On our way to Kochi from Goa, part of the Mumbai – Coonoor road trip, we decided to stay overnight at Kannur, which had fairly warm weather for December. We were attracted towards the hills and cooler weather of Coonoor, so early next morning, we drove towards Kotugiri.
This is the route we took, about 7 hours with constant breaks, and we loved it! We recommend it to anyone looking for a great drive, awesome food, and wonderful roads with almost no traffic. We also spotted a Nilgiri Langur (Trachypithecus johnii) and an Emerald Dove (Chalcophaps indica) on the way.
We had recently visited the village of Walwande near Jawhar in Mahashtra, as part of a Rural Tourism Initiative.
Walwande is a small village on the Jawhar – Vikramgad Road. The primary occupation is agriculture.The land seems fertile, with the monsoons having coloured it green. We had our meals at a local villager’s house, and they were the most delicious meals of this trip. Somehow, home cooked food is so yummy!
The drive to Walwande from Mumbai taking the NH8 then right through Chiroti Naka goes through some lush farms.
Cafe Madras at King’s Circle, Mumbai, has the most awesome South India snacky food that I have eaten in this city. Try anything on the menu, it’s all good. Cafe Madras was started in 1945 and retains an awesome vintage feel in an art deco building, plus the prices are very realistic. Try the dessert … Read more
Having delivered a couple of films, and a hectic round of pitching etc, we decided in November last year, to drive down to Diveagar and Harihareshwar. The drive itself was extremely scenic, and we booked ourselves at the MTDC ‘Exotica’ in Diveagar. We were very apprehensive about the quality of stay and food, (we always look for a clean, dry room with a non-smelly dry toilet, but it seems its too much to ask for in most places) but were pleasantly surprised. More so with the food. Not having much time on hand, we stayed only for a night at Diveagar, and left the next morning for Harihareshwar. We really wished we had spent another day at lovely Diveagar though. Its a tiny but beautiful sleepy little beach town, and we had one of the most amazing meals at a home stay kind of place called ‘Patil’s’.
The drive through coastal Maharashtra is divine, and I hope it never becomes too touristy.
We had the most amazing experience on the way back, via Pali (since we don’t like driving on NH17, we are always looking for alternate routes). The sun had set and the remaining light was fading fast. While driving, we saw a shadow fly past us and overtake our Skoda Yeti. We slowed the car to realise it was a Barn Owl, which had sighted a rodent on the road ahead. I stopped the car so as not to disturb the hunt, and also to get a better view. The Owl swept down and landed in a pool of light from my Yeti’s headlamps for its kill. A few seconds of chase, and the Owl flew away with its dinner. We were too mesmerised to even think of taking photos. Moments like these make such road trips unforgettable.
Panoramic shot on the way. Frequent photo opportunities like these make the journey more fulfilling.
Cafe Exelsior in Fort, Mumbai, next to Metro Cinema, is awesome for its Biryani and the excellent Mutton Cutlet Gravy. And you must try the caramel custard or pudding after your biryani. We are excited to have our photos from Cafe Excelsior published at Zomato here.
I find Pune has a lot of interesting local eat out places. No visit is complete without binging on at least a few of these. Do you have any favourite places to eat local food in Pune? (This post was last updated in Novembber 2022). Padma Cafe on Law College Road (Between the FTII and … Read more
When one thinks of Oman, images of beautiful architecture, modern and traditional, great cities etc come to mind. However, I have been interested in the natural landscape and wildlife of Oman, which is equally mesmerising, but often not well known. I don’t know when I will be able to travel through the beautiful Sultanate of … Read more
The best place in Mumbai for Momos. As if that’s not enough, perhaps the best for Tibetan food in Mumbai. Sernyaa is located close to Infinity Mall in Andheri West, opposite the Lotus Petrol Pump. Phone: +91 022 65741005, +91 9820531935185, Oshiwara Link Road, Adarsh Nagar, Andheri West, Mumbai Also in Oshiwara: Phone: +91 22 6678 … Read more
On our way back from Velavadar to Mumbai, we were looking for a stop-over. And we found the enchanting Jambughoda Palace at the Jambughoda Wildlife Sanctuary. The drive from Velavadar to Jambughoda was mostly ok, with the exception of a detour we made to visit the Vadhvana Wetlands. By the time we left, it was late and we … Read more
A home away from home. Tara’s Place epitomises the simple words, and is situated in the heart of Jaipur, the Pink City of India. What makes it special is its cozy comfortable rooms, lovely small gardens, interconnecting passages and many relaxing spaces. But what makes it extra special is the company of amazing people who … Read more
Prabalmachi (390 metres above sea level), is a quaint little village hidden in the hills off the old NH4 (Mumbai – Pune highway). On your way to Pune, on the NH4, before the first highway toll booth, take a left. Drive towards the Prabalgad Fort. The road is fit only for an SUV and after … Read more
We were traveling to London for a film and had only a couple of days off. However, not wanting to miss out on Scotland, we decided to visit Edinburgh, the City of Castles. After plenty of searching online, we found the charming Teviotdale House, a fine example of a Victorian Edinburgh town house, built in … Read more
