Earlier in July, since my older sister and her daughter were with us, we decided to visit nearby Lonavala for a little break. We left on July 8 and returned on the 10th. My little sister had to take a couple days off from work but we all got to go and take a family mini-vacation after a long time. Now Lonavala is famous for its Chikki – a desert made with sugar syrup and peanuts as the main ingredient even though modifications of this original recipe are common. It is a hill station of sorts and a popular destination and a quick getaway for wearied folks from places like Mumbai and Pune. We didn’t care much for chikki or to make this like a touristy visit. We were there to just be with each other and spend quality time together which is exactly what we did. This visit of mine to Pune is after three years – my last visit being when I came down to renew my US visa in 2005. My research was going well and I was comfortable with how things were going which was important for this trip. Moreover, sis and niece were leaving for Mumbai that Friday so it was an opportunity to be together before she left. Otherwise my self-imposed no-pleasure-trips-until-I-complete-my-research agenda has remained unchanged.
Here are some pics taken from the car during the return drive from Lonavala to Pune. 
