Satpati Lighthouse in Satpati in Maharashtra

Tuesday, November 6, 2018

Satpati Lighthouse is located in the fishing village of Satpati which is near Shirgaon in the Palghar district of Maharashtra. 

View from Satpati Lighthouse

View from Satpati Lighthouse

The Satpati Lighthouse is around 35metres tall at little shorter than the one at Arnala. Infact the lighthouse is so tall that I could be seen from a distance. The lighthouse is painted white and red from the outside. The directions to it are tagged on google maps. 

There is a fee of Rs.10 for Indians and timings to visit the lighthouse. The lighthouse is not open to public in the afternoon. We paid the fee and visited the premises. A spiral staircase, next to the walls of the circular lighthouse leads us to the top. the spiral staircase might give vertigo issues at it is quite tall.

Spiral staircase leading to the top of the Satpati Lighthouse

Finally we were atop the lighthouse, a balcony there provides one with a 360 degree view of the sea (horizon) and the land around. The cool breeze blowing was also refreshing. One is not allowed to go near the lamp of the lighthouse. 

Satpati Lighthouse

We then headed back to the base of the lighthouse.  

We traveled by car to the lighthouse. The ST bus stand and rickshaw stand is very near to the lighthouse premises. As there were no ST buses there, not sure which buses come to Satpati. There is provision for food and refreshments near the ST bus stand.

Arnala beach in Arnala near Virar in Maharashtra

Monday, November 5, 2018

Arnala beach is located in Arnala near Virar in Maharashtra. Arnala Fort is located very close to the beach.

Arnala beach in Arnala near Virar in Maharashtra

 We decided to travel to Virar station by a local train and from there board the State Transport bus to the beach. One can also travel to the beach via a private vehicle or rickshaw. Directions to Arnala beach are tagged on google maps. 


Refreshments are available near the beach premises.

Waves lashing onto the black sands of Arnala beach in Arnala near Virar in Maharashtra

We reached the beach around 5 PM like always. The sun was shining with cool breeze blowing. The waters appeared like glittering gold due to the sun. There were a couple of locals who were out for a swim in the waters. We didn't venture in the waters. 

Garbage and people at Arnala beach in Arnala near Virar in Maharashtra

Sad to say but there was a lot of garbage on the shores of Arnala Beach. Hopefully beach cleaning needs to be undertaken. i guess it was high tide due to which the garbage would have landed on the shores.

Arnala fort on the island

Arnala is a black sand beach. We clicked a couple of photos and then waited for the sun to set. Got some wonderful photos here. We could see the island of Arnala which houses the Arnala fort in a distance. 

Fathima and Me at Arnala beach in Arnala near Virar in Maharashtra

We then decided to head back home. 

Suruchi beach in Vasai near Mumbai in Maharashtra

Saturday, November 3, 2018

Suruchi Beach is located in Vasai West near Mumbai in Maharashtra. Directions to the same are located on Google Maps.

Suruchi Beach, Vasai

As we (Fathima and me) stay in Vasai, we traveled by rickshaw to the beach premises. Pls note: The rickshaws don't run on meter here and hence they will charge a lump sum amount. We were charged Rs.150 but post negotiation the rickshaw driver came down to Rs.100. There is a rickshaw stand near the beach premises. Else the closest State transport bus stand is around 45 minutes away from there (walking). The best form of transport is private vehicle here.

Fathima and me at Suruchi Beach, Vasai

At the beach premises there are plenty of places to eat and drink.

By the time we reached the beach it was around 5PM. Though the sun was beating us down with the heat we kept going due to the breeze.

Suruchi Beach, Vasai

Suruchi is basically a black sand beach. We walked to the stretch near to the boats anchored in the water (Bhayandar side) as it was less crowded there. Fathima decided to build her sand castle. Here is the pic of her castle. 

Fathima making sand castle at Suruchi Beach, Vasai

We walked on the sand hand in hand with our footprints in the sand which were soon to fade away with the next wave lashed on to them. 

Footprints in sand, Suruchi Beach, Vasai

Not sure if you feel the same, but when we go to the beach, it brings the child back in us. We play in the sand, build castles in the sand and finally dip our legs in the waters. 

In the waters of Suruchi Beach, Vasai

We didn't bathe in the waters as most do, as the water color was not very appealing.

Sunset at Suruchi Beach, Vasai

We then sat and watched the sun go down the horizon. Soon it was starting to turn dark and we were being attached my mosquitoes so decided to head back home.

Dusk at Suruchi beach, Vasai

But we still had a good time at the beach. Thanks Fathima for getting us to this beach.

Dahanu Beach in Dahanu in Maharashtra

Friday, November 2, 2018

Dahanu Beach is located in Dahanu in Palghar district in Maharashtra. 

Dusk at Dahanu Beach in Dahanu in Maharashtra

If you wish to drive down then instructions for the same are available on google maps. Public transport is available from Dahanu railway station. There are plenty of places dine and stay near the beach premises. Rents may vary depending as to how far or close you are from the beach premises. 

Dahanu Fort is located very close to Dahanu Beach.

By the time we reached the beach premises the sun had already set, but the skyline was beautiful. We enjoyed the view sitting there till the mosquitoes came around and started to buzz us off. There are plenty of fast food stalls at the beach, there are also camel rides available at the beach premises. 

As the tide was low, children were playing football on the beach. The health conscious were on their evening walks on the beach. 

Dawn at Dahanu Beach in Dahanu in Maharashtra

It is very relaxing on the beach, no matter how tired you are. The sea somehow calms one down. We stayed at a friends place and then headed to the beach the next morning. Again the tide was low. We felt calm and relaxed on the beach.

We then headed back home.

Vandri lake and dam in Maharashtra

Thursday, November 1, 2018

Vandri lake is located very near to Mumbai in Maharashtra. The directions to it are tagged on google maps. Not sure if public transport is available to reach it, we traveled by Manohar's car.

Sunrise at Vandri Lake

 It took us around 40 minutes to reach the lake premises. 40 minutes from Vasai Phata. We left early in the morning as we wanted to reach there before sunrise. The roads near the lake premises are narrow and winding so drive safely there. 


Vandri lake video : https://www.instagram.com/p/BpYholpHxI4/?hl=en&taken-by=merwynsrucksack


Finally we were at the banks of the lake. The sun had just risen from behind the hills. The view was just amazing. the rays of the sun on the clouds formed an amazing pattern in the skies, the reflection of the sun on the glittering lake waters was nice too. The hills ranges in distance we created a nice picture.

Manohar put his hand in the water and it was not cold at all. We could see steam in a distance not sure the reason for the same. The locals around didn't know the cause of it either.

Fathima, Me and Manohar at Vandri lake

The men from the village would come there, to brush their teeth and finally have a swim or should I say a bath in the waters before they head for their daily chores.

The women would sit at the banks of the lake and wash the clothes. No wonder the the white clothes worn by the villagers are so white. LOL.

Villager swimming in the waters of Vandri Lake

The quite lake, the sound of the birds was soothing to my ears. Though we sat there just staring at the rising sun, we felt so relaxed and stress free. Though we are so close to the city of Mumbai, it felt like we were somewhere in the wilderness.

The villagers had instructed us not to visit the dam, so didn't go. Also there is a board at the entrance of the dam stating "No Trespassing."

The huge tree near Vandri lake

We sat there for sometime and then headed to our car. We then noticed a huge tree. Maybe 2 to 3 stories high with a 360 degree leave cover all around. Something we rarely see in Mumbai. We then headed to the tree trunk. The green cover was dense. It would provide good shade and breeze in the hot summers.

There are no hotels around this location, so do carry food and water and please keep the lake and dam premises clean. 

We then headed back home after enjoying the early morning sunrise. 

Mangad fort is situated in Borwadi in Mangaon taluka in Raigad district in Maharashtra

Wednesday, October 31, 2018

Mangad fort is situated in Borwadi in Mangaon taluka in Raigad district in Maharashtra. The base village for the fort is Mashidwadi.

Bastions at the entrance of Mangad Fort

The directions to this fort are tagged on google maps. There are signboards on the road to, so you sure that you don't go off track.

We parked the car near Mashidwadi. Mashidwadi is a small village comprising of around 20 to 30 houses. It is also the base village to Mangad fort.

By the time we reached Mashidwadi village, it had already started raining. The time was now 3:30  PM on watch. We didn't get any rain cover, but that didn't stop us from visiting the fort premises.

Temple of Goddess Vinzai

There are signboards on the way, but we still managed to get lost uphill and were travelling in the wrong direction uphill, finally 

Dominic took a de tour and met a villager and then we traveled via the stone boulders to reach the Temple of Goddess Vinzai. The villager had informed us to keep the gate of the temple closed else the monkey's go enter the temple premises.

From the temple one has to travel via the stone cut rocks , walk on a tall grass patch and again on stone cut rocks to reach the Main Entrance of the fort.

View from atop Mangad Fort

As it was raining, the stone was wet and had turned slippery due to which we were not able to get a good grip on the rocks, there was also moss growing on the rocks which was making the journey difficult.

Dominic went uphill, he then motivated Manohar and Me to join him, we finally gave in and managed to climb the fort.

The fortification near the main entrance is intact. There is map of the fort here.

Sculpture of Maruti atop Mangad Fort

A orange painted sculpture of Maruti (Hindu God) is present here. There are a couple of water tanks (water is not portable) and a cave on the fort premises. The cave can be used for lodging purposes.

The thick vegetation atop the fort premises and the rains made travel difficult for us. We then made our way and reached the orange colored flag posted on the fort premises. The view from here of the neighboring forts and valleys is just amazing. I am just hoping that my phone doesn't get too wet in the rain and stop working. Still managed to get a couple of shots.

Cave and water cistern atop Mangad Fort

Map of Mangad fort, on the fort premises

Ideal time to climb up the fort is around 45 minutes, 20 minutes to see the fort and another 30 minutes to return to base.

Tall grass near a water cistern atop Mangad Fort

By the time we reached the base the time was around 6 PM.

Saffron flag atop Mangad Fort

We had one more fort to conquer, the Surgad fort near Pali, but we decided to skip that fort as we were running short of time, we then decided to head back to Mumbai.

On the outskirts of Mashidwadi village we noticed the remains of the Mahadev Mandir, the podium of the temple is made of black stone. Nothing much remains except for the statue of Nandi.

Remains of Mahadev Mandir

Statue of Nandi at Mahadev Mandir

Out of all the fort we saw today, Avchitgad and Talagad was the best as it had a lot of ruins atop of it, Birwadi fort just had the Main Entrance which was intact, felt sad as we couldn't explore Ghosalgad in entirety, Kude Caves no doubt were a good and clean set of caves, the actual adventure part was when we climbed the Mangad fort. 

The entire journey  starting and ending at Ghatkopar Station, inclusive of food, stay and travel cost us just Rs.2155 each. 

Tala Fort located near to Tala Village in Raigad District in Maharashtra

Wednesday, February 7, 2018

Tala Fort is located near to Tala Village in Raigad district in Maharashtra. The fort bastion and the orange flag swaying in the wind can be seen from a distance.

Watchout for this signboard while trying to reach Tala Fort located near to Tala Village in Raigad District in Maharastra

Bastion at Tala Fort located near to Tala Village in Raigad District in Maharastra

After visiting Kude caves we traveled for around 12 KM to reach Tala Village.

We asked the locals for directions to trek up to the fort. Watch out for this signboard at the village. Note there is no provision to park vehicles here, but food and water provision is available in the market area.

Path to reach Tala Fort located near to Tala Village in Raigad District in Maharastra

There are no steps but the stones are placed like steps to climb up the fort premises. Now watch out for this second signboard, the way up the fort leads from here.

We walked over loose soil and small stones to reach the fort premises.

Narrow path leading to Tala Fort located near to Tala Village in Raigad District in Maharastra

Water tank atop Tala Fort located near to Tala Village in Raigad District in Maharastra

As we get near to the entrance of the fort, the climb becomes a bit tricky, the rock cut stairs get narrower and to top it they were wet. Which made or climb difficult. But we still managed to reach the main entrance.

Orange flag at Tala Fort located near to Tala Village in Raigad District in Maharastra

Maruti temple on the way to Tala Fort located near to Tala Village in Raigad District in Maharastra

At the main entrance, there is sculpture of Maruti (Hindu God) Painted Orange. Near is  a cave. Currently water is filled in the cave premises, but it can offer refuge when dry.

We then walked to one of the bastions of the fort. The bastion offers a fantastic view of the surrounding. As there was little to no wind and hot sun, we decided to go up to the top most point of the fort for exploration.

Cave at Tala Fort located near to Tala Village in Raigad District in Maharastra

From the bastions a series of steps takes one to the top of the fort.

Atop the fort are placed a couple of water tanks (water not portable), broken structures and a Shiv Temple.

Dominic, Manohar and Me at Tala Fort located near to Tala Village in Raigad District in Maharastra

There is no shade atop the fort, no trees up here.

Atop one of the bastions sways the orange flag, we then crossed the water tanks and walked to the other end of the fort.

Bastion at Tala Fort located near to Tala Village in Raigad District in Maharastra

We were not able to spot cannons atop the fort.

The fortification is not intact and broken in certain places.

Ruins at Tala Fort located near to Tala Village in Raigad District in Maharastra

It took us around 30 minutes to reach the top, 30 minutes to explore and another 20 minutes to reach the base.

Structure at Tala Fort located near to Tala Village in Raigad District in Maharastra

History doesn't state as to who built this fort, but Adilshah of Bijapur, Shivaji Maharaj, Siddhis of Janjira, Peshwas and finally British had control over this fort.

View of the hills and valleys from Tala Fort located near to Tala Village in Raigad District in Maharastra

Fortification of  Tala Fort located near to Tala Village in Raigad District in Maharastra

The time was now 11:30 AM on my watch,  we braked for lunch at Indapur. There we decided that we would travel to Nizampur from there inorder to see the Mangad Fort. 

NOTE: Please click on the words in large font in the blog to read about them. 

Kude Caves located in Rahatgad in Tala Taluka in Raigad district in Maharashtra

Monday, February 5, 2018

Kude Caves are located in Rahatgad in Tala Taluka in Raigad district in Maharashtra.

Kude Caves located in Rahatgad in Tala Taluka in Raigad district in Maharashta

Kude Caves located in Rahatgad in Tala Taluka in Raigad district in Maharashtra

Kude Caves is around 12 KM away from Tala Village, directions to the same are tagged on google maps, so one cannot get lost.

River Body enroute Kude Caves

Dominic, Manohar and Me near Kude caves

The journey offered breath taking photos of the surroundings. the hills in a distance capped with due, the long winding roads were just amazing to travel on.

Kude Caves located in Rahatgad in Tala Taluka in Raigad district in Maharashtra

Stupa at Kude Caves located in Rahatgad in Tala Taluka in Raigad district in Maharashtra

Stupa at Kude Caves located in Rahatgad in Tala Taluka in Raigad district in Maharashtra

One has to park the car on the main road and then walk on the muddy road to each the caves premises. The road comprises of loose soil and small rocks and it is uneven, so it is best not to get a vehicle here, else the tire can get punctured. After walking for 30 minutes we then get a glimpse of the caves.

Kude Caves located in Rahatgad in Tala Taluka in Raigad district in Maharashtra

Note, there is no provision for food and water here.

Kude Caves located in Rahatgad in Tala Taluka in Raigad district in Maharashtra

History states that these caves were built in the 1st century.

The caves looked identical. The first cave, had a Stupa within its premises. At the entrance we could see coconuts broken and kept and some garlands, meaning that the villagers offer prayers here. We also saw inscription on the cave walls, not sure what they meant though.

Frogs at Kude Caves located in Rahatgad in Tala Taluka in Raigad district in Maharashtra

The small water tanks near the caves, had gigantic frogs sitting next to them, they didn't even budge when they saw me coming close to them to take a photo. The water from the water bodies doesn't seem portable.

Carvings on the walls of Kude Caves located in Rahatgad in Tala Taluka in Raigad district in Maharashtra

Carvings on the walls of Kude Caves located in Rahatgad in Tala Taluka in Raigad district in Maharashtra

The cave which had the face of the elephant, was the best amongst the caves. It had sculptures near the elephant head, artwork at the base of the cave, writings on its walls, sculptures within the cave and also a Stupa. I am guessing that this was the main prayer hall.

I find myself at peace here. There is no noise in the caves, total silence. Hence caves were built by the monks in the wilderness. 

Kude Caves located in Rahatgad in Tala Taluka in Raigad district in Maharashtra

Some caves are located on base level and a few caves are located on the first level, a series of steps takes one to the first level.

The caves are being looked after, there is no graffiti nor litter around the cave premises.  Guess what I found a Swachh Bharat Abhiyan banner here.  

Kude Caves located in Rahatgad in Tala Taluka in Raigad district in Maharashtra

Kude Caves located in Rahatgad in Tala Taluka in Raigad district in Maharashtra

Kude Caves located in Rahatgad in Tala Taluka in Raigad district in Maharashtra

It too us around 30 minutes to see the caves, post that we walked for another 30 minutes to reach the car. We then headed over to see the Tala Fort located near Tala Village.



NOTE: Please click on the words in large font in the blog to read about them.