A five-light junction. A cow and a calf wandering around. A small bus stop. A public tap. Two or three shops. A slice from the enchanting Malgudi town was coming alive, at Kulgi barely 12 kms away from Dandeli town.
Arun Bandekar’s Hotel Apoorva is an extension of his small, non descript shop selling some snacks for the school children and perhaps a bit of grocery for the locals. Arun, who came from Sawantwadi in Maharasthra to Dandeli some three decades ago, runs his enterprise along with his wife.
The Bandekars’ hospitality and culinary expertise eventually made Hotel Apoorva the base camp for many of the ‘non-touristy’ travelers as well as a chosen destination for ‘khana’ (food – lunch & dinner). There are a few ‘loyal’ families who drive from Mumbai and Bangalore every year, stay at Hornbill or Bison resorts but have their food at Bandekars’.
They have now converted some available place at home to rooms so that a few guests could stay over. There is a large hall, which is under construction. Many trekking groups and backpackers stay at Bandekars’
It is not just the great home cooked food. Bandekars will also help you get everything organized in Dandeli – the safari, local transport, kali river rafting, trekking, hiking and more…
Hi,
Thanks for the post.
Could you please email the contact details of Arun Banderkar? I am looking for stay and trekking options in that area.
Thanks,
Saswata
Please mail me the contact number and details of Arun Bandekar. It would help me to have a comfortable stay at Dandeli.
Hi Prasanna,
Thanks for the appreciation.
Will mail you the contact details of Arun.
Have a great trip.
Cheers
Unny
Hi Unny and Bindu,
Very good article, after reading this, our team would like to make a stay in Arun Bandekar’s Hotel Apoorva, please provide if any contact number is there OR how we can contact them.
Best Regards,
Prasanna.
thank you sowing so much nice place it is so bautiful in photo then how much beautiful place to be there
Jiteshh doshi
9819877695
Indeed a right article!
It was a recall of my olden days when i was in Dandeli every day we used to drive to this place in Kulgi and have the tea.
We used to call it as Aunty’s hotel!
Really the ride and the tea used to be amazing!!
Satya
http://www.dandeli1.com