4rth July, American Independence day. All IT folks do celebrate it as its holiday in US, and when its a holiday in America, its holiday in IT in India.. Some unlucky get off on Indian holidays, like Diwali and Good friday and some on Gudi Padva... The rest of us get off as per US holidays.. Anyway, had planned to visit for 2 days but since our CEO was planning a trip to Offshore had a meeting on calendar.. So after my wife's this and that, finally booked Dreamland hotel in Mahabaleshwar for saturday 5th July and check out on 6th...
We heard a lot about this hotel from my sister and we were looking forward to some good time in Mahabaleshwar. Some shopping, some points and clouds.. Its Monsoon season you know, though in Pune, rather India Monsoon has not yet picked up even at the start of July, we were hopeful we will get to see some rain.
Started at around 9AM on Saturday from Sinhgad road, the traffic was normal, some unlucky people who still do 6 days a week.. What to do, papi pet ka sawal hai.. Topped up Linea at Kondhe- Deshmukh Petrol pump for around 25 liters.. Reached Toll in a flash.. the road was looking good. Forget rain, there were even hardly clouds but I was optimistic as a cousin told a day before she was travelling and experienced rain in Wai.
We were cruising nicely in Linea and a sudden roadblock.. Just out of no where there is a traffic Jam. Got stuck up in the traffic for about 30 mins. .Luckily it was not an accident involving any injuries, a truck had some mechanical failure right in the middle of the road.. Finally got out of the mess.. Passed the beautiful ghat section of Khambataki with an ease and reached the exit.
At Mahabaleshwar exit we had Pohe and tea, Nikita as usual did not eat much, she had biscuits in the car later.. The break was from 10:30- 10:50 AM. Now comes the fun ride, Pasarani ghat.. Not like Khambataki, this ghat section is not a one way. And many of the yo drivers drive rash, overtaking on blinds. Linea was good enough and we reached Panchagani and without a stop headed for mahabaleshwar..
As we crossed Venna lake, bliss... Clouds all across but as soon as we reached top, the red hot SUN was awaiting to welcome us which we never wanted..
Anyway, checked in at Dreamland hotel @ 12:10 PM besides ST stand. First impression , awesome property.. Very spacious and pretty clean..
Our booking was at executive room so parked Linea at the dedicated parking spot.. Complete Hotel was sold out. We freshened up quickly and it was almost 1PM. Nikita was hungry, we decided to head out for lunch which was near reception...
Shocker of the day: Vegetables at buffet were: 1. Karla (karela) 2. Double bee (dont knw what it is called in hindi or english) and luckily 3. Batata Rus bhaji (Potato subji). Sweet was Aam rus (canned mango). Apart from that, it was Kadhi and rice and small kachoris. Puri and Phulaka was available in breads section.
After good Aam rus poli/ Puri we roamed around without any hope of rain near swimming pool and then I was sleepy so we went ahead to the room. Niki and I slept at around 2:15-2:30PM and suddenly at 3:30 i got up, it was raining, CATS & DOGS...
But the Aam rus was too much on my eyes, could not wake up, I slept. Got a high tea at room at 5, batate wada and tea / coffee.
After having that, we went ahead to visit Market with umbrella and jacket. Nikita is very afraid of rain. She just does not like to get wet in rain.
Had some fun in market, some corn some shopping.. came back just in time and it started raining again.. Then there after it was all cloudy dreamland..
Dinner:
again a huge disappointment for the veggies: Wanga, Gawar and then luckily Palak Paneer (Paneer word was on the white paper) in the veggie it was not meant to be found.
But frankly Im just pulling leg, I got a whole 2 pieces in 2 portions each piece was around an inch by inch.. Breads section had Jawar rotla and parotha, which was a problem if you have kids, they dont eat that..
The other items were good, Masala Rice, plain rice, Kadhi (again) and pasta and Pani puri. Sweet was Ice cream, would have been better to have Gulab Jam + Vanilla. Anyway..
Entrance, Porch...
Property is impressive, they need to serve better in terms of food. Rooms are spacious and Hot water is available between 7AM to 7PM ONLY..
We checked out next day morning at 9:30 odd. Put all luggage in the car and headed for breakfast. Breakfast was best, Pineapple Sheera, Idli, Corn cheese sandwiches and normal stuff such as corn flakes, bread butter, jam, and Pulpi orange / tea coffee/ Bournvita.
After checkout we went ahead to see some spots, like Marjorie and savitri. never had a plan to visit Arthur seat as its too much to walk with Nikita. We visited Temple, had some shopping for Nikita and then returned.
Shot from Savitri Point: 7D @10mm
Only some places we got clear sky, could take only this shot.
We had decided not to stop at Mapro Garden, it being too crowded and also the sandwiches they serve has too much of capsicum.. So we stopped at Mala's but to our surprise and disbelief there was no food.only Pizza. We then had to take a U turn and got a Manama cafe garden just on 200 meters. Ate there Strawberry with cream and sandwiches and garlic cheese toasts and Nikita had Mango Ice cream. We started back after shopping a bit at Mala's.
Reached at home at around 4PM.
Dashboard Stats:
KM: 249.5 km
Avg: 15.7 KMPL
Avg Speed: 44 kmph
Total Time: 5:41 hours
Fiat Eco Drive stats:
Seems Eco Drive missed a trip or two.. But anyway its pretty close.
