Indians, irrespective of their caste, religion, sex or gender, whether rural or urban have a culture of showing respect to elders by addressing every Tom, Dick or Harry as aunty or uncle. If somebody is married and dons a saree, she is an aunty. Then of course, the middle-aged women with kids are aunties. And men, if they look aged or are having kids, they are referred to as uncles. In addition, the plumber, sweeper, shopkeeper, barber, every man in the neighbourhood is either an uncle or a bhaiya (brother) and their counterparts are aunties or didis (sisters). Showing respect is good. But one cannot show respect just like that. I am coming to a more serious issue here.
Generations after generations, we teach our children the same folkways of addressing everyone as aunty, uncle, bhaiya and didi. Nuclear family is a norm these days. Now, in some cases, the children do not even know their consanguineal kins, forget about the affinal kinship relations. They might get confused as to how come everyone is an uncle or a bhaiya. And if they are not confused, it is even worse. They trust them to be well-wishers and their own. It is time, however, to unlearn these folkways.
The NCRB report (2017) says that 95 % rape victims in India are known to the offenders. Internet is full of various reports and studies on Child Sex Abuse where the offenders are mostly either family members or acquaintances. We know where we stand in our education system. There is no sex education. Pornographic films, literature, etc are easily available on internet. There are juvenile delinquents who still need to be potty-trained but are actually out for such heinous crimes. We have the Nirbhaya case, for instance where one of the offenders was a minor. And, children are easy prey.
It will take time to make things good. Education is a must. But, we can do our bit by teaching our children that a plumber is a plumber and not plumber 'uncle', a Professor is a Professor, a Doctor is a doctor and a shopkeeper is a shopkeeper. Likewise, a grocer is a grocer, a sabziwallah (vegetable vendor) is a sabziwallah. I know, it will take time. It will take time for even us to stop saying these nouns. But, trust me, we can do it. After all, what is wrong in saying Dr.----, Mr.---, Mrs----, Miss---- (or simply by adding a 'ji' after the name or surname). People in the West and other parts of the world (except I guess Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal and where majority of Indians reside) do the same thing. This does not make them less cultured. They too respect their elders. It is time we learn from them. The larger society might take time to digest it. But, I believe, this small bit will make some difference. At least, children would know that a stranger is a stranger, an acquaintance an acquaintance and not a family member.
Tuesday, 16 April 2019
Thursday, 11 April 2019
TRIPLING SEASON 2 REVIEW
TRIPLING SEASON 2 BRINGS BACK PURE NOSTALGIA
Star Cast: Sumeet Vyas, Maanvi Gagroo and Amol Parashar
Tripling season 2 stars the same main star cast as season 1. The sibling- trio this time take us to three different cities, namely, Lucknow, Kolkata and Gangtok.
Chandan is now a writer and his favourite character is his brother Chitvan, the hero of the book. Chandan had a chance meeting with Chitvan, in a public restroom. Both exchange each other’s story so far and head towards Chanchal. Chanchal, who is the female protagonist of Chandan’s book, is the queen of the palace and also holds a bigger position in politics. However, her life turns upside down with this book being released as it contains certain personal details of the people of the palace. Her husband goes missing.
The trio escape from the palace and start a road trip to find Chanchal’s husband. Their first destination is Lucknow. Here, credit must be given to the writers of this season as how beautifully they dealt with the peculiarity of a place. The portrayal of the king who is a symbol of the decadent nawabi culture of Lucknow needs praise. I feel the portrayal is closest to the renowned Urdu writer, Naiyer Masud’s story “Taoos Chaman ki Maina”. It depicts king Wajid Ali Shah’s reign and times.
Next, we are exposed to the land of Kolkata. Kolkata is certainly famous for its Rosogolla. Bengal’s Rosogolla got its GI status in 2017 and later, it also won its battle of claim against Odisha. Now, one more thing is related to Kolkota which takes us back to the famous detective series of the 1990s. Nostalgia is sure to strike each one of us who grew up in the 1990s. I guess, that’s the trick of the writers to show us the interplay of tradition and modernity and it needs an applause.
The last destination of this season is Gangtok or the Rumtek monastery in Sikkim to be precise. Sumeet Vyas might have got his idea of showing this particular place as he had already been to this place in his another travel series named ‘Stupid man, Smart phone’.
Tripling season 2 is important in more than one way. One, it stars people who are internet sensations. People can connect to them. They are not stars. However, I feel they are a ‘Salman Khan-like phenomena’ for today's social media savvy generation. Second, how beautifully it told the story of different time and space and cultures. Then, the song “Maula mere ishq ka hafiz hai tu” written by Hussain Haidry and sung by Nilotpal Bora is mesmerising. It takes you to another world. It is actually a qawwali. And, Gajraj Rao, Shweta Tripathy,Rajit Kapoor, Jeetu and Nidhi Bisht are certainly icing on the cake.
To me, it seems it’s a must watch. 4 stars from my side.
Transience, Permanence and Nostalgia
Tabernimontana divertica, is the botanical name of the flower commonly known as crape jasmine or pinwheel flower. In Odia, we call it 'tagara', in Hindi it is called 'safed kaner'.
Years back, around 24 years back to be precise, I watched a movie on DD 1 OR DD 2 which used to be telecast in the afternoon. This movie was named "Cheluvi". The story is fresh in my mind but in bits and pieces...
The rest of the article can be read here:
https://thenewleam.com/2019/04/transience-permanence-and-nostalgia-returning-back-to-natures-womb/
"Kuch aise aakar gira hai sote mein shaakh se phool mere chehre pe ke jaise haule se raat tum naam lekar mujhko jaga rahi thi". (Gulzar)
This is not the end of nostalgia of white flowers. As Makhdoom says, "Phool khilte hain duniya mein, roz niklegi baat phoolon ki".
Years back, around 24 years back to be precise, I watched a movie on DD 1 OR DD 2 which used to be telecast in the afternoon. This movie was named "Cheluvi". The story is fresh in my mind but in bits and pieces...
The rest of the article can be read here:
https://thenewleam.com/2019/04/transience-permanence-and-nostalgia-returning-back-to-natures-womb/
"Kuch aise aakar gira hai sote mein shaakh se phool mere chehre pe ke jaise haule se raat tum naam lekar mujhko jaga rahi thi". (Gulzar)
This is not the end of nostalgia of white flowers. As Makhdoom says, "Phool khilte hain duniya mein, roz niklegi baat phoolon ki".
Tuesday, 29 January 2019
Places to visit in Kerala.To do list for 7 days trip to Kerala.
My family prefers beaches to hills. And, Kerala, I must say, is the most beautiful place in India. It has beaches, it has hills, it has streams and spectacular waterfalls and it has forests. Kerala is predominantly an agricultural state. People here are well-read and simple. You won't find many beauty parlors but you can find a huge number of Ayurvedic massage parlors which would cost you around Rs 2000 for one whole body massage.
(A famous Ayurvedic Spa at Fort Kochi)
Let's come to the point now. Kerala is best to be visited in October to February. In October, there is retreating monsoons in Kerala which are light rainfalls and nothing to worry about. Also one can witness the festivities around Onam festival and the boat racing competition in October. But we chose monsoon season for two reasons: One, Delhi did not witness rains this year and we love rains and second, we wanted to witness the Neelakurinji flowers over the Anamudi peak (highest peak of south India), which appear once in 12 years.
(Ananmudi Peak)
For a 7 days trip, one must decide beforehand whether one wants to see the waterfalls and hills or the beaches. There are three airports, chose Kochi airport to see the hills and Trivandrum airport to see the beaches. Now if one is thinking that one can visit both in 7 days, then that would not be as pleasant a trip as one thinks. Because, you have to bear in mind that one place is very far from another destination. The roads are not very comfortable. The taxis are comparatively dearer (expensive). One day must be kept as a rest day. So you have 6 days now. Land at Kochi to go to Munnar hill station the next day. If you wish to stay two days at Munnar, stay at a hotel near the bus stand. But If u wish to stay longer, You can enjoy some remote hotels in the tea gardens. Go to Iddukki dam. Its a must. People there would say Munnar is 3 hours from Kochi, but it is actually 6 hours from Kochi. That way subtract 12 + 1= 13 hours from your trip. This one hour includes food and rest room use. DO NOT FORGET to buy spices and home made chocolates from Munnar govt. outlets on the way. Subtract 3 hours more as one might one to visit the spice garden there. Visit it if you are really keen. It is chargeable. 100 rs per person. Since my husband and I love spices, we visited the garden and bought almost all variety of spice.
(Glimpses of Munnar)
Now, after coming back from Munnar, visit the mighty Athirapally and Vazhachal falls. These falls were picturised in the Indian films Guru and Bahubali. There is a bit of trekking too. so do not skip any of these waterfalls. the trekking is short and enjoyable. We went with our one and half year old baby and she insisted on walking the distance. It was really exciting. One can go to Cherai beach in Kochi. That way, hills, beaches and waterfalls - everything is covered in one trip. People from smaller towns may also visit the Lulu Mall which I believe is the biggest in Asia.
(Athirapally and Vazhachal)
(Cherai beach and the way)
Then there is Fort Kochi. Stay at a hotel in Kochi. The city is wonderful and dreamlike. There is a small marine drive and one can take a ferryride from there. Do not buy tickets from the people selling individual tickets. Go to the govt. stand for ferry rides which will cost you Rs. 2-4. Yes, it is this cheap. Visit the Dutch settlement in Mattancherry town. You will have a diffrenet experience of Mattancherry. Buy perfumes at Mattancherry.
This is enough for a 7 days trip. otherwise one would be travelling and not enjoying. We stayed mostly at Treebo hotels. They are our favourite. In Munnar too, we went for the Treebo near the bus stand.
Now if you wish to visit the beaches, there are Kovalam and Varkala beaches which are famous. The beaches are clean. Allepey is called the Venice of Italy. One can stay in houseboats but they are generally costly. I witness mostly couples and not families, considering a boathouse for a whole day. I did not visit this part of Kerala in this trip. This was long back. So I wont be describing much. Beaches, anyways can be enjoyed in Goa which is comparatively cheaper in terms of flights from Delhi and otherwise.
P.S. GUTKHA PAN MASALA IS BANNED IN KERALA. And we could not witness Neelakurinji flowers in full bloom. Finally, my daughter, who was one and a half year old that time, too trekked to the Anamudi peak :)
(The young Neelakurinji plant)
Bye Bye for now. Have a safe and cheerful holiday !
Let's come to the point now. Kerala is best to be visited in October to February. In October, there is retreating monsoons in Kerala which are light rainfalls and nothing to worry about. Also one can witness the festivities around Onam festival and the boat racing competition in October. But we chose monsoon season for two reasons: One, Delhi did not witness rains this year and we love rains and second, we wanted to witness the Neelakurinji flowers over the Anamudi peak (highest peak of south India), which appear once in 12 years.
(Ananmudi Peak)
For a 7 days trip, one must decide beforehand whether one wants to see the waterfalls and hills or the beaches. There are three airports, chose Kochi airport to see the hills and Trivandrum airport to see the beaches. Now if one is thinking that one can visit both in 7 days, then that would not be as pleasant a trip as one thinks. Because, you have to bear in mind that one place is very far from another destination. The roads are not very comfortable. The taxis are comparatively dearer (expensive). One day must be kept as a rest day. So you have 6 days now. Land at Kochi to go to Munnar hill station the next day. If you wish to stay two days at Munnar, stay at a hotel near the bus stand. But If u wish to stay longer, You can enjoy some remote hotels in the tea gardens. Go to Iddukki dam. Its a must. People there would say Munnar is 3 hours from Kochi, but it is actually 6 hours from Kochi. That way subtract 12 + 1= 13 hours from your trip. This one hour includes food and rest room use. DO NOT FORGET to buy spices and home made chocolates from Munnar govt. outlets on the way. Subtract 3 hours more as one might one to visit the spice garden there. Visit it if you are really keen. It is chargeable. 100 rs per person. Since my husband and I love spices, we visited the garden and bought almost all variety of spice.
(Glimpses of Munnar)
Now, after coming back from Munnar, visit the mighty Athirapally and Vazhachal falls. These falls were picturised in the Indian films Guru and Bahubali. There is a bit of trekking too. so do not skip any of these waterfalls. the trekking is short and enjoyable. We went with our one and half year old baby and she insisted on walking the distance. It was really exciting. One can go to Cherai beach in Kochi. That way, hills, beaches and waterfalls - everything is covered in one trip. People from smaller towns may also visit the Lulu Mall which I believe is the biggest in Asia.
(Athirapally and Vazhachal)
(Cherai beach and the way)
Then there is Fort Kochi. Stay at a hotel in Kochi. The city is wonderful and dreamlike. There is a small marine drive and one can take a ferryride from there. Do not buy tickets from the people selling individual tickets. Go to the govt. stand for ferry rides which will cost you Rs. 2-4. Yes, it is this cheap. Visit the Dutch settlement in Mattancherry town. You will have a diffrenet experience of Mattancherry. Buy perfumes at Mattancherry.
This is enough for a 7 days trip. otherwise one would be travelling and not enjoying. We stayed mostly at Treebo hotels. They are our favourite. In Munnar too, we went for the Treebo near the bus stand.
Now if you wish to visit the beaches, there are Kovalam and Varkala beaches which are famous. The beaches are clean. Allepey is called the Venice of Italy. One can stay in houseboats but they are generally costly. I witness mostly couples and not families, considering a boathouse for a whole day. I did not visit this part of Kerala in this trip. This was long back. So I wont be describing much. Beaches, anyways can be enjoyed in Goa which is comparatively cheaper in terms of flights from Delhi and otherwise.
P.S. GUTKHA PAN MASALA IS BANNED IN KERALA. And we could not witness Neelakurinji flowers in full bloom. Finally, my daughter, who was one and a half year old that time, too trekked to the Anamudi peak :)
(The young Neelakurinji plant)
Bye Bye for now. Have a safe and cheerful holiday !
Wednesday, 6 December 2017
Tuesday, 14 November 2017
How does labor contraction/pain feel like?
Every body is different and it feels different. To some, labor contractions feel like acidity and to some it may feel like menstrual cramps, and yet to a very few or in rare cases it might feel like orgasm. Those who feel like orgasm are the luckiest of course. Yes, it is very painful and we generally hear that women forget and/or cannot describe exactly how labor pain feels like. I googled when my delivery date was near but every description failed. To me, it felt like constipation multiplied by 20 times the pain. I vomited too. However, I can't say whether it was out of pain or due to the normal nauseatic feeling during pregnancy. I felt the need to go to the toilet but I was given the medicines to induce labor pain as it did not start of its own. I was confused as I had strong urge to defecate and simultaneously my mom in law asked me to push. So if I push, what will come out- the baby (which was taking its own time) or the faeces. So, such was the feeling. I would suggest you that do not think over the faeces, which is what I could not do and hence, the confusion. If it comes, let it come.
I might blame the urban life for the lack of natural labor pains. Though i used to go for long walks every day till the delivery day, but the pains did not start. I might explain all these in my next blog.
One more thing that I must tell all of those new expecting moms may not know is that the labor pains are not continuous. They occur in a recurrent way. Like, you get pains for one minute and then it stops for some seconds and then again for one minute and so on. While the delivery time is near, the contractions speed up and the duration a bit longer which is very painful. But, do keep calm, keep breathing normally and try to push (obviously on the advice of the doctor or mid-wife). Pushing gives some relief. The labor pains may be shorter to the extent that one feels they never occurred and can be longer like more than 24 hours.
Every body is different and it feels different. To some, labor contractions feel like acidity and to some it may feel like menstrual cramps, and yet to a very few or in rare cases it might feel like orgasm. Those who feel like orgasm are the luckiest of course. Yes, it is very painful and we generally hear that women forget and/or cannot describe exactly how labor pain feels like. I googled when my delivery date was near but every description failed. To me, it felt like constipation multiplied by 20 times the pain. I vomited too. However, I can't say whether it was out of pain or due to the normal nauseatic feeling during pregnancy. I felt the need to go to the toilet but I was given the medicines to induce labor pain as it did not start of its own. I was confused as I had strong urge to defecate and simultaneously my mom in law asked me to push. So if I push, what will come out- the baby (which was taking its own time) or the faeces. So, such was the feeling. I would suggest you that do not think over the faeces, which is what I could not do and hence, the confusion. If it comes, let it come.
I might blame the urban life for the lack of natural labor pains. Though i used to go for long walks every day till the delivery day, but the pains did not start. I might explain all these in my next blog.
One more thing that I must tell all of those new expecting moms may not know is that the labor pains are not continuous. They occur in a recurrent way. Like, you get pains for one minute and then it stops for some seconds and then again for one minute and so on. While the delivery time is near, the contractions speed up and the duration a bit longer which is very painful. But, do keep calm, keep breathing normally and try to push (obviously on the advice of the doctor or mid-wife). Pushing gives some relief. The labor pains may be shorter to the extent that one feels they never occurred and can be longer like more than 24 hours.
Friday, 27 October 2017
Everything about Goa tour with Family/Infant/6 months old/in flight
With comparatively cheaper air flights from Delhi to Goa, and otherwise, Goa is a perfect week long holiday destination for beach lovers. This is my third visit to Goa, the first one was with friends, the second one was a conference cum holiday tour with my husband, the third one was with my 6 months old daughter. I would suggest you to choose October/ November to visit Goa when the weather is pleasant. With friends, however, one can choose to go in monsoons too as it is green everywhere and the scooty rides are exciting. But, there won't be water sports and any other water activities in monsoons. they do not even allow to swim in sea in monsoons. From March to September, the weather is quite hot and humid. I went once in February end to first week of March and I could not bear the humidity. best months, according to me are October to January. December, however, would cost you much due to Christmas and New Year Celebrations.
Things to keep in mind before going to Goa with an infant:
1) Book your flight, preferably the front seats, Or 10th row or the 14th row as these are comparatively bigger and hence comfortable and if the female seats near the window side, it is easier for her to feed her baby. I am sure about the front seats, please confirm of the other two from the booking counter.
2) Start feeding your baby while take off and landing so that the baby is not discomforted by the air pressure.
3) Take some toys with you to keep the baby busy. show him/her/it other people in the flight so that the baby is distracted.
4) Book your hotels beforehand. I would suggest Treebo hotels which offer very good service especially to families. This ranges from 1300 to 2500 according to the availability and the duration of your stay. if you stay for a day, it would cost more. so decide beforehand whether you want to change hotels or stay in one hotel for 2/3 days. Another option is that one can take a one BHK apartment/homestay where a family or two can stay together for 1800 to 2200 rupees. In such apartments, one gets some utensils to cook, tea bags, milk powder, fully automatic washing machine, AC, Fridge etc. I would suggest Sarika's apartment in Arpora which was 3 kms from Baga beach, or Goa Fiesta, Agua Grandiosa, Treebo Rainforest all in Aropra. (I am in no way advertising Treebo. It is that I went with my infant and I was treated quite well here.) Booking from Booking.com or OYO is the best option, second comes makemytrip.com.
5) Do not forget to take your driving licence with you. If it is a week long holiday, one must book a two wheeler or a car (as per need and handling ability) to enjoy more and save lots of money. Buy a hat for the baby asap as you arrive in Goa. If travelling in the first and second week of October, one needs to carry an umbrella too.(I am writing this for those who are willing to travel from October to February only).
6) Whatever one takes with her, she feels the need to shop in Goa. I would suggest 'Curves' in Candolim for stylish and a bit expensive clothes (1500 to 3500) and Arpora Saturday Night market for cheaper but quality products. Here one would find anything from Black jaggery to cashew nuts to Goan sweet named Bibinca to accessories and clothes.
7) Take slippers/sandals strong enough to walk on beaches and sand. No shoes or fancy sandals. The 'Pure' chappals which cost 200 in Sarojini or Batla house market or any cheaper market are the best. otherwise one can go for crocs.
8)One shoulder bag should be enough to carry essentials of the baby and the mother along with the camera to go for the beach. other luggage (i would suggest only one more bigger bag or a suitcase from hometown to Goa while travelling with baby. Unnecessary things should be avoided as it can be tiring to carry the baby always and some luggage simultaneously) should be kept at the hotel.
9) The baby bag should contain a diaper, wipes, clothes, a water bottle, hand sanitizer, a bowl and spoon (one can get this from hotel too), napkins, bananas (easy to mash and feed the baby asap), very few toys, a thermos bottle (which again one can get at the hotel).
10) Do not be charmed by hotels near the beach or sea facing ones if you are on a budget. Anyways one is here for the beaches. Who stays at the rooms? I would suggest to take rooms in Calangute or Baga or Candolim or Arpora if one is willing to visit North Goa first. Spend two days here, then head for the south. Here one can stay near colva beach or Palolem beach. Then keep one day for Churches in Old Goa. THIS WAY IT CAN BE ADVENTUROUS EVEN WITH FAMILY/INFANT.
Staying at one hotel and hiring taxi from North to South Goa and then from North to Old Goa is boring and would cost much too. the taxi takes 2500 from North to South Goa and 2200 from North to Old Goa. A two wheeler would cost 250 to 400 per day depending upon how do you bargain. they generally give very less petrol. so first and foremost get some fuel from the nearest petrol pump or any shop keeper selling petrol in bottles in the way. But you do not need to fill it completely. I would suggest to take petrol of Rs 100 and it will last 2 days. This will easily cover Candolim, Calangute, Baga, Vagator, Anjuna (one can skip), Aguada fort and Chapora Fort.
[Candolim beach]
Personally, I liked Vagator beach the most. Calangute and Baga are crowded. Candolim is peaceful and pleasant. In South, I liked Agonda. Colva is not so crowded. Hence one can swim freely. Among Churches, Church of OLd Lady of Immaculate Conception is great. Here, Dilwale movie of Shahrukh and Kajol was shot. It is in Panaji. Dona Paula beach where Ek Duuje ke Liye film was shot is nearby. one goes to this beach for its sun set sight. in the way there is Miramar beach which looks like a river. One gets a dolphin ride here. I chose to skip all water activities due to my 6 months old daughter.
[Vagator beach in north Goa]
[Church of the Old Lady of Immaculate Conception]
Other beaches in my opinion can be skipped for a calm and soothing holiday in Goa. Try not to book rooms under Rs 1000 because you cannot take risk while travelling with a baby. Go for hotels with swimming pool as babies enjoy swimming pool the most. one more thing, on the last day, one can book hotel near the airport. I would suggest Auslyn Guest house or any guest house near Bogmalo beach. these guest houses are pretty decent and one can cover one more beach. yes, the Bogmalo beach is at walking distance. Here, you can get good food again at walking distance.
[Bogmalo beach near airport]
There are so many eateries. One should try prawn curry and Tuna fish/tuna fish salad for sure. Go for PINK CHILLIES restaurant for sure. You are sure to like the theme based interior.
[Complimentary breakfast at Treebo hotel]
Beauty parlours like Neomis at Calangute and Awesome salon and Spa near Baga are the best. Besides, there are n number of massage parlours too where i did not go. One can get to know of these from the big hoardings everywhere. Last, but not the least...Taxis from Airport to Candolim will charge Rs 1200 and higher to rest areas. This information is displayed in details on the prepaid taxi counter outside the airport, right side of the exit.
Things to keep in mind before going to Goa with an infant:
1) Book your flight, preferably the front seats, Or 10th row or the 14th row as these are comparatively bigger and hence comfortable and if the female seats near the window side, it is easier for her to feed her baby. I am sure about the front seats, please confirm of the other two from the booking counter.
2) Start feeding your baby while take off and landing so that the baby is not discomforted by the air pressure.
3) Take some toys with you to keep the baby busy. show him/her/it other people in the flight so that the baby is distracted.
4) Book your hotels beforehand. I would suggest Treebo hotels which offer very good service especially to families. This ranges from 1300 to 2500 according to the availability and the duration of your stay. if you stay for a day, it would cost more. so decide beforehand whether you want to change hotels or stay in one hotel for 2/3 days. Another option is that one can take a one BHK apartment/homestay where a family or two can stay together for 1800 to 2200 rupees. In such apartments, one gets some utensils to cook, tea bags, milk powder, fully automatic washing machine, AC, Fridge etc. I would suggest Sarika's apartment in Arpora which was 3 kms from Baga beach, or Goa Fiesta, Agua Grandiosa, Treebo Rainforest all in Aropra. (I am in no way advertising Treebo. It is that I went with my infant and I was treated quite well here.) Booking from Booking.com or OYO is the best option, second comes makemytrip.com.
5) Do not forget to take your driving licence with you. If it is a week long holiday, one must book a two wheeler or a car (as per need and handling ability) to enjoy more and save lots of money. Buy a hat for the baby asap as you arrive in Goa. If travelling in the first and second week of October, one needs to carry an umbrella too.(I am writing this for those who are willing to travel from October to February only).
6) Whatever one takes with her, she feels the need to shop in Goa. I would suggest 'Curves' in Candolim for stylish and a bit expensive clothes (1500 to 3500) and Arpora Saturday Night market for cheaper but quality products. Here one would find anything from Black jaggery to cashew nuts to Goan sweet named Bibinca to accessories and clothes.
7) Take slippers/sandals strong enough to walk on beaches and sand. No shoes or fancy sandals. The 'Pure' chappals which cost 200 in Sarojini or Batla house market or any cheaper market are the best. otherwise one can go for crocs.
8)One shoulder bag should be enough to carry essentials of the baby and the mother along with the camera to go for the beach. other luggage (i would suggest only one more bigger bag or a suitcase from hometown to Goa while travelling with baby. Unnecessary things should be avoided as it can be tiring to carry the baby always and some luggage simultaneously) should be kept at the hotel.
9) The baby bag should contain a diaper, wipes, clothes, a water bottle, hand sanitizer, a bowl and spoon (one can get this from hotel too), napkins, bananas (easy to mash and feed the baby asap), very few toys, a thermos bottle (which again one can get at the hotel).
10) Do not be charmed by hotels near the beach or sea facing ones if you are on a budget. Anyways one is here for the beaches. Who stays at the rooms? I would suggest to take rooms in Calangute or Baga or Candolim or Arpora if one is willing to visit North Goa first. Spend two days here, then head for the south. Here one can stay near colva beach or Palolem beach. Then keep one day for Churches in Old Goa. THIS WAY IT CAN BE ADVENTUROUS EVEN WITH FAMILY/INFANT.
Staying at one hotel and hiring taxi from North to South Goa and then from North to Old Goa is boring and would cost much too. the taxi takes 2500 from North to South Goa and 2200 from North to Old Goa. A two wheeler would cost 250 to 400 per day depending upon how do you bargain. they generally give very less petrol. so first and foremost get some fuel from the nearest petrol pump or any shop keeper selling petrol in bottles in the way. But you do not need to fill it completely. I would suggest to take petrol of Rs 100 and it will last 2 days. This will easily cover Candolim, Calangute, Baga, Vagator, Anjuna (one can skip), Aguada fort and Chapora Fort.
Personally, I liked Vagator beach the most. Calangute and Baga are crowded. Candolim is peaceful and pleasant. In South, I liked Agonda. Colva is not so crowded. Hence one can swim freely. Among Churches, Church of OLd Lady of Immaculate Conception is great. Here, Dilwale movie of Shahrukh and Kajol was shot. It is in Panaji. Dona Paula beach where Ek Duuje ke Liye film was shot is nearby. one goes to this beach for its sun set sight. in the way there is Miramar beach which looks like a river. One gets a dolphin ride here. I chose to skip all water activities due to my 6 months old daughter.
Other beaches in my opinion can be skipped for a calm and soothing holiday in Goa. Try not to book rooms under Rs 1000 because you cannot take risk while travelling with a baby. Go for hotels with swimming pool as babies enjoy swimming pool the most. one more thing, on the last day, one can book hotel near the airport. I would suggest Auslyn Guest house or any guest house near Bogmalo beach. these guest houses are pretty decent and one can cover one more beach. yes, the Bogmalo beach is at walking distance. Here, you can get good food again at walking distance.
There are so many eateries. One should try prawn curry and Tuna fish/tuna fish salad for sure. Go for PINK CHILLIES restaurant for sure. You are sure to like the theme based interior.
Beauty parlours like Neomis at Calangute and Awesome salon and Spa near Baga are the best. Besides, there are n number of massage parlours too where i did not go. One can get to know of these from the big hoardings everywhere. Last, but not the least...Taxis from Airport to Candolim will charge Rs 1200 and higher to rest areas. This information is displayed in details on the prepaid taxi counter outside the airport, right side of the exit.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)