Gratefulness
As we reflect over the year that’s coming to an end, the only thought that churns in our heads is gratefulness!
Our First Swing of 2023 – Solan
Well, technically this was a carryover from 2022 as we’d gone to celebrate the New Year’s Eve & New Year. But this is where we were on 1 January 2023; so it counts.
The highlights of this trip –
- Drank copious amounts of Kinnow juice.
- Stayed in a 1942 – built summer home surrounded by Deodar & Pine trees aptly named 20 Deodar House.
- Drove to the Mohan Shakti National Heritage Park which had numerous immense sculptures of Indian deities.
- Wended to the Jatoli Shiv Temple which is the highest Shiv temple in Asia.
- Rambled to the Barog Railway Station which is surrounded by a thick pine forest and has its offices constructed as little wooden cottages. (We must add a note here of how treacherous our descent from the Railway Station to the national highway was. A memory!)
- Progressed to the Dagshai Jail Museum which is the only jail museum in India (apart from the Cellular Jail Museum in Port Blair) and which has a rather sordid history w.r.t. the Indian struggle for independence.
Our Heritage Hop of 2023 – A Trail To North Ridge
In January – end, we wandered through the magnificent woods of the North Ridge as part of a guided walk by Eiyitihaasik Walks.
The heritage trail took us through historical sites that played an important part during the 1857 Indian Independence War. The highlights of this walk were –
- Proceeded to the Flagstaff Tower which is one of the best – preserved monuments in Delhi & is constructed at the highest point of the Ridge. During the 1857 War, many European families took shelter here while they waited for help to arrive from Meerut.
- Covered the Chauburja Mosque which was built during Firoz Shah Tughlaq’s reign as a mausoleum. British forces took shelter here during the siege.
- Walked to the ‘haunted’ Khooni Khan Jheel which has a signboard warning not to venture here after sunset. Bodies of British & then Indian soldiers were dumped in this lake turning its water red and giving it its name!
- Peregrinated to the Pir Ghaib which is a historical structure situated inside the campus of a hospital! Spooky stories surround this monument too; a Sufi Saint who lived here disappeared without a trace, giving it its name (Pir Ghaib = Vanished Saint).
- Carried on to the Ashoka Pillar which is inscribed with Lord Buddha’s teachings in the Brahmi script. It was brought to Delhi by Firoz Shah from Meerut using barges on the River Yamuna.
- Visited the Mutiny Memorial which was renamed Ajitgarh & rededicated to the memory of the Indian freedom martyrs. The sandstone memorial is made in the Gothic style.
- Moved to Kamala Nagar to scoff down Kachori – Sabzi!
First Solo Stump for P in 2023 – Lucknow
You can read all about it here, here, here, here & get a three – day itinerary for Lucknow here.
Our Sightseeing at a Fair in 2023 – Surajkund International Crafts Mela
In February, we shopped for traditional crafts & handlooms and witness folk performances at the Surajkund Mela. We also scarfed down culinary treats from all over the globe.
As we traversed the meandering lanes, we got transported back to a time when life was simple.
The Surajkund area was the seat of the 10th century Tomar chieftain, Surajpal. In 1987, this area was transformed into a venue for India’s popular handloom fair.
We saw crafts persons of varied disciplines and from all over the country displaying their wares here. Moreover, the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation participated in the Mela in 2023 as a Partner Nation.
This brought 25+ countries too to the fair.
The Long Road Trip of 2023 – The Tirthan Valley
In March, we travelled to the mountainous state of Himachal Pradesh. The Tirthan Valley had been on our radar for a long time.
So, we chose the shoulder month for our junket to this lovely valley. The highlights were –
- Discovered an almost – second home in The Dak Bungalow at Dera Bassi and warm friends in Preeti & Paramjit Singh sir.
- Gave Fluffy her first snow experience at the Jalori Pass. While she loved discovering the powdery white substance that made her sink into it, we too found the Pass dazzling. From the Zero Point, the solitude of the surrounding highlands kept us hooked.
- Stayed at the most ideal property ever – Neeralaya! This is a must – stay at specially if you want to avoid the Manali crowds. The resort is on the banks of the River Beas. Its cottages are built in the traditional Kullu style with recycled timber, slate & stone!
The Girls’ Holiday for P in 2023 – Bali
In April, P jetted to Bali with her girl – friends. You can read our Bali guides from an earlier trip here, here & here. The highlights of this 2023 tour were –
- Partied a lot! Places like Paradish, Mexicola, Potato Head & Ku De Ta, La Favela turned out to be safe places for ladies to swing a leg with abandon!
- Discovered superb restaurants like Waroeng Bernadette & La Lucciola for appetizing foods!
Our First A-Frame Accommodation – Bhimtal
The number of times we’ve jaunted to the Nainital district is too high by now but on this swing, the accommodation was the highlight.
We stayed at Avocados B&B which is an A-frame, i.e., a two – storeyed cottage resembling the alphabet A. The broad base of the Avocados B&B comprised the drawing & dining spaces with a kitchen and a bathroom.
The narrow first storey consisted of a couple of sit outs & the bedroom. The handsome A-frame was set amidst orchards & vegetable gardens, making the novel experience complete!
Did we mention we put away a lot of avocados in the form of guacamole, avocado toast & avocado burger? :D
Flying South For… Summer! – Ooty & Coimbatore
In May, instead of the Himalayas, we decided to hop to the Western Ghats. A couple of days in Udhagamandalam (better known as Ooty) and then a day in Coimbatore gave us a much – needed break!
The highlights were –
- Stayed at a boutique hotel that wasn’t just heritage, it was also themed! Sherlock has a Victorian design and immaculate gardens. It is set amidst sublime hills and takes its décor inspiration from one of the greatest fictional detectives, Sherlock Holmes.
- Took an exhilarating speedboat ride on the Lake Pykara. The lake has been formed due to a dam construction. Abundant films have been shot here & we can tell you why – it legit reminded us of Scotland, such was the grandeur.
- Took in the heady aroma of tea at Glenmorgan. The town takes its name from the Tea Estate located here. We got stunning panoramic views of the estate & valleys. If relaxing & taking in gorgeous views is your thing, then this is the place to visit!
- Dined at the absolutely bewitching Savoy, Ooty – IHCL SeleQtions. This hotel is the birthplace of the Gin & Tonic. Naturally, enjoyed a few splendid cocktails and some ambrosial regional dishes in an atmosphere reminding of the colonial times.
- Finished off enormous amounts of Kongu Nadu cuisine food! The Kongu cuisine does not involve marination giving the food a different taste and texture. The dishes used chili minimally & weren’t oily either.
- Witnessed the divine Adiyogi at the Isha Foundation. Stood enraptured at the Laser Show. The Foundation runs programs that help to build a foundation of exuberance & joy. The Adiyogi statue is devoted to The First Yogi who developed ways through which human beings could reach their greatest potential.
Fluffy’s First Exclusive Scour – Kukas
Our friends & acquaintances joke that Fluffy stumps more than many of them do. Oh well! While she has holidayed with us many, many times, on this occasion, we accompanied her.
In July, we went on an exclusive sightseeing to Kukas where A Dog’s Story ensured it was all about Fluffy. At A Dog’s Story, she was welcomed with a garland (& not us!).
Fluffy had a beautiful garden to run around in. For a doggo who hates bathing, she didn’t mind the rain as she galloped around the garden.
And while Fluffy played around the rain, she disliked the idea of soaking herself in the plunge pool (& which we made her do)!
Inside the cottage, Fluffy had her own big bed and was allowed on the furniture too. She also had access to a variety of dishes for her meals.
In Fluffy’s three years of go – go – go, this was the only property which she didn’t want to leave; she ran around, refusing to sit in the car; we’d to corner & catch her!
Highly recommended for dogs & their pawrents!
Annual Rove to the Heart of India – Shivpuri
You can read all about it here & here.
Our Luxury Go of 2023 – Pushkar.
We’ve been to Pushkar individually and also many years ago. For us, Pushkar is a mini – Varanasi. Similar religious & yet hippie vibes!
The highlights of this September scour were –
- What made Pushkar a luxury rove for us was staying at The Westin. A sightly resort, a beauteous room (this time a plunge pool for us!), fine hospitality AND Fluffy – friendly! How could we not fall in love!!
- A City Walking Tour with The Pushkar Route. Varaha Temple with its Rajasthani Haveli architecture. Old Rangji Temple with its use of heavy stone. Atmateshwar Mahadev Temple with its sanctum sanctorum in a cave. Polished off Masala Chai, Poha & Malpua!
- Glamping! At the Rawai Luxury Tents where the colors of the sky during sunset made us ecstatic!
Second Solo Exploration for P – Darjeeling
In September, P roamed to Darjeeling to cross off a bucket list item – riding the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway! The highlights were –
- Experienced the appeal of a ‘toy train’. The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway has a UNESCO heritage status. It offers a special Joy Ride between Darjeeling and Ghum which P wended on. Childhood once again!
- Relived moments from the early 1990s family trip to Darjeeling when rambling through landmarks.
- A second progress into tea estates in the same calendar year!
- Picnicked at the resplendent town of Mirik.
- Crossed the border to walk a few steps in the Nepalese town of Pashupatinagar!
Back at Our (Almost) Second Home
A short weekend in September end – October beginning was spent at a place where we’ve found a friend – The Dak Bungalow at Dera Bassi.
The highlights were fascinating conversations & piquant food!
Roaming Into The Land Of Garba – Ahmedabad
UNESCO added Garba to the list of Intangible Cultural Heritage only after P wandered specially to Ahmedabad to participate in it! Joking!!
But seeing Garba firsthand was on P’s wish list for a long time and glad she got a chance to do it! The highlight was participating in not one but two garba dances.
However, this October trip itself was a major highlight of 2023!
Our Very First Cruise
The icing on the 2023 cake, however, has to be this! In November, we took a four-days, three-nights cruise with Cordelia Cruises with a route of Kochi – Lakshadweep – Mumbai.
There are many highlights of the cruise, but we’ll try to write only the super important ones –
- A rained – in but yum – yum dinner at the angelic Jetty Restaurant in Kochi.
- An absolutely refined suite experience on board the Cordelia Empress. We indulged ourselves & stayed in the Chairman’s Suite; it was worth every extra rupee spent!
- Because of being suite guests, we got an enhanced level of service everywhere on the cruise.
- Butler service
- Exclusive restaurant for breakfasts & lunches
- Front row seats in all the shows
- Cocktails with the captain & senior officers
- Bridge tour
- Alluring sunsets
- Ticked off another desire – proceeding to the island of Lakshadweep. An onshore excursion took us to the Agatti Island. If we say that the blue skies, white sand beaches & clear water were ravishing, it would be an understatement!
Year – End Party at Our Second Home
In December, we went back to The Dak Bungalow at Dera Bassi with our friends to celebrate Christmas. The hosts, Param sir & Preeti, who we have now become friends with, ensured that this was the merriest Christmas ever for us.
The Christmas Eve party was an exquisite & a riotous evening! Little gestures by sir & Preeti made us feel incredibly valued. We can’t wait to return here in 2024.
Now tell me – with a year like this, wouldn’t ‘gratefulness’ be the foremost emotion? We hope you’d a radiant 2023 too. & wish you the very best for 2024!
