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

For moire information visit :- http://www.travelthemes.in/

Best Places For Summer Vacation In India

Best Places For Summer Vacation In India 

Planning to escape away from the scorching heat and searching a place to rejoice your summer in a unique way? Choose India as your summer family vacation spot and spend some time away from the stress and the humdrum of regular life. Treat yourself with some beautiful time roaming around the special summer destination of the country. Believe me you will definitely get a time you will not forget in your life. Lets create this summer a memorable event.

India is a country where all types of people find their special things to entertain their soul. Well, you can visit India throughout the year and a home of most amazing and attractive places which you will not want to miss out. The special summer holiday destinations in India are Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Ooty, Darjeeling, Andaman & Nicobar, Rajasthan, Kerala, Goa and others. These are called best summer destination where tourists like to chill around beaches, hill stations and other beautiful things. Visit any of the destinations and enjoy the wonderful climate and enchanting beauty of the regions.

 

If you are very fond of spending this summer amongst the cool breeze of the hill stations, India is an iconic place for you. Hill stations in India where you can visit are Manali, Kullu, Shimla, Ladakh, Dharamshala, Dalhousie, Nainital, Kadaikanal, Mount Abu, mussoorie and etc. Go the place you would like to visit and mesmerize in the beauty of picturesque landscape. Even you can also enjoy a number of sports like river rafting, trekking, mountaineering, skiing, parasailing, ice-skating and etc.

For travelers who like to see the energetic waves of Sea sitting on the misty rocks of the beach then a beach tour in India will be best for you. Sparkling sand, transparent blue sky, coconut trees with coconut and long stretch till the horizon- the beaches in India are perfect place for people who wants to spend some time amongst pristine beauty of nature. Another popular summer holiday places in India are wildlife and the peaceful backwaters.

Additionally, you should prefer to go with best destination for your great summer vacation and for this you should have a perfect planning. Enjoy your summer vacation in right destination in place of wasting your precious time sitting inside your room. Seek help from a reliable travel operator and choose your kind of travel packages to enjoy your summer. Give attention from traveling to accommodation so that you create most amazing time of your life.

Fill your bag with your designer clothes, carry your handy cam and get ready to explore the best summer destinations of India which are simply great and appealing. If you are visiting India first time, carrying an Indian travel map will help you in getting around the destination. I believe, your one visit will make a lifetime memory for you to cherish throughout the year. So don't let your vacation just go, embark on a journey which is filled with excitement and fun. Wish you a happy journey ahead!


Article source by :- articlesnatch

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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
For more information visit :- http://www.travelthemes.in/

Konkan Calling - Sindhudurg

Konkan Calling - Sindhudurg

Heading out from Wildernest towards Thivim station which is a small railhead in Goa that was teeming with tourists catching a train to Mumbai when we arrived.

A train delay of an hour meant we caught up with some hot phulke, sabzi and chaas at a home eatery closeby.The journey to Kudal is about 50 minutes by train.

We arrived at Kudal at about 6 pm and made our way towards "Mayekar Holiday Home" in Malvan bang on Chivla beach. Malvan is a small town with very narrow roads. Driving was made difficult due to the evening market rush.

Mayekar holiday home is a Home stay right on the beach with windows opening out to the seas!

We spent the evening strolling on the beach and then helping ourselves to a very well cooked homely Malvani dinner.

The room though small was freshly painted and the furniture was new.The family was nice and made us feel at home.
We spent some time talking with the owners planning the next couple of days for Sightseeing.

 

Day 2 started off with a short walk towards the Malvan Jetty. The plan was to go to the Sindhudurg fort - a half an hour boat ride in the sea.
We got our tickets and some 30 odd people assembled and got into the smallish diesel powered boat that ferries people to the fort.
This was an amusing experience. I felt as if though I had traveled back 50 year's in time.The "Swades" experience. Old fashioned boats filled the harbour giving the whole area a rustic feel.
 



It was amazing to say the least. And then seeing the fort looming up ahead in the middle of the sea was an amazing experience.
The fort took nearly 30 years to build stands as a testimony to the foresight at that time to keep foreign powers at bay.

There's not much to explore inside the fort, but the fort itself. There's a watch tower, a Shivaji temple etc.



 A coral reef was discovered just beside this fort a few year's back by Dr Sarang Kulkarni. This discovery changed the lives of the residents here and catapulted Sindhudurg as a tourist destination. A lot of private operators offer guided snorkeling tours of the reefs.
Snorkeling is probably the highlight of out trip!. We got into a boat and put on our snorkeling gear and were helped into the water by a guide who was kind enough to answer all our questions on marine life.
It was an experience of a lifetime to see life underneath the sea, the school of fish swimming and moving together, fishes of different colors and sizes as well as the beautiful multi-colored corals that adorned the sea bed.

After a refreshing snorkeling experience we headed back to the mainland in the swades style boat. Another intriguing aspect to mention here is that tea is unavailable on the island fort.

It was time for lunch and we sought the highly recommended Chintamani lunch home. The restaurant was packed with tourists and after a bit we finally had a table for us and Malvani Thali to grub.
After some rest in the afternoon we walked towards the Rock Garden by the sea to catch the sunset.From there on we walked towards the well known Ganesh temple. The temple is beautiful and is a must see for everyone visiting Malvan. The only problem is that the streets are not well lit and there are very few people on these inner roads.

Day 3 was spend exploring the beaches of Sindhudurg. A Tata Sumo was hired and we made our way towards Deobag. Deobag is an amazing location, triangulated with the sea on one side and the Karli river on the other. The two merge forming an extravaganza of blue and green. What was more fascinating was that this entire patch of beach was empty.

This place is a photographer's paradise. If you like solitude, the blue seas and your camera then you should visit this place!

Tarkarli is another beach close to Deobag and is known for its fascinating white sands and blue sea. And so true are the stories!. Tarkarli is indeed as beautiful as the fables say!.

Casuarina trees flank the beach making it look even more beautiful. The MTDC resort at Tarkarli hidden among the casuarinas is the place to stay! We were unfortunate to not stay in this place due to non availability. Recommend booking this resort months in advance!.

There are options of a boat ride from Deobag to explore the surrounding area. It is recommended if the day is not too hot. A backwater ride is also enjoyable if you have not been to Kerala already!

From there on we drove towards Vengurla port and Sagareshwar. Nothing much of note here except the natural splendor.



Article source by :- Weekend wanderings

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Scuba Diving in Konkan

Scuba Diving in Konkan

If you are interested in adventure. Konkan is the best place. Because of some of the famous beaches in konkan. In recent time there are few beaches, where you can enjoy scuba diving under the water.

 

 

 

 

 

The king of the beaches TARKALI Beach which is also famous now for scuba diving, many people from all over India comes here to full fill there passion of scuba diving. 

 

 

 

 

 

The water over here is transparently clear and everything is visible under the sea. Once can explore the under water creatures. It is great Experience. There are many Hotels in Tarkarli, the Travelthemes provides the packages for this sports and as well as site scenes. 

 

 

 

 

 

article sources by:- konkanlifestyle

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Dapoli – Picnic Spots and Tourist Attractions Near Mumbai

Dapoli – Picnic Spots and Tourist Attractions Near Mumbai

“Dapoli, a perfect weekend gateway and an ideal picnic spot with multiple attractions like beaches, greenery and temples. Dapoli near khed station on konkan railway is a small town considered as hill station, situated in ratnagiri district, Maharashtra (India) is a tourist spot and an ideal overnight picnic spot for people attracted to scenic location with cool climate all 12 months of year, Famous for Dapoli beach, karde and murud beach and other untouched clean beaches, ancient Caves, jungle trekking locations and historic temples..”

Reaching Dapoli From Mumbai

Via Road : Mumbai to Dapoli (Khed) distance is 250 kilometers and can be reached via National Highway 17 with time taken about 4 hours. Preferred options are private car, Jeep and tourists buses starting from Mumbai operated by many tour operators. A picnic group can hire a private jeep to enjoy major scenic location, picnic attractions and other places to see in Dapoli town.

Via Railway : Khed station on konkan railway route is the nearest station to reach Dapoli which is about 29 kilometers from station. Once their, you can hire car, rental jeeps and other local transport to reach Dapoli town.

Via Air : Since Dapoli is a small hill station town, No direct air route possible. The nearest airport to reach Dapoli is Mumbai airport or Pune Airport.

Famous in Dapoli :

Dapoli is famous for its beaches, Hiking trials, Jungle, Old Konkan villages, Hill station, Picnic spot, Konkan Krishi Vidyapeeth, Tourist spot and attractions, Temples, Caves and for food lovers its is very famous for Alphonso mangoes (locally called ‘Hapus Aam’). Internationally, Dapoli is famous between tourists for its pollution free cool climate, overnight picnic spot, untouched beaches attractions, sunset point, hot water spring (Sulphur water) and an ideal hill station location for tourist weekend gateway quite near to Mumbai. Dapoli is also famous for its mangoes (Alphonso) and other plantations like coconut trees, Cashew nuts and Betel nuts.

Major Picnic Spots and Tourist Attractions

Beaches in Dapoli

Two major beaches are famous tourist attractions of Dapoli, Karde beach and Murud beach know for its clean, pollution free beaches and one of the largest beaches in konkan region (Maharashtra). Some of these beaches are very less explored (untouched beaches) with rocks and clean mud, an ideal scenic location famous for sunset with lots of coconut trees shades. Ladghar, Karde and Murud beaches are well known here.

Famous Karde and Murud Beaches

At about 10 to 12 kilometer distance from Dapoli town, Murud and karde beaches are the longest beaches in Ratnagiri district. Sea side Paragliding, Beautiful Sunset, Dolphins watch is what makes this beaches an idol picnic spot and tourist attractions.

Hiking Trials

Since, dapoli has lush forest and jungle around with good mountains ideal for hiking and trekking. People from Mumbai and other locations specially comes to this location for camp fire, mountain hiking and trekking in Monsoon season.

Suvarnadurg and Kanakdurg Forts

Located at Harne (Harnai village), 17 kilometer distance from dapoli, Suvarnadurg fort and Kanakdurg fort are two major attractions, Specialty being suvarna fort is a land side fort, while kanakdurg fort is sea fort, both historic and ruled by shivaji maharaj. It is said that these forts were connected to each other at that time via some hidden sea link, But now they are an ideal place to be seen. One should not miss the lighthouse which is located inside the kanakdurg fort.

Panhalekaji Caves

One of the ancient caves near Mumbai, Panhalekaji caves is among 29 famous caves located at river bank of Dhakti and Kotjai rivers near Dapoli, quite accesible from Khed station. The attractions of this place being varities of beautiful birds, Ideal scenic location with combination view of Mountain and River with reptiles inside the dense forest. Yes if you are with your picnic group, driving till this caves is possible.

Kelshi Village

About 34 kilometers from Dapoli is this old village. Kelshi is famous for its unexplored beaches and scenic tourist attractions. If you are keen to know the typical village life of konkan in ratnagiri district, Kelshi is an ideal location. Another famous attraction is ‘Yaqub Baba Dargah’ which is about a kilometers from village. Hindi Tourist and other specially come here to visit Mahalaxmi temple (Also called ‘Mahalakshmi’ religious temple).

Hot Water Springs

Located at unhavare village at distance of 20 kilometers from Dapoli, This Hot sulphur water spring is naturally hot and known to heal basic skin diseases. This can be an ideal picnic location if you are visiting Dapoli in monsoon or winter. Their is no fees / charges to take bath in this sulphur water spring. This rejuvenating water is an example of natural healing, yet another tourist attraction quite near to Mumbai. Precautions are taken and separate shelter for men and women are made to enjoy this natural gift.

Ladghar ‘Tamas Tirtha’

Ladghar is famous for its rocky beaches not much explored by tourists. Also famously known as ‘Tamas Tirtha’ (Spiritual location) is about 8 kilometers from Dapoli village and a famous tourist spot, ideal for weekend picnic spot.

Kadyavarcha Ganpati Temple
 
Dapoli is also known for its ancient temples, Kadyavarcha ganpati (Ganesh temple) at Anjarle village is quite famous spiritual ancient hindu temple which is 20 kilometers from Dapoli. It was famous for its wooden carvings on its pillars. The temple is at hill location and also has some beautiful beaches surrounded. Anjarles’s Kadyavarcha ganesh temple has one of the best scenic location as one can see beautiful jungle, lush green mountains, sea with coconut and betel nut trees and a beautiful ancient suvarnadurg fort view from their.

Their is also a hindu shiva temple with a small pond in front with many turtles and fishes inside, one can feed them and have good time of the day.

Asudbaug Temples

Located in Asud village at about 5 kilometers from Dapoli, Asudbaug temples being ‘Shree Keshavraj temple’ and ‘Shree Vyagreshwar temple’ are the two ancient hindu temple surrounded by nature in beautiful asud village. This lord shiva temple is quite known between tourist who loves architecture monuments, specially know for ‘Hemadpanthi’ art work. This temples are called as ‘Pandavkaleen’, which means a very old temples since tousands of years, since time when Pandavas from Mahabharata were existing). These old temples of Dapoli are quite an attraction between tourist for its ‘Fresh water’ naturally flowing from tree trunk at this hilly location.

Harnai Village

15 kilometers from Dapoli is harnai village famous for its sea food and fish market. If you are a sea food lover, this fresh fish can make your day. Another attraction of harnai is suvarnadurg fort as mentioned above. 


Article Source: Mumbai77

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Beaches in Konkan, Beaches near Mumbai – White Sand Virgin Beaches – Vengurla

Vengurla is a town in Indian state of Maharashtra. It is situated in Sindhudurga district of the state. It comes in the Kokan region and is adorned with lush green mountains, pristine beaches and beautiful natural surroundings. The town of Vengurla is also rich in cultural heritage. It was one of the busiest ports in the past and had also flourished in trade and business in those times. It is now a hot tourist spot as it houses many exquisite beaches and other beautiful natural sites. 

Mochemad beach near Vengurla offers the visitors beautiful long stretch of golden sand along the majestic Arabian Sea. You can see here fascinating Suru trees lined along shores of the Sea. Some hills covered with lush green forest and cool and pleasant breeze of sea attract the tourist in large number there.

Vayangani beach is another place of attraction to be seen in Vengurla. It is not only this beautiful beach that attracts the tourists, there are other picturesque natural sites that fascinates tourist most. Lush green trees of mango, Jackfruit, cashew etc are found in plenty all along the shores of the Arabian Sea. 

If you are on visit to this beautiful town don’t miss Kokan Farming University and Fruit Research Center. It is study centre and also serves as a tourist spot. Here you will get to see many varieties of Mango, Cashew and other fruits. The centre specializes in remolding and creating new species of fruits plants.

Apart from natural beautiful sites Vengurla has some place of worships visited by many devotees and tourists as well. Among them is the temple of lord Shiva located near the Sangreshwar beach. The temple is built in stones and presents a grand look to the visitors. Ganesh temple, Shri Mauli temple and Swaymbhoo Mahadev temple are other religious places to be seen around Vengurla. These temples are situated in Redi village near Vengurla.

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How to reach:

Dabolim Airport of Goa serves as the nearest airbase to Vengurla. Goa is just 84 km away from it and is well liked to other major cities of the country. Many state run buses connect Vengurla to Pune, Mumbai, Goa and other cities and towns of Maharashtra and Goa. Kudal railway station which serves as the closest railhead comes in Kokan railway line and is connected to other cities and towns of the state.

Article Source: Punebuzzz