My TripAdvisor Review No.260: Club Mahindra Zest Danish Villa, Ooty.

Boutique Resort Away From The Madding Crowd.

We spent a very relaxed week at Club Mahindra’s Zest Danish Villa in Ooty in November. The resort is beautifully landscaped on the hillside, with cottages having sloping roofs covered with Mangalore tiles. The view from the sit-out outside the rooms is very beautiful as it overlooks the valley. Compared to the other Club Mahindra resort in Ooty, Derby Green, this one is smaller but better for people who prefer a quieter holiday.

This is a small boutique resort with only 15 rooms, located about 2.5 km from the Railway Station and about 3 km from the Ooty Bus Stand. All the rooms have wooden flooring, giving the rooms a very heritage look. There is a closet for keeping the bags and clothes, as well as a digital safe. Bathrooms are quite spacious. The flat screen TV is supported by Airtel dth, with all the SD channels. However there is no microwave oven, though there is an electric kettle for making your own tea/coffee. Free wi-fi is available in the lobby and restaurant.

There is a small playground for the kids, and a room for indoor games and a Spa. There is a common balcony for the rooms on the first and second floors, with chairs to sit out and enjoy the fresh cool air of the hill resort. There is sufficient parking space for about 10 cars.

The reception and staff are very helpful. Ramu and Shakespeare would give us very courteous service in the restaurant. Krishnamurthy and Ramalingam were prompt with Housekeeping and Room Service. Being a small resort, buffet dining was not always available, though they had an option of thali meals for Rs.249 at lunch time. We opted for the ala-carte at dinner.

We had a very pleasant and relaxed stay at the resort, enjoying nature’s beauty and bounty. We would definitely visit again.

Room Tip: Rooms on the 2nd floor have a better view from the common Balcony.

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• Stayed: November 2017, travelled as a couple
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My TripAdvisor Review No.259: Shinkow's Chinese Restaurant,Ooty.

Good Chinese Food.

Shinkow’s Chinese is centrally located near the Commissioner’s Office in Ooty. Limited parking is available in front of the restaurant, and you may have to walk a little on the weekends.

The restaurant is neat and clean and brightly decorated in the old style, with red checked tablecloths on wooden tables and chairs. There are some nice photo frames with Chinese motifs decorating the walls. Service is friendly and courteous.

We ordered ‘Fish Slices with Vegetables’ and ‘Soft Noodles with Vegetables’. Both the dishes were quite tasty. Prices of the dishes on the menu were quite reasonable. The only thing we found unreasonable was that they were not accepting credit cards for a bill value less than Rs.1000.

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My TripAdvisor Review No.258: Commercial Street, Bangalore.

Good Bargains in this Crowded Shopping Area.

Commercial Street is close to MG Road of Bangalore. But it is very different from MG Road as it is overcrowded with cars and shoppers. It is in a very narrow street and it is very difficult to find parking if you are coming in your own car. There is a dedicated parking lot managed by the army administration, but that is also generally full, and we had to wait about half an hour before we got to park. It is better to go by a two-wheeler.

However the market is very good for purchasing all kinds of furnishings, clothes, handbags, shoes and handicrafts. There are some local eateries where you get very tasty jalebi and rabri and other snacks. In short it is a shopping paradise for the women folk.

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My TripAdvisor Review No.257: The Druid Garden, Sahakar Nagar, Bengaluru.

Reserve Your Table for a Good Dining Experience.

We went here for dinner on a Wednesday evening and had to wait for half an hour before we got a table in the family section. Even the basement parking was full and we had to eventually park on the road. We were escorted to our table by the receptionist after we returned from a bout of shopping. This indicates the popularity this restaurant has gained in the Sahakar Nagar area of Bangalore.

The Druid Garden has its own microbrewery and they serve a good variety of beers. They also serve other spirits, cocktails and mocktails. The multi-cuisine food menu is also quite elaborate, with a huge variety of soups, salads, starters, main course and desserts. They have a very spacious seating area in different sections, including an outdoor section for smokers.

We tried their Beetroot Shammi Kababs, Chicken Tacos, Mangalore Prawn curry served with an appam, and a vegetarian pasta dish. The food was quite yummy and we enjoyed all the dishes. Prices were on the higher side.

Service was courteous but a bit erratic. There was more than one waiter attending to us, and we had to return one dish which we had not ordered. Service charges were added to the menu, with a note mentioning that it would be waived if we are not satisfied with the service.

We would like to dine here again, but we will remember to reserve a table before going.

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My TripAdvisor Review No.256: Kamat Upachar, Sira, Karnataka.

Good Stopover for Refreshments on the Highway.

Kamat Upachar is a good stop for refreshments on AH-47 (or NH4), just after the town of Sira while travelling from Pune to Bengaluru. It is about 50 km before Tumkur.

They serve pure vegetarian food, both North Indian and South Indian. Their South Indian snacks like Idli, Wada and Dosa are also very popular. We ordered a South Indian thali (platter) covered by a banana leaf, which consisted of a dry vegetables, two gravy vegetables, rasam, 2 chapattis (or puris), papad, rice and curd. Service was quick and courteous and the ambience was friendly. Prices are very reasonable and affordable.

There is sufficient parking space for about 20 vehicles and a clean washroom, like in all the Kamat Upachars along the highways in the state of Karnataka.

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My TripAdvisor Review No.255: Christ The King Church, Kodaikanal.

Ancient Gothic Church.

There are many churches in Kodaikanal built during the colonial era. Christ the King Church, built in the year 1895 by the American Madurai Mission, is one of the most beautiful. It is located at the junction of Noice Road and Club Road, very close to the entrances of Coaker’s Walk and Bryant Park.

There is a very nice image of Lord Jesus at the altar of the church. The church is open from 6.30 am to 12 noon and then again in the evening from 3 pm to 8.30 pm. The service is usually in Tamil for the local people. There are wooden benches for seating.

We got a sense of peace and serenity in the church.

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My TripAdvisor Review No.254: Pastry Corner, Kodaikanal.

They Sell Like Hot Cakes.

The pastry and cakes at Pastry Corner really sell like Hot Cakes! There is always a crowd hanging out besides this small shop in the Kodaikanal Bazaar, just next to Astoria Restaurant. Though there is no place to sit inside the shop, they have placed some chairs outside. It is basically a take-away eatery.

We managed to buy some of their chutney and egg sandwiches which were very tasty and priced very reasonably at Rs.15 each. The pizza slices were also very good, and the filter coffee better than anywhere else in the bazaar.

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My TripAdvisor Review No.253: Silver Cascade Falls, Kodaikanal, Dindigul.

Enchanting Waterfall as you enter Kodaikanal.

Silver Cascade is a medium sized waterfall on the way to Kodaikanal, right on the side of the main road going to the hill station. It is like an appetiser to the main attraction, Kodaikanal town, during the rainy season. There are many more waterfalls and lakes inside Kodaikanal, and Silver Cascade whets your appetite for more.

We stopped here for a while to admire the silvery water cascading down the rocks. There were a lot of cars and buses parked at the roadside, and a whole load of tourists taking snaps and selfies. There were some refreshment stalls and a small park nearby. Overall it is a beautiful spot, but marred by the noisy crowds.

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My TripAdvisor Review No.252: Moir Point, Kodaikanal.

Good View Point on a Clear Day.

Moir Point is about 10 km from Kodaikanal Bus Stand, on the route to Berijam Lake. It is about 3 km after the Pillar Rocks. The entrance gate to the forest areas and Berijam Lake is near Moir Point, but entry to these places is restricted beyond Moir Point. One has to pay a nominal entry fee to visit the point.

There is a lookout tower and a memorial pillar at the point, as well as a small park where we sat and relaxed for a while. It was cloudy and foggy on the day we visited, but we did get a very captivating view of the peaks and valleys when the fog cleared intermittently. There are also some snack and refreshment stalls nearby.

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My TripAdvisor Review No.251: Guna Caves, Kodaikanal.

The Caves are no longer Accessible.

These caves, earlier known as the ‘Devil’s Kitchen’, have now been fenced off due to the tragic deaths of some youngsters who went down into the cave chambers below, but never returned. They are now called Guna Caves, because a Tamil movie ‘Gunaa’ was filmed here. These caves are the chambers formed by the giant boulders of the Pillar Rocks.

We had to take a short walk of about half a km to reach the fenced off area. Due to the fog and mist we had to peer into the gaps formed by the boulders and forest trees, and the sight was indeed scary and spooky. As we were standing there we heard the alarm call of some langur monkeys, which scared us even more. Leopards are known to have been sighted in these forests. We were thankful that there was a crowd of about 20 tourists standing nearby so we did not panic and run.

It was a good experience of a walk in a pristine jungle, though with lots of other tourists around.

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My TripAdvisor Review No.250: Lake View Point, Kodaikanal.

Beautiful View of Kodaikanal Lake from a Height.

This view point is also called the Upper Lake View Point by the tour operators of Kodaikanal. It is at a height on a hill, and all the cabbies and tour buses stop here for a few minutes so that the tourists can get a beautiful panoramic view of the Kodai Lake.

There are a few benches and snack stalls nearby and it is good place to take a photograph or a selfie. One can see the famous Hotel Carlton at the other end of the lake.

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My TripAdvisor Review No.249: Pine Forest, Kodaikanal.

Walk Deeper Into the Forest for the Real Feel.

Actually this is more like a plantation of Pine Trees, and the tall trees are lined in neat rows as far as eye can see. It is one of the favourite halts for the tourist cabs and buses, and so the serenity and solitude of the forest is ruined by the hordes of people alighting here for a break and a snack. There are horses available for a ride. The trees are full of monkeys, and the ground is littered with garbage.

But if you walk a little deeper into the forest, and away from the crowds, you will get the true feel of the forest. Let the silence of the surroundings engulf you and you are transported into nature’s paradise. We did just that, and enjoyed the experience.

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My TripAdvisor Review No.248: Kurinji Andavar Temple, Kodaikanal.

Calm and Serene Temple on a Hilltop.

The Kurinji Andavar Temple is located on a hilltop about 3 km away from the Kodaikanal Lake, just beyond the Chettiar Park. It is a small and clean temple situated in peaceful and serene surroundings. It is dedicated to Lord Murugan (Karthik), son of Lord Shiva. You will also find an idol of Lord Ganesha (Murugan’s brother) in this temple. 

Kurinji is a small flower found in these hills which blooms once in 12 years, and Andavar means God in the local language, hence the name Kurinji Andavar. The view from the hill surrounding the temple is very beautiful. On one side you can see the Palani Hills in the distance and the other side overlooks the town of Kodaikanal. There are many shops nearby where you can buy local handicrafts and artifacts, mainly crafted in wood and metal.

This place is worth a visit, not only for the temple, but also for the sight-seeing and shopping experience.

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My TripAdvisor Review No.247: Kodaikanal Lake.

Centre of Attraction in Kodaikanal.

The lake of Kodaikanal is the most beautiful attraction of this hill town. It is right in the centre of the town, very close to the Bazaar, Bus Stand, main hotels and restaurants.

The lake is star shaped with a road running around its periphery. Many stalls line the road which sell snacks, ice-cream, home-made chocolates, trinkets and memorabilia to the tourists. There is a boat club from where one can hire pedal and row boats for a pleasurable ride around the lake. Bicycles can also be hired near the lake. The circumference of the lake is about 5 km and one can easily walk around it in an hour.

During the monsoons and winters the lake can become shrouded in mist. The climate is very cool and pleasant at all times. Its best to visit the lake in the mornings for a walk or boat ride as it gets quite crowded in the evenings.

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My TripAdvisor Review No.246: Coaker's Walk, Kodaikanal.

Paved Walkway Along the Hillside.

Coaker’s Walk is a well developed paved walkway along the hillside with a great view of the valley below. Its length is less than a km, and you can enter from one side and come out from the other. The walkway is lined with hawkers selling touristy items and trinkets. 

We had to pay an entry charge of Rs.10 per head, and Rs.20 for camera charges, which is ridiculous. It is best not to declare that you have a camera in your cell phone and walk right in. If it is a cloudy day then there’s no point in clicking any photos, and if the day is clear then the view is the same as we were getting from our resort nearby.

The entry gate opens at 7.30 am and closes around 7 pm. So it’s only worth going here if you are in the mood for a walk, early morning or late evening. And take at least 4 or 5 rounds up and down to get the best bang for your buck!

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My TripAdvisor Review No.245: Club Mahindra Coaker's Villa, Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu.

Cozy Rooms with Amazing Views.

We spent a blissful week at Club Mahindra’s Coaker’s Villa Resort in Kodaikanal in September. It was like living in a dream country cottage on the hillside. Every day we would wake up to watch a beautiful sunrise from the balcony with our cup of tea. The resort is beautifully landscaped, with cottages having sloping roofs covered with Mangalore tiles. The view from each room is very beautiful as it overlooks the valley, with the clouds rising up to caress you. We could sit in the balcony for hours on end just watching the clouds ascend from the valley and soon cover the town with a grey blanket.

The resort is located less than a km from the Kodi Bus Stand and Bazaar, right next to ‘Coaker’s Walk’ and opposite the entrance to ‘Bryant Park’. It is 400 metres down a steep slope from the junction, which makes it easy to walk to, but very difficult when you want to go out from the resort. The Lake is about 1.5 km from the resort, and makes for a good long walk of about an hour to circle the lake and back.

This is a small boutique resort with only 11 rooms, of which two are log cabins. All the rooms have wooden flooring, columns and beams, giving the rooms a very heritage look. There is a closet for keeping the bags and clothes, as well as a digital safe. Bathrooms are quite large with an enclosed shower space. The flat screen TV is supported by Airtel dth, with all the SD channels. However there is no microwave oven, though there is an electric kettle for making your own tea/coffee. Free wi-fi is available in the lobby and restaurant.

The reception and staff are very helpful. Sasi would always help us with our transport requirements. Prakash would come around every evening to take orders for evening tea or snacks. Intimation for buffet dinner had to be given in advance, as not everyone opted for it. We preferred ala-carte, which would be served within half an hour. Chef Anbu would tweak the dishes to suit our palate. Rani was in-charge of Svaastha spa.

We had a very pleasant and relaxed stay at the resort, enjoying nature’s beauty and bounty. Would definitely visit again.

Room Tip: Try for the log cabins, if available.

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• Stayed: September 2017, travelled as a couple
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My TripAdvisor Review No.244: Shree Krishna Veg Court, Viman Nagar, Pune.

Most Popular Vegetarian Eatery in Viman Nagar, Pune.

This restaurant is very popular in the Viman Nagar suburb of Pune, and you will always find it crowded during meal times, particularly during the weekends, when you may have to wait your turn if you haven’t made advance reservations. Sufficient parking is available nearby for your vehicle. The premises are neat and clean, and there are excellent paintings on the walls depicting scenes from the life of Lord Krishna.

The ground floor is the non a/c section where you can have a quick bite. The a/c section is on the first floor and suitable for families, parties and celebrations. Service is polite and courteous. The restaurant serves only vegetarian food, but there is a very good variety in the menu. They serve North and South Indian, as well as Chinese dishes. We tried out their Chinese style dishes, many of which included paneer (cottage cheese), and the ‘Triple Schezwan Rice’ served with Manchurian gravy which was very good. Their veg. Spring rolls served with a Schezwan dip was also very nice.

Prices are moderate, and the ambience is soothing in the a/c section. We enjoyed our dining experience and would like to visit again.

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My TripAdvisor Review No.243: Hotel Vijay, Madurai.

Centrally Located, Value for Money Hotel.

This place is centrally located in Madurai, just 1km from Madurai Railway Station and 1 km from the Meenakshi Temple, and adjacent to the Periyar Bus Stand. We reached Madurai Junction at 9.30 pm and got an auto to take us to the hotel for Rs.50. As we had pre booked the check in was quick.

The room was neat and clean and had an efficient Blue Star air-conditioner. There was a flat-screen TV but all the channels were in the local language. There was no restaurant attached to the hotel, but there were plenty of options for eating out. They did have room service though, and you could order from out.

Next day we walked to the famous Meenakshi Amman Temple and had a good darshan. The Koodal Alazhgar is just a 5 minute walk from the hotel. Auto-rickshaws, taxis and local buses are easily available just outside the hotel. Buses for Kodaikanal are available at Arapalayam Bus Stand which is about 5 km from the hotel.

Another plus point of this hotel is that they take only about 20% of the charges if you book in advance online. Rest is payable at the time of check-in. They also have a 24 hour check-out policy. I would say that we had a good value for money stay at Hotel Vijay.

• Stayed: September 2017, travelled as a couple
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