Cella Villa is located on top of a hill, in South Mahe Island, Seychelles. We have booked the accommodation through Booking.com, but their property is also listed in AirBnB.

We booked a private room with only sharing bathroom with the owners. This was our first experience, when we ditched hotel and decided to stay with locals. Honestly the main concern was budget. As you all know Seychelles is expensive and hotels are more expensive, even AirBnB’s are not cheap either.
We stayed for two nights with the cost of 57$ per night, i.e. 3750 INR per night.

Cella & John owns this beautiful house, where the top floor is rented for a larger group of traveler in AirBnB and in the ground floor one room they rent ideal for solo/couple traveler. After booking we mainly interacted with John and he was sweet enough to answer all my queries, starting from weather conditions to how to reach there.Use the AirBnB link to get INR 1200 or $18.5 discount.

It took a while using Google maps to find the entrance of the place but John’s direction helped us reaching there. We were greeted by their domestic help as John was not well they went to see doctor.



The property is in a quite place, covered with well-maintained garden and trees gives a feel close to nature. Only thing to note, from the parking you have to carry your luggage up the stairs, is a little bit of challenge. The property is on the hill so driving there at night might be a challenge too.

The bedroom is neatly done, spacious with air conditioning. The bed was soft, amongst the furniture they had two cupboards one for your use and the other for them and was locked, and one dressing table was also provided. We didn’t have any hard time-sharing the washroom, as it had two entries one in the hall and one in our room, kind of direct access we had. Cella provides towels & toiletries too for her guests. You can share owners kitchen and fridge to cook or keep your things.

We were hesitant as it was first time we stayed with a local but all our hesitation went away as soon as we met Cella. She is nice charming lady, loving and caring made sure we had a comfortable stay. She offered food, cake and juices free of cost. Two nights we stayed there we came to know all about her family, her children/ grand children and shared our stories with her.

It was such a good experience that even shy Amit started talking from Day 1. I will very much recommend them if you plan your stay there. The property is on the hill so from the sit out area you get glimpse of the ocean and sunrise. If you are a family of four or a group traveling I will recommend the top floor property to book through AirBnB (Use this link to get discount).

Here is an apartment tour of Cella Villa.

La digue island

La Digue is one of the smallest of all the three islands we visited in Seychelles. We were welcomed by rain on our first day in Seychelles, we experience the real feel of the island on arrival in La digue.

Cat Cocos Jetty Mahe 

Early morning we drove to ferry to catch the first go to Ladigue, we deposited or back to the backdrop section and went inside with our carry ons. The morning look promising with white clouds and sun was just rising as we've sail towards the island. We had to change to a smaller ferry at Praslin Island, cat cocos took care of transferring our luggage.

Ron at the jetty

The moment we reached jetty we saw how beautiful the water was, you can see many parrot Fish at the jetty itself. We already pre-booked our stay at Mira's place through air B&B. Her friend Ron, who's going to give us bicycles, greeted us and took our luggage on his cycle show us the room. Here comes the hard part, almost 15yrs later I’m touching a bike, so was petrified. Amit managed well as he has more experience than me. Somehow I managed & cycled the way to our stay.

Near Anse Fourmis

Few hours later after relaxing a bit, we were back on our cycles exploring La Digue. A slow paced life in the lap of nature. We cycled up hill, down hill to reach Anse Severe, Patron village & many more.  All the way you can see beautiful granite boulders, turquoise blue water & birds. We were grateful that it was sunny all along.

Aldabra toroise

Cycling is difficult task, specially when all you do is sit, work in office and no exercise at all. So while riding we had to take plenty of breaks. One of these breaks we spotted the famous Aldabra tortoise, Seychelles is famous for. It was huge and beautiful. Almost all the beaches we saw was  having soft white sand & beautiful blue water.

We couldn’t resist but stop at few of them and take a dip in the water. Meanwhile the Selfie craze got into us & as we put Amit’s 1+X to our selfie stick for some cool selfies, one or two buttons got pressed together and the phone got into factory reset mode.Bummer!

Tired, hungry and thirsty from all the riding we were back at our place for lunch. Budget traveler as we are, we ate the home cooked parathans to save some bucks ;). We planned in the afternoon to visit Source D’ Argent & see the sunset, but when the moment came it started pouring outside. All we had to do is wait & hope the raining stops.

While we waited, we tried o revive Amit’s phone as it had offline Google Maps. We then realized whenever 1+x resets, it will boot only if it gets open Internet network either from a SIM or WiFI without password security. Being a budget traveler we didn’t have either of them, so we had to go the old way using physical map & ask the locals.

In front of Veuve Reserve

Around 6pm the rain stopped but it was still cloudy, so no chance of sunset. Still, we decided go & check at Anse Source D Argent, how much is the entry & will they allow multiple entries using the same ticket in a day, so that we can at least plan for the next day. The moment we stepped outside on a Saturday night we realized the island turned into party mode, locals playing Caribbean music, dancing & drinking.

Source D Argent

As we cycled towards LA union estate halting, asking people for direction it started drizzling. When we reached La Union Estate it stated pouring we had to stop under a tree and wait. Finally when the rain stopped we cycled towards the end of the road and found no one to collect the tickets or check on information we were looking for.  We parked our cycle, suddenly saw a trail and started following it little did we know we were at the Source D Argent.

View of La Union from Source D Argent

There were crabs size of my face everywhere, it started getting dark and drizzling again. Amit was in full photography mode from a small shelter despite there was no sunset that day. Few stray dogs started sharing the shelter with us. By the time we were done it was pitch black, we can only hear the waves and crab movement. Guess what we forgot to carry our headlamp. As mentioned earlier Amit’s phone was not booting so iPhone torch came to rescue, but it started raining again so had to put it away. We started walking towards our cycles and was petrified as we can’t see a thing properly. As our eyes started to get adjusted n the darkness, the most amazing thing happened a little dog who was sharing the shelter started showing us the way. We were petrified in the darkness, & followed the little angel on our cycles. He saved the day & showed us all the way out of the estate. It was pouring heavily at that time we both were completely drenched, though the rain kind of spoiled lot of things but gave me one of the most memorable moment of my life. There are no pictures to share this moment, riding bike with you love in the rain, it’s now kept safe inside my heart.

Next day we planned to do a sunrise photography, but rain spoiled it again. Once it stopped we headed towards Anse Severe for some early morning photos. On our way back we booked a snorkeling and island hopping trip of half a day from the jetty. Post breakfast we set out for snorkeling trip accompanied by another couple from La Reunion, French Polynesia. The boat ride took us to Sisters island, Felicite Island and Coco island. The boat trip was supposed to be for half a day but, we could only snorkel at CoCo island as the sea was rough. The French speaking couple from La Reunion was swimmers and said its not safe to go in the water and decided to head back. They bargained with the boat owner as we couldn’t do much and was back quickly to get the trip half of its price. Guess what all that they did and we forgot to ask their name.

On the way to Grand Anse

After having noodles for lunch we started cycling towards Grand Anse. The way towards Grand Anse is amazing mostly covered with dens trees in both the side, few houses on the way and you can hear the birds singing through out. The roads are steep, many times we failed to cycle on these steep roads and pushed our bike. One of these slopes I heard Amit yelling from back that his bike is not working, I had to stop and go back to find the chain of his cycle fell. This man claimed he never heard such a thing, so I had to get my hands dirty to put the chain back in place of geared cycle which I have never done in the past even for gear less cycle.

Grand Anse 

Finally we reached Grand Anse, beautiful beach with both side granite boulders, soft white powdery sand and turquoise blue water. We later realized this place is going to be beautiful at sunrise though we had such idea back then. After spending some time here we decided to find the trail to Petite Anse.

Petite Anse Hike

The way to Petite Anse, was a small trail near the bike parking of Grand Anse and is very easy to miss, we had to ask to find it. The trail was almost invisible with surrounding bushes. We had to climb & hike the boulders to find this little gem of a beach.

Petite Anse

Petite Anse was little smaller but secluded compared to Grand Anse. Crystal clear blue water and huge waves so couldn’t resist but took a dip. Post that found a little shade, had some cheese sandwich with self made pineapple juice with vodka. It was a total bliss, spending time at Petite Anse. There was another beach called Anse coco beach, but we couldn’t find the trail to reach there, missed google maps badly. Anyway we were dead tired by then to again hike n explore another beach.

We had a sunny day all through out so we headed towards Anse Source D Argent for sunset. We came to know the counter is at the entry of La Union estate gate, the ticket is on day basis for multiple entry SCR150 p.p. As it was almost end of the day lady at the counter on asking graciously extended our ticket till next day morning. The estate has many Aldabra tortoise inside so you get to see plenty of then here.

Anse Source D Argent

Lucky for us that evening we got to see one of the most brilliant sunset of our life. The colours were erupting in the sky and it was only two of us to see it. We positioned ourselves in front of the most photogenic rock, of the worlds most photographed beach to capture the moment.

The Rock

Source D argent was so beautiful that we couldn’t help but visit it next early morning. That’s the beach we saw before leaving La Digue, a place not to be missed for sure..

Our vlog on Ladigue island is below will give you a brief on what we did.

Day 1:
Day 2:

Our first road trip to Konkan, gave us the opportunity to explore new road and nee places. During our trip we came across many species of birds that are not often seen in our mundane city life. This post is to show \case our capture photos of these birds in our road trip. In furture if  we see more species in the similar route will append new photos in the same blog.

These are always in flocks by the beach. Mainly seen in west coast beaches in India. 

Heron by the Jetty

  Great Egret by Agardanda jetty

Male Purple Rumped Sun bird

 

 

                                                                   Female Sun bird

Please share us your encounters. Any new species of bird you found lately? We will be delighted to know your story.

First time I heard about Palolem beach, Goa I googled what are the things to do there. Then I came across the name Silent Noise disc. So did some research on that and found out the concept. South Goa is a
little but calm and peaceful compare to north Goa so there is rule after 10 pm no loud music, now what about the party lovers or people who got little tired of the peace. So, they came up with this amazing
concept of having DJ, music, and disc by the beach but with headphones on.

Silent noise was the first one to start this, currently there are many more. All of them taken one day in a week for the party. Silent noise is on every Saturday night. They have three DJ will provide you the
headphones having 3 channels Bollywood, international and hip hop or trance.

When you hear the idea you find it strange, and feel a bit skeptical that how it will be and how can it be possible that few groups are grooving in some other tune and you on something else.I tried it this year and trust me it is the most happening disc I have ever been. I found it even better than TITOS. The best part is you don't like the current song one DJ is playing you change your channel. This place you have to try in your lifetime. The awkwardness I thought about having few dancing on another tune than yours does not exist at
all once you are on the floor.

It has entry fee 600 per person , do bargain. They are open till 3 am I think, they serve food and drinks too. We had a blast, it was like having fun, open air with sea breeze and not disturbing the fishermen
village near by.

And when you want to rest your ears just take off your head phone and you can hear the sea and the sound of the sand being grooved upon.

We bought a new car (Maruti WagonR), and I always wanted to go on a road trip. The problem was none of us are very good drivers. Just learned the art of driving, still practicing phase is on.

So the first major task was to find out the destination which will be easier to drive for a novice driver. We wanted to avoid the hilly areas of Western Ghats and decided to go for Konkal coastal route.

Now the problem was the shortest route we decided to take, our friends suggested that it will be difficult as it’s a national highway with no dividers and overtaking trucks/trailers is a challenge even for a skilled driver.

Nevertheless, we decided to take a much longer and safer route to Kashid, Murud and Diveagar. My suggestion would be sooner or later you have to take the plunge so don’t listen to anyone just make up your mind decide on the route travel on a less crowded day may be working day which will give you less traffic. Leave early, drive slowly and you will be good to go.

Here are the routes we have taken to & fro:

• Navi Mumbai-Pune ExpressWay-Khopoli Pali Road(Take the exit just after the first Pune toll)-Roha- Kashid

• Kashid-Agardanda Jetty-By Car Ferry(http://carferry.in/rohini-agardande-2/ ) to Dighi-Diveagar- Drive from Kashig to Agardanda if you have 4 Wheelers else to Rajapuri Jetty at Murud for Two wheelers. Take a ferry to Dighi Port. From there drive to Diveagar. Please note Car ferry is only available at Agardanda Jetty. Car ferry cost was around 200 Rs including Car & two people. Ferry operates continuously so the timing mentioned in the website may vary.

• Diveagar-Mhasala-Mangaon-Kolad-Khopoli Pali-Pune Expressway-Navi Mumbai

Food/Stay Guide

At Kashid, you will get plenty of resorts and home stays with clean options. As we have travelled during weekdays most of the restaurants were closed but homestays and hotels will provide you meals. There are small restaurants near the market area.

At Diveagar, you will have more option for stay as well as food. They have restaurants and hotels open all season. I didn’t find any nice breakfast joint here but plenty of places for meals like RaneVandhu Khanaval or Patil Khanaval etc.

On weekends you won’t have to worry about stay and food at all.

We mostly book hotels prior and then visit places, this time we thought we will search once we reach as we had our own car. But trust me it does not make much difference if you are planning to come and bargain in a place like this. They will rather keep hotel empty than negotiate with money. It’s better to pre-book it.

If you have any question please put it in the below comments, will be happy to address it.

Restaurants Reviews in Andaman Island

Da Bay Inn, Haddo,Portblair:  First time we landed in this place, late afternoon when all the shops were closed for nap time. Please remember life in Andaman is relaxed so people open their shop around 10am-1pm and go home for lunch & little nap and reopen at 5 to 6pm. We were really hungry and got little late so all the restaurants were closed. We ordered Chicken Biriyani, and fish fry. They served good food and the ambience was really nice so we headed there another day for dinner and ordered fish gravy and rice which was mouth watering. Here is a picture of the place.

Hotel Dream Palace

This is the hotel where we stayed. They offer brilliant food we tried overnight. The fish masala fry and the fish curry rice they make the best. Its value for money, but its best to order it as a room service rather going to their restaurant. They have a basic , underground restaurant not that good ambience.

The Waves

This restaurant is located right at the corbyn’s cove beach. It has the perfect location & ambience. You get a brilliant view of the sea from the top floor, they serve beer as well. This is one of the place where a girl can also have a drink J. This places food is not upto the mark. We had fish pakoras and noodles and none of them tastes good. So if you no other option then only you go here the food is not so good. But to get a chilled beer, you can always hangout at this place.

Paradise Café

Paradise café is located right at the center of Abardeen bazaar, on the way to Abardeen jetty you will find it. It’s very popular joint value for money and has both AC and Non AC option to dine in. We have been here twice. They serve both yummy breakfast, all Indian options like idli, dosa, paratha and puri bhaji etc. We had lunch here, it was good too. They even serve fresh seafood such as crabs and lobsters. The waiters are very friendly and going to suggest the right menu to choose from, incase they do not have that fresh they will tell you upright. It’s a place where you can re-visit time after time.

New Light House Café

This Café located at Abardeen jetty, it is an open air restaurant with a good view of the near by park and the jetty. They serve fresh seafood, especially lobsters.  We visited them for dinner, we had pepper chicken, that was quite nice. Then tried ordering BBQ Crab but the waiter insisted on serving Crab masala, which was a mood spoiler. The horrible crab masala I had in my life. I repented listening to him and ordering that. They had curry leaves all over the dishes in the name of masala. Complete NO NO for this one try Light House Café (not New Light House Café) instead.

jThis restaurant is located at the Havelock Bazar area. This has no ambience, rather quite a repulsive ambience they have but they serve amazing food. We found this place when we wanted to have chaai (FYI you get Indian tea here). They serve Fish n Chips, Grilled Fish, Crabs & Lobsters etc.  We had dinner here and that was amazing. You gotta try this place. Indian Fish Thali is nice too.Value for money.


Welcome

This restaurant is located at the Havelock Bazar area. This has no ambience, rather quite a repulsive ambience they have but they serve amazing food. We found this place when we wanted to have chaai (FYI you get Indian tea here). They serve Fish n Chips, Grilled Fish, Crabs & Lobsters etc.  We had dinner here and that was amazing. You gotta try this place. Indian Fish Thali is nice too.Value for money.

Golden Spoon
This another restaurant of Havelock is also at the Bazar area right opposite the fish Market J. This is also a shabby little place who serves amazing fresh food. Popular amongst the foreigners as well. We had grilled fish here, and loved it. Amazing taste and fresh so who cares about the ambience. Do try the food here if you like experimenting. Its not that costly and very fresh.

Tango Beach Resort

We stayed in this hotel at Neil Island, and the food was included in the package. They served Indian(mainly Bengali style) food in the buffet. The food was really good and nice. Restaurant is also clean & nice with proper ambience.