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I took an overnight Scania bus from Ahmedabad to Mumbai. Here’s how it went
Earlier this year, my Ahmedabad to Mumbai journey by an overnight bus happened at very short notice.
My Plan A had been to go to Kutch with a friend. When the friend became unavailable, I did not want to visit Kutch alone and decided to head to Mumbai. Looking at options, I realised I didn’t want to pay that much money for the short flight and train tickets weren’t available. Bus seemed like the best choice.
I did not choose the cheapest option, which was be less than INR 500. I was not expecting a sound sleep, but I did expect a somewhat comfortable rest, which is why I chose an air-conditioned sleeper Scania coach operated by Chirag Travel Company. I made the booking through Redbus and it cost me INR1,166. Continue reading I took an overnight Scania bus from Ahmedabad to Mumbai. Here’s how it went
Travel strategy: Why you should apply for a US visa ASAP
As a person with an Indian passport, visa is something that more often than not becomes the most important part of the travel-planning process for me. However awesome an itinerary you plan, unless you get the visa, there is no point.
Of course, there are countries that allow visa-free entry to Indians and also those that provide visa on arrival. But these are the exceptions (also, this factor drives huge tourist flow from India to these countries. Think Indonesia and Thailand).
Considering this scenario, does it make sense to make the effort to get one or more stamps on your passport that will make your future travels smoother? Yes, if you ask me. Let me explain. Continue reading Travel strategy: Why you should apply for a US visa ASAP
I wouldn’t change my Sri Lanka plans because of the terror attacks
I had made a friend in Sri Lanka through Orkut, the most popular social networking site of the time. When I decided to visit Sri Lanka in 2012, both of us were equally excited that we would meet for the first time.
Kanchana had been to India on several occasions and had told me: “You will find the people in Sri Lanka same as Indians. Only warmer.”
After my trip to the island nation, I couldn’t agree more. Today, when the world is reeling from the shock of the Easter attack in Sri Lanka that killed hundreds and left so many more injured, I decided to write about the warmth of the islanders and their hospitality in this post. Continue reading I wouldn’t change my Sri Lanka plans because of the terror attacks
I did not visit Notre-Dame cathedral when I went to Paris. Here’s why
Soon after the devastating fire at the Notre-Dame cathedral in Paris, many people who have visited the French capital put up pictures they had taken of the 850-year-old church.
At the risk of sounding like an ignoramus, let me admit that till the time the news of the fire broke, I only had a hazy idea about the this Catholic church that the French people identify so much with.
By “hazy idea”, I mean I was aware of the presence of Notre-Dame as a church, but I wasn’t aware that the most famous one of the name was present in Paris. (There are 18 churches only in France called Notre-Dame, says Wikipedia.) Continue reading I did not visit Notre-Dame cathedral when I went to Paris. Here’s why
Not-a-fan at a fan Mecca
Only yesterday, I noticed a friend posting pictures of herself in Philadelphia. I got really excited and asked her if she would be making the pilgrimage up the famous Rocky Steps.
“Why?” she asked. She obviously had no clue about Sylvester Stallone’s Rocky film franchise that had a fan base only a few others could boast of. It reminded me of the time I was in the city.
Being a fan, I, obviously, had to see the Rocky steps. The friend I was staying with went along. He, much like the one who was in Philly yesterday, had not seen a single Rocky film and had no clue about how much it had become part of popular culture. Continue reading Not-a-fan at a fan Mecca
What’s so special about Magdeburg?
I went to Magdeburg to research my first book and not primarily to travel.
Most tourists don’t find much that is special about this city, which is why they decide to skip it during their trips to Germany. Truth be told, if you take an inter-city express train from Berlin and land in Magdeburg a couple of hours later, chances are that you will find it boring after the throbbing vibe of Berlin.
But there is way more to this sleepy city that meets the eye. Magdeburg, incidentally, celebrated its 1,200th anniversary in 2005.
Those into art, architecture and history will find enough in the city to keep you interested. Continue reading What’s so special about Magdeburg?
Two relatively unknown weekend destinations from Kolkata
‘Payer tolay shorshe’ is a Bengali expression (literally meaning ‘mustard seeds under the feet’) to describe someone who frequently travels.
The fact is, even if the Bangali bhodrolok/bhodromohila (gentleman/lady) if not on a trip at the moment, chances are they are halfway into planning their next one, whether it be Digha in southern West Bengal coast, Puri in the neighbouring Odisha state, or Paris.
But often, due to work and other commitments, long trips are not possible. But even if the leave is only one-day long, the ‘payer tolay shorshe’ Bangali looks for weekend destinations that don’t take long to reach and provide a welcome break from the monotony of the office-home life. Continue reading Two relatively unknown weekend destinations from Kolkata
Why Charlottesville deserves to be on your US itinerary
Charlottesville to me is this incredibly beautiful little city that is obsessed with the third US President Thomas Jefferson. And it doesn’t deserve the kind of global publicity it has received in recent times.
In August 2017, two months after my visit to the university town, white supremacist groups organised a rally in protest against the removal of a controversial statue from a city mark. After the rally, a white nationalist drove a car into the protesting killing one and injuring 19.
I was sad this happened in city that I had grown to love during my four-day stay there. Continue reading Why Charlottesville deserves to be on your US itinerary
My travel style has changed over the years. Here’s how
My eyes were fixed on the Kolkata airport terminal building as the Thai AirAsia aircraft I was in taxied towards the runway. My face was calm (at least, that’s what I thought) but a hundred thoughts were sprinting inside my head.
The year was 2011 and it was my first solo trip. Continue reading My travel style has changed over the years. Here’s how
How Facebook can make your trip better and cut costs
Love it or hate it, Facebook has changed the world.
Whether the cons more than the pros is a matter of debate but I can assure you it is a great resource to cut down on your travel costs.
In this post, I will explain four ways by which you can use Facebook to make your trip better and cheaper. Continue reading How Facebook can make your trip better and cut costs
Low season is the perfect time to visit Goa
The last time I was in Goa was in September, weeks before the tourist season set it. It’s so much better when you don’t have to jostle with the teeming tourists!
It’s easier to find a place at nice restaurants, easier to find a spot in the sea water to splash about in peace and easier to have an awesome trip while spending a fraction of what you would in the high season.
Now that March is here and the crazy crowds have disappeared, it’s time you planned a trip to Goa as well! Continue reading Low season is the perfect time to visit Goa
Authorities must be clear about long-term goals before imposing tourist tax
Barcelona, Dubrovnik, Venice and Edinburgh. What do these European cities have in common? All of them either have or are in the process of imposing taxes on tourists.
Having tourists pay taxes to the local administration is not a new thing. And why shouldn’t they?
Why a tourist tax?
People who visit a place use local roads and pavements there, generate garbage, take up space in local transport, and avail the help of the police if needed. It is the local community that ultimately pays for all this. Continue reading Authorities must be clear about long-term goals before imposing tourist tax