Never done a trip report before but here goes....
Arrived at Manchester airport on 27th December. We had pre-booked the hotel some time ago as it was a good deal with an overnight stay and parking included. Got up nice and fresh, 5 minute shuttle to the terminal and we were on our way.
Flight departed on time, we were lucky the snow had all cleared. Good flight with Thomas Cook, the meals were typical small aircraft portions but I have to say were hot and quite tasty. In flight Entertainment was fairly limited but OK and the flight seemed to go very quickly and we landed at Dabolim at 04.00hrs.
The swine flu check was a joke. We walked past a heat sensing camera and passed two lads sitting opposite one another astride a bench. They were laughing and joking, each had a mask around his neck and appeared to be having a race as to how many cards they could stamp as they called to people to hurry through whilst stamping your card which had been handed out on the aircraft.
Usual queue at immigration, and we weren't asked for our stamped swine flu cards which are still in my bag for throwing away. We collected our bags and met our trusty, reliable taxi driver (see later) who was waiting for us and continued our journey to Baga, arriving at the hotel at approx 05.30.
We stayed at The Sun Park Resort in Baga which had been recommended to us by a friend who has stayed there several times and had been given an excellent rate of 1,000 rupees per night (mates rates) for 21 nights. Our room had a bedroom with a balcony overlooking the swimming pool with a bathroom off the main bedroom and a small sitting room off the main bedroom which contained an extra bed. As there was only the two of us it was very spacious. It was by no means luxurious but for 1000 rupees a night we didn't expect luxury, the staff were very friendly and helpful, the room was cleaned every day and the bed linen and towels were changed every day and we were happy for the price we'd paid. (we did ask about reserving the same room for Christmas/New Year 2010/11 but the Manager told us that we'd had a very special rate this year and would e-mail us with the rates for this year when he'd spoken to his boss - the owner) We'll have to wait and see what he comes back with.
Next two weeks were spent chilling out and enjoying the beach - shacks up and running, sellers out in force everything we love about the place hadn't changed that much although there did seem to be more Russian and domestic tourists. We went to all our usual restaurants, East Meets West, O'Pescador and tried a few new ones in Candolim that we'd never ventured to before, Over the Flames, Flambe, The Stone House and found them all to be very good.
The first Wednesday night we were there we decided to go to the meet at the Carvery, had a great night food was good and everyone made us feel very welcome. We met up with some of the HT crowd on the Sunday at Jambalaya where Tom and his daughter provided a great night's entertainment and then went to the HT meets again on the following two Wednesdays as we'd enjoyed it so much and I must admit the Roast Beef and Yorkshire pudding was a temptation I couldn't resist...........................Cottage Pie and chips was good too. Thanks to everyone for making us so welcome.
On the Monday of our last week we went to Delhi and Agra which was a trip we'd arranged prior to leaving the UK with Daytripper. Although it was only 3 or 4 degrees in Delhi very cold after the temperatures we had got used to in Goa and although our train to Agra was delayed because of the fog, we managed to see all of the sights that we'd booked to see and thoroughly enjoyed our trip. What can I say about the Taj Mahal - suffice to say I cried with emotion when I saw it and will never forget the experience.
And so to the morning of our return. We had booked the same trusty reliable taxi driver, that we have used for many years to ferry us to and from the airport, to collect us at 03.30hrs. By 03.45 when he didn't show and wasn't answering his phone we were a little concerned. Our hotel did not have 24hr reception, and the Security man didn't know anyone to ring at that time in the morning that drove a taxi so the OH decided to go up to Baga Road and get a taxi - not easy at that time in the morning. We were lucky a taxi driver stopped to get a coffee and the OH pounced on him and he was only too pleased to accept the fare, by this time it was 04.30 We got to the airport, checked in and got through security just as the flight was boarding - bit close for comfort. The entertainment package on the flight back was much better, there was more choice of films and you could stop, pause and watch what you wanted when you wanted. When we landed back in the UK I had received a text from our taxi driver apologising for all the trouble he had caused us and was extremely sorry that he'd overslept.
Anyway all's well that ends well and we're home and I'm back at work tomorrow...............but not before checking the deals for this year..
wonder what happened your taxi driver not like him to let you down like that ...
We were going to go to The Golden Temple this year as an add on to the Taj but were advised against it at this time of year 'cos of the fog. Advised to go around November or leave it until Feb/March. It's taken us 7 years to get to the Taj so maybe in another 7 we'll do the temple
Always good to hear from someone just back.Thanks for the report.
Oh yes Papa - We landed at 04.00hrs and they were like bees 'round a honey pot
Oh yes Papa - We landed at 04.00hrs and they were like bees 'round a honey pot
Could not believe it in November when we landed at 0600 not a porter in sight.Love to know why.
Papa
this time thanks lizzley
We went with Daytripper in Candolim who arranged everything. It cost £384.00 each.
That included everything, taxi from hotel in baga to airport. 2 1/2 hour flight to Delhi, overnight stay in Delhi, taxi to train station, train to Agra which takes 2 hours, and then a guide to take us round the Taj, The Red Fort and on to Fatephur Sikri, then the train back to delhi. Stay overnight in Delhi, collected next morning and taken a sight seeing trip of Delhi before being taken back to the airport. All we had to pay for was Dinner on the first night in Delhi, drinks and tips. All monument fees were included in the above price.
You can do it cheaper if you DIY but I wanted the easy option and have someone else arrange everything for us. Whether you DIY or go with Daytripper it is well worth it.
Lizzley..... My hubby and I and some friends went to Delhi for 6 days 5 nights ...that was 3 nights in a hotel in Delhi one night in a hotel in Agra one night in a hotel in Amritsar plus a tour to the Waga Border and the Golden Temple flights from Goa to Delhi the train from Delhi to Amritsar all the transport to Agra and in Agra while we were there ..all our transport and tours in Delhi while we were there ....pick up to and from the airport and to and from the train station ..we did it DIY and it did not cost much more and £225 each that was flights and all ..if you need any more advice feel free to ask ......colleen PS FORGOT to say we had guide to take us round everywhere we went in Delhi and Agra
Nice report - would love to go to the Taj again, the price with Daytripper hasn't changed in the last 10 years and I would also reccomend going with them.
Thanks for all info regarding Taj,still not sure how were going about it but since hubby and i would like to do a train journey as well we might do it that way ,after all we have 28 days so there's no rush and it might suit our funds better.
I haven't even found the time to go to Hampi yet, which I have been threatening to do for the last 3/4 years!
Unless we go scheduled, flight only, which means we could go for 18/19 days within our 3 weeks leave period, I fear we won't ever make it to these wonderful places. We took a 4 night/day sightseeing trip when in Kerala a few years ago and felt that although enjoyable, it seemed to shorten our holiday. I know it didn't, but thats how it felt.
Also this next holiday in Feb, has cost us more than we have ever paid before for our Goa holiday's, because it coincides with schools half-term.
We are staying at the new Nazri Hotel in Baga on a package, so we would have wasted a lot of dosh if we go away for a few days. As it is we are going to stay in Benaulim for a couple of nights.
With days out in Panjim and Mapusa too, our 'chill out' time is already reduced.
Know how you feel Moles,Kent. We are going for the third time in March (also staying at the Nazri) and we have been meaning to visit the South both times. This year we are determined to have a mini holiday within our holiday.
Yeah, thats about as far afield as I can manage in a two week break. It only takes an hour and a half to get to Benaulim, yet it is like a different world there. Makes a nice change. I hope you enjoy it, there are lots of small hotels/guest houses, that are nice for a couple of days break in the Cavellosim area.
Moles:
I haven't even found the time to go to Hampi yet, which I have been threatening to do for the last 3/4 years!
Hampi is a fantastic trip - completely different from the Taj but almost as enjoyable. You must find time to do it!
I know what you mean about the taxi to the airport. Staying in the Marinha Dourada and needing a taxi at midnight, I chose one that lived almost next to the hotel so if the worst came to the worst I could go and wake him up !
As it turned out he was there on time and gave us a good deal too !
Prices for taxis are estimates
Taxi to Goa airport - our regular driver (£10)
2 x return flights to Delhi from Goa (£160) - booked in UK with meals and prebooked seats both ways
2 nights in Delhi Hotel (Hotel Grand Park Inn) (number 17 out of 479 on tripadviser) (£60) - Booked in UK
Train to Agra x 2 (£10) - Booked in UK (Chair car with meal) Shatabdi express
Taxi driver for the whole day in Agra (£9 for car, £7 for Tuk Tuk) - booked in UK
Return Train to Delhi x 2 (£11) - Booked in UK (chair car with meal) Shatabdi express
Taxi back to Hotel in Calangute -our regular driver (£10)
Total - £270 for 2 people
Not included - taxi from Delhi airport to hotel and vice versa
taxi from hotel to train station (prob not required)
takes a bit of planning but looking forward to the experience!!
WOW kippaxian that sounds brill wish I was going with you the train is great fun you will love it you got your trip at a fab price it does take a bit of looking about but sure thats all part of the fun enjoy your so so lucky .....colleen
Great report DW!
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