Where in #GOA?

Let's begin your itinerary to Goa...

I know Goa is too much to consume even if it is one of the smallest states, Goa is one that you can never have enough of. 

I'll try to make it easier for you to plan your weekend getaway or for that matter holidays too, in this blog post. Goa is a place where anything can be found. The fact that people of all ages are welcome here is what I like most about it. I've been coming here since I was 11 years old and have done so on birthdays, anniversaries, weekend getaways with friends, and now with my child. I always feel refreshed when I visit. Specifically, Goa is split into two sections, south and north. This blog is worth reading if you're looking for weekend activities in North Goa.

Things to do in North Goa

Goa has whatever you might think you'd like. There is therefore something available for you, depending on the reason you came to Goa.

North of Goa is fun! A happier, and more vibrant young Goa.

Consider the following inquiries as you examine your "Goa Trip": Do you want the option to place a food and beverage order? Are you more of a water fun person or do you prefer a calm sea? Would you prefer sun tan or sun set? Would you prefer music on the beach or peace and quiet? Do you want to make some memories while dancing, vibing on the beach or you want to sip n gaze at sea? A sport person or romantic one?

How to Reach Goa

Where to Stay in North Goa

1. Leela Cottages

2. Wigwam

3. Jardin D’Ulysses

 4. Resort Oxygen

 5. Buena Vida Beach Resort

 6. Pause by the Sea

7. Landmark Goa Villas

8. Sibaya Beach Resort

Within budget, right next to beach, and very very clean n green resort. I like the sunsets from this place.

9. Circle

Red Thread Vegator, Synq Morjim, Living Room Beach Resorts, Montego, Woke Hostel, Artist Cottages are well maintained, decent and budget properties to opt for a longer stay.

Nightlife in Goa

When I say party I am mentioning here “The Beach Party”.
Without wasting you time, listing is as follows:

HillTop

Situated between Vagator and Anjuna Beaches in Goa, The HillTop stands as a legendary trance party venue since 1974. It preserves the 60s Hippie atmosphere. Nestled on a small hill, it offers a chance to unwind amidst dance, delectable food, vibrant cocktails, and great music. While Sundays witness the club's vibrant energy, the operating hours are limited from 5 PM to 10 PM. Evolving from a roadside eatery to Goa's premier psychedelic trance destination, HillTop boasts neon-lit palm trees, creating an enchanting ambiance for partygoers and diners alike. Renowned for hosting the HillTop Festival in February, the club attracts top national and international artists.

9Bar Goa

DJs come from all over the world to play here. Due to its proximity to numerous hostels and guesthouses, tourists frequently stop by for parties. Amazing views of the Arabian Sea are a benefit of this location. Every time I've gone, admission has been free, but depending on the DJ, some big parties may charge a small fee to enter.

The Goa Collective Bazaar

Markets are a huge part of our incredible Indian culture and also for me, a large part of the excitement of traveling. It doesn’t matter if you actually need to buy anything, I believe you should always jump at the chance to visit a market. During the busy season, which runs from the end of November to the end of April, the market is open every Friday from 4 p.m. to 1 a.m. It can be found in North Goa in Vagator at the famous Goan Trance venue of Hilltop. Entry costs 100 rupees per person, and if necessary, a stamp is provided to permit re-entry. You can find some amazing boutique stuff also, if you are bringing children, I would advise arriving early to partake in the art activities that are typically offered in the kids area near the entrance.

Dubki

Dubki, the dawn and dusk cafe on Ozran Beach, looks dazzling in every inch and has the most coveted sea views anyone can ever ask for, peppy vibe, great ambience and a perfect instagrammable happy place. DJ here is a bolly pro, ample of space to lagao thumkas of your kind. I love it, totally!

Sea Turtle

Sea Turtle at bagha beach, total jam packed nightlife vibes with sand under you feet and sea breeze in your hair.

Restaurants of North Goa

When in Goa you must hop between flavors.

Pisco by the beach

This restaurant at Anjuna is light and airy and has spectacular view of the  Ocean. It is constructed to resemble a resort villa. Pisco's food is more than just a meal.

Baba Au Rhum

A tiny eatery serving delicious pizzas and other food at Anjuna is known as Baba Au Rhum. I'd heartily endorse going here for breakfast.

La Plage

No matter what type of cuisine you're craving, Morjim has it. You can get the best food there. You should really space out your visit here so you can eat at each of these places, in my opinion. La Plage offers something for everyone with its secluded beach, authentic French cuisine, and breathtaking sunsets. Don't miss out on the chance to eat, drink, and celebrate in Goa!

Khana and love café

The road up to Morjim Beach has the cutest, coziest little cafe. Along with great coffee and smoothies, they also have a small boutique with hip clothes. They have a lovely terrace where you can eat lunch, dinner, or breakfast. Although not the fastest, the food was excellent!

Activities In North Goa

North Goa has a lot of water activities available, including jet skiing, banana boat rides, parasailing, and more, just like the majority of North Goa beaches. My advice is to haggle with the sellers. If engaging in adventurous activities is not your cup of tea, you can also choose to simply relax on the beach, go swimming, or get a massage. You can go out and shake your booty at any number of nearby parties.

A Goa trip can’t be listed in one single blog. Imagine lying on your sun bed for the whole day with a coconut in hand or grooving with your kind of poison, its totally your kind of vacation. 

Relax or walk around, party hop or sit and chit chat, personally what I felt is – GOA is a feeling and mood, be you, have your own kind of fun 😊

Happy Friendship Day 2022 

Hello, hey there, what's up, hey bruh, daah....................to..

Hey how have you been, it's been a while, long time no see.............to...tu zinda hai k parlok nikal liya?

A kind love, an unconditional support system, friendship is never out of the league.

Silliest mistakes, careless talks, squeezing money for a friend in need in a judgement free zone, be it late night food hunting or early morning chai ki tapri, at some random hill, I have it all in my list which we have done together. Being with such personalities who may be a reason of your multiple conspiracies ..is a lifetime memory and part of my own story. 

With aging and other commitments you may not be talking everyday, you still feel their pain, you still know whenever you need them they will reach out to you, in worst of your time they are standing tall. Having such life partners is a tempting treat.

 

The toughest part of this relationship is to keep it alive, people come n go in life but being with ones who were supposed to be your kins in their thick n thins is never easy.

My idea or you can call it a yet not achieved goal of friendship is inspired from 19th century, my grandfather, my dad, they have a certain level in their friendship. Their friends were no less than families. 60's reunion in a school uniform, tea parties of endless chats about kisne kis ko kitne dhoke diye, preparing a meal with very personalized touch for your friend when you are 70 already..... admiring this pure non malign love since my childhood.

 

Is there an official Friendship Day?

I should confess on this Friendships day that I haven't been this committed, a feeling of deep-seated resentment still exist. Expectation of him/her calling me as I am grieving, expecting him/her to be available as n when I need them, expecting them to be back on their own. To be in this state is no luxury m sure. As we are a part of social media exposed generation wherein people are highly expressive and with sudden NON-EXPECTED cold instances when you are already fancying for a bollywood movie inspired friendship goals, it HURTS! The poor friend on the other side of the world, unknowingly hurt you on the grounds of your non attained desirable attention.

Yes, friends are supposed to be your support system but you need to call out for help, express your wishes and give them their predefined space which they own. 

Happy Friendship!

To keep in touch is in the simplest form of all time now, a phone call - once in a while is enough to let them know you still care for them. Even if you are not swearing on your friendship, not going to holidays together, not partying the whole night,  and yet manages to hold tight, Salute to you.

I have friends who can sense my voice, can make me smile, can hear me crying in a non-judgemental zone, what else I can EXPECT!!. 

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Friendship's day is offcourse just another day which is named for some reason, but this blog is definitely my way of expressing love n affection for you all lovelies who stayed this long.  It is not necessary to celebrate friendship day with great pomp and show every time. Friends like you are  precious indeed. Let's continue to share a true bond that we always do!

Celebrating life for all the reasons!!

Cherishing memories!! 

Is it a Summer Wedding?

Thinking of How To Plan A Food and Drink Menu For Your Summer Wedding? 

Dreaming of an elaborated and elegant wedding, one can’t afford to miss on the food! The scrumptious meals are now reaching to different levels altogether… From the refreshing drinks to the spirited ones, tasty starters, and yummy mains, and of course the indulgent sweets - knowing what you pick for your guests is really what makes for a savory memory.

Why food is this important? Because, Food has always given an identity to every culture. 

It has history, it has a story, it has relationships and it is culture. Food is symbolic of love when words are inadequate - may be this is the reason of feasting.
Yes… Weddings are a feast for the eyes as well as the appetite. Choosing the right food and drink options according to season is essential to pulling together your vision of a perfect wedding. 
Summer wedding menu will likely to be called a fresh, flavorful, fruity menu… So, a summer Indian wedding menu has got to pick up on the flavors and the foods that make eating in summer just as much fun as gorging on food in chilly winters. However, planning your menu, especially for a summer wedding, is not an easy task.

Want to wow your guests and make sure the food fully fits the season? These trendy summer wedding – healthy menu ideas of appetizers, main courses, side dishes, desserts, and cocktails will surely satisfy your thirst of search.

Kausani – is cradled under the lush hills of Kumaon Himalayas and provides stunning 360-degree panoramic views of the snow-crested Trishul, Nanda Devi, Nandakot, and Panchchuli peaks. 

With a tickle in my travel appetite, I set myself up to step in the lap of nature. Talking of the nature, the calmness, the open skies, the chills from fresh air, made it very easy for me to narrow down to select this destination. Therefore, I planned a Trip of the Uttrakhand’s Kumaon Region of large Himalayan tract, covering Nainital, Ranikhet, Kausani and Almora.

There is an Icelandic proverb that says- "You will reach your destination even though you travel slowly." Holds true for Kausani.

Such an untapped place it is. Tucked atop a ridge, the village is engulfed by dense pine trees overlooking the Someshwar Valley, Garur, and Katyuri Valleys! Very few places in the world can boast of beauty similar to Kausani and the tiny village enjoys the stature of a cute, quaint hill station of Uttarakhand.

A pacifying place for solo travelers and a paradise for bloggers like me. Photogenic, calm, and a virgin place when it comes to monetization of hill stations. 

In terms of distance, the village is about 51 km north of Almora. Kausani is an ideal winter destination. Even more so, this is the perfect place to ring for the Peaceful New Year Eves! Winter season boasts of the most stunning crystalline views of snow-covered peaks! However, don’t let this stop you from visiting in the summer months from April to June – which provide their own kind of beauty. With days beginning earlier, you’ll be greeted by chirping birds and stunningly bright, take-your-breath-away, kind of views!

>>>>>Refer to my packing tips for getting ready and get to the roads for witnessing one of the most exciting road trip.

Things to do in Kausani

Trek For Experiencing the height

If you’re a true-blue nature lover and need seclusion – you’ve chosen, the right location! Kausani is for the ones who think with their soul and search for experiences to fill their hearts with the pace of nature. The definition of idyllic, Kausani will offer you stunning walks into dense forests or exceptional treks to reach the highest of the hills. Some of the worthiest treks nearby include heading to Pinnath (5 kms), Burapinnath (5.5 kms) and Bhatkot (12 kms).

Trail Walk 

Walking down the steep lanes of Kausani can never disappoint you. The lush green farmlands spread across the banks of river Kosi, the gushing sound of water, with this view, is nothing but soulful. This place is serene and tranquil. Apart from natural beauty (which you can get to your heart’s desire), there are a lot of other things to do as well.

Village Tour

Rustic cottages, simple kumaoni people and their homemade delicious food, what else do you think a countryside experience needs. Be it the warmth of their hospitality or Kausani's untraveled roads, this place has incomparable embryonic vibes.    

Places to Eat 

As mentioned this place has not been monetized yet, so no such known extravagant restaurants and cafes. In house, restaurants are still going to be your best bet!

On your way back to Nainital there are a few cafes, out of which I like Mud House Cafe, the valley view from here is dripping calm.

Kausani's Most Common Top 5 Things to Do

Whenever and wherever you search Kausani you will hear about The Shawl Factory. Established to promote the traditional Kumaoni artwork, this industry now serves as a major source of employment for the local people, shepherds and weavers. Shawls and handicrafts are available in myriad colors and designs and hence make the place popular with tourists.
Another tourist spot is Anasakti Ashram, has been built as a tribute to the Mahatma who visited this place for about two weeks in 1929.
Not to be missed site is Baijnath Temple. The temple complex was built by the Katyuri kings and the temples are constructed in stone. Less than 20 km from Kausani this Baijnath temple complex since 12th century is located on the banks of the river Gomti. 
Rappelling and Trekking demand major shout-outs. Even some resorts provide activities like Burma Bridge which is an unstable bridge walk with only ropes to hold on to. However, make sure that you get professional help before you indulge in such activities and are equipped with the right set of gears.

Places to Stay in Kausani

Chevron eco-lodge and Aashritha Kausani are a few off-beaten places to stay. The food is delicious, view of the valley is mesmerizing and the comfort is equally good. 

Dussehra - Festival of Victory

India is the land of festivity and fairs. Dussehra is one of the most celebrated festivals. 

Dussehra, also known as Vijayadashami, is one of the most important festivals celebrated in various forms across India. Though there are multiple beliefs based on which Dussehra has different reasons to celebrate. Northern parts of India celebrate this festival for rejoicing the victory of Ram over Ravana. Wherein eastern and southern parts of India celebrate this festival, to mark the day, when according to Hindu legends, Goddess Durga defeated and killed the demon, Mahishasura.

Dussehra In Mysore

The grandeur of Karnataka can be witnessed in its full glory during the Mysore Dussehra festivities. This 10-day festival is celebrated with great pomp and show, attracting tourists from far and wide. With magnificent processions, cultural events, fairs, and exhibitions, Mysuru Dussehra is India’s most extraordinary Dussehra celebration. The festival is celebrated during Navratri and reaches a grand finale on Vijayadashmi.
Whether you are a religious soul or love to explore different cultures and regions, Mysuru Dussehra will delight you to the core. Mysore celebrates Dussehra with lot of pomp n show, from the grandeur with which people mark this festival to the royalty that surrounds these festivities, Dussehra of Mysore simply can't be missed. It has been about 400 years since the Mysore Dussehra festival was first inaugurated by Raja Wodeyar, and till date, the Royals have managed to maintain the tradition. Even the celebrations still have that regal touch of the old days!

Being the cultural capital - Mysore, the festival begins on a grand note by offering prayers at the Chamundeshwari Temple, which is then followed by its inauguration at Amba Villas Palace.

During this 10 days celebration, Mysore is all lit up, dancing on the tunes of good fate, and welcomes you wholeheartedly to join the Royalty.
This year it is the 408th year of this ritual. Celebrating Dussehra is in the legacy of the Wodeyar Dynasty. A History that dates back to 16th century, is enough in itself to boast upon. 

Highlights Of Dussehra

Lights All Around - Mysore Palace

The whole city is decked up with Royalty. The Mysore palace wears more than 100000 light bulbs and looks like a mini sky, you can feel that stars have assembled around this palace and twinkling with whole zeal in happiness. The palace is the royal residence of the city, the seat of the Kingdom of Mysore, and the official residence of the Wadiyar dynasty. Located in the heart of the city, facing the Chamundi Hills, the palace showcases Indo-Saracenic architecture that also shows elements of Rajput, Hindu, Mughal, and Gothic styles.

Jambo Savari

The elephant procession, one of the most prominent events. During this procession, 12 elephants adorned in colorful attire, their trunks covered in real gold are taken around the streets. One of them carries Chamundeshwari’s idol atop a golden mandap. It begins from the Mysore Palace to Bannimantap. Various traditional dances, musicals performances and displays of swordsmanship can be witnessed throughout the procession – indeed a sight to behold. As it travels through the city streets, it spreads avidity and joy throughout the city.

Apart from these, there is a lot to hog upon, like bike show, torch parade, fireworks, cultural programs, Durga puja, exhibitions, food fairs, Flower show, heritage tours, wrestling and so n so forth.

How to Reach Mysore

By Road- If you are located near and around Mysore then you can drive or book a cab, both will be convenient options. 

By Air/Train/Bus -The Nearest airport is in Bangalore, which is approximately 200km away from where one can book a cab, or train or bus, these are the direct facilities to reach Mysore.

The Mysuru Dussehra Festival is an all-encompassing experience for all the tourists visiting the city at this time. This year, the festival will begin on October 7. So, get ready to indulge in awe-inspiring festivities and colorful surroundings. After all, celebrating Dussehra in Mysore might be the most memorable experience that you will cherish for a lifetime.