KVR Get-together at Lonawala

KV-Returns (KVR) – a group of Kutchis who have returned from US to Mumbai or Pune had a get-together in Lonawala on Sep 21-23 (Fri-Sun) 2012. It was the equivalent of Camp KV in USA with equal amount of fun. 10 families attended the get-together which made a total of 36. 2 more families were supposed to join but they dropped out. Otherwise we would have crossed 40.

We stayed at Zaverben Popatlal Kutchi Sanatorium. Some of us stayed for Fri and Sat nights and some stayed for Sat night only. The Sanatorium is very nice and economical. They have recently renovated rooms and playstructures. Kids could easily do in and out of the rooms and play in the numerous play structures available.

Friday night was dedicated to Medavo and catching up with everyone. On Sat morning we headed to Tiger falls. There was not much hope for water in waterfalls based on reports from everyone but some of us were determined. :-). We managed to find an alternate point near Tiger falls where the falls were decent enough to take a dip. The advantage of this point was that it had a natural tub like area where the water from falls was accumulating before proceeding ahead. KVR folks proceeded to occupy this tub and had the time of their lives. Water temperature was perfect.

Some of the luxury available in India is that food is available everywhere. Here a vendor supplied us hot corn right in the tub of water. Enjoying corn while in the water was a unique experience.

Our breakfast and lunch was in the bhojan-shala of the Sanatorium. The advantage in India is that we dont have to carry food along for the group like in the USA. The food was reasonably priced there. And the advantage was that kids would finish their food quickly and head off to play in the various playstructures available. Samir Amisha had gone a day before to Lonawala and did some scouting around about things to do. That contributed to a well planned trip and everyone enjoyed a lot.

In evening we went for a hike to Tungarli Lake. Upon reaching the lake we played Antakshari and chilled. Dinner was outside in a restaurant called Cream Center. Evening time at the Sanatorium was devoted to Games such as Dumb Charades, Housie, and other games.

On Sunday we decided to skip any activity outside of the Sanatorium and instead enjoy the facilities of the Sanatorium. We played badminton, dog-bone, kids played cricket. Since its a Kutchi Sanatorium its but natural that a few of us bumped into people that we knew. 🙂

Overall the trip was great fun with great facilities and great company. It was nice to catchup with everyone. We were missing the Camp-KV that we used to do in USA but this made up for that.

Full Album available here: