Lonad Caves and Shiva Temple in Lonad Village near Kalyan

Wednesday, April 22, 2015

Lonad Caves and Shiva Temple are located in Lonad Village which can be accessed via Bhiwandi and Kalyan. They are located very close to the Mumbai Nashik Highway (NH3) on the Savad Naka to Pise Dam road. Which diverts at the Kalyan junction on NH3.

Lonad Caves near Janwal Village on the Savad N aka to Pise Road

I was initially planning to do Lonad Caves with Michael on the day we went to see Mumbradevi Temple in Mumbra. But had to cancel the plan to a later day.  

We were planning to leave in the morning, but I was caught up blogging about my trip to Tikona Fort in Maval district near Lonavala and hence we had to reschedule it post noon.

Carvings at Lonad Caves

We were deciding if we should go on a shoe string budget or by car. As we were leaving in the afternoon we decided to go by car.

Manohar and Me at the Caves

As decided Manohar and I met at Ghatkopar Railway Station at 2 PM. From there were raced on the Eastern Express Highway. 

Another view of the Lonad Caves

There are two toll naka's on the way. One is at Thane and the other at Mumbra.

Hill area quarried to setup this godown

We then traveled straight on the Mumbai Nashik Highway. We need to take a right at Kalyan junction. Onto the Savad Naka to Pise Dam road.

Newly constructed Datta Mandir at the foothills of Lonad Caves

In about 5 KM, we will reach the village Janwal. Opposite the village is a cemented trail which goes uphill. There is a newly constructed Datta Mandir here. We traveled by the cemented road for a couple of minutes and finally reached the Lonad Caves.

Cemented road till Lonad Caves

First thing I noticed here, is that the hills was quarried and now a huge go down is built here by a logistics company. 

Braked for Tea and Snacks

The caves has a verandah in front of them. One of the four pillars is broken, but one of them was beautifully carved, so maybe the others were carved too. Over time they have become like this.

Shiva Temple at Lonad Caves

There is only one Cave here. This is a Buddhist cave as it had carvings on it. This is a Chaitya or Prayer Hall. No sign of Stupa nor Vihara or dwelling room here. One one side of the cave is a water tank cut in the rocks and on the other side is a huge carving painted in orange. The cave is now a temple, prayer services are conducted here. There is a orange colored flag swaying in the wind above. I guess that is highest point on the hillock. No other caves around. 

Carvings above the Main Doorway to the inner sanctum

In the rains there should be a waterfall happening at the entrance of the caves. 

Inner Sanctum of Shiva Temple

History states that these caves were built in the 5th century for monks who traveled from the port of Nala Sopara on the western coast to Junnar, which was the capital of the Satavahana Empire. 

Carvings on the wall

We traveled back by the cemented road to the Savad Naka to Pise Dam road, asked a couple of locals about the Shiva Temple at Lonad Village. We stopped to have tea at a street side vendor and he provided us with directions to Shiva Temple.

Backdrop of Shiva Temple

Shiva Temple was built in 1st century AD. The temple is in use by the locals of Lonad. The outer structure of the temple is in ruins but the inner sanctum is still intact. The pillars of the temple are beautifully carved. The doorway leading to the inner sanctum is beautifully carved too. It reminded me of the Shiva Temple in Ambernath. Though that temple is in very good shape. There is also a small elevated circular structure in the temple premises. Might have been used as a sundial.

Beautifully carved pillars of Shiva Temple

Behind the temple is a water body, on either side of the temple are houses and opposite the temple is a municipal school. Classes were on, when we visited the temple.

Just wondering what this temple would have been in its hay days, when there was nothing around it.

Rays of the sun falling on the beautifully carved pillars of Shiva Temple

We then went on to see the Pise Dam, as it was the month of March, there was hardly any water flowing from the dam. But we managed to capture this pic of Bhatsa River which supplies water to Mumbai. It was nice and quiet here. The chirping of the birds was music to my ears. The river was calm, which blue skies all around. In a distance we could see palm trees. Wondering if we could camp here. As we have camping on our minds. 

Manohar and Me at Shiva Temple

We then headed over to the Savad Naka to Pise Dam road, to reach the Mumbai Nashik Highway as that road led us home.

We managed to visit Lonad Caves near Janwal, Shiva Temple and banks of Bhatsa River in 5 hours time. The trip costed us Rs.210 each inclusive of travel, toll and light snacks.

Bhatsa River

Kondana Caves aka Kondivade Caves in Karjat

Monday, April 20, 2015

Kondana Caves aka Kondivade Caves is located at Thakurwadi and not at Kondana or Kondivade in Karjat. They were built by the Buddhist monks.  The caves are located in the same hill range as Rajmachi. They can be accessed both from Karjat and Lonavala.

Hillrange from Kondivade Village

After visiting the Shiva Temple at Ambernath we headed over to Karjat to visit the Kondana Caves.  

The Ambernath railway station was jam packed with people. Though the trains were on time,  the less number of trains led to the crowd ever increasing this time.  

Buffaloes bathing in Ulhas river

We boarded the 10:17 AM train to Karjat.  Note that trains are every 30 minutes from Ambernath to Karjat.  It took us around 40 minutes to reach Karjat railway station.  Also another thing which I noted is that the railway stations between Ambernath and Karjat are far away from each other.  Commuting will always be a problem, while travelling between these stations. 

Kondana Caves

Once we reached Karjat, we decided to have the famous Karjat Vada Pav,  packed vada's, mixed bhajiya for lunch while trekking the Kondana Caves.  We wanted to have some Lassi,  sadly none of the milk dairy stacked Lassi,  so we has to have Gola and lemon juice.  Which was a great refresher on a hot sunny day.  

Another view of Kondana Caves

We then followed the instructions provided by the locals and walked for about 15 minutes to reach Shriram Pool,  the place from where we were to get a Tum Tum to Kondivade Village.  

If you hiring a private tum tum,  it will cost you around 200 bucks,  else shared seat will cost you Rs. 30 only. As it was just the two of us,  we decided to take Rs. 30 option. The tum tum terminates at Kondivade Village.  The private tum tum terminates at Thakurwadi village. 

Main hall at Kondana Caves

 We alighted at Kondivade village and followed the instructions of the locals and started walking on the tar road. Kondivade village -  Kondana village - Thakurwadi village.  The caves are located near Thakurwadi village.    It took us around an hours time to reach Thakurwadi village.  The roads are not very good here.  So if you getting your car along,  see to it,  that it has a high ground clearance.

Carvings

The one hour walk in the hot sun was exhaustive. But it offered a beautiful view of the hill ranges around,  Rajmachi fort and Ulhas river which flows next to the road. Saw a couple of women washing clothes in the river.  The river was not very deep in certain portions and hence saw a couple of buffaloes bathing in it too. I guess it was the heat. This place would look wonderful in the rains, greenery all around.

Apart from Kondivade Village, Kondana village, has a small shop that offers refreshments,  no refreshments at Thakurwadi village.  Each of these villages are small consisting of around houses ranging from 10 to 20.

Another view of Kondana Caves

A muddy path, the first left after you cross Thakurwadi village leads to the Kondana Caves.  again there are no sign boards placed here.  So my advise is to follow the most traveled path,  you will also see wafer and chocolate wrappers along the way.  Means that you are not the right path.  The path is like a rollercoaster ride,  on the edge of the cliff and on flat plateau. It is made of loose soil. So be careful while trekking uphill and downhill. 

Mike and Me

As the sun was right over our head,  we were feeling the heat,  our water resource was also depleting. After a couple of breaks and having kandha bhajiya as food we started to explore the caves.  

In a matter of 30 minutes we could locate the caves.  Sign of relief.  We finally made it. 

Resting rooms in the Caves

Just 4 to 5 caves here. out of which the second cave was beautifully carved. It had a Stupa in it, which is currently broken down along with pillars around. There are two wooden arches too. 

Next to it is another cave, which can be reached by climbing the steps, it had many rooms in it. Each of the rooms had a flat bed like structure made of stone. I believe this was the resting place for the Buddhist monks who carved these caves. There is water seepage in the caves, as the floor of the caves was still moist. 

Water cistern in the Caves

There are two other caves, but nothing much to see in them. The last cave was a water cistern. Water was currently filled in it. not sure if it was fit for consumption.

Its fun to come here in the rains, reason being , you can enjoy the waterfall that happens over the caves. But due to this waterfall the carvings are getting eroded. The Govt should work on the up keeping of these caves.  

Scenic view of Rajmachi

After having our lunch in the form of vada's and kandha bhajiya we rested in the cool shade of trees. The birds chirping and the sound of the leaves swaying in the winds was music to my ears. 

We then decided to head back to Mumbai. From Kondana Caves, there is a trail that leads to Rajmachi Fort. Now it would take around 3 to 4 hours to reach the top from here. 

Waterbodies

We reached Thakurwadi village in 20 minutes, walked for an hour's time to reach Kondivade Village to board the shared tum tum to Karjat.

Tum Tum

Though we were tired, trekking in the hot sun, this journey was fun.

Looking forward to Mumbra Devi Temple tomorrow.

Tungareshwar in Vasai

Wednesday, September 17, 2014

We have been planning to visit Tungareshwar for quite some time now but none of our plans were working out. 

Ketaki outside Vasai Railway Station

Last minute plans work well with me. So on Thursday we decided to visit Tungareshwar on Saturday. Johnson, Michael, Vivian and Dominic decided to accompany me. Dates? I believe we visited Tungareshwar two weeks ago.

Misal Pav

As decided I met Michael and Johnson at Andheri Station at 6:45 AM. We boarded the 7:03 AM Virar Fast train to alight at Vasai Rd Station at 7:42 AM. For a change the train was empty and we managed to get ourselves a place to sit in the train. In Rush Hour it is madness travelling in trains. 

Tungareshwar hill range

Vivian couldn't make it. Dominic met us at Vasai Rd. Station at 7:50 AM. On time. Managing time is very important while travelling. 

We decided to break for breakfast at Hotel Ketaki as advised by Dominic. This hotel is located outside the station in the east and serves amazing Misal Pav. After having our stomach's full and then gulping down some hot tea we sat in Dominic's car zoomed off to Tungareshwar.

Gren Tungareshwar base

Tungareshwar is located on the Mumbai Ahmedabad Expressway. It is the highest point in Vasai. Tungareshwar is located around 2177 feet above sea level. Atop the hill is the temple dedicated to   Shiva.

One of the water crossings

It took us around 25 minutes to reach the base of Tungareshwar. As per Dominic this place is jam packed on Sunday. We were lucky that we decided to go on a Saturday. Three's Co. As Dominic couldn't make it to the top. As he had other priorities. A big thank you to him to make time to drop us to the base of Tungareshwar. 

Tungareshwar can also be reached by boarding a rickshaw from Vasai and Virar.  Cost approx Rs. 150 from Vasai, Not sure about the fare from Virar. Had Vivian come we would have known. Tungareshwar can also be reached by private mode of transport. 

Stoney Road to Tungareshwar

We picked up some bananas for a healthy snack and water to keep us hydrated till the top. 

Johnson was trekking up the hills for the first time so we kept a slow pace. a broad stoney road leads all the way till the top. Wth lush forest on either side of it. The uneven road is filled with stones of all shapes and sizes. Rickshaws ply till the top. Not sure how they manage to do it. People in it sure have a bumpy ride.  

Angry Birds Bike

On our way we had to cross a knee length nala (dirty water stream) and two more clear water bodies. It was fun crossing the ice cold water bodies. Leg Freeze.  the water bodies uphill we so clear that we could see the rocks below it. 

Merwyn, Micheal and Johnson - Group Selfie

As the trek starts, parallel to the stoney road runs the water body. The water comes down from the hills. So there are many waterfalls and mini waterfalls on the way. 

The weather was pleasant. Not rainy nor sunny. Thank God for the amazing weather. 

Road to Tungareshwar

On our way we noticed this bike, I guess the owner is a big fan of angry birds. The bike had angry birds stickers all over it. 

It took us 1 1/2 hours to reach the temple on top. The stoney road offers a amazing view of the surrounding hill ranges. As it had rained the hills were covered with thick forest. Michael expressed his wish to climb them. To this I replied, "Ya right"

Waterfall

Finally we reached the top. All were exhausted as our water supply had depleted and we had consumed the bananas also. 

Outside the temple premises are vendors selling Gola, Corn, Cold Drinks and light snacks. 

Stoney Road

We breaked here to refresh ourselves with some cucumber and Lemon Water and  Gola.  

We rested for a couple of minutes here and then decided to head back to start point. On our way we decided to take time out to do Insect Photography. Something I have never done in my travel expeditions. 

Selfie

We stopped at one of the mini waterfalls on the way to cool our feet in the flowing waters and to take some DP pics for Facebook and Whatsapp. There were tiny fish in it who gave us a Fish Massage. Fish Massage is free said Johnson. Else we will have to shell out 100 bucks or more just for one in the mall. 

After resting here for a while we decided to move downhill.  

Shiva Temple in Tungareshwar

Also I managed to take good selfies of us and myself on this trip. I could have tried this earlier. I never occurred to me.  

Michael, Johnson and I stopped by each and every insect we could lay our eyes on to take photos. Johnson managed in fooling us and we ended up taking pics of a dead frog. I was like how come the frog is not moving when we are so close to it. I was a feet away from it. Later I realised that it was dead.

Another view of Shiva Temple in Tungareshwar

Captured a couple of good pics of chameleons,  butterflies, moths crabs, grasshoppers, dragonflies and crickets. Maybe I should apply to Nat Geo for a photographer post. LOL. Please refer to the next post for photos on the same. 

Another Warter Crossing

Finally in an hours time we were at the base. Now we could see the crowd moving in.

Group Selfie

It was a nice and easy trek though the trip took it's tool on Johnson. But he will get over it soon and join me on another trip.

People packed Rickshaw crossing a waterfall 

From the base we boarded a rickshaw at a price of Rs.70 per head to Vasai Rd Station. In a matter of 30 minutes we were at Vasai.

Had Lassi and then headed home. 

Clear Waters

Damages were just Rs. 130 per head. Cheap and Economical Trip in the wild, I should say. 

To view Lifeforms Photography at Tungareshwar at Vasai

To read about my adventures at Chinchoti Waterfall at Vasai.  

Other waterfalls in have been too around Mumbai are Zenith , Kalote and Jawahar-Dhabosa. 

Brahmanand Swami Samadhi

Tuesday, March 18, 2014

The Samadhi was not on our list of places to visit in Malvan.  But as we were sightseeing we asked a couple of locals and they told us about this place, which is a cave.

Brahmanand Swami Samadhi

As caves are a matter of interest for me, we headed off to see it.

The Samadhi is located around 5 km away from Malvan City in Ozar. It is located near to Rewandi Village which is on the way to Achara.   There is a board put up near the Samadhi so that you don’t miss it.  We took the services of a rickshaw to reach here. . This place looked deserted, now I am not quite sure why? 

Cave premises

The time was around 3 pm when we reached here.  There was no sign of any human or any vehicle there.  

Legend says that this cave leads to Sindhudurg fort by a underground roadway. We tried to explore but there was no sign on it.  Shri Brahmanand Swami mediated here and after his death his Samadhi was built here.

Temple in its premises

We sat in its premises and rested in the shade of the lush green trees. I felt so calm and relaxed here. I can now co relate with Shri Brahmanand as to why he selected this place to mediate. I so didn’t want to go exploring other places.

The premises consist of cave where he mediated, a Shiva temple, a reservoir and many trees which offer a good shade in the scorching heat.

To enjoy peace of mind, do visit this place.

Hithakshi and Me at Tarkarli Beach

So as all good trips come to an end, so did this one. Thanks Hithakshi for making this trip a memorable one. 

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