Manali Diaries - Aleo village

 Manali - Aleo Village

Dates: 09th April 2026

Adventurers : Irish & Stuti Pereira

Driver : Mr. Kamlesh Verma (Mob : 98058 37732)

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Prologue:
It was quick trip to Manali from 08th April to 10th April 2026. Being onset of summers in Manali, we never expected any snowfall activity. However when we reached Manali on 08th April, the weather forecast had changed by Grace of Almighty. 

On day 1, we visited Gulaba and enjoyed live snowfall.

After spending day 2 enjoying snow at Sethan, our driver Mr. Kamlesh Verma invited us to his home. We were also curious to know about his village.  

The Aleo village is 3 kms from Manali Mall on Naggar Road. It falls on the way at base of Sethan mountain. It is small beautiful village with Apple orchards, mustard fields and cherry trees. We visted Apple garden to find Apple flowers. The Apple season was soon arriving. There we also saw walnut tree, cheery tree. The village is home to sheep grazers, livestock owners etc.

The home of Kamlesh brother was three storied and their balcony on 2nd floor has beautifil view of Manali. It was peaceful and serene village. After having quick tea, we bid adieu to his family consiting of his wife and daughter Ria.

Beautiful Apple orchad

In Mustard field

With Cherry Tree

Pic with Kamlesh Brother

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For more of my treks and traveloques you can check my blog. https://irishpereiraonthego.blogspot.in/

Happy Trekking, Keep Exploring!!!!

Manali Diaries - Sethan Jobra

 

Manali Diaries - Sethan Jobra

Dates: 09th April 2026

Adventurers : Irish & Stuti Pereira

Driver : Mr. Kamlesh Verma (Mob : 98058 37732)

Prologue:
It was quick trip to Manali from 08th April to 10th April 2026. Being onset of summers in Manali, we never expected any snowfall activity. However when we reached Manali on 08th April, the weather forecast had changed by Grace of Almighty.  

On day 1, we explored Gulaba and enjoyed live snowfall. It was mind-blowing experience. The day one was mostly rainy in Manali town and snowy in higher altitudes.

On day 2, It was slow morning with bright sunlight (unlike day 1) This is what we had prayed for the last night. After basking in the morning light on terrace, we had breakfast. The plan for today was either Sissu via Atal Tunnel or Sethan village. As it had snowed yesterday, the Atal tunnel was closed for 2x2 vehicles. Hence we decided to explore Sethan village.

We started around 11:45 AM and it is 14 km 1 hour journey from Manali with partial off-roading.

The weather was still dynamic and bright sunlight in the morning turned cloudy as we were on the way to Sethan. It is typical uphill journey with 36 curved turns. The road is full mud and rocks. On the route we have hobbit rooms with curved domes. 

Sethan is small village Sethan Village is a small, offbeat Buddhist hamlet perched at an altitude of about 2700 metres (9250 feet) in the Hamta Valley of Himachal Pradesh. Located just 12 to 15 kilometers from Manali, it is famous for its panoramic views of the Dhauladhar and Pir Panjal ranges and is renowned as the "Igloo Village" of India during winter. 

The village transforms into a snowy paradise. It is a popular destination for skiing, snowboarding, and staying in authentic igloos. 

Few kilometers ahead lies Jobra Village, which is the starting point of Hampta pass trek. We had fun on the high slopes of Jobra. There we witnessed the second live snowfall. It was a dreamy place altogether. Words fall short to describe the vibes of that place.

After having fun on the snow covered slopes, we slided downhill to explore the dam with hydro electric power plant.

By the time we were hungry and had lunch at local shack. We had Egg toast and Maggie. Believe me when i say that maggie tastes awesome on mountains with snowy weather.

Then around 3:30 PM we bid adieu to Jobra. 

Enroute we explored the Pandu Ropa. The believed to be inhabited by Pandavas during their Vanvaas.

Stuti with Hamta pass trek route

Hot Bread Omlette 

Hydroeletric dam

Pandu Ropa

Hobbit rooms

Manali viewed from Sethan

Kullu Valley far off

For more of my treks and traveloques you can check my blog. https://irishpereiraonthego.blogspot.in/

Happy Trekking, Keep Exploring!!!!

Manali Diaries - Live snowfall at Gulaba

 

Winter tour to Manali -  Live snowfall at Gulaba 

At Gulaba Checkpost with our Car

Dates: 08th April 2026

Adventurers : Irish & Stuti Pereira

Driver : Mr. Kamlesh Verma (Mob : 98058 37732)

Prologue:
It was quick trip to Manali from 08th April to 10th April 2026. Being onset of summers in Manali, we never expected any snowfall activity. However when we reached Manali on 08th April, the weather forecast had changed by Grace of Almighty. And it was chilly rainy morning when we reached Manali. 

On day 1, we actually had plans to explore Sissu through ATAL TUNNEL. However due to rainfall, there was heavy snowfall expected on higher regions of Manali. Due to which only 4x4 vehicles were allowed past Solang valley.

While strolling on mall road post breakfast, multiple drivers approached us to ferry us to Sissu by 4x4. However charges they quoted were very high. We decided to go back to hotel and then decide further plans. 

Then one driver approached us and offered us to explore Gulaba on Rohtang pass route. He expected high chances of snowfall there. The charges he quoted appeared reasonable. Then within half an hour, the driver picked us up from our hotel - Vista Resort.

Before starting the car we prayed to Almighty to guide us and to avail us beautiful snowfall. It was there we got know that the driver also happened to Christian believer. Then he was our driver and guide for next 3 days till departure and brother for lifetime.

It is an hour journey to Gulaba. Initially it was raining at Manali when we started. However as we gained height, the rain covered into snowy flakes. And by the time we reached Gulaba check post, it was fully fledged snowfall. 

What a wonderful moment it was !!!! It was a dream come true by Grace of Almighty. Or else who would have thought of full snowfall in summer. 

Our guide Kamlesh warned us to spend around 45 minutes as more snowfall will clog the roads affecting our return journey. As we had 2x2 Maruti Celerio, it would get tricky if too much snow covers the road. 

There having fun in snow for an hour, we had some maggie at local shack. Believe me when i say that the maggie tastes more tasty in mountains. 

Then we hurriedly started back to Manali before snowfall covered the roads. 

Summary : It was a dream come true to enjoy live snowfall in summers in Manali. We were out of words to describe the moment. All Thanks to Almighty God who made it possible. It is HE who controls the climate.

Fun in live snowfall

Stuti with Snowman

Maggi taste awesome in mountains

For more of my treks and travelogues you can check my blog. https://irishpereiraonthego.blogspot.in/

Happy Trekking, Keep Exploring!!!!

Taj Mahal - Agra

 Taj Mahal - Agra

Dates: 07th April 2026

Adventurers : Irish & Stuti Pereira

Prologue:
It was quick trip to Agra on 07th April & Manali from 08th April to 10th April 2026. Being onset of summers, the trip was planned in early April to avoid rush at both the above place after school vacations start.

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The trip was planned to cover Agra first on the way to Delhi and we wanted to travel by Rajdhani Express to Delhi from Mumbai. Till now all our travelling to Delhi was by Flight. 

It was half day tour to Agra from morning and then travel to Delhi in Evening. And then take overnight bus from Delhi to Manali in night.

We boarded Rajdhani Express from CSMT at 16:00 on Monday wherein I was working half day. 

Rajdhani Express at CSMT Mumbai

The food and services in 3AC was nice. After peaceful night sleep, the train dropped us at Agra sharp at 7:30 am.

As we had only time till 3 pm, we had planned to cover 3 main points namely The Taj Mahal, Agra Fort and Itmad ud Daula followed by lunch.

As directed by a railway staff at Station, we booked a half day cab from Agra. It cost us INR 1150. We preferred booked cab to avoid waiting times and cover the points within time.

On way we first had Matka tea enroute Taj Mahal. Our driver dropped us a Taj Mahal junction on West gate. We hired a guide to get detailed information and also get priority entry across gates.

We entered the Taj complex through East Gate. The east gate has less rush as compared to all other gates. The Entry ticket is INR 50 person.

Entry from East Gate

The Taj Mahal in its first view is magnificent and glorious; very true to the hype around it. It is a real Marvel that camera could not justify. We strolled to garden near the main complex. However avoided the Mausoleum which require one to wear shoes covers. 

                

                                                                                

                   

Taj Mahal Agra is basically an Mausoleum built by Mughal emperor Jehangir in memory of his wife Mumtaj (Taj Mahal derived its name from Mumtaj)

We visited the visitors complex on east side. There were many couples hustling for videos and reels with their partners along with Taj Mahal.

                      

                         

                           

                                                          

                        

                                                     

                                                                                 

                          

Click with our Guide

It is said that Taj Mahal can be seen in 4 different colours depending on time of day you are watching at.

After dozens of clicks and videos, we bid adieu to the place.

Exiting again through East Gate, we reached the parking point. Enroute we shopped in local Meena bazar shop for Banboo Saree for my wife. We avoided the famous panchi petha sweet of Agra as we were to proceed to Manali after Agra and didn't wanted to increase our luggage.

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Later in that day we visited Mehtab Bagh in northern side of Taj Mahal. The Entry fee to garden is INR 50 per person. It provides the best view of Taj Mahal across the Yamuna River. It is best visited in evening. They had specifically developed prominade for the same. The clicks here are awesome and serene.

View from Mehtab Bagh Prominade

Tips to those want to visit Taj Mahal.

1 . Please plan your trip early morning (to avoid rush and nice clicks)

2. West gate is perrenially crowded. Instead get a buggy to take you to East Gate which provides quick entry. Also you can book tickets online to avoid waiting in queue at the gate.

3. Agra is highly commercialized with guides, the buggy drivers to shopkeepers all trying to dupe the tourists (Sad reality, but true)

4. Dont hire a guide unless required if you want enjoy the Taj  complex leisurely. These part time guides charge hefty amounts and would rush through many points so that they could finish and get another clients. Even if hired one, please don't pay above INR 200 per person.

5. Also there guides will keeping directing you to  shop at Meena Bazar shops which have Marbel artifacts, mini Taj Mahal souvenirs, sarees/ dresses and Petha sweet. (Please note that they have commission for each of your purchases)

Summary:

It was wonderful morning exploring the 7th wonder if the world. It is huge, magnificent and beautiful beyond description.

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Epilogue:

After Taj Mahal, we proceeded to our next stop at Agra fort, Mehtab Bagh and finally at Imad Ud Daula.

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For more of my treks and traveloques you can check my blog. https://irishpereiraonthego.blogspot.in/

Happy Trekking, Keep Exploring!!!!

New Martin's Hotel - Colaba

Gastronomic funda:  Non veg food trip to Goan Restaurant in Mumbai

Date : 26th February 2025

Address: 21, Glamour House, Strand Road, Near Strand Cinema, Colaba, Mumbai

Gastronomers: 4

Damages: INR 650

Restaurant Ratings 

Food quality: 5 / 5

Ambience: 4 /5

Service: 4 /5

Parking : Available

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Prologue:  It was lazy Saturday when we had planned trip to South Mumbai and we had a stop at Merwan's for morning breakfast.

This place is nostalgic and  i cherish sweet memories while working at South Mumbai office. It is a jump away place from Gateway of India in South Mumbai.

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After boat ride at Gateway of India, we decided to explore local Goan food. Being nearby, New Martins Hotel was preferred. 

We reached the restaurant at around 1:00 PM. 

We were welcomed by heavy flow of food aroma of crispy fried fish which got us salivating and our tastes buds activated.

It is a small joint with comparatively less sitting area (20 seats) where local Goan and Catholic folks dine. There is usually rush during lunch and dinner hours.

The service time here is quick and food here is tasty.

Few dishes we tried here were :

1. Steak, Onions and Chips

2. Surmai Fry

3. Pork pulav 

4. Omlette and Chips

All 4 dishes were awesome and delicious. The steak was evenly cooked and served with potato wedges. The Surmai Fry was the showstopper and deserved Burping Applause. Kids were served by Omlette and potato chips.

 

It is most recommended place for Goan and Mangolerian dishes. 

 

Boat ride around Gateway of India 

Menu

Steak, Onions and Chips

Surmai fry

The Entrance 

Epilogue:  To sum up it was wonderful Goan lunch which was easy on pocket in the South Mumbai.

Disclaimer: The above restaurant in review was personally visited by Irish Pereira wherein he has paid for the full bill & does not believe in featured / sponsored reviews. The reviewer believes in anonymously visiting a hotel to present an honest account of all the factors to you.

Happy Eating, Keep Exploring!!!