Luckily, there are a number of great trekking places around Mumbai that would please any trekking enthusiast. Prabalgad Fort is one of them. After multiple delays in the plan, it finally came to fruition. 

How to Reach Prabalgad Fort 

Prabalgad Trek is located near Panvel and is 65 km from Mumbai. We drove till Panvel from where we headed to Thakurwadi, which is the base village for the trek. We grabbed an early bite from our homes itself so that we didn’t have to stop on the way. 

However, if you can’t do that, you can stop at McDonald’s in Panvel. It opens early in the morning and you can have a good breakfast there. 

More About Prabalgad Fort

Also known as Pradhangad or Muranjan, the Prabalgad Fort lies at a majestic height of 2,300 feet or 701 metres. This is a moderate trek that even beginners can finish easily. It was built by the Bahmani Sultanate and the fort witnessed the rise and fall of powerful kingdoms, such as the Marathas and the Mughals. 

Prabalgad Fort is settled on a top of a plateau and consists of a sister fort which is named Irshalgad Fort. Another fortress close to Prabalgad Fort, Kalavantin Durg, is one of the most difficult treks in Maharashtra. It shares the same base village as Prabalgad and is famously known as one of the world’s most dangerous treks due to its steep climb. 

As we trekked our way up, we took a ton of pictures and stopped at multiple spots to enjoy the views. Make sure you don’t rush through the trek; rather enjoy it at your own pace. There is a lot that this trek offers, which can only be experienced if you are present in the moment instead of focusing on reaching the top as soon as possible. 

Stay at Prabalgad Fort

After you trek, you can come back to Thakurwadi village to stay for the night. The locals are warm and welcoming. That being said, camps are one of the most popular ways people choose to stay.

You can pitch your tent on the open land near the fort and sleep under the starry skies. It is a one-of-a-kind experience that you wouldn’t want to miss. Inform the concerned people beforehand if you want to stay in a tent. Or you can carry your own tent and set up camp wherever you want. 

We chose to stay in a tent and I must say it was one of the most incredible experiences ever. At the end of the day, we were all tired from the trek and a calm night under the stars was exactly what we needed.  

Food at Prabalgad Fort

There are a number of snack shacks on the way to the fort. However, it would be wise to carry sufficient food and bottled water with you on the trek. 

There is a home restaurant in the village where you can place an order for the food to take for the tent stay. They serve authentic, lip-smacking Maharashtrian food. We packed it and took it with us on the trek.

We ate so much that walking further didn’t seem possible. But, eating such a delicious meal after the trek was truly a delight. 

Places to Visit Nearby

If you have more time on your hands and feel like you could take on a bigger challenge, head over to what is considered as one of the most dangerous treks in the world – Kalavantin Durg. 

Kalavantin Durg

According to a legend, it was built in honour of Queen Kalavantin. Once you reach the top, you will have stunning views but the climb itself has a notorious reputation. The terrain is rugged with narrow cut steps. The scariest part is that there is no support to these steps which makes the trek equally dangerous yet adrenaline-filled. 

The trek is also known as ‘Climb to Heaven’ as you get a heavenly, bird’s eye view of the surroundings when you reach the top.

You should avoid this trek if you have vertigo as it’ll prove to be extremely dangerous. You might get dizzy and getting down would be next to impossible in such a scenario. 

What to Carry?

If you do not pack the right things before the trek, you may not enjoy it as much as you could. Here are some things that you must carry:

• ID proof 
• Dry foods like snacks 
• Bottled Water (at least 2 bottles)
• First aid kit – keep sprays or gels for sprains and band-aids for any sorts of cuts and bruises. 
• Cap, sunglasses, and sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun
• Rain gear if you choose to go during the monsoons
• Torch with extra cells if you plan to camp there
• Hydrating and energy drinks 
• Energy bars
• Napkins and towels
• A good rucksack to carry all your essentials 

Make sure you wear comfortable clothes and the right pair of trekking shoes. Do not even attempt to trek in your regular shoes and sandals. Carry a camera to capture your trek. A phone camera would also work but make sure you take a ton of pictures. This trek is worth looking back on. 

It was a one-day trip was for us. Though we wanted to do the Kalavantin Durg trek, we couldn’t due to the lack of time. Well, it is a journey for some other time. Thankfully, the Prabalgad Fort trek was an easy one so we weren’t too sore the next day. It was truly a day well spent. 

If you are trekking enthusiast and haven’t been to this fort yet, it’s high time you did!  

Recommended Story – MUMBAI TO MOUNT ABU – ROAD TRIP MEMOIR

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Why Mount Abu?

When we think of Rajasthan, we picture golden sand dunes and searing temperatures, but Mount Abu will put that thought to rest! It is the only hill station located in the Sirohi district of Rajasthan, nestled in the Aravalli mountain at an elevation of 1,220 m above sea level amid a 289-km2 wildlife sanctuary. Mount Abu is known for its Hindu and Jain temples, and shrines dating back to 400 to 1,000 years. My family wanted to visit these temples, so we planned a road trip to Mount Abu.

Mount Abu Route:

There is only one route from Mumbai to Mount Abu, and it is filled with exciting pit stops and activities.

Mumbai → Daman → Surat → Vadodara → Ahmedabad → Mount Abu via NH48

Time & Distance of Mount Abu:

The Mumbai to Mount Abu road via NH48 is 759 km long, and the journey will take 13 hours and 35 minutes. We slithered on winding roads across hills and shorelines, which was a beautiful experience.

Pit Stops Along Mumbai To Mount Abu (Via NH48)

Devka Beach

The Mumbai to Mount Abu, NH48 highway is filled with beaches, forests, hills and plateaus. From historic places to beaches, there are abundant places to visit on the way to Mount Abu from Mumbai.

Devka Beach: Situated 190 km from Mumbai, Devka beach in Daman is a must-visit. The serene waters and virgin shorelines calm your travel stress and fill your heart. We took a short lunch break at this beach and enjoyed the Portuguese seafood delicacies at a small dhaba by the sea. We collected shells from the sea, drenched our feet in sand and water, and got back to our car to continue our journey.

Mirasol Lake: Along the Devka beach road lies a man-made lake called Mirasol. It is a perfect place to visit if you are travelling with kids. It offers boat and toy-train rides. This man-made wonder is dotted with beautiful fountains, alluring nature, and food stalls serving mouth-watering food delicacies. We spent some time at the Mirasol lake garden. The garden made our travel sickness vanish. You need an entrance ticket to enter the garden.

Dominican Monastery: Once a Catholic Church, the ruins of Dominican Monastery is now a piece of Daman’s history from its heyday.

Dahanu Mahalaxmi Temple: My family has always been fascinated by temples. When we heard there is a Goddess Laxmi temple on the Mumbai to Surat highway, we dropped by and spent 20 minutes to take a tour and offer prayers.

Bharuch: Formerly known as Broach, Bharuch is a city on the banks of river Narmada in Gujarat. The place used to serve as a major trade port for Arabia, Persia and Africa. We stopped to glance at this ancient inhabited city and ate the popular salted peanuts sold by the roadside.

Vadodara: Vadodara is a city of artisans whose work can be relished at the Makarpura palace, Nazarbaug palace, Laxmi Vilas, and Kirti Mandir. If you have time, you must go for some textile and handicraft shopping at the local shops in Vadodara. We didn’t get time to tour this beautiful city, but I highly recommend you to explore this place for its ancient glory.

Places To Eat At On Your Mumbai-Mount Abu Road Trip Via NH48:

Jagjit Veera’s Dhaba in Daman 

There are umpteen restaurants and eateries along the Mumbai–Mount-Abu road that serve scrumptious food. You must try Italian and Asian cuisines at the Spice Galleon of the Gold Beach Resort in Daman. Jagjit Veera’s Dhaba in Daman serves mouth-watering Punjabi cuisines. Try dal makhani and kheer at Nirmal Dhaba in Vadodara. There are many other dhabas on the way where you can not only kill your hunger pangs but also satisfy your palate.

We got tired during the journey, so we stayed the night at a relative’s and regained our energies the next morning. There is no dearth of accommodation in Mount Abu; hotels are available throughout the year at affordable rates, safety and ambience.

The Day Begins…

Nakki Lake

We had a quick breakfast and started our journey to explore the hill station. Summers are the best time to visit this place. If you visit it during the winters, though, you can enjoy the Winter Festival celebration and New Year, which are celebrated grandly at Mount Abu.

Dilwara Jain Temples: These are a complex of Jain temples dedicated to Lord Shiva and carved and built from marbles in the Nagara style of architecture. There are small temples within the complex built by Vastupal Tejpal between the 11th and 13th centuries.

Museum & Art Gallery: Preserving the archaeological artefacts of the region, the Government Museum in Mount Abu is an intriguing place. With its display of cultural activities from the prehistoric era, including paintings, sculptures, unique brass artefacts, Jain bronze carvings and tribal works, the museum attracts people of all age groups. The museum and art gallery is open from 10.00 A.M. to 4.30 P.M everyday and closed on Fridays and public holidays.

Nakki Lake: Surrounded by gardens, mountains, and rock formations, the Nakki Lake lies in between the lush Aravali hills at a height of 1,200 km above sea level. You can sail on this river from 9:30 am to 6:00 pm on all days. The rock formations, Toad Rock, Camel Rock, Nandi Rock and Nun Rock near Nakki Lake make spectacular backdrops for clicking Instagram-worthy images.

Guru Shikhar Peak: Towering at a height of 1,772 m above sea level, this peak offers breathtaking views of the hill station. The peak is adorned with Guru Dattatrey temple, Mira Temple, Chamundi Temple, and Shiva Temple near the peak. Watch the sunset and click amazing pictures, or just stare at the city from this peak.

Parks: Mount Abu is home to beautiful gardens and parks such as Ashok Vatika, Peace Park, Gandhi Park, Municipal Park, Shaitan Singh Park, and Terrace Garden. It also has great nature trails, such as Craig’s Walk, Bailey’s Walk, Tiger Trail, Honeymoon Point, Rishikesh Trail, Bridal Path. If you love animals and are keen to explore the wildlife of Mount Abu, you must visit Trevor’s Tank, a water reservoir cum animal sanctuary. You will spot a lot of crocodiles at the Crocodiles Park.

Adhar Devi Temple: The temple is carved from a rock and features exquisite sculptures and idols. During Navratri, the temple comes alive with the sound of people offering prayers. You can get amazing views of Mount Abu from this temple.

Gaumukh Temple, Rishikesh Temple, Achaleshwar Mahadev and Shri Raghunathji Temple are the other popular temples in Mount Abu.

Tips For A Seamless Mumbai–Mount Abu Road Trip

• The NH48 route from Mumbai to Mount Abu is a ride through hills and shoreline. At some points, the ride becomes too windy. Do not accelerate your vehicle, especially when you enter Mount Abu.
• You can easily follow the route signs on the highway. However, for safety, check the route on your Google maps. If the map confuses you, don’t hesitate to talk to the locals for guidance.
• There are a decent number of petrol bunks and ATMs along the NH48 route. Use them often.
• Carry a stepney, tool kit with a car jack, pliers and wrenches for emergencies.

It takes two days to explore Mount Abu. The local shops will take care of all your needs and more. There are a variety of sightseeing options. But there aren’t many adventure spots. Mount Abu is a place for couples, families and friends who love to experience nature, divinity, and serenity.

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I forgot all about sleeping in and watching the series, and the excitement of exploring a new place took over me. I was packed and ready to go within minutes. Unfortunately, I had to wait until the morning to leave. My friends arrived before the sun rose and we were all set to go and make some wonderful memories. 

Why Lonavala?

Lonavala is a hill station that is located 83 kilometres from Mumbai making it a perfect spot to go on a weekend getaway. We rode to Lonavala on the Mumbai Pune expressway, which was a really rejuvenating ride. The route offers great views of the Western Ghats, and it looks even more beautiful in the rainy season when everything is lush green. The route is dotted with beautiful waterfalls as well that make the journey exhilarating. 

Proximity to Mumbai wasn’t the only reason why we chose to ride to Lonavala but also because of its affordability. There are a ton of places that we could visit and it didn’t cost us much either to go to those places. 

Route to Lonavala 

Day 1

We left early in the morning to avoid the morning traffic and we reached within 2 hours. The ride was a pleasant one and we took a couple of halts to take some pictures along the way. We had a hot cup of coffee on the way and grabbed a quick bite. 

Once our stomachs were full, we knew we were ready to take on the adventures that this beautiful place that in store for us. We were all set to go to the first place on our list. 

1. Karla Caves

Time: 9 am

As soon as the Lonavala plan was in the making, we just knew that we had to start with Karla Caves. Also known as Karle Caves, these are carved from a rocky hillside. These caves are among the oldest Buddhist cave shrines in the country. They were carved almost 2000 years ago and it is believed that many caves are still unearthed in the region. 

Karla caves are made of an extensive collection of beautiful halls and monasteries which reflect a rich history. The temple is made from pillars from the Buddhist period and you will have to climb 150 stairs to reach the cave. 

These caves were developed over two periods: from 2nd century BC to 2nd Century AD and in 5th – 10th Century AD. 

Entrance Fee: Rs. 5 per person.

2. Lunch: German Bakery Wunderbar

Time: 1 pm

We spent way more time exploring the caves than we had planned to. In fact, we didn’t feel like leaving the place! But our grumbling stomachs reminded us that we had to get lunch. And we headed to a place whose reputation preceded itself. 

You must not miss German Bakery Wunderbar if you are looking for some incredible food. After ordering almost half the menu, we were all fuelled up to go to our next destination. 

Don’t forget to pick up packets of Maganlal Chikki and chocolate fudge from the shops that are right outside the restaurant. You will seriously regret it if you don’t, trust me! Lonavala has the best chikki ever. 

3. Lion’s Point

Time: 3 pm

Lion’s Point was around 13 kms from German Bakery and it took us about 30 mins to reach the place. This vantage point is exactly between the Aamby Valley and Bhushi Dam in Lonavala. It is definitely one of the most popular viewpoints in the area. 

Luckily, there was an overcast and the weather was extremely pleasant. Suffice to say, the panoramic view from Lion’s Point was majestic. During the rains, it gets even more beautiful and you can see small waterfalls mushrooming at different places. Once we soaked in the awesomeness that this place had to offer, we drove to the next place. 

4. Tiger’s Point

Time: 4.30 pm

Another popular tourist point is the Tiger’s Point or Tiger’s Leap and that was where we were headed to next. It is a cliff top which offers a panoramic view of the surrounding hills. We were wowed by the greenery and we just couldn’t get enough of it. We stayed back until it was starting to get dark and we headed to the homestay we were staying overnight. 

We had a long day ahead of us the next day, so we just decided to hang out at the homestay, have an early dinner and sleep. 

Day 2:

• Rajmachi Fort

Time: 7 am

We woke up to the chirping of birds, which was a pleasant change from all the honking that is common in Mumbai mornings. We had to get an early start to the day. After freshening up and having a quick cup of tea, we started our drive to Rajmachi Fort. We reached there by 7 am and began our trek. 

Rajmachi is a small village in the Sahyadri range. There are two forts in Rajmachi – Shrivardhan Fort and Manaranjan Fort. The Rajmachi fort was a strategic fort to control Borghat, which was a historical trade route.

We trekked a little bit and we were welcomed to sights that were out of this world. We wanted to do the full trek and reach the top but that was a plan for some other time. The mini-trek we did warmed us up for what came next.

• Della Adventure Park 

Time 11 am

We grabbed a quick brunch and headed straight to Della Adventure Park. This is India’s ‘Largest Xtreme Adventure Park’. All of us were adrenaline junkies and our plan to go to Della finally came to fruition.

There are over 50 thrilling activities to choose from – right from Motocross dirt bike riding, Archery, Rocket Ejector, Rappelling, Paintball, Buggy Ride to name a few.

We could have spent the entire day there but we knew we were short on time. 

Before we left, we went to one of the many multi-cuisine restaurants that are on the grounds. After the extreme sports, we were undoubtedly hungry. We tucked in some delish food and were ready to head to our final spot. 

• Khandala 

Time: 5.30 pm

After an adrenaline-filled day, we wanted to unwind before leaving for Mumbai. And, the Sunset Point in Khandala was the perfect place to do that. We were just in time to see the sun get ready to set. The blazing ball of fire stuck around for a while and we sat in silence as we saw it go down. 

You can see a popular trekking spot called Duke’s Point from this place. The picturesque spot offers a panoramic view of the surrounding hills. There couldn’t have been a better spot than this to witness a beautiful sunset. 

With such a serene end to our trip, it was finally time for us to head back to Mumbai. I must say, this was way better than just laying around in the house in pyjamas and watching back-to-back episodes of any series. 

What More in Lonavala 

We had been to Lonavala a couple of times before, so this time we skipped a lot of our usual spots and went to places we never had been to before. If you are going to Lonavala for the first time, you can visit the following places as well:

• Bhushi Dam: This is a masonry dam built upon Indrayani River. This is one of the best places to visit in the monsoons. The water from the waterfall flows over the steps of Bhushi Dam. You can enjoy the waterfall, sit on the steps and have a super fun time. 

• Sunil’s Celebrity Wax Museum: Well, we don’t have Madame Tussaud’s but this is a good place to go if you are interested in seeing wax replicas of celebrities. It is founded by a wax artist from Kerala, Sunil Kandaloor. It has wax sculptures of several popular people like Kapil Dev, Rajiv Gandhi, AR Rahman, Michael Jackson, and Chhatrapati Shivaji to name a few. 

• Lohagad Fort: This is a UNESCO world heritage site that is situated at a height of 3400 feet. This is the perfect blend of natural beauty and architecture. It was built in the 18th century and is a perfect destination for trekking. An interesting fact is that Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj used to keep his treasury in this fort.

The trek to this fort is an easy one and even beginners can easily complete it. 

• Tungarli Dam: It is built alongside the Tungarli lake in the region of Rajmachi. You can camp beside the lake and enjoy the greenery.  

• Kune Waterfalls: These are the 14th highest waterfalls in India measuring at a height of 200 meters. Kune waterfalls fall in three tiers amidst the Sahyadri range within the Lonavala – Khandala valley. You can enjoy these falls from afar as entry is restricted. 

As we were heading back to Mumbai, we were already reliving the fun we had over the two-day trip. We found ourselves already making plans to visit in one of the long weekends and explore more places that are around Lonavala. 

Finally, I reached home and hit the bed almost immediately. Needless to say, I had a humongous smile on my face. 

The post Mumbai to Lonavala – The Perfect Weekend Getaway appeared first on Roadtales.

Once you step into this tiny hill station, you will flip to a parallel world with red-soiled roads, lush greenery, and vehicle-free pathways. Tourists, locals and foreigners alike, throng this place all year round, especially during winters, to breath the fresh air. The place is perfect for a short detour, a weekend getaway with friends, picnicking with family, or a solo trip.

A Road Trip To Matheran From Mumbai

Matheran is one of the few places in the world that resists automobiles. In the era of accelerating climate change, it is important to save nature from further destruction. Travellers must consider eco-friendly driving practices such as keeping tyres properly inflated, using the recommended grade of motor oil, tuning the vehicle’s engine properly, checking and replacing air filters, and avoiding idling.

Mumbai-Pune Highway:

Your road trip to Matheran will commence on the Mumbai–Pune highway, i. e., via NH4, which goes up to Chowk village. From there, take a turn to Karjat, head to the road that leads to Dasturi Naka, drive through Neral, and enter Matheran. However, you need to park your vehicle at Dasturi Naka, as motor vehicles are prohibited in Matheran. You can hire a hand-pulled rickshaw or take a horse to the hill station.

Trekking Trails

Matheran offers easy and exhilarating trekking trails and attracts trekkers from Mumbai and Pune. The most elating trek is from Neral, where you stop your vehicle and set out on a 3-hour trek and walking trail to Matheran. You will be accompanied by splendid views of farms, landscapes, streams, railway tracks, etc. You can take a short break at the Janampatri railway station. Once you have completed the hike, you can go back to your rooms and from there head to Matheran Bazaar for shopping.

Karnala Bird Sanctuary

Located near the Mumbai–Pune Expressway over an area of 12.11 sq. km, Karnala Bird Sanctuary is home to a rich variety of floral and faunal species. The place is ideal for hikers and bird watchers. The sanctuary is also a shrine to history lovers as it is situated next to the Karnala Fort.

Time Required: 3-4 hours

Timings: 7:00 am – 6:00 pm

Entry Fee: Adults: Rs 35, Children: Rs 50

Karnala Fort

About 10 km from Panvel and 65 km from Mumbai in the Raigad district lies a hill fort called Karnala Fort. It is also known as the Funnel Hill. Located within the Karnala Bird Sanctuary, the hill fort is a sight for sore eyes and thrill-seekers as it offers trekking opportunities. The place offers both easy and difficult trekking experiences. A normal, easy trek to the top of the fort takes 2 hours with gentle slopes. If you are up for a challenge, you can take the route on steep slopes, which will save you half an hour. Evidence of the fort’s dynastic lineage of Mughals, Portuguese, and Maratha rulers is available all over the place. You can find Persian writings and Marathi inscriptions on the gates of the fort, try to decipher them.

Timings: 7:00 am – 6:00 pm

Entry Fee: Adult: Rs 30, Kids: Rs 15

Prabalgad Fort

Prabalgad Fort is cuddled between Matheran and Panvel at a height of 2,300 feet in the Western Ghats and is a must-visit tourist spot. A trek to this fort is not for the faint of heart. The route is steep and the stairs leading to the fort are cut into the rock of the hill, making it a challenging climb. If trekking is not your cup of tea, then visit Ulhas river, Gadhi river and Patalganga river. You will find yourself relishing the beauty of farms and villages in Kalavantin Durg. Pisharnath Temple is another worthwhile place to visit near the fort.

Best Time: October to May is the best time to visit Prabalgad Fort because the roads tend to be dry.

Louisa Point

1.5 km from the marketplace in Matheran lies a unique point that gives two different picturesque views—the mountain kissing the sky and a civilized valley far away and Lake Charlotte, which looks like a diamond from Louisa Point. You can get a clear and intriguing view of Prabalgad Fort and panoramic views of mountains, peaks, lakes and waterfalls around. Watch the sunset from this point, cherish the moments of silence, soak in the beauty of this place, and put your photography skills to use.

Panorama Point

Panorama Point, as the name suggests, offers 360-degree panoramic views of the Western Ghats and verdant valleys flecked with villages. If you are looking for a less-crowded place in Matheran, head to Panorama Point via the Neral–Matheran toy train and trek 2 km to the point. The views of sunset, sunrise, clouds, valleys, plains and peaks make it an ideal place for photography enthusiasts and nature lovers.

Best Time To Visit: Panorama Point comes to life during monsoons as the vegetation is in full bloom around this time.

Note: Wear comfortable clothes, carry your own water bottle, don’t carry too much luggage, keep enough cash, and stay away from monkeys at this place.

Charlotte Lake

Located at a walking distance from the main market area, Charlotte Lake is the most amazing tourist spot in this offbeat hill station, with spellbinding vantage points that offer scenic views of the valley. The lake also serves as a primary source of water for the people of Matheran. The tarn has a magnetic effect on nature lovers through its bountiful greenery and tranquil waters that create a surreal ambience. You can camp at this place, but make sure to follow the guidelines and do not litter the place. Pisharnath Mahadev Mandir, a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, is the native pilgrimage site by the lake.

Things To Do: Bird watching, temple visit, watching the sunset, camping and picnicking.

Best Time To Visit: If you want to camp at this place, you must visit only after the monsoons, i.e., between October and November, because the lake fills up to brim during the rainy season.

Note: The lake is the primary source of drinking water to the local people. Don’t wash your hands or drop anything in the lake.

Monkey Point

Overlooking the mesmerizing views of the Western Ghats, deep gorges, and majestic mountains, Monkey Point is a strange place in Matheran. It is frequently ambushed by a congress of monkeys, hence the name. You can find an abundance of indigenous flora and fauna around, making it possible to learn about Matheran’s weather and biodiversity. At Monkey Point, you can shout out in the direction of the Hart Cliff and listen to the echoes of your voice and have fun with it. Watch the sun go down, monkeys hanging out, plunging valleys, and nature in all its glory.

Echo Point

Echo Point in Matheran is famous for its reverberations and echoes. People shout out their hearts and the names of their loved ones, and the valley replies in a funny and endearing manner. Echo Point is photogenic with its endless blanket of grass. Its nature is a sight to behold. There are several food stalls at this point serving mouth-watering local Maharashtrian delicacies.

Where To Eat In Matheran

There is no shortage of food at Matheran. There are good restaurants that serve vegetarian, Jain, Gujarati, Rajasthani and authentic local food. There are also options for non-vegetarians, restaurants serving Indian and intercontinental cuisines. Panorama restaurant, Shabbir’s Biryani house, Kokan Katta, and Ketkar restaurant are some of the restaurants Matheran has to offer.

There are several budget-friendly accommodations in Matheran that will go easy on your pocket. Matheran is an offbeat, teeming, and well-preserved hill station in Maharashtra, and is a perfect place to disconnect with the world and reconcile with nature. A road trip from Mumbai to Matheran is indeed a detox to the mind and the body.

Also Read – WEEKEND GETAWAY TO STRAWBERRY LAND: MAHABALESHWAR

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It felt like a really long time since I did what I love, so I decided to go on a road trip to the beautiful hill station Igatpuri. Road trips can change our perspective on life. Leaving behind the past and looking ahead on a vast, endless road can be an enthralling experience.

I will narrate my experience from Mumbai to Igatpuri, which offers breathtaking views with lush greenery, waterfalls, valleys and more.

Stop By Bhatsa River Valley

Just before you enter Igatpuri from Mumbai, stop by the Bhatsa River Valley. The valley is a great spot to begin your voyage to Igatpuri. Savouring the rich vegetation and rugged rock formations at the end of Thal Ghat is a surreal experience.

Soak In Nature At Camel Valley

Located at a distance of 4 km from Igatpuri, Camel Valley was our next stop. The valley is a few clicks from the picturesque Bhatsa river valley. During monsoons, the valley comes to life with lush greenery and roaring waterfalls that dive 1,000 ft from the valley, creating some of the most dramatic and splendid views.

Draped in clouds, the valley looks magical and is a visual treat. Apart from watching the scenic beauty of the valley, one can also indulge in adventurous activities such as river rafting and river crossing.

A Visit To Ghatandevi Temple

From the Camel Valley, a small road leads to Ghatandevi Temple. The locals pray to Ghatandevi Mata and believe the temple to be the ‘protector of the ghats.’ The temple is the most popular pilgrimage place and must-see places in Igatpuri. The majestic peaks of Harihar, Durbar Utvad, and Trimak make this shrine more impressive and eye-grabbing. Entry to the temple is free, and it is open from 6 am to 6 pm.

Connecting Dots At Tringalwadi Fort

On the ancient trade route passing through the Thal ghat behind Ghatandevi Temple stands the Tringalwadi Fort at an altitude of 3,000 ft above sea level. The place attracts trekkers and hikers. From the top of the fort, you can capture the scenic view of the surroundings. The top of the fort looks like a turban. If you are good at photography, you can click amazing pictures using your own imagination at this fort. At the foot of the hill lies the Tringalwadi lake with a hanuman temple. Talegaon Lake has situated a short distance from the fort.

Catch The Simple Delights At Vaitarna Dam

Forty kilometres from the Camel Valley near JenJon lake lies the Vaitarna Dam, which supplies electricity and water to major parts of Mumbai. It is accessed via NH160. The dam draws water from the mighty Upper Vaitarna river. Vaitarna Dam is also called Modaksagar Dam. It gives spectacular views of the mighty Western Ghats. Standing at this dam and watching fishes and birds, and children play is a simple yet great experience. The beautiful lagoons, spectacular peaks in the background, and trenches of the ghats enhance the beauty of the dam and is more delightful during nights.

Myanmar Gate – Entry To Relax & Unwind

I drove 45 km from Vaitarna Dam to Myanmar Gate – grand entrance to the famous Dhamma Giri Math and Vipassana Meditation Centre in Igatpuri, Maharashtra. Driving through the narrow winding road, we reached the mighty gate bedecked in ornate decorations and majestic architecture. Before heading towards the Vipassana centre, we marvelled at the Thailand-inspired architecture and clicked many pictures. The gate is highly regarded for photoshoots and filming because the distant sublime mountains and a small garden nearby creates picturesque ambience.

Next, we went to the Vipassana Meditation Center to live through a rejuvenating experience. The Vipassana Meditation Center gets its serene charm from the misty Sahyadri range in the background. We were lucky to have a volunteer from the centre guide us and explain the significance of Maharashtra’s most visited pilgrimage. Additionally, we were shown a 15-minutes video on the centre’s meditation techniques.

Trek To The Everest Of Maharashtra

At 5,400 ft, Kalsubai is an offshoot mountain range peak in the Sahyadri Ranges and the highest peak in the State. It is also known as the Everest of Maharashtra. Trekking to the majestic mountain range accompanied by lush green forests is a treat for nature lovers and trekking enthusiasts. This isn’t to say that the trek to Kalsubai is easy; you will need to be tough and resilient to scale this mammoth of a peak. The peak offers panoramic views of several mountain ranges including Alang, Mandangad, Kulang, and Ratangad to the southwest, and Pabargad, Ghanchakkar and Harishchandragad to the south. Once you have reached the top, you will feel a sense of achievement. If you have no zeal to trek or find the activity intimidating, you can climb the man-made stairs to reach the peak. Perched on the peak is Kalsubai temple, the main destination of the pilgrims.

Unveil Mysteries At Maharashtra’s Grand Canyon

The Sandhan Valley is in the Sahyadri region, Ahmednagar, north Maharashtra. The valley and canyon merge between two mountain ranges in the Samrad village near the Bhandardara region. The deep rock lures adventure enthusiasts. You need trekking experience and stamina to go on this challenging trek. The Valley is surrounded by many mountain ranges, including Madan, Kulang, Alang, Ajoba and Ratangad.

The valley is 200 feet deep and 2 kilometres long and offers scenic views and outdoor activities. The sun rays couldn’t penetrate through some places in the valley for which it is called ‘the valley of shadows.’

Igatpuri is a paradise for nature lovers and adventure seekers with mystic valleys, rugged terrains, dense forests, and mountain peaks, covering large parts of the Western Ghats. The ancient temples and meditation centres are also tourist attractions in Igatpuri. This hill station is a perfect getaway for people who are searching for an escapade from everyday life and thrill.

Recommended Story: WEEKEND GETAWAY TO STRAWBERRY LAND: MAHABALESHWAR

The post Experience The Blend Of Nature & Adventure At Igatpuri appeared first on Roadtales.

So, the plan of riding to Chikmagalur hatched. Stay there for 2 nights, visit a few places and ride back on the 3rd of November early morning which was a Sunday so that we could touchdown by evening and get plenty of rest before the new week began.

Now, Why Chikmagalur?

Chikmagalur is also known as the Coffee Land of Karnataka with lush green estates and mesmerising landscapes which is definitely a sight for sore eyes.

This city rests on the foothills of the Mullayanagiri peak of the Western Ghats which is also the highest peak of the Western Ghats. The city offers pleasant and favourable hill station climate, tropical rainforest, and coffee estates.

Route Map:

There are 2 main routes to reach Chikmagalur:

• Bangalore > Nelmangala > Hassan > Belur > Chikmagalur.

Through NH 75 then SH 57 after Magadi Handpost.

Distance: 244 KMS (approx.)

• Bangalore > Nelmangala > Tumkuru > Tiptur > Banavara > Belavadi > Chikamagalur.

Through NH 48, NH 73 from Tumkuru then SH 57 after Magadi Handpost.

Distance: 241 KMS (approx.)

But we chose the 1^st option as the travel time was shorter thanks to the good roads and more places to cover.

Essentials to Pack:

I have listed down the important things to keep handy when travelling on bikes and they are as follows:

1. Documents of the vehicle and IDs.
2. Tool kit along with a set of jumper cables as you never know when someone’s bike battery wears down. (Learnt that the hard way a while back…)
3. Extra covers and bungee ropes.
4. Always have a water bottle handy.
5. Carry a small first aid kit.

Once we were ready and packed, on the 1^st of November 2019 at 5:30 AM a few friends and I started to Chikmagalur with 2 RE Classic 350s and a Kawasaki Ninja 650. The weather was pleasant with a chill in the air, sunny but not harsh and no rains.

Day 1,

07:00 Hrs

Shravanabelagola

Distance: 144 KMS from Bangalore. Time to Spend: 01hr (approx.)

A popular Jain pilgrimage centre in South India. Shravanabelagola is famous for the Bahubali Statue which is supposed to be the tallest monolithic stone statue in the world with a height of 58 feet carved out of a single block of granite. The Gomateswara temple is built on top of Vindhyagiri hill at an altitude of 3347 feet. The climb of 620 steps to the top of the hill rewarded us with a beautiful view of the pond in the centre of the town.

09:00 Hrs

Breakfast Stop: Udayapura

Distance: 51 KMS from Shravanabelagola.
You can choose to have breakfast from Aadya’s Royal Dine or Adyar Ananda Bhavan Sweets & A2B Veg Restaurant. If someone is in the mood for Ice cream Polar Bear is there to please. A little shopping can be done at the Mist COORG SPICE or Malnad silk and fashion plaza. While Athithi Juice Shop can help you hydrate with some fresh fruit juice options. However, we chose to dine at the Aadya’s Royal Dine and found the food served to be much to our liking.

We departed to our next stop around 10:00 Hrs after breakfast, making sure to eat light.

11:00 Hrs

Shettihalli Church

Distance: 50 KMS from Udayapura
Approximately 30 Kms after staying on NH75 we took a left to get on SH21 and after 6kms give or take, we took a right towards Shettihalli and stayed en route for another 12-13kms approx. only to reach the almost submerged (due to the monsoon rains) ruins of a church built in the 1860s by the French Missionaries with a gothic style of architecture. We spent about 20-30 minutes here and clicked a few pictures. And started towards Chikmagalur with no further stops along the way

However, we did stop for 5-10 min about 17 odd kms after Hassan. The lake is named Kalkere.

13:10 Hrs

Chikmagalur

Distance: 78 KMS from Settihalli

We booked our stay in The Planters Court, K. M Road, Chikmagalur and the rooms were ultra-horrible with water seepage causing fungus on the walls and furnishing however we didn’t notice this as we just kept our luggage and headed to the new pub in the town: Fai Dang, right next to our stay as we were starving. And we truly enjoyed the food there having ordered Roasted Pork, Crispy Pork, Chicken Manchurian, Chicken Lollipop, Potato Chilli, Peanut Masala, Masala Padad Veg Fried Rice and Chicken Fried Rice. (P.S. If you are a Pork lover, you shouldn’t miss the Roasted Pork.) The ambience too was soothing with soft rock classic playing in the background.

After lunch, we retired to our rooms and figured out the disgusting state of the rooms but being exhausted and full we took some rest and spent the rest of the evening trying to figure out another accommodation for the next night as all the rooms were sold out due to the long weekend.

Day 02,

10:00 Hrs

We headed to a small mess kind of place named Kannika Food Court right opposite to our stay to have breakfast and we ordered Lemon rice, Mangalore Buns, Idly and Vada. The food was tasty and light unlike the usual hotel food with soda. After breakfast, we packed up our luggage and headed to the new accommodation close to Mullayanagiri peak.

11:00 Hrs

Distance: 20 KMS from Chikmagalur, K. M Road (Approx.) Towards Baba Budangiri.

Although the distance was just 20 kms uphill, we anticipated the ride to last about an hour-long due to the narrow winding roads. However, to our surprise, the journey took us 3 long hrs out of which 2 hrs just to cover 4 kms of the road due to the high traffic and senseless parking on either side for homestays.

14:30 Hrs

Eco Holiday Homestay

This place was open private land with several metal tents setup with washrooms outside. But the upside was the fact that this stay was amidst nature with a small stream running along and the tents and washrooms were way cleaner. Taking it as a new experience we set our luggage down, had lunch and left to explore Baba Budangiri.

16:00 Hrs

Somewhere on the way to Manikyadhare Waterfalls

The ride uphill was calming with very beautiful landscapes.

A small detour to reach a not so famous yet charming sunset viewpoint was made.

17:20 Hrs

Manikyadhare Waterfalls

Although this waterfall is really beautiful, people bathing (full-fledged with soap and shampoo etc) under the falls makes the view pretty disappointing.   Reaching the waterfalls required us to climb downhill through a series of stairs consisting approximately 150 steps and entry tickets have to be bought. You will find many monkeys too.

We returned to our stay around 18:00 hrs in the evening and a campfire was set up along with our dinner. The homestay chef had prepared Chicken Kebab, White Rice with Chicken Curry and Tomato Curry which was a bit spicy but really delicious. Tuning off for the night by 10 O’clock after dinner, the temperature had dropped down drastically and the midnight showers that lasted till 6 in the morning added to the cold.

Day 03,

07:00 Hrs

We said goodbye to Eco Holiday Homestay and departed with all our luggage towards Mullayanagiri. We stopped at an eatery on the way, had a light breakfast and resumed our ride. The routes were edgy and parts of the Ghats were so foggy that the clear visibility was reduced to a maximum of 7 feet.

08:00 Hrs

Mullayanagiri peak Base

Distance: 18 KMS Approx. from Eco holiday Homestay.

At the base of the peak, you have parking space on the left, we parked our bikes there and left our luggage with a vendor. From the base to the peak we climbed about 550 steps give or take 100 steps. As we reached the peak which is at the height of 6330 ft., we could see nothing but white on either side. I can honestly say it felt almost heavenly. There is a temple at the top and a cave somewhere along the way to the top that we, unfortunately, didn’t know about, hence ended up not going.

11:00 Hrs

We started our ride back to Bangalore and had a few pit stops along the way near the tolls as the heat was taking a toll on us. Our Lunch stop was around 16:00 Hrs in Kunigal Empire restaurant and resumed to ride back to Bangalore to finally touchdown by 19:00 Hrs in our homes.

All in all, it was a great experience with lots of memories even though we weren’t able to cover a few more places. Hopefully we will on our next ride to Chikmagalur.

Until next time, Laugh. Ride. Live!

The post Revving to the Coffee Land of Karnataka: Chikmagalur appeared first on Roadtales.