Best Weekend Getaways Near Mumbai

**Guest Post**

Life in Mumbai is always chaotic. This is one city in India that never sleeps. Mumbai is dynamic, exciting and full of life. The hustle and bustle of life is always restless and working 24 x 7. But other than the shimmers and glitters of this city, Mumbai also has to offer a lot of weekend trip near Mumbai. These are the places that everyone should visit to relax their mood and rewind themselves. Mumbai is surrounded by the majestic Western Ghats and offers a lot of getaway options to the tired soul. This is what made us create this article for travellers who are looking for superb weekend getaways. Read on

Karnala Bird Sanctuary

The Karnala Bird Sanctuary in on the Mumbai- Goa highway. If you are looking for a peaceful and lovely getaway near Mumbai then this has to be your first choice. The forest is spread over 4.8 sq km and it is the home of more than 150 bird species. Not just this over 37 immigrant birds can also be seen in Karnala Bird Sanctuary. This could be your ideal picnic spot for the weekend too. Take along your family and drive here.

The distance from Mumbai to Karnala Bird Sanctuary is 60 km and the best time to visit here is from October to April. Avoid the monsoon season to visit this place because you will hardly see any birds during the rainy season.

Source: Google

Things to do: Bird watching, trekking, the botanical garden.

Karjat

Kajrat is 62 km away from Mumbai and it won’t take you a lot of time to reach here. On the basin of river Ulhas nestles the beautiful town ofKarjat. This is a place which is immensely blessed by nature. Mountains, picturesque view, forts, vistas, and rock-cut cave temples make this small town a must visit place near Mumbai. There are a lot of things to do in Karjat.

The best time to visit here is in between July to September.

Karjat in monsoon.

Things to do: You can come here to relax, trek, and rock climbing, waterfall climbing, picnic, boating, white water rafting, and rappelling.

Matheran

The next that we have on our list is perhaps one of the most popular destinations among the weekenders. Matheran lies at a height of 2516 above sea level. What you will get to experience here is a lush green forest, peaceful environment, and serenity. Well, isn’t that a good reason to visit Matheran? You can also take a ride on toy ride from Neral to Matheran. If you require any taxi service to travel try Uber promo code.

Matheran is 83 km away from Mumbai and the best time to visit here is from October to May.

Source: Google

Things to do: Trekking, horse riding, sightseeing, walking and valley crossing. Once you reach here you can go to the Heart Point, Luisa Point, Lords Point, Echo Point, and One Tree Hill.

Lonavala and Khandala

Remember the “aatikyakhandala song” from the movie Ghulam? Yes, we are talking about the same Khandala. This twin hill resort at a distance of 93 km from Mumbai and to be honest is the heart of Mumbai people. Whether you are planning for a one day trip or want to embrace the hills and forget about everything, well Lonavala and Khandala are the places for you.

The best time to visit here is in between October to May. You can plan a two-day trip here to explore everything that Lonavala and Khandala has to offer

View from Tungarli Lake, Lonavala.

Things to do: You can visit Korigad Fort, Bedsa Cave, Tungarli Lake, Duke’s Nose, Pavna Lake, and Lonavala Lake. This place is famous for trekking, flee market and camping.

Kamset

After you complete your trip in Lonavala and Khandala travel for 16 km to reach Kamset. If you are an adventurous person and love to take part in enthralling sports then you are going to love us for introducing you to Kamset. Kamset is the king of paragliding in India. This place is covered with a plethora of paragliding spots. For a quick adrenaline rush make sure to do paragliding here. You can avail Ola coupon code to hire an Ola outstation cab.

It is 102 km away from Mumbai and the best time to visit here is from October to May.

Source: Google

Things to do: Kamset is famous among paragliders, apart from this come here to visit Karla Caves, Kondeshwar Temple, Uksan Dam, Bhairi Cave, Bedsa Caves, and Raikar Farm. You can come here to enjoy trekking, swimming, rock climbing, as well as boating.

Kolad

If on your next weekend trip all you want to do is take part in adventurous activities then visit Kolad. Once you see the Kundalika River gushing in full force, you will be blown away looking at the serene beauty. It’s an ideal place for travellers who want to have some fun along with sightseeing.

The distance from Mumbai to Kolad is 124 km and the best time to visit here is from June to February.

Source: Google

Things to do: You can visit Tala, Kundalika River, Kansai Falls, Kuda Caves, and Tamhini Falls. Come here for hiking, paragliding, rafting, boating, and kayaking.

MalshejGhat

Take a road trip from Mumbai to Malshej and enjoy the beautiful trip. You will cross the majestic Western Ghats Mountain pass which will rejuvenate your soul and uplift your mood. You know you need a break and nothing can be better than taking a long drive through the mountains.

The distance from Mumbai to MalshejGhat is 154km and the best time to visit here is either from July to September or from October to March.

Things to do: Trekking, camping, picnic with friends and family.

Now you know where to go for the next weekend getaway trip. So, pack your bags and drive.

Note: This is a guest post by couponscurry.com.

Road trip to Harihareshwar: Misadventures and Ruminations

We pay our bill on the roadside stall; pour water on our heads to cool of our minds in the sweltering heat of May. It is the last stretch of our journey to Harihareshwar as we wear our helmets and prepare to reach the destination.

Harihareshwar beach.

We had set out for Harihareshwar beach in the wee hours of the morning. Until now, the trip was a mix of scenic driveways, good food, lots of laughter and dodging several potholes on the road. After 10 o’ clock the sun showed no mercy on us and drained our energy. So we had a brief halt at Kolhad before continuing onwards and sat down by the river Kundalika to wash away the tiredness.

Read: Living the moment!

The old-world charm of Harihareshwar.

“30 km to go! The road is going to become steep and narrower as we ride through the ghats.” I warned my friend on realizing that we were on the last but the most challenging stretch of all. This was my second visit to Harihareshwar and I was as excited as my first visit. The bike raced through the hill and the wide road began to narrow down to a single-lane, serpentine road. Each bend unfolded a fresh view and took us closer to the destination which made us forget about the harsh condition. All of a sudden, the hot air that once felt like a fire melting our faces, now felt like a soothing breeze. The perspiration caused by the agitating humidity began to cool down. The road ahead that looked distorted due to the heat was soon going to lead us to our oasis. I was already imagining the fun that lay ahead. But adventures, as they say, are not something that you can always expect. In my case, it was more of a misadventure this time!

Read: From Guhaghar, with love

Harihareshwar temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is also known as ‘Dakshin Kashi’. It is believed to have a similar spiritual aura as that of Kashi/Banaras and that whoever is not able to visit Kashi can make a pilgrimage to this place.

The hill, seen in the picture is sacred and there is a well-carved path to circumambulate around it. The path starts from the temple premises and ends at the seashore. Look for the designer rocks that have taken various shapes and patterns over the years. There are also idols carved out of those rocks which are still worshipped by the locals.

Almost 10 km before the destination, as we took a sharp right turn, a bus from the opposite direction tried to race past us without compromising on the speed. Since there was not enough space for both the vehicles to cross the narrow road, my friend had to take the bike off road and in the process, we lost our balance. By the time I gained consciousness, the blood was oozing from my right knee and few locals had come to our rescue.  Thankfully, my friend was safe and the people around quickly helped him to pick up the bike. Looking at my injury, they asked me to apply a bandage to stop the bleeding but we did not have the first aid kit. The locals then suggested taking a detour to a nearby hospital and we quickly rushed there. The doctor confirmed that it was not a fracture and the swelling would be healed by a week or so. Although I was relieved at first, the symptoms of swelling and the stiffness felt familiar. Only six months back, I was operated for a ligament tear of my left knee from which I was still recovering. I silently prayed that this shouldn’t be the case again. However, few stitches and the first aid later, the doctor gave me the green card and we finally reached Harihareshwar.

Read: Ganpatipule in pictures

Magical sunset after a hectic day.

We kept brooding on how we could have saved ourselves from the danger and stressed on the importance of carrying the first-aid kit and also wearing the knee and elbow pads as a precautionary measure. The unbearable afternoon sun had also done the trick and in the anticipation to reach the destination faster; my friend raced the throttle a little more than he should; for which he was guilty. I thought of confronting about my injury to mom which was more difficult than sustaining the injury. I know the fear that she hides each time I embark on a new journey and the worries behind her constant reminder of being careful. This time, her fears proved to be true.  As time passed, I learned to pretend normal. I didn’t want the topic to ruin the rest of the day. After all, it didn’t make sense to delve on the past.

This is how we woke up; amidst the rustic houses, tall trees, and the chirping birds. A view from our homestay.

What made sense was to look forward to the long holiday and be grateful for the beauty and tranquility around. We spent the rest of the evening on the beach. It was a full moon day and the beach glittered with silver sands and splashing waves. The atmosphere felt divine, as the wind carried the symphony of the bells ringing from the temple nearby.  The whole beach was left for us. I sought solace lying on the beach, observing the constellations above. And so did my friends. We were lost in our own reverie, hardly conversing amongst each other. Was it because of the misadventure or a long bike ride on an awful summer day? I couldn’t say. It was dark and the moon’s light was only enough to create silhouettes of each other not allowing me to figure out what they were up to. Whatever it was, I liked it this way, as I myself kept fighting with dominating thoughts and emotions.

Read: Adventure tales of Chamba

“Is it just an idiocracy to have come this far without proper planning or is this the price I have to pay for seeking freedom and happiness?”, I wondered.  My thoughts then fickled with the glimpses of my struggle in the closed cabin. The pain of monotony soon outweighed the physical pain. I was instantly grateful for that moment on the beach that helped me live in my own imaginative world. But, deep within I knew even this was momentary. For how long will nature entice me with its charm? I kept looking above as if trying to find a clue. If I’m really afraid of monotony, what if the sky became monotonous one day? Or was it the sheer pain in my knee that made me think so much!  When one is restless from within, it is difficult to find happiness from anywhere else. Perhaps, the answer laid in experiencing what is ahead and being curious rather than rationalizing the thoughts. And so I heaved a sigh and decided to let the time take its own course. For now, I’d like to bask in moon’s light and try to connect the dots (in the sky!). 😉

Tips:

1. Never lose focus from the road and try to hasten even if you have almost arrived at the destination. Always remember that the road trip is like a marathon and not a 100m race. Do not hurry!
2. Always wear helmets, and knee and elbow pads. (this goes for pillion riders as well.)
3. Always keep the first-aid kit handy.

FAQs:

How to reach?

By road: Harihaeshwar is 200 km from Mumbai and generally takes 5-6 hrs by road.

By train: Mangaon is the nearest railway station. One can board a local bus from here or hire a cab. Harihareshwar is approx. 65 km from Mangaon.

By bus: Not sure if there are direct buses to Harihareshwar but a lot of buses ply to Mangaon and from there one can take a bus to Harihareshwar.

Where to stay?

There is no hotel or lodging at Harihareshwar apart from the Harihareshwar Beach Resort. Hence, one needs to book in advance. There is also a Harihareshwar MTDC Resort which needs prior booking. But, there are plenty of homestays around that provides a glimpse of local life here. The place we stayed at was well maintained and charged Rs. 1200/ night for 4 people.

What to eat?

The dhaba opposite to the Harihareshwar beach resort serves freshly cooked, delectable food ( both veg and non-veg). Although I loved the veg thali more, the fish thali is definitely to look out for. Veg thali costs around Rs. 100 while non-veg thali costs Rs. 150.

Binge on the sweets bought from one of the shops outside the temple. Also, try the locally made fruit flavored chocolates.

Places to visit?

Parikrama around the hill is considered sacred and is also a lot of fun. Climb the hill and face the crazy winds as you descend through the steps cut out of the rocks that leads you to the shore. Look out for the natural carvings and patterns on the rocks. Note that it is not advisable to do parikrama during monsoon as the sea is rough.

One can also visit Shrivardhan and Diveagar Beach which is 19 and 37 km from Harihareshwar respectively. Anjarle-Dapoli is another circuit which can be included along with Harihareshwar.

Reminiscing old times: Road trip to Alibaug, Kashid, and Murud…

Although the travel world is changing with people looking for more offbeat experiences and adventure, the clichéd trip to Alibaug is still one of the most preferred weekend getaways. It has long been catering to the recreational needs of wary travellers, especially from Mumbai and Pune who prefer breaking away, with comfort. While going through the old pictures, I became nostalgic remembering the simpler times when planning a vacation meant going to Alibaug/Lonavala.

Read: From Guhaghar, with love

Nagaon Beach, Alibaug.

On one such road trips from Mumbai to Alibaug, I convinced my friends to explore and travel all the way to Kashid Beach. While Alibaug still tops the chart for the crowd it attracts, I discovered that Kashid Beach is cleaner and a peaceful alternative (Not sure about the current situation though. This was a few years back).

Kashid Beach

Long stretched white sand beach lined with pristine palm trees, pocket-friendly homestays, fresh seafood coupled with chilled beer and friends by your side makes you believe in the much-needed respite from the mundane.

Next day, we also visited Murud-Janjira fort (which is a 20kms drive from Kashid) to get a peek into the history.

Enroute Murud.

Ah! The view…

A dilapidated structure overlooking the sea made a great frame to capture.

The 17th century built fort proudly sits in the middle of the sea, like a jewel in the crown. I remember that the boat services were closed when we reached in the afternoon due to high tide. It felt like it was taunting us, ironically in the same way, it had taunted its enemies.

Read: Standing through tides and times: Jaigad Fort and Karhateshwar Temple

Murud Janjira Fort.

Our visit to the fort was compensated by having authentic Malvan cuisine at Patil Khanaval hotel in Murud and tripping on repeated glasses of soulkadhi– An appetizer drink made from coconut milk and kokum.

Simple yet delightful setting under the shade of coconut trees. Patil Khanaval hotel is pocket-friendly and a great pit stop for trying local cuisine.

So here’s to the short break from a fast-paced city life to the slow rustic coastal life, rough weekdays to a carelessly-sipping-coconut water-on-the-beach weekend, the cry of struggle to the joy of freedom, concrete jungles to the natural aura. A place with lip-smacking local cuisine, temples, forts, scenic driveways- suitable for everyone. Being a Mumbaikar myself, no matter what, a trip to Alibaug/Kashid always pops up naturally to my mind when it comes to planning a short beach vacation.

Living the moment!

11.10 am, Valvand-

After camping at Udhewadi village, we reach a village named Valvand. In the search of a dhaba, we meet an old lady who is out for rearing cattle. Upon enquiring, she invites us to her house to have lunch. She tells us that there is no electricity in the village and hence it will take some time to prepare the food which is cooked on firewood. She would cook rice, roti,  mashed potatoes, and dal for us. We happily agree to the deal.

Read: An excerpt from my diary: Camping at Shirota Lake

Valvand is a village situated on the bank of Shirota lake.

The house is a typical rural house made up of mud and a thatched roof. The walls are made up of bamboo and cow manure that makes it strong and opaque. The floor is cleaned with cow dung and it is surprisingly cool in contrast to the hot weather outside.

The chickens and cat are moving freely in the house. The room is dark as I make way to the kitchen to strike up a conversation. The lady claims to be more than 60 years old. She lives with her husband and earns a living by selling tobacco products and sometimes serving food to the guests like us. She has 3 sons and 2 daughters who have settled in the cities. “What will they do here? There is no source of income in the village,” she explains.  The village lies in the rocky terrain of the Sahyadris and hence farming is rare in this region. The food materials are supplied from the nearby town and most of the villagers have cattle to depend on the milk and meat products.

Read: A hunt for the fireflies- Night trek to Rajmachi

Tea is prepared as we exchange our lifestyles. She suggests us to visit the nearby lake and take a bath by the time she prepares our meal. But we have given up to the bucolic life of the village. We find ourselves comfortable in the verandah as we lie down on the mat observing the rural life. An old man opposite to the house is sitting under the tree lighting up a bidi. To our right is the mountain shining in different shades of green. The herd of cows passes through the narrow lane in front of the house. A young guy has come to the house asking for a cigarette. By the time he leaves, we are lulled by the chirping birds and the cool breeze and fall asleep in the lap of Mother Nature.

Read: An adventurous journey to Shiva’s abode: Bhimashankar

Our sleep is disrupted by the voice of another customer calling the aunty. It seems like we were asleep for a very long time. My friend checks his mobile which tells us it’s only a quarter to noon. We share the same look of surprise and can’t help laughing.

I peep into the kitchen to check for the meal. The smell of freshly cooked rice is gradually taking over the entire house and the bubbling sound confirms that the rice is almost ready.

I heave a sigh of relief as I lay down gazing at the sky. The birds are still floating above and the world still seems to match the pace of my breathing!

Read: Nature’s architecture- Harishchandragad and Konkan Kada

 

The still waters of the lake holding the reflection of the hills, the smell of the jungle, the sound of the chirping birds and croaking of the frogs, the cool breeze lulled us to sleep. A leisure afternoon spent by the lake Shirota.

** Refer to the FAQs of the previous post for more details.

You may also like to read: 

An adventurous journey to Shiva’s abode: Bhimashankar

Nature’s architecture- Harishchandragad and Konkan Kada

A hunt for the fireflies- Night trek to Rajmachi

Wadeshwar – Discovering Euphoria

The reward of endurance: Takmak Fort

 

Ganpatipule in pictures

Blessed with the bounty of greenery, hills, and beaches, Ganpatipule attracts nature lovers, peace seekers and pilgrims alike. Roads running parallel to the sea, clean beaches, Malvan style sea-food, helping nature of people are the key attractions. In addition, there are many secluded beaches in the radius of 5 km which people hardly visit. Aare-ware beach in Bhandarpule, Malgund are to name a few. Prachin Konkan museum is another interesting place which reflects the traditional Konkan life. Ganpatipule was the last place of my visit after Guhaghar and Jaigad Fort and hence instead of hopping to various places, I decided to slow down and laze around the beach.
Read- Standing through tides and times: Jaigad fort and Karhateshwar temple

Ganpatipule Beach on a hazy morning.

The art of chilling!

“But first, let me take a selfie!”

The views are rewarding if one takes the route from Ratnagiri to Ganpatipule through Aare-ware road.

I sat on a hill and observed the infinite ocean and the waves oscillating from the land to the sea. Interestingly, this monotony didn’t feel boring.

Bhandarpule

Aare-ware Beach

About Ganpatipule-

Ganaptipule derives its name from the famous Ganpati temple. The Ganesh idol is self-originated from the rocks and hence is also called ‘Swayambhu’ Ganesh temple. The temple is situated at the foothill facing the beach. The hill itself is considered holy and there is a pathway (of approx. 1km) for the circumambulation of the hill, as a mark of respect. The legend has it that during the 16^th century, Bhide, the head of the village was going through a difficult phase in his life. And so he decided to give up on food until God solved all his problems. He retired in the jungle for penance and worshiped Lord Ganesha, his tutelary deity. One day, Lord Ganesh appeared in Bhide’s vision and told him that He has come to his village to solve all the problems and that the hill itself is His holy form.

Also Read- Mythological importance of Gokarna, Murudeshwar

During the same period, one of the cows of Bhide had stopped producing milk until one day a cow herder noticed that the milk flowed from its udder automatically where the temple is built currently. Upon hearing the story, Bhide cleaned the area and found the idol of Lord Ganesh which he had seen in his vision and hence, he built a shrine here.

FAQs

How to reach?
Via Rail– Nearest railway station is Ratnagiri. Google map shows the fastest route from Ratnagiri to Ganpatipule with a distance of 38km. I would advise ditching the bus as they take a different route to Ganpatipule with the views not as good as the old route of Aare ware and hire a cab or autorickshaw from Ratnagiri and take the Aare ware route to feel the wind and chase the sea.
Via Road– Ganpatipule is well connected by roads from the major cities. Also, there are direct buses from Mumbai and Pune on daily basis.

Where to stay?

Ganpatipule is one of the major tourist spots in Konkan and hence there are plenty of options available to cater the needs of different kinds of tourists. Prices start from Rs.500 for 2 people/night.

What to see?

Ganpatipule Temple and Beach, Prachin Konkan museum, Malgund Beach.

Towards the north of Ganpatipule, one can further visit Jaigad Fort and Lighthouse, Hedvi beach, Velneshwar Temple and Guhaghar.

From Guhaghar, with love

My sleep was interrupted by the announcement made from the bus stand opposite to my lodge. It was 6.30 a.m. and the first bus of the day was ready to make its way through the winding roads. I stood on the balcony to see Guhaghar at this time of the day where silence was drifting along with the fresh air. As I stood there absorbing peace, I got lost in the reverie about the previous day’s series of misfortunate events. How I and my friends passed the whole night at a railway station, as the train was delayed by 5hrs and reached Guhaghar in the evening instead of reaching by noon. Although our body was deprived of the rest it needed, we kept exploring the places till all the street lights were out. So as soon as I reached the hotel, I hit the bed and was out like a light! Adventure, sometimes, is only good when remembered as a thing of the past.
Read: Cheap thrills in Goa: New year’s eve

This morning, however, I was revived with the fresh aroma of the earth. The roads were moist and brushed away by the last night’s heavy rainfall. Though we had seen the most of the places by now, it was waiting to reveal its true self in solitude. My friends were in deep sleep and so I decided to have a company of my new camera and venture out on my own. The empty road with closed shops on either side was left for me to discover and dream the morning away. The leaves were sparkling green, wet and heavy with the dew. The chirping birds, the smell of leaves, wet twigs and branches provoked instant happiness in me. The temples, old rustic houses and the new houses with vibrant colors added to the beauty of this tranquil town. The glistening green paddy fields and the coconut trees that embellished the houses provided the final stroke to nature’s art. Most of the houses were decorated with lights and prayer songs echoed from the few houses since it was Ganesh Chaturthi. Unlike reciting songs on mike through boisterous loudspeakers in the cities, the Morning Prayer proceeded here with great devotion and large gatherings of family members. This made me realize the charm of the countryside, with simple people living an extraordinarily simple life.
Read: A hunt for the fireflies- Night trek to Rajmachi

Home with coconut and banana plantations.

 

The place had slowly started unfolding its love for me until my stomach growled with hunger. The seemingly aimless wandering came to a halt when I spotted the only restaurant open in the whole stretch. I sated my appetite with missal pav and a cup of tea and soon made my way to the beach. The beach was clear with almost no plastics and other wastes in sight. As I walked down the beach, silence accompanied me freeing my mind from the reality and I was transported into a surreal world. As if everything came alive speaking to me. The whiff of the rain in the air was telling about its affair with the soil. The soft sands of the beach welcomed the waves that kissed the shore gently, whispering about their journey. The hills, on either side of the beach, were painted in green and enveloped in mist as if shying away from revealing their virgin beauty.
Read: Gokarna- Trekking to the sun kissed beaches

I witnessed romance in the solitude, where everyone played their part in contributing towards love and peace. I decided to be a part of this romance and soon waded my way through the sea, played with the waves, dived into the salty water, walked barefoot on the beach, humming songs with the birds and sands tickling my soles. As I left them free in their own world, they let me be! And in those little moments, we all became one, existing for each other. How wonderful it was to spend time in such quietness, away from the mad rush and hustle bustle of the city! Only if humans could understand their oneness with nature!

For now, it was time to come back to reality and thus I was on the road again for yet another adventurous journey and hopefully an even better destination. My friends joined me after having “their kind of vacation” and soon we were on our way to Jaigad Fort and Ganpatipule. Here’s sending love and peace from this little piece of haven in Konkan region.

FAQs-

How to reach?

Via train– Chiplun is nearest railway station for Guhaghar. The distance from Chiplun to Guhaghar is approx. 50 km. The cheapest way to reach Guhaghar is to board a state transport(S.T) bus from S.T bus stand in Chiplun. However, one can hire a taxi/ rickshaw as well which will be costlier than the former.
Via Road– One will have to reach Chiplun which is very well connected via road from major cities like Pune and Mumbai.

Where to stay?

Plenty of stay options are available with prices starting from Rs.500 for 2 people/night.

What to eat?

Try Misal Pav and Pohe for breakfast and Malvan (Sea-food) food is a specialty throughout the Konkan region.

What to see?

In Guhaghar– Guhaghar beach, Vyadeshwar temple, Durga Devi Temple.
Around Guhaghar – Gopalgad Fort and Lighthouse in Anjanvel is 11km from Guhaghar towards the north.

Towards the south, Velneshwar Beach and the temple, Hedvi Beach are the main attractions and both the places are on the same route, within 20km from Guhaghar.

One can further, continue towards the South and visit Jaigad Fort, Ganpatipule, and Ratnagiri.

Our itinerary was Mumbai-Guhaghar-Jaigad Fort- Ganpatipule.

The reward of endurance: Takmak Fort

Not to be confused with the Takmak Fort, Raigad; this place has its own charm. The hill fort is located at 2000ft. above the sea level and offers the stupendous view of hills and Tansa and Vaitarna rivers (Tansa River is the main source of water for Mumbaikars). Located very close to Mumbai, it is a one-day trek.

The first view of the village.

On a rainy day of Sunday, I and my friends set out on our bikes looking for a new adventure. We reached Sakwar village at 9 am. There were farms spread across, as far as our eyes could reach. The farmers had already hit the field. The houses looked quiet and abandoned with few children playing outside their home. It was surprising to see such a tranquil village so close to Mumbai. Monsoon had played its role in adding the contrast to nature. Soon, we were accompanied by 4 children who became our guides.
Read: An adventurous journey to Shiva’s abode: Bhimashankar

These little angels helped us reach the heaven.

Our trek started from the muddy road with a view of widespread paddy fields. Soon we entered into the dense jungle where various kinds of insects, crabs, and butterflies were spotted. In about an hour, we had covered the first half of our trek and reached the ridge. The view of the peak covered in mist made us ecstatic. The ridge provided the view of Vaitarna and Tansa rivers on one end and the hills and plains covered with green carpet on the other.
Read: Nature’s architecture- Harishchandragad and Konkan Kada

The confluence of Tansa and Vaitarna rivers.

The other half of the trek was a steep climb to the top. The slippery rocks and the gusty winds along with the rains pricking our exposed body parts made the climb more difficult. Every step that we took from here made us skip our heartbeats! Not only did it test our stamina but the patience and our perseverance to climb the mountain was equally tested. We managed to reach the summit in 2hrs after a watchful climb.

The fort speaks about the remnants of the past. There are 2 water tanks which are said to store drinkable water (according to locals). As we move further, there is a broken cannon followed by 2 more water tanks. The water in these tanks is not fit for drinking. However, during monsoons the water is fresh and hence we spent quality time bathing here.
Read: Tosh in monsoon

The greener side.

Takmak Fort.

The broken cannon.

After having lunch at the top, we were on our way to the base village. The descent was far more challenging than the climb. I even slipped and fell few times but slowly and steadily, we managed to reach the base village. It was quite an adrenaline journey providing an overwhelming view. After all, all good things come with a price, doesn’t it?

Totally worth the pain.

The leap of faith!

How to reach?
Via Train- Alight at Virar station, take a shared auto or a bus from the east to reach Mumbai-Ahmedabad Highway. From there take another shared auto/tuk-tuk till Sakwar village.

Sakwar village is approx. 20km from Virar railway station.

(Note: It is advisable to take the driver’s phone number in case if there is no auto available from the Sakwar village)
Via Road- Sakwar Village is located off the Mumbai-Ahmedabad Highway and is approx.80 km from Mumbai. You can use Google Maps to get here.
Best time to visit?

The most favorable time is during the monsoon (June-August). But, it has to be noted that the final climb is steep and slippery. Hence, I would advise the amateurs to visit this place post monsoon, i.e., between October-February.
Guidelines:

• Carry ample of water and snacks/food as there are no restaurants/shops available in the base village.
• Wear full-length clothes to avoid mosquito bite in the jungle.
• Carry mosquito repellent.
• Ensure to wear good shoes/sandals having a firm grip.
• Hire a guide. They are easily available in the base village. They will charge a minimal amount of Rs. 200-300.
• It is a one-day trek that costs Rs. 300-500 each.

A hunt for the fireflies- Night trek to Rajmachi

After the wretched conditions of summer, monsoon was nearby. Sun had started playing hide and seek and it had already drizzled in Mumbai. So we could wait no more and planned night trek to Rajmachi in the first weekend of June.

The adventure began in Mumbai itself where we missed our train and later had to compensate by boarding the next train without any confirmed tickets. We reached Lonavala in the late afternoon, had lunch and started walking towards Tungarli dam. The weather was just right for trekking. Cool winds blowing with dark clouds hovering over the peaks raised our hopes for the rain.

Away from the concrete jungle.

Tungarli Dam.

After spending a quality evening at Tungarli lake, we continued our trek as we walked through the jungle and ghats.

The grass and shrubs had already spread the greenery around; the fresh green leaves had begun to sprout as if waiting eagerly for the Gardener to water them so that they can grow and make the place look more beautiful. The marks of the dried waterfalls on the hills were letting us know how mesmerizing this place would look after the heavy rains.

Soon, the moon had taken over the sun. The torch lights lit up our way and we were anxiously looking for the fireflies. As they say, patience is required to welcome something good, our patience ended after an hour when we first encountered a firefly. Soon, it turned into multiple spottings as we continued to walk in the dark jungle. We took a halt, to look at them closely, closed our torch lights and lo! The whole jungle was lit up with fireflies. It seemed like someone had planned a secret party in the jungle with trees decorated with lights (could not click the night photos due to not having a good camera). It was 11 pm and the village was still half an hour away. Fearing that the hotels/ dhabas in the village would be closed by the time we reach there, left us bewildered. We had covered approx.15 km and now we were all hungry, walking like zombies in the hope to have food. But as we reached the village, we saw the place overcrowded. The trekker enthusiasts were more than the whole population of the village. People roaming around, some tents pitched up in a village and on the outskirts was the welcoming view of this small yet commercialized village. We had no difficulty in finding food at this time of the day. We had dinner at one of the homes that served guests with home-cooked food. Watching us tired and hungry, the couple prepared food for us in less than an hour. The food tasted divine and the warm welcoming filled our hearts with joy. We pitched our tents close to the village, enjoyed each other’s company with a bonfire that helped warm our flesh and bones as we prepared to climb fort (half an hour hike from the base village) the next day.

The early morning climb witnessed fogs and the mist that enveloped the peaks but as the day progressed, the sun pierced through the clouds to give the beautiful panoramic view of the valley. We were lucky to get the clear view since it is difficult to get such view in monsoon due to mists and fog.

After descending from the fort by noon, we bathed in a lake and visited the age-old temple in Udhewadi village before heading back towards Mumbai.

It had started raining heavily on our return. The monsoon had finally arrived in full swing and what a way to welcome the first rains!
Guidelines :

• One needs to reach to Udhewadi village which serves as the base village for Rajmachi fort. The fort is approx. 2km from Udhewadi.
• There are two ways to reach Udhewadi village.
• You can reach Lonavala and start from Tungarli Dam (6kms from Lonavala railway station). This route is a simple walk through the jungles providing the most beautiful view of waterfalls and meadows. It is a 15km long walk to Udhewadi village and is perfect for amateurs and for the night trek where one can witness fireflies in abundance. There are private vehicles running from Lonavala to Udhewadi village but only during post monsoons as the roads get worse in monsoon season.
• The alternate route is to reach Kondivade village in Karjat(near Mumbai) and start ascending to Rajmachi en route Kondhana Caves. This route is a steep 3hrs climb from the base. Generally, trekkers prefer to reach Udhewadi via Lonavala and descend through this route.
• Fireflies are visible in monsoons. The best time to witness fireflies is in the early week of June.
• Most favorable time to do this trek is during monsoon, i.e, from June to September.
• Accommodations and food are easily available which is provided by the locals who rent their own houses and also prepare food (rent starts from rs 300- 1000 depending upon the no. of people). They can also help you arrange firewood for the bonfire which may cost some extra bucks.
• An overnight trip to Rajmachi costs Rs 1000-1500 per person.
• There are many travel clubs conducting treks to Rajmachi throughout the year. You can enroll through them as well.
• Below are the links of the top travel clubs-

Mumbai travellers
Thrillophilia

An adventurous journey to Shiva’s abode: Bhimashankar

Nestled amidst the dense forest, Bhimashankar is a wildlife sanctuary, famous amongst nature lovers and trekking enthusiasts and is also a religious place for Hindus. It is home to many endangered species of flora and fauna and is renowned for Indian Giant Squirrel (popularly known as ‘Shekru’ in Maharashtra). Also, plenty of medicinal herbs can be found in this region of Maharashtra. Situated in Sahyadris, a part of Western Ghats, it is draped with canopies of floating clouds, waterfalls and many streams that are reborn during monsoon. The Bhimashankar temple, situated in the sanctuary is one of the 12 shrines( Jyotirlinga) of Lord Shiva. Hence, a vast number of tourists arrive here to seek Shiva’s blessings throughout the year. Bhimashankar derived its name from Shiva temple and Bhima river. According to mythology, Lord Shiva defeated demon Bhima (son of Kumbhakarna) here and blessed this place by adding Bhima’s name along with His name and making it as His abode.

Also Read: Nature’s architecture- Harishchandragad and Konkan Kada

Enroute Khandas village. Picture courtesy- Kundan Singh

One can reach here by road or by climbing a strenuous mountain. We hiked up to this place which took approx. 4hrs. There are 2 ways to reach the top; Ganesh ghat (Level: moderate) and Sidhi ghat (Level: Difficult). Khandas village is a base village for both the trekking trails. We opted to climb from Ganesh ghat. While this route is comparatively easier than the Sidhi Ghat, it offers a magnificent view of the valley.

Khandas village

The climb has three phases; the first phase is a climb up to Ganesh temple.

Ganesh Ghat is named after this Ganesh temple.

View from Ganesh Temple.

The second phase is a simple walk, through the plains and here one will witness many waterfalls and the great view of ghats.

Every time is a good time to have a cup of tea!

The reason why one should consider trekking via Ganesh ghat.

The third phase is the common phase for both the trekking routes, i.e., Ganesh Ghat and Sidhi Ghat. It is the longest and comprises of steep climb followed by the dense jungle. Though a long and tiring trek, each view during the climb is a surprise and an absolute delight to watch with the added thrill of climbing.

We realized how high we have climbed the mountain only when the cloud dispersed to give the clear view of the valley.

Some relief after getting soaked by the continuous downpour.

The forest was so dense that hardly any raindrops reached the ground.

That feeling of making it to the summit!

Bhimashankar temple.

Medicinal herbs being sold near the temple at dearth cheap rates.

Gupt Bhimashankar – The next morning, we decided to go to Gupt Bhimashankar. As the name suggests, it is a secret shivling situated behind the mighty waterfall of Bhima river. This was the most adventurous part of the journey and to be very frank, it scared the shit out of us. Thanks to the guide who encouraged and helped us cross the river. It is hence advisable to visit this place post monsoon, i.e., late September- December when the flow of water is less.

Enroute Gupt Bhimashankar

Gupt Bhimashankar.

One can also visit Nagphani which is the highest point of Bhimashankar and is about 1 hour of a climb from base (Bhimashankar) village. However, due to time constraint, we were not able to visit this place. This may be a good excuse to come back to this beautiful place.

How to reach:

Khandas village is 25 km from Neral and 29 km from Karjat. One can easily get a shared/ private rickshaw to Khandas or even ST bus services are available (buses are not frequent, though). The Rikshaw costs Rs.800-1000 for 6-8 people. Shared rickshaws are also available depending upon the availability of passengers.

Bhimashankar can also be visited by road. It is approx. 210km from Mumbai and 110km. from Pune.

One can also enroll in this trek through various travel clubs. Below are the links to the few clubs conducting treks:

Mumbai travellers

Thrillophilia

Treks and trails

Where to stay:

There are many local stay options available, with basic facilities. One can inquire with locals near the Bhimashankar bus stand or at the local food stalls. The rent may vary from Rs 1000-1200 for a night which can accommodate 5-6 people.

What time to visit:

Situated at an altitude of 3000 ft., the weather here remains pleasant throughout the year.

Though, in order to witness truly magical Bhimashankar, it is advisable to visit this place during monsoon and the post-monsoon period (June- December).

Guidelines:

• Trekking via Sidhi Ghat is tricky. It’s a steep rocky climb which is completed via climbing 3 ladders (hence the name ‘Sidhi’ ghat). This route is advisable for experienced trekkers only. Though one can opt this route in post monsoon season as the rocks become dry and non-slippery.
• Bhimashankar receives high density of rainfall in monsoon and it rains here almost throughout the day. Carry an extra pair of clothes and ensure waterproof covers for gadgets like mobile phones, camera.etc.
• Ensure to wear good shoes or sandal having a firm grip.
• The trek takes 4-5 hrs to reach the summit. Ensure to reach the base village by early morning.
• Guides may be available at the base village. Inquire with the locals. (It is advisable to hire a guide for amateurs.)
• Tea stalls are available after completion of each phase which also sells snacks. You may also carry your own snacks.
• Hire a guide at Bhimashankar for visiting places like Nagphani and Hanuman lake.
• Avoid visiting Gupt Bhimashankar in monsoon as the water level is high and flows at great speed. If considering to visit it in monsoon, hire a guide.
• Do not litter around. Always carry your own disposable bag and dispose of wastes properly.
• This is an overnight trek that costs Rs. 1000- 1500.

Mythological importance of Gokarna, Murudeshwar

Apart from hills, beaches, and shacks, Gokarna is a holy place for Hindus. It is said that Lord Shiva appeared here from cow’s ear. Hence the name of the place is Gokarna. (Go-cow, Karna-ear)

The story goes this way-

Ravana performed penance at Mt.kailash to please lord Shiva to get his Atma lingam. Pleased with his prayers, Shiva gives Ravana his atma lingam and instructs that it should not be placed anywhere else other than Lanka(Ravana’s home) or else the lingam would be placed eternally wherever he keeps it.

Lord Vishnu was worried that Ravana would become the most powerful being after praising Atma linga, so he along with other Gods devised a plan with Ganpati.

As Ravana reached Gokarna, Ganpati appeared to him as a brahmin child. Lord Vishnu covered the sun with his Sudarshan chakra(wheel). Thinking that it was time to offer his evening prayers to lLordShiva, Ravana asked this brahmin child(Ganpati) to hold the atma lingam. Ganpati told Ravana that he would shout 3 times if he could not bear the weight of lingam and if Ravana didn’t appear, he will place the lingam on the earth.

When Ravana was performing his rites, Ganpati shouted three times and placed the lingam on earth.

Later, upon realizing that he was tricked by the Gods, Ravana became angry and tried to pull the lingam with all his strength.

Though he could not remove the lingam, some of its parts were thrown in different places namely Shejjeshwar, Dhareshwar, Gunavanteshwar, and Murudeshwar.

Gokarna- Trekking to the sun kissed beaches

It was Friday, and I had a long weekend ahead. I was sitting at my desk wondering if there is any other way to reach Gokarna as our train tickets did not confirm. Saddened by the fact that even bus tickets were sold out, I was thinking to return home as usual. But the quest to travel and see new places did not allow me to do so.

Me- ” yaar jane ka to bahot man hai, kese jaye ab? ”
Translation: “I am willing to go there.Is there any other possible ways?”

Friend- “man to mera bhi bahot hai, chal station fir jaate hai jese laakho log train me travel karte hai”
Translation: “ Same here. Let’s go in the way millions travel (in India)”

A nudge was needed at that time and he always motivates me by being more positive. Happily convinced and agreed with his decision here we were at Thane station waiting for the train. So, we were 3 friends set out on a journey to Gokarna with no concrete plan as for where to go and what to do. Let the circumstances and our mood decide the places to visit. We boarded the train, sat down in the aisle for the whole night. We knew the adventure had already begun.

While one of my friends hated every single moment of the journey, I was laughing, giggling, talking to strangers. That’s the beauty of things you like. You stay happy, no matter what!

To add little more to the adventure, the train was late by 4 hrs. We met a travel enthusiast on our way and shared our travel experiences. Later, we came to know that she is exploring rural India along with her team and have their website for people to experience Indian culture, local food, and stays. You can visit the link as below:
www.nativefolks.com
Gokarna:

We reached Gokarna at 3.30pm. Tired and hungry, and since the first half of the day was consumed in traveling, we were looking for a cheap stay in Gokarna so that we could freshen up, have some food and hit the nearby beach. Now all I could imagine is good food. I wished to stay in shack facing the beach. Since no shack was available in Gokarna, we explored Gokarna beach and started to climb the hill to reach Kudle beach.

Cows lazing around, the smell of cow dung, ringing bells in nearby temples, Brahmans/Pundits sitting in veranda/walking on the streets, few stalls selling handicrafts welcomed us to the small town of Gokarna.

Gokarna beach

There are many such small shivlings carved out of rock throughout the Gokarna beach.

As we climbed the hill, I was no longer feeling hungry. My body was recharged with the greenery, the view of the beach from the hill and the noise of the waves hitting the rocks. It was enough to satiate my hunger. As we continued our climb, the sun was gradually setting, moving more closer to the sea as if wanting to romance with the sea.

View of Gokarna beach while climbing the hill.

This natural water is considered holy and is said to cure several diseases.

Carved stone

View of Gokarna beach from the hilltop.

Enroute to Kudle beach.

Kudle beach:

It took us no more than 30 mins to reach Kudle beach. This was my first experience where I could see the beach’s end on both sides. Generally, the beaches I’ve been to are quite long and seems to be never-ending. Kudle beach gave me that exact feeling of reaching the island shore.

As we descended to Kudle beach, look who is here to welcome us. Holy Cow!

As we continued our search for a stay, we were hardly convinced of the price for a night stay that most of the shacks were charging (Rs. 1000- 1500 for a room). Finally, we found a stay at Sunset cafe which charged us 400rs (just that it did not have an attached bathroom).

Sunset Cafe.

View from our shack.

We were informed by the localities to not go deeper into the sea as wave currents are stronger during monsoon. Taking this an excuse to grab a beer, I walked briskly towards the nearby cafe. The cafe played wonderful beach music. I sat there sipping my drink and watching the sunset while the other two were happy playing with waves, taking a dip in the salty water and I whispered to myself, “Life is beautiful !”. The day concluded by midnight with some great food, a long walk on the beach, listening to romantic Bollywood music and some more drink.

Sunset, Kudle beach.

The next day we were all set to discover more. We headed towards Om beach, a small trek across the hill which was rejuvenating.

Morning at Kudle beach. Clicked while heading towards Om beach.

As we climbed, we took a wrong path which led us to the hill’s cliff only to realize it had a breathtaking view of the sea. We sat there for some time, clicked photos and soaked in the peace it had to offer.

Look what we found…Gold!

Om beach:

Soon, we were on our way to Om beach and reached the beach in half an hour. It was less crowded as compared to Kudle beach. Few youngsters, 1-2 families, fishermen folding nets after catching fishes, a foreigner lazing on the beach with his tent pitched up in a distant. We even got a glimpse of the Brahminy Kite which now falls under the category of rare species.

Enroute to Om beach.

Brahminy Kite. (Clicked by my friend from his DSLR)

This beach is in the shape of ‘Om’ and hence the name.

Half Moon beach:

We finally marched towards the Half moon beach. I would rather call this beach cute than calling it beautiful. It was the smallest beach amongst all and my personal favorite. As if this beach is the youngest sibling of all the other beaches we visited. Beach sands were shining like the pearls like no one has ever touched it before. The sound of the waves hitting the shore was even louder as if letting us know that I am free and mischievous amongst them all (the other beaches).

En route Half Moon beach.

Half Moon beach.

Wall graffiti.

As we returned to our room, it was already noon. We still had time to explore before we catch our midnight train. We decided to go to Murudeshwar which has a huge statue of Lord Shiva. Heading towards the bus depot we first visited Mahabaleshwar and Ganesh temple in Gokarna to seek blessings and thanked Him for bringing us here.

As we marched towards the bus depot, I watched the streets of Gokarna. Calm and serene with coconut trees by the roadside, the temple at every corner of the road (Gokarna is also known as temple town), Brahmins/Pandits residing here in vast numbers. I realized that the importance of knowing the culture of the countryside is equally important to connect emotionally with the place.

Street of Gokarna.

Art museum building in the shape of a shivling.

Murudeshwar:

2 hrs later we reached Murudeshwar and as we reached closer to the temple, we could see a huge statue of Lord Shiva. I still cannot forget the smiles on each of our faces. Rushing through the temple door, we visited the temple and soon got to the 13th floor of the temple building to get the most astonishing view, the huge statue of Lord Shiva with the Arabian Sea at the back. We sat at the Murudeshwar beach for a long time. This time I was facing the statue rather than looking at the sunset. We spent hours on the beach sitting, watching Shivji before we caught our bus for Karwar from where we had a confirmed return ticket to Mumbai (thankfully). The place was so charming, I felt like I was meditating with my eyes wide open. The calmness of the beach made me speechless and the divine statue made me stare at it for a long time, thinking about absolutely nothing and admiring the beauty that I was witnessing.

Entrance gate of Murudeshwar temple.

123 ft. tall Shiva statue with the Arabian Sea at the back.

Wherever we roamed, on the streets, the beach, we had Lord Shiva on our back. I turned often to look at the statue as if He was smiling looking at me saying, “I am there with you, always!”

Selfie with Lord Shiva!

P.S- All pictures are clicked from mobile.

Wadeshwar – Discovering Euphoria

I learnt that my parents are going to attend meditation camp set in Wadeshwar, Pune on sunday. I joined them too thinking of exploring nearby places on my own. Turned out to be the best place that I have visited in Pune. Peaceful and less known to many, one may fall in love with this place immediately!

Andhra Dam.

While my parents were busy meditating and enjoying bhajans, I escaped from the place in search of solitude.I took stroll around the village, walked in jungle aimlessly humming my favorite songs, picked a stick and drew smiley faces in dirt, laughing my heart out and then kicking those faces till the dirt entered my lungs; later making me sneeze and cough. (What goes around comes around. No kidding!)

Shiv temple.

Closer to nature, closer to GOD!

After conversing with a villager, I realized there is Andhra dam behind camp that was set. I had lost my way already, though this guy guided me even before I asked him. (I guess he already read that confusion on my face.)

Sometimes, it’s better to be lost.

Finding my own way.

Moo Point!

Upon reaching the dam, absolute silence made me ecstatic. Only birds gave me company to sing. The blue water, dried grass, barren mountains, red soil, white windmill fans in the distant all complimented each other so well. Shimmering cold water felt like a quilt to provide warmth to my soul. I gasped heavily as I took my first dip in water beating the water surface as if taking revenge. I spent my whole day alone except for having lunch with my parents. I guess this is my way of meditation, and listening nature’s voice my Bhajan. I bowed humbly before Almighty as I prepared to leave, thanked Him for bringing me to this life, so that I could witness the marvels He has created.

The last image that my mind clicked.

How to reach Wadeshwar village:

Wadeshwar is a village in Maval Taluka in Pune district of Maharashtra.

By Road– Lonavala, Talegaon Dabhade, Dehu Road are the nearby towns having road connectivity to Wadeshwar.

By Rail– Kamshet railway station is the closest to Wadeshwar. One can also reach here by Begdewadi, Dehu Road, Talegaon, Lonavala, Khandala railway stations. However, Pune railway station is major station which is 55km from Wadeshwar.

P.S- All pictures are clicked from mobile (Moto E).