Nepal then beaches?
I will be in Nepal for work for 3 weeks in Feb. I will be working really hard, and will need a 7-10 day rest after and would love to relax on the beach for that time. I have been many times to Thailand and am tempted to go back because it's easy and cheap and wonderful, but part of me wants to try something new. Is it insane to consider flying to India and going straight to the beaches when I have never traveled there before?Sri Lanka is an option, but I am on a tight budget.
Thank you in advance to any thoughts you might be able to share with me about this.
Sarah
2
No Problem, pleased to be of help.I can’t give you exact timings – But I would imagine it would take about 48 hours from Kathmandu to Goa – Bus to Sunauli, Bus / Jeep to Gorakhpur then Train.
From Goa back to Mumbai it’s about 10 hours.
Travelling on trains in India is great – If you decide on this option you should book your trains in advance on line
Good Luck
Rob
4
If you have only 7-10 days, flying is definately the way to go. Overland takes too long.Sri Lanka is great and if you can find a cheap flight from Kathmandu, why not? It's not an expensive country to travel in.
I'd chose Kerala over Goa any time, but i'm not sure if you can get a cheap flight to there and if your 7-10 days isn't a bit short.Also, If your budget is tight, don't forget to factor in Visa cost..
Alternatively, i'd look into Chitwan National Park in Nepal. No beach, but it is a great place to relax and hang out. I really enjoyed it when i was there and it's cheap and you can travel overland from Katmandu.
5
Just checked details on “ The Vasco de Gama Express” and find that it leaves Patna Junction and from there takes 33 hours to Madagon – So it might well be quicker crossing the border at Birgunj and taking a bus from there to Patna – I don’t think my estimate of 48 hours is that far out, maybe an extra ½ day, but I can’s see it taking anything like Four !!Good Luck
Rob
6
If you have a total of 7 days, spending 2 1/2 of it on a train doesn't sound right to me, but maybe other people enjoy it.I did the trip Kathmandu to Goa myself some years back (via Varanasi) and it was tedious.
I stick to it, if you can afford to fly, fly, if not, consider a destiantaion that is closer.
My 2 cents anyway
7
Also, let's face it, Goa isn't that great (at least not anymore-the hey-days are largely over) to warrant such a trip.If you want to get firts glimpse of India from Kathmandu in 7-10 days, why not go to Varanasi instead and head to Gopalpur from there for a few days beach vacation. Much nicer and closer than Goa.
8
Thanks everyone. Any beaches India that are comparable to Thai beaches? Part of this of course is to experience India, and the culture. I will have been working my tail off in Nepal, and am getting feedback that India is too hard to travel to for my short time, when I am needing a slower pace.....9
What do you mean with beaches "comparable to Thai beaches"? Last time i checked there was a great diversity of beaches from the unspoiled and off the beaten track to the mass tourist ones in Phuket. If you want party beaches and tourist masses, well then Goa is for you.Other than that i'd recommend the beaches south of Gokarna, but it might me tough to go there with the little time you have.
11
what is your purpose of going to the beachdo you mean drugs and booze and partying
or do you mean surfing
or lying on the sand with a cocktail
dragging all the way from Kathmandu to Goa doesn't sound very relaxing
if you have been working in Nepal why not go somewhere quieter there to relax
Chitwan has been mentioned and there is a river there to laze beside or swim in
or Pokhara has a lake which is perfect for lazy days and maybe some nightlife if you choose
much easier and cheaper and relaxing
12
If you decide to fly, you can make it to Cambodia - Kampot is wonderful.13
You said you will have been working real hard and want to relax. Fly to Thailand. You have been there, It "easy, cheap and wonderful", and that is the recipe for a stress free, relaxing way to unwind. Besides, those are the best beaches of those you mentioned.
