Guest Post || Bhutan beyond Mountains and Monasteries – by Neha

When I informed my dear ones that I was going on a trip to Bhutan, many of them questioned my decision; some reasoned Bhutan was not an interesting place to travel, some asserted there were only monasteries to see there, some suggested I should go to Ladakh instead. While a few baffled at my choice, just asked ‘Why?’

My only reply to all of them was – ‘You will know when I get back!’

I am back and my answer lies in this post. Bhutan is definitely a lot more than its Mountains and Monasteries. Sharing a list of things to look forward to when you are in Bhutan:

Treks and Trails

From a day to month long, Bhutan has all kinds of treks for adventure lovers.

The most clichéd but certainly not overrated is the Taktsang Monastery Trek. It is popularly known as the Tiger’s Nest. It is literally perched on a cliff and is one of the most important Buddhist sites. It is believed that Yeshe Tsogval who was a follower of Guru Rinpoche, transformed herself into a tigress and carried Guru Rinpoche on her back from Tibet to Taktsang. Here is one of the nine caves where he meditated.

Tiger's Nest
Tiger’s Nest

Another popular trek of Bhutan is the Druk Path trek, which is about 6 days long. This trek not only greets you with beautiful landscapes but also introduces you to some ancient Lhakhangs and Dzongs.

For people who find trekking arduous, you could soak in nature while walking on the breathtaking trails of Bhutan.

At an elevation of 3000 meters, Phobjika Glacial Valley is surrounded by huge mountains on all sides. This is a short (4 kms) but beautiful trail. During winters, black necked cranes migrate to Phobjika from Tibet, and the monastery in Gangtey holds a special festival to celebrate their arrival.

Phobjika Valley
Phobjika Valley

Camping
Bhutan is blessed with natural beauty. Owing to its forest reserves, which are about 70%, it becomes a wonderful place to camp.We camped under the star lit sky, by the river stream, in the forests of Gasa. There was no network connectivity in the forest which was the best thing about the camp. This disconnect from the virtual world helped me establish a wonderful connect with myself.

Gasa
Camping

Tshechu Festival
Tshechu is the biggest festival of Bhutan, which is held on the tenth day of the lunar month in dzongs of each district. Participating in this festival is the best way to experience the culture of Bhutan. The Bhutanese men and women attend this festival dressed in their traditional attire. In this festival, mask dances and other traditional Bhutanese dances are performed. These events have deep religious and mythological significance.

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The Bhutanese believe that everyone must attend a Tshechu and witness the mask dances at least once in order to receive blessings and wash away their sins.

Hot Stone Bath
You will miss out on something really awesome if you go to Bhutan and not try Datsho, the traditional Hot Stone Bath. I rate it as one of the finest experiences of Bhutan.In this therapy, river stones are heated and put in a wooden tub filled with water. Sometimes medicinal herbs are added to the water before it is ready for the soak.

It is believed that the heat of the water, the minerals released from the rock, and the local herbs all combine to produce medicinal benefits for joint pains, hypertension, stomach disorders and arthritis.

Happiness

While all other countries of the world measure their progress by GDP, Bhutan measures its progress by Gross National Happiness.

I had my doubts when I read Bhutan is the happiest country in Asia. But it took me just a 10 days trip to realize that Bhutan is truly a country of happy, shiny people! Their clothes, their houses, their bank accounts don’t define their happiness. They don’t need reasons to be happy. Happiness comes naturally to them. It was on this trip that I truly understood that Happiness is a state of mind.

Gawa rang gi zon go zo; choem rang gi choen go choel 

This popular Bhutanese proverb means, Whatever joy you seek, it can be achieved by yourself; whatever misery you seek, it can be found by yourself. (It is a state of mind)

He is definitely a Happy Old Man

About the Author:

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Neha is a very dear friend and a fabulous company to hangout with. She is an avid traveler and always encourages yatripandit.com.

She describes herself as,”I live to write and I wish I wrote to live! By profession, I am a Software Engineer and currently working in a Multinational IT company. There is a stability in this field, albeit my heart truly wants to get rid of this software job and unleash my creative skills. I share an ardent relationship with writing. My mind is my canvas and I pen hundred’s of thoughts there every single minute. I aspire to devote my entire time to writing and take up writing as my career very soon.”

PS: This story was originally published on http://nehasharmahere.blogspot.in

Click on the link to find out more on Bhutan food, Shopping and architecture http://nehasharmahere.blogspot.in/2016/05/bhutan-beyond-mountains-and-monasteries.html

Disclaimer:  *Contents in this story is Authors personal views and presentation.

If you also want to get featured as a guest author on yatripandit.com, share your story with us on info@yatripandit.com

Please click on the ads which appear on the website and help us earn some money to travel. This blog is still very young and growing. If you like the story, do not shy away from reciprocating your love in form of likes comments and sharing on social media

Cheers !!

Credits

Story By

Neha Sharma

Edited by 

Abhimanyu

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Guest Post || Lucknow – The City of Nawabs and Kebabs by Anushree

Sprinkled with exceptional British Raj–era buildings, Literature, performing arts, tehzeeb and famous throughout India for its lip smacking food, the capital of Uttar Pradesh is surely worth visiting.

Lucknow’s reputation as a city of culture, gracious living and rich cuisine has continued to this day from ages – the phrase for which conveniently rhymes in Urdu as: Nawab, aadaab (‘respect’), kebab and shabab (‘beauty’).

So “Muskuraiye ki aap Lucknow mein hain” (Please smile because you are in Lucknow)

 

Places to visit in Lucknow:

  1. Rumi Darwaza: Rumi Darwaza is a spectacular gateway and a popular monument of Lucknow city. It is an example of Awadhi architecture. It is also referred to as the Turkish gate which is 60 feet high. It was built by Nawab Asaf-ud-Daula to generate employment during the famine of 1784.It is adjacent to the Asafi Imambara in Lucknow and has become a logo for the city of Lucknow. It used to mark the entrance to Old Lucknow City, but as the City of Nawabs grew and expanded, it was later used as an entrance to a palace which was later demolished by the British insurgents.Rumi Darwaza IC - Google Images
  1. Bara Imambara: The Bara Imambara is Asia’s largest hall without any external support from beams and is a symbol of Awadhi culture and architecture. This magnificent structure was built by Nawab Asaf-ud-Daula in 1784 and is one of the architectural wonders of that era. It is also famous for its “Bhool Bhulaiya” a labyrinth.

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  1. Chota Imambara: Also known as Hussainabad Imambara, was built by Nawab Mohammad Ali Shah between (1837-1842).  The Imambara has a white dome and is richly decorated with chandeliers and a good number of crystal glass lamp-stands. For this profuse decoration Imambara was referred by European visitors and writers as The Palace of Lights. The exterior is also beautifully decorated with Quranic verses in Islamic calligraphy.

chota imambara IC - Google Images

  1. Ambedkar Memorial Park:  The foundation stone of the memorial was first laid in 1995.It is situated in the posh locality of Gomti Nagar.The construction is the heart of the entire memorial. The entire memorial is built using red sandstone brought from Rajasthan.

Ambedkar memorial Park - IC - Google Images

  1. The Residency: The British Residency was the place that served as a refuge for approximately 3000 British inhabitants during the time of the uprising of 1857 – The Mangal Pandey Revolt. It reminds us of the Colonial past. The Residency still has within its walls; the graves of around 2000 British soldiers who died in the Revolt of 1857. You can also treat your eyes with a lot of greenery around.

Residency-Buildings IC - Google Images

You can also visit the famous Hazratganj market, Lucknow Zoo, Clock Tower, Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Park, Gandhi Museum, Dewa Sharif, Jama Masjid, Janeshwar, Mishra park, etc during your stay in this beautiful city of Lucknow.

What to Eat?

Lucknow is famous for its mouth watering cuisines, especially Non Vegetarian dishes. Lucknow is the perfect blend of Nawabi delicacies and Awadhi cuisines. From Kebabs to paan and biryanis you have it all!

You can miss tasting anything but not the world famous Tunday- Kebab!You have to try these dishes when you are in Lucknow or your visit is just incomplete!

  • Galawati Kebab
  • Boti Kebab
  • Tunday Kebab
  • Rogan Josh
  • Lucknowi Biryani
  • Tokri Chaat
  • Paya Ki Nihari
  • Malai Ki Gilori
  • Sheermals
  • Lucknawi Paan

And last but not the least- Prakash ki Kulfi

I believe, nothing can beat the delicious food of Lucknow.

I am sure next time if Anyone tells you, he/she is travelling to Lucknow, the first thing You tell him in case they are non-vegetarian that they should without fail try Tunde-Kabab and also get some packed for you!

What to buy?

The first thing that comes to mind while talking about shopping in Lucknow is of course the famous Chikan work of Lucknow. Chikan is a very famous thread work that is done by the skilled craftsmen of Lucknow. A white chikan kurta is a must buy! Chic and Designer Chikan garments  are available in stores like Ada chikan, Seva Chikan, Nazrana Chikan,Saraswati Chikan Store amongst a few.You can also buy chikan garments in wholesale prices with a lot of variety and colors from Chowk and Aminabad.

You can also visit Gadbadjhala, which is quite reputed for its exquisite jewellery works.

Hazratganj is also a major shopping area in the heart of the city. You can enjoy “Ganjing”Along with some mouth watering delights from Royal Cafe or your personal cup of coffee from Cafe Coffee Day.

chikankari - IC - Google Images

Among the malls, one finds some malls like Sahara Ganj, Fun Republic and East End Mall. One also finds some multiplexes like PVR, Waves and Fun Cinemas,,Inox, Cinepolis which provide entertainment around the clock.

Nightlife: Over the last decade Lucknow has witnessed a massive change when it comes to pub culture and nightlife. There are a lot of party places and nightclubs to enjoy your weekend.

These include the Resto bars, pubs, Hookah bars, and sports bars.

To name a few – Underdogs Sports Bar, Mocha, Zero Degree, EOS club, Lebua, Cappuccino blast are very famous amongst the youngsters.

How to reach?

Lucknow being the capital city is well connected to all major cities by air, rail and road.So do not think twice if you have to visit Lucknow. I am sure you are very likely to fall in love with it.

About the Author:

Anushree SinghStory contributed to yatripandit.com by Anushree Singh who is fondly called by nickname Anu and is a Marketing Professional. She loves to travel to new places exploring local food, shopping and has been lucky to have done what she loves the most.

She is a girl with many aspirations in life likes to read books and write.She believes in reading the firsthand experience about places before planning a visit to a new place and yatripandit.com has been her one of the handpicked websites to read travel tales.

Disclaimer :  *Contents in this story is Authors personal views and presentation.** Some of the images are taken from google images. Yatripandit owns neither images nor the story.

Picture Courtesy : Shravani Ayyagari(food photography) and Google images

If you also want to get featured as a guest author on yatripandit.com, share your story with us on info@yatripandit.com

PS: Please click on the ads which appear on the website and help us earn some money to travel.     This blog is still very young and growing. If you like the story, do not shy away from reciprocating your love in form of likes comments and sharing on social media

Guest Post || Mumbai: Glimpse of shrine divine and street food – by P.G.

About the Guest Author – Prateek Goel aka PG is a Jaipur Boy who is a passionate traveler and that’s why yatripandit connects with him so well. He describes self as,”I will make you smile and take you out of your comfort zone. with Road Aviator blog you will get inspired to travel. As an adventurer, a photographer and a passionate traveler we will travel India ambiguously.”

You may read PG’s other travel tales on http://roadaviator.com/

Blogging the Blogger

 

 

 

 

 

Story :- Few hours prior to my Mumbai visit, I was searching quotes, books and maps to find something special of Mumbai. I found a quote said by Madhuri Dixit (Bollywood actress), “Mumbai is like Manhattan. There’s a certain pace, social life and the thrill of a professional life“. Her quote got stuck in my mind and to establish the evidence of Mumbai as Manhattan I was off there.

Being thousands of miles away with difference in their cost of living, there is certainly something special that makes Mumbai similar to Manhattan.

During my whole trip I came across many things that seems to prove that quote. Mumbai’s architectural beauty (Gateway of India, CST and airport), Marine driveway and lots of beaches along the coastal line resembles Mumbai to Manhattan. In addition to that, the skyline, worli-sea link of Mumbai and historic caves shows their similarity. The photograph taken at Marine drive will prove everything.

Mumbai looks a perfect Manhattan from Marine drive

To know furthermore about Mumbai please refer to my blogs; Mumbai travel guide series will definitely gives you the feel of Manhattan.

I still think, yes there’s a lot of similarity between Mumbai and Manhattan, but there are other things that will give you the feel of Indian culture. This includes the presence of shrine temples and lovely “Mumbaiah” street food. So lets have a look:

Shrine divine temples:

Siddhivinayak Temple

Siddhivianayak! What does this means? What is it so in this temple that makes it so famous? The answers to these questions are very simple..

Siddhi” means perfectionist and “Vinayak” is synonym of Hindu Lord Ganesha. Mumbaikars believes, no fortune happens without blessings of Lord Siddhivinayak. Siddhivinayak is present right in the heart of Mumbai and a lot of devotees are seen here throughout the year. It is the richest temple in Mumbai.

Originally, it was built in 1801 by Devbhai Patil and contractor Laxman Patil. History says, Deubia Patil didn’t have any child, so she decided to build this temple. Hence normally, if any lady comes here and wishes for child then she got blessed. That’s what makes it shrine, divine and famous. Thumbs up for Siddhivinayak Temple.

Photo source: Shree Siddhivinayak Temple Mumbai

Haji Ali Dargah

An iconic place of Mumbai, an important landmark of Islam stands still and eternal on an isle. A steep way of 500 m from the coast will take you there. The best thing about Haji Ali Dargah is that it is the tomb of Sufi saint of Persia – Sayyed Peer Haji Ali Shah Bukhari. So you’ll experience Sufi songs there. Furthermore, Haji Ali is accessible for everyone, irrespective of any religion or caste and creed.

Most noteworthy is that Haji Ali was built in 1431 under the influence of a story. The story revolves around saint and crying woman who had dropped oil from her pot. She was afraid of her husband of been tortured with such an act. But saint helped the woman and pushed the earth with his thumb and oil gushed out. Consequently, he started having bad dreams and that’s why to repentance his act he moved to India through Mumbai. He spread Islam by his preaching and at the end, Haji Ali Dargah was formed.

Photo credit: Haji Ali Dargah Mumbai

Such more temples are there that sticks Mumbai to spirituality, culture and tradition.

Mumbai street food

Mumbai is boost up with lot of delicious Mumbaiah cuisines and mouth-watering street food. After all, the lifeline of Mumbai is in its street food. Every Mumbaikar whether billionaire or poor, everybody relies on street food. Therefore, I’m going to present some famous street food in front of you that I liked most.

Vada Pav: Poor’s man burger

It is quite easy to find a Vada Pav stall in Mumbai. Probably, every corner, every street of Mumbai has one. Just pay Rs. 10- Rs. 20 for a vada pav served with sweet and spicy Chutney. The main ingredient is “Pav” is bread bun and “Vada” – mashed fried potato. The main spot to enjoy these Vada Pav is near CST, Malad or at Juhu beach.

Eating Vada Pav local street food near CST

Pav Bhaji

Afterall being the inventions of Mumbai’s street food stalls, it is one of the best snack to fill your stomach. Pav remains the same as that of Vada Pav but bhaji gravy of evergreen vegetable mixture. It is the delicious food, I’ve ever tasted.

Mumbai street food
Enjoying Pav Bhaji (left) with Vada Pav (right below) and Bhel Puri (right above)

Pani Puri

Pani Puri is known with lots of name all over the India, such as goll gappa, batashe etc.. As the matter of fact, Pani puri is the most crispy delicious soft dish. A round, hollow crispy puri filled with potatoes, tarmind chutney etc.. One of the most blissful dish I’d tasted.

Photo credit: Pani Puri/Gol gappa or Puchkka

Sev Puri/papdi

This sev puri is originated from streets of Bombay. The fun part is it’s Bombaiah style. The tangy chutney and sev namkeen on the crunchy paapdi offers a spicy taste. In fact, the smashed potato, onion, tomato and tasty chaat masala ingredient makes it more delicious. Shopkeeper sells it at relatively cheaper rate Rs. 30/plate (6 no. of pieces). In my opinion Juhu and Chowpatty serves this sev papdi the best.

Close-up view of delicious Sev Papdi Chaat – local dish

This story was originally published on http://roadaviator.com/

Yatripandit’s Best Travel Photos 2016

We picked our favourite travel photos published in 2016 on yatripandit Facebook Page

See majestic … Best of 2016.

Title : Divine Uttarakhand

Category : Nature and Travel

Photos by Siddharth Singh Bist‎

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When nights are far more glorious than the days. Nag Tibba Base Camp

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#The_origin_of_Mother_Ganges . Gomukh, the terminus or snout of the Gangotri Glacier, from where Bhagirathi River originates, is one of the primary sources of the Ganges River. The place is situated at a height of 13,200 ft in Uttarkashi district in the state of Uttarakhand

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#EnrouteMunshyari Its name refers to a ‘place with snow’. Situated on the banks of Goriganga river, mountaineers, glacier enthusiasts, high altitude trekkers and nature lovers commonly use it as their hub or base camp. It is inhabited mainly by the Shauka tribe.

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The Great Tibetian Mastif with its tamers

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#The_divine_Tungnath_temple shrouded by the careless Monsoon clouds, —.Located at an altitude of 3,680 m (12,073 ft), and just below the peak of Chandrashila, Tungnath temple is the highest Hindu shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva in the world. The temple is believed to be 1000 years old and is the third (Tritiya Kedar) in the pecking order of the Panch Kedars.So gear up you Shiva followers this is one thing you cant miss.

Title : Magnificent Manali

Category : Travel

Photo by Devendra Sharma

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Somewhere on the way to Kheerganga
#nature #yatripandit #competeforthebest

Title : Dreamland Himachal

Category : People and Travel

Photos by Sudipty Sinha

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Salute to ” Motherhood” .. Mother is always high on her spirits whether it be any level of altitude ..High or Low #bestphotograph2016contestYatripandit
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Chandrataal Lake Spiti, Himachal Pradesh, India..Less of lake and More of a Dreamland where you can see the crescent shaped dream changing its color with change in Pahar(traditional unit of time). #bestphotograph2016contest

PS: Please click on the ads which appear on the website and help us earn some money to travel.     This blog is still very young and growing. If you like the story, do not shy away from reciprocating your love in form of likes comments and sharing on social media. 

Guest Post || Banker, Avenger and a Roadtrip to Alibaug by Saket Saurabh

There is a guy in every friend circle who watches TVF Tripling gets super excited like excitement level out of this planet and finally after bringing all the friends together giving n number senti reasons plans a ROADTRIP… Guess what I am that guy. So after a long tiring weekend, working in a bank this was our most awaited trip, the only fear was please Modi ji Friday night ye na bolna mere “praare desh vasiyon….”

 

So the bags were packed, it was officially a holiday and there we were, 4 bankers taking a break from our daily routine of handling long queues, counting old notes exchanging old notes, explaining that there are no notes left in the bank, sleeping late nights to going on a road trip to Alibaug and the best part it was a bike ride. My new Avenger 220 Cruise was shining bright alongside with my old Splendor NXG, yes you read it right Splendor NXG.

Two bikes 220cc and 100cc four crazy bankers an awesome plan and a wonderful destination. Saturday morning it was almost 9’0 clock 2 hours behind schedule that we started our trip, the first stop was decided as MANDWA. The sun was shining we were on our bikes cruising singing ye dosti hum nahi todenge and riding towards our destination. The roads were almost empty with one two cars and I couldn’t help stopping my urge to feel the road…80..90..100..110 clocked the speedometer indeed the name given to AVENGER suits it well FEEL LIKE GOD, I was about to touch 120

when my pillion shouted Bro you do remember our other friends are in Splendor. It was at that moment I laughed as hard as I can and stopped my bike in the shadow of the tree waiting for Splendor friends to join us. It was a straight road one could see the horizon. Far away very far away we saw a tiny dot moving and approaching towards us slowly steadily the dot was moving towards us, we could feel the sun the refraction on the road made us believe that there was water or petrol spilled over evaporating and there the dot became clear it was a bike was moving towards us five minutes later we finally recognized it’s none other than our guys. They stopped in the shade and said bhai 100 cc hai dheere chala :P.

We had our first official pits stop around 80 km from Mumbai to a restraint called On the way to Mandwa you will find Hotel Siddhant Palace

a decent restaurant we had our breakfast there. It’s a decent place with washroom available one can have a variety of items from MissalPav to Poha to EGG Bhurji to cold drinks. After a short break we resumed our journey to Mandwa. Mandwa is almost 110 Km from Powai and it took us full three hours to reach there. Mandwa has a few water sports and ferry service to go to CST. We didn’t find Mandwa that interesting although we found an adjoining beach approximately 2Km from Mandwa where we could take our bike and drive on the beach that was some fun to do.  We took our bike to the shore touching the water along the beach, driving as if we were horse riding it was an amazing feeling watching the vast sea and moving towards it in full speed till the tyres touch the water and then ride your bike on the shores. Well we did get an opportunity to do the same at Varsoli Beach so my advice do not waste time going to Mandwa, straightaway head towards Alibaug.

Next stop Alibaug, the excitement was in our eyes we could hear the waves as we were parking our bikes at that moment luggage, room, tiredness nothing mattered all that mattered was beach sand and the fun which we were planning with all this excitement we ran towards the sea from parking with our bag packs on only to stop at the commencement of the beach and shout WTF!!! All we could see were horses on the beach, few people around, horse shit which was smelling and dirt bikes. Now, if you are the planner for a trip and you get to see this, your friends might kill you!!! It was like a pothole in Mumbai with heavy rains, though Alibaug beach had one good point I shall get back to that later. Next thing we enquired for rooms and it seemed Alibaug was too costly with prices touching the sky but facilities zero. So we enquired with the locals we came to know a few beaches around Alibaug one beach called Kashid beach, which was quite far and then we heard about Varsoli beach which was merely 3km away. So once again with hopes in our eyes excitement level down to 50% we moved towards Varsoli. Well I got to thank google maps because for the second time we took a wrong turn and instead of going to the beach we were again there on the shore with our bikes riding along with the sea that was some fun similar to Mandwa. The locals around said beach is just a few meters away so with hopes again this time excitement level full we moved towards the beach, riding our bikes on the shore. Riding a two wheeler on the sand can be pretty dangerous as the wheels skit. We moved along we saw some crows at some distance. Finally, we arrived now surprisingly this is a beach where one must visit, there was decent crowd we could see water sports going on. Now we needed a room it was afternoon and we had to drop our luggage and take a dip in the Arabian Sea. There are a few cottages available adjacent to the beach itself and depending on your negotiating skills one can negotiate the rate. We got one room with attached washroom for 24 hours at 2000 rupees a fair deal (started from 5000) Do not expect any lavish room experience, there were 4 of us and the room had four beds combined with blankets and mosquito repellant available, we just needed a place to keep our luggage and got one. Dropping the luggage, we ran towards the sea screaming in fun till our feet touched the water and finally we took that dip in the water, now my road trip was successful. The beach has water sports but if you been to Goa then the rides won’t amuse you. We did banana ride for Rs150 per person, this was fun I remember my first time with my college friends Abhimanyu, Shashank, Manish, Mahesh and Akhil. Manish while climbing back on the banana boat dropped us twice in the water and Mahesh was shit scared, that was some fun in Goa coming back I did the same and the crew was also friendly they saw our enthusiasm and joined us that banana boat ride lasted almost half an hour with us climbing and falling just enjoying.

Water scooter ride is for Rs200; we did that it’s a short ride of 5 minutes or so. Para sailing was not available because of their parachute problem. Now remember after the rides, do not submit your life jacket wear them we gave the person extra 100 bucks for 4 life jackets and sea was what we were waiting for.  We just lay afloat and let the waves took us deep inside the water it feels amazing no words can describe how I felt at that moment, leaving away all the worries in your life you just float and let go. Everyone wants a vacation but if you are a banker specially in this demonetarization time you will understand the calmness, the silence with no customer yelling at you, no queue to attend just the sea and you floating. With the help of life jacket we went far away in the water and it was fun (Do obey the coast guard or the local’s instruction and don’t go beyond the marked point, like they say maza saza nai banni chaiye) Oh I almost forgot do carry a football or volleyball it is fun to play in water. After almost 4 to 5 hours in water playing just sitting there peacefully we knew it was time to head home, it was almost sunset the sky looked beautiful, the horizon where the sky meets earth no pic can describe the happYness we felt at that moment. So it was time to leave the sea reluctantly we said adieu and moved on. At our cottage we took bath and moved to eat something. For food one has to go to Alibaug and do keep in mind the restaurant opens after 7, it was 6:30 pm that we reached to have food but got disappointed to add fuel to fire it was a dry day and all the booze shops were closed. (If you like boozing, please carry it with you as you won’t get scotch just Blenders Pride and Signature, this fact is after enquiring). So we went to this fancy place to have dinner (sorry I forgot the name but it’s a bar and restaurant and a good looking one). Must try for non-vegetarians Chicken Lapeta and solecurry also try kulche with lots of butter. After dinner we saw the city, it’s a small town and of course if you have lived in Mumbai no city is good enough we found a famous Alibaug market where one can get good stuffs for decorating or purses, gift items basically a small fair if you are in shopping mood do visit. Moving on we came to know it’s a dry day but do not worry my friend Varsoli beach has it all.

A few meters from our cottage towards the beach there is a beer shop and Eureka (Fun fact the shop keeper will tell you that the shop opens till 10:30 PM do not listen to him, SOB closed the shop before 10 and we ran out of booze, get adequate stock). That night was wonderful we made a bon fire sung songs with strangers, danced boozed and slept. Next morning we had our breakfast in the cottage itself, Missalpav and egg bhurji , these two items were delicious, although there are varieties of food available. As we had to head back we didn’t take a dip in the sea just went to the beach and saw the crowd, it had doubled since yesterday. We had seen a fort at Alibaug beach called Kolaba Fort and all of a sudden we decided to go there. It was around 11am and the scene was different than yesterday, there was water at the beach and also water sports had started at Alibaug beach, we just stood there and laughed. Kolaba fort can be visited by walking on the water, the water is not too deep but what’s the fun in it, there are boat services to take you there which costs Rs70 per person one way. It’s Portuguese fort, again one will be reminded of GOA, similar to it, it had rusty canons rocks in short do visit it now the fun part was ours was a one-way ticket and the boats had stopped because the water level had gone back now we sat on the tanga and moved towards the beach, the horses ran on the water at one point you will find yourself surrounded with water in all the directions and tanga wala saying chal Dhanno.

 

It was an amazing trip which came to an end with us reaching Mumbai by the night. My advice is to have fun remember “Life is like an Ice cream, enjoy it before it melts”.

Total Distance from Powai to Alibaug and back – 314Km

Signing Off this is Saket (lifehappened1703) for Yatripandit.

About the author

A engineer turned banker who feels like God when rides his avenger. He writes about his life experiences on lifehappened1703.blogspot.in

 

PS: Please click on the ads which appear on the website and help us earn some money to travel.     This blog is still very young and growing. If you like the story, do not shy away from reciprocating your love in form of likes comments and sharing on social media.