Author: Gozocabs

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Beyond the Taj Mahal: Unveiling India’s Untamed Natural Beauty

India. The land of vibrant colors, rich history, and bustling cities. But for many, India’s allure goes far beyond the iconic Taj Mahal. Nestled amidst the chaos lies a treasure trove of breathtaking natural beauty, waiting to be explored.

A Tapestry of Landscapes:

Imagine snow-capped Himalayan peaks scraping the sky, their slopes carpeted with vibrant wildflowers in spring. Picture the Thar Desert, a seemingly endless expanse of golden sand sculpted by wind into dramatic dunes. Travel south to Kerala, where lush, emerald jungles teem with exotic wildlife like tigers and elephants. Envision pristine beaches bathed in golden sunlight along Goa’s coastline, or the crystal-clear lakes nestled in the Kashmir Valley. This is just a glimpse of the kaleidoscope of landscapes that defines India’s natural beauty.

Adventure Awaits:

Adventure seekers can embark on a challenging trek through the Himalayas, encountering ancient monasteries clinging to precipitous cliffs and breathtaking views that stretch as far as the eye can see. In Kerala’s backwaters, navigate tranquil canals lined with coconut palms, encountering local fishermen casting their nets and a unique ecosystem teeming with life. Dive beneath the waves in the Andaman Islands and explore vibrant coral reefs teeming with colorful fish.

A Feast for the Senses:

India’s natural beauty isn’t just a visual spectacle; it’s a feast for all senses. Breathe in the crisp mountain air scented with pine needles after a refreshing rain shower, or the salty sea breeze carrying the tang of the ocean. Listen to the cacophony of birdsong in the jungles, a symphony of chirps, whistles, and calls. Witness the vibrant colors of wildflowers blooming in the valleys of Kashmir or the fiery hues of a desert sunset painting the sky in shades of orange, red, and purple. Feel the cool mist rising from a cascading waterfall or the soft sand between your toes on a deserted beach.

A Journey for the Soul:

India’s natural wonders offer more than just stunning scenery. A sunrise over the Ganges River in Varanasi can be a spiritual awakening, bathing the ancient city in a soft golden light as devotees perform their morning rituals. A quiet meditation amidst the serene beauty of a tea plantation in Munnar can bring inner peace, surrounded by rolling hills and the calming scent of freshly brewed tea.

Beyond the Tourist Trail:

The beauty of India lies not just in famous landmarks, but also in the hidden gems waiting to be discovered. Explore the serene lakes of Kashmir, their mirror-like surfaces reflecting the snow-capped peaks above. Wander through the ancient ruins of Hampi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that was once the thriving capital of the Vijayanagara Empire. Marvel at the natural rock formations of Meghalaya, some resembling bridges formed by the patient work of tree roots over centuries.

Travel Responsibly:

As we explore India’s natural beauty, let’s do so responsibly. Respect local cultures and traditions, minimize our environmental impact by leaving only footprints behind and using eco-friendly practices. Support local communities by purchasing souvenirs from artisans and staying in homestays. By traveling responsibly, we can ensure that India’s natural beauty is preserved for generations to come.

So, ditch the usual tourist itinerary and embrace the adventure! India’s natural beauty awaits, promising an unforgettable journey that will leave you breathless, rejuvenated, and with a newfound appreciation for the wonders of our planet.

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Watch out for these common taxi scams…

Here is a checklist of some common taxi scams and things to do and things to avoid when traveling outstation or long-distance by taxi in India.

  • Taxi meter broken  When traveling within the city, drivers will either refuse to use the taxi meter or claim that its broken. At the end of the they will try to charge you higher than what the fare should have been if you paid by meter. Use a service that either bills you by meter or has published fares. If you are going to be driving aroiund town a lot, you may be better of renting a chauffeur-driven car for the day. Gozo can help you with this.
  • Lack of pricing transparency ..or bait and switch pricing
    Many customers, even locals fall into this trap. When traveling intercity, you may be quoted the lowest price on a per km basis but later a variety of charges, including toll, taxes etc are piled on to your bill. Insist on getting clarity on what the final bill will cost.At Gozo we believe in 100% pricing transparency. At the time you make the reservation, your confirmation clearly spells out the included kms for your trip, the base fare, expected tolls/taxes etc and the per km charges if you were to drive extra on your trip. More so, we also call out if and when parking charges are included for your trip. All inclusions and exclusions are explicitly called out on your confirmation email.
  • Odometer scamWhen traveling long distance you are expected to pay for the number of kms travelled. In many a cases an unscrupulous driver might try to scam you by charging you for extra kms. Always insist that the driver reset the trip odometer at the start of the trip.
    Double check the odometer reading… Make sure you check if you read Odometer A or Odometer B. Or even better, get them to reset both the trip odometers (most cars have a Trip A and a Trip B). At the end of the trip, you can now trust the odometer reading.A common scam is where the driver resets one of the Trip odometers (Trip B) well before your pickup and then resets the other one (Trip A) at the start of your trip. And the end of the trip they would show you the one reading the higher value and get you to pay for more kms than what you travelled.
  • Cancellation charges
    Plans do change. So please get clarity on what cancellation charges you would have to pay if you do cancel your reservation. At Gozo, our cancellation policy is clearly spelled out on your confirmation.
  • Be careful with your luggage
    Make sure all your pieces are loaded in the car before you take a seat else you may be risking arriving without a piece of luggage
  • Timely service
    If you are making a reservation for a trip, then you expect the car to show up on time and get you on our way. Ensure that you have confirmed service with a dependable provider. At Gozo, we require our customers to reconfirm their trips so as to avoid last minute cancellations. A trip can be guaranteed by paying 15% advance or by reconfirming when we email/call to reconfirm your travel plans.
  • Lost or forgotten items  Always check for your belongings and keep and eye on them. When leaving the vehicle, make sure you take everything you arrived with.
  • Do you get roadside assistance?
    Breakdowns can happen on a long distance journey. You need to know that your provider can arrange for a replacement car to get you on your way without losing time or messing up your plans.Our premium tier of services include a provision for road-side assistance (thats explicitly called out in your confirmation if your purchase includes road-side assistance)
  • Licensed & Insured cabs
    In life you get what you pay for… Most providers offering cheap quotes tend to cut corners on their service. It is illegal to use a private vehicle for hired transportation of passengers in India. Only commercially licensed taxis which carry the pre-requisite insurance and permits are considered a legal taxi transport. Always ensure that before you board a taxi, the vehicle license plate has YELLOW letters on a black license plate.
  • Well maintained vehicles
    It is important that you know that your taxi is well maintained and taken care of. In the rainy season windshield wipers, tires with a good tread etc are of utmost importance. Gozo’s taxi inspection and approval process checks for these items and our field teams conduct inspections on the taxis’ on a periodic basis.
  • Avoid Sightseeing offer or local shopping recommendations
    Unless you have purchased sight-seeing as part of your purchase contract, avoid an offer from the driver to take you sight-seeing for cheap or sometimes even free.

    Never fall for this age-old trick. On the way, typically the driver makes small talk in an effort to win you over. Once he has your confidence, the driver suggests a pit stop at a recommended restaurant or shop. Even if the passenger resists, the driver may encourage a stop to “just take a look.” The next thing you know you are being pressured to buy something (generally overpriced and one in which the driver will be making a cut). If you find yourself in this situation, mention that a local friend is meeting you at your destination and you cannot be late. Act like you are familiar with the area to avoid unwanted suggestions.

  • Working Air conditioning in the vehicle
    Most taxi drivers in India will turn off the AC when driving on hilly areas to prevent overheating of the vehicle. Outside of hilly areas, the AC can be used at all times.
  • To avoid the above issues book with a dependable provider like Gozo
    Taxi operators working with Gozo, depend on Gozo to receive business on an ongoing basis. This gives us leverage with them to ensure that customers are treated fairly. Our drivers and operators will generally act in the best interest of the customer – we all want you to come back as a repeat customer.
    In addition, in the event there is an issue on the trip – a flat tire, an item you left behind we have a way to contact the driver and have them arrange for your item be returned. We believe firmly that people are generally honest and by treating our customers and operators well we are able to create a friendly environment that encourages more travel across India.

 

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Travel Plan with Gozocabs Taxi – Gangtok 03 Nights | Lachung 01 Night | Pelling 01 Night | Darjeeling 02 Nights

Gangtok 03 Nights / Lachung 01 Night / / Pelling 01 Night / Darjeeling 02 Nights Itinerary
Duration: 08 Days / 07 Nights

Day 01
Arrival and Transfer to Gangtok – Our representative will be there to receive the Guest at New Jalpaiguri Railway Station (NJP) / Bagdogra Airport (IXB) / Tenzing Norgay Bus Stand (Junction) – He will be assisting for the transfer to Gangtok by taxi – Gangtok the capital of Sikkim suits all needs from tranquility to adventure, land of monastery, mystic rituals & festivals at an height of 1670 meters / 5480 feet and is the most visited spot of India.  It is one of the most beautiful town with varieties of Rhododendron, Orchids and butterflies – Nearly 135 kilometers 4 ½ – 5 hours drive – Check into hotel – Evening free to roam around M G Road (Mall) or local Shopping center – Over Night stay at Gangtok.

Day 02
Excursion to Tsomgo Lake & Baba Mandir (Full Day) – Morning breakfast at hotel – Excursion to Tsomgo Lake & Baba Mandir nearly 40 kilometers and 2 hours drive along the Kyongnosla Alpine Sanctuary, the home to the red panda and the blood pheasant with Rhododendron and other alpine trees along the road – Situated at an elevation of 3753 meters / 12310 feet – The Lake is oval shaped lake nearly 50 feet deep – Generally covered in snow for most of the year the year – This lake is home to the Brahmini ducks & many migratory birds – Nearby is the sacred Baba Mandir known to be a very holy site for all – Nathu La Pass to Republic of China is nearly 20 kilometers and is optional tour – Back to Gangtok – Evening free to roam around M G Road (Mall) or local Shopping center – Overnight stay at Gangtok (Incase of Landslide or due to any other reasons if Tshangu Lake is closed then an alternate sightseeing will be provided).

Day 03
Transfer to Lachung – Early morning breakfast – Next start for North Sikkim package tour – Leave Gangtok at about 10 A M proceed to Lachung 119 kilometers – 4 ½ hours – 5 ½ hours – Lachung is situated at an altitude of 8600 feet – On the way stop and enjoy a few wonderful locations like Tashi Viewpoint, Kabi Lungstok, Naga Waterfalls, confluence of Lachen chu and Lachung Chu at Chungthang, Twin Waterfalls and Bhim Nala Waterfalls – Lunch will be served at Namok – The roads are colored with full bloom of Primulae, Rhododendrons and many other Alpine flowers Guest specially during spring – Guest are likely to reach Lachung at late afternoon or early evening – Check into the hotel / resort – Evening free to stroll around the village – Dinner will be served at about 8 PM – Overnight stay at Lachung.

Day 04
Sight Seeing at Yumthang & Transfer to Gangtok – After breakfast drive towards Yumthang situated at an elevation of nearly 11800 feet – On the way you may visit the famous hot spring which is known for its curative properties of skin diseases – Yumthang is a valley near the river Lachung Chu surrounded by mountains where the tree line ends – In spring the valley erupts in riots of colors as Primulae, Rhododendrons and many other Alpine flowers in full bloom along with snow covered valley except in autumn – Return to resort at Lachung for Lunch – Back to Gangtok – 125 kilometers, 4 – 5 hours drive – On the way stops at Singhik and Mangan – Back to Gangtok Evening free to roam around M G Road (Mall) or local Shopping center – Over Night stay at Gangtok.

Day 05
Gangtok Local Sight Seeing (Half Day) & Transfer to Pelling – After breakfast drive for the city tour of Gangtok – Visit to Directorate of Handicrafts & Handloom, Research Institute of Tibetology, Do Drul Chorten (Stupa), Enchey Monastery, White Hall, Flower Show, etc – Next a drive of 140 kilometers 3 ½ – 4 hours through scenic road – Pelling is situated at an altitude of 2072 meters / 6800 feet – On a clear day guest can get a clear view of Himalayan range with snow capped mount Pandim, Kumbhakarna, Rathong, Khangchendzonga, Zopuno, Shimbho, Narsing, Sinolchu etc – It is one of the exotic settlement with varieties of Rhododendron, Orchids, historical sites, short trek routes and wildlife – Its botanical and zoological richness is inspiring and the scenic view from the top of the ridge across deep valley to the heights of Kanchendzonga ranges is something to be seen to be believed – Check into hotel – Evening free to roam around the small settlement – Over Night stay at Pelling.

Day 06
Pelling Local sightseeing ( Half Day) – After breakfast at hotel – Drive for Full Day Sight Seeing. The routes are forested and the botanical and zoological richness is inspiring. Places of visit are Rimbi water Falls, Rimbi Rock Garden, Kechopalri Lake, it is one of the holy Buddhist lake and it is believed that any wish in front of the lake comes true – Myth is that when a leaf falls on the placid clear water surface, it is picked by a bird and thus the water surface is always free of leaves, Kechopalri Monastery, Kanchenjunga water Falls, Pemayangtse Monastery, Rabdantse ruins, the scenic view from the top of the ruin to the mystic heights of Kanchendzonga ranges is something to be cherished & Transfer to Darjeeling , o/n at Darjeeling.

Day 07
Darjeeling Local Sight Seeing (Half Day) – Early morning at around 3:45 AM drive to 8000 feet / 2440 meters through primitive forests of oak, magnolia to Tiger Hill to view sunrise over Kanchendzonga Peak (subject to clear weather) – On the way back visit Ghoom Monastery, Peace memorial & Batasia Loop – On the way back visit Ghoom Monastery, Peace memorial & Batasia Loop – Back to hotel for breakfast – After breakfast rest for half an hour After breakfast next round of sight seeing – Half Day city tour includes Padmaja Naidu Zoological Park, Himalayan Mountaineering Institute (Closed on Thursday), Ropeway, Tensing Gumpo Rock, Tibetan Refugee Self Help Center (Closed on Sunday), Tea Estate, Natural History Museum (Sunday Closed), Peace Pagoda – Back to hotel – Evening free to stroll around the area – Overnight stay at Darjeeling.

Day 08
Departure – Darjeeling to Siliguri by cab / New Jalpaiguri Railway Station (NJP) / Bagdogra Airport (IXB) / Tenzing Norgay Bus Stand (Junction) – Morning breakfast – After breakfast transfer to Siliguri / New Jalpaiguri Railway Station (NJP) / Bagdogra Airport (IXB) / Tenzing Norgay Bus Stand (Junction) Nearly 105 kilometers 3 ½ – 4 hours drive – Forwarding Journey

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Rangpanchami

Ranga Panchami is a Hindu festival celebrated just five days after the colourful festival of Holi. It is observed on the ‘Panchami’ (5th day) of the Krishna Paksha (the waning phase of moon) during the ‘Phalgun’ month of the Hindu calendar whereas in the Gregorian calendar this occurrence corresponds to the months of February-March. Ranga Panchami is also celebrated in a colourful manner that is marked by throwing ‘gulal’ (red fragrant powder) and splashing of colored water.

The word ‘Rang’ signifies ‘color’ while ‘Panchami’ refers to the 5th day and henceforth in some places across the country, Holi is also played on Ranga Panchami. According to the Hindu mythology, Ranga Panchami is symbolic of victory over ‘raja-tama’, which is the barrier to spiritual advancement. It is celebrated with full fervour in the states of Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra and some regions of North India. In Maharashtra it is celebrated as ‘Shimgo’ or ‘Shimga’ and is characterised by the traditional Palkhi dance. It is observed mainly by the members of fishing community and involved dancing, singing and merry-making. In temples of Vrindavan and Mathura, the celebration of Rang Panchami culminates the festivities of Holi.

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Different forms of Holi – Phaguwa

 

Phaguwa or Phagwah

Phagwah or Phaguwa is one of the most ancient, joyous and colorful festivals of the Hindu calendar. This festival was brought down from Indian in 1838, by Indian Indentured Immigrants.
Holi is celebrated forty days from the planting of Holika (Castor Oil tree). The burning of Holika takes place on the Eve of Phagwah (full moon night). A huge structure (pyre) is built and kindled at the appropriate time in a symbolic act. Phagwah commemorates the New Year for Hindus.
Phagwah started at a time when India was facing a serious drought, affecting the various crops. However, the rain eventually came pouring down to the satisfaction of the people (farmers) who came out in the fields; playing with the water in joyous jubilation as they throw it on each other. Soon after, they start reaping their bountiful harvest (crop).
There are special forms of music and songs which are associated with Phagwah; Chowtaal singing is the dominant style, which is heard from Basant Panchmi night until eight days after Phagwah.

 

 

There are special forms of music and songs which are associated with Phagwah; Chowtaal singing is the dominant style, which is heard from Basant Panchmi night until eight days after Phagwah.
Holi was celebrated before the Prahalad’s legend. However, the story of Prahalad added new dimensions. Prahalad’s defiance of the many impositions of his father, King Hiranyakasyapu is testimony and evidence of firm faith in Truth and God. The burning of Holika (Prahalad’s Aunt) is reminiscent of his victory over evil. King Kasyapu contrived various diabolical means to kill his son Prahalad, who went against his will, but all his efforts were in vein. King Hiranyakasyapu; has a blessing (boon) that he would not die in the day or night, nor inside or outside of his house nor would he be killed by man or beast. So he felt that he was God and proclaimed that all worship must be henceforth given to him.;