Warangal- Weekend gateway to kakatiya’s dynasty

Spending an extended weekend sitting idle at home is never a good idea. So, as always I planned a roadtrip to nearby place called Warangal, approximately 150 km away from Hyderabad with my husband. Warangal is referred as the cultural capital of Telangana state. It was the capital city during the flourishing days of mighty Kakatiya dynasty.

We started our journey from Hyderabad around 8 am just to stop for breakfast at one of our favorite places called Udipi Uphar. After that we started our journey towards the city of Warangal. Reached the destination around 1:00pm in the afternoon and checked in our hotel immediately.

How to reach Warangal:

Nearest airport to Warangal is Hyderabad which is approx. 150 Kms

Public Buses- There is direct connectivity from Hyderabad. Buses leave very frequently and take around 6-7 hours to reach Warangal

Train- Warangal is well connected by train routes to major railway corridors in India.

Roadtrip- This is my favorite. The roads are in good condition and one can easily reach within 5 hours.

Accommodation:

1. Haritha kakatiya, Warangal- This hotel is managed by government of Telangana and offers good accommodation, restaurant and a health club

2. Hotel Suprabha- This lovely mid range hotel lets you stay with complimentary breakfast option. This is located in Hannamkonda in Warangal

Places to visit:

Warangal fort– This places is in ruins form but maintained well by Archaeological survey of India (ASI). Fort was commissioned by king Ganpathi Deva. It has beautifully carved arches and pillars that surprised us. Also, has four main ornamental gates to welcome. One can find a Shiva temple with statue of Nandi and many more idols of Hindu Gods like lord Ganesh, Vishnu, Shiva. The extensive rock carvings on the pillars and arches will leave you mesmerized.

Kush Mahal – This architectural masterpiece built by Shitabh khan is located very close to the Warangal fort and is of great historic and architectural importance.

Ramappa Temple – This temple is around 60 km away from Warangal city. It is also called as Rudreshwara temple as this temple is dedicated to lord Shiva. Temple is a legendary example of kakatiya art. The temple was constructed during the reign of kakatiya ruler Ganpati deva. Here we hired a guide, who explained the history and other details of the carved pillars of temple. There are three entrances to the temple the main entrance to the temple faces the east where a Nandi mandapa placed. The interesting part is that, across India you will find Nandi sitting in relaxed position in all Shiva temples but here the Nandi is sitting in an alert position waiting to execute the command of lord Shiva.

Thousand pillars temple– It is located in Hanamkonda also called as Tirkutalayam signifying three gods as lord Shiva, Vishnu and Surya. The six feet high monolithic Nandi is a sight to watch. The temple was built by king Rudra-1 of the Kakatiya dynasty. Temple is situated on a platform raised above ground level and consists of a central hall with three shrines in different directions.

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Nandi at Thousand Pillar Temple

Shri Bhadrakali temple– Close to thousand pillar temple is Bhadrakali temple which has an idol of goddess kali in a sitting posture. The nearby lake called as bhadrakali lake which gives a magnificent view of the place surrounded with lush green hills. It imparts the temple and its serene surrounding a mystical air.

Nearby places:

Pakkhal lake– This huge manmade lake is enveloped by forested hills around few miles away from main city. The Pakkhal wildlife sanctuary can also be visited to unwind in the wilderness.

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Pakkal Lake

Laknavaram lake– Approximately 50 km away from Warangal, Laknavaram lake is located. Built by the Kakatiya rulers, this massive lake is of a bowl like structure having 13 small islands which are scattered amidst the jungle. This makes it a serene and perfect bird watching spot. Also, has a one of a kind suspension bridge connecting three islands managed and maintained by Telangana tourism department.

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Laknavaram Lake

Few quick Tips:

1. Plan your trip during winters (October to January) as in summer it’s too hot and you will not enjoy your trip to the fullest.

2. Carry sufficient cash as ATMs are rare in the villages around Warangal.

3. If you are going by train or bus please book your cabs for city travel and sightseeing in advance for a hassle free trip.

 

Story by -Shikha@yatripandit

Pictures by – Utkarsh Tiwari

Story appreciated and shared by Telangana Tourism Facebook page. 🙂

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. 

 

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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/

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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/

Camping by the lake side @ Pawana Lake INR 1300/-

You will agree that we all are fascinated when we see a traveler carry a tent in his/her back pack and always wish to do something of similar sort. Isn’t it?

Find a calm and clean place besides a water body, pitch our tent, cook some food, talk to ourselves, sing to the acoustic guitar and sleep peacefully under the sky full of stars.

But the next moment this wonderful dream breaks and we realize that we are corporate dogs who do not have the liberty to do all this. Leave this dream apart; we do not even own a bloody tent!! I know how bad it feels, but don’t you worry  at all, Yatripandit has found out a fabulous midway. Read on!!

Do not own a tent but still be able to camp out in the nature’s lap!! Sounds fun right!!

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The crazy corporate employees in Pune / Mumbai surely have heard of Pawana lake. This amazing place is about a 70 KMs drive from Pune, off Pune-Mumbai old highway in Lonawala. You may follow google maps.

It’s better to reach the venue around 5pm so that you do not miss the beautiful sunset and the snacks served with tea by the property owner and organizer of Pawana camping, Mr. Vijay.

We suggest carrying booze and snacks along with you because there are no liquor shops nearby.

As the sun sets, you also may settle down, relax and unwind yourself in the natures lap.

Package details are listed below:-

  • Cost – Rs. 1300/- Per person
  • Evening snacks, dinner(veg and Non-veg – Must be informed beforehand), and next morning breakfast
  • Includes – Double/triple occupancy tents – Will be pitched by the us
  • Blankets, pillows and mattress inside the tents, to enjoy a cozy night
  • A table to dine and chairs
  • If you are a group of more than 20, you may also indulge in water-sports, but we suggest to ignore this and just enjoy peaceful camping experience
  • BONFIRE – Separate bonfire for every group shall be lit around 10 pm and will last for approx. 2 hrs
  • Neat and clean western/ Indian toilets
  • Barbecue can also be arranged on prior information on Per KG Rates i.e. Mix Veg Rs. 600/-, Paneer Rs. 800/- and Chicken Rs. 700/-

You may also carry Bluetooth speaker but do not blow it too loud to disturb the mountains and serene water in the lake.

Yatripandit is happy to help you plan this one of a kind camping experience.

You may call/whatsapp us on 9975712713 or fill the below form

This can be planned on any day of the week. Discounts on large groups on weekdays.:)

As Coldplay says, “Cause you’re a sky, ’cause you’re a sky full of stars, I wanna die in your arms”

By : Abhimanyu @yatripandit

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. 

Bow Down to the King – Bandhavgarh

Last January, we were in Jabalpur – The city of Marble Rocks, for a relatives wedding. En-cashing this opportunity and deciding to go on a short vacation and enjoy great family time explore the woods. Katni is a small town having superb railway connectivity. As always, We opted for roadtrip, taxis are easily available from Jabalpur to Katni. Its about a 3 hours drive on a not so good road. After reaching Katni and taking refreshments we borrowed a car from a family friend and hit the road again to touch our final destination – Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve. We are a happy family of four and luckily all travel enthusiasts. The distance between Katni and Reserve is about 50kms but you have to drive through kachha road from Teori to Bandhavgarh. This stretch is about 25 kms and runs through the jungle. As per the locals, the road is not well maintained to avoid over speeding of the vehicles which might harm wild animals.

Where to stay: After this bumpy ride, it was a delight to reach our pre booked resort – The Bandhav Vilas (www.bandhavvilas.com). It is a beautiful resort just at the brim of the jungle. We were welcomed with a fresh lime juice and a warm towel (to wipe of the fatigue). Mr Vijay Parwar, our resort manager was extremely friendly and had a lot of Jungle tales to narrate. They serve amazing veg and non veg food freshly cooked using organic vegetables procured from the near by villages. The resort too has a small farm. Its endorses a small library which is full of various books on flora and fauna. The resort has a swimming pool and spa to relax and de-stress. We also experienced digital detoxification as there was not much mobile network coverage.

Jungle Safari: After a calm night and sound sleep, we geared up for the early morning safari. the resort served tea and snacks even before the dawn @ 4.30 am. The 4X4 wheel drive Maruti Gypsy with a driver and a guide was waiting outside the resort. The temperature was 4 degree Celsius and the surrounding had a blanket of fog. We were all set to witness the “King of the Jungle”. As we started off with our journey we could see the varied flora and fauna. Got to see many peacocks, bison, monkeys, enormous colourful birds and countless dears. But you have to be fateful to witness the King. We wandered across the park in search of the tiger but our dormant fate took a steep turn on our way back to the entrance of the reserve. Oh my God, Screamed my brother – there he is – the giant cat – so elegant as if he wanted to say, ” Keep calm and bow down to the king” We held our nerves when he crossed the pathway to get lost in the wild. It was the scariest yet the most elegant moment of our lives. We reached back to the resort after the dusk. The sky turned orange to impart us a perfect evening before the infinite stars took charge.

Before the sleep: After enjoying the delicious finger licking dinner we decided to sit around the fire place and beat the chills. Trust me we had one of the best conversations that night, sipping coffee and popping popcorn, before we dozed off sinking between the soft mattress and warm blankets.

-Abhimanyu

Note : Story appreciated by Madhya Pradesh Tourism on Twitter

twitter @yatripandit

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. 

 

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. 

The Road Trip Playlist by Yatripandit

Music can truly be your best travel companion! Whether you are a solo traveler, or traveling with a group of friends, it’s easy to just plug in your earphones & escape to a world of your own, music makes it all worthwhile!

As we are approaching the end of 2016 many of us prefer to welcome the New Year at somewhere but home, be it mystic mountains or a serene beach. In the week of maximum road trips, Yatripandit brings you the KICKASS TRAVEL PLAYLIST EVER! Tune-in! We have selected hindi tracks because jo baat hindi mein hai who kahin aur nahin.

The best remedy for your rampant Wanderlust will always be an impulsive road trip. After all, the best trips of your life are the ones you didn’t plan! And what better than a list of handpicked Bollywood numbers to accompany you! Soft melodies that take you down the memory lane & peppy numbers that make you sing your heart out.

Here you go…

  1. Dil Chahta hai (title)

2. Ilahi (Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani)

3. Patakha Guddi (Highway)

4. Tanha Dil (Shaan)

5. Phir Se Ud Chala (Rockstar)

6. Khwabon Ke Parindey (Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara)

7. Dekha Hai Aise Bhi – Lucky Ali

8. Khalbali (Rang de Basanti)

9. Maahi Ve (Highway)

10. Safarnama (Tamasha)

11. Journey Song (Piku)

12. Yeh dil deewana (Pardes)

13. Manzar naya (Rockon-2)

14.Yeh hasin waadiyan, yeh khula aasman (Roja)

15. Bulleya (ADHM)

16. Neele neele ambar par (Kalaakaar)

17. Aazadiyaan (udaan)

18. Har fikr ko dhuyein mein udata chala gaya

19. Yun hi chala, chal rahi (Swadesh)

20. Atrangi Yariaan (Wazir)

 

And Lastly Our Fav anthem and the bonus track –

21. Jo bhi pyar se mila, hum usi ke ho liye

 

—-     By Gunjan yatripandit

 Let us know your fav travel songs in comments below 🙂

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

 

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Chai Sutra#1 @ Chai Point

Place- Chai point

Location- Inorbit mall, Hyderabad

Tea breaks have been our companions during all our road trips. These are the breaks when you stretch your self, calm down and plan to execute the next stretch of the roadtrip. 🙂

A winter morning without a hot kadak chai (tea) is not a happy morning , all chai lovers can easily connect with the feelings. In India Chai is relevent for so many situations like 

sar dard ho raha hai?(you have a headache)

 Mehmaan aa rahe hain ?(Guests coming over)

 Thakkan ho rahi hai ??(Feeling tired) and so on….

so after a long hours of movie and shopping in mall we decided to have some tea or coffee and being a chai lover we went to this place called chai point, ordered a masala tea and a ginger tea and it turn out to be satisfying and refreshing.

Total bill INR 250 approx. for two

To get some more delight we also ordered a chocolate muffin.

As they say, “tea doesn’t ask silly questions, it understands.”

Read our story on Chinese green tea and Nanjing story Falling in Love with Chinese Tea – Nanjing, China

 

10 reasons which make Arambol the best Goan beach

We all have been to Goa or wish for the same. This smallest sate in India is famous for beaches, Portuguese foot prints, Konkani sea food, cashew fenny and foreign tourists. It is infamous for drugs, rave and Russian mafia. Goa has always attracted me and I make sure to explore it at least once a year.

Every time I visit, Goa has something new to offer. This year in January’16, I decided to stay at Arambol beach and I am truly impressed by what this beach has to offer. Grab a beer and please read on!!

  1. Arambol beach is the last beach in North Goa which is serene, clean and has a pretty long spread. Sunset here is to die for. SAMSUNG
  2. The water front is not very steep as it is in Candolim or Baga. You can enjoy safe swimming.
  3. DRUM CIRCLE – There is a sunset drum circle mostly dominated by foreigners who play Jimba. The music is to die for and you can’t stop tapping your feet to the tunes you are high.image-credit-lovetemplegoa-in
  4. Beach side flea market every evening – You can buy stuffs from musical instruments to bong, from show pieces to jewelry. The sellers are mostly foreigners.

beach-market

5. The Beach huts – The stay at Arambol is still cheap as compared to other beaches in Goa. You can get a hut on the beach for Rs 600 to Rs 1000 and believe me sea water is just a stone’s throw away from the huts.img_2714_arambol_beach_hut_medium-copy

6. Friendly Shack owner and staff – It’s a world known fact that Pahadis are very friendly and 90 per cent of the shacks in Arambol are owned and managed by Himachali and Uttarakhandi guys.img-20161213-wa0006

7. Road side Market – The market along both sides of the approach road is full of shops which sell budget stuffs including leather merchandise specially.

8. Fireworks / fire-shows – There are fireworks organized by shacks every night. You can also enjoy Jimba music; sitting around the bonfire having supper and drinks.

fire-show-copy

9. Less crowded – The beach is relatively less crowded which allows you to enjoy a peaceful holiday. There are no water sports organizing guys who bog you down to take the best deal.

10. SCORING HERE IS EASY – U know what I mean 😉

A pitcher full of love –

Abhimanyu @yatripandit

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NH-7 Weekender – I was there and Shall Always be !!!

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Have you been to tomorrow land? I asked a group of college students and they negated unanimously and cited a reason of not having enough money. I approached a young crowd (earning handsome salaries – I guess) and asked have you attended Ultra music fest? The answer was NO and the reason this time was, “we do not have time.” For all those who think that there is no good music fest in India, here is India’s answer to the global music fests.

I completed my B-tech from Pune in 2011 and immediately migrated to Mumbai to start my professional innings.

I came to know about NH7 Weekender from my roommate and colleague and immediately decided to join him for this fest. The month was November and the place was my favorite, Pune. We were excited to see some known and many unknown bands performing live. Weekender is a 3 day fest which imparts you many unforgettable memories for life time.

The crowd here is undoubtedly the hottest and happiest. There are 4, 5 and sometimes even 6 stages on which artist perform scintillating music from 4pm to 10 pm 3days in a row.

The genre varies from Rock to classical, death metal to folk, house to techno trance and what not. You can select you favorite genre or even hop between the arena.

Bacardi booze counters and set up in every arena to maximize your fun when “you are there.” Do not spill them.

Mosh pit is a common sight to watch in Wolves den arena.

Weekender surely gives you a chance to forget the worldly affairs for 3 days, let loose and connect to your soul via music. And if you are a night crawler and still couldn’t get enough of it, many after parties that follow at various locations in Pune are a must.

Weekender does not discriminate between age, color, sect, caste, religion or nationality. You will spot kids, teens, parents, grandparents, foreigners and even pets having fun. The feeling of speakers and woofers thumping loud cannot be expressed in words. It’s something which remains with you forever.

Trust me nothing can beat meeting an old friend suddenly, lying on the grass and listening to Indian Ocean performing live on Dewarist stage, which is my fav.

This year will be my 6th Weekender in a row and I know this row will never end. All puneri roads will lead to NH7 weekender on 2nd to 4th Dec 2016

As they say, talk to strangers, make new friends.

I was there and shall always be.

As I say, music is my drug and weekender is the antidote.

–Love

Abhimanyu@yatripandit

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.