Bamnoli - A Drive In The Clouds - August 19, 2012

After a long time we had our first “real” monsoon trip of this season. It was a result of a month-long planning with my office colleagues; we had to tweak it a bit at the end though. Our initial plan was for the Kaas Plateau - कास पठार (Maharashtra’s very own Valley of Flowers), the yearly season being August and September. We had even done the booking on their website. However last week we came to know that there are no flowers yet, might be due to delayed monsoon. We therefore changed our destination to Bamnoli (बामणोली), a lake-village about 15 kms ahead of Kaas. This would give us an opportunity also, to really see the status of flowers and plan our future Kaas-specific trip next time.

I started off with my family from Narayan Peth at 6.30. I was to meet 3 more families coming from Chinchwad directly through the Mumbai-Bangalore Bypass Highway. Finding a flat tire and therefore after mending it, I reached Dari Pul (Valley Bridge) on NH-4 from Sinhagad Road at 7.20 am.

The 2 Tata Vistas and 1 Fiat Punto started the journey at 7.30 am. We took the same route till Satara Tunnel (refer my last years trip to Thoseghar).

The Machines

Since last 8-10 days we didn’t witness rains in Pune. I was wondering how “dry” our trip is going to be. But from the point we left our house, it was drizzling continuously all along the trip till evening when we decided to get back to Pune. In between this drizzle, there were heavy showers which lasted for about 5 minutes and again subsided to give way to the sprinkles.

We had a gratifying breakfast of Misal-Pav and Idli Sambar in between as well as a fuel pit-stop and we reached the Tunnel after Satara by 11.00 am. Going through this tunnel will take you to Fort Sajjangadh, Thoseghar Waterfalls and Chalkewadi Wind-mills. Just prior to the tunnel there is this road going up-hill on right. It goes to Kaas and Bamnoli. A small sign-board is available.

Initially, there are two very bad road patches of about quarter a kilometer each. Later on the road condition is OK to Good; however the width is extremely small. One car coming from the front and either of you will have to go off-road.

As you start ascending, you can see the outstanding view of Satara City-scape down on your right. We were just imagining how this view would be looking at night with the street and building lights glowing. Once on top, prior to the Kaas Plateau, two water bodies are seen on both sides of the road - Urmodi (उरमोडी) Dam on LH side and Kaanher (कान्हेर) Dam on RH side.

Kaanher Dam

By the time we neared the Kaas Plateau, it started getting foggy all over. It seemed as if we were driving on the clouds. At 12 noon, it seemed as if its just 8 O’clock in the morning.

Just at the point where the plateau starts, they have now constructed a check-post tent. Now after Kaas Plateau being declared a World Heritage Site, prior online booking is required, an entry fee of Rs. 10 / person is charged, fencing is being constructed on both sides of the roads – legally you cannot trespass on the fields leaving the road, actually vehicle parking is also not allowed on the road side. Therefore one cannot do all those activities that were done till last year – parking the vehicles on road, driving on the plateau damaging the natural habitat, littering with chocolate and wafers wrappers, etc.

I was apprehensive about this online booking stuff; however we had carried the booking printout with us. And that guy at the check-post asked us for the booking print (surprised?). We paid the entry-fee, received a proper receipt of Rs. 10 and then we were allowed to move ahead. What I found was though security guards are present after every few 100 meters; they are finding it very difficult in preventing the visitors to park their vehicles on road. At many times either fencing is not yet completed or gaps are made in between and people were squeezing through.

One good observation is that there is couple of off-roads made, with fencing of course, from the main road so that visitors can go on the plateau in a controlled environment.

We also stopped for 5 minutes; however, as heard earlier, flowering had just started. Very few flowers had blossomed and it would take another 15-20 days or so to witness “this” beauty of the place. Apart from this, there was so much of fog that we were not able to get a clear view. Also, our destination was Bamnoli. Therefore we found it suitable not to waste time here and hence moved ahead.

Kaas Plateau

Fencing being erected along both sides of road

Ascending the ghat after the plateau was more pathetic. Near the Kaas Lake, people had parked (locked) there cars on the sides causing a traffic jam due to a very small road.

A little ahead we found an open space by the road. Here we parked our vehicles and went by the lake side. This is the Kaas Lake, constructed about a century ago. Satara City receives water from here.

It is mentioned to be "a hidden gem" on one of the blogs. One misunderstands the Kaanher Dam to be the Kaas Lake. It suddenly appears while ascending a ghat after the Plateau on RH side. And as the guy has mentioned, it "is" surely a Gem. We could see a blanket of fog spread over kissing the water surface. The scene was surreal.

Kaas Lake

We had reached the lake when heavy showers started suddenly. With 3 small kids with us we had to rush back to our cars.

Again our destination was calling us. Hence, without wasting much time we cooched ahead. The road from here was a descending ghat with swift twists and turns through the dense cover of trees; and with heavy fog, it was giving an eerie feeling in the atmosphere.

By 1.45 pm we reached Bamnoli, a very small and quiet village on the banks of “Shiv-sagar”, back-waters of Koyana (कोयना) Dam. Compared to the rush and crowd that we saw at Kaas, this place was much better. Though there is no specified parking space, the road was enough to hold whatever vehicles visited that day. There were volunteers, may be the boat club members, to guide the visitors for parking space.

Main activity at Bamnoli is boating. A privately owned Boat Club is functional here. Motor Boats of the capacity of 6 to 12 patrons are operated. Fare and visit route is fixed based on time required – which ranges from 45 minutes to a full day. Places include Triveni Sangam (Rivers Koyana, Solashi and Kandati), Tapola, Datta Mandir, Vasota Fort, etc. Fare mentioned on the board was for a group of either 6 or 12 patrons. However, it is calculated based on total head count at the end.

Bamnoli - Shivsagar Lake (Koyna Dam backwaters)

We went for a ride to Tapola (तापोळा). It was a one hour return ride. This Motor Boat ride with its diesel engine roaring at the center, cool breeze gushing through the ears and drizzling rain drops coming inside was mesmerizing. Kids enjoyed a lot, even we adults. We reached Tapola in half-an-hour’s time. Tapola is actually the point which is ahead to Mahabaleshwar. It is referred to Mini-Kashmir – only because of its similarity in boating facilities to that of Dal (दल) Lake in Srinagar (श्रीनगर).

Boat-ride to Tapola

We got down here as we had 15 minutes time to return back. But just to mention, there is no point actually in getting down here. Boating and the view of the Lake ahead are the only places to see here, just as in Bamnoli.

After we reached back to Bamnoli, we had a filling Lunch. It was already 3.15 pm and everyone was dying of hunger. There are small restaurants, actually run by the villagers in front of the spaces of their houses. They provide a typical Maharashtrian Veg / Non-Veg Thali. To save time, you can give the order, go for boating and have your food once you return.

By 4.15 pm we started our return journey. We took the same way back. While climbing up the ghat to Kaas Plateau, it felt the same, as if it was still 8 O’clock in the morning.

After a cup of tea once we were on NH-4 we reached Pune at 9.00 pm.

Coordinates:

17° 43' 02.31" N  /  73 48' 51.18" E          Kaas Lake

17° 44' 1" N        /  73° 45' 36" E             Bamnoli

Odometer readings:
0 kms    Narayan Peth
25        Toll (Khed-Shivapur)
98        Toll (Bhuinj / Pachwad)
122      Tunnel after Satara
144      Kaas Plateau
158      Bamnoli
195      Tunnel - return journey
198      Satara
216      Toll (Bhuinj / Pachwad)
313      Narayan Peth

Lord Vyankateshwara (Balaji) Temple - Recreation of Tirupati - July 29, 2012

We had been planning to visit Ketkavale (केतकावळे) since last 5-6 months. Actually me and my wife, even Arnav, had visited earlier (i'd been there couple of times). This however one was for my parents.

Finally we were able to make it today morning. We left from our house at Narayan Peth at 8.45 am in the morning. We took the Sinhagad Road route instead of Satara Road to avoid traffic and Katraj Ghat to save time. We joined the Mumbai-Bangalore Bypass Highway (NH-4).

Ahead of Khed-Shivapur (खेड-शिवापुर) Toll there is a place with the name Kapurhol (कापुरहोळ). Take left here. Information Board for Narayanpur (नारायणपुर) is seen. This is SH-63.

After about 4 kms inside, an arch is seen on the right. This is the entry to the Balaji Temple Complex. It is referred as Uttara Kshetram (उत्तर-क्षेत्रम्),Temple of the North; main temple being in South in Tirupati. I haven't been to Tirupati, however they say that this is the exact replica.
What strikes the eye here are the vivid, bright colors, exceptional piece of craft-work and the quantum of cleanliness maintained everywhere inside the complex. You feel as if you are somewhere out-of-this-World.
After couple of security checks, we entered inside the main temple. You need to deposit your camera and mobile phones outside. System is very good, however its better to keep them in the car. But then, you might not be able to  take the snaps shown below.

Temple Complex

Temple Complex

Gopuram

Main Entrance

Main temple of Lord Vyankateshwara is at the centre. It is surrounded by the temples of Goddess Padmavati, Lord Krishna, Goddess Saraswati, etc. These can be covered with a well laid path-way. At the end is the distribution of Prasadam (the famous Laddoo which is distributed at Tirupati as well).
There is the facility of Maha-Prasad (lunch) also in the afternoon (i guess 12.00 to 2.00 pm).

Coordinates: 18° 15' 25.06" N 73° 55' 51.85" E

Around the Temple Complex:

Little bit of spying here:

Seems to be a Chevrolet Beat (camouflaged) - Under testing

Pune seems to have started becoming the City Of Replicas. We have Prati-Shirdi, Wax Museum (based on Madam Tussauds), Japanese Garden, Vaishno-Devi Temple and now Prati-Balaji.

From here we continued ahead on SH-63 towards Narayanpur, a religious place about 10 kms from here. The road cris-crosses through a small ghat with the view of mighty Purandar Fort in the front.

Fort Purandar

Narayanpur is the small place famous for the "Ek-mukhi Datta Mandir" (normally Lord Dattatreya is unique with its Three Faces - Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh). Here the large idol of The Lord is with only one face.

Coordinates: 18° 18' 06.58" N 73° 58' 28.61" E

Temple of Lord Dattatreya

Its a very simple temple with a large Ficus Tree or more commonly Weeping Fig (Marathi: उंबर) at the entrance. This tree is of a religious importance and is found near any temple of Lord Dattatreya. Infact it is said that the Lord is present at a place where this tree is there.
Behind the tree lies a small place of worship which has a small idol, while behind that is the main idol of the Lord.

Just next to this temple is the Narayaneshwar temple of Lord Shiva. Excellent carvings are seen on this thousand year old master-piece constructed during the period of Yadavas.
Inside the sanctum sanctorum (gabhara) is the gupta - hidden - Shiv-linga.

Narayaneshwar "Lord Shiva" Temple

Colorful entrance

Sculptures - damaged though

From here we moved ahead on SH-63 towards Saswad. About 7 kms from here comes this small town on the banks of union (Sangam) of two rivers - Karha (कर्‍हा) and Chambali (चांबळी). Instead of taking the bypass route we took the route through the heart of this town. We passed by the Sangameshwar Temple on the banks of the union of these rivers. Just next to the bridge is the Samadhi of Shrimanta Balaji Vishwanath Bhatt (श्रीमंत बाळाजी विश्वनाथ भट) - 1st Peshwa. Ahead is was some sort of old fort like structure. But we didn't had time. It was already 1 pm and we mice were running all round our stomachs...
But, I'll be surely visiting Saswad sometime later to explore these places.

Sangameshwar Temple

Samadhi of Shrimanta Balaji Vishwanath Bhatt

Just after Dive village about 6 more kms ahead we had an awesome lunch at a Hotel Panch-Ratna. This is was a surprise. Food was awesome considering its a highway restaurant. I would definitely recommend it to everyone whoever is visiting to that area. The hotel after Dive village prior to Dive Ghat on Left when going to Pune from Saswad.

After descending the Dive Ghat we took the left turn on Katraj-Undri bypass instead of straight road to Hadapsar. This was to avoid the Solapur Highway traffic near Hadapsar.

We joined the NH-4 again at Katraj and then reached our house by 3 pm.


Odometer readings:
0         Narayan Peth (Pune)
7.7      Left turn on Pune-Bangalore Bypass
25       Khed-Shivapur Toll
39       Kapurhol (take a left turn - info-board available for Narayanpur)
43.5    Ketkavale - Lord Vyankateshwara (Balaji) Temple - Uttara Kshetram
53       Narayanpur
60       Saswad
66       Dive
101     Narayan Peth

Map is as under:

Shirdi near Pune - Shirgaon (aka Prati-Shirdi) - May 30, 2012

After a long hiatus (courtesy: Hot Indian Summers), we decided that before we start our expeditions once again in monsoons, let us first go for a pilot trip. We decided Shirgaon, now famous as Prati-Shirdi. This is because of the replica of the Sai Baba Temple of Shirdi which is made here.
After our office hours we started off at 5.15 pm from Pimpri towards Mumbai on Old Mumbai-Pune Highway on our 2-wheelers. After the 1st Toll (on Old Highway) there is an immediate left turn. There are hoardings with photos of Sai Baba. Another important land mark is the Birla Ganesh (a very high idol of Lord Ganesh placed at a hillock and hence can we visible from a distance). Note that if you are coming by a 4-wheeler, you need to tell the toll booth about your destination as Shirgaon. So that you are charged accordingly. There is no toll for 2-wheeler however.
This road on the left goes straight to the temple (about 2.5 kms from the highway). On the way you need to cross the Express Highway over a bridge.
The temple, they say, is the replica of the one at Shirdi. The Sanctum Sanctorum is covered completely with gold plated miniature design on the pillars and arches. Marble idol of Sai Baba is seen sitting on a high platform. Photography is not allowed inside now. However, when I had visited earlier 2-3 years ago, such restrictions were not there. Therefore, I am having the inside photos. I will upload them later.
We reached inside by 6.00 pm. The Aarti starts at 6.15 pm daily and lasts for about 20 minutes. After the Aarti, there is a Prasad distribution which starts immediately - a bowl full of spicy rice.
Apart from this, there is a Maha-Prasad (which constitutes a full fledged lunch / dinner plate). It costs Rs. 20 only. The area where it is served is no less than a palatial dining room, referred as अन्न-छत्र. Maha-Prasad starts at 7.30 pm (for evening). It is also available in the afternoon.

Anna-Chhatra (अन्न-छत्र) -
Dining Place where Maha-Prasad is served

Interiors of dining room

Meal that is served as a Maha-Prasad (Cost: Rs. 20 only)

The route map from Pune is given below:

Biggest Japanese Garden outside Japan - May 5, 2012

I had attended a Workshop on Basic Photography at British Library during 1st week of May 2012. As part of that workshop there was a Outdoor Session at P L Deshpande Garden on Saturday morning.

This is located at Sinhagad Road by the foot-hills of Parvati. This is referred to as a Friendship tie-up between two cities - Pune (India) and Okayama (Japan). This is said to be the largest Japanese Garden outside Japan (covering about 12 acres of land). It has become one of the most referred and visited tourist destinations of Modern Pune.

It has a very beautiful landscape with a lake at the center, waterbeds with running water moved around. Couple of waterfalls also savor the beauty. Pathways are made having curved bamboo barricades on both sides with bridges on water-beds. Cottages and Benches are also provided as resting areas.

Lush green grass covers the area wherever your eye goes. There are many Gulmohor trees blossomed with flame-red flowers, a specialty of this season. Some of the snaps are below:

This place has become a most sought after place for fitness conscious people, the young ans the old, coming for a walk / jogging every morning. Also it is a favorite place for photographers, not just the amateurs like us, but also the professional one's. I have seen many portfolios on Facebook where photo-shoots were taken in this garden.
More info HERE

There is one more attraction coming about - the Mughal Garden - which is being constructed next to this garden. Snap is below:

Hope the Mughal Garden in this Land of the Peshwas is as good as the Japanese Garden which has already set a benchmark.
More info HERE

City of Pearls - April 17 - 21, 2012

This was no any leisure trip or any photography excursion which I have been posting till now. It was our official trip to Hyderabad for an All India Meeting at a resort by the name Leonia Holistic Destination, Shameerpet, about 30 kms from City.
We were stuck in that place for about 4 days - one due to its distance from main city and two due to our jam-packed schedule of meetings, discussions, parties and games.
On the last day, however, we were able to visit the highlight of Hyderabad - Charminar.
After a stint of shopping of pearl sets and jewellery, we had a sumptuous, lunch at Shadaab - walking distance from Charminar - famous for its Biryanis.
Below are some of its photos: