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.
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
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
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