenade when itâs drizzling, with the sea providing a cool breeze as raindrops patter at your feet. Itâs a very refreshing experience and highly rated by the locals so as to get the best feel of the monsoon season in Mumbai.
Getting here: Take a train to Churchgate station, the southernmost stop on the Western Railway line. As soon as you walk out of the station, look for the sea and start walking towards it and if you don’t know just ask someone or use Google Maps, it’s hardly a 5-minute walk away.
Visit a Cafe or Restaurant that overlooks the sea
Like the sea but donât like getting wet? Visit an eatery that overlooks the sea. There are lots of cafes and restaurants that even on the dry days have a brilliant view of the sea, the monsoons in Mumbai just magnify it.
The Bayview Cafe in Colaba is one such place, perfect for a beer at sunset. It has an unmatched view of the sea, a lot similar to the view from the Taj for a fraction of the price. Places like Pizza by the Bay near Marine Drive are also exemplary for lunch or dinner while enjoying the rain on the water and the playful winds.
AER Lounge in Worli is another spot you must visit. An upscale restaurant with a panoramic view that is just unbeatable, with the Arabian Sea on one side, and on the other you can view the cityscape in all its glory during the monsoons.
There are a few places, just a couple of hours away from Mumbai, which are a must-visit during the monsoons, away from the madness of the city. The Monsoons magnify the beauty of these places and the lush greenery is at its best.
Bhandardara
A holiday resort village on the western ghat, it is located in the Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra. Just 185 kms away from Mumbai, it’s a place you must visit in the monsoons. The highest peak in Maharashtra Mount Kalsubai is also located here and the village is the base to many high mountains. It also has a beautiful waterfall and a placid lake ringed by forests. Bhandardara has everything a nature lover needs, and it only gets better during the monsoons.
Getting here: A drive from Mumbai to Bhandardara is quite quick. The route is full of ghats and can be tricky to navigate during the monsoons. So, if you plan to drive to Bhandardara we advise doing so with caution. The closest railway station to Bhandardara is Igatpuri railway station, from there you can take either a state transport or a private bus up to Bhandardara which is approximately 45 kms away. Something to note is that on the way back to Mumbai, the trains from Igatpuri railway station are almost always late. So you might want to find some suitable alternative if need be.
If you think Bhandardara is beautiful, wait for the monsoons! It only gets better (Picture Credit: Tusk Travel)
Matheran
Matheran is the smallest hill station in Maharashtra and is located at an elevation of 800 meters above sea level. With a name that means âForest on the Forehead of Mountainsâ, it is an eco-sensitive region, and also Asiaâs only automobile-free region. Â What makes Matheran so popular is the close proximity to the big cities. Itâs just 90 kms away from Mumbai, so getting there isnât too time-consuming.
Matheran is full of viewpoints and parks, with a whopping number of 28 points to visit. It also has a couple of lakes and 2 parks. The Neral-Matheran toy train is a lovely journey up to Matheran. Itâs a beautiful ride up the hills with only a few stops far and between. The Toy Train, as its name would hint, is small, and the compartments are a bit old, but itâs worthwhile. A few other places like Louisiana Point, Panoramic Point, Sunset Point, Porcupine Point, and Charlotte Lake are places we recommend you visit when in Matheran.
Getting here Matheran is easy to drive to from Mumbai city. Neral is the closest railway station. Trains from Pune and CST(Mumbai) ply daily to Neral and from there you can take a toy train to the Old Matheran station, soaking in the beauty of the journey towards Matheran. By road, you can take the Mumbai-Pune Highway (NH4) or the Mumbai-Pune expressway.
Karnala Bird Sanctuary
The Karnala Bird Sanctuary is located near Mumbai, in the Panvel taluka of Raigad district. A popular hangout for bird watchers and hikers as it is within the reach of Mumbai and based near the legendary Karnala Fort in Mumbai.
137 different species of birds reside in the Karnala Bird Sanctuary and as many as 37 different species of birds migrate here at different seasons. If you are a bird lover, a hike in the monsoons here is a must.
Getting here The Karnala Bird Sanctuary is a 60 kms drive from Mumbai. You can take a train from CST station (southernmost from the Central line) to Panvel. Itâs 12 kms from there with a lot of buses, taxis, and rickshaws to take you to Karnala. State transport buses run from Bombay Central to Karnala, but they arenât recommended. A taxi from Mumbai to Karnala is also a good option.
Lonavala
The most popular monsoon getaway for the locals of Mumbai and Pune, the drive here on the Mumbai-Pune expressway is amazing. Lonavala has a beautiful landscape, a lot of waterfalls and bright colours all around. The Tiger Point in Lonavala is the Grand Canyon of Maharashtra, the view of the mountain range during the monsoons is unmatched. Try catching the sunset or the sunrise from here.
Getting here We suggest driving to Lonavala on the Mumbai-Pune expressway. You can take the train from CST station to Khopoli (the last station on the central line) and it’s 15 kms from there (you can also take a bus or taxi from there).
The journey to these beautiful places from Mumbai are extremely scenic
Travelling to India during the monsoons
Monsoons can be a great time to visit India, as itâs usually off-season. Tourist attractions aren’t too crowded, the airfare is also cheaper and you can get a good discount on hotels as they aren’t as heavily occupied as they would be during the rest of the year. All things said, monsoons in Mumbai are worth witnessing.
Getting from Delhi to Dharamshala is one of the most frequently asked questions, as both are popular destinations. Dharamshala in Himachal Pradesh is a popular destination with backpackers or travellers keen on experiencing Buddhism in India. However, it’s not exactly a hop, skip and jump distance from Delhi. Getting from Delhi to Dharamshala can be done via a variety of different modes of transports. Based on your preference, one can choose to either take a flight, train or a bus from Delhi to Dharamshala.
Note –Â People use McLeodganj and Dharamshala interchangeably. While Dharamshala is the town, McLoedganj is a suburb, at a higher elevation, closer to trekking trails and Buddhist monasteries.
There are daily flights between Delhi and Dharamshala (SpiceJet and Air India). The flight duration is a little over an hour. Flying is the fastest and most convenient way to travel between these two destinations. However, do keep a couple of things in mind with regards to the flights –
If not booked well in advance Delhi to Dharamshala flight prices can soar as the frequency of flights is low;
Be prepared – this flight gets cancelled often either due to fog in Delhi during late December or January or inclement weather in Dharmashala that makes landing difficult; and
The Kangra (Dharamshala Airport) is a good two and a half hours from Dharmshala town, you cannot escape the picturesque mountain drive.
You can always depend on a bus from Delhi to Dharamshala should the flight be cancelled. But, be careful and plan your onward connections well if booking a flight between Delhi and Dharamshala.
Planning to visit India and want to understand when is the best time? Click here.
War Memorial in Dharamshala
train from delhi to dharamshala
Getting from Delhi to Dharamshala by train is certainly recommended. There are daily overnight trains between Delhi and Dharamshala and vice versa. Some trains run daily, some run a few times a week. Almost all of the trains are overnight trains, travel time ranging between 9.5 to 13 hours, depending on the train. Always take the train with the shorter duration, or you’d just be better off taking an overnight bus.
Points to keep in mind when considering a train from Delhi to Dharamshala –
Indian Railway bookings open 120 days in advance, so book as early as possible;
If tickets are not available, always explore tickets under Tourist Quota;
The nearest rail head to Dharamshala is Pathankot. So you still have a 2.5 hours drive to follow after the train ride, or to reach the railway station for the way back; and
Pathankot has two railway stations i.e. Pathankot City and Pathankot Cantonement. Include both options when searching for a train.
Dal Lake, Dharamshala
bus from Delhi to Dharamshala
Getting from Dehli to Dharamshala by bus is one of the most dependable options. You will always get tickets, even if you book at the last minute. Also, while buses might get delayed, they are not often cancelled owing to inclement weather conditions.
You can take a state transport bus (Delhi or Himachal State Transport) or a private bus.
If you do not find overnight buses particularly uncomfortable, we’d recommend a bus from Delhi to Dharamshala. It is the better option as it drops you right up to Dharamshala, while you have a 2.5 hour drive if you take a train.
Getting from Delhi to Dharamshala by car
This is an expensive option and a long drive (over 10 hours), but you can rent a car and driver and drive between the two places. Expect to pay at least INR 10,000 for the drive, although it could be higher.
Picture Credit: Trip Planners India
Stops en route
A slight detour, but highly recommended, is to include Amritsar when planning a trip to Dharamshala. You can take a train to Amritsar (plenty of daily and convenient trains) and then a bus or a taxi to Dharamshala (6 hours drive). Alternatively, you can visit Amritsar on the way back. Amritsar has a busy airport with daily flights to and from Delhi.
If you’re planning to spend more time in Dharamshala, you can also take a train to Kalka or Chandigarh, then visit Shimla, followed by Dharamshala.
While getting from Delhi to Dharamshala can seem difficult, we know this region well and would be happy to help you plan your trip around Himachal Pradesh and North India. Feel free to contact us here.
These are a series of humorous blog posts by Fabia. Recently, she travelled with her mum (Soraya) on their North Kerala tour. Their first stop was to see the fabulous Wayanad tourist attractions and they have written about their experiences. Fabia and Soraya also run the most wonderful AirBnb in BombayÂ
There was one place in India Iâd heard so much about,
Everyone kept telling me, youâll love it no doubt,
âYouâve got to visit India down South!â
After lots of compliments and praise,
my mum and I finally decided the days.
We just didnât know how to go about it all,
and then our friends told us about India Someday.
They told us âjust give them a call,â
and in no time we were already on our wayâŠ
On our way to Calicut
The first stop on our North Kerala tour:Â Kozhikode – WayanadÂ
After a short flight over the Konkan coast, from the bustling Mumbai city, we were suddenly touching down in the land of coconuts. It felt like we had reached a tropical island somewhere in Brazil until we stepped out of the airport to see all the mallu men in their spotless white lungis with their pearly teeth gleaming at us.
There was our driver, George. He was looking at us curiously and wondering whether we were his awaited guests and there we were hoping to be approached. So Mum decided to call his number which was sent to her immediately on landing. âJing, jing, jingâ went his cell phone and so it was confirmed, he would be spending the next few hours driving this mother-daughter duo through their North Kerala tour!
Mum, with Anand (right) and one of his workers, at the highest point of the property
Our First Impressions
We stopped to grab some lunch before setting off on the beautiful journey to the Dhanagiri Homestay. This is located in the Vythiri district of Wayanad.
We were recommended a restaurant on the way called the White House but we were too hungry so we tucked into some biryani at a local little joint not far from the airport. It wasnât great though so Iâd recommend waiting till you get to the White House if youâre not really starving.
Youâll pass a few villages where you can admire the fascinating twisty Malayalam letters on all the shops and signboards and the fruit and vegetable stores with the biggest green bananas on display. I was intrigued to watch the Muslim Malayali men wearing white prayer caps, shirts, and lungis, and women in saris and headscarves – something Iâve never seen before!
India is so diverse and that is truly what you will love. By the side of the road, wrinkle-faced monkeys kept us amused and endless hills in the background left us speechless.
You will also see along this road, massive palace-like houses with royal balconies and Chinese roofs. All are owned and built by half the Keralite population that has left the country to work in the Middle East and send the money home. If someone hasnât already made a documentary on this, someone should. Each residence is competing with the other across the street, so well maintained and yet looking empty.
This one actually looks lived in, unlike many othersâŠ
Youâll be guided to your cottage which is on a slight hillock, amidst the charming pepper groves and elegant betel nut trees. Waking up here is blissful, each cottage has a porch where you can sit in the clouds and I personally loved hearing the Muslim call to prayer far off in the distance between all the greenery.
Anand gives his guests a lot of his time; donât hesitate to ask him to take you for a walk to the highest point of his plantations to gaze at the valleys below and even on his exclusive âhidden destinationsâ tours.
Right in the lap of nature (Photo Credit – Dhanagiri Homestay)
Wayanad tourist attractions
We only had one full day there, and we planned to go to see well-known Wayanad tourist attractions. We chose to visit the Edakkal Caves and the Soochipara waterfalls. To be honest, the Edakkal Caves are typically visited mostly by local Indian tourists. So the walk up is flooded with school children who will ask you what your name is and then giggle a lot.
Shops sell random things like gollywog wigs, cock-eyed monkeys carved into coconuts, and believe it or not, something called chocolate tea! Few shops sell bamboo rice, which is worth trying; we bought some and Anandâs excellent chef cooked it for us at dinner.
Bamboo rice can be collected only once in 40 years. So it is definitely something special and interesting for people who like to try new foods. The caves have a few ancient drawings on the boulders, which you might like if you havenât seen these already in other countries.
On the other hand, we loved the drive down to the Soochipara waterfall on our North Kerala tour. A beautiful village road leads you to the quiet cliffs where you can enjoy sitting by the water. It is so peaceful if youâve just flown in from a busy city. We watched some local boys showing off their rock climbing skills, diving jumps, and thick black curly hair.
Here we have drafted a backpacking tour in South India. On this trip, youâll start your adventure in Mumbai, and after a couple of days, take a train along the coast to Goa. After, you will travel onwards to the stunning and beautiful city of ruins ‘Hampi’ and finally make your way south to Mysore, before ending your holiday in relaxing Kerala.
Mumbai – Goa – Hampi – Mysore – Kochi – Munnar – Thekkady – Alleppey (route on GoogleMaps)
Contact us to know more about this tour or even to book and customize this tour for you.
Modes of transport for South India budget tour
You would be covering large distances during the first half of your tour which includes travelling from Mumbai to Goa, Goa to Hampi, Hampi to Mysore. The best and most economical option is travelling by overnight trains from place to place. Trains are fast, dependable and a great way to both experience India and interact with the locals.
From Mysore, you would be taking an overnight bus to Kochi, Kerala. Once in Kerala you can travel either by local buses (cheaper, but more time consuming) or hire a car and driver during your entire stay in Kerala.
Where will you stay?
Considering this is a budget tour you would be staying at inexpensive hotels and homestays during your trip that are both clean and comfortable. Some of the major backpacking highlights are the locations from your hotels. You could be right by the beach in Goa, have a view of boulders and rice fields in Hampi or even the beautiful tea plantations and backwater views in Kerala.
Cost of the South India Backpacking Tour
The cost of the tour would vary between USD 400 (EUR 310) to USD 550 (EUR 430) per person depending on the following:
What time of the year are you travelling
Your train travelling preference (i.e. A/C train, sleeper class, etc.)
On your backpacking tour in South India, youâll experience stunning beaches, hills, ruins and fantastic food. Itâs strikingly different than a tour of North India. Generally, people in South India are extremely relaxed and friendly.
1. The chaos and distinct vibe of Bombay (Mumbai)
We recommend starting your tour by spending a few days in Mumbai which is a bustling city with old colonial buildings, lovely sea fronts, bars, cafes and additionally interesting slum and cycling tours. In many ways Mumbai is an assault on your senses, yet it is incredibly rewarding as you will be thrown head first into the incredible and vast diversity of India.
Enjoying the sunset – Mumbai (Picture Credit: LBB)
2. Beaches of Goa and the ruins of Hampi
Your next two stops are extremely different from one another, which is a great thing for backpacking! Goa, your first stop will provide warm beaches, inexpensive food, a great party culture, rice fields, and beautiful Portuguese historical architecture. Thereâs plenty to do, from riding a scooter across the stunning beaches to a vibrant nightlife.
Hampi is a beautiful city, filled with stunning ruins, and you can explore the picturesque temples, enjoy the outstanding views, or get blessed in the elephant stable by walking or cycling around town. For adventure lovers, go cliff jumping, rent a moped and learn how to drive it in the spacious reservoir, or hire a Karnataka boat and go for a refreshing swim in the lake.
Baga Beach, Goa
3. Riding the Indian Trains
Trains in India are a fascinating experience as thereâs a distinct buzz of energy at all stations and you get lovely chai while on board. Also, you get to see Indian families and often interact with them. Above all, youâll see beautiful views of the countryside and little villages.
4. Mouth-watering South Indian food
For a foodie, India is an ultimate paradise, and the South Indian food is very different from North Indian food. Some examples include delicious dosas with different chutneys, Kerala parotas, and freshly boiled rice replacing the staple roti and mouth-watering spicy curries that are not for the faint-hearted!
(Picture Credit: Yenna Dosa)
5. Meet locals and fellow travellers
The hostels and hotels will allow you to meet a variety of interesting travellers along your backpacking tour. This is always a plus, as youâll make new friends and even stay with local families and soak in their culture and traditions.
(Picture Credit: Euronews.com)
6. The striking diversity of Kerala
Kerala, your final stop, has everything from hiking with beautiful views of tea plantations, bathing elephants, trekking in forests, canoeing in the backwaters or sunbathing on the beach. Kerala is a fantastic place for a highly rewarding, relaxing end to your backpacking tour in South India.
Click here to read more about some amazing travel experiences in Kerala and for some inspiration on a backpacking tour of North India, click here.Â
Boating in Kerala
Contact us to help you plan your India trip
We customize trips, and this tour can be customized for you, too. Just let us know the number of days you have or the specific places that youâd like to see. In fact, we can help you plan trips anywhere in India, irrespective of your budget. For more ideas about travelling in South India, visit our blog! Alternatively, for more information about backpacking in South India, feel free to get in touch with us to plan your trip to India! Donât forget, solo travellers get a 20% discount on our fees!
If you’d like slightly more detailed descriptions, here are some great blogs:
Another blog entry was written by Nicky Millar, for more about who she is, and about her awesome travel/volunteering adventure, check her blog.
Kolkata, what can I say… WOW! Honestly, I am not sure if I was naive in my expectations or if the recent read of the City of Joy was too fresh in my mind, but this city is not at all what I anticipated!
Pictures from Nicky’s trip to Kolkata
Exploring Kolkata
Arriving from Varanasi, I went straight to Kolkata Backpackers Homestay, one of my favourite places to stay in India! Rajarshi not only provides the yummiest breakfast on the block but goes out of his way to help you enjoy and explore this amazing city. The house is a couple of metro stops away from the infamous Sudder Street, and for me, that was a bonus. It forces you to explore the city beyond the 500m backpacker radius and enables you to experience Indian hospitality at its best!
During the weekend and in the evenings I managed to get a feel for a city I began to love! The people are so friendly and helpful, the food is sensational and the colours are breathtaking. Overall, it is truly an enjoyable place and you cannot help but get caught up in the excitement.
Local Cabs in Kolkata (Photo Credit – Paul Hamilton)
Best places to visit in Kolkata
The main attractions are the Indian Museum, Sudder Street and New Market. All are natural magnets to locals and tourists alike, and you can really go wild with the shopping. Cheap, cheap, cheap! No other market place will you experience such intensity as India as you walk through the aisles.
My second most loved outing was visiting the flower market just under the Howrah Bridge. If you have a chance visit it at the crack of dawn. The sights and smells are a splendid way to start the day, and the banter among workers is rather catchy. I got to experience the morning ritual of those who lived nearby. Unfortunately, I did not manage to see the traditional wrestlers that come down to the ghats, but the experience was still surreal.
One of the best places to visit in Kolkata is Park Street, the fancy part of town! Here is a strip of all the shops, restaurants and bars you could ever want. All is only a mere hop, skip and a jump away from Sudder Street. I was fortunate enough to be in this city for Christmas. While I did not have the willpower to tackle the crowds here on the 25th, I frequented many times prior to the big day and was so warmed by the festive spirit. The entire street was lit up and filled up with Christmas cheer, treats and delicious foods. Kolkata really celebrates every holiday and boy does it deliver!
My favourite attraction has to be to Victoria Memorial Park! If you knew me you would feel that this is quite uncharacteristic for me to visit. However, if I could recommend one thing it is to get yourself a picnic, pay the INR 4 to enter the grounds and absorb the atmosphere. I coincidently went on a weekend and it was absolutely fabulous to see happy families basking in the sun, playing badminton and mastering the skill of selfies. It is a serene place a million miles from the Indian bustle (in reality not even 500m away). The area provided a wonderful glimpse into the inspiring familyâcentric attitude of this country.
Victoria Memorial, Kolkata
My final word of advice is to let yourself get lost! Seriously, this is a city that you have to feel and if there was ever a place to lose your way then this would be it. The city is easy to locate where you are but if you lose your way locals are friendly and always willing to help. If worst comes to worst there are also a gazillion quaint yellow taxis ready to whisk you off to wherever your heart desires!
A blog written by Nicky Millar on where is best to visit in Kerala. She gives tips for female solo travel in Kerala from a first-hand perspective.Â
Kerala is arguably one of the best places to visit in India. From rolling tea plantations, sweeping game reserves to mystical backwaters. Not to mention the food, people, and climate – this place has everything!
Boat in the backwaters of Kerala
Kumily and Periyar National Park, Kerala
I started my Kerala adventure in Kumily because mudslides prevented me from getting to Munnar, which is the place to go see tea plantations. Although the weather was a little grim at the end of the monsoon period, I felt it to be a worthwhile trip.
I decided to get an auto-rickshaw tour guide. This was the first time I had done this sort of thing. But given the distance between the sites, it was well worth it. I ventured from a coffee factory to an ayurvedic spice farm, a tea plantation and finally, a view of the town that I hear is breathtaking.
The only downside was not being able to visit the Periyar Game Reserve due to extortionist prices if one is travelling alone. One of my tips for solo female travel in Kerala is that the safaris, although expensive.
If you donât have any friends to fill that vehicle with, well then I am sorry for you. To be fair, I believe that you could go on the boat, which I am sure is fab, but I highly doubt whether wildlife spotting would be the greatest of priorities on a ferry full of families.
A deer
Visiting the Backwaters in Kerala
My advice for solo female travel in Kerala is that you are able to do just as much as you had hoped for. Visiting the backwaters is definitely a must-see adventure. After only one night (enough if you are not doing the parks), I got the bus to Kottayam and then the local ferry to Alleppey.
Although seemingly long-winded, the trip is well worth your time as you meander through the backwaters. This is at not even a tenth of the price of tourist cruises, and you have the added bonus of getting a sneak preview into the lives of the people who live along these canals.
Being the only foreigner on board there was a fabulous atmosphere and feeling of authenticity that you cannot buy for any amount of money!
My lack of friends was glaringly obvious once again when I arrived in Alleppey. It was here that I found that the houseboats are rented out individually at unattainable prices for a single-backpacker budget. Having spied them from my ferry ride, I have no doubt that it would have been a special experience.
If you are able to hire out a houseboat then I recommend staying for more than one night. This will allow you to get away from the throngs of other boats moored up alongside you. I decided to move on after one night. I got an easy bus to Ernakulam then caught a ferry to Fort Kochi.
Backwaters in Alleppey
Exploring and eating in Fort Kochi
What a wonderful city, super quaint with an eclectic mix of tourist shops/restaurants and local flavour. Though it is hungry work, I highly advise you to explore the old Jewish quarters by foot and boy was I rewarded that night! I ate possibly my single most favourite meal to date here.
Near the Chinese fishing nets, there is a fish market where you can pick out which of the day’s fresh catch tickles your fancy. I chose the squid, snapper and a dash of tiger prawns (I did share with a fellow solo traveller, donât worry).
Once you have sussed this, a little man magically appears to guide you to his restaurant. This is where he cooks the seafood to perfection – grill/fry/spicy/herby you name it! All for a nice INR 210, I could get used to that!
Another activity I decided to do was a proper backwater tour. There are companies that conveniently source a whole bunch of singles/small groups and take them together! There are easier options if you chose to do solo female travel in Kerala. Although I ummed and ahhed for a long while about going, I am so glad I did!
While the ferry from Kottayam was great, it is unable to give you a sense of the smaller, more jungle-like backwaters. Therefore a full day trip, with lunch included, was certainly time well spent!
Overall, while Kerala has some of the most spectacular scenery on offer, it may be worthwhile doing some research into prices if you are doing it solo or perhaps looking into tour groups.
A great tip for women travelling in Kerala is to just be flexible and willing to adjust. You can get just as much out of it as you desire.
