Church Hill

On a lazy Sunday evening, pick up your bike keys and set off for a long ride. The roads may be smooth yet its better to keep a close eye on the potholes. Fresh breezy air that passes through your skin as you zoom. A sense of freedom rushes through your veins. 

    This time, its a visit to an ancient church on the hill. Holy Cross Church- This church was built in 1558 and was destroyed in 1739 after the Marathas took over the Arnala fort. The church had to move its services to the west of Mote Talav. Christians from Gaas, Bhuigaon, Nirmal used to offer all religious rites in this place for more than 125 years. It was only after the initiatives taken by Father Pedre Paulo Derjaro that in 1853 a settlement was made with the local Hindu chiefs and the destroyed church was rebuilt. It was inaugurated in 1856 also marking the third centenary year of this religious district. The long line of footsteps have a magnetic pull as you walk. Silence fills the church as you sit alone. Everything you speak is just between you and God. Peaceful & utmost experience of serenity.  

   Again you're off on the winding roads that have smooth turns. Riding around the town once in a while is definitely a must, especially when the climate is cool.

Travel Diaries: The First Drops Of Rain

    The summer heat fades as the clouds burst into rain, bringing in the sweet smell of the soil and freshness in the air. The entire city is washed clean. Grass spreads all over the place and trees flourish adding more green everywhere. Flowers began to bloom slowly. If traveling during the rains seems like a wrong choice to make, then think again! Here are a list of a few things you could do this season:

• Long Drive: While taking a bike ride is thrilling, its not so easy to ride when its raining as the drops hit your skin and often eyes get blurry. So if your not a pro to take that risk, opt for a long car drive around the town. Enjoy the beautiful sight outside your window, while you stay safe inside your car.

• Beautiful Waterfalls:  Rainy season is the best time to visit waterfalls. You can take short trips to places like Lonavla  or Igatpuri and enjoy yourself under the waterfall. If you take a drive around the highway and the roads less traveled, you may find one yourself. 

• Lakes: The lakes are filled with clean flowing water. Make sure you check the depth by asking the local people around. Often you may find kids taking a dive. Join them if your quite a daredevil or looking out for the Life mein ek bar experience.

• Chai on the Highway: Whats better than sipping on a hot cup of tea or coffee on the highway. Explore the places around you and lastly do try a special masala Chai on the highway.

• Poolside: Fun for many, being in the pool while it rains has its experience of its own. Spend the day by the poolside on a rainy day and feel the drops of rain while you take a dip into the pool.

• Rains+Hot snacks= WOW: Hot corn, roasted corn, bhajjiyas, soup and much more are a must try during the rains. You'll be surprised to see the relief you get and trust me its feels good.  

• Let yourself free: Drench yourself in the rain. If you'r worried about getting sick, simply wear a raincoat and walk about freely. stretch your hands wide and let go. Breath in the freshness of the air, jump in puddles, walkabout, play football, dance in the rain and let your self completely free. If you'r someone who sticks to rules, this is something you should definitely try. Break all rules and especially a break from your daily life. Try something new!

                        Rainy season has its uniqueness of its own. Some prefer to stay indoors while making a short trip also seems fun. A short getaway during the rains is a must!! :) :P

Travel Diaries: Little Town Igatpuri

Igatpuri, a little town situated between Mumbai and Nashik is surrounded by mountains, ghats & waterfalls. This town can be reached by road or most convinient, by the Bhagalpur Express or Amritsar Expres starting from Lokmanyatilak Tilak Terminus in Mumbai. With tickets starting from Rs 130, you can reach Igatpuri in just 2.5 hrs.
Best for a short getaway, Igatpuri gives you the hill station feeling if you visit during Winter. Some of its popular attractions are:

• Bhatsa River Valley
• Arthur Lake
• Kalsubai Peak
• Amruteshwar Temple
• Dhamma Giri Meditation Centre
• Ghatandevi Temple
• Tringalwadi Fort
• Camel Valley 

The Dhamma Giri Meditation Centre is a must visit for all those visiting Igatpuri. If you are in no mood to visit these places. You can simply sit back and relax. Get out your Map and explore the town yourself. Simply take a long drive around the town or sleep on the grass surrounded by mountains (did that) The sight is truely out of this world. You can also place your tent near the lake side and have lunch under the sky. Hire a cycle or bike and take a ride. You can also gorge on the local street food.

If you are on a budget, make sure you research before going and find out the room tarrifs in advance as posh hotels on the way are pretty expensive. There are many resorts too where you can spend the day. The localites are pretty helpful and will direct you in finding your way. Also, you can join the Langar in the famous Gurudwara. This food is freshly prepared and served hot to all the devotees who visit. Also, the serene and peaceful Sacred Heart Church is a must Visit. Igatpuri is also famous for its waterfalls, perhaps if you go at the right time.

Winter is the best time to visit as the pleasant cold weather makes this place even more beautiful & peaceful. Create a memory by having a bonfire get together and end it with a sing-song and dance session around the fire. While visiting during the rains, you can enjoy the gushing waterfalls.
      Travel on your own or simply take a pre planned tour, if you are anywhere near Maharastra, Igatpuri is a must visit for the weekend. :)

Travel Diaries: All Roads Lead to Roam

 

They say: The more the merrier. But sometimes it is fun to travel alone like a free bird, or maybe with the company of a few close friends. Pick up your Bagpack with just the essentials like a Towel, set of clothes (if you decide to swim), penknife, something to eat, a Map, camera and not forgetting your wallet. Your car or bike keys in hand and your off to go for an unpredictable adventure. Hit the highway and off you go deciding which lane to go. Dont forget to keep a tab on your map or several mobile navigation apps that will help the road lead you ( perhaps if you have network even in remote mountain areas). It's always better to plan your trip but just incase your tired of doing that you can let the road decide for you. And trust me.. It works all the time!

 My family  is always used to unpredictable one day trips and we always end up finding a beautiful unknown place. Seems like a lonely planet that you can explore. A long drive with mountains on both sides and a delightful view that feels like paradise. Sometimes you get to meet and interact with the locals (who are shy all the time), covering their mouth trying to control their giggling laughing. You wont be surprised if they invite you over to their place and serve you their simple food, something worth trying if you not a fussy eater. There are several lakes and dams almost in every corner..but you need to be careful.Most of the time if you see the locals swimming, you can ask them the depth of the lake and then decide to take a dip.
The water may not be clean and sparkly, but yeah, totally worth the experience for an adventurous traveler.

The highway is the hub for what is popularly known as 'Dhaba Food'. You can stop by for lunch or dinner at one of these food joints on the highway. If you want to have an enchanted forest experience you can pick up food on the way and find a spot somewhere in the mountains or midway, where you are surrounded by trees and have your lunch there. Enjoy the silence and beauty of nature. Make sure you don't litter the place. When you visit such areas it is better to talk softly and be silent.

An unplanned trip feels great if you get things in the right place. Not forgetting with pros there are cons too. So make sure you have enough fuel in your vehicle, enough cash, identity proof, fully charged mobile battery and camera not forgetting sufficient mobile credit to make urgent calls, plastic bags (just incase you get travel sick or for wet clothes after a swim), a Map and you are off to go.

Take a day off and head somewhere.. just somewhere.. Feel the beauty of nature and the places around you. It is definitely worth the experience!