‘Jara Hatke’ - Korlai Fort

As summer offers very limited options for outing, I was looking for any offbeat destination this time. Suddenly I recollected one wonderful place which was showcased in ‘Discover Maharashtra’ serial by famous marathi actor Milind Gunaji. Recently I bought new CANON SX20IS camera and was excited to capture lovely seashores with it. So we finally decided to head towards Korlai fort on Saturday early morning. This fort is situated near Revdanda Village which is 21 kms from Alibag. One can also visit nearby places like Murud, Janjira, Kashid beach which are on the same way.
For Korlai we need to reach Alibag first. As the route goes through Pune-Mumbai express highway, travelling time is reduced considerably. At 10am we reached Nagaon beach which is 7 kms from Alibag and fortunately we got a beautiful cottage very close to beach. After enjoying delicious Konkani food in lunch, we took rest for sometime. At around 4pm we started for Korlai fort which is on the way to Murud. It did not take us long to reach Korlai and we were directed by the locals towards the correct path to the fort and the lighthouse. After seeing the superb location we really feel it ‘Jara Hatke’ !

The path towards the fort and lighthouse is a bit narrow and only one car can pass at a time. This way is really awesome. The sea on one side and a hill on another side topped by the Fort make for a pretty heady combination. There is no boundary wall on this stretch so one has to be expert in driving. After reaching the lighthouse, we were given a tour of the place by the guide there. He told us about the various characteristics of the lighthouse and what makes it different from others. Was quite a short but extremely insightful tour. We can imagine why the Portuguese must have selected this location. The tour was succeeded by a visit to the fort. The fort is situated in a good location and canons, rusted at that, dating back to the 16th century are still there. Fort is surrounded by sides by sea. This fort is not a big one. It takes hardly 30mts to reach the top. The view from there is spectacular. I enjoyed capturing beautiful images of seashore with new cam. Before heading for Pune, we spent sometime at lovely beach and started our return journey with memories of Korlai....

How to reach : By Pune-Mumbai expressway, reach Alibag which is 145 kms from Pune. From there proceed further for Revdanda village, which is 21 kms from Alibag. Just after that Korlai village and Korlai fort are situated.

Best time to visit : November to February.

Scenic Shivthar Ghal

Sahyadri is one of the toughest mountains in the world. You can enjoy it's beauty in monsoon at various places. Shivthar Ghal is one of such places. It is comparatively a small and rare place but must be seen and especially in the rainy season.
Shivtharghal is a cavern inside a cliff, in which saint Ramadas resided for 12 years, and created the famous manuscript “Das-bodh”. Shivthar Ghal is an area of silent beauty consists of lush green views of trees, mountains, a big waterfall and a river. It’s a place where you can enjoy the clam and quite nature. It took almost 12 years to complete Dasbodh as Ramdas Swami dictated it and Kalyan Swami wrote it down. Now a days, the place is maintained by Shri Samarth Seva Mandal' and 'Sundarmath Seva samiti'. Shivthar Ghal is a place worth to visit and enjoy the quite beauty of the nature and remember the famous saint in Maharashtra – Ramdas Swami and his Dasbodh.

Fascinating Spots : Ascending the steps we reach the building constructed by Shivthar Ghal Shree Sunder math Samiti. The organization has provided many facilities to all who come to this sacred place. They have maintained the sanctity of the place and keep it clean. In the main hall we see a portrait of Ramdas Swami. A small well-built path leads to the main cavern where Ramdas Swami used to meditate. This place is beyond our imagination. No words can describe its beauty. A waterfall outside the cavern adds to the beauty of the place. We can realize why Ramdas Swami chose this place to compose Dasbodha.From the plateau above the cavern, we can have a glimpse of Rajgad, Raigad, Pratapgad and Torna.

Accomodation : Lodging facilities are offered by Shivthar Ghal Shree Sunder math Samiti.

Ways to reach : Distances from major cities:Mumbai- 200 km, Pune-110 km, Mahad-30 km. The state transport buses are quite frequently available to Mahad from Mumbai, Pune and Kalyan. Further on, vehicles ought to lead till the foothills of Shivthar Ghal. Once the place is reached the endurance seems worth it. On the way to Shivtharghal, one can enjoy the beauty of ‘Varandha Ghat’.

Impregnable Madhe Ghat

Towering at the majestic height of 1700 ft. above sea level, Madhe Ghat situated in Pune District is one of the finest Ghat where you can see a combination of ghat, rivers, waterfalls, lush green nature and small villages surrounding them. Although many people even living in Pune wouldn’t be aware of this place which will make you stress free. Especially for people who need some change at weekends, it’s a place free from traffic, pollution, population and the city chaos.
This is the place from where Late Shivaji Maharaj secured his first win over the fort Torna. As you enter you would first come across this fort which is at a majestic height of about 1950 ft. in Taluka Velhe. If you start your journey in morning you could even enjoy the cool respite of the sun. As you head towards Madhe Ghat which is situated further from here you would pass through small villages situated on the hills and village people woking hard in their fields which are just adjacent to the roads. When you reach the peak sometimes you too can experience fog and may be you would have to even walk through feeling on top of the world. As you come near you will actually feel the cool breeze flowing through the great waterfall. This place also offers a view of the Konkan region and Rajgad on the other side. After this you can also visit the Lingana fort just at a close distance. Two small rivers pass by this fort.The Madhe ghat is known as after the late Tanaji Malusare, the great soldier who worked with Shivaji Maharaj and died a victory death. Breathtaking views of Sunset, Ghat, Waterfalls and the beautiful nature around you do not let one step out from this place of heaven.

The best season to visit : June to December. Preferably Monsoon.

How to get there:
It’s a 1 hr journey to the Nasrapur village on the Pune-Satara highway. After you reach this village head towards Velhe taluka from where you could hire a guide or ask for the further route. In next 20 mins you could reach to your destination. So enjoy your next weekend at Madhe Ghat in full lush greenary.

Weekend Gateway ~ Koyna Lake Resort

Koyna Dam, a new mini Hill Station 3,000 ft above Sea level in the Heart of the Sahyadries could be your next destination over the weekend! Koyna or Shivaji sagar as it is called, is one of the biggest dams in India, 70 Km long backwater running all the way to Mahabaleshwar (Tapola).
Located about 175 kms away from Pune, Spread over 6.5 acres and very scenic location, Koyana lake Resort provides a perfect family getaway for those who want refreshing holidays, away from their routine work. At Koyna lake Resort, you will find typical natural environment. Koyana lake Resort specializes itself in Vegetarian and non-vegetarian Food. Suites perfect for all family sizes. There are lots of things to entertain you. You can roam around on the farm and look at the crops that they grow, relax in hammocks or just sit listening to chirping music of birds. The major attraction is koyna dam & hydroelectric project. Koyna Lake Resort is situated on the hill top of Humabarli ( Koyananagar) and the site is 3200ft.above sea level and the weather is cool, misty and pleasant in all seasons. Especially, you should visit this place when there is full moon night.
Tourist Places around Koyna Dam
· Koyna Dam and Hydroelectric Plant at Pofli /elore - Though entry is prohibited due to security reasons after 9-11, You can visit them if you have contacts in any of the Govt. Agencies and obtaining pass for the same. Else, there are agents who takes you on the guided tour of the premises with help from local contact. It is one of the engineering marvels and must see place.
· Nehru Garden - Delight for couples, families with kids and nature lovers. It has water bodies, exhibition on Koyna dam, models, "Making of Koyna Dam" - Documentary screening at 11:00 am and 5:00 PM, landscaped garden, rose garden, restaurant and plenty of open space with good view of the dam. It is open till 8:00 PM in the night. Photography is strictly prohibited.
· Boating on the Koyna lake reservoir.
· Koyna Wild Life Sanctuary - The wild life sanctuary is a heaven for exotic flora and fauna. One can look and wonder at the treasures of the jungle.
· Sunrise from the Koyna Lake Resort on the backdrop of Koyna Dam
· Sunset and View Points at the Kumbharli Ghat (Road leading towards Chiplun)
· Ozarde Waterfall (during monsoon or post monsoon)
· Ram Madir established by Swami Samarth Ramdas at Chaphal
If you have additional days in your hand, you may also visit Coastal Konkan -> Chiplun (45 KMs from Koyna nagar), Guhagar Beach (45 KM from Chiplun), Shiva Temple and Beach at Velneshwar (10 Kms from Guhagar), Ganesh Temple at Hedvi (15 KMs from Guhagar), Shivshrusti at Dervan (30 Km from Chiplun).

How to reach:
Take NH4 (Mumbai - Bangalore Highway), cross Satara and get down off the highway at Umbraj village around 137 KMs from Pune. Join Karad - Chiplun State Highway after another 12 KMs and reach Koyna nagar . Take a narrow road which goes up-hill from the bus stand to the Humbarli Village and then to Koyna Lake Resort (3 KMs from Koyana Nagar).
Entire road is very good. It takes 3.5 - 4 hrs to reach this place from Pune with 1-2 breaks.

Famous Eating Hotspots on NH-4 :
(With parking facility, open space, good food and clean toilets)
· Joshi wadewale (NH4) -> snacks corner just after crossing the Katraj Tunnel on your right. Tasty food like Wadapav, Misalpav, Tea / Cofee, Wada Sambar etc. Provides lots of space.
· Hotel Natraj (NH4) -> near Khed Shivapur (on your left while traveling towards Satara). Good place for south Indian breakfast. UDUPI management.
· Vitthal Kamath Restaurant (NH4) - in the premises of "Company Operated HP Petrol Pump" on your left at village Kikwi before Shirval. Good food and lots of space. You will get only Pure Veg. south Indian / Punjabi / Chinese food.
· Milestone Food Plaza (NH4) - Between Satara & Umbraj (on your left while traveling towards Satara/Karad). This is similar to SMILESTONE Food Plaza on Pune - Nagar Road.
· Navami Food Plaza (NH4) - just before reaching Umbraj (on your left while traveling towards Satara) - UDUPI Management.

“ MORE JOURNYS….
MORE FUN……………………… “

Tapola – Mini Kashmir

Tapola famously called the mini Kashmir of the west is a rustic hamlet with a magnificent lake - Shivsagar. From Mahabaleshwar Tapola is just 25 kilometers away and the drive to Tapola is a picturesque one with vistas galore on either side of the road.
Jungle treks from Tapola is very popular with trekkers. There are many unknown forts in the dense forest around the lake in Tapola like Vasota and Jaygad. Though one cannot reach the forts easily, still the view of these forts and forest nearby is magnificent in itself.

Tapola is a great off beat destination where nature has been more than generous. The lake offers an unique option of travelling to different sightseeing options around Tapola by water way. There are numerous islands without a name in this 90 km long reservoir and exploring this vast water body in itself can make an amazing vacation plan!! Jungle treks especially the trek to Vasota fort also is gaining in popularity amongst tourists.

If you are a water sports enthusiast Tapola is the place to head to. Be it boating, water scooter rides, kayaking or swimming Tapola will certainly not make you feel confined. There are many strawberry farms and nurseries of Gerberra around Tapola. Apart from the Shivsagar boat club and the seasonal waterfalls around there many options of sightseeing if you take boating in Tapola lake. Bamnoli at the end of the Kas plateau on the shores of Shivsagar lake is a beautiful village by the lake. Ascend the ghats from Bamnoli and you are at the beautiful seasonal flower beds of Kas.
Around Tapola : The major sightseeing spots around Tapola apart from the obvious and popular options of Panchgani, Mahabaleshwar and Pratapgad is Bamnoli, Vasota, Kas Pathar, Thoseghar waterfalls and Chalkewadi windmill power plant. Thoseghar waterfalls and Chalkewadi windmill power plant is approximately 50 kms from Bamnoli. You will have to use local transport from Bamnoli to visit Thoseghar waterfalls and Chalkewadi windmill plant while traveling from Tapola.

Adventure Sports in Tapola : Tapola is an upcoming site for paragliding along with Panchgani. An ideal location for high flying the site will soon capture the imagination of flying enthusiasts.

How to reach : Approx Distance from Pune to Tapola is 140 kms.

Best Route : Pune - Wai - Mahabaleshwar - Tapola