Mumbaiya Hyderabadi!

Blessed with a spectacular topography, Seychelles is home to unique flora and fauna. The island is the only place where you can get your hands on the ‘forbidden fruit’ – the Coco de Mer which is the largest and heaviest fruit in the world. Seychelles is also one of very few destinations where you can get up close to wild, giant tortoises. The islands of Seychelles are perfectly spaced from one another, allowing you to hop your way easily. Mahe, Praslin and La Digue are less than an hour away by ferry ride, and travelers can avail of the Inter-Island Ferry Service.  You can also visit Cousin, Curieuse, St. Pierre Islands by signing up for private boat trips, as well the Saint Anne Marine National Park (from Mahe). Explore the stunning, secluded beaches, go bird watching, swim around spectacular reefs and say hello to giant tortoises; the range of activities you can try out is excellent.  We chose to travel during last week of Apr-May Before Travel International Travel Insu...

Coorg: A hill town, coffee and getaways for ages  Never been to Scotland, but if Coorg is considered to be the Scotland of the South, I can imagine how beautiful Scotland would be. Started the day with a Coffee plantation tour at Mercara Gold Estate , on the way from Club Mahindra, Virajpet to Madikeri. Was a tour well spent (Rs. 200/head). Booked the guided tour through TripAdvisor Post the tour, a free filter coffee, and coffee shopping at the estate, we headed to Choci Coorg. Being a Friday, the chocolate shop wasn't open around noon. We were in a dilemma, should we wait or come back later. There was a vegetarian restaurant in the same complex, and folks around were promoting it to be good. As per the well drawn itinerary, we were supposed to have lunch at Coorg Cuisine to relish on local delicacies. Finally took a decision to go the one at the complex, Ambika Upahar Udupi restaurant and it turned out to be a relative  disappointment. Post lunch and check-in at Club Mahin...

Club Mahindra, Madikeri Near to Madikeri town, is one of the oldest resort, and brings its own charm. The rooms are antiquated, and couple of storeys below, without AC (never feel a need for the same here). Restaurants and the High-Tea reminds of the old-world charm where time stands still, for friends and families to chit-chat and while away. Sipping coffee at the porch, with morning sunrays glowing your face, is an experience to behold. Restaurants Barbeque Bay by Club Mahindra Madikeri 7 PM - 10:30 PM Green Cardamom - Breakfast, Lunch/Dinner Others nearby Coorg Cuisine Restaurant 

Club Mahindra, Virajpet Newer of the Club Mahindra resorts in Kodagu area, the older one at Madikeri, is modern amidst the lush greenery. Is lavishly maintained, neat and spacious rooms with amenities, filled with flaura, and lots of entertainment including sports. Be it the Quad Biking, or Coffee plantation tour or the various games and fun-filled programs, it keeps one occupied with entertainment throughout. The 3-4 km road leading to the resort is poor and filled with potholes. Frequenting in and out of the resort for sightseeing can be painful and is far from town or sightseeing spots. Also, not to miss the Spa, well maintained and served.  Restaurants Coorgenburg by Club Mahindra - Ala-carte Lunch/Dinner - One can also pre-order Coorg thali here Aromas by Club Mahindra - For Breakfast and buffet Lunch/Dinner Though there are food packages in Club Mahindra, that can be pre-booked or on the spot, F&B is still too expensive. Other food options to try nearby are: Umballa Mane ...

Iruppu Falls Located in the Brahmagiri Range in the Kodagu district of Karnataka, India, bordering the Wayanad district of Kerala, we visited this place enroute to Club Mahindra, Virajpet from Nagarhole National Park. A serene walk from the entrance to water falls, well structured path, not too difficult to climb, is a soothing experience. Though crowded, one can enjoy the charm and great spots for photograph, including benches for seating.  One need to exercise caution (especially with footwear) while stepping onto the stones under the falls. I ended up slipping, sitting with a thud on the stone, and was lucky that the pain didn't last long or hurt the spine.

 Kodagu White Water Rafting On a gloomy rainy day, after a sumptuous breakfast, we set off from Club Mahindra Virajpet to Kodagu White Water Rafting, around 90 minutes drive through well laid roads. This was around Dussehra time, and the rainy season was petering out. On the beautiful, pristine, clear water rapid Barapole river, and a well maintained raft boat, we positioned ourselves to experience a Grade 3 river rafting. Was guided by an expert who was earlier employed at Dandeli. Two of us were joined by another couple to complete the 4 in the raft boat. There were 4 major spots to experience the thrill of rafting from a height and gush of flow, and these spots were interestingly named. The rafting path is neatly set on the river through lush green trees, providing a natural scenic view. The guide also allowed us to experience a calm swim on the river, with its soothing water sending cold shivers within. The additional fees to capture the action and experience on Go Pro, was mon...

JLR Kings Sanctuary, Jeep Safari and a Leopard Driving from Mysore, reached the JLR Kings Sanctuary around lunch time. A rushed lunch and check-in later, boarded the Jeep for safari with anticipation and excitement. 2+ hour of jeep safari through the jungle, a mix of pliable road (is open for motor vehicles from 6AM to 6PM, connecting Kerala and Karnataka), and off-road, led to blink and miss sighting of a Leopard, a view from distance of a herd of Elephants, ample sighting of Deer and few other animals. Well, not so lucky with the sighting (as I heard there was a Tiger sighting the very next day of our tour), but the Jeep safari was an experience. Stay at:  JLR Kings Sanctuary If not staying in jungle resort,  Safari from 2 gates, Veeranahosahalli and Nanchi gate (Kutta) There are two entrances, one from Kutta Side, other one from Namchi side . The Jungle safari is at the Namchi Gate end. Suggestion is to enter from Kutta gate and drive all the way to Namchi Gate. Google GPS ...