Holiday Evaluation

Holiday Evaluation

My holiday Path

 

After 30 days away from Lucknow, I was glad to be back home. Having travelled 5549 km by train for 7.6 days out of 30 days, I needed a mini holiday after my holiday. I was glad to be home, but I surely did have fun and gained a better understanding of India. With all these travelling, sightseeing and trying out Southern dishes of India, I managed well below my budget. The whole trip cost me $430 [NZ]. I was pretty proud of my achievement. I learnt a lot from this holiday. I have colligated a hate and love list to remember my holiday.

 

Hate List

1. Passengers without a valid ticket travelling in trains.
2. Auto / taxi drivers charging more money for short trips
3. Tipping - I do pay a service Tax but on top of that waiters ask for more money
4. Some hotels don't have a city map with them
5. Courtesy - local people and road traffic lacks courtesy and respect
6. Travelling by foot is unpleasant because rubbish and urine is everywhere
7. Lack of Cell phone coverage - internet was cutting off frequently [idea provider]
8. Tooting horns
9. People talking loudly while watching movie in a cinema
10. Marketing - locals will always say it is good not it is not

 

Love List

1. Google Maps on my smartphone
2. Café Coffee Day - coffee shop with great service, great coffee and clean environment
3. Love the food but most of the time I had Subway
4. Sightseeing ... many free attractions I got to see and I saw what I wanted to see
5. Affordable accommodation
6. Day tours, I saw a lot in a day with Gov't of India Tourism
7. The weather was fantastic
8. I met my friends during this holiday
9. I didn't get mugged or robbed
10. I didn't gain weight ...lol

Conclusion

 

Thank you to all those people who prayed for my safety and well being. Above all I had a good break. I planned my journey two weeks before I left for holidays. This helped me a lot. Although in the beginning I had an unpleasant start but it turned out to be ok at the end.

 

I spoke with many people while travelling on the train. Many people thought I was in the army. While I was in Kolkata I asked the hotel manager, whether it is safe to walk along the street during night. He said everything is ok. You are big and they will not mess with you. They will think you are in the army. Ha ha ...

 

Now my New year is officially starting in February. It is time to leave 2013 behind and focus on this year. Thank you so much for your support and encouragement.

 

Regards

ravi

 

 

Mumbai

Gateway of India - Mumbai

Mumbai, earlier known as Bombay, is the capital of Maharashtra and the largest city of India. Mumbai undeniably is the business capital of India and one of the major port cities in the country. Mumbai has a diverse nature and multi-cultural lifestyle. On one hand, this city is the hometown of Bollywood, and on the other, this city has India's largest slum population. With the huge inflow of migrants, this city welcomes all with open arms. The city developed its identity from these communities that are settled in here. The culture here is a fine amalgamation of festivities, religions, music, food, music and theaters. Mumbai is said to have most active nightlife in comparison to other cities.

Railway Station - Mumbai

After a grueling 15 hour train ride I finally arrived in Mumbai. Why I said grueling is because while traveling from Goa, many passengers with or without a ticket tried try to take my seat. Now I have a Sleeper class seat. A Seat which you can also lie on. Passengers who purchased a general ticket will enter the sleeper class section and will look for seats and use it. They show no respect to those who rightfully purchased their seat. I do believe the railway station over sell general train tickets and don't bother whether passenger find a seat or not. That day even the train conductor didn't come. I guess he knows what is happening and does not what to get involved.

Mumbai is not only famous for the international fashion brands and labels, but is also home to a wide assortment of local markets, boutiques and shopping malls that sell almost everything that a local Mumbaikar needs! The markets are located at suburbs and if you are good at bargaining, you can get items for half the price. In Mumbai, you can find the latest outfits, unique furniture, delicate brass work, exquisite paintings, home furnishings and so much more! There are many malls in Mumbai that not only comprises of shops but food courts and entertainment zones as well. A shopper's paradise, Mumbai is truly a great shopping destination for all.

Did I like Mumbai? No, I didn't. Even though Mumbai is a fascinating place. it is too busy. Taxi, auto drivers will not travel short distance, even it is 2 km away. The city is so crowded, people don't have courtesy or respect to anyone around them. I was disappointed with Mumbai. 

I went to Elephanta Caves. You have to go to the Gateway of India and catch the ferry. It cost 150 rupees return trip. The ferry took about an hour to get to Elephanta Caves, But you have to walk another 45 minutes uphill to get to these caves. Nothing much in these caves, expect for hindu gods caving inside these caves. Along the way you will find many small shops selling stuff. 

Ferry crossing to Elephanta Caves

Once you reach the Island, you can take a train for 10 rupees or walk your way up. The train will only transport you to the foot of the hill. If you are having difficulty climbing up the hill, you can hire carriers to carry you to the top and back for a fee.

People carriers for hire

Train Transfer

Once you are on the Island. Beware and be careful of Monkeys. They will snatch anything edible from your hands. They can be very dangerous. In the past they have assaulted humans.

Beware of Monkeys

Welcome to Elephanta Island / Caves

Elephanta Caves

Elephanta Caves

Elephanta Caves

Elephanta Caves

Three nights in Mumbai was enough. I wish I just stayed for a night. Now my next stop is one night in  Ahmedabad before I head back to Lucknow.

Ahmadabad

Another 17 hour train ride to Ahmadabad. For this leg of my journey, I didn't book a hotel. So my prime objective was to look for a cheap hotel just for the night before I head back to Lucknow. I arrived at the railway station around 5pm. I went to some hotels nearby and they told me they were full. I didn't panic. I said to myself, if I don't find anything I will spend the night at the railway station. One hotel watchman rang a auto driver and I had to pay him only 10 rupees and he took me in his cab to 6 hotels nearby. I finally found a good hotel withr an affordable rate. Now you may think why that taxi driver only charged me 10 rupees. The reason is because he brought a client to the hotel and he  gets a commission from the hotel too. So everyone is a winner.

Founded in the 15th century, Ahmadabad is the largest city in the state of Gujarat. The city is a vibrant business district and rising centre of education, information technology and scientific industries. Divided in two - the old city and the new city. 

Scenes of Ahmandabad

Scenes of Ahmadabad

Scenes of Ahmadabad

Scenes of Ahmadabad

I spent just a night in Ahmadabad. The reason I went to Ahmadabad was to catch my connecting train back to Lucknow. On my way to Lucknow, I met a family who was very hospitable and gracious to me. They fed me, kept me occupied with conversations and offered an invitation to visit them when I am back in Ahmadabad. They were going to attend their son's wedding in Lucknow. The girl is from Lucknow so after the wedding ceremony they will all return back to Ahmadabad with the bride and Bridegroom. I love meeting people like these. They show care, friendship and hospitality. It took me a whole day to get to Lucknow, that is a total of 25 hours.

My holiday is over now. It is time to catch up with my sleep.

Bless you All

Ravi

Kochi - God's Own Country

Fort Kochi / Cochin

Have you ever jumped off a moving train? I did! I jumped off a moving train on my way to Kochi. Actually the train was accelerating very slow so I jumped off with other people. There are two railway stations in Kochi - North Eranakulam and South Eranakulam. My hotel was near South Eranakulam but the train was topping at North Eranakulam so I jumped off the train near South Eranakulam. When in Rome do as the Romans do ...lol.

Kochi (colonial name Cochin) is a vibrant city situated on the south-west coast of the Indian peninsula in the breathtakingly scenic and prosperous state of Kerala, hailed as 'God's Own Country'. Informally, Cochin is also referred to as the Gateway to Kerala. Kochi is the arguably the ideal starting point for exploring the unfathomable diversity and beauty of Kerala. Fort Kochi was a Portuguese colony before.

The quickest way to Fort Kochi is by the ferry service which will cost you 4 rupees [8 NZ cents]. When I went to Fort Kochi, I was looking for a Fort. However, the area is called Fort Kochi, there is no fort. There was a Fort before but it lies in ruin. There is so much to see and if you like walking, you can see many things while on your walk. 

Ferry Transfer

I saw a Jewish Synagogue but I wasn't allowed to take any pictures. There are lot of tourist attractions but some places photography and videography is prohibited. I loved Kochi. It was different from other destinations. Although I spent most of my time near the city, I had a great time. I saw many attractions. There are other attractions but you have to travel far distance to see them. I had to stick to my budget and yet I had fun. I spent three nights in Kochi.  Just one day I didn't go anywhere, because I wanted to have a complete bed rest.

There are some Picture slides of Fort Kochi ....

Kochi is one place where I saw women drivers driving an auto. They mostly transport women around. I believe this is a wonderful effort by the Kerala Government to help the women feel secure in Kerala. There is McDonalds and KFC in Kerala.

 

Fort Kochi

My next trip was Goa. From Kerala to Goa is 15 hours by train. If I ever have to revisit any of these destination I have visited before. I will definitely choose Kerala. I loved it. Very simple and easy to find your way around.

Goa
I arrived in Goa 5.30am in the morning. The taxi driver said it will me cost 550 rupees to transfer me to my hotel. I did not take his offer. I waited for an hour for the public bus and it cost me just 10 rupees. I reached my hotel, booked in, had my shower and went for North Goa tour.

Goa is for sea lovers

Easy Access

India's smallest state Goa is located on the western coast of the country, which provides the beach holidays that Goa is internationally famous for. Goa sort of have two cultural areas, North Goa and South Goa. Northern Goa is more populated and urban, while the south is more forested. Beaches apart, rice fields and coconut plantations dominate the landscape. However, tourism is Goa's main industry. For 450 years Goa was a Portuguese colony until taken over by India in 1961. This heritage is still apparent in the architecture of its churches and old houses, and the culture of its towns, which is very distinct from the rest of India.

North Goa

Aguada Fort

Reis Magos Church

Vagator Beach

Dutch Lighthouse

In the Catholic world Goa is important as the place where St Francis Xavier is buried (in the Basilica de Bom Jesus at Old Goa). Apart from Christmas and New Year celebrations, the 3-day long Goa Carnival (February, Panaji) and the Feast of St Francis (3 Dec, Old Goa) are famous attractions.

South Goa [Old Goa]

Archaeological Survey of India

You can see most of the tourist attractions by foot in Old Goa. From the main city Pinjim just take the bus to Old Goa. It will cost you just 10 rupees. Get off at Archaeological Monuments in Old Goa and you will find most of the attractions.

Se Cathedral Church

Se Cathedral

Archaeological Museum containing Christian artifacts

Church of St Catherine

Anointed One !!! Lol

Church of Francis of Assisi

Church of Francis of Assisi

The Basilica of Bom Jesus

The Basilica of Bom Jesus

Bom Jesus means Good or Infant Jesus

Church of Saint Augustine ruins

Church of Saint Augustine ruins

Church of Saint Augustine ruins

Church of St Cajetan

Church of St Cajetan

Viceroy's Arch

Public Notice

I liked Old Goa because I like seeing historical sites and architecture. The Goan pronounces the street names, area in Portuguese dialect. It was difficult remembering those names, for example "Mapusa". The Goan pronounce it Mapsa, the u is silent. I was pronouncing "Mapusa". Few times I made a fool out of myself.

In Goa you can hire a motorcycle with very cheap rates. Many tourist was using a  motorcycle. I used my foot. I enjoyed it. It wasn't too hot. I spent three nights in Goa. Now my next destination was Mumbai.

Less than I week left before I heard back to Lucknow.

Regards
Ravi

New Year 2014

Sambalpur

Sambalpur: famous for its Sambalpuri Saree, the Sambalpur District is the western part of state of Odisha. The District is surrounded by Deogarh District in the East, Bargarh and Jharsuguda Districts in the West, Sundargarh District in the North and Sonepur and Angul Districts in the South. The District of Sambalpur has a history full of events including Indian freedom struggle representing the different section of the society. It took me 9 hours to get to Sambalpur from Kolkata by train.

I was greeted by my friends at the railway station and we made our way to their home. I also met another Kiwi family and we all went to a local church gathering where they distributed sarees to widows and women. That night we had dinner together and after dinner we went to a local Church to participate with them in welcoming New Years together. Despite of the language barrier, it still made fun. We all sang few songs together, than there was a singing competition followed by a Quiz. We as foreigner did score few points. 

Cows of Sambalpur

Early next morning I went back to Sambalpur Railway station to catch my train to Bhubaneshwar, to catch another train to Chennai that same evening. However, I had a wonderful time with my friends in Sambapur. It is so edifying to meet people whom you know especially in a foreign place like India. We can talk about things, talk about rugby, news and even share each others experiences.

Chennai

Another 20 hour train ride.  My number one reason to visit Chennai was to see the Tomb of St Thomas who was killed in Chennai. The old name for Chennai is Madras. I found Auto / taxi / bus drivers quite honest in Chennai. Twice I caught the wrong bus, they didn't charge me any money and was very helpful. Auto drivers used taxi meter even for short runs and never charge extra money.

The site where St. Thomas was killed - St. Thomas Mount, Chennai, India

Thomas the Apostle, sometimes informally called Doubting Thomas or Didymus which means "The Twin", was one of the Twelve Apostles of Jesus Christ, according to the New Testament. He is best known from the account in the Gospel of Saint John, where he questioned Jesus' resurrection when first told of it, followed by his confession of faith as both "My Lord and my God" on seeing and touching Jesus' wounded body.

There is a general belief that Christianity was brought to India by European priests during 16^th century AD. However, only very few people know that some Indians embraced Christianity in the very beginning – in the 1^st century AD itself. St. Thomas was one of the 12 Apostles of Jesus Christ. He was perhaps the only Apostle who crossed Rome to preach Christianity. He was believed to have landed in Kodangallur town located in Kerala state of India in 52 AD. It is also believed that St. Thomas was killed in Chennai in Tamil Nadu state, India, and the St. Thomas Mount area in the outskirts of Chennai city and the popular hilltop church are associated with the history of St. Thomas.

St Thomas Basilica Church - where St Thomas was laid to rest

Here are some pictures of Chennai - need flash player to view it.

I spent 3 nights in Chennai, and by this time I had enough.I don't know what else to do in Chennai. If one wants to do more, than be prepared to dish some money. Now my next journey was to Kanniyakumari. 

Kanniyakumari Railway Station - cleanest so far

Kanniyakumari Railway Station

Kanniyakumari: Two things I have been told about this place, 1. watch the sunrise, 2. watch the sunset. I stayed in kanniyakumari just one night. 

 

Sunset in Kanniyakumari

Sunrise in Kanniyakumari

There are lot of churches in Kanniyakumari. I found at least 8 in the center of the city. There is a huge Christian presence in kanniyakumari. 

Shrine of our Lady of Ransom

Peculiar Architecture

Jesus with Fishermen

Vivekananda Rock - transfer by ferry

Vivekananda Rock and Thiruvalluvar Statue

Selfie at Kanniyakumari

Panoramic View

Panoramic View of Kanniyakumari from the Jetty

Rise and Shine

Kanniyakumari reminds me bit of Fiji Islands. The smell of fresh fish, the sights of coconut trees, ornaments made from seashells and other stuff. People understood bit of Hindi and was very friendly. Now my next destination is: Kochi in Kerala.

See you in Kochi

Ravi