Diary Of An Indian Traveller

Getaway To Tudor Retreat - Khapoli

2009-08-08T23:09:00.000-07:00

Time to backpack again. During monsoon the entire Sahyadri ranges turns into an eclectic blend of fluorescent green mountains playing hide and seek with freely roaming clouds.Our destination was Tudor retreat farm, located by a lake near Khopoli off Mumbai-Pune Highway.The farm, spread on 10 acres of land, is surrounded on three sides by lush green forests and hills.

Getting out of mumbai is always tiring. We started off early evening & by the time we reached Tudor, it was 7 PM. Navigating to the place was again tough as there were no sign boards and despite of its huge spread,the place was poor lit. As if those were not sufficient - a real shock when I entered our bungalow. Arrangement within the rooms were clumsy and looked no better than any dharmasala.

I am a gourmet.If not the room decor, I had hoped that atleast the dinner would appease my discontentment.But all I had was again disappointment.

A moon walk along the banks of lake may seem enchanting - but strictly not advisable.The wall fencings were damaged and one of our colleague narrowly escaped getting drowned into the lake.

The saga continued till next morning when we found intermittent water supply in the bathroom.

The only area where Tudor could earn some good points was its breathtaking natural assets.The lake looked heavenly.And the surroundings appeared as if the mother nature has meticulously painted it with various shades of green.

The contact details of the resort :

Tudor Retreat
Lake Kalote, Khopoli
Off Mumbai Pune Highway
Contact person: Mrs Khan / Mr Saif
Contact # +91 98 210 26639

Mrs Khan claims she runs this resort not for money.However I would question - can you run a resort so unprofessionally ? I am sure the answer will be a big NO !

Cafe Basilico - Bandra

2009-04-25T10:09:00.000-07:00

Another hot summer day in mumbai & it was special day to meet my friend Mathias on lunch. Mathias was on a business trip to India & could manage a trip to the pink city Jaipur before leaving for home. The venue selection was almost perfect 'Cafe Basilico' , bandra - much closer to his hotel & we were about the meet around 12:30. But..but..but as the clock struck 12 , I realized it was an unexpectedly jam packed day. Adding salt to the injury - Airtel network in the city failed due to fire break out.

Wading through all the road troubles when I reached venue at around 14:00 , my shirt was wet with sweat partially due to summer & mostly due the guilt of making him to wait for almost 1:30 Hours. However that quickly changed into surprise when I found rather pleased Mathias inside munching food & both of us soon got engaged in a lively conversation.

Few words on Basilico - place is open for breakfast & the cuisine here is mostly Mediterranean. And yes the menu changes frequently.

Silly me - I left my camera at home but I am sure the Indian candles would always remain as a souvenir of our meet. I am not a bad host afterall :D

Looking forward seeing you Mathias again !

Around Mumbai In 48 Hours: Mahalaksmi Temple

2009-04-05T12:29:00.000-07:00

This was infact day 2 of our schedule - we thought of making a short visit to Mahalaksmi temple.By now Eli had already impressed me with his knowhow on Hinduism.The temple ,located at Breach Candy, was constructed way back in 1785 & remains one of the most visited temple.

Mahalakshmi-is the Goddess of wealth as per the Hindu mythology & the main doorway of the temple is richly ornamented.In its courtyard you can always notice hundreds of grey pigeons pecking at grain.However - one word of caution - keep your shoes safe. Thieves are highly active here.

TGIF: Happy Birthday Ravi

2009-04-04T12:24:00.001-07:00

It's not a friday , then what are we doing at TGIF? Infact me & Ravi somehow pledged that we would make our meeting an annual event only. Hence TGIF !

And Happy birthday Ravi.Thanks for the wonderful treat.

Around Mumbai in 48 Hours: Cafe Mondegar

2009-04-03T13:33:00.000-07:00

We were back in mumbai around 5 PM. No surprise - both of us were damn tired, although Eli had a quick nap. Add to it- we didn't have a proper lunch.For us day had just begun & we had few more places to cover during the day.

A nearby joint or 'perek' all I could think of for some food was Cafe Mondegar.That's few minutes walk again from Gateway of India & located next to Regal cinema.Treat your taste bud with hearty food menu of Indian,chinese & continental - anything you can think of infact - at a much affordable rate. The place is always crowded.You are lucky - if you get a table there. The interiors of the cafe are filled with murals of the famous cartoonist, Mario Miranda.

The place is always buzzing till midnight.Before you leave the place, don't forget to check out Mondy's collectible merchandise.

Around Mumbai In 48 Hours: Elephanta Caves

2009-04-03T12:51:00.000-07:00

It was October & festivals of light "Deepawali" was about to hit Indian subcontinent in just few days.Eli's 48 hours time bound trip to Mumbai would have been incomplete without a visit to the Elephanta islands in the Arabian sea.In a way its a great escape from otherwise hot & humid mumbai in october. The cave complex covers an area of about 60,000 square feet & is a collection of shrines, courtyards, inner cells, grand halls & porticos arranged in the splendid symmetry of Indian rock-cut architecture.UNESCO listed it as the World Heritage Site in 1987.

From Gateway of India we took a ferry ride for 1.5 Hours to Elephanta.Pay the ferry guys on board a little bribe (as less as 10 Rs),you can actually go onto the top of ferry & experience cool sea breeze under clear blue sky.Water/food you must carry from Mumbai- else you may have to pay a hefty price for those niceties.

From the location where ferry docks,a serpentine road will lead you to the caves located uphill.You can also opt for toy train.We decided to walk - otherwise capturing the moments on camera was rather tough.10 minutes walk & we were at the gate of Eliphanta caves.

Gateway Of India - Mumbai

2009-03-21T09:40:00.000-07:00

Hurrah - another saturday & I am now at Gateway of India . Little history of the place:
The Gateway of India is meant to commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary to Bombay, prior to the Darbar in Delhi in December 1911. The foundation stone was laid on March 31, 1911 and George Wittet's final design sanctioned in August 1914. Between 1915 and 1919 work proceeded on reclamations at Apollo Pier for the land on which the gateway and the new sea wall would be built. The foundations were completed in 1920. The Gateway is built from yellow Kharodi basalt and reinforced concrete. The central dome is 48 feet in diameter and 83 feet above ground at its highest point. The whole harbour front was realigned in order to come in line with a planned esplanade which would sweep down to the centre of the town.

The cost of the construction was Rs. 21 lakhs, borne mainly by the Government of India. For lack of funds, the approach road was never built, and the Gateway now stands at an angle to the road leading up to it.
The construction was completed in 1924, and the Gateway opened on December 4, 1924 by the Viceroy, Earl of Reading.

The last British troops to leave India, the First Battalion of the Somerset Light Infantry, passed through the gate in a ceremony on February 28, 1948.

From the front the place is always crowded & you may not be able to take a proper picture of this historic monument. Hence if you walk along a little towards the Taj - you can have some nice snaps infact.

Beachwalk

2009-03-14T23:10:00.000-07:00

Another hot humid day in Mumbai.All I can see through the window - a concrete jungle. Possibly all you can do during the day - stay inside & consider going out in evening. Here again I am not alone thinking like that.And sunset in Juhu is always mesmerizing. Happy ,sad or neutral - a barefoot beach walk across the shore has always been my favorite therapy.So what if it takes 30 odd minutes to hit the beach instead of 10 minutes on a regular day.

The sea currents just refilled enormous positive energy within my system.And what I left there - my all wishes & love for Taly ,Eli, angel Carmel & Nevo - possibly next time when they go on a barefoot beach walk across Arabian sea - the sea waves would convey my message to them.

Around Mumbai In 48 Hours : Part II

2008-10-28T22:22:00.000-07:00

We knew this would be toughest day with little time to rest & too many places to visit.The morning brought little changes in our plan - breakfast at Andheri station instead of Cafe Coffee Day , as the shop never opens by 9 AM. After a quick 'idli & dosa' session - we were all set for the day.

At the ticket counter ,we were greeted by a long serpentine queue.But what surprised Eli even more - bypassing the queue my dexterity to get the tickets in next 2 minutes.I think thats the only advantage railway provides you - if you plan to travel by Ist class.Within an hour - we reached Churchgate.

Around Mumbai In 48 Hours : Part I

2008-10-27T23:25:00.000-07:00

Pre deepawali weekend ,Eli had just arrived in Mumbai.His flight delayed more than 90 Minutes ,he missed my font size '200' placard..but Eli..cool,calm ,composed & was ready for his maiden 48 hours mumbai trip. Possible ? Yes. as I had already identified our route plan.

Wading through the traffic , we reached home from airport . A little 'coke' break & we were off for Andheri Red Box - prefect venue to gauge how much spice Eli could withstand?

Late night we left the place & headed toward home.Little chit chat & we retired for the day..as a much bigger day was ahead.

Durga Puja 2008 : Moha Soptomi Evening At Mahakali Caves

2008-10-06T11:45:00.000-07:00

Wading through the nightmarish Andheri east traffic , I reached matoshree park or the Mahakali caves Sarbojonin Durgostav. Last year the place hosted enchanting 'Nachiketa' during Moha Soptomi night.

However this year it was much contemporary Kaya - the creator of Kolkata Knight Riders theme song. The band simply rocked the evening with 'Sadher lau banaiylo morey ..'

Kaya will be performing in Lokhandwala ,Kandivili & Hiranandani in next few days. If you have missed them here ,do check them out.

Durga Puja 2008 : Moha Soptomi At Shivaji Park

2008-10-06T10:44:00.000-07:00

The organizers had just announced the final round of Moha Soptomi pushpanjai ,when I entered Shivaji Park puja. The puja at Shivaji Park boasts of the largest number of people attending its puja , which may be quiet true. Other than the traditional Durga Puja meal (Bhog) ,shops selling ethnic merchandise (including saree ,shantiniketan bags) remains an attraction for the devotees to visit Shivaji park.

Ok here again (like last year) the serpentine 'bhog' queue was annoyingly long. My inner heart (which is truly Indian) would never allow me to become a part of such queues.Hence me & my colleague Venkata headed towards one of the shop 'Namita Caterers' for some delicious Maacher Jhol & bhat (fish curry & rice). We were hungry & I must say it was a real long wait for 40 minutes before the meal was served. But do I look tired here ?

Naah ..50 Rs for Maacher Jhol ,Bhat & Dal was worth waiting !

Durga Puja 2008 : Moha Sosthi At Lokhandwala

2008-10-05T09:57:00.000-07:00

Ya Devi Sarva Bhuteshu Shaktirupena Samsthita
Namastasyei Namastasyei Namastasyei Namo Namaha

Maa Durga has arrived for the year 2008 on Maha Sasthi day today. According to Hindu mythology, the festivities and prayers begin with the symbolic arrival of the Goddess on earth on the sixth day of the first quarter of the moon and ends on Dashami or the tenth day.

For the 17th successful year upmarket Lokhandwala Durga pujo , convened by singer Abhijeet and his Bollywood colleagues , remains much talked about mostly due to star attractions . Amid the mild drizzle of sunday night Abhijeet could be seen taking a stock of the situation ensuring that everything is just perfect .

Killing the demon might have been little easier for the Goddess & her army. However this time with series of terrorist attacks preceding the festive time , the Goddess has much larger task in hand - uprooting terrorism from India . Thats exactly the theme at 'Hanglas' - an authentic bengali cuisine restaurant in Lokhandwala. That's little away from the Puja place , but I don't mind walking a bit for 'Hanglas Chicken Roll'.

Stone - Mysore

2008-09-11T12:06:00.001-07:00

Some objects often catches undue attention.But why this stone? May be its steady yet no moss !

However we had to hurry as the day was about to draw its curtain ,welcoming a pleasant evening.And Brindaban Garden was quite far off.

Welcome To My House :Ooty

2008-09-11T11:55:00.000-07:00

Somewhere in the middle of Botanical garden of Ooty,there lies this paradise house.

Waterfall In Ooty

2008-09-03T09:11:00.000-07:00

As we were descending down the Ooty hills the sound of rushing water filled our ears. The closer we got, the louder the sound grew ,till we discovered this spectacular waterfall .

The Woods Are Lovely, Dark & Deep

2008-09-02T13:34:00.000-07:00

On our way back from Ooty we were caught by morning mist on mountains. We stopped a while & I muttered ineffusively

The woods are lovely, dark and deep, But I have promises to keep, And miles to go before I sleep, And miles to go before I sleep.

'Thali' Lunch At Surguru Restaurant : Pondicherry

2008-09-02T11:37:00.000-07:00

It was a hot humid afternoon & I was almost exhausted of capturing the majestic Pondicherry beach on my camera when I headed towards Mission street. After a brief walk I stopped by the narrow doorway of 'Surguru Restaurant'. Convinced by two foreigners entering into it , I stepped into the restaurant. At the end of the short passageway I found a small garden with granite benches with lots of people waiting outside .

I slipped inside..and then wow ! what I am seeing? cool interiors with diffused lighting , steel chairs with cane backs , tables with newspaper motifs & plenty of foreigners discussing & dining .Infact the old Health Department office has been remodelled to house this swanky restaurant .

I managed one corner table & ordered delicious South Indian Thali. End of the meal I was served 'Paan'. How ambiance & interiors can transform a simple meal into an extraordinary experience - check out Surguru.

Dinner at Aristo Restaurant - Pondicherry

2008-09-01T12:11:00.000-07:00

I was almost done with my window shopping on Neheru Street when I walked into Lonely Planet recommended Aristo Restaurant for my dinner. Aristo's rooftop is an open air roof garden serving multi-cuisine food, it offers French, Indian, Chinese and Continental cuisines. Guess what I tried? Delicious garlic chicken & parotta.

The Matri Mandir : Pondicherry

2008-09-01T10:24:00.000-07:00

After a 10 minutes brisk walk along the shaded serpentine foot paths of Auroville my eyes were dazzled by the golden light, the light of Divine Truth, of the Matri Mandir. The eight-sided domed shaped modern architectural marvel is the Auroville's spiritual nucleus. Access to The Matrimandir is restricted. A slanting pathway from the temple leads to the circular shaped Meditation Hall. I could not get inside during this trip. However the hall houses the world largest crystal of 600 kg, brought from Germany.

Tranquility coupled with the golden light of 'Supramental Truth' would invariably awake your inner consciousness .

Botanical Garden - Ooty

2008-08-31T10:58:00.001-07:00

I knew I was in Botanical garden ,Ooty when miles till the horizon I could see was lush green lawns.Spread in an extensive area of 22 hectares, the Botanical Gardens in Ooty was laid way back in the year 1847 by the Marquis of Tweedale .The original purpose of the botanical garden was purely academic: to promote and study the various flora in and around Ooty. Now, it is open to the public .I had visited this place during my first visit to Ooty in 2001 but this time I made it brief due to bad weather.

Sunset From The Leela Palace - Bangalore

2008-08-31T09:47:00.000-07:00

The Leela Palace, Bangalore has been chosen as ‘India’s Leading Business Hotel’ by the World Travel Awards for the second time consecutively .This shutterholic was on adjacent Reuters rooftop at that moment .

Le Café - Pondicherry

2008-08-31T09:22:00.000-07:00

If you are on a leisurely walk on the beach on the Goubert Avenue, Pondicherry, The Le Café must fascinate your eyes. During the French period, the present Le Café building was Pondicherry's harbour office. It was the first site the Europeans saw and landed on. In fact , the harbour captain and his staff worked here. The 200 years old building was also the oldest post office of the city.

Inside the cafe ,treat your taste buds with assorted coffee & snacks & relax hearing the sea waves crashing against rocks . Or you may join coffee table discussion with other travelers . Incase you had a long tiring day , rejuvenate your body & soul with "Hibiscus Soda" . As the night approaches the elegant décor and soothing light would surely make your dining out worth an experience .