:: Travel

Stunning views make Khandala a special place

Suneil Shetty

With lives being so stressful and a rush for everything, it’s important to take a break to refresh your energies. I find travelling the biggest stress buster, and like to take short breaks whenever I can. It doesn’t have to be an exotic foreign destination, you can go anywhere close by for a short break. Or go for a long trip across our country; there is so much to see here itself. And travelling within India can be much cheaper than travelling abroad. So I find it difficult to pinpoint one favourite holiday destination, as most of the places I have been to are very special for different reasons. But the key to enjoy your holiday is leaving all your worries and work aside.

One of my favourite holiday spots would be my home in Khandala, not very far from Mumbai. I like going there when I feel that I need to beat the rush of the city. Khandala and Lonavala are two neighbouring hill stations, quaint little towns which have a lot to offer besides fresh, rejuvenating air and cooler climes especially in the summer. There are several points, which have become tourist attractions due to the stunning views of the neighbouring hills and the sunset especially. You can go for treks or enjoy waterfalls in their full bloom in the monsoon. I also like settling down for a coffee or a brunch on lazy Sundays at the beautifully located Fariyas here.

Goa has been another favourite holiday spot for me. If the purpose of travelling is to have a good time, Goa is the place to go to. You don’t have to go to a foreign country just for the sake of it and burn a hole in your pocket. Instead you can book yourself in one of the old Goan cottages and have a good time. That’s what I like to do when I am there. I think I have explored a lot of beaches in Goa, the bustling ones in the North to the quiet ones in the South. They all have their own charm and energy. When I am in Goa I prefer to laze around on the beach, doing nothing much, read a little, go for a swim and soak in the sun. But there’s a lot that Goa has to offer besides the beaches, the interiors too are absolutely stunning. The old Goan villas add to the character of the place, the churches in old Goa are comparable to the best in Europe in their design and history. If you like partying, there are night hotspots where you can let your hair down and dance till the wee hours of the morning. But the real party happens on the beach though, where you will meet people from across the planet coming together adding to the joie-de-vivre of the place. And the food is amazing. If you love seafood this is the place to come to. Try the local dishes in any of the shacks which offer mouth-watering food at extremely reasonable prices.

If you are a beach bum, Bali isn’t too far and has great beaches. If you don’t go during peak tourist season, you are likely to find resorts and cottages for really cheap prices. And shopping at the flea markets here is a great experience, even if you are not a shopping fan. And then of course there is New York, who doesn’t love it and Europe, with its wealth of travelling destinations.

As told to Ajay Surya