• “There is more treasure in books than in all the pirate's loot on Treasure Island.” ― Walt Disney

Raising a young bookworm is a bit like living with a mini librarian - except this librarian has absolutely zero chill about sharing plot spoilers and will lecture you for days if you dare skip a chapter. While other kids are sneaking cookies, mine's sneaking an extra chapter at bedtime and rolling her eyes at me for not knowing all seven Horcruxes by heart. And don’t even get me started on discussions about why Dumbledore had to die and the evil Dursleys and aunt Petunia. Yes, my child’s love for books is both a joy and a constant reminder that I need to brush up on my fantasy literature...just to keep up! And, that's not all...the real pain is when she decides to plan her birthday parties based on these book themes...which means, suddenly, I'm running errands hunting for the right outfit, wands, potion bottles, wizarding props for a Hogwarts makeover...and the list goes on! Wish I could hire Dobby as a party planner.

When she decided to be Hermione Granger on her Birthday, and we had a tough time finding a Hogwarts sweatshirt😀

Well, watching your child fall in love with reading is one of the most fulfilling experiences for a parent. Inculcating reading habits in a child has always been one of my parenting goals. Over the years, she has read multiple books, mostly fairytales. However, on her 8th birthday, she fell in love with the wizarding world of Harry Potter series that we gifted her. And since then, all the discussions revolve around the life at Hogwarts. Now, at 10 years old, she has devoured classics like 'The Chronicles of Narnia', 'The Hobbit', and countless other stories that have broadened her imagination. So, here are some challenges of raising a bibliophile. 

The Challenges of Raising a Bibliophile:

Books - Best travel Companions!

Tips for Encouraging a Lifelong Love for Reading:

As we look forward to the coming years, I’m excited to watch her literary journey unfold. Books have already given her a lifetime of experiences, emotions, and friendships with characters. I know there will be new genres, authors, and stories that will captivate her just as Harry Potter, Narnia, and The Hobbit have.

Lost in her wizardry world😴

Raising an bibliophile has been a joy and privilege that's filled with both challenges and rewards. For anyone embarking on this journey, remember that each book, discussion, and reading ritual is helping shape a curious, thoughtful, and imaginative mind. Here’s to many more years of stories, characters, and adventures for all young readers!

This summer, we decided to break away from the mundane vacation spots and embarked on an offbeat thrilling adventure deep into the jungles of Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve. It was one of the best decisions as our lil' one was delighted being in the wilderness and spotting the wild in their natural habitat. It was a journey filled with awe, excitement, and unforgettable moments that we will cherish forever.

14-16 month old Cub of Tigress Vera and Tiger Xylo

Fascinating Facts About Tigers:

• Tiger Population: Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve is home to around 115 tigers including the famous ones-Tiger Xylo, Matkasur, Chota Matka, Tigress Veera, Zarani, Roma, Zunabai, Maya and more.
• Naming Tigers: Usually tigers are named by the forest officials after they complete two years of age. Until two years they are cubs.
• Lifespan: The average lifespan of a tiger is approx. 15-16 years.
• Survival Challenges: Most of the cubs die after birth due to varied reasons - hunger being one of them. Tigers starve for weeks if they don't find a prey. This is one of the reasons for their diminishing population.
• Cub Development: Until two years, the cubs stay with the mother tigress and she provides the hunt for them. Cubs usually learn hunting after two years and separate from their mother's territory.
• Territory Marking: Every tiger has its own predefined territory which they mark through scratch marks on the trees, peeing across the boundary or any other way best known to them. 

Getting There:

Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve is a Tiger Reserve having a dense forest area, and is located in the Chandrapur district in Nagpur in Maharashtra. It is accessible from Mumbai by road, rail or air.

1. Road: The drive from Mumbai to Nagpur covers approx. 850 km and takes around 12 hours with short halts. 
2. Train: The Duronto Express runs daily between Mumbai's Chatrapati Shivaji Terminus (CST) and Nagpur Junction, departing at 7:15 pm and arriving at 7:15 am the next morning.  
3. Air: Daily flights from Mumbai to Nagpur are available. However, landing timings may not always coincide with hotel check-in timings.    

Cubs enjoying their spa time

Bears mating in the bushes

Sambar Deer

One of the most rewarding aspects of this trip was seeing our child's eyes light up with wonder and excitement. The jungle safari was not just a thrilling adventure for her; it was an educational experience that brought her closer to nature and wildlife, far beyond the pages of any book. Watching her curiosity as she observed the animals in their natural habitat was a priceless experience!

All set with the picnic basket to embark on the adventure:)

Totally in love with this huge pool at Seven Tiger's Resort

• A good DSLR with sharp lens as cellphones are not allowed.
• Cellphones are deposited in an aluminum box which is kept with the guide in the gypsy. 
• It's advisable to dress in camouflage or earthy shades.
• A cap (avoid bright colour caps) and goggles is a must to avoid the heat and dust. A scarf/bandana is advisable if allergic to dust.
• Apply a generous amount of good quality sunscreen to avoid sun tan.
• Carry a picnic with you. Usually it's packed by the hotel staff but you need to inform them about your safari timings a night before. In the picnic basket, the hotel staff usually packs breakfast/fruits/light snacks and water bottles.
• You aren't allowed to get out of the gypsy except for designated breakfast and washroom spots. 
• On spotting the wild, one should stay calm and avoid screaming, imitating or chasing animals.

Choosing this off-beat vacation turned out to be one of the best decisions we've made while immersing ourselves in the raw beauty of the jungle. It's an adventure that promises not just excitement but also a profound appreciation for the wonders of the natural world.

To one heck of an adventure!😇💓

Woohoo! it's the weekend! Oh, wait... I'm a mom! 

Being a badass millennial mom, especially with a 9-year-old in tow, is like conducting a circus with a demanding ringmaster who also happens to be your offspring. It's a daily performance filled with unexpected plot twists, costume changes, and plenty of snacking - either nibbling or gobbling. From deciphering the latest reel trends to mastering the art of alpha generation lingo, we pull it off with such an ease that we deserve to be celebrated every day and not just once in a year! And let's not forget the endless negotiations over screen time, bedtime, and whether or not dudhi or gajar halwa can be considered a legitimate dessert. But amidst the chaos and the occasional meltdown we navigate the parenting journey with love, laughter, and a healthy dose of sarcasm.

Oh yeah, posing for the cam is mandatory ;)

As Mother's Day approaches, I find myself pondering upon the ups and downs of motherhood, especially with a 9-year-old daughter who has practically mastered the art of sarcasm. So, in honour of this occasion, here's my open letter to her where I share some heartfelt reflections on the rollercoaster ride we call parenting, sprinkled with a generous pinch of sarcasm.

Let's talk about the sleepless nights. Remember those? Oh, how I cherish those moments of you waking me up at 3 a.m. because you had a nightmare about unicorns stealing your toys. Well, darling, let me tell you, I had nightmares too. Nightmares about never getting a full night's sleep again.

Remember all those times when I asked you to clean your room? Yeah, I'm still waiting for that miracle to happen. It's like living in the world of Harry Potter, and waiting for some wizard to unleash it's super powers. 

Lastly, the stationary items lying in every corner of the house, and yet I having to run errands  every time the school announces some activity because inspite of having every item, we never find anything handy when needed. We only find it after the activity is over and, we have ended up purchasing a new item - may it be any basic stationary item or decorative items for your art and craft.

But despite the chaos and the occasional urge to lock myself in the bathroom and pretend I'm at a spa, I wouldn't change a single thing about being your mom. Because every tantrum, every mess, and every "Mommy, watch this!" moment reminds me that I'm the luckiest mom in the world.

So here's to you, my little hurricane of joy. Thank you for keeping me on my toes, keeping me laughing, and making me feel endlessly grateful for the privilege of being your mom!

I love you, my sugarplum 😘♥️. Keep soaring high and shining bright 🌻✨🧿.

 Travelling in the company of those we love is 'Home in Motion.' - Leigh Hunt

Our Chalet Style Cottage with a Private Garden

Bhandardara, also known as the 'Scotland of Maharashtra' is nested in the picturesque Sahyadri mountains on the western Ghats, and is surrounded with beautiful lakes, waterfalls (during monsoon), lush greenery, and scenic retreats, making it an ideal spot for summer getaways.

Getting There:

A Pro Travel Tip: If travelling from Vasai, take the Vajreshwari road instead of Thane to avoid the city traffic.

Accommodation:

We stayed in Anandvan Resort, a four star property which is one of the best resorts in Bhandardara having Swiss style Chalets that offer gorgeous view of the Arthur lake (one of the largest lakes in India) and the mountain view. It is an eco boutique resort with 22 rooms that consists of cottages, villas, tree top nest and garden studios.  

At the Entrance

The Oak Restaurant of Anandvan has an organic kitchen garden that serves fresh produce from farm to fork. Their regional cuisine is lip smacking, and a must try for every foodie. The buffet breakfast has a wide spread with authentic regional spices and flavours. One of their must try dish is 'Bharleli Vaangi' with 'Jowar Bhakari' or rice.

Bharleli Vaangi & Jowar Bhakari

Activities:

• Sighting Fireflies: The magical fireflies sighting festival is a must visit for an incredible experience. Watching the fireflies illuminate the pitch dark nights is a treat to the eyes! This sighting is usually during summers, just before the rainy season.

A blurry image of fireflies sighting

• Boating in Lake Arthur: Motor boating in the Lake Arthur gives a breathtaking view of the western Ghats. A shared boat ride lasts for about 15-20 minutes and a private boat ride is for about 30 minutes.

Boating in Arthur Lake

• Cycling: The bicycles in the resort can be used for going around or exploring the place.

Cycling inside the resort

• Indoor Games in the Clubhouse: It has a huge clubhouse that has various outdoor and indoor games such as badminton, basketball, table tennis, carrom and chess. It also has a nursery for kids.

Nursery for Kids

• Swimming: The swimming pool area at Anandvan is at the top of the resort and is an ideal spot for viewing sun rise by the pool.

The pool deck is an ideal spot for witnessing sunrise

• Star gazing: Just lying down in the garden and watching the night sky is a momentous experience!

A dusky magnificent evening

• Meditation: Simply sitting in your cottage's private pocket garden and soaking into the moment is quite meditative and recharging.

View of the lake and mountains from the private garden

Take me back...💜

"Silence is golden until you have kids but silence after having kids is suspicious."

Once you sign on to be a mom, 24/7 is the only shift they offer. Yes, indeed! 

It's Mother's Day eve, and as the lil' one is gearing up to unfold the surprises to make me feel special, the conversation starts...

Liz: Moma, what's the biggest adventure of your life?

Me: Carrying you in my tummy, and moving around effortlessly for 9 months.

Liz: Seriously, I thought a stork picked me from the heaven and left me at your doorstep.

Me: I wish that was true, it would have at least saved me from the stretch marks which I wear as a badge of honour and achievement!😉

Me, with my lil' angel 😇

Nature has bestowed a woman with one of the most precious gifts - the gift of being a mother. The experience is surreal! However, every woman is different, and it's often best to let her make her choices, and break the age old stereotype while embracing motherhood without being judgmental. 

Let her decide whether to embrace motherhood or not to.

Whether to have one child or more.  

Whether to give birth, and raise the baby or place the baby for adoption. 

Whether to embrace motherhood by conceiving or through adoption. In many cases, the later is the only option one is left with.

Whether to embrace motherhood through self conception or surrogacy. 

Whether to freeze the eggs for latter use as she focusses on her career or not to freeze.

Whether to opt for  the donor insemination or to be a single mom.

Whether to be a pet mom or to nurture a human cub.

And, lastly let her decide if she wants to continue with the pregnancy or abort it for the betterment of her mental and physical health or the impending financial matters, because nothing is more important than the well-being of a mother to nurture a healthy baby.

Pregnancy is a process, it shall pass, and so shall the postpartum phase. However, motherhood is a journey, it shall continue. 

Finally, after being a Mother, let her decide if she wants to raise the child, by being a badass mom or an easy going mom, because motherhood doesn't come with an operating manual. Its a natural instinct to protect your offspring and to provide them with the best things in life!

Here's wishing all the moms a very Happy Mother's Day! 😊

"We don't own the planet earth, we belong to it. And we must share it with our wildlife." - Steve Irwin 

Until one has loved an animal, a part of one's soul remains unawakened, and living in cities better known as concrete jungles, sighting a wildlife in their natural habitat is indeed a treat for the eyes! Over the years, wildlife sanctuaries have played a vital role in conserving all such endangered species. One such sanctuary that has been a home to various species of deer is the Deer Park in Silvassa. Lion safari is adjacent to the deer park but is separated by a few meters, and has a separate entry. This Deer Park along with the Lion Safari makes an ideal picnic spot with kids on the way to Daman and Diu. We visited this park on our way to Deltin in Daman in early June - just before the rains.

Location:

It is officially known as Satmaliya Deer Park and lies on the Khanvel road in Silvassa - the capital of the union territory, Dadra & Nagar Haveli. It is between Maharashtra and Gujarat and is about 4 hours drive from Mumbai (152 km). 

Tickets: 

For the Deer Park, the tickets are just Rs. 25 per adult and Rs. 10 for a child below 12 years. The Lion safari also charges the same.

Sighting: 

Upon taking a ticket, you are allowed to enter inside. Once inside, you can wait for the van to arrive and to take you around. The van usually comes in about 20-30 minutes after every round. The park is home to Sambhar, Chinkara, Blackbucks, spotted deer and antelopes. All these species can be easily spotted from the van as they are large in number. Van usually stops for a while for the tourist to capture good shots but they are not allowed to step out of the bus due to safety reasons. 

Many dug outs are being built inside the park, where the park volunteers go and dump food for the animals. Inside the park, there are mud trails where tourists can watch varieties of deer roaming around. Earlier, visitors could take their own car inside the park for a personal tour, but now this has been stopped to  reduce sound and noise pollution. There are government owned Gypsy Vans, which can be availed for a thirty minutes park tour. 

During holidays and weekends, try to visit early in the morning, else one might have to wait in a long queue. Moreover, one should remember that the Deer Park admits only a limited number of tourists every day. Hence, the ticket counter can refuse to give tickets if deemed required, much to anybody’s disappointment.

A little ahead of the Deer park is the Vasona Lion Safari. Unfortunately, the park is house to only one mighty Lion, and if you get lucky, you maybe able to spot it! But you may get lucky to sight different kind of birds such as Peacocks, Thrushes, Flameback Woodpecker and many more. 

The Mighty King of the Jungle

Best Time to Visit:

The park is open from 7:00 am to 6:00 pm. The best time to visit is from November to early June as rainy season is not ideal for the vans to go inside due to marshy trails. There is no online ticket booking system yet and hence, buying over the counter is the only option.

Wilderness without wildlife is just a scenery. So, love, conserve and take your children on wildlife safaris before the species become extinct.

 "The more you praise and celebrate your life, the more there is in life to celebrate." - by Oprah

Birthdays are often a reminder to celebrate your life and be thankful for every single blessing that has come your way. Its indeed a blessing to have people in life who are more excited about your special day than you are and put their heart and soul in planning things to surprise you😇.

For me, birthdays have always been a personal celebration with family👪. This year, to ring in my 36th, the man of the house and the lil' one disguised me all the way on a road trip till I spotted a hoarding that read as 'welcome to Radisson Blu in Karjat'. Voila! Just a perfect birthday weekend getaway, away from the daily hustle and bustle.  I just needed this to dive into the next year of my life!😉

Radisson Blu's Picturesque Property in Karjat

Getting There:

Karjat is on the outskirts of Mumbai and is surrounded by the picturesque Sahyadri's and is often a visual treat during the monsoons as its covered with scenic lush greenery. It is approximately 2 hours (approx. 63 kms) drive from Mumbai that makes it an ideal getaway from Mumbai. The final destination - Radisson Blu in Karjat is approx. 69 km from Mumbai.

5 Things to do in Radisson Blu in Karjat:

1. Chilling by the Pool: Just chill by the pool overlooking the beautiful mountains - it feels heavenly!  The ideal time for a swim is after 4:00 ish when the sun is about to set and the water is slightly warm.

The monsoon weather was an icing on the cake

2. Massage Therapy at Tattva Spa: Massages have always worked as a relaxing therapy for me. And there couldn't have been a better gift than a  Swedish massage to unwind and rejuvenate. The huge Buddha statue in the lobby made the  ambience quite relaxing. The spa area was well sanitized and my masseuse was well experienced, courteous and polite. Yes, I did remember Phoebe from F.R.I.E.N.D.S 😀.

The Buddha Statue in a Relaxing Pose

The Spa Reception Area

3. Rekindle the Child in you at the Game Zone: The game zone is at the back side of the resort and you can be dropped there by the staff through a buggy. Its a big game zone having a variety of games including a huge trampoline. The main game zone has bowling, foosball, air hockey and arcade games. It also has a separate kids zone.

In the game zone

4. Play Outdoor Games in the Lawn: The wide expanse makes it an ideal place for playing any outdoor games with your loved ones. 

The view from the window

5. Just Soak in the Picturesque Surrounding: The property is huge and every corner is vibrant, scenic and picturesque. Just soak in the moment and capture some good clicks to help you to take a walk down the memory lane.

Some clicks to walk down the memory lane

A glimpse of the wide spread

That's the birthday girl signing off with a bag full of sweet memories😇💜