My TripAdvisor Review No.661: Nathmulls Tea, Darjeeling.

Merchants Of Darjeeling Teas.

We were looking for a place to try out the Darjeeling Teas before buying some to take back home with us. Nathmull Tea had a store located at Chowrasta Mall and we walked in. They also have another outlet on Ladenla Road opposite SBI Bank building. We heard that they are one of the oldest and most famous of the Tea merchants of Darjeeling.

They had a great variety of Darjeeling teas which they source directly from the tea estates around Darjeeling. There were some containers of loose tea which we could smell and feel the texture of the leaves. There were black, green and white teas. The partner of the store explained to us at length the differences in the varieties and the method of preparations of the different types. He advised us that these teas taste better if we sip them without milk and sugar, because Darjeeling teas ate like the Champagne amongst the teas of the world.

We ended up buying not only some packets of teas but also some more souvenirs like magnet stickers and key-chains from the store. We also sampled a cup of their green tea in transparent cups.

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My TripAdvisor Review No.556: Jasper Information Center, Alberta, Canada.

Beautiful Architecture.

The Jasper Visitor Information Centre attracted our attention as soon as we emerged from the Jasper Rail Station. It is located in a nice park like compound opposite the Rail Station. It is housed in a very beautifully designed rustic style building with many layers of red tiled sloping roofs with peaks at different levels. It is constructed from locally sourced materials. No two doors or windows look the same. The building has been designated as a National Historic Site of Canada.

We went to the Information Centre to find out about the various hikes and trekking routes, as well as the popular places to visit. The staff were friendly and helped us out by offering us printed maps and brochures of the town and surroundings. Since we were in Jasper for a very short time they advised us to do a ride on the Sky Tram as the best option.

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Date of experience: July 2019

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My TripAdvisor Review No.548: Barako Cafe & Gifts, Jasper Railway Station, Alberta, Canada.

Brunch At Jasper Station.

Our train ‘The Skeena’ to Prince George was delayed by over an hour so we were waiting in the Jasper Station Lounge and beginning to feel hungry. The complimentary coffee and cookies provided by VIA Rail was not enough to keep the hunger pangs at bay.

We found this nice café and gift shop in the annex of the railway station. I ordered ham and cheese sandwiches and some coffee with latte and cream. It took them a while to prepare and I was wondering why. When I was served I found the sandwiches really hot and tasty, and the coffee was also exceptional. Full marks to them for providing freshly prepared stuff. They have some chairs and tables to sit and eat near the café and out on the platform, but we carried our brunch to the lounge where we had occupied seats next to our luggage.

There are some gift items and memorabilia also which they have on display, like picture post cards, coins, key-chains and bookmarks which we were almost tempted to buy.

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Date of visit: July 2019

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My TripAdvisor Review No.547: Jasper Station, Alberta, Canada.

Heritage Building.

We had to change trains at Jasper on our trip by VIA Rail from Vancouver to Prince Rupert. After boarding ‘The Canadian’ at Vancouver we arrived at Jasper the next morning and alighted at Jasper Station. We had to stay one night at a Jasper hotel and come back the next morning to catch ‘The Skeena’ which travels to Prince Rupert on the north western coast of Canada.

Jasper Station is housed in a beautiful heritage structure which was reconstructed after a fire burned it down almost 95 years ago. It is managed by the Canadian National Railway. Both VIA Rail and The Rocky Mountaineer use the station as transit points for their tourist trains.

There is a large high ceiling-ed waiting hall cum lounge where passengers can relax till their trains arrive. Heavy suitcases can be weighed at the check-in baggage counter next to the VIA Rail enquiry counter. Free tourist literature about the Rocky Mountains and the rest of western Canada can be picked up from the racks. Complimentary tea and coffee with cookies is available, and there are clean restrooms. There is a restaurant, coffee and gift shop in the annex. There is a large parking lot in the building compound. Services of tourist buses and taxis can be availed at the kiosks within the station.

The station is within a short walking distance from downtown Jasper and the shopping boulevard is just across the road. One can easily walk across to a regular restaurant while 'The Canadian' stops at Jasper for its onward journey to Toronto.

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Date of experience: July 2019

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My TripAdvisor Review No.455: HI Whistler, Whistler, BC, Canada.

Simple and Elegant.

HI Whistler is a simple but elegant accommodation in the mountain resort of Whistler about 2 hours’ drive from Vancouver. We stayed in a private room for two with a queen size bed, a TV, a table, two bedside tables, and an open closet with hangers. There is wall-to-wall carpeting. The en-suite bathroom was quite large with running hot water, liquid soap dispenser and toilet paper provided. Clean towels, napkins, bed linen and blankets were provided. The room ac was dysfunctional but it was not required during the night as it was quite cool, and a pedestal fan had been provided in case it became hot in the afternoon.

There was Cheaky’s Café in the lobby where we would have our breakfast and coffee and then catch the No.20 shuttle bus to Whistler Village and roam around for the day. There is a community kitchen and laundry room which we made use and both are very convenient to use. The use of the kitchen is free, but the laundry is pay per use. Of course you have to tidy up after your use.

The surroundings of the hostel are very green and ringed in by the mountains. There are walking and cycling tracks nearby, and the ‘Train Wreck’ site is within a 2 km walking distance through a path leading into the wilderness. The shuttle bus from Whistler Village runs every 20 minutes and drops you at the hostel for $2.50 a ride.

The staff are very friendly and helpful. There is a lounge with a lot of reading material. Use of the kitchen is free and there is a decent dining hall attached. One can even sit out in the open veranda and enjoy the scenery while having your meal.

We enjoyed our 3 day stay at HI Whistler.

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Date of stay: June 2019

• Trip type: Travelled as a couple
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My TripAdvisor Review No.384: Saj On the Mountain, Mahabaleshwar. Good Self Contained Resort For Vegetarian Foodies.

Saj On The Mountain has recently become affiliated with Club Mahindra Holidays. It is located about 1 km after Metgutad village on the Panchgani Mahabaleshwar Road, and about 7 km before entering Mahabaleshwar hill station market.

We stayed here recently for 4 days and found it to be a decent place to have a relaxed vacation. The check in was quick and we were given a choice between two rooms. I must say that there is a wide disparity between the type of rooms, though all of them are reasonably well furnished and have all the basic amenities for a luxurious stay. The main difference is in the kind of sit-outs they offer. The first room we saw had a stone bench between two rows of rooms, while the second one had a small enclosure with a swinging sofa under the trees. Needless to say we chose the latter. Some other rooms did not have any sit-out, while the first floor rooms had a small private balcony.

The main attraction was the good variety of vegetarian food available, though the fare was priced on the high side. There was buffet as well as ala-carte. Breakfast was the best with a variety of fresh fruit, sprouts, idli, dosa, wada, puri bhaji, paratha, croissants, buns, toast, tea, coffee, milk shake and fruit juice available. At lunch we were served a sumptuous Gujarati Thali which was very delicious and filling. Dinner buffet again had a lot of variety, starting with a choice of soups, salads, pickles, North Indian vegetables, curries, dals, breads and a selection of Continental and Oriental dishes as well. Breakfast and dinner was served in the open ‘Wilson’s Café’ at the poolside, and for lunch we had to dine at the restaurant ‘Fasal’ for the thali meal. There was a separate bar for drinks and mocktails named ‘Darwin’.

For recreation there was the ‘Fun Zone’ for kids, a badminton court, a swimming pool, a play pen for toddlers, and watch towers in the gardens below the parking lot. Swimming pool was closed on one of the days for cleaning. The parking lot could accommodate about 12 cars with additional space near the main road.

The service was very good with House Keeping inquiring to find out the most convenient times to clean our room every day. Restaurant service was excellent as well. Though it is best to go by your own car from Pune or Mumbai, taxis for sight-seeing the points in Mahabaleshwar and Panchgani can be easily arranged by the travel desk.

All in all we had a very relaxed holiday and would not mind visiting again.

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Room Tip: Ask for a room with a good sit-out if you enjoy the open fresh air of the hill station.

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• Stayed: September 2018, travelled as a couple
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My TripAdvisor Review No.329: Hatgad Fort, near Saputara.

Go for a Trek Up to the Fort.

Hatgadh Fort is located about 6 km south of the hill station of Saputara in Gujarat. It was built by the Maratha King Chatrapati Shivaji, and lies in the northern part of the Sahyadri hill range, in the state of Maharashtra, strategically overlooking the Gujarat border. It is on the top of a plateau which rises about 600 feet from the level ground, which itself is at about 3000 feet above mean sea level.

We were staying at Club Mahindra Hatgad, and the Fort serves as a majestic backdrop vista to the resort. I decided to ‘conquer’ the fort by trekking to the top all by myself. It was a stiff uphill climb and I accomplished the 1.5 km climb in about 40 minutes, taking a few breaks to recover my breath. About 1 km climb is a motorable road, and the remaining climb is a steep flight of steps built along the rocky hillside.

On reaching the top one gets a feeling of accomplishment, like conquering a mountain peak. At 8 am in the morning I was the only person on the deserted and ruined fort. There was a stiff breeze which quickly dried my perspiration. The view of the surrounding plains was mind-blowing. The pre monsoon winds were blowing up wisps of clouds making the scenery look even more ethereal. There were a couple of broken down watch-towers, and some water tanks which were full of brackish water. The edges of the plateau were barricaded by huge boulders and an iron safety railing which had been more recently installed.

The climb down and walk to the resort took only 20 minutes. One can drive half-way up to the fort, and walk up the steps for the remaining distance, but vehicles can enter only between 8.30 am to 5 pm, via the forest department check-post.

It is an excellent hill trek which can be enjoyed by trekking enthusiasts of all ages.

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My TripAdvisor Review No.279: Malshej Ghat, Khubi, Maharashtra.

Scenic View Point, Best Visited in Monsoons.

We visited Malshej Ghat for the second time, but this time in the month of January. There were no waterfalls and the hillsides were all dry, but it was still worth a visit. We could get out of our car and explore the viewing point which is well paved with a pathway and a small bridge and located near the tunnel. It is about 130 km from Pune, on the Ahmednagar – Kalyan highway (NH-61). We travelled to Narayangaon and turned left to visit Ozar Ganpati first, then via Otur on NH-61 to Malshej. One can even turn left at Alephata on the Pune – Nashik highway (NH-60), to avoid the rough road from Ozar to Otur.

Of course, most people come to Malshej Ghat in the rainy season between June and September to enjoy the numerous waterfalls splashing down from the steep hillsides, and watch the dense clouds ascending from the Arabian Sea up the Western Ghats, of which Malshej Ghat is a part. Nevertheless we enjoyed the scenery of the mountains in the cool climate, and with less crowds milling around. There were a few hand carts serving freshly baked corn on the cob, or a hot bowl of noodles.

Malshej Ghat is just a scenic point on the highway between two major cities, hence there are just 2 decent hotels nearby to stay overnight, the MTDC resort , and 'Saj By the Lake' near the Pimpalgaon Joga Dam about 5 km towards Junnar.

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My TripAdvisor Review No.270: Kodanad View Point, Kotagiri, TN.

Best Drive In The Nilgiri Hills.

If have driven to Ooty, Coonoor or Kotagiri in your own vehicle, then the drive to Kadanad View Point is definitely a ‘Must Do’. Unlike the 36 hair-pin bend road up to Ooty from Masinagudi, where you cannot take your eyes off the road, here the drive through the hills is less strenuous and taxing. You can stop at many places by the roadside and take snaps of the pretty hilly countryside. After Kotagiri you pass through large tea estates, some of which belonged to a well known former TN CM. You can even buy some tea directly from the estate at discounted rates.

Kotagiri is 29 km from Ooty and this part of the drive took us 1 hour through scenic countryside. We stopped at the Kotagiri market for a cup of coffee, then drove another hour (stopping on the way) to do the 19 km from Kotagiri to Kodanad View Point (KVP). We got parking near a big tree (paid Rs.20).

The views are simply breathtaking from KVP. There is one peak shaped like a rocket in the centre of the landscape. We could make out the Moyar River snaking its way across in the form of a dark green coil. KVP overlooks three states of South India; Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Kerala. There is a lookout tower with a telescope at KVP, run by the Toda tribal ladies. They also sell local forest produce like Nilgiri tea, oils, spices and souvenirs at very reasonable rates.

We roamed around the point for almost an hour, admiring the awesome scenery and clicking many snaps. Then we had some chilli pakoras (fritters) and a cup of tea at the small restaurant in the basement of the tower, before heading back to Ooty.

A visit to Doddabetta Peak (Ooty) pales in comparison with a visit to Kodanad View Point. So if you have the time and the drive give DP a miss and visit KVP instead.

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My TripAdvisor Review No.262: Doddabetta Peak, Ooty.

Disappointing.

We went up to Doddabetta Peak with great hopes of a visual treat. It is the highest peak in the Nilgiri Hills. But we were sorely disappointed with what we saw and experienced.

Doddabetta is a 9 km drive from the Botanical Gardens of Ooty. It was a scenic drive up to the peak with tea gardens along the way. But from where the road branches off the Kotagiri Road, the road condition deteriorates and you have to negotiate some dangerous hair-pin bends with huge pot-holes. On top of that you have to pay a toll of Rs.20 to use this road. Then you have to pay Rs.7 per head as entry tax, and Rs.12 if you are carrying a camera (nothing for mobile camera!). Parking is haphazard and always crowded on weekends, and there are a lot of stalls and eateries around the parking lot with garbage all around.

The views from the peak were good, but not good enough to compensate for the negatives. I would give this place a miss the next time around. There are better places to see in and around Ooty.

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My TripAdvisor Review No.261: Zest Danish Villa Restaurant, Ooty.

Cosy Restaurant With Good Service.

Since we were staying at Zest Danish Villa we had occasion to dine at their restaurant quite often. It is a small cosy restaurant with about 6 or 7 tables. There is outdoor seating too. They have facility for buffet dining but only during season or weekends when there are enough guests staying over at the hotel. Otherwise they also serve a thali (meal platter) at lunch time for a reasonable rate of Rs.249.

We had dinner here every night, and preferred their ala-carte dishes. On different occasions we had their ‘Banarasi Dum Aloo’, ‘Fish Masala’, ‘Bhindi Dopyaza’ (Okra in onion gravy), ‘Gobi Manchurian’ with Veg Fried Rice, and ‘Aloo Gobi Adraki’ always accomapanied by ‘Lachha Parathas’ (an Indian Bread). They served complimentary snacks (appetisers) with the ala-carte order. The taste of the food was very good and the service always courteous.

Prices were on the higher side but we could avail of a member discount. We enjoyed dining at the restaurant.

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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.232: Hotel Ros Common, Kasauli, Himachal.

“Old World Charm.”

Reviewed yesterday

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This quaint hotel, run by the Government owned HPTDC, exudes a lot of Old World Charm of the British era. It is located in a heritage property more than a hundred years old. It is less than a kilometre from the Kasauli market and the Cantonment area. It is on the road leading to Monkey Point and the Air Force Station.

The cottage hotel has only six rooms and we had booked our room well in advance. We got a cosy room with a small cupboard, coffee table, two sofas, dressing table and a table fan. There is no air con in any of the rooms, but it is not required in a hill station like Kasauli. There were no windows in the room, but there was a double door with wire mesh to let the cool air in. The bathroom was quite large and had a big boiler. There was a sit out and an open space, with a jhoola (swing), just outside the back rooms, where we could sit with our morning tea and breakfast.

As you enter the gates of the hotel there is a large parking space and a nice garden with open air seating for the restaurant. The restaurant at Ross Common is quite popular and caters to the non resident tourist as well. The garden offers a very good view of the valley and surrounding hills.

We spent four days at Ross Common and had a very relaxed and pleasant holiday.

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• Stayed July 2017, travelled as a couple
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