Rajapur Hot Water Springs aka Unhale Hot Water Springs in Rajapur in Ratnagiri District in Maharashtra

Monday, June 20, 2016

Rajapur Hot Water Springs aka Unhale Hot Water Springs are located in 3 KM away from Rajapur village in Ratnagiri District of Maharashtra. They are off the the Mumbai Goa Highway (NH17 aka NH66) on the road leading to Rajapur Road Railway station.

Watch out for this signboard on NH17 aka NH66

After visiting the Tural Hot Water Springs, we headed over the NH66 to Rajapur. We traveled for around 100 plus KM to reach the village of Rajapur. We inquired with the locals and they informed us that the springs are not in the village of Rajapur but in Unhale which is a couple of KM away from here. They informed to travel on the NH66 till we see signboard on the left,  Which states Unhale Hot Water Springs, and we did as instructed.

Watch out for this signboard, Unhale Hot Water Springs in Rajapur in Ratnagiri District in Maharashtra

The Unhale Hot Water Springs are located in the Unhale village on the way to the Rajapur Railway station. There is a signboard put up on the left hand side of the road,

This spring is different from the ones I have visited, there is a continuous flowing hot water here. As in it is not a pool. There are two of these, one for the men and other for the women. I cleansed by face, hands and legs in the water. How I wished I had a soap so that I could take a bath in the flowing water.  Never the less, the cleansing was quite refreshing on the hot summer afternoon.

Rajapur Hot Water Springs aka Unhale Hot Water Springs in Rajapur in Ratnagiri District in Maharashtra

There is no provision for food and water here. Not sure if there is any means of public transport to reach this village as we couldn't see any shared autos nor any ST buses plying on this road.

We then sat in the car and headed over to Rajapur village on NH66 aka NH17 to have lunch. There are plenty of hotels in Rajapur Village. We had lunch at Hotel Saraswati. I had a fish thali and Manohar had a chicken thali (malwani style) to finish with solkadi. The food was finger licking good. Didn't expect such food from a place like this.

Fish Thali at Hotel Saraswati in Rajapur

The time was now 3 PM on my watch and we had to make a choice, should we go to Malvan or head back home. Even if we decided to go to Malvan, we would  not have finished it in a day's time, so we decided to head back to Mumbai.

Chicken Thali at Hotel Saraswati in Rajapur

The entire journey starting from Ghatkopar Railway station, covering Unhere Hot Water Springs, Sav Hot Water Springs, Gandharpale Caves, Khed Caves, Panhalekaji Caves, Unhavare Hot Water Springs, Aaravali Hot Water Springs, Tural Hot Water Springs and Rajapur Hot Water Springs, inclusive of food and refreshments and overnight stay at a hotel in Khed and back to Ghatkopar Railway station cost us just Rs. 3500 per head.  

Tural Hot Water Springs in Tural village near NH66 aka NH17 in Ratnagiri District in Maharashtra

Thursday, June 16, 2016

Tural Hot Water Springs are located a couple of KM away from Tural Village in Ratnagiri District of Maharashtra. They can be easily reached while traveling on NH17 aka NH66.

Tural Hot Water Springs in Tural village in Ratnagiri District in Maharashtra

Watchout for this signboard, Tural Hot Water Springs

After visiting, the Aaravali Hot Water Springs we headed over the Mumbai Goa Highway (NH17) aka NH66 to Malvan. It was not even 6 KM when we saw another board, stating Tural. Now I had done some research and I informed Manohar that there are hot water springs here. I kept an eye to watch out for a signboard to spot the same.

Watchout for this signboard, Tural

Old temple near Sri Kedarnath Gramdevta Mandir and Tural Hot Water Springs

We finally spotted the board, asked some locals and they informed us that the springs are located behind the Sri Kedarnath Gramdevta Mandir, which can be seen from the highway. Parked our car aside the road and walked towards the temple. The temple is newly constructed, but near the temple are places several stone carvings of various Gods. There is also a old temple near it, there is a shiv ling and a nandi statue in it. I guess this temple is still in use.

Sri Kedarnath Gramdevta Mandir

We then saw the hot water springs, this spring is not in use, as there is dirt accumulated on one side of it, but I could see the water bubbles. So if the villagers clean it, it can be used to take a dip. Felt sad, as I couldn't dip my feet in it, we then visited the old stone temple, or should I say, what remains of it.

Stone carvings near Sri Kedarnath Gramdevta Mandir and Tural Hot Water Springs

We then headed over the Mumbai Goa Highway to visit Malvan. He located Rajapur Hot Water Springs. 

Aaravali Hot Water springs in Aaravali near NH66 aka NH17 in Ratnagiri District of Maharashtra

Tuesday, June 14, 2016

Aaravali Hot Water Springs are located in village called Aaravali in the Ratnagiri district of Maharashtra. They can be easily accessed by the Mumbai Goa Highway (NH17). By train the Aaravali railway station is the closest stop.

Aaravali Hot Water springs signboard in NH17 aka NH66

We left from Khed to travel to Malvan the next day, we had halted for the night at a hotel near the Khed ST bus stand. We were traveling via the Mumbai Goa Highway. As the journey was long and as I was not driving, I decided to take a short nap. Manohar spotted a signboard, stating Aaravali Hot Water Springs. Now this was not on our itinerary, I immediately started my research on the internet, to gather more information and to see the photos of these hot water springs.

Aaravali Hot Water springs from NH17 aka NH66

Not much information was available on the internet, so I decided to ask some locals about the whereabouts about this place, so that we could visit them. The locals informed us that they are just 5 minutes away. By the way Aaravali Hot Water Springs are around 64 KM away from Khed.

Aaravali Hot Water springs

The springs can be seen from NH17. We walked down to visit them after parking the car on the side.

Inscription on stone near Aaravali Hot Water springs

There are just two spring pools here, the one enclosed is for the women and the other for the men. Dipping our legs in the hot waters was relaxing but the sun was draining us out.  Next to the pool are two stones with inscription in Marathi/ Sanskrit. I was not able to understand what it was written on them. 

Food and water is easily available here. 
 
We then headed over NH17 aka NH66. Tural Hot water spring was the next pitstop.

Panhalekaji Caves near Unhavare Hot Water Springs near Dapoli in Maharashtra (India)

Tuesday, May 31, 2016

Panhalekaji Caves are located around 30 KM away from Khed. There are not on NH17 aka NH66, but one has to travel on the Vakavli Karanjali Road from Khed to access these caves. At the village Fanasu. The right takes us to Panhalekaji Caves and the left to Unhavare Hot Water Springs.

Panhalekaji Caves

Panhalekaji Caves

After visiting the Khed caves we traveled for around 30 KM to reach the Panhalekaji Caves. The roads are very narrow and to top it, they are not in  very good condition, so one has to drive slow which consumes a lot of time. The road will also test the car suspension. Directions to the caves are available on google maps. There are signboards at irregular intervals. 

Panhalekaji Caves

Finally at 5PM we were at the Cave premises. There was just one cave and a couple standing there. I asked the couple, " Is this the only Cave?" to which he replied, "Yes". "Did we travel for a hour's time just to see this one cave, not worth the time" I said to Manohar. 

Panhalekaji Caves

We met a local, who was trying to sell us some home grown bottle gourd, he was selling at a cheap price. But as cooking was not on our bucket list for the day, we didn't buy any from him. We asked him if this is the only cave here, to which he replied that there are more. 

Panhalekaji Caves

He became our guide, he showed us around the caves. The caves were beautifully carved and had carvings of Ganpati, Saraswati and even Buddha in its premises. Manohar told me that these Caves are a mix of Buddhist and Hindu influences. Manohar offered him Rs.50 for his services, without him, we would have not seen the rest of the caves.

Panhalekaji Caves

The caves are located very near to the forest premises, there is a small rivulet near the caves. There are trees (mango trees) near the caves. But no mangoes. It was nice and calm here. 

Panhalekaji Caves

Not sure if the rivulet had any fish in it, else one could make it a picnic destination. Camping in the shade of the trees and fish for food. This place looks un inhabited, as there was no human footprint here. 

Panhalekaji Caves

Not sure if ST buses or shared rickshaws ply on this route from Dapoli or Khed. We were not able to spot any. There were hardly any people on the road to ask for directions. Private transport is the only mode of transportation.

Panhalekaji Caves

Panhalekaji Caves

There is no provision for food and water. 

Panhalekaji Caves

The time was now 6PM, we had Unhavare Hot Water Springs next on the agenda for the day. 

Khed Caves aka Bouddh Caves near Khed ST bus stand in Khed in Maharashtra (India)

Sunday, May 29, 2016

Khed Caves aka Bouddh Caves are located on a hillock very near to the Khed ST bus stand. The lane opposite the ST bus stand leads to the caves. There are no signboards near the caves, so one has ask people about the same.

Khed Caves aka Bouddh Caves

After visiting the Gandharpale Caves we headed over NH17 to reach Panhalekaji Caves near Dapoli. Just when we were about to reach Khed, Manohar spotted a signboard which read Khed Caves. I immediately started researching on the internet about the whereabouts and photos of these caves. Though these caves were not on our itinerary, they were now added to our itinerary.

Khed Caves aka Bouddh Caves

As not much information is available about the caves on the internet. We decided to ask a couple of locals about them. We approached a rickshaw driver and he gave us directions to the caves. He also informed us that they are neglected and that there is nothing much to see there. These caves are not tagged  on Google Maps.

Signboard

I finally managed to reach the caves. There are houses built all around the caves on the hillock. Something similar to Jogeshwari Caves in Mumbai. There are five caves here. There are neglected and not in good condition, there is dry grass growing all over them. The cave structure are similar looking to the ones at Gandharpale Caves. Though the first cave has got a gate and grills around it as there is a statue of Buddha in its premises.

Khed Caves aka Bouddh Caves with Buddha statue in its premises

The time on my watch was around 4 PM and we had still to cover Panhalekaji Caves and Unhavare Hot Water Springs near Dapoli. 

Gandharpale Buddhist Caves on NH66 aka NH17 near Mahad in Maharashtra (India)

Friday, May 27, 2016

After visting the Sav Hot Water Springs we headed over the NH17 to reach the Gandharpale Caves just before Mahad. Again they are located in the Mahad Taluka of the Raigad district of Maharashtra. The caves are located on the left hand side and can be easily seen from a distance while travelling on NH17 aka NH66. The caves are around 5 KM away from Hotel Neelkamal (Jetty for Sav Hot Water Springs).

Gandharpale Buddhist Caves high up on the hills

A series of steps leads to the caves. There is a tiny hut near the start of the steps, that serves cold drinks and packed snacks. These steps are newly built. But not that new either. I recollect, 2 decades ago, when I was schooling,  I used to travel to Goa by bus for summer vacation, I used to see these caves then, but was not sure as to what their names were.

Gandharpale Buddhist Caves

The caves structure are similar in nature to the ones I have seen at Kanheri Caves. A narrow stone staircase similar to the one at Bedse Caves leads to the caves at large. There should be around 24 caves here.

Stairs leading to Gandharpale Buddhist Caves and NH17

The cave premises are neat and tidy, I am sure they are looked after. The caves are not in very good condition though and they have graffiti on some of the cave walls. A stupa and certain carvings are still visible on certain caves. All the caves are carved on a single hill, similar to Ajanta and Aurangabad Caves near Aurangabad.

Gandharpale Buddhist Caves

We visited all the caves and then rested in one of them. The caves offer a wonderful view of the the NH17 and the tiny villages, farms and hills in a distance.

Stu[pa and Carvings at Gandharpale Buddhist Caves

We then headed to Khed Caves near the Khed ST Bus Stand. 

Sav Hot Water Springs across Savitri River on NH66 aka NH17 near Mahad in Maharashtra (India)

Wednesday, May 25, 2016

Sav Hot Water Springs are located at Sav village in Mahad Taluka of Raigad District in Maharashtra. They can be accessed by the Mumbai Goa Highway NH17. There are located across Savitri River. Gandharpale Buddhist Caves are closest to them and the nearest town is Mahad.

View of River Savitri

After visiting Unhere Hot Water Springs we headed off on the Mumbai Goa Highway NH17 to visit the Sav Hot water Springs which are around 70 KM away. Again we referred to Google Maps for directions and they were accurate.

On the right hand side is located Hotel Neelkamal, next to it is the jetty. Yes you heard it right, one had to cross the Savitri River to reach the Sav Hot Water Springs. Mohammad Bhai (Boat Wale) can be contacted on 9552552961.He will take you across at a cost of Rs.20 for return journey.

The jetty near River Savtri

I called Mohammad Bhai and he said  that he would be there with the boat in 5 minutes. 15 minutes passed and there was no sign of him. I called him again and he said that he is about to reach. On the other side of the river we saw a young man park a yellow colored Pulsar. We were nor sure if he is was the boatman, he was the boatman.

That's me rowing the boat

The view of Savitri River is amazing.

The boatman and his boat

In 10 minutes the boatman arrived with his boat. The boat is really small and can accommodate a maximum of 5 to 6 people. The boatman rode a pulsar to reach the jetty and rowed his boat to reach us.

We sat on the boat and headed on the other side. I too helped him row the boat. The boat ride was similar to the one I had at Arnala. The boatman informed us that the river is around 65 feet deep.

Sav Hot Water Spring

We then walked towards the hot water springs located near Sav Village. In 10 minutes we were there. It was around 11;30 AM on my watch now.

There are three hot water springs. The water appeared grayish in color from a distance, but when we took it in our palms it was transparent. Maybe grey is the base color of the pool.

Sav Hot Water Spring

We took a dip here. The temperature of the water was around 40 to 50 degrees, roughly. The heat of the sun added to the fury. We then headed over to the jetty to board a ferry to NH17.

Sav Hot Water Spring

Our next stop was the Gandharpale Buddhist Caves located on NH17 before Mahad.

Cabo De Rama Fort

Monday, October 18, 2010

I always make it a point to visit Goa during my summer holidays. On one such trip, I decided to go see the Cabo De Rama Fort also known as Cape Rama Fort. located in Cancona taluka in South Goa.

View from the top

The Cabo de Rama fort is currently in ruins. The name Cabo de Rama is Portuguese for the head of Rama. According to ancient Indian mythology, Prince Rama, from the epic Ramayana, along with his wife Sita took refuge here during Rama's exile from Ayodhya.

Fortification of Cabo de Rama Fort

Nobody knows who built this fort. At some point in the 17^th century, however, the Portuguese took it over from the Raja of Soonda.

Steps leading to the wate body or pond

My cousin Sholto and I decided to visit the fort. We took the National Highway-17 to reach Cancona where the fort is located. One has to have a vehicle if one wants to visit the fort. Those who don’t have their own vehicle can choose to hire one. There are some public buses plying from Margao to the fort but the frequency of these buses is pathetic, and it is better to not rely on them.

Entrance to Cabo de Rama Fort

There is a rampart to enter the fort. In the old days, if a visitor was expected to the fort, the rampart would have to be lowered to enable the visitor to enter the fort. As the fort is on an island, the only entrance is through the rampart. Sounds really cool, doesn't it? I had seen such ramparts in the movies of the yesteryears but never in reality. How I wish I was born in that era! Currently the mechanism for operating the rampart is not functional. It is therefore always kept lowered down to enable public access.

Coconut trees all around

After entering the fort via the rampart, we decided to survey the ruined fort. The fort has got a few cannons that are worth checking out. The Church of Santo Antonio, located within the fort, is in excellent condition. Masses are offered here regularly.

St. Anthony Chapel in the fort premises

While the fort is in ruins, the western end of the fort has steep cliffs which provide a panoramic view of the place. From the western end, one can sight plenty of coconut trees which cover the land extremely densely, making it difficult for us to see the shore. It took us around two hours to view the fort.

View from the fort

We walked on the wall of the fort to see the view from every angle. The view I liked best was the one available from the sea side. Later, we had some refreshments before calling it a day.