When in Bangalore, shop here

You know what I really like about my new job is that it allows me to travel to different parts of the country every month. Being a marketing professional, one needs to be in constant touch with her consumers all across the country. So whenever I travel, I try to make some time for checking out some famous places in that city for shopping and eating.

This time around I went to Bangalore. so after Googling a lil bit I had 3 options to choose from UB City Mall, M G Road and Commercial street. UB City as you may know is a mall that houses all luxury brands from Jimmy Choo to Zegna it has it all. Thus, besides window shopping and checking out the architecture I wouldn't really have been able to buy anything. So I finally decided to go to Commercial street as I also wanted to check out the Mysore Saree Udyog (as I feel that one should buy things that are usually famous in that particular place, case in point Mysore silk sarees). Besides Commercial street also has some street shops, tiny handicraft stores as well as Silver jewellery shops where you get silver for lesser.

So below are the things I bought:

Mysore silk crepe saree with chiffon wrinkling effect bought from Mysore Saree Udyog. This gorgeous sea green saree although plain will look very elegant when paired with a gold tissue blouse and a statement necklace or a string of pearls ( a la Maharani Gayatri Devi). Priced at Rs 2070 it makes for a good gift for moms/sisters incase one is not much into wearing sarees. They had a lot of shades in this and there was another pink shaded saree too in the same style that caught my eye.

This multi coloured light brocade material will make for an excellent blouse and the best part - It will match most of the sarees one has.All one needs to do is place a plain light gold border on the sleeves and give some danglers on the back. This again was bought from Mysore Saree Udyog. Price - Rs 630 per metre.
what I really liked about this store is that it has a lot of variety in terms of the designs, embroidery work and price range. And they have lot of things to offer to also those who are not interested in Mysore silk like Lucknowi, Kantha work materials etc

There are also KSIC and Deepam silk sarees stores at M G Road for people who are looking out for something more traditional and have more money to shell out

I was looking for a statement ring since ages and have fully searched stores like Aldo accessories and Forever New. However nothing seems to fit my thin fingers. So when I finally chanced upon this butterfly silver ring at a silver shop in the jewellry street I readily bought it. Priced moderately at Rs 900 for pure silver.

As I mentioned earlier Commercial Street also has some street shopping to do. I have recently joined Zumba in which I need to wear shoes and I have run out of socks. When I saw these cute colourful socks being sold at Rs 100 for 3 I just couldn't stop myself from buying them.

Here's my last buy were these nude chappals with some sequins from good ol Bata. Price - Rs 499. Pair them with anything and wear them casually or at work.

P.S. - While you are there please don't forget to have those thick but soft dosas that are a far cry from the thin crispy ones that you get in Mumbai and some Filter coffee. I went to Kadamba veg for my dose of the same and must I say I just devoured my food,

Care for a weekend out?

So after a gap of some 2 years I decide to revisit my blog and give it the attention it needs.And a lot has changed in my life since then. I am now almost a year into my marriage :) and a month into my new job. Yes! settling into both these new aspects of my life have kept me busy and also given a couple of good topics to write about. But that shall come a little later. What I really want to talk about is about travel in this post.(Remember I had written about doing a post on my love for travel here? Well, here it is.)

So I was looking at some options on the net for a weekend getaway from Mumbai, something romantic to celebrate a special occassion. The options available under the best romantic places are the regular and may I say a little boring namely Lonavla, Matheran Panchgini etc. So I researched a little more and got some interesting options from here and there and decided to put down my small list here. Although, I have never been to any of the places mentioned below, thought it would be of some help to couples looking out for a short break close to Mumbai.

Malhar Machi, Pune



What works?
This resort also known as Mountain Resort is built near the Mulshi Dam around the Sahyadris and is close to Pune. What appealed the most to me about this place is that it is rustic, natural and yet a little modern in terms of its amenities and architecture (Check out the 4 poster bed in the Maharaja Room to know what I mean). It was also recently covered by Lonely Planet.

For more info visit http://www.malharmachi.com

Beyond @ Sula Vineyards, Nashik


What works?
This may not be a full fledged resort but it definitely is one of the rare wineries in the country that provide a stay option this good. Combine it with an infinity pool (claimed by their website), a romantic view of the hills and some cycling/walking in their vineyard makes it a must visit for all wine lovers and a good option for couples. They also have a villa with a private pool for groups.

For more info visit www.sulawines.com/Stay/

Fort Jadhavgarh, Pune


What works?
This heritage fort built in the 18th century, provides for a beautiful backdrop to your weekend getaway. Apart from exploring the Maratha fort one can also visit the nearby forts and temples. The fort provides stay options in terms of tents and rooms. Going by the reviews I would recommend people to opt for the rooms. The fort also provides some fun activities on request.

For more info visit www.fortjadhavgadh.com/

The Machan, Lonavla



What works?
The Machan is a luxury eco-resort with unique tree houses rising 30 - 45 feet above the forest. This place is apt for nature lovers and will give them an excellent opportunity to get close to it with their partners. Whether it is enjoying the sun rise/ sun set from your private deck, or going on nature trails or bird watching, the resort sure gives you umpteen options to escape into your surroundings.

For more info visit www.themachan.com

So ya, this is my list. Do feel free to add to the list in my comments section :)