Showing posts with label Travel Blogger. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Travel Blogger. Show all posts
Discovering Odisha | Dancebee Travels
Odisha - The Land of Beauty and Splendour. In this video, explore the magic of this beautiful eastern Indian state's rich heritage and culture, as I take you through some of Odisha's finest gems. From the art and craft of heritage village Raghurajpur to a temple tour in Old Town and Puri (Jagannath Temple) and exploring the ancient archaeological sites at Diamond Triangle - Udayagiri, Ratnagiri and Lalitgiri; this vlog has it all. And of course, it is incomplete without a glimpse of the great Konark Sun Temple and some alluring charm of Asia's largest brackish water lagoon - Chilika Lake.
Join us, as we explore some of the finest gems that Odisha has to offer. Come, experience the magic! Don't forget to like, share and subscribe while you are at it.
Have you visited Odisha? What's your favourite place to explore?
Love,
The Dancebee
Things to do in Ratnagiri (Part I) | Travel
Ratnagiri - the land of Lord Parshurama. A beautiful district that houses scenic mountains and clean, virgin beaches. Situated on the Arabian coast, Ratnagiri is a part of the Konkan division; a place that has my heart (and soul). While most tourists and non-Maharashtrians think of Ratnagiri only when the Alphonso season arrives, there is more to this marvellous district than you could think of. Of late, several tourists have begun flocking to this district on long weekends, to soak in some sunshine and laze around on the virgin beaches (though, I secretly pray and hope they don't turn into another Calangute. Some tourists can certainly do with travel manners. Stop littering, please). As we celebrate World Tourism Day, I take this opportunity to talk about a district [and division of Mahahrashtra] that is close to my heart. A two part Feature series and detailed guide, that will help you plan your next trip to Ratnagiri, with must visit areas and more.
Beaches
Well known for it's long coastline and quiet, calm ambience, Ratnagiri beaches are a far cry from the commercial beaches that you often get to see. Take your pick from a variety of beaches including Bhatye, Ganpatipule, and the twin beaches - Aare, Ware.
Bhatye: Hardly 2kms away from the main city. The sight of white sand on one side and tall trees on the other is enough to let your stressful mind attain some peach.
Aare-Ware: For those who love scenic views, Aare-Ware is the place to be. Stunning view of the long coastline awaits, as you walk ahead. For photography lovers, drive along the Ganpatipule route and halt at the Aare-Ware junction on the top of the hill. Quench your thirst with a glass of home-made Kokam sarbat and click away. One end of the beach also houses some water sports facilities.
Mandvi: For commercial beach lovers, the Mandvi or Kala Samudra beach is a must visit, complete with food stalls, rides and one of a kind black sand beach.
Temples
Ratnagiri is home to some of the most popular and ancient temples. Spiritual tourists can dedicate an entire day to temple visits, and drive back feeling divine. Some of the most popular temples include the Mahakali temple at Adivare, Ganpati temple at Ganpatipule, the Pawas temple among others. Ratnagiri is also one of the rare districts in India that houses a temple dedicated to Lord Surya aka Sun.
Mahakali temple, Adivare: One of the oldest and most popular temples in Ratnagiri, the Mahakali temple [home to Goddess Kali] is situated approximately 35kms away from the main city, in a village called Adivare. Hundreds of devotees visit the temple daily, while the numbers hit over a lakh during the Navratri festival. The main temple area also houses two separate sanctum sanatoriums for Goddess Saraswati and Goddess Laxmi. Several celebrities are known visit the temple during their work trip to Ratnagiri.
Insider Tip: Take a halt at the tea centre situated next to the temple. They serve some lip smacking Vada Pav, Spicy Kanda Bhaji and cutting chai.
Swami Swaroopanand Temple, Pawas: A beautiful temple nestled in the quiet lanes of a village named Pawas, the Swami Swarupanand Temple is approximately 20kms away from Ratnagiri. Located inside a well maintained complex, the temple houses Swami's samadhi, as well as a beautiful idol of Lord Vitthal and Rakhumai. Several copies of the popular holy text - Gnayeshwari, as kept inside the temple. It is said, that you can pick up a copy and randomly open any page. The verses on that particular page shall have the perfect answer to a misery, doubt or problem faced by you. I have personally done this on several occasions, and trust me, it has worked. This is no superstition, but a matter of pure faith. Also, Dnayeshwari in general is a wonderful book. The trust serves delicious Khichdi as part of their Mahaprasad during lunch hours, everyday.
Insider Tip: Head to Vijay's opposite the temple complex, and stock up on your favourite Mango based food products.
Ganpatipule: A destination that is slowly becoming a favourite among Maharashtra and Gujarat based tourists, Ganpatipule is a small village located on the Konkan coastline. The village is well known for it's popular, wish fulfilling Ganesha temple, which is located on a beach which goes by the same name. This temple faces the Arabian sea, and a coastline, which is breathtakingly beautiful. The Swayambhu (self originated) idol placed inside the sanctum sanatorium is 400 years old. Instead of the usual temple pradiksahana, devotees perform a pradikshana via a special marg around the hill behind this temple. This distance of this marg is approximately one kilometre and the surroundings are absolutely beautiful. After a peaceful darshan at the temple, you can relax by the beach side. Sample some of the local Kanda Bhaji, Thalipeeth, or savour the never-ending fresh Coconut Water. With the popularity, the Ganpatipule beach has fast become a commercial area (at least, from what I have been noticing since the last decade). A sincere request to everyone though - please don't litter or leave the temple & beach premises dirty. Seeing the beach in a mess is such an eyesore!
Insider Tip: If you are around during Lunch time, don't leave without savouring the Bhog prasad (post afternoon Aarti, till 2 pm). The khichdi and fresh mango pickle served here is to die for!
That's it for this part of the feature! In the next part, we shall explore some exciting sight seeing destinations and also fill you in with complete details on stay, travel and the areas to sample local cuisines.
Images Credit [except Swami Swaroopanand temple]: From the author's personal collection
Love,
The Dancebee
Beaches
Well known for it's long coastline and quiet, calm ambience, Ratnagiri beaches are a far cry from the commercial beaches that you often get to see. Take your pick from a variety of beaches including Bhatye, Ganpatipule, and the twin beaches - Aare, Ware.
Bhatye: Hardly 2kms away from the main city. The sight of white sand on one side and tall trees on the other is enough to let your stressful mind attain some peach.
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| Image captured outside Bhatye Beach using a regular point and shoot camera, while traveling in a car at 40kmph |
Mandvi: For commercial beach lovers, the Mandvi or Kala Samudra beach is a must visit, complete with food stalls, rides and one of a kind black sand beach.
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| Shot taken from Mandvi beach, moments before the fishermen wind up for the day |
Temples
Ratnagiri is home to some of the most popular and ancient temples. Spiritual tourists can dedicate an entire day to temple visits, and drive back feeling divine. Some of the most popular temples include the Mahakali temple at Adivare, Ganpati temple at Ganpatipule, the Pawas temple among others. Ratnagiri is also one of the rare districts in India that houses a temple dedicated to Lord Surya aka Sun.
Mahakali temple, Adivare: One of the oldest and most popular temples in Ratnagiri, the Mahakali temple [home to Goddess Kali] is situated approximately 35kms away from the main city, in a village called Adivare. Hundreds of devotees visit the temple daily, while the numbers hit over a lakh during the Navratri festival. The main temple area also houses two separate sanctum sanatoriums for Goddess Saraswati and Goddess Laxmi. Several celebrities are known visit the temple during their work trip to Ratnagiri.
Insider Tip: Take a halt at the tea centre situated next to the temple. They serve some lip smacking Vada Pav, Spicy Kanda Bhaji and cutting chai.
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| Captured during the temple renovation process, approximately 2 years ago |
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| While major parts of the temple were renovated, these ancient murals on the ceiling remain intact and have been given a colour makeover. These murals depict Hindu mythological stories |
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| The newly renovated temple area, including a dedicated space for Navratri Havan |
Kanikaditya Mandir, Kasheli: Situated in the Rajapur taluka of Ratnagiri district, in a small village named Kasheli; Kanikaditya temple is one of the very few temples in India that is dedicated to Lord Surya / Sun. Kasheli is approximately a 30km drive from Ratnagiri city. Like several temples in India, this too has an interesting story behind it and the locals are always eager to share mythological stories, facts and trivia with tourists.
Swami Swaroopanand Temple, Pawas: A beautiful temple nestled in the quiet lanes of a village named Pawas, the Swami Swarupanand Temple is approximately 20kms away from Ratnagiri. Located inside a well maintained complex, the temple houses Swami's samadhi, as well as a beautiful idol of Lord Vitthal and Rakhumai. Several copies of the popular holy text - Gnayeshwari, as kept inside the temple. It is said, that you can pick up a copy and randomly open any page. The verses on that particular page shall have the perfect answer to a misery, doubt or problem faced by you. I have personally done this on several occasions, and trust me, it has worked. This is no superstition, but a matter of pure faith. Also, Dnayeshwari in general is a wonderful book. The trust serves delicious Khichdi as part of their Mahaprasad during lunch hours, everyday.
Insider Tip: Head to Vijay's opposite the temple complex, and stock up on your favourite Mango based food products.
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| Image Credit: Ratnagiri Info |
Insider Tip: If you are around during Lunch time, don't leave without savouring the Bhog prasad (post afternoon Aarti, till 2 pm). The khichdi and fresh mango pickle served here is to die for!
That's it for this part of the feature! In the next part, we shall explore some exciting sight seeing destinations and also fill you in with complete details on stay, travel and the areas to sample local cuisines.
Images Credit [except Swami Swaroopanand temple]: From the author's personal collection
Love,
The Dancebee
The Holiday Edit 2016 | Exploring The Best Boutique Hotels and Resorts in India
Who doesn’t love a chilled out holiday? Well, all of us do. Especially during the holiday season. Travel enthusiasts don’t need a reason anyway, as they are open to planning trips during anytime of the year. While luxury hotels, apartments or even a local stay usually tops a traveller’s list during the planning period (depending on one’s budget and preference), personally, we are huge fans of exquisite boutique hotels and resorts in India.
Every state, city and village in the country has so much to offer. Be it tourist attractions, culture, food and crafts; there is something unique that state has to offer. Similarly, boutique hotels in these states also have a USP ranging from breathtaking views to luxurious rooms and delicious food. In this feature, we round up a list of our favourite boutique hotels and resorts in India. Get set to pack your bags already, fellas!
Tamara Resort, Coorg
Nestled amidst pristine valleys, spice estates and the gorgeous Western Ghats, Tamara Resort is perfect for those who are looking to unwind, away from the hustle and bustle of the city. With 44 luxury cottages and 8 suite cottages (the latter houses a private jacuzzi facing the Western Ghats), Tamara Resort makes for a luxurious getaway. The resort also offers exclusive Spa Therapies, leisure and recreation activities. One can also opt for a nature walk or the popular Rudraksha Trail The resort is surrounded by several valleys and waterfalls, which makes for a breathtaking view.
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| Tamara Resort, Coorg |
Best Time to Visit: November to April
Golkonda Resorts and Spa, Hyderabad
Housed in a princely guest house built in 1917 by the last Nizam of Hyderabad, the Golkonda Resorts and Spa offers luxurious facilities at a decent budget. Despite being in the heart of the financial centre and just a little off the expressway, one cannot escape the tranquil ambience of the resort. While Garden Villas come with balconies that provide a stunning view, our favourite has to be the spacious double storey Duplex Villa, that comes with a private lawn. Who else fancies a cuppa with your loved one, while watching the setting sun? For anyone whose middle name spells Luxury, go for the Pool Villa, that comes with an exclusive Pool and butler at your service all day. The resort also has an activity area, several dining options, and a spa - salon. Easily one of the best resorts in Hyderabad.
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| Image credit: Golkonda Resorts and Spa |
Best Time to Visit: October to February
Acron Waterfront Resort, Goa
A luxury boutique resort (part of the renowned ITC group of hotels), Acron Waterfront Resort is a haven for lovers of luxury in Goa. Situated next to the Baga bridge, with the Baga beach on right and the beautiful, serene Baga river in front of the property, Acron Waterfront Resort is a 29 room boutique hotel with amenities that can give any luxury hotel a run for their money. Despite the fact that this property is located right in the middle of all the buzz and happening hot-spots, the moment you enter the resort, you are transported into a quiet and calm world. A secluded place of your own, complete with an infinity pool, spa, lounge and gym area and a restaurant by Cyrus Todiwala, that whips up lip smacking food.
Best Time to Visit: October to February
Raas Haveli, Jodhpur
The perfect gateway for History Lovers. At Raas Haveli, Jodhpur’s first boutique hotel, the old world charm meets modern and contemporary times. The resort is housed in an 18th century Haveli, with three new additional buildings, where Jodhpur's red sand-stone unites the new with the old. The resort has 39 rooms, equipped with the best amenities, of which four are suites. What’s beautiful is the fact that almost every room in the hotel enjoys a spectacular view of the Mehrangarh Fort. Raas Haveli has two restaurants, catering to both Indian and International tastebuds.
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| Image credit: Raas Haveli |
Best Time to Visit: October to March
The Glasshouse on the Ganges, Rishikesh
Part of the popular Neemrana Hotels group, The Glasshouse on the Ganges is situated at a stunning location, where the river Ganga turns around and flows north towards its source. Those looking at relaxing in a peaceful environment, look no further. Set in a lychee and mango orchard of the Maharajas of Tehri Garhwal, with a garden of tropical plants, full of rare birds and butterflies. What’s amazing about this resort is the fact that they have a sand beach of their own, unlike the other Rishikesh hotels. Adventurous folks can opt for activities ranging from river rafting, rock climbing, cliff jumping or a trek, while the ones looking for some serenity can indulge in a therapeutic massage at the Anand Kashi spa.
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| Image credit: Neemrana Hotels |
Best Time to Visit: End of September / Early October to mid-November. Later, from Mid-March to first week of May.
Have you been to any of these beautiful boutique hotels and resorts? If yes, let us know your experience in the comment box or join the conversation on Twitter at @priyaadivarekar
Love,
The Dancebee
Fun Never Ends Here | Imagica Theme Park
For students, the start of summer would mean end of exams and a good break from early morning lectures, making notes and running around the college for other activities. Anyone would agree that summer holidays were also the best part of childhood. You could play for hours without worrying about homework, plan vacations with your family and simply relax. I am quite sure many of you have already planned their Summer getaway, or perhaps, just got back from one. But, if you are one of those who does not have the privilege to enjoy a long week off or haven't planned anything yet, Imagica is just the place for you! The fact that it is just 70kms away from Mumbai makes things all the more easy and convenient.
This one amazing place where fun begins and never ends. In fact, you will never have enough of all the rides and interesting activities at the beautiful Imagica theme park. Just off the Mumbai-Pune expressway (near Khopoli), Imagica is one of the best amusement and adventure theme parks in Maharashtra. With a variety of fun rides and attractions dedicated to different age groups, this place has something for everyone. I took a day off and visited Imagica to soak in the sunshine and enjoy their amazing attractions. Right from the stunning sights of India in I for India to re-living the popular Anil Kapoor starrer Mr India in an animated motion simulation form, riding through the eerie corridors of Salimgarh to experiencing the fury of deities in Wrath of the Gods; you get an opportunity to witness state-of-the-art technology, that is at par with International amusement parks. Though, you need to be alert and make a note of their show timings, otherwise you might end up missing some of these attractions (like we did). I still regret missing Alibaba aur Chalis Chor.
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| Attraction: i for India |
Among the thrill-filled rides, our team had a blast going cray in Nitro - one of Imagica's star attractions. While I gave Nitro a miss, I challenged myself to take up Dare 2 Drop, where you shoot to the sky and drop to the ground with force. For someone scared of heights, this was quite an achievement for me (and great fun too). You can clearly see my reaction, when the ride took its first drop. I kept moving my hand to calm down and closed my eyes during the first drop. It looked like I have invited unnecessary trouble, but the moment this ride got over, I realised it was all worth it.
The attractions at Imagica are divided country wise. So, the surroundings, attractions and even restaurants are designed accordingly. Don't miss the Scream Machine, a gigantic rotating pendulum ride, which is certainly not for the faint hearted.
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| Attraction: Scream Machine |
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| Attraction: Wagon-O-Wheel |
They have also got some really adorable rides for kiddies, and guess what? Some of them actually allow adults to sit along with their kids. It was cute to see parents enjoying Tubby Takes Off (a merry-go-round kind of ride) with their toddlers. But our favourite has to be the great variety of family / group rides. Summer holidays are the perfect time for families to bond and have a great time together. The same goes for a group of friends or colleagues. Rides like Rajasaurus and Bump It Boats are cooler when you enjoy it together. Great time to bond and chill in this heat. A special mention for the attendants at all the rides, who ensure everything is safe and secure before you enjoy the ride. Even the in-park security is top notch. The park guides are also very helpful. For the foodies, Imagica has ample of options ranging from diners, authentic indian restaurants, pirate styled café and more. What I really loved was the fact that water stations were available at considerable distance. You didn't have to check the map or go hunting for them. Also, it great to see multiple ice cream stands. What better than a good family ride and some ice cream to beat the heat?
Our only concern were the limited number of rest rooms. We noticed how a few adults and kids ended up feeling nauseous after some rides (which is normal for some, especially in roller coasters). For a theme park which is so well maintained and clean, an individual may feel guilty and embarrassed to simply puke anywhere. So, increasing the number of washrooms near the attractions will help.
With several rides dedicated to every age group, exclusive never before seen attractions, tons of food options and a huge space to hang around, relax and enjoy; Imagica makes for the perfect family holiday destination. Plus, it's proximity to the island city and Pune (read: easy travel, thanks to multiple modes of transport), makes it a convenient option, even if you plan a last minute getaway. Currently, they have got a special Magic show and the newly opened Snow Park up and running. Head to Imagica's official website for more details on pricing and grab some fab discounts while pre-booking your holiday. Clearly, as their new tagline says - Yeh Badi Interesting Jagah Hain.
Read on to know how you can reach Imagica (and get a glimpse of the water park - Aquamagica as well).
Dancebee Verdict
Rides & Attractions: ✮✮✮✮
Food and Snacks: ✮✮✮1/2
Service and Security: ✮✮✮✮
Final Verdict: ✮✮✮✮
Have a fabulous summer holiday, dear readers! Enjoy these special days with your loved ones and have a blast. Don't forget to add us on Snapchat (Account ID: priyaadivarekar) to see what we are up to this summer.
Location: Adlabs Imagica, Khopoli
Photography: Team Dancebee
Love,
The Dancebee
Water Wonder | The Aquamagica Experience
With Holi celebrations on in full swing, it is also time to welcome happy, bright and super hot days of summer. Plus, the much awaited long weekend is here. I am quite sure that most of you based in Mumbai have had enough of those Pune / Lonavala one day trips with family, gorging on chocolate fudge or perhaps, taking selfies at Shaniwaar Wada. Oh, and those visiting the city for a Mumbai Darshan, aren't you tired of just checking out the huge gate outside Mannat already? There is something better waiting for you just a few kilometres away from Mumbai (and for those residing in Pune, the same goes for you). The perfect escape for all those water babies, who want to enjoy a day out and return home with memories to last a lifetime - Aquamagica.
Just 90 mins away from both Mumbai and Pune and off the Expressway, Aquamagica is a beautiful water park, complete with some of the most exciting rides. The variety of rides and ample space to relax in between all the fun makes Aquamagica perfect for families and large group of friends. Plus, they have got three in-house stores that help, in case you are not carrying the required gear to enter the rides. Team Dancebee was invited to visit Aquamagica earlier this month and must say, we had one helluva amazing experience. Well, our pictures speak louder than words.
Within minutes after buying tickets, the cable cars transport you to the world of Aquamagica, which is located on a hill. This super short ride gave us an incredible view of the entire Adlabs Imagica property below. The cable car ride, a quick 2 min walk and ticket checking later, we were welcomed to the in-house merchandise and apparel store, which is situated next to the huge changing room area for men and women. We liked how the maintenance staff took great care of the visitor's requirements and also kept the rooms, shower cubicles and washrooms super clean. Despite the weekend rush, there was enough room for everyone. To avail locker facility, you can pay a nominal fee and keep your valuables secured. Once you are done changing, you are all set to enter the world of fun.
Rides | The Pirate Bay is a hit with parents and children alike, especially the pirate water bucket. The slides are great fun and we spent almost 20-25 minutes taking a spin at each one of them, back to back. There are some adorable rides reserved for toddlers and little kids as well.As you walk ahead, you come across some more thrilling and adventurous water rides. Some of the most popular ones include Loopy Woopy, Zip Zap Zoom, Boomeranggo, Yell-O and my most favourite - Swirl Whirl. Both Loopy Woopy and Swirl Whirl look super scary, but leave you flying on cloud nine with a crazy high! Boomeranggo was great fun, and we ended up taking this ride up almost 5 times. The queue outside both Soakerz and Twisty-Turvy was super long. Unfortunately, we had to give them a miss. Personally, I had a gala time screaming my lungs out while enjoying some of these super thrilling rides. Unfortunately, it wasn't possible for us to get clicked in all the rides. But hey, I must say - it was pure cray! We love how all the rides are well guarded by the staff and provide excellent security. Each ride is monitored by a group of well trained guards and they make sure all the rules are followed by an individual before enjoying the ride. Safety first, always!
If going adventurous is not your thing, don't fret! There are many other rides that will keep you entertained. A little ahead of Loopy Woopy comes the much loved Wacky Wavess, where you can spend hours enjoying the artificial waves, with some super awesome music playing in the background. I loved spending sometime at Wacky Wavess, enjoying the great music and shaking a leg in the artificial waves. Trust me, it's great fun.
For those who love some lazy moments and want to catch 40 winks while floating on a long stream, there is Floatsa. Here you can float for several minutes on an individual tube, enjoy the lazy river and soak in the sun. There is also a separate area for those who love 'dancing in the rain'. Yes! Rain dance is the ultimate place for those who can't stop shaking a leg, while enjoying the cold water drizzle.
Food | After all the adventure, you are bound to pay some attention to those hunger pangs! Aquamagica houses various restaurants, shacks, cafes and stalls, that serve various cuisines - right from Indian to Italian and Mexican. We liked the Pizza slice served at Sunbeatz - a pizzeria located right next to the rain dance area. While the restaurant also had Salads on the menu, it was unavailable during our visit. Ammos has some decent variety of Indian dishes, including Jain options. For those who prefer a heavy lunch can opt for the unlimited Aqua Lunch buffet available near Ammos (Aquamagica main entrance) for a decent cost. All the restaurants have dishes that are decently priced, but we personally felt that they can do with some more variety. All the restaurant areas provide good shade and perfect to catch up on some conversations over food.
With great connectivity by rail, road and air + some super innovative rides, Aquamagica is the perfect place for families to bond and spend some quality time together, away from the humdrum of the city. In fact, they even have some exciting activities planned for Holi today. For all those who love water and don't believe in wasting it by planning a 'water wastage dance show' in their societies, head to Aquaimagica for a fabulous experience. We had a wonderful time being our water loving self in the magical world of Aquamagica, and honestly, I can't wait to get my entire team for a bonding session now (Oh! They have corporate booking offers too).
A few tips to keep in mind before planning a trip to Aquamagica:
Carry a pair of beach flip flops. The floor gets super hot and unbearable from 11 am to 4:30 pm.
Do not forget your sunscreen. Golden rule. Period!
Carry appropriate swimwear. Unless you plan to buy something from the in-house store.
Got an injury? Ensure you get a clearance from the doctor, before enjoying any ride.
How to get there:
By Road - 75kms drive time from Mumbai / Pune. Situated near Pali Road, a little off the Express highway.
By Air - Chhatrapati Shivaji International / Domestic Airport and then, by road to Aquamagica
By Rail - Nearest local station is Khopoli. Hop into the free shuttle bus provided by Aquamagica at Khopoli.
Aquamagica also offers third party A/C bus and car packages.
We personally prefer the latter, because the former is disorganised offering by Neeta Travels. During our trip, we had originally booked a bus ticket (only on being told that the bus would be an A/C Volvo), but what turned up was a rickety non a/c mini bus by some Vinayak Travels. Thankfully, the Aquamagica team was super prompt in making the changes and our car arrived well in time. Too bad, Neeta Travels just lost our trust.
Ticket Rates: Rs 899 on non-peak days, Rs 999 on peak days (follow Aquamagica on social media for exciting offers and keep an eye on their official website as well). Psst! They even have a pre-holiday offer and a special Student discount, which is valid up to March 31.
Verdict: Clean, well guarded, packed with some crazy rides and super exciting, Aquamagica is the ultimate family destination for all those who love water rides. Make the most of your holiday by enjoying a day out at this amazing water park. This summer, Aquamagica is the place to be!
Have you been to Aquamagica? Share your story with us by leaving a comment or join the conversation on Twitter | Instagram | Facebook
Love,
The Dancebee
Acron Waterfront Resort Goa | Photo Blog // Review
There are luxury hotels, resorts and then, there are beautiful boutique hotels that can be perfectly described as - a home away from home. The Acron Waterfront Resort in Goa is just that. One of Goa's newest gems, that is fast becoming a favourite with tourists (and has already become the no.1 hotel in Baga), Acron Waterfront Resort opened in January earlier this year. While I was busy chalking out plans and making bookings for my week long Konkan sojourn, I was invited by the lovely folks to visit the boutique hotel during my stay at Goa. Since this trip was scheduled to kicked off just a fortnight after my accident (our travel bookings were already done in February), all I wanted to do was laze around and relax in Goa. No sightseeing, no walking around for miles or discovering virgin beaches. Just three blissful days in a calm and peaceful environment. The Acron Waterfront Resort was all that and much more.
Situated next to the Baga bridge, with the Baga beach on right and the beautiful, serene Baga river in front of the property, Acron Waterfront Resort is a 29 room boutique hotel with amenities that can give any luxury hotel a run for their money. Despite the fact that this property is located right in the middle of all the buzz and happening hot-spots, the moment you enter the resort, you are transported into a different world. A secluded place of your own, complete with an infinity pool, spa, lounge area and a restaurant that whips up lip smacking food. As soon as we checked in, we were greeted by Manchit and Kalyani from the front desk team, who noticed that we were completely exhausted and immediately made arrangements for refreshments. Must add, the two of them (and a second girl, whose name I can't recall) took great care of us throughout the stay and ensured that all our requirements are met, be it any time of the day. Our room - no 22 - was equipped with all state-of-the-art amenities and of course, a stunning view of the Baga river (And may I add, a super comfortable bed). The rooms were cleaned regularly and the efficient housekeeping staff led by Suchith (I hope I got his name right) were courteous and would always ensure that the rooms are spic and span. All rooms at the hotel were booked that day, yet the tranquility wasn't disturbed. The staff ensures that the peace isn't hampered.
Waking up to the sounds of birds and the soft, calm river was divine. Being a morning person, I would be up by 6 am to sip on my green tea and post the morning routine, would be ready for a dip in the pool. The view from all the rooms is simply breath-taking. Don't forget to watch the local fishermen in action, as they collect the fresh catch every morning in their colourful motor boats. A cuppa in hand (or maybe dishes from the scrumptious breakfast buffet), a book in another and the sight of this beautiful river. What more can you ask for? And for those who would like to indulge in fishing, there is an area reserved for the same. If you are lucky and do catch hold of a fresh fish, the same can be prepared for you by the excellent folks at The River Restaurant by renowned chef Cyrus Todiwala. For a vegetarian like me, the restaurant staff made sure that yummy food full of veggies was arranged and true to their word, they whipped up some super delicious dishes (full review coming soon, so I shall reserve my comments for that one).
The infinity pool overlooks the Baga river and for those who love sipping on a drink while enjoying a swim, there's a pool bar that serves all kinds of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks (I loved the yummy fresh juices and virgin mojitos). The pool guards and servers at the pool bar were very prompt and alert, making sure that all your requirements are taken care of. I was lazying around in the pool on day two and three, where I noticed how Karthik from the pool department kept an eye on the kids and would always note down details of the pool temperature on a board every day. He ensured that fresh towels are arranged for me and would always check if I required anything else.
The in-house spa, named Spa Sitara, is a lovely place located in the courtyard area of the hotel. Three rooms - airy, calm and well equipped with all the spa essentials - with two beds each, face the spacious and relaxing Jacuzzi. Choose from an array of massages and get ready to relax, as the expert masseurs make sure that all your stress and worries fly out of the spa room, leaving you rejuvenated. Sarah and Alice at Spa Sitara did a wonderful job, as they recommended the right therapy and further, made sure that we were comfortable during the massage, be it with the pressure or oil. Post massage, some time alone in the jacuzzi ensured that I enter bliss mode.
Truly, only a home away from home can ensure that you are well taken care of. Three days at this heavenly resort ensured that I leave Goa with a huge smile on my face (a bit dejected too, since I got used to the lazy, peaceful way of life) and some beautiful memories that shall live with me forever. Be it a quick weekend getaway or a week long escape, Acron Waterfront Resort is your best bet in Baga (Goa). Thanks to its central location, almost every popular hangout is just a few minutes away and the Baga, Anjuna and Vagator beaches are almost at a walkable distance (Baga being the closest at 5 minutes). The courteous staff, delightful view and impeccable amenities just made my stay even more memorable and special. Don't think twice before booking your stay here. I have stayed at several hotels & resorts, but this is hands down one of the best places in Baga, so just go for it!!
Tip: Visit Goa between October - February. The weather is absolutely breath-taking.
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| A selfie and then, one keepsake with the lovely staff at Acron Waterfront Resort. Several others are missing, so here's sending lots of love and luck to them! |
Service: ☆☆☆☆☆
Amenities: ☆☆☆☆½
Rooms: ☆☆☆☆☆
Ambience: ☆☆☆☆☆
Location: ☆☆☆☆½
Pricing: ☆☆☆☆
Overall rating: ☆☆☆☆☆
Thank you for making our stay a memorable one, folks!
Planning a stay at Acron Waterfront Resort, Goa? Don't forget to read our series of review posts and watch the Goa Vlogs on our YouTube channel all this week. The outfit post shot at the property can be accessed here.
Photography: Team Dancebee & Priya Adivarekar
Love,
The Dancebee
