Category: Travel

Most Indian schoolchildren and I spent a breathtaking afternoon at the opulent, and occasionally over the top, Mysuru Palace. View photos Mysore Palace by day

A day of travelling: a flight from Goa to Bangalore then a coach to Mysore. Domestic flights are easy to book in India. I use an app called Cleartrip. You enter your start and destination and are shown all flights, times and prices. You pick one, enter name, pay by credit card and you’re done! … Continue reading / view photos Goa to Bangalore

Today, I was up at the crack of dawn to go to the Dr Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary. During the ferry ride there, there was a lovely sunrise. After an afternoon siesta, I ended the day by going to a viewpoint above Vagator beach to see the sunset. View photos Dr Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary

Whenever there’s a possibility of a massage, I’m reminded of a former boss who used to have a regular lunchtime massage with a Hungarian woman. He said he always found it an uplifting experience. His own boss didn’t believe him and, when he went, he too succumbed to her charms despite his best efforts. Fortunately, … Continue reading / view photos Goan massage

After the sleepless sleeper/rollercoaster coach journey to Hampi, I decided to return by train to Goa. I have already travelled within India by car, motorbike, rickshaw, coach, and plane in the 2.5 weeks I’ve been here. The train was due at 0620. However the expected time soon changed to 0750 – 90 mins late! I … Continue reading / view photos My first train

Hampi Bazaar is looking deserted because the state has decided to stop commercial activity around it. They had already done something similar (in 2011 and 2016) by relocating residents 18km away and demolishing their properties! As of yesterday, all guesthouses, restaurants and shops in the Bazaar have ceased commercial activity. I’ve managed to bypass the … Continue reading / view photos Hampi shutdown

This man looked so genial, elegant and dashing with his walking stick that I asked him if I could take his photo. He happily said yes and having taken the photo, I realised he was in the shade. So I cheekily asked him if he could stand in the sun! He obligingly moved and struck … Continue reading / view photos Meeting Indian tourists in Hampi

The striking ruins at Hampi were originally built in the 14th century. They’re scattered around a surreal, boulder-strewn landscape. I found it funny how kids wanted to know my name and have selfies with me, given that I’m practically Indian 😄 View photos Hello Hampi

Apart from the spice plantation (see separate post), I spent the rest of the day seeing Goa’s capital, Panaji, and Old Goa – mostly 15/16 century churches (including the largest in Asia) and the newly built state library. View photos Panaji, Goa’s capital

I had an informative and entertaining one-to-one tour at the peaceful and non-touristy 200-year old Savoi spice plantation in Goa. They were advised by one of the cruise operators to flatten part of the plantation so that groups of 50 could be accommodated! Whilst waiting for my tour, they provided a perfectly spiced Goan meal … Continue reading / view photos Savoi Spice Plantation