How you can visit the Sri Venkateswara Temple, Tirumala

How you can visit the Sri Venkateswara Temple, Tirumala

India is a massive country, so 7 years ago when I first visited Tirupati, I never imagined I would be back here but this time, not as a foreigner but as an honorary local. Rewinding a good few years, I completed a pilgrim walk of 3500 steps, in bare feet, to Tirumala where the Sri Venkateswara Temple is. This was a walk that thousands of pilgrims a week completed and one I had read about but hadn’t fully understood its importance.

 

Now visiting Tirupati for a second time as a guest of my Indian friend’s family after attending his wedding, I was going to view the Sri Venkateswara Temple not as a tourist but as a local. This is his family’s temple and we are here the day after his wedding with his family and new bride.

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Female Friendly Places in Anjuna, Goa

Female Friendly Places in Anjuna, Goa

India is known to be tough to travel in as a lone female but how about the more liberal Goa? A place where things are more laid back but that comes with the problem of Indian tourists (and those of other places in the world) who are not used to the scantily clad Europeans who frequent Goa’s beach. The secret for me is to find female friendly places that I know will keep me safe and secure.

I have travelled all over the world as a lone female. Some people are shocked. However I have met plenty of females who are travelling solo. I have never had too much of a problem and this extends to Goa and India as a whole.

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Sea Breeze Hiking in Goa

Sea Breeze Hiking in Goa

As a sea eagle circled above me carrying a sea snake in its talons, I breathed in the fresh sea air. I am hiking along the top of the sea cliff with amazing views all around. I feel like I am on a deserted island. However, this is not some island out in the wilds of the sea. I am sea breeze hiking in Goa with Adventure Breaks between two of  Goa’s most northern beaches, and I’m heading towards Karma jungle. A place I have heard about from many a traveller.

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Paddling in Paradise: Kayaking Tour in Goa

Paddling in Paradise: Kayaking Tour in Goa

As the mangroves wound along the river banks, I felt like I was lost in some enchanted forest in an unexplored land. It felt like just me and my kayak. As I paddled a falcon watched me peacefully as it perched in the the tree tops. Enjoying the kayaking tour in Goa is one of the highlights of my trip.

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Riding Around the Cycle Tour of Old Goa

Riding Around the Cycle Tour of Old Goa

It was an effort to cycle up the hill in the heat of the Indian sun but I knew the reward at the top would be worth it. Watching the sun go down always is worth an effort, but watching the sun go down over the view of Goa from Chapel of Nossa Senhora de Monte, incredible. These are just a few of the highlights during my Cycle Tour of Old Goa.

 

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