ITINERARY -

Fort Kochi 3N 

Athirapilly Falls 1N 

Palakkad 1N

Ooty Hill Station 4N (+ Coonoor 1N)

Wayanad 3N 

Mahe 1N 

Thottada Beach 3N 

Bekal 1N 

Udupi 3N 

Dhareshwar Beach 1N 

Gokarna  4N 

Palolem Beach 4N 

Vagator Beach 4N 

Tarkarli Beach 2N 

Vijaydurg 1N 

Ganpatipule Beach 1N 

Mahabaleshwar Hill Station 3N 

Murud-Janjira 2N 

Alibag 2N

Matheran 3N 

Mumbai 5N (Fort / Colaba)        

= 53N - 22 Towns & 610 Forts

Skill Level -

Unless you're a tuk tuk driver by profession you probably haven't driven one before. So you'll have to learn on the job after a lesson when you pick it up. In 2006 two English girls bought a tuk tuk in Bangkok and drove it back to England and had a ball.

You can read their story here.

Your main worries are road conditions, weather, other drivers and animals on the road. So drive slowly, never drive at night, don't drink and drive, stay alert and use your horn a lot. Stop and have a rest if you're feeling weary. Learn how the locals navigate traffic and do it the same way. It's best if everyone is on the same page. Also find out local customs. In some countries if the vehicle in front puts on their traffic side indicator it means it's ok to pass. In other countries it means don't pass something is coming. When in doubt or when you can't see the road ahead be patient.

When -

November to February is Winter and the best time to visit. The monsoon rains have eased off and the temperature isn't too hot. If you are doing this in conjunction with the Chennai to Fort Kochi trip start in November and you will have 3 months of good weather to complete this one.

March - May is very hot. June to September is very wet. October - November hot, humid and afternoon rain.

Famous -

• Tellicherry and Malabar Pepper - from the world's oldest pepper market where peppercorns are still used as currency. TGSEB is officially the highest grade of pepper in the world. It stands for Tellicherry Garbled Special Extra Bold. Tellicherry isn't a type of pepper it's a grading standard.

• UNESCO Heritage listed - 2 of India's 5 Toy Trains - the steepest track in Asia

• The Ootacamund Club - play on the table where snooker was invented

• Wayanad - the home of Pepper

• Parameswaran's Special Wynad Pepper - Single Estate, Ripened on Vine, Hand Harvested, Sun Dried, Tiny Batches - the world's best

• Tellicherry - The birthplace of Indian Cricket

• 2nd largest statue of Lord Shiva in the World

• Goa's Beaches - North and South

• Silent Noise Disco - at Palolem Beach

• Kalavantin Durg - the World's Most Dangerous Fort

• Dharavi Slum - the largest and most famous slum in Asia with 1 million residents and setting for  Slumdog Millionaire

• The Gateway of India - the exit gate for the British

• Bollywood - the World's 2nd largest Film Industry

• High Tea at the Taj Palace Hotel

• The Leopold Cafe - star of books and movies

• Stay at the Taj Palace Hotel

• Mahalaxmi Dhobi Ghat - the Largest Laundry in the World

• UNESCO Heritage Listed Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus - Mumbai railway Station

• Sanjay Ghandi National Park - the Largest city park in the World

• Navi Mumbai - the Largest Planned City in the World

• Antilia - the World's most Expensive house ≈ US$1.5 Billion

Highlights -

• Athirapilly Falls - "The Niagara Falls of India"

• More forts than you can point a cannon at

• Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary - 8th on the list of world biodiversity hotspots

• Muzhuppilangad Drive-in Beach - the only one in India

• Bioluminescent plankton at Nirvana Beach

• A Mountain load of Hill Stations - including the smallest and pedestrian only Matheran and Ooty the "Queen of Hills"

• Sundowner - bar, sunsets and 3.4 billion year old rocks with good vibes

• Malvan - India's best coral reef

• Haji Ali Dargah - 1431 shrine, India's version of Mont Saint-Michel in France

• Some of India's best beaches - famous ones and secret ones

• Sunsets - in stunning locations, all the way

Budget -

Low - especially if there are two of you halving the costs. Tuk Tuks are cheap and so is India. You can have a reasonable comfort level without having to spend too much. There are some good SPLURGE options if you want to take a little extra away. It helps to keep the spirits up if you have nice accommodaton so that is probably the main expense.

Pack -

Normally. Don't forget some sun glasses, a waterproof jacket and those thick orange garden bags are handy to waterproof your bag. Something warm wouldn't go astray. A large day pack would be best to take with you. I good quality LED headlamp is always useful. If you have a tuk tuk each there will be more room for your luggage or you could hire surf racks. Take some dress up clothes for the old colonial clubs up in the hill stations.

Visa -

Almost everyone needs a visa for India. A tourist visa will give you plenty of time for this trip which should be between 90 - 180 days.

Click here to check what you need to do.

Flights & Airports - 

Fly into Cochin International Airport (COK) which has direct flights to 31 destinations in 13 countries with some major travel hubs included like London, Singapore and the UAE. (United Arab Emirates)

Fly out of Mumbai Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport (BOM) which has direct flights  to 113 destinations in 37 countries to every continent except South America, Australasia and .... Antarctica.

Check here for flights.

Starting Town -

Fort Kochi  - has a lot of history and it goes way back. Vasco da Gama even lived (and died) here! By opening up a sea route to India it spelled the beginning of the end for the Silk Road. This area was the centre of world spice trade.

It is considered to have the finest natural harbour in the world and was once a major trade hub. The French, English, Chinese, Portuguese, Dutch and Jews have all strived for supremacy here which is why it such an exotic fusion of cultures.

Enjoy the sights and there are some nice restaurants here and a bit of nightlife as well. Pick up your tuk tuk and get organised for the trip of a life time.

Rental -

Unlike motorbikes you don't get a lot of choice with tuk tuks. There is a surcharge for dropping it off in Mumbai.

Click here to go to the website and book online.

Itinerary -

Fort Kochi 3N - 80 km - Athirapilly Falls 1N - 120 km - Palakkad 1N - 140 km -  Ooty Hill Station 4N (+ Coonoor 1N) - 120 km - Wayanad 3N - 110 km - Mahe 1N - 30 km - Thottada Beach 3N - 90 km - Bekal 1N - 130 km -

Udupi 3N - 140 km (En-route - World's 2nd largest Shiva statue in Murudeshwar)  - Dhareshwar Beach 1N - 45 km (Pepper Queeen's bright green Mirjan Fort) - Gokarna  4N - 95 km - Palolem Beach 4N - 120 km (En-route - breakfast at Agonda beach, visit the Indian Naval Aviation Museum and have lunch on Bogmallo beach) -

Vagator Beach 4N - 110 km (En-route - lunch at the clifftop Fort Tiracal Heritage Hotel) - Tarkarli Beach 2N - 85 km - Vijaydurg 1N - 125 km (En-route - see Thibaw Palace where the British locked up the last King of Burma) - Ganpatipule Beach 1N - 192 km - 

Mahabaleshwar Hill Station 3N - 145 km -  Murud-Janjira 2N - 55 km (En-route - Korlai Village built by the Portuguese with a fort and lighthouse) - Alibag 2N - 95 km (En-route - stop in at D Samson's Soda Shop) - Matheran 3N - 95 km - Mumbai 5N (Fort / Colaba)        

= 53N - 22 Towns and 610 Forts😕

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Stay - B* = Booking.com 

You should be able to walk in to most hotels and get a room without booking - but if there is something you really like or it's a busy tourist place book it on Booking.com with free cancelation. Also it's worth checking out the specials especially on some of the more expensive hotels. Nice accommodation helps to keep the spirits up so most of these hotels are 3, 4 and 5*****. You can save a lot staying in cheap places but don't forget to treat yourself every now and then when something special comes along. Usually the most  preferred and expensive place is at the top and they get cheaper going down. Specials and what rooms are available can change this along with other reasons.

You've got your own wheels so you'll be able to stay in some more out of the way resorts and not have to worry about public transport.

Fort Kochi - "The Queen of the Arabian Sea"

The Fort Manor Hotel - Kochi Kerala **** -

B* Free Private Parking - rooftop terrace, close to restaurants, 5 mins from the main attractions

Dutch Bungalow **** -

B* Free Parking - garden, terrace, restaurant, outdoor swimming pool, buffet or full English / Irish breakfast included, paid airport shuttle, spa and wellness centre, 24 hour desk, tour desk, close to main attractions

Hotel Bright *** - 

B* Free Parking (reservation required) - ATM, 24 hour desk, tour desk, restaurant, paid airport transfer, minimarket, close to main attactions

Athirappilly - India's Niagara Falls

Athirappilly Rainland Resort ***- 

B* - Parking - 800m from the falls, outdoor swimming pool, garden, terrace, restaurant, waterfall views from the rooftop, vegetarian breakfast, BBQ facilities

Athirappilly On The Rocks - 

B* - by a river in the forest, parking, lake and river views, garden, exceptional breakfast included

Palakkad -

Udaya Ayervedic Resort - 

B* - Parking - outdoor pool by the river, fitness centre, spa and wellness centre, garden, terrace, restaurant, massage parlour

Diga Vista resorts - B* - Parking - lake views, BBQ, gardens, no internet

Ooty - formerly Ootacamund which was shortened to Ooty but then renamed  Udhagamandalam also spelled Uthagamandalam but henceforth known as Ooty

The idea is to stay in a Raj era building with some colonial character. It would also be nice to be walking distance from the lake and the town. There is a lot of accommodation to pick from so you could drive around and find something you're happy with and get the right price. Here's a few to have a look at.

Club Mahindra Derby Green **** - 

B* - Parking - set on 5.5 acres od landscaped greenery, restaurant with colonial ambience, Ayurvedic Spa, tour desk, 10 minute walk to the toy train station

British Cliff Club Resort  - 

Parking - relive the aristocratic life in a 150 year old colonial bungalow, spread over 3½ acres, enchanting views, Restaurant, Bonfire, fire places, palatial building, cliff jeep safari, welcome drink, fruit basket in room, complimentary newspapers

Astoria Residency ** - 

B* - Parking - 500m from shops and restaurants, coffee shop, tour desk

Orion Resort Ooty - 

Parking - country house 4 km from the lake, garden, buffet breakfast, BBQ facilities, hot tub, outdoor fireplace, terrace, views

Colonels Inn - 

B* - Parking - 4 km from the lake, garden, sun terrace, breakfast, outdoor fireplace

The Red House *** - 

B* - Parking - Colonial style bungalow, next to forest walks, 1km from the lake, bike hire, vegetarian breakfast, next to the Fernhills Palace, evening bonfire, beautiful views, terrace

Kings Cliff *** - 

B* - Parking - great views, indoor / outdoor restaurant, log fires in all rooms, horse riding, tea estate visit, Jungle Jeep ride, gardens

Sterling Ooty Elk Hill **** - 

B* - Parking - superb view of the city, restaurant, Bar, BBQ, tour desk, Coffee Shop, outdoor fireplace, garden, terrace

Coonoor Hill Station -

Great Windows Resorts ***  - 

awesome views of the Tea Plantations from your room, long walks in the Tea Gardens, Restaurant, Garden, Terrace, Shuttle service, BBQ facilities

Bella Vista Homestay - 

B* - 1 km from the Railway Station, garden, tour desk, Restaurant, Outdoor fireplace

Tea Nest *** - 

B* - A historic mansion built in the 1800's and set amidst a Tea Plantation, Restaurant, 24 hour desk, guided tour of the tea gardens, tour desk, terrace, very good breakfast included

Wayanad - Land of Paddy Fields

Tea Tours Ripon Heritage Tour - 

B* - Parking - set amidst the lush tea plantations of Wayanad, outdoor swimming pool, restaurant - (also with brunch, high tea and cocktail hour), sun terrace, 24 hour desk, lounge, buffet or a la carte breakfast included, outdoor fireplace, BBQ, patio, garden, culture class, bike tour, walking tour, Coffee House

Wonder Hill Wayanad Resort - 

B* - Parking - at the top of a hill with splendid 360 degree views, restaurant, garden, BBQ, culture class, walking tour

Dhanagiri Homestay - 

B* - Parking - in the middle of a forest and coffee plantation with superb balcony views, cottages and bungalows, Restaurant - with Kerala cuisine + brunch and high tea, BBQ facilities, hiking trails, tour desk, outdoor fireplace, terrace, garden, cooking class, evening entertainment

Green Garden Wayanad Villas - 

B* - Parking - restaurant, garden, washing machine, hiking, cycling, BBQ, outdoor dining, outdoor fireplace

Upavan Resort **** - 

B* - Parking - surrounded by greenery and mountains, 2 swimming pools, Ayurvedic Spa and Wellness centre, fitness centre, restaurant, outdoor fireplace, garden, patio, Coffee House, Minimart, massage

Jungle Edge Resort **** - 

B* - Parking - stunning views, infinity pool, garden, terrace, restaurant, BBQ, outdoor fireplace, Walking tours, cycling, Spa and Massage

Le Villagio Holiday Apartments **** - 

B* - Parking - terrace, cycling, swimming pool, restaurant - buffet and a la carte, Coffee House, outdoor fireplace, garden, BBQ

SPLURGE

Pepper Trail **** - 

B* - Parking - Heritage Suites, Tree Houses and Pool Villas, Infinity Pool, set in a 200 acre coffee and spice plantation, Restaurant, Ayurvedic Spa and Wellness, Guided Plantation Walks, Open Jeep Safaris, cycling, fishing, canoeing, coracle rides, garden, terrace, patio, cooking class, culture class, massage

Mahe - Puducherry

Villa de 1945 - 

B* - Parking - Terrace, French Restaurant, sun terrace

Pearl Mahe - 

B* - Parking - good value, good location, breakfast included

Thottada Beach -

Chera Rocks Beach Resort - 

Ayurvedic resort in amongst the palm trees and on the beachfront, restaurant

The Malabar Beach Resort - 

Parking - Ayurvedic Spa on the beachfront, restaurant

Club 7 Beach Resort *** - 

B* - Parking - Outdoor dining, beachfront, sun terrace, sea view balconies

Kan Bay Beach Resort - 

Ayurvedic beach front resort, restaurant

kizhunna rocks beach resort - 

B* - Parking - restaurant, garden, private beach area, terrace, sea view balconies

Bekal -

KTDC Bekal Beach Camp - 

on the beach overlooking the fort

Oaks Residency  

B* - Parking for a fee - restaurant, terrace

Udupi -

Paradise Lagoon Spa & Resort *** - LOOKS GREAT

Parking - Great value for money, 2 Open air Restaurants (Bay Side and River Side both with sweeping water views) specialising in seafood and South Indian Coastal cuisine, outdoor infinity pool adjacent to the backwaters facing the sunset, 800m from Delta Beach, can stay on the houseboat, garden, buffet breakfast, outdoor fireplace, picnic area, sun terrace, Ayurvedic Spa and massage, paddle boat and motor boat, fishing deck, 2 km away from a surf beach, Beach Volleyball & Cricket - spread over 3 acres and surrounded on 3 sides by the pristine back waters of Karnataka - if you can afford it book out the houseboat, it's not that much - or at least get a suite with a view of the back waters.

Dhareshwar Beach -

Aura Eco-stay **** - 

private beach, restaurant, Ayurvedic Spa, 20 cottages, garden, party hall, bonfire, beachside dining

Gokarna -  Cow's Ear

Work out whether you want to stay at Gokarna, Kudle or Om beach then have a look and see what you can get. If you want to book ahead on Booking.com you could try one of these. There are a few high end places at each beach if that's what you are looking for.

Gokarna beach

Namaste Samudra (Gokarna) - 

Parking - beachfront, restaurant, bar, garden

Deva Sumdra Beach Stay (Gokarna) - 

B* - Parking - beachfront, restaurant, garden, cottages, outdoor fireplace, massage, Spa and Wellness Centre

The Merakai Beach Resort - 

B* - Parking - beachfront, garden, restaurant, 

Nimmu House - 

B* - Parking (reservation needed) - beachfront, good location near the market

Kudle beach

Arya Homestay Bougain Villa - 

B* - beachfront

Uma Garden - beachfront

Om beach

Namaste Cafe

Parking - beachfront, restaurant, bonfire, power backup

Palolem Beach - all bungalow, cottage or beachfront

· Have a look at these or try your luck when you get there

O3 Beach Resort *** - 

B* - Parking (reservation needed) - great part of the beach, beachfront location, restaurant - theme nights - outdoor dining, bar - happy hour, evening entertainment, bike hire, outdoor fireplace, BBQ, garden

Roundcube Beach Bungalows *** - 

B* - Parking - restaurant, bar - happy hour, beachfront, garden, sea views and balcony, BBQ, sun terrace, snack bar

Cozy Nook Goa - 

B* - Parking (nearby and fees may apply) - great location by the backwaters, beachfront, Bar and restaurant (wood fire with terracotta pots and tandoor station) at sunset point, fresh air style huts, massage, wellness packages, canoe hire, sun lounges on the beach

Akasa Goa ***- 

B* - Parking - 400 m from the beach, restaurant, bar, outdoor pool, garden, terrace, patio

Club Palolem Resort - 

B* - Parking - 150 m from the beach, restaurant, Coffee House, bike rental, water sports rental, massage

OR LAKESIDE

Feather Touch Hotel & Resorts

Parking - Spa, Restaurant, Activities, Relaxation

Vagator Beach -

Antares Restaurant & Beach Club

Parking - Beachfront, Restaurant, Swimming Pool - Claim to Fame

Alcove Resort *** - 

B* - Parking - beach front, outdoor pool, pool bar, restaurant, sea views, sun terrace, bike hire, Spa and Wellness centre

Leony Resort Goa *** - 

B* - Parking - Portuguese style cottages in landscaped gardens, outdoor pool, Ayurvedic massage, tour desk, restaurant, bar, Spa and Wellness centre

Tarkarli Beach - There are resorts & hotels all the way down the strip

La Casa Royale - 

Parking - Outdoor pool, restaurant, shared lounge, garden

Siddhivinayak NX - 

B* - Parking - restaurant

Vijaydurg -

There are a number of hotels and resorts near the fort though they won't have a lot of stars

Try Hotel Suruchi on the waterfront or the Hotel Vijaydurg Palace

Ganpatipule Beach - "The Gem of Ratnagiri"

Abhishek Beach Resort & Spa ** - 

Parking (Charges) - outdoor pool, al fresco dining terrace, sea views, restaurant, fitness centre, bar, Japanese Day Spa & Sauna, tour desk, beachfront, massage

Beachfront Villas - 

B* - Parking - beachfront, balcony, kitchenette, sea views from all rooms, sun terrace, restaurant, BBQ, garden

Mahabaleshwar Hill Station - there is a lot to choose from

Hotel Lake View *** - 

Parking - restaurant, garden, terrace, outdoor pool

Hotel Lake Paradise *** - 

B* - Parking - 2 restaurants, 24 hour desk - outdoor swimming pool, BBQ facilities, outdoor fireplace

Murud-Janjira -

Golden Swan Beach Resort - 

Colonial style architecture, direct access to the beach with views of the palace and the fort, restaurant, Portuguese style beach villas and Mediterranean style cottages, cheaper during the week

Hotel Murud Marina *** - 

B* - Parking - all rooms have balconies and sea views, 2 outdoor swimming pools, restaurant, garden, terrace, 24 hour desk, beachfront

Alibaug - Busy on weekends with people escaping Mumbai

* Look around or maybe book ahead if you're here on the weekend - some of the prices will shock you

Outpost@Alibaug - 

Parking - Outdoor pool - with pool bar, restaurant, bar - happy hour, garden, shared lounge, fitness centre, 24 hour desk , karaoke, buffet or vegetarian breakfast, Spa and Wellness centre, BBQ, cooking lessons, bike and walking tours, squash, massage

Bohemyan Blue Stay **** - 

B* - Parking - close to the hills and surrounded by rice paddies, glamping tents, garden, outdoor pool, bar - happy hour,  24 hour desk, snack bar, sun terrace, restaurant - themed dinner nights, outdoor fireplace, sun terrace, BBQ, cooking and culture classes, bike and walking tours, open air bath, evening entertainment, Spa lounge, Coffee House - Boheymyan Blue Cafe

Blue Coast Beach Resort - 

B* - Parking - Glamping, restaurant, breakfast included, close to the beach

Casurina The Beach Resort - 

Parking - swimming pool, restaurant

Matheran Hill Station - Mothers Wood - Don't come on the weekend

You cannot drive in the town, you have to park up at Dasturi and walk a couple of kilometres into town. These places are about a 4 km walk so you might like to get something on the way. 

The Byke Heritage Pure Veg *** - 

B* - Parking - indoor swimming pool, restaurant, bar / lounge, tennis courts, vegetarian breakfst included

Radha Cottage *** - 

restaurant, 24 hour desk, heritage resort

Gujarat Bhavan Hotel *** - 

Outdoor pool, restaurant, garden

Mumbai - Stay in Colaba the Colonial Heritage District

END OF TRIP SPLURGE

The Taj Mahal Palace ***** 1903 - 

B* - Parking - 10 restaurants, Taj Salon, landscaped pool - the best pool in Mumbai, designer label shops, Royal historical tour of the Palace Wing, Spa and Wellness centre, Fitness centre, bar, Coffee House, Steam room, sun terrace, BBQ - If you haven't seen the movie Hotel Mumbai, watch it after you've stayed here

The Taj Mahal Tower ***** 1972 - 

B* - Parking - on the same site but a completely different building, they share the same facilities and it is a bit cheaper

The Gordon House Hotel Colaba **** - 

B* - Parking - 600 m away from the Gateway of India, 24 hour desk, Bar, All Stir Fry Restaurant, Cafe Havana & Bar - retro nights

Hotel Harbourview Colaba *** - 

B* - Parking - Rooftop terrace - Restaurant, Bar, 24 hour desk, Pub crawls, Coffee House

Carlton Hotel Colaba ** - 

B* - Parking - Opposite the Taj Mahal Palace, great location and cheap

Hotel Diplomat Colaba *** - 

B* - Parking - Indus Cocktail bar & Tandoor

====================================================

About -

This is a big trip and will require a bit of time. If you need to trim it down a lot you could do Fort Kochi to Goa and leave the tuk tuk there. That will make it a month long and you'll save a bit of money on the drop off price. It would be very sad to miss out on what the state of Maharashtra has to offer though.

Fly into Cochin International Airport (COK) and out of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (BOM) in Mumbai. Spend around 3 nights in Fort Cochi to have a look around this fascinating town and get organised for this epic road trip. Don't forget to go for a bit of a trial run before you take off just to make sure everything is okay. You could shoot down to Alappuzha and have a look at the Kerala backwaters. You could even take a houseboat out for a couple of days. Have a look at the Tuk Tuk trip "Coromandel 2 Malabar".

The first day's driving is around 80 km so enough to get settled in but not too tiring. You're off to India's version of the Niagara Falls. Many Bollywood movies have been shot on location here so it is popular with the local tourists. If you get here early enough 1 night should be enough time to have a look around. The best time to see the falls is between September to January so you're in luck.

Next day make your way to Palakkad situated where a natural break in the Western Ghats provides access between this state and Tamil Nadu. This has also let in culture and influences over the years. The area is famous for its Ayurvedic retreats so why not stay in one and get a treatment or two. There are a couple of other sights around as well.

"Snooty" Ooty - Queen of Hills was the hill station for Madras back in the day and it still retains its opulent colonial charm which makes it a popular destination for honeymooners. It is also one end of the famous Nilgiri Hill Mountain Railway (Toy Train) which runs from here to Mettupalayam. It's a beautiful area and worth spending a little time. The highlight is the train ride which will entail and overnight stay in another hill station named Coonoor.

Step back in time and visit the colonial relics, have a round of golf, visit the race track and have a game of snooker on the table where the game was invented. Feast on the local specialties like handmade chocolate, cheese and cakes.

Wayanad is famous for its spice, tea and coffee plantations. It is said to be the least populous and most attractive part of Kerala aka "God's Own Country" so that's probably saying something. Stay at a resort and take in the wonderful views and suck that mountain air into your lungs. Time to relax as well as see the local major attractions. Enjoy the refreshing tranquillity because you're heading back to sea level shortly.

Mahe is surrounded by Kerala but is a part of the Union of Puducherry (The smallest district in India) which was once a part of French India until 1954. It has a pleasant riverfront promenade and is a good place to stock up on booze. The Union has tax exemptions on alcohol and there are no restrictions on how much you buy. There are over 70 liquor outlets or "wine shops" as they are known locally. You would think some French food would be on offer but apart from French Fries and ice cream you'll be hard pressed to find anything. It's not exactly the French Quarter in Pondicherry on the east coast but you will find a few reminders around the place and strolling along the riverside walkway you just might imagine yourself in Paris. Just one night here to break up the trip to Thottada Beach.

Only a 30 km drive today so you have plenty of time to look around Thelassery aka Tellicherry on the way through. And there are a few things worth seeing as well as a few must eat places. If you're there long enough you can enjoy a sunset at the drive on beach which is just 6 km away from your beach resort.

Thottada Beach is an emerging star on the tourist horizon so it's a good time to go there. Covered in golden sand, framed by coconut trees and lush green vegetation and finished off with the bright blue warm waters of the Arabian Sea it is every beach lover's dream destination. Spend a few days relaxing in the sun and getting a few Ayurvedic treatments. Head into Kannur for a day's sightseeing for something different.

A short overnight stop in Bekal to break up the distance. Another couple of forts to see and this time you'll be staying just down the road or next door. This trip should have been called Fort 2 Fort 2 Fort via Fort 2 Fort etc...

Udupi is considered the final resting place of Lord Krishna so it is an important pilgrimage centre which is considered one of the holiest in southern India.. There is a famous temple here which is known globally and sees thousands of visitors a year. Stay in a fantastic resort by the river and enjoy the wonderful environment and local beaches at a very leisurely pace.

Long drive today - 140 km and a one night stay in a cottage in an eco-friendly beach resort. En-route you will see the 2nd biggest Shiva statue in the world. If you're lucky you might get dinner and a bonfire by the beach. Bioluminescent plankton is an unusual phenomena where the sea sparkles bright blue at night time. It is a bit like the northern lights and you need to be in the right place at the right time. It is hard to say when and where it will occur. Sometimes it can hang around for weeks, or days or not at all. It can happen at any of Gokarna's beaches but  the most likely are Kumta and Nirvana beaches which are just up the road from here. Three days after the new moon will give you a chance. So if you feel like going for a drive.... It's actually a lot closer from here than from Gokarna.

No need to rush off today as you only have an hour's drive to you next destination. When you're ready make your way to the temple town that is blessed with an abundance of beautiful beaches - Gokarna. The 3 main ones you want to know about are Om, Kudle and Gokarna. The others can't be reached by road. Most travellers skip the main Gokarna beach which is popular with pilgrims. Om beach can get busy with day trippers and on weekends as it has easy road access. Back packers and people wanting to escape the crowds in peak season head to Kudle beach which is less accessible positioned between two cliffs. Have a look in the See section for a description of the beaches.

These beaches can have strong currents so be very careful especially on deserted beaches where there is no one to save you. Don't go in when the sea is rough. See if other people are swimming. Don't go past your waist. Don't dive under waves. If you're not a strong swimmer don't go in. People drown here!!

Some say this is the new Goa. Perhaps they should rename it Goakarna. But unlike Goa these gorgeous beaches are very affordable and uncrowded. Goa is more developed and sophisticated. Luckily you will get to enjoy both of them.

Have a look and see what you like and then find somewhere to stay. There are a few suggestions in the Stay section. Om Beach would be a good place to start looking and then maybe Kudle or Gokarna. The last two are a bit further out. It's a spread out area but with 4 nights you should be able to get around to most of it.

From one beach paradise to another. Next stop Goa. The southern Goan beach of Palolem is 1.5 km of powdery white sand lined with coconut palms and bamboo beach huts, bars and restaurants. There is some great sea food on offer too. It is one of India's best beaches and a lot of ex-pats who live here obviously feel the same way. It is also one of the safest to swim at. Grab some cash on the way in as at the time of writing there are no ATM's on the beach

You'll need a minimum of 4 days to enjoy the sun, surf and sand before heading off to northern Goa for more of the same. Same, same but different. The nightlife action goes up a few notches and so do the crowd numbers, touts and prices.

It's still a great place and you'll have a lot of fun here over 4 nights. It's a good place to have a splurge on some of the more top end eateries and bars. Sunsets are stunning here as well. Scooters are cheap and the beaches are a distance apart so you could hire one for a few days.

Change of scenery coming as you head up the Konkan Coast. From an international tourist destination to a local Indian one where you'll probably be the only foreigner. That's okay, the locals are friendly, the sea food is fresh and it will be a nice change of pace after Goa.

Spend a night in Vijaydurg up the coast and have a look at the Gibraltar of the East. Eat some fresh seafood along the waterfront as well. You'll be covering a few kilometres in the next few days. You'll be able to rest up in comfortable hotels and pamper yourself with a massage or spa treatment.

Next overnighter is at Ganpatipule Beach known as the gem of Ratnagiri. It's one of the nicest beaches on the Kolkan Coast and has activities and attractions to keep you entertained. Seafood and sunsets make a good double act on the way up this western coast.

You'll need an early start today as you tackle the longest leg of the trip - close on 200 km. You are heading for the hills again and a change of scenery. Mahabaleshwar Hill Station served as the summer capital for the Bombay Presidency. It is famous as the origin of five sacred rivers and for the quality of its strawberries and raspberries.

Relax up here and enjoy the fresh air and wonderful scenery for a few days. Eat lots of strawberries and get a bit of excercise.

Back to the coast again for an amazing island fort or two and a great sunset culture at Murud-Janira. Some of the best beaches on the Konkan coast and some delicious fish thalis and other sea food dishes.

A short trip up the coast to Alibaug which is popularly known as mini Goa. These beaches are the ones that people from Mumbai escape to on weekends so there are some top end hotels and restaurants as well as other tourist infrastructure. It is just a ferry ride away. It has become a destination for A-listers who like to escape the city in their luxury villas. Probably best avoided at weekends.

Bene Israeli Jews landed here around 2,200 years ago after fleeing persecution in Palestine. Alibaug means Ali's garden and is said to be named after one of them who was wealthy. In later years the Portuguese, Marathas and British all fought for control with the British finally winning out early in the 19th century.

Time to head for the hills and another toy train ride. Matheran is another weekend getaway for Mumbaikars so I strongly suggest you come here during the week. Which is cheaper, a lot less crowded and better for the Toy Train trip. This is the only Hill Station in India that is pedestrian only. The only vehicle allowed is the ambulance, so horses and rickshaws rule the roads.

All cars have to park up at the Dasturi Car Park which is 3 km from town. There is a small daily fee and don't leave anything laying around as the monkeys will knock it off. There are a lot here and they leave people alone unless they think you have food or are opening something that may have food. Some locals suggest carrying a stick around with you.

There is a shuttle service from nearby Aman Lodge Station into Matheran Toy Train Station. There are a dozen a day and it takes 20 mins. Or you could walk or ride a horse.

You can try and get a room as you walk into town. There is a government tourist hotel just past the car park. There are a few suggestions under STAY which are past the other side of town about 4 km away. There are baggage services as well if you need it.

Matheran is the smallest and one of the most beautiful Hill Stations in India. Enjoy the fresh air, absence of traffic and serenity before you descend into the chaos that is India's largest city - Mumbai.

It might be chaotic but it has a lot to offer including some quiet havens. So to do it any justice you should stay here for a good 4 or 5 days. Look through See and Do to see how many days you think you'll need. If you can afford it a stay at one of the Taj Hotels will finish off the trip nicely.

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History -

The Malabar Coast 

heads south from Goa. It was the epicentre of the spice world and the Portuguese explorer was the first European to find a sea route. This spelled the beginning of the end for the Silk Road. Up until the Europeans arrived the Malabar coast was known as one of the most hospitable trading havens.

The Portuguese built forts up the coast 

and introduced armed commerce. In the 17th century the Dutch and British came along and eventually the British East India Company took control. The French settlement at Mahe became an important centre of pepper trade and they stayed there until 1954.

The Konkan Coast 

goes from Goa up just past Mumbai. It is known for its beautiful beaches, fishing villages and numerous forts. the forts were built around a thousand years ago. The Maratha Empire ruled here from the later 1600's until the British east India Company took over in 1818.

Originally Mumbai was a group of 7 islands. 

The Portuguese gave them different names but they eventually became known as Bombain meaning good bay. The English acquired them as a part of the dowry when Charles II got married. They decided it would make a good base but the problem was the average life expectancy here for an Englishman was 3 years due to malaria. They decided to drain the swamp and connect the islands. The joining of the 7 islands was finally completed in 1838.

Parsis are Zoroastrians 

who fled persecution by Muslims in Persia (Iran) and first came to Gujarit around 1,300 years ago. They learned the local language and stopped eating beef to assimilate with the locals. Bombay came under the control of the British East India Company in 1668 and because of the religious freedom they offered many Parsi settled here. The expansion of the city was mainly due to their abilities and efforts and they became a wealthy community.

Iranis are Zoroastrians who left Persia in the 19th century and set up many cafes in Bombay. In their heyday there were hundreds dotted around the city but sadly today there are only a few dozen of these precious time capsules left. Many of the owners are in their 80's and 90's and not sure who is going to take over from them. Have a look at EAT for Mumbai for a list of some of the more famous ones.

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See -

Fort Kochi -

Fort Kochi Jail and Museum - built to hold freedom fighters

Fort Kochi Fort - don't overdo it too early. There's a lot of forts to come and some of the best ones are at the end. So try not to get Forted out.

Athirapilly Falls -

There are another couple of falls nearby - Vazhachal and Charpa.

Palakkad -

Palakkad Fort  complete with moat - the maiden is used for exhibits and events. Open 8 am - 6 pm.

Rock Garden - in Malampuzha 8 km away

Ooty  - "Queen of Hills" -

Botanical Gardens - 22 hectares of the local flora in 5 sections and  opened in 1848. Snacks available.

Rose Garden - but the best time to see this is between March and June.

Thread Garden - unique handmade and realistic artificial flowers that are best seen anytime.

St Stephens Church - built in 1829 using elephant power, complete with cemetery featuring many of the British living here (or not).

The Tea factory - to see it being processed and packaged.

Wax World - inside an old Raj bungalow with local figures.

Doddabetta View Point - scenic views of the valley, a cafe for a cup of Ooty tea and nearby is the scenic Tea Estate View Point where you can walk the trails through the tea and be astounded by the views. There is also a tea factory, museum, tasting and factory outlet to complete the experience.

The M & N Chocolate Museum - the first one in India. Learn about the chocolate making process both ancient and modern. Learn chocolate history back to 1500 BC when the Mayans used to brew up hot chocolate drinks. The museum is in the Limca book of records for making an 18 metre chocolate bar.

Ooty Homemade Chocolates - Chocolate Factory

Ooty Racecourse - well over 100 years old and one of the most famous in India. Racing season is in summer from April to June.

Wayanad -

Do the viewpoint tour - Lakkidi, Neelimala, Phantom Rock, Vayalada, Kaduvakuzhi and as many again. Pick a logical route from where you end up staying.

Uravu Bamboo Workshop - see what you can do with one of mother nature's masterpieces. Help out a worthy cause and pick up a few souvenirs.

Mahe - Mayyazhi

Government House Museum - at the start of the riverside walkway

Thottada Beach -

Sacred Cave Temple - home to a powerful and invisible yogi.

Dharmadam Island - you can walk from the Drive in beach at low tide

Bekal -

Bekal Fort - Panoramic views of the Malabar coastline. It took15 years to build and was finished in 1660. It is spread over 40 acres so there are plenty of walks available. Closed on Sunday.

Udupi -

The Shri Krishna Matha - famous pilgrimage site

Malpe Beach - sunsets, camel rides, sea walk

Dhareshwar Beach -

En-route see the world's 2nd largest Shiva statue at Murudeshwar. The biggest one is in Nepal.

Head up to Kumta beach to see if there is any Bioluminecent plankton about. 3 days after a new moon is a good time to look.

Gokarna - The Beaches (Avoid swimming in rough seas)

En-route - stop off to have a look at the Mirjan Fort, covered in bright green moss and built by Rani Chennabhairadevi the Pepper Queen who defeated the mighty Portuguese. She ruled for 54 years.

Om Beach - 

The double crescent beaches are similar to part of the sacred Hindu symbol for OM. It has spectacular sunsets, water sports (including Jet Skis, banana boats and parasailing), surfing, hiking, dolphin spotting, plenty of food stalls and cafes.

Kudle Beach - 

Is one of the best most popular beaches for travellers and backpackers. After sunset there is often a hippie flea market followed by a bonfire and drumming. It has the usual water sports, beach volleyball, cricket, hiking, sunsets, it has many food stalls, cafes and restaurants - it is dangerous for swimming

Gokarna Beach -

the main beach, popular with the locals and the most developed and busy, near the temple which is a pilgrimage site. people go for a cleansing dip in the sea before entering the temple.

Half Moon Beach - 

more secluded for those seeking solitude, like hippies. It is free from commercialisation and development. Accommodation and restaurants are set up between November and May. The bamboo huts have no power and food and beer is about 40 % dearer than other places. The currents are strong here and people have drowned. Walking back to Om beach after sunset can be dangerous in the dark. You could get lost or fall off a cliff.

Paradise Beach -  

Aka Full Moon beach. South from Half Moon beach, only has access by foot or boat and it is dangerous for swimming. Once a famous hippy hangout, a local official dismantled all of the shacks and banned any commercial activity on the beach. The broken down shacks are still lying around the place. Camping is the only option and don't try to take the path after dark.

Nirvana Beach - 

And Kumta Beach are places where Bioluminescent plankton appears. It is secluded and doesn't get the crowds of Gokarna beach. There are not many facilities here.

Palolem Beach -

Cotigao Wildlife Centre - exotic flora and protected fauna - they are a bit shy though so you may not get to see a lot of them. What you could see is wild boars, panthers, hyenas, sloth bears, flying squirrels, Indian pangolins, antelopes, Malabar pit vipers, woodpeckers, mouse deer, flying lizards, golden back gliding snakes, porcupines and Malabar tree toads. There are 8 hiking trails, 6 treetop watchtowers and an educational centre. Also there is an observation deck in the foliage of a 25 m tree looking down on the watering hole where the animals come to drink at dawn and dusk. Open 7 am - 5.30 pm every day.

Vagator Beach -

En-route - have breakfast in Agonda beach and lunch in Bogmalo beach (well known for its Goan specialties). Have a look at the Indian Naval Aviation Museum first.

Tarkarli Beach -

En-route - stop in for a lazy lunch at Fort Tiracol Heritage Hotel (book ahead - great sea food and al fresco dining on the terrace with mesmerising sea views)

Sindughurg Fort - on its own island 15 minutes away by boat - it occupies 48 acres but unfortunately it has a lot of rubbish laying around

Sunday mornings - make the effort if you're here to get up and watch the entire village participate in traditional net fishing off the beach at Malvan

Vijaydurg -

Vijaydurg - aka Fort Victor - sea fort that was the maritime headquarters of the Maratha Navy, it was called the Eastern Gibraltar by the British - you can take a boat ride around to look at the outside walls - World Helium day is celebrated at the Fort!!

Ganpatipule -

En-route - See Thibaw Palace - closed Mondays - open 10 am - 5 pm - interesting story behind this one which you can read about in - The King in Exile - The Fall of the Royal Family in Burma by Sudah Shah / there is some more fort stuff nearby -  if you have an unnatural interest in forts. There is a good one coming up so save some room for it.

Ganpatipule Temple - is 400 years old and receives thousands of pilgrims every year seeking the blessings of Lord Ganesha

Ratnadurga or Bhagawati Fort - 120 acres and built in the 12th century - surrounded by the sea on 3 sides and very picturesque

Mahabaleshwar Hill Station -

Mapro Garden - a large strawberry plantation and host of the annual Strawberry Festival - it has a Chocolate Factory and Strawberry products like ice cream, jam, syrup and juice.

Viewpoints - Wilson Point  (Sunrise Point) / Parsi Point (great views of the dam and another fine picnic spot) / Bombay Point (Sunset Point) / Kate's Point /  Arthur's Seat (is made up of 6 viewpoints) / Elephant's Head Point (good for a picnic) / Helen's Point (incredible vistas including waterfalls) / Babington Point  (for bird watching and views of Chinaman's Falls) / Carnac Point

Pratapgarh Fort - this one's very scenic on top of a hill with amazing views.

Waterfalls - Lingmala and Chinaman's - take a picnic lunch.

Wax Museum - personalities from around the world.

Murud-Janjira -

Padmadurg (fort) - is another island fort further out to sea. You can visit but you need to get permission from the Navy. It makes a good setting for the sunset from Murud beach.

Alibaug -

En-route - stop in at the Portuguese village of Korlai, you can climb up to the ruins of their old fort and see the light house

If you are sick of the sight of forts and never ever want to see another one you'll be glad to hear there is only 3 in this town. The Kolaba Fort is accessible by foot at low tide and once had a 5 storey palace inside of it. You probably won't be surprised to learn that this state alone is home to over 350 forts.

The Native Biodiversity Garden - 17 themed sections on medicinal, spices, butterflies, wetlands etc. Open 9 am - 1 pm and 2 pm - 4.30 pm every day.

Matheran Hill Station -

En-route stop in at D Samson's Soda Shop - established in 1938 by Daniel Samson Digodkar a descendant of the Bene Israeli Jews who came out 2,200 years ago to flee oppression in Palestine. His nephew loved the sodas and runs the shop today. It has ice cream sodas as well as flavours like Ginger and Lemon, Kala Katta (Blackberry combination) and Masala Soda (Spice mix).

There are 38 designated lookout points around the place - you can do a walking tour of the closer ones

Louisa Point and Echo Point - amazing views, zip lines, echoes, snacks and refreshments

Scenic Charlotte Lake - has birdlife, a temple, a waterfall during the monsoon, great sunsets and a good place for a picnic.

King George Point - 10 mins from Charlotte Lake, many people say it's a sin to come to Matheran and not see this majestic view of the lake and falls surrounded by 3 hills, also good for sunset

9D Cinema in town - all the features of a 7D theatre with 2 more. A frenzy of sensations.

Mumbai -

The Gateway of India - opened in 1924 it was built to commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary in 1911. The last British troops left through here in 1947 marking the end of British rule in India. The government didn't have enough money for the monument and that is why the approach road was never built. It's a popular tourist attraction and has numerous vendors selling all manner of things.

Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus - aka CST, formerly known as Victoria Terminus and it was built to commemorate her Golden Jubilee - the iconic Mumbai Railway Station is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It featured in the movie Slumdog Millionaire. Quite a sight at rush hour.

Haji Ali Dargah - built in 1431 by a wealthy Muslim merchant and Sufi saint who is entombed here. Situated in the sea it is only accessible at low tide by a 500 m walkway.

Chor Bazaar / Thieves market - so called because some of Queen Victoria's belongings went missing from one of her ships and yhey were found for sale at the market. It is over 150 years old and has some peculiar items for sale.

Khotachiwadi Village - colourful narrow streets and Portuguese architecture lure tourists to this peaceful haven for a break from Mumbai's noisy streets.

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya - formerly known as the Prince of Wales Museum of Western India is one of the most beautiful buildings in the city and holds many of India's treasures. Helpfully it has English translations.

Mani Bhavan - see where Ghandi lived for 17 years and directed his campaign against the British from - the rooms where he lived and worked, rare photos, films and some of his iconic possessions

Acworth Leprosy Museum - located in the Leprosy Hospital - learn the truth about this controversial illness - if you dare!!

Elephanta Caves on Elephanta Island - UNESCO World Heritage Listed cave temples dedicated to Lord Shiva in Mumbai Harbour. Reached by a ferry ride from the Gateway of India. It is also a popular trekking destination. This island has of all things a fort and a Toy Train. The train will transport you along the long pier to the start of the cave walk.

Antilia (named after a mythical island in the Atlantic Ocean) - the world's most expensive private house (not counting Buckingham Palace) owned by Mumbai billionaire and India's richest man Mukesh Ambani. He lives here with his wife and 3 kids. The 27 storey building is located on Altamount Rd Cumballa Hill in South Mumbai. These are note regular floors though and in reality it is equal to a 40 storey building. There are 600 staff living here. it is designed to survive an earthquake of 8 on the Richter Scale. It has 3 helipads and an air traffic control system. It has 6 levels of parking which can accommodate 168 cars. It has a snow room.

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Do -

Fort Kochi -

A Walking Tour - including the Chinese fishing nets / Waterfront Granary Hotel / Jewtown / The International Pepper Exchange (the only place in the world that uses pepper as currency) / Jew Street / The Mattancherry Palace / The Jain temple (at 2.15 pm sharp to see the pigeons) / Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica / Princess Street / Vasco House / The Saint Francis CSI Church / Malabar House (Beer O'clock) and the Dutch Cemetery. Just feed the stops into Maps.me and use your phone to navigate or find the on the Marker Map. ⬆️

Athirapilly Falls -

Walk around the falls

If you wander through the gardens at Thumboormuzhi Dam you will come across over 148 diverse species of butterflies.

Palakkad -

Have an Ayurvedic treatment and massage

Fantasy Park - water park if you feel like cooling off

Kava Island - for nature walks, 12 km away

"Snooty Ooty " -

Boathouse at the lake - for paddle boats, row boats and motor boats. Also a 7D cinema at the lake, mini train, horror house, house of mirrors and other entertainments. The lake was man made in 1824.

Trout fishing at Avalanche Lake / Hang Gliding

Play Golf at the Ooty Golf Club - one of the finest natural golf courses in the world + the altitude adds 10 yards to your shots.😃 If you see the Ooty Hunt Club (the only one surviving outside England and Ireland) riding along on their horses they have right of way and you'll need to call them through. Have a meal and a few drinks at the Ootacamund Gymkhana Club after your round.

Do a day trip to see the other Hill Stations of Kotagiri and Coonoor. In Kotagiri see the memorial for the man who started it all, John Sullivan. Then head to the amazing cake shops near Johnstone Circle for some morning tea. On the road from Coonoor to Ooty stop in at the famous Culinarium restaurant. Breathtaking views matched with delicious food. Pot pies, Chicken and mushroom pie, lasagne, goulash and salted caramel ice cream.

Nilgiri Mountain Railway - take the Toy Train to Mettupalayam . Built by the Brits in 1908 and still using steam locomotives sometimes or a diesel for more power. The section between Ooty and Coonoor is steeper and this is where they usually use a diesel. Many Bollywood movies have been shot on the train which travels through stunning mountain scenery and some of Tamil Nadu's famous hill stations. It is 46 km long, has many tunnels and hundreds of bridges. There are 1st, 2nd and General Class tickets which you can book online. It's very popular so it will pay to book ahead. See if you can get on the Vista Dome Coach. There is no catering or toilets on the train. You can buy food at the stations and the train does stop for toilet breaks.

Get 1st Class seats for more leg room. Take some food and water. Catch the 2 pm train from Ooty and arrive in Mettupalayam at 5.30 pm. Have a one way taxi organised to meet you and drive you back to Coonoor. Have a quick look in the Niligiri Mountain Railway Museum (adjacent to the railway station before you leave). You should have almost enough daylight to get there and not have to travel at night.

Spend the next day looking around Coonoor then catch the 4 pm train which will arrive back in Ooty at 5.15pm. Spend the day relaxing, looking aroundor have a round of golf at the Wellington Gymkhana Club. Founded in 1873 this scenic course is one of the oldest in Southern India. Check out the many bakeries in town. The famous Crown Bakery dates back to 1880. If you love your plants there is another botanical garden here called Sim's Park.

Coonoor -

Horse riding / Trekking

Wayanad -

Visit a Plantation - Wayanad has some of the world's best spices, tea and coffee - see your hotel tour desk to find out the best place nearby - main crops in the region include coffee, cocoa, pepper, ginger, plantain, vanilla, tumeric, cardamom, beetle nut, tea, cassava and cinnamon. The best pepper comes from a unique variety called the Wayanadan which grows mainly in the Manathavady region. This variety is almost extinct and there are efforts being made to revive its rightful place in the pepper world.

A day trip to see the 2 major attractions -

1. The Edakkal Caves - housing petroglyphs believed to be over 8,000 years old - they are the only Stone age drawings in India. Closed on Mondays.

2. Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary - 350 square kilometres of magical landscapes and sanctuary for endangered species. Jeep Safaris 7 am - 10 am and 3 pm - 5 pm. It has the world's largest recorded population of Asian elephants and Tigers. These two along with the Vulture are considered the Flagship species at the sanctuary. Other species include Leopards, Jungle cats, Leopard cats, Spotted deer, Sambar deer, Gaur, Sloth bear, Wild dog, Wild boar, Indian pangolin, Stripe-necked mongoose and a host of other mammals. Also known as the Mathunga Wildlife Sanctuary.

Chembra Peak Trek - a 3 km hike through tea plantations, thick forests and lush grasslands to the top of Wayanads highest peak. A stunning walk that is well rewarded when you reach the top. Stop at the perfect heart shaped lake if you want to cut it short. It is a couple of hours to the lake and then another hour and a half to the peak. Most people start at around 7 am. Take lots of water and some food.

Mahe -

Go for a wander along the riverside walkway

Stock up on booze

Thottada Beach -

Enroute - only a short drive so plenty of time to check out the city of the three C's - Thelassery aka Tellicherry. It was the first place the British played cricket, the first place they made cakes and the Indian Circus has its origins here as well.

The cakes were baked in Mambally's Royal Biscuit Factory which is still open today and would be a good place to pick up some sweet treats. You could eat them at Overbury's Folly a nearby sea side park with an open air coffee shop and a story. They baked India's first Christmas cake in 1883. Also nearby is the Thelassery Fort which is near the Municipal Cricket Stadium, the birthplace of Indian Cricket. Unfortunately the Circus Training Academy has been closed down. The famous Paris Restaurant is known for having the best Thelassery Biriyani in town. Across the road is the Firoz Cool Bar where you can finish off with something sweet.

Further on up the road is the Muzhuppilangad Drive on Beach. Take the Tuk Tuk out for a spin on the 5 kms of firm sand. At sunset it gets busy with people and vendors. You're only 6 kms away from your resort.

Go boating and fishing on the Thottada River.

Head into Kunnar to see the sights - (Marco Polo was here a while ago)

· Peralasssery - the massive temple pond is the visual attraction at this famous pilgrimage site.

· Dinesh Beedi Factory - one of the biggest and best beedi factories around - visitors welcome

· Fort St Angelo - one of the oldest Portuguese settlements built in 1505 - you can climb up to the top for views along the coast

· Arakkal Museum - in part of the old Royal Palace of the Arakkal family whose dynasty dates back to the 1200's.

Have lunch at the Hotel Odens who specialise in Malabar Cuisine. It is near the market. For western food try Sahib's Grill. - Kunnar is a good place to buy cashews and banana chips.

Bekal -

Pallikere Beach - 1 km south of the fort, with great views of the fort. A popular spot.

Kodi Cliffs and Kappil beach - for the views and scenery

Udupi -

Enroute - have a look at the Chandragiri Fort in Kasaragod, a huge 17th century fort with an eventful history. Stop in at Kaup Beach to climb the Light house

White water rafting - on the Sita River

Visit St Mary's Island - just like Vasco de Gama did in 1948 when he named it / them

Go for a surf / Have a few Ayurvedic treatments and massages

Dhareshwar Beach -

Enroute - India's 2nd largest Shiva statue at Murdeshwar

Gokarna -

Beach crawl - go for a hike and spend a bit of time at all the beaches

Learn how to surf - at the surf school on Gokarna beach

Nirvana Beach - head over at night time to see the blue glowing plankton

This is a major pilgrimage centre so if you're into temples there are plenty around including the major one by Gokarna beach - Mahabaleshwar Temple with its 6 foot Shiva Lingham. This temple is considered as important as the one in the holy city of Varanasi. This isn't the only bioluminescent beach you will be going past. Have a look at the link for a few more.

Yoga is popular here and there are Ayurvedic Spas in most of the resorts if you're looking for a massage or treatment

Go for a stroll around the ancient streets of Gokarna Town with its colourful murals and around the lake

Ride a camel along the beach

Palolem Beach -

Go dolphin spotting - by sail boat

Visit Monkey Island (Canacona Island) - walk across at low tide or take a boat - good luck!!

Goa Jungle Adventure - go canyoning or trekking

Go for a spin up to popular Agonda beach or pop in for breakfast when you are heading up the coast

Saturday Flea Market - in Palolem (and others)

Lots of massage places along the beach and top end Ayurvedic Spas - reflexology, Reiki, energy healing - ask locals for advice on where to go as there are a few dodgy (gropey) ones around

Play Golf at the beach and river front LaLit Golf & Spa Resort - take your bathers for the best swimming pool at Palolem

Scuba Diving

Boating and kayaking on the backwaters or kayak along the coastline to the next beach or so and maybe say hello to a few dolphins

Hire a scooter and go for a ride to see the neighbouring beaches

Eagle feeding - by boat in the backwaters, get up close and personal

North Indian and Goan Cooking Classes - with Chef Rahul, find him behind Cuba Beach Bungalows 11.30 am - 2.30 pm and 6 pm - 9 pm

Join the Circus - Bliss Circus is a local training space in the beachside jungle with monkeys and all sorts of circus artists who come here for the winter. They offer classes and workshops as well as putting shows together and performing them. They even have a vegetarian restaurant.

Lots of Yoga

Vagator Beach -

Friday Night Bazaar at Hill Top

Saturday Flea Market - run by the Germans also with food stalls

Cricket on the beach

Rent a scooter for a bit of fun to get around and have a look around

Tarkarli Beach -

Scuba Diving and snorkelling - Malvan has one of the best coral reefs in India and is famous for its clear waters

Water sports - on Tsunami Island (formed by the 2004 tsunami)

Dolphin spotting 

Vijaydurg -

Visit the cashew factory to see how they are processed

Ganpatipule Beach -

The beach is one of the best on the Konkan coast and has water sports and boat and camel rides

Visit the Prachin Konkan Museum - 3 acre open air museum depicting life in Konkan in ancient times and ... (this will excite you) miniature replicas of the forts along the coast

Mahabaleshwar Hill Station -

Venna Lake - boating or horse riding around the manmade lake

Panchgani - the "Land of Five Hills" was developed as a retirement place during the British Raj - do a day trip to this nearby fellow Hill Station - things to see include the Table Land a volcanic plateau, the highest in Asia outside of Tibet with spectacular views of the town - you can do horse riding or even paragliding if you're game / The Rajpuri caves surrounded by sacred pools that free bathers of diseases, sins and evil / Sydney and Parsi viewpoints / Devrai Art Village - pick up some nice souvenirs/ on Wednesdays there is the weekly Buddha Bazaar with locally grown produce and products / have lunch at the Rainforest Restaurant at Parsi Point for delicious food with amazing views

The Club Mahabaleshwar - play golf on the old course from the British Raj era. 11 holes with 10 browns and 1 green. Follow the dark and narrow descent to the famed Chinaman hole. Have a look around the club while you're here. Back in 1881 it was decided to turn the old army sanitarium blocks into the Club Mahabaleshwar making it one of the oldest 30 still remaining British clibs still operating in India. Have breakfast in the Breakfast Room or a meal in the dining room later. You should be able to get temporary membership to play golf and they have dress rules.

Murud-Janjira -

Murud Janira Fort - is the number one ticket in this town, this island fort is reached by sail boat, they will give you 45 minutes to look around the 9 acre fort. If you want longer you'll need to negotiate it with the boatman who you can hire as your guide. It was built by slaves from Africa and completed in 1571. The fort was never successfully invaded.

Alibaug -

All of the beaches around have water sports - Nagaon for parasailing, beach shacks cooking up seafood / Alibaug for jet ski, banana boat and sea kayaking, plenty of food stalls and a view of the fort / Mandwa for quadbiking

Matheran Hill Station -

Matheran - Neral Toy Train - it is 10 km by road and 20 km by rail. The train trip takes around 2 hours and has 281 zig zag turns. It was constructed in 1907 and has UNESCO World Heritage status. The monsoon rains often wash away sections of the track so hopefully the line is operational while you're there.

There are 5 stations on the line and a tunnel called "One Kiss Tunnel". Food vendors walk through the train. The train holds 100 people, has one 1st class carriage and three 2nd class carriages. There are also shuttle services between the carpark at Dasturi (Aman Lodge Station) into Matheran Station. There are 4 trains a day between Neral and Matheran. Leaving Neral at 7.50 am and 9.50 am and leaving Matheran at 7.20 am and 9.55 am. It takes 2 hours from Neral and a bit shorter the other way.

There are some excellent treks around including some along the railway line. For the very fit and brave there is the incredibly steep Kalavantin Fort which has claimed a few lives over the years and is known as the most dangerous fort in the world. You were hoping never to see another fort again so be careful this could be your last. Don't even attempt it if it's wet.

Mumbai -

Sanjay Ghandi National Park - the world's biggest city park - it has a tiger population, 2,000 year old Buddhist caves, is 104 km squared in size, has 20 lions - (safari), leopards, deer and Hanuman langurs, a Jain temple, a 2.5 km toy train ride, walking trails and a couple of lakes - (boating).

A boat cruise - around the harbour - catch the ferry to Elephanta Island from the Gateway of India

Open top double decker bus tour - that starts at the CSMVS (formerly the Prince of Wales Museum) and includes 16 tourist attractions

Click here for details of the bus tour

Wankhede Stadium - go to the cricket if it's on

Have a round of golf at the Bombay Presidency Golf Club established in 1927

Navi Mumbai - head over for the day to see the world's largest planned city

TOURS -

Bollywood - do a tour or even get a part as an extra. Film City is one of the largest film Studios in the world. Bollywood is second only to Hollywood which is the world's largest film industry. There is a 2 hour bus tour through Film City. There is also the Live Show Tour which takes you to the set of a TV series where you can interact with the actors.

Click here for Bollywood tour information

Dharavi Slum Tour - very enlightening and pick up a few souvenirs while supporting local workers. Where Slumdog Millionaire was shot.

Dhobi Wallas and Dabbawalas - see the largest laundry on earth and the army of people who deliver hot tiffin lunch boxes to office workers (around 80 million a year). Somehow everyone gets the right clothes and the right lunch always on time. They also pick the lunch boxes back up and return them home. The system first began in 1890 and most of the Dabbawalas come from the same community and are illiterate. There are numerous tours that combine these with other activities. It depends on how many hours you want to be on it. Look around for something that suits your interests.

Click here for the official Dabbawala tour

Shantaram - visits locations from the book

Click here for tour information

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Eat -

Fort Kochi -

Fort House Restaurant - 

on an unused pier with a clear ocean view, Keralan cuisine like Prawn and Mango curry and try the stewed figs with vanilla ice cream

Brunton Boatyard - 

Colonial style and a bar with water views, has some classic dishes from the days of the British Raj

Seagull - 

by the sea with good seafood and drinks

Old Harbour Hotel - 

beautiful garden restaurant - 1788 Restaurant at the Old Harbour Hotel, by the pool with BBQ seafood platters

Rice Boat - 

with the Arabian Sea lapping at the windows try out their lobster dishes

Athirappilly Falls -

Rainforest - fantastic views of the waterfall

Palakkad -

It has its own unique cuisine which is a blend of the best traditions in Tamil and Keralan cuisines

Ooty Hill Station - famous for its bakeries and homemade chocolates

Visit the Fernhills Royal Palace for a look around and have a meal while you are there

Angaara - tandoori and curries, indoor / outdoor seating

Kebabs - at Kebab Corner / Shinkows - for Chinese / Nahar - for Thali

Quality - for Punjabi food (Butter chicken & naan)

Hyderabad Biryani House - forryani - try the chicken tikka biryani

Kingstar - for homemade chocolates in some interesting flavours like fig, blackcurrant and mango, they also make a mean chocolate fudge

Momo House - for ....Momos, spicy chicken and corn and cheese

Place to Bee - Italian inside a Bee Museum featuring wild honey

Wayanad -

Fish Moilee - light curry cooked in coconut milk

Nadan Beef Fry - good with a beer

Karimeen Pollichathu - marinated fish cooked in banana leaf

Malabar Duck Roast - duck is a staple delicacy in this region

Malabar Biryani - also called Thalassery Biryani

Bamboo Biryani - a famous Wayanad dish cooked in bamboo

Try the Cafe Riders Lounge - if you're hanging out for some western food or looking for a good cafe

On the day you go to the Wildlife Sanctuary have lunch (either before or after) at the Wilton Hotel, one of the most famous in Kerala.

Mahe -

French Empire Restaurant - 

for good Indian food and good ambiance by the sea front. No French food unfortunately but it does have an ice cream parlour.

Thottada Beach -

Eat in the hotels and resorts restaurants

If you want an authentic Malabar Coffee and a good breakfast head into town to the Indian Coffee House

Bekal -

Malabar Cuisine - 

tasty and mildly spiced, influenced by Arabian, Zamorin and Chirakkal styles

Udupi -

Udupi Cuisine - 

is strictly vegetarian and is well known. It is basically temple food that was designed to be food for the gods.

Eat at the resort for some of the best food and views around

Dhareshwar Beach -

Seafood and Continental at the resort restaurant

Gokarna -

The further south you go the fewer eateries there are

Dolphin Cafe - great spot overlooking Om Beach

Namaste Cafe - good for sea views and seafood at Om beach

The Rock Namaste Cafe - seafood lasagne at Kudle beach

The White Elephant - good views and food on Kudle beach plus they have rooms

Palolem Beach -

Walk down to Patnem Beach for a look and a seafood lunch - some of the restaurants to look for include The Home Resort / Namaste Beach Huts and Restaurant

Zest - for vegetarian treats - smoothies, fritters and Buddha Bowls

Sumaya - for authentic Goan dishes

Cafe Inn - 

Full English breakfasts and mezze platters

Little World - 

Hidden gem - famous for their chai and fruit shakes - outdoor dining - Tiffin

German Bakery - 

Much beloved and a good choice for breakfast or lunch

Fern's by Kate's - 

Authentic Goan dishes like Goan sausage and fish curry rice

Vagator Beach -

Goan Cuisine 

Has been 500 years in the making but it is dissappearing. Ever since the Portuguese arrived seeking out spices from the exotic East. It is a blend of the two cultures that has been developed over the many years.

Thalassa - 

Very popular Greek food with a stunning view - you'll need to book - also a great place to be at sunset

Mango Tree Bar & Cafe - 

Popular and lively place to hang out and people watch. They have a bar and are open late.

Bean Me Up - 

Vegetarian with a big range of dishes from pizza to ice cream

Baba Au Rhum - 

French bakery in a garden with baguettes, croissants, pasta and steak

Antares - 

One of two projects Australian Masterchef contestant Sarah Todd is involved in with a local restaurateur. The other one is in Mumbai called The Wine Rack. This one is a resort with a restaurant, Beach Club and various types of accommodation. The cuisine is Australian themed with a touch of Asian. It's not cheap but is a pleasant place to sit with some fantastic views and good food.

German Bakery - in Anjuna - long time favourite good for breakfast

Cream Choc (Gelati) - for your afternoon ice cream fix

Goa's Ark - in Anjuna - Middle Eastern and Mediterranean

Bomra's - in Candolim - modern Burmese

Tin Tin in Tibet - for momos and seafood

Britto's - in Baga - for Sunday Roasts and live music in the evenings

Tarkarli Beach -

Malvani Cuisine - features fiery sea food curries and is very similar to Goan and Keralan / Shark Curry is very popular / Malvani Mutton Curry / Bombay Duck Fry / Cucumber Cake / Prawn curry

Revankar's Family Homestay - for homemade Malvani cuisine

Vijaydurg -

Mavlani cuisine with very fresh seafood from Suruchi Hotel, Mayuri Hotel and Hotel Vijaydurg Palace aka Hotel Darya and water views.

Ganpatipule -

Hotel Taranaga - sea views and good food - being a pilgrimage town there is a lot of vegetarian food here - this restaurant has non-veg options

Mahabaleshwar Hill Station - The Land of Strawberries

There are good restaurants near the market area

Chikki - peanuts and jaggery - other types have chocolate and strawberry combined with nuts like cashews - there are Chikki shops where you can try before you buy

Puran Poli - a chapati stuffed with sweet puran

Chicken Lollipops - Indian / Chinese delicacy found mainly at the market

Elsie's Dairy & Bakery - over 170 years old located in the main market and frozen in time

Carrot Date cake, Pineapple muffin, Apple tart, Banana Raisin Loaf, Chocolate muffin, Banana Walnut cake, Strawberry Jam cake - need I say more.

Saayali restaurant - for Indian classics like Butter Chicken and Tandoori Chicken

Farmhouse Bistro - if you need a western change, pasta, pizza, salad

Bagicha Corner - when it's ice cream o'clock - Strawberry ice cream and smoothies

Murud-Janjira -

Patil Khanaval - 

dining under the palm trees on the beach, the #1 place in town for sea food - traditional Konkan cooking with no frills and good prices

The restaurant at the Sand Piper Resort has good food and views

Alibaug -

Beach shacks at Nagaon beach cook up seafood meals

Mandwa Beach Boardwalk by Flamboyante there is an array of fine dining places, as well as shopping, cheap beer and adventure activities

Sanman - is a local favourite in town for its authentic Gomantac style seafood thali - they also have a beach resort and restaurant at Varsoli beach

Kokum & Spice at the Radisson Blu has delicious seafood

Matheran Hill Station -

Restaurants along the main street as well as the better resorts

Food stalls, vendors and dhabas have Maharashtrian and Punjabi food

Mumbai -

Batata Vada - 

mashed potatoes and spices dipped in besan deep fried and served with chutney - available everywhere

Vada Pav - 

Mumbai's favourite snack, see above and put it in a fresh bun

Butter Chicken - everyone's favourite, if you can get to the Punjab Grill Level 3 Palladium Mall Phoenix Mills, Lower Parel - it's also pretty good at Leopold's

The Bombay Sandwich - 

a weird combination of beetroot, potato, cucumber, tomato, capsicum, cheese, onion and mint chutney that somehow comes together - toasted is best

Bombay Duck - 

is actually a fish that is caught locally and coated with spiced besan batter and fried.

Yazdani Restaurant & Bakery - 

Rare Irani time capsule cafe from the 1950's - good for breakfast - house special is bread pudding - they also have delicious apple pie, carrot cake, egg puffs, bun maska (soft bun and butter), ginger biscuits and chai

Cafe Military since 1933 - 

Another Irani Cafe where you can get authentic Parsi food at great prices and enjoy it with a cold beer. They are a lot more than just another to eat and unfortunately their futures are uncertain. In the 1950's there were 500 Irani cafes spread across the city and now there are only about 15 - 20 left. So get some while you can

Leopold's Cafe - 

Have lunch in this famous cafe. Open since 1871 it has featured in several movies and books such as Shantaram (a book loved by many and recommended reading) and Hotel Mumbai in which it was one of the first targets and it still has the bullet holes in the walls to prove it

Other Irani (Parsi) Cafes to check out -

Cafe Mondegar 1932 - 

Iconic with vintage jukebox and murals of everyday life in Mumbai on the walls, good food and beer available

Good Luck Cafe - 

House specials are chai and kheema pav (curry made with minced meat)

Koolar and Co - 

Famous for their chai and ice cream sodas

Ideal Corner - 

Different menu every day - Railway Mutton Curry

Jimmy Boy 1925 - 

Special, serving Parsi Wedding food and chocolate chip cookies

Sassanian Boulangerie - 

Plum cakes, minced chicken patties, lagan nu custard

Britannia & Company Restaurant 1923 - 

Local institution with famous Berry Pulao, 

Lagan nu Custard, Salli Boti, Dhanshak and the raspberry drink you can only get at these cafes - Pallonji

Kyani & Co - 

Walnut date cake, Special Mawa cake (cardamom spiced, eggless and buttery), cherry custard

Cafe Excelsior - 

Famous for their chicken mayo rolls

B. Mewan & Co 1914 - 

Famous for its Mawa cakes which often sell out just after they open

..............................................................................................................

Burma Burma - 

Over 50 blends of tea including their signature Burma Burma blend. You can eat tea leaves too in their delicious salads. try the National dish Mohingar a bowl of curry noodles often eaten for breakfast. There is a large range of dishes and some interesting drinks like Spiced Ginger, Kurry, Kumquat Mojito, Kaffir Lime Cooler and Seabuckthorn Mary.

Bagdadi - 

Over 125 years old in Colaba behind the Taj Palace, also good for lunch and great value - huge tandoori rotis eaten with meaty gravy dishes like chicken fry, beef chilli and mutton korma- Tuesday special is chicken white - they also do biryani and caramel custard - they're open until 12.30 am so it's good for late night munchies as well

Taj Mahal Palace - 

Even if you can't afford to stay here you can live it up a bit and have high tea - all you can eat buffet style, savoury and sweet so don't worry about having dinner. Served in the Sea Lounge with spectacular views of the Arabian Sea.  Over a dozen restaurants to choose from.

Gaylord 1956 - 

Landmark restaurant and bakery in Churchgate

Mohammed Ali Road - 

for Street Food 11 am - 10 pm. Very popular during Ramadam

Bademiya - 

Late night kebabs behind the Taj Palace - originally a street stall started with Rs20 by a 13 year old boy

====================================================

Drink -

Fort Kochi -

Club 18 - 

Has over 38 cocktails a 10,000 watt sound system and an outdoor pool

The XL Bar - 

Cold beer and loud music

The Cochin Fort Hotel - 

Has a beer garden

Ooty Hill Station -

The Ootacamund Club - 

play on the table where the game of snooker was invented - strict dress code applies - have a meal while you are there.

All of the higher end hotels have bars with drinks at higher end prices

Hit the Liquor Retailer and drink around the campfire

Wayanad -

There are currently 6 bars, 6 beer parlours and 5 state beverage outlets in Wayanad.

Mahe -

There are a lot of bars around due to the lax liqour laws and taxes but most of them are closed by around 9.30 pm. Start early.

Thottada Beach -

Theyyam Performances - 

cultural dances at the sea side temples

Bekal -

There are no outlets in Bekal so if you want a drink you'll need to take some with you.

Gokarna -

Officially alcohol is banned due to the holy status of the town but cold beers are easily available on the beach.

Chez Christophe - 

French restaurant on Gokarna beach with live music including the sitar

Ilmio Ristorante - Italian restaurant with DJ and sand dance floor at Gokarna beach

Mantra Cafe - 

Facing Kudle beach, bonfire, DJ and sand dancefloor

Palolem Beach -

Flyers get handed around at sunset to let you know what's going on and there is a 10 pm noise curfew

Cafe Del Mar and Silver Star - Cocktails & Dreams both have 24 hour licenses

Leopard Valley Goa - 

3,000 person capacity high octane club in a jungle quarry with a 7 m high stage with a waterfall, pyrotechnics, laser show, open air under the stars and costume clad dancers. - Friday nights - 5 km from Palolem Beach -

Silent Noise Disco - 

Pick up your headphones, dance the starry night away and keep the neighbours happy - Saturday nights at Neptune Point

Live music every night along the beach

Crystal Goa - live music in the evenings and Palolem's best curry

Vagator Beach -

Both Vagator and neighbouring Anjuna are party beaches

There are restauranys, cafes, bars, pubs and nightclubs all along the main road - Open Air Clubs - Hilltop since the 1970's (Sundays) and Primrose

Cafe Lilliput - 

Anjuna since 1986 - Beach shack during the day and party place by night

Guru Bar - 

Began as a chai stall and canteen in 1967 and is now a legendary rock venue - you can still get the vegetable cheese toast that was served to the hippies all those year ago

Tarkarli Beach -

Solkadhi - 

Is a curry energy drink made from coconut milk and kokuma sour dried fruit product.

Mahabaleshwar Hill Station -

Some of the cafes stay open late if you're hankering for a coffee, milkshake or late night ice cream - try Baba's near the market

Many of the resorts have bars

The Electrique Mist - nightclub on Kate's Point Rd - one of the town's best

Alibag -

There are pubs and bars 

scattered all around so it depends on where you end up staying

Matheran Hill Station -

Alcohol is allowed but you'll need to bring it in as no shops sell it.

Mumbai -

Lepold cafe 1871 - 

Leo's has cheap beer and great atmosphere

Cafe Mondegar 1932 - 

Mondy's has Mumbai's first jukebox with some classic old rock, murals depicting what happens in the bar and cold beer

Harbour Bar 1903 - 

At the Taj Palace was Bombay's first licensed bar and disco, the signature cocktails all come with a history lesson - great views of the Gateway of India

Pub Crawls - a choice of two, 3 hours - English speaking guide and free shots in 4 pubs

Click here to find out about the Pub Crawls

====================================================

Sunsets -

Fort Kochi -

At the Chinese fishing nets

Sunset Cruise - past the Chinese fishing nets

Vasco da Gama Square - by the beach

Athirapilly Falls -

At the falls

Palakkad -

Kava Island

Ooty Hill Station -

Doddabetta Peak

Wayanad -

Lakkidi View Point

Mahe -

The Hillock and the Light House along the riverside walkway

Thottada Beach -

At the lively Muzzhappilangad Drive-in Beach

Amazing sunsets anywhere along the beach

Bekal -

At the fort if it's open - it can close at 5.30 pm

Udupi -

Malpe Beach

Sunset Cruise

Gokarna -

Everywhere

Goa

Palolem Beach -

The bar at Sunset Point

Dropadi restaurant - 

for cocktails and bar snacks

Boom Shankar - 

happy hour cocktails

Most beach bars offer 2 for 1 cocktails at sunset

Vagator Beach -

Titlie - 

open air cliff bar and eatery with DJ's, musicians and cocktails - come for Sunday Sundowners

Thassally - the Greek restaurant has great sunset views and parties every night

Chapora Fort - 

for the views - made famous in a movie

Chronicle - 

in Vagator - bar and tables overlooking the beach - sunsets will never be the same again

Antares - for the views and the cocktails - sunset parties Friday to Sundays that play music late into the night - leading up from Little Vagator

Vijaydurg -

By the Fort

Mahabaleshwar Hill Station -

On Venna Lake

Viewpoints - Wilson, Bombay & Kate's Point

Murud-Janjira -

Murud Beach - 

Sunsets are a big thing here - beach vendors set up a couple of hours earlier to prepare their wares, as the sun begins to set the crowd gathers, old and young alike, they sit on benches and in restaurants along the beach to watch the spectacle of sunset over the amazing Padmadurg Fort which seems to be floating in the sea. To complete the picture there are horse carriage rides, beach cricket and the warm waters of the Arabian Sea to frolic in.

Kashid Beach - head up early, have lunch at the Neel Garden Restaurant then enjoy the sunset at what is considered the best beach in the region

Matheran Hill Station -

There are 38 sunrise and sunset points around Matheran. One of these is Panorama Point with 360° views.

Sunset Point aka Porcupine Point - 

is 2 km away from the market through the woods with the sun setting behind a mountain painting the sky in a golden blend of colours. You might want to take a torch and not stay too long.

Charlotte Lake - stunning scenery and reflections

Mumbai -

AER Rooftop Bar - 

At the Four Seasons Hotel, on the 34th floor, smart casual dress, happy hour 5 pm - 8 pm - watch the sun go down and the city lights come on

Dome Rooftop Bar - 

8th floor of the InterContinental on Marine Drive with breathtaking ocean views and amazing sunsets

Cafe Marina - 

On the roof of the Sea Palace Hotel just near the Gateway of India - hidden gem - laid back atmosphere and cheaper prices with world music creating a lovely place to relax

Juhu Beach - 

Mumbai's iconic beach and a great place to people watch and eat delicious street food

Marine Drive - 

With a multitude of food stalls and mobile vendors and the coastal city lights coming on make for quite a sight

Girgaum Chowpatty - 

Up the coast from Marine Drive this beach is a popular hangout for locals with gorgeous sunsets and classical Mumbai street foods. At night the beach turns into a colourful fair with rides and a Ferris wheel.

====================================================

Tips -

· Take some warm clothes for the Hill Stations - or buy something there. Take some dress up clothes as well to get onto the Clubs at the Hill Stations which have dress codes.

· You can book the Ooty Toy Train online which you should do at least 3 months in advance. No catering or toilets on the trains. Huge crowds on holidays and weekends.

· Beware of all the usual scams in Vagator that you find in most heavily touristed areas - don't trust anyone who comes up to you in the street or on the beach

· Some of India's beaches have strong currents so ask for local advice before jumping in the water

· Load up on cash before going to small or out of the way places as they often have few ATM's which may, or may not have any cash.

· A good LED headlamp always comes in handy

· You can use Uber and Ola in Mumbai - most places will be walking distance from where you are staying - including the ferry terminal

Safety -

Don't leave your things in the tuk tuk unattended

Always park overnight in secure hotel parking

Don't drive at night / Don't drink and drive

Drive carefully and focussed / Don't rely on your brakes too much

Take corners slowly / Come down hills slowly

Be ready to get out of the way quickly / Fill up often / Check everything before you take off / Use your horn often

Have Fun

=====================================================

Specialties -

Fort Kochi -

Banana fritters with Beef roast

Breudher - 

a yeasted bread from the Dutch - the Bread of the Dead

Palakkad -

Spices, dried goods and pickles

Ooty Hill Station -

Homemade chocolates / Eucalyptus Products / teas

Homewood Tea - 

DTF Doddabetta Tea Factory and Tea Museum - Nilgiri Teas

Chocolate Museum

Coonoor Hill Station -

Chocolate stores - 

Shunky's homemade chocolates , Green Shop and Chittus Chocolate Hub

Wayanad -

Special Wayanad Pepper

Gokarna -

Gadbag Ice cream - 

Mangalorean ice cream dessert with several flavours of ice cream, nuts, chopped fruits, jelly, syrup and tutti frutti

Kallusakkare -

a refreshing sugar candy that is a local specialty

Tarkarli Beach -

Cashews 

and cashew based products are famous in this region, as are mangoes

Vijaydurg -

Famous for its Alphonso mangoes in summer / Seafood and Solkadhi

Ganpatipule -

Amba Poli - mango pancakes and Phans Poli made with jackfruit

Mahabaleshwar Hill Station -

Mahabaleshwar strawberries and raspberries

Alibag -

White onions (famous) - 

Known as Khandale Kande believed to have medicinal properties for cough, cold, fever and allergies, also heals wounds as it has antiseptic, antibiotic, and antimicrobial properties - best eaten raw it does not have a strong smell and tastes sweet

Matheran Hill Station -

Famous for its Chikki - visit the Nariman Chikki Mart, open for over 70 years

Honey - 

Beware of sugared fakes

Mumbai -

Irani Cafes

Souvenirs -

Tellicherry and Malabar pepper - 

From the International Pepper Market in Fort Kochi

See specialties in Ooty - the Ooty market is a good place to shop

Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary - 

For Wild Gold Honey

Uvaru Bamboo Factory - 

For bamboo products

The Wayanadan Spice Shop - 

Near the caves - for exclusive spice products of Wayanad including natural ice cream and spices

Kunnar - Kathakali masks

Gokarna - 

Car street in the town and the Hippie flea market after sunset on Kudle beach are a couple of places for shopping for - Hippie souvenirs / Prayer beads / Incense / Sahyadri Cashews

Malvan - cashew gift packs, cashew bars and sweets / mango based products / Kokum wax - used as a beauty product

Dream Catcher Shop - Palolem Beach

Leather goods - in Matheran Hill Station and its famous Chikki from the Nariman Chikki Mart, also have chocolates, fudges, honey and jams, prices are cheaper during the week

Leopold's Cafe - souvenir shop T-shirts, postcards etc / Coloba Causeway - street markets in Mumbai for attractive souvenirs, retro Bollywood posters / Bandra Road Street Markets on weekends

Extra -

See 'Motorcycle Loops' - Coromandel 2 Malabar Tuk Tuk Trip and Holi Moo in 'Festivals'.