Category: Local food

A dream road-trip (and stay options) through the Coastal beauty of Konkan

Posted in Coastal Maharashtra, Local culture, Local food, Maharashtra, SaffronStays DiariesTagged , , , , , , , , Leave a comment

Is Ready, Set, Go, your mantra for most weekends? Have you found a car and the countryside to be your calling? Then this picturesque surrounding and lush green foliage on the way to Ratnagiri is a great source to calm those jittery nerves. So if you are in the region and planning to take a road trip look no further.

Why to go?

When vacation plans are tossed around, few Mumbaikars can resist the lure of seashore! And the drive to Ratnagiri-Ganpatipule from Mumbai is a vacation in itself.  This Coastal beauty is ready to welcome you round the year. The backwaters lead you towards its tranquil shores and the friendly locals give you a good start to help you explore Ratnagiri & dive deep into the salty sea, aroma of delicious seafood, sound of the waves, and feel of the wet beach sand as you walk along barefoot. Expect the clear blue sky and vast blue sea to be your sole companions on your weekend getaway from the loud city!

On-the-go

The 500-odd kilometres might take upto 11 hours on a single stretch. A pleasant stretch, lined on both sides with forest, gives a delightfully scenic drive. Passing past your window you will witness paddy fields and coconut palms plantations. Also, if you are a bird watcher, you cannot resist to take a halt at Karnala Bird Sanctuary.

Biking (5)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Although, don’t hurry through Ratnagiri; After all, nothing can beat the thrill of being on the road, right? The route from Mumbai to Ratnagiri gives you plenty scenic options mentioned above to pick and choose your experiences.

Where to stay?

# 01 Spend a luxury holiday at Diveagar

A two minute walk from the seashore, this luxury bungalow makes sure that the guests experience a relaxing and comfortable stay in Diveagar. Some of the places to visit in the vicinity include Diveagar and Harihareshwar Beach, the Lord Suvarnaganesha temple which houses the 300 years old idol of Lord Ganesha, and Murud Janjira, long considered to be an impregnable fort. Also of interest is the Phansad Wildlife Sanctuary, spread over an area of around 53 sq kilometres, housing a variety of fauna.

# o2 Homestay near the beach in Shrivardhan

Located at a walking distance from the beach in Shrivardhan. We pride ourselves on our well- maintained gardens & farm of coconut trees, mango trees and are canut trees. Guests can spend time at Shrivardhan Beach and enjoy water activities on offer. They can also visit the Shiva Temple and Bankot Fort.

# 03 Pleasant stay in Harihareshwar

During your stay here, the place is in close proximity with Harihareshwar Beach, you can enjoy the water activities there, and visit Harihareshwar Temple. There are few other temples that lie in the vicinity and can be visited. Boating and backwater trips to see dolphins are other activities to be enjoyed. One can also take day trips to Diveagar and Shriwardhan as well.

# 04 Tree house in Dapoli

Nestled in interiors of Dapoli in Coastal Maharashtra, this homestay in Dapoli provides the perfect retreat from the chaos of city life. They aim to provide a rustic experience in natural settings while ensuring that the guests are comfortable. There is an in-house restaurant where they serve delicious local meals.

# 05 Farmstay at a hilltop in Chiplun

Overlooking the valley, is this farmstay built on an 18 acre land, with a lot of love and care. You wake up to absolute peace and quiet, with the sounds of birds and roosters as your morning wake up call. The fresh air and lovely views of the green valley right in front of the rooms brings you a fresh and heavenly feeling. When you visit here, you have peacocks on the farm for company and friendly hunter dogs as pets.

# 06 Hilltop stay overlooking the Valley in Chiplun

Located on top of a hill, away from the otherwise touristy spots in Chiplun, the view of the scenic Vashishti river with a backdrop of the setting sun in the mountain range is breathtaking and something you can enjoy from your room. Without interfering much into the natural balance, one can achieve relaxation or rejuvenation that you wish to experience. They promote eco-friendly tourism, the only place where you can experience a wonderful mix of adventure tourism, agro learnings, spiritual places & the divine peace of nature. Here you also get an opportunity to pursue your hobbies like painting, photography, reading, writing, music, while enjoying the splendid breathtaking view of the river Vashisthi.

#07 Beach view bungalow at Guhagar

Located in a small fishing village about 5 km from the town of Guhagar, atop a small hillock and far away from city life, is this beautiful farm house. It lies nestled between forest cover on one side and a stunning view of Guhagar beach on the other, and makes for an ideal place to experience the unique flavour of Coastal Maharashtra. The simplicity of the rooms is made up for by the large number of activities on offer. Guests can explore the village, go for walks through the forest and opt for bird watching trips with the friendly host who’ll also tell you about the efforts he’s made in the field of agriculture in his village.

# 08 Malgund beach facing Villa in Ganpatipule

While driving from Ganpatipule towards the town of Ratnagiri, the sky and sea blend together to make a blue vista that will keep you company through your travels. The 25 kilometre drive is scenic and calming. A drive to Guhagar (52 kilometres from Ganpatipule) will take you through acres of mango farms and the drive further to Dapoli (46 km from Guhagar) will introduce you to more beaches, small villages, backwaters and shades of green.

# 09 Live amid the lush green garden in Ganpatipule

Located in a close proximity from Ganpatipule, this cottage is surrounded by lush gardens that are regularly attended to. A mere 1.5 kilometres from the temple, the place is accessible easily from the main road.

# 10 Escape into the nature at Rajapur

A Sprawling Property In the heart of the Konkan offers a peek into the natural, ecologically vibrant environment. Located in Coastal Maharashtra, this hideaway offers a fine balance of luxury and holistic wellness. You can enjoy the natural beauty of Ratnagiri. Come here to relax, recharge and rejuvenate.

Caution

  • Pay heed to accident signs.
  • Look for speed breakers while approaching and leaving bridges across rivers.
  • Slow down near villages where there’s plenty of non-motorized traffic.
  • The scenic beauty could be a possible distraction, pay full attention on the road.
  • Don’t follow another vehicle too closely.
  • Lastly, pay attention to the weather forecast for your destination!

About the Author:

Keenjal Patel

A reader at mind, a writer at heart, a believer at soul and an achiever overall, is what she want to be. She loves to express through words. She’s a firm believer that imagination rules the world and the day this world absorbs the essence of her words, that would be a day of pride for her!

 

Goa – Portuguese way of life

Posted in Goa, Local culture, Local food, SaffronStays DiariesTagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , Leave a comment

Bound by the Arabian Sea, Goa shares a tiny piece of India’s land. Palm trees, never ending stretch of soft beach sand, sparkling water, crazy night life, tasty food and Portuguese-colonial architecture sum up the essentials of Goa. Yes, you cannot miss out on the beautiful Portuguese influences and the heritage remains of their culture, be it architecture or food.

The blazing sun lights up blue houses with pastel doors, and the breeze that cross ventilates through the tall-arched windows. With pastel color walls like mustard, pink, orange, to blue, Goan homes are a sight to see.

Goan food shares a rich cultural heritage (yes, it goes beyond Goan prawn curry and rice), and shares many similarities with Portuguese food. You’ll notice that authentic Goan food is a potpourri of flavours; beef, pork, coconut milk, jaggery, cashew and an endless variety of seafood. From Rechado masala and pork sorpotel to jackfruit and cashew veggie preparation, try it all! Finish it with a generous helping of Bebinca or Dodol. Some of our favourite places to enjoy these are Mum’s Kitchen (Panjim), Martin’s corner (Benaulim), Britto’s and of course Susan Lobo’s. Mum’s Kitchen uses a special ingredient called ‘bimli’; a fruit used to add ‘sourness’ to the curries (often substituted by tamarind or kokum), adding to the authentic flavours. One of the most authentic bebinca and dodol is sold in a small little bakery called Jackris in the sleepy town of Madgaon, but be sure to reach before noon or face a shut door (afternoon siestas is a religion!).

From trance parties, Casino’s and even Sunburn, you must have explored it all and still you crawl back to this place at least once a year! And yet, we are sure you have missed out on one thing, i.e. a typical Goan home. So, kick off your shoes, sit back and relax; live the Susegad life of a true-blue Goan.

#1 Live at Saligao, once a home to a famous Artist!

Situated in the heart of one of the prettiest North Goa villages, Saligao is believed to be a home to  the world famous artist Francis Newton Souza and once you are here, you realize what could have brought out the artist in him. This heritage home is close to the famous Calangute, Candolim and Baga beaches. It is a 15 minute ride to Anjuna & Vagator beaches. Thalassa might be your favorite eat around the corner when at Vagator beach, but for once give the greek food a pass, and enjoy delicious home cooked fish curry & rice, a staple food of Goa. Because when in Goa, you must live like a Goan, right?

#2 Charming country home in Colvale

Colvale villa Goa

Situated in the dreamy village of one of North Goa’s most unadulterated villages, Colvale, this house reflects the Portuguese influence and subtlety of art, on the outside and on the inside. If you are looking for a holiday with both, nature & sand, this is the place to be! A trip to this place can cure your bad mood.

#3 Let the traditional music at Bodiem get you on the dance floor!

Living in a Portuguese style home is a must experience when in Goa. Enjoy the laid back village life, leisure activities like walking around in the village or fields, swimming in the river, boating, fishing, bird watching or just simply laze around on the hammock, swings or in the pool and lose yourself to the music. They say, Goans are born musicians, and that music streams through their blood from a very young age. May be that’s the reason why Music can be heard here, both day and night! When at Bodiem village, you cannot escape the foot-stomping goan mandolin which was brought to Goa by Portuguese. When in Goa, you will find various music from traditional Konkani music, to Western, indigenous, to trance. Goa shares closer connection to western tunes due to the Portugal rule until mid 19th century.

Goa homestay villa

#4. Because South Goa is about paddy fields!

Surrounded by a Teak forest with a view of the fields this furnished house is a well maintained, 100 year Old Portuguese Goan home . The house has a balcony running around two sides and a Covered deck facing the 12000 sqft garden and Swimming Pool. The outdoor covered deck attached to the house is large and has an antique dining table for outdoor dining.

# 5. Explore the interiors of Ribandar, North Goa

Goa was the only overseas State of Portugal known as “Estado da India” and most of the history lies in this city of Old Goa. This is a location having world famous historical sites. The house is designed so that the view of the river, the Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary and adjacent islands are prominent from every location in the house. One of the lasting Portuguese influences is seen in Goan Cuisine and the craftsmenship.

# 6. Experience the Old European Portugal Architecture at Siolim

The cottage exposes to its guest a true Indian-cum-Old European Portuguese culture through its warm hospitality, old unbroken portugal trends of architecture and delicious local cuisine. The house is perfectly placed for the lovely beaches just to the north of Morjim, Ashwem, Arambol and Mandrem beaches and the action of the Candolim – Calangute – Baga – Anjuna beaches to the South. Goa offers a beautiful amalgamation of local markets  from Anjuna flea market, Mapusa market, Baga beach; Calangute market square and even Mackie’s night bazaar! You will get everything at these markets, chunky jewelry to Bohemian clothes; but the only thumb rule for shopping here is – bargain as much as you can.

#7. Immerse yourself into meditation at Mandrem Beach

The Portuguese colonisation played a major role in the development of the exquisite furnishings and decorations used in residential houses. And one can see the architectural influence in Goa even today. Located exactly by a riverside at Mandrem beach, the villa gives the guest the best of both the experiences of the beach which is just a wooden bridge cross distance as well as of the river which flows exactly through the house. For people who are on a laze around and do nothing sort of vacation, then Mandrem offers you just that. Chill around, eat at the seaside shacks, sink your feet deep into the golden sand, hear the waves beating on the shore, and just forget the world! You can even sit and meditate, its that peaceful.

It is difficult to imagine Goa without its Portuguese connection. The people are so imbibed in the foreign culture that this blend of east and west has now become a trademark of Goa. This unique blend is apparent every where, from art and architecture to food and music. It is clear that Goa has derived its modern-pop yet rich and traditional mix of culture from its shared past!

Cover Photo Credits: en.wikipedia.org

About the Author:

Keenjal Patel

A reader at mind, a writer at heart, a believer at soul and an achiever overall, is what she want to be. She loves to express through words. She’s a firm believer that imagination rules the world and the day this world absorbs the essence of her words, that would be a day of pride for her!

11 places in India to enjoy your bowl of Maggi!

Posted in Coastal Maharashtra, Jammu & Kashmir, Karnataka, Kerala, Ladakh, Local food, Maharashtra, SaffronStays Diaries, SikkimTagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , Leave a comment

Reluctant as ever, my Grandpa refrained to eat noodles, until one day, we were both home alone, rest of the family was busy attending a family function, and how he hated outside food! So, to avoid going to bed with an empty stomach, he gave in to the pop culture and asked me to share my bowl of Maggi with him. Surprisingly, one spoon after the other, slurp..slurp..and slurp! He finished his first ever bowl of Maggi! This yellow colored packet had some magic I tell you, even my Grandpa couldn’t resist the 2 minutes miracle! Yes #WeMissYouToo Maggi, hoping for a comeback, or else you will only be heard of in our memories and be seen in our Maggi Selfie’s to our future generation. Below are the places across India where you can have unique encounters with Maggi.

#01 Matheran

Glide over the mesmerizing beauty of Matheran, while you hear the clippety cloc-cloc of horses. This is one among the very few pedestrian hill stations in India! Enjoy the view of forest from the top and munch on your Maggi meals.

Don’t know where to stay at Matheran? Click here!

#02 Murud

Murud, a city in Raigad region is fast becoming a favorite tourist destination because the only sound that disturbs the peace is that of the sea waves crashing on the shores, barely 50 meters away. Because of the land across, the sea here is quiet and tranquil. Wouldn’t it be amazing to spend some time in isolation with your favorite dish i.e., Maggi?

Don’t know where to stay in Murud? Click here!

#03 Lonavala

Let the gentle breeze at Lonavala sooth you, enjoy the warm maggi, a cup of hot chocolate and some corn bhajiya’s at Tiger point. Cuddle up with your friends, gossip about your school days, or take your kids for a drive and share your good old days with them!

Don’t know where to stay while in Lonavala? Click here!

#04 Munnar, Kerala

Kerala is blessed with a lot of beauty, water bodies, beaches, culture & art! So why not indulge into multiple elements and savor your taste buds with a bowl of Maggi which soothes your sense, mind, body & soul! Sip on the soupy noodles and let the waves wash away your stress.

Don’t know where to stay in Kerala? Click here!

#05 Kullu-Manali

After a long drive through the beautiful ghats, relax with your friends or family in the balcony and peep into the nature and come alive while you fight with your friends for the last spoon of Maggi in that bowl!

Don’t know where to stay in Manali? Click here!

#06 Coorg, Karnataka

The old structures and monuments in Karnataka come alive to tell you tales from the past, hear them out on your visit, and on your way back to home, living amid the jungle, let the monsoon showers hinder outside while you enjoy with your delicious bowl of Maggi!

Don’t know where to stay at Gulmarg? Click here!

#07 Srinagar

Remember your Mom waking you up by bribing you a bowl of hot Maggi? Imagine you are on a holiday and you get a home cooked delicious Maggi with added flavors from the hills, nothing like it, right?

Don’t know where to stay at Srinagar? Click here!

#08 Lahaul & Spiti

Out of nowhere amid the magnificent Spiti Valley, when you finally take a sigh & want to fill in your stomach, a two minute Maggi would be a saviour, isn’t it? Settle yourselves under a tent, glance at the mountains right in front of you & let the breeze bring you a homely feeling!

Don’t know where to stay at Lahaul & Spiti? Click here!

#09 Pangong Tso Lake

The deep blue lake reflects the sky and the mountains around. With a falling temperature, this is the perfect location to be your share buddy for a bowl of Maggi! The clouds are just handful away, thin air, silence, you and your Maggi!

Don’t know where to stay in Pangong Lake? Click here!

#10 Sikkim

Do you like trekking in the Himalayan range? Often come back to the base camp with memories from the hills? Ever cooked your own food at the base camp? A two minute break would be such a relief from the long hour cooking procedure! Enjoy the hot Maggi dish with your trek mates and bring back home #MeriMaggi stories.

Don’t know where to stay in Sikkim? Click here!

#11 Marchula, Uttarakhand

Uttarakhand, an originating point of significant Indian rivers, also known as a land of spirituality, offers breath taking views of mountains to the visitors. This region has multiple options and Marchula, is one among the many! It is a small yet beautiful and famous tourist place. Spend some time observing the running water from the banks of Ramganga and sip on your Maggi soup!

Don’t know where to stay while in Marchula? Click here!

P.S. Cover Photo Credits: http://www.hourdose.com

About the Author:

Keenjal Patel

A reader at mind, a writer at heart, a believer at soul and an achiever overall, is what she want to be. She loves to express through words. She’s a firm believer that imagination rules the world and the day this world absorbs the essence of her words, that would be a day of pride for her!

Rajasthan: 3 reasons to visit post August!

Posted in Local culture, Local food, RajasthanTagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , Leave a comment

Its palaces and forts are reminders of the many great kingdoms; its people adore the colors of religious festivals and the first rains transform this land. Ever thought of visiting Rajasthan post July? Three reasons why you MUST visit here are Monsoons (yes, rains), festival of lights, i.e., Diwali and third reason being, its an ‘off-season’, so its the best time to beat the crowds.

India’s very own desert turns into a home to flora and fauna and abstract beauty in its own during rainfall. The fortresses, when lit up with lights, touch the sky with its beam, well almost. The fiesta of lights is nearing, and it’s  one of those festivals that ties people from almost every religion, caste and community together. These 11 places across Rajasthan will bring out the best of monsoons and the festival that follows.

UDAIPUR

The City of Lakes, has romance stretching away in every direction, from Lake Pichola which shimmers full of life during monsoons, to Aravalli Hills setting an unmatched location across India.  The boat rides on the lake, hustle of its age old bazaars, the tempting food shops, and ever so colorful clothes, do justice to its tag, ‘most romantic destination of India’.  This city is specifically very famous for its beautiful lakes and water bodies with all the greenery around, come alive in the rains! During monsoons, the sky remains dark and overcast, the temperature falls and long drives along the stretch of the lake city at Rani road or Badi lake will make you fall in love with it.

# 1 Detox yourself in the old city of Udaipur

Wondering where you could stay to experience all of the above? A two floor apartment with its own private roof terrace, located amid the old city of Udaipur is a retreat for anyone looking to spend time in a quiet place. Facing the Lake Pichola, the sunset gives an amazing view from the terrace.

Click here to know more about this lakeside apartment in Udaipur

# 2 Rediscover your love for Lakes in Udaipur

All your life you might think that you have had enough of beaches and lake views. Oh no! You are so mistaken till the time you spend at least a day at this place facing Pichola Lake. Imagine spending your time in an apartment that is located on the banks of this lake which provides an uninterrupted view of City Palace, Aravalli Hills and the Lake Palace.

Click here to know more about this lake facing rooms in Udaipur

# 3 Rejuvenate yourself at the Lakeside Villa

This lakeside Villa gives a simple yet beautiful view from your doorstep. The serene view makes this an ideal place to relax and spend your time sipping on your cup of tea, reading a book or conversing with your beloved or just sit there looking over the lake.

Click here to know more about this place

# 4 Experience a day in a Royal Palace in Udaipur

Surrounded by Aravalli ranges, you can spend hours by embracing the calmness of Fateh Sagar lake while sitting in your room or in the lush green lawns. In addition to the breath taking location of the Villa, it also has a private collection of vintage and classic cars which add up to the royal lifestyle.

Click here to know more about this Royal Villa in Udaipur

AJMER

A popular stop over on the Udaipur-Jaipur route, Ajmer is among the most important religious sites in India. Surrounded by tranquil lake of Ana Sagar, this is the 5th largest city of Rajasthan and the most important in terms of Islamic history. It is a home to the shrine of Khwaja Muin-ud-din Chishti, most important pilgrimage centres for Muslims.

# 5 Spend your time looking over Anna Sagar Lake in Ajmer

What feeling it did be like to sit in your balcony with a mug of hot chocolate and watch the running water at Anna Sagar Lake! If you are in a need for some solitude away from the hustle bustle of your daily routines, this place at Ajmer is a real rescue partner!

Click here to know more about this stay in Ajmer

# 6 Witness the warmth of a Rajasthani family in Ajmer

A British Colonial Bungalow with varied roof line which hints at cool, high-ceiling interiors protected from the hot desert air by thick walls and deep, shaded verandas, is a birdwatcher’s paradise with its small tranquil garden at the back of the lawn, while the house is approached across a large front lawn.

Click here to know more about this stay

JODHPUR

Jodhpur is famous for its architecture and the city shares a vibrant culture with its guests. The second largest city of Rajasthan has a beautiful past. The city that is known for its blue building actually has a historical reason behind it, meaning, the blue color years ago was chose to represent that the family belongs to Brahmin’s community.

# 7 Spend your Diwali like a Royal would do at Jodhpur!

This famously known as old city has to offer you a eighty year old residence located in a peaceful, well connected area. It stands as an oasis of hospitality and warm Rajput charm. Don’t be taken aback by its old world elegance for it comes with the modern comforts of a classic heritage property and the essence of being a guest of the family. Where else can you find a homestay that has a restaurant, swimming pool, a private lounge and a lush green lawn all under one roof? Now that’s a royal lifestyle!

Click here to know more about this place in Jodhpur

PUSHKAR

Besides Diwali, Pushkar is home to a very enchanting cultural festival, “Pushkar mela”, in the month of November where people come out of their houses, all decked up in beautiful clothes and ornaments, music in the air and lights everywhere.

# 8 Because at Pushkar brick houses are real!

Where we are surrounded by concrete jungle from every side, there is this holy place set in the arms of Rajasthan where you will find not one or two but majority of brick houses. Ever thought of spending your monsoon under a roof that smells so full of moist and mud? But wait until you spend one rainy day here and you might forever love the fragrance of rainfall.

Attending Pushkar Festival, November 2015? Click here to know where to stay!

JAIPUR

Rajasthan is popular for its festivals every year. Jaipur, specifically, boasts of the ‘Best Diwalis’ in the country. It paints the city red with red-topped turbans, painted Elephants, decked up Camels, candle lit balconies, and the sky filled with fire crackers! The famous monuments like City Palace, Jantar Mantar, Gopinathji Temple as well as Shopping areas are all lit up with colorful lights, lanterns and rangolis’.

# 9 Experience the ‘Best Diwali’ in the country in the Pink city

Spend your time at a Heritage Haveli situated in the Jaipur city, which gives you a glimpse and feel of the hustle and bustle of the people of this ancient city. The terrace offers an enthralling view of the famous Nahargarh Fort perched on the hilltop overlooking the Haveli.

Click here to know more about this place in Jaipur

# 10 Get drenched with locals in Jaipur

Rural people of Rajasthan would be more than honored to welcome you for a homestay. Given that it is pouring in Jaipur, the pink city, or a festive season, they are bound to be happy,  and would gladly invite you over for a family goath, i.e. family outing / dinner. Spend some quality time with the local family and get a taste of their regular life.

Click here to know more about this stay at Jaipur

JAISALMER

The desert city of Jaisalmer is known for its golden fort perched on top of a small hill. The city offers a lot of fairytale sights which could keep the photographer in you busy! This place is a desert mystery, it is sound and remote but very famous among the tourists. One can have a laid back stay at the sand dunes where camel rides is a famous mode of transport.

# 11 Camping in the interiors near Sand Dunes in Jaisalmer

This old-styled house located in Khuri village, 45 kms away from Jaisalmer, is a place which is in close proximity of Sand dunes, Desert National Park and Godawan Bird Sanctuary. If you are craving Rajasthani food, you could stay here, spending lazy time, laying on the ground, gazing at the sky, camping under the stars in Khuri village.

Click here to know more this place in Jaisalmer

There are enough places for you to pick your suitable desires and plan before the city runs out of festive enthusiasm! Plan your holiday at majestic Rajasthan, the King of lands, a must-see state of India!

Click here to check all stay options in Rajasthan

P.S. Cover Photo Credits: http://www.diwalidussehra.in

 

About the Author:

Keenjal Patel

A reader at mind, a writer at heart, a believer at soul and an achiever overall, is what she want to be. She loves to express through words. She’s a firm believer that imagination rules the world and the day this world absorbs the essence of her words, that would be a day of pride for her!

Let kids experience the joy of living a simple life!

Posted in Local culture, Local food, Maharashtra, SaffronStays Diaries, Weekend getawaysTagged , , , , , , , Leave a comment

I remember when I first traveled with my family, I was very curious about why the roads were so curvy; why the railway tracks went criss cross; why it rained at one place while some miles ahead we could only find breeze to accompany us and so much more. Today, I wish to see the same excitement in my children. I don’t want to take them on a lavish vacation where all they can do is admire the beauty from far and brag about it when they meet their friends. I prefer taking my kids for a trips wherein we live in a homestay, spend some time with local people, and children can mingle around with the localites learn how to adapt new life, get their hands dirty with mud, eating a cuisine which they would not otherwise get in the city.

“The use of traveling is to regulate imagination by reality, and instead of thinking how things may be, to see them as they are” – Samuel Johnson

Although the internet has changed the world into a global village, one still needs to travel. Children are like butterflies, they remain in the cocoon for a purpose and they adapt the change only when exposed to it. And as a parent when I think of what is that one thing I want to give my kids, the answer unanimously is Education & Travel. Education is taken care of by the schools, while travel for us, it teaches children the cultural diversities and to appreciate and relish that experience forever.

Considering the weather, I thought it is time for parents to take their kids to places where they can engage themselves in activities that will not just entertain them but also teach them how to embrace the change. Often families going on a trip miss out on whether their children will enjoy as much as they will. Is the place kids friendly? We hardly find places that could teach the basics of a simple life to our children. I found few such places and am sure kids will absolutely cherish the experience!

# 1 Help them discover themselves

While we decide to lay back and relax in the amazing weather, your kids could get a chance to lay their hands on gardening, fishing, bird watching and everything that excites them about nature. This Agro-farm located at Kamshet offers a comprehensive range of terrestrial and aquatic adventure activities, and a series of horticultural and farm-based educational experiences within the premise. With a variety of outdoor experiences it will help children discover oneself & hone one’s capabilities.

Click here to know more about the place

# 2 Spice up their trip with different Cultures

Nestled in the majestic Sahyadri valley, surrounded by lush green mountainous forests, blessed with abundant rainfall, this place at Pali can make your stay comfortable. While we laze around the place, taking a stroll on the half km walkway, the kids can engage in learning how to fly a kite. One thing every parent must consider doing here is to ditch your car for once and hire a bullock cart to visit the nearby scenic locations like Padsare waterfall, Jatayu temple and Pali Ashthavinayak Ganpati temple.

Click here to know more about the place

# 3 Teach your kids to care for animals

farm stay at Pali
Kids love this lake; adjacent to the property

Far from the maddening crowds, just 100 km from Mumbai, cocooned among the western ghats, in the Raigad district, this place is a recreation of all the simple elements of village life within 7 acres of land – fields, orchards, temple, pond, waterfall, farm animals, and last but not the least – Indian country homes, made by unskilled hands, with natural materials and rustic decor, which are comfortable, clean and furnished with necessary amenities. If your kids love to pamper animals and play with them, this is an ideal place for petting. They can enjoy the simple joys of waking up with the cackle of geese and spend their day walking in the fields, swinging, kite flying, rowing, fishing, planting, feeding the fowl and cattle, riding a bullock cart, star gazing or just watching time go by with nature. Having ponies and horses is an added attraction for kids.

Click here to know more about the place

# 4 Ecology will surprise them with its balancing skills!

In a place surrounded with rustic village atmosphere along with 1200+ trees, you can get an easy access to peep into nature’s beauty at Kolad. With the help of the caretaker one can arrange for river crossing and river rafting at Kudalika river. One can also arrange for kayaking, day and night trekking and river body surfing. Not just the kids, but parents too can enjoy these activities.

Click here to know more about the place

# 5 Let them take the Monkey’s ride

Besides streams and scenic beauty this place at Karjat is situated amid 120 acres of thick wooden mango orchads. Visit here in monsoon for the lush greens, fresh forest smells, and gurgling river that is safe even in monsoon to play in. Remember the last time you climbed a tree? Probably not! It’s time for you to let your children jump and hop around the trees like monkey and relive your childhood days. The farm attracts a splendid variety of birds. One can take walks around the property and swim in the river or even have a family barbeque or just sit back and read and listen to nature.

Click here to know more about the place

# 6 Let them learn the art of farming

Are you a Konkani? Or have you heard alot about Konkani tales? Then this place at Khopoli is ideal for you to travel with your kids for them to taste the many flavors of this region. We would love to live at a traditional Konkani Cottage with veranda overlooking mountain ranges. The place is doing its best to preserve and protect our ecology, our native culture and food habits. And they are prepared to share the natural beauty and comforts of their place with the guests. Kids would enjoy farming and they can learn the very art of rice cultivation, soil building, poultry farm and brick furnace. Also, camping and barbeque can be arranged on request.

Click here to know more about the place

# 7 They will understand the value for money

Living within the wooden interiors and a place that follows agro-toursim, I am sure this place at Mulshi has great deals for our kids to learn. This place is been taken care of by the local villagers and they gladly welcome you to witness their warm service and mouth watering food over your weekend trip. The villagers believe that everything is of value and use and the homestay itself is been built with a lot of recycled material. What could be a better way to teach our kids ‘best out of waste’! The localites are known to indulge kids into fun activities like crab hunting and rice plantation. Now every time they will crave for sea food, they know where it comes from! The best thing about choosing this place as a farmstay is to realize that the money raised by the guest visits is being used for the education of village children which is an amazing effort!

Click here to know more about the place

If you think your children would love to indulge in similar fun activities, then visiting these places is a must! On your way back home if you sense the same curiosity in your kids which you had years ago on your first travel trip with your parents, then your weekend trip to the above places is worth it!

 

About the Author:

Keenjal Patel

A reader at mind, a writer at heart, a believer at soul and an achiever overall, is what she want to be. She loves to express through words. She’s a firm believer that imagination rules the world and the day this world absorbs the essence of her words, that would be a day of pride for her!

Kargil – Of Breads and Apricots

Posted in Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, Local culture, Local foodTagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , Leave a comment
Homestays in Ladakh

By Harsh Mehta

There is some serenity about a morning in the Himalayas. The might of the massifs seems humbled by a morning Sun, the cold a little less biting, more like an embrace to a new day and the freshness of the dew under one’s feet, a subtle reminder of age-old childhood memories. If the stay is longer, mornings in the mountains become a ritual. One grows to like the freshness of the air, the calm walks around and the breakfasts to soothe the pangs of hunger that beckon with the cold. I remember starting my volunteering stint in Ladakh with an utter dislike for the apricot jam & the local ‘khambir’ bread and ending it with an insatiable longing for both of them every morning.

And so, during a recent visit to Kargil, in spite of staying in a hotel, I couldn’t get myself to have the ‘English’ bread-butter-coffee breakfast that it so generously offered. A morning walk around the town was in order and off we headed, over the roads that surrounded a gurgling Suru river. Few shops seemed open at this early hour in the morning. Carcasses of lambs hung down from meat shops in the goriest of their forms. Not the best of sights to begin one’s day with. So I turned away, looking for a less overwhelming experience. A little girl waited in front of the window of a shop, her gaze fixed upon the simmering ‘tandoor’ on the other side of the window. The owner then took three breads from the tandoor, wrapped them in a newspaper, and handed over to the girl who scurried away in the same direction as us. As we walked further in the market, more and more such bakeries became visible. Full-fledged baking stores, smaller shops, sometimes merely an ignored corner between two adjacent stores, just wide enough to accommodate a round tandoor and the equally round belly of the man behind it, these bakeries rule the morning hours of Kargil. Men, women, kids, line outside these bakeries, grab a bread or two and head home, like any other morning chore. I was left wondering how different these were from the khambir I ate in Leh during my last stay.

Homestays in Ladakh
One of the local breads, Chachura, being sold in the markets of Kargil. Photo by Harsh Mehta

Nevertheless, in our hunt for a simple chai, we kept walking further, past more butcher shops and vegetable stores. The Suru was now way closer than earlier, its waters muddied by the rains, flowing ferociously beside the road. The market however, was far smaller than the expanse of the Suru. It ended earlier than anticipated. At the end, we noticed a ‘Darjeeling Hotel’ selling tea and a bakery right beside it. A desi’s delight would know no bounds at this sight. Chai and local bread. Just the way mornings in the mountains are supposed to be. While my friend occupied himself with the task of getting two cups of chai extra-sweetened, I cozied up to the bakery.

Two men worked in the bakery. One sat right behind the tandoor, his head constantly bowed in search of the latest bread to turn golden brown inside the oven. The other stood beside a table on the far side of the room, extracting the dough, leavening it, turning it into balls of even sizes and then pressing them into flat breads ready to be shoved and slapped inside the tandoor. The bakery was a version of the tandoor in itself, its walls blackened by the soot, its air warmed by the heat. One wall in particular sought attention. It was actually a notice on the wall which deserved a good read. As I went through the prices for the several items mentioned on the notice, I realised that it listed much more than a menu – it listed an entire tradition in baking in this part of the world. Girdeh, Lavasa, Chachura, Kulcha, most of these, names of breads I’d barely heard. When probed about them, our bakery men told that these were local breads and only girdeh and chachura were available in the morning and lavasa in the afternoon. We took our two pieces of girdeh and gulped them down with two cups of tea from ‘Darjeeling hotel’ (actually run by a Nepali). The men also pointed in another direction to the bakery on the other side of the road, which sold ‘chachura’, more importantly, this being one of the only two in Kargil that sold it. The chachura is a crisp, hard bread, actually more like a cross between a bread and a cookie. We took just two of these, they were bland, in desperate need of some accompaniment, and then watched a ministerial cavalcade pass by.

 

Homestays in Ladakh
The bakery selling hot and delicious Girdeh. Photo by Harsh Mehta

It was only after we began our journey back when we realised that the market had sort of changed from how we had left it. Several men and women now lined both sides of the road. Beautiful faces, accompanied by equally beautiful fruits, basketfuls of which they’d brought along to be sold here. Fresh apricots from farms and households,lay stored in aluminium and plastic containers to be evaluated by passers-by, held in their hands, smelled through their noses and the apricots’ reddish-orange velvety skin to be carefully inspected through their gaze. Nearby lay crates full of apples, but surprisingly smaller, the size of the apricots and green in colour, yet tasty enough to fill one’s morning with sweetness. On both the fruits, the sellers maintained that they were the best in India – those from Kashmir would fade in comparison to the ones in Kargil. Now that was a big claim to make but I could not agree more with the apricot seller. On apples, given that I have a soft corner for the Kashmiri ones somewhere in my mouth, I decided not to argue.

Homestays in Ladakh
Fresh Apricots for sale. Photo by Harsh Mehta
Homestays in Ladakh
Green apples filling the morning with sweetness. Photo by Harsh Mehta

We turned back to the hotel as a life size poster of the Ayatollah watched upon us. The market was even livelier now, this being a Sunday. Several carts with vegetables, fruits and even clothes dotted the street now. Reaching the hotel, I glanced at its restaurant. Portions of generous butter cubes and jam extracts peeped at me through its windows. I smiled and headed back to the room. Had I stayed back for these, I’d never have known what a Chachura or a Girdeh was!

 

Visit our website to book from 21 homestays in Srinagar & 141 homestays in Ladakh

About the author: Harsh Mehta is your typical 20-something traveller who roams around from Krakow to Kerala and Hungary to the Himalayas in his quest to unravel the gems of the world. Having successively lost his heart to the mountains of Kashmir, the sweet traditions of the Ottoman cuisine and the old town squares of Europe, he now fancies anything that travels, from food and culture to music & languages and their linkages across the world. And so, even as he spends dreamy days at his 9-5 job, he derives inspiration from the messy streets of Mumbai to pen down the best of his travels and believes that the best destinations are not the ones that you go to with a wishlist but those that you return from with one. He shares his experiences on his personal blog – Travelbyts, tweets at @harshm09 and can be shown some love at Facebook- TravelByts. He’s also reachable at travelbyts@gmail.com.

Discovering local food in Homestays across India

Posted in Local foodTagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , Leave a comment
Maharashtra homestays

As travellers, we’re always on the look out for restaurants and dhabas that will give us a taste of local food, irrespective of whether we’re in a city or somewhere exotic. Sometimes, we stumble upon, or are directed to the right food joints, but other times, we come back from a beautiful place with no idea what the food there tasted like.

Call us lucky, but when we travelled, we managed to satisfy both our curiosity and cravings without stepping out of the comfort of the home stays that we were staying in. Our team and some of our favourite travel bloggers share their stories about discovering local food in home stays across India.  Get your taste buds tingling.

 

New found love for Bamboo shoot – tasting Assamese cuisine in Guwahati 

Homestay in Guwahati
Delicious and flavoursome Assamese cuisine. Photo by Tejas Parulekar

“We’d reached Guwahati after a long day of travel and once in the beautiful home stay run by Mrs. Sheila, we began pining for some authentic local food. So, at a short notice, our cook-cum-caretaker,  prepared a flavoursome chicken curry with bamboo shoots – a traditional Assamese dish. I was reluctant at first as I recalled the vegetable curries infused with bamboo shoots that we make back home in Maharashtra and one that I am not a big fan of for its pungent flavour. But as I slowly took a bite of the chicken, I was in for a surprise. It was delicious and the chicken seemed to balance the flavours perfectly well. Just when I thought I was done, the cook served us with another surprise – a delicious chocolate pudding – not a local cuisine but it’s definitely one of the best desserts I have ever eaten.” (Click here to book a stay with Mrs. Sheila)

– Tejas Parulekar (Co-founder, SaffronStays)

 

Stress busting menu – Cocktail and hot Nepalese cuisine in Sikkim

sikkim homestays
Delicious Nepalese cuisine in Sikkim. Photo by Sarita Santoshini

“I reached the village of Chota Singtam after a long day in Gangtok and stepped into Mrs. Lalita’s large, stand-alone Bungalow a little more tired than usual. The whiff of fresh vegetables being cooked in freshly grounded spices welcomed me through the verendah and lifted my spirits instantly. After a long chat, she set the table with bowls of hot vegetable soup and  a plate full of chicken momos –delicious Nepalese dishes that are a part of most locals’ everyday diet in Sikkim. We also took long swigs of Bay Breeze, a delicious cocktail of white rum, cranberry and pineapple juice perfected by Mrs. Besnett in minutes. Breakfast next day was home-made bread, mayonnaise and peanut butter. Needless to say, I am a huge fan.” (Click here to book a stay with Mrs. Lalita)

– Sarita Santoshini (Content Editor, SaffronStays. http://crumbsfromyourtale.wordpress.com )

 

Not just another bread, but a delicious souvenior – Tasting Poi in Goa

Homestays in Goa
Poi with Chicken Xacuti makes a perfect set for a dinner spread. Photo by Amrita Das

“It was a memorable moment for a non-bread lover, the first time poi’s light husk fell on my fingers in a home stay. I remember tearing the perfect round bun into two and as my thumbs gently broke into the soft texture of the fresh dough, I knew this would soon become a part of my every day diet. Poi is a Goan local bread which is served with almost everything from rasa omelette to chicken xacuti. It can be had with anything or nothing. As a part of my seasonal job as a property manager of a boutique homestay in Goa, I was expected to know the local delicacies. However, poi wasn’t just another local delicacy in the state. Very subtly spiced and hollow in the centre, one fresh poi is good to set you throw the day as a part of your breakfast. My friends and guests have packed poi and returned to their homes, as if it were a Goan souvenir.”

– Amrita Das ( Writer at http://travellingidesofmarch.com )

 

A hearty Malayalam breakfast – eating Puttu right for the first time in Kerala

Kerala homestays
When in Kerala, make sure to try a hearty breakfast of Puttu. Image Source : mydiversekitchen.com

“Puttu, honestly, is not something I thought I liked. But after having tasted it at Maranat Mana, I realised I hadn’t eaten the right stuff till then! Imagine alternating layers of ground brown rice and coconut, steamed in bamboo cylinders and then tumbled onto your plate in neat sections of white and light brown. This is then topped and surrounded by a dark, rich kadala or gram curry. Roughly ground coconut against the soft texture of rice chased by spicy curry that breaks through the sweetness of that coconut. What you have is a breakfast that could easily masquerade as lunch! But it didn’t end there. This was washed down with a cup of strong filter kaapi, and then sealed with sticky and sweet steamed plantains. Excuse me, can you ask for a stretcher please?”

– bhavani (Writer at merrytogoaround.com )

 

Simple, authentic and delicious – Feasting on a Malvani spread in Maharashtra

Maharashtra homestays
A delicious Malvani spread . Photo Source : Mid-day.com

“It’d been a nasty ST bus journey from Mumbai to Velas. The sight of the welcoming shore was something to feast on. But the body demanded a real feast or at least some nourishment. Settled on the floor right next to our homestay host’s kitchen from where the aroma of hot pipping food engulfed our nostrils, we decided to play the let’s-guess-what’s-been-cooked game. In true Malvani style, coconut was the mainstay ingredient permeating the air. Our lunch spread comprised of steamed rice, nachni/ragi (cultivated in their fields) bhakris along with ladiesfinger/okra prepared with groundnut, and – the icing on the cake – prawns, fried as well as prepared with the local curry (on special request just for us). Right from the rice, which wasn’t the basmati a hotel would serve you, and the bhakris roasted over the embers, everything was authentic in spite of the simplicity. Or may be because of the simplicity!”

– Elita ( Writer at nomadicthunker.blogspot.in )

 

A non-vegetarian’s confession – Enjoying Dum Aloo in Kashmir

Homestays in Kashmir
Enjoying a preparation of Kashmiri Dum Aloo in Srinagar. Image Source – tasteofindiafoods.com

“After the long and tiring jourey from Mumbai to Kashmir, the only thing keeping me up was my craving for Kashmiri food. There was a curfew and going to a restaurant wasn’t an option. This is when the cook at our pure -veg homestay served me some delicious Kashmiri dum aloo, prepared with perfectly fried baby potatoes and the right amount of spices, with a stack of rotis. I am not a fan of vegetarian fares, but this was definitely an exception.” (Click here to book a stay with Mrs. Anita)

– Greeshma Soley (Travel ninja, SaffronStays)

 

Developing a taste for Organic food – Home made meals in Chikmagalur 

Homestays Karnataka
Delicious home cooked food in Chikmagalur. Image Source – sugarandspice-nz.com

“Our trip to Sunkasale was made pleasant not only by the heavenly location, but also by the scrumptious meal prepared by Guna aunty in her homestay. The stark contrast of the spicy baby cabbage curry and sweet rice made for a hearty lunch. Homemade butter and rice papads kept us seated on the dining table and chatting even after we had greedily wiped the plates clean. I realised then that there is something different about organically grown food which makes you yearn for more even though your belly screams no!” (Click here to book a stay with Mrs. Guna)

– Sameer Tambe (Travel ninja, SaffronStays)

 

Have you ever discovered and enjoyed local food in a homestay during your travels? Share your experience with us.

Visit our website to book homestays across India – www.saffronstays.com