FunderfulWorld

Where, in India, would the gentleman driving an auto spontaneously offer suggestions on restaurants to visit and the best items on the menu, and point out all the tourist attractions on the way to your destination (when all you asked for was a ride to your hotel)? AHMEDABAD! After our unforgettable trip to the capital of Gujarat last year, we jumped on the opportunity to pay another visit to this friendly city last month.

After a rejuvenating holiday at Sakleshpur, we spent the next couple of days at another magical GREEN location – The Hidden Valley, Chikmagalur. This getaway was chosen based on some internet research and very prompt responses to our email enquiries. A scenic drive past the very well-known Serai Resortand endless expanses of coffee estates led us to the Hidden Valley Resort. Long walks in the coffee plantation, rays of sunshine through the tall trees, a magpie robin chirping all day, delicious food in the dining room overlooking the little lake, absolute calm, serenity, peace.

An unexpected break in our regular schedules provided instant fuel for a holiday plan. With the summer heat beating down on most regions in India, an escape to cooler and verdant climes would be a welcome change. We decided to explore the Malnad region of Karnataka. Sakleshpur and Chikmagalur were the chosen destinations. This time we were willing to explore more “remote” locations with “Junior”. It would be his first “homestay” experience in the lap of nature.

<p class="wp-caption-text"> Cormorant at Karanji Lake, Mysore </p>

Where would you take a noisy, nature-loving, super-energetic 2-year old on a Sunday morning in Bangalore? Criteria? It would definitely have to be outdoors. Lots of space to run around. Okay to make “some” noise :). Not more than an hour’s drive away. Greenery would be a welcome bonus. Seeing some animals would be great. Interaction with the animals would be awesome. Did we find such a place? The Martin Farm, Bangalore, has all this and more :).

Our Dubai story continues from Escape to Dubai – I. Day 2: Friday is the day of prayer and rest, and hence, the metro timings vary on this day. With the train service beginning at 2pm, we took a cab to our destination – the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo(housed in the Dubai mall). Tip: Do check Friday timings of your destination before you head out. Most malls and tourist attractions stay open, but times may be different from other days.