Top Hotels in Goa by the Beach

Picture this - glistening white sands, inviting blue waters and lazy evenings spent sipping cocktails. Lounging on the beaches of Goa has always been a top experience for many a traveller. Now you don’t need to travel to a beach to experience this joie de vivre, it comes straight to you!

We present to you the top hotels located by Goa's many beaches, where you can spend many languid evenings in pure bliss. 

 

• Holiday Inn Resort

The pristine sands of Mobor Beach will enchant you the moment you check-in at the Holiday Inn Resort. This is arguably one of the best resorts in Goa enjoyed by honeymooners, solo travellers and family alike. The kid’s suite even has a Treasure Island theme!

Try a feni cocktail at their Sundowner Lounge with gorgeous views of the Arabian Sea. Sit right on the beach and try the Chorizo stuffed naan with freshly caught and grilled fish in the Beach Grill restaurant.

A private jaccuzi and the view of the Goan sunset from your balcony, the fun has just begun!  

• Alila Diwa Goa

Nestled close to Gonsua Beach in Majorda, South Goa, this five star hotel in Goa is a perfect combination of modern luxury and old-world Goan charm. Do try a lip smacking meal at Spice Studio or a refreshing coconut iced coffee at Edge Bar, both winners of 2013 Times Good Food Awards.

The best part of the resort is its location. Hop on a bike from the rentals outside the hotel gate for Martin’s Corner or Fishka Restaurant. In the afternoon, leave the kids to enjoy themselves at the kids club with a PS3 while you lounge on the beach with a book from the in-house library.

•  Citrus Goa

If you want to be where all the action is then Citrus Goa is the ideal place to stay. The buzz of North Goa is palpable the moment you check-in. Tito’s, which doesn’t need any introduction, is a 5 minute walk away.

Though the menu of the restaurant is limited, the in-house chef is known for churning out amazing food high on quality and portion size. Don’t forget to dine by the pool side while sampling a wood-fired oven pizza with a chilled beer.

•  Whispering Palms Beach Resort

Situated 10 minutes from the Candolim Beach, the resort is ideal for a family holiday. A great budget hotel with all the comforts one can ask for, spend the afternoons next to the pool enjoying activities for kids and grown-ups alike. Leave your worries aside and indulge in a relaxing Ayurvedic spa session. Don’t miss out on the folk dances and fire eater shows every evening.

For a taste of adventure, water activities sports like jetskiing, banana rides, para-sailing and windsurfing are available on the nearby beach, which is a short walk away.

 

• Lemon Tree Amarante Beach Resort

Wouldn’t you love your resort in Goa to be a short walk from not one but two beaches? Well, Lemon Tree Amarante Beach Resort is just the place for you then. Located near the popular (and cleaner) Candolim Beach, it’s a short walk from Calangute Beach as well.

Unwind with a traditional Balinese body massage at Fresco, the in-house spa and enjoy Thai street food at the Republic of Noodles thereafter. You can also visit Fort Aguada, which is a short distance away.

• Beleza...by the Beach

Far away from the chaos of North Goa, this villa styled resort covered in foliage, provides a contemplative place to stay minutes away from Colva Beach. The cabana on the beach, Nazare, serves seafood, snacks and beverages round the clock. There are many eating joints in proximity to the resort including Mickey’s, Fishland and Martin’s Corner.

To relax, choose from a wide variety of massages at the spa, Espaco Divino. The masseuses are proficient in Ayurvedic, Thai, Swedish and Balinese treatments. Afterwards, lounge on the beach-beds;  a perfect spot to catch the sunset.

Lazy afternoons spent sipping Pina Coladas on Goa beaches are calling out to you… don’t wait, plan now! MakeMyTrip.com offers the best hotels deals, holiday packages and flights . 

By Swati Talwar

Top Five Budget Hotels in Bangalore

Visiting Bangalore on business but want to save on hotel costs? Then consider booking a service apartment or one of the cheap hotels in Bangalore. There are couple of hotels at M G Road Bangalore as well as some suites in the IT hub of Whitefield that offer a comfortable stay without putting a strain on your wallet. We have picked out the best budget hotels in Bangalore for your next stay in the Garden City.

Bangalore, the beautiful Garden City

Hotel Empire

Located on Central Street, just off Infantry Road, Hotel Empire is a nice, budget hotel in Bangalore. It is located at a walking distance from the major commercial areas of M G Road and Brigade Road. The hotel chain has two other properties – in Shivajinagar and in Koramangala – so you can choose a location that is most convenient to you. The hotel staff is friendly and will make sure you have a comfortable stay. Their kitchen is open till late, so ordering in food even at 2 AM would not be a problem! Don’t forget to try out their special chicken kebabs and biryani.

Sherwood Suites

Not too far from the  IT hub of Whitefield is Sherwood Suites, a serviced apartment complex, which is just right for your budget business trip to Bangalore, especially if you plan on a slightly longer stay and don’t wish to splurge on accommodation. The suites have all the modern amenities as well as 24X7 housekeeping facilities. Complimentary buffet breakfast is included. Their kitchen serves delicious, freshly prepared food and there is also a dining hall, a coffee shop and two party lounges.

Trinity Suites

Trinity Suites are boutique serviced apartments located at the Trinity Circle on Bangalore’s high street, MG Road. Since it’s close to the army grounds, the rooms are quiet, despite the proximity to the bustling commercial areas nearby. The corporate office hubs of Richmond Road, CMH Road and Indranagar are close by, as are the shopping areas of M G Road, Brigade Road and Commercial Street. You can avail great discounts if you opt for a longer stay. The rooms are large and tastefully furnished; laundry services are available and breakfast is complimentary.  

Hotel Bangalore Gate

If you’re looking for budget hotels near Bangalore railway station, Hotel Bangalore Gate would be your best bet. Merely one kilometre from the City Railway Station, the hotel is located on Kempe Gowda Road. It’s an ideal location for a short stay close to the city centre. The rooms have been recently renovated and are well-appointed. The staff is warm and professional; there’s a restaurant on the ground floor serving vegetarian food and you can use their high speed Wi-Fi free of cost.

Enjoy delicious South Indian food in Bangalore

Pai Comforts, J P Nagar

Another good budget hotel in Bangalore is Pai Comforts at J P Nagar. A part of the Pai group, this 2-star hotel offers multiple packages, including a day use room as well as long stay packages. The rooms are spacious and come with all the amenities you’d expect in a business hotel. The vegetarian restaurant, Princess, serves an excellent South Indian thali. The hotel has a rooftop banquet hall that is ideal for conferences. Complimentary Wi-Fi access throughout the premises is also available.

Planning a trip to Bangalore? Book flights and trains only on MakeMyTrip.com and also avail great last minute deals on hotels!

Experience Tribal Culture at the Lokranjan Festival in Khajuraho

Come December and there are so many cultural festivals in India that it is really hard to pick just one! The Lokranjan Festival in Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh is one such not-to-be-missed festival. A tribal and folk dance festival, Lokranjan is organised by the Adivasi Lok Kala Academy along with the state tourist department. In 2013, the festival will be held between December 8^th and 12^th. Tickets for the festival are available from the Madhya Pradesh Tourist Department’s office in Khajuraho. The festival is extremely popular, so be sure to get your tickets in advance.

One of the many beautiful temples in Khajuraho

Celebrating Tribal Dance Forms

One of UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites, Khajuraho has become famous as the land of Kamasutra due to its medieval Hindu and Jain temples depicting erotic sculptures. But this sleepy town is so much more than that. It hosts the Lokranjan Festival annually, which is a celebration of the various tribal and folk dances of Madhya Pradesh. The festival is a big draw for dance enthusiasts and tourists alike. It is a platform for various tribes from the state to showcase their unique dance forms. The dance takes place amidst the remarkable temples of Khajuraho and juxtaposed with the temple sculptures, it’s truly a treat for the senses. The festival also makes an effort to preserve the Indian cultural heritage and several of its dying art forms. For the five days of the festival, this ancient town comes alive with music and dance.

A temple in Khajuraho depicting erotic sculptures

Where to Stay

If you are visiting Khajuraho, there are several hotels for you to choose from. For a luxurious stay, look no further than The Lalit Temple View. As the name suggests, the hotel is a short walk (1 kilometre) from the temple, which is the venue of the Lokranjan Festival. Hotel Usha Bundela is a good mid-range option, about 1.2 kilometres from the venue. For the budget traveller, Hotel Lakeside is a great place to stay at and is practically next door to the venue. MakeMyTrip offers great last minute deals on hotels so check these out before you book your stay.

Getting There

Khajuraho airport is well-connected and operates direct flights to many parts of the country. The airport is 4.5 kilometres from the temple site. A prepaid taxi will bring you to the venue. If you’re arriving by train, the railway station is about 8 kilometres away and a bus or taxi will get you to the venue. Apart from the temples of Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh has many other attractions to offer. The national parks of Bandhavgarh, Kanha and Pench make great detours. Bandhavgarh has a large number of big cats and you have a high probability of sighting a tiger here. The national park is 232 kilometres from Khajuraho and easily accessible by road.

Also visit one of the national parks in Madhya Pradesh including Bandhavgarh and Pench

So get ready to witness the unique and fascinating tribal dance forms of Madhya Pradesh at the Lokranjan Festival this year. Book flights and trains to Khajuraho only on MakeMyTrip.com!

Pune’s Enchanting Drum Beats

Every year, for three days, Pune reverberates with rhythmic drumbeats during India’s first and only drum festival – Damru. The annual festival, started in 2011, attracts maestros such as Pandit Kumar Bose, Pandit Anindo Chatterjee, Pandit Bickram Ghosh and Sivamani, to name a few. More than 25,000 drumming enthusiasts attended the first two editions of the festival. In 2013, the festival is scheduled to be held in December, though the dates and venue are yet to be decided.

A glorious sunrise in Pune...

The Drum Festival

Damru is one of the unique musical festivals in India. It was started by Gladpeople Entertainment Networks and the first festival was held in September 2011. The festival is curated by one of the foremost drum virtuosos in India – Pandit Bickram Ghosh. It has brought together more than 50 Indian and international artists on one stage, to the delight of music connoisseurs and spectators alike. In 2012, the festival was held in December at Pune’s ILS Law College Ground. One of the unique aspects of Damru 2012 was that legendary ghatam maestro Vidhvan Vikku Vinayakram performed with his son and his grandson, both of whom played the khanjira. It was Carnatic percussion at its best, with three generations performing together.

Photo Credit: Dave Kobrehel / Wikimedia

A Pioneering Festival

Damru 2012 was also the first time that “Drumime” was performed in India. As part of this concept, five body drummers, one mime artist and several dancers performed together. This concept of rhythm and acting was developed by Pandit Bickram Ghosh, who is known to reinterpret music and bring his own twist to it. The body drummers used their cheeks, stomachs and thighs as drumming surfaces and coupled with the mime, visuals and lights, it was an unforgettable experience.

Drumming for a Cause

Apart from its unique entertainment value, the festival is also involved with a couple of social initiatives. In 2012, for every ticket sold, the festival organisers planted one tree with the help of the NGO Tree Public Foundation. The festival also provided five scholarships to deserving and needy percussionists aged between 8 and 15. These children have been undergoing extensive training from noted drumming artists and will be performing along with their gurus in Damru 2013.

Photo Credit: Namrta Rai / Wikimedia

Getting to Pune

So head over to the cultural capital of Maharashtra and witness this unique festival. Pune is fairly well-connected by air, rail and road. A prepaid taxi from the airport or an auto-rickshaw from the station or bus stand will get you to any venue in Pune. There’s a range of hotels to choose from in the city and MakeMyTrip offers great last minute deals. The city is known for its typically Maharashtrian food joints, as also for a variety of North Indian and international fare. Having a large student population, Pune also has a wide range of pubs and discotheques to let your hair down at. There are plenty of other things to do in Pune so plan to stay a while.

Experience the resonant drum beats at the Damru festival this year. Book your flight, catch a train or hit the road to Pune.

WHAT DO CRICKETERS DO WHEN NOT PLAYING?

You’ve only seen them batting, bowling, fielding and more recently, showcasing some Gangnam style dance moves during the IPL 2013 matches. Chris Gayle is a pro at it! Of course, cricket is their first love, but what is it that keeps these cricketers busy when they are not playing the gentleman’s game?

Here’s bringing to you the other side of 5 of my favourite cricket devtas who are extremely passionate, both on and off the field.

Dhoni is a freak (yes, I mean literally). He is as fast in smashing fours and sixes as he is in adding superbikes and SUVs to his already large collection. My heart skips a beat every single time I see his picture with his latest X132 Hellcat bike. Harley Davidson Fat Boy, Enfield Machismo, Yamaha RX, Ducati 1098, Hummer H2 and Mitsubishi Outlander are a few of his prized possessions. In fact, he also owns a team by the name of ‘Mahi Racing’ that competes in the World Supersport Championship. Have money, will buy! Way to go, Dhoni.

If you were born in the 90s or earlier, you probably remember struggling to convince your parents for that brand new bicycle, so you could proudly pedal your way to school. I'm sure, today's kids are having a tough time getting their hands on an iPhone 5! However, for some, bicycles are still a privilege. As a social activist, Sangakkara has initiated a campaign – Bikes for Life – where funds are raised to provide bicycles for kids in rural areas who are in dire need of transportation to attend school. Indeed, a great gesture. Cricket or no cricket, leaders will remain leaders!

On the pitch, his weapon is the cricket ball. Off the pitch, it’s the mighty pen that rules or should I say the keyboard! Dale likes to write; at least that’s what his blog suggests. From tips on being a world class bowler to counting his carbon footprint (he’s quite eco-friendly) and writing about the pitches of Australia, Dale makes excellent use of social media to network and share his thoughts and opinions. Dale fan, are you? Perhaps, you can catch him on Twitter or Facebook.

He smacks the cricket ball straight for a sixer without a fuss but has a soft spot for animals. Pathan has been going on excursions to wildlife sanctuaries with his uncle from a young age. During his spare time, he’s glued to the television watching wildlife programmes. In fact, his passion goes out to the extent of rescuing abused animals, bringing them home and nursing them.  But did you know, he loves night-outs in dense jungles with just a tent and a torch. That’s the not-so-well-known side of Pathan. Who knew there was so much passion beneath that neutral expression! After all, looks can be deceptive.

He plays, but not just cricket! One of the fastest bowlers in the world, Brett Lee is a star in real life too. A pro at acoustic and bass guitars, Brett also plays the piano and the mouth organ. Not just that. He’s a part of the band called ‘Six and Out’. His most prized possession is the Maton guitar. Wondering why? Well, it has autographs of some of the most legendary musicians. Interestingly, he featured alongside Asha Bhosle in a duet titled ‘You’re the one for me’. Sounds like a complete rock-star!

Do you know the other side of your favourite cricketers?

Photo Credit: Dilpreet Singh

By Bhawna Grover