First Outing as a Family - Niki, Shivin & I

It had been a while since Niki and I had been on a trip together and certainly never for Shivin in his little time in the world so far!

 

Niki found this place called Wilderness Nest – in the Chorla ghats on the way to Goa, only about an hour’s drive from Khanapur. Was not sure how it would turn out to be, but it turned out extremely well and was a very pleasant stay in the end.

I had just come back from Bangalore after collecting the VISAS and we left after ensuring we had packed every thing that Shivin might need.

The drive was a nice one, but be on the lookout since you might miss it if you are not looking attentively. An open top Mahindra Scorpio transfers you from the highway near the car park into the cottages a kilometer deep into the Jungle.

The view from the room was breathtaking. It is on the edge of the valley and overlooks a very large and deep waterfall. But sadly being this time of the year, there was very little water. Large floor to ceiling glass windows and a nice balcony made it even better.

 

Lunch was good and very traditional Konkani food. Served in earthen ware, it was a decent spread and was good. The Solkadi was very refreshing & amazing!

 

A nice relaxed lunch followed by spending some time sitting beside the swimming pool which was an infinite pool with a great view. But!! But!! The water was freezing and only Shivin had the enthusiasm and the courage to enter the water. The kid loves water and enjoyed playing in it while I held on to him! J

I took a nice little afternoon siesta while Niki Shivin and Mummy went exploring the Mehendi art etc.

Evening we went on a short hike of 30 minutes to the sunset point. Golu fell asleep on the way and it was a nice walk on a steep path, but guess I needed the exercise. However, the view from the top was amazing. Deep valleys, a nice glowing-red setting sun and a nice winter early evening breeze was heavenly. Hurried back before it would get too dark in the treeline.

The special event for the evening was a folk dance by some local women. The ladies must have been in the late 40s and 50s, but their fitness and agility would shame even the youngest of the guests. Niki also joined them in their dance and it was a pretty jolly affair and everyone enjoyed quite a bit.

Then some nice hot dinner – the fish fry and kheer stood out especially!

Retired to a well deserved night of sleep with the soothing chirping of insects in the valley and forest around us.

Morning up early as Golu does it everyday irrespective of where he is and how late he has slept. Took him on a short walk before getting ready for breakfast. Others did go for a trek to the waterfall but it would have been too long at 6kms with Shivin, so we decided to stay back and explore the resort a bit more and of course his swimming pool!

Shivin's experience with a monkey that decided to show up outside our room was so interesting - he was both excited and scared as the monkey lunged towards the glass windows.

Spent some nice peaceful moments and finally headed back at around noon to our next stop – lunch at Pandu’s house in Jamboti!

Am glad we picked up the place. It was well worth the money and we had some peaceful times.

Golu and mummy liked it as much as Niki and I did!

Hopefully we get to make many such visits in future all over the world.