State Transport bus ride to Ahmednagar

Sunday, May 8, 2016

Ahmednagar, thus this word rings bells in your head. For me it truly does. In school, history was my favorite subject. In history we learned about the Nizam Shah of Ahmednagar.

I decided to take a trip to Ahmednagar along with my friend Manohar, who had accompanied me to several treks around Maharashtra. Nagar is another name this city is known by. Had heard this name while I was returning from Aurangabad.

Ahmednagar is located around 239 KM away from Mumbai. It can be accessed by road and rail. We decided to take road transport as at such notice we would not get train tickets by train it is around 255 KM away. There are no flights to Ahmednagar. We decided to take ST bus to reach Ahmednagar instead of taking the car along.

Apart from State Govt buses, private buses ply to Ahmednagar on a regular basis. We boarded the 11:00 PM ST bus from Dadar TT to Tarakpur in Ahmednagar, it was to reach Ahmednagar in the morning around 6 AM.

Finally at a cost of Rs.410 a ticket we boarded the semi luxury bus to Ahmednagar, the moment the took off, I fell asleep and I slept like a log in the bus. The bus driver drove the bus like a formula one car, racing and turning on the roads, but that didn't affect me much. Finally at 5 AM we were at Ahmednagar bus stand aka MSRTC Main ST stand located very close to the Swastik Chowk Pune Bus Stand. MSRTC Tarakpur bus stand is the next stop and around 1.6 KM away. ( These bus stand are all in Ahmednagar)

I checked up the places on my itinerary for the day. I had Ahmednagar Fort, Chand Bibi Tomb, Daria Bagh Palace, Damdi Masjid and Calvary Tank Museum.

In the premises of the ST bus stand, are restrooms and washrooms available for a minimal fee. After refreshing ourselves we headed over to have some hot tea. The weather was cool though not cold as I had expected. Sadly the jumper that occupied the most space in the bag, remained in house only. LOL.

I know it is last moment research, but still came in handy while planning the places to visit at the last moment. We decided to do Chand Bibi Tomb, Damdi Masjid and Faria Bagh Palace first as there is no entry time limit nor entry fee for the same.

We asked a couple of rickshaw drivers outside the bus stand, to charged us Rs.1000 to visit the five places, they informed us that it would take us around 5 to 6 hours to see then in entirety. I so miss not taking the car along. But again with the car we would have to ask for directions as there are no signboards around. Hope GPS works here.

We kick started our trip, with Chand Bibi Tomb.  

Bhawangad Fort

Tuesday, January 20, 2015

We took the instructions of the boys at Danda Fort  and headed off to see the Bhawangad Fort. 

Dried tree on the way to the fort

There was not a single person on the road, we walked and walked and finally we stopped as we wanted to confirm if we were on the right track. Finally from a distance we saw a biker heading towards us.We inquired with him and thank God we were on the right track. 

Entrance to Bhawani Shiv Mandir and Bhawangad Fort

Finally we reached a village a couple of meters away from the fort premises and they too confirmed that we were on the right track. They were surprised to know that we had walked it out all the way from Sitla Devi Temple till here.

A couple of hand pumps on the way helped us refresh ourselves. 

View from atop the Bhawangad Fort walls

Finally we located a signboard giving directions to Bhawangad Fort. On our way we met locals who informed us to watch out for a saffron flag atop the fort from the muddy path to the left of the tar road. They informed us about a temple at the entrance of the fort. 

Bhawangad fort is equidistant from Kelve Rd station and Safale station. ST buses ply between the two stops and the buses pass by from this route.  While we were walking we saw a ST bus going to Safale. Not sure as to what the bus timings are. 

Fortification of Bhawangad Fort

In a matter of minutes we located the muddy path and the saffron flag and started climbing the hill. In ten minutes we were at the entrance of the fort. The Bhawani Shiv Mandir is located here. The temple might be quite old but it was recently renovated. There was a family up here, who had come in a tum tum and were doing  a puja (offering prayers).

Bastion of Bhawangad Fort

A little ahead of the temple, one can see the fortification. We followed the fortification and crossed a bastion to enter the fort and reach atop of the fort. The fort offers a beautiful view of the coconut trees, hill ranges around. 

Have to admit, but the fort is very well protected with trees all around it, that it can't be seen from the road that leads to it. Nothing much to see up here, again a small fort which can be done in around 20 minutes time. Again I am guessing that it was a watchtower. 

Bhawani Shiv Mandir

Took rest here and then decided to have water at one of the houses of the locals as we had a long way back to Sitla Devi temple. The locals were very generous they offered us water to drink and even let us rest in their houses. Mike was hoping for food too. Now he was expecting a bit too much. Truly Atithi Devo Bhavah, I should say.

Bhawani Shiv Mandir

At 1:45 PM we were at Sitla Devi Temple, had veg thali at a cost of Rs. 80 per plate. The food was nice and tasty and filling. With our stomach's full we then asked around for a tum tum ride to Kelve Rd Station as there was a local to Dadar at 2:55 PM. Luckily at 2:25 PM we got a tum tum to Kelve Rd Station. The tum tum cost us Rs. 15 each and it runs houseful all the way till the station. Now I was not sure if he would drop us in time, matter of fact is he did drop us at the station at around 2:50 PM. 

The muddy road that leads to the fort

We boarded the local and off we were on our way to Mumbai. I told Mike that I have just two more forts to conquer in Palghar belt, being Kohoj and Asherigad, all the others being sea forts were conquered. 

Veg Thali

Bus Ride to Mahabaleshwar a Hillstation on the western ghats of Maharashtra

Monday, November 10, 2014

If you have been reading my previous blogs, you would have known by now that I decide on treks at the last moment. So there is hardly any time left for planning. 

Reservation Tickets to Mahabaleshwar

Just two days in advance we decided to go visit Mahableshwar a hillstation on the western ghats of Maharashtra. As it was just the two of us, we decided to head off without asking people on social networking websites. Car would not be economical and hence we decided to travel by public transport.

We had decided to visit Pratapgad and the various points of Mahabaleshwar on Day One and Panchgani on Day Two. As per my google search results. 

This ain't the sunrise but the moon

As we were planning to travel by public transport, TIME would be a major concern for us. But we decided to go with the flow.

I checked out the timings of the State Transport buses by MSRTC (Maharashtra State Road Transport) in the night to Mahabaleshwar, they were as follows 8:30 PM, 9:30 PM and 10:30 PM departing from Mumbai Central depot. There was also a bus to Mahableshwar departing from Borivali Bus Depot at 10:30 PM. 

Mahabaleshwar Bus Depot

But for Manohar to come all the way from Chembur would be a hassle. So we settled for Dadar as the pickup point as the bus from Mumbai Central would halt there to pickup passengers. 

Bus to Mahabaleshwar from Mumbai

As it was a six hour journey we were advised to do a reservation of our tickets. Else we would have to travel standing in case the bus was packed. in case unreserved then seats are on first come first serve basis in the bus. Being the last bus we didn't want to take any chances. Manohar got the booking done for the two of us at Chembur ST bus depot. 

Map

We met as decided at Dadar near the bridge as all buses that ply out of the city stop here for passengers. At 10:45 AM the bus arrived. This was not the typical Lal Dabba (Red bus). We sat on our seats and the bus took off.. After collecting the balance of the passengers at Vashi and Panvel the bus final headed to Mahabaleshwar. It was dark outside so we were not sure as to what route it would take. 

Bus Time table, but the bus frequency is as per season as confirmed by Inquiry Desk

The seats of the bus are not very comfortable but if you want to save on time and money then this is your best bet.

The ST bus drivers race on bumpy pothole tar roads as if they are racing on a Formula One circuit. The roller coaster ride is fun in the start but gets painful later as you are continuously swaying in the bus.All that I could hear was the sound of the engine and all that I could feel was the chilling wind that still managed to get to us even though the windows were shut. In spite of all this I still manged to get some sleep in the bus. Manohar was wide awake all the time.

White board showcasing information on the tour packages offered by the State Transport in Mahabaleshwar 

Most of the passengers were covered in woollen and wrapped in shawls. 

The bus does a couple of stops on the way. I woke up when we reached the Mahad depot at 3 AM. I looked out and I noticed the moon light that had lit up the land around. Finally the bus raced on the curvy roads of the ghats, for a change there was no over taking. It was a wonderful sight to see. The hills and valleys were lit up and the sight was extremely beautiful, Sadly the light was not enough to capture on my camera nor on my phone.

Tickets for Pratapgad Darshan and Mahabaleshwar Darhan

After we crossed the ghats, Mahabaleshwar had finally arrived. By the time we reached the depot, the time was 5:15 AM on my watch. 

It was so cold, I was literally shivering in my jumper. Rubbing my palms against each other was not helping me keep myself warm. There was no bonfire either so I had to do light exercises to generate some sweat, which helped me keep warm. 

Manohar and Me

There are private buses plying to Mahabaleshwar also. But a mere six hour journey would take us nine hours to reach, had we taken that option. As these buses spent around three hours in Mumbai collecting prospective passengers. Such a waste of time. 

The next way of travelling here is off course by personal vehicle.

A couple of sign boards at the bus depot helped us plan our day. Else we would have to rely on taxis here. Taxis are a expensive affair too. 

Wada Pav for breakfast at ST canteen in the Depot premises

There was a ST bus plying to Pratapgad at 9:30 AM only to return back at 1:30 PM. The same bus then doubles up as the Mahabaleshwar Darshan bus at 2:30 PM showing tourists around the various points in Mahabaleshwar. 

Remember the bookings for both the buses start at 8:00 AM sharp. So do book your tickets. As not standees are allowed in the bus

Now how do we kill time. As we had nothing to do for the next four hours. We decided to head out out of the depot and all that we saw were closed shops and hotel agents asking us if we want a place to stay or freshen up. 

Misal for breakfast at ST canteen in the Depot premises

We headed back to the Mahabaleshwar ST Depot. There is a ST Canteen in the Depot premises, which serves Wada Pav and Misal. Both of the dishes were wonderful. The canteen serves south indian snacks and scrambled eggs too. The timings being 7 AM on wards.

The Mahabaleshwar ST bus depot also houses bathrooms and restrooms (indian style). Manohar tried them, clean and decent. Just a headsup incase the need be.

Awaiting the bus to Pratapgad.

Ajanta Caves in Ajanta near Aurangabad

Monday, May 19, 2014

When it comes to Caves, the first thing that comes to our minds is Ajanta and Ellora Caves. Though I had never been to these before, I decided to take this trip to explore these caves.

Ajanta Caves

As I was fascinated with Ellora Caves, I decided to visit Ajanta Caves located on the outskirts of the city.

Ajanta Caves are situated in Ajanta at a distance of 105 km from Aurangabad. So I am guessing that it would take around three hours to reach it. So three hours to go, three to comeback and two to see it. That means an entire day is gone is viewing the caves. That did not stop us from visiting the caves.

Painting in the Cave premises

We asked a day before at the City Bus Stand regarding the bus to board and the timing, so that we can plan the day accordingly. The person sitting at the “May I Help You” board replied that we can board any bus going to Jalgaon and alight at Ajanta to view the caves and those buses ply every 30 minutes.

So the next morning at 630 hours we were at the Bus Stand, we were lucky to get a place in the bus. The bus started off at 645 hours, we got ourselves tickets at the cost of Rs.91 per head, Namrata told the bus conductor to intimate us when we reach. We had also told the passengers nearby to intimate us in case the bus conductor forgot.

Beautifully carved Pillars

At 845 hours we were alighted on the road that leads to Ajanta Caves, and our bus moved on to Jalgaon. From there we took a ticket at a cost of Rs.10 per head to enter the market area.

The market area was full of small shops that cater to food requirements and souvenir shops selling  stones and ornaments.

Finally we landed at the bus stop to take us to the entrance of the fort. Non AC buses charge Rs.7 and AC buses charge Rs.12 for the 20 minute journey to the hills. Note that no private vehicles are allowed here. Private vehicles need to be parked near the market area. These buses are run by the State Govt. of Maharashtra.

At the entrance we were greeted by cheap jacks selling precious stones as they claimed and CD’s on Ajanta and Ellora Caves. Some of them even had CD’s on the Khajuraho Temple. Wonder how he can make a sale of those CD’s here in Ajanta.

Beautifully Carved Caves

We got ourselves a ticket at a cost of Rs.10 per head plus another ticket at a cost of Rs.5 for both to see the paintings within the cave. The caves are open from 900 hours to 1730 hours. They are closed on Mondays but open on National Holidays.

We started our climb up the stairs to reach the cave. The stairs pressurize your knees till to reach the top, meaning the climb is difficult.

There are chair cars available at a cost of Rs.600 to see the caves. We decided to take the services of our legs to see them.

Stupa

The caves can all be seen from the start point. Meaning the caves are built in a circular formation. Inner circle.  There are 29 caves in all. Out of which the last three are inaccessible to public. Some of these caves were built in the 2^nd century BC. These were built by the Buddhist monks for prayers and as monasteries. 

They were later abandoned. Later in the 18^th century they were rediscovered by the British who had come hunting there for a Lion who took shelter in these caves. The British intimated the Nizam about the same, as this area was under his rule and so started the exploration of the caves. As told to us by the guide.

All the caves are numbered from the east to the west.

Paintings on the Cave Ceiling

All the caves are beautifully carved out of the rock. Some had beautifully carved pillars in them along with carvings of Buddha on the walls and a huge Buddha sculpture carved in the middle. This was the phenomenon in all caves.

Some caves had paintings on the walls and the ceilings too. Imagine in that time they painted the walls and the ceilings and the paint has survived for centuries. Look at the paint which we paint our houses from the inside and outside, it needs to be changed every 5 years as it is spoilt by the heat and water leakages. Maybe the paint manufactures should go back in time and take tips from the monks who had painted these caves.

Caves

I like Cave.26 the most has it has a huge reclining statue of Buddha carved on the walls along with other poses of Buddha. It also has a stupa and many beautifully carved pillars in its premises.

Some of the caves were so dark and so poorly lit that it was difficult to take photos in it without using the flash, as flash was banned in the caves. Flash spoils the paintings on the wall hence no usage.

The good news is that drinking water is available on the cave premises and so are toilets available. These are usually missing all over the historic sites in Maharashtra.

Beautifully carved Stupa

Our guide told us that the Japanese Govt is investing in the up keeping of these caves. To this I was ”What, Why”, is it that our Govt has no money in the bank that they need to take the help of the Japanese to upkeep the caves. This is ridiculous as Maharashtra is the richest amongst all the other states and we still begging for help. That is ridiculous.

Carvings

I guess we are more interested in making money that the moment we found someone ready to invest we could not resist the offer. Any which ways it’s good that the caves are being looked after. Though we are late but still we can protect what remains.

The wooden bridge on the river Waghora, offers an amazing view of the Caves. If you have a camera with a 14mm wide angle then you can get the caves in a single shoot instead of sewing images together on a normal camera.

Carvings

A big thank you to the Japanese for investing in the up keeping of the caves. Though I didn’t like the nets that are placed at the openings in the caves. I guess the nets are placed to keep bats away from the caves that stay there and have droppings all over the caves. The caves are home to them, so I guess they should be kept the way they are.

I personally don’t like the new net covering for the caves. The same is spotted even at Ellora Caves located in Aurangabad.

It took us around two hours to see the caves.

Ajanta Caves

Again we boarded the Non AC bus to reach us to Ajanta Car Park from there we landed on the highway to board a ST bus to take us to Aurangabad.

Finally after travelling in the bus for three hours at 1600 hours we were at the City Bus Stand. Tired. Phew.

Dronagiri Fort in Uran

Sunday, April 6, 2014

Dronagiri - The Delayed Trip

The Dronagiri Hill on which the fort is located, sadly the fortification can't be seen from here

Now you would be curious to know, why I am saying so. Read on.

The temperature was rising by the day so wanted to do a easy trek. I started my research on Google for the same. I came across a fort named Dronagiri in Uran. There is not much information available on it. A blog on Dronagiri by Ashutosh Bijoor helped me with directions to visit this fort.

As always I didn't put the event on Facebook, I like travelling in a small group, so I ask my friends. Manohar Chari volunteered to join me.

Manohar is an avid trekker who has been trekking the Sahayadri's for the last 20 years.

We decided to take the services of the train and ST bus to visit Dronagiri.

I decided to board the harbour line train to Panvel from Andheri. As there is no direct train to Panvel in the morning, I had to switch trains at Vadala Station. I boarded the 6:05 AM train to Vadala Station from Andheri, to reach Vadala Station at 6:34 AM.

I was on time at Vadala Station, but the harbour line trains were delayed by 10 minutes. I was to board the 6:38 AM train to Panvel. Manohar was to board the same train at Chembur at 6:53 AM.

Fortification and Entrance to Dronagiri Fort

Now there was another train scheduled for Panvel at 6:42 AM from Vadala Station. As the trains were running late, the Station Master made an announcement that, the 6:42 AM train will depart first. The moment he finished with the announcement the train had already left the station.  

How stupid on the part of the motorman, at least he should wait for one to two minutes, so that the people on the other platforms can make it on time. I went running over the bridge from platform no.1 to platform no.2. But before I could alight on platform no.2 the train had already left. First count of delay. Grrr.

This was the start of the delayed effect. Before I could convey my train status to Manohar, he had already boarded the train to Panvel. So we decided to meet at Panvel. The train I was in, reached Panvel at 7:44 AM.

We finally met, face to face at Panvel. Without wasting any time, we headed off to the ST bus stand as we had to board the bus to Uran.

Panvel ST Bus Stand is a crazy place. Always full of people as there are buses plying to various places across Maharashra from there. It is a prime junction.

We made inquiries at the reception in regards to the bus to Uran and as to where it is going to depart. The time was now 8 AM on my watch.

Church like structure in the fort premises

The crowd was gathering, but there was no sign of the bus.  The time was 8:45 AM on my watch, the bus finally arrived, people rushed to board the bus. Looking at the crowd outside and the crowd inside we had to take a decision, whether to board the bus or not. We exercised our decision to board the bus as we were not sure when the next bus would come. Second instance of delay.  There was not much crowd inside the bus and we managed to get a place to stand and later a place to sit.

As we were unaware as to where to alight we decided

to ask the bus conductor, for the closest stop to the fort. He too was unaware about it, but later asked the people around and told us to a light at the Uran Bus Stand. The hill next to it was the Drongiri Fort hill. The ticket cost us Rs. 60 for two.

Manohar was suggesting travelling by car to Uran. Five of us would have made the journey economical and saved time. As it was just the two of us, we traveled by ST bus.

I got the window seat, The view was nice. The first thing I noticed was the blue sky. I could find no trace of clouds. The next thing I noticed was the container trucks. They were all over the place.  The JNPT port is nearby hence the population of the trucks was on the rise. In a distance we could see huge go-downs where most of the trucks were heading.

The area around Uran has been taken up by CIDCO, who is looking into the development of this place. The quality of the roads is good and they have erected bus stops all over the place. The bus stops were crowded with people.

The driver as always rode the bus as if he was driving a Formula One Car making it difficult to take photos as we were swaying in all directions. Finally we reached the Bus Stand at Uran at 9:25 AM.

View of Uran and Mumbai City in a distance from atop the fort

The area we were in is called Dronagiri. Though we were near it, we could see no fortification.

We had snacks in the form of Masala Dosa and Sada Dosa. Sugarcane juice to beat the heat. The breakfast expenses came up to Rs. 60.

We inquired with the locals for directions to the fort. They all gave the same instructions. We crossed the base village and in a matter of ten minutes we were climbing up the hill. The time was now 9:50 AM on my watch.

There are no indicators for directions uphill. Most of the time we were walking on the edge of the hill. The walking path was a feet wide but comprised of loose soil or mud or rocky patch. The climb was not steep but was steadily rising. We were circling the hill as we were climbing up. Termed as "pai wat" by the villagers.

As there was neither sign of human nor any indicator we kept climbing. Finally we were lost. It was now two hours and it hardly takes around 45 minutes to reach the top. Third instance of delay.

We sat there overlooking the ONGC chemical plant. When suddenly I heard voices. I couldn't see anyone. "I am not hallucinating" I said to myself. After a couple of minutes we could locate people.

When inquired with them, they informed us that we had taken the wrong route.  "Wrong route, then which is the correct route" I asked them. To which one of the guys replied that we need to start climbing uphill and not circling the hill.

Temple created in one of the walls of the fort

Frankly speaking all the pai wat's appeared the same. So we were not sure. I then asked them if they were going uphill to which I got an affirmative answer. "Lay avgad ahe, tumhala nahi zamnar" meaning the route is difficult and that we could not be able to make it to the top. The villagers were cutting trees with axes for firewood.

We again started our journey back to find the place where the road divides into two. We took our chances and decided to climb uphill and finally came across a group of black colored wires going down the hill. We decided to follow the wires and in a matter of 30 minutes we were atop.

We could locate a check post. The checkpost was manned by two CRF jawans who are constantly in touch with the ONGC base. The view from the checkpost was amazing. One can see the ONGC plant, Uran village, the sea and city of Mumbai in a distance.  In earlier days we had a watchtower which is now replaced by checkpost but the prime reason why it was constructed is the same. To keep a watch.

We had a good chat with the jawans and inquired about the places to visit atop the fort. To which they replied that there is a structure that resembles a church and a temple atop it with a few broken down walls around.

The fortification can be seen from the checkpost. There was a small entrance to the fort. In the premises of the fortification I could locate a small church like structure which had graffiti all over it. Still not able to understand what sadistic pleasure people get in writing their names on these structures. The structure was made primarily of stone with a few bricks used in its construction. Again it offered a good view of Uran and the city of Mumbai in a distance. 

We then walked on the walls of the fort to see it. Though there is nothing much to see up here. We then reached the temple which was carved in one of the walls of the fort. A few stairs from there lead to nowhere. We walked for a couple of minutes, a series of pai wat's all over the place. The time was now 1 PM on my watch. We headed back to the church like structure to take our much needed rest before we alight.

As we sat there we discussed, how the city of Mumbai and Uran would have looked had we come here 20 years ago. How I wish to travel back in time to see it then.

The walls of the well that be fooled me to think it is the fortification

The journey downhill was fast. Soon we noticed that the pai wat divided into two. One going straight down and the other wining around the hill. Like always we took the wrong path and walked on. Fourth instance. 

As we were walking I suddenly saw Manohar jump in the valley. The sight of it had my heart racing. I immediately rushed in, he managed to hold on to the branch of a tree. He was surrounded by thorny shrubs and loose rocks which made his climb upwards a bit difficult.

Finally he did come up by himself. I just gave him a helping hand as he was surrounded by cactus and thorny shrubs. He then told me that he didn't deliberately jump in the valley but he was pushing aside a branch of a tree, so that he could pass through but when he let go of it, it bounced back and pushed him off the track. 

We continued with our journey, after a couple of minutes we met up with the same people we had met while we were climbing the cliff. They told us that again we are descending the wrong way. O God. Not again I said to myself. As they were heading back to the village they told us to follow them.

Most of them had a bundles of wooden sticks stacked on their heads. They were bare footed and they walked down the pai wat. They were so fast that we lost track of them. Again we were lost.

Finally we met up with the black colored wires. Refuelled our bodies with food and water and then headed downhill.

For a change, we were on the right track. In a matter of 30 minutes we were at the base of the cliff.

We were enjoying the nice shade of the mango trees and the breeze. In a distance we could locate a stone structure. I thought it is the fortication; we immediately headed off to see it.

To my surprise it was a well. It was very deep and I saw a few village girls drawing water from it. There was no wall around it. So if you taking photos, be careful. 

We then headed off to the ST bus stand to board a bus to Panvel. Now there were two buses there, one plying to Dadar and the other to Panvel. I boarded the one to Panvel while Manohar boarded the one to Dadar as his knees had given up. The time was 4 PM on my watch.

Fifth Instance. The Panvel bound bus, it got stuck in traffic. I was stuck in traffic for around an hour and a half . Finally at 6:15 PM I was at Panvel ST Bus stand. 

Finally in the train to Andheri. Had I not been late on those five instances then I would have been home by now. But it is okay, I have learnt from my mistakes.

Rameshwar Temple at Achara

Friday, March 14, 2014

After having done with Devgad Fort, Devgad Port, Devgad Beach, KunkeshwarTemple and Vijaydurg we headed back to Malvan.

As there was no direct bus to Malvan in the morning we decided to do a stopover trip, we boarded a bus to Achara. Btw the bus was going to Achara only.

We alighted at Achara after a three hour journey in the interiors of this place. It cost us Rs. 58 for this journey. 

Premises of Rameshwar Temple in Achara

We asked the locals around and they told us to visit Rameshwar Temple at Achara which is located at a walking distance from there. They told us that it would take us around 30 minutes to reach this place.

We walked on the road as we were directed and reached the entrance of the temple. This temple is beautiful. The pillars of the temple and the colors it was painted in, pushes one back in time.

There are a few old diya stands in the fort premises called as stumbhs in Marathi, they were constructed in the 17^th century.

Old Diya stands in the Temple premises

Chhatrapati Shambu Raje of Kolhapur had given this Iman (Iman means land given by Kings and Emperors to people for the achievements) to Shri Dev Rameshwar (i.e. Lord Shiva) this temple is dedicated to Shiva.

We decided to have our lunch at the temple premises. The lunch consisted of rice, dal curry, kidney beans and a sweet dish. The women in the temple premises prepare food for all the devotees who come here and serve it to them. The food is free of cost. The women serve food as they believe that they are blessed when they serve unknown people.

Free food served in the Temple premises

After Hithakshi got her blessings and our stomachs full to the core we decided to head back to Malvan.

Though the journey from Malvan to Devgad consumed just 3 hours of our time this return journey consumed around 8 hours of our time.

As we sat in a bus that took us on a darshan to the interiors of Achara and Devgad. Never the less travelling around in rustic Maharashtra was fun, the rollercoaster ride in the jungle the small and squeaky houses around both on low lying and high lying  areas was amazing.

I was imagining what a difficult life it is for these people to commute as they stay so deep in the heart of nature.

Finally at 1630 hours we reached Malvan ST Bus depot. We were on a mission now as we had to lookout for a place to stay for the night, that too a budgeted one.

Rameshwar Temple interiors

We finally got ourselves a room on rent at Rs. 700 per night at Hotel Sahil Palace. Thanks to the chemist we inquired at. The owner of the chemist turned out to be the brother of the local MLA who owned the Hotel. 

He gave us at a discounted rate but a spacious room for the two of us. 

Had thali dinner in a local restaurant and called it a night as we had to do Devbag beach, Tarkarli beach the next day.