Southern India here we come
Feb 14th, 2016, 04:37 AM
#41
Following, and again, fascinated by the contrasts in Mumbai. Truly love your descriptions of your experience.
No rush on the itinerary, just curious where you are going. I'm now thinking about a trip to S. India for next year but will only have about 2 weeks, so am going to focus on Kerala and Tamil Nadu. Much as I'd love to see Mumbai, it doesn't make sense in such a short trip.
No rush on the itinerary, just curious where you are going. I'm now thinking about a trip to S. India for next year but will only have about 2 weeks, so am going to focus on Kerala and Tamil Nadu. Much as I'd love to see Mumbai, it doesn't make sense in such a short trip.
Feb 14th, 2016, 07:09 AM
#42
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The following is our itinerary. Sorry I did not put this at the beginning of my report.
Feb 9 fly Miami to Mumbai
Feb 11 arrive Mumbai 2 am Hotel - Vivanta by Taj President
Feb 12 Mumbai
Feb 13 Mumbai
Feb 14. Mumbai
Feb 15. Mumbai - depart by train to goa 22:00 mangalore express
Feb 16. Arrive at Madgaon junction, Goa at 7:00 - meet castle & King driver and proceed to Hampi - hotel Royal Orchid central Kireeti
Feb 17 Hampi
Feb 18. Hampi
Feb 19. Drive to Mysore - stopping in Saravanbelagola - Mysore palace sound & light show that evening - Fortune JP Palace Hotel
Feb 20 Mysore
Feb 21 Mysore
Feb 22 Drive to Ooty - Fortune Resort Sullivan Court Hotel
Feb 23. Ooty - take ride on toy train to Coonor
Feb 24 Drive to Cochin - Kochi Marriot Hotel
Feb 25 Cochin
Feb 26 Cochin
Feb 27 Cochin - backwaters trip
Feb 28 Drive to Kumarakom - backwaters trip - hotel - Zuri Kumarakom
Feb 29 Drive to Thekkady - Greenwooda Resorts
Mar 1 Drive to Munnar - Panaramic Gateway
Mar 2 Munnar
Mar 3 Drive to Maduri - Gateway Hotel Pasumalai
Mar 4 Maduri
Mar 5 Drive through Trichy, perhaps stop at Srirangam to Thanjavur (formerly known as Tanjore) Hotel Gnanam
Mar 6 drive to Pondicherry - The Prominade hotel
Mar 7 Pondicherry
Mar 8 Drive to Kanchipuram, depending on time also Mahabalipuraman - late arrival Chennai - stopping for dinner near airport and to chennai airport for departure
Mar 9 Departure from chennai airport 3:15 am
Feb 9 fly Miami to Mumbai
Feb 11 arrive Mumbai 2 am Hotel - Vivanta by Taj President
Feb 12 Mumbai
Feb 13 Mumbai
Feb 14. Mumbai
Feb 15. Mumbai - depart by train to goa 22:00 mangalore express
Feb 16. Arrive at Madgaon junction, Goa at 7:00 - meet castle & King driver and proceed to Hampi - hotel Royal Orchid central Kireeti
Feb 17 Hampi
Feb 18. Hampi
Feb 19. Drive to Mysore - stopping in Saravanbelagola - Mysore palace sound & light show that evening - Fortune JP Palace Hotel
Feb 20 Mysore
Feb 21 Mysore
Feb 22 Drive to Ooty - Fortune Resort Sullivan Court Hotel
Feb 23. Ooty - take ride on toy train to Coonor
Feb 24 Drive to Cochin - Kochi Marriot Hotel
Feb 25 Cochin
Feb 26 Cochin
Feb 27 Cochin - backwaters trip
Feb 28 Drive to Kumarakom - backwaters trip - hotel - Zuri Kumarakom
Feb 29 Drive to Thekkady - Greenwooda Resorts
Mar 1 Drive to Munnar - Panaramic Gateway
Mar 2 Munnar
Mar 3 Drive to Maduri - Gateway Hotel Pasumalai
Mar 4 Maduri
Mar 5 Drive through Trichy, perhaps stop at Srirangam to Thanjavur (formerly known as Tanjore) Hotel Gnanam
Mar 6 drive to Pondicherry - The Prominade hotel
Mar 7 Pondicherry
Mar 8 Drive to Kanchipuram, depending on time also Mahabalipuraman - late arrival Chennai - stopping for dinner near airport and to chennai airport for departure
Mar 9 Departure from chennai airport 3:15 am
Feb 14th, 2016, 08:02 AM
#45
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Bob - Arvind gave us a suggested itinerary and we altered it a bit, moving around a little less He suggested an overnight Kerala boat ride, but we decided to do 2 day trip boat rides on our own instead - one day from Cochin and another from Kumarakom. We were afraid that we'd get bored on the overnight boat and think we will see more and have greater flexibility this way. While the itinerary seems busy, most of the places are not far from one another and are small enough to see in a short period. We will let you know as we proceed. Think we could have done with one less day in Mumbai, although we will find things to do tomorrow. Planning on high tea at the Taj Gateway. Hope you are enjoying your trip.
Feb 14th, 2016, 10:50 AM
#47
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Hi trip planner........thanks for your explanation of "head waggle"......I really did not notice this when I was in northern Indian Christmas/New years but will pay more attention my next trip........ The southern India TR by dgunbug is feeding my travel appetite with each entry......... thanks for listing your itinerary too.......I can look on the map and follow you and refer to my books to learn more about what you've seen and experienced....... so exciting...........
Feb 14th, 2016, 11:08 AM
#48
Looks like a great trip, dgunbug, looking forward to sharing it! Are you going to the Brindavan Gardens while you're in Mysore? Highly recommend the stop in Tanjore.
The wealth gap in India is totally inescapable, isn't it? Amaxzing how people can survive such abysmal conditions, terrible that they have to.
The wealth gap in India is totally inescapable, isn't it? Amaxzing how people can survive such abysmal conditions, terrible that they have to.
Feb 14th, 2016, 03:13 PM
#49
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Glad this is helpful, Thursday - thanks for the brindavan gardens info. Can't recall if that is in my notes, but we will make it a point to get there. Tanjore looks great. Lots of exciting places ahead.
Feb 14th, 2016, 06:26 PM
#50
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Last night was the second time that I was up with stomach issues. I thought that it was acid reflux from spicy foods, but think now I am having a reaction to the malarone. Ugh...just read that it is best to take with lots of water and fatty foods, so hopefully changing my routine will help the stomach. Not a happy camper...but inward I go. At least I'm not nauseous. Off and running...more when I have internet again.
Feb 15th, 2016, 01:56 AM
#53
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Oh dear. Sending vibes for you to feel better soon, Dgunbug.
I had a horrible reaction to malarone 18 most ago in Africa.Had no previous troubles previously, but after this last time, will never take it again, Its effects were not g.i., but mental! Felt like i'd had ten cups of coffee every day. Had huge inexplicable anxiety. "I'm on holiday--why am I feeling panicked?" Unfortunately, it took 'til the end of the trip to figure it out. I stopped the meds and within two days, felt normal again.IF i ever take antimalariameds l again, I guess it'l have to be doxycycline.
Where are you staying in Coonoor? It's a lovely , sweet town, with its mist-laden tea covered hillsides and colonial homes--one of my favorite places in India.
I had a horrible reaction to malarone 18 most ago in Africa.Had no previous troubles previously, but after this last time, will never take it again, Its effects were not g.i., but mental! Felt like i'd had ten cups of coffee every day. Had huge inexplicable anxiety. "I'm on holiday--why am I feeling panicked?" Unfortunately, it took 'til the end of the trip to figure it out. I stopped the meds and within two days, felt normal again.IF i ever take antimalariameds l again, I guess it'l have to be doxycycline.
Where are you staying in Coonoor? It's a lovely , sweet town, with its mist-laden tea covered hillsides and colonial homes--one of my favorite places in India.
Feb 15th, 2016, 02:20 AM
#54
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dgunbug. Sound like a great holiday planned out. While going thru your itinerary, observed that you are travelling from Hampi to Mysore on the 19th, with a stopover at Shravanabelagola.This is a very long haul, a good 500kms,which on Indian roads is very tedious.I suggest you break journey in Chikmagalur in one of the coffee estate homestays.This way you could also get to cover Belur & Halebid temples which is marvellous.
Happy & safe travelling.
Happy & safe travelling.
Feb 15th, 2016, 05:20 AM
#55
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Another interesting day...After another sumptuous breakfast (although less so for me as my stomach was still a bit upset) we left for the Sassoon fish docks to see the fishermen bringing in their catch. The docks were only a short walk from our hotel and the scene interesting to watch...the boats colorful and there was plenty to take pictures of. As we got there in the late morning, the large fish had already been brought in and we primarily saw the sorting and de-shelling of the shrimp by the women, the cleaning up and and sorting of the fishing nets, men playing cards and other games, cleaning of boats, etc. large trucks were everywhere, ready to take the fish to all parts of the city.
Leaving the docks, it was our intent to visit the Prince of Wales museum, however, not being great fans of museums, when we noticed a movie theatre around the corner, we decided that taking in a Bollywood movie would be perfect. As the next movie playing began at noon, we stopped in a coffee shop across the street to kill some time. At the suggestion of a young man there, we changed our plans and traveled by foot to a different theatre suggested by him as he said it was a multiplex theatre with many choices and only 15 minutes away. As it turns out, the 15 minute walk turned out to be be much greater and we eventually resorted to taking a taxi.
Asking the cashier if there were any Bollywood movies with English subtitles, she directed us to "Dead Pool". Perfect, we thought...but not so...the movie we saw was not a Bollywood feature, but rather an Xfiles movie. Oh well. It was still an interesting experience. Before the movie began, the national anthem was played and everyone was asked to rise. Periodically through the coming attractions and advertisements, at the bottom of screen appeared a warning that smoking is hazardous to ones health.
By the time the movie ended, we decided it was too late for the museum and instead strolled toward the Crawford market once again. We loved the action on the streets and wandering aimlessly observing the chaos.
As early evening approached, we headed back to the Taj Gateway to treat ourselves to the famous high tea they are known for. This time at the taj we took the time to wander a bit more and discovered just how lovely the premises are. While we didn't think the food was that great, it was a good opportunity to try some of the street food items which one would not dare to try due to the unhygienic conditions on the streets. despite the food not being what we expected, it was a very pleasant and we stayed until it was time to return to our own hotel to get ready for our train journey.
And with that...we are off...moe form Hampi
Leaving the docks, it was our intent to visit the Prince of Wales museum, however, not being great fans of museums, when we noticed a movie theatre around the corner, we decided that taking in a Bollywood movie would be perfect. As the next movie playing began at noon, we stopped in a coffee shop across the street to kill some time. At the suggestion of a young man there, we changed our plans and traveled by foot to a different theatre suggested by him as he said it was a multiplex theatre with many choices and only 15 minutes away. As it turns out, the 15 minute walk turned out to be be much greater and we eventually resorted to taking a taxi.
Asking the cashier if there were any Bollywood movies with English subtitles, she directed us to "Dead Pool". Perfect, we thought...but not so...the movie we saw was not a Bollywood feature, but rather an Xfiles movie. Oh well. It was still an interesting experience. Before the movie began, the national anthem was played and everyone was asked to rise. Periodically through the coming attractions and advertisements, at the bottom of screen appeared a warning that smoking is hazardous to ones health.
By the time the movie ended, we decided it was too late for the museum and instead strolled toward the Crawford market once again. We loved the action on the streets and wandering aimlessly observing the chaos.
As early evening approached, we headed back to the Taj Gateway to treat ourselves to the famous high tea they are known for. This time at the taj we took the time to wander a bit more and discovered just how lovely the premises are. While we didn't think the food was that great, it was a good opportunity to try some of the street food items which one would not dare to try due to the unhygienic conditions on the streets. despite the food not being what we expected, it was a very pleasant and we stayed until it was time to return to our own hotel to get ready for our train journey.
And with that...we are off...moe form Hampi
Feb 15th, 2016, 05:59 AM
#56
Interesting about the national anthem at the movies. Many years ago, when I was young, British movie theaters played the national anthem, but at the end of the evening. I have a vague memory that regular theates played it before the performance, but I could be wrong about that.
Have no idea whether it was/is played at sporting events, but that is the case in the US, right?
Have no idea whether it was/is played at sporting events, but that is the case in the US, right?
Feb 16th, 2016, 03:14 AM
#59
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We arrived at the Victoria terminus station in Mumbai about an hour early, not knowing what to expect at the railway station or how long it would take to get there due to heavy traffic. We found a comfortable waiting room and interacted with a nice Indian couple and their adorable baby. One half hour before the departure time, we were able to board the train. Our car was an airconditioned second class sleeper as their were no first class sleepers available on this train and we were assigned a four person cabin. A nice young man arrived when we did and we had the opportunity to have an enjoyable discussion with him for approximately an hour before calling it a night. Our fourth cabinmate arrived after we were already asleep. To our delight, we found that we were both assigned bottom berths. On past train rides, I have been the one to climb to the upper bed and it has been less than easy. The bed was rock hard and the ride rocky, but we were both able to manage to get a decent night's sleep. We were given linen and a pillow, all of which was clean. The toilet area was another story...
We arrived in Goa at 7:20 and were pleased to be greeted by our very pleasant and capable driver who stood waiting for us at the tracks. The day was spent getting to know one another and driving to Hampi...a rather long journey which took up most of a day, but we got to enjoy the scenery - a mountainous winding road, followed by flatter terrain, some rice patties, small cities and villages. There was the regular assortment of monkeys, cows, pigs, oxen, water buffalo, trucks, tuk tuks, etc. we briefly stopped for a drink (masala tea) and bananas along the way and had protein bars which we had brought from home to snack on when we didn't see any suitable restaurants. Our arrival in Hospet, a nearby town to Hampi was late in the afternoon so we have decided to take the rest of the day to catch up on email and nap until dinner time. We knew in advance this would be a long travel day and hope our time in Hampi will be worth it.
More tomorrow
We arrived in Goa at 7:20 and were pleased to be greeted by our very pleasant and capable driver who stood waiting for us at the tracks. The day was spent getting to know one another and driving to Hampi...a rather long journey which took up most of a day, but we got to enjoy the scenery - a mountainous winding road, followed by flatter terrain, some rice patties, small cities and villages. There was the regular assortment of monkeys, cows, pigs, oxen, water buffalo, trucks, tuk tuks, etc. we briefly stopped for a drink (masala tea) and bananas along the way and had protein bars which we had brought from home to snack on when we didn't see any suitable restaurants. Our arrival in Hospet, a nearby town to Hampi was late in the afternoon so we have decided to take the rest of the day to catch up on email and nap until dinner time. We knew in advance this would be a long travel day and hope our time in Hampi will be worth it.
More tomorrow
