The Western Ghats hold many secrets, but arguably, the most intriguing ones are held by the rare species of flowers that adorn this delightful slice of heaven. These days, the Western Ghats are blooming with Karvi flowers. Every eight years, this shy purple beauty turns this untameable landscape into a fairy tale wonderland. These beautiful flowers are mostly found in the pristine hills of Lonavala. Karvi flower (Strobilanthes Callosus) is not just a plant but a story of hope, resilience, and patience. The plant hibernates for seven long years, its thin stems disappearing into the jungles of the ghats. But…
Author: Vaishnavi Chakravarthy
Hidden in the green and calm hills of Lonavala, a charming hill station famous for its mesmerising views and cool climate, is an edible treasure: chikki. Every bite of this snack gives you a glimpse of the rich cultural history and tradition, which is just like magic captured in time. A Delicious Tradition Chikki, a popular Indian sweet, is made from roasted nuts and seeds mixed into a hot jaggery syrup. This mixture is poured on a flat surface to chill and solidify into slabs that are then cut into small, crunchy bars. These usually contain peanuts, black and white…