Monday, October 31, 2016

Walk In The Clouds At COONOOR


With the plains roasting in the summer heat, what could be better than escaping to an altitude of nearly 2,000 m above sea level? That's where Coonoor is, making a perfect for a short break from Bengalore or Chennai  season. Located in Nilgiri district of Tamil Nadu, Coonnor, is less touristy than nearby Ooty, beckons with its cool climes, green vistas, tea estates and opportunities for trekking. There's much to see and do here. To begin with, head to Hidden Valley, lush and green, se against dramatic mountainscapes. Much of it can be explored only on foot, so it's a splendid trekking zone. If the route is challenging, the rewards are the spectacular views at every turn.


Go also to Droog Fort which served as Tipu Sultan's outpost in 18th century --reached after a three-km trek through tea gardens. Only some parts of this fort remain now, but you can recall history and delve into the past in this picturesque setting. The watch tower of the fort provides a vantage spot from which to take in great views.

Other things to do in Coonoor include an outing to Catherine Falls, an impressive double cascade in Kotagiri. Lamb's Rock is a lookout point providing sweeping views of the Coimbatore plains. A trip to Sim's Park, a fetching botanical garden set amidst shola forests, provides for hours of pleasant walking.


You can also walk past High field Tea Estate and get some insights into the process of tea-making at Guernsey Tea Factory. Coonoor is also home to a rich Toda tribal culture and you can buy tribal crafts and artefacts at the charming Green Shop here.

Getting There: Coonoor is about 280 km from Bengalore six-hour drive via Mysore. Coonoor is just 20 km from Ooty.

Stay: Do it in style and stay at the luxurious Kurumba Village Resort which has a superb setting and great service.

Shopping: Local produce is a nice thing to take back from Coonoor. Check out the stores that sell wild honey and handmade chocolates and take them back home for friends and family.



Sunday, October 30, 2016

SAPUTARA, The Spendour of The Sahyadris


Saputara nestles at high altitude in the Sahyadri range, but it is so much more than just another hill station. It is situated on a plateau in the Dang Forest and the Sarpganga which flows through it adds to its beauty. Early risers should head to Sunrise Point, which is just 1.5 km away, to be enthralled by a spectacular show in the sky. Even at other times, you get lovely views of the hills from here. There are  some beautifully laid-out gardens in Saputara and Rose Garden comes alive with blooms in-season. The Lake Garden, by Saputara Lake, is a popular attractions and the landscaping of the Step Garden also draws visitors. 


Head out of town to Gira Waterfall, with the water cascading from a height of 30 feet into the Ambika river. It is at its best just after the monsoon and November is a very good time to see this sights. 
About 60 km from Saputara, near Waghai, is the Unnai Mata Temple and the hot springs which every visitor to the area must experience. The warm spring waters are believed to have curative properties. In Saputara there is also a little gem of a museum showcasing the tribal lifestyle. You are bound to enjoy the display of jewellery, tools and other everyday objects used by the Dangi People. Also visit the Gandharvapur Artist Village, a culture center where you can learn about the unique arts and crafts of the region.


Tips From Unveil India: Some hotels arrange special tribal dance performance for groups. Check these out if you like an extra does of local culture.



Drive: Saputara is 280 km from Mumbai  and it's a comfortable drive that takes just over four hours. You will pass pretty vineyards beyond Nashik and Dindori.

Stay: The Patang Lords Eco Inn has a prime location, overlooking  the lake, and several room look out over the water body. Sapatura also has several B&Bs for budget travellers.

Shopping: Buy some Warli art work as memento of your trip to Saputara you wil also find other souvenirs at the Gandharvapur Artist Village.

Saturday, October 29, 2016

Chiplun, A River Runs Through It


Chiplun, in Maharashtra's Ratnagiri district, lies on the Mumbai-Goa driving route and makes for the perfect short break. Here, surrounded by unspoiled nature, you can slow down and find an antidote for city-included stress.


Chiplun is also known as the abode of Lord Parshurama and has a famous temple dedicated to him. The Vashishti river meanders through the little town, lending it a definite serenity. It looks spectacular in the morning light. Sunsets across the river are another of Chiplun's top attractions and you must catch one, too. 
On weekend trip to Chiplun visit the 300-years-old Parshurama temple, which draws scores of devotees. Go also to the Marleshwar temple. Spend some time at the Shivaji museum which showcases various aspects of the life of Chhattrapati Shivaji. 


Ten km from Chiplun, set in the Vashishti river, is the small island of Gowalkot which houses a fort dating back to 1690. This is a big draw for trekkers who reach the top of the fort to be rewarded with superb views. The route to Nageshwar Temple is also popular with tekkers and exhilarating without being too difficult. The laterite Pandava Caves  are also must-see when you are in Chiplun. With the monsoon just receding, the Sawatsada Falls, not far from the Parasurama Temple, will be in full flow and are well worth visiting as is the Koyna Dam. The Nehru Smriti Udyan is a good spot from which to take in this awe-inspiring dam.


Getting There: Chiplun is 320 km from Mumbai and makes for a hotel that has a river view.

Stay: There are local plenty of accommodation choices in Chiplun. Look for a hotel that has a river view.

Eat: Eat the local Malvan cuisine when in Chiplun. The seafood is excellent and the jack fruit chips are a speciality.



Friday, October 28, 2016

Chikmagalur, Coffee Break In Cool Climes


They say the first coffee on the subcontinent was planted in Chikmagalur, the seeds brought by Baba Budan, for whom there is a shrine here. Naturally the coffee culture perfumes the very air of Chikmagalur and strolling through lush plantations, carpeted in green, is part of the experience here. So is relaxing at homestays on coffee estates and sipping some excellent coffees brewed just right. Coffee-lovers can also visit the Coffee Yatra Museum to take in the history and legend surrounding the bean and drink and learn how to tell Arabic from Peaberry. 



Chikmagalur is home to   Karanataka's highest peak, Mulayanagiri, and this rugged, mountainous terrain is a perfect destination for trekking enthusiasts.

The climb to Kemmanagundi is another exhilarating adventure and as your reward there are sweeping views of the hills veiled in mist. Other adventures in the region include rafting down the river Bhadra which loops around Chikmagalur, now placid, now frisky. Outdoor companies such as Capture arrange these rafting rips and most resorts and homestays which will help you connect with them.



If your idea of great weekend break is a few rounds on the green, It has its club with a very well maintained nine-hole course. The other club you could drop in at--if you know a member--the Kadur club, a Raj-era club that seems still frozen in time. During the break in this utterly relaxing destination, you should also take the opportunity to explore the unique Malnad cuisine of the region, which includes kadubu and unusual chutneys.

Tip from Let's Unveil India: Carry your wooillies, because it can get quiete cold up in the mountains at this time of the year.

Shopping at Chikmagalur: Don't leave town without some coffee. None of the supermarket stuff comes anything close to estate-ground beans.

Where to Stay?


If you are looking for luxury, check into the Serai, run by the cafe coffee day folks. There are plenty of less expensive lodge available here.

Getting There: Chickmagalur is 280 km from Bengalore and makes for a comfortable and enjoyable road trip.




Thursday, October 27, 2016

Take A Beach Break In Daman & Diu


If Goa and even Gokarna have begun to look a bit jaded, head to the former Portuguese enclaves of Daman and Diu. Explore their churches and forts and relax on unspoiled beaches during you break.
In Diu, a picturesque island located off the southern tip of Saurashatra, see the Diu Fort, with its double moat, from whose ramparts you can get some great sea views.


  Nagoa Beach is one of the best-known, a horseshoe-shaped expanse of sand washed by the waves. It's safe for swimming and you can also indulge in water sports here.



Just beyond the walls of the Diu Fort are the Naida Caves, an intriguining network of square-hewn hollows and steps.And on to Daman. Devka Beach is the most popular here, an excellent spot for a family outing with opportunities for swimming and gathering shells. Jampore Beach in Nani Daman is one of the few black sand beaches in India, clean, relatively uncrowded and great place to watch the sunset. Beach-hopppers can gead to Ghoghla Beach as well.



The Church of Bom Jesus in Daman is definitely worth visiting. Built in 1559, it's an example of the engineering skill and artistry of the Portuguese. The Fort of Saint Jerome is another fine edifice which heritage-lovers will enjoy visiting.


Spend an evening at Diu Market which comes alive at night. You can have a drink and savour fresh seafood in small stalls at dedge of the beach.

Where to Stay?

For a splash-out stay, check in to the Deltin Hotel & Casino. There are several mid-budget resorts here as well.

Tips From Let's Unveil India:

Hire a cycle and see the sights here. The roads are quiet and you can travel at your own pace.

How to Reach?

It's a 380 km drive from Ahmedabad.




Wednesday, October 26, 2016

Pondicherry, French Connection


First-time visitors to this former colony are bound to be surprised at its distinct French air. The town, that hugs the sea, is a laid out in a tidy grid of streets lined with lovely white buildings and litle oatches of green. Rubbing shoulders with Ville Blanches, or the white town, is the colorful ethnic side with its temples and bustling markets. An electronic mix of restaurants, free-flowing drink and a slow pace make for a great weekend getaway.


One of the best way to see Puducherry is walking tour through the ruse and the avenues which allows you to admire the French Colonial Architecture. Hit the promenade at dawn or in the evening. This is where the city comes to jog, stroll, eat ice-cream or drink coconut water. There isn't much to do in Puducherry, and that's one of the charms of the place. So, find a pleasant restaurant, and while away the hours, drinking beer and tucking into some superb seafood.



Make a trip to Auroville and visit the Matri Mandir --the heart of the township and a magnificent edifice that can be viewed from afar. You will need a visitor pass to see the inside, which also provides access to the meditation chamber. Other activities you can engage in Auroville are yoga, tai-chi, and courses in alternative healing. If you wish to relax on beach, Auro Beach is walking distance from the township.


What to eat?

Several restaurants such as Rendezvous and Satsanga serve good French fare. You will find menus peppered with coq au vin and crepes suzette everywhere you go.


Where to stay?

The Promenade which overlooks he promenade is a good option. Ask for a sea-facing room.


How to Reach?

It's a three-hour drive from Chennai along with the scenic East Coast Road.



Tuesday, October 25, 2016

Mahabalipuram History By The Ocean



Mahabalipuram or Mamallapuram, to give it its classical name, is strung along the Coromandel Coast, now luring heritage and history buffs and holiday-makers looking for sea and sand. In its heyday, it was a major seaport of the powerful Pallava Dynasty and also where its rulers decided to create a magnificent temples and rock carvings, many of which stand to this day. Mahabalipuram is a world Heritage Site and you stroll through it, with a little imagination, you can relive its glorious past.


The must-see sights here include the Shore Temple, a structure of a perfect proportions, standing at the edge of water, the Five Rathas and Arjuna's Penance,


 a  giant relief craving depicting scenes from the epics and everyday life in exquisite detail. Krishna's Butter Ball, a massive, smooth boulder, and the Varaha Mandapa, housing captivating carvings, are also not to be missed. There are several other temples and carvings scattered across the area, which you can explore on foot or on a bicycle. Art-lovers should also stop at the Sculpture Museum with its huge collection of sculptures and paintings. 

Besides the heritage, Mahabalipuram --or Mahabs to those familiar with the place--is a popular beach getaways as well. There are several resorts along the beach, allowing visitors to swim, ride the surf, sunbathe or simply lounge by a pool.

Mahabs is a backpacker paradise, too, and these budget travellers gathers at Othavadi Street and shops selling sarongs, swimwear and beaded jewellery. You can also rent surfboards here.

Where to stay? 

Given the hoarder of  backpackers who come to Mhabs, there are plenty of B&Bs, homestay and mid-range hotels such as Sea Breeze. If you want more luxurious digs, opt for the Rdisson Resort Temple Bay.

What to eat?
There are lots of good South Indian restaurant here. To be a part of the international travel set head to Moonrakers, which serves an array of cuisines and also has free wi-fi.

What to Do? 
If you have the time to spare, why not sign up for some surfing lessons? Check out Mumu Surf School which teaches all levels and also rents out boards.

How to Reach?
Take a cab from Chennai and drive down along the east coast road to Mahabs which is about just 60 km away. If you are from Bangalore no worry it is about 350 km from your city.