Tuesday, 18 March 2025

A Colorful Journey: Jaipur During Holi Celebrations – Part 2

 After an unforgettable Holi in Agra, we departed for Jaipur at 9 AM in a pre-booked taxi. The Dhulandi celebrations were in full swing, with people playing with colors and dancing to lively music on the streets. The 4.5-hour road trip was smooth, filled with music, laughter, and scenic views.


By 1:30 PM, we reached Chitra Katha Homestay, near Jaipur Railway Station. Since most markets and shops were closed due to the Dhulandi celebrations, we ordered a delicious Punjabi lunch at the homestay—kaju kari, dal makhani, tandoori roti, and refreshing chaas. After lunch, we rested until 5 PM before heading out to explore Jaipur.

Our evening was spent admiring the stunning Mauj Mahal and Jal Mahal before exploring Jaipur’s vibrant markets. We enjoyed a delightful dinner at a local restaurant, then returned to the homestay for a terrace gathering, where the kids played indoor games and we chatted late into the night until 11:30 PM.









The next morning, Saturday, we set off to explore Jaipur’s rich heritage. Our first stop was Amer Fort, followed by Panna Meena ka Kund and the Meera Krishna Temple. We indulged in some shopping for traditional Jaipuri handwork clothes before stopping for an authentic Rajasthani lunch at a local restaurant, savoring dal bati churma, sabji, and buttermilk.





In the afternoon, we visited the Hawa Mahal, Jantar Mantar, and City Palace, followed by shopping at Badi Chaupad. A visit to the famous Laxmi Misthan Bhandar for their crispy aloo tikki was the perfect end to our day.

In the evening, we returned to Chitra Katha Homestay, ordered La Pino’z Pizza for the kids, and spent our final night on the terrace reminiscing about our Jaipur adventures.

The next morning, we departed for Surat, carrying with us beautiful memories of Jaipur’s royal charm, cultural heritage, and festive spirit.

A Colorful Journey: Agra during Holi Celebrations Part 1


Our adventure began on March 12 at 8:10 PM when we boarded the August Kranti Rajdhani Express with three delightful families—Dr. Manoj’s, Dr. Kshayp’s, and Dr. Nitin’s—each excited for the memories ahead. The train ride was filled with an indulgent dinner featuring ice cream and lively conversations that stretched until 11:30 PM, setting a joyful tone for the journey.

At 6:30 AM, we awoke to a delicious breakfast of kathlesh, upma, and bread with butter before arriving at Mathura station at 7:40 AM. A pre-booked taxi then whisked us away on an 80 km road trip to Agra. Along the scenic highway, we made a refreshing stop for tea and snacks, ensuring the kids had plenty of energy for the adventure.

 
Midday found us at Coral House Homestay, a charming retreat boasting traditional décor and a warm, homely ambiance despite its modest size. After a relaxing lunch, our excitement grew as we headed out to explore Agra’s timeless treasures. We marveled at the grandeur of Agra Fort and the iconic Taj Mahal, immersing ourselves in their historical beauty. The festive spirit of Holi added extra magic to our visit—with vibrant street decorations, energetic music, and joyful dance performances that filled every corner of the city. We savored local treats like pani puri and bhel, and later indulged in an authentic South Indian dinner at Dasaprakash, rounding off a day brimming with sensory delights.










 The following morning, we enjoyed a homemade breakfast featuring fruits, bread, and bhaji puri before departing for Jaipur at 9 AM, our hearts full of unforgettable memories from a journey steeped in cultural vibrancy and family togetherness.




Sunday, 11 August 2024

A Monsoon Day Trip to Medha Waterfall with Doctor Friends – A Journey of Rain, Trek & Togetherness

 Some journeys are more than just travel – they’re about friendship, healing, laughter, and the beauty of being alive. On 11th August 2024, a very special day unfolded for our 24 Carat Mandal – a group of passionate doctors who meet every month not just to share medical knowledge, but to celebrate life.

This time, our monthly gathering wasn’t in a restaurant or a banquet hall. Thanks to Dr. Nitin Kanani, we packed our bags for an unforgettable monsoon trek to Medha Waterfall. It wasn’t just a trip – it was a memory stitched together with mist, mountains, meals, and meaningful connections.

🕗 Early Morning – The Journey Begins

We left Surat early morning, carpooling with our doctor buddies, laughing over playlists, and soaking in the excitement of the road trip ahead. The monsoon sky was already playing its music – drizzles, overcast moods, and a whisper of adventure in the air.

🍽️ Breakfast at Madhi – A Rainy Delight

Our first stop was the peaceful village of Madhi, where the local flavors welcomed us with open arms. Under a humble tea stall roof, while Rimzim barish sang over our heads, we devoured hot Madhi-style Khamni, crispy Petis, and the ever-so-comforting Masala Chai. The simplicity of the meal, surrounded by nature and friends, made it nothing short of a five-star experience. 

🌿 Into the Wild – Medha Waterfall Trek

From Medha village, we parked our cars and stepped into the green arms of the forest. A 3 km trek lay ahead — a beautiful trail full of life, slippery stones, dense trees, chirping birds, and overflowing rivers. We held each other’s hands while crossing streams, clicked photos with muddy shoes, and rediscovered the childlike joy of walking through the wild in the rain.

The monsoon had turned the entire jungle into a lush green painting — and we were lucky enough to walk inside it.

💦 Waterfall Wonders – Bathing Beneath the Sky

When we reached the Medha Waterfall, it felt like nature’s own celebration. The roar of the falling water, the cool mist on our faces, and the sheer thrill of standing under that powerful stream brought out the loudest laughs and biggest smiles.

We bathed together, danced under the waterfall, and simply surrendered to the joy of the moment.






🍱 Lunch with a View – Homemade, Heartmade

Lunch was a humble spread brought from home – Thepla, Sukhi Bhaji, and Matho – but eaten sitting on rocks, under trees, and among friends, it became a feast. We shared stories, fed each other bites, and laughed till our stomachs ached.

🌙 Evening Return – But Hearts Stayed Back

As the day neared its end, we walked back to the village, soaked and satisfied. On our way back to Surat, we stopped for dinner – not because we were hungry, but because none of us wanted this day to end.

🧡 More Than a Trip – A Celebration of Togetherness

24 Carat Mandal isn’t just a doctors’ group – it’s a family. Every month, we meet to celebrate joy, share moments, and keep our bonds alive. This August gathering was different – it was nature’s playground, a day away from clinics and chaos, a reminder that life is best lived when shared.

Special thanks to Dr. Nitin Kanani for organising this beautiful experience. Medha gave us not just waterfalls, but waterfalls of emotions, laughter, and everlasting memories.

💬 Have you ever gone on a monsoon trek with your friends or colleagues? Tell us in the comments below. And if not – maybe it’s time you plan one soon.

Sunday, 14 July 2024

A Memorable Journey to Bilipudi Waterfall: A Day of Adventure and Nature

 

Discovering the Hidden Gem: Bilipudi Waterfall

On July 14, 2024, we embarked on an exciting journey to Bilipudi Waterfall, also known as Jodiya Waterfall, located in Bilipudi village near Dharmapur. Our adventure began at 12 PM from home, with a packed homemade lunch of bhakhri, vaghareli khichdi, buttermilk, and pickles.


Lunch Amidst Nature

En route, we found a serene spot under the shade of a tree to enjoy our lunch amidst nature. The peaceful environment and delicious food set the perfect tone for the rest of our journey.



Hiking to Bilipudi Waterfall

We arrived at the base of Bilipudi Waterfall at 3:30 PM and parked our car. The hike to the waterfall was a 2 km trail, taking about 20-30 minutes. Along the way, we marveled at the natural beauty surrounding us, taking breaks to rest and enjoy snacks like tat and kachi keri with mithu marchu.

Thrills at Jodiya Waterfall

Upon reaching Jodiya Waterfall, we changed into our swimming costumes and revelled in the refreshingly cold waters. The thrill of swimming under the cascading waterfall and the picturesque scenery made for an unforgettable experience. We captured countless photos to commemorate our adventure.






The Journey Back

After spending an hour enjoying the waterfall, we made our way back to the base, cherishing the memories of our hike and the fun we had. This journey to Bilipudi Waterfall was truly memorable, blending adventure, natural beauty, and the joy of being in the great outdoors.

Tuesday, 9 July 2024

Journey to the Himalayas: Trekking Adventure Begins Part 1

 

28 June Day 1: The Journey Begins

On June 28th, our adventure kicked off with an early morning flight from Surat to Delhi. Shailesh Pansuriya and I arrived at Surat Airport by 6:30 AM. After checking in, we enjoyed a hearty breakfast at Geetha Restaurant. Our Indigo flight was on time, and we departed at 8:30 AM, landing in Delhi by 10:30 AM. From there, we caught our connecting flight to Srinagar, arriving at 2:00 PM.


Upon collecting our luggage, we took a taxi to Hotel Nehru, located near Gate 14 at Dal Lake. After checking in and refreshing ourselves, we dined at Laziz Hotel, savoring a delicious meal of lotus root, Kashmiri pulao, and raita.

Evening Delight: Shikara Ride

In the evening, we embarked on a Shikara ride. Our boat, named Canada, was guided by a cooperative uncle who described all the points of interest and took us to the floating Meena Bazaar. Along the way, we enjoyed a fruit dish, did some shopping, and much more while leisurely riding the Shikara. Our last stop was Nehru Park before being dropped off at Gate 14. We returned to our hotel by 8 PM, and after a short rest, we explored the evening beauty of Dal Lake. We indulged in evening snacks of dahi puri and papdi chaat, ending our day around 11:00 PM.







29 June Day 2: Exploring Srinagar and Beginning the Trek

The next morning, we enjoyed a fulfilling breakfast of chole puri, mango juice, upma, and a fruit dish. Our first stop was the Shankaracharya Temple, followed by a visit to the picturesque Nishat Garden.

By 12 PM, we reached the Punjabi Hatti near Gate 2 at Dal Lake, ready to start our trekking adventure with Bikat Adventures. This marked the beginning of an exciting and unforgettable journey through the breathtaking landscapes of Srinagar.




Join us as we uncover hidden gems, experience the local culture, and embark on thrilling trekking adventures. Stay tuned for more updates from our incredible journey!

part 2 is continue 
the adventure journey of KGL