Summer Holidays in Pune and Goa

 Summer Holidays in Pune and Goa

Our summer holidays were a thrilling adventure as we explored the vibrant cities of Pune and Goa, immersing ourselves in their unique blend of culture, history, and natural beauty. The journey began at 8:45 PM when we left home, filled with excitement and anticipation for the adventures ahead. We reached the airport by 9:50 PM, breezing through the security checks, and soon found ourselves at the food court on the upper floor. The aroma of freshly made sandwiches lured us to Subway, where we indulged in a foot-long sub, complemented by the rich flavours of an Indian Thali from a nearby restaurant. 

With our appetites satisfied, we made our way to the gate by 11 PM. The minutes ticked by slowly as we eagerly awaited our boarding call, which finally came at 11:40 PM. The flight took off at noon, and after a smooth journey, we touched down in Pune at 2:15 AM. The vibrant city welcomed us with open arms as we booked a cab to Aminora Apartments, where our cousins lived. We arrived at their society by 3:15 AM, and after a warm reunion, we settled in and soon found ourselves dozing off at 4:30 AM, exhausted but content.

The next morning, we woke up at 9 AM, refreshed and ready to dive into the fun. The PlayStation 4 was our first stop, where we spent hours immersed in virtual worlds. Later, we headed to the society’s pool, where we splashed around and enjoyed the cool water, followed by a luxurious soak in the bathtub. Breakfast was a delightful spread of Bread Pizza, Pasta, and Potato Puri, fueling us for the exciting day ahead. 

As the evening approached, we ventured out to Viman Nagar in Pune, our destination being the thrilling Mystery Rooms. The challenge? To defuse a bomb within an hour. The clock was ticking, but with teamwork and determination, we succeeded in 45 minutes, earning ourselves medals and a sense of accomplishment. To celebrate, we dined at a nearby restaurant, indulging in a feast that left us all satisfied. The drive home was filled with laughter and chatter as we enjoyed the sunroof experience in the car, before finally calling it a night at 10 PM.

The following day, we woke up to an empty house as our cousins and their mother, a teacher, had left for school. Breakfast was a comforting meal of Idli Sambar and Rice, a perfect start to the day. By noon, we were on our way to Pune Airport, having packed our bags and said our goodbyes. The security checks were routine, and soon we were aboard the plane, heading to our next destination – Goa. We landed in Goa at 3 PM, greeted by the warm breeze and the promise of adventure. Our cab ride to the hotel, Amara Oceanfront on Baga Beach, was a scenic journey, though it started raining midway. The rain only added to the charm of the journey, as we watched the lush landscape of Goa come alive.

Upon reaching the hotel, we were pleasantly surprised to find that my brother and I had our own room, while our parents had theirs. The luxury of the hotel was a welcome retreat, and we spent the evening unwinding, soaking in the atmosphere. The next morning, we were up early, eager to explore Goa. We booked a taxi and set off on a day-long tour of the state’s most famous attractions. Our first stop was the historic Xanzievier's Church, where we marvelled at the preserved body of a priest, a relic of the past kept intact through the centuries with the help of medicines. The visit to the church was both eerie and fascinating, offering a glimpse into Goa's rich history.

Next, we visited the Balaji Temple and Devi Mandir, where we soaked in the spiritual ambience and offered our prayers. The Spices Garden was another highlight of the day. As we entered, we were welcomed with a refreshing Lemon Grass Tea, setting the tone for the organic feast that awaited us for lunch. The food was a delightful blend of flavours, all prepared with ingredients grown right there in the garden. After the meal, we embarked on a guided tour of the forest, learning about the various spices and herbs cultivated there. Before leaving, we purchased some of the organic honey and spices, eager to take a piece of Goa back home with us.

Our day continued with a cruise along the serene waters of Goa, where we relaxed with popcorn and juice, taking in the sights and sounds around us. As the sun set, we returned to our hotel, feeling both tired and content. But the day wasn't over yet. That night, we headed to Majestic Pride, a gaming cruise that catered to all ages. The night was filled with games, laughter, and a delicious dinner, making it a night to remember. We finally returned to our hotel at 2 AM, exhausted but happy, and fell asleep almost instantly.

The next morning, after a refreshing swim in the hotel pool, we were off again, this time to explore more of Goa's scenic spots. Our itinerary included visits to Coconut Tree Lane, the historic Aguada Fort, and Candolim Beach, among many others. Each place had its own unique charm, and we spent hours soaking in the beauty of Goa, from the towering coconut trees to the ancient fort that stood as a testament to the region's colonial past. We repeated this routine for four days, each day bringing new experiences and memories.

As our vacation neared its end, we prepared for our return journey. On the last day, we headed to the airport at 5 PM, but not before enjoying one last meal at the airport food court – a delicious Dosa. Our flight was slightly preponed, and by 6:40 PM, we were already on the plane, heading back to Delhi. The flight was uneventful, and we landed at 10:30 PM. As soon as we stepped out of the airport, the sweltering heat of Delhi hit us, a stark contrast to the cool, pleasant weather we had enjoyed in Pune and Goa.

We arrived home at 11:30 PM, tired from the journey but filled with a treasure trove of memories from our holiday. The trip to Pune and Goa had been everything we had hoped for – an exciting mix of adventure, relaxation, and cultural exploration. From defusing bombs in mystery rooms to soaking in the sun on Goa's beaches, every moment was a new experience. The trip had come to an end, but the memories we made would stay with us forever, reminding us of the wonderful time we had spent together as a family.