It is said that you must visit at least one new place every year. I fortunately got to visit 8 new places in 2016. I have made a video of my travel memories right here.

So here is where I went travelling, enjoying, wandering, exploring…

1. Silvassa

 

My parents wanted to go to the Mahalakshmi Temple in Dahanu. I suggested that after darshan at Dahanu, we head towards Silvassa. Who knew we could spot lions at Silvassa! I laid my eyes on lions for the first time in my life at Silvassa Vasona Lion Safari. Also there is the Deer Park, Tribal Museum, Swaminarayan Temple and many cool attractions in Silvassa.

How we reached: We went by road from Mumbai to Mahalakshmi temple in Dahanu. From there, we went straight ahead from Kasa and took a right from Bhilad to reach Silvassa.

2. Goa

 

Goa is not limited to beaches and churches. It also has dolphin tours, elephant parks, spice farms, forts, temples and what not! It has something to interest everyone. I especially loved the Sahakari Spice Farm and Elephant Park in Ponda. If I go to Goa again, I will definitely go for the Dolphin Tour. I couldn’t cover it last time as it remains shut in the monsoon.

How we reached: We took the Konkan-Kanya Express from CST and disembarked at Thivim Station. While coming back, we took the Mandovi Express from Madgaon. You can also go by road or take a flight.

3. Karnala

I went trekking to Karnala Fort with my friends in the monsoon. It took 2 hours to climb and around 90 mins to descend. I was a little scared as it was the first time I went trekking. But with a little help from my friends, I reached the top and descended safely.

How we reached: We hired a car to take us to Karnala. Since the trek is tiring, it is better to take a car along.

4. Imagica

I will never miss a chance to go to Imagica. I call it my ‘WonderLand’! I had the time of my life at Imagica with its amazing rides and games. We stayed at Novotel Imagica to add comfort and convenience to our experience.

How we reached: We hired a car to take us to Imagica and drop us back home.

5. Lonavala

I had a tonne of fun going to Lonavala with my friends. We stayed overnight chilling and having a great laugh. Lonavala is the ideal weekend getaway for Mumbaikars. I really like to go there for a well-deserved break.

How we reached: Lonavala is around 80 kms away from Mumbai and takes 3-4 hours to reach by road.

6. Gangtok – Kalimpong – Siliguri

This was truly the trip of a lifetime. It was the first time I laid my eyes on the Himalayas, yaks, snow, monasteries, and so many new things. I made so many new friends along the way. I really wanna thank my friend Madhu for taking me along with her for this spectacular journey. I love Gangtok ❤

How we reached: We took the Guwahati Express from Mumbai and disembarked at New Jalpaiguri in West Bengal. You get ample taxis from New Jalpaiguri for Kalimpong as well as Gangtok. While returning, we took a flight from Bagdogra Airport. For the sake of our flight, we came to Siliguri a day before as it is only 10 km away from Bagdogra.

7. EsselWorld

Like Imagica, EsselWorld is an amusement park in Gorai, Mumbai. It has an amazing variety of rides for both adults and children. It was fun being a child again at EsselWorld.

How we reached: We came to Gorai Beach in a taxi. From there, we took a ferry to EsselWorld.

8. Alibaug

Alibaug is the perfect place to spend your weekend after a hard week at work. It has splendid beaches, forts, gardens, and restaurants. It is like a Goa closer home.

How we reached: We took a ferry from Gateway of India all the way to Mandwa Jetty. We booked a car to pick us up at Mandwa so didn’t have to take the bus from Mandwa. The buses are a bit crowded so it better to go by car or rickshaw.

So these have been my travel experiences in 2016. I hope 2017 brings more happy journeys with it. Happy New Year to everyone! 🙂