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Goa home rental is a upmarket charming villa in north Goa close to the Mapusa-calangute road on the edge of Parra village in Guirim village.
I recommend it as its a spacious three bedroom villa in a gated community (with 24hr security) with a pool for adults and kids. The villa itself has shinny furnishings, furnished kitchen, nice bathrooms. Staff are friendly and were ever willing to please our needs e.g. taxi, sightseeing trips etc.
Location is walking distance to bus stop with easy access to beaches, night and Wednesday flea markets, churches, restaurants, pubs, etc.
We were three couples and each had a bed room/shower to ourselves, pretty spacious. In the mornings the local breadman would bring in fresh Goan Pao (local bread). We were dining out every evening even though there were ample cooking pots, pans, cutlery, crockery etc. Dining in Mapusa Market was at a coffee shop called Xaviers serving Goan dishes mainly, lovely shakes, chilled beers, nice food and fantastic prices. Brittos in Baga has nice food including souza lobos on Calangute beach.
www.goahomerental.com
9 White Square Nirvana, Demello Vaddo, Parra-Guirim Road, Guirim 403507, Bardez,Goa
+919923144472
In the tiny village of Darap, Dara Goan Village Retreat is a small, hidden homestay run by Shiva Gurung and his wife Radha, with a little help from their children. Darap clings to the foothills of Sikkim's eastern Himalaya in the shadow of Kanchenjunga, and although just a few miles down the road on the way to sacred Kechopari Lake, it is a million miles from the concrete hotels of Pelling's main drag.
Radha showed me how to make momos and Shiva suggested plenty of activities like cultural sight-seeing, bird watching, trekking, fishing and walking. But what made it unique for us was getting to know the local Lepcha and Limboo people in and around Darap. Shiva arranged for Purna, a young local student, to take us on a trek off the beaten track. His parents still live high in the valley in a 200-year-old mud and bamboo hut. We drank butter and salt tea, millet beer, rakshi – hooch made from rhododendrons or maize, pronounced 'roxy' – and creamy milk straight from the cow.
To get to Shiva and Radha's Shangri-la you must get out of the car and do a little hiking: climb a winding, near vertical stone path, and cross a wooden bridge over an ice cool mountain stream into a wide terraced garden. We stayed in one of the two simply built wooden chalets, each with en-suite shower room and wide veranda (complete with heavy rocking chair). The family welcomed us into their home, where we ate home-cooked meals and talked about the state of tourism in Sikkim and the history of the mountain tribes.
Namboo Road, Darap Viz, Pelling, Namboo Road
West District, Sikkim India
+91 9733085322/ +919775415450
sktamu17@yahoo.com
Pelling Tourist Development Association:
www.gopelling.net/dara_goan_village_retreat.html
A fabulous homestay just outside the centre of Agra, but a short autorickshaw ride from all the sights.
The Singh family have lived here for many years, and are genial hosts with a wealth of knowledge of the area. The property, originally built for British Army top brass, is cool and spacious, with spotlessly clean bedrooms equipped with everything a traveller needs, including ensuite bathrooms, ice cold A/C and a TV. Breakfast is plentiful, and supper can be provided.
The warmth of the welcome cannot be overstated, and even though we were only there for three days, we left feeling part of the family, as cliched as it may sound. Wholeheartedly recommended.
www.heritagehome.in
52A, Gaugh Road, Agra Cantt, Near U.P.Tourism Office, Agra
+91 8057596096
Google map: bit.ly/sHjwml
Stunning government hotel, with beautiful gardens and views all round. Rooms were large with two queen size beds, fridge and verandah that had a view to the highest mountain and trekkers delight - Saddle Peak. Good size bathroom with expensive tiled floor.
All this if you go during May when it was out of season but the weather still perfect, for 400 rupees (5.50 Pounds). I had the hotel to myself! Best bargain I've ever had.
Trips organised to the sumptuous islands of Ross and Smith, untouched gems, along with nightly walks to see the turtles.
Turtle Resort, Kalipur, North Andaman
Original tea planters' club. Stay in a planters villa, dine at the club, followed by a game of High Range Hazard in the billiard room (surrounded by big game trophies) or a hand of whist in the card room.
An authentic slice of life in the Raj.
www.highrangeclubmunnar.com
Munnar, 685612, Kerala State, India
+ 91 04865 230253
Originally an old Haveli, the Jagat Niwas is a delight. A central courtyard with verandas in layers around it, with plants, and antiques. Bedrooms decorated in Rajasthani style, many with balconies overlooking the lake. You can recline in jarokhas to watch the sunset while deciding what to eat that evening in the renowned roof terrace restaurant. This restaurant is so popular with the locals, it is best to book in the morning. Staff helpful and always cheerful - they encouraged us to join them to watch the cricket which indicates the relaxed environment. The approach down Lal Ghat is also part of the charm. Very much old Udaipur and a short distance from the Palace complex.
www.jagatniwaspalace.com
23 - 25 Lal Ghat, Udaipur 313001 Rajasthan
+91 294242286
Google map: bit.ly/vydPcR
This is a comfortable, affordable and eco-minded refuge from the demands of south India, on the edge of one of its most interesting cities. Built as a mini-palace for a Maharajah's mistress (with classic Raj era tall, cool rooms), the grounds were first converted into a film studio (with 50's motel style rooms), now all into a hotel, run charitably to benefit poorer local people. So you can feel all good about it all while sipping cocktails in the verandah, dining gracefully on the lawn after dusk, or sleeping mightily well in hand crafted beds under slow revolving ceiling fans. The city centre is a short rickshaw ride away, down a noisy road, back out in the busy world.
cardaid.tclhosting.co.uk/greenhotel/
2270 Vinoba Road, Jayalakshmipuram, Mysore, 570 012, Karnataka
+91 821 425 5000
Google map: bit.ly/sbayhs
Fort Chanwa, in the village of Luni, 35km from Jodhpur, is an oasis of peace that is far removed from the madding crowds of the Blue City. This restored sandstone fort, owned by the Maharaja Dalip Singhji, is built around connecting courtyards and decorated with intricately carved lattice work. From atop its walls and secret pavilions you can watch village life drift by, trains snaking their way through the surrounding countryside, and glorious sunsets. We travelled into the surrounding bushland by camel cart and wandered down to the train station for a cup of pukka railway chai. In the evenings we sat around fires on the lawns and watched traditional dancing, before stargazing from the rooftop before bed. The staff are charming - as are the Maharaja and his wife.
www.fortchanwa.com
Luni, Distt. Jodhpur, Rajasthan
+91-2931-284216
Google map: bit.ly/vkmkv9
Turn off the highway between Jaipur and Delhi and drive up the hillside above Neemrana into a Rajasthani palace.After your dip in one of two pools settle on the terrace for afternoon tea and cakes and watch sunset across the plains. Dinner outside around a lamplit lily pond, Indian/Creole cuisine served as a buffet will even tempt you to try Indian wine! A balcony with swinging beds and 'quiet please' notices for the important afternoon nap. All this amid glorious old stone walls and gardens. For those on a budget you can find a room costing no more than a B+B in the UK.
fort-palace.neemranahotels.com/
Village Neemrana, District Alwar 301 705
Rajasthan
+91 1494 299900
Google map: bit.ly/scWcL0
A retreat from the vibrant chaos of Delhi, Lutyen's Bed and Breakfast is located among mature gardens, in the grounds of a beautiful colonial bungalow. Family run, with elegant rooms, free afternoon tea and home-cooked Indian dinners on request, this is a welcome change to the city's overpriced five-stars or dingy budget hostel accommodation. The rooms have wonderfully silent a/c, flatscreen tv, wifi, ayurvedic toiletries and spare towels for the pool. Many attractions within walking distance, or a short taxi/metro ride, the airport is easily accessible too. A luxurious home away from home, a real find! Doubles from £70 per night.
www.lutyensbungalow.co.in
39, Prithviraj Road, New Delhi - 110003 (India)
+91-11-24611341
Google map: bit.ly/uMnI6d
This small family run hotel, hard by the central market, and the clock tower and city gate, is a small, inexpensive, heritage hotel. It has interesting, traditional, and comfortably furnished rooms, with all modern amenities, around a peaceful inner courtyard, where wifi is available and free. Family run and friendly, it is delightfully finished off with a rooftop terrace restaurant, with spectacular views of the Mehrangarh Fort, illuminated at night. Watch out for crazy Indian wedding processions going past in the streets of the city below!
www.haveliinnpal.com/
Opp. Lake Gulab Sagar, Near Clock Tower, Jodhpur(Raj.) INDIA
+91-291-2612519
Google map: bit.ly/rQxspP
After a wait on a cliff edge while the road was repaired with boulders after a landslide in front of our eyes, we arrived in the small town of Kurseong, nestled on a ridge in the Himalayan foothills.
Kurseong is on the UNESCO World Heritage Toy Train route from Siliguri to Darjeeling.
I was totally impressed by the shabby grandeur of the exterior of Cochrane Place, a recreated and restored stately British Colonial home of its previous resident, Percy John Cochrane, MBE. Stone, log and cast iron splendour are complemented with regal antique furniture, colonial cuisine and the Raj ambiance.
My next intake of breath was on being shown to our en-suite room, with two huge antique burma teak four poster beds and a fireplace to die for.
But the best was yet to come.
On opening the balcony doors the world itself seemed to open up before my eyes. The views of the third highest mountain in the world, snow covered Kanchenjunga (also known as Kunchangenga), towering over the village and vast tea plantations will be impossible to forget.
But things got even better when I asked for a much needed cup of tea. The hotel tea maker took me out to a terrace, with the same incredible view and chatted to me about my tastes, likes and dislikes, as there are hundreds of teas that he can make. After going away for five minutes he returned with a crystal clear glass of the most amazing light Darjeeling tea with German lavender, so clear that I could see the mountain through the tea. I was in heaven!
I have to say he chose perfectly for my taste, but then the Indians are good at that.
The hotel serves hot and cold mocktail teas, seasonal fruit and flower blends, ayurvedic herbal teas, flavourful teas from across India or a fine roasted Darjeeling – fresh from the adjacent tea estate of Makaibari.
While eating local foods in the candlelit restaurant, the lights of the valley floor, four thousand feet below, twinkled in the distance. The stars twinkled overhead.
The hotel is full of artwork and quirky memorabilia in every available space, with sitting rooms and dining areas that were impossible to pass through without spending time.
The whole experience was unique and the hospitality second to none.
I was very sad to leave and will return for much longer next time.
www.imperialchai.com
132 Pankhabari Road, Fatakdara, Kurseong, 734203, India
+91(0)354 2330703
Google map: bit.ly/st7fih
During a two week trip in India back in November 2007 we stayed at the Samode Haveli in Jaipur. It's perfectly balanced, it has all the luxury you could want, matched with lots of heritage and charm. Probably the nicest hotel I've ever stayed in, a beautiful place.
samode.com/haveli/intro.html
Gangapol Rd, Jaipur, Rajasthan
+91(0)141 263 2407
Fort Chanwa, in the village of Luni, 35km from Jodhpur, is an oasis of peace that is far removed from the madding crowds of the Blue City. This restored sandstone fort, owned by the Maharaja Dalip Singhji, is built around connecting courtyards and decorated with intricately carved lattice work. From atop its walls and secret pavilions you can watch village life drift by, trains snaking their way through the surrounding countryside, and glorious sunsets. We travelled into the surrounding bushland by camel cart and wandered down to the train station for a cup of pukka railway chai. In the evenings we sat around fires on the lawns and watched traditional dancing, before stargazing from the rooftop before bed. The staff are charming - as are the Maharaja and his wife.
www.fortchanwa.com
VPO : Luni, Distt. Jodhpur
Rajasthan, INDIA
+91 2931 284216
Amazing location right next to beach in Asvem, North Goa. Accommodation is in 'eco pods' made of local materials, very comfortable inside with designer touches. The resort is laid back, no TV, just sound of ocean and cool breeze. Perfect combination of nature and comfort. Breakfast is served at your pod, home made jams, delicious teas and coffee, with fresh breads and fruit. Very family friendly too.
www.yabyumresorts.com
Mandrem, North Goa 403527, India
Google map: bit.ly/trWj3k
Mumbai is pretty theatrical itself, but I discovered the Prithvi when staying with a friend in the suburb of Juhu. It's a small but friendly theatre that offers a place of calm and respite away from the madness and sensory overload of Mumbai. It calls itself 'a vital breathing space' and this couldn't be more true!
www.prithvitheatre.org
20 Janki Kutir, Juhu Church Road, Mumbai 400 049
+91 (22) 26149546
Google map: bit.ly/oDxHUP
As Ted Simon says of himself, “It was going to be the journey of a lifetime, a journey that millions dream of and never make, and I wanted to do justice to all those dreams”.
Anybody who ever rode a motorbike dreams of emulating Ted Simon’s epic four year circumnavigation of the globe (1973-77). The romantic cowboy in all of us, the carefree loner riding off into the sunset and the inspiration for every long-distance bike journey since.
Written with a frank honesty of the highs and lows of the road; insight into the politics, personalities and dramas this book has become a training manual and bible for every biker who ever gazed out of the window and thought, “I wish I was on my bike”.
In fact, the journey was so life affirming that Ted did it all again 24 years later, at age 70, the story recounted in his book Dreaming of Jupiter.
City of Djinns is an historical account of the city of Delhi as told from the author's personal experience of living and traveling through the different areas and enclaves of the metropolis. It is neither a history book nor a travel log, but instead fuses the two genres together to create a compelling portrayal of the city that takes you past the surface layer to an intimate exploration of the crumbling glory and decadence of India's capital.
Indiasomeday.com - locals from Mumbai that have travelled extensively in India who helped me to plan my trip around India. I wanted to avoid just using the Rough Guide etc. but had limited time, a long list of things I wanted to do/see and felt a little overwhelmed. They advised on the best routes to take, best/cheapest travel, restaurants, accommodation, sites and experiences. They are there on the ground, spent time with me, offered local knowledge and are really passionate about India and travel. A personalised and personal service, hassle-free, great value for money and for me an incredible experience, in large part down to their help. I have just returned from my trip and without reservation recommend them. The reviews speak for themselves.
Wherever you go in the world on your gap year, my advice would be to not just flit from place to place but to stay in the places you enjoy the most for as long as you can to really get a sense of the people and place - you'll appreciate it way more. You can do this by finding a job in the local community that can fund your stay and future travels. If you speak English, then teaching is the obvious option, or work on a farm or whatever you like (see organizations like WWOOF, or meet locals by coach surfing). Also, take one set of smart clothes for when you're away, you never know what you might be invited to (I was invited to a wedding in India by the headmaster at the school I was working in). Finally, avoid the agencies if you can, organizing it independently is cheaper and gives far more options and freedom.
WWOOF: www.wwoof.org/
CoachSurfing: www.couchsurfing.org/
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