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.

Pelhar Dam and Lake

Tuesday, May 5, 2015

Pelhar dam and lake are located in Vasai east, in Thane district on the outskirts of Mumbai City. 

Dom and Me

I was introduced to this plan by Neha,  a fellow traveller and blogger,  but sadly she couldn't join us in exploring it.

Checked the internet for more information on Pelhar Dam and Lake and finally set out to explore it. 

Finally it was Dominic and me,  who headed to Vasai.  We met at Vasai Railway station at 9 AM. Irony both of us were in the same train but in different compartments.  

Pelhar Lake

We alighted in the east had some sugarcane juice and then headed off to board a shared rickshaw to take us to Vasai Phatta. 

There is complete chaos outside the station as there are different rickshaw queue to take you to different locations in Vasai. 

Pelhar Lake

We boarded a shared rickshaw to Vasai Phatta at a cost of Rs. 20 each,  from there we boarded another rickshaw to take us to Hotel Pelhar at a cost of Rs. 10 each.  

Alighted at Hotel Pelhar and had breakfast in the form of Burji Pav,  followed by mango soft drink to cool us down.  

The hotel attended informed us that  trail leading to Pelhar Lake is from the other side of the highway.  Opposite the hotel they are constructing a subway that lead to the other side.  From there it is straight road that leads to the lake.  We did ask the locals just to make sure that we are on the right track.  

Pelhar Lake

We have to cross plenty of Tabelas i.e.  Buffalo sheds on either side of the road.  So the entire area stinks of dung. Dung is dried on the sides of the road.  muddy road leads to the base on the Dam.  So during rains,  it will become difficult to travel by this path. 

As it was a hot sunny day, the heat was killing us softly,  but the wind didn't let us break a sweat.  The journey was dusty. 

A local kid on a cycle,  informed us that there is a possibility of the guard asking us for a entry fee.  He strictly informed us not to pay him a fee as they charge outsiders for the same.  Luckily the guard didn't ask us and we headed straight the lake after climbing a series of stairs. 

Pelhar Lake

WOW.  The view was just beautiful.  Green waters all aroung surrounded by hill ranges on either side of it.  As it was summers the water had got acumulated and hence no water was running down the dam. 

We decided to walk around the water body to get a view of it from all angles.  Though the water is green in color it still had fish in it, some people were in the water trying to catch them with their fishing nets.  

Pelhar Lake

As the temperature was rising we decided to cool ourselves in the water.  I bet this is the longest time I have spent in the water while on a trek.  There were a couple of roots of dead trees in the water.  

We then sat under the shade of a huge tree,  had some light snacks and water,  we could hear the birdchirping in a distance.  The sound was soothing to our ears. Suddenly we heard a bell ringing.  It reminded me of the guy selling ice cream in the village. Where in the wilderness is this guy selling ice cream,  I said to myself.  To my surprise it wasn't the ice cream man but. Cow with a bell around its neck.  Looking for something green to eat.  We also saw a Shepard who had bought her goats to graze on the green cover around the rocks.  

Pelhar Lake

The journey around the lake was a trek in itself.  It was not a track,  which we converted into one to circle the lake. The track comprised of large and small rocks and loose soil so travelling on it was a pain, but we still managed to cross it.   

We then visited the dam area,  currently there was no water over flowing there.  But we saw pieces of broken beer bottles there,  meaning this place is frequently visited by people who come here drinking. 

Dom and Me

This place is good for camping purposes,  but tent pitching is not possible.  But cooking on stones  is possible and sleeping below the trees.  

We then took a short nap on the road within the dam premises,  no vehicles allowed here,  so it okay if you sleep on the road. 

That's Me

A nice getaway on  the outskirts of Mumbai to spend a day with nature,  we surely had a good time here.  It's good to know that too many people are not aware of it.  But soon they will be and then waste will start accumulating as it does at all tourist attractions. 

Vajragad and Shankaracharya Mandir in Vasai

Thursday, April 16, 2015

Datta Mandir aka Vajragad is located at Giriz on the way to Bhuigaon in Vasai. Giriz is located around 14 KM away from Vasai railway station. Shankaracharya Mandir is located a couple of KM away on the same road leading to Arnala from Vasai.

Muddy trail to Datta Mandir

I was planning on exploring this fort,  sadly I was no geting any co.  to travel.  Just a day in advance I asked Aashish if he would like to join me on my exploration to which he readily agreed.  I wanted to club another fort so that I spend the entire day in the hills. Most of forts on my to do list were far away and hence it was just Vajragad. 

Datta Mandir

As decided we met at Andheri Railway station at 7 AM to board a fast train to Vasai at 7:03 AM only to alight at Vasai at 7:42 AM. Collected some samosa's (breakfast) to eat there.  We has sufficient supply of water with us. 

Diya Stand

Now we had to decide a medium of transport to Girij. We could travel either by ST public transport or by a auto rickshaw.  We decided to board a ST bus.  Outside the Vasai railway station on the western side is located the ST bus stand.  

View from Vajragad

What luck I should say,  the bus to Girij was to depart at 8 AM.  We were right in time for the bus.  This bus terminates at Bhuigaon.  We sat in the bus,  informed the bus conductor.  He gave us tickets to Giriz. The tickets cost is Rs. 22 for two. The bus conductor alighted us at Giriz and gave us directions to Datta mandir. 

Another View from Vajragad

Datta mandir is located on the other side of the road atop a hill lock. 

A muddy path leads to the top of the cliff.  It takes around 15 to 20 minutes to reach the top.  There are marked stones placed on either side of the road,  so you just can't get lost.

Aashish and Me

Atop the hilllock is located the Datta mandir.  Though the temple is redone and painted the diya stand outside it is old and repainted.  The hillock offers a a beautiful view of Vasai.  The sea in a distance,  the palm trees all around,  the farms,  the houses in a distance and the sea at large on one side and the hills on the other.  

Aashish and Me outside Shankaracharaya Mandir

Life comes to a standstill here. The only noise one can hear is the chirping of the birds and the leaves of the trees swaying in the wind.  This was soothing to our ears. Spent a couple of minutes here.  Sadly there was no fort here,  not sure why this place was called Vajragad.  No fortification either.

Tulsi Plant and Diya stand

Aashish met a fellow traveller and bird watcher by the name of Amogh,  here who informed us about the Shankaracharya Mandir located near the Nirmal Talav (lake). Taking his advise we decided to see the other temple and the Talav. 

We asked people for directions and started walking towards Arnala. 

Shankarcharaya Temple from the outside

We kept walking and waking and finally in 45 minutes we reached  the Shankaracharya Mandir.  The Mandir is also located on a hill. But it is visible from the road below unlike  the Datta mandir. 

The Mandir is painted in birght yellow and it shone even more in the bright sunlight.

The diya stands at the entrance of the mandir (Temple) were amazing. Though repainted they were rustic.

Shankaracharaya Temple

Now I have seen diya stands at Rameshwar Temple in Achara, Kashi Vishweshwar Temple in  Wai, but this one was huge. It was near the entrance of the temple. There is also a huge Tulsi Plant near to it.

Shoes need to be removed while visiting the temple. 

Shankaracharaya Temple

The temple is huge from the inside and has statues of various Gods in them. The temple is repainted in loud colors, which ideally should not have been done, as it takes the ethnicity out of it. 

Aashish met one of the trustees who was praying in there, who was discussing the cost involved to renovate and paint the temple.

Luckily we managed to get a few good clicks here. After Aashish offered prayers here, we decided to check the Nirmal Talav located  in front of the Temple Gate.

Nirmal Talav

We walked down from the dense vegetation to locate Nirmal Talav below. This Talav (lake) was huge and offered a wonderful view. We did see women washing clothes here. Meaning the water is not used for consumption. The water was green in color, mainly due to color of the vegetation growth below it. 

After exploring Datta Mandir, Shankaracharya Mandir and Nirmal Talav, we headed off to Vasai.

Another view of Nirmal Talav

Now remember, if you travelling back by ST bus, then the buses that halt here, start from Arnala and terminate at Vasai Village and not Vasai ST bus stand. So to get a bus back to Vasai ST stand, one has to come to the junction. One road leds to Vasai railway station, one to Bhuigaon and the third to Arnala Beach. Only the buses that ply to Bhuigaon go back to Vasai ST bus stand.   

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. 

Chinchoti Waterfall in Vasai (E)

Thursday, November 24, 2011

It was Hithakshi who suggested that we visit Chinchoti Waterfalls in Vasai. I checked out the place on the Internet and decided that a one-day trip to the place may prove to be a good outing. 

The blogs I had checked had warned that the approach roads were rather rough. One wrong move and you are bound to get lost in the forest hills, they had said. And that is exactly what happened to us. Read on to find out more about our lost expedition.

I circulated an email among my colleagues, hoping to drum up some enthusiasm for the trip. Only 3 people, including me, volunteered to go. The others backed out, fearing the heavy rains.

Group Photo, From Left: Vijay, Sanjay, Ashutosh, Me, Hithakshi and Urvashi

We planned to board the 6:23 am train from Andheri to Vasai and hire a rickshaw there to take us to the base village from where we were supposed to trek up to the top.

Later Hithakshi called me to say that it would be better if we trekked from Naigaon instead of Vasai, and we modified the plan accordingly. Ashutosh and I were supposed to board the train at Andheri and Hithakshi was to board at Bhayandar, two stops before Naigoan.

It turned out that our tribe was increasing. Ashutosh said that three others would be joining us on this trip, namely, Sanjay from Bandra, Vijay from Goregaon and Urvashi from Borivali.

Water gushing down the waterfall

Ashutosh and I waited on platform No 1 at Andheri station as we thought that the train was a slow train. The 6:20 am train had just left and the 6:29 am train was expected. We wondered if the 6:23 am train had been cancelled.

My sixth sense told me to check the indicator and to my surprise the 6:23 am train to Virar was expected to arrive on platform No 4. We raced up the foot overbridge and were lucky to reach the platform just as the train pulled in.

Our predicament seemed to set the stage for a day of unusual excitement. At Goregaon, Vijay was supposed to board the train. Sanjay was already in the train in another compartment.

From Left: Ashutosh, Vijay and Sanjay on the rocks

Vijay made the same assumption that we did, and waited on Platform no 1 for the train. When the train arrived on platform no 3, Ashutosh yelled out to him and I watched horrified as Vijay crossed the tracks to board the train. That was a most unwise thing to do. Vijay was very lucky as there was no train passing by as he rushed to board the train. My dear readers, I plead with you. ALWAYS use the foot overbridge. NEVER cross the tracks as it can kill you.

Meanwhile, Sanjay, who had made a few phone calls to Ashutosh and Vijay, misunderstood the plan and got down at Goregaon to board the train. He ended up arriving two trains later, after we alighted at Naigaon.

Urvashi boarded the train at Borivali without any confusion, followed by Hithakshi who boarded at Bhayandar.

From Right: Urvashi, Hithakshi and Me on the rocks

It was around 8 am by this time and raining heavily. The platform was deserted. We marched off to the east side of the station to hire a rickshaw to Chinchoti Waterfalls. At the rickshaw stand, the drivers warned us not to go to the falls, as it had been raining very heavily and many areas there were submerged under water. They advised us to cancel our plans and go home.

Having gone through so much trouble to get here, none of us were in the mood to return. A rickshaw driver volunteered to take us there for a price of Rs 15 per seat to which we readily agreed.

Six of us, one driver and one small rickshaw, capable of carrying three passengers. The six of us, however, managed to squeeze in.Wonder how? Read on...Ashutosh, Urvashi, Hithakshi and Vijay sat on the back seat. Sanjay and I sat on either side of the driver on the edge of the seat. I can still remember the pain of managing my weight on that thin edge of the seat. Sitting in that cramped position for around 30 minutes, we were thoroughly soaked by the time we reached. On the way, we could see less of land and more of water, thanks to the rains. Schools and houses were flooded.

Scenic view

Near the Bhiwandi highway, the driver announced that he would go no further as the highway was flooded with vehicles. We alighted there and began trekking towards the waterfall.

We had some tea at a tapri, a small corner joint next to the highway, where Ashutosh served us his Complan biscuits. We had never heard of Complan biscuits before and we ate them unenthusiastically, not knowing when we would be able to eat our next meal.

It was so cold here that Hithakshi could actually see vapour coming out of my mouth when I spoke, and the droplets of rain on my head looked like snowflakes from a distance.

Another scenic view

After taking directions from the locals, we decided to continue on our journey in search of Chinchoti Waterfalls. We walked for about 1½ hour to the base village.

The village was totally green in colour. Some parts of it were submerged under water. It was beautiful but I could not click photographs because of the heavy rains. :(

The flow of the water was very strong as it was coming down the mountains. Again the villagers warned us to go home. But we refused to pay heed and went ahead anyway.

Water from the Waterfall in the Village

We walked on, without directions, and got lost. We started walking through paddy fields in knee-deep muddy water. My suede trekking shoes were thoroughly soaked. On seeing us in the distance tramping through their fields, the farmers came rushing towards us, furious.

I felt sorry for them but the damage done by us out of our ignorance could not be undone. They shouted at us and we apologised. Later they showed us the way to the waterfalls.

The way up was via a stream coming down the hill. Once again we had to wade through ankle-deep water.

One more scenic view

After losing our way more than once, we asked another group of trekkers for directions and were finally put on the right track.

We could hear the water gushing down the rocks towards the left but could not see it due to the thick green cover. Suddenly we saw the water gushing down madly. I slipped and was about to go down. Fortunately, Vijay, who was right behind me, pulled me up just in time.

Worse, I slipped at the very same place on our way back from the waterfall.

We stopped for a while in the water to relax and recoup our energies. We managed to stay afloat amid the rocks, but we could feel the pressure of the water rising. I could see the water coming down from the hillside dashing against the rocks. It would be foolhardy to stay in the water any longer. Having regained our strength, we decided to return to the village.

By the time we reached the base village, it had stopped raining. So I took out my camera and began shooting.

We then boarded a rickshaw to Naigaon station, and took a train to Bhayandar station where we got off to have our lunch. We ate to our hearts’ content and then dispersed.

Tungareshwar is also located in the same hill range.

Other waterfalls I have visited are Jawahar- Dabhosa Waterfall, Zenith Waterfall, Kalote Waterfall.