A family reunion in Mahabaleshwar!

We all know that family trips are exciting affairs. They're noisy, they are fun, they are exciting, and most of all, they bring a family together, giving each one a time to relax and connect with each other. A trip to the stunningly beautiful, scenic hill station in the state of Maharashtra, India, was just what all of us needed - a break from our daily affairs, to relax and rewind in the lush green, rainy, charming, and sophisticated little town of Mahabaleshwar.

A trip with all your family - Noisy, yet oddly peaceful.

It was just about 2 days ago when our whole family left from Pune city, in cramped little bus. Leaving the busy metropolis of Pune, the lovely, rainy weather, the absolutely scenic countryside, and the lush greenery of the Western Ghats were few of the perks of travelling to Mahabaleshwar by road. The best part was, that as we entered the town limits, the beauty of the surroundings seemed to double, to such an extent that even the road signs looked beautiful. As we went further into the city, he town market, near the pristine Venna lake was abuzz with excitement. It was full of tourists, who were getting a break from the heat of the Indian summer in the huge cities, as well as locals, who were just going about their daily business. The market was full of souvenirs, and fresh, organic produce, straight from the farm. Such was the quality of the produce, that the vegetables and fruits anywhere else would taste insipid compared to these.

Entering the town!

A description of this town would not be complete without a mention of the rain, and the greenery. I get excited on sight of a few drops of rain in Dubai. In Mahabaleshwar, there were three continuous days of rain. It was a relief from the burning 50 degrees Celsius in the UAE, trust me. The rainy season also tends to make every food taste twice as much delicious. There is nothing like eating freshly roasted, namak-nimbu wala sweetcorn, or having some onion pakoras with a sweet cup of milky tea, while it's raining. But, having a cup of Nescafe coffee with local strawberries with cream was an experience, best described as HEAVENLY.

 

Freshly fried onion fritters with sweet, milky tea. UNBEATABLE.

 

Roasted corn with lime and salt!

For the environment here, even a word like 'HEAVENLY ', falls short. Beautiful waterfalls, crystal-clear streams, the extensive flora and fauna and to top it all, hidden watering holes and river confluences make Mahabaleshwar one of the most beautiful destinations in India.

A hidden little water hole, covered by the trees.

 

The family that made this trip happen.

But, in reality, sharing this experience with my dad's entire family, including my grandparents and all my cousins, made the whole trip amazing. Playing football in the rain, pigging out on street food, and just being together as a family, are memories which will always be cherished.

Thank you, to all the Borles who made this trip, absolutely amazing.
We will be back, pakka!