Cauvery Peak Coffee Shop Yercaud

Coffee and friends are a great blend – add scenic roads and a motorcycle to the brew and it becomes perfect!!

Situated adjacent to the Cauvery Peak Estate, famous for its Coffee Museum and Plantation Tours – Cauvery Peak Coffee Shop in Yercaud offers the best brew of coffee ranging from hot-coffees such as filter coffee, espresso, latte, cappuccino to the delicious cold coffees.

Cauvery Peak Coffee Shop – The best cup of coffee in Yercaud!!

Nestled amidst scenic hill-station roads, Cauvery Peak Coffee Shop is an outdoor-coffee shop overlooking a pond and surrounded by vast coffee plantations – there is ample space to sit-back under the trees, soak in the crisp air and relish the delicious fare of brew.

Beautiful roads leading to the Coffee Shop

Useful Information:

• The entire menu consists of about 10-12 variations of hot and cold coffees and no food at all – which I believe will complete the experience
• Smoking on the Cauvery Peak coffee shop premises is strictly not allowed
• While coffee is served in the outdoors – feel free to check their indoor souvenir shop
• Parking: Cars can be parked within the plantation gate, whereas motorcycles can be parked across the road near the pond
• Payment: Cash and Cards are accepted – no wallet or UPI based payments
• Timings: Monday to Sunday – 8 am to 5 pm
• Location: Cauvery Coffee Shop, adjacent to Cauvery Peak Coffee Estate, Yercaud – Google Maps Link
• If you are a coffee fan – do signup for a guided Coffee Experience Tour involving a visit to the 150-year old coffee plantation, making of coffee and coffee museum (recommend to book prior) – tours start from INR 400/person + taxes (Even kids are allowed on the coffee experience tours)
• I recommend visiting this place after a heavy lunch – relish the coffee and head-out to any of the view-points close by to experience magical sunset
• And always do your bit to keep this place free clean and from plastic

Catch a sunset after the cuppa

The freshness of coffee from the newly-roasted beans from the plantation, crisp air and the serene location elevate the experience of sipping this cuppa.

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Mitra Samaj Udupi

Ever been to a hotel that doesn’t use – onions, garlic, carrots, cauliflower, beetroot and even tomato!!

Located in the temple compound of Udupi Sri Krishna Temple complex – Mitra Samaj has been dishing out delicious vegetarian fare since 1949 and is often the 2^nd-most visited place after the temple darshan 😀

While every part of Bengaluru sports atleast one ‘Udupi-restaurant’ – the authentic Udupi-cuisine is heavily-influenced by temple cooking methods of Udupi brahmins – infact the lineage of the families that run the best south-indian restaurants of Bengaluru such as MTR, Shivalli Restaurant, Brahmins Coffee Bar etc can be traced back to Udupi district.

Tough to choose 😛

Back to Mitra Samaj – they offer 2 menus:

• Morning menu of dosas, idlis, vada, pineapple ksheera (akin to kesari bath of Bengaluru), upma, mangalore buns etc
• Evening snacks in the form of goli-baje, button idli and more

Highly recommend:  – vada sambar, masala dosa, mangalore buns, goli baje – washed down with atleast 2 cups of delicious filter coffee.

best sambar for a vada..

Useful Information:

• While the restaurant is within the temple compound – one doesn’t have to remove footwear to reach or eat at Mitra Samaj
• Food is served with coconut chutney (tastes ok) and sambar (absolutely delicious) – be prepared for ‘why you wasting food’ kinda look – if you leave food on the table
• Mode of payment: cash-only (no card or digital wallet payment)
• Parking: No vehicles are allowed inside (unless you are a temple vendor or a big bureaucrat)
• Location: Mitra Samaj, Sri Krishna Temple Complex, Udupi [Google Maps Link]
• Timings: 6 am to 9:30 pm [all days of the week except – closed on Wednesday]

Mitra Samaj is the torch-bearer of authentic Udupi cuisine – the quality and simplicity of food is unrivaled by any other restaurant in the vicinity.

Shiva Prasad Tiffen Centre Gavipuram Bengaluru

Over the last 15 years, vegetarian food in Bengaluru has witnessed a massive transformation – family-run ‘home-mess’ have become endangered, ‘tiffin-centres’ that fed the masses have given way to darshinis that aren’t pocket-friendly anymore and food is driven more by taste-makers/enhancers than fresh ingredients.

In the midst of this – since 2007 Shiva Prasad Tiffin Centre located in the quaint locality of Gavipuram in South Bangalore has been serving delicious fare of vegetarian breakfast and lunch – simple, delicious, homely and economical.

While the breakfast combo comprising rice-bath, shavige-bath, chow-chow bath, vada and chutney is the most-instagrammable item on the menu – mangalore buns, puri-sagu, thatte idly, bisi-bele bath, kesari bath are delicious and a must-try.

Ain’t I Insta worthy 😛

Useful Information:

• There is no place to sit – tables to stand and eat are limited
• Self-service only
• Dosas (masala dosa, plain dosa, set dosa and onion dosa) are prepared and served only on Sundays (till 11 am only)
• Breakfast combo is available only between 7:30 am to 10 am only
• They don’t serve coffee or tea
• No regular/small-size idly – only the large-one (thatte idly)
• Mode of payment: cash and paytm (no other digital wallets or UPI)
• Parking: no dedicated parking for 2-wheelers and cars – however lots of by-lanes to find a spot
• Timings: Monday to Saturday (6 am to 4 pm) and Sunday (6 am to 11 am)
• Location: Shiva Prasad Tiffen Centre, Gavipuram, Bengaluru [Google maps link]
• Lunch menu (from 11:30 am – 12 pm onwards) – includes Ragi mudde, Anna-sambar, curd-rice, chapathi and parota

Shiva Prasad Tiffen Centre represents a slice of the bygone era of Bengaluru – where smiles, fresh ingredients were an intrinsic part of food, money was paid after eating and conversations started with “time estu” !!

Maratha Darshan Queens Road Bangalore

The presence of Marathas in Bengaluru back in the 16th century made a lasting impact on the cuisine of our city in the form of ‘Militry aka Military Hotels’ – which became the meat-fix places for the soldiers of the yester years and foodies since.

Maratha Darshan serves Mahrashtrian cuisine, with a significant infusion of the local flavor. From humble beginnings of serving food from an auto-rickshaw near Cubbon Park, Maratha Darshan, at its present location was started by G R Shanthraj in 1989. They serve a ‘LUNCH-only’ menu comprising mainly of meals aka thali – served with mutton & chicken dishes (semi-gravy-based).

A typical thali comprises of white rice, gravy, rasam, single ragi mudde or 2 chapatis (choice of either), chicken/mutton dish opted for along with chopped onions and slice of lemon.
While mutton-based thalis are the most popular – chili chicken meals, chicken fry and chicken 65 are an absolute must-try & my personal favorites, washed down with a nice cup of buttermilk.

Absolutely delicious – Chili Chicken meals with Chicken Fry

Useful information:

• They don’t have a fixed menu nor is it displayed in the hotel – feel free to ask the cashier or patrons
• Special Food: Biryani rice is served only on a Sunday + they do serve akki rotis only in the morning which can be paired with any of the meat-dishes (recommend to check availability)
• Expect a very basic but clean ambiance, quick service
• Pre-paid Self service with standing tables to eat (akin to a South Indian darshini) + limited seating arrangements upstairs
• Try to reach By 12 pm – 12:30 pm to relish the full menu – since the popular dishes such as chicken 65, chili chicken etc are cooked in a limited quantity and mostly get over by 1 pm- 1:15 pm ish
• Avoid the temptation to order a soft drink – opt for the buttermilk ( refreshing and tasty)
• Parking: no dedicated parking – 2-wheelers will find a place ( don’t take your car – hail a cab for the blissful nap after the delicious meal 😛 )
• Mode of payment: cash and cards
• Timings: 9 am to 11 am & 12 pm to 4 pm (Tuesday to Sunday) – Monday holiday
• Location: 4 Queens Rd, Behind Shifa Hospital, Bengaluru Google Maps link
• For the motorcyclist– find the 1st table at the entrance to glance at the gorgeous lineup of premium motorcycles in the showroom opposite Maratha Darshan 😀

Delicious non-vegetarian meals, no-frill ambiance and a happy to serve smiling faces make Maratha Darshan – a true old-Bangalore experience.

All you need to know about electric scooters in India

Electric scooters have been in India since 2006 (The 1st electric scooter in India was launched by Yobykes, a Gujarat based company) yet there is so less information about this ecosystem such as types of scooters, insurance, license, helmet rule etc – this isn’t a ride review or ownership review of electric scooters, but more on what’s out there.

Basics of an electric scooter:

• Power output of an electric scooter is measured/specified in watts ( W ) or kilowatts (kW) – more the wattage, more powerful
• They emit no toxic gases or zero emission vehicles – hence Do not need an emission certificate or PUC (sorry to state the obvious – but some traffic cops in Blore do stop EVs and ask for an emission certificate 😛)
• Types of electric scooters available in India:
  • Battery Type:
    • Lithium-ion battery (light weight, expensive, fast recharge and more power- on an average priced upwards of INR 40,000)
    • Lead-acid battery (heavy, inexpensive, take longer to charge and output less power – price range of INR 20,000 to 35,000)
  • Power Developed:
    • Under 250W power with top speed of 25 kmph ( Ex: Hero Optima LA/LI series, Lohia Fame etc)
    • Above 250W power and top sped >25 kmph ( Ex: Ather 340 and 450, Okinawa I-praise, Ridge Plus, Hero Optima E5, Nyx & Photon series)
• Personal Electric vehicles ( scooters, cars) have unique registration plates ( green in colour)
• Majority of the electric scooters can be charged via a standard plug point at homes, offices or at dedicated charging stations such as the Ather grid

With the basics in place – let’s dive into the most asked questions about electric scooters in India:Image Courtesy & Credit: AutocarIndia

Disclaimer: These rules may vary from each state and with this segment seeing a lot of policy changes – I recommend checking with your electric scooter dealer or local transport registration authorities on the applicable rules

• Do electric scooters need to a registration certificate and driving licence ?
  Electric scooters with a top speed below 25kmph or those with a max power output of 250W DO NOT need to be registered with the transport authorities + DO NOT need a driving licence
  Any electric scooter that exceeds the above power and speed specifications need a registration certificate and a valid license like a regular scooter
• Do electric scooters need insurance ?
  Electric scooters with a top speed below 25kmph or those with a max power output of 250W require a 3rd party insurance cover
  Any electric scooter that exceeds the above power and speed specifications require a regular 2-wheeler insurance
• What is FAME subsidy ?
  FAME stands for Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of hybrid & Electric vehicles ( personal and commercial vehicles) – this is a government initiative to promote wide adoption of electric vehicles in India and to provide subsidies for manufacturing of electric and hybrid vehicles and components.

The FAME Scheme operates in two phases.

• • Phase I: started in 2015 and was completed on March 31st, 2019.
  • Phase II: started from April 1st, 2019, will be completed by March 31st, 2022.

As per the current FAME-phase II – For electric two-wheelers below Rs 1.5 lakh, applicable subsidy will be Rs 20,000 per vehicle. This is claimed by the manufacturer and transferred to the customer.

• What is an electric bicycle/electric cycle/e-bike/e-bicycle ?
  Electric bicycle or e-bikes or electric cycle is a regular bicycle with pedal – attached with a motor and a lithium-ion battery. E-bikes do not need registration certificate or driving licence to ride in India. 

Examples of electric bicycles in India: Swagtron Swagcycle Envy (folding e-bicycle) , Roulik Inizio e-bike, Elektron hybrid bicycle m268 etc)

There are three main modes in which you can ride an electric cycle.

• • Regular Mode – In this mode, there is no use of the battery but ride the bicycle a regular bicycle (By pedalling)
  • Pedal Assist Mode – Needs pedalling. However, the battery will support your ride making it easier – requires less effort in this mode.
  • Full-Electric Mode – no effort to pedal in this mode. Just sit back and enjoy the ride.

Image Courtesy & Credits: Swagtron

Going Green has never had so many options – whats your pill?

Weekend Bike Ride from Bangalore – Mydala Lake Tumkur Road

Mydala lake or Mydala kere is one of the few lakes within 100kms from Bangalore where the entire shore is made out of a rock. Surrounded by the beautiful Mandargiri or Basadi betta, a hillock with Jain temples at the top dating back to 12th century AD.

While the basadi betta has been a popular jain pilgrimage spot, the overlooking lake at the bottom of this monolith is more peaceful, charming and relatively desolate.

Mydala kere and Basadi betta are accessible by different routes, do not expect to climb the hillock and descend to the lake. Entry to the lake is via small patch of trail from Mydala village accessible only by walking or by motorcycles (not accessible by cars).

Mydala kere

There are 3 sections/viewpoints of the lake – 1^st one being the pumphouse, followed by riding on top of the lake bund and finally onto the rock-based shore leading to the lake.

While the lake adorns one side of the shore, its surround by beautiful rocks and an abandoned shrine making a majestic setting to try your photography skills.

Beautiful Hillock as the background of Mydala kere

Straight outta Kyathsandra – majestic rock formations at Mydala kere

Useful Information:

• Mydala kere is accessible by 2 wheelers only – No car can reach the lake [If travelling by car, expect to walk about 1-2 kms from the road to reach the rock-shore of the lake]
• Don’t try to swim or get into the water – there isn’t anyone around to rescue
• Recommend carrying water and snacks if you planning to spend some time here
• No entry fee or special permit required – but make sure to maintain the sanctity of the lake
• The best part about this place is there is nothing to do here – than adore this beautiful landscape
• Please don’t litter and carryback any thrash you find – lets do our bit to leave no thrash behind
• A potential place to camp overnight – I haven’t camped here, but I strongly recommend checking with the locals in Mydala village (since there is a lot of wildlife around) – be humble and do not go against the advice of the locals wrt camping
• Do not a miss a chance to take a nap behind the boulders – its super cool under them 🙂
• Location: Mydala Lake Kyathasandra [Google maps link]
• Where to eat: Pavitra Idli Hotel, Kyathasandra
• When to visit: early morning is the best time – avoid visiting after 9am , gets super-hot

Benne Idli Vada Sagu at Pavitra Idli Hotel, Kyathasandra

Guide to Delicious Breakfast in Somwarpet Kodagu

Nestled on a ridge surrounded by scenic green hills, Somwarpet is a small town in Kodagu, Karnataka which translates to ‘Monday Market’, Somwarpet is dominated by a huge market at the centre of the town, narrow streets, vast coffee plantations and promise of good coffee with food – both lived up to my expectations.

Presenting the best vegetarian breakfast places in Somwarpet:

Ootada Mane, Somwarpet Town:

Ootada mane is family-run pure-vegetarian place nestled in a house serving breakfast (no dosas) and lunch in the form of veg thali, chapatis and ragi mudde. Being a small place with house-like ambience, they don’t have a huge spread, but dish-up simple, pocket-friendly delicious food made with lots of love and quick service.

Lip-smacking Akki Roti with Fresh & Strong Filter Coffee

• Must Eat: Akki Roti with chutney, Tomato rice, idly vada, filter coffee
• Timings: Monday to Saturday (7:30 am to 5 pm), Sunday Holiday
• Location: Behind Government Hospital, Somwarpet [Feel free to call them or ask a local]
• Contact Number: +91 9481405041
• Useful Information:
  • Cash only (no payment in the form of by debit/credit card, UPI, Wallet such as PayTM)
  • Parking: highly recommend to park outside the Govt Hospital and walk (distance of 50m)
  • While they are open on regular days, they can prepare food on Sunday – upon prior booking a day in advance

Ootada Mane Hotel in Somwarpet Kodagu

Delicious Tomato Rice at Ootada Mane Somwarpet

Hotel Kalyan Bhavan, Banavara Road, Somwarpet Town

They make the best dosa in Somwarpet.

Hotel Kalyan Bhavan has been around since 1950, started by Mr. SM Basappa, is currently managed his son and grandson. A pure vegetarian fare of breakfast and lunch, their dosas stand-out as they are cooked on firewood, laced with ghee and served with delicious chutney.

Thuppa Dosa at Hotel Kalyan Bhavan Somwarpet

Standing tall since 1950 – Hotel Kalyan Bhavan in Somwarpet

• Must Eat: Thuppa Dosa, Set Dosa, Masala Dosa, filter coffee
• Timings: Monday to Saturday (Breakfast from 6:30 am to 12 pm, Lunch from 12 pm to 3:30 pm), Sunday Holiday
• Location: Banawara Road, Somwarpet – Google Maps Link
• Contact Number: 08276282096
• Useful Information:

• • Cash only (no payment in the form of by debit/credit card, UPI, Wallet such as PayTM)
  • Parking: No dedicated place for car or motorcycle parking, but its not a crowded town, so finding a spot close-by is easy.

All Set for Deliciousness!!

While I am sure there so many yet-to-be discovered (online) places in Somwarpet that promise delicious food, humble, home-like hospitality akin to Ootada Mane and Hotel Kalyan Bhavan. They are also temples of fresh, strong brew filter coffee – no fancy barista jargons or add-ons – pure, simple filter coffee, made just right!!