Bike Ride to Turtle Bay & Maravanthe Beach, 03/07/2011

Here is another weekend without lectures. If this was last year, I would have been lazing around in my room and watching movies. But things change and in a year, I realized what I love doing. Any guesses??? Travelling of course.. I had initially planned a bike trip to Sita falls but that didn't materialize. So, early in the morning I got a call from Sarvesh suggesting that we go to Turtle Bay - a place near Kundapur, about 60 kms from our college. I agreed instantaneously and asked Khushal who initially hesitated but later gave in.

So, we were 4 of us - Harshal, Sarvesh, Khushal & myself on two bikes off for an adventure ride to Turtle Bay. We stopped for breakfast at some restaurent near the Udupi Bus stand and took off on our 1.5 hr ride from there. We bought some mazaa (Mango drink) in case we needed some energy boosters mid way. I was initially worried about the roads and also the Big Volvo's overtaking vehicles at high speeds, just a cut and we would go flying somewhere. Luckily none of it happened. The roads were amazing & both of us, Harshal & me we riding safely, allowing those massive vehicles to overtake whenever they wanted to. So, after an hour and a half of a great ride, we reached Turtle Bay. We parked the bikes and walked towards the shore. It was beautiful and serene. However, it was not a beach where we could go in the water and have some fun. Still, the view was amazing and Sarvesh & me started clicking photos. After some clicks, we decided to go to Maravanthe beach, about 3 kms from there. 

We reached the beach in no time. Infact, we went far ahead and had to come back after asking few locals there. This beach was a beauty, very clean and not crowded. It has a road running parallel to it with some rocks dividing the shore & the road. It looks great and the ride there is an experience in itself. The sound of waves splashing, winds blowing onto ur face and the view itself... feels as if you are a free bird meant to just fly. We then clicked some pictures there, had tea at a local shop and decided to leave for Manipal where we would eat our late lunch (at about 5 pm).

Our return journey was again great with the view still stuck to my mind. It felt great to know that I was at Turtle Bay and not in my room watching another movie. We reached Manipal by about 4.45 pm and after our  late lunch at Snack shack, all of us sleepy and tired, reached college by 5.30 pm. Coming back to the room and lying flat on the bed after a tiring but a terrific ride...feels heavenly. Now looking forward for some more breaks where I can go and visit more wonderful such places nearby Manipal/Udupi.

K.G

Manipal, Karnataka

Trek to Dudhsagar Waterfalls, Goa..!!

After all these trips and the list of places to visit, Dudhsagar had a prime position. Reason being “revenge”. My last trip to Goa with Siddhesh & Roshan was great but would have been awesome had I got the opportunity to complete my trip to Dudhsagar falls that day. We had reached till the base of the falls (Kulem stn.) and due to inaccessible roads we could not go further. There are locals there who give you lift for Rs 560 per head. We didn't find this worth and so we had changed our plans to go to Tambdi Surla - which turned out to be another heaven.

Well, it was that day that I had decided I would be trekking all my way to the falls someday. So, back here in TAPMI - our lead Prasad Nayak had planned a trek to Dudhsagar and I was all game for it. We left from TAPMI @ about 8.45 pm, had our dinner @ Snack Shack and then reach Udupi stn. at about 11.20 pm. We found out that the earliest train to Madgaon wat @ 11.50 pm. So, we bought general compartment tickets and got into the train. The general compartment here was much more comfortable than the experience I had while going to Kolad. We reached Madgaon by 3.45 am and our next train to Kulem was at 7.40 am. Sarvesh & me borrowed some news paper from a stall there, spread it on the platform and went off to sleep.

The loud announcements woke us up at 6 am. After a pretty decent nap and a nice morning tea, the train finally arrived. We reached out destination station - Kulem @ 9 am and started our trek from there. We had the option of getting down at the next stn. which was just 0.5 km from the falls. However, we decided to trek it all the way from Kulem - Distance 14 kms. 

Prasad had found out the route. We just had to follow the tracks and be careful and alert of trains coming from behind. Initially all of us were apprehensive, but after some trains passed us, we were quite comfortable. We walked and walked and walked. On our way, Sarvesh. Prasad & me got busy clicking pictures. After a 3 hr walk we reached a point were we could see the falls. Just the sight of it was brilliant. It was huge and massive. We decided to wait there for the mist to clear so that we could get a clear shot of the falls. We managed to get that awesome pic and then moved on to reach some tunnels which had mini-falls. I couldn't resist myself. After the long tiring walk, we all need a break don't we? And what better break than a nice natural shower :) Looking at me, GP & Ramanuj also hopped in. Sarvesh helped us getting the pics - Thanks Sarvesh :)

The falls wasn't far away. We could hear the noise. As the noise got louder, I started walking faster to reach there. This is where I wanted to come with Roshan & Siddhesh but couldn't. This was it. I reached the massive falls. It was awesome. Just standing on the railway bridge which is right in front of the falls took some effort. We all were tired but felt totally refreshed and full of life. After clicking some pics, we walked towards Dudhsagar stn to catch a goods train which goes back to Kulem. Luckily, on our way towards Dudhsagar stn, I just waved a hand to a motorman operating an engine asking him to drop us to Kulem. We got a nod from him and all of us exited as ever climbed the Engine and stood there. The best part of the trip I feel was when the engine train passed through the falls, we standing on it and the water splashing on all of us. We reached Kulem @ 5 pm and thanked the motorman for the lift.

Our next train to Udupi was at 8.45 pm. Sarvesh & me went out to eat something while GP, Ramanuj & Prasad waited there at the platform, tired and sleepy. We caught the train and luckily got a place to sit. We got down at Udupi at 1.15 am and finally reached college at 1.45 am. After a nice shower, I went off to sleep with just one thing in my mind - the awesomeness of the trip and the beauty of nature. Truly, Dudhsagar waterfalls in one beautiful place to be.

K.G

Manipal, Karnataka

Trip to Bekal Fort, Kerala..!!

We had just settled into our 2nd yr @ TAPMI and with my new zeal for travelling, I wanted to make the most of the so called "Lazy Sundays". I had planned a trip to Jog falls which eventually had to be postponed as the best time to visit that place is sometime in August - advice from Berty. I decided we could go to Bekal fort which is about 4 hours from here (Manipal). And to my surprise there were many enthusiasts who wanted to come along.

So finally we were a group of 14 people on our way to Bekal Fort, Kerala.

Our day began early and we left TAPMI @ 7.30 am. Took an AC bus to Mangalore & from there another bus to Kasaragod. We presumed that our destination would not be far away from Kasaragod, but that was not to be. We had to catch another bus from Kasaragod to Bekal fort. It took another 45 mins to reach Bekal fort. By 12 noon, we were @ Bekal fort, hungry and exited. We decided to have a heavy brunch as all of us had not had anything from the morning. Rathi found a good hotel - Nirvana, and all of us followed him. The hotel had a very good ambiance and greenery all around. Neha & Aditi played on the swing. The boys started playing catch catch with a coconut. I know weird, but if it was going to take another 1 hr for our lunch to come, what else would one do. We could not leave the place. So, we decided its better to enjoy there. 

               

We had already lost a lot of time during lunch. We moved fast and entered the fort. Inside, the fort is lush green with many types of flowers & plants. It is very well maintained and you feel as if you have entered a garden. We walked ahead and climbed a slope/wall and started clicking pictures. The view was awesome. You could see the entire seashore from there and also the long stretch of the fort's wall. We spent quite a while clicking pictures at various places in the fort. Scenic view and amazing climate - what else could I have asked for?

Then, at about 3 pm we decided to leave the fort and head towards "Bekal Beach". We walked another 1 km  and in 20 - 25 mins reached the beach. It was serene and we could see the fort at a far off distance. Loved the view. It was sunny but pleasant. Everyone started playing in the water and I got busy clicking pictures. After a while at about 4. 15 pm we left for Kasaragod. Our return journey was tiring as we all were very hungry and exhausted. We reached Mangalore, ate some chat/food @ Bharat mall and headed towards our desert session @ Pabbas. The thick shakes there are amazing. If you ever had to visit Mangalore, Pabbas is one place you have to visit. All of us bought ice creams/thick shakes and entered the bus for Udupi. We finally reached Udupi by 10 pm and our college by 11 pm.

This was my first trip of 2nd year and it felt great as there is so much to look for. I feel alive and exited knowing that I have one entire year to visit many beautiful places here nearby Manipal / Udupi.  My next trip was to Dudhsagar Waterfalls. Another amazing place. Wait for my post "Nature's beauty - Dudhsagar Waterfalls"

Cheers..!!

K.G

Manipal, Karnataka

The Unexplored Goa..!!

I had traveled a lot in the past 2 months while in Mumbai. My internship was about to get over on 7th June & I was supposed to leave for Manipal on 13th June. I had 5 days in hand and thought of another big trip for finish my awesome stay in Mumbai. We decided to go to Goa as it would be less expensive now and we also had a place to stay (Siddhesh has a house in Goa). Initially we were 4 of us for this trip - Siddhesh, Roshan, Sameep & me. But it so turned out that Sameep had to opt out due to personal reasons. 

We booked a Volvo (Rs. 550 - Off season) and started out trip @ 7.30 pm from Borivli, Mumbai. On our way back, I was again not very comfortable of going to Goa in the bus. But, in the end, managed to survive the journey. We reached Goa the next morning @ 11 am. Got down at Panaji and hired 2 Bikes @ Rs 150 each (again quite cheap compared to the seasonal rates of 300 Rs.) We all wanted to eat something as we were all empty stomach. Siddhesh took us to a good place where we ate some real delicious food. The place was quite cheap as well compared to the set up and the ambiance it had. We then went to Siddhesh's place and decided to rest there for a while. At about 3 pm we planned to go to Chapura fort and click some nice shots there. We took off on our bikes and headed towards Chapura fort. Reaching the top, standing on the edges of the fort.. the view was amazing. It was as if you could feel nature, its power.. we wanted to just sit there and do nothing.. just experience the moment.. We took some pics there and then left off for Panaji. On our way back, we ordered some food near GIM college and went back home.

Our next day was going to be adventurous as we were planning to go to Dudhsagar Waterfalls (3rd highest waterfall in India). Siddhesh's friend, Satyen (I call him Cinthol :P ) came along with us. Infact, we went along with him in his car. Traveling in the car was a good decision as it was raining heavily and the falls were about 80 kms from Panaji. We reached Kulem stn, where were realized we cant go any further. The roads were inaccessible and we had to either drop the plan or pay Rs 560 each to reach the falls on Bikes. We thought it was not worth it and so decided to go to another place in a small village named Tambdi Surla. There was a Wildlife Sanctuary there and we all were very much exited to reach there. 

The place was amazing. Deep inside the forest reserves we found a temple - dedicated to Lord Shiva. This was a heritage site and was built in the 12th Century. After clicking some pics there, we found ourselves enjoying in a small stream flowing there. It was fun. The water was chilled and very clean. We were swimming, diving and relaxing in the stream there. Then, reaching Panaji we had to visit Priyanka's place (Siddhesh's sister) for dinner. I was not feeling that well and so decided not to eat. 

The next day, we decided we would travel by Jan Shatabdi Express which was at 12.10 pm from Madgaon. We managed to convince the TC and bought 4 tickets. However, the deal was we go standing all the way. Well, it was OK with us as the train would reach Mumbai by 11 pm which was any day better as I would get some time to sleep before I leave for TAPMI the next day. We bought some news papers which would come handy if we wanted to sit down. And it did come handy. 

We finally reached Mumbai by 11 pm and Dahisar by 12.30 am. However, were were still wondering how fantastic this trip was. We went to Goa, did not visit a single beach and still enjoyed to the fullest. Well, I realized one thing, in Goa - there is no season. You can always have fun there. After reaching home, I dozed off as I new, the next morning I had a lot of things to do. Packing stuff and moving for my next BIG trip to Manipal. 

"Manipal - Here I come"

K.G

Manipal, Karnataka

Exploring Nagpur...!!

I have already been to some trips now but didn't blog it..But, as I have decided to jot down all my travels...Here I am writing about my official trip to Nagpur. Well, this trip was always on the cards while I was doing my project (internship) @ Tata Realty & Infrastructure Ltd. My project was about a mall being developed in Nagpur and I had to study the Retail Market there. After seeing all my marketing friends travelling places for work, I also was waiting for my opportunity. After coaxing my mentor, finally I got the nod to visit Nagpur. I had made arrangements with Arpit and was planning to stay at his place.

The journey wasn't a comfortable one. I had not booked tickets and had boarded the train with a waiting ticket in hand. As always, in India trains run at full capacity and this train wasn't different. I manage to get a place with a Bengali family. I met this 10^th std. kid there who started playing Fifa with me on my laptop.  Once the charge was down, there wasn’t much to do. Finally, we both slept on the same berth. Arpit was there at the station to pick me up next morning.

After a nice breakfast, I used Arpit’s bike (Scooty pep) which would help me cover all important areas of Nagpur. So, I set off roaming the streets of Nagpur and trying to understand the retail market there. With temperatures exceeding 45 degrees, it was unbearable heat. I was sweating and losing out on fluid instantly. Bought myself some drinks (Mazaa) and moved on. Decided to buy a dupatta after observing the locals there and went ahead with my market research. I decided to cover as much as possible in the morning hours and watch a movie in the noon when the temperatures went above 45 degrees. It was a good idea as I spent the afternoons in nice comfortable malls watching movies. I didn’t care how the movies were. They were way better than roaming the streets of Nagpur under the sun. 2 days – 2 movies: Stanley ka Dabba & Pyar ka Punchnama. The second one was awesome and I decided I would watch it again with my buddies in Mumbai.

By Saturday, I had covered most places in Nagpur and was sufficient for my analysis of the Retail market. I didn’t get any tickets to Mumbai on Sunday. So, decided to go to Mumbai via Pune. I was shit scared travelling for such long hours in the bus, coz I hate buses. However, my journey back to Pune was more comfortable than I expected. On my way, I met Hussain, who was also heading towards Pune. It so turned out that we share similar interests. He turned out to be another adventurer and we spoke about all our trips. Finally, I reached home on Monday evening. After experiencing the heat of Nagpur, Mumbai felt so much better.

Well, this was it. My official trip had ended. One thing I will not forget in the trip was Arpit’s hospitality. He made sure he was there to help whenever I needed it. I had to write a short report on my trip and submit it to my Mentor which I did. My project end date was 7th June and I had to leave for Manipal on 13^th June. With 6 days in hand, I planned in a short trip to Goa with Siddu & Roshan. Wait for the post - "The Unexplored Goa" to know more.

Cheers..!!

K.G

Manipal, Karnataka

A wild trip to Kolad...

Another weekend off and I was looking out for convenient places to visit. Well, I & Roshan had already decided of visiting the Kaneri Caves @ Borivli - Sanjay Gandhi National Park and clicking some pictures there. However, this wouldn't take much time and we felt we would not be using the entire weekend. So, at about 8.30 pm, I was at Roshan's place surfing the net and looking out for other places. I saw Kolad, a small town village in Maharashtra where the Kundalika river (fastest flowing river in Maharashtra) flows. There were a lot of opportunities for adventure here with Kayaking, River rafting and some beautiful scenery of the village.

But, the place was a little far and was not for a 1 day trip. It would be too exhausting. Still, as crazy as we are, we looked on and started searching for trains that go there. There was a Dadar-Sawantwadi Special @ 11.55 pm that night (Friday Night) which would drop us to Roha - just 13 kms away from Kolad. I just thought, if we got into this train, reached Roha by 4 am, slept there at the stn for like 2 hrs and went on to explore Kolad - it would be feasible. I just asked Roshan, how the plan was. He said an immediate yes. I called up Sameep and told him about the plan. His dad was here in Mumbai, so Sameep was busy accompanying his Dad. He was to get free by 11.30 pm. He also was willing to execute this plan. So, this is how the KOLAD trip was planned.. - within a time of 1 hr.

We reached Dadar stn and were waiting for Sameep. That guy was still at Grant Rd. and had not yet caught a train. It was already 11.45 pm and our train was supposed to come within 10 mins. I kept calling him every 2 mins asking where he had reached. Finally, he reached and just a few seconds later the train arrived. We had a General ticket. However, there was NO WAY, we could have got onto that train in the general compartment. We decided to get into the sleeper and then bear the consequences later. Initially, they both got into another coach, whereas I got into another one. It was so crowded, people pouring in with their luggage and small children. The small ones sitting on the shoulders of the elders. This was supposed to be a Sleeper coach, where we have reservations. What reservations, later, it so turned out that people who had reservations were not able to get into the train. It was so packed.

I managed to get down and enter the other coach, where Sameep & Roshan had got into. I just got in and settled at one place. This coach was no different with hundreds of people standing, luggage on their head.. no place to move.. I managed to find a decent spot for myself, where I at least stood comfortably. I called up Roshan and realized they were at the Door. Cool.. all three in the same compartment. This journey went on for another 3 hrs with people fighting, some crying out of helplessness. The toilets were not spared either. There were people sitting in the toilets as well. This is how bad the state is. After conversing with an old man, I realized this is how people travel for 12 hrs continuous. After an hr or so, my legs were paining, and to add to that no room to move. I told myself, there are older people bearing the pain and travelling.. I can't be so weak and crib about this. At about 2 am, some one told me to climb up and adjust myself there which I happily did. So, this is how it was till we got down at Roha. Before getting down at Roha, I had interacted with a few and realized how thirsty everyone was. I bought them a bottle of chilled water from the stn and could see the relief. It made me happy. We then had a nice tea at the platform and Sameep & myself dozed of on the seats there.

We got up at 6 am and started our journey towards Kolad. Had a Missal Pav and hot tea. Then caught a Mini Dor (Sharing rickshaw) to reach Kolad @ 8 am. The Mini Dor was affordable - Rs. 10 each. After that, I searched for shops where I could find batteries for my camera. Roshan found one. After that, our next visit was the Kolad Dam built on the Kundalika river. It was 5 kms from there. We started walking towards it. After a long 45 mins walk, we reached the spot. It was beautiful. While on our way there, we could see the water flowing through a canal for irrigation purpose. We reach the dam, clicked some pictures and came back for a dip in the water in the Canal which was not so deep. It was fun, initially it was just sameep and me. We then convinced Roshan to also join and he did. We three enjoyed in the the Nature's pool, clicked some pictures and moved on.

On our way back, we got a lift in a tempo till the highway :) It was a gr8 free ride. We felt like true travelers and were hoping for more. Our next destination was Bhire Dam - 26 kms away from Kolad. It was very far from there. We managed to get onto sumo's and rickshaws and reach the spot. The Sumo ride was again a little uncomfortable as there were about 14 - 15 people stuffed into it. That is how people commute there and we were just being one of them. Walking towards the Dam, we met a guard who was from Punjab. He gave us chilled water to drink. We also filled some of our bottles and moved on. He did tell us, not to click pictures as it was a government site. We went ahead and reached the Dam. 

The view was mind blowing. I just could not take my eyes away from the beauty that was there. This water body was surrounded by mountains on all side. It was HUGE and humongous. We did click pictures on our way towards the other end of the Dam. 

We found a huge tree, where we decided to rest. It was cool and breezy. We felt as if we were in a paradise. We decided to have a natural pedicure. Dipped our feet in the cold water and sat there just feeling nature and experience its beauty.

It was getting late, and we knew we had to move since our trip back was a long one. We reach Kolad in similar fashion, Sumo's and share rickshaws (called Mini Dor's). From there, we decided to go to Panvel (75 kms from Kolad) and then catch a Local to reach our home. We got a lift in a Qualis and reached Panvel @ 8.30 pm. Mid-way Roshan was not feeling well and he puked when the Qualis halted at a petrol pump. He was fine after that. From Panvel, we caught a local to CST. Sameep got down @ Kurla and we got down @ Wadala. Tired and painful that our legs were, we desperately wanted to reach home. We reached Borivli by 11 pm and were in our homes by 11.15 pm. It felt so wonderful and peaceful to be back home, with all the comfort and luxury. Being there in a village, understanding how people live and survive everyday.. makes us know how much we have and still we cry/crib for small things.

Well,  this was one of my best trips till date where we took lifts, slept at the stn and much more... Now, I guess I need to concentrate on my MIP project else I will be kicked out from college and will have to settle in another village like this. Hoping for another trip though, before I leave for Manipal.

Cheers..!!

KG

A Visit to the Historic Elephanta Caves..!!

My last trek to Lohagarh was a thrilling experience and I had all the reasons to go on and explore more places. I had planned to visit Silvassa this weekend with my friends. We wanted to include Sameep in this trip as he had not been a part of the group that went to Lohagarh. Well, it so turned out that he had to work that day and would be free only by 1.30 pm. It was then, that I decided, we would explore Elephanta Caves, a place close by and convenient for a half day trip. So, Sameep was in, Roshan as always ready and myself, we three were set to explore the Elephanta caves.

Roshan & me set off from our place at 12 pm. We took a train to Churchgate. Sameep was supposed to meet us @ Colaba. I had neither done my breakfast nor had my lunch and was super hungry by the time we reached churchgate. We bought 2 burgers from the station and walked towards Colaba. The burger was so pathetic that I could not finish it. I gave it to Roshan who happily ate it J.

We reach Asiatic Library where we met Sameep who was looking like the Top Gun man with his glares on and a stylish walk J. Jokes apart, we then caught a cab and reached Gateway of India from where we were supposed to catch a ferry to reach our destination. The ferry ride was amazing. Initially, we weren't clicking pictures as there was a note on the boat where it was mentioned "No clicking pictures". But, then later.. Yeh Mumbai hai meri jaan.. yahan sab chalta hai".. everyone was busy clicking pics and I didn't want to be left far behind..

We reached the destination after a 1.15 mins sea ride :) We then started walking towards the caves. Roshan paid for the tickets. I bought a bottle of water and a bourbon buscuit :) The weather was really very hot and we decided to take a short break. After the break, we thought if we could spend the night there. So, we started asking the vendors there whether we could spend the night somewhere. unfortunately, the last ferry is at 6 pm and if you miss that there is a police boat that comes to pick you up. Obviously, it wont be such a lavish treatment. We have to pay hefty fines. So, we decided its better off if we return on time.

The time was 4 pm. We had about 2 hours in hand to have a look around. Yes, 2 hrs is enough to visit the caves and return. We started with cave 1 where there were beautifully sculptured idols of God and other statues. Other caves were similar. We clicked pictures along the way. While going towards cave 2, there were a lot of monkeys playing around and waiting to grab anything that is there in your hand. After clicking some pics, we decided to go on top of the mountain where Sameep had been earlier. He said, he remembers there was a canon placed there somewhere. So, we started our climb.

It was a 30 min climb. And guess what, like our Lohagarh trek.. we found another lemonade stop where we had nice, chilled lemonade juice. Climbed on the top, took a shortcut.. and reached the spot where there was a Canon placed. It was huge and fantastic design. It was placed on a disc which could be rotated in any direction. Also, the movement of the canon itself gave it so much flexibility. Wow.. those guys were great designers and had fantastic brains. Yeah, they didn't have a degree or anything, but they were genuinely brilliant people. We clicked some snaps here as well and then realized it was already 5.40 pm. We headed down towards the port to catch the last ferry.

On our way back, from the ferry I got an opportunity to click some really nice pics with the scenery being so beautiful. We reached gateway in about another 1 hr and headed towards Sameep's favorite food spot - The Crystals @ Charni Rd. stn. You get the most delicious food there at reasonable rates. We ordered Paneer masala, Chana Masala, Rajma.. some chapati's and Aamras (which is just too hard to resist). I ordered 2 :)

After the most fantabulous dinner, we went to Sameep's place @ Grant Rd. to transfer the pics and then from there we left for our homes.

It was a great experience to visit the historical place of Elephanta Caves. So many years in Mumbai, and I had not been there. Felt great after visiting that place. Now, looking for some more adventurous trips.

Cheers...!!
KG

Trek to Lohagarh..!!

Everyone wishes to travel and explore places.. Who doesn't like to do that? You ask anyone.. and almost 90% of them would say yes, I love nature. Well, the only sad part is out of those 90%, almost 80% of them are either lazy or do not find time to do this activity and I am no one special. Till yesterday, I was also a part of that group of people who WANTED / WISHED to travel and explore. But yes, with Berty Thomas & Prasad Nayak around.. I was inspired and understood one thing - If one wants to do something, he will do it.. no matter what.

So it began. My travelling expeditions. I have weekends off at my workplace. So, decided to google and find a nice trek route near and around Mumbai, my hometown. There were many results that came out, and I decided Lohagarh it was. This was my first trek (initiated on my own) and so, will always remain close to my heart. To add to this, I had my fantastic set of buddies willing to join me for this. I had actually planned this trek with Sourav (My college mate @ TAPMI) and Roshan. Then, Sourav had a sudden change in plan and had to back out. One night before the trek, we thought of inviting Ankit (Tanna) who imeediately said a Yes.mHe got along two more guys, Abhishek (Abu) and Franklin (Anna/Frankie). Our team of 5 was decided and we planned to meet at my building gate @ 4.00 am in the morning. 

Surprisingly, everyone was on time. We left from Dahisar stn. all exited. We got down @ Dadar and boarded another train headed towards Lonavla. We had a general compartment ticket - and gosh.. it was full so early in the morning, with crowd pouring in every time the train stopped. We finally reached Lonavla @ 8.10 am. From there, we had to catch a train to Malavli stn. which would take another 10 min in the train. Finally, we arrived at Malavli at 9.00 am. This was our base location. We were to start our trek from here.

I had borrowed a camera from my beloved sister, but had forgotten to buy new batteries. Luckily, we found a store there which sold batteries and also 50 paisa wala pepsi :) We bought those and started walking. We passed through a bridge over the Mumbai - Pune expressway where cars zoomed before we could even get a glance at them. Our next destination was Bhaja Caves. We climbed through the steps clicking photos along the way. Finally, we managed to reach the caves where we took a well deserved break and also clicked some pics.

Next, we were to cross another mountain and climb about 1600ft to reach Lohagarh fort. For that, we would have to first descent this mountain. The stairs were in the opposite direction of the Fort. We decided to climb down this mountain instead of taking the normal route, which turned out to be very adventurous. We were apprehensive about two motus in our group - TANNA & Abu. Well, it so turned out that Tanna started leading the way while Abu lagged behind. Well, finally all of us reached down and decided it was time for a break.

We started our climb on the next mountain which would lead us to the Fort. The view of the fort from the base of this mountain was amazing. It was huge and covered the entire top portion of the mountain. I had a very good feeling of climbing this mountain. I wanted to reach the top of the fort.. and get a glimpse of how it looks like. Well, it was a difficult climb only because of the immense heat. I realized we were loosing a lot of fluid and so, decided on taking frequent breaks. By now, Abu was down. He was unable to walk and started panting. We took a food break. After eating apples and drinking Glucon D, all of us felt refreshed but for Abu. He was saying, he didn;t want to climb up and would stay there. However, we could not leave him there and convinced him that we would be taking frequent breaks. And this is how it went on for another 2 grueling hours. The last hour being the toughest, where we had ran out of water.

Finally, we reached the base of the fort. We could see a small hut from distance. When we reached there, an old lady was selling Lemonade. She gave us water to quench our thirst. We just sat down there and had that lemonade. It felt as if we didn't need anything else at that moment. That lemonade was priceless. Aaha, I forgot to mention one thing. Our friendly dog, that we had come across after climbing down from the Bhaje caves was still accompanying us. It rested when we rested. It was our guide and had come been with us for like 3 hrs. We gave him some biscuits to eat. The base of the fort was another 10 mins away.

After reaching the base of Lohagarh fort at around 12 pm, we decided to have our lunch in one of the houses there. We requested Amruta kaki (we came to know her name later) to make some food for us. We washed our hands, put water on our faces (it felt amazing) and sat down on their small varanda to eat. "Kanda Pohe", "Kanda Bhaji" (Onion Pakodas)and "Taak" (butter milk) was served and it was mind blowing. We ate like animals. The taste was authentic. I will never forget the taste of that Kanda Pohe. And yes, our friendly dog was still with us resting there in the shade. However, this was the last we saw her. She left us there and went down again, may be to guide someone else.

The climb to the top of the fort was another 30 - 45 mins. After a lot of effort and cribbing from Abu - we finally reached the gate of the fort which we thought was the top. We still had a long way to go. We kept climbing. Finally, we managed to reach the tip of the fort where were clicked pics. The view was brilliant. Absolutely stunning. I felt very strong even though I was exhausted. I got a feeling, I had conquered that fort. (I know, too dramatic.. but yes, it was like that). We were there for some more time and then decided we should climb down.

Our climb down wasn't difficult but painful as our legs were tired. We reached the Lemonade spot in 25 mins, from where we had taken around 1.5 hrs to reach the top. We had another round of the awesome lemonade juice and started descending down. It so happened that we decided to take shortcuts, and found one which directly took us to the bottom of the mountain. It was steep, risky, adventurous but fun. Abu descended all the way through the path. We finally met him at the base and walked our way back to Malavli stn. From there, we got a local to Lonavla stn at around 5.30 pm.

Our trek was awesome and we were looking at the pics while waiting for our train to arrive. We had a general ticket again, and AGAIN it was crowded. Infact, this time.. it was difficult for us to even make space to stand comfortably. After the entire days trek, our legs had gone numb. We stood like that for 2 hours after which we got place to sit at Kalyan.

Then, from Dadar, we caught a Virar bound train and reached home by 9.30 pm. It was a great trek along with Roshan, Frankie, Abu and Tanna (Who was named HABIBEE - bcoz of the look, handkerchief tied on the head and wearing a twisted cap). Yes, it was indeed was super fun. Though every part of my body hurt badly, I had a peaceful sleep and a very content feeling that finally my expedition kicked off. I could still feel the toughness of the fort, the heat.. and the thirst..

This trek gave me enough strength to move on in life and explore more beautiful places around. And that is what I plan to do.

Cheers..!!

And it begins..

Better late than never.. as they say, finally I am writing a blog.. I had thought about it many times, but.. as always due to my flickery mind, never started with it..

So, the question that you all must be pondering upon is.. why today? Well, its been quite some time.. I have been trying to gain focus on things.. With so many things that I am used to getting into, I needed to prioritize things and Blogging was on top of that list.. So, I am here.. with many things to share and learn..Well, today was another regular day at TAPMI where I attended lectures and as always was bored.. the HRMT sessions really take a toll on you especcially when they are conducted in the afternoon.. After the FMT2 (Financial Management) test I attended the HRMT Session and was waiting run away from that place as I needed a break.. My fantastic friends, Khushal, Sourav & Sindhupe decided to go out to Vikram's - a local food joint where one gets to eat the most delicious, finger liking Omelette's..

After Vikram's Sindhupe came up with an suggestion to go to the well known Railway Bridge which is a 15 min ride on the Bike from Tiger Circle in Manipal. Reaching there, I experience what sanctity is..it was quite with birds chirping, and noise of winds gushing between the trees..It really felt good after the noise that I normally get to hear everyday.. It felt peaceful.. and serene..We climbed down to a spot which was on the support (pillar) of the bridge.. thanks to Sindhupe, it was an amazing spot where one could just sit and relax.. really, time passed by and we didnt realize we had spent an hour there just sitting.. and experiencing nature..and talking about everyday issues..

We rode back to Manipal and had one of the best head massages.. all 4 of us together.. was fun to do it with all friends together.. laughed at each others expressions. Sindhupe was trying the head  massage for the first time.. and he loved it.. We then rode back to our campus and back to hostel..

So, this is how I spent my Valentine's day.. Lectures in the morning, a class Test in the afternoon and then a wonderful time spent with my special friends at a very serene place near Manipal.. I now plan to watch a movie.. and dose off.. :)