Planning an ideal yatra

‘Life is a book. Those who do not travel, read only a page’  

What is it with mesmerizing sunsets that endlessly captivate hearts? It is difficult not to be enthralled with foamy waves kissing the shore, with every ebb and every flow. Nor is it easy to tear away your eyes from the snow-capped peaks that sit in the serene ambiance of mountain ranges. Or a babbling brook that runs its course from the icy glaciers through the wide plains and the winding valleys. It is simply magical to explore the world one destination at a time, isn't it?

The wanderlust in me never wants to cease discovering newer places to explore, be it in my home city or some corner of the world. There’s always an itch to discover more, rediscover oft visited places once more and venture into the path less trodden. After all, as they say, life is but a journey. 

There is certainly a want and desire in me to travel around the world to exotic and lesser known destinations on the drop of a hat. It is certainly tempting to drop everything and head out on an unplanned solo road trip to a tropical destination of my choice. And it would be a dream come true if I were to travel halfway across the world to reach my dream destination. But with me, it doesn’t happen often. 

I can bet while you read through the earlier paragraph, you too would have pictured many destinations in your mind. And given a chance (and a well-timed one at that) this is how I would like to plan my Ideal Yatra from Mumbai to Melbourne. These tips may come in handy for you too! 

Book Flights well in advance to get lower airfares 

To start off, I would start checking for International Flights that would take me from Mumbai to Melbourne. Perhaps the most economical flights offered by International Airlines are the ones that are pre-booked well in advance. Considering I would love to travel around my birthday in December, now would be the best time to book them. 

Book a Hotel closer to sightseeing places

Here I’ll browse through the various hotels available and pick according to the sightseeing opportunities - be it for the beaches or the nightlife or for the shopping. 

Check for passport and visa 

Getting the visa is of utmost importance, without which I won’t be able to enter the country. 

Plan a flexible Itinerary 

Here I would think of all the places I would go. Visiting The Gold Coast, The Great Barrier Reef and The 12 Apostles are right on the top of my travel bucket list! 

Pre-book a cab or a taxi to the airport 

Given the fact that I have my passport and visa sorted, nearing the date of departure, I would book a cab to ensure that I get to the airport well within time. 

Pack light. Fly with minimal cabin baggage

As much as it is tempting to carry multiple pairs of clothing, I would want to travel light. 

Upon reaching the destination, I take a few hours to relax before heading out and exploring my new destination.

Restaurant Review: Mainland China at Infiniti Mall in Mumbai

What does one do when it's pouring outside and all you need is piping hot comfort food for a workday lunch?

You land up at the nearest a specialty Chinese restaurant for an all-you-can-eat meal. And boy was it worth it! My colleague and I landed at Mainland China in Infiniti Mall, Malad West, Mumbai where we opted for the Non-Veg Buffet Lunch (weekday) (INR 645 AI). And by the time we reach the venue at 1.15 pm, the buffet was already in progress.

The appetizers and the soup from the buffet menu are served at the table. While the mains and desserts have to be served ourselves. If you are adventurous like me, you can also try your hand at eating the food with a pair of chopsticks. The staff will oblige.

For starters, we had the soup. Chicken Hakka Soup - It was similar in taste to Manchow Soup, more tart and with less chicken. Forgettable.

In appetizers, we had a delicious fish starter which was so lip-smacking, we went ahead and asked for another helping. Next up were the Drums of Heaven. 

After that deliciousness, we were served piping hot Chicken Momos. The chicken momos were a revelation to me. I felt I was having substandard momos all along after biting into these beauties. Not overpowering, just the right hint of soy and the filling made for a satisfying eat. Post that, we were also served seasoned Potato Fingers. All of the appetizers were well seasoned, spiced and truly flavoursome.

A soon as we left our table to indulge in the mains, the courteous staff swiftly cleared our plates. Full marks for their efficacy. The mains had an array of dishes with exotic vegetables, tofu, chicken, fish and crab. What I truly liked was the Mixed Fried Rice, the Chicken in Black Bean Sauce & a Fish dish, the name of which I've forgotten. Flavourful, but merely average mains. Could be so as we were already almost full after gorging on the appetizers.

The dessert platter beckoned us and we just shamelessly stuffed ourselves. Among all of them, the honeyed Darsaan was the true highlight in the desserts for me.

Report Card:
Taste: 4/5
Ambiance: 4/5
Service: 5/5
Value For Money: 4/5; rating for buffet

Restaurant Name: Mainland China
Address: 3rd Floor, Infiniti Mall, Malad Link Road, Malad West, Mumbai
Cuisine: Chinese
Best way to reach: Car/ Public transport via the Link Road