My TripAdvisor Review No.27: 'Fish Curry Rice', Restaurant at Narayan Peth, Pune.

“Genuine Coastal Cuisine”

Reviewed 10 March 2014 NEW

We visited Fish Curry Rice recently to try out their coastal Indian fish preparations about which we had heard so much. We ordered a la carte, though they served fish thalis too, in which one can have a complete meal comprising of the fried fish as well as in the curry style fish of Konkan and Goa.

The restaurant is located in the heritage Peth area of Pune, at Narayan Peth. One has to be a skilled driver to negotiate the narrow roads in this locality and find parking for your vehicle, more so if you are in a 4 wheeler. We found parking for our car about 350 m away and walked down to the place.

Because of the limited seating space as well as the popularity of this restaurant, we had to wait outside for 10 minutes. The fishy smells wafting from the kitchen reminded us of the eat streets of Goa and Malvan, and made our mouths water. As soon as a table was empty we were ushered in and welcomed with a cup of kokum syrup.

Between the three of us, we ordered fried Surmai (seer fish) and Bangda (mackerel) with chapatti, and a Goan prawn curry with rice. The fish was fried with a coating of rawa (semolina) and masalas and tasted very good. The prawn curry, made in a typical Goan coconut gravy, was a milder version of the spicy curries we have tasted in Goa, but very fresh. We had two types of solkadi, a spicy digestive drink, at the end of the sumptuous meal.

They serve not only fish, but mutton and chicken curry dishes as well, and many vegetable preparations made in the typical Konkani style, with a mixture of coconut and Malwani spices.

I would definitely like to visit ‘Fish Curry Rice’ again, but next time I would go there on my bike!

• 
• 
• 

Visited March 2014

My TripAdvisor Review No.26: Moti Talao, Sawantwadi, District: Sindhudurg

“Pearl of a Lake!”

Reviewed 9 February 2014

'Moti Talao' literally means Pearl Lake!

It is a small, but beautiful, lake at the center of Sawantwadi town.This lake also serves as an important road junction, with the national highway on one side and the smaller state highways, leading to the coastal towns near Malvan, on the other. All travelers passing through Sawantwadi on the way to Goa will see this enchanting water body in the center of this town, which lies in the Sindhudurg district of Southern Maharashtra.

The Sawantwadi Palace, or Rajwada, of the erstwhile rulers of this princely state is just next to the lake, and the majestic gate leading to the Palace is clearly visible on one side. On the other side of lake are a row of shops and restaurants where travelers can stop for a bite. There are a few good hotels too, near the lake. One can stop overnight, or longer, since Sawantwadi is also one of the lesser known and beautiful resort towns of India.

• 
• 

Visited March 2013

My TripAdvisor Review No.25: Fish'ka Bar N Restaurant, Betalbatim, Goa

“Excellent seafood!”

Reviewed 8 February 2014

Fish'ka restaurant is just half a km down the same road which leads to Martin's Corner in Betalbatim, and is located opposite the Alila Diwa Hotel.

We found Martin's Corner was already crowded for lunch that day, so we decided to try out Fish'ka. And we were not disappointed. Car parking is available in their bungalow just behind the restaurant.

Though their menu was not as elaborate as Martin's Corner, we found the food to be very tasty and more reasonably priced. Their wine menu was displayed on an old wine bottle, which was a novel idea.

We enjoyed their fish n chips served with a tartar dip, and the masala fish fry.

Their service, though unhurried, was more friendly than at Martin's.

Would definitely visit again.

• 

Visited March 2013

My TripAdvisor Review No.24: Mickey's Restaurant, Colva

“Seafood with a view”

Reviewed 8 February 2014

We drove down to Mickey's at Colva since we wanted a change from the resort food, and we were not disappointed.

First of all, the restaurant has a very nice setting near Colva Beach. Since we had come for lunch it was not crowded, and we got a table with a good view of the shimmering sea.

We whiled away our time enjoying our beer, iced tea and wonton soup, waiting for the main course to arrive. We had ordered a tuna salad, a mixed veg salad, and prawn curry rice and quite liked the taste of their preparations.

Would go there again to enjoy a lazy lunch in Goa!

Visited March 2013

My TripAdvisor Review No.23: Varca Beach, Goa

“One of the best beaches of South Goa.”

Reviewed 8 February 2014

Varca Beach lies in the center of the approximately 30 km long unbroken stretch of lovely South Goa sand beaches, which extends from Bogmalo to Cavelossim. Varca Beach itself is about 4 km long, stretching from the end of the Taj Exotica Resort on Benaulim beach down to the Colonia Jose Menino Resort at Fatrade, near Carmona.

Compared to the crowded North Goa beaches, Varca beach is very peaceful and uncluttered, with only a few beach shacks and resorts. The main resorts along this beach are: Club Mahindra's Emerald Palms and Varca Beach Resorts, Ramada Caravela, Varca Palms, Zuri White Sands and the Colonia Jose Menino Resort.

The beach is excellent for long walks and water is reasonably calm for swimming and water sports activities, except during the rainy season.

• 
• 
• 
• 

Visited March 2013

My TripAdvisor Review No.22: Club Mahindra Emerald Palms Resort, Varca, Goa

“A Jewel of a Resort”

Reviewed 3 weeks ago

Club Mahindra's Emerald Palms is located between the beaches of Varca and Benaulim in South Goa. We enjoyed a fun filled sunny 5 day holiday here last year during the Carnival.

We drove down from Pune, stopping en route at Sawantwadi. It is better if you have your own car when you stay at Emerald Palms since it is located in a rural setting, and the taxi charges can be exorbitant if you want to do a lot of sight-seeing. There is ample parking space, around a beautiful fountain, and near the entrance to the resort.

The resort itself is a majestic looking sprawling Portuguese mansion with a lot of fountains and statues in the quadrangles with the rooms laid out around them. It is surrounded by a lot of greenery and coconut trees. The swimming pool water is very clean and clear and looks very inviting.

The centrally air-conditioned rooms are well furnished, with the bedroom having a walk-in closet. Our 1BR apartment had an extra bathroom attached to the living room, which was an added convenience.

The restaurant 'La Terraza' serves authentic Goan dishes, and we enjoyed their Fish Curry and Goan Pulao. The buffet option is also available. They even have outdoor seating. The restaurant staff are very courteous and eager to please.

There are some restaurants and shacks outside the resort which are within a 10 minute walking distance towards the beach.

Club Mahindra acquired this property a few years back from the 'Zuri' group. Club Mahindra's Varca Beach Resort is just 2 km away, and a comparison between the two properties would be in order, for the benefit of other Club Mahindra members.

1. Emerald Palms has only 1BR and hotel units (HU) options, whereas Varca Beach Resort has HU, Studio, 1BR and 2BR options. However the 1BR in Emerald Palms are better in that they have two bathrooms.
2. There is no dry kitchenette in Emerald Palms rooms, only a small fridge and electric kettle. Varca Beach Resort rooms have a fully equipped dry kitchenette (except in HU).
3. Varca Beach has 2 large swimming pools and sprawling lawns, and the property opens out directly onto the beach. Emerald Palms has 1 medium sized swimming pool and the beach is a 1 km walk away.
4. If you prefer a quiet holiday within peaceful and tranquil surroundings go to Emerald Palms. If you prefer an activity filled holiday within the resort, go to Varca Beach.

Both the resorts are equally good in their own respects and one can enjoy a good Goan holiday in either one of them.

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

Stayed March 2013, travelled with family

My TripAdvisor Review No.21: Garjiya Devi Temple, Uttarakhand

“Temple atop a Rock”

Reviewed 4 February 2014

This temple, dedicated to the Goddess Garjiya Devi, is built on the top of a tall rock in the middle of two branches of the Kosi river. It is situated on the eastern periphery of Corbett National Park in Uttarakhand. It can only be approached on foot.

We decided to walk to the temple from the Club Mahindra Corbett Safari Resort, without knowing how far it was. It took us nearly an hour to reach the temple, so I reckon it must be about 4 to 4.5 km. We stopped at many places along the river and crossed it via an ancient suspension bridge. Then we had to walk along a jungle track on the side of a hill till we finally reached the Garjiya Devi temple.

It was a sight to behold!

Visited November 2013

My TripAdvisor Review No.20: Corbett National Park

“Call of the Wild”

Reviewed 4 February 2014

We had to get out of our warm beds at 5.30 am to be ready in time for our pre-booked Gypsy to take us to the entry gate of the National Park. The drive from the Club Mahindra Corbett Safari Resort to the Amdanda gate of the Bijrani zone in the open top Gypsy was chilly but invigorating. Mr. Kailash offered us blankets to cover ourselves, but we had already protected ourselves well against the biting November morning breeze.

Jim Corbett National Park is a world renowned wildlife sanctuary and the first National Park of India. It is home to the endangered Bengal tiger and a host of other wild animals like the Asian elephant, leopard, sloth bear, spotted deer (chital), barking deer (muntjak), sambar, wild boar, langur and rhesus monkey. In addition you can see a variety of multi coloured birds, like kingfisher, parakeet, cuckoo, bulbul, eagles, peacock, heron, and egret among others.

We were the first to reach the Amdanda gate and had to wait some time till the gate opened at 6.30 am. All the other Gypsys started coming and lining up behind us. The identification of one visitor in each vehicle is checked before the group is let in. We had booked our safari online almost a month in advance, through Mr. Ramesh Suyal, who is amongst one of the best known guides in Corbett.

We saw quite a number of chital, sambar, muntjak and rhesus monkeys, after witnessing a beautiful sunrise at Bijrani Forest Rest House. After roaming the jungles for another hour we finally heard the alarm call of the chital. We saw pug marks and droppings of a tigress and her cubs. The tigress had crossed the track some minutes back, but wasn’t visible anymore. We waited for about 15 minutes in pin drop silence, but in vain. We moved on till we reached a riverbed with 4 more Gypsys parked around, also waiting for Tigress to reappear. But we knew from the sight of the monkeys playing in the trees, that Tigress had seen us and disappeared into the high grass, without letting any of us, who had come from afar; get even a fleeting glimpse of Her Majesty and her little ones.

We took a break from the drive at Zero Point, where we climbed up to the top of a watchtower and had a bird’s eye view of the Park. This is the only place in the Park where the visitors are allowed to get down from their vehicles and take a short walk.

The only other type of safari allowed in Corbett is on an elephant. The elephant takes you deeper into the jungle better than any 4WD can. It is advisable to wear long trousers, full sleeve shirts, and a cap or hat, so that you don’t get scratched by the brambles and branches. It is truly an amazing experience to see the animals so near, since they don’t run away from the elephant, from high up on the howdah.

To get the real feel of the jungle one must try to stay in one of Tourist Rest Houses inside the Park. Bookings can be done through the Field Director, Corbett Tiger Reserve at Ramnagar, or the offices of the Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board. However, there are many privately run Lodges and Hotels in the periphery of Corbett Park and Ramnagar (the nearest town), where one can easily stay and enjoy the Jeep and Elephant safaris booked through them.

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

Visited December 2013

Problem with this review?

Ask EkMusafir about Corbett National Park

My TripAdvisor Review No.19: Club Mahindra Safari Resort at Corbett Park, Uttarakhand

“A Riverside Reverie”

Reviewed 3 weeks ago

Our train from Delhi pulled into Ramnagar station about half an hour late, and we clambered into the pre-booked Gypsy which was waiting for us. We arrived at the Corbett Resort, about 10 km from Ramnagar station, late in the night around 10 pm, but were escorted to our room without any delay. Since it was too late to explore we ate our sandwiches and samosas, which we had picked up from Ramnagar, and crashed into bed.

Next morning we took an exhilarating walk to the Garjia Temple, which was about 4 km away. The jungles of Corbett National Park were along the left side, and some of the other resorts and hotels of the buffer zone on the right, as we walked towards Garjia.

After returning we had a cup of tea sitting on the lawn outside our room, overlooking the gently flowing Kosi. It was a beautiful sight on a cold November morning. The resort is well laid out with a swimming pool and garden in the centre, with the rooms nestling in bamboo groves all around it. There is an open air gazebo, situated next to the river, where one can enjoy barbeque dishes sitting by the fireside at night.

The air conditioned rooms are well furnished, and our studio room had a dry kitchenette with a microwave oven, fridge, electric kettle, and a toaster. However, not all the rooms have a sit-out facing the river, as ours did. Here, one could just sit out and soak in the sunshine, listening to the different birds chirping in the trees.

There are many options for dining at the resort, including buffet, a-la-carte or a packed lunch if you are going on a safari. You could also prepare your own microwave meal in your room, or go out for a meal to one of the resorts or dhabas outside.

You need to book your Jeep and elephant safaris well in advance, as entry permits have to be arranged from the Forest Office. The Travel Desk at the Resort can do this for you. Jeep safaris take you for a 4 hour ride inside the National Park. There are two trips a day in each zone, one commencing at sunrise and the other in the afternoon, and only a limited number of Jeeps are allowed in.

The park is closed for visitors at night, except if you are staying in one of the Forest Rest Houses located inside.

We enjoyed our stay at the Corbett Safari Resort. It was adventurous as well as relaxing. Though we did not get a glimpse of Tiger (I'm sure Tiger must have seen us), we enjoyed the beauty of nature inside the Park, and saw plenty of spotted deer, muntjak, monkeys, elephant and sambar. Not to mention a couple of peacocks which we saw across the river while relaxing outside our room.

Room Tip: Rooms facing the river have a better view of the forest.

See more room tips

• 
• 
• 
• 

• Stayed November 2013, travelled with family
  • Value
  • Location
  • Sleep Quality
  • Rooms
  • Cleanliness
  • Service

My TripAdvisor Review No.18: Jageshwar Dham, Uttarakhand

“Abode of Lord Shiva.”

Reviewed 23 January 2014

Jageshwar Dham is located about 36 km from Almora. It is a holy place for the Hindus, and is believed to be one of the sites of the 12 Jyotirlingas.
There are a number of temples of various sizes surrounded by a forest of giant doedhar trees. There is a natural stream, Jata Ganga, flowing through the temple complex and the ambience of the surroundings gives one a sense of peace and serenity.
There is also an archeological museum run by the ASI nearby. You will find many shops selling 'prasad' items and sweetmeats, and a number of small restaurants serving local Kumaoni food.

Visited November 2013

My TripAdvisor Review No.17: Zero Point, Binsar Wild Life Sanctary, Almora, Uttarakhand

“A Himalayan Spectacle!”

Reviewed 23 January 2014

Zero Point is located at the highest point in Binsar Wild Life Sanctuary, near Almora. There is a motorable road upto the KMVN Tourist Rest House from where you have to walk 1.5 km to reach the lookout platform.
On a clear day you get a mesmerizing view of the snow capped Himalayas. You can see the peaks of Chaukhamba, Trishul, Nanda Devi, Shivling and Panchachuli among others.

Visited November 2013

My TripAdvisor Review No.16: Golu Dev Chitai Temple, Almora

“Bells, bells and more bells!”

Reviewed 23 January 2014

We stopped at this temple on the way to Jageshwar.
It is temple dedicated to the local deity, Golu Devta. The devotees ask a favor from the deity, and when their wish is fulfilled they return to tie a bell in gratitude.
We saw bells in all sizes, there must have been more than a thousand, with sounds ranging from a 'Tinnnnkle' to a "DONNGGG"!!

Visited November 2013

My TripAdvisor Review No.15: Club Mahindra Binsar Manipur Villas, Uttarakhand

“A LOG CABIN IN THE HILLS”

Reviewed 4 weeks ago

We arrived at the Binsar Resorts as the sun was setting, and were immediately offered a refreshing drink of rhododendron juice. Then we were taken up to the log huts, also known as Manipur Villas, by their Jeep. The road leading up to the log huts was a narrow cemented path precariously hugging the mountain side, and we had our hearts in our mouths during the short ride.

By the time we settled into our studio log cabin it was quite dark, and the sight of the twinkling village lights from the balcony was indeed mesmerising. The log cabin was also very cosy, with a dry kitchenette, a small dining area, a sitting area with satellite TV, and a bedroom. It was as if we were in a fairy-tale world, living in a dream home hugging the mountain-side.

When we awoke the next morning, the view from the balcony was even more breathtaking! The sun was just rising above the mountains. We could see the fluffy clouds in the valley, floating above the matchbox like houses in the fields below, and small dinky cars winding their way along the road. Birds were twittering in the pine trees. I thought that I was still asleep, having a beautiful dream!

Walking down the Jeep track to the main Valley Resort was an adventure in itself. We got a good view of the snow capped Himalayan range and took a lot of snaps on the way down. Besides the Jeep track there was an even smaller track, meant only for walkers and climbers, which involved a more challenging climb.

A must-see at Binsar is the Wild Life Sanctuary. The entrance gate to Binsar WLS is about 10 km from the valley. At about 7 km from the gate is the ancient Bineshwar Temple, and a further 5 km up is the KMVN Tourist Rest House. From the TRH you have to walk along a jungle path to reach the Zero Point, from where you get a magnificent 180 degree view of majestic Himalayan peaks. Guides can be hired at the TRH to show you the way and identify all the peaks for you. We were also lucky to spot a pair of pine martens before they quickly disappeared into the bushes.

Binsar valley is about 30 km from Almora. Other places to see around Binsar include Jageshwar, Baijnath, Bageshwar, Kausani, and Patal Bhuvaneshwar. These places are at quite a distance from Binsar, and you would need to hire a taxi. Taxis can be booked at Travel Desk of the main resort, or can be hired from the gate if available.

We had a-la-carte dinners at the 'Silver Oak' restaurant, and the food and service was excellent. The restaurant has a very good ambience, with seating for families in individual log cabins. Buffet dining was available only at the Valley Resort. The nearest restaurant outside the Resorts, about a km towards village Bhainsori, was the 'Shree Hayat Hotel' which was good for alu paratha and bhajjias and other local dishes.

There is a souvenir shop in the main resort, where you get the local produce such as pickles, spices, jams and cosmetics.

All in all this was a very unique and refreshing holiday in which we were in our own dream world for 5 days.

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

Stayed November 2013, travelled with family

My TripAdvisor No.14: Barbeque Nation, Pune

“DIY Barbeque!”

Reviewed 12 January 2014

Here's a unique experience in barbeque food. You get to barbeque much of the food yourself! You can do it rare, or brown it to a crisp....have it the way you like it best.
The only downside is that the starters are so good that one is not left with enough space in the tummy for the main course.
So be careful, or you may be end up with a belly full!

Visited October 2013

My TripAdvisor Review No.13: Golden Swan Beach Resort, Murud-Janjira.

“Seaside Getaway in North Konkan”

Reviewed 9 April 2013

The resort is located on Darbar Road in Murud. They have the option of Mediterranean style ac cottages and a Portuguese style beach villa which have direct access to the beach. You can see the Nawab's Palace and Shivaji's famous Kasa Fort from the resort itself.

We had a two bedroom ac cottage at the Resort. One bedroom was smaller than other with a smaller TV, whereas the bigger bedroom also had a sofa and a fridge. The cottage can accommodate 4 adults quite comfortably. There is also a verandah where you can sit out and enjoy your morning cuppa, and gaze at the casuarina and coconut trees or quack with the waddling geese.

The buffet meals were well prepared and tasty. We got Konkani Kingfish curry and Malwani fish curry for lunch, on the two days that we were there, besides chicken and vegetable preparations, and we quite enjoyed our meals.

The Rajpuri Jetty is just 3 km away from the resort. From here you can take a sailboat to explore the famous Janjira Fort which is situated in the middle of the sea. In the evening one can take a walk on the beach or climb up to the Datta mandir or Idgah mosque on top of a hill about 2 km from the resort. The views of Murud town and the sunset from the hill are mesmerizing. Bicycles can be rented at the resort to explore the the town and its surroundings.

We enjoyed our stay here. The resort is very conveniently located and one can drive down in 4 or 5 hours to this beautiful seaside town from Mumbai or Pune.

Room Tip: Portuguese style beach villa is located about 2 minute walk from the main resort.

See more room tips

• 
• 
• 
• 

Stayed April 2013, travelled with friends