Blogs from Panchgani, Maharashtra, India, Asia

Monotony and routines can quickly catch with someone who has the travel bug! The 9 to 5 schedules, the meetings, the same ole TV serials!! You are yearning to break out of it and are just waiting for the first opportunity!! That's when it happens! Something similar happened to me last month. I spent my birthday in the city doing almost the same thing i would do on another given day. That's when i decided i needed to get out. Even if it was for a day! The occasion presented itself in the form of a close friend's birthday! I knew about this Eco Camp in Panchgani. A small hill station about 100 kilometers from Pune. Panchgani means Five (Panch) Hills (Gani). Thus you will find yourself nestled amidst 5 hills each of which have a ... read more

We left Mumbai early in the morning by train from the massive Gothic inspired railway station for the four hour trip up into the Western Ghats. Our first Indian train trip was enjoyable - you find the right platform and train, check that you actually have a seat by checking the computer printout which is pasted on the side of each carriage and load your bags aboard. The train started right on time - no announcement was made so there was a rush as everybody dived on as it started to move - and we headed out of Mumbai through endless rows of tin shacks and high rises. The fun started once we arrived in the city of Pune, at the base of the Ghats and known throughout the Western World as being the home of ... read more

The last few days have been quieter ones here at the Initiatives for Change (MRA) Asia Plateau compound near the bustling mountain town of Panchgani. It has been a special time of reflection and building of relationships for both of us. Alexia and I are sharing rooms with Anjali and Tim respectively, Anjali being the sister of my brother-in-law, Adam. One memorable experience for me was attending a midnight church service at the small local Anglican Church in the town. The Church itself is a beautiful little building tucked away on the outskirts of town. Built in 1904, it has been lovingly maintained by the small minority community of Christians. The minister is a very passionate bloke. His sermon was full of conviction and honesty, even if it lacked a little in delivery and planning. Listening ... read more

First Day in Panchgani. Arrived last night knackered, battered, starved and frozen after a days journeying through valleys and mountains and roads less travelled. Panchgani is so far a haven for our souls and senses. I feel right at home here, very comfortable and it’s so nice to have Belle, Bek and Adam here. It will give us a real chance to bond. Belle is working on my hair right now, giving me a special do, in time for tea! Andy is lying on the Bed, totally captivated by “Shantaram” (aren’t we all?) “Initiatives for Change” is our host at Asia Plateau and with what I have seen so far, it’s a pretty good concept, I’m impressed by the architecture, the elaborate Gardens, there is even an Oval for Andy to run his laps in the ... read more