My TripAdvisor Review No.642: Sanskriti Restaurant, Kolhapur.

Good Vegetarian Restaurant.

Sanskriti was recommended to us by the hotel staff where we were staying. It is located in Laxmipuri which is one of the crowded and congested parts of Kolhapur, and it would be difficult to find parking space if you are coming in a 4-wheeler.

It is a nicely serviced vegetarian restaurant with brightly lit interiors and exteriors. The seating is a bit cramped but comfortable enough. They serve Thali meals but we ordered ala-carte; Veg Tawa with Indian breads, Naan and Roti. The Veg Tawa was quite heavy since it was cooked in ghee, though the breads were nice and crisp. We also enjoyed some buttermilk which was quite quenching.

The service was satisfactory and the prices were reasonable. I could pay with a credit card.

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Date of visit: December 2019

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This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC

My TripAdvisor Review No.641: Hotel Sukha Shanti (Restaurant), Belgaum, Karnataka.

Good Vegetarian Restaurant En-route Goa.

Hotel Sukha Shanti is a vegetarian restaurant which seems quite popular with the highway yatris on the Goa to Kolhapur route, judging by the number of cars parked outside. There was sufficient parking on the main road adjoining the restaurant.

We ordered a Veg Thali and a Veg Hakka Noodles. The thali was adequate with two chapatis, a bowl of rice, two vegetables, rasam and dal, curd and sweet dish. The noodles were quite tasty too. Prices were very reasonable and the service was quick.

They serve good South Indian fast food like Idli, Dosa, Uthappa and Wadas as well. It is no wonder that so many travellers stop here for a quick meal, be it breakfast, lunch or dinner.

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Date of visit: December 2019

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My TripAdvisor Review No.640: Tambdi Surla Mahadev Temple, Sanguem, Goa.

Hidden Gem Of A Temple In The Forest.

On the drive out from Colva back to Pune we decided to visit the Mahadev Temple in the forests of the Bhagwan Mahaveer Wildlife Sanctuary. We had to take a left turn off the Anmod Ghat Highway, at Dharbandora, and drive along a narrow forested road of the sanctuary for 23 km. The road was very smooth and scenic through tiny villages and giant trees on both sides. It took us about half an hour to get to the temple parking area from Dharbandora.

The small temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, and was built in the 12th century by the Kadambas, and is one of the only Hindu temples to have survived the ravages of the Muslim and Portuguese invaders of Goa, in its original form. The presiding deity in the form of a Lingam is mounted on a pedestal in the inner sanctum. Bas-relief figures of Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu and Lord Brahma, with their respective consorts appear on panels at the sides of the temple. There is a headless Nandi Bull at the centre of the mandap. The temple is surrounded by well kept lawns and plenty of greenery and is maintained by the ASI. A small river runs by the temple.

The temple is a short walk from the parking area through a well kept pathway. There are some small snacks and drinks stalls and a public washroom near the parking lot. The temple does not have many other commercial stalls selling puja offerings, nor any pujaris and beggars trying to relieve you of your belongings, so it is a very good place for a pure darshan of the Gods, either in the form of stone or natural beauty. Beware of the friendly monkeys though.

Date of experience: December 2019

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My TripAdvisor Review No.639: Colva Beach, South Goa.

Most Popular Beach Of South Goa.

Colva Beach seems to be the most popular beach of South Goa judging by the crowds here on holidays. But the direct approach to the beach was obstructed by a pool of stagnant and dirty water when we visited in December 2019. One has to skirt around some beach shacks to reach the sandy portion along the seaside. There is another approach road going from behind the restaurants which runs parallel to the beach.

There are a lot of water sports activities taking place here. If you come during the daylight hours you will observe people enjoying parasailing, water skiing, banana boat riding and swimming in the sea. The beach is always crowded in the holiday season. It is a safe beach for a dip in the sea and there are lifeguards always present and patrolling in their red jeeps.

We were sitting at one of the beach restaurants and observing the frenzied activities taking place on the lovely sands. It is a crowded beach and not one where one can relax with a book to read, though there are many sundecks which the Europeans hire from the local vendors, to give themselves a deep tan.

Apart from the beach shacks there are also some established restaurants and hotels on shore, including the state run GTDC Colva Residency. There are many shops where you can pick up souvenirs and memorabilia, as well as Goan cashews and famous alcoholic brew of Goa, Feni.

Date of experience: December 2019

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My TripAdvisor Review No.638: Ibbani Homestay, Siddapur, Karnataka.

Relaxed Farm Stay.

Ibbani Homestay is a beautiful farmhouse located on the outskirts of Siddapur town in North Karnataka. We enjoyed a relaxed two day stay at their house in December 2019. We had a very cosy and comfortable room with eclectic wooden furniture which was manufactured in Mr. Rajesh Hegde’s own factory. There was an attached bathroom with modern fittings. In addition to soap, shampoo and towels they had provided dental kits as well. There are three such rooms in the main house with a common dining room, hall and a huge terrace outside. Every evening we got to see a spectacular sunset from the terrace.

We were served meals by the family members, Vijaylaxmi and Rajesh themselves, and they made us feel like honoured guests. We were served with Malnad Brahmin pure vegetarian food served on a plantain leaf. The food was delicious, wholesome and nourishing. We enjoyed all three meals as well as evening tea and snacks.

The house is set in the midst of an areca plantation and a lush green paddy field as the backdrop. There are pepper and cardamom plants in the farm as well. They have some more rooms in the middle of the paddy field about 200 meters away from the main house. Jog Falls is about 18 km from Ibbani towards Honavar. The town of Sirsi is 37 kms north.

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Date of stay: December 2019

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My TripAdvisor Review No.637: Ton-Cia Restaurant, Varca, Goa.

Homely Goan Restaurant.

This restaurant is not a beach shack but a regular restaurant, tucked away in a by-lane, about half a kilometre from Varca Beach. It is in a very relaxed setting in the large open veranda of owner Periera’s cottage and surrounded by a nice garden with some coconut trees. There is a small chapel in the compound. The red tablecloths were matching the red painted walls.

There were about ten tables and they had an elaborate food and beverages menu. Cashew Feni was also available in addition to the regular drinks. We had a plate of Roasted Papad as starters, and Batter Fried Fish with Chips. We also enjoyed their typical Goan Fish Curry with Rice. They also serve Chinese and Continental food for the many British and Russian guests who stay in the nearby guest houses down the lane. We quite enjoyed the food and homely service at this restaurant. Prices were reasonable.

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Date of visit: December 2019

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