Travelet

A Late Evening At Gateway Of India

2020-05-17T03:43:00.000-07:00

Mumbai is one of the busiest city in India. Tourists from all over the world pour in each day to experience the beauty of this city which compromises of seven islands.

The city is full of workaholics people and everyone here is in a kind of rush. It is also said that no matter what the city never stops. And when you have such a city around you, there should be some places in it surely for you to relax and take some time from your busy schedule.

A place where you can be at peace and just for few moments get out of the race against time. So whenever I think of such a place in Mumbai, one name often pops up in my mind - The Gateway Of India. Although it is crowded on the weekends and evenings, this is a popular tourist spot that one must visit when he is in Mumbai.

Gateway Of India's construction was started in 1911 and was completed in 1924, with a construction cost of Rs 21 lacs which was borne by the then British-Indian Government. The main objective in building this was to celebrate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary to Bombay (Mumbai).

26 meters in height, this monument served as the landing page for British officials during the pre-independence era. It is made up of Basalt and reinforced concrete and has a shape of an arc. The design of the monument is influenced by the Roman triumphal arc and has glimpses of Hindu and Muslim style of architecture.

This is a famous stop for visitors in Mumbai and also attracts food vendors, hawkers and photographers.

Talking about the nearby other tourists location, the Elephant Caves are located nearby and people often travel on motor boats to reach Elephant Islands. At the entrance of the Elephant Caves you can find statues of Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and Swami Vivekananda. The Taj Mahal hotel, one of India's most prestigious hotels is located just opposite to the Gateway of India.

The best time to visit the monument is during November to March, as the climate becomes pleasant after the monsoon season has passed. People can visit the monument at any time of the day.

A Day At Fort Kochi

2020-05-16T06:05:00.000-07:00

Fort Kochi is a must place to visit when you are in the city of Kochin, Kochi or Cochin, you can call it in any way.

This small and little charming town in Kerala has been attracting tourists from all parts of the country and also can be termed as the historic jewel of south India.

People often visit the area of Fort Kochi, also known as old Kochi and it is very famous for its rich history, spices, Kathakali dancing and the iconic fishing nets.

It took us just an uber and 25 minutes time from our hotel to reach Fort Kochi. Considering its strategic location, Kochi has been the center for international trade via sea routes for almost over 600 years now.

Arabs, Chinese, Dutch and Portuguese were attracted by the fragrant of exotic spices and hence they traded with Kochi. Due to this we can see an influence of each one of them in the architecture, religion, festivals and cuisine in here.

Kochi is famously known for the Chinese fishing nets, which most of them still use and this has become the trademark reference for the town now. One can also take the experience of lowering and pulling the nets and is a popular tourist activities along the beach side around Fort Kochi.

The streets of Kochi are vibrant and the market is full of colors. Artists have painted in beautiful graffiti on the walls of Kochi and the market is full with things for sale which are made out of hands.

Moving on, I could not resists myself when the smell of freshly cooked fish got around. Fish curry and rice is a delicious combination that you must try when you are in here. It was truly a highly satisfying experience for my belly.

One more activity that people can indulge in when around Fort Kochi is doing a sunset cruise. Its a great way to see the famous Chinese fishing nets from the water and also enjoy the Kochi backwaters. If lucky one can also spot dolphins when on the cruise.

Kathakali is the classical dance from the state of Kerala which involve elaborate makeup, bright costumes and detailed hand, body, facial and eye moment. At night, one can visit the iconic Kathakali dance performances and can get enriched by witnessing one of the true art form from India.

ND Studios (Karjat) - Beautiful Place for Movie Addicts

2019-04-23T00:31:00.006-07:00

India is a land of Bollywood addicts. Often while seeing movies we wonder how much money is involved while shooting at the new and distinct locations shown in the movie. Some of the scenes are from India and some of these are shot abroad. But not all the locations shown in the movies are real locations.

Ya, it's true, most of the shoots are done at huge studios that are present across the country. The studio based on the requirements can build huge sets and they look real to us when we see them in movies. One such studio worth mentioning is the ND studios located in Karjat, near to Mumbai and Pune.

ND studio is a film and television production established in 2005. ND Studios is co-owned by Nitin Chandrakant Desai and Reliance Entertainment. But you have to give it to Nitin Desai, that despite the fact he came from a humble beginning he had the guts to dream and then fulfill it.

The studio is spread over 52 acres and it offers indoor as well as outdoor shooting options. While on a trip to Mumbai, we had a chance to visit the famous ND Studios near Karjat.

Here's a glimpse of Travelet's visit to ND Studio -

There are a number of things that are being set up here. The first major thing that you would notice after entering into the studio is the large statues of elephants at the entrance along with the faces of eminent personalities from Bollywood.

Then as you will move forward on the left-hand side you will find the 'Filmy Deewar' with posters of Bollywood movies. It has a number of posters of movies till date along with the poster of the first Bollywood movie which was 'Raja Harishchandra'.

As you move forward you will reach the 'Times Square'. This place gives you the feel of the old bazaar in Delhi and also in here you have a huge set of Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus which is one of the biggest railway stations of Mumbai.

Also, the cafe used for shooting the famous song 'Main Badhiya Tu Bhi Badhiya' from movie Sanju is present here and it is named as the 'Retro Cafe'. A band of musicians is present here and they will play music for the visitors as they come.

Just near to the 'Times Square' you will get to see the set of a court and of a police station named as 'Jail Thana'.

After having the tour of the 'Jail Thana' as you will move forward, you will see the set of a darbar that was used in the movie Jodha Akbar. The darbar named as 'Deewan E Aam' which was shown in the movie is still standing as it is.

Many of the tourist click photos of themselves when they visit this famously known place. Just next to it there is a replica of the 'Sheesh Mahal' that was used in the movie Mugl - e - Azam.

As you move forward just next to the 'Sheesh Mahal' the 'Star House' is located. It is one of the best sites at the studio. Different wax statue of prominent personalities is kept here. It includes mostly Hollywood stars from different parts of the world.

After seeing the magnificent 'Star House' as you move forward you come across the huge sets of the village called 'Mera Gaon Mera Desh' and the 'Raigad Fort.

Parts of the super hit films Satyam Shivam Sundaram and Lagaan were shot in the set of this village that has been set up here. The huge statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj resembles the massive amount of respect of the masses towards him.

The set of the palace that has been seen in the Salman Khan starrer film Prem Ratan Dhan Payo is also present here.

The 'Dino Park' can be a major attraction for the children. Here the statue of the extinct Dinosaur species is being kept. Along with this, there is also a small set resembling the 'Chor Bazaar' near to the 'Fashion Street'.

ND studio film world is truly a nice place to visit during weekends along with family or friends. You will get to see the behind the scenes of movies of Bollywood.

Many movies are made here and you get to see the sets which are made here. If lucky, you will get to see the shooting as well. You get to travel by their own cars on the campus.

Pawna Lake Camping : Camping Under The Stars

2018-12-27T01:27:00.001-08:00

As the rainy season ended and winter slowly crawled in, this time I wanted to plan something amidst the beautiful nature. A night stay was always on and my friend suggested to give Pawna lake camping in Lonavala a try.

Love Bird Camping helped me make this overnight fun stay come true. I gathered my friends and we started on your camping journey on Saturday afternoon. We had to reach the campsite by 03:00 PM but we were so indulged in photography along the way that we almost reached the spot at 04:30 PM.

We started off from Pashan and then went to connect to the Mumbai Pune old highway. Just before Lonavala, we took an exit which led us to Thakur said. The camping base is located just near to it which is located in the Mawal taluka of Pune district.

We had an off-road driving experience while reaching the campsite which is situated beside the Pawna lake which has the beautiful backdrop of hills and waterfalls.

As we reached there the first thing that we did was to park your vehicles. There is ample place for parking available at the campsite. We were welcomed by the site owner himself and he took us to our tents which were allotted to us.

We had 4 tents booked for us and on request, the owner did arrange them in front of each other by keeping some place in between it such that two tables easily could fit in it. Then we unpacked our bags and sat for a while in our tents.

We had a game of cricket and badminton before it got dark. Few of the visitors who were interesting in boozing started off near to their respective tents. Bollywood music was going on the speaker as they started serving barbeque for hungry persons like us.

One can order veg and non-veg BBQ as per the requirements and also you can help them make it. We can ask them and they will allow us to put the spices and all the things on the chicken and also we can grill it ourselves.

The non-veg barbecue was way better than the veg one in here.

Before the final dinner is served, everyone can indulge themselves in different group activities.

Some prefer to be with their group if it is a big one, while some prefer to sit near the campfire with music and dance going on which help them make new friends. Few of them play team bonding activities to pass there time.

Delicious buffet dinner with options of veg and non-veg is served. After having dinner few people indulge in star counting by sitting beside the lake while some of them continue with their boozing or group activity.

There are no restrictions on your sleeping time, you can doze off whenever you want. Often people here indulge in Antakshri or Dumb Sheraz which keep them awake late till night.

Early in the morning, we can wake up to see the beautiful sunrise which we often miss in the city. The morning breeze is so gentle and the air so fresh and pure in here. Some of them can also opt for swimming in the lakes but be sure that life jackets are provided by the camp manager before one goes into the lake.

It’s not just camping, but much more than one can expect. One can try hands-on different water sports activities like kayaking, boat ride etc. After you are done with the early morning breakfast and tea, it is time for you to leave the place before it gets too hot.

Pawna lake camping gives you a few moments of relieving which you often miss while you are busy in the city life. Surely, it is worth a visit.

Bottle Rock - A Place Where The Bottles Will Make You Rock

2018-12-04T02:25:00.002-08:00

If you are looking for a place to have a group party or a birthday party then Bottle Rock is an option that you can surely think of. Bottle Rock is located in Pashan, West Pune on the road which goes to Symbiosis Lavale campus.

It is located close to the bridge over the NH4 highway and is on the left-hand side of the road as soon as the bridge ends on the road leading to the Sus Gaon.

The place has changed many a time in the past and also had a different makeover each and every time they change their name. Firstly it was called Vir Da Dhaba then Pahad-Ganj, Nisarg and now Bottlerock.

After it was renamed Bottle Rock a major change in set up has occurred transforming this place from a Dhaba type to slightly upmarket type and is usually flooded by young college and IT crowd from West Pune.

We happened to visit there for a birthday party and had an awesome evening. Usually, they used to charge for a couple as well as stag but luckily when we inquired we got to know that the entry was not chargeable. But before going it is advisable to confirm this over the phone.

The only thing necessary to enter here is that you need to have a casual attire and shoes are mandatory for boys. For girls, there are no specific requirements as such.

Have a look at Travelet's first visit to Bottle-Rock:

After entering you will see that there is a dance floor at the center which is surrounded by different types of tables and chairs and there is a bar in the center which totally enhances the ambiance of the entire restaurant. Behind the bar also there is a seating area with high seated chairs and a table.

There is low-level Neon’ish illumination all around and also in the center there are low height ed sofas if you want to have your food and drinks with more relaxation.

Bottle Rock offers you a slightly overpriced menu which features North Indian, Chinese and Continental cuisines to raise your palate. Customer service of the restaurant is quick and quite excellent.

The food here is tasty and delicious and totally worth of the money that you will spend here. The restaurant also has ample space of parking and it will be not an issue even after considering that the restaurant is nearby to a highway.

We ordered a bottle of whiskey, few mock-tails, a pizza, and veg as well as non-veg starters. The murgh platter is worth giving a try. Mock-tails that we tried were Celery Watermelon Cooler, Lychee & Apple Cooler, and Peru Pyala.

The thin-crust BBQ Chicken Pizza was tasty but surely the one at Domino's does taste better than this. The chef special Murgh Dum Kebab is a Bottle Rock special dish and is worth trying once.

The Crispy Corn Cheese Peppers and the Nachos Para Pacantes are ideal to start off your food and drinks party.

The dance floor is not huge but is large enough to accommodate at least 70 to 80 people on one time. The DJ here plays Bollywood as well as Hollywood music which sets up the mood for dance lovers.

Overall, it can be said that it's an awesome place to hang out with a bunch of friends as its a complete package for all types of different persons with different moods.

Kamal Basti - A Jain Wonder In Stone

2018-11-28T23:40:00.000-08:00

I happened to visit Belgaum a few days back as it is my spouse's hometown. Belgaum or Belagavi as it is popularly known is a city in the southwest Indian state of Karnataka.

It lies on the Maharashtra - Karnataka border but now officially is a part of the Karnataka state as lately declared by the supreme court.

Belgaum is famous for the Rashtriya Military school, that is one of the prestigious institutions of the nation and also one of the five military schools in India.

Here's a look of Travelet's visit to Kamal Basti:

Apart from this Belgaum too holds a number of old temples which are more than 700 to 800 years old.

One such place is the 10th-century Jain temple called as Kamal Basti which is just 2 km away from the Belgaum railway station. The name of the temple is derived from the ceiling which is carved in the design of a lotus flower. Kamal means lotus in the local language.

The temple is an ancient Jain temple and has the statue of the main deity, the Neminatha.

Inside Kamal Basti, there are 2 Bastis arranged inside the dividers of the Belgaum fort which was built in the year 1204. The two Jinalayas are built in a later Chalukya style.

There are two age-old sanctuaries in the campus which is called as the Kamal Basti Mandir and the Chikki Basti. The roof of Kamal Basti is also called as the "Mukhamantapa" which resembles the lotus of 72 petals.

Chikki Basti is another sanctuary near to Kamal Basti but it is a bit destroyed. Both of this sanctuaries have amazing architecture. Apart from this, the surrounding is very peaceful and there is greenery around.

Restoration work was carried on here when we visited the place. If you are a history or architecture lover, then this is an ideal place for you to visit.

It's a very old mystical and well maintained Jain temple which resembles the Jain culture. The temple has beautiful carvings and each of these carvings in itself has a lot of messages which makes this place a must visit one when you are in Belgaum. In fact, it is one of the main tourist attraction of Belgaum.

How To Reach There:

When you are at the Belgaum railway station just take an auto rickshaw from the railway station by saying, Belgaum Fort. It will hardly cost you Rs 40 - Rs 60. As you get down at the fort's get, this place is at a walkable distance of hardly 5 minutes.

Google Map:

Kataldhar Waterfall Rappelling - An Adventure For Daring People

2018-11-28T02:02:00.000-08:00

If you love living off the edge and are the one who thrives on the rush of adrenaline, then rappelling is an adventure sport meant for you. We had a chance to experience rappelling alongside a waterfall which is almost 450 feet in height.

It was a thrilling, breathtaking and a lifetime experience to descend down a steep hill.

Though rappelling is considered a sport, in reality, it is scary and is the name of courage under fire. Imagine yourself climbing a hill of almost 450 to 500 feet high and then descending down with the help of ropes in free air.

The thought itself would send shivers down your nerves. While it looks exciting and exhilarating, it requires real courage and passion for adventure to perform it in real.

We started on your journey from Pune and after driving for about 40 minutes we reached the base camp near Lonavala. We parked our vehicle and after walking for about 10 minutes we gathered at a location where we met with the other crew members and had early morning snacks along with tea.

After the formal introduction, we trekked for around half an hour through the dense and slippery forest to reach the location from where our adventure was going to start.

At this point, as the team chatted and passed time with each other, the crew members secured the ropes and other apparatus for the rappelling. The tied the rope around a strong tree and now we were all set for the activity.

After an initial round of photography, one of the crew members gave us the instructions regarding the trek and also told us a few basic things about rappelling. The instructions were quite lucid and struck as well.

Kataldhar is an immense waterfall. The sheer noise of it can instill fear into weak hearts. Milky white and gushing with full force, it resembled nothing but Armageddon.

Here's a glimpse of Travelet's visit to Kataldhar Waterfall:

I was the last one of the group to descend down. Till then it had started to pour in a bit which made the environment ideal for rappelling. There were three stages to this rappelling at Kataldhar: steep descent, precipice, and overhang.

In overhang, there is no rock to rest the feet against, so one has to keep feeding the rope so that you continue coming down.

As soon as the ropes were tied it was time for some photo session. I got me clicked after giving some amazing poses. After starting, initially, I used the support of the rocky patch, and slowly started mounting down. As the drizzle was on, the rocks became slippery and I lost my balance a couple of time but still manage to hold on.

At first, it was looking difficult as also I was carrying a bag full of snacks, but after some time I got used to it. Slowly and steadily I was moving down until I came to place after which the rock support was totally absent. After the support was gone I was hanging in the air with still half to cover. When I looked down it looked adventurous and dangerous at the same time.

At one point in time, there was some noise because of the rope and I thot that this is the end of me. I was hanging in the air midway and was hoping that I should reach safely. My heart was in my mouth as I was slowly pulling the rope so that I go down.

Later on, I got to know that the noise was experienced by every other person and it comes because as you lose the support of the rock a lot of burdens come on the rope and it was expected.

As I was coming down, due to the wind the waterfall was pouring right on my head and it was a wonderful experience. The water was hitting me hard but at the same time, I was enjoying. After a moment a rainbow appeared due to the small amount of sunlight peeping out from the clouds.

Lastly, I reached safely down. After enjoying the beauty of the waterfall from the nearby caves, I started my trek upwards as it was soon going to be dark.

Truly it was an amazing, daring adventure that we had completed and would love to try it out again.

Carmelagiri Elephant Park - Elephant Ride In Munnar

2018-11-20T02:37:00.000-08:00

Kerala is famously known as the 'Gods Own Country' and indeed it is true. It is one of the leading tourist attractions in India. Every year people come here in numbers to experience the extremely beautiful destinations that hold the attention of almost everyone.

Kerela is filled with hill-stations, tea gardens, spice gardens, backwaters, and commercial cities. People here are very professional and quite helpful.

As soon as we landed at the Cochin airport, just outside the airport, there was cab facility available. The cab facility is well managed by the union and turn by turn they receive the guests which is quite commendable.

One of our fond memory regarding our Kerela trip was when we went for the awesome elephant safari in the jungle. We went to the Carmelagiri Elephant Park on the Mattuppetty road on our way to Munnar.

This is a famous tourist attraction where the guests can opt for short elephant rides near to the Kannan Devan hills with a path fully surrounded by trees.

As soon as we reached the starting point, the first difficult thing was to buy the tickets for the elephant ride as it was already mid noon time and the safari used to last only until the daytime.

So the challenge was to buy the tickets and then wait for our turn to come amongst several others before the sun settles down. But luckily, our driver who was a local guy helped us go through this.

As he knew few of the authorities there, he helped us buy tickets quickly. We also had to pay extra for getting us clicked and to create a small video of our trip as a reference. Although we had to pay the amount that we needed to pay was not too hefty.

As soon as we got into the line we saw there was a group of the elephants that would take the visitors for a jungle tour. As soon as they used to return the next batch was allowed to move in.

Some high stands were prepared there which would help people to mount on the elephants back. The mahouts (Elephant trainers) were also very helpful and they took cared that everybody gets on the elephant and nobody get hurts.

The sight when the elephant used to ask for food by raising his trunk was worth to watch. everyone including the older ones and the children enjoyed it. As soon as we sat on our elephant, it started asking for the food by raising its trunk to us.

We took a basket full of pineapple and then offered it to the elephant. He received it graciously and after filling his tummy he started to walk.

I had a childhood dream of riding an elephant as it was my favorite animal was coming true that day. We had settled comfortably and the safari towards the jungle began. Elephant started walking towards a small hill after his masters (mahouts) guidance.

The experience was thrilling and exciting at the same time. Watching the beauty of nature into the deep forest by sitting on the elephants back is an altogether different experience. Almost twenty minutes after starting, we came back to our starting point after clicking some wonderful pics on our way.

We got down at the same place from where we had climbed. We kept on looking at the elephant sometime and were thrilled to see an animal from so near. His ears were so big and also the elephant was clean.

We gazed at his long trunk and just as we were doing so, he dipped his trunk into the nearby pond and then gave a shower to the nearby public who were standing. It was worth a watch.

The ride cost is around Rs 400 per person and if you want to get clicked then you have to pay Rs 250 extra.

After feeding the elephant one more time and after collecting our pics that the authorities had clicked we left the place with some splendid memories. Truly it was an amazing experience to stand next to this huge thing and look into the eyes of this incredible creature of mother earth.

How to reach there:

Carmelgiri elephant park is located after photo point and before Mattupetty dam along the top station highway. If you are heading towards Munnar, then it lies near to the Kannan Devan hills on the Mattuppetty road.

Address: Mattuppetty Road, Munnar, Kannan Devan Hills, Kerala 685612
Hours Open: Daily - 9am–5pm
Price: Ticket - Rs 400 per head, Rs 250 for pics and Rs 50 per basket which is used to feed the elephant.

Dugarwadi Waterfall - Behold Magnificence Of Nature

2018-11-16T02:11:00.001-08:00

Dugarwadi waterfall is a great place to visit in the suburbs region of Nashik. It is one of the most visited places in monsoon season near Nashik. Just 30 odd km from the wine capital, it is a perfect place for a weekend getaway and is a treat for the trek lovers.

Its view is almost breathtaking and at the same time, a treat to eyes for those who want to witness the true beauty of nature in Nashik during the monsoons.

Away from the daily chaos, one can find peace in here and it is also a great place to explore the beauty of mother nature. The fall is surrounded by dense forests, waterfall, and eye catchy landscapes.

This place is governed by the forest authorities. The frequency of people visiting this waterfall is more in monsoon season as compared to the other months of the year. During monsoon, the waterfall flows down with full capacity and is a wonderful sight to watch.

Here's a link of Travelet's visit to Dugarwadi Waterfalls -

To reach to the base of the waterfall, we have to trek down through the green dense forest. Initially, there was no proper way to descend down but now a proper path has been prepared which allows travelers to easily reach the base of the waterfall.

We have to cross through the stream that is generated by the continuous falling of water to reach to the desired base spot.

During monsoon, the mountains around are covered with fog and cloud, and continuous drizzle adds to the beauty and perfection of this lace. Away from the concrete jungle, this place is beautiful, serene and is a sure shot memorization for anybody.

The frequency of people visiting this place is not in huge numbers which have somehow helped to keep this place clean, sparkling and pristine. Due to the low numbers of visitors and fewer security measures around the waterfall, it is advisable to visit this waterfall during the daytime and in groups if possible.

Also during the rainy season water level may suddenly rise which has happened in past owing to incidents with bad results and hence carrying necessary equipment is also advisable.

Although there are local stalls available near to the waterfall, it would be thoughtful if you pack your food beforehand. If you do not carry your food, chances are that you might need to spend your whole day on maggi, bhajia, and tea. If you are lucky you can also find the corn or as it is famously called the 'Bhutta' stall nearby.

How To Reach There -

By Road - It is at a distance of 30 - 35 km Nashik and hence if you are traveling by bike or car it will hardly take 45 minutes to reach to this place as traffic is not an issue in Nashik. You can also hire a local cab which will drop you at the same time but while returning it can be a problem. In that case, you might have to pay for the extra time to the cab driver, if needed.

By Bus - From CBS it will take around 60 – 70 minutes. It is 2 km away from Jawahar road and you can catch any bus that will drop you in Jawahar.

Sparky's At The Lulu Mall - Kerala's Largest Ice Skating Rink And Gaming Zone

2018-05-21T04:21:00.000-07:00

The only one ice skating rink in the whole of Kerala. An entertaining game zone. A classy bowling alley including 12 lanes. A world-class 5D experience of cinema and a number of other entertainment options at one place.

Where ??

Well, the answer for this is surely Sparky's at the Lu-Lu mall.

Though Kerela cannot boast of a long history regarding malls, it definitely adds to the tourism prospects of the state. Kochi, which is by far the most happening place and also is the commercial capital of the state, received a major makeover on its face with the launch of the Lulu Mall in Kochi.

Once you are in Kerela for a vacation, you should visit this famous Lulu Mall. It is one of the largest shopping malls in India in terms of its total area coverage. It is spanning around 17 acres with a total built-up area of 2.5 million square feet. This mall is having a total retail space of around 1.7 million square feet. This mall was inaugurated and made open to the public in March 2013.

Here's a glimpse of Travelet's visit to the Sparky's at the Lulu Mall:

Lulu Mall is located at the Edappally Junction, in the city of Kochi, at the junction of two national highways, NH 544 and NH 66. In a short duration, this mall has become a retail hallmark of Kerala and a leading tourist attraction.

Lulu Mall contains more than 215 outlets in total and Sparky's is one of them which includes awesome rides, ice skating rink, a bowling alley and a game zone.

If you want to enjoy ice skating, you no more have to visit the icy mountains in the north, you can enjoy ice skating in the ice skating rink in our very own small Kerala. According to the official website of the mall, The Sparkys Ice Skating is the only ice skating rink in Kerala.

An absolutely awesome place to enjoy and have quality time with your loved ones. Food, different games and lots of fun, that is what sparky is all about.

The Ancient Cave Shrines - The Karla Caves At Lonavala

2018-03-08T03:54:00.003-08:00

Pune is almost filled with places that you can visit during your short weekends. There are a number of places within a distance less than 100 km which you can opt for a perfect weekend getaway.

Most of this places are ideal to be visited during the rainy season when the natures beauty is at its level best along with the water droplets falling from the sky. Karla or Karli caves near Lonavala is one of these destinations.

Beautifully carved, the Karla caves are situated on a hill are one of the oldest Buddhist cave shrines in India. The carvings on the walls and roof reflect the journey of the Buddhist past, narrating some amusing stories.

It is believed that these carvings are around 2000 years old and was started around 2nd century BC to the 5th Century AD, and if some sources are to believed then Karla caves is one of the few other caves that remains unearthed in Sahyadri Hills.

Here's a glimpse of Travelet's visit to the Karla Caves:

The caves were known as Veluraka in the olden days which consists of a humongous 15 - meter pillar and a temple dedicated to Goddess Ekveera.

Karla caves remind us of the mesmerizing beauty of the past carved and crafted with great details. This cave is a protected monument under the Archaeological Survey of India due to its historic significance.

The entire cave is built with the help of a single design except for the three excavations that belong to the Mahayana phase. People belonging to all walks of life, right from the merchants to monks, nuns and even the prince of a Marathi family came forward and generously donated for building these caves.

The Inscriptions found here does mention identities from all over the country like that of Vejamti, Sopara, Umehanakata, and Dhenukakata.

We will find sculptures of males, females, and animals in the main hall. Also, there is a sculpture of preaching Buddha seated on a lion supported throne exhibits spectacular carvings of three elephants.

These pillars are said to resemble the Ashoka pillar and are among the key features here. Also at the entrance of the cave, we have a temple dedicated to Goddess Ekvira who is majorly worshipped by the locals here.

Karla caves are at a distance of around 60 km from the city of Pune. You can easily drive here and it would take around 70 minutes to reach here if you are traveling by your own vehicle.

It is at a distance of 15 minutes drive from Lonavala. One can reach Lonavala by local transport or by the local which runs between Lonavala and Shivaji Nagar.

It's a must-see place near Lonavala. The only drawback would be to climb over 500 steps but once one climb those steps, the temple, the scenic beauty from the hill makes him forget all that hard work of climbing.

Lastly would like to add just a few words about it, that these caves are to be visited because these caves teach us one important lesson in life - i.e. to be content in life.

The Customized Cafe

2018-02-14T23:58:00.001-08:00

Are you not happy with the daily dose of coffee that you are having? Are you looking for a place that will offer something extra? Perhaps you are looking for a place to hang out with your friends which at the same time should not cost you more.

While there are plenty of cafe's that have recently opened up in Nashik's college Road area, The Customized Cafe is a one that will suit your needs and it will surely grab your attention with its unique interiors.

Here's a glimpse of Travelet's visit to The Customized Cafe:

The Customized Cafe is located at College Road in front of the City Union Bank, in the lane that is just parallel just to the Big Bazaar one. It opens up around 10:00 in the morning.

It is located in a prime location which is often crowded, becoming a nice place to be in if you need to sip in a coffee or so, at any given point of time throughout the day.

Running a theme based cafe or place is often not that easy. There are always questions about the setup and also a worry that whether the customers will like the ambiance or not.

As an owner, it is quite challenging to hit the right chord maintaining a balance between the business and the thing that he wants to convey through the choice of the theme he has opted for.

Priyadarshan Tupe is the owner of The Customized Cafe. He has completed his B.com and is an avid bike lover. The thing that he loves bikes is quite evident from the fact that as soon as you are entering the cafe, you will notice two beautifully modified bikes.

Also, the walls and interiors of the cafe are decorated with things that mostly relate to the mechanical field i.e. gears, sprockets, chains etc.

This is a nice, cozy cafe where one can catch up with friends or family. It serves nice snacks and has a number of drinking (Tea, Coffee, Mocktails, Juice) options. The service is also good and not too expensive.

Murudeshwar : A Perfect Blend Of Scenic Beauty and Spirituality

2017-09-12T05:03:00.001-07:00

If you are a devotee of Lord Shiva, then Murudeshwar is one such place that you must surely visit. Set in the Bhatkal Region of Uttara Kannada district, Murudeshwar is a town with a beautiful beach in the state of Karnataka.

It is adjoining to the coast of Arabian sea and the beach here is one of the cleanest beaches you will get in India. Located on NH 17 this is a famous temple of Lord Shiva and a pilgrims paradise as well.

Here's a glimpse of Travelet's visit to the Murudeshwar Temple:

The legend of Murudeshwar temple goes back to the age of Ramayana. Ravana the king of Lanka wanted to attain immortality and hence he started worshiping lord Shiva with much more strong devotion.

He prayed all day and night, for many years until when Lord Shiva pleased with his devotion appeared before him and asked him to ask for a boon.

Delighted by this, Ravana did ask Lord Shiva to come along him to Lanka as he knew that it will be almost impossible for anyone to defeat him if Lord Shiva agrees to go with him to Lanka. Instead, Lord Shiva granted the AtmaLinga as his boon.

Lord Shiva agrees to grant him the boon with a condition that it should never be placed on the ground before reaching Lanka. If it happens, the AtmaLinga would lose all its powers and they would return to Lord Shiva again keeping the AtmaLinga wherever it was placed.

Further, as per the story, Lord Ganesha had tricked Ravana into placing the AtmaLinga on the ground.

King Ravana who realized that he had been tricked, then tried to destroy the Atmalinga by uprooting it. Some of the pieces of the Atmaling were scattered to nearby locations due to the force exerted by Ravana.

He threw the cloth which was covering the Atmaling to a place in the Kanduka-Giri (Kanduka Hill) called Mrideshwara which is called as Murudeshwara in modern times.

The ancient temple had turned old and was deteriorating until Mr.R.N Shetty, who is a businessman and philanthropist belonging from Murudeshwara, started its renovation work in the year 1977 along with a team of artists and craftsmen.

He and his men need a round of applause for making the place more beautiful and building the modern-day Murudeshwar.

This temple resides on the Kanduka Hill and one can see a breathtaking view of the scenery when we are at the top of the 22 storeyed Rajagopura at the entrance of the Temple.

This temple is surrounded by water of the Arabian sea on three of its sides and is built in granite. Other than this temple, sculptures and monuments add to the beauty of Murudeshwar Temple.

Best Time to Visit Murudeshwar :

Murudeshwar can be visited in almost any of the seasons. Every season brings out the different color of this coastal town. But to visit this temple the best time is between October - May.

Maha Shivratri, the day of Lord Shiva is celebrated here in a grand manner. Also, a local car festival is held here in between February - March.

How to reach Murudeshwar :

Murudeshwar is very well connected by Bus, Train, and Flight.

By Bus:

Most of the buses that run on the NH-17 between Mangalore and Mumbai route stops at Murudeshwar. Also, there are overnight buses available directly from Bangalore to Murudeshwar.

By Air:

Nearest airport to this place is the one at Mangalore. Daily flights are available to and from Bangalore to Mangalore.

By Train:

The most picturesque and memorable experience to reach here is by train from Mangalore or Goa by Konkan Railway and alight at Murudeshwar railway station adjoining the National Highway. It takes hardly 10 minutes to reach the temple from the Murudeshwar Railway station.

Nearest attractions:

There is a few major tourist attraction near by to Murudeshwar, which are listed as below:

Kadavinakatta: Kadavinakatta which is at a mere distance of 25 km's from here, has a beautiful dam and a temple of Goddess Durga Parameshwari.

Netrani Island: Netrani island and beach which is famous for Scuba diving and snorkeling is also very near to the Murudeshwar temple.

Murudeshwar Fort: Behind the temple complex of Murudeshwar, there is a fort called the Murudeshwar fort that finds its origins in the era of the Vijayanagara Kings.

Below is the map to reach Murudeshwara:

Okayama Friendship Garden : Calm place in the heart of a busy city

2017-08-17T08:25:00.002-07:00

Pu La Deshpande Garden also known as the Japenese Garden or the Okayama Friendship Garden is a park that contributes to the enhancing beauty of the city of Pune. This Garden has been developed on similar lines of the 300-year-old Okayama's Kōraku-en Garden, so it is also called as the Friendship garden between the two cities - Pune and Okayama.

Located on the famous Sinhagad road in Pune, this garden spreads over a land of 10 acres which gets water from the natural flow of canal.

It is situated on the busy street but as you enter the Garden, you don’t even feel that you are so much in the city. The entire area has become sound proof and you will feel away from the chaos of city life, due to the thin green belt surrounding you.

The Garden serves as a perfect bridge between the two cities of Okayama and Pune which are miles away from each other. This Garden is said to resemble one of the major gardens of Japan and has been named after Pu La Deshpande, a well known Marathi writer from Maharashtra, India.

Pu La Deshpande has been one of the most prolific writers in the Marathi vertical and a famous personality all over Maharashtra. Pu La was also given the title of ‘Maharashtrache Ladke Vyaktimatva’ meaning ‘a personality loved by entire Maharashtra'.

Pune Municipal Corporation decided to name a place after his name and after his death in 2000, this Japenese Garden was named and now stands with the name P.L. Deshpande Udyan on Sinhagad Road.

It is a place where you can soak in nature. It also contains ample amount of fresh air/oxygen which is rarely available in the crowded city. This is one of the major reason why people in the city come to this Garden early in the morning to breathe in fresh air and to fill in ample amount of oxygen needed by them to a fresh day through and through.

Based on International design this garden has thus played an important role in representing the city on International level thus adding to its name and fame.

There is an artificial lake at the center of the garden which attracts most of the people visiting this place. It is a place where poets and writers can write in extreme silent conditions.

Eatables and water bottles, as well as photography, is also not allowed inside the park. For doing Photography one needs to take permit from Chhatrapati Sambhaji Garden. Security guards are in place in order to avoid any untoward incident.

Entry fee of Rs 5 which is very nominal is charged here at the entrance. Thus the Japenese Garden is indeed one f the most beautiful and quiet place in the city of Pune.

Naval Aviation Museum, Goa : Interesting but neglected place in Goa

2017-08-03T07:52:00.001-07:00

Museums have always been special as they hold and cherish historic antics and facts about them. Naval Aviation Museum in Goa is India's one and only navy related museum which is situated on road barely six kilometers from the port city of Goa, Vasco-da-Gama.

This museum has been here for years and is situated right behind the Dabolim international Airport, since 1988. An itresting place to visit if you are a museum lover but surprizingly, not many people visit this place when they are in Goa, busy enjoying at the cool beaches of Goa.

Naval Aviation Museum is special for many reasons. There is only 7 such naval museum across the world and Naval Aviation Museum of Goa is one of them. In fact, it is the only one of its kind in all over Asia.

Here's a glimpse of Travelet's visit to Naval Aviation Museum in Goa:

Despite such reasons, it has still not received the kind of publicity it deserves and hence is unknown to many of the Goan visitors.

This museum was built as a tribute to the great Indian Navy, its workforce, and the numerous key operations that have been undertaken by them to keep India safe from the enemies. It is divided neatly into two parts - the indoor one where all the satellite and war bombs, missiles are placed and the outdoor where all the different types of aircrafts are placed.

Various aircraft like the Seahawk, Dove, Sea harrier, Sealand, Vampire, Hughes, and Alize that are/were used by the navy are being displayed in here. On the main gate, everyone is welcomed by the huge 'Super Constellation' standing like sentinel which was used by the Indian Airlines for passenger transport which was later taken over by the Air Force as a craft.

It was later borrowed by the Indian navy and is still in their custody but stays in de-commissioned state.

Interior of the museum is a replica of the aircraft carrier INS Viraat itself. The walls contain different paintings of the interiors of the Viraat giving one a feeling at sea on board the Viraat as they enter. the other rooms are also designed in a way to replicate the mighty and powerful INS Viraat.

On the left side is the armaments room where all the armaments are kept neatly on display. adjacent to this is the 'Sonobuoy Room' which is used to keep the different types of sensors that are used.

The different gadgets and the protective gear used by navy when in the sea, as well as air in any emergency or dangerous situation, is on display at the Suraksha Room.

In the Multimedia room a little further, which has the simulator you can get a first-hand experience of the cockpit of a Jet Fighter.

Along with this rooms, there is also a room where you will find the Meditation Room which is calm and serene. Black and White pictures of "Operation Vijay" from the liberation time of Goa are also on display in the bigger hall.

This museum is open to the visitors from 10.00 am. To 5.00 p.m. on all days except Mondays. Tickets to the museum are available at the entrance at a mere cost and just adjacent to it is their cafeteria ‘Cockpit Café’ which is all painted blue to give a cockpit feel. Just next to it all the aircraft engines are on a display in the engine bay.

Naval Aviation Museum is worth going miles to see as it's a great source of knowledge about the Indian Navy and also it can inspire a lot of youngster's to join the Indian Defense Forces or the great Indian Navy.

So if you get some time a chance to go there when you are in Goa just give it a shot.

Street Art - Kasba Peth, Pune

2017-07-31T08:08:00.002-07:00

Street Art is a type of art that is made over unsanctioned or places of public interest, created by any individual or a bunch of artists normally in order to make a statement out of it or often express a sentiment or thought against a public related subject.

There are so many talented people out there and some cities allow street artists to express themselves. Street art is really great.

It's fantastic to see street art mushrooming and claiming its place in the urban spaces of Indian cities; Pune has also seen some stunning artworks over the past couple of years, thanks to some creative and inspired graffiti artists.

Here's a glimpse of Travelet's visit to check Pune's street art:

Pune street art project was the idea of artist Harshvardhan Kadam.

Harshvardhan Kadam studied visual design at the Design Center of IIT Bombay. Right after its inception street art has started appearing in the most unusual places across the city.

Street art is not just some random paintings on the old walls to make the place worth seeing or beautiful but it is way beyond it.

These gems or art piece on the walls have some deep hidden meaning into them and most of them carry a message for the public benefit, whether it is regarding the education of girl child or against the child labor.

There’s something of a street-art fever sweeping through urban India these days. Many groups and individuals are involved, including some with high-minded social goals and others whose interests are more commercial.

Street art has not been new to an ancient country like India. For centuries, India has had a rich culture of wall paintings of religious and cultural motifs. Even today, there are many indigenous tribes who draw on their house doorways.

The best time to explore is early morning and late afternoon. You need not carry food or water as there is plenty throughout the walk.

Nature Bliss - Lavasa : Relax, kick back and enjoy the luxury of mesmerizing Lavasa

2017-07-28T00:29:00.000-07:00

Lavasa is a planned hill city which is developed on the Western Ghats, near Pune behind the Varasgaon Dam on the banks of the Baji Pasalkar Reservoir.

It is positioned as a luxury getaway for the elite and a permanent resident. It's a privately planned city with multicolored buildings and by the looks of which it gives a feeling of Portofino city which is in Italy.

It is positioned as a luxury getaway for the elite and a permanent resident. It's a privately planned city with multicolored buildings and by the looks of which it gives a feeling of Portofino city which is in Italy.

It is surely the place for all those aspiring for quality life. The first thing that hits you when you enter the city is how international you feel when you enter the city.

Lavasa information center which lies in the middle of the city is the one source of information to all the people and each citizen has an access to it.

Like any other planned city Lavasa has made sure that the basic amenities are available within the city right from the medical,education, research to the basic needs.

One can indulge in a host of water sports that includes Kayaking, Jetskee and a ride on the cruise boat. Also along the lake side there are a lot of restaurant, lounges and cafes where you can sit back and enjoy the relaxing views of the lake.

You can also hire a bicycle and a segway to hire the city further. After going around this beautifully designed and impeccable plan city there is no doubt that's its actually quite livable.

Adventure Plus : Place to enjoy high adventure and adrenaline sports

2017-07-19T06:26:00.002-07:00

People who enjoy adventurous and adrenaline sports to the core, Adventure Plus is a one place of that kind to be. Adventure plus is an adventure sports park perhaps the largest in Asia, being the first of its kind in India boasting a number of activities which include land, water and in-air activities.

Most of its activities are in open and it is the most wonderful place to visit especially after the rainy season or in the rain. Most of the stuff there has been for a long time but then also its an amazing value for money given the variety of activities.

Adventure plus is a awesome adventurous park where there are a number of activities and hence you don't need to stand in long queue's waiting for your turn. Also once you complete a activity you will be tempted to do it again due to the enormous amount of fun it provides provided that you are with your gang.

In addition to this, the park's natural environment make it the perfect destination for literally whatever it is you want to do. Adventure plus is located in Yeoli, Bhor Taluka (about 50 km from Pune), it's beautiful, rural setting adds to the allure of the park.

For the amount of the ticket price the number of activities that you get are truly great. Compared to the other adventure resorts like the ones in Lonavala, the price adventure plus charges is peanuts.

Wall Climbing, Rappelling, Burma Bridge, Obstacle Race, Rifle Shooting, Archery, Kayaking and plus lunch for around 700-800 rupees is what they offer which is simply awesome when compared to other adventurous park.

Let us see the various activities that Adventure Plus has to offer:

Archery - Archery here is easy and fun activity. The equipment is also light weighted and easy to use, and they offer 5 shot per individual which is easy to perform.

Rifle Shooting - Rifle shooting here is more way better than what you do in amusement fairs. Also the gun used is much better than the ones you see in the fairs.

Burma Bridge - Made at a minimal height this bridge activity is a great fun if you are doing it for the first time. Also it will help you overcome your fear of height once you do it and will adds to your fun.

Army Obstacle Course - The obstacle race is actually a series of activities to be done one after the other.

Rock Climbing - A very tall wall (50 ft) with an amazing view from the top i.e. if you do manage to climb it. It is a bit difficult wall to climb compared to the other ones, but where’s the fun without a challenge.

ATV Ride - The machines are in good condition. The only problem is that we have to drive around on a flat area (Only 2 rounds).

Cycling - Cycling is an interesting part of this park as you get to try so many different kinds of strange looking cycles.

Water Based Activities - These activities are fun because of the variety offered. There are so many different types of vehicles to be tried like the Paddle Caddie, Hydro Bike, Floating Suit & Water Roller.

Rope Bridge - A great place for photos. This is the bridge across one of the two water bodies.

Kayaking - It is great fun as usual. If you are new to kayaking then it will be fun when you try to understand the nuances of steering a kayak.

Rain Dance - An open pool with lot of inflatables in different shapes. There are also water guns and water showers all over the pool. Adding to it there is some loud music and it is like a water discotheque!

Zip-lining - For first time Zip-liners its super fun. Supposedly the longest zip-line in India, this is a thrilling experience. The climb to the top of the zip-line is itself thrilling as it is at a considerable height.

Wall Rappelling - Very thrilling, particularly if you are scared of heights. You rappel down the same wall which has the wall climbing on the other sides.

Pandharpur Ashadhi Ekadashi Wari : Jai hari Vitthala, Jai hari Vitthala

2017-07-17T03:41:00.000-07:00

Pandharpur has been a holy city situated on the banks of river Bhima for about more than 700 years now. Also the Pandharpur Ashadhi Ekadashi Wari is as old as the city of Vitthala, where lacs of devotees travel each year to meet their lovable Vitthala, dancing on the tunes of the enchanting abhanga.

The annual yatra has been a regular phenomenon for over 700 years now and is an extra ordinary unparalleled phenomenon that breaks the barriers of caste, creed, rich and poor; which are so deeply rooted in our society these days.

Palkhis from all over Maharashtra, more than a number of 40 travel each year to Pandharpur and form a major part of the procession during the pilgrimage. The Paduka of the different saints are being carried in these Palkhis which is the tradition as per the Hindu religion. This annual Wari is a 21-day trek and ends on the Ekadashi, that is the eleventh day after the full moon in the month Ashadh, according to the Hindu lunar calendar.

Camps are being set in different villages on the route and the Warkaris, as the pilgrims are called, walk their way to Pandharpur and spend their nights in these camps in difficult conditions including heavy rain and intense climatic conditions. The local people from these villages make arrangements to lodge and feed the Warkaris, a scene of unadulterated humanity.

The Warkari's after bearing all the pain and giving up the worldly pleasures and comforts, believe that it is only after hardship that you will be able to meet the almighty god and hence they start on a journey towards Pandharpur. They uphold a strict vegetarian diet throughout and observe fasts during the pilgrimage. During this journey the Warkaris always address each other as ‘Mauli’ and never use their real names.

Almost all the saints are treated as Mauli as it is believed that each one of them had treated the people as their own children. It is still believed that god still travel as a part of the Wari, through the souls of the other Warkaris.

The biggest and constant attraction in the Wari has been the Ringan. The high point or zenith of the bhajan is the Ringan. It is a source of distraction and respite after long hours of walk for the warkaris. There are 2 kinds of Ringan's i.e. the circular Ringan and the standing Ringan.

There are 3 standing Ringan's that are presented in the Palkhi Sohala. The first one is organized at Chandobache Limba (near Lonand), second taking place at the Bhandishegaon and the third near Bajirao Vihir after the Palkhi leaves Wakhri and reaches close to Pandharpur.

Also in addition to these there are four circular Ringans that also takes place. These are performed at Sadashiv Nagar, Khudus Phata, Thakur Baba Samadhi and again at Bajirao Vihir near Wakhri.

Two Ringan's are performed on the left side while two on the right side of the route, two before and two after lunch. This tradition has now been customarily followed from times immemorial.

Rann of Kutch (Gujarat) : Kutch nahin dekha toh kuch nahi dekha

2017-07-14T05:17:00.001-07:00

A remarkable region in the northwestern part of this vibrant state, Kutch packs in a culture, topography and a way of life that is one of a kind. Bhuj, the Kutchi capital of yore, gets the maximum attention from the world.

The White Rann changes moods as per the time of the day. Go there in the morning and it is gently waking up, the afternoon makes it merciless, the sunset calms it down and the moon makes its beauty glow.

Easily the most well knows secret, the massive salt marsh of the Thar Desert is the Big B of Kutch. An hour and a half’s drive from Bhuj, it can be accessed through a hamlet called Dhordo. But before that, you have to stop at the Police Station in Bhirandiyari with a photocopy of your ID proof to get a permit to visit the largest salt desert in the world. Of course, it comes at a price of Rs. 250 for two.

The Aina Mahal palace, or “Hall of Mirrors” was built during the flamboyant rule of Lakhpatji in the middle of the 18th century. The Aina Mahal is at the northeast corner of Hamirsar lake, easily walkable from most of Bhuj.

According to the legend, Kutch was ruled by the Nāga chieftains in past. Sagai, a queen of Sheshapattana, allied with Bheria Kumar and rose up against Bhujanga, the last chieftain of Naga.

After the battle, Bheria was defeated and Sagai committed sati. The hill where he lived later came to known as Bhujia Hill and the town at the foothill as Bhuj. Bhujang was later worshiped by the people as snake god, Bhujanga, and a temple was constructed in his reverence.

This temple is the first temple of the Swaminarayan sect to have been built. In 1822, the land was given by the British government to do so, and Swaminarayan himself entrusted the responsibility for the construction of the temple to Ananandanand Swami.

Next door to the Aina Mahal, in the same walled compound, is the giant Prag Mahal, which may at first seem slightly out of place at the far western edge of India, looking more appropriate in France.

Mandavi is located in Kutch, Gujarat. It was once a major port. The first thing most people think of when they visit Mandavi is visiting the seashore.

Best Time to Visit Rann of Kutch -

Winters (November-Feb) is the best time to visit Kutch, especially on the full moon nights as the reflection of the moonlight on the white sand looks amazing. The Rann Festival is also organized during the same time and that adds for a lot of activities in and around here.

How to Reach Rann of Kutch -

By Air: Bhuj being an administrative city of Kutch, flights from the other major parts of India land here. There are daily flights from Mumbai to get here. One can hire taxis and auto rickshaws from airport straight to Kutch.

By Train: Rail route here is very convenient, affordable and comfortable way to travel to Kutch. One can take a long route and catch Kutch express from Mumbai. Trains from every major city of the country are connected to Bhuj rail route.

By Road: Travelling to Kutch by road is considered as a fascinating experience. Highway no.8 connects the city with the neighboring parts. State and private buses are available at time intervals.

Tarkarli: Perfect for a weekend trip to break the monotonicity of day to day life

2017-07-11T04:21:00.002-07:00

People often are excited about their trip to Goa but these days travelers have found a new hideout near Goa for the solitude it provides and that is Tarkarli. Serene and untouched, the beaches of Tarkarli are best for a chilled out vacation, away from the noise of city life.

Here's a glimpse of Travelet's first Scuba Adventure:

Tarkarli is located near Malvan town. Malvan is a town located in Sindhudurg District, Maharashtra.

There are some stories behind the name of this beautiful town. Local inhabitants believe that the earlier name of the town, Madwan, is derived from grove (wan) of coconut trees (mad). Over the years, the name of the town changed to Malwan or Malvan.

However, there is another tale attached to the name of the town. It is believed that salt was produced in huge quantities in the region and the salt producers called the salt as 'Lavan'. The place where the salt producers got more salt was named Mahalavan, which later on came to be known as Malvan.

It is known for the great Sindhudurg Fort, Malvani cuisine (Fish curry and Solkadi), Alphonso – Mango and local food. Malvan is considered as heaven for the non-vegetarians especially sea food lovers.

Tarkarli is just 7 km from Malvan with very beautiful long coastline with white powder sand beaches, clear sea water. Tourists get attracted towards Malvan - Tarkarli because of clean, beautiful beaches, Fort, lovely nature and very less crowd. People generally opt to go to Goa as it is hardly 100 km away from Malvan. Now it is famous spot for Snorkeling and Scuba diving.

The Sindhudurg Fort is a tangible example of the Maratha foresight and resourcefulness. Built by none other than Chhatrapati Shivaji, this construction utilizes the natural protection of the surrounding rocks to their advantage.

It is believed that Shivaji personally selected the site for the construction of the fort. In the ramparts of the Sindhudurg Fort, there are three sweet water reservoirs that have water during the summer season.

The fort has a hidden passage that goes under the Malvan Island for over 3 km and under the sea for around 12 km. This passage further extends over 12 km, up to the nearby village. The hidden passage or the tunnel was used by Maratha women to escape if the enemy entered the Sindhudurg Fort.

With its warm white sands, swaying palms and tranquil waters, this little heaven of sun, surf and sand is a delightful stopover for all seasons.

Best Time to Visit Tarkarli -

Winter is the best season for a visit to Tarkarli. The months when Tarkarli is ideal for a trip is between October - March. Monsoons are also nice for a visit to the same, although the heavy rainfall might ruin your plans.

How to Reach Tarkarli -

By Bus: Tarkarli is well-connected to other cities by road if you have decided on a Tarkarli trip by bus. For those of you who hate turbulence or get motion sickness the best thing for you is a Tarkarli visit by bus. MSRTC is the most common bus used.

By Train: The closest railway station to Tarkarli is the Sawantwadi Railway which is 39 kms away. Taking a train to Tarkarli is an amazing way to travel. Direct Tarkarli trains are unavailable.

By Flight: The fastest and the statically safest way to travel is to take a flight to Tarkarli. Though there is no Tarkarli airport there is the Chipi Airport 17 kms away.

Kaas Pathar (Plateau) : Flora and Fauna Visual Treat

2017-07-10T05:45:00.002-07:00

Kaas Plateau usually called as Kaas Pathar by the locals is a plateau of flowers located 30 km away from Satara also known as the Valley of Flowers in Maharashtra.

Recently this site is declared as a world heritage site due to excellent biodiversity present over here. Apart from numerous varieties of wild flowers this biodiversity site also shelters many insects, beautiful birds, amphibians, reptiles and some major mammalian species. Visiting this heaven on earth is always an outstanding experience.

Here's a glimpse of Travelet's journey to Kaas Pathar:

The Kaas plateau is known to be home to around 850 varieties of plants of which around 600 are flowering plants. Having peculiar volcanic rock soil, the plateau has become home to many endemic species of plants - those that can only survive in this region.

Compared to few years back, you can’t just drive and park on the Kaas road anywhere you wish. There are parking spots before and after the main area. The better option is the one on the other side close to the Kaas lake.

The surroundings include distant views of the massive Shivsagar Lake and you can sometimes see the Sajjangadh Fort in the distance.

Best time to visit -

Best time to visit Kaas Plateau is after the rains till October end. Many people visit Kaas during the rains; however, the plants bloom only in late August to September.

How to reach Kaas Pathar (Plateau):

By Air - The nearest airport is at Pune.

By Rail - Satara station is 30 kms away from Kaas. Satara is connected to most of the cities.

By Road - From Mumbai, take the Mumbai-Pune Express way to Pune and then take the highway 47 to Satara and turn on to the Kaas road. Several private buses and State transport buses ply to Satara from many big cities in Maharashtra and Goa.

Vagator Beach (Bardez)

2017-07-10T04:46:00.002-07:00

Vagator Beach is the northernmost beach of Bardez Taluka, Goa. A clean, quiet beach with good value restaurants and close to a flea market selling local souvenirs.

Vagator Beach has beautiful looking red colored cliffs very close to the shore and there are two fresh water springs located at about a stone's throw from the sea. Vagator Beach is divided in to two Beaches one is Big Vagator or North Vagator beach and the next is the little Vagator or the Ozram Beach.

There are a number of bars playing dance and trance music, and that too mostly during the tourist season, some of them are Nine Bar, Hill top, Primrose etc. these bars play a different type of Trance and psychedelic music from different DJ's around the world.

One of the most peaceful in Goa where you can enjoy your drinks silently. Less crowded than Baga which gives a lot more peace.

Here's a glimpse of Travelet's journey to Vagator:

Best time to visit -

Vagator can be visited any time of the year. However, November to February is the best time to visit Vagator Beach when the climate is cool and pleasant. Rest of the year, Vagator remains extremely hot and humid.

How to reach Vagator beach -

This Vagator beach is located in North Goa, about 22 kilometers from Panaji the capital city of Goa. The nearest airport is Dabolim airport and is 29 kilometers away from Panaji and Panaji is a further 22 kilometer away.

If you are travelling by road Vagator beach is just 9 kilometers from Mapusa. You can find frequent buses plying from Panaji and Mapusa to Vagator.

Pataleshwar Caves Temple : Strong, historic and proud place in Pune

2016-11-30T07:34:00.001-08:00

Pataleshwar caves is located at the most surprising place in Pune, on one of the busiest road, the Junglee Maharaj road. It's called Pataleshwar because it's a rock cut temple and dedicated to Lord Shiva.

This is a place which is always calm, soothing and really relaxing at any point of the day. The temple is abandoned and actually not complete. The walls are cut here but not finished.

Here's a glimpse of Travelet's journey to Pataleshwar Caves:

It also does not have a clear grand entrance but just as you land up on the JM road on the right hand side of the road you will see this temple. There is a huge banyan tree as you enter through the open area which serves as a cool respite from the noisiness & madness of the main street road.

The temple is abandoned and actually not complete. The walls are cut here but not finished.This place has massive pillar like structures and the shrine here are dedicated to Lord Shiva and the Nandi.

This temple dates back to 700-800 AD and also has other statues of Nandi, Sita, Ram, Lakshman, Lakshmi, Ganesh and a Shivalingam under the roof.

Once you are in pune and as you land up in Shivaji Nagar bus stand, we have to ask for the Junglee Maharaj Mandir which is at a walking distance from the bus stand.

It is also having a museum alongside the temple which is registered in the Guinness book of records for its famous grains of rice which has 5000 characters inscribed on it.

This is a place which is always calm, soothing and really relaxing at any point of the day.

The Iron Fort - Lohagad : A beautiful fort in a beautiful location, good roads to the base and an easy climb makes it one of the more popular destinations to visit close to Pune.

2016-11-28T09:21:00.006-08:00

Lohagad is one of the many strongest forts situated in the state of Maharashtra.

Situated close to the hill station Lonavala and 52 km northwest from Pune, Lohagad rises to an elevation of 1,033 meters above the sea level. Visapur fort is connected to Lohagad with the help of small hill range between them.

Mughal's ruled this fort for a short span of 5 years and for many years this fort was a part of the strong and ever-growing Maratha empire.

This fort has an awesome top view which is mostly still intact.

Lohagad top view.

All the four large gates to Lohagad are still very strong and are in good condition. This fort was rebuilt by Nana Phadavnis who built in several structures including the big tank and a step-well during the later Peswhwa period.

Entrance gate to the fort.

Route to the top of Lohagad fort.

Lohagad was also once the capital of the Maratha empire during the reign of Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj before Raigad. This fort was handed over to the Mughals by Shivaji Maharaj during the Treaty of Purandar but was later recaptured.

View from feet of Lohagad fort.

Entrance to Lohagad fort.

This fort has been a superb creation of its time and its still can be called as a architectural wonder.