Travel

Nestled in the heart of Gujarat, Ahmedabad city is the seventh-largest urban agglomeration in India. Its rich cultural heritage along with the contrasting flavours of food, warm people and fascinating history makes it a travel and food hub. The Sabarmati divides the city into two physically distinct eastern and western regions. The eastern bank of the river houses the old city, packed bazaars, pol system of settlements, and numerous places of worship. Declared as a World Heritage City by UNESCO in 2017, Ahmedabad or  Amdavad, as it is popularly known, has many offbeat destinations and secret locales that you can uncover during your trip. From its fascinating history, beautiful riverfront, warm people and bustling nightlife, Ahmedabad has plenty to offer the discerning tourist. Here’s our complete guide to 22 offbeat things to do in Ahmedabad. 

Ahmedabad Heritage Walk

Imagine walking into bylanes or pols of a city and gaining a fascinating insight into the colourful past and beautiful present. Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation offers you just that. With a knowledgeable guide in tow, you criss-cross the pols of Ahmedabad as he or she regales you with stories, shows you architectural delights and allows you to experience Ahmedabad for what it is. 

The ‘Mandir to Masjid’ is a 2 km long heritage walk starting from the 19th century Swaminarayan Temple Kalupur. The walk comprises 22 locations including several popular Chowks, Pols, and the famous 15th century Jama Masjid. The standard package of the walk is offered at Rs 200 per person for Indians and Rs 300 for Foreigners whereas the luxury package is provided at Rs 350 per person for Indians and Rs 450 for Foreign nationals. The Mandir to Masjid Heritage walk is one of the best things to do in Ahmedabad. 

Ambapur Ni Vav 

Ambapur ni Vav is 15th century, 5 storied step-wells known for their architectural marvel. Located close to the village Ambapur, this stepwell is a popular tourist spot located on the outskirts of Ahmedabad. Queen Rudabai Vaghela is said to have established this step well with intricate carvings that depict the amalgamation of Indian and Islamic architecture. There is no entry fee for Ambapur Ni Vav and the best time to explore this serene location is 10 am onwards. It is one of the nicest things to do in Ahmedabad in one day and you can find it relatively empty most of the time. Spend some time admiring the beauty of the intricately carved step-wells, marvel at the beautiful view or simply indulge and create some Instagram worthy content. Ambapur Ni Vav is also a great picnic spot and is a great thing to do in Ahmedabad for families. 

The Auto World Vintage Car Museum

If you love vintage cards, this museum is a treasure for you. has one of the largest private collections of exotic cars, bikes, buggies, and utility vehicles. Among the 300+ mechanical extravaganzas on display, two stand out: the automobile featured in the film Gandhi and the first Maybach ever built. Among the rare models on display are a Bentley, Lagonda, Rolls Royce, Cadillac, Austin, Jaguar, Mercedes, and Auburns. This incredible collection has also earned a  position in the Guinness Book of World Records. What’s more for just Rs. 1000, 4 people can enjoy a 15-minute joy ride in a vintage car of their choice! It is a perfect unique family activity in Ahmedabad. 

Adalaj Stepwell

Stepwells were commonly constructed in semi-arid areas of the country, particularly along trade routes. Several pilgrims and businessmen going along the route used these architectural structures to store rainfall and as a resting area. Adalaj Step Well, an integral part of Ahmedabad’s history, was built in 1498 by Queen Rudabai, the wife of Vaghela dynasty’s Rana Veer Singh. He was the King of the Dandai Desh, a minor kingdom. According to history, the kingdom was in desperate need of water, so King Rana Veer Singh decided to construct a large stepwell to remedy the problem. Though he began the building work, he died in a war with the Sultan of Gujarat, Mahmud Begada, and was unable to complete it.

Today Adalaj Stepwell is a famous tourist destination in Ahmedabad. The splendour of the past, the architectural beauty and the possibilities of exploring and finding something interesting are endless. Located very close to Ambapur Ni Vav, you can enjoy a day trip from Ahmedabad and visit both these wonderful places.

Sidi Sayed Mosque

Sidi Sayed Mosque, Ahmedabad is known to be the symbol of the architectural beauty of the city. An Abyssinian from Yemen, Sidi Sayed built the mosque with the help of 45 craftsmen. Its architectural design symbolizes divine art with its intricately carved filigree work on the jalis. The construction involves arches, vaults, squinches, and domes, setting up the mosque just like a theatre having no fourth wall. This is also the point where the Mandir to Masjid heritage walk ends. 

Vechaar Utensils Museum 

Vechaar is the only museum in the world that displays a huge collection of old and precious utensils from several ethnicities. Established in 1981 by designer Surendra Patel and anthropologist Jyotindra Jain, the museum reflects the unmatched genius of humankind during the lack of modern facilities. The collection highlights utensils made up of steel, zinc, wood, bronze, German silver, mud, and glass and allows the visitors to get lost in the grandeur of the past. The timings for the museum are from 3 pm till 10:30 pm but remain closed on Mondays. The entry fee for adults is Rs 30 per person and for children aged 3 to 11 years is Rs 10. 

Dada Harir Vav 

An Ahmedabad point of interest, Dada Harir Vav (also known as Bai Harir ni Vav) is a 15th-century stepwell constructed under the supervision of Sultan Begada Harem. The stepwell is a serene place to be because the depths of the well are cool even during the hottest days. Arabic and Islamic inscriptions, 5 storied octagonal step-wells, and the architectural marvel are things worth admiration.  It remains open from 7 am to 6 pm and you can have the place to yourself on the weekdays with weekends getting crowded. During your trip, this should be on your bucket list of activities to do in Ahmedabad.

Hutheesing Jain Temples

Hutheesing Jain Temple, the sacred place of worship for the Jains, attracts huge crowds of people owing to its divinity and spirituality. This architectural gem was built by Jain trader Sheth Hutheesing Kesarisinh. Stone carvings in white marble, stone images, pillared hall, and the idol of Osai Mata are sights to behold at this place. The temple timings are 8 am till 5 pm and are located at a distance of 3.6 km from Ahmedabad railway station. 

Victoria Garden 

A trip to Ahmedabad is incomplete without visiting the Victoria Garden. Situated close to Bhadra fort, with a magnanimous statue of Queen Victoria, the garden is the ideal location to spend rejuvenating time in nature. The well-maintained lawns, pretty flower beds, beautiful trees, and spacious playing areas make it a popular place in Ahmedabad. It remains open for 24 hours and is the perfect getaway from the hustle and bustle of city life. 

Drive-in Cinema 

Drive-in cinema is a place where one can enjoy their favourite movie under the open sky.  With premium sound quality and delicious food available easily, it is one of the most romantic things to do in Ahmedabad. You can enjoy this fabulous experience from 7:30 pm to 1:30 am every evening. With the COVID restrictions being lifted, the drive-in cinema is truly the best things to do in Ahmedabad at night. 

Shopping at Law Garden

Law Garden Night Market, Ahmedabad (named due to its closeness to the Law college) is a popular shopping destination.  Home to stylish accessories, clothes, handicrafts, souvenirs, and much more, it is a shoppers’ heaven. It is called one of the most happening markets in Ahmedabad and is a popular destination for youngsters in Ahmedabad. Along with traditional Gujrati items of clothing, the Law Garden Night Market is also famous for embroidered wall hangings and silverware from Saurashtra and Kutch. Apart from shopping, several food trucks line up the market offering some delicious Gujarati snacks and local street food.

Indroda Fossil Park

A popular getaway from Ahmedabad, Indroda Dinosaur & Fossil Park in Gandhinagar, Gujarat’s capital, is a priceless treasure sprawled over 400 hectares on either bank of the Sabarmati River. It is said to be the world’s second-biggest dinosaur egg hatchery. The Gujarat Ecological Education and Research Foundation manages India’s Jurrasic Park, and it is the country’s sole dinosaur museum. A zoo, gigantic remains of sea creatures including the blue whale, a big botanical garden, amphitheatre, learning centre, and camping facilities are all part of this park. It also has a massive forest with hundreds of nilgais, langurs, and peafowls. Its Wilderness Park has varieties of birds, reptiles, and hundreds of nilgais, langurs, and peafowls.

Jhulta Minar

Bibi ki Masjid built by Makhduma-I-Jahan, in 1454 AD is one of the finest examples of Indo-Islamic architecture. Its most famous feature, however, is the swinging minarets or the Jhulta Minar. It is a part of the mosque Siddi Bashir and is a remarkable example of exceptional craftsmanship. The mosque has been built in such a way that if you apply a small amount of force to its upper arc, the Minar will swing. An effort, by an Englishman, was attempted to demolish one of the mosque’s minarets, but it was unsuccessful. He did so in order to figure out what was causing the minarets to sway. The process that causes vibration still remains unknown. Till a decade ago, travellers to Jhulta Minar had the option to walk up to the minarets and experience the swinging effect. In recent years, efforts are being made to preserve Jhulta Minar and while you cannot climb up to the minarets, you definitely appreciate the beauty of the place. When at Jhulta Minar, don’t forget to meet the caretaker who is happy to regale you with stories from the past. 

Amdavad Ni Gufa

Amdavad Ni Gufa is a perfect combination of art and architecture, an underground cave-like structure in Ahmedabad, India. It is an art gallery that was designed as a combined effort of an architect Balkrishna Doshi and an Indian artist Maqbool Fida Hussain. The roof of this cave-like art gallery is inspired by the tortoiseshell that protects the interiors below and is made of several interconnected domes that are covered with patches of tiles. On the other hand, some irregular tree-like columns stand on the inner side to support the domes.

The tiles on the roof mitigate heat by reflecting the sunlight. On of the most interesting things to do in Ahmedabad for everybody, Amdavad Ni Gufa should definitely be on your list. 

Calico Museum of Textiles

The Calico Museum of Textiles was established by an industrialist Gautam Sarabhai and Gira Sarabhai in 1949. The inspiration came from Ananda Coomaraswamy who was a pioneering historian, metaphysician, and philosopher of Indian art. The collections preserved in this museum are among the world’s finest handmade collections of antique and stylish Indian textiles up to 500 years old.

The most amazing pieces include Kashmiri shawls that took almost three years to make. It is also home to double-ikat fabrics utilizing 100,000 threads each dyed individually before weaving. Each piece displayed in the Calico Museum of Textiles showcases extravagance and incredible virtuosity that leaves the visitors amazed. 

Manek Chowk

The word Manek means “Ruby” in English. Manek Chowk, however, got its name from Saint Maneknath who has historical importance in Ahmedabad. Manek Chowk is the second-largest jewellery market in India where you can buy any kind of gold or silver jewellery. However, as the night sets in, the whole place transforms into food heaven. Despite the replacement of old shops with modern-day shopping malls and showrooms, this place still remains a favourite shopping destination in Ahmedabad.

Seva Café

Situated near the Shoppers’ Plaza, Seva Café in Ahmedabad is a unique restaurant working on the principle “Gift economy”. The actual meaning of the café i.e., making people happy and distributing happiness among them makes it the most well-known café in the city. It was established by Manav Sadhna in 2006, an NGO founded by Jayesh Patel and John Silliphant.

When you had your meal, you can pay whatever amount you like in an envelope; the amount will be used to pay for the meal of someone else. This unique concept of the gift economy and simple, hearty meals served at the Seva Cafe, make it a fascinating place to visit when in Ahmedabad. 

Sabarmati Riverfront

With the restoration of the cityscape and the Sabarmati river in 2005, the Sabarmati riverfront is a popular tourist destination in Ahmedabad.  The river connects new and old parts of the city through eleven bridges. Of these bridges, the oldest bridge is the Ellis Bridge which was built in 1873, destroyed by a flood. It was later reconstructed for use. Another speciality of the Sabarmati Riverfront is a flower garden that has around 330 exotic as well as native flower species.

Kite Museum Ahmedabad 

Kite flying is considered auspicious and forms a significant part of Gujarat’s tradition. It provides a glimpse of the culture of people through kites. It showcases more than 125 varieties of kites flown in Gujarat during festivals. Do note that the museum remains closed on Mondays and the government holidays.

There is no entry fee to visit the kite museum and it is considered to be one of the fun things to do in Ahmedabad for youngsters. If you are travelling to Ahmedabad during the International Kite Festival, don’t forget to visit the Kite Museum. They have fun displays and activities for kids and adults alike. Truly one of the best Ahmedabad points of interest. 

Kaligam Fort

Kaligam Fort Ahmedabad is located on the Northern edges of Ahmedabad. Due to its not-so-popular location, this historical heritage remains hidden from the attention of the tourists. The flat and thin bricks used in its construction indicate the fine Mughal craftsmanship. This fort was built for weapon storage as a military camp by “Suba Aazam Khan” during the reign of AhmedShah Badshah (1632-1642 A.D.). Another representation of the native architectural influence are the windows projecting outwards (Jharokhas). If you are looking for an offbeat place to visit in Ahmedabad, this is one of the best options. 

Bhadra Fort

Bhadra Fort, Ahmedabad is an important historical monument that symbolizes the Indo-Saracenic architectural style. It was built near the eastern banks of Sabarmati river after the foundation of Muzaffar dynasty. With Lush gardens and red stone architecture, Bhadra fort was built in 1411 A.D. It was named so because of a popular Bhadrakali temple nearby. It is also called Aark Fort and is spread over 43 acres of land. Having fourteen towers, eight gates, and two large openings, this intriguing fort remains an architectural marvel. Another impressive feature of the Bhadra Fort is its windows having astounding latticework.

Science City

One of the best things to do in Ahmedabad for families, the Gujarat Science City promotes science and scientific temperament among the local communities. This centre for scientific development fosters education in an entertaining and engaging way for children and adults alike. It hosts many informative, imaginative, and contemporary working models, virtual reality with live demonstrations, interesting activity corners, and varied exhibitions. With an amphitheatre, a Hall of Science, an IMAX 3D theatre, a Life Science Park, and a lot more, the Gujarat Science City is definitely the best family activity in Ahmedabad. 

We hope you enjoyed this virtual adventure in Ahmedabad through lens and words. Have any questions on any of these offbeat destinations in Ahmedabad? Comment below and we will be happy to help.

Located by the golden-sand beach and tranquil palms of Aksa, The Resort invites you and your family to bask in a refreshingly magical atmosphere where you can rejuvenate the body, mind and soul. From delicious food and spa treatments to indulgent activities like grape stomping, The Koli Food festival themed brunches, and many others, The Resort has everything you could ever think of for your dream vacation. This makes them one of the most crowd-pleasing weekend getaways from Mumbai. 

Before I tell you all about my experience of staying at The Resort, here’s some quick information on their upcoming event this weekend.

Koli Food Fest

Relish authentic Koli delicacies of Lobster Curry, Bharwa Pomfret, Tawa Fried Surmai, Rawa Fried Prawns served with Sol Kadhi, Bhakri and Steam Rice.Enjoy these delicious dishes with the Koli Fisher Women who will be curating these dishes using old-age traditional masala with secret ingredients. Those of you who love the original and authentic taste of seafood can join in for Koli special dinner at The Resort Mumbai. So if you are looking for a weekend place to visit near Mumbai with great food, then you know where to go. 🙂

Where: The Resort Mumbai
When: Fridays & Saturdays February 2022
Time: 7:00 pm to 10:30 pm
Call: 9819877316

Now back to the review. 

Cast your cares away: You are at The Resort, after all!

The Resort is wonderfully relaxing, and each view is intoxicating. With its excellent cuisine, indulgent spa treatments and pleasing ambience, it really is the perfect family weekend getaway from Mumbai. The Resort has a renowned reputation for excellence and care, built upon its idyllic setting and modern amenities that will help you have a fabulous time.

We arrived on a lazy Sunday afternoon just in time for the Grape Stomping and the Wine Tasting Festival. During the check-in, we were happy to see the COVID safety protocols being followed at The Resort. They had sticks one could use to operate the elevator, all the staff members wore masks and they had sanitizer stations located in different places. Definitely makes a safe weekend destination from Mumbai during COVID.

After visiting our rooms briefly, we went to the poolside to enjoy the lovely spread, live music and relaxing ambience. Here are a few glimpses:

Amenities at The Resort

The Resort is the place if you are looking for the best weekend getaway from Mumbai especially if you want to unwind after a hard week at work. Some of their offerings include room babysitting, spa, restaurant and bar, health club, business centre, conference rooms and more. Packed with decadent features including an inviting swimming pool and an adventure zone for some fun activities- there is something to please everyone at The Resort

You can lounge at the outdoor pool for a perfect beginning to your weekend. They have a gym, where you can work off the calories after eating their scrumptious array of treats. Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel. Ask at reception for more details when checking in.  The hotel has a 24 hours reception and a travel desk. Food can be served at the restaurant or near the pool which is just a short walk away from a beach! It is truly one of the top weekend getaways from Mumbai!

The Resort at Madh Island has a calm, comfortable atmosphere that makes it ideal for your next family staycation near Mumbai.

Accommodation at The Resort

The USP of The Resort lies in the fact that it is located in close proximity to the city but away from the hustle and bustle. It provides accommodation in a serene and tranquil atmosphere, which is a soothing respite to the stress and chaos of city life. This definitely makes an ideal weekend getaway near Mumbai for couples and families.

The air-conditioned rooms offer garden, pool or sea views and are equipped with so many different amenities. The interior is marked by the use of neutral, earthy tones with plants placed all over to create a beautiful atmosphere. The Resort features a beautifully landscaped garden that leads up to the pool. Room amenities offered  were tea/coffee supplies, business stationery, toiletries and amenities on request included slipper, dental kit, shaving kit, comb and loofah

The room categories include a Standard Room facing the Garden, Deluxe Room facing the beach or a pool, Club Room facing the beach or the pool, suites and villas.

We stayed in a Club Room which was very comfortable and had a spectacular view of the sun setting over the sea. The room was elegant and had a nice sitting area so we could enjoy the view together. The Club Room came with complimentary breakfast which was delicious.

Food at The Resort

Food at The Resort was irresistible with an array of delectables to choose from. During the Grape Stomping and Wine Tasting fest afternoon, we were shown to the themed cooking area which had separate sections for Indian, Chinese and International cuisine. Among those which I loved were the Indian street food section which included Kathi rolls, chaat and kababs. The array of cheeses and the mezze platter paired beautifully with the wines.  The attendants and chefs at every section were a talented, entertaining and a friendly group who loved to interact with guests. The staff was very helpful, the food was yum and the entire place was a visual feast!

Dinner was a light affair with fresh salads that included vegetarian and non-vegetarian options to choose from. They also have other dishes for those who had an appetite for it. They have a cozy bar, too. Breakfast the next morning included live stations serving pancakes and waffles (my favourite) and also many other options.

The resort hosts Theme Food festivals on a regular with the current one being hosted around Koli food, the traditional fisherfolk of Coastal Maharashtra. The Koli Food Festival is live every weekend this February. It offers a lovely meal with a festive atmosphere that is definitely something for you to look forward to. So keep yourself updated regular basis and remember to enjoy their food festivals.

Instagrammable Spots at The Resort

Going the theme #BrokenIsBeautiful, The Resort has created some beautiful corners using recycled materials to create Instagrammable spots. You can click some Insta-worthy pictures of your favourite staycation in Mumbai. Here’s my favourite Instagrammable spot!

Getting there: How to book the most spectacular weekend getaway for your family

The Resort is a 45 to 60-minute drive from major spots in Mumbai which makes an ideal place for a weekend staycation with your family. It is located hardly a few meters from Aksa Beach which is one of the most popular weekend getaways near Mumbai. 

The Resort, Mumbai
11, Madh-Marve Road, Aksa Beach,
Malad (West), Mumbai – 400 095.
Telephone : 022 28447777 | 022 50555777

Mobile: + 91-9820426153 | + 91-9820918210
Web: www.theresortmumbai.com
Email: rev.mgr@theresortmumbai.com

The tariffs start at approximately Rs. 6000 for a couple. The best way to book the place is directly through their website, which I have shared above. They have some offers going on this month. I encourage you to use them to surprise your family with a lovely Mumbai staycation.

Last Words

The beauty of staying at The Resort is incomparable – and there’s lots of fun to be had! You can spend quality time with your family, relax on the beach or enjoy some outdoor activities and to top it all off you can indulge in some delicious food all day long. We loved the warm service and enjoyed the peaceful and serene ambience. The best part? It is a short 45-minute drive from major places in Mumbai. This means you can spend less time travelling and more time having a fabulous time. Isn’t that awesome? Have any questions about The Resort? Comment below and I will be happy to help. 

I would pace slowly, one irritating step at a time and snarl at anybody who would dare to ask “kya kar rahi ho?“. Caged in my matchbox, I craned my neck every morning to take in a deep breath, my nose on the lookout for the familiar smell of fumes, roadside food and everything else in between.

I furiously baked to post on Instagram then set aside my Dalgona coffee dreaming of cutting chai that more often than not burned the roof of my mouth. For the first time, I gave up on taste and cooked only for sustenance. It was an unbearable chore that my lazy limbs grew weary of.

I began to romanticize travelling in Mumbai locals during peak hours. It was an adventure like no other and boy did I need adventure in my life. As somehow who was happy in her own litter corner, I began craving human interaction. A handshake sounded positively exciting. The cacophony of people yelling at the top of their lungs to communicate with the vendors in narrow bylanes, once overwhelming, suddenly seemed so melodious. It was akin to an old lullaby that I longed for.

Crossing off every day as it passed listlessly became unnecessary when all I was doing was existing.

And then in September 2021, the unthinkable happened. Scared, elated, excited, joyous, paranoid, happy, hesitant… I decided to take the first step back into the world. It was time to leave the nightmare behind and embark on something truly exhilarating. A road trip to Bhandardara. Motion sickness, pandemic and a thousand other concerns aside; I was ready. I wanted to conquer the mountain of self-doubt, wrestle my fears, snarl at naysayers and brush away “well-wishers’ opinions. The world was my oyster or whatever the vegetarian equivalent is. Nothing could stop me.

And so off I went embarking on my first trip after the pandemic. I wasn’t prepared for what was yet to come. Blissfully unaware, with FOMO and a camera in tow, I was going to explore the unexplored…

I met my driver Saif, a young fellow hell-bent on making me fall in love with EDM during our 5-hour drive. I met Jijatai, who served me weak tea and Parle G during my stopover. And I met Anish who helped me complete my mission of, well, exploring the unexplored.

I spent three carefree days. As carefree as you can get with a mask, social distancing and a giant bottle of sanitiser which my mom made me promise I would diligently finish before I returned. I had a picnic breakfast in front of Arthur Lake, clicked enough photographs to make my memory card angrily flash “memory full” and allowed my belly to lead my decisions when it came to food.

Conversations, however, forced me to stop and take a few moments in between my bouts of joy to think about people I fleetingly met. Seemingly living far away from the tentacles of COVID, they were being crushed by its impact.

Jijatai bemoaned the fact that her family’s appetite had quadrupled even though her chai business had come to a standstill. With YouTube at their fingertips and having access to the family’s sole mobile phone, the kids spent many happy hours looking for lockdown recipes.“You don’t how it hurts to say no to the kids when all they want is food,” she said while making a hot cup of tea for me. I was the only customer she had for the day.

Saif spoke about the crushing debt and the vicious circle banks were running around him as he fought to keep the ownership of his car, the only possession he had that could help him eke out a living.

Anish, a young college graduate, lost his job and came back to this village to do odd jobs. “I can show you every corner of Bhandardara and cook or take you boating and hiking, lift your luggage. Hukum sarankhon par,” he said with a genial smile.

Living in my gilded matchbox, I had the freedom to switch the TV off when the news got overwhelming. I could take a day off from Work from Home and watch squirrels play if I chose to. I could follow all food trends and cast them aside dreaming of plain dal khichdi with thecha. And I could dream of escaping anywhere or nowhere. The world was my oyster but it wasn’t theirs. Their world remained confined to daily struggles, with seldom rays of hope that would inspire and spur them into action to work towards a brighter future.

I came home charged with energy, feeling overwhelmed with the conversations yet excited to do something. I was going to change the world.

Wait…that sounded difficult. I was going to change lives in Bhandardara. Ok, that did not make things easier. All right, I would change the lives of these three people whose stories stayed with me. There, now that sounded like a well rounded, doable plan.

But like the many hobbies I took up during the pandemic, this, too, spluttered, fizzled and gave up on me.  But it left me with stories that I decided to share with you.

And maybe I, too, became a story that they shared with their families. Of a crazy girl, with FOMO and a camera in tow who heard us out and then disappeared as randomly as she entered our lives.

A perfect holiday is an amalgamation of excellent hospitality, scrumptious food, a calming ambience and serenity. It is just what you need to decompress and feel the stress leave your body as you take steps towards tranquillity. Our stay at Lemon Tree Port Blair offered us just that

Lemon Tree Port Blair: Convenience and excellent hospitality

Before we set off on our exhilarating adventure in the Middle Andamans, we decided to pamper ourselves in Port Blair and Lemon Tree proved to be an excellent choice. Its signature lemon fragrance, cutting-edge interiors and seamless service allowed us to relax and rejuvenate after a long journey.

We had a long overnight layover at Chennai owing to a last-minute flight rescheduling and were delighted to enter the hotel in less than two minutes after leaving the airport. And that’s not an exaggeration! The check-in process was smooth and efficient.  Moreover, we were informed at the reception that all major tourist destinations were within a 5 km radius. With 48 rooms and suites, Citrus Café, Slounge and conference areas, Lemon Tree we can confidently say that this place has everything for the business or leisure traveller

Live life queen size at Lemon Tree Port Blair’s suite room

The suite room is truly something special. With its lavish furnishings and gorgeous artwork, this room is both beautiful and relaxing. The large bed is very plush and perfect for a good night’s sleep. The suite features a large flat-screen TV for entertainment and a mini-bar for drinks. It has luxurious amenities throughout with calming hues and plush furnishings you’ll love sinking into after a long day of work – or play!

We loved the fact the hotel is eco-conscious. They offer only half a glass of water at the restaurant, glass bottles instead of plastic ones and dispensers instead of single-use toiletries which we thought was awesome. The hotel also featured a wall with plastic bottles converted into a vertical garden. We were quite pleased to see it.

Here’s a list of amenities available:

• Electronic Safe
• Tea/Coffee Maker
• Full-sized working desk
• Telephones with global* direct dialling and voice mail
• LCD TV
• WiFi access in the lobby for two devices per guest
• Local Cable Channels

We were quite pleased for choosing this luxurious stay option and thoroughly enjoyed the delicious platter that lay waiting for us as a surprise.

Dining at Citrus Café

After a refreshing shower, we headed towards Citrus Café, a bright, cheery place with a menu featuring Indian, European, Western pan-Asian dishes and even coastal delights.

We were served a flavoursome and simple fare on our request. We were too hungry to click photos but the food was just what we needed after a tiring journey.

The breakfast the next morning featured an assortment of options and live stations. I particularly enjoyed their dosa station. Our breakfast was hearty, varied and gave us fuel to start off on our journey to different parts of Andamans. They also offer packed breakfasts for guests who have an early checkout or an early start to their day. Inform the reception the night before and they will ensure you have something yummy packed for you. Now that’s hospitality at its best.

In the evening, however, we had requested their signature romantic dinner set up and I will tell you more about it soon.

Lounging at Slounge

Slounge features foot-tapping music, a cosy ambience and fun drinks. It has an intimate yet energetic atmosphere with drinks that combine the familiar and new in terms of flavours. Try out their uniquely crafted cocktails from various corners of the world including India!

An evening to remember at Lemon Tree Port Blair

Our perfect evening began with a romantic dinner curated by the fabulous staff at Lemon Tree. Soothing melodies, charming ambience, delicious mocktails, inviting seafood, local specialities and desserts gave us a fairy talesque evening. They are amongst very hotels who offer this lovely service which is quite popular amongst locals and tourists alike. It is a great way to commemorate special occasions or even host intimate gatherings with your loved ones.

Everything under one roof: Your one-stop destination at Port Blair

A unique aspect of Lemon Tree Port Blair was the fact that it has everything you can ever want under one roof. Their travel desk is absolutely helpful to plan a fabulous trip. We booked a cab for a day and were thoroughly impressed with the service provided by the driver and the hotel.

From helpful tips given by the General Manager Mr Soumya (who BTW has a wealth of information on the Andamans) to staff that went out of their way to make our stay memorable, we were impressed.

The hotel has a gym for those who like to continue their fitness routines. They also have a cute souvenir shop where we purchased fridge magnets for our friends and families. The prices were great and on par with other shops in the area.

The hotel also has banquet balls to host events and is quite popular.

Last Thoughts on Lemon Tree Port Blair

Its luxurious suites, cordial staff and peaceful ambience gave us the perfect beginning to our long vacation in Andamans. The friendly staff ensured our stay was warm and intimate, making it a true home away from home. From curating a bespoke evening to memorable sojourns, signature culinary experiences to exquisite dining facilities, Lemon Tree Hotels and Resorts offered us a rare experience to indulge our senses and gave us an unforgettable stay at Port Blair we’ll treasure forever!