Coorg Trip : A Breath of Fresh Air

In May I, Alyona and a close friend made an impromptu plan to visit the Taj Madikeri Resort & Spa, Coorg. This beautiful spa and resort is right in the middle of 180 acres of sub-tropical rain forests and is lush with 200 species of plants including rudraksh, cardamom, coffee plantations, wild jasmine and eucalyptus. It was a delight to enjoy the greenery even in the summer!

Speaking of the accommodation, the property has rooms built on the Kodagu (Coorgi) style of architecture with all the rooms opening into a central courtyard that offer a breathtaking view of the resort and the surrounding greenery. 

While one generally opts for a resort stay to simply relax, the property offers a few activities for the active ones. One can pick from tours, nature walks, treks, coffee tasting, concierge tours and even cookery classes. 

Every day spent here was memorable. The breathtaking beauty and the soothing tranquility of the resort will forever be remembered.  

Close to Nature 

Close to nature? We were right in the middle of nature! This sprawling property offers a fantastic view of nature from just about anywhere. Whether it was the pool, the rooms, the restaurants,  the view was absolutely fantastic! 

Each day started with waking up to the melodious chirping of birds on sleepy mornings. Watching the glorious sunrise as we sipped our tea/coffee and the magnificent sunset later during the day, usually when strolling in the resort was a sheer delight. 

One of the highlights of our stay was the trek. It was a thrilling experience to tread the narrow trails right through the middle of the verdant forest. We started a little after sunrise. It was such a relaxing experience that even with the walking, we hardly ever felt out of breath. That’s what nature does to you! 

It was sheer nostalgia when I visited their farms. It brought back memories of lush wheat and mustard fields in my hometown. 

Lots of Good Food 

We experienced the famed signature hospitality of Taj Hotels in their mouth-watering preparations. It was a sheer delight to sample some local preparations which the hotel had especially curated for us.  

Here in my plate, you see, Curd Rice, Koli Curry (Chicken curry), Mangalorean Fish Curry, Koli Chudah (Dry chicken preparation), Mambla curry (Bamboo shoot curry), Kuru bean curry, Kaad Manga curry, Toppupalya, Koli Pulao (Chicken pulao) and Otti (Rice bhakri).  

Feels good to be pampered with great food! 

Oh yes, and the ever-so-popular coffee of Coorg. Heavenly coffee, straight from the coffee estates!  

Break From City Life

It was a much-needed break and the resort and spa is the perfect place to unwind. To breathe clean air, gaze at starry skies are priceless experiences and a lovely memory.  

Thank You Taj Madikeri Resort & Spa, Coorg and team for your warm hospitality! Look forward to visiting you again. 

Divine Summoning – Shirdi Visit

‘Bulaawaa aya hai’ – This is often said about visits to holy places in India. What this means is that you never decide to visit spiritual sites, but you are called to it… 

Something like this happened to me too. My sister and her family had come over, or in hindsight, I am quite sure it was the Almighty’s way of preparing us for a visit to seek the blessings of the Divine… Also meeting a dear friend Ratan and his wife Sharvari was long due. 

So, as it happened, it was decided to visit Shirdi. This definitely wasn’t our first trip to Shirdi, but quick getaways like these are always welcome.  

On reaching Nashik, we checked into Courtyard by Marriott Nashik. 

Day 1 

After resting for some time, we set out to visit the first item on our itinerary – Nashik’s pride and India’s famous, Sula Vineyards. 

The vineyard was lush green and the setting sun cast a light pink hue across the sky. Truly, a magnificent sight. 

The majority of the latter half of the day was spent outdoors, extensively touring the vineyard and the property. We returned for dinner that was hosted at my friend’s place. My dear friend, his family and a few local friends had laid out a delicious spread. There was a mutton preparation, a prawn curry and other vegetarian preparations like khandvi, paatra and the dinner staple, rice. 

I must admit, it feels great to be pampered occasionally and when it’s from your dear friend, the event becomes even more special.  

After a hectic day and a fabulous feast, we were back to our hotel and retired to bed. 

Day 2 

Next on our agenda was the visit to Shirdi Sai Baba Devasthan. We started for the temple visit first thing in the morning. The temple authorities gave me and my family a warm welcome. We attended the Madhyan Aarti. The authorities then showed us around the temple premises and also took us to a special room.  

I was also escorted to the Prasadalaya, as the temple authorities wanted me to sample their Prasad and food and were keen to have my feedback on the same. I visited the various sections of the Prasadalaya, such as the storehouse, the main kitchen and the Annadaan Hall. Crates of prasad were lined up in the hall. I interacted with the Head of Kitchen, who gave me a round-up of the operations in the kitchen. I sampled the food and gave them my feedback. 

 I must admit that due hygiene standards were followed by the staff at the premises. 

On our return journey from Shirdi, we stopped at Yeola, a taluka in Nashik famous for its Paithani sarees. Paithanis are a local traditional handloom weave. Alyona and my sister picked up some paithanis. 

Day 3    

Courtyard by Marriott Nashik prepared a special fare for us. Besides their generous hospitality and delectable fare, we also had misal, and Maharashtra’s favorite street food, vada pav. 

While in Nashik, next on our list was taking darshan at the Trimbakeshwar Jyotirling Mandir. The Shiva temple is among the 12 jyotirlingas in the country. We toured the ancient temple premises built by Peshwa Balaji Bajirao III on the site of an old temple. 

Later, the main priest of the temple hosted us at his residence, where again we were treated to a sumptuous fare.  

On our return from Trimbakeshwar, we stopped at Grape County in Anjaneri for a coffee break. The Grape County is a sprawling eco-resort, with amazing stay options.  

We were now nearing the close of our Nashik trip. Another important item to tick off on our itinerary was paying a surprise visit to my aunt and cousin. On reaching their house, they were overjoyed to have us as it was long since we last met them. Lots of conversations followed and of course, food. 

All in all, we had a wonderful time. 

Save Soil to Save Life!

On my visit to the Isha Foundation, Sadhguruji’s Ashram, I decided to spend some time meditating and reflecting upon myself. Just as I sat down, a gust of air tickled my ears and that made me think, even this playful wind has such a big role to play in our daily life. Generous mother nature bestows us with so much, but do we really do justice to it?

Not enough, it seems. The problems of air pollution, climate change and water scarcity are sky rocketing with each passing day, and so is the concern of soil health!

Soil is “the only magic material that turns death into life,” says Sadhguruji. All humans, animals and plants, require soil to thrive, just like any other element. However, we often take it for granted despite being aware that life wouldn’t be the same without this precious soil!

Especially being a chef, I really cannot imagine how we can ever attain an organically rich diet without the nutrient rich soil. It is because of the soil that the plants attain adequate minerals and nutrients, which then makes its produce full of nourishment. So, it is high time we give soil the attention it deserves. We must look after the soil health now if we wish to have a diet full of nutrient rich food tomorrow, as simple as that.

I am absolutely grateful for the global movement launched by Sadhguruji- Save Soil, to address the soil crisis. Indeed, we need to come together and take steps collectively to ensure soil health. By doing so, I’m sure we can make a difference. I am obliged and absolutely encouraged to take part in promoting this vital cause.

This is not any agitation, but as a Chef and a responsible citizen, I consider it is my topmost responsibility to do so. Hence, I promise to stand by and make enough noise about the soil. On that note, I want to request everyone to join in and take actions to safeguard our future by safeguarding soil health today.

Save Soil. Let us make it happen!

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