Diwali was good fun this year. Lots of crackers, good food and a few good looking people :). The next long break to look forward is at the end of the calendar year 2013. However, with the marriage of my younger brother scheduled for December, there would be no Christmas trips for us. This is the third Christmas in a row where we have not traveled. So time for a year end summary as well as plans for next year post.
My son, Neo, was born this year in January. Which meant that even though i spent a lot of money on tickets, I was not the one travelling.
The first trip of the year was to Harihareshwar, Srivardhan, Diveagar in April. Lovely, laid back place with a long, unspoilt beach. More details in the blog post.
The second trip of the year was in August to Mahabaleshwar. We had been there before but circumstances ensured that we went there again. Great trip with pleasant weather, merry company and wonderful food.
The third trip of the year was Ujjain Maheshwar Indore. Maheshwar was enchanting and is a must do. Details in the blog post.
The wife took a week's trip to Dubai, while I was working.
So in 2013, there were no foreign trips for me and only 3 India trips. Most of the leaves were spent on going home for some work or the other.
PLANNING FOR 2014
January - Neo's 1st birthday to be celebrated back home so no travelling
February - A quick trip to Mount Abu during Mahashivrati three day weekend. I hope the weather is still pleasant. Mount Abu has been in the planning for many a year without fruition. Hopefully, the long wait will ensure the trip is a success.
March - Gangaikondacholapuram in the early summer heat of Tamil Nadu. Had been to Tanjaore a few years ago. The living Chola temples of GKC and Darasuram have been on the agenda since.
April: A three day week in almost perfect weather makes London a very attractive destination.
May, June, July - Peak summer months across the country ensure limited opportunities for travel. Further, the period from May 1 till August 15 has no holidays. So stay at home,we shall.
August - Ganesh Chaturthi is the perfect time for a monsoon destination. This year the target is Tarkarli. Having done the stretch till Ganapatiphule, we are planning to put in that extra bit and drive till Tarkarli.
September - No plans yet.
October - Gandhi gives us a Thursday off. A day's leave and we are off to the Buddhist Circuit in Bihar. Patna to Bodh Gaya through Nalanda, Rajgir, Pawapuri.
November - Muharram and Guru Nanak's birthday provide an opportunity to tour Saursahtra. The proposed RoRo link between Bharuch and Bhavnagar should be operational by then and should save us at least 300 kms.
December - Finally a Christmas trip. To Myanmar this time. 11 day trip covering all key sites :)
Planning is the first step. Time and health permitting, 2014 should be a good year for travel.
Cheers
