A Trip to Visit Medieval Monuments

It’s January! We all know January is the starting month of the year and there is no doubt that this is the month that gives so many holidays. Enjoy this festive season by visiting Bijapur, the city of victory. Bijapur is officially called as Vijayapura in the Bijapur district of Karnataka. This city is famous for its historical monuments which were built during the Adil Shah dynasty. It is blessed with many tourist attractions such as palaces, arches, tombs, religious places, museums, and gateways. Winter season is the best season to visit this region. Some of the important stuff that you should buy while visiting this place is the stone decorative product, handwoven cloths, jute bags and beaded jewellery. The main tourist attractions of Bijapur are as follows;

GolGumbaz — GolGumbaz is one of the important historical monuments in that region. It is the tomb of Mohammed Adil Shah who ruled this city from 1580–1657. This is the largest dome in the entire world. GolGumbaz is famous for its central chamber, it is the place where each and every sound will be echoed seven times. Another attraction of this monument is the whispering gallery. This is the gallery where even a sound produced in lower frequency can be heard clearly 37 meters away.

Ibrahim Rauza — Ibrahim Rauza is the attractive spot in this region which was built by Adil Shah II for his wife and also it is the place where Adil Shah was buried. It is situated on the western border of the city. This spot consists of two buildings facing each other and that has a fountain in between them. It is popularly called as “The Taj Mahal of the Deccan”.

Malik-e-Maidan — Malik-e-Maidan is also called as the Monarch of the Plains. It is the largest cannon in the world which is 4-meter-long, 1.5 meters in diameter and 55 tons’ weight. This gun was bought from Ahmedabad in the 17th century. Lion Gate is the name of the location where this cannon has been placed.

So, what are you looking for? Try these wonderful places during this winter. Book your bus tickets at ticketgoose.com, India’s leading online bus ticketing portal. The top route of this fascinating place is from Bijapur to Bangalore. Some of the top bus operators who provide their service to this region are SRS Travels, VRL Travels, Orange Tours and Travels and Sugama Travels.

Hurry up! To book, click here!

Frolicking on the Tannirbhavi Beach

The city of Mangalore in Karnataka, which is about 300 km from Bangalore, has numerous beaches that are still untouched. Coupled with the salivating sea food and the mouth-watering Mangalorean cuisine, it makes for a perfect weekend getaway. I love going to this lovely city just for its beaches and I never get bored of them. The Tannirbhavi Beach in Perambur is my favourite, as this 2-km stretch beach is not crowded even during the peak season; giving you the feeling of a private beach.

To reach this beach located about 11 km away from the city, you will have to travel on a ferry from Sultan Battery or hit the road via the Edapally-Panvel Highway that will take you through the picturesque Mangalore Port. You can also take a state-run or a private bus to this area.

Look out for the Watch Tower at Sultan Battery

En route to the beach, stop by at Sultan battery. The first thing you will notice here is the colossal watch tower. You might mistake it for a fort initially, but as you draw closer to the massive structure, you realise what it actually is. Built by Tippu Sultan in 1784 with black stones, this watchtower was mounted with cannons around its perimeter to check the entry of English warships from entering the Gurupur River.

Courtesy: www.mangaloreindia.com — Sultan Battery Watchtower

It is said that there is a secret tunnel near this structure that leads to Tippu Sultan’s Srirangapatnam Fort. The view from the watchtower overlooking the Tannirbhavi Beach and the Arabian Sea is breathtakingly beautiful. I sat there for an hour or so, just enjoying the view. The fishing boats moored on the shore make the seascape even more alluring.

A ferry to ferry you across

The ferry ride from Sultan Battery to Tannirbhavi Beach on the other side of Gurupur River was fun. At the landing pier there were small crabs scurrying about. There is a beautiful church on the way where you can have some quiet moments before you hit the beach.

Courtesy: rajeshchaurasia.blogspot.com — Sunset at Tannirbhavi Beach

The waves were surging towards me but I went ahead and enjoyed the cool and soothing sea water. This beach is ideal for those who like to be in less crowded places. You can just sit back and enjoy a good picnic with your family without being bothered about the onlookers, as you will hardly find any. It is serene except for the occasional roaring sound of the huge waves. A few shacks along the beach road offersome delicious seafood. So, isn’t good food along the quiet beach reason enough for you to visit this beach, the next time you are in Mangalore? The water activities too will keep you on your toes, if you are interested in water sports.

When to Visit

The best time to visit this place would be during the winter when you can go far into the sea and jump with the waves. Monsoon season makes it very beautiful, but the sea gets rough and you might not be allowed to venture far by the life guards who constantly monitor your step.

Where to Stay

Mangalore has plenty of hotels to suit the pocket of each one of you. So, whether you are looking for a luxury hotel or a budget one, you will find them all.

Next time you travel to Mangalore, make sure you visit the Tannirbhavi Beach and enjoy a day amidst the quiet surroundings. To book your tickets for Mangalore, log on to TicketGoose.com.Some of the travel operators providing services are ABT Travels,Konduskar Travels,Meghana Travels,Rathimeena Travels,Paulo Travels,National Travels and Universal Travels.

Your Favourite Holiday Destination- Pondicherry

For some, March is the closing year and for some, it isn’t and this remains the same even for your spouse but what about your kids? You know that they are already extremely weary and exhausted from the mundane custom of their daily school life and are in surge to have a weekend trip off to an enlightening escapade and I do agree that it will leave you bewildered thinking where to take them but a place filled with French aroma, seafront meander, colonial architecture, religiously significant and a destination just 3 hours from Chennai can never make you re-think and, Rathimeena Travels and Universal Travels are some of the common travels you will get to see for reaching this place from Chennai. Here are some of the most-liked places to visit in Pondicherry:

Promenade, a seafront also known as Goubert Avenue is one such place where you will feel revitalizing with the calm and serene nature of the place. Take a stroll either in the morning or at the evening, sight-seeing the Gandhi statue and several other French buildings and drinking coffee at the coffee stalls nearby. Finally, sit on the black colored rocks and take snaps with your closed ones.

Auroville is one such place famed for meditation and for those who desire to learn more about spirituality. It was initiated by Sri Aurobindo for making people attain divine perfection and know the meaning of their presence through peaceful living with one another. This place also houses Matrimandir which glows when sun’s rays fall on it. It is widely considered as a place of interest.

Manakula Vinayagar Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Ganesha. It is considered as one of the best pilgrimage sites in Pondicherry with different names of Ganesha referred here and this isn’t much, people say whoever leaves abroad for business purpose visits this place and start as it is considered to bring good fortune. There is a chariot in this place that is constructed of 7.5kgs of gold that is made through donations of thousands of devotees and runs once a year on Dussehra.

Finally, with so many places to visit, Pondicherry can be the perfect getaway for your families and friends to get to know about the French culture and tradition. Book your bus tickets in TicketGoose right away!

Strolling around the Garden City

Are you in Bangalore for work and the entire schedule is crammed with business meetings and lunches and dinners with clients? Mall and pub-hopping is not your cup of tea? If you have just three hours to spare in the morning before 11 am over the weekend, then the Bangalore city walk will not only enrich you, but leave you rejuvenated to kick start your day. As Henry David Thoreau, an American author, said, “An early morning walk is a blessing for the whole day.”

Let’s put on our walking shoes and take a quick guided tour of the Garden City that has so much for everyone. From green heritage walk to Victorian Bangalore walk to traditional Bangalore walk to Medieval Bangalore walk, there are numerous options for you according to your taste. But if you are up for it, you will have to forgo your weekend sleep, as these walks run by Bangalore Walks are held only over the weekend between 7 am and 10 am. It is priced at Rs 500 per person. Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (Intach), Bangalore, also runs several walks in the city. The once-a-month affair comes for a mere Rs 120. Treat yourself to a sumptuous breakfast at the end of the walk.

Saunter around the gardens

Lalbagh Botanical Gardens (Photo courtesy www.ghumakkar.com)

If you are a nature enthusiast, the green heritage walk is a must for you. Wander through the Lalbagh Botanical Gardens and get to know its landscape, environment, history, botany, culture and gardening. You will have a delightful three-hour amidst its serene environs and at the end of the tour you will be truly enlightened.

Get a feel of the Victorian era

St Andrew’s Church

The Victorian walk will literally take you down memory lane from the Tipu Sultan era to the 20th century. You can drop by at the 19th century churches. Get to know more about the Cantonment and the public buildings, besides the eminent British residents in the city. This will enrich you with the chronicles of the city’s past, as an experienced guide will walk you through the details.

A taste of the traditional city

Flower Market at Basavanagudi (Photo courtesy Deccan Chronicle)

Those of you who want to know more about the culture and tradition of the city can opt for the Traditional Bangalore Walk. Walking through Shankarapuram and Basavanagudi will give a taste of the old-world charm far from the bustling city. You will be able to connect with these places replete with tradition if you are not a pub-hopping type. The three hours that you spend exploring the serene neighbourhoods will treat your senses to a myriad of hues and sounds.

A walk through history

Bangalore Fort (Photo courtesy TempleIndai.info)

Get to know how Bangalore started as a city from a 16th-century mud fort. Through the Medieval Bangalore walk you can traverse the streets of the old city and discover how Kempa Gowda I built the fort and how it grew into a city. You will also get to know about the various rulers that ruled over the centuries. This walk is replete with history and it is a must for those who are fascinated with the times of yore.

In case you are not an early morning riser and want to explore these places on your own, hop on a bus and visit these places leisurely at your own convenience. But remember to wear a good pair of walking shoes and keep a water bottle handy.

Click here to get details about online bus ticket booking and bus ticket offers for Meghana Travels and National Travels to visit these places…

SRS Travels- How it influenced many!!!

A ray of light stroke passes the window with sun’s slightest shine hitting my eyes and somewhere deep down I hear birds calling one another with their sweet chirps. All these were like a wake-up call for me to face yet another day at my office. But one thing that made me grin cheerfully was the trip to my native; Bangalore. I am one among the 6.7 million resident of the tech-savvy city that is steeped in history and buzzing with commerce. Yes, you found it right, it’s Hyderabad and what best could it be in heaven than to visit your native after a month and that too in your desired mode of transport? Though there exist several bus operators operating from Hyderabad- Bangalore, the one I mostly prefer is SRS Travels which I usually book via ticketgoose.com. Bewildered as to why I prefer this travels. Let’s take a short glimpse.

Incepted in the year 1971, SRS Travels has become one of the leading and trusted bus operators in the southern part of India with a fleet of more than 5000 buses operating on a 24/7 basis. Despite the fact that it is based in Karnataka, it offers luxurious bus services to major cities like Badami, Bangalore, Belgaum, Pune, Chennai, Coimbatore, Trivandrum and Goa. The company has been recognized by the Department of Tourism, Govt. of India as well as Govt. of Karnataka and is a prestigious member of IATO (Indian Association of Tour Operators) and TAAI (Travel Agents Association of India). This was just the overview of what the company is all about but what drives the most is its quality.

In the business for over decades, SRS Travels has gained a reputation with reference to professional courtesy and high standards of operation. From experienced drivers to conditioned buses to on-time pickups, it has satisfied many travelers and ensures a pleasant journey for all. It’s not over as it’s here you get to see SRS Travels covering the longest route from Bangalore — Ajmer- Pushkar and its new vehicle- Volvo B11R is recognized as Asia’s longest bus. SRS Travels deploys modern AC and Non-AC coaches and air suspension facilities for safe and comfortable trips. Besides intercity services, it’s into logistics/cargo movement as well. It is their commitment to customer satisfaction and endurance to hard trails that has satisfied many across the nation.

Thus, start planning your tailor-made trips by logging onto ticketgoose.com and avail exclusive offers for every booking. Even though traveling from Hyderabad- Bangalore is fairly cumbersome, with SRS Travels and Ticket Goose your journey will be eased.

Travelling to Goa on Valentine Day

With valentine day around the corner most couples plan special outings. This time we wanted to do something special and were brainstorming about it and hit on a great idea. We decided to spend the romantic day in Goa. Goa with its romantic beaches, happening night life, popular night clubs and casinos seemed like the best choice.

The best option from Chennai would have been to fly down to the party state, but we wanted to make the entire trip memorable and so chose to travel by bus. It was a no brainer to book our tickets with the most dependable e-ticketing portal, TicketGoose. There were not many options for this almost twenty hour journey so we quickly zeroed in on a semi-sleeper Volvo bus that was to depart from Chennai around 3:00 in the afternoon. This would mean that we would be reaching Goa around 11:00 in the morning, next day that is on Valentine’s Day.

Once the tickets were booked, we hurriedly packed our bags and made our way to the bus station. Even in the hurry I had remembered to pack something special for a romantic evening outing in Goa. On our way we picked up some snacks and drinks to keep us fueled during the journey.

Once on-board the bus, we settled down comfortably and spent the afternoon chit chatting and playing various word games whose rules had been tweaked to suit the mood! Those snacks sure did come handy. The bus stopped at a mid station where we picked up some hot coffee to keep us in the mood till we stopped again for dinner.

We continued with our romantic games and soon it was time for the dinner stop. After dinner the bus lights were dimmed down as most travelers were by now sleepy. We spent a couple of more hours listening to songs on our earphones and settled in our blankets on the comfy seats for the night. After a comfortable night’s sleep we were woken with the bus stopping for breakfast. It hits us that it was Valentine’s Day and that we would be in Goa in a couple of hours. The bus started again, after giving all of us sufficient time to freshen up and gobble down hot breakfasts.

The scenery outside had changed considerably and the greenery was soothing. At times we could smell saltiness in the air. We were both feeling all hyped and were looking forward to spend this special day in this romantic city. The coastal vegetation was mesmerizing and I realized greener than that of ‘Nama Chennai’. The clothes worn by the locals were very different. I was feeling excited as I knew we would spend some time exploring the local culture too.

The bus dropped us on the bus station and after some enquires we made our way to our hotel. After freshening up and spending a couple of lazy hours we decided to go discover all of what Goa had on offer.

Let’s take a weekend bus trip to Varanasi

Weekend getaways to destinations like Goa, Pondicherry, Andamans are over-rated. India has a lot more places to be explored. Bus journeys are becoming next popular medium to commute or shuttle, these days many prefer instant online bus ticket booking as trains reserving seats not that easy and flights charges are sometimes not too affordable. Today we will talk about such beautiful not so popular place that you can visit on your next trip.

Varanasi Ramnagar is a small city in Varanasi locale in Uttar Pradesh. Ramnagar has a fortification known as Ramnagar Fort which is still the living abode of King of Varanasi (Benares). He was known as Kashi Naresh, meaning lord of Kashi (Ancient name of Benaras. Ramnagar Fort and its exhibition hall are the archives of the historical backdrop of the lords of Benares and since the eighteenth century has been the home of Kashi Naresh. Indeed, even today the Kashi Naresh is profoundly venerated by the general population of Benares. He is the religious head and the general population of Benares thinks of him as the incarnation of Lord Shiva. He is likewise the chief social benefactor and an important persona of every religious festival. Ramnagar is the mainstream for Ramlila that is held every year under the aegis of King of Varanasi. Followers of Rama or the people who love mythology, this is the best place to quench your thirst. There are a number of busses that run from Chennai to Varanasi.

Ramlila (literally “Rama’s lila or play”) is a folk drama of the life of Rama, ending up in a ten-day battle between Rama and Ravana, as described in the Hindu religious epic, the Ramayana. A tradition that originates from the Indian subcontinent, the play is staged annually often over ten or more successive nights, during the auspicious period of ‘Sharad Navratras’, which marks the commencement of the autumn festive period, starting with the Dussehra festival. And this week marks the festival of Ramlila in Varanasi. What can be more auspicious and enjoyable trip than a visit such a place this festive season?

As of late Ramnagar has developed as a most loved spot for shooting films in view of the grand area of the Ramnagar Fort (home of the King of Varanasi) close to the Ganges. Chokher Bali is one of the famous motion pictures shot here. Over a million travelers arrive every year for the inconceivable parades and exhibitions of Ramlila sorted out by Kashi Naresh. The Ramlila of Ramnagar essentially worked by Maharaja of Banaras with the assistance of Pt. Laxmi Narayan Pandey and his social family every year. It is one of the glorious show which happens once in the year every time. The venues are all around scattered crosswise over Ramnagar, Lanka, Janakpuri, PAC and a few little territories.

Do something different from others, travel to not so popular places; enjoy the sight and culture. Book bus tickets with Ticketgoose.com to enjoy the trip at an affordable cost.

Never underestimate the influence of a short Trip to Pondi!

Never underestimate the influence of a short Trip to Pondi!

India is a booming travel and tourism market in Asia. Expected to be worth Rs. 95 billion by 2015, tourism is a vehicle of economic and employment growth in the country. So, if you are looking for a much-needed break from the hustle-bustle atmosphere, plan for a weekend getaway. India has historical, adventure, and natural beauty in abundance; flora and fauna yet to be explored. Take time, escape from your busy computerized life.

“Twenty years down the lane you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than the things you did. So, reroute from the anchor. Cruise far from the sheltered harbor. Collect moments not things!”

We take you to place. Today let’s take you to Pondicherry. I know, I know…many of you might be thinking what’s new in Pondi. But guys, Pondicherry is not meant for just youngsters. This place has many things which can also persuade older crowds. Let’s start from the basics.

About Pondicherry

Pondicherry, also known as Puducherry or Pondy also referred to as “mini Goa.” A small territorial area popularly known for its sun-kissed beaches, and French colonial past, presently known as ‘The White Town’. The history of the city of Pondicherry is recorded only after the arrival of Dutch, Portuguese, British and French colonialists. Pondicherry experiences coastal erosion. The city is protected from the sea by a 2 km long seawall, first completed by the French in 1735, which reaches a height of 8.5 m above sea level. A weather-beaten cement plaque with the year 1952 is still visible along a section of the seawall. The seawall is protected from the direct onslaught of waves by rows of granite boulders which are reinforced every year to stop erosion. Whenever gaps appear or the stones sink into the sand, the Government adds more boulders to keep it strong.

How to reach Pondi?

The small union territory, Pondicherry is located about 162 km south of Chennai (Madras). The main languages spoken in the region include Tamil, Telugu, and Malayalam. Apart from this, English and French are the other languages spoken by local people.

Though Pondi is a small town and can be finished in a day or two. There is much to see in this town as a newbie or as a regular tourist.

Places to see in Pondicherry

• Auroville: Auroville is a universal town where men, women and children of all countries are welcome to live in peace and harmony above all ideologies, all politics and all nationalities. The motivation behind Auroville is to acknowledge human solidarity.
• Pondicherry Botanical garden: The Botanical Garden in Pondicherry was opened to the general population in 1826, it is situated at the southern passageway of city transport stand. The Botanical Gardens arranged in the focal point of the city relieves from the tyranny of scorching and humidity of Pondicherry. It covers 22 acres area and where people can just sit, unwind and listen to the chirping of birds and delve into the wealthy variety of flora here.
• Chunambar boat house: Chunnambar is located 8 kms from Puducherry, along the Cuddalore Main Road. This tropical heaven is flanked by a peaceful streaming rivulet on one side. You can cruise downstream to the sands and set up a comfortable shoreline portable shelter for yourself.
• Ousteri lake: Ousteri Lak, also referred to as Osudu Lake around 10 kms from Puducherry town and has been perceived as one of the important wetlands of Asia by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) and it is the most vital freshwater lake in the Pondicherry area. The structure of the lake is mind boggling — comprising of water, wetland/swamp and mudflats; it goes about as the single biggest catchment of fresh water in Puducherry.
• French Wall Memorial: Located on the Goubert Avenue in Pondicherry, the French War Memorial is devoted to those fighters who yielded their lives for the nation amid World War I. It was implicit 1971 and is situated inverse to the Gandhi statue.
• Arulmigu Manakula Vinayagar Temple: This is one of a handful couple of amazing temples in Pondicherry. Excellent engineering, extraordinary divider compositions. It’s an unquestionable requirement visit for all who venerate Lord Ganesh. The depictions portray the narrative of the root of Lord Ganesh with exceedingly critical occasions. The sanctuary likewise has its own particular elephant.
• Eglise de Notre Dame des Anges: Another French era church less known after The Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. This is one of the oldest churches in the city, built in French time. Not open all the time like others in the city. This is situated near rock beach.

Beaches to see in Pondi

• Auro Beach -around 1 km from Serenity Beach
• Keerapalayam -around 3 km south of Rock beach
• Promenade / Rock beach -It’s within the boulevard
• Paradise Beach — around 4 km south of Veerambatinam
• Serenity beach -around 3 km north of the town
• Veerambatinam — around 3 km south of Keerapalayam

Things to do in Pondi

Pondicherry Adventures: Pondicherry is turning more and more interesting turning tourist’s heads for exciting and adventurous getaways. Experience and explore the thrills of

• 8×8 ATV through the sandy and muddy terrains of Pondicherry Beach
• Kallialay surfing school

Don’t miss to try out these cafes here- Le Cafe, Cafe Carte Blanche, Rendezvous cafe, Baker Street, Indian Cafe Express.

After Goa, Pondi is also known for its tax free cheap alcohols. So, if you like to booze or enjoy the company of a bottle of chilled beer, you will love these places-

• Quality
• Satsnaga
• Promanade roof top bar
• Ajantha sea vie bar
• Sea Gulls

Pondi sweeps you to the French era and takes you to the erstwhile legacy of the gothic era and offers you to spend a refreshing holiday in the ideal resorts, mansions, cottages, huts, hostels, etc., where you can engross into a soothing Ayurvedic massage in the midst of the serene aura. Book a bus to explore these places this weekend.

We will keep the excitement on with more information about the ins and outs of many such places in India. Ticketgoose is also introducing an excellent weekend getaway package and drive you to different places, cultures, era, and realm. Keep track with us.