The Konkan Journey: Pune- Tamhini- Raigad- HariHareshwar and back

The Konkan Journey: Pune- Tamhini- Raigad- HariHareshwar and back

It was like any regular evening in the hostel when we decided to visit Mulshi, knowing nothing about the place. Holi was next day. We were four of us, all medical students, and that was the road where we had not been before on a bike. Mulshi was a dam, this I had heard before, so we headed to Chandni Chowk on two bikes, and took the turn to Paud. The road is beautiful, and things looked good as we crossed the Pirangut ghat, the sun was setting and we went ahead, reaching Mulshi after 20 kms. Mulshi Dam is a huge water body, but there was no place which looked good to get into the water. The road moved along the reservoir, where we clicked few photographs, including the full moon. Grossly dissatisfied, I remembered that this way led further to Alibaug, from a previous bus journey. I asked a local who confirmed. Those with me gave a nod, and we went ahead. As we went further, the road condition worsened, and there were many turns where… At one point, there is a narrow road running between steep cliffs on both sides, crossing it was a Thrilling experience.

The road is generally avoided in the night, as there are incidences of robbery. It is a road less used, and during our journey down the ghat, hardly any vehicles came from the front. This added to our fears. None of us knew where we would find the next petrol pump, and we weren’t prepared. After some distance, we found an armed forces establishment- The Rajmachi Centre, and the guy there directed us further. The road was bad, and we did not know how far Alibaug was. On descending down the ghat, and buying adulterated petrol, we reached a diversion, and took the wrong turn, reaching the road which goes to Mahad, much south than Alibaug. The moon accompanied us throughout, and as we returned to civilisation, there were villages where ‘holi’ fire was being burned. We went down to Mahad, hoping to find a less expensive lodge, but not getting any place to stay, inquired about places where we could visit the next day. We realised that Raigad fort was nearby (30km) and set off for Raigad at night. All the way, there were huge fires being lit for Holi. People said that it was not a good idea to go to the fort at this time. It must be around 1 am by now, and moving at a slow pace, negotiating the slippery gravel and turns, we reached Raigad in 1 hour. There, we could not see a single soul. There was a group of dogs, that barked the whole night, not letting us sleep. We saw a bus stop, and then, slept there, to catch a nap of 2 hours. On waking up, and having breakfast, we waited for the sun-rise, and then, went to Trek the fort, reaching up in an hour. There is a ropeway too, for those who cannot walk to the fort. It felt nice to see the morning sun between the Hills of Sahyadri. Raigad was once the Capital of Shivaji, and this was the place where he was coronated as king. The fort has ruins of the market in those times, a durbar, temples and the final resting place/ tomb of Shivaji. It was a nice Experience being there- Accidently.Coming down was tiring, after the lack of sleep. Now that we came here to see a Beach, we proceeded to Hari hareshwar.

The roads in Konkan have many characteristics. They are narrow, red soil on both sides, there are many ways to reach a particular place, via different Villages, the signs are sometimes misleading, as the same place can be reached by different routes. Ask locals, and confirm. Though if you do not have time constraints, trust your gut feelings and you will discover for your self the best places that nobody can tell you. Bike is the best way to enjoy these roads, but the riskiest too.
After a long ride, going up and down on the ghat roads, we had our first sighting of the sea for the day, and this sea was going to accompany us for a while. On reaching HariHareshwar, we visited the Shiva temple and went to the beach, which was an average beach. After spending some time, getting wet, we inquired about nearby places, and after skipping the srivardhan beach, went straightaway to Dive Agar. The road to Dive Agar passed along the coast, and while coming back, we enjoyed the sun-set. Reaching there, we took our bikes to the beach, and for the first time, rode bikes on a beach, This was truly a Great Experience, as we took them into the water, and somehow, brought back, later pulling them out of the sands, after the tiring journey. The temple here has a gold idol, which was found in a nearby stream. From there, it dawned on us that we had to return, and the road was dangerous, and now that we knew what lied ahead- the bad road, we asked if there was another way. The alternate way is too long, but people adviced us against going on the Tamhini Ghat section in the night. Still, we decided to go by that route, and drove continuously for 100 kms, then after a 5 minute stop, drove again, and reached Pune by 10 pm. All our friends were searching us the whole day, as Holi is celebrated in Hostels in the most memorable ways. The guy whose bike I took was cursing me, to whom I apologized, but we had a good time.

Article source by yuvarajasthan in Travel

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Top Three Indian Destinations in Summer

Top Three Indian Destinations in Summers 

A country with immensely diverse geography, rich culture and heritage, India attracts travelers from all around the world. Most multi-dimensional, it caters to the people with different needs and sensibilities. Being a tropical country, the summers can be really hot and humid. But that’s not the story of whole country. There are places which are most beautiful and tranquil during summers. These are the perfect getaways from the scorching heat of Indian summers and offers a blissful vacation. If you are planning a holiday in India during summers then the destinations mentioned below according to me, are perfect for enjoying your summer vacation.
 
Kashmir : The Paradise on Earth

With its picturesque settings, Kashmir truly is the crown of India. Snow white mountains, sparkling rivers, long strings of lush green chinar trees, the place is blessed with amazing natural beauty which is hard to express in words. Only after visiting the beautiful valley of Kashmir would make one understand what it is all about. Kashmir completely dazzles visitors with its natural splendor and vivacity. Many poets, writers and nature lovers have tried putting the beauty of Kashmir into words. It has been called paradise on earth repeatedly by them and the place truly lives up to the name.

 

The Charming Hill Station Of Manali

Situated at a height of more than 2000 m in the Himalayas in Himachal Pradesh, Manali is a wonderful hill station. Well-defined snow capped peaks, vast expansion of meadows, Beas river with its cool crystal- clear water, small quaint settlements and lovely orchards give a majestic look to the place. The rows of pine trees and deodar trees give a green and refreshing hue to the atmosphere. It is also a popular honeymoon destination and trail head for numerous treks and a perfect place for adventure - lovers. Visit the snow point of Solang valley to witness the amazing sight of snow capped mountains. Drive to Manikaran to see the hot thermal springs which are believed to carry healing properties. It is also revered as sacred by Hindus and Sikh and is a famous pilgrimage site.

The Magical Coorg

Nestled magnificently in the lush hills of Western ghat, the breathtaking hill station of Coorg is a perfect place to spend your summers. With its misty hills, lush green forests and cascading waterfalls, the place offers peace and serenity. The wonderful coffee plantations and the exotic spice estates make for a great nature walk where the aroma and the surrounding just makes you forget all your worries of daily life. It takes you to another world and lets you commune with nature. It is often called the ‘Scotland of India’ and ‘Kashmir of South India’ for its ardent beauty and salubrious climate.

So Gets Holidays provides a this summer wonderful tour packages for you, so don’t worry about the scorching heat. Spend few days away from the city life and revitalize your mind and senses by visiting one of these wonderful destinations.
 
Article source by :- getsholidays

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West India :- The Land of Sunset and Konkan Strip in India

West India :- The Land of Sunset and Konkan Strip in India

West India is a land which witnesses the Sunset in the last in the entire nation. As per the Political Map, West India consists of Three Indian States which are Maharashtra, Gujarat and Goa. All the states of West India are well connected by Air and Road and quite well by Rail also.

Maharashtra consists of interesting places like its State Capital Mumbai which is also known as the Financial Capital and Bollywood Centre of India, Pune which is a growing city in the field of Information Technology and Nagpur which was earlier the State Capital of Maharashtra and is also famous for its Orange Plantation. Hill Stations like Matheran and Mahabaleshwar are also very prominent holiday destinations in Maharashtra.

Gujarat is famous for its prominent Business Centric Cities like State Capital Ahmedabad and Diamond Trade City Surat. It also consists of places like Pilgrimage Destination Dwarka, Saputara which is Gujarat’s only hill station and the famous desert named “The Rann of Kutch”.

Goa consists of interesting cities like its State Capital Panjim, Vasco and Madgoan. This state is regarded as one of the best Holiday Destinations of India and the state is famous for its beaches. At the moment, Panjim is not connected by Rail and the nearest station to Panjim is situated in Madgaon. Trains from Thiruvananthapuram to Delhi Nizamuddin like the Rajdhani Express and Duronto Express travel via Madgoan.

West India for Tourism as well as for Business Purposes. Now the beaches of Maharashtra and Gujarat also want to compete with the beaches of Goa for boosting their own State Tourism. Thus, traveling in West India can be a great experience for witnessing various nice beaches and food cuisine like Sea Food which the Arabian Sea has to offer.

The Rail Network in the State of Goa is developing at a good pace. In a few years, Goa will be strongly connected by Rail with the rest of India, especially with its neighboring states of Maharashtra and Karnataka. The Road Network is also developing at a good pace and the Aviation Network has already been established. Many foreigners also visit places in Goa and the rest of

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article source by :- indianbhraman

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