Owing to the country’s spectacular diversity, planning a multicentre holiday in India could be a baffling experience. Goa and Mumbai always make for impressive Indian destinations; to these, you can add Kochi to make it an interesting multicentre itinerary.
India is a delightful place that has enough holiday trappings to flaunt, so much so that it becomes challenging to explore the entire country in one go. A carefully planned multicentre holiday to the handpicked Indian hot spots can let you discover some of the best facets of India satiating a number of holiday interests you or your co-travellers may have. Consider a holiday that brings together the cosmopolitan vibe of Mumbai, India’s entertainment capital, Goa, the country’s beach paradise, and Kochi, the incredible homage to India’s natural prowess! Here’s a quick rundown over the top attractions in these top destinations and useful holiday info for travellers booking air tickets for multi centre vacation to India.
Mumbai, the Maximum City
The enthralling historical and cultural shades, grand colonial architectural wonders, glittering beaches, colourful life of Mumbaiites and city’s electrifying nightlife, Mumbai sweeps the holidaymakers off their feet. Give yourself two to three nights to explore the multiple quintessential charms of the city. A stay in South Mumbai is recommended as most popular attractions are peppered here.
Beaches: The beautiful beaches of Mumbai offer striking bay views, soul-soothing sea breeze and a plethora of sea facing hotels and restaurants, making them an essential ‘to-do’ for holidaymakers taking flights tickets to the city. Marine Drive, Juhu, Aksa, Chowpatty and Versova rank high on the visitor’s list of beaches in the city.
Places to Visit: Booking tickets for Mumbai flights and not taking the walking tour of South Mumbai’s most prominent edifices designed in Gothic, Victorian and Art Deco architectural styles is no less than a sin for a holidaymaker! Some must-visit attractions include the Gate Way of India and the adjacent Taj Mahal Hotel, Mumbai University, Rajabai Tower, Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (formerly Victoria Terminus), Crawford Market, Mount Mary Church etc. Other places to visit include Bandra-worli Sea Link, Nariman Point, Haji Ali, Elphinstone Museum, Kala Ghoda etc.
Markets and Bazaars: From the wide assortment of colourful pavement vendors to the high street shops, the metropolis is crammed full of exciting places to go shopping. Some prominent choices include Colaba Causeway, Linking Road, Fashion Street, Crawford Market and Chor Bazaar.
Onward Journey to Goa
Conclude your city break with Mumbai and connect further to Goa, the beach capital of India. A wide choice of domestic flights is available for travelling to Goa from Mumbai. Choose from many direct flights operated by GoAir, Jet Airways, Indigo Airlines, Spice Jet, Air India, etc; travel time – little over 1 hour. Train is an inexpensive and convenient way to travel from Mumbai to Goa; travel time 12 hours approx. The most popular train from Mumbai to Goa is the Konkankanya Express followed by Jan Shatabdi Express and Mandovi Express. Road is although a less chosen option but there are many deluxe buses/coaches that operate on the route; approx time 10 hours.
Goa, Pearl of the Orient
Spectacular white sand beaches kissing the turquoise blue waters have placed India amongst the popular beach destinations of the world with hordes of beach lovers booking air tickets for Goa flights every year. Goa demands 4 to 5 nights to be well explored.
Beaches: Immerse in unlimited fun and frolic at Goa beaches, go swimming, diving or snorkelling, or just watch the world go by while you sunbathe. Palolem, Agonda , Benaulim (South Goa), Calangute, Anjuna , and Arambol (in North Goa) are among the top beaches you must have on your list to get the real worth of monies spent on flights and accommodation in Goa.
Night Life: Goa beats a number of Asian destinations not just for beaches but pulsating nightlife too. You can hop across countless pubs and clubs or join the full moon parties for unparalleled thrill and adrenaline pump. Many plush casinos scattered around remain abuzz with tourists keen on gambling.
HistoryandCulture: Goa is rich in history and culture; particularly the Portugal roots of the province are strongly reflected in its architecture, churches and cathedrals, as well a government buildings. Fort Aguada, The Secretariat, Archaeological Survey of India, Ancestral Goa Museum/Big Foot and Chapora Fort are key places to visit. St. Francis Church, Church & Convent of St Francis of Assisi, Shri Mangueshi Temple and Royal Chapel of St Anthony are key places that exude rich culture of the Goa.
Onward Journey to Kochi
Having mapped the best of Goa beaches, it is time to be one with stunning nature in Kochi, Kerala on your Indian multi centre holiday. Goa and Kochi are connected with flights, though the options are limited. There are no direct flights and most flights fly via Bangalore, Mumbai or Chennai. Alternatively, travel by train is a cheaper and offers greater convenience for the many choices available. The average travel durations – by train 13 to 15 hours; by road – 16 hours at least.
Kochi, Queen of the Arabian Sea
Kochi, adorably dubbed as the ‘Queen of the Arabian Sea’, brims with the most stunning of nature retreats. Beautiful coconut palms, serene lakes, meandering backwaters, liveaboard boats, diverse architectural wonders, rich culture, rejuvenating Ayurvedic treatment, and much more allure and draw westerners in droves.
Historical Gems: Start exploring the city by heading towards St. Francis Church,the oldest European establishment in India; Mattancherry area is another compelling stopover; witness the Dutch Palace here. Jewish Synagogue and Bolgathy Island, Chinese Fishing Nets are some other attractions in Kochi which make tickets to the city sell like hot cakes.
Backwaters: Relish the appealing vistas and the serenity of the river-town aboard ‘Kettuvalam’, a typical houseboat in Kochi, is a must do activity in Kochi. Cruise along the myriad winding waterways and explore the sublime natural grandeur and tranquillity of the place.
Ayurveda and Yoga: Kochi is certainly one of the best places in India for experiencing the ancient medical therapy through Ayurvedic massage. Cochin Ayurvedic Center is the prime attraction alluring thousands seeking alternative healing therapies as well as off-beat pursuits to book flights for Kochi.
