Listing reports and compilations on the various sites and sights in and around karnataka.
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Traveller's logs
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Traveller's logs
by gtonsing » Tue Feb 26, 2008 1:32 am
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gtonsing - Ex-Admin
- Posts: 2750
- Joined: Sat Nov 25, 2006 4:43 am
Re: Traveller's logs
by gtonsing » Tue Feb 26, 2008 1:33 am
HAMPI
You won't believe what you're seeing when visiting Hampi. Hampi was the former capital of a great Hindu empire in the Deccan plateau. In its heydey it was a fairytale city with many temples, palaces and the most beautiful of mansions. The city was robbed of all its strength and splendor in 1565 AD when the then ruler Rama Raya was defeated and killed by a confederation of Mughal kings. The remains of the capital, its many temples are one of the most impressive sights in Karnataka State.
You'll probably arrive at Hampi main bazaar. From there you can explore the whole area. Visit the temples or gaze at the rocky lansdscape with its winding river where you can find an alienationing sight of locals doing their laundry and then all of a sudden, in the middle of nowhere, the ruins of the World Heritage Vittala Temple Complex with its famous stone chariot, many pillars and lovely smelling jasmine trees. Hampi can also be visited as a (two)day trip from either Goa or Bangalore.
Hampi is both a historic & relegious place in India. This was the capital of the Hindu empire,Vijayanagara, who ruled the south India during 14th to 16th century AD. The ruins of Hampi, as it is known today, is a vast open museum of history, architecture and religion.
Spread over an area more than 25 square kilometers (10 square miles), Hampi ruins is packed with giant temples, palaces, market streets, aquatic structures , fortifications and an abundance of other ancient monuments.
The giant boulder strewn hills and the river that bisects make a bizarre landscape for this ancient metropolis. Together with its historic and mythological residues this rural area makes a perfect tourist spot. Hampi is in the list of UNESCO’s World Heritage sites.
Hampi is located in Karnataka state, a southwestern province of India. It's about 350 kilometers (217 miles) north of Bangalore, the state capital.
The primary connectivity to Hampi is by road. Rail connection comes second and the air link is a third option.
Hospet, a small town located about 12 kilometers (8 miles) from Hampi is the nearest railway station. This is the main gateway to Hampi. Hospet is connected by rail to other important towns like Bangalore, Bijapur, Hubli , Guntakal ( a major rail junction) , Hyderabad and Vasco Da Gama (Goa). Train is a preferred mode
Hospet has a bus station too with frequent bus services to the above mentioned places. The local bus service to Hampi starts from here.
The nearest airport to Hampi is Bellary (60km/ 37miles). Other airports are Belgaum (190 km/188 miles) and Bangalore (350 km/ 217 miles). Flight connectivity varies depends on the destinations.
Hospet, the gateway town to Hampi, can be reached by bus, car or by train. Typically it's an overnight journey from Bangalore, Hyderabad or Goa.
From Hospet catch the local bus or hire a taxi/auto-rickshaw, in about 30 minutes you would be dropped at the centre of Hampi.
What to see at Hampi?
Vittala Temple : This temple complex dedicated to Vittala, a form of the Hindu god Vishnu is an architectural highlight of Hampi.
This temple campus contains many halls and shrines. The halls are noted for its extraordinary pillars with the animated carvings on it. A set of pillars, known as ‘musical pillars,’ resonates when tapped. A huge stone chariot complete with wheels carved out of stone stands in front of the main temple. The environment of this temple is packed with numerous smaller but ornate temples and a wide chariot street of the temple.
Virupaksha Temple: This temple dedicated to the Hindu god of destruction is located at a riverbank. Virupaksha temple is believed to be one of the oldest active temples (from 7th century AD) in India. This is a place equally sought-after by the tourists and the pilgrims. The temple complex consists of the god’s sanctum, pillared halls and a series of giant entrance towers. This is one of the fine places to witness the Hindu religious functions in close proximity.
Royal Enclosure: The seat of the erstwhile kings, this is a fortified campus. Royal enclosure is a sprawling area with the ruins of many stately structures. For example the Mahanavami Platform from where the king used to watch the annual parade of imperial majesty and military might. The area is packed with numerous palace bases, underground temple, aquatic structures and the likes.
Riverside trek Path: This is the path that connects the ancient Hampi Bazaar to the Vittala temple. Numerous shrines, carved artifacts, ruins of ancient structures are scattered all around along this path. For example the 1008 and 1008 Siva lings carved in a matrix like pattern on a sheet of boulder at the river shore.
Hemakuta Hill Temples: This hill is basically an expanse of rocky sheets with interesting undulations. A large number of pre Vijayanagara (the empire) temples of note are located in this hilltop. The highlights are the sets of triple chambered temples with its pyramid like granite roofs. This is an important mythological site in the local folklore. That explains the density of such temples on this hill.
Queen’s bath: This structure belongs to the royal area of the capital. Probably used by the courtly ladies or the king himself, this looks like an indoor aquatic complex. A large veranda with protruding balconies all around faces the central pool. This is one of the typical example of the Indo-Islamic hybrid architecture.
Lotus Mahal:This ornate structure was probably used by the military chief as his office or the queens of the palace as a pleasure pavilion. The pavilion spots Islamic architecture style arches and the roofs and base typical of Hindu temples.
Hazara Rama Temple : This was a private temple of the king. The temple is special with its exceptionally carved outer walls, an unusual feature in other Vijayanagara temples. The story of Ramayana (the Hindu epic) is impressively carved on all around the shrine walls like a comics strips on stone. The inner shrine contains four polished pillars with detailed carvings of godly themes.
Elephant Stables: That was the shelter for the royal elephants. This long structure is made of a series of chambers with domical roofs. Each chamber is big enough to accommodate two elephants. The central hall with an elaborated tower probably was used by the ceremonial band troop.
Pattabhirama Temple:This is a sprawling temple campus dedicated to lord Rama. The pillared halls are of special note. Tall mythical beats carved in the shape of a series of pillars.
Where to stay in Hampi?
Visitors stay at Hampi for many days. This is a norm considering the time it requires to ‘explore’ the sites. There are three or four clusters of accommodation locations.
Hospet town is the place where one can get accommodation that is rated as luxurious in Hampi’s scale. Kamalapura, a village centre close to Hampi is the second option. This is the place where the state run hotel with fair level of staying comfort is located.
Hampi village, the epicenter of backpacker tourism, is the budget type accommodation scene. In fact every other house here is a guest house. They rent out rooms within or attached to their homes.
Virupapur Gadde across the river is the den for the hippy genre.This is a place where you can rent huts, mostly located close to the riverbank
In general, gatecrash is a reputed check in style in town. But advance booking is preferred during the peak season.
You can make a decent tour of the hampi ruins in 3 to 4 days. Though it's not uncommon to see tourists do a 1day crash tour of Hampi, it's not worth the effort.
How much does it cost?
An overnight bus ticket from Goa or Bangalore to Hampi can cost you about Rs300 to Rs400 (about USD 6 to 9); a budget type guesthouse room (double) can be rented for Rs200 to Rs300 (about USD 4 to 6);
For about Rs5 (10 US cents) per hour you can hire a bicycle for the sightseeing trips; or for about Rs200-Rs300 (about USD 4 to 6) you can hire a moped including the fuel cost for a days roaming; In case if you chose to hire an auto-rickshaw (three can share) for local sightseeing, it can cost you anything from Rs300 to Rs600 (USD 6 to 10) depends on the coverage and time.
Admission is free to a large number of the monuments except two or three. For The Vittala Temple & Elephant Stables the entry fee is Rs250 (USD 5) for all foreign nationals. For Indian citizens the entry fee is Rs10. The ticket is valid for both the monuments if visited the same day.
Generally still camera usage is allowed free at all the monuments. Virupaksha Temple charges Rs50 (USD 1) camera fee.
A local guide (for a single monument) would charge you about Rs50 (USD 1) for about an hour's tour.
A decent meal can cost you about Rs40 (USD 1). For about Rs200 (USD 4), you can enjoy a great dinner by the riverside.
That's it about the major cost factors one would encounter in Hampi. It's however possible to tighten this a bit. For example you may prefer to trek instead of hiring a local taxi or stay at that Rs50 (USD 1) a night hut by the riverside.
Also there are a couple of luxury places (in Hampi's standards) where you can burn more cash.
You won't believe what you're seeing when visiting Hampi. Hampi was the former capital of a great Hindu empire in the Deccan plateau. In its heydey it was a fairytale city with many temples, palaces and the most beautiful of mansions. The city was robbed of all its strength and splendor in 1565 AD when the then ruler Rama Raya was defeated and killed by a confederation of Mughal kings. The remains of the capital, its many temples are one of the most impressive sights in Karnataka State.
You'll probably arrive at Hampi main bazaar. From there you can explore the whole area. Visit the temples or gaze at the rocky lansdscape with its winding river where you can find an alienationing sight of locals doing their laundry and then all of a sudden, in the middle of nowhere, the ruins of the World Heritage Vittala Temple Complex with its famous stone chariot, many pillars and lovely smelling jasmine trees. Hampi can also be visited as a (two)day trip from either Goa or Bangalore.
Hampi is both a historic & relegious place in India. This was the capital of the Hindu empire,Vijayanagara, who ruled the south India during 14th to 16th century AD. The ruins of Hampi, as it is known today, is a vast open museum of history, architecture and religion.
Spread over an area more than 25 square kilometers (10 square miles), Hampi ruins is packed with giant temples, palaces, market streets, aquatic structures , fortifications and an abundance of other ancient monuments.
The giant boulder strewn hills and the river that bisects make a bizarre landscape for this ancient metropolis. Together with its historic and mythological residues this rural area makes a perfect tourist spot. Hampi is in the list of UNESCO’s World Heritage sites.
Hampi is located in Karnataka state, a southwestern province of India. It's about 350 kilometers (217 miles) north of Bangalore, the state capital.
The primary connectivity to Hampi is by road. Rail connection comes second and the air link is a third option.
Hospet, a small town located about 12 kilometers (8 miles) from Hampi is the nearest railway station. This is the main gateway to Hampi. Hospet is connected by rail to other important towns like Bangalore, Bijapur, Hubli , Guntakal ( a major rail junction) , Hyderabad and Vasco Da Gama (Goa). Train is a preferred mode
Hospet has a bus station too with frequent bus services to the above mentioned places. The local bus service to Hampi starts from here.
The nearest airport to Hampi is Bellary (60km/ 37miles). Other airports are Belgaum (190 km/188 miles) and Bangalore (350 km/ 217 miles). Flight connectivity varies depends on the destinations.
Hospet, the gateway town to Hampi, can be reached by bus, car or by train. Typically it's an overnight journey from Bangalore, Hyderabad or Goa.
From Hospet catch the local bus or hire a taxi/auto-rickshaw, in about 30 minutes you would be dropped at the centre of Hampi.
What to see at Hampi?
Vittala Temple : This temple complex dedicated to Vittala, a form of the Hindu god Vishnu is an architectural highlight of Hampi.
This temple campus contains many halls and shrines. The halls are noted for its extraordinary pillars with the animated carvings on it. A set of pillars, known as ‘musical pillars,’ resonates when tapped. A huge stone chariot complete with wheels carved out of stone stands in front of the main temple. The environment of this temple is packed with numerous smaller but ornate temples and a wide chariot street of the temple.
Virupaksha Temple: This temple dedicated to the Hindu god of destruction is located at a riverbank. Virupaksha temple is believed to be one of the oldest active temples (from 7th century AD) in India. This is a place equally sought-after by the tourists and the pilgrims. The temple complex consists of the god’s sanctum, pillared halls and a series of giant entrance towers. This is one of the fine places to witness the Hindu religious functions in close proximity.
Royal Enclosure: The seat of the erstwhile kings, this is a fortified campus. Royal enclosure is a sprawling area with the ruins of many stately structures. For example the Mahanavami Platform from where the king used to watch the annual parade of imperial majesty and military might. The area is packed with numerous palace bases, underground temple, aquatic structures and the likes.
Riverside trek Path: This is the path that connects the ancient Hampi Bazaar to the Vittala temple. Numerous shrines, carved artifacts, ruins of ancient structures are scattered all around along this path. For example the 1008 and 1008 Siva lings carved in a matrix like pattern on a sheet of boulder at the river shore.
Hemakuta Hill Temples: This hill is basically an expanse of rocky sheets with interesting undulations. A large number of pre Vijayanagara (the empire) temples of note are located in this hilltop. The highlights are the sets of triple chambered temples with its pyramid like granite roofs. This is an important mythological site in the local folklore. That explains the density of such temples on this hill.
Queen’s bath: This structure belongs to the royal area of the capital. Probably used by the courtly ladies or the king himself, this looks like an indoor aquatic complex. A large veranda with protruding balconies all around faces the central pool. This is one of the typical example of the Indo-Islamic hybrid architecture.
Lotus Mahal:This ornate structure was probably used by the military chief as his office or the queens of the palace as a pleasure pavilion. The pavilion spots Islamic architecture style arches and the roofs and base typical of Hindu temples.
Hazara Rama Temple : This was a private temple of the king. The temple is special with its exceptionally carved outer walls, an unusual feature in other Vijayanagara temples. The story of Ramayana (the Hindu epic) is impressively carved on all around the shrine walls like a comics strips on stone. The inner shrine contains four polished pillars with detailed carvings of godly themes.
Elephant Stables: That was the shelter for the royal elephants. This long structure is made of a series of chambers with domical roofs. Each chamber is big enough to accommodate two elephants. The central hall with an elaborated tower probably was used by the ceremonial band troop.
Pattabhirama Temple:This is a sprawling temple campus dedicated to lord Rama. The pillared halls are of special note. Tall mythical beats carved in the shape of a series of pillars.
Where to stay in Hampi?
Visitors stay at Hampi for many days. This is a norm considering the time it requires to ‘explore’ the sites. There are three or four clusters of accommodation locations.
Hospet town is the place where one can get accommodation that is rated as luxurious in Hampi’s scale. Kamalapura, a village centre close to Hampi is the second option. This is the place where the state run hotel with fair level of staying comfort is located.
Hampi village, the epicenter of backpacker tourism, is the budget type accommodation scene. In fact every other house here is a guest house. They rent out rooms within or attached to their homes.
Virupapur Gadde across the river is the den for the hippy genre.This is a place where you can rent huts, mostly located close to the riverbank
In general, gatecrash is a reputed check in style in town. But advance booking is preferred during the peak season.
You can make a decent tour of the hampi ruins in 3 to 4 days. Though it's not uncommon to see tourists do a 1day crash tour of Hampi, it's not worth the effort.
How much does it cost?
An overnight bus ticket from Goa or Bangalore to Hampi can cost you about Rs300 to Rs400 (about USD 6 to 9); a budget type guesthouse room (double) can be rented for Rs200 to Rs300 (about USD 4 to 6);
For about Rs5 (10 US cents) per hour you can hire a bicycle for the sightseeing trips; or for about Rs200-Rs300 (about USD 4 to 6) you can hire a moped including the fuel cost for a days roaming; In case if you chose to hire an auto-rickshaw (three can share) for local sightseeing, it can cost you anything from Rs300 to Rs600 (USD 6 to 10) depends on the coverage and time.
Admission is free to a large number of the monuments except two or three. For The Vittala Temple & Elephant Stables the entry fee is Rs250 (USD 5) for all foreign nationals. For Indian citizens the entry fee is Rs10. The ticket is valid for both the monuments if visited the same day.
Generally still camera usage is allowed free at all the monuments. Virupaksha Temple charges Rs50 (USD 1) camera fee.
A local guide (for a single monument) would charge you about Rs50 (USD 1) for about an hour's tour.
A decent meal can cost you about Rs40 (USD 1). For about Rs200 (USD 4), you can enjoy a great dinner by the riverside.
That's it about the major cost factors one would encounter in Hampi. It's however possible to tighten this a bit. For example you may prefer to trek instead of hiring a local taxi or stay at that Rs50 (USD 1) a night hut by the riverside.
Also there are a couple of luxury places (in Hampi's standards) where you can burn more cash.
-
gtonsing - Ex-Admin
- Posts: 2750
- Joined: Sat Nov 25, 2006 4:43 am
Re: Traveller's logs
by gtonsing » Tue Feb 26, 2008 1:54 am
Gokarna
Gokarna, meaning cow's ear in Hindi, is a conservative Hindu pilgrimage town, home of several temples and festivals. The town itself is full of locals and pilgrims, and doesn't have much in the way of facilities for tourists, other than a handful of guesthouses and local restaurants.
Most foreign tourists come to stay on one of the 4 beaches just south of town. Kudlee Beach is the first, about a 20 minute walk, and they get more remote and less populated as you head south.
The most popular time to visit Gokarna is during the 4 day Shiva Ratri festival, where 2 giant chariots are pulled down the main street and up to 20,000 pilgrims descend on the town.
Distance from -- Madgaon : 125 kms, Dabolim : 140 kms, Mangalore : 225 kms, Karwar : 55 kms, Bangalore : 475 kms
Gokarna is connected by road and rail from Karwar, Ankola, Hubli, Mangalore, Kumta, Bangalore, Hampi and Mysore. The Konkan Railway passes through Gokarna - Kumta and Ankola (20 Kms) are the main railway stations. The Karnataka State Roadways Transit Corporation operates buses on these routes. There is one daily train from Gokarna Road station heading north which terminates at Margao (Goa) but stops at all stations en route. The cost is 24/- and the journey time approx 2 hours. Private buses also operate to/from Hampi/Hospet. National highway 17 is about 9 Km from the town. The Bangalore - Goa highway passes through Ankola which is 20 Kms from the town.
The nearest airport is in Panaji, Goa (Dabolim). (Rail link via Margao)
If you are a budget traveller who doesn't opt even for the luxury of a direct bus from Bangalore then here is the way to plan a two day trip to Gokarna with a budget of Rs750-1000. Make sure you travel during the day becoause getting buses is not easy during the night in the interior parts of Karnataka. Take a bus to Shimoga from Bangalore at say 7 am. The bus passes through Tumkur, Arsikere, Tiptur and reaches Shimoga. Then from there take any bus to Karwar and get down at Kumta or Ankola. From either of these two places umpteen number of maxicabs operate regularly. They charge you anywhere between Rs20-40 for a ride to Gokarna town. It will be around 8pm when you reach the town.
Walking is the most common way to get around, as the town is small and compact. It is possible to get to Om beach by taxi or rickshaw (100/-) but to get to the beaches beyond (half moon and paradise) you have to walk from Om. A handful of auto-rickshaws also ply the main road.
Visit one of the four beautiful beaches to the south. Kudle (pronounced Kudlee) is the first that you come to, about a 20 minute walk, Om is another 20 minute walk, and an additional 20 and 40 minute walk brings you to Half-moon Beach and Paradise Beach. Kudle is popular with those that are staying in town but want to spend the day at the beach, while Om is popular with those wanting to stay a few days or weeks and stare at the sea. Accommodation and food are available in season on all the beaches from 80/- per night. The beaches are pretty clean, but ask locally about swimming, as the currents can be very strong and people die here every year.
Visit during Shiva Rasthra and sit in the lovely little cafe just inside the entrance to the temple complex, on the left handside as you come off the main drag. Excellent mango lassis and curd, fruit muesli breakfast. Sit on the upper terrace and watch the Indian caste system at work. Policemen with waxed handlebar moustaches, drafted in to control the crowds during the festival slash at the queing dallits with big sticks to keep them in line then chat obsequiously to the openmouthed western onlookers.
There are a handful of local restaurants and dhabas in the town proper (including a couple of good options at the end of the main road where it hits Gokarna Beach).
Excellent local restaurant on the right just before the arch that leads into the main street. Incredibly cheap all you can eat thalis, don't drink the water though. Street food is good partcularly the little fried pies and bel puri.
All the beaches have basic accommodation and beach shacks (in season) serving food and drink.
Some Nepalese run a really good restaurant from a straw and bamboo hut on Kudlee beach.
In town
Gokarna International is a reasonable place with single rooms from Rs 300 to full a/c doubles at Rs 650.
BUDGET TRAVELLERS: Since it is not possible to go to Kudle beach when it is dark without a torch light (the way to the beach winds around a hillock) it is better to stay in the town for the night and trek to the beach thje next morning. Accommodation in the town can be found starting Rs60/night at RAM Lodge, adjacent to the bus stand for a decent single room with common toilet/bathroom facilities.(Quite well maintained). You can find cheap shacks for Rs40 on the beach.
At the beaches
It is possible to stay in a couple of cheap guesthouses on Kudle Beach and Om Beach (Namaste, on Om, has rooms from 150/- in season). Gokarna International has now opened a small (10 rooms) good standard hotel on Kudle Beach - non a/c rooms about Rs.650 + tax.
There are a couple of resorts on the hill overlooking Om Beach:
Om Beach Resort is a great new small luxury resort in a very peaceful garden with stunning views. It is also an ayurvedic center. Suites $55-120.
Seabird Resort is new, just across the road from Om Resort, and has better views and cheaper prices. Non-a/c rooms Rs 1000, a/c rooms Rs 1500, + 12% tax.Caution though, the owner Satya Kuchinad is a noted cheat and a rowdy.Make sure you have the room amount discussed well before hand before you check-in.This seems to be the only hotel which has a 24 hour check-out and a 12 noon check-out according to the will and wish of Satya Kuchinad.
Beachshacks on all beaches offer bamboo huts from around 80/- to 150/- per hut per night.
My Favourite Beach : Om Beach
Shaped like the Hindu spiritual symbol of Om, this is the most famous beach in Gokarna, and has got the best waves and beach-side shacks. It's a wonderful stay in any of these shacks, called cafes. Expect thatch hut rooms and common bathrooms in most of them. Though some of the cafes have rooms with attached bathrooms.
It takes around 20 minutes to reach this beach from Gokarna bus stand.
Gokarna, meaning cow's ear in Hindi, is a conservative Hindu pilgrimage town, home of several temples and festivals. The town itself is full of locals and pilgrims, and doesn't have much in the way of facilities for tourists, other than a handful of guesthouses and local restaurants.
Most foreign tourists come to stay on one of the 4 beaches just south of town. Kudlee Beach is the first, about a 20 minute walk, and they get more remote and less populated as you head south.
The most popular time to visit Gokarna is during the 4 day Shiva Ratri festival, where 2 giant chariots are pulled down the main street and up to 20,000 pilgrims descend on the town.
Distance from -- Madgaon : 125 kms, Dabolim : 140 kms, Mangalore : 225 kms, Karwar : 55 kms, Bangalore : 475 kms
Gokarna is connected by road and rail from Karwar, Ankola, Hubli, Mangalore, Kumta, Bangalore, Hampi and Mysore. The Konkan Railway passes through Gokarna - Kumta and Ankola (20 Kms) are the main railway stations. The Karnataka State Roadways Transit Corporation operates buses on these routes. There is one daily train from Gokarna Road station heading north which terminates at Margao (Goa) but stops at all stations en route. The cost is 24/- and the journey time approx 2 hours. Private buses also operate to/from Hampi/Hospet. National highway 17 is about 9 Km from the town. The Bangalore - Goa highway passes through Ankola which is 20 Kms from the town.
The nearest airport is in Panaji, Goa (Dabolim). (Rail link via Margao)
If you are a budget traveller who doesn't opt even for the luxury of a direct bus from Bangalore then here is the way to plan a two day trip to Gokarna with a budget of Rs750-1000. Make sure you travel during the day becoause getting buses is not easy during the night in the interior parts of Karnataka. Take a bus to Shimoga from Bangalore at say 7 am. The bus passes through Tumkur, Arsikere, Tiptur and reaches Shimoga. Then from there take any bus to Karwar and get down at Kumta or Ankola. From either of these two places umpteen number of maxicabs operate regularly. They charge you anywhere between Rs20-40 for a ride to Gokarna town. It will be around 8pm when you reach the town.
Walking is the most common way to get around, as the town is small and compact. It is possible to get to Om beach by taxi or rickshaw (100/-) but to get to the beaches beyond (half moon and paradise) you have to walk from Om. A handful of auto-rickshaws also ply the main road.
Visit one of the four beautiful beaches to the south. Kudle (pronounced Kudlee) is the first that you come to, about a 20 minute walk, Om is another 20 minute walk, and an additional 20 and 40 minute walk brings you to Half-moon Beach and Paradise Beach. Kudle is popular with those that are staying in town but want to spend the day at the beach, while Om is popular with those wanting to stay a few days or weeks and stare at the sea. Accommodation and food are available in season on all the beaches from 80/- per night. The beaches are pretty clean, but ask locally about swimming, as the currents can be very strong and people die here every year.
Visit during Shiva Rasthra and sit in the lovely little cafe just inside the entrance to the temple complex, on the left handside as you come off the main drag. Excellent mango lassis and curd, fruit muesli breakfast. Sit on the upper terrace and watch the Indian caste system at work. Policemen with waxed handlebar moustaches, drafted in to control the crowds during the festival slash at the queing dallits with big sticks to keep them in line then chat obsequiously to the openmouthed western onlookers.
There are a handful of local restaurants and dhabas in the town proper (including a couple of good options at the end of the main road where it hits Gokarna Beach).
Excellent local restaurant on the right just before the arch that leads into the main street. Incredibly cheap all you can eat thalis, don't drink the water though. Street food is good partcularly the little fried pies and bel puri.
All the beaches have basic accommodation and beach shacks (in season) serving food and drink.
Some Nepalese run a really good restaurant from a straw and bamboo hut on Kudlee beach.
In town
Gokarna International is a reasonable place with single rooms from Rs 300 to full a/c doubles at Rs 650.
BUDGET TRAVELLERS: Since it is not possible to go to Kudle beach when it is dark without a torch light (the way to the beach winds around a hillock) it is better to stay in the town for the night and trek to the beach thje next morning. Accommodation in the town can be found starting Rs60/night at RAM Lodge, adjacent to the bus stand for a decent single room with common toilet/bathroom facilities.(Quite well maintained). You can find cheap shacks for Rs40 on the beach.
At the beaches
It is possible to stay in a couple of cheap guesthouses on Kudle Beach and Om Beach (Namaste, on Om, has rooms from 150/- in season). Gokarna International has now opened a small (10 rooms) good standard hotel on Kudle Beach - non a/c rooms about Rs.650 + tax.
There are a couple of resorts on the hill overlooking Om Beach:
Om Beach Resort is a great new small luxury resort in a very peaceful garden with stunning views. It is also an ayurvedic center. Suites $55-120.
Seabird Resort is new, just across the road from Om Resort, and has better views and cheaper prices. Non-a/c rooms Rs 1000, a/c rooms Rs 1500, + 12% tax.Caution though, the owner Satya Kuchinad is a noted cheat and a rowdy.Make sure you have the room amount discussed well before hand before you check-in.This seems to be the only hotel which has a 24 hour check-out and a 12 noon check-out according to the will and wish of Satya Kuchinad.
Beachshacks on all beaches offer bamboo huts from around 80/- to 150/- per hut per night.
My Favourite Beach : Om Beach
Shaped like the Hindu spiritual symbol of Om, this is the most famous beach in Gokarna, and has got the best waves and beach-side shacks. It's a wonderful stay in any of these shacks, called cafes. Expect thatch hut rooms and common bathrooms in most of them. Though some of the cafes have rooms with attached bathrooms.
It takes around 20 minutes to reach this beach from Gokarna bus stand.
-
gtonsing - Ex-Admin
- Posts: 2750
- Joined: Sat Nov 25, 2006 4:43 am
Re: Traveller's logs
by Khawkthou » Thu Jul 24, 2008 6:00 pm
[b]Taj Lands End Mumbai[/b]
The white surf of the Arabian Sea collides with jagged, jet-black rocks, a panoramic sight of the Arabian Sea, as well as the cityscape across the bay. The spectacular view is one of the few things that will leave you wonderstuck. Taj Lands End Mumbai is an exclusive luxury hotel located at Bandra, the elite suburb of Mumbai; close to the emerging commercial districts of Bandra-Kurla, Andheri and Worli, 12 kilometers from the international and 8 kilometers from the domestic airport. The hotel is geographically located at the center of the city and is close to shopping and entertainment zones.
Taj Lands End Mumbai has been unanimously voted as the Best Business Hotel in Asia from India for the year 2003. Developed and produced by Business Asia magazine, in conjunction with CNBC Asia Pacific, the '2003 Best Business Hotels in Asia Awards' involved over 95 hotels in 14 different Asia Pacific countries.
ACCOMMODATION: Elegantly appointed 300 luxurious rooms and suites are among the largest in the city, each with a panoramic view of the Arabian Sea. All rooms are centrally air-conditioned, a five fixture bathroom with deep soaking tub, direct dial telephones with dataport, minibar, hairdryer, colour television with a choice of international entertainment and news channels, large laptop size inroom-safe's, high speed internet connectivity, executive work-desk and 24-hour butler service on Deluxe Floors and Suites and more.
Facilities and Service:Health Spa featuring 24-hour fitness center, separate section for ladies and gents, outdoor swimming pool and a beauty salon offering guests a complete spa service. 24-hour business center, 24-hour In-room dining and laundry services, Safe deposit lockers, travel desk & ticketing services, book shop. Special non-smoking floor, separate exclusive ladies wing for extra security.
Fully equipped 24-hour Business Centre offering secretarial services and facilities including word processing, photocopying, facsimile, portable phones and pagers, lamination, full audio visual equipment, reference library, work stations, private offices and meeting rooms of various sizes.
Banqueting and conferencing facilities featuring 4 private rooms with a capacity from 35 - 2000 guests (cocktails) and a scenic poolside for outdoor functions.
Climate: Tropical - temperatures between 19° and 34ºC. The monsoon season is from June to September. The rest of the year is dry.
Languages: Marathi is the main language of Mumbai, with Hindi, Gujarati and English widely spoken. English is the lingua franca of business.
Dining:Masala Bay - serving contemporary Indian cuisine with an interactive theatre kitchen.
Ming Yang - serves authentic Sichuan cuisine for a fine gourmet experience.
Lands End Café – All-day multi cuisine coffee shop.
Atrium Lounge – Informal meeting lounge at Lobby level offering hi-tea, snacks and beverages.
Churchill's Bar - an ideal venue for a pre-post dinner drink with separate cigar lounge..
The white surf of the Arabian Sea collides with jagged, jet-black rocks, a panoramic sight of the Arabian Sea, as well as the cityscape across the bay. The spectacular view is one of the few things that will leave you wonderstuck. Taj Lands End Mumbai is an exclusive luxury hotel located at Bandra, the elite suburb of Mumbai; close to the emerging commercial districts of Bandra-Kurla, Andheri and Worli, 12 kilometers from the international and 8 kilometers from the domestic airport. The hotel is geographically located at the center of the city and is close to shopping and entertainment zones.
Taj Lands End Mumbai has been unanimously voted as the Best Business Hotel in Asia from India for the year 2003. Developed and produced by Business Asia magazine, in conjunction with CNBC Asia Pacific, the '2003 Best Business Hotels in Asia Awards' involved over 95 hotels in 14 different Asia Pacific countries.
ACCOMMODATION: Elegantly appointed 300 luxurious rooms and suites are among the largest in the city, each with a panoramic view of the Arabian Sea. All rooms are centrally air-conditioned, a five fixture bathroom with deep soaking tub, direct dial telephones with dataport, minibar, hairdryer, colour television with a choice of international entertainment and news channels, large laptop size inroom-safe's, high speed internet connectivity, executive work-desk and 24-hour butler service on Deluxe Floors and Suites and more.
Facilities and Service:Health Spa featuring 24-hour fitness center, separate section for ladies and gents, outdoor swimming pool and a beauty salon offering guests a complete spa service. 24-hour business center, 24-hour In-room dining and laundry services, Safe deposit lockers, travel desk & ticketing services, book shop. Special non-smoking floor, separate exclusive ladies wing for extra security.
Fully equipped 24-hour Business Centre offering secretarial services and facilities including word processing, photocopying, facsimile, portable phones and pagers, lamination, full audio visual equipment, reference library, work stations, private offices and meeting rooms of various sizes.
Banqueting and conferencing facilities featuring 4 private rooms with a capacity from 35 - 2000 guests (cocktails) and a scenic poolside for outdoor functions.
Climate: Tropical - temperatures between 19° and 34ºC. The monsoon season is from June to September. The rest of the year is dry.
Languages: Marathi is the main language of Mumbai, with Hindi, Gujarati and English widely spoken. English is the lingua franca of business.
Dining:Masala Bay - serving contemporary Indian cuisine with an interactive theatre kitchen.
Ming Yang - serves authentic Sichuan cuisine for a fine gourmet experience.
Lands End Café – All-day multi cuisine coffee shop.
Atrium Lounge – Informal meeting lounge at Lobby level offering hi-tea, snacks and beverages.
Churchill's Bar - an ideal venue for a pre-post dinner drink with separate cigar lounge..
If you're sitting out there now with a nice, neat little outline for the next ten years, you'd better be careful. Life may have other plans.
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Khawkthou - Site Admin
- Posts: 178
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Re: Traveller's logs
by Archi_lun » Tue Oct 07, 2008 12:29 pm
Innlam ah a paiteng kha Singtang dawn ah zin didan khat ngaihtuah a hoih di ...Tangval bangzah hiam sum bangzah hiam kithoh a, Singtang lam ah kalkhat khong
va zin ut huai na mai a...Singtang lam kha MAta dam maban kimu lou tel a, Zinnuam omleh kikum khemkhem leeng mo??
va zin ut huai na mai a...Singtang lam kha MAta dam maban kimu lou tel a, Zinnuam omleh kikum khemkhem leeng mo??
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Archi_lun - Mai Ngal
- Posts: 641
- Joined: Wed Dec 06, 2006 8:20 pm
- Location: New Delhi
Re: Traveller's logs
by TSM » Fri Oct 10, 2008 12:30 pm
Archi_lun wrote:Innlam ah a paiteng kha Singtang dawn ah zin didan khat ngaihtuah a hoih di ...Tangval bangzah hiam sum bangzah hiam kithoh a, Singtang lam ah kalkhat khong
va zin ut huai na mai a...Singtang lam kha MAta dam maban kimu lou tel a, Zinnuam omleh kikum khemkhem leeng mo??
Singtang lah ah buh nek d neilou te nava hih buai maimai kha d ua :-)
Singtang lam kamuh khak leh ka theih khak, na zin chiang ua na phak na d te uh
1) Tuima te an/buh(rice) lim kasa mahmah ve
2) Sinzawl ah zusa pok nek nuamlokei
3) Tuivai ah sun ah nek. Kurtai/buhman/sipi
4) Teikhang ah suangpi minthang toh Baakpuk
5) Singtang voksa toh tuivai ngasa
6) Thanglon toh Sinzawl kikal lak ah Khazang pel lam ah scenary te
hih thraps
- TSM
- Site Admin
- Posts: 1740
- Joined: Tue Nov 14, 2006 5:42 pm
- Location: 2nd Floor
Re: Traveller's logs
by Archi_lun » Fri Oct 10, 2008 1:46 pm
TSM na chih le chu dikthou...Zindi bang hileeng ei ann di ikipuak kei di maw..Gari bang hire a, Ann hailou te chouh zindi hehehhehehehee..lol
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Archi_lun - Mai Ngal
- Posts: 641
- Joined: Wed Dec 06, 2006 8:20 pm
- Location: New Delhi
Re: Traveller's logs
by TSM » Mon Dec 01, 2008 3:22 pm
Shillong ? Anyone?
tutung mas inlam kapai nang ticket guwahati tan kalak leh Shillong ah Firehouse-WhiteLion te concert toh kituak chet a, hoh utsim.
Shillong a tun nang hotel kiman sim koilak khong ah om de aw, book masak ngai di adiam? athei na om uh hia. Shillong old timers te???
tutung mas inlam kapai nang ticket guwahati tan kalak leh Shillong ah Firehouse-WhiteLion te concert toh kituak chet a, hoh utsim.
Shillong a tun nang hotel kiman sim koilak khong ah om de aw, book masak ngai di adiam? athei na om uh hia. Shillong old timers te???
hih thraps
- TSM
- Site Admin
- Posts: 1740
- Joined: Tue Nov 14, 2006 5:42 pm
- Location: 2nd Floor
Re: Traveller's logs
by Archi_lun » Mon Dec 01, 2008 3:58 pm
TSM shillong a chu eimi a tamvoi...kuahiam contacts le teh hoihzaw loudi hia??
TSM wrote:Shillong ? Anyone?
tutung mas inlam kapai nang ticket guwahati tan kalak leh Shillong ah Firehouse-WhiteLion te concert toh kituak chet a, hoh utsim.
Shillong a tun nang hotel kiman sim koilak khong ah om de aw, book masak ngai di adiam? athei na om uh hia. Shillong old timers te???
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Archi_lun - Mai Ngal
- Posts: 641
- Joined: Wed Dec 06, 2006 8:20 pm
- Location: New Delhi
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