6 Reasons Why you should take bus

Traveling to different places makes a person more confident and optimist towards life. Moreover, it gives an opportunity meet people from different class and background, to know about them and their culture. And bus journey provides ample amount and exposure towards fun and adventure. But why would anybody spend six hours on a bus from Chennai to Bangalore,watching trees pass by and using (gasp!) a public toilet or with no choice of getting the chance to get relieved at all, when you could fly instead?

Bus journey was never so comfy

With a reputation for being moderate, unclean and uncomfortable, public transport is a travel alternative that is ignored by most travelers (or if nothing else by those matures enough to have outgrown their knapsacks). Be that as it may, in the event that you haven’t used an inter-city transport in a while, you very well might be astounded by how they’ve changed. Bus travel is indeed the most reasonably priced transport system to go from one place to the other. With amazingly moderate rates and new civilities, transport travel is more luring than it’s ever been.

Traveling at this stage has reached a different point. People are busy, cranky, packed with work five days a week, earning good…and so do they want a good escape at least once in a week to a good place. And for people working in private firms, buses give them a good advantage. They can book easily and hop on from their nearest destination. Chennai has a good bus transport facility may it Government bus MTC or private travels. And moreover, Chennai Mofussil Bus Terminus is one of the biggest bus stations in Asia. So, it would be a shame to call oneself a travel enthusiast if you haven’t boarded a bus at least once from CMBT in Koyambedu, Chennai.

I will tell you why traveling by bus is so much better than traveling by plane, or train, or by car.

No need for advance planning

One of the most annoying things about flying or traveling by train is you have to plan your trips months in advance to get a good deal or to get your seat reserved, as prices tend to soar the closer you get to the date of departure. Nobody has the luxury of planning a trip or journey in a relaxed manner. Smartphones and laptops are so handy these days, just download a bus booking app and book you seat on the go! Redbus, Travelyaari, Ticketgoose, etc. are one of the leading ticketing platforms that offer sales and deals on tickets to win over their travelers.

No missing baggage

In trains and flights, there is no guarantee of not losing your baggage. The chances are there in buses too, no doubt, but you can have a closer check on your luggage in the bus. The other reason many be less number of passenger accommodation compared to trains and flights.

More options

In case of catching or booking buses, you got a lot of options. You can either catch MTC buses or one among many private travels. A lot of private concerns have embraced the new technology and have blended very well with it. Now there is a facility where you can track your bus and know its whereabouts. Redbus has come up with an innovative idea like cab booking option, where you can track the bus route and book your bus tickets according to its availability.

No need of arriving hours in advance

Unlike catching a flight, boarding bus is much more convenient. I hate to wake up early almost at the middle of the night at 3:00 AM to catch a flight at 6:00 AM because you need to be at the airport two hours in advance of your boarding time. Why? Because there is a huge passengers’ queue while taking the flight pass, and also while boarding.

Better use of personal time

Taking the bus instead of self driving frees up time to do something that you appreciate. You can utilize the bust travel time very well, like to catch up on emails, text your mates, read the paper or a novel, watch movie, etc. Or simply relax; let someone else do the driving.

No worries about tolls

Recently Tamil Nadu Govt. has increased the toll rates. So, taking the bus instead of driving yourself saves you money on gas, parking, and tolls.

There are a few limitations in bus travel as you cannot stretch your legs every now and then or walk a while and loo facility in the bus. However, this problem has been solved with sleeper buses. Some people prefer traveling by road as they find it convenient to stop every now and then to freshen up or have snacks at the roadside dhabas. See, you have more comfort than you expected in bus travel. So, young hearts and travel enthusiasts kick your lazy bums get some sun every weekend. Pack your travel bag, book bus ticket, explore your next destination.

Escape to Pune for a Perfect Weekend Getaway!

For some, destining across this vivacious city, Pune is a piece of cake but for all those out there who are clueless in deciding their tourist spot, this blog ought to be handy. Before stepping onto the wide and dynamic locations prevailing in the heart of Pune, its whereabouts need to be clearly understood. So, starting with that; Pune, earlier known as Poona was derived from the word “Punya- Nagari” meaning “The Blessed City”. Surrounded largely by the Western Ghats and encircled with lush greenery around, Pune is one of the charming destinations of India. It is here where you get to see the heart- throbbing historic sites, religiously beautiful temples and thrilling trekking locations. So, if you are planning to make a weekend outing, don’t miss out these:

Pataleshwar Cave Temple; an architecture that dates back to the 8th century is a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. This temple is carved from a single piece of basalt rock that houses the statues of other Hindu gods and goddesses as well.

Parvati Hill; a temple dedicated to the Hindu Goddess Parvati is 2100 feet above the ground that is located in the Southern part of Pune. Built by the Peshawas, the skyline of Pune and the striking picturesque of nature can be viewed from the hilltop. There is no entry fee for this spot and you get a chance to click snaps too.

Shaniwar Wada Palace; a unique and stunning blend of the Mughal architecture and Maratha’s craftsmanship, this palace was once the residence of the royal Peshwas which was later destroyed by a fire in the 19th century. Though much of its structures were destroyed, one can still enjoy viewing the grand gardens.

These are few amongst the many places to visit in Pune. There are museums, places for trekking, paragliding and camping as well in this city. When reading arouses wanderlust in you what would happen if your visit? Do nothing, just visit TicketGoose, India’s leading online bus ticket booking portal and make a booking via Paulo Travels for all those traveling from Goa- Pune to enjoy every second of your ride.

Summer Vacation- Kick Start to Coimbatore

It’s going to be the toughest decision of your life wondering where to take your kids during their summer vacation. All they need is a story to narrate it to their friends post their vacation so that they get to hear that wow- wow from hum, so why not give them their expected live experience rather than a cooked- up story. Let your kids enjoy the starry nights in the sanctuary, cool and breezy water showers at Monkey Falls, exotic rides in Black Thunder and pocket- filled fun shopping at Brookefields Mall. Wondering, where you would get to see all these? Then, ride to Coimbatore with your family and see how my holiday ideas will be helpful;

1.Black Thunder: situated between Coimbatore and Ooty and spread across 75 acres of land, this water- theme park has many rides like Wave Pool, Surf Hill, Wild River Ride and much more that ought to take your kids breath on riding on these. Spend a day in water games and click snaps of your kiddos gathering courage and stepping on these rides which they would relish it on seeing in the future.

2. Monkey Falls: the approximate distance from Coimbatore to this place would come around 70kms. This is one such place where you can make your kids experience the rich flora and nature- architected archetypes that will make them nature lovers in the upcoming years. You can also add flavor to this site- seeing spot by packing snacks which are your kids’ favorite.

3. Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary and National Park: give your kids a frightening and grinning experience by taking them to this park that is situated within the Annamalai Mountains across 958 square kilometers. It is a home to wide varieties of flora and fauna and few other tribal communities as well.

4. Brookefields Mall: from hypermarkets and boutiques to food courts and multiplexes, this place indeed is an all-in-one entertainment hub for your family where your kids would definitely end up spending some cheerful hours in here.

So, with so much to see, plan your trip to this place with your family by booking bus tickets only at TicketGoose, India’s leading online bus ticketing portal as TicketGoose has paired up with over 2500+ operators and you would get the best travel operators like SVR Travels,SRS Travels,VRL Travels,Hebron Travels for Chennai- Coimbatore route that will leave you cherished forever.

Shirdi- A Heavenly Shrine of Sadhguru

From Pune: 188km

“If you look at me, I look at you. If you cast your burden on me, I shall surely bear it. If you seek my advice and help, it shall be given to you at once. There shall be no want in the house of my devotees.”- Sai Baba

Being a die-hard and a great devotee of the Lord Sai, I love and adore visiting Shirdi every year. The feel of ecstasy it gives me on visiting this holy place and on seeking the blessings of Shri Sai Baba, I feel my burden to be reduced and the Lord himself to be there beside me during my hard times. In the Rahata Taluka of Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra, Shirdi is a home to 22,000 people and a pilgrimage destination to more than eight million per year. This dusty rural corner of India is visited so frequently by many that it holds second place after Tirupati in Andhra Pradesh. An abode of the simple Saint; Sai Baba, a short weekend getaway with your family to Shirdi will surely leave you in awe. Here, in this blog, I have mentioned the places to visit in Shirdi that would help you liberate all your sorrows and give nothing but ease in life.

Sai Baba Mandir; your visit to Shirdi is incomplete without stepping onto Sai Baba Mandir, a burial site of the revered Saint Sai whose doors will be open to all the pilgrims from 5 in the morning to 10.45 at night.

A sacred site of the Sai Baba Temple.

Dwarkamai; a place situated at the right entrance of the Samadhi Mandir is believed to be a spot where Lord Sai Baba stayed till the end of his life. It has two rooms; one is where the chariot is placed with saffron-colored flag hoisted on and the second is the palki.

Shani Shingnapur; Shingnapur is a small district in the Nevasu Taluka district of Maharashtra that is famous for Lord Shanishwar. The unique point about this village is that there are no doors for any houses and people living here believe that the lord protects them from all the theft and anyone who tries stealing will face the wrath of the lord.

The houses in the village of the Taluka district of Maharashtra are constructed without doors.

Get touched by the sacredness of this place and plan your weekend trip or a pilgrimage tour by booking tickets only with TicketGoose, India’s leading online bus ticket booking portal servicing millions of customers. If you are worried thinking about the buses that ply to this location then feel free as travels like Seabird Tourists, Paulo Travels, Shri Sairam Travels, and National Travels are striving hard to make everyone’s visit pleasant and comfortable.

Kaleswari Travels

Dark clouds bewitched the mother earth further leading to a heavy downpour resembling like spells cast all over the surface. Amidst all these, there stood a man fighting against the heavy bouldering drizzle with an umbrella in one hand and bucks in another, waiting in the queue, the front of the bus reservation counter to get to his native. With the shuttering sounds of the windows, his voice was not heard to the ticket reservation clerk who asked him to leave. Knowing that beseeching to the clerk wouldn’t help him travel to his native; he came out and started thinking what to do. It was then; he recalled about Kaleswari Travels, a travel operator to Vijayawada which offers top-notch facilities that was once said by his friend.

Though the travels helped him book his tickets online but he was desperate to know about it and on surfing, it said; established in the year 1997, Kaleswari Travels is one of the most reliable and trusted brands in the Southern part of India connecting major destinations like Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Maharashtra. With a large fleet of Volvo, AC and Non AC Semi- Sleeper and Sleeper coaches, punctuality, on-time schedules and safe driving had been their prime concern which they were successful achieving it.

Besides on-time schedules, the travels is also known for courteous staff who are ready to handle any customer queries, well-maintained and luxurious bus interiors with the best entertainment and comfort features, air suspension mechanisms for the safety of the travel and finally the unsullied quality of service. With these ample amenities, it has not only proved beneficial for one’s travel but has created a niche in one’s life as well. The travels operates on over 20 routes daily and to name some of the major routes covered by it; Hyderabad to Vijayawada, Vijayawada to Hyderabad, Visakhapatnam to Vijayawada, Guntur to Bangalore, Hyderabad to Visakhapatnam, Chilakaluripet to Bangalore, Vijayawada to Bangalore, Bangalore to Chennai, Visakhapatnam to Hyderabad, Vijayawada to Chennai, Hyderabad to Bangalore and much more.

At last, Kaleswari Travels has taken another step towards hassle-free travel and that is, it has paired up with India’s leading online bus ticket bookingportal, TicketGoose. So, henceforth all your online bus bookings and payments can be easily done at ticketgoose.com itself. Don’t wait for the right time to book your tickets; all you need to have is a smartphone.

A Different Reason to Visit the Northeast

You may have enough reasons to visit this enchanting land referred to as “Northeast India” for reasons may vary from person to person. For most, the region offers cultures — ranging from food, dance, attire as well as the people — unique in themselves as compared to the rest of India. It is true that here, one will get a feel of Southeast Asia despite being in India.

There is, however, another aspect which we often tend to miss out despite the obvious signs. The mist-filled hills of the area may reminds us of Wales, Scotland or the Nordic areas with striking similarities between the former and the latter lot, while the eerie and uncanny secrets behind the mists tend to remain veiled.

It may come as a surprise to many that the Northeast has an equally rich collection of ghost stories as well as tales of black magic and witches, just like Great Britain. Being a big region, it will not be possible for you to embark on a tour to all of these places. However, there are certain locations which will interest you. This, I say, from my own personal experience.

PPIs — Places of Particular Interest:

1. Mayong — Located just 50 km away from Guwahati, in the Nowgong district, this town is famous throughout the region for being inhabited by black magicians. Many youngsters willing to impress people the ‘short-cut’ way seek help from magicians here, who can work ‘wonders’ with their potions as well as amulets to make you ‘spell-bound’. Most locals seem to avoid the town and its inhabitants for their own safety.

A view of Mayong (Photo Courtesy — IndiaTimes, IANS)

2. Silchar — Located 229 km to the south of Shillong, is the city of Silchar, in the Barak Valley region of South Assam. The fertile green plains and valleys around the city are abound with tales of ghosts and jinns. It is believed that in the death of night a tall, shadowy figure often stands with his legs stretched out to the two ends of a road in an extremely threatening manner. He is said to be harmless to those who are fearless. Jinns possessing human beings, when the latter harm disguised entities are common tales. You can take a personal look at exorcisms, if you happen to know experts, or a friend who does.

3. Shillong — There are a lot of haunted places in this hill-station, also known as ‘Scotland of the East’. The city has its roots in colonial days, when soldiers of the mighty British Empire were camped here. A lot of British legacy in terms of culture as well as a church can be found here. The most interesting spot worth a visit here is Beaver Road in Oakland. Try take a walk along the meandering paths late in the evening and you will have a close shave with the ‘other entities’, if lucky. It is said that the souls of Britishers from the colonial era still wander around.

4. Nohkalikai Falls — The Nohkalikai Falls in Cherrapunjee (53 km south-west of Shillong) is the falls you need to visit not only for its natural beauty, courtesy the green pool below it, but also for the eerie story surrounding it. It is said that a local Khasi woman, Ka Likai, committed suicide after her second husband cooked her little daughter for dinner. The woman ate after a long day’s work and uncovered the horror after discovering the little girl’s fingerlings. Nohkalikai translates as ‘Jump of Likai’. It is a tourist destination now.

5. Jatinga — Located in the North Cachar Hills, now called Dima Hasao, district of Assam, this is the supernatural place where even the ones with weak hearts may visit. The ‘mass suicides’ committed by birds towards the end of the monsoon season is an eerie sight. The preconditions for this phenomenon to occur are slightly foggy conditions, winds blowing from the south to north; and the time between 7–10 pm. The ambience will scare you up for sure.

Visit more and you will unravel more here. It has to be borne in mind that such superstitions and beliefs have been fatal at times for locals. Thus, it may not be as funny or curious as you think. However, if you are looking for a trip ahead, you will definitely want to check out on those aspects as well. The locals will be more than willing to help you.You can book your Bus Tickets in TicketGoose.Some of the travel operators providing their services are Jagnath Travels,Paulo Travels,SVR Travels,National Travels and Greenline Travels

Ride to Andhra to Clebrate Ugadi

Ugadi or Yugadi in Sanskrit means “beginning of the new age”. The first day of the lunar month, Chaitra is considered to be the auspicious day for the festival’s commemoration. It is a day marking the start of the New Year for the people of Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka where this fiesta is celebrated with extreme entertainment and vehemence. It also greets the start of spring with new leaves and buds blooming beautifully thereby creating a spiritual festive mood amongst all. This day signifies two myths; some say it is the day Lord Brahma, the creator of the world started his creation and few others believe the day to be the incarnation of Lord Vishnu as Matsya Avatar.

Be the reason be blended over mythological views, Ugadi gathers the huge attention of people and media as well. Preparation for this festival is planned a week before its commencement with houses cleaned, traditional dresses purchased and with other necessary items procured for decorating the residences. On Ugadi, people wake up before dawn; give a massage to their body and head with Sesame oil and post bathing, starts decorating the entrance of their houses with fresh mango leaves as Lord Kartikeya and Ganesha were very fond of mangoes and tying it on the doorway depicts prosperity and well-being.

This day is also marked by social merriment by preparing delicious dishes and greeting their neighbors with it. In Andhra Pradesh, edibles like Pulihora, Bobbatlu and Ugadi Pachadi are made. The Ugadi Pachadi is nothing but Chutney of six basic delicacies comprising Neem flowers, Jaggery, Green Chilli, Salt, Tamarind and tender Mango seeds each signifying a feeling or emotion with neem flowers denoting sadness, jaggery- happiness, green chilli- anger, salt- fear, tamarind- disgust and mango seeds- surprise. Later, people gather and sit around to listen to Panchanga Sravanam where the elderly will read the almanac.

Some visit temples as well to pray for prosperity and happiness in the New Year. If you are planning to site this festival to know more about its celebration and to get yourselves involved in its rhyme, I suggest you head towards Vijayawada or Hyderabad where it is commemorated with huge zeal and fervor. So, make your bookings only with ticketgoose.com!.Travel operators providing Services to these places are Parveen Travels,Patel Travels,SRM Travels,KPN Travels and SRS Travels.

Early Booking Discount with TicketGoose!!!

Heya!! Yet another longest weekend of this year; Good Friday weekend! I do agree that for you and your spouse it’s going to be a day for rejuvenating yourself for the next tedious week but for your kiddo, it is either a weekend plan to visit his grandparents or a day out to escape from the humdrum of his school life and with Tamil New Year on its way, one ought to be in Tamil Nadu to witness what’s happening around. What may come, TicketGoose will always be your best companion to sort out your queries allied to travel and bus ticketing, after all, it is India’s leading online bus ticketing portal that would take you places with just a click.

From ease in online bookings to customer support to reduced booking time, TicketGoose has earned a name in the travel industry. This ain’t much as many prefer this online portal for its offers as well and being this to be beneficial for one, it has been our constant endeavour to keep our passengers updated with the latest deals or discounts that TicketGoose releases and to satisfy our TicektGoose travellers, the firm has come up with an early booking offer; where the seats are open for you to make an online booking for the longest weekend in the month of April from 13th to 16th and claim Rs.200 cash back. This cash back will be credited in your TicketGoose wallet.

A penny saved is a penny earned. What I say is earn Rs.200 and use it for your next booking and as you know that every offer has validity, this offer that is exclusively meant for you is valid until 24th of March, 2017. So, what are you thinking about? Stop being so idealistic and make a booking to either visit your dream destination or Tamil Nadu to celebrate Tamil New Year with the city’s natives. Thus, TicketGoose strives to satisfy every traveler by providing the best deals on their travel because customer satisfaction is what the firm’s main motto is

Kausani: An Offbeat Trail

The weekend was coming up and we wanted to get away to the hills nearby, but not to the crowded hill stations. After looking up for some offbeat destinations, we zeroed down on Kausani, which is tucked away atop a ridge at an altitude of 1,890 m in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand. Located about 460 km away from Delhi, it is a good over nine hours’ drive.

We set out around 4 pm, but as the long weekend was just coming up, the streets were jam packed. The traffic was not moving beyond Ghaziabad. It was a bad decision to start so late in the evening. Finally, around midnight, after dinner in Ghaziabad, we could resume our journey as the traffic starting easing. We drove through the mountainous terrain of Kashipur, Ramnagar and Ranikhet, for over 6 hours before we reached our destination.

Pic credit: Rajeend K

As we entered the town, its greenery was refreshing. The terrain was laden with towering pine trees, emerald green meadows, streams and waterfalls. The silent valleys were full of beautiful cottages. We passed by vast expanses of pears orchards. It had rained the previous night, so the mist was everywhere.

Around Town:

Mahatma Gandhi had aptly called this place the “Switzerland of India.” He took refuge in this picturesque hill station to pen his Bhagavad Gita treatise Anasakti Yoga in 1929. The Anashakti Ashram (2 minutes’ drive from the main town) stands testimony to his presence in this place.

If the valley is not shrouded with mist, you will be lucky to see the glistering snow-capped peaks — Trisul, Nanda Devi and Panchchuli — from several points. The tea gardens in this town are alluring. You can drive down or simple enjoy a walk through the valley to the tea gardens (5 km). Do not forget to buy some tea leaves that are exported across the world.

Next, you can head to the Rudradhari Falls and Caves, located 9 km away on the Kausani-Almora Road. However, if you are not up for trekking, then this place is not meant for you. The 2-km trek will not be an uphill task for those who are fit and up for adventure. The small brooks on the way make the landscape even more beautiful.

Bajinath Temples (16 km) can be your next stop. Legend has it that the Pandavas built the temples to honour Lord Shiva. You can spend some quiet time amidst the ancient rock-cut temples that are maintained by the Archeological Survey of India (ASI). Shivaratri, celebrated in February-March at the temples, attracts a huge number of devotees from the town as well as from the nearby villages.

Pic credit: Rajeend K

However, for me this is the place where you will simply love to just sit back and look at the darting clouds, changing every minute, till the evening sets in and the entire valley lights up. After a while, you will enjoy the game of hide-and-seek the entire valley plays as it gets engulfed in the mist.

Cuisine:

For food, you will have to depend on the hotel you are staying in; you will get everything there from Chinese to Continental to Indian. There are restaurants in the town, where you can sample Kumaoni food as well.

Where to Stay:

Kausani might be an offbeat destination, but the town is full of budget as well as luxury hotels. Some of the options for you are Blossom Resort (Tariff — Rs. 1,700), Himalayan Village Resort (Tariff — Rs. 2,000 onwards) and Kausani Best Inn (Tariff — Rs. 3,000).

Shopping:

You can pick up some shawls and mufflers from the local shops here. There is a shawl factory in the town, where you will find really good handmade Kausani shawls. They are not up for bargaining, so you might as well avoid it.
You can buy some seasonal fruits, too. There were a lot of pears in the market when we visited the town.

Getting there:

If you are travelling from Delhi, you can hire a cab or take a bus. There are no direct buses to Kausani. The best option is to take a bus till Haldwani (over five hours’ journey) from where you will get a direct bus to Kausani. The Bus travel operator providing service from Delhi are Paulo Travels,National Travels,Greenline Travels,Hebron Travels,SVR Travels and Madurai Radha Travels.Book your bus tickets from any of the online bus ticket bookingportals.It will hardly take you four hours from Haldwani by state-run buses that cater to passengers travelling on this route. You can check out for bus tickets to Haldwani at www.ticketgoose.com.

Pic credit: Rajeend K

After spending three days in the pine-scented cottage, it was time to leave. It was pouring when we left Kausani around 10 am. Driving through the long winding roads amidst the rain-soaked pine trees, gushing waterfalls at every bend and lush green forests was not a dampener at all. Though we had to tread carefully, and there were long jams on the road, we were not complaining as we couldn’t take our eyes off from the beautiful surroundings.