Junction 'T'

How to Travel From Pune to Hyderabad During Day Time or After Midnight: Rail and Road

2009-09-16T17:04:00.011+05:30

Generally we are very much comfortable travelling in the night or doing an overnight journey where we sleep the whole journey and as we wake up you reach your desitnation.But some times we need to do some emergency travelling to certain destination. Here I want to share my emergency travel tale from Pune to Hyderabad (a Day Journey)

Yes I need to reach hyderabad all the direct options are done for the day ie., the normal running trains like Mumbai exp, Konark exp and even the night train the Hussain sagar( 1:15 train) exp left . I could have cought this hussain sagar superfast but couldnot reach the station on time, I check the last bus to hyd the Volvo (Omer travels (Mumbai pune hyd 1.00 am bus) also left). Now i am left with only one option break journey....

Pune to Solapur.....

Solapur to Hyderabad.....

Almost every train towards South go to Solapur (Two trains that day one at 2 pm and another at 3.35 pm) a 4.5 to 5.0 hrs journey . I couldnot even reach them ... then i had to take a bus to Solapur. Actually there are many buses to Solapur (M.S.R.T.C for every 30 mi n) available from Sivajinagar or Swargate. I could get into a bus at 5 am and reached Solapur by 10.00 am. The good this is that I could get hold of a bus to Hyderabad .... it started immediately(there are continuous M.S.R.T.C buses to Hyderabad from Solapur ,every 30 mins or so). I could reach hyderabad by 5 pm in the evening.

I even came to know that there is a direct bus plying from pune to hyderabad (not sure about the exact time but around 7.30 am) in the morning.

Though the travel is little hectic the journey is comfortable and pleasant. The buses to Hyderabad are better than the pune Solapur buses. The road are comfortable and many times we get to see picturesque landscapes. What is more interesting is that there is a long fort wall that runs across the highway to hyderabad just after crossing Solapur. After some enquiry i came to know that it is Solapur Fort.So my next target if I visit solapur is surely this fort. and will surely post it in here.

sincerly by

An Enthusiastic Traveler

On a Journey to Matheran

2009-06-17T15:20:00.004+05:30

People like to be isolated …away from all the noisy ….busy cities. They want to spend some quality time in the world away from traffic……why am I telling all this because there is a place in Maharashtra where people always want to be…”Matheran” no pollution no traffic only joy filled place.

Matheran is situated on the Western Ghats 100 km from Mumbai and 120 km from Pune at an altitude of 5000ft.The most unique of its kind, a hill station which attracts all kinds of tourists, honeymooners, trekkers, adventurers, and photographers throughout the year. The most interesting part about this place is the restriction of all the vehicular moment at a place called Dasturi Naka the end point from where the main hill station starts. From this place you got to park your vehicle and walk into the Jungle by walk or on pull carts or on horse-back. There is a uniqueness added to this place in the form of a Toy train which is the only vehicle/locomotive/transport to the core of Matheran. One can find the journey exciting and breath-taking which takes you on the narrow gauge through the mountains. One should never miss the train journey which is a life time experience (any one side of the journey is recommended).

From the Naka the proper place is 3 to 4 km away,by walk anyone can reach in 30 minutes , if you want to experience a more exciting journey by walk…. one can go through the rail track .It gives you the feel of going through the forest and also a eyeful sight of beautiful landscapes and scenery. When you reach the city or the core of Matheran you will be amidst of many good hotels, restaurants, shops, gaming areas, pan shops, corn shops, Gola shops, small park, railway station etc., From the main place you can reach to different viewpoints.

Matheran is the place where people feel themselves as Westerners and like to dress up themselves in Cowboy’s attires. Buying a Cowboys hat and a ride on a horseback is a pleasurable past time for most of the tourists. The nature’s calmness, beauty and its serenity can be enjoyed to the fullest in the evening sitting on the tip of the mountain. There are a lot of virgin view points and spots for couples and singles who want to enjoy a lonely affair with the nature.

Matheran a secluded place from the noisy world is worth going once in a life time.

Regarding accommodation … there are ample hotels and lodges to stay. You can even find some good guesthouses and home stays. Just go there and you will be automatically directed by guides and lodge/hotel agents. One more feather in the cap information is that you can find one of the Heritage Hotels of India “ The Veranda of the Forest “ which is quiet expensive and luxurious.

Other important information

By road: Nearest is Neral or Karjat

By Air: Nearest airport is Mumbai or Pune

By Rail: Nearest rail head is Neral/Karjat (from there the Toy train starts)

Best time to reach: just after monsoon, in winter and before February

Ideal for: Couple, Adventurers, Students, day long picnics (I won’t prefer this as honeymoon
destination)

Travel tips: The Ghat road to Matheran is very steep, so kindly avoid night climbing.

An Enthusiastic Traveler (AET)

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Chokhi Dhani Village,Pune

2009-03-30T02:57:00.003+05:30

Today along with my family I went to Chokhi Dhani Village in Pune.It is very attractive and a must visit place for people in Pune. A different world away from the noise and polluted area of the city.A fresh fragrance of naturality with a complete touch towards Rajasthani culture provides you a calm feeling of your inner self.

A warm welcome with a Tilak for your face makes you feel that you are entering the true culture of India.Also the artistic Rajasthani paintings add a lot to the increasing feeling of Indian culture. Joining the traditional Rajasthani dance, tasting the welcome Jaljeera drink, having a rajasthani snack and enjoying the rajasthani drum beat makes you forget any tension and releases out your stress and brings you peace.

There are more than 10 to 15 things you can watch and do around there......like Eating(obvious) , pottery, getting taatoos,Camel ride, house cart ride, swings, gaming, photoshoots in different dresses, astrology, puppet shows, dance shows, singing, relaxing on village type cots made of wood and coconut coir etc.

You can even move away from the little crowd present to an isolated place and rest along with your partner or alone for a long time. Have photos with a turban (rajasthani style), enjoy the ultimate rajasthani cuise as your dinner.
While leaving you will surely go with a very satisfied and peaceful heart.

Timing: 5.30 to 10.30 pm

Fare: 300rs per head

Important notes: Kindly try to book a cab to and fro as it is 3km away from the main road(nagar road). There is no drop or pickup facility provided by the village people.For cab details contact Wing Radio cab,call center number:
A/C Waganor/Indica :16 rs/km

An Enthusiastic Traveler

into...in thru pune..

2009-02-16T14:32:00.005+05:30

this goes on to tell u tale of
PUNE........

THIS CITY IS ONE OF THE MOST FRINDLIEST CITIES IN INDIA.....
ya pune is a jewel in maharastras tourists cap
can assure many places around ...within 2-4 hrs of travel.

in pune we have
1- shaniwar wada...which enthrusts itself with history n leisure of PESHWA RULERS.
2- dagdusheth vinayakgar temple which hosts a biiig size vinayaka temple.. as though god himself poses ..deckked in gold..n fragrances of wide variety of flowers....GAURDING THE CITY MIDDLE TOPS...
3- lakshmi road....the d place for cheap/affordable shopping in pune...
4- agakhan palace...which has some trat hid in for gandhi followers.. including with its richly architectured garden art...
5- FC road has some of the most delightful shopping treats..hid in the one of smallest gully ...in town right after the chowk just bfore ferguessn college.

more to come as u go n see these places

Places worth making memories that last forever!!!: 1

2008-11-25T05:51:00.002+05:30

Everyone’s life main urge is to make every moment lively and memorable. We want to live the fullest at every point of life. I have some places in my life where i felt that i lived to the fullest in my life. These are my memories that last forever!!!

Eddakal Hermitage:
This was my first stop during my honeymoon. It is a resort situated in Waynad,Kerala.It is one of the most interesting resorts one can find around Kerala.It is uniquely situated near the famous Eddakal Caves and has unique residential facilities. It is having around 6 to 7 cottages which are build on rocks and named after the famous caves in the World. There is also a Tree Top Cottage in which we stayed for a night. The Tree Top house is simply superb and is only for the strong hearts because it vibrates for very move you perform in the tree house. Even if anyone climbs its steps it starts shaking and no worry it is strongly build and regularly checked.

The food you get is included in the Tariff which is about 3900/-INR and is also very delicious and romantically served. I said romantically because this resort has uniquely used a cave to provide a very memorable candle light dinner on one night and also a camp fire dinner if you are staying for the second day. We experienced only the candle light dinner which was simply awesome. The background light music adds on to the missing chores for a romantic dinner.
The wonderful rainfall which we experienced in the evening and the direct morning sunrise view from the bed gives you immense pleasure and are the things that are to be experienced and not just the things to put across.

So in your life time visit this picturesque resort and most recommendable one is the tree top house stay.

Hope you too make some great memories like I did!!!

Enjoy 

An Enthusiastic Traveler

Hill Station 2: Lonavala/Khandala/Karla

2008-09-16T14:59:00.010+05:30

Lucky Enough to Have a Neighbour!!!

As said in the earlier post, we went to Lonavala last sunday.I felt my last post is appropiate and correct in terms of money and incorrect in terms of options because I have not at all taken any of the options.There came a third option and goes as follows......
While we are spending our saturaday leisurely I got a request from our neighbours to decide a travel destination for them.I offered them the plan and they inturn invited us to Lonavala along with them in their car.Wow!! all together the travel became a picnic and we carried food stuff from our homes.
We Started lately around 10 am on Sunday morning.As we reached the Express Highway it started raining.The drive through the express highways is one of the most beautiful and everlasting experience.You can find distant silver like cascades falling from the every alternate mountain.The green paddy fields,the wide stretches of grass lands,the dark tunnel passages..... all of them add to your account of a happy Sunday holiday. As we moved further the intensity of the rain increased to a greater extent and we retarded to a very minor extent as our neighbour is an operational manager in General Motor(Chevrolet Spark car making industry,Sounds great right!).We finally reached Lonavala in less than an hour.From there we took the road towards Amby Valley,its a ghat road and offers a thrilling drive.The rain continued to follow us through out the Journey.Without much more writing I will breif out some interesting facts.

View points/Places to see : Amby Valley, Filmy view point,Bushi dham, Tata dam, Natural shivaling spot,Khandala and view of Express highway from there, Lohagad Fort a very simple trek and has wonderful scenic beauty.

Must do things when you reach Lonavala :Lonavala is a Centre for different kinds of chikki's.Dont forget to take the all variety chikki pack.
Having a cup of tea and a plate of hot Pakoda near those famous view point gives you an unknown pleasure and happiness .

Time to Visit :From the Month when monsoon just starts(July 1st week) till January.Please say no to summers as you will be very much disappointed.
Ways to Take :Express highway or old highway(NH-4).Actually we took the onwards journey through Express highway and the backward journey through old highway.Both the ways are equally scenic and worth giving a try.
Place to Stay :There are many hotels and resorts to stay in Lonavala and near Kandhala.I cannot name a few since i haven't stayed overnight during my three times travel to Lonavala.But I can suggest one thing that people prefer to stay at Karla which is near to Lonavala,since the hotel room prices are much lower than Lonavala and Kandhala.

Commercialization: More than Moderate.

Tips : Never go to Lonavala in Summers.
Its is not like a regular hillstation.
You can reach there by local or train and the site-seeng can be done on the local taxi's for an amount ranging from 400 to 700 rs depending on the vehicle.
An Enthusiastic Traveler

Not every Travel is costly

2008-09-04T15:18:00.008+05:30

the plan:
This weekend i want to enjoy by reaching a famous place like Lonavala and Kandhala with minimum amout of money out of my pockets.After this Unanimous decision I had to have a plan ready for me to make the travel cheaper.The first idea comes to my mind is travel through the pune-lonavla local and reach there. From there I can take a hired taxis to visit all those stupid view points around lonavla and Kandhala in turn this disturbs my peace and enjoyment.So it would be better if I a trek to my favourite spot or place or also to an unknown new place..I can get back to Pune in a local by evening. Wow! what an idea I am on it

Option 2
Travel up to lonavala on Bike, visit my favourite places and return back by evening. Sounds cool but I got to learn the route first.
Starting at my place Jagtap dairy-Wakad(towards express way)-road splits( into left express highway and right old highway)-take old highway(bikers),take new highway(cars and above) –lonavala.Now I have to check out the petrol charges between to and fro 130 km pune-lonavala travel and local train cost.

Let me check thorough which means i will travel

The rest of the post after travel.

An Enthusiastic Traveler

Hill station 1: Araku Valley 1

2008-08-14T15:50:00.024+05:30

Often termed as “poor man’s Ooty” and very moderately commercialized place in Andhra Pradesh. This is the only hill stations that can be termed as the best to escape the summer temperatures and to enjoy the winter bliss around the states of Andhra Pradesh and Orissa.

It is a wonderful valley which is at an altitude of 911mts (2992 ft).It carries the mother nature on its lap along with the green paddy fields, oil plantations and mountain waters providing a wonderful sight for its visitors and a great relaxation for the mind.Let me narrate to you the ways in which I reached this beautiful place over the past 10 years.

Reaching Araku

Road ways(my way of adventure)

The best way to enjoy any hill station is by riding on a bike along the curvy ghat roads through the chilled breeze. Riding on a bike along the ghat roads of Araku brings out the latent child in you. Nature can be enjoyed to its best.

The best way to reach Aruku valley is through Visakhapatnam route as it is well connected with transport (air, road and rail) or from Jagdalpur (Orissa side).If you own a bike that is an excellent option for travel or if you are new to the place there are places where you can rent a vehicle or a bike (more info will be provided).Renting a vehicle will be the best option as you can stop for a snap or for a view or for a nature call. You can travel even by public transport(apsrtc) or by A.P. tourism tour package(will be discussed later).

While going through road you can travel by two different routes one is through
• Pendurthi Chodavaram, Madugula, Paderu and Araku
• One through pendurthi, S.kota, Tyda, Borra, Anantagiri and Araku (the usual one).

Each route has its own beauty and charm. The best way is, climbing through the normal route and coming down through the other route(my journey was always been through these two routes so my first version will be this).

Araku via S.kota (climbing up)

The actual ghat road starts after 60 km of plain road (approx 10 km after s.kota).The total ghat road is 42 km length with 9 steep curved hairpin bands. As you start climbing the ghat you can feel the calmness of the nature, cool climate and the earthly fragrances of the mountains. Most of time you hear your vehicles engine sound only. If you stop your vehicle besides a water streams, you can really experience the clarity of sound made by the running water with its rocky partners Its the digital studio provided by mother nature oh! Sorry not comparable!
.You can have the taste of purity in natural waters.
As you move up, you can find small villages where you can stop for a refreshing tea and can even have the taste of local food like mini dosa’s,idlis* etc.(*subject to availability).Trust me the food tastes really good.

Tyda hill resort

Tyda can be said as the first main stop in the Ghat road after you pass from S.kota .Tyda is famous for its railway station as it is situated at a higher altitude and also for its nature resort-"The Jungle bells". There is a lot to tell about this place. The place does not carry a telephone line ,hence no land line. The only mobile network present is BSNL and the resort manager carries it. The resort consists of different kinds of accommodation options like
1.New Bridge Cottage(A/c)
2.New Wooden Cottages A/c
3.Aerocon Cottages
4.Wooden Loghuts
5.Igloo Type Cottages A/c
6.Loghuts
, 7.The tent house etc. It also has a decent restaurant. A days stay in this place is really worth it. The booking can be done at the APTDC office.

Borra caves:

The Borra caves which are 29 km away from Aruku valley takes the place as a major tourist attraction.The place is worth visiting and has historical significance. The Gostani river runs beside the caves and can be reached with a little amount of trekking from the side ways(local people can direct the way).People are generally warned of the whirlpools that are formed in the river and also of wild honey bees and animals near the cave where the river come out. For more you can find out at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Borra_caves .

Anantagiri

Several waterfalls, adorn the hillocks along the ghat road as you continue your journey through the mountains. You even find the coniferns along the roadways.I always experience the chilling effect while passing through these coniferns.The next beautiful stop in the journey is 'Anantagiri village'.

Anantagiri is famous for its coffee plantations, Watrerfalls and the climate it offersA.nantagiri waterfalls are situated about 2 to 3 km from the beautiful Punnami resorts (aptdc).Local people can easily guide you through the way. The road to this particular falls is mostly damaged, steep, rocky and sometimes hard to travel on your vehicle till the end. (Any way if you take your vehicle you got to stop at one point, from where you have to walk till the falls).The falls is a beautiful site and a place for a refreshing bath . You can enjoy the freshness and the chillness of the mountain water.The fall has many slippery rocks and a little care will help you a lot. Around the falls you can observe a beautiful scenery with the clouds and the fog covering the Eastern Ghats(subject to availability). The falls are surrounded by step farming and lot of trees(jack-fruit mainly). You can have the taste jack fruit if you are a good tree climber.

After your trek from the Anantagiri water falls you may have a night stay which is really worth staying.Actually Anantagiri is not only famous for coffee plantations and waterfalls but also for its low temperatures and cool climate through out the year.It is often much colder than Aruku valley as it is at a higher altitude.So enjoy the climate with a memorable night stay in this small village where A. P. Tourism has developed a beautiful wayside restaurant cum hotel to cater the needs of the tourist.

Araku valley

After passing through Anantagiri, Sunkarametta and Ghalikonda view point you will pass through Simliguda railway station where you can find the famous film shooting spot. From there the Ghat road mostly ends and you are left with about 8 km to reach the beautiful Araku valley.The rest of the road is a plain road which runs besides the rail track and also sometimes from below the rail bridge.The mountain view on this road is really awesome and worth taking a snap.The paddy fields and the oil plantations (yellow flowered plants) can be observed through the way .As you enter Araku valley you find the petrol bunk(which is the only one after S.kota), a police station, the government school and APTDC punnami resort. Then you find the core Araku where you find restaurants, shops, banks etc. Near the bus stand you find the famous 'Tribal museum' which is worth watching and next to the museum you find the famous Mythri guest house which provide accommodation at reasonable price.This is the place where I stayed for the first visit to Araku.

As you move further on the main road you will find a cinema theatre and good food providing restaurant ,there the road divides into two.The right, taking you to the famous padmavati gardens and the left, to Araku railway station, Chaprai , Paderu etc.

Padmapuram Botanical Gardens:

This garden is famous for its flowers, tree and plants and also for its tree top guest houses.The arch like entrance to these gardens really make a good impression on the tourists.Actually the tree top houses can be hired for a night stay but i am not aware of the procedure and ways for booking.The gardens are closed around 6 pm in the evening.After reaching again on to the main road you can easily find out hotel Rajadhani which has good restaurant and lodging facility.Besides this hotel there is a much cheaper lodge with apt lodging facilities mainly suitable for backpackers, student groups etc.

Road to Chaprai

Chaprai is another famous tourist spot which is around 15 km from the valley.As far as my knowledge is concerned Chaprai means smooth stone in telugu.Near this place the water flows over rock which are smooth and slippery.Making yourself wet by slipping into the waters, while climbing up the stream is real fun and a favourite time pass for all.Sitting on the rocks ashore and enjoying a snack or a puff or a drink while dipping your feet in the chilled waters gives you immense pleasure and a happy feeling.Another fun sport can be going on for a trek on the opposite side of Chaprai.

Climbing Down the Valley
From Chaprai if you continue your foward journey you can reach 'Paderu' which is at a distance of 35 km from Chaprai and 50 km from Araku valley.If you plan ahead it is possible to climb down directly after having fun at Chaprai.

On the way to Paderu you encounter step farming and normal farming along the roadside.IF you travel during a harvest season, then you are lucky to hear the sweet rythmic songs sung by the women working in the fields.It is a fact that these songs have no textual compilation and they are only an oral outcome to escape their tiresome work in the fields.The water that flows to the paddy fields makes a pleasant sound which tickles you ears.The road to Paderu is plain and no ghat road found.

Paderu village is a Mandal and much more developed than Araku valley.There are 2 film theaters,some good lodges, banks, shops, tiffin centers.The water is served hot in all the restaruants in order to prevent the prevaling disease.Paderu is famous for its Modhaka-mamba festival which is held during Dushera season(i have doubt regarding the time ...let me check).As you travel down from Paderu you will reach the Ghat road.This road is much more denser and less busy than the uphill road.The Ghat road runs for 20 km and after that you reach the way to Madugula.Madugula is famous for its Madugula halwa which is made in Ghee.It is really tastes good and worth tasting once in life.
From Madugula you can reach Vishakapatnam through Chodavaram(famous for Ganesh temple and my dad worked in choodvaram SBI as bank manager for 4 year and got transfered in july 2008)-Subbavaram-Pendurthi-Gopalpatnam route.

So in this way you can say bye-bye to your memorable excursion to Araku through road ways.Now we will see the Road cum rail ways travel to Araku.

An Enthusiastic Traveler

My View on Hill station

2008-08-12T14:44:00.033+05:30

Before I start off with aruku valley post....I will share my views on Hill stations

Cool places(or Hill stations, term which is widely used in Asia often India):

There are ample hill stations and many high altitude cities/towns in India.We can divide them as north,south,west,east and central.In generalthe central, western and southern hiilstations are of one kind(group 1) and the eastern and the northern are of one kind(group 2).

The group 1 hill stations are pleasant all over the year and coldest regions during the winters and the monsoons.

The group 2 hill stations are the coldest and they maintain low temperatures throughout the year.They often go beyond zero degrees and even snowfall during winters.This difference between the two groups is because of the fact that the group 2 hill stations are of the Himalayan range and group 1 are of the eastern ghats,western ghats and Niligiris.

According to my travel experience I have divided the Hill stations based on their commercialization like

1.Highly commercialized

2.Moderately commercialized

3.Less commercialization

This division is based on the mindset of different travellers.I love to go to a moderately commercialized or less commercialized one.With this I kick start my first post on hill station which is my all-time favourite which I have been to since my childhood for about 10 times.

An Enthusiastic Traveler

Starting with a Travel tale to Araku

2008-08-12T09:16:00.011+05:30

I will be starting off my blog after much of confusions with a travel tale to Araku.One of my favaourite hill station.As I have travelled to this place many time I will be writing the ways in which one can enjoy this hill station. In this way I will be fulfilling the ways in which I have enjoyed this beautiful place.

An Enthusiastic Traveler

How can it be ?

2008-05-28T11:14:00.006+05:30

I am here to share experiences of my e travel and also help myself in storing the ample ideas that my mind produces each day....May be those ideas can be of help to you anyday in your life.
All the best to me!!! Luck to 'u'

enjoy surfing!

An Enthusiastic Traveler