Mansoon Gateway...Amazing Trip to Thoseghar waterfalls and Sajjangad

It was rainy Sunday and I woke around 7 am with mood of spending one more Sunday in stunning Sahyadri Mountain. I was thinking about the spot where to go, I had two options in my mind one was Pratapgad and another one was Sajjangad & Thoseghar. I asked my wife Priyanka about the the outing mood she said done because she has not visited both the spots yet. After some discussion among each other we decided to visit Sajjangad and Thoseghar waterfalls. It was heavily raining outside & we were expecting nice view of waterfalls . We both were trying to wake up our daughter Prarthana as she was in deep sleep and finally by saying about waterfalls of Thoseghar we succeed to woke up our little angel. She got very excited once she heard about waterfalls. Both the places I had visited before when I was at Bhor during my post graduation college time. Priyanka made Palak Parathas to carry along with us. After all we got ready & Finally we have started our journey around 10 am.

Sajjangad & Thoseghar are in Satara district around 130 to 140 km away form Pune. I was familiar about the route to Sajjangad. You need to take Pune Bangalore Highway till Satara after that you need to enter Satara City to go for Sajjangad

Welcome to Hidden Gem of Sahyadri - One day trip to Raireshwar fort

Raireshwar Fort

Since long time I was planning a trip to Raireshwar fort, last time when I did my last trip to Raigad fort with brother Dyaneshwar Bichewar (Raju), I had discussed my wish to visit to Raireshwar fort, he told, inform me whenever you plan it, I will also come with you, I said ok we will plan it one sunday, after that both were busy in our routine life with family. Few months later finally the after frequent follow up with Raju for his free Sunday the day came & we planned our trip on 29th Jul 2018.

I have grown up by learning & listening the stories of Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj & in that one story about his oath which he took at Raireshwar temple about forming Hindawi Swarajya. Its said that Shivaji Maharaj had cut his little fingre while taking oath & dripping blood on to Shivling.

Raireshwar fort is hill fort situated in Bhor taluka near Pune, approx 85 km away. Raireshwar has a temple famous for its historical importance. Raireshwar played imported part in Maratha history. The temple is on a plateau with beautiful flowers during mansoon which is the best time to visit this place.
We started our journey around 8 am from my place in Raju's ford figo car.

We took banglore highway till Bhor phata, after filling fuel in our vehicle near Kapurhol we took right turn towards Bhor. The climate on bhor raod as usual was very pleasent and we were experiencing typical mansoon envinrontment. We took our first break at Bhor near chaupati. We did breakfast here at one hotel, enjoyed mispav & tea an moved ahed towards Raireshwar 

Delicious Dahi Misal Pav

There are two routes for Raireshwar, tourist who comes from Satara side they can come via Wai-Menavali road and those who are coming from Pune side they need to come to Bhor-Ambavade- Korle- Raireshwar. Once you move from Bhor towards Raireshwar you will get road from Ambeghar which will take you to Ambavade & Raireshwar.

Once we reached at village Ambavade, we took our 2nd break. As this place is very famous for Nageshwar temple, Zulta Pul (Suspension Bridge) & Jeeva Mahale Samadhi. I had visited this place twice before but for Raju this was new place and new experience. He got very excited as he walked on Pul. We crossed zulta pul & entered in Nageshwar temple. This place is very peacful for relaxation because it is surrounded by lots of greenery and trees.

Raju on Zulta pool

Random Click at Nageshwar Temple

After visiting Nageshwar temple we moved towards Jeeva Mahale Samadhi, Its said that Jeeva Mahale was the bodyguard of Shivaji Maharaj, who saved maharaj in battle of Pratapgad with Afzal khan because of event one line is very famous when you listen or read the history of Shivaji Maharaj " Hota Jeeva Mhanun Wachla Shiva".

Jeeva Mahale Samadhi

We were coming back towards our car parking area after visiting Samadhi, suddenly I met my Junior from Bhor Pharmacy College and he was Prashant Dhonde after discussing with him I came to know that Ambavade is his home town, He surpised after saw me in his village, because since 2010 we havn't met each other but were in touch on facebook, and it was unplanned visit so both got very happy.

 Prashant asked us to come to his home but we were in hurry to rush towards Raireshwar which was our final destination. Prashant was not all in mood to leave us without visiting his home, so we went to his home. He welcomed us by giving a glass full of milk, after some chit chat with his parents we left his home. As we were about to sit in our car I got call from Prashant asking that can he join with us for Raireshwar trip. I Said its good if you are coming with us lastly he was Bhumi Putra of that area so he can guide us about roads and beautiful spot at fort. So our third partner for this trip joined with us and we moved ahed.

Me and Raju with Our Third Unplanned Partner Prashant

Very Soon we reached to Korle (base village of Raireshwar Fort). There is direct road from Korle to Raireshwar which futher take you towards Wai, by this road you can reach near by to fort, As we entered on this road there were puddles of muddy water in the road after the rain, We were expecting our car should not get stucked in mud and Moved slowly towards fort after crossing once muddy road patch we saw several same patches ahed which were resisting our car to move ahed. Raju's confidence was not allowing him to drive his car ahed on this muddy roads offcourse to avoid futher difficulties.

So after discussion with Prashant we decided to take U turn and decided to go by road which used by trekkers to reach at fort and we moved ahed towards that road. We parked our car at Korle village near one temple, those who want to go at fort by trek can safely park the vehicle here.

Parking Place at Korle Village

We stared our trek the path was so beautiful with lots of greenery and waterfalls. There were so many spots on the way where you can't stop your self from photo shooting. As we were moving ahed we were finding awesome spots and were enjoying our trekking with lots of chit chat amongs us.

Random Click while treking

 we were like crazy after experiencing this Naure's association, We were thanking god because he made plan to come by this route after refusing that main road towards fort. Prashant had carried some snack with him meanwhile on the way we enjoyed it near one waterfall.

Snacks Time- Halki Si Pet Puja

While going on this route you can see one more fort which is Pandav Kalin fort name Kenjalgad. after almost two hours of treaking we reached to the point where you can take your vehicle near Fort, from this point in 20 to 30 min you can reach to Raireshwar Plateau. We did some photo shooting on this point, This point has blessed with some breathtaking view of Sahyadri. We experienced eye pleasing View of the Beautiful Kenjalgad and Dhom Back water.

Ancient View of Kenjalgad

Stunning View of Sahyadri from Parking place near Fort

After finishing photo shoot we moved towards actual base of fort and we were ready to climb the highest peck of this mountain. The high cliff  has arrangement of stairs with railling devloped by Wai state bank in 1988, Thanks to them because of this you can reach easily and safely over this cliff. Once we reached around 2 pm at on top of this mountain the breath taking views & the feeling of untouched nature was just mind blowing.

Stairs to Raireshwar Cliff

We were on 4500 feet hight above from sea level, after climbing stairs actual plateau and Raireshwar village starts. The plateau covered with green grass and flowers, As per info given by local people there post monsoon this area is with full of flowers. The plateau offers gorgeous views of Kenjalgad, Pandhavgad, Mahabaleshwar, Pachgani, Rajgad, Sinhgad, Raigad and Torna Fort. There was one beautiful lake as well on this plateau which is on the way to temple. Several water streams originate on the top of Raireshwar and flow down as small waterfalls.

On Plateau - Towards Temple

Raireshwar village has around 40-50 homes most of them belongs to Jangam Comunnity. People who lives here are very happy and helpful. Agriculture forms the main Occupation here. Couple of villagers can provide meals and snacks on demand & few of them stands at point where the stairs end. One localite boy approched us at this point and asking if we are looking of lunch or snacks.

We have given him the order of Pithala Bhakri, he called to his father Datta Jangam from our phone and informed about our meal arrangement. We walked towards temple with boy to one we had given the meal order. The boy was very humble & I witnessed the pure happiness in his eyes. The boy accompanied with us till temple and informed his little brother take us to his home where the lunch was ready. He moved back again to starting point of plateau looking for some more customers for Meals.

Raireshwar Villagers Homes

Once we reached at Temple we saw once girls group was already entered in temple so we waited outside for getting entry in the temple. The temple is very peaceful place once you enter near shivling. There was one localite person who works there as Pujari to temple, he was giving information about Shivaji Maharaj Oath's event. I felt powerful and Peaceful vibrations after Shivling Darshan.

Raireshwar Temple

We finished our darshan by this time we were very hungry so immediately moved towords Datta Jangam's Home. Mr. Jangam welcomed us in there home. The meal was ready and he served us immediately. We enjoyed the food specially Hot Pithal Bhakri. Mr. Jangam was telling us about the life at Raireshwar village and that because I was asking so many questions to him while having lunch about there routines. Mr. Jangam provided us such delicious food at very fare rates. We are very thankful him for such delicious food.

Lunch Time

Lunch Place

When you are at such beautiful location it gets difficult to keep track of time, it was already 3.30 pm. and we started our downhill trek, while we coming down we were not at all in mood to leave this place. We did some photography and moved down.

Stunning View from the Top

Stunning View from the Top

We reached at Base of fort Korle village around 5.10 Pm where we had parked our vehicle. Now we all were full exhauted and started our journey towards Pune. We dropped Prashant at Ambavde village and Thanked him for joining this trip.

We reached to my place around 7.30 pm Finally I accomplished my most awaited trip. We both were so happy because of such wonderful trip. Really it is best place as Prashant was telling us before reaching to fort its a Swarg Experience on the Top and yes I fett it is Swarg safari.

Random Click while coming back

This area will make you crazy by memerising its natural beauty. The deep forest, deep valleys, tall pinnacles and wide speard plateaus makes this area Gem of Sahaydri. Most peoples dont know about this spot so i called this area as Hidden Gem of Sahyadri. Overall Raireshwar is Excellent and Ideal place for Nature lovers, Travellers, Photographers and Trekkers. Come let explore absolute beauty of Raireshwar. Happy Travelling.

Happy Travelling

Trip to Ganpatipule, Aare ware beach and Guhagar

Since long time Ganpati pule, Aare ware beach and Guhagar were in my wish list to visit, we decided to celebrate 31st in Kokan, Travellers for this trip are my wife Priyanka, daughter Prarthana and me. Initially we had planned this trip with my younger brother Amol and his wife but due to his some work challenge he won’t be not able to come for the trip

Day 1- Pune to Ganpatipule (29th Dec 2017)-

Ganpatipule is small but famous town in Ratnagiri district in Kokan region with long stretch of pristine beaches and its perfect destination to enjoy with family and friends in the slip of nature.

We Started our journey 6 am after filling my WagonR's CNG Tank full at Warje. We wanted to enjoy morning breeze and avoid traffic on highway so started journey early. We took route Via Satara-Umbraj-Patan-Kumbharli Ghat-Chiplun- Ganpati Pule, There are some other routes to visit Ganpati Pule like from  Karad-Amba ghat- Ratnagiti- Ganpatipule or Via Bhor-Varadha ghat- Mahad- Poladpur- Chiplun - Ganpatilpule etc. The route that we have decided because good road conditions. There was foggy atmosphere initially after crossing shirval the road was quite visible, now we were moving faster towards Satara, we took our first break Near Umbraj at Hotel Idali and Kamat's. Prarthna enjoyed Sada Dosa, Priyanka and I enjoyed my favorite dish Kanda Poha and Tea

Enrouting Kokan -Breakfast time at Hotel Idali and Kamat's

We enjoyed our breakfast there around 8 am, after spending around 40 min we took Umbraj Chiplun route, the road was calm and decent with very less traffic. Once we reached at Kumbharli ghat section we have slowed down our car’s speed to enjoy nice scenes in ghat. We got down at one beautiful place for photo shoot. If we would have been at this point in Mansoon this place would have more photogenic, but still i cant controlled my self and captured so many snaps.

At Kumbharli Ghat

Around 11 am we reached to Chiplun and joined Mumbai Goa highway towards Ganpatipule, after crossing Village Savarde and before Sangmeshar there is one shortcut to Ganpatipule which will take you through some narrow roads but along with nice nature adjacent to roads. While passing this route we were experiencing typical Kokan climate, you will find one beautiful village on this route. 

Small Village on the way to Ganpati Pule

Finally around 1 pm we reached to Ganpatipule, We had not booked any room for stay here in advance unlike Guhagar, so firstly we moved towards Bhakta Niwas for Room booking, As they do not take phone booking or advance booking you need to go personally there for booking the room, I had heard good feedback about Bhakta Niwas so wanted to try if I get room there, the boy at reception said no rooms available, so now we have to catch up for some private hotels or home stay, after crossing Bhakta Niwas once we entered in village there are so many staying options like logde, home stay, some resorts etc, The rate here are depends on seasons. Finally I Got 1 decent room at price of Rs 1200 for 1 night at Hotel Center Point Residency near temple itself. We had already got some food stuff with us while staring our journey, we enjoyed our home made Poli Bhaji and chutney in our room.

 After some rest we had planned to Visit famous museum called “Prachin Kokan”. It was near to my hotel we walked down there, there is Nominal entry fees one can actually see the how was the old kokan life style and culture. After spending an hour we moved towards my favorite beach Aare ware beach. I heard awesome feedback about it since long time I wanted to visit this place, I was very excited to see this because for its breathtaking views.

Aare Ware Beach

 There is a coastal route to Ratnagiti from Ganpatipule via Aare ware road, Aare and Ware there are two small villages which are blessed with these two beaches, Aare-Ware is a safe and blue water beach in Ratnagiri, The road travels past a high cliff, below which the sea waves intensely lap without pause. It is blessed with heavenly seashore with a clear view for miles across the blue waters was not known to many. Aare Ware beach is nearly 8 km from Ganpatipule temple. The reason why I got excited about this place is while searching about places to visit in Kokan got one video on you tube about this Aare ware beach from that time I felt in love of this place, You tube link to this video is -https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tf2NAOaWbuA

Sunset at Aare ware beach was really beautiful, its very difficult to leave this place you will feel relaxed at most here, after enjoyment at Aare ware beach we came back to our hotel. We had dinner at nearby restaurant and came back to hotel after some chats over phone with parents we went for sleep.

Sunset at Aare ware beach

Day 2- Ganpatipule- Jaigad- Guhagar (30 Dec 2017)

Next day I woke up early around 6 am, As my wife Priyanka and my daughter Prarthana were in deep sleep, I decided to go alone at Aare ware beach again for to see morning scenes. It was beautiful morning that I witnessed ever.

Morning at Aare Ware Beach

Pristine beach

Around 10 am We visited Ganpatipule temple, After taking Darshan of Swayabhu Ganpati We have spent some time of Ganpati Pule beach. The temple location is really beautiful, Perfect Sea Facing Temple.

Ganpati Pule Temple

 Now as planned we have moved towards Jaigad to go at Guhagar, The road condition from Ganpatipule to Jaigad was excellent with not so many vehicles on this route. Jaigad is famous for Jaigad Fort, Unfortunately we have missed this place because of lack of time. We had planed to Go by jetty (Ferry Boat). There is Ferry boat Service from Jaigad to Tavsal every hour, where you can load your vehicle in to it and cross Khadi and reach to Guhagar

My Daughter Prarthana waiting for Ferry boat

The Jetty experience was awesome as we all were traveling by ferry 1st time so all were excited. We Reached at Jaigad Port around 11.30 am and done waiting there for jetty. Finally Ferry came and We have loaded our Wagon R on boat. Once you reached at Tavsal you can easily reach to Guhagar, This is shortest route you can go with, this save your journey time.

Break Time for Wagon R- Jaigad Tavsal Ferry Boat

Once we reached at Tavsal, We moved towards Guhagar through narrow but well condition roads by the time we reach to Guhagar we all were hungry, we took our lunch at hotel Vyadeshawar vihar, They served us Veg thali and it was decent, after lunch we moved to Gokhale Kaka's Sagar Darshan beach house, Its beautiful home stay srounded with Coconat and Supari Trees. Unlike Ganpati Pule we had already booked the room. Mr. Shiniwas Gokhale is very humble person which have kept our room ready. There are so many staying options available at Guhagar Specially Home stay. If you want budget stay options i would recommand Home stay only. Guhagar beach is wakable distance 2 min from back yard of Sagar darshan home stay.

Gokhale's Wadi

After some rest we were ready to go to beach, Gokhale Kaka served us good quality tea as refreshment. Guhagar beach is one of cleanest beach in Kokan, Beach is very long around 7 km. you can find some tea stalls and snack centre at main entrance of beach. If you have enjoy with no crowed then walk towards right side from main entrance of beach.

There was parasailing option available at beach, I have enjoyed it immediatly as soon as I reached at beach. Sunset experience is again very excellent. We came back to our room around 7 pm and had our dinner at at Hotel Yogeshwari. Next morning we decided to visit nearby places around Guhagar

Masti Time at Beach

Day 3- Hedvi- Velneshwar- Anjanvel (31st Dec 2017)

We woke up bit late today and after doing breakfast started our journey towards Hedvi, Hedvi is small town located around 20 km from Guhagar which is fameous for Dashbhuja Ganpati Laxmi Mandir and Baman Ghal. Baman Ghal is main attraction of Hedvi where sea waves passes through narrow caves in rocks give opportunity to see splash of water in high tide. We missed this because it was low tide time.

Hedvi Beach

After Baman Ghal We moved ahed to Hedvi Ganesh temple, The temple is pieceful place you can relax here for some time after darshan.

Hedvi Temple

Our next destinaton was Velneshwar temple and beach. Velneshwar is around 5-7 km from Hedvi. Velneshwar is fameous from its Beaautiful Temple and beach behind temple.

Velneshwar Temple

Velneshwar Beach

Around 2 pm we enjoyed our lunch at nearby hotel close to beach at Velneshawar. Now our last destination of the day was Anjanvel which is famous for its Light House and Gopal Gad. While returning from Velneshwar there is one village called Palshet which has blessed with nice nature and climate, We came to know that there is a shooting location of Marathi Movie KAKSPARSH at Palshet, the place called Nene Wada its on the main road to Guhagar from Hedvi and Velneshar. After wasting some time we moved towards Anjanvel,

Nene Wada's well- shooted some scene of Movie here

Nene Wada- Main Shooting Location of Movie

 The roads for Anjanvel is very pleasant and will give you peace while driving on these roads. you can see the Dhabol Power plant - ENRON project on the way to Anjanvel. After crossing it, village starts we have reached to Gopalgad through Narrow roads through town, Gopalgad is located at very ancient place close to Arabian sea. Construction of the fort is now not in good condition, but the Fort Wall- Tatbandi (in Marathi) is in very excellent position to show us the breathtaking view of sea from fort. There is a small snack centre inside fort which is run by fort's caretaker family. The time to visit fort is 9 am to 6 pm. Mostly of travellers comes in between 3 pm to 5 pm because the another famous attraction of Anjanvel is light house which is open only in above timing. The operator who works here given us info and functioning of Light house. This light house is very old located at very awesome place. I could not stop my self being there at light house more than 30 min, my hunger to see the stunning view of sea from light house was not going down,

Gopalgad Fort- Sea View

Anjanvel light House

Finally we got down because we wanted to go to Guhagar beach to enjoy last evening of 2017. We moved ahed towards Guhagar with very nice feeling after seeing light house, around 5.30 pm we were at Guhagar beach to enjoy sunset, the beach was having more crowd than yesterday as everyone came there to say good bye to 2017. After spending one and half hour we came out from beach to our home stay, After getting ready we moved to have dinner at Mrs. Archana Khare's place where we had already ordered our meal and Ukdiche Modak. we came back around 10.30 pm after dinner. After spending 2 hrs in chating with travellers of our nearby room. we sent to sleep.

Last Evening of 2017

31st Evening- Good Bye 2017

Day- 4 -Guhagar- Dervan- Chiplun- Pune (1st Jan 2018)

As usual I woke up early and wanted to enjoy morning breeze at beach, I moved there alone and experienced first beautiful morning of 2018. I love the waves sound specially in morning.After some time I came back in room and wanted to return back to Pune. My mood was totally against to go at Pune because who wanted to leave such beautiful nature but from tomorrow wanted to join job, so I was not having any option other than come back to Pune.

 

First Morning of 2018

 There two temples which we wanted to visit today, the one is Durga Devi Temple and second one is Vyadeshwar Temple. We visited both temples.

Durga Devi Temple Guhagar

Vyadeshwar Temple

As while in our return journey we had 2-3 route options for Pune. Mr. Gokhale advised us to visit Dervan which has Shiv Shrushti. I was also thinking to go by dapoli route where we can cover one more spot that is Keshavraj Temple at Asud near Dapoli. After so much discussion we decided to visit Dervan which is located at 19 km from Chiplun. This memorial is known as ‘Shivsrushti’ or Shri Samarth gad. It was established by Shree sant Sitarambua Walawalkar Trust.

After visiting Dervan we moved ahed to Chiplun, by the time we reach at Chiplun it was 1 pm and decided to have lunch at Famous Hotel Abhishek, After enjoying meals we moved ahead towords Kumbharli Ghat. We reahced till Satara by 4.30 pm but after Satara Huge Traffic jam near Shirval welcomed us. Unfortunately we wasted 2 hrs beacause of its jam. Finally we reached to Pune around 8 pm. Thats way we have ended with our Momorable Kokan Trip.