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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Four Reasons To Plan A Beach Vacation Instead Of Going To A Theme Park

Four Reasons To Plan A Beach Vacation Instead Of Going To A Theme Park

By: aayana

You have been to every theme park in the area, but a beach vacation may be a better option this year. If you are tired of the frustrations of long lines and hot days, not to mention the cost that goes into an amusement park, it may be best to turn to a more relaxing theme for this year's vacation. The good news is there are some outstanding areas along the coast and in the Gulf of Mexico worth exploring. Doing so could mean that you spend more time relaxing and less time waiting, too.

 
Everyone Should Have the Experience

The first reason to plan a beach vacation this year is simple. Everyone should have the opportunity to experience the open water at least once. There is just something about being able to look out over the open waves and to know there is a whole other world at the end. The massiveness, the calming beauty of it, and the serenity can make it a must for any family.

It is Inexpensive

In most areas, the beaches are free to use. Though you will need to avoid any private property, it is likely that you will find yourself enjoying the beauty of the sand and water without having to spend a small fortune to do so. This is not an indoor water park, but an opportunity for you to build sandcastles and swim without having to pay to do so. Everyone benefits from an inexpensive trip.

The Area Offers Plenty to Do

You do not have to spend all of your time on the water and in the sand either. Most of the coastal areas offer plenty of fun things to do. You may be able to hike, bird watch, go canoeing, and spend time at the various parks. You can catch a show or take in some retail therapy. You may be able to go on a canopy tour or a zipline adventure. There is a great deal to do in many areas

It Is a Healthy Option

Even if the kids may not like the thought of it, a beach vacation is a healthy option. It is good for their bodies and their minds. Chances are good a few museums are locally available. They can easily enjoy the science of the marine ecosystem. They can even get in a bit of history through old forts.

If you have yet to plan the trip you and your family will take this year, consider a beach vacation. The right location can help you to spend time together and enjoy each other. Instead of eating bad food and spending your time in line for a 60-second ride, check out what the water has to offer.

article sources by :- articlesnatch
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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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How To Travel In India

How To Travel In India

By Emma Levine
Beautiful, eclectic, vast India can be intimidating for first-time visitors. Here are 10 tips that will help you make your first trip to India a smashing success.

1: Before You Go: Visas And Inoculations
Check in advance with your doctor or nurse what injections are required. Depending on which region and what time of year you visit, anti-malarial tablets may also be necessary. You’ll need to get a visa before departure, which comes into effect the date of issue, not the date of entry.

2: Luggage And The Best Way To Carry It
Unless you’re going straight to the door of your five-star hotel, it’s far easier to take a backpack, especially for getting around India’s rough roads and sidewalks. It’s also much easier for jumping on and off trains, keeping your hands free. The golden rule is to bring only what you’re able to easily carry yourself.

3: Getting Around India
If you plan to travel within India by plane, try and book those additional flights in advance. It will save you the hassles of trying to book these flights on the fly, especially important if you’re in India during high season (Christmas/New Year, plus major Indian holidays). It can be far more rewarding, if you have time, to travel by train – a major way of experiencing the country.

4: What To Eat
Of course it’s hugely enjoyable to dine on local cuisine. However, delicate stomachs may find India’s cuisine hard to handle. If you’re sampling street food, stick to hot, freshly cooked items. Avoid salads, which may have been washed in local water, and stick to fruit that has to be peeled (bananas, mango etc). It’s also advisable to only eat fish on coastal regions, where you know it’s more likely to be fresh. But majority of Indians don’t eat meat or fish, so here’s a country perfect for vegetarian visitors.

5: What To Drink
Stick to bottled drinking water (ensure it’s sealed when you buy it). Don’t drink tap water from your hotels, although it’s safe to brush your teeth in it. In street stalls and simple cafes, avoid ice in drinks, as this could have been made from untreated water. Fresh lime soda and lassi (a refreshing drink from curd) are both widely available, as are Indian brands of fizzy soda, cola etc. Indian tea is an acquired taste – very sweet and milky! The availability of alcohol varies in each state, but generally India doesn’t have a strong drinking culture. Local bars tend to be men-only hovels. Avoid domestic Indian spirits – stick to beer.

6: What to Wear
If in doubt, err on the side of modesty. Men and women should avoid shorts and tank tops, unless you’re on the beach. Women should avoid skimpy clothes; cover upper arms and stick to loose, long cotton tops and trousers. Remember, the less you draw attention to yourself, the better. Ladies, if you’re likely to be visiting temples or mosques, bring a light scarf to cover your hair when necessary. Remove your shoes when entering a place of worship and when visiting people’s homes.

7: How To Avoid Being Hassled
Foreign women may well be the target of unwanted attention. If you’re traveling without a man, it does help to prevent problems if you say you’re married. Wearing a “wedding” ring can also help. If you’re on the receiving end of uninvited attention from men, don’t be afraid to be assertive and make your annoyance very clear. Shouting can help! After all, you wouldn’t put up with it at home, would you?

8: Haggling
In most markets when buying anything, you’re expected to haggle. The stallholder will probably quote an inflated price; decide if you really want the product and counter with something perhaps a third of the price. Then expect to agree on a compromise. Small items in stores – bottled water, food items, pharmaceuticals – always have the price printed on the label, and is non-negotiable. When you’re using taxis or three-wheeler auto-rickshaws, the meter should be switched on. If not, agree the price in advance – don’t leave it to an awkward argument after your journey.

 9: Getting The Most From Train Travel
Wherever you travel in India, it’s very likely that you’ll be taking at least one train journey. Indian Railways is an institution; it is the main way of moving this nation of more than one billion! There are many different classes of travel. For long journeys, take a sleeper in second or first class, and choose an upper birth if possible. Bring a chain and padlock to keep your bags secure, and keep your money and passport in a money belt under your clothes when sleeping. On most trains, food and drink (bottled water, cartons of fruit juice, tea) are available from vendors moving regularly up and down the carriages. Most railway stations have a separate booking office or counter for foreign tourists.

10: Be Prepared To Wait!
In India, one of its charms can also be the biggest frustration: delays. This is usually about transport; the ticket office is closed for a lengthy break, or a crucial person you need to speak to is not available. Bureaucracy can be endlessly frustrating. In such circumstances, use plenty of good humor and patience, and see it as a part of everyday Indian life. Don’t show anger – it will get you nowhere!


Article source by :- zagat

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