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Apple Season in Manali: Himachal at its Sweetest

17th August 202319th March 2025Posted in Himachal, Local culture, Local food, SaffronStays Diaries, SaffronStays Sundays, Travel Information, Weekend getaways, Where Families BondTagged family get together, family holidays, Himachal Pradesh, homestay, Local food, long weekend getaways, Manali, saffronstays, Traditional Food, travelogues, Weekend getaways, weekend trips

A picture of the snowy mountains in the distance with orange trees representing the autumn and the apple season in Manali. — Photo by Sanket Barik

In the heart of the majestic Himalayas, cradled within the embrace of nature’s grandeur, lies the captivating town of Manali – a haven that beckons travelers with its timeless splendor. As the seasons transition and the sun’s golden touch mellows, this town transforms into a symphony of colors, embracing the gentle breath of autumn as the apple season in Manali steps its foot into it.

The air becomes crisper, the mountains stand even more resolute, and the town awakens to the enchantment of the apple season in Manali. Join me, as we embark on a journey through this tale of nature’s bounty, where every moment becomes an ode to the glorious apple season in Manali.

A Harvest of Dreams

A close-up shot of some apples on an apple tree. — **Photo by Tom Swinnen**

As the sun-kissed days of late August unfurl, the orchards of Manali metamorphose into a vibrant canvas, painted with hues that evoke both awe and reverence. The apple trees, adorned with the jewels of their own creation, seem to whisper secrets to the wind, sharing the stories of seasons gone by.

The air, now gently kissed by the fragrant promise of ripe apples, weaves an enchantment that lulls the heart into a state of sweet contemplation. The apple season in Manali paints the landscape with hues of crimson and gold, creating a symphony of colors that beckon explorers from near and far to partake in its mesmerizing dance.

Of Orchards and Rustling Leaves

A woman picking apples during the apple season in Manali. — **Photo by Zen Chung**

Venture forth into the orchards that stretch toward the horizon, a verdant sea punctuated by the blushing crimson of apples. Here, time becomes a mere whisper, as you lose yourself amidst the boughs that sag under the weight of their treasures. With fingers that dance lightly over the fruit, you pluck an apple – relishing the textures and sensations – each twist and turn a reverent communion with nature.

The tactile delight of picking apples straight from the tree during the apple season in Manali is an experience that connects us to the land’s bounty in a profound and tangible way, reminding us of the cycle of life and the gifts it bestows.

The view of the farms from SaffronStays Kesar Villa. — SaffronStays Kesar Villa

Created in the memory of apple orchardist Shri Kesar Ram, Kesar Villa is an apple orchard cottage nestled amidst a dense Himalayan forest in Naggar-Manali, Himachal Pradesh. A perfect home for a joint family. Oh, including your fur baby!

In the Heart of Tradition

Two women making traditional Manali delicacies. — **Photo by MC Thakur**

The apple season in Manali is not only a celebration of nature’s generosity but also a harmonious union between the land and its people. Engage with the locals and immerse yourself in the rhythm of their lives. Witness their hands, weathered by the toil of nurturing orchards, as they partake in the age-old art of harvest. Through their eyes, you’ll glimpse the sacred dance between humans and the land, a dance that sustains both body and soul. The apple season in Manali invites us to join in this sacred dance, to appreciate the efforts of those who tend the orchards with love and dedication, ensuring that each apple is a symbol of nature’s grace.

Gastronomic Sojourns

As the days gently retreat into the embrace of dusk, Manali’s kitchens come alive with the alchemy of apples. In the heart of this season, indulge your senses in a feast of flavors that bear the essence of the mountains. Savor the delicate harmony of an apple crumble, or surrender to the intoxicating embrace of warm apple cider with an authentic pahadi thali or a barbeque – whatever your heart desires! Each bite, each sip, is a tribute to the land’s generosity, a testament to its ability to nurture and nourish.

The culinary wonders that emerge during the apple season in Manali are a true reflection of the region’s soul, merging tradition and innovation into every dish, inviting us to embark on a gastronomic journey that mirrors the diversity of the land itself.

SaffronStays homestays promise you nothing less. For instance, The Amlyn is an incredible choice for both an apple savoring delight and a warm homestay experience – the perfect farm to table evenings. It includes a Duplex Suite for you and your partner, Couple Suites, and Family Rooms.

Trysts with Nature

While the rituals of apple-picking hold their own allure, don’t miss the chance to let the mountains themselves be your guide. Embark on a journey along trails that wind through forests and alongside rivers. The symphony of leaves beneath your feet, the whispers of the river, and the gentle caress of the breeze compose a melody that resonates with the soul. The apple season in Manali not only offers the opportunity to engage with the harvest but also invites you to wander through the land’s untouched beauty, connecting you with its spirit in ways that words can scarcely capture.

Harvesting Memories

As your sojourn during the apple season in Manali draws to a close, take a piece of its magic with you. Wander through quaint markets adorned with an array of apple-infused treasures – jars of preserves that hold the sweetness of the hills, and crafts that tell stories woven with threads of tradition. These treasures, like the memories of this enchanted season, will forever hold a place in your heart. The apple season in Manali leaves an imprint not only on our senses but also on our memories, offering us souvenirs that transcend the material and become a part of our personal narratives.

The ‘see you again’ to Manali’s Apple Orchards

The air, crisp with the promise of autumn on an evening of the apple season in Manali, carries whispers of adventure and time with loved ones. As the hills don their autumn attire, you too find yourself shedding the weight of the mundane, stepping into a world where every moment is poetry, and every experience is an echo of the land’s eternal rhythm.

Come, let us weave our own tale in this realm where apples hang like dreams, waiting to be plucked and savored in the tapestry of life’s most wondrous moments. The apple season in Manali beckons, promising an unforgettable journey where the senses and the soul converge, where traditions are honored, and the land’s gifts are celebrated.

One such galore of memories is SaffronStays. We have a stunning portfolio of exquisite homes in India that will leave you in awe. To view our collection of some of the best apple-picking homes in Himachal and Uttarakhand, please visit us here.

10 Veg-Only Villas Where Every Meal Is A Gift

29th July 202220th March 2025Posted in SaffronStays DiariesTagged family holidays, homestay, Local food, long weekend getaways, private villas with homemade food, saffronstays, Traditional Food, Weekend getaways, Weekend Getaways from Mumbai, weekend trips

Delicious vegetable curries, lip-smacking fried snacks, mouth-watering biryanis — each of these appetizing dishes can take your holiday from good to great. A stay at one of our veg private villas near Mumbai and Pune can show you just how extensive and rich vegetarian food can be, with some finger-licking Jain delicacies too! Here are 10 villas that will take you on this culinary journey:

1. SaffronStays RedFields by Venna River, Mahabaleshwar

*Indulge in a vegetarian farm-to-table experience at SaffronStays RedFields by Venna River*

At this luxury villa in Mahabaleshwar, you will get the exemplary opportunity to stay in the midst of a strawberry farm! Needless to say, every single meal here is made from local produce grown on the property itself. From mornings of puri bhaji to gourmet dinners of chole masala, bharleli vangi, bhindi masala, aloo and shimla mirch sabji and dal tadka, this vegetarian farm-to-table experience will nourish you through and through.
Max no. of guests: 12
Book your stay at SaffronStays RedFields by Venna River.

2. SaffronStays Foresta by the Lake, Kamshet

*Time for a lakeside picnic at SaffronStays Foresta by the Lake*

With 70 acres of beautiful forested land, you have the freedom to make all your holiday dreams come true. A part of this holiday package is a diverse menu. Each flavour-packed meal will come with a story, from authentic Gujarati dishes to delicacies local to Kamshet. A story told through delectable spices, vegetables from the organic garden, and a touch of the in-home chef’s incredible talent!
Max no. of guests: 18
Book your stay at SaffronStays Foresta by the Lake.

3. SaffronStays The Riverine, Lonavala

*Gorge on snacks in lush green lawn at SaffronStays Riverine*

You will be spoilt for choice at this sprawling 5-bedroom bungalow in Lonavala. You can opt for our in-home chef’s lip-smacking home-fresh meals or go for comfort food from the nearby restaurants. Enjoy these vegetarian dishes in the villa’s charming gazebo, gorge on snacks by the poolside or head up to the balcony where a scenic view of the Indrayani river awaits you. Remember, good food leads to good memories!
Max no. of guests: 15
Book your stay at SaffronStays The Riverine.

4. SaffronStays SanvinaFarm, Karjat

*Lip-smacking meals at SaffronStays SanvinaFarm*

Try out the delights of pastoral life at this farmstay in Karjat. Apart from working in the paddy fields and milking the cows, this rustic experience also includes farm-to-table meals. The farm here has 3000-odd trees planted — from mango and chikoo orchards, a large haldi farm, plantations of red chilli, brinjal, tomato, potato, lemon, fruits like custard apple, cherries, litchis; you name and they plant it. Made with organic ingredients from the farm itself, the delicious dishes at this veg private villa will bring you closer to nature. As you and your family share a meal in the middle of a flowing river (yes, you read that right) they will also bring you closer to each other!
Max no. of guests: 9
Book your stay at SaffronStays SanvinaFarm.

5.SaffronStays Ambe Moha, Karjat

*Enjoy a home fresh meal* *SaffronStays Ambe Moha*

With hammocks, a spacious lawn and a wide pool, this luxury villa is the definition of unwinding! A quick drive from Mumbai or Pune will get you to this ultimate relaxation destination for families. As let your worries float away, our in-home chef will craft scrumptious veg meals. Expect to be delighted by home-fresh food made from locally sourced ingredients, with the utmost care, hygiene and incorporation of any personalizations!
Max no. of guests: 6
Book your stay at SaffronStays Ambe Moha.

6. SaffronStays Vedika, Wada

*Satiate your palate at SaffronStays Vedika*

This heritage villa is a gorgeous wood and brick structure, nestled in between farms, orchards and a flowing river. A nature’s retreat, this veg villa in Wada is ideal for large groups. Stroll through the orchards with your friends and munch on fresh fruit. Or cosy up with the fam in the gazebo with ginger tea and sandwiches. Bask in the glow of sunset from the verandah, with fried bhaji and a cool drink. Let food be your guide to the best holiday experience!
Max no. of guests: 13
Book your stay at SaffronStays Vedika.

7. SaffronStays Masaya, Alibaug

*How about dining under a tree adorned with fairy lights at SaffronStays Masaya*

Packed with enchanting outdoor dining areas, two private waterfalls, and an open-air bathroom — every corner of this vast estate displays luxury. Combined with the chef’s exquisite cooking of Rajasthani meals and North Indian preparations, you will have an unforgettable experience. Think of dining under a tree adorned with fairy lights, sipping on chai in the midst of a flowery garden, starlit dinners on the terrace as you sprawl out on cushions and so much more!
Max no. of guests: 12
Book your stay at SaffronStays Masaya.

8. SaffronStays Falcon Hill, Lonavala

*Time for some delectable meals by the pool at SaffronStays Falcon Hill*

Host your college reunion or bachelorette party at a hilltop villa with a fantastic view. SaffronStays Falcon Hill offers the added opulence of a stunning infinity pool overlooking the valley! This veg-only private villa will enhance the party experience with a range of delectable vegetarian and Jain meals. From chole bhature to palak paneer to a barbecue meal under the stars, each dish will be as healthy as home food and as refined as in a five-star restaurant!
Max no. of guests: 16
Book your stay at SaffronStays Falcon Hill.

9.SaffronStays Moira, Kamshet

Need an escape from everyday life? Head to this lakeside retreat near Mumbai. You can take leisurely swims by the lake, peaceful midnight strolls under the starry sky, lounge around a bonfire and most importantly, stuff yourself with gourmet food. Try exceptional dishes from various cuisines — go from Veg Kolhapuri at lunch to Manchow soup for dinner to Penne Arabiata the next day! This vegetarian-only spread has everything you could need!
Max no. of guests: 18
Book your stay at SaffronStays Moira.

10. SaffronStays Mega Farms by the River, Igatpuri

*Enjoy steaming food while gazing at the river from SaffronStays Mega Farms by the River*

Imagine enjoying sizzling hot Maharashtrian meals while the skies are grey with rain and a cool breeze brushes against your skin. You and your family chat and laugh as you dine. In front of you, Nashik’s rice fields and farms spread out with a river meandering in between and mountains gracing the horizon. The view, the steaming food and the fabulous company create a picture-perfect moment!
Max no. of guests: 16
Book your stay at SaffronStays Mega Farms by the River.

Are those stomachs already rumbling? Don’t lose another minute and book your food-tastic vacation at our veg private villas today!

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Home-cooked Meals in Private Villas Turn Staycations Into Good Food Diaries

8th April 2021Posted in Local culture, Local food, SaffronStays DiariesTagged home-cooked meals, homemade food, Local food, maharashtrian food, organic farm, private villa, Private villa in Karjat, private villas, Private villas in Karjat, private villas near Mumbai, private villas with home-cooked meals, private villas with homemade food, Staycation, Traditional Food, veg only villas near Mumbai, vegetarian meals

Every one of us has a favourite food joint with certain memories attached to it. Be it a fancy restaurant or a street-side stall, our taste buds mark familiarity when we gorge on our stipulated favourites. Now with the mini-lockdown order in Maharashtra putting strict restrictions on restaurants and street food stalls, you might not visit them for a while. But who needs a restaurant when you can have a fully-serviced private villa experience with lip-smacking food? At SaffronStays, we lay equal emphasis on serving fresh home-cooked meals, handmade with love by a trained team of chefs. Be it picking organic produce from the farms you stay around, or specially curated cuisines made as per your preferences, your vacations in our safe villas will make the heart and tummy full!

Authentic Farm-To-Table Experience

SaffronStays Sanvina Farm, Karjat — Fresh farm-to-table local meals.

With a growing trend to switch towards organic foodstuffs, there is very little guarantee of our products being truly organic in the cities. But in private villas that craft a farm stay experience, guests can pick fresh seasonal veggies, spices, and fruits for consumption from these farms. Private villas in Karjat like SaffronStays Sanvina Farm boasts of over 2000+ trees like mango, pineapple, lychee, phalsa, mulberry, and cherry masalas like tamarind and vegetables. So straight from the farm (subject to availability) on your plate? Yes sir!

At One Tree Farm, another private pool villa in Karjat, children can go lemon picking in the paddy fields around. Fresh lime juice in these sweaty summers will ensure you feel refreshed from the first sip!

Savour Local Home-Cooked Meals

No matter which destination you go to, always make it a point to taste the local specialties, at least for a couple of meals if not all. The distinct flavours of a place, cooked by chefs who ace at these recipes, savouring local specialties is a part of digging into our multi-cuisine culture. So while you can always have jam and toast for breakfast, opt for some spicy Misal Pav instead.

At our private villas in Alibaug, we would recommend you try the authentic Konkani preparations by chefs on site. Our in-house chef at SaffronStays Little Paradise in Murud serves Konkani meals with a Bengali twist! Munching on some fried fish while sipping on your cocktails on a beachfront, you’d truly immerse in the atmosphere.

At SaffronStays Gardenia in Kihim, we recommend home-cooked meals like Popti Chicken and Veg Popti made by our chefs. If you feel like eating chaat in the evening, that can be arranged too.

SaffronStays Masaya, Alibaug — A delicious spread of homemade food.

One need not limit their meals in Alibaug to Konkani or seafood specialties, especially if you prefer a vegetarian diet. SaffronStays Masaya is a veg-only villa in Alibaug with an in-house chef specialising in authentic Rajasthani and North Indian cuisine. There’s an organic garden of various herbs and spices which are seasonally used in food preparations. So flavourful vegetarian meals will satiate your taste buds.
For those very particular about their food preferences, we even have several veg-only villas.

Multi-Cuisine Menu and Curated Meals

While looking for authentic food experiences around Mumbai and Pune, you’re bound to be served with Maharashtrian specialties. But that’s just one part of our extensive menu options.

Cream of Tomato Soup with Croutons, Spaghetti, Pepper Chicken, Palak Paneer, Paratha, Dal and Rice, followed by a bowl full of Fruit Salad. Oh, and did we say barbecue? Are you feeling full just by reading this range of variety? Yes, you can savour it all! At SaffronStays Constellations, a complex of three pool villas in Lonavala, a multi-cuisine menu welcomes the guests. Chinese, continental or simple Indian food, you will end up licking your fingers with these delicious preparations from our trained staff of cooks.

SaffronStays Parsi Manor, Matheran — Special meals at Parsi Manor, Matheran

What if we told you we have a provision for a special heritage meal experience as well? If you want to savour recipes that have roots in history, visit SaffronStays Parsi Manor, a colonial heritage villa in Matheran. Upon request, a menu of authentic Parsi dishes is served to the guests. Dhansak, a traditional Parsi recipe by our in-house chef is a guest favourite.

Fine Dine in Finer Views

One of the major reasons we have trouble selecting a place to dine at, is we wish to make it an experience of lovely ambiance or great view on the side. But in our private villas at idyllic locations, every meal will feel a fine-dine with finer views.

SaffronStays Reva Infinity, Karjat — Lunch set-up by gushing river!

If gushing water and chirping of birds is the only kind of sound you prefer while eating, SaffronStays Reva Infinity in Karjat can arrange for dining set-up right by the Tez river. The onsite home cook can make some yummy Baingan Bharta, Chicken Shukha, Chicken Masala, Mix Vegetable, and Veg Kolhapuri.

SaffronStays Aatman, Mahabaleshwar — Dinner set-up under a canopy of tree

We go the extra mile to add the perfect views to homemade food with some of our set-ups. SaffronStays Aatman in Mahabaleshwar has three dining spaces to choose from! Under the canopy of a large Jamun tree, even simple home-cooked meals turn special.

Virginia Woolf rightly puts it, “One cannot think well, love well, sleep well if one has not dined well.” So the next time you stay with SaffronStays, be rest assured you are going home feeling too well!

Taste The Essence of Portugal in Goan Cuisine

1st October 2018Posted in SaffronStays DiariesTagged family, family get together, family holidays, friends, Goa, Goa, Goan Cuisine, Goan food, Goan Lifestyle, Holiday, homestay, Homestays, Homestays in India, Indian hospitality, Indo-Portuguese Lifestyle, Local food, Portuguese food, saffronstays, Things to do in Goa, Western Influence on IndiaLeave a comment

450 years of Portuguese rule in Goa has resulted in a lip-smacking assortment of flavours, styles and culinary techniques.

The Goan food scene is heavily influenced by an exotic blend of sea, spices and foreign invaders. Even though the Portuguese culinary styles and cuisine were often ‘Indianised’ by Goans to suit their tastes. There is no doubt that the Portuguese contributed to the emergence of Goan cuisine, both by holding onto their old culinary techniques as well as enabling a fusion of recipes that originated in their other colonies. Don’t miss out on some great culinary favourites during your next trip to this wining and dining place.

Sorpotel

The word ‘sarapatel’ literally means confusion. This probably refers to the mish-mash of ingredients including pork heart, liver and even pork blood! This stewy dish originated from the Alentejo region of Portugal. It travelled with the Portuguese to Goa, where it evolved into the sorpotel. Unlike the Portuguese version, the Goan dish includes a tempero paste comprising chillies, garlic and turmeric ground with vinegar. Mop it up with Goa’s most popular and loved accompaniment, sannas, which are prepared with toddy! Although you can find close-to-original sorpotel (minus the blood) at Bhatti’s Village in Nerul, or at Hotel Venite in Panaji.

Vindalho

The Portuguese brought with them chilli peppers, potatoes, vinegar and a dish ‘Carne de Vinha d’Alhos’ made with pork, wine and garlic. The locals evolved the meat curry into vindalho (or vindaloo) by substituting vinegar for the red wine and adding red Kashmiri chillies with spices. Small, hole-in-the-wall eateries serving home-cooked food are the best places to try a vindalho. The brick-and-mortar Andron, in Moira, also serves a great one.

Chicken Vindaloo, Goan Recipes, Goan market, Portuguese food, Portuguese cuisine, Goan cuisine, Goan food, Local food in Goa, Goan snacks — Try the chicken vindaloo to experience an explosive burst of flavours.

Feijoado

The word ‘feijão’ means beans in Portuguese. A symphony of black beans boiled with piggy bits and comforting spices, the feijoada is said to have been transported to Goa via the thousands of Brazilian slaves who accompanied the Portuguese to India. It pairs well with rice, greens and an ice-cold beer. The Horse Shoe Bar and Restaurant along the Panjim waterfront boasts of the best Feijoada in town.

Portuguese food, Portuguese cuisine, Goan cuisine, Goan food, Local food in Goa, Goan snacks, Feijoada — Every mouthful of this dark, glossy sauce is pure bliss.

Bacalhau

As the Portuguese would say: “there are more than 365 ways to cook bacalhau, one for every day of the year!”. In the words of Bubba from Forrest Gump, “You can barbecue it, boil it, broil it, bake it, saute it”. The bacalhau (dried and salted cod) which forms the primary ingredient of this dish is not easily available in Goa and hence has to be imported. Nostalgia in Raia, South Goa serves up a number of authentic Portuguese dishes, including different versions of bacalhau.

Feni

Other ingredients that the Portuguese ferried to India included cashews, tomatoes, guavas, potatoes and pineapples. Over time, the cashew became the key ingredient for one of Goa’s most celebrated beverages – feni. Although loyalists swear by the raw potency of the homemade kind, there are a few homegrown brands attempting to give the drink a premium feel.

Recommended Places To Stay

With a range of heritage homes and classy apartments spread across the entire coastline of Goa, SaffronStays offers the ideal dwellings to partake on this gastronomical journey.

SaffronStays Saanuki, Candolim

Living is easy in this impressive and quirky 3-bedroom villa within sniffing distance away from the Candolim Beach.

SaffronStays Cabo de Goa, Dona Paula

Situated right against a breathtaking seascape, this stunning, 3-bedroom Mediterranean-style duplex apartment with a shared infinity pool is a dream home in a high-end community of Dona Paula.

SaffronStays Casa Del Sol, Arpora

Tucked away peacefully in a quaint nook of Arpora, this serene 3-bedroom home is a pretty little hamlet for the romantics and a rural sort of a getaway for the exhausted city dwellers.

SaffronStays Belvedere, Colva

SaffronStays Belvedere gives you the feel of Portuguese class and Goan flair in one elegant 3-bedroom dwelling close to the surf and the sand.

For bookings call us at +91-8424040040 or drop us an email: book@saffronstays.com.

The Mussorie Bond

15th December 2014Posted in UttarakhandTagged Cambridge Book Depot, company gardens, Delhi, Delhi getaways, Gunhill Point, Kalsang, Kempty falls, Lal Tibba, Local food, Mall Road, Mussorie, Mussorie Homestays, Queen of Hills, Ruskin Bond, Telekids, Uttarakhand homestays, Weekend getawaysLeave a comment

By Sreejita Basu

I always awaited Thursdays, for that day of the week brought a special supplement called Telekids along with the daily newspaper. I loved solving the puzzles and enjoyed reading the jokes contributed by kids across the city (of Calcutta, now Kolkata). But what I most looked forward to was the story section by a gentleman called Ruskin Bond who wrote about a boy called Rusty. As I look back, I can confidently say that my childhood would have been a little less complete without Rusty and his world, just like my trip to Mussoorie last month would have been without meeting the man who created that very world.

The idea of a road trip to Mussoorie germinated when I chanced upon some old pictures in the family album. The year was 1994 and a puny child (ah yes! that’s me!) posing at Kempty Falls stood staring at me. Something told me that it was time to revisit. Taking advantage of the fact that I stayed in Delhi, my husband and I packed our bags and were off the next morning.

Mussorie — View of the hill station from Gunhill Point. Photo Source: indiatravelblog.net

Before we knew it, the upright rhododendrons and the November nip greeted us at Mussoorie. We found ourselves a quaint place to stay in atop a steep slope – replete with bright sunshine and some monkey mania (the room prominently bore the sign of ‘beware of monkeys in the balcony’). It was a Saturday and being Ruskin Bond fanatics we knew that the author visits the Cambridge Book Depot in Mussoorie every Saturday without fail unless he is traveling. We decided to take our chance. A quick call to the bookstore confirmed that Mr. Bond was indeed at the store! Ditching lunch, the husband and I grabbed our car keys and were off lest we missed the chance of meeting our most beloved storyteller in person. However, a combination of fatigue, careless driving and bad luck had our car finding its way into a small ditch. I am not superstitious by nature but this time I kept my fingers crossed. What if Ruskin Bond had already left the store? Banishing such thoughts aside, I prayed to the powers above to send some help which arrived in the form of a group of local school kids lending their arms and successfully salvaging the i10 and our chances of meeting the man.

Mussorie Homestays — When friends came visiting. Photo by Deepanjan Sengupta

We reached Mall Road, where the book store is located, and walked some distance before reaching our destination. The uphill road did its best to mock our fitness levels but we managed to reach at a record time, huffing and puffing, only to be greeted by the octogenarian author asking us to catch our breath before anything else. A man with a wonderful sense of humour, Ruskin Bond is nothing like you would expect a celebrity to be. We had the chance to speak to him about our love for his books and the hills and would have continued for a few more hours when we realised that a huge group of school kids had already surrounded him. There were people who knew that he would be there; there were some like us who hoped he would be there, there were passers-by who just walked in to realise that he was there and there were those who did not have much of a clue as to what the crowd was all about. But what was heart-warming was the way Ruskin Bond interacted with all these different groups, happily signing copies of his books and posing for the shutterbugs in spite of being camera shy. We left the store, happy and content, with our autographed books and the hope of meeting this charming man once again.

What followed was a scrumptious Tibetan meal at Kalsang, a stone’s throw away from the bookstore. We then took a ride on the ropeway which took us to Gunhill Point. This place offers a panoramic view of the city of Mussoorie and a brilliant spot for photography enthusiasts. We indulged in some fun games, some souvenir shopping and some Deja-vu moments as I clearly recalled the memories of my trip twenty years ago at the very same spots. We walked hand in hand down Mall Road; we warmed ourselves with milky masala chai and followed it with freezing Softy cones. We haggled with hawkers and gifted ourselves cute gloves and caps. We stood silently and took in the magical Mussoorie air as much as we could before trudging back to our hotel, occasionally stopping to stare above at the countless stars in the sky, a rarity now in my part of the world.

The next day was spent in visiting Company Garden and being mistaken for a honeymoon couple given our inclination to get ourselves clicked in traditional Mussoorie costumes, totally complying with all the weird poses suggested by the photographer. This was followed by a trek to Lal Tibba which happens to be the highest point in Mussoorie (alas, we could not squeeze in ‘Pari Tibba’ into our itinerary, one of the most talked about places in Ruskin Bond stories, apparently inhabited by fairies) and a drive down the winding roads of the adjoining town of Landour (home to not just Ruskin Bond but also the likes of actors Victor Banerjee and Tom Alter).

The weekend went by in a jiffy and it was time to turn back towards Delhi. We bade goodbye to the ‘Queen of Hills’ with a promise to come back, very, very soon again.

Take a trip to Mussorie and its neighbouring hill stations in 2015. Visit our website to book from 17 Homestays in Uttarakhand.

About the Traveller: Born in the steel city of Jamshedpur, Sreejita grew up in Calcutta and Bombay and now resides in New Delhi. She loves unfamiliar roads and uncommon tastes. When she is not working as a communications professional for a living, she likes to read, eat, travel and pen down her random thoughts in her blog.

Kargil – Of Breads and Apricots

1st December 2014Posted in Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, Local culture, Local foodTagged Apricot, Chachura, Girdeh, Jammu, Jammu & Kashmir, Kargil, Kashmir, kashmir homestays, Khambir, Kulcha, Ladakh, Ladakh homestays, Lavasa, Local bread, Local foodLeave a comment

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.

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.

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.

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.

10 tips to choose the right Homestay

24th November 2014Posted in SaffronStays DiariesTagged Himachal Pradesh homestays, India homestays, jaipur homestays, Kerala homestays, Local food, Map search, Meghalaya home stays, Rajasthan homestays, Sikkim homestaysLeave a comment

In my last blog post (Read: 11 Reasons I choose a Homestay over a Hotel, everytime! ), I shared my insight about homestays and gave you reasons to choose one for your next vacation. Now, hoping I have tempted you enough, I arm you with 10 essentials for choosing the right homestay through our website.

Read on, get booking and keep your travel gears ready.

Tip # 1. Ask yourself what you want from your vacation

Keana home — Stay in this quaint cottage nesting in the Himalayas for a quiet vacation

Sikkim Homestays — Kewzing village in Sikkim is inhabited by the Bhutia community and offers a unique cultural experience to travellers

The first and foremost step is to decide the kind of experience you are seeking from your vacation. You could be looking for a quick weekend getaway to one of Coastal Maharashtra‘s unexplored beaches from Mumbai or to a hill station in Uttarakhand from Delhi. Some of you might want to experience what staying in a Haveli in Rajasthan or a Colonial Bungalow in the coffee plantation feels like, while others might prefer to stay with the Bhutia community in Sikkim or a weavers’ village in Meghalaya. Options are plenty and you can choose your stay in heritage homes, colonial Bungalows, tree houses, boat houses and tents.

Tip # 2. Look for hosts who match your interests

Homestays in Alleppey — A host in Alleppey, Natasha, provides dance and meditation classes to guests.

Most hosts add great value to your vacation by going that extra mile. Some of our hosts are professionals in the fields of bird-watching, wildlife and trekking, and can conduct some great trips for you. There are others who are great cooks and conduct live cooking sessions for guests on request. Some hosts would be happy to include you in their daily activities like a puja in the family temple or Diwali and Onam celebrations. At the very least, hosts are a treasure trove of the history and culture of the location and take immense pride in sharing stories of their home state and culture. So make the most of this.

Tip # 3. Who are you travelling with?

Homestays India — Homestays are the best option when travelling with family.

The people that you are travelling with largely determine where you should stay and what facilities you should look for. If you’re travelling with your family and have kids or elders along with you, you might want to look at the finer details. Not all homestays have lifts, air conditioners or western-style bathrooms. A few homestays, especially in remote regions, require a small trek that elders may find difficult to undertake. Many homestays allow you access to kitchen, so you can cook special meals for your parents and a simple suji kheer for your child. Do you have a pet and it breaks your heart to leave him/her in a kennel when you travel? Most hotels don’t allow dogs, but a lot of homestays do, so it’s advisable to check in advance. And if you’re travelling as an unmarried couple, check with the homestay if it’s okay with it.

Tip # 4. Make note of the amenities that your preferred homestay provides

Himachal homestays — If you’re staying in our host, Shezad’s homestay in Himachal, you definitely need a heater

Saffronstays Homestays — Click on the Filters tab to modify your search as per your exact requirements.

Depending on who you’re travelling with and when you’re travelling, check the amenities provided by the homestay. You might want to check for provision of air conditioners in a homestay in Rajasthan and for heaters in Srinagar. If you’re looking for city comforts, check the availability of laundry facilities, Cable TV, Wi-Fi and power backup.

Tip # 5. Check whether meals are available

Coorg Homestays — Pandi curry is a must try during your stay in a Coorg homestay.

Like we always say, the best part about staying in a homestay is undoubtedly the delicious home-cooked food. Most homestays have breakfast included in their tariff while others, especially the ones located in remote locations, with fewer eateries around, include all meals in their tariff. You might also want to check for the cuisines provided by the homestay and see if they’ll be happy to serve you local food. If you’re a strict vegetarian, you could specifically look for the many homestays that serve only veg food.

Tip # 6. Look for places of interest, landmark and transport facilities around the homestay

Homestay in Ladakh — Stay in a homestay beside the Lamayuru Monastery in Ladakh

We’ve curated few select places with top things to do. All you have to do is click on the “Map View” tab to enable the feature and watch the screen light up like a Christmas tree. It gives you a good idea of the distance from the nearest airport or train station and a perspective of whether you are in a shopping district or a party hub or some far flung suburb of Mumbai. If you know precisely what you want to do during your vacation, you might want to specifically search for homestays around the area. For example, Goa Sunburn is held in Vagator beach and if you want to stay close by, all you have to do is zoom into the beach on the map and you can view homestays in that particular area. It makes your search simpler, faster and easier!

Tip # 7. Have a look at reviews and ratings

Homestays in India — Look for these icons on our website

“Reputation is the currency of the online world“. We realize that you’re looking for reviews and ratings that you expect the homestays to have painstakingly acquired over the years. Given that we have recently come to the party, we decided to personally verify every homestay and even gather the homestay experience ourselves. How did we do that? We selected some top photographers and travel writers and offered them a once-in-a-lifetime sabbatical opportunity, our TravelNinja program. We gave them a circuit to follow, they researched for homestays and spoke to a hundred odd hosts there. In most cases, the homestay owners were warm enough to extend their hospitality to us and referred us to other hosts. A bit of luck and serendipity did the rest. We have taken the effort of curating content for the homestays and marked out a few as ‘Featured’ – these are homestays we believe are special, either in terms of the location, the host or the hospitality and facilities provided. We’d recommend you to rely on us, search within the featured homestays and enjoy your stay! Do not forget to come back and give us a review on our site. It will help the next traveller to make an informed decision.

Tip # 8. Talk to the host

Homestays in Udaipur — Our host in Udaipur, Shurveer, gladly answers guest queries and makes arrangement as per their requests

SaffronStays — Our chat feature “Talk to Host” allows guests to communicate directly with the host.

“I like your homestay and want to spend a weekend there with my partner. Could you arrange a special dinner for us?” “Do you have a caretaker who can cook special meals for my parents? Does my 6 year old kid need an extra bedding?” Have a number of such questions while booking and find yourself going in circles?

Through our new chat feature “Talk to Host” we now allow our guests to communicate with our hosts directly to have their queries answered. Likewise, the Host may ask you a few questions too. After all, you are going to be sharing the space in his/her personal home. It is important to be comfortable, accept each other and then make the booking.

Tip # 9. Use the Dreamstays feature to save and share your preferred homestays

SaffronStays DreamStays tab — Use the “DreamStays” tab to share your favourite homestays with loved ones

If you still aren’t sure about your choice and want a second opinion of your family (always helps to get the wife’s nod, right?), add your selections to the DreamStays tab and inbox them to your spouse/travel partner. It’s far easier than directing them with names, rows and columns on the site.

Tip # 10. Make easy payment and enjoy your stay.

Once you’ve made your decision, all you have to do is send a booking request and wait for the host to accept it. That done, you can easily make payment using your credit card, debit card, internet banking or Paypal.

All set to book a Homestay now? Visit our website.

About the author: Tejas Parulekar is a first generation entrepreneur who has (ad)ventured into a domain that is traditionally dominated by large hospitality chains and other travel portals. A Banker by experience and Chartered Accountant by training, she is aspiring to leave an imprint in the hospitality sector by bringing together the little fish (Homestays) to take on the mighty shark. Encourage her and her homestay hosts by booking your next stay on www.saffronstays.com.