Goa is a state on India’s west coast, multicoloured blend of Indian and Portuguese cultures. It is a state on the southwestern coast of India within the region known as the Konkan. Goa is very much popular mainly for its sand beaches, nightlife, places of worship, seafood and spirituality. A large number of international and domestic tourists visit Goa every year. Panaji is the state’s capital. Goa’s state language is Konkani. Most Goans speak Konkani, English, Hindi, and Marathi. Portuguese is also known by a small segment of people.

Goa stands 6th in the Top 10 Nightlife cities in the world in National Geographic Travel. Goa is also famous for its water sports. Water sports in Goa encircles scuba diving, kite surfing , snorkeling, kayaking, banana boat ride, flyboarding, parasailing, jet ski, wakeboarding, speed boating, surfboarding, wind surfing, white water rafting and many more.

There is wide variety of music genres used in Goa ranging from Western art music to Indian classical music and also Konkani music. Western musical instruments such as the violin, drums, guitar, trumpet and piano are widely used in Goa. Whereas traditional Goan musical instruments include shehnai, dhol, nagado, tambura, kansallem, etc. Portuguese Fado (a music genre) also has significance in Goa. Fugdi and Dhalo are the most common folk dances of Goa. Mando, Kunbi dance, Dhangar Dance, Dekhni are also popular folk dance and forms.

Goa is very popular for its seafood. Dishes like Fish Curry Rice, Chicken Cafreal, Bebinca, Ambot Tik, Sannas, Sabudana Payasam, Ambadyachi Uddamethi / Goan Hog Plum Curry. Banana Sheera, Goan Cucumber Cake / Tavasali, Drumsticks Subzi , Goan Sangachi Bhaji, etc. are highlights of the Goan cuisine.

Calangute Beach is one of the most famous beaches in Goa. This beach offers cool breeze and awe-stunning sunsets which will leave the tourist mesmerized. One can also opt for water sport activities like parasailing and water skiing, among others that is offered by this beach. There are also a number of eating joints, shacks and clubs serving cocktails, beer and seafood.

The Basilica of Bom Jesus is perhaps Goa’s most famous church. The Basilica of Bom Jesus is a part of the Churches and convents of Goa UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is a brilliant example of baroque architecture. The church is called “Bom Jesus” meaning ‘good Jesus’ or ‘infant Jesus’ to whom it is dedicated.  The basilica holds the mortal remains of St. Francis Xavier. The church is located in Old Goa in Bainguinim about 10 km away from Panjim. 

Fort Aguada is a picturesque fort situated on Sinquerim beach in Goa. The Aguada fort is a monument to Portuguese construction and engineering.  The word ‘Agua’ is a Portuguese word meaning ‘water’. A freshwater spring within the fort provided water supply to the ships that used to stop by. This is how the fort got its name: Aguada. Fort Aguada is a typical example of Portuguese military architecture. The Aguada Fort also has a splendid four-storeyed light house. The view from the fort is breathtaking as it overlooks the confluence of Mandovi River and the Arabian Sea. 

Baga Beach is situated in North Goa, 9 kilometers (6 miles) from Mapusa and 16 kilometers (10 miles) from Panaji, the state capital. Baga Beach starts right where Calangute ends, although it’s hard to pinpoint exactly where. Baga Beach is also famous for water sports, such as parasailing and banana rides, and dolphin cruises. The beach contains rows of shacks and fishing boats. The shacks come to life in the late evening with some pumping music and mouthwatering food.  The nightlife on Baga Beach is immensely happening as it’s popular due to famous nightclubs like Mambo’s, Tito’s, and Cavala. One can also go shopping at Wednesday flea market at Anjuna, Tibetan market that runs along Baga Road, Mackie’s Night Bazaar, Ingo’s Saturday Night Bazaar, etc.

There are several types of cruises in Goa, and each of them offers a unique experience. These range from simple evening cruises, elaborate and romantic dinner cruises, backwater cruises, and of course casino cruises such as Houseboat Cruise, Dinner Cruise in Goa, Casino Cruise in Goa, Backwater Cruise, Catamaran Cruise, River Cruise in Goa, Deltin Royale Casino Cruise, Casino Pride Cruise,etc. One can enjoy the pristine waters, exotic scenery and breathaking sunset from the cruise.

Church of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception is located in Panaji, the capital city of Goa. It is a colonial Portuguese Baroque style church and is located on a slight elevation, on a hillock.  It was originally built in 1541 but was replaced by a much larger structure in the 1600s.  Today it is known to house the second largest church bells in Goa. These bells are known to have been removed from the Augustinian ruins of the Church of Our Lady of Grace that existed in Old Goa. During the Festival of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception, held every year on 8 December, the church is colourfully illuminated. A fair is also part of this festival.

Club Cubana is located in North Goa amidst a hillock in Arpora, it is one of the must popular night clubs in the region. The club is not open all-year round, only from October to April, during the remaining months, they are closed. The location of the club upon a hillock provides one with breathtaking views of Goa.Featuring not just a dance floor, but also a lounge with a swimming pool, guests can have a grand time in the club. It is also called “Nightclub in the Sky” and is a popular club with many national and international DJ’s playing the coolest music of all time.

Anjuna Beach captivates large number of visitors due to its scenic beauty and picturesque view. It is located 18 kilometres away from Panaji and 8 kilometres to the west of Mapusa, North Goa. It is situated in Anjuna village of Bardez taluka in North Goa. There are many activities here like adventure sports, late night trance parties, shopping, wellness pursuits,water sports, etc. Some of the major attractions in and around the beach include: Albuquerque Mansion, Chapora Fort, Mascarenhas Mansion,Wednesday Flea Market, etc.

Dudhsagar Falls (literally Sea of Milk) is a four-tiered waterfall located on the Mandovi River in the Indian state of Goa. It is 60 km from Panaji by road and is located on the Madgaon-Belagavi rail route. One can go by road or rail to Kulem railway station and then trek to the waterfall or hire a jeep with a driver to get closer in; however, there will still be a walk to reach the base of the falls.

Vagator Beach is the northernmost beach of Bardez Taluka, Goa. It is located on the opposite bank of the Chapora River from Morjim in Pernem. It is characterised by a combination of its soft white sands and imposing but beautiful rocky cliffs. The beach is famous for its parties and beach shacks. Apart from parties, another good reason to go here is to watch the sunset and enjoy stunning views of the beach from the cliff.

There are many other places to visit in Goa like : Bogdeshwara Temple, Museum of Goa, Arambol Beach, Morjim Beach, Miramar Beach, Se Cathedral,  Palolem Beach, Shri Mangueshi Temple, Dona Paula, Church of St. Cajetan, Brittos ( one of the best shacks in Baga Beach), etc.

One can reach Goa conveniently as it is well connected by various means of transport:

By Air : Goa international airport is located at Dabolim – 30 km away from Panjim. Daily flights are scheduled from major cities such as Mumbai, Delhi. Hyderabad, Banglore, Chennai, etc.

By Road: One can easily drive to Goa using their private vehicle as the roads are well connected with National Highways. One can also opt for private companies that provide bus journey at a reasonable cost. For comfortable rides, super deluxe AC and Volvo buses would be the better options.

By Rail: Via railways, it is quite easy to reach Goa as the major railway stations in Goa are located in Margao. The main railway station is known as Madgaon and Vasco-da-gama. The train ride to Goa is worth the journey just for the view. Train is also the cheapest option apart from being fast and comfortable.

By Sea : Tourists can also opt for ferry services that are also excellent when it comes to commuting in Goa. There are some shipping companies that provide boat services from Mumbai to Panaji.

Visiting Goa during the months of November to February are preferrable when the weather is not too cold or not too hot. One can also enjoy Christmas and New Year season as it is the best time in Goa for stunning parties, shopping in the beatifully lighted streets and enjoy the high festive spirit of Goa.

 

Udaipur is popularly know as the “City of Lakes”. It is a city located in the western Indian state of Rajasthan. It is surrounded by the beautiful Aravali Hills in all directions. Udaipur is a tourist destination and is known for its historic forts and palaces, museums, galleries, natural locations and gardens, architectural temples, as well as traditional fairs, festivals and structures.

The major contributions to the city’s economy come from tourism, agriculture and mineral industries. The handicraft and cottage industry sectors play an important part in contributing to the growing economy. The city is rich in it’s culture and also keeps up with the modern advancements and changes in lifestyle.

The dynamic and vibrant dances of Bhavai, Ghoomar, Kachchhi Ghodi, Kalbeliya, and Terahtaali add a sparkle to the rich cultural heritage of Udaipur. From dancing puppets, wall decorations, pens, pen stands, traditional lanterns,bags, handmade papers, painted wooden boxes, exquisite pottery, Batik and Bandhani print sarees, Rajasthani Jutis, etc.Udaipur offers a wide variety of Rajasthani delicacies like Dal Baati Choorma, Gatte Ki Sabzi, Pyaaz Kachori, Mirchi Bada, Ghewar, etc.

Udaipur is also famous for film shoots. Many films like Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani, Yaadein, Ram Leela, Guide, Octopussy, etc were shot here.

There are several tourist places in Udaipur like:

City Palace is a large and magnificent palace has beautiful courtyards, terraces,hanging gardens ans so on. We can take a tour of City Palace and visit the City Place Museum where we can see the brilliant work of architecture, exclusiove wall paintings and antqiues.

Lake Pichola is surrounded by huge hills, palaces, temples and bathing ghats. A boat ride is also a wonderful option to enjoy the scenic view around the lake. A sunset boatride gives you a baeutiful view of the palaces with stunning lights in the evening.

The Lake Palace is situated on the island of Jag Niwas in Lake Pichola. It is popular as tourism and wedding destiantions. You can luxurious meal in many restaurants, take a tour of this historic heritage site and also visit the Jagdsih temple nearby.

Bagore Ki Haveli is situated near Pichola Lake. This was concerted into a musuem presenting the culture of Mewar. There are a veriety of antique collections used by Rajputs like jewellery boxes, hand fans, copper vessels and so on. One can witness the muisical and folk dance shows, catch a theatre show at theatre ground, enjoy a puppetry show listen to folk tales and shop for handicrafts, souvenirs and other artwork.

Vintage Car Museum is an awesome place for automobile and car lovers.  The museum is a collection of a good many vintage automobile models used by the Mewar dynasty of Udaipur. One can have a traditional Rajasthani Thali at the Garden Hotel, take up a vintage car tour, and visit Gulab Bagh nearby.

Saheliyon Ki Bari is a majestic garden located in one of the shores of Fateh Sagar Lake, Saheliyon-ki-Bari has expensive lawns, shady cool walking lanes and imposing fountains. It is one of the best places in Udaipur to relax.

The Jagdish Temple stands in the City Palace Complex in the city of Udaipur. It is dedicated to preserver of the Universe Lord Vishnu. One can witness the beatiful wall carvings, elephant sculptures and stunning architecture. It is the perfect place for a devotee to find faith and solace.

Shilpgram is a rural arts and craft complex set up to promote traditional arts and crafts of Rajasthan and represents the simplicity of village life. It prvides employment to many rural craftsmen and is a centre of many cultural festivals which are organised here on a regular basis. One can eat at the Shilpi restaurant, shop at Rural Arts and Crafts Complex, enjoy theatre, art or dance showacases at the Amphitheatre and also visit the Sajjangarh Wildlife Sanctury nearby.

Hathi Pol Bazar is a perfect attraction for shopaholics. One can find a variety of branded and local items including intricately embroidered and colourful block-printed apparel, ethnic silver jewellery, accessories, traditional home decor items, textiles, etc. Hathi Pol Bazar is famous for Miniature paintings, Ichhwai Paintings and hand paintings on silk.

Moti Magri hosts a stunning bronze statue of Maharana Pratap on his beloved horse Chetak as a fitting tribute to Maharan Pratap and his horse Chetak. Situated on the banks of Fateh Sagar Lake, this iconic structure is a landmark in the city. One can visit the Moti Mahal Museum, enjoy the light and sound show in the evening, visit the Japanese Rock Garden and also visit the nearby Fateh Sagar Lake and Swaroop Sagar Lake.

There are many other places to visit while in Udaipure like, Monsoon Palace, Eklingji Temple, Doodh Talai Musical garden, Bada Mahal, Sukhadia Circle, The Mansapurna Karni Mata Temple, etc.

Udaipur has well connected ways of travel. One can travel to and from Udaipur by flights. The Maharana Pratap Airport have scheduled flights from Delhi, Mumbai and Jaipur. Road travel is also convenient as it well connected with National Highways. One can opt to travel by Rail. There are two railway stations in Udaipur- Udaipur City railway station and Rana Pratap Nagar railway station, both well networked to most of the cities in India like Kolkata, Bangalore, New Delhi, Mumbai, Jaipur, Ajmer, Kota, Agra, etc. The local transport of Udaipur is also convenient when travelling to visit tourist spots. Hiring a cab for a day is a good idea. Travelling via three wheelers is an easy option and relatively cheaper too.

One can visit Udaipur from October to March during the pleasant atmosphere of Winter to explore the city conveniently. July to September is another duration where one can visit Udaipur to witness the Monsoon spirit of the city.

Kutch (also spelled Cutch, Kachh, Kachch, and Kachchh) is a district of Gujarat state in western India. The literal meaning of term Kutch is something which intermittently becomes wet and dry. The term ‘Kutch’ is also used for tortoise in Sanskrit. Kutchi is an Indo-Aryan language  mainly spoken in the Kutch region of Gujarat. Kutchi is also known as Cutchi, Kutchhi or Kachchhi and is related to Sindhi and Gujarati.

Kutch is a beautiful amalgamation of the sea and desert that can charm anyone with its beauty. A large part of the Kutch, commonly known as the Great Rann of Kutch, submerges in water during the rainy season and becomes dry during the winter season. The Great Rann of Kutch is a salt marsh in the Thar Desert and is reputed to be one of the largest salt deserts in the world. The Rann Of Kutch is home to a wide array of flora and fauna. Migratory birds deem it an abode during diverse weather conditions. People who want to relish the view of the desert from a different angle should climb the Kalo Dungar (black hill), the highest point in Kutch.

Kutch is also famous for crafts and embroidery works, Flamingo Sanctuary and The Indian Wild Ass Sanctuary. The Indian Wild Ass Sanctuary, the Little Rann of Kutch, where the last of three species of Asiatic wild ass (Equus hemionus khur or khar) still exists along with wolves, foxes, jackals, chinkara gazelles, nilgai antelope and blackbucks as well as 13 species of lark. Bhuj is an ideal starting point to visit the Rann of Kutch. Beautiful beaches of Mandvi near Bhuj are also totally worth visiting during your trip to Kutch. Don’t miss to see the ancient town of Dholavira.

The majority of the population is Hindu and Jain and thus largely vegetarian. Jains also refrain from eating kandmool food grown below the ground such as potatoes, garlic, onion, and yam. There are also a sizeable population of Muslims, who eat vegetables, chicken, mutton and occasionally camels. In the villages, staple foods include kadi-khichdi, bajra and milk ; bajara na rotla with curd and buttermilk is very common food for all the Gujarati people. Dabeli, kutchi dabeli or double roti a popular snack food of India, originating in the Kutch or Kachchh. It is a sweet snack made by mixing boiled potatoes with a special dabeli masala, putting the mixture in a ladi pav (burger bun), and serving it with chutneys made from tamarind, date, garlic, red chilies, etc. It is garnished with pomegranate and roasted peanuts.

Kutch Mahotsav or the great Kutch festival is organized between October to February usually for three to four months every year near the days when Shivratri is celebrated in Gujarat. There are huge camp settlements with cultural programs, functions and adventure activities like hot-air ballooning.  It is a Carnival of Music, Dance, nature beauty of White Rann and much more then that when visit under the full Moon. Kutch Rann Utsav is the shimmering landscape that gives the enchanting moments of this Fest, which feels like as Heaven On Earth during Festival Time.  

Kutch Desert Wildlife Sanctuary is situated in the Great Rann of Kutch. It was declared a sanctuary in February 1986.  It is the largest Wildlife Sanctuary in India areawise. It is less than 100 km away from Bhuj, this sanctuary is spread over an area of about 7505.22 sq. km. The sanctuary supports wide variety of water birds and mammalian wildlife. The Kutch Desert Wildlife Sanctuary is inhabited by a wide variety of wildanimals like hyenas, foxes, wolves, and chinkaras. Most of the mammals like the Nilgai, Wild Ass and the Black Buck which are seen in the Wild ass Sanctuary are also found here.

Dholavira, known locally as Kotada (which means large fort), is an archaeological site at Khadirbet in Bhachau Taluka of Kutch District. Dholavira is the larger of the two most remarkable excavations of the Indus Valley Civilization or Harappan culture, dating back to 4500 years ago. The excavation also tells the story of the 7 stages of the civilization, from development to maturity to decay, the last of which hints at a strange piece of history.

Kutch Museum in Bhuj is the oldest museum of Gujarat. It is located opposite Hamirsar Lake in Bhuj, Kutch. The museum boasts of its collection of the extinct Kutchi Script and ancient coins. Tribal artifacts are also a part of the museum along with many other kinds of objects on display exhibits of embroidery, paintings, arms, musical instruments, sculpture and precious metalwork.

Mandvi beach is loacted about 60 kms from Bhuj, in the historical port city of Mandvi. It used to be an important location on the spice trade route as well as the desert caravan route in the ancient times. The famous snack ‘dabeli’ is said to have been invented in Mandvi. The town has a quintessential Kutchi culture and has several excursions for visitors. Mandvi beach resort at Vijay Vilas palace is a breathtaking experience. 

Gleaming, glowing and shimmering, the Aina Mahal   or ‘Hall of Mirrors’ in Bhuj is one of the finest examples of Indo-Saracenic architecture constructed ever in India. The Aina Mahal is an 18th-century palace that is located next to the Prag Mahal in Darbargadh, Bhuj. The palace was built by Rao Lakhpatji of Cutch State around 1750.

Narayan Sarovar, one of the holiest lakes of Hindus, is sacred to Lord Narayan, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Located 100 km away from Bhuj, the lake is an agglomeration of five lakes (collectively called Panch-Sarovar; Mansarovar, Bindu Sarovar, Narayan Sarovar, Pampa Sarovar and Pushkar Sarovar) and is considered a sacred pilgrimage destination for the orthodox Hindus. According to the Hindu mythology, the lake was formed when the foot of Lord Vishnu touched the land at a particular place and water spurted from there giving it the shape of a pious. A large number of temples like Shri Trikamraiji, Laxminarayan, Govardhannathji, Dwarkanath, Adinarayan, Ranchodraiji and Laxmiji, constructed by Maharaj Deshalji’s queen surround the lake.

The giant Prag Mahal is Located in the same compound as the Aaina Mahal. The beautiful Prag Mahal is built in 1860’s by the great designer Colonel Henry Saint Wilkins in the Italian Gothic style and was commissioned by the then ruler, Pragmali II. It was a joint contribution of the Indian artisans as well as the foreign workers. The opulent Mahal has the second tallest clock tower in the country which offers an amazing view from the top. A part of the palace has been converted into a museum with archives and personal items of the royal family on display. Prag Mahal has also been very famous in Bollywood and has been a part of several Bollywood blockbusters including Lagaan, Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam, and numerous Gujarati films as well. 

Kutch Bustard Sanctuary also known locally as the Lala Prajan Sanctuary primarily aims to conserve the Great Indian Bustard. One has the best possibility and chances of spotting India’s heaviest bird, great Indian bustard here. The sanctuary covers an area of just over 2 sq. km, but still houses some of the excellent species including harriers, common cranes, black partridges, sand grouses, Black and Grey Francolin, Spotted and Indian Sandgrouse, quails, larks, shrikes, coursers, plover, Imperial Eagle, flamingos, herons, egrets, sandpipers, etc. Some other wild animals which are present here are wolf, caracal, desert cat, jackal, striped hyena, fox, mongoose, bluebull, chinkara, spiny tailed lizard and various types of snakes.

Kutch possesses a very rich culture having varieties of embroideries, mirror work, handwork, bandhani work etc. The people of Kutch are skilled in a variety of crafts, thus enriching their markets with rare products. One can buy Gold Jewellery, Copper Bells,Pottery, Bandhani sarees, cloth material, Patchwork fabric, bedsheets etc. You can visit the famous art villages in the Kutch district. You can visit villages like Bhujodi, Dhamkada, Nirona and Bhachau. The young artisans of these villages have put on display their artworks in the UNESCO exhibitions, and some of them have won National awards for their work. There are also many emporiums and exhibitions that offer the handicrafts of the district.

During Winters the full moon nights as the reflection of the moonlight on the white sand turns the place into an absolute paradise, thus Winters (November-Feb) are the best time to visit Kutch, The Rann Festival is also organised during the same time, and that increases the scope for a lot of activities in and around the region. Summers should be avoided as temperatures can go as high as 45 degree celcius. 

One can easily travel to Kutch by opting any of the following means of transport:

By train

• Kutch Express (Daily) and Sayaji Nagri Express (Daily) from Mumbai via Surat, Ahmedabad and Gandhidham to Bhuj.
• Ala Hazrat Express(Daily) from Delhi via Jaipur, Ajmer and Palanpur to Bhuj.

By bus

State transport and private buses available for Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Rajkot, Bhavnagar, Jamnagar and Jodhpur.

By plane

Air Deccan flies daily to Mumbai from Kandla Airport near Gandhidham town.