Kandala is at the top of the Western Ghats – the hills that separate Mumbai from Pune. The drive is beautiful, especially with the light dancing with the clouds around the peak of Dukes Nose as a backdrop.

Chai (tea) Stops abound, and I have become very partial to the experience.  The tea is very sweet, boiled to death and often has spices added. It is an acquired taste – and I have definitely  it! But it is the whole experience that encompasses a drink at one of the venues. This particular one is very special. The views across the plains towards Mumbai in one direction and the dominant skyline of Dukes nose in the other. The people I met here were lovely. Grabbing plastic to cover the camera when the next monsoon storm hurtled in.

And the shrine in the cave. I find the faiths and religions in India fascinating. Churches around one corner, mosques on the next. And Hindi shrines to different deities everywhere in between. And there are many other faiths to fill in the gaps.

All the images that follow are from the same Stop. This is where I spent my 50th birthday and some of the people I shared it with. Bliss!