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Happiness comes in Long Weekends!

16th January 2019Posted in SaffronStays DiariesTagged alibaug villas, beachfront villas on rent, family get together, family holidays, hill station holiday homes, hill station vacation, holiday with colleagues, HolidayHomes, Holidays 2019, lakefront villa near Mumbai, lakeside villas, long weekend getaways, long weekend trips, Pool Villa, pool villa near Mumbai, Villa for rent in Lonavala, Villas in Alibaug, Villas in Lonavala, villas near Mumbai, weekend getaway near Mumbai, weekend holidayLeave a comment

Did you know that 2019 has the same calendar as 2013? Mind-blown right? Here’s another piece of information that’s sure to get you to put on your thinking cap. For all the ambitious travelers and weekenders, 2019 is your year to go explore and achieve your travel goals with these 15 long weekends.

We have put in a list of all such long weekends getaway places you could visit to check off destinations from your to go list. Don’t compromise your leaves and go explore the pristine beaches, misty hills, chilly lakesides and make 2019 a memorable year for you.
Here’s how you could spend your long weekend getaways.

January 2019

12th Jan – Saturday
13th Jan – Lohri
14th Jan – Makar Sankranti
15th Jan – Pongal

Where to go: A perfect escape from the shackles of monotony, go kite flying this long festive weekend at SaffronStays Constellation. A cluster of 3 magnificent 5-Bedroom homes: Cassiopeia, Aquila, Orion; this long weekend getaway destination in Khandala is perfect for a sky full of multicoloured kites. Feast on Sweet Pongal dishes and don’t forget to say “Tilgul ghya ani godgod bola” when you exchange these sweet tilguls. So why wait? Hurry and bring along your large group of friends or family to celebrate these festivals and have a laid back weekend.

February 2019

16th Feb – Saturday
17th Feb – Sunday
18th Feb – Take a leave
19th Feb – Shivaji Jayanti

Where to go: Looking for a better way of showing your affection this weekend post-Valentine’s day? What better than arranging your special long weekend getaway at SaffronStays? Blessed with an infinity pool overlooking the mountains and a gorgeous garden right out of Mills and Boons romance, SaffronStays Un Bel Di is your place to be. With its Balinese aura, this private pool villa beckons you to celebrate choicest occasions and create memorable memories. So whisk away your loved ones this long weekend and have the time of your life!

March 2019

1st Mar – Maharishi Dayanand Saraswati Jayanti
2nd Mar- Saturday
3rd Mar – Sunday
4th Mar – Maha Shivratri

Where to go: Have a soft corner for lakeside homes? What better than planning this long weekend getaway at SaffronStays L’Attitude! Wake up to amazing views of the expansive lake at this 3-bedroom home located in Kamshet. A divine retreat for all nature lovers, this home is your personal pad of solace and solitude. Bring over your group of friends and bond over a glass of wine in this earthy home.

20th Mar – Holika Dahan
21st Mar – Holi
22nd Mar – Take a Holiday
23rd Mar – Saturday
24th Mar – Sunday

Where to go: Nashik is the perfect destination for you to spend your 5-day long weekend getaway magnificently. Plan a trip with your large group of friends and celebrate Holi at SaffronStays Mega Farms. An exact representation of your childhood scenery drawing, this home is situated amidst lush green lawns and a placid river surrounded by mighty mountains in Igatpuri. Relive your childhood and roll along these lawns or just lie around basking in the glory of nature. So pack your bags and hop on this time machine that’ll take you back in time this long weekend.

April 2019

17th April – Mahavir Jayanti
18th April – Take a Holiday
19th April – Good Friday
20th April – Saturday
21st April – Easter Day (Sunday)

Where to go: A perfect escape from the scorching summer heat, relax at SaffronStays Hillside Chalet a 4-bedroom wooden chalet with a private pool overlooking the Pawna Lake. A surprise gift from a daughter to her pillars in life, this paradise has the most beautiful memories of the happiest, mad, craziest times of the owner and her parents entrenched in every wall. Wake up to amazing views of the lake and experience the breezy atmosphere a city may seldom provide. So come abode this woodsy Swiss chalet and spend time catching up with your friends and family this long weekend.

May 2019

4th May – Saturday
5th May – Sunday
6th May – Take a Holiday
7th May – Birthday of Rabindranath

Where to go: Up for a vacay with your family this long weekend? What better than the misty hills of Himalaya! Perched on a hilltop in the village of Talwari, over 5,500 ft. in the Garhwal Himalayas, SaffronStays Tridiva is a comfortable home offering spectacular views of the Nanda Devi Range through its large glass windows. Go on glacier treks and experience the serene surroundings like never before. So if the north is on your list of places to visit, a trip to this home is a must for your long weekend getaway.

June 2019

15th Jun- Saturday
16th Jun- Father’s Day

Where to go: Give your father a quick family holiday at SaffronStays Falcon Hill this Father’s Day. Located on the misty hilltop of Lonavala, feel on top of the world and watch as the interiors merge with the amazing landscape. Make the most of your relaxing long weekend getaway and have a bonding session with your family. This home is sure to leave you with fond memories to ponder on.

July 2019

4th Jul – Rath Yatra
5th Jul – Take a Holiday
6th Jul – Saturday
7th Jul – Sunday

Where to go: How about a quick trip to Alibaug? An escape from the frenzied city life, SaffronStays Masaya is a 3-bedroom villa located just 15 minutes away from the Mandwa Jetty. For those looking for peace and quiet within a nature retreat or a party pad in a private setting, there’s nothing better than this spacious abode! Leave no one behind and let your furry friends tag along with you! This pet-friendly villa with modern comforts is designed in such a way that you can enjoy nature at it’s finest. So pack your bags and head over this long weekend getaway.

August 2019

10th Aug – Saturday
11th Aug – Sunday
12th Aug – Bakri Id/ Eid-ul-Adha

Where to go: Fond of pristine beaches and serene atmosphere? What better than staying at SaffronStays Salt Rim, Korlai. Adorned in hues reminiscent of Goan and Portuguese architecture, this gorgeous 2 bedroom villa is a charming weekend getaway. Wake up to the sound of waves crashing on the rocks and take longs walks at night under the moonlight sky.

15th Aug – Independence Day
16th Aug – Take a Holiday
17th Aug – Saturday
18th Aug – Sunday

Where to go: Head over with your large group of friends and family to SaffronStays MJ Farms. Situated on a massive estate with well-manicured lawns, this 5 bedroom villa is an ideal long weekend getaway in Uran. A paradise for all nature lovers, this home boasts of lush green vegetable patches as well as a greenhouse that grows red succulent strawberries. Tasty much? Also, try something out of the box and try your hand at hydroponic farming and pisciculture.

September 2019

7th Sept – Saturday
8th Sept – Sunday
9th Sept – Take a Holiday
10th Sept – Muharram
11th Sept – Onam

Where to go: Perched on a hillside, SaffronStays Fragrant Sun is sure to blow your minds away with its expansive views of the Mulshi Lake and earthy decor. The house is surrounded by lawns with a bonfire sit-out, gardens, fruit trees, herbs and vegetable patches. So gather around your friends and have a bonding session under the moonlit sky! With mesmerising views of the surrounding valleys, this 4 bedroom villa ensures that guests have the time of their lives this long weekend.

October 2019

5th Oct – Saturday
6th Oct – Sunday
7th Oct – Take a Holiday
8th Oct – Dusshera

Where to go: Looking for a quiet trip with your loved ones? SaffronStays Crescent Bay is your ideal long weekend getaway. Have a fun-filled bonding session with your family at this 3 bedroom villa in Nashik. With breathtaking views of the Vaitarna Lake right from the infinity pool, drown away all your workday blues and have a laidback vacay. Be it the pool or the balcony or the lawn or the rooms, the views of the lake will keep you company and provide a serene backdrop.

17th Oct – Karva Chauth
18th Oct – Take a Holiday
19th Oct – Saturday
20th Oct – Sunday

Where to go: Plan a romantic long weekend getaway at SaffronStays 9 Palms with your loved on this Karva Chauth. Set on 6-acre estate this 5 bedroom villa with its private pool and landscaped gardens is quite the ideal getaway for a relaxing time-out. Take long walks and catch stunning views of the sky a city seldom permits.

26th Oct – Saturday
27th Oct – Diwali
28th Oct – Govardhan Puja
29th Oct- Bhai Duj
30th Oct – Take a Holiday
31st Oct – Halloween

Where to go: Like the idea of spending your Diwali in Jaipur? SaffronStays Jaipura Garh is 6 bedroom haveli that emanates exuberant charm reminiscent of the 1800s when it was built. Perfect for small vacay with your large group of friends and family, witness a melting pot of cultures, encounter fascinating anecdotes of history and take your taste-buds on a roller coaster ride. When in Jaipur, don’t forget to plan your long weekend getaway at SaffronStays Jaipura Garh!

November 2019

9th Nov – Saturday
10th Nov – Sunday
11th Nov – Take a Leave
12th Nov – Guru Nanak Jayanti

Where to go: As the wedding season commences, you can now host small wedding functions at SaffronStays Kamal Farms, Karjat. Situated by the river amidst verdant greens, this weekend getaway destination could be your ideal wedding venue. The rich foliage encompassing the home provides a cool respite and absolute privacy. Experience laughter and happiness in every inch of this home as you sit together and recall all the funny moments. Step into a world of peace and fun as you spend your time with your loved ones in this home.

December 2019

21st Dec – Saturday
22nd Dec – Sunday
23rd Dec – First day of Hanukkah
24th Dec – Christmas Eve
25th Dec – Christmas

Where to go: Looking for a perfect escape from the humdrum of the city life? Ditch the overcrowded roads of Mahabaleshwar for SaffronStays Girijyot in Bhor. A 3-bedroom rustic abode enveloped by the raw beauty of nature, this home is so welcoming that you may never want to leave! With a traditional Tulsi plant in the courtyard, raw stone walls and gabled roofs, this earthy home is sure to add more warmth to your holiday.

Don’t forget to plan your long weekend getaways accordingly. Make the best of your travel experience this year and enjoy your holidays to the fullest with SaffronStays!

15 Facts That Make Us Proud To Be Indians

15th August 2017Posted in SaffronStays DiariesTagged Holiday, homestay, independence day, India, Indian flag, Long weekend, long weekend getaways, long weekend trips, trips, Weekend Getaway, weekend holidayLeave a comment

15th August. A red letter day, will continue to be of utmost importance in the history of India. We have completed 70 years of independence and it has not always been a smooth sail. But we have been slowly but steadily making progress.

One of the fastest growing country, India is still sometimes considered as an underdog and is underestimated. So, let’s take a look at these 15 facts that prove otherwise and make us proud to be called an Indian.

Source: Jaago Re

Right To Vote From Day 1 After Independence

India is the largest democracy in the world, and it has the unique distinction of being the only country that gave its citizens the Right to Vote from the very first day after Independence.

2. Third In Claiming World Records

As per the records of The Guinness Book of World Records, after UK and US, India is in the third position in claiming the number of world records each year.

Source: South Report

3. Highest Bailey Bridge In The World

In August 1982, the Indian Army built the world’s highest Bailey Bridge at an altitude of 5602 meters. It is located in the Ladakh valley between the Dras and Suru rivers in the Himalayan mountains.

4. Currency Notes With Braille Features

The Indian currency notes has Braille feature which aid the visually impaired to identify and differentiate between the notes. Mexico, Israel, Canada and Russia are some of the other countries to adopt this feature.

5. Invention Of Sugar Refining

The process of sugar refining was first discovered by India during the Gupta dynasty, around 350AD where they discovered how to crystallize sugar.

Source: nitinenterprises

6. Invention of Chess And Snakes & Ladders

Believed to be originated during the Gupta dynasty, in Eastern India, Chess, in its early form was known as chaturanga in the 6th century.
Snakes & Ladders originated in India, as a part of the dice board games family which included Gyan chauper (Ludo) and pachisi (Parcheesi).

7. Manufacturer of Supercomputers

Supercomputers are computers that have a high level of computing performance in comparison to general computers. And are made, by only three countries in the world, India being one of them besides US and Japan.

8. The First University Of The World Was Established In India

Takshila, is said to be the very first university in the world that started around 700 BC. From all over the world, more than 10,500 students came to study more than 60 subjects.

Source: The Checker News

9. Sushruta, The Father Of Surgery

Sushruta, a physician, made tremendous contributions to the field of plastic and cataract surgery in 6th century BC. Reconstructive surgery techniques were being carried out as early as 800 BC in India. Hence, Sushruta is considered as the Father of Surgery.

Source: America Space

10. The Only Country To Send A Spacecraft To Mars In Its First Attempt

India has joined the elite group of countries that have managed to successfully send a spacecraft to Mars. India became the fourth country to do so, but the very first one to manage it in its very first attempt. Whoopee!

11. Largest Postal Network In The World

India has the largest portal network in the world. And not just that, India also has the highest post office in the world, which is located at a height of 15,500 ft in Hikkim, Himachal Pradesh. And why just stop at the highest point, India has a floating post office too! The Dal lake in Srinagar opened a floating post office in 2011.

Source: The Indian Express

12. The Invincible Indian National Kabaddi Team

The Indian national Kabaddi team of India has won all the Kabaddi World Cups held till now and have been unbeatable. Both the men’s team and women’s team have achieved this awe-inspiring feat. Go India!

13. Origination Of Algebra, Trigonometry And Calculus

Quadratic equations were used by Sridharcharya in the 11th century. While the Greeks and Romans were using 106, the Indians were using numbers as big as 10*53 (i.e 10 to the power of 53), as early as 500 B.C.

Source: chandrayaan-i.com

14. Discovery Of Water On Moon, Zero.

India’s ISRO Chandrayaan – 1, in September, 2009 detected water on Mars for the first time using its Moon Mineralogy Mapper.
In working out the place value system, Aryabhatta discovered zero for the very first time and also invented the number system.

15. India – Wary Of Wars

Although, India is the largest importer of arms, in her last 100000 years of history, India has never invaded any country.

This is just the tip of the iceberg. There are many more facts, like the art of shampooing being discovered in India, the Human calculator – Shakuntala Devi, origin of Yoga, Buddhism, Jainism, Hinduism, Sikhism in India, the largest number of vegetarians in India, etc.

All this, gives us a reason to hold our heads high and be proud to be an Indian. So this Independence Day, let us all pledge, that we will continue to make inroads into making our country even better and greater.

Monsoon Alert! Unveil The Magic Of The Rains

23rd June 2017Posted in SaffronStays DiariesTagged adventure holiday, beach holiday, Coastal holidays in Maharashtra, family holidays, games, long drives, monsoon, monsoon destinations, monsoon getaways, Monsoon getaways near Mumbai, Monsoon season, monsoon travel, monsoons in India, rains, Relaxed holiday in Goa, romantic stays, weekend getaway near Mumbai, weekend holidayLeave a comment

With Indra Devji Maharaj bestowing upon us his blessings, it is time to pack up the bags and leave the pothole riddled, smoke filled city that is constantly caught in a frenzy. It is time to breathe in the earthy smell of wet soil instead of the exhaust fumes in the traffic. Now is the time to take a break from the madness and just sit back and enjoy the pleasant weather.

If you are feeling hemmed in, fret not, because we’ve got the perfect solutions for you to bid adieu to that feeling!

Chai-Pakora On the Veranda

Let the sun shine through

With the onset of monsoon, the best thing to do is just sit out on the veranda and take in the beautiful lush green surroundings. And what better, than having the garma garam chai-pakoras to give you company? So, pack up your bags, and head to SaffronStays Verandah by the Valley in Panchgani where the gorgeous views and tasty pakoras will make your rainy days brighter and better!

Walk Along the Sea

Open the doors to heaven

Imagine. You, walking along the beach and getting drenched in the coastal monsoon showers while the sound of the sea waves soothe you. You stop, and look at the sea that is stretching infinitely in front of your eyes. The world has stopped for the moment. And you are lost in its beauty.
Now, that sounds tempting, doesn’t it? For this our beachfront villa, Salt Rim,in Alibaug is perfect!

Long Romantic Drives

Breathe in the fresh air

A long romantic drive tops the list of ‘Things to do in Monsoon’. But while you are indulging in the long drive, if the views along the road are an absolute delight, then it is cherry on top. So drive down the coastal roads and green ghats to Dapoli where you can stay at SaffronStays Villa 270, sit back and relax with the panoramic views of the sea.

Lounge in Open Air Jacuzzi

Lounge in happiness

Breathtaking views of the valley, from a villa perched on top of the hill while you lounge in the open air jacuzzi when there is a downpour of rain! Tip.. tip.. Tip.. the rain falls while you are luxuriating in awesomeness. This amazing dream can be your reality with SaffronStays Maya, a hill-top villa in Khadakvasla.

Indulge In Rain Dance

Aala re aala, paaus aala!

With rain songs playing on your stereo, turn up the volume and dance away in the rain showers. At Saffronstays Mango Huts in Khopoli you can enjoy the rains and dance to your heart’s content in the midst of the mango orchards. Or you can relive your childhood by making paper boats and sail them on the perennial river nearby!

Swim In the Infinity Pool

Swim in complete bliss

It’s time to jump in the pool and splash in the waters as the rains come down on you. Get drenched in the monsoon showers while you are swimming in the infinity pool of SaffronStays Cabo de Goa, where the heavenly view of the sea takes your breath away.

Let the Games Begin

Get ready for the battle!

On this rainy day, compete with your friends and family to be the reigning champion of games. Challenge them to a game of T.T., Billiards, Basketball, Darts or Air Hockey in the gaming arcade of SaffronStays Bellini, in Karjat. Or beat them at the competitive sport of board games!

Play Football/Cricket

Roll up your sleeves and just play

Set your inner Messi/Tendulkar free as you battle it out on the grounds with your friends and family in the game of wet football/cricket. Score a goal or a century at the spacious grounds of Saffron Stays La Ferme, this monsoon as you let the kid in you free.

With the much awaited rains, that have now arrived, don’t let your mucky shoes and puddle filled roads dampen your spirit. As SaffronStays comes to your rescue to beat the monsoon blues!

10 Types Of Friends That Guarantee A Kick-Ass Trip

15th June 2017Posted in Weekend getawaysTagged adventure holiday, alcohol party, beach holiday, booze, drinking, family get together, friends, getaways, Goa Homestays, Holiday homes in Goa, homestays near Mumbai, khandala, Lonavala, long weekend getaways, Mumbai getaways, party, road trip with best friends, Weekend Getaway, weekend holiday, weekend tripsLeave a comment

Every now and then, we pack our bags and head off for an adventure with our friends. No friend in the group is similar and with everyone so different, there are bound to be fireworks along the way. The fuss and the excitement created by each of these species promises us nothing short of a trunkful of unforgettable memories.

So, let’s take a look at the different types of friends that may exist in your group.

The Checklist

Getting ready for the trip
Source – The Legacy Project

This perpetual planner who makes meticulous contingency plans that rival the Sergeant’s plans for a military coup. The lists will have lists which will drive the other friends crazy with it. But let’s face it, it’s that saviour’s planning that will make the vacation a bit sane and will fix anything that goes wrong.

The Madcap

Adventure is in the blood
Source – travel.jumia.com

This friend with his ‘dekh lenge yaar’ attitude is the one who will forget to fill the petrol tank of the car to maximum on the road trip. It is this friend who’ll think of it as an adventure when you lose your way and get lost either in the midst of a desert or a jungle. Looking for a rainbow at the end of a storm, the pal’s optimism and carelessness will get on the troupe’s nerves. But those antics will ensure an unforgettable journey.

The Dopey

Ready. Steady. Sleep.
Source – disney.wikia.com

You are envious of this friend’s ability to sleep anytime and anywhere. There might be a hard rock metal concert going on but will still be able to stretch out on the ground and pass out in seconds. But this lazy bum is going to irritate you with the habit of getting up at noon and being tired by doing even the tiniest of the things and wanting long naps.

The Juicehead

With a bottomless pit for alcohol and the motto in life, Daaru toh banti hai, this friend will be having a variety of booze bottles in different sizes at all times and will find the trip a waste if at least one bottle is not downed each day.

The Umpire

Living each moment
Source – igotravel.co.za

The most sensible friend in the whole group, who is constantly trying to broker peace. The one who is constantly trying to mediate and coming up with compromises to satisfy everyone. This referee makes the trip a success by seeing to it that all the characters of the group don’t end up killing each other.

The Workaholic

Ready to rule the world
Source – hungryshark.ru

This slave to the work will be constantly on the phone and checking the mails. This lost comrade will be counting down the hours to get back to the office’s distasteful coffee. The one who is always cribbing about not getting enough days off from work but once on the trip, will be raring to go back.

The Lovey-Dovey

This couple is busy turning the group trip into their honeymoon rendezvous. While they are indulging in their PDA, the group will give them either a wide berth or rag them, depending on the friends and the mood.

The Diva

Head out of the city for your next kitty party! — The absolute Diva taking the center stage anywhere, everywhere

That snooty friend who is finding faults at every step of the way and will be expected to treated as royalty. From the linen of the bed to the water in the bathroom, from the food to the decor of the hotel, this friend will criticise till the tongue falls off. The Diva is the one who always wants to be the centre of attention.

The Luna Lovegood

The Luna Lovegood of the group is the one who actually believes in nargles and will be waging a war against the wrackspurts. The weirdo who is in another part of the universe, will spout out a philosophical comment and then go back to dreaming.

The Hermit

Building dream castles
Source – Rockpage.me

This lone wolf of the group is the one who is busy creating a utopia. Although with the group, this lost soul is still alone with the headphones on or is busy getting lost in the book. To talk to your buddy you’ll be constantly pulling the headphones or snatching away the ever so interesting book and shouting at the top of your voice to get your buddy’s attention.