Malsej Ghat in Pune in Maharashtra

Monday, July 13, 2015

Malsej Ghat is situated in Pune District in Maharashtra.. It is located around 125 KM away from Mumbai (Ghatkopar Railway Station in the West) to be more precise. It can be reached by road. It lies on National Highway 222. 

Map

Malsej Ghat was on my to do list for quite sometime now. I wanted to explore it in the monsoons as the weather would be nice, plus there would be plenty of waterfalls on the way. 

NH222 to Malsej Ghat

I let Manohar and Dominic know about my plans. Don't you remember them, we had done Panchgani and Wai together. Oops I forgot to mention Kohoj. As decided we met at Ghatkopar Railway Station in the west. This is our common meetup point when on treks. We met at 8 AM. Wasting no time we set out to explore Malsej Ghat in Manohar's car. 

Hill Range covered with different shades of green

Map to Maslej Ghat from Ghatkopar Railway station is attached, so that you too can follow the same, if  you have Malsej Ghat on yout to do list.

It was hot and sunny when we headed out of Mumbai city limits, soon we crossed Kalyan and the weather  started changing. My eyes could see the different shades of green enroute to Malsej Ghat on National Highway NH 222. The color green has always been soothing to the eyes, it makes the eyes relax. 

The hill caps covered in clouds

We then braked for breakfast at Murbad. There are a couple of small shops outside the Murbad ST bus stand, who sell tea, vada pav, samosa, break cutlet, tea and fruits. We had some mouth watering vada pav, samosa and bread cutlet here. Manohar, do you want to talk about the samosa. 

We then headed off to Malsej Ghat, there are a couple of small villages on the way which also serve snacks and food apart from the the Dhaba's on NH222. 

Hill ranges

NH222, was now growing thinner and thinner, the road turned at every nook and corner, but it offered a beautiful view of Naneghat and the hill ranges next to it on one side and the villages in a distance on the other.  NH222 circles the Naneghat hillrange. The top of the hill range was in the clouds, though it was not raining, the weather was amazing. Cool winds blowing was making us feel good, had it rained it would have been much better.  As the weather was dull, I had to switch my phone camera on HDR mode to get some good photos of the hill range. This is also the first time I tried to take some panaromic photos of the hill ranges. 

NH222 has got good roads, but there are plenty of speed breakers which will stop you from speeding up the hills. 

View of Malsej Ghat

As NH222 passes through the  jungle, there was thick forestation around us. As it was the forest area we decided to drive without any pit stops, we meet villagers on either side of the road, who were selling Jambool (Syzygium cumini), and other fruits grown on the trees in the forest, we didn't stop for fruits.

After 2 1/2 hours we finally see the first waterfall, though it was small in size, it gathered a huge crowd to it. We didn't want to be part of the crowd and hence decided to drive up the narrow and curvy ghats to reach Malsej Ghat, we were sure to find many more waterfalls on the way.

View of the hills from Malsej Ghat tourist point

Through the way, there were bikers on Royal Enfield's that raced in the opposite directions, maybe they too had come to see Malsej Ghat. Reminded me of my bike trip with Massey to Indurigad and Sangramgad.

The journey to Malsej Ghat offers a wonderful view of the hill ranges covered in diferent shades of green, the villages and the waterfalls in a distance, which seemed to be inaccessible from here. 

Manohar, Dom and Me at Malsej Ghat

Note that there are many people who come to visit Malsej Ghat, so be prepared to be greeted by the mob; families and guy groups with drinks hang around here, to bathe in the waterfall. So the crowd is mixed bunch. There are policemen posted at all the major points on the way, so that there situation is under control. Though drinking is  not allowed here, but people still get away with it. Food is not available here. The only snack is corn smoked on charcoal fire garnished with lemon and chilly powder,  as our stomach's were full we didn't patronise the corn stalls. Hot corn on a rainy day is a lethal combo. 

View of the hill range

NH 222 is narrow and winding, ghat section, the cliff on one side and the valley on the other. So drive safely here, plus be careful, as there are landslides that happen in this part of the region, apart from the waterfalls that happen on the road. 

Finally we were at the entrance of Malsej Ghat tourist spot, MTDC has a few row houses. The Flamingo Restaurant, caters to the food needs of the tourists, but it is packed. the row houses offer a wonderful view of the Malsej Ghat, the tall hill ranges covered in green and the deep valley's below. Again the area around the MTDC hotel is a tourist attraction and gathers a huge crowd. 

Malsej Ghat

MTDC resorts offer the best view in Maharastra at the cheapest cost, so if you want to stay at MTDC you need to book month's in advance. 

The weather was dull and cloudy, not sure when it would rain, with no trees for shade we still decided to take our changes and walk  along the railing which offered  jaw dropping view of the valley below, the NH222 which cuts through the hill range. 

All off a sudden the sun sneaked out from the clouds, making us sweat, but that was not acceptable by the rain clouds, which soon hid it behind them, the weather was nice and cool, no sweat at all. The smell of the mud, I so love it. 

Another view of Malsej Ghat

Private vehicles and ST buses plying to Nagar i.e Ahmednagar halt at Malsej Ghat,  they depart either from Kalyan or Murbad. So  if you like to travel by public mode of transport, now you know what to do. 

We then headed off via the NH222 to Mumbai, as it was around 2 PM on my watch we had to brake for lunch, again we had mouth watering Chinese Food at one of the roadside dhaba on the way to Murbad, After our Wai roadtrip, chinese food is a must eat on our travel itinerary. 

That's Me

Finally after having our stomach full we headed off to Mumbai via the same way we came here. Usually we use car as the mode of transport to visit a hill fort or a hill station, but this is the first time we just drove all the way to Malsej Ghat in the car. I am loving it, hope to  have many more car rides in the furture. 

All this cost us just Rs.330 each. (Ghatkopar to Ghatkopar inclusive of food and travel) Budgeted ride.

Wai in Maharashtra

Tuesday, March 17, 2015

After exploring Sydney Point in Panchgani we headed over to Wai. We travelled by the Wai-Panchgani-Mahableshwar Road. Wai is located at a distance of around 14 KM from Panchgani so roughly around 30 minutes away. 

By the time we landed in Wai,  it had already started drizzling and in a matter of few minutes it had started raining too.  Chilled breeze complimented the rains. 

Now we had to search for a place to stay for the night.  

Manohar had asked me, if he should book the rooms online, to which I had declined, stating that we might get rooms and now we are searching for one. How stupid of me. Grrrr

We spent the next one hour searching for accomodation.  There are plenty of hotels in Wai, but they didn't meet our needs. Finally we found Hotel Ganesha,  located very near to the Dholya Ganpati Mandir.  It provided us hot water (hot rod), good rooms at a price of Rs. 800 for a day.  Checkout time being 10 AM. 

The time was around 5 PM on my watch,  but it was already dark outside so we couldn't visit the Dholya Ganpati Mandir,  which was next door. 

We called it a night.  Now due to heavy rains the power had conked off. Thanks to generators in the room, we still had light and fan in the rooms but the charging ports were non functional.  Now I realise the importance of powerbanks on trips.  Though I never felt the need to carry one in the past. 

Dom,  his bag was like a magician's hat,  such a lot of stuff filled in it,  ranging from food,  to 3 litres of cola,  to mosquito repellent.  Anything that you can think of is in his bag. 

We also found Ganpati statues on each and every internal road in Wai.  The same way we have Crosses on the side of the roads in Goa. Never seen anything like this before.  Wai is famous for its Ganpati Temples and hence has devotees throughout the year.   

Dinning was a task for us,  as there was no electricity,  we had a tough time searching for a place to eat.  Most to the eateries were shut down.  So we travelled along the tiny roads of Wai hoping to get some dinner.  As it was raining and to compliment it there was no electricity,  most eating joints had shut shop.  Finally we reached a small food court comprising of roadside chinese food.  

We had some awesome Indian chinese food,  Triple Shezwan Rice,  Chicken Manchurian in Gravy and Chicken Hakka Noodles. After having out stomach full, we called it a day and headed off to the room for rest. 

We were to visit the Dholya Ganpati Mandir,  Krishna Ghat the next day 

Sydney Point in Wai

Monday, March 16, 2015

We returned from Rajpuri Caves near Panchgani and had a hearty meal at the bazaar area near the Panchgani ST Bus stand,  we decided to head over to Sydney Point to see it. BTW,  when you are tired any meal no matter good or bad is tasty,  the after effects are known the next day.  LOL. 

There are instructions in the form of signboards which will guide you up a hill again to get a great view of the hills around. We need to take right on Wai-Panchgani-Mahableshwar Road after the Panchgani ST bus stand.   

Again the view is very much similar as to what is offered by Parsi Point and Tableland.  

Now it was growing darker. The weather had started changing,  we were surrounded by dark clouds at 2:30 PM in the afternoon.  But that didn't stop us from exploring Sydney Point. 

Again if offers a beautiful view of the hills and valleys with River Krishna flowing through it. But the bright skies was replaced by rainy clouds.  I wouldn't be surprised it would rain that night. 

After enjoying the cool breeze here we then headed off to see Wai, the land of temples. 

We had to reach before dark as we had to find a place to stay for the night.   

Rajpuri caves near Panchgani in Maharashtra

Thursday, March 12, 2015

We had visited Parsi Point and Tableland in Panchgani. The sun was over our head now.  We had to make a choice, if we wanted to have lunch or go visit the caves.  Caves was priority and so we headed off to visit it. 

Again please  not refer  GPS and Google Maps as they are misguiding. There are signboards at the initial stretch of the road,  post that have to refer to people and vehicles plying in opposite side of the road for directions.  The directions offered by people are accurate and in a matter of 20 minutes we were at the base village of Rajpuri Caves.  Now the road is a rollercoaster ride so drive safely plus to top it,  it is a narrow road.  I won't be surprised if a ST bus plys on this route. 

The village is small comprising of a few houses and temples in its premises. Some children were playing near the temple. As we were not locals all eyes were on us. Though we were not followed,  but were given directions to visit the caves. 

From the base village one has to descend via stairs to reach the Rajpuri caves.  

The view of the hills and valleys is just amazing.  We walked down the steps and soon were at the caves.  There are around five caves here. The caves are guarded with trees all around.  So we had cool breeze for company. It was fun to sit in the shade of trees.  The sound of the wind blowing and the birds chirping was soothing to our ears. We could see the water trickling down the rock surface above the caves. Though we are done with winters and approaching summers,  this place has still got water flowing,  which is just amazing. 

One has to take off ones shoes to visit the caves.  Manohar was just not in favor of taking off shoes here.  But you remember the famous saying,  "In Rome do as the Romans do."

Near the caves stands a beautiful of statue of Nandi. Surrounded by four pillars with a roof atop it. Means there was a temple here and this is all that remains of it. 

The first cave is filled with water.  It also has a gaimukh from which flows water.  But one can see the cave in entirety by balancing oneself on the dry borders around the cave. 

The second and the third cave houses stone tablets which are inscribed with sculptures. 

The fourth cave is converted into a temple,  there was a puja currently performed here.  So we didn't check the cave out. 

The fifth and sixth are small caves and empty. 

The time was one 1:30 PM on my watch we then headed to bazaar area in Panchgani to have our lunch post which we had Sydney Point and thereafter head to Wai. 

Lake Venna at Mahableshwar in Maharashtra

Tuesday, March 10, 2015

Now you will be curious to know why we were headed to the Mahableshwar ST Bus Stand in the Bazaar area.  As it was cold, we decided to have bath at the restrooms behind the ST bus stand instead of renting a room, as we were to travel to Panchgani and from there to Wai. 

 The last time we had visited Mahableshwar,  Manohar had bath here and was urging me to do the same,  but I was too lazy and decided to stick with my jumper.  The bath was a blessing in disguise due to which he had stopped feeling cold. 

This trip the three of us decided to have bath here. This place ain't all luxury.  Basic bathrooms for both men and women travelers, which serve a bucket of cold water at a price of Rs.5 and hot water at a price of Rs. 20. What should I say,  I was feeling difficult to part with my jumper before my bath with hot water. Once done again I started feeling the cold, but this time the cold was short lived and I felt really good.  I should have taken the bath the last time I visited this place. 

Kick starting our journey with Wilson Point, in the cold, warm water bath at the ST bus stand we headed off for some South Indian breakfast at one of the local eateries in the bazaar area located just outside the ST Bus Stand.  

After having our full we decided to head to Panchgani.  As Lake Venna was on the way, we decided to do it.

Like always we relied on GPS and Google Maps for directions and again we took the wrong road and kept going in circles in the market area.  Finally we started asking locals around and relying to signboards to head to Lake Venna. 

A couple of wrong roads and finally we reached Lake Venna,  but we reached the otherside of the Lake,  not a soul was there.  But the view was just amazing.  

We were greeted with broken beer bottles, so I understood that this place is used for a beer party.

The view of the lake from here is amazing,  The light blue skies with white clouds forming wonderful patterns in it was just amazing.  The water was quiet and silent.  A couple of dry wooden branches stood in it. Among-st all the greenery around we located a beautiful temple here. 

This European styled House is beautifully perched on the hilltop with greenery all around

After taking a couple of selfies with my new travel companion we then headed off to see Parsi Point in Panchgani.   

Parsi Point and Tableland atop Panchgani in Maharashtra

Sunday, March 8, 2015

Panchgani is located around 20 KM away from Mahableshwar. It is located on the Wai-Panchgani-Mahableshwar Road. Panchgani is a smaller hill station in comparison to Mahableshwar. It is located in Satara district of Maharashtra. Parsi Point, TableLand and Sydney Point apart from Devil's Kitchen (located near to TableLand) and Mapro Farm (located on the Wai Surur Road) are the main attractions here.

After enjoying the beautiful view of Lake Venna we headed off to Panchgani.

View from Parsi Point

Me at Parsi Point

Dom and Me at Parsi Point

Parsi Point is located on the Wai-Panchgani-Mahableshwar Road.  So we did this point first.  The point offers a beautiful view of the countryside.  The hills and valleys and River Krishna flowing within it was just beautiful. The blue sky was filled with white clouds,  some of which were so huge and dense it shadowed the hill below.  A few houses were located in the valleys surrounded by trees all around. Could't stop myself from taking selfies here. 

As Manohar was taking a short nap,  it was Dom and Me who did the honor of taking selfies. 

Tableland

 Now there was a beautifully decorated heart here,  Charge is Rs.10 per person to take a snap here.  What a waste of money.

We then headed off to the bazaar area where the Panchgani ST bus stand is as it has signboards to the other points in Panchgani. Remember GPS and Google Maps are unreliable here, so asking people around will surely help. 

Group Pic near one of the caves near Tableland

We then followed the signboards and instructions provided by the locals to reach Tableland. Now Tableland is a flat top atop the hill. The car went right atop Tableland.  There is car parking available here.  But be prepared to be harassed by the horsemen for horse rides here.  Sadly there were no takers for horse rides here. We didn't opt for it either. 

Group Pic

Tableland is a flat piece of land that stretches over two hills with a divide between them.  There is not a single tree atop it.  Barren land.  The soil is red and loose too. So do wear a cap in the summers and rain wear in monsoon. In the rains it would be madness here? The strong wind and the rain,  it will hit you hard on your body. 

Another view of Tableland

There are two caves located below the Tableland.  But they are converted into theme parks.  There is a fee of Rs. 10 to take snaps here.  But the caves didn't excite us much and so we exited them.  The theme parks are restaurants and serve food and drink.  But have to admit the caves are nice and warm. Nothing much to explore in the caves. 

The view from the tableland is very similar to that offered by Parsi Point. Only change was that the sky was just amazing.  Now it was a bit windy here and when mud mixes with wind.  It's dust all around and over you.  

The only camel we saw on our trip

The Tableland is huge, it also has a football ground atop it, I won't be surprised if horse races are held here

The entrance has a couple of food stalls that offer refreshments but for a premium price. 

After getting ourselves covered in dust we headed off to see Rajpuri Caves,  which is located around 10KM away from Panchgani.