Saturday, October 31, 2009

GUHANTARA - ANVESHANA

Off late, me and my friends had been finalizing on the Resorts in and around Bangalore. The final decision was Guhantara. But now when its decided, the D-day was getting delayed as our union was becoming a Frog’s story. If one frog is in the pond, the other frog jumps out, lol… Though delayed we finally went on 25th October, with only 4 frogs in the pond.. he he….



Guhantara, is a theme Resort, pondering the Idea of a Cave. Its located on Kanakpura Main Road, approximately 25 kms from Banashankari. For the first time I rode 90 kms the same day, as to my worry I had to attend a wedding on the same night without fail. Luckily the roads heading were not that bad, so I did not get restless before I reached the destination. Its very easy getting over here, as you just have to ride on one straight Kanakpura road further “Art of Living” without any deviations but for the last one to your right. You can find the Guhantara Emblems on the road to your rescue but never ever say how far it is yet ;) With the deviation to the right you will have to travel on a mud road. Oh my goodness, be prepared to enjoy the worst(if I could use Worstest..) road in your lifetime. No maintenance at all till we reach the place.


The timing of this Resort for a day’s package would be from 10 am to 5 pm. If you have not booked the stay for a team, then be prepared for the confusions on the Tariff. No wonder the tariff link which was on the Guhantara’s homepage no more exists. We reached the place by 10.30 and opted for a package with Breakfast, they also have one without it, he he... We were charged 700 plus tax, summing upto 2352 Rs. for three, as the other frog was coming late, and when he came his bill was 600 Rs. only and without any tax. I don’t know who on this earth made this Tariff plan. This includes Welcome Drink, Lunch and Evening Snacks with the usage of facilities like Bicycles, Shuttle Badminton, Archery, Beach Volleyball (please don’t have more expectations, as we did, because it is only a Volleyball court with sand. LOL), Swimming Pool, Rain Dance and few Indoor games too.

The place is an awesome piece of architecture, and one has not only spent money but all of his time and love to make it I believe. After payment in the reception the entrance of this Cave Resort is a steep way designed like a Cave which takes you to the main hall. You can even pray god Guhantareshwara before entering to make your day better ;). And the very first view of the inner Guhantara, I bet will have a Wow! Statement on your face.


After having breakfast, we went on trying our forgotten skills of riding bicycle. Please beware as these bicycles are badly maintained and pick the one only after checking twice. Later we played Badminton for a while in the lawn which is not so, but well maintained. You can try your hand playing Volleyball if you dare to feel the pain. The day for us was not so enjoyable until lunch time. Fun was deteriorating as we were not in a team and I kept cursing my friend who insisted on going no matter how many people join us.

We decided to have lunch and get into the pool to make our day a little enjoyable. Lunch was pretty fine, with two Non-vegetarian dishes of Kerala style and other vegetarian North Indian Cuisines. We enjoyed our lunch with the singing competition on. It was fun watching the folks with no knowledge of music, trying their voice on the Karaoke played with the lyrics given. Please participate if you are there as a team. It’s damn fun. This ended up by 3.30 with the next event announced, Rain Dance.

The time we were wondering where this Rain Dance will be accommodated it started pouring at the main hall itself. The moderation of the same place. Trust me, this DJ is the one better than in Wonderla. Wow, what a collection he played, including Kannada, Hindi and Tamil songs in the list. The best part of the rain dance was, he played Kajrare asking only girls on stage, Khaike paan banaraswala for boys, Ajabsi for couples and many wonderful songs for the folks altogether. Good Job DJ!

After this you have snacks served, which I could never have, asking us to eat and leave the place as it will be the end of your package. We were late, as there is hardly any facility for changing other than the Ladies rest room having 4 change rooms for everyone there. And they ask you pay 30 Rs. per coffee or tea after it closes. So, please do have snacks and later you can change, hence escaping the stupid queue also.

Tariff was reasonable, unless it is weirdly calculated like the one with us. Only one literal swimming pool as the other one in the main hall does not seem like the one hygienic. Lunch was better than most restaurants here in Bangalore. I think they should stop allowing people smoke, in the so called Madhushala, which is in the main hall only, as it irritates non smokers a lot while having lunch or even dancing. Yes, they have named every place in ancient sounding names, Paakashala, Madhushala, Sambhodana, Ranga Mandapa and many as such, sounds good.

So, summing up my total experience with Guhantara, I would give them 3 ½ stars. Kudos, to the theme of the Resort.