Explore Goa's Tourist Attractions In Style - Hop-On Hop-Off As You Like!

And one day it happened! Goa, pride’s is adding a red icing topping on its city tour scenario. Now, get ready to explore Goa’s famous tourist attractions in style and comfort around the city! Taking a cue from various international tourist destinations, Goa has added another adventurous asset to boost its tourism, giving you the luxury to sit back to explore and discover the wonders of this little panoramic gem called ‘Goa’.

The Hop-On Hop-Off double-decker tourist buses are designed to meet the need of tourists enjoyment, the pick-up points are flexible and you can board the bus as and when it fits within your schedule. The classy vehicles are amphibious, which means it can travel through inland water to shorten the distances. The red, dazzling buses are spacious, air-conditioned, and also has a high deck for better viewing, perfect for those visitors who love to sight-see while soaking themselves in the sun.

 Here is the plus point, you get a chance to choose how to would like to explore Goa – the passes available upon how you would like to spend your day visiting around, you get to choose to buy a pass for one day sightseeing or for two days all depending upon your schedule. The pass rates are very affordable, giving an opportunity for every visitor who would love to see Goa’s surrounding beauty and its fascinating attractions.

If you are a first time visitor from another city and worried about not understanding the commentary in your language. Don’t fret! Even this is taken care off! All you have to do is sit back and relax, the Hop-On Hop-Off buses come along with multi-lingual running commentary based on the location that you belong throughout the outing. Being on the bus will give you the privilege to enjoy the best of both!

These buses serve as a great outing for families and friends giving them an opportunity to experience Goa on another level, just plan the day and get ready to Hop-On Hop-Off as you like! When you visit a paradise destination like Goa, take your pace to get acquainted with its local people and local life, I assure you, you will keep asking for more. There is so much to see around besides the regular sightseeing, hire a scooter, make friends with the local, hear their stories, enjoy Goa’s authentic cuisine and make your stay an unforgettable holiday experience!

Next, time when you are busy planning the itinerary for Goa, do include this exciting sightseeing tour activity on your must-do list… Pack your bags and ‘Bon Voyage’.

*Below information taken from GDTC in Goa

Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Tour Pass Rates

1 day Pass - Rs. 300

2 day pass - Rs. 500

(Rates are same for Adult and Child)

For Enquiries & Booking 

Call: +91-832-2438830 / 2438831 (8am to 8pm)

Email: reservations@goa-tourism.co.in

Pune City's Historical Landmark - Aga Khan Palace

Clearly remember, it was a weekend and I was slowly slipping into boredom. Before I could allow it to completely consume me, wasting no time, I reached out to my laptop (so blessed to have it) to check what Pune city (Maharashtra – India) had to offer. Pune city does have few historical places and monuments to visit which are dated back to Shivaji Maharaj era. Some of them have been maintained and some have withered away in time. As I sat browsing the list of must visit places in Pune, the first name that topped up on the search engine was the Aga Khan Palace, located at Nagar Road.  Since I knew the area, I quickly made plans to pay a visit on the same day.

The palace is little away from the main city, those who don’t own a vehicle would recommend visiting it early during the day so you don’t get stranded waiting for transportation. 

Let me introduce the majestic Aga Khan Palace to you!

The Aga Khan Palace is one of the many significant historical monument in Pune. Set in a peaceful wooded 6.5 hectare plot northeast of the centre, this palace over the years has developed into a global pilgrimage place, with over a lakh of visitors who every year come to pay their homage to the samadhi’s here. The palace is surrounded by a beautiful sprawling garden. And, not to mention, the famous movie ‘Gandhi’ was shot here. So now, you know why you need to spend a good amount of time to explore the entire place!?

History: Dated back in 1892, the Aga Khan Palace was built by Sultan Muhammed Shah Aga Khan lll in Pune, India. History says - the palace was an act of charity by the Sultan who wanted to help the poor in the neighbouring areas of Pune, who were drastically hit by famine then.

It doesn’t end there! The palace is also closely linked to the Indian Freedom Movement, serving as a prison for Mahatma Gandhi, his wife Kasturba Gandhi, his secretary Mahadev Desai and Sarojini Naidu from 09^th August 1942 to 06^th May 1944. In this very palace you will get to see the samadhi’s of Mahatma Gandhi, Kasturba Gandhi and Mahadev Desai.

In 1969, Aga Khan Palace was donated to the Indian people by Aga Khan lV as mark of respect to Gandhi and his philosophy. This historical palace is also known as the Gandhi National Museum in India and its open for public viewing.

Now! Back to me..!

As soon I got off from the three wheeler (the Indian tuk tuk), I was welcomed by a huge entrance with ironed gates. Once inside, I still had to proceed further towards the pay booth (Yes! There is a small entrance fee to be paid). Looking around, the vastness of the place made me feel small, it is well kept and clean, with manicured lawns and big trees that provide good shade even in hot sun, overall the place looks green and peaceful. The palace is placed in such a surrounding, even if you are done with the detour, you can still spend time lazing around sitting on the grass or on the benches breathing in the serenity or spending time read a book. Just be there, and the place will tell you as what to do.

The palace comprised of five halls and large verandahs – the whole structure is spacious. That means, even though there are other visitor’s, you still have ample of space to move around without bumping into each other. Although the palace is architecturally Islamic, you will notice hints of Italian art with many arches over the palace. The palace also contains galleries displaying belongings of Gandhiji - like clothes, footwear and few more items.

Finally reaching the inside main entrance of the palace and climbing the marble steps, instantly knew how I would feel. Since, I visited the palace on my own, I was not at all in a hurry to rush through everything. Exploring slowly walking from one hall to another, it took me back in time when Gandhiji was alive, I was busy visualizing and sensing the activities that must have taken place and wondering how it must have been then. Each hall has a significant history behind it. The palace has so much of history associated to it, one can’t help but go back in time. I would suggest, go slow take time to see the galleries, there are lots of images hunged on the wall with valueable information related to it, which I bet we didn’t even learn in school or knew otherwise. And, looking at the preserved items once used by Gandhiji and other freedom fighter prisoners, will make you feel, it all happened just few years ago.

The ashes of Mahatma Gandhi rest here. Kasturba and Mahadev Desai both of them passed away while in captivity in this place and their samadhi’s are located in the campus. Situated near the River Mula, the Aga Khan Palace is a simple memorial tribute to Gandhi and his life.

Within the campus you will come across a small open shop located outdoors which sells souvenirs, books on Indian freedom fighters and other accessories at a very reasonable rate. Those who are interested, can buy something to take back home.

Once done with the detour of the palace, I sat for a while on the grass soaking in what I had experienced. After clicking few more pictures around I headed towards the entrance gate for home. It was a well spent day!

This must visit place is not only for the tourists but also meant for those who are history buffs, photo fanatics, experience seekers and wanderers.

Sharing few details below. This would be helpful when you plan to visit the Palace on your visit to Pune.

Timings:

Open all days of the week – 9:00 AM to 5:45 PM

Lunch break – 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM

Address:

Location: Aga Khan Palace, Nagar Road, Beyond Fitzgerald Bridge

Entry Fee:

INR 5 per person for Indians

INR 100 per person for foreign tourists

INR 2 per person for children

A Taste Of Mouthful Delicious Street Food Near Goa's Famous Miramar Beach

Miramar beach is one of the prominent beach destinations in Panjim city. Being the closest one around the city, you will see numerous people lazing on the cool sand or hear kids happily squealing playing in the water, trying to dodge the incoming waves, and I'm one of those spectators who enjoys a long evening walk, at the same time keeping my eyes alert as to soak in every activity that happens till I'm out from the main entrance of the famous beach.

Needless to say, a day spent on the beach doesn't simply end here, any guesses why? Here it is! Spending leisure time at the beach also means feasting on street food (this is totally one of those simple joys of spending quality time with friends, families or loved ones). A little further outside the beach front entrance you will find countless food carts lined up, offering various street food items that one can't ignore. If you are a true blue foodie, and have already tasted the delicious variety of street food, will definitely vouch for it!

One can choose to eat from any of the food cart. The moment you reach the lined up carts, be prepared to be approached by the stall keepers who will come towards you with their menu card, you choose to eat from them or still go ahead and select you feel is the best for you, no hard feelings here.

Depending which food carts you end up eating at, check from the long list of popular chaats (food items) like 'dahi wadas' 'aloo chaat' 'papri chaat' 'shev puri' 'paani puri', and the list can go on, all the popular street food and snacks served here are from northern India. One of the real pleasure eating here is watching how it is prepared right before you, standing beside you can watch the whole process of seeing your favourite food or snack getting ready – it is indeed very interesting. Of course, you have a choice as how you want it to be tasted, you can tell if you desire to eat it spicy or medium, sour or sweet, let your palette have a gala time tasting a little of everything in it. This place truly serves as a favourite outing area for many, here you will see different kinds of people, including the local people of the city (Goans) and tourists from various cities.

But nowadays, you will be surprised to see that you can eat more than just what you previously used to it. You will find a handful of other food carts serving a delightful variety of yummy shawarmas - Arabic, Mediterranean, Turkish to even Mexican sharwarma (Yeah! This is indeed surprising). Most of the shawarmas in Goa are prepared from grilled chicken. If you still need more you can opt for hot dogs or juicy burgers, the choice is yours!

Location: Miramar Beach, Panjim - Goa

The Weekly Hangout Spot 'The Wagh Bakri Tea Lounge' In Panjim City

I'm a tea lover to the core! No matter what how the day goes by, I make sure not to miss out sipping on my daily two doses of hot cuppa! I've tried some of the flavoured teas, but my latest obsession is 'masala chai' (thanks to Singapore Airlines, that's how I got hooked to the flavour on board)

When I got to know from my roomy about the tea lounge of popular brand 'Wagh Bakri' in Panjim city, it got me excited, cause lately I’ve begun to like their tea brand. This tea lounge comes as a blessing for tea lovers who prefer chai over regular coffee.

One of India's largest tea companies - The Wagh Bakri Tea group goes way back when it started out in 1892, but launched its first tea lounge in the capital city of Panjim, in Goa on June 28, 2016. So glad they chose the right location! With many Indian tourists visiting Goa, and known to be hardcore chai drinkers, the tea lounge would be like a haven for them. 

The Wagh Bakri Tea Lounge is a perfect little neat place to hang out with friends, families or youngsters (age no bar), the ambiance is welcoming and within no time it grows over you, soon enough to decide that this little cool lounge is going to be your next hangout zone in the city.

The moment you step into the tea lounge, the friendly staff at the counter are happy to help and serve you, place your tea order and along with some sumptuous snacks and get yourself busy to find your favourite spot to get comfy! Besides the order, the tea is served with complimentary kakras (thin crispy snack). Even though you here, even for a little time, you soon mentally begin to make plans as how to utilize this space after the first visit. You can spend time reading a book or with friends enjoying leisure chat, sipping over tea and biting onto the snacks for hours or just enjoy solo time along with your laptop.

This tea lounge promises to offer you the best tea flavours that will tantalize your taste buds, right from the finest Darjeeling tea to various mint flavours to ice tea or tea with a dash of scooping ice-cream in it, the prices are very reasonable, with all this on the platter, you are sure going to be a tea devotee for a lifetime!

The Wagh Bakri Tea Lounge is one of its kind in Panjim city, in other words, it’s a local tea point for tea fanatics! Visit the place and you will feel the same! With a brand of its kind, a tea sip can never go wrong!

Location: Shop No. 01, Vaglo Vision, Dr. Pandurang Pissulekar Road, Panjim -Goa