It was a beautiful morning and I was as eager as a beaver to start our much awaited trip to Mahabaleshwar and Panchgani.We have been there earlier but this trip was special because of two reason
First this time we were not going to explore but to rest and relax.
Second our place of stay was a suprise planned by master of surprises-my dear husband Vaibhav.
So on a very early morning of 2nd Oct 2014 we started our journey by road which surprisingly turned out even more fun filled than expected when we met friends and enjoyed scrumptious vada pav and other goodies on the way.
For the next few hours I was quite restless awaiting to reach our mysterious destination surprise.I had numerous thoughts playing soccer in my brain e.g it will be resort..or a solitary little cottage...or a normal hotel...but knowing my husband and remembering that in the past we have been to all such places I was expecting something different.And when we reached there my expectations we so perfectly met.
We had reached our destination.We had our car parked in front of a big metal door which was being opened by a very friendly watchman subedaarji. He was sweet enough to call us twice while we were on our way to confirm when will we reach and to reassure us that he will help us find the way to this lovely place.
Just when you enter Dhun Heta you start realizing that you are entering in the arms of nature which are opened with love.This heritage bungalow built in 1914 is lush green and has a lot of history under its roof.
When we entered we were greeted by a very friendly staff member Sharadji who is the cook at Dhun Heta and great one at that.
First this time we were not going to explore but to rest and relax.
Second our place of stay was a suprise planned by master of surprises-my dear husband Vaibhav.
So on a very early morning of 2nd Oct 2014 we started our journey by road which surprisingly turned out even more fun filled than expected when we met friends and enjoyed scrumptious vada pav and other goodies on the way.
For the next few hours I was quite restless awaiting to reach our mysterious destination surprise.I had numerous thoughts playing soccer in my brain e.g it will be resort..or a solitary little cottage...or a normal hotel...but knowing my husband and remembering that in the past we have been to all such places I was expecting something different.And when we reached there my expectations we so perfectly met.
We had reached our destination.We had our car parked in front of a big metal door which was being opened by a very friendly watchman subedaarji. He was sweet enough to call us twice while we were on our way to confirm when will we reach and to reassure us that he will help us find the way to this lovely place.
Just when you enter Dhun Heta you start realizing that you are entering in the arms of nature which are opened with love.This heritage bungalow built in 1914 is lush green and has a lot of history under its roof.
When we entered we were greeted by a very friendly staff member Sharadji who is the cook at Dhun Heta and great one at that.
Taking a step inside this beautiful bungalow is like taking a step back in history .Originally this colonial bungalow was built in 1914 by an Englishman which was then sold to a Nawab and eventually this place was bought by Mrs Manujeh Patell on 20th April 1942.She renamed the bungalow after her children. And her children have done an excellent job of maintaining this stunning property.
After a long drive Vaibhav retired to our comfy and cosy room to catch up on some much required nap.And the curious me started exploring the bungalow.I was fascinated to see antiques and old furniture.And think about all the history connected to them brought a smile on my face.
While going around my eyes fixated on the small but good collection of books on the bookshelf and I selected a book to read for next two days of my liking.
I spent next few hours sitting and reading on the sofa laid in the verandah surrounded by nature.The only sounds I could hear were the birds chirping and squirrels playing around on the trees.In the evening we got ready to a trip to table land which is just 10 minutes walking distance from the bungalow after having hot cups of tea made by Sharadji.After looking at a beautiful sunset from the edge of tableland we got quite anxious to return back to Dhun Heta.
Next morning we woke up to receive hot and delicious breakfast prepared by Sharadji and spent the afternoon just relaxing and exploring the property,It has a total of three houses and the bungalow is filled with family history and memories in the form of photographs and old antique furniture.
Also in the old pantry which is currently not being used we saw this refrigerator belonging to the year 1942.
The bungalow is so old yet the staff has done such a good job that we didn't find a trace of dust/dirt anywhere. The enthralling thing about this bungalow is the the sense of belonging it provides its guests with.
We had to leave next morning fully relaxed but yet with heavy hearts.While leaving we had a good look at this gorgeous place and promised to ourselves to come back soon :).
