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Goa off the beaten path, Whole Goa in One Day!

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11 years ago

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Usually when we talk about Goa we refer to warm sea, pristine beaches, clear and sunny sky and lots of tourists from around the world relaxing and enjoying together with their family or loved ones. However, this time when I was in Goa for nearly two weeks, my Russian friend came up with an idea to further explore Goa in one day away from the beaches. She came across one Russian travel agency operating in Goa “tvoy Goa” and there we saw a tour package of Complete Goa in one day. In no time, we booked with the agency.

Their office was in Candolim, where we stayed. The place is a mini Russia in itself. The office was also giving a complete feel of a Russian office. Everything was written in Russian; receptionist, managers and all employees were Russian. It was strange and funny that to see India, I was with a Russian tour agency with my friend and her mother. They were accepting fees in US Dollars but I am glad that for me they accepted Indian Rupees as well.

Whole Goa in One Day!

The Complete Goa in One day package included a visit to Temple of Sri Mahalasa, Dudhsagar Falls, Spice plantation garden, Lunch, and Old Goa in the respective order.

Our Russian guide greeted us as soon as our trip started. After 2-3 minutes of talking, she realized I am a non-Russian and her quick question was “vse govarit po russky?” (Does everyone speak in Russian?) We all responded with yes, and she was surprised with my presence and my Russian language. Throughout the way, she was introducing the group to Indian culture, some common myths and beliefs about the Indian society and I was there to help if she needed clarification. The bus became a platform for intellectual discussion on Indian culture with everyone participating and asking questions out of their curiosity and observations.

Passing through the serene roads accompanied by the green trees and zigzagging through the Goan territory, we reached Sri Mahalasa temple. It was like seeking blessing of the goddess Mahalasa, Mohini avatar of Vishnu, before continuing with journey. The temple was shifted from the Velha conquistas (Saxty/salcette) to avoid destruction during the forcible Christianisation of Salcette, Goa.  The temple boasts a magnificent deepastambha and a holy pond. Visitors cannot go with swimsuits inside and need to cover their sleeves up to the half-length and legs up to the knees. Footwear need to be removed outside the temple. Taking picture of the front view of the temple is not allowed. However, you can take pictures in the other areas of the temple.

mahalasa-temple Whole Goa in One Day

deepastambha mahalasa-temple Whole Goa in One Day

The next stop in our trip was of course, Doodhsagar falls. I would say this was the main highlight of the trip, and it is not in Goa, :P but in the adjacent state of Karnataka. Last time I came here when I was studying in Bangalore. We trekked along the railway tracks and the view was much better from there. You could actually see the fall very close on a height! The name Doodhsagar came from Sanskrit. It is made up of two words, Doodh (milk) and sagar (sea) so you can guess why it is called so.

Private vehicles cannot go up to the waterfall. We had to get down and take a safari jeep provided by the administration whose fees was included in the tour package. As soon as you get down from the bus, number of local people will come to sell bananas and tomatoes to you for feeding the monkeys. I have fed monkeys a lot, it is quite dangerous and I do not find it exciting anymore. However, I bought it because my friend wanted to. I was unaware of the fact that feeding monkeys was illegal there and we cannot take any eatables inside. At the entrance of the protected area, government officials started checking our bags, though they were not so strict. They were asking politely and as polite was the response from all the fellow Russian tourists, “no, we do not have any bananas.”

From that point, it took another 45 minutes to reach the falls through unmetalled roads and crossing rivers that filled water up to our feet in the jeep. As soon as we got down, I was surprised to see everyone taking out bananas and feeding the monkeys. I was laughing because I thought only Indians do such things, breaking the rules! Probably it is the effect of extra freedom, which Russians enjoy now, after the 74 years long strict soviet rule!

After getting down from the jeep we still had to make our way to the fall, which required crossing fast-flowing mountainous rivers with the help of the rope and climbing small rocks. It was not as difficult as it sounds; people belonging to all age groups were doing it smoothly. Helping my friend and her mom cross all the hurdles, I started helping fellow tourists to cross whether I knew them or not. Girls, boys, men, women, babushki (grannys) and kids, I cannot remember how many people I pulled and guided or lifted to make them reach safe place. It was a bit strange for me, as men in Russia have to serve the army compulsory for one year; I assumed that it would be very easy for them, but I felt as if it was something new for them, and I had to guide them and pull them the same way.

Doodhsagar-fall The next stop in our trip was of course, Doodhsagar falls. I would say this was the main highlight of the trip, and it is not in Goa, :P but in the adjacent state of Karnataka. Last time I came here when I was studying in Bangalore. We trekked along the railway tracks and the view was much better from there. You could actually see the fall very close on a height! The name Doodhsagar came from Sanskrit. It is made up of two words, Doodh (milk) and sagar (sea) so you can guess why it is called so. Private vehicles cannot go up to the waterfall. We had to get down and take a safari jeep provided by the administration whose fees was included in the tour package. As soon as you get down from the bus, number of local people will come to sell bananas and tomatoes to you for feeding the monkeys. I have fed monkeys a lot, it is quite dangerous and I do not find it exciting anymore. However, I bought it because my friend wanted to. I was unaware of the fact that feeding monkeys was illegal there and we cannot take any eatables inside. At the entrance of the protected area, government officials started checking our bags, though they were not so strict. They were asking politely and as polite was the response from all the fellow Russian tourists, “no, we do not have any bananas.” From that point, it took another 45 minutes to reach the falls through unmetalled roads and crossing rivers that filled water up to our feet in the jeep. As soon as we got down, I was surprised to see everyone taking out bananas and feeding the monkeys. I was laughing because I thought only Indians do such things, breaking the rules! Probably it is the effect of extra freedom, which Russians enjoy now, after the 74 years long strict soviet rule! After getting down from the jeep we still had to make our way to the fall, which required crossing fast-flowing mountainous rivers with the help of the rope and climbing small rocks. It was not as difficult as it sounds; people belonging to all age groups were doing it smoothly. Helping my friend and her mom cross all the hurdles, I started helping fellow tourists to cross whether I knew them or not. Girls, boys, men, women, babushki (grannys) and kids, I cannot remember how many people I pulled and guided or lifted to make them reach safe place. It was a bit strange for me, as men in Russia have to serve the army compulsory for one year; I assumed that it would be very easy for them, but I felt as if it was something new for them, and I had to guide them and pull them the same way.

This day gave me an unforgettable moment as I lost my slippers in an attempt to support my friend and save my mobile while crossing the river with the help of the rope. From that point, I walked barefoot throughout the trip: in the jungle, in the garden, on the streets and in the church. The result was red feet due to excessive acupressure by mother earth!

Our next stop was spice plantation garden. It was like a forest where you could see spices growing. It is an interesting place if you want to know a little more about the common spices that you include in your food daily. However, for an Indian there is not anything new. :) Nevertheless, it is a good concept to introduce foreign tourists to Indian spices and their richness. We were provided lunch in traditional Indian style on Banana leaf; tea and Goan feni (local alcohol) was served right on the table. I was having a friendly conversation with the guide when a group of girls came and occupied seats next to me, everyone was curious to know what was there on their plate. It was interesting to see that whenever we had free time, the conversation took a spiritual and intellectual turn. No matter if you visit Goa or Varanasi, if you came to India you will not go without taking some spiritual lessons from this ancient country.

spice-plantation-garden-goa This day gave me an unforgettable moment as I lost my slippers in an attempt to support my friend and save my mobile while crossing the river with the help of the rope. From that point, I walked barefoot throughout the trip: in the jungle, in the garden, on the streets and in the church. The result was red feet due to excessive acupressure by mother earth! Our next stop was spice plantation garden. It was like a forest where you could see spices growing. It is an interesting place if you want to know a little more about the common spices that you include in your food daily. However, for an Indian there is not anything new. :) Nevertheless, it is a good concept to introduce foreign tourists to Indian spices and their richness. We were provided lunch in traditional Indian style on Banana leaf; tea and Goan feni (local alcohol) was served right on the table. I was having a friendly conversation with the guide when a group of girls came and occupied seats next to me, everyone was curious to know what was there on their plate. It was interesting to see that whenever we had free time, the conversation took a spiritual and intellectual turn. No matter if you visit Goa or Varanasi, if you came to India you will not go without taking some spiritual lessons from this ancient country.

In the spice garden you can see elephants, ride on them or bath with them as elephants splash water on you from their trunks. Interesting, isn’t it? My friend and I decided to take a ride on the elephant. It was for 600 rupees each (not included in the package) for a quiet small ride.

Our last stop was Old Goa where we visited some of the most magnificent churches of Goa and Asia. Cathedral of St. Catherine is the biggest church in Asia. The cathedral is known for its Golden bell, which is biggest in Goa and one of the best in the world. Once sounded, the vibration of the bell can be heard as far as 14 Km! The church belongs to 16th century, which was the time when Europeans started forced Christianisation of India. We also visited Basilica of Bom Jesus, which has the relics of the Apostle of India, St. Francisco Xavier. He is known as the most successful catholic missionary in the world in the history of Christianity.

cathedral-of-st.-catherine-goa In the spice garden you can see elephants, ride on them or bath with them as elephants splash water on you from their trunks. Interesting, isn’t it? My friend and I decided to take a ride on the elephant. It was for 600 rupees each (not included in the package) for a quiet small ride. Our last stop was Old Goa where we visited some of the most magnificent churches of Goa and Asia. Cathedral of St. Catherine is the biggest church in Asia. The cathedral is known for its Golden bell, which is biggest in Goa and one of the best in the world. Once sounded, the vibration of the bell can be heard as far as 14 Km! The church belongs to 16th century, which was the time when Europeans started forced Christianisation of India. We also visited Basilica of Bom Jesus, which has the relics of the Apostle of India, St. Francisco Xavier. He is known as the most successful catholic missionary in the world in the history of Christianity.

It was evening already and our guide gave us options whether if we want to visit a museum or want to go back home. All of us were filled with excitement and emotions, but we were tired. We decided to return, my feet were red, with impressions of stones and rough surfaces of forest, roads and grasses. Nevertheless, I did not care, as I was lost in the bliss that Goa gave. Our guide on the way home was telling more about Indian mythology and I was lost somewhere. My friend was cutely sleeping with her head resting on the window and her mom was smiling. There was silence in the bus, not because we were tired, but we were saving the memories of the day. Thanks to Goa, thanks to tvoy goa and thanks to the guide Elena for making the day perfect!

Tvoy goa (Your Goa) is a Russian tour agency operating in Goa. Eh! you would be thinking that I am crazy. Nevertheless, the rates were reasonable, probably because it was not a British company! You can get further 5% discount if you book from their website. Children get additional 50% discount and payment can be done after the trip. Tourists, whether they have been to India or not, often have some myths about Indian culture, Indian society and religion; here is the list of top ten myths about India compiled by our Russian journalist from St. Petersburg. It is our personal recommendation for you and clear your doubts about India. :)

Your Turn!

Have you ever been to goa? Where did you go and what did you do? Share your experience, your views and tips in the comments below. Our team of international journalists would love to have discussion with you. And do not forget to share and follow us on your favourite social networking site :)

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Sanskar Shrivastava is the founder of international students' journal, The World Reporter. Passionate about dynamic occurrence in geopolitics, Sanskar has been studying and analyzing geopolitcal events from early life. At present, Sanskar is a student at the Russian Centre of Science and Culture and will be moving to Duke University.

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Travel

Discover extraordinary places and enjoy unique experiences

Published

2 months ago

on

September 29, 2024

By

Tenerife spain canary

Exploring extraordinary places and having unique experiences are pleasures everyone wants to enjoy. There are many wonderful places to visit around the world, accessible with the right preparation and proper support. These destinations offer exceptional tourist services, are within your reach, and are waiting for you to discover them!

Travelling is one of the most enriching experiences a person can have. It allows you to discover new cultures, stunning landscapes, and moments that remain etched in your memory forever. If you are planning your holidays or a delightful weekend getaway with your partner, family, or friends, you’re surely considering all the options available to you. There are many excellent tourist destinations worth visiting.

Exploring unique destinations like the beaches of Tenerife, luxury villas in Sardinia, and The Mora Resort in Zanzibar are wonderful options to consider—not only for the breathtaking views but also for the high-quality services you’ll find there.

The unforgettable beaches of Tenerife

Tenerife, the largest of the Canary Islands, is famous for its extraordinary golden and black sand beaches, formed by volcanic activity. It’s a paradise for sun and sea lovers, as well as those seeking adventure and water activities. From surfing at Playa de las Americas to diving in the crystal-clear waters of Los Cristianos, Tenerife offers a wide range of experiences to suit all tastes.

There are some Good Tenerife beaches that you’re sure to fall in love with as soon as you arrive. All you need to do is plan well, check your possible routes, and, for added convenience, hire the services of a reliable taxi agency to take you across this coastal haven.

With access to transportation, you can visit any of the wonderful and paradisiacal beaches in this magnificent corner of the world. Simply coordinate the itinerary with the taxi you hire and get ready to enjoy one of the best experiences of your life—it’s certain to be a great help.

Luxury villas in Sardinia

Sardinia, an Italian island in the Mediterranean, is known for its stunning landscapes and exclusivity. The villas Sardinia offer a unique accommodation experience, combining modern comfort with the island’s natural beauty. These luxury villas, many located on the famous Smeralda coast, boast panoramic sea views, private pools, and direct access to private beaches.

These villas are the favourite spot for affluent individuals seeking tranquillity, beauty, comfort, and adventure all in one place, where you can spend unforgettable days surrounded by opulence in a setting full of style and sophistication—everything you deserve on your holiday.

To find the villa you want, it is advisable to seek the help of a good estate agency to assist you in finding a rental property for your holiday. Fortunately, there are excellent options for luxury villas in Sardinia that you can check out on the recommended portal and book straight away to ensure your perfect holiday spot.

The Mora Resort in Zanzibar

Zanzibar, an archipelago off the coast of Tanzania, is renowned for its beautiful white sand beaches and crystal-clear waters. The Mora Resort, located right on one of its most stunning beaches, offers luxurious experiences and relaxation in a paradisiacal setting. This resort blends traditional Zanzibar architecture with modern amenities, set in a unique and welcoming environment.

Guests can enjoy activities such as snorkelling, diving, and boat trips, while exploring the rich marine life and coral reefs of the area. In addition, the resort offers spa and wellness treatments, allowing visitors to relax and rejuvenate in a tranquil and beautiful setting. The cuisine at this resort is another highlight. Its restaurants offer exquisite fusions of local and international flavours, using fresh, high-quality ingredients.

If you’re looking for an unforgettable holiday, Zanzibar is an excellent option, and The Mora offers an unforgettable stay to make your trip even more special.

In conclusion, whether you’re seeking relaxation on the golden sands of Tenerife, indulging in the luxury of Sardinia’s villas, or immersing yourself in the paradise of Zanzibar’s The Mora Resort, these exceptional destinations promise unforgettable experiences. With the right preparation, each journey will leave you with lasting memories, making your travels truly extraordinary.

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Travel

Enjoy a luxury holiday in Zanzibar

Published

4 months ago

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August 6, 2024

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zanzibar island

On the coast of Tanzania lies Zanzibar, a dream destination that promises an unparalleled and exotic experience for tourists seeking relaxation. If you’re considering visiting this stunning location, there’s no better way to do so than by staying at the luxurious The Mora hotel.

In Zanzibar, The Mora hotel can be found on the beautiful Muyuni Beach, where it stands out for offering an environment full of comfort, exclusivity, and luxury. This five-star resort is ideal for those looking to enjoy a unique and comfortable lodging experience in a paradisiacal setting.

At this prestigious hotel, you’ll find a wide range of services and entertainment activities suited to all ages and preferences. With private pools, gourmet restaurants, a luxury spa, evening entertainment, a kids’ club, and much more, The Mora proves it has something for everyone, making it an essential destination if you’re exploring Zanzibar.

The Mora: an unmatched luxury experience

The Mora resort Zanzibar is strategically located on Muyuni Beach, renowned for its beautiful landscapes, white sands, and turquoise waters. Here, guests have the opportunity to experience unparalleled luxury, combining elegantly designed and comfortable rooms with stunning panoramic views of the sea.

The Mora also offers an extensive and diverse dining experience. In its restaurants, you can savour exquisite local cuisine as well as eclectic international dishes. Additionally, you can enjoy your meals in the elegant dining areas of the restaurants, by the pool, or on the beach.

Beyond the unmatched luxury and comfort of The Mora, the hotel also provides a wide array of activities and entertainment. For water enthusiasts, there are various aquatic sports such as paddleboarding, diving, and snorkelling. Meanwhile, those who prefer land-based activities can enjoy a wide variety of cultural excursions.

Promotions and benefits

The Mora offers various options to suit different budgets without compromising on comfort or luxury. Additionally, you can always find The Mora promotions on their official website, including exclusive plans for families and couples, as well as discounts for special days and early bookings. Although prices may vary by season, there will be options available that offer greater affordability.

Furthermore, The Mora is known for its exceptional customer service. Once you arrive at the resort, the staff will be available 24/7 to handle any requests and resolve any doubts or issues that may arise.

Moreover, The Mora is not only distinguished by providing a luxury experience and extensive amenities but also by its strong commitment to sustainability and respect for the environment. This commitment is reflected in the implementation of numerous ecological practices and support for the local community’s development.

What to Do in Zanzibar

If you decide to stay at the stunning The Mora hotel, the next step is to explore everything Zanzibar has to offer. Among the key places to visit, Stone Town stands out as the island’s historic and cultural centre, where you can admire its breathtaking monuments and buildings.

Simultaneously, Zanzibar is an ideal destination for all water activities enthusiasts. It’s no surprise that you can partake in a wide range of aquatic activities, such as diving in the beautiful nearby coral reefs, swimming with dolphins, relaxing sunset cruises, or visiting the turtle aquarium. You’ll also find an extensive range of majestic beaches to suit all tastes. Muyuni Beach, where The Mora is located, is one of the standout options. However, you can also find other beaches like Kendwa and Nungwi, which offer a livelier environment, or Paje and Jambiani, which provide a more tranquil setting.

In conclusion, choosing The Mora for your stay in Zanzibar ensures an unforgettable luxury experience amidst one of the most breathtaking settings on earth. With its exquisite accommodations, diverse dining options, and an array of activities designed for relaxation and adventure, The Mora offers everything you need for a perfect getaway. Coupled with its commitment to sustainability and exceptional customer service, your stay at The Mora will not only be a lavish retreat but also a meaningful contribution to the local community and environment. Embrace the magic of Zanzibar and let The Mora elevate your holiday to new heights of comfort and elegance.

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Europe

Barcelona and Athens: cities that will leave an everlasting impression

Published

7 months ago

on

April 30, 2024

By

Barcelona house real estate

Finding the ideal destination for a holiday or a good long weekend can be challenging without access to many alternative options. Luckily, there are cities that need no introduction to know that they hold the solution; such is the case with Barcelona, in Spain, and Athens, in Greece, which you should always have at the top of your list of potential places to visit. 

Barcelona, a city you’ll never forget

Barcelona is where you can find everything to make the most of your time and live unique experiences. Just go online and search for a city guide of Barcelona to review everything and start planning your trip.

The help of a good website

Tourism blogs and websites are an excellent alternative to virtually explore Barcelona and learn more about places to visit, public transport schedules, dining options, hotels and accommodations, and other useful information to make your visit more enjoyable.

The key lies in planning

With good planning, you’ll not only find splendid places to spend wonderful moments but also save money and get great recommendations to make your trip and stay enjoyable.

Park Güell: a must-visit

Barcelona stands out for its incredible attractions, among which Park Güell shines. Just read more about this interesting place to fall in love with it and make this visit mandatory.

What is Park Güell?

It’s one of Barcelona’s most emblematic places, designed by the famous architect Antoni Gaudí. Originally conceived as a housing development and later converted into a public park.

Architectural and natural elements

The main entrance is flanked by two modernist pavilions, with a staircase leading to the famous hypostyle hall and a central square with a panoramic view of Barcelona. Additionally, it features over 17 hectares of gardens, viaducts, and winding paths, integrating architecture with the natural landscape.

Cultural Heritage

Park Güell is part of UNESCO’s World Heritage and is classified as a Cultural Interest Site of Spain.

Athens: a journey to the past

Another city that will surely surprise you with its cultural and historical legacy is Athens, Greece, where you can enjoy impressive Hellenic ruins. It’s advisable to visit an Athens travel guide on the internet before you go to learn about everything and better organise your visit.

Historical richness

With over 3,000 years of history, Athens is the cradle of Western civilization and is home to ancient monuments such as the Parthenon, the Agora, the Acropolis, and many Greek temples.

Mediterranean cuisine

One of the main attractions of this city is its cuisine, which offers a delicious culinary experience of the Mediterranean diet.

Hospitality

Athens is known for its friendliness, and it is well-equipped to cater to tourists from all over the world.

The Acropolis of Athens

While in Athens, you have to visit the Acropolis, where masterpieces of Hellenic architecture are concentrated for you to marvel at their grandeur. Keep in mind that it is a highly visited site, so you should book now to secure access for your visit.

Beautiful architecture

Acropolis means “high city,” as it is located on a rocky outcrop in the city centre. Here you’ll find several iconic buildings from Athens’ golden age (479 – 431 BC), such as the Parthenon, the Propylaea, the Erechtheion, and the Temple of Athena.

Central location

Reaching the Acropolis is easy from any point in the city, so you won’t get lost. From there, you’ll have panoramic views of the city spreading out at your feet.

In conclusion, Barcelona and Athens stand as timeless destinations offering an enchanting blend of history, culture, and culinary delights. Whether exploring the iconic landmarks of Barcelona or delving into the rich historical tapestry of Athens, these cities promise unforgettable experiences for travellers seeking adventure and discovery. With careful planning and the aid of modern resources, embarking on a journey to these vibrant metropolises ensures a truly memorable escape.

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