Our Indian Adventure
A Tale of Two Halves…
Our recent family trip to India was a tale of two halves, as we hopped between the lush jungle interiors, beaches, and winding riverbanks of Goa to the home of sprawling mango groves and wild Asiatic lions: Sasan Gir, in Gujarat. Part one of our Indian adventure began exactly where we needed it to: in the deep, quiet embrace of the jungle.
Part One – Jungle Mornings and Riverside Sunsets
Unwinding at The Postcard Hideaway, Netravali
We started our stay at The Postcard Hideaway, Netravali, a serene, tranquil spot perfect for those looking to completely unwind. The rooms here have incredible stilted tree-house vibes, built with a sensitivity that blends seamlessly with the wilderness.
Starting our day on the balcony with views of the Western Ghats was nothing short of magical. We were all, especially my eight-year-old son, excited to wake up in the mornings, eager to greet a family of monkeys swinging effortlessly from tree to tree while we sipped our morning tea. We discovered these were southern plains hanuman langurs, which are common to the area.
The hospitality was so warm that it felt less like a hotel and more like staying with family; Gaurav, Aryan, and Srishti were extra helpful and lovely. We all treated ourselves to spa treatments, and I can honestly say the balinese massages were amongst the best we’ve ever experienced. These were finished with a warm ginger-based tea served on a large open-air terrace overlooking the sunset; a perfect digestive aid to soothe the system and ground us after such deep relaxation.
We had grand plans to visit the nearby waterfalls in Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary, a place famous for its rich birdlife like the malabar pied hornbill and the flame-throated bulbul. However, limited on time and still acclimatising to the Goan heat, we swapped the trekking for days of pure chilling in the gorgeous jungle-view pool. We spent our time cycling around the property and playing traditional games like carrom, a popular Indian tabletop game that’s a bit like a cross between billiards and air hockey, where you flick a weighted disc to knock pieces into corner pockets.
Pro tip: The lovely General Manager, Deepak, mentioned that the best time to see those waterfalls in full flow is after the monsoon rains in August. That is officially my cue to return.
In the spirit of true connection with nature, the rooms have no TVs, and the impact on our collective relaxation was profound. Without the constant hum of a screen, the jungle's own soundtrack took centre stage.
A Feast for the Senses
Breakfast each morning was exceptional. Freshly made aloo paratha, masala chai, vibrant fruits, and pancakes were all prepared to order in keeping with the property's zero-waste policy. Chef Rahul greeted us personally and was more than happy to adapt dishes to our tastes, which he nailed.
I’d contacted the hotel before arriving to ask if they had amaranth flour, a healthier, nutty alternative to wheat common in India, and they had it all sorted. Dinner was just as special, featuring produce from their onsite vegetable and herb garden. The thecha prawns were exquisite; my mouth still waters just thinking of them. The only downside? Having to leave.
A Wedding Interlude at The St. Regis
We moved on to The St. Regis Goa for a family wedding nearby. It was exactly what you'd expect from a St. Regis: top-notch service and amazing food; I lived for the fresh masala puri every morning. It is a beautifully designed property with a busy, grand resort vibe, perhaps a different speed if you usually prefer a boutique, intimate feel.
What truly set the experience apart, though, was the team. Our butler, Shivani, and the head butler, Shubham, were world-class. Shubham's daily chats and his genuine passion for all things wilderness in India were delightful to listen to. Rijol, the head of F&B, made us feel like royalty every single evening.
While there, we took a day out to visit The Postcard Cuelim for lunch. This heritage property is steeped in history, housed in a 350-year-old building that actually contains two chapels. The art collection there is stunning, curated from the group owner's private collection. They even have an easel and paints set up for anyone wishing to paint their surroundings, a lovely way to encourage mindfulness. The food here was "melt in your mouth" yum; we almost fought over the last bits of the vindaloo pulled lamb bruschetta and the mustard battered fish.
Life on the Water: The Postcard on the Mandovi River
Our final stop in Goa was The Postcard on the Mandovi River. The decor here is beautiful, with heritage finishing touches like traditional stained-glass window panes and wood-carved furniture seamlessly blending with a fresh, contemporary look.
We spent a morning learning about Goa's fascinating history with our excellent guide, Anand, whilst exploring the churches and slow pace of Old Goa as well as the colourful streets of Fontainhas.
Pro tip: Go early in the morning to avoid the midday heat. It's also worth noting that many of the beautiful homes in Fontainhas are private residences; keeping an eye out for "no photography" signs is a nice way to respect the local community while exploring.
We arrived back at the hotel having skipped breakfast, so we took full advantage of the "anytime breakfast" policy. Our wonderful waitress, Kim, recommended the spicy chicken dosa. It was so good I had two, along with my daily masala chai, a newly developed personal breakfast ritual at this stage. We spent the rest of the day lazily watching the boats drift by on the Mandovi. I caught up on my reading by the pool, finally winding down after the wedding festivities.
On our last night in Goa, my husband arranged a special cocktail hour on the rooftop terrace to toast my upcoming birthday. Rahul, the mixologist, even have our son a go at mocktail making, a simple watermelon mint medley, which he found so fun. We arrived back at our room to a wonderful chocolate birthday cake and decorations, such a sweet touch.
Part Two: The Golden Wilds of Gujarat
Following our time on the river, we journeyed north to Gujarat, specifically to the rugged, dry landscapes of Gir. Arriving at The Postcard Gir, we were greeted by Dharampal, the General Manager, and a refreshing jaggery sherbet welcome drink.
Set across 16 acres, 11 of which are mango groves, the property has a raw charm with rooms of exposed, locally sourced stone. The area of Gir is famous for its kesar mangoes, the 'Queen of Mangoes', and staying amidst the fragrance of these orchards is a sensory experience in itself.
Into the Wild
A safari in Gir is a bucket-list experience, and we were incredibly lucky with our sightings. While the famous asiatic lions eluded us this time, the forest revealed so many other treasures: graceful sambar deer, wild boar, a quick-moving indian grey mongoose, and a regally perched crested serpent eagle.
We also learned about the "buddy system" between the hanuman langurs and the chital (spotted deer), nature's perfect security team. The langurs act as the primary lookouts from the high canopy, barking out alarm calls the moment they spot a predator from above. In return, the deer use their superior sense of smell to detect danger lurking in the tall grass that the monkeys might miss, alerting the langurs when it isn't safe to descend. On one occasion, this partnership led us to the ultimate prize: a leopard walking out of the thickets to catch some morning sun.
The Feeling of Home
Being Gujarati myself, I am admittedly biased, but for me, these are the flavours of home. The gujarati food on offer throughout this leg of the trip was spectacular. It is a cuisine that balances sweet, salty, and spicy so perfectly, and every meal felt like a warm embrace.
Beyond the food and wildlife, we leaned into local mindful activities as a family. We spent time immersed in mandala art, tried our hand at the pottery wheel, and learned the rhythmic intricacies of loom weaving. It was such a memorable way for all of us to connect with the heritage of the region and with one another. To wrap up the trip, I treated myself to some soul-soothing in the form of a sound healing session followed by a full-body deep-tissue massage.
There is such a lovely consistency to the Postcard hotels, from the beautiful custom-designed room robes to the signature teas and the impeccable decor to the warm staff. It was the perfect, meditative end to an adventure that took us on a truly unforgettable adventure from the deep Goan jungle to the vibrant heart of Gujarat.
