*   WESTERN INDIA   *

MUMBAI :

Accommodations:

Sea Shore Hotel
1-49 Kamal Mansion, 4th floor
Near Radio Club, Arthur Bunder Road
Colaba, Mumbai
TEL: 2287-4237

 

Anjali Inn- Not recommended
Mumbai, India 

 

Sightseeing:
Sightseeing:
Chowpatty Beach,
Bhandra- Carter Road area
Promenade
Juhu/hotel
Colaba, India Gate
Mahalaxscmi Temple, Dhobi Ghats
Elephanta Island

 

GOA:

Getting to Goa & away:

From Mumbai: Paulo Overnight Bus, 600 rs (book with an agent or online)
Tip: *Don’t take the sleeper– two people per berth and bed size is small. AC bus is cold.

To Hampi: Paulo VIP/Tourist Overnight Bus, 600 rs (book with an agent or online)
600rs/seater Non-AC
Tip: Seater/sleepers are recommended. Leg room is moderate and seats recline back. Non AC buses can still be cold when the windows are open.

Sightseeing:
Rent a Scooter to sightsee Goa’s beaches; take a ride along the coast (Arambol- Mandrem-Querem- Calgunate- Baga Beach)

 

ANJUNA
Anjuna is a tourist populated town but much more sedate and laid back than Arambol. Has a chill beach scene with DJ spinning over the loud speaker and many restaurants and shops to occupy.

 

Peaceland
1000Rs/double + fan + ensuite
No internet or free wifi. Accommodations okay & room is clean, but a pricey for what it is.

BAGA BEACH
Indian locals flock to this activity-inclined beach where you can dine on the beach and participate in watersports. It’s the chill sister of Calgunate and much more tolerable with it’s beach side restaurants.

Frank’s Guesthouse
* Baga has a swarm of guesthouses to resorts, but is more of a resort area. Guesthouse wise– closer to the beach, you’ll pay a higher price for a non-AC, even though quality might be lacking.

ARAMBOL
If you really want to be in the heart of all dreadlock and rave action, this crazy backpacker’s mecca is your place to go. The moment you enter the streets of Arambol you’ll be slammed with the madness of butt-to-butt shops and cafes. The only thing Indian about Arambol are the shop dealers and employees. If you’re a partier, you’ll love it here.

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MANDREM
A bit more removed from the rest of the Goa craziness, Mandrem is a secluded getaway. The sands are so white you’ll have to squint from the glare. Wooden boardwalks jut out, linking resort to the exclusivity of beach lined cabanas, which have attendants. It’s so private, nudist sunbathers are kept from passing gawkers. Not a lot of options for cafes unless you journey into town, which offers a cafe or two & a small handful of local restaurants.

 

  HAMPI  (KARNATAKA):

Hampi is known for its ruins. There are 2 sections of ruins: The Sacred Center and the Royal Center and they are about 3 kilometers apart. Walking is a way to see all the ruins, especially in the Royal Center. However, the ruins are spread out and there’s much to see. Also, Hampi gets hot. A bike rental or rickshaw/tour guide is a more convenient way to get around the sacred center. Bicycles: about 30-60 rs a day,  Scooter/ Mopeds:  about 300 rs/day,  Auto rickshaw: Hire an exclusive Auto rickshaw driver/ tour guide for a day (about 300 to 450rs ).

Also the thief monkeys, especially on top of the Hanuman Hill (Anjaneyadri ) at Anegondi. They are really motivated and would just be looking for a chance to snatch (food). Never ever tries to feed them.

Accommodations:

Hema Guesthouse
(across the river)
300 Rs double
Tip: you can store bags in restaurants, if you buy something from them.

Getting there & away:

While some buses from Goa and Bengaluru will drop you at the bus stand in Hampi Bazaar, you have to go to Hospet to catch most buses out. The first bus from Hospet (Rs 10, 30 minutes, half-hourly) is at 6.30am; the last one back leaves Hampi Bazaar at 8.30pm. An autorickshaw costs Rs 80. Hospet railway station is about 3 kilometer from the bus station (rs 15 by autorickshaw ) Numerous travel agents in Hampi Bazaar are eager to book onward bus, train and plane tickets, or arrange a car and driver.

How I got from Hampi to Gokarna:

Government Bus from Hampi to Hospet; transfer at Hospet; then Government Bus Overnight from Hospet to GoKarna
Cost: 370 rs,  6PM to 3AM (9 HRS)
VIP buses can be booked at travel agencies across the river, starting at 600 Rs

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GOKARNA  ( KARNATAKA)

Accommodations:

Vaibhav Lodge
Tel: 08386-256714
100RS
*Lonely Planet recommend. Good room for the low cost. Shared toilet. Location five minutes from bus station.

Getting There & Away:

To Gokarna: Taking the afternoon government bus from Hampi drops you off at the Gokarna bus station at 3AM. Luckily the bus station is central to the town. There are benches to sleep on, but taxis  to the beach don’t start until 5-6AM.

To Ernakulum (Fort Kochi): via bus and train
Take the bus from GoKarna to Kumpte. Then take Kumpte bus to Kumpte Railway Station. From Kumpte Railway station, take the train to Ernakulum station. Arrival into Ernakulum, take a taxi to Fort Kochi or a ferry

 

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*    SOUTH INDIA    *

 

  FORT KOCHI  (KERALA)

Getting There:

From arrival into Ernakulam train station, take taxi into Fort Kochi. The Ernakulam bus station has a nearby (walking distance) ferry that you can take direct to Fort Kochi as well. It’s much cheaper than a taxi into the area.
To Trivandrum, Kollam, Allepey, you can take a VIP or government bus from the Ernakulam bus station.Approx. 60 RPS

Fort Kochi/ Ernakulam

Accommodations:

Sonnaight Inn

Princess Street, Fort Kochi
*Lonely Planet recommend.

 

Tom’s Old Mansion: Heritage Hotel
Princess Street, Fort Kochi

Tel: 04842215605
website: www.tomsoldmansion.com
Email: mail@tomsoldmansion.com
1200rs

 

Sightseeing:

Backwater Boat Cruise
Kerala tourism.com

KTDC’s half-day boat cruise (9a-12:30p, 2-5:30p)
Cost: 100 Rs. * but doesn’t stop for long in Cochin or Mattancherry.

8:30-5p daily , 550Rs. Hotel pickup, cruises , village tour & lunch.
Tel: 0484/237-1761
Email: touristdesk@satyam.net.in
arranges Kochi-Kollam-Allapey tours

 

  ALLEPEY (KERALA)

Accommodations:
Brown Guesthouse

Sightseeing:

Backwater Boat Cruise
Take the regular local boat
Riverboat to homestay. Experience local life and enjoy a guided walk along the lagoon.

The cost can be Rs. 3000 for a 24 hrs cruise for a boat with 1 room that can accomodate 2 people. 

AMRITAPURI.ORG– AMMA/ ASHRAM 150 RS ADVANCE BOOKING.

 

  NEYYAR DAM  (TRIVANDRUM)

 

Getting There:

By Train:  Trivandrum Central Station is connected by rail to all main cities in India. When you reach Trivandrum, the bus station is situated across the street, where there is regular service to Kattakada/Neyyar Dam. (see By Bus below)

Accommodations:

Hotel Regency

Sivananda Vedanta Centre, Trivandrum  (read my experiences here )
Location: Neyyar Dam P.O., Thiruvananthapuram Dist, Trivandrum.
Ph: (91 471)227 3093
e-mail: yogaindia@sivananda.org
Located in the state of Kerala, in the tropical south, teachings at the Sivananda Ashram are based around the five points of yoga — postures, breathing, relaxation, meditation, and diet. The ashram offers drop-in classes, as well as courses in yoga and meditation. The beginner’s yoga and meditation courses are very popular. Yoga Vacations and Teacher Training, staying at the ashram, are also offered.
Course Duration: Ranges from two to three weeks, or more.
Cost: Yoga vacations from 350 rupees ($8) per night.

The Ashram is about one hour drive from Trivandrum (28km). Prepaid taxi is available at the airport, and prepaid auto rickshaw and taxi outside the train station. They give government rates, approximately Rs 350 for an auto rickshaw and Rs 800 for a taxi.

 

 

  KANYAKUMARI

Getting There: Take government bus from Trivandrum station to Kanyakumari. There will be a transfer.

Accommodations:

Hotel Maadhini
Kanyakumari

 

 

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MADURAI  (TAMIL NADU) 

Accommodations:

 TM Lodge
Madras

Sightseeing:
Visit famous temple
Explore city by foot.
Get clothes made by sewers near main temple

*   NORTHERN INDIA   *

  DHARAMSALA  (HIMCHAL PRADESH)

“Mcleodganj is a hill station town situated in the Himalayas near the the main market town of Dharmasala. Mcleodganj is geared towards travelers and has plenty of facilities. There are plenty of internet shops, cafes,restaurants and places to shop. Mcleod is a Tibetan enclave with a rich Buddhist culture. McLeod Ganj is small enough to be navigated on foot. Public buses to Dharamsala leave roughly hourly and cost Rs.5, while chartered autorickshaws charge around Rs.100. Trips from McLeod Ganj to nearby points (eg. Bhagsu) shouldn’t cost much more than Rs.30.”

Accommodations:

Freedom House (below road) 350 rs

Siddart House

 

Getting there:

Bus:
Delhi to Pathankot

Kanak Holidays
@Majnu Tilla , Delhi, 5:30 PM- 6:00 AM
Majnu Ka Tila (MKT) is the Tibetan Settlement on the Yamuna Bank at Delhi. The nearest Metro Station is Vishvavidyala (University

Classic Travels Delhi2
@Kashmiri Gate, Delhi, 7:00 PM- 4:00 AM  500rs

Most people come to Dharamsala by bus. It has good connections with other parts of North India, although the journeys are often slow due to the narrow winding roads in the hills.The main bus terminal is in Lower Dharamsala, but some public HRTC buses to Delhi and Pathankot go all the way to the main square of McLeod Ganj, where you can also book advance tickets for the return trip.

Public HRTC buses from Pathankot cost Rs.75 and take 3/4 hours to Dharamsala/McLeod Ganj. Many private bus companies are available for travel from Manali, Dehradun and Delhi. Overnight buses from Delhi, many private ones leaving from the Tibetan colony of Majnu ka Tilla, take upwards of 13 hours and cost anywhere from Rs. 450 for a basic bus to Rs. 940 for a plush Volvo.

Train:

A train from Delhi to Pathankot (the closest station to Mcleod) takes approx seven hours and will cost around 1400 Indian Rupees for a seat in second or third AC. There are usually sleeper trains and day trains running daily. When you arrive in Pathankot you can get a taxi outside the station Mcleod for around 2500 Indian Rupees and approx 2 + hours.

Flight:

A one way flight takes approx forty minutes from Delhi and costs between 3000-7500 Indian Rupees The main carrier is Kingfisher and you can book flights on  www.yatra.com  or  www.makemytrip.com . You can also do a Google search for Kingfisher Airlines and book directly with the airline. The airport is 40 minutes away from the centre and you can get a taxi there for  approx 850 rupees to Mcleodganj.

 Food:

Tibetan, Indian, organic vegetarian, Japanese and Korean restaurants in town also. Drink only filtered or bottled to avoid getting sick.
water to avoid getting sick. There are plenty of fresh fruit and veg stalls in town and grocery stores for basics.

• Llhamo’s kitchen learn how to cook traditional tibetan food, including momos from a delightful tibetan man called Llhamo. It all takes place in Llhamo’s single room house right in the center of town.

• Aryan Reiki & Yoga Center, Mcleodganj, Dharamsala
  At green view house, jogiwara road, Mcleodganj,
  Dharamsala, Himachal Pradesh, india
  Tel: +91 9418936041,  
  Web: www.yogattc.com

 

  AMRITSAR (PUNJAB)

Getting There: Take a train, bus or drive hire.  Amritsar is about 6 hours from Dharamsala.

Sightseeing:

Mata temple
Golden Temple
Pakistan-India Border Crossing

 

DELHI

Accommodations:

Grand Godwin Hotel   (See my review for pics)
(Pahar Ghanj, Double- Under $30)
Pros: Clean, great rooftop breakfast. Cons: 1 computer for internet, located in Pahar Ghanj.

Raj’s Cozy Inn Hotel
(Pahar Ghanj- $13 Single, fan) See my review for pics.
Pros: Budget, referred by a hotel recommended by Lonely Planet, clean and well-maintained. Cons: toilet paper is not free, no internet, located in Pahar Ghanj.  Contact: 920, Chandi Walan, Main Bazar, Pahar Ganj, New Delhi,  tel: 011 24505326

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City Center Inn Hotel BHOGAL
(Bhogal- $30 Double) Read my review
Pros: located in nicer part of Delhi, near a marketplace; Cons: no internet, a bit pricey, nota convenient location.

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Cottage Yes Please
1843-44, Laxmi Narayan Street
Raj Guru Road
Pahar Ganj, Delhi
Tel: +91-11-23562100, 23562300
email: cottageyesplease@yahoo.co.in
website: www.cottageyesplease.com 
Rates: starting at around $20USD 

 

- Jaipur -
- Bikaner -

 

AGRA

Getting There: Take train from Delhi to Agra. Approx 3-5 hurs.

Accommodations:

 

  JAISALMER *

Accommodations:

Shahi Palace Hotel

(Double, Under $30)   Read my review
Pros:haveli style hotel, rooftop restaurant and view of the fort, friendly and helpful family-run business. Read my review on TripAdvisor: Grrrltraveler

 

  VARANASI *

Accommodations:

Ganapati Guesthouse

(Single & Double, Under $20) Read my review
Pros: Ganges Riverfront access, boat tours below, good location & courtyard restaurant, 2 computer internet terminals, courtyard Double room w/ AC was perfect for me; Cons: shared balcony rooms don’t have windows & can be horribly hot unless you have AC &  attracts bugs, internet not free, staff not friendly.  Click on my review.

Independent Tours in Varanasi

Rent a sunrise boat tour on the Ganges.
(Watch Video: Sunrise Boat Tour on the Ganges; Read: Varanasi’s Humorous Underbelly)

Hire a local scam tour guide to show you the city for 100Rs or $2.
(Read: Varanasi’s Humorous Underbelly)

 GENERAL INFORMATION

 

  Fave “One Stop Shop”  resource websites: India Mike

Communications in India

Vodaphone SIM ($6, Read blog Delhi, the India SIM and New Friends)

 

Transportation in India

Modes: Hired Car/Driver,  Airplane, Boat Cruise, Camel Safari, Elephant Ride

Public System: Tuk Tuk, Bus, Taxi, Train, Metro
8.2009-  How To Catch Your Train In India – Offbeat Guides Blog
12.2008- India Railways website
12.2008- About Train Travel in India – India Mike

Airlines Used:
-  Spice Jet (Varanasi-Delhi),
-  Jet Airways (Delhi-Kathmandu– an upgrade to First Class (isn’t much higher than economy) gives you access to the Premier lounge),
-  Air India (JFK-Delhi, Kathmandu-Varanasi)

 

 Bus Stations

My  India Blogs:

Delhi: Hotels & Festival time
Delhi, the India SIM and New Friends
Review: Delhi’s Nightlife at Urban Pind
Solo Traveling in India
Indian Sleeper Trains
Touristing Rajasthan
Travel Tips for India
Top 13 Bollywood films

My India Videos:

ON THE GANGES (videos #4 & #5)
VARANASI’S GANGA AARTI (Varanasi, India)
SUNRISE BOAT TOUR ON THE GANGES
KARNI MARTA  aka  “Rat Temple”  (Deshnok, India)