India's First Monorail

India gets its first Monorail in Mumbai. The 1st phase of the Mumbai Monorail system is launched and is presently running between Chembur and Wadala depot. The same is expected to be extended till Sant Gadge Maharaja Chowk in the 2nd phase.

Train fare in this line is between Rs.5 to Rs.11(for adults and kids taller than 3ft). They don't have the option of round trip ticket, you need to buy the return ticket at the distination. The ticket(a coded coin)has to be swiped at the 1st floor and board your train from the 2nd floor. At the destination, the ticket needs to be dropped, to get the exit gate opened.

Kids enjoying the ride

Presently trains are operating between 7am to 3pm, expected to operate full fledge from 5am to midnight by Feb 2015. The trains are 4 coach with seating capacity of 18 people. The interior is very pretty, looks like a toy train and kids thoroughly enjoy the ride.  

View of Eastern Freeway from the train

Two trains crossing each other

Go have a ride of the only Monorail in India, in Mumbai.

And its Golden Triangle!!!

After been postponed twice, finally my trip to Golden Triangle is taking picture. Am off for a 10days tour to Agra, Delhi, Jaipur along with Mathura, Ranthambore, this weekend. A planned tour, ended up in a convenient, comfortable and budget package. My daughter finished her session for the year and 17th March being Holi, an off for hubby, we booked our train tickets for 14th evening. Hubby's 4 days leave ended up in a 10days tour. With my 4 year old, all care I had to take was to give her proper rest and not to exhaust her. So we preferred travelling at evening and end up resting at nights. My grand pa's travel diary helped me with accomadation(Jain Pravasi Gruh) at all the places, which are at the heart of the city and turned out to be economical too. Below is our itiniery,

14th: Take our train(August Kranti Rajdhani) from Mumbai to Mathura at 5pm(hubby would join us directly at the station from office)

15th: Reach Mathura by 7:30am, tour of Krishna Janma bhoomi. Leave for Agra by evening.

16th: Explore the city of Agra(Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, Akbar's Mausoleum). Reach Delhi(A/C volvo bus) by 9:30pm.

17th: Celebrate Holi at Delhi, explore Delhi on our own as the Delhi darshan and HoHo service doesn't operate of Mondays(Jama Masjid, India Ghat, Embessy Lane, Purana Quila, Feroz Shah Kotla).

18th: Red Fort and HoHo Delhi full day tour(Qutub Minar, Lotus Temple, Humayun's Tomb, Safdarjung Tomb, Hauz Khas Village) shopping at Dilli Haat and SN market, dinner at Chandini Chowk, take night bus(A/C sleeper) to Jaipur.

19th: Reach Jaipur at 5:30am. After relaxing explore Jaipur(Albert Hall Museum, Hawa Mahal, City Palace, Jantar Mantar) heritage walk through Pink City and shopping.

20th: More on Jaipur(Amer Fort, Jaigarh Fort, Nahargarh Fort, Jal Mahal) leave for Sawai Madhopur(Amjer-Jabalpur, Dayodaya Express).

21st: Jungle Safari

22nd: Another jungle Safari, take our train(Mumbai Rajdhani) to Mumbai.

23rd: Reach Mumbai by 9:30am

This would be a combined tour of heritage, art, culture, religion, wildlife and festive celebration.

Related Posts: Check out the complete series on Golden Triangle Tour. 

Malaysia - A Dream Trip

“The traveler was active; he went strenuously in search of people, of adventure, of experience. The tourist is passive; he expects interesting things to happen to him. He goes “sight-seeing.” – Daniel J. Boorstin

How true the quote sounds, for a nature lover and passionate traveler like me. I travel in search of people, of adventure and of experience, of my trips. Here is my wishlist for Malaysia,

Adventurous climb of Mt Kinabalu Via Ferrata, Sabah:

Via ferrata, is a mountain path consisting of a series of rungs, rails and cables embracing the rock face. I would like to go for a challenging adventure of climbing Mount Kinabalu, a beginner's climb along the granite walls and then might be the intermediate route to have the breathtaking view of the heights and sights.

Canopy Walk through Taman Negara, Pahang:

Taman Negara is the first and oldest official Protected Area in the country. It preserves the land's indigenous nature in perpetuity. River cruising, jungle trekking and a walk through the world's oldest rainforest canopy, wildlife photography and cave exploration is what I would do in Taman Negara.

Explore Cameron Highlands, Pahang:

Cameron Highlands lies less than an hour off the main North-South Highway, and is a pleasant, easy 3.5hr drive from Kuala Lumpur. Situated 1,500 meters above sea level, Cameron Highlands comprise a series of little townships. I would love to walk through those little villages, visit the butterfly, strawberry, honey bees farms and sprawling tea plantations. Trek through the place and watch out for some amazing birds.

Scuba Diving at Pulau Payar, Langkawi, Kedah:

The sparkling of jade green islands that make up Pulau Payar lies 30km south-east of Langkawi. An hour boat ride reaches you to the best marine park in Malaysia's West coast. I would love to go for a scuba dive along the reef system of Pulau Payar, the sparkling of jade green islands. 

Explore Langkawi Mangroves, Kedah:

Langkawi Magroves is an intricate network of streams and is home to hundreds of endemic jungle species of wildlife most exciting of which are brahminy kites and huge sea eagles. Would go for jungle trekking, cave exploration, village visits, exploration of mangrove flora and fauna.

Are you a nature lover and adventurous person or a person who wants to experience luxury and  shopping??

There is something for everyone in Malaysia.  Go Explore Malaysia!!

I am participating in the MalaysiaJao Blogathon Contest in association with BlogAdda.com.

Image credit Malaysia Tourism  official page.