Here’s the long pending post about our vacation last month (Nov 14-19). It began with a desire to take my son to every city where the husband or I have lived and worked in. My banking journey began with ICICI Bank at the Leadership Academy in Khandala in 2009. During this tenure, I also spent a few days at the Fariyas resort in Lonavala before moving to Mysore to take charge as a Branch Manager.
When we planned our annual vacation this year, it was my husband’s idea to begin with Lonavala, visit Khandala, and explore a few heritage spots and eateries of Mumbai. Needless to say, we booked Fariyas. After reaching Mumbai Internation Airport, the car took us to Lonavala in two and a half hours. Before checking in, we ate Vada Pav and Misal Pav at the famous Buvachi Misal. We spent the evening figuring out how much Fariyas had changed. Food was delicious, especially the street food festival that was in full swing.
Next morning, I took my family to the Leadership Academy for a nostalgia trip. We headed to the Lonavala Lake,Bhusi Dam followed by Tiger Point.
We climbed over two hundred and fifty steps to reach Bhaja Caves and enjoy sunset from the peak.
Mapro Garden was our last stop for the day and we picked up fresh faleros and juices.
Cooper’s served the best walnut chocolate fudge while The Anglo-Indian Cafe will be my biggest reason to return to this city. Their desi fondue, chicken margarita pizza and brownie with hot chocolate and ice-cream was a delight for a foodielike me.
It was time to return to Mumbai the following morning. We received a warm welcome at the JW Marriott Hotel, Juhu. It was a gorgeous property with private access to the Juhu beach and yummy food.
We went out in the evening to drive through the Bandra-Worli Sea Link and watch Marine Drive at night. (It does look like Queen’s necklace).
Day four began with a delectable breakfast spread at our hotel. It was time to head to Britannia & Co., an iconic eatery that served the most delicious sali chicken berry pulav, and caramel custard. We saw CST station on the way.
Post lunch, we went to the Gateway of India and the gorgeous Taj Mahal Palace Hotel. The kid had no recollection of our previous trip to the same place in 2018 but it brought back sweet memories for us.
We boarded a ferry for a ride to the Elephanta island. After over an hour in the Arabian Sea, we reached the island, managed to get a seat in the toy train to reach the Elephanta caves. On our return journey, we witnessed the gorgeous sunset with birds flying and diving all around.
Our next destination was Kyani and Co. We managed to get in half an hour before their closing time. The place serves the best Irani Chai, bun maska, veg cheese puff and chicken puff. But I must not forget the umpteen biscuit packets we brought back from the outlet (shrewberry and ginger biscuits score the highest for us.
The next destination was the world class Jio convention centre which lives up to the hype and indeed makes every other place seem pale to its humongous structure.
On our way back to hotel, we visited Shahrukh Khan’s bungalow, Mannat to witness a sea of people outside the place. It was around 11:30 P.M. We walked along the Band stand before calling it a day.
On the fifth day, we explored the private beach after breakfast and went out for an authentic Gujarati thali meal at the Sri Thakker Bhojanalaya. The place seemed to be a favourite with most celebrities as we spotted pictures of Sachin Tendulkar, Asha Bhonsle, many Bollywwod and television stars on the walls savoring the thali. The place serves food with warmth and love.
We headed to K. Rustom & Co. near Marine Drive for pan and pista flavoured ice cream. It was a wonder to see a rectangle bar of ice-cream sandwiched between two wafers. Chowpatty beach was our next destination.
We decided to end the trip with a visit to the Mahalaxmi Temple followed by Ganesh darshan at the Siddhivinayak Temple. We managed to collect prasad for our families back home. While returning back to the hotel, our driver showed us Amitabh Bachchan’s bungalow Jalsa.
Post dinner, it was time to pack since we had an early morning flight the next day. It was my fourth visit to the city while a second for the husband and the kid. The pace of the city never fails to amaze me. We faced huge traffic even at midnight. Possibly that’s why they say Mumbai never sleeps. As we boarded our flight to Kolkata the next morning, I knew it won’t be very long before we return to city for another trip.
soniasmusings 