Even now, at the time of writing this, I recall that experience. What was it that I had gone through? How do I describe it to my folks at home? Was it just about the hardships of an adventurous trekking that I am going to narrate? Or about the beautiful landscape? Or about being able to reach the abode of gods and goddesses? Or about securing a place in the list of those luckiest people who could unload all their sins? Any attempt to give a description of that experience would fail. The pain of giving birth to a baby could not be explained in words, just like the joy of touching the feet new born baby. Whatever may be the name of that place…..I call it the womb….womb of the infinite-the unbound-the formless-the nameless-the omnipresent-the un-manifested in the manifested universe. 

 

We had very little time to spend on the top of Drolma La. Neema hurried us to move on. It might turn out to be fatal for vulnerable people. I rushed to my camera, took a few snaps. I was unable to hold the camera, hands were shaking. Entire valley was covered with fog. Colorful prayer flags had provided wonderful contrast against the background of snow covered valley. We had to move from there, we started descending on the opposite side.

While descending, we saw the Gauri Kund. It is a small pool of water that is supposed to be the place where goddess Parvati (Gauri) is said to have done penance for Lord Shiva. It is situated on a bit lower altitude than the Drolma La. We crossed a frozen river stream after that. After about half an hour we descended and reached the plains of a river stream. We stopped at a tiny restaurant like thing to have our packed lunch consisting biscuits, fruits and bread. We had to complete, again about 22 km trek to reach our camp at Zutulpuk. However, it was on a plain path we had to walk by the side of an unnamed river stream.

Ponies had arrived there already with their masters for those who had booked. A fellow traveler, he was the youngest of all in our team, was suffering from severe sickness. He was brought to the camp in an ambulance later. It was a terrific walk. I was lagging behind. I had no energy left to walk. Luckily, looking at my condition, Neema Sherpa and also Veerbahadur Sherpa took great care of me till I could reach the camp. The cute looking Veerbahadur used to cheer me up in between, he made me to drink glucose water, asked me to sit and take rest and made me to move again…like a kind friend.

I recall it was like a walk in the oblivion, as if it were a sleep walk. I was feeling very drowsy. It is a symptom of altitude sickness. In that delusive state of mind I had tried to recall the faces of our elder team mates one by one. Then, realized they were on ponies. Huh. But, not all were. Narayan uncle and the father of Doctor Shailaja were also coming by foot. No idea how they were, where they were…Veer Bahadur cheered, “We have almost reached, don’t worry”. He was just consoling my mind, I know.

It was raining by the time we reached. Must be around 7.30 pm we had reached. My folks at the camp were worried for me. They didn’t know for whom the ambulance was sent. Veerbahadur held my hand in a majestic way and dropped me at the door of our allotted room where my folks had been resting!! I just threw out my shoes, rain coat and jacket and lied on my bed, I was drenched in sweat.

Third day!

Next day morning we walked for about 2-3 hours. It was damn easy compared to the second day! We were feeling very light and were excited. It was drizzling and after sometime we could see tiny-tiny snow flakes settling on our rain coats. The entire valley looked fabulous. I told my aunt that we are blessed by Bhagwan through snowfall!

There is a small mound to mark the completion of Kailas Parikrama. We reached there and it was the end of our great venture. We could see our vehicles at that point. Drove back to Darchen, and after lunch the group proceeded towards Saga. From saga we came to Nyalam and from Nyalam we crossed the Friendship Bridge (at Kodari) again to reach Kathmandu.

When I reflect upon this particular experience of mine, all seems like a dream. A dream sent by the ‘un-manifested spirit’ to illustrate the hardships of realising the ‘sublime’. 

image credit: Prajna LS

We had walked about 12 km in the rugged terrain of Kailas circuit to reach Dirapuk from Darchen. Mount Kailas is seen from a very close distance here. We were overwhelmed, excited and content. Dirpuk is located at 4, 600 meters above the sea level. Altitude sickness gets severe from here. We rested in tin sheds after initial excitement of passing the first stage of Kailas Kora.

Accommodation at Dirapuk, or at Zultulpuk is getting better year after year, I think. As we heard the experiences of those who had gone earlier, there used to be tents. Now, the Chinese Government has built tin sheds providing space for 4 members each in rooms. 8/10 rooms have been constructed. We didn’t see any latrine there. We had to use open space for the routine.

My aunt, uncle and I were little anxious, since my brother and his wife had not arrived. They arrived an hour later and we were quite relieved! Soon the shades of evening turned black and we were desperately waiting for the soup to be served. It was not hunger, I guess, we needed something hot, very hot. We sipped soups as if we had been starved for months together.

Climate at Dirapuk is quite uncertain. It can rain anytime, and sometimes even snowfall occurs. One can’t be sure of second day parikrama. Sherpas judge the climate condition and advice accordingly whether to proceed or to return. Despite Diamox intake we were feeling nausea, headache, and body temperature. That night, we could not eat much. I had gulped a tablet for fever, and at about midnight I was drenched in sweat. It was pouring outside! Ohh…good sign. I was wishing for the announcement of our return due to bad weather. Delusions of dark hours!!

Second Day was broken amidst fog and slight drizzles. Sherpas were confident of moving further and asked us to get ready. Those who feel very sick can return from Dirapuk, they advised. “Himmat Rakhkho…Himmat se kaam chalega” said Sangya Sherpa with a naughty smile. The Sherpas had already kept a barrel of warm water for washing purpose in front of our rooms. After having a brisk breakfast, we marched towards Zutulpuk which needed about 32 km trek.

This day was the toughest day of all during our Yatra. We were supposed to pass through the Drolma La Pass (18,600 ft) and the famous Gauri Kund. The trek included ascending the slope of Drolma La and then, descending the slope. Once after descending the slope, we had to take up a long trek along a river stream up to Zutulpuk. Exact calculation of the time and distance up to Drolma la (8km) and from there up to Zutulpuk (24 km may be) is not possible. We reached Drolma La pass (8 km up) in three stages. It is a steep up.

The surrounding had received good snowfall the previous night. Not a sunny day. Thick fog had covered the hills making it more difficult for a walk. We were on an unfathomable path, metaphorically! I just laid my burden on my destiny that had led me so far and was confident that I would be taken good care of by my guru Sri Datta.

Sherpas were holding two oxygen cylinders for emergency. But, they had advised us to use that only if it was necessary. They had warned that the oxygen supplement would have side effects, it may block lungs even more and if it happens one may have to go back. It was a testing period of our patience, will power, courage and luck.

We started moving slowly, one after another. It was a narrow strip on a snowy hill partially covered with snow. For every two steps I had to stop, take rest on my walking stick and then had move on. We had to pass through three steep acclivities of which the last ascent was breathtaking experience. Through the misty depth we passed, it was like experiencing the fate of an embryo inside the womb. We could see the last acclivity, on which some hikers were visible, though not so clearly.

We were not allowed to stop anywhere. “Keep walking” Neema Sherpa who was carrying my knapsack along with the camera bag used to poke. Senior team mates on the pony used to greet us occasionally. We walked to strange tunes hummed by the Chinese porters. We were crawling inside the depth of silence.

I was breathing heavily making sounds. I had to consume water in between to prevent dehydration. Dry fruits will help reducing energy loss; keep them in the pockets of your jacket. I was unable to hold even the flask. Neema Sherpa used to hold that and he used to open even the lid of the flask for me! He would give my camera whenever he felt it would be alright to stop for a minute for taking photos. I thank him for being so kind.

One of our senior mates, Manju aunty, had completed the first day Parikrama by walk. But, on the second day, she felt that she can’t climb the ascending slope. Luckily she caught hold of a pony man who was returning from the top after dropping a pilgrim. One will get Ponies till the top only. After reaching the top (Drolma La) one will have to descend a steep slope till some distance. Ponies can’t descend on that slope. However, for those who have booked ponies in advance for all the three days would get back to the pony ride after reaching the ground.

We were ascending the third slope. Someone was sick on the way, was being assisted with oxygen. Neema didn’t allow me to stand there. He hurried me to move on. It was a steep rocky slope. I could feel my legs shaking. The whole area was covered with thick fog. I had forgotten the world that I had left behind! Face of my darling daughter flashed through my mind, suddenly. Move or die! I had forgotten my state of being itself. Inexplicable state of mind that was…….. in tune with the symphony of unbound-ruthless-wild nature. Each step seemed heavy…a state of oblivion.

It was when Neema Sherpa said that we had reached the top I was not in state to rejoice really! Yes, we had reached the top of Drolma La Pass. Huh!

[To be continued….]  

Kailas Parikrama is nothing but a trekking process around the Kailas Circuit. Parikrama means circumambulation. Some go for 3 day trekking, some for 9 days, some for 13 and some choose one day depending upon their health. The total distance to be covered in a three day parikrama is approximately 52 km. This task is an important part of Kailas-Manas Sarovar Yatra, though not compulsory. People who are physical fit and mentally confident may take up the task. It is the hardest task of the yatra, but, the most fulfilling one!

Mount Kailas is revered with great devotion by Hindu, Jain and Buddhist followers. In the Jain tradition, Kailas is considered to be the mount (Ashtapada Parvat) on which the first Teerthankar Rishabhdev attained his salvation. According to Bon Buddhist tradition, the mount is a highly energetic place representing transcendental energy. This place is associated with Guru Rinpoche, the Padmasambhava.

Hindus consider the mount as to be the abode of Lord Shiva and his consort Parvathi. Kailas Parvat is said to be the source for many rivers. Indus, Satlej, Brahmaputra, and Ghagra Rivers originate somewhere near the Kailas circuit. By circumambulating the mount, it is believed, that one would attain supreme energy and would be purified.

One can take up the task only after reaching Lake Manas. The trekking starts from a place called Darchen, the base point actually. Darchen is located at about 8 km from Lake Manas, and can be approached by motored vehicles.

The night before the parikrama, our Sherpa team gave us some tips for the mountain walk. They showed us how to handle fatigue and breathlessness during the parikrama. Not only that, they had also narrated stories of devotees who had died half way! That was very scary and made us to think twice before deciding.

A small backpack containing dry fruits, medicine, a flask, a torch, a pain balm tube and tissue roles were kept ready. Even to carry such a lightweight backpack we had hired porters. Chinese porters will come at the gateway (Yamadwar, the starting point) and we had hired them for 700 yens. The sherpas will collect the money and I guess full amount will not be paid to the porters! Pilgrims who feel uncomfortable to walk can hire ponies. Book your pony for all three days; you may not get a pony in the middle of your parikrama.

Next day morning, after a small breakfast, we had moved towards Yamadwar, the starting point of our Parikrama. Dressed in three layered cloths, we had reached Yamadwar in a bus. Our porters and Pony caretakers had already gathered at Yamadwar. For our group (I, aunt and uncle, brother and his wife) the Sherpas themselves got ready to carry the backpack.

I don’t know why it is named like that. But, a scary name it was. Yama, as you all know is the governor of death according to Hindus. This is the gateway to his home! There is a small shrine inside which heads of slain goats and Yaks are hung. There is a small bell inside and by tradition every pilgrim would perform circumambulation of the shrine three times after ringing the bell for a safe return. We were already nervous looking at the shrine. We proceeded further after performing the circumambulation.

 

image credit:Prajna LS

Our target was to reach Dirapuk. We were instructed to walk very slowly leaning on to the walking stick whenever it was necessary. It is not a competion of any sort to reach first. It won’t be difficult to walk on a plain, but, it would be highly difficult for ups. Take rest for a while (not more than a minute) and move forward if you feel breathlessness. We saw a Buddhist devotee prostrating for every other step. He had covered his hands with shoes.

The route on the first day Parikrama was not so complicated. We walked along the Yak River. Our path pierced through the rugged terrain comprising steep rocky hills. These same hills would be covered with snow during winter, but, we had gone there in August. So, the terrain was uncovered, rocky and plain, resonating deep silence.

We could reach the target by afternoon. Dirapuk houses a Buddhist Gompa. But, a surprise was waiting for us when we reached there. It was the last up. We had taken about half an hour to climb up, then, we turned to our right and were dumbstruck at the sight of Mount Kailas from such a close distance. It was such a solemn and serene sight, that I would always cherish in my memory. As we sat on the ground below there, we felt as if we were sitting at the feet of Lord Shiva himself!

Wait for the next episode to read about the second and third day parikrama!

Known:

The heritage city Aurangabad (Maharashtra) is best known for the Ajanta and Ellora caves. The city serves as a base destination for reaching the historical sites mentioned above and attracts tourists from all across the globe. This city was a Mughal Territory in the reign of Aurangazeb and is named after the emperor. The city houses the mausoleum of Aurangzeb’s wife which is known as the Taj of Deccan.

Aurangabad’s proximity to Ellora, Ajanta, Daulatabad and Shirdi has earned the city a prominent place in the tourism industry of India. The city has geared up to cater both national and international tourists by providing good accommodation and transportation facilities. The city is served by a well connected airport and a railway station. MTDC (Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation) provides special tourist packages for seeing Ajanta and Ellora Caves. You can also ask for private transport services or hire a car to reach here.

Lesser-known:

Image Courtesy:Prajna LS

Image Courtesy:Prajna LS

Image Courtesy:Prajna LS

Sharangdev Samaroh is one such step taken by MAHAGAMI. This cultural event celebrates the rich heritage of classical music and dance that exists in various forms all across India. This event is especially dedicated to the 13^th century musicologist Sharangadev, who is said to have lived in the court of Devagiri Yadava rulers. Devagiri is the present day Daulatabad which is at about 17 km from the city.

Sangeeta Ratnakara, the book written by Sharangadev is an important text for the seekers of both Hindustani and Carnatic music tradition. This 13^th century text documents almost all the prevalent dance and music traditions of that time and gives descriptions about technical details of dance movements, music, and rhythm. So, to commemorate the contribution made by the author, the Sharangadev Samaroh will be held in the land where the author created such a treatise.

The cultural event comprises of a three day workshop followed by evening concerts. Eminent artists belonging to various music and dance traditions such as Bharatanatyam, Kuchipudi, Kathakali, Kathak, Odissi, Mohiniattam and Manipuri will present their pieces. Noted artists like Birju Maharaj, Ustad Zia Fariduddin Dagar, Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia, Dr. Padma Subrahmanyam, Padma Bhushan Swapna Sundari, Sadanam Balakrishnan and many other scholars have graced the event so far.

Dear tourist…

If you are planning to visit Aurangabad, please make a note of this event. Normally, the event will be held in January or February for three days and nights. Visitors can make use of this opportunity if they are in the city during that time. Try something different when you are in Aurangabad next time. Experience the lesser- known treasures of Aurangabad.

 

 What comes to your mind when you hear of Goa? Beaches of course! Goa, being one of the popular destinations for holidaying on the sea shore, attracts millions of tourists every year. One will not get tired of visiting Goa, be it for a casual or a formal visit. Goa indeed is a tourist’s heaven by providing a true freak out time. Have fun, celebrate, be merry, relax and rejuvenate in Goa. It is that part of India which is the most explored one; yet, one will be surprised to know it is still left with unmarked corners. 

 This article makes an attempt to introduce some of the unexplored parts of Goa, focusing especially upon beaches. If you are on a family trip and want to spend some fun times with kids, then visit commercialized beaches in Goa. These beaches provide snacks stalls, water sports, and other entertainments like paragliding, scuba diving, kayaking etc. When we talked about the beaches in Goa, it hosts both commercialized and secluded beaches. Most of the commercialized beaches are situated in the North Goa whereas South Goa hosts most of the secluded ones.

 Goa, situated on the western coastline of India, is best known for white sand beaches, churches, temples, and fenny! It is well connected by air, road and railways. It may sound funny, if you search for a city named Goa anywhere in Goa you would not find. Goa is the name given to the entire region on the Arabian Sea coast comprising North and South Goa. So, where would you land up if you are an outsider? You may choose either Panjim in North Goa or Madgaon in the South Goa section as base destinations to travel around the region. 

Panjim is the headquarters of North Goa which is at about 550 km from Mumbai. Madgaon, headquarters of South Goa, is just 45 minutes drive from Panjim. However the airport is based at Dabolim in Vasco, 35 minutes drive from Panjim. Goa has two railway heads: one at Vasco, the other at Madagaon which is connected by Konkan Railway services.

If you are interested in exploring secluded beaches in Goa, let me tell you, go towards the south. Make Madagaon the base destination, and explore each beach a day if you are there for more than a week. Southern beaches are less travelled, least crowded, and most of them provide completely secluded private beach resorts.

Let us start with Colva Beach which is situated near Madgaon city. It is just 15 minutes drive from Madgaon (Margao). This was one of the secluded beaches of South Goa up until recently. Now, it is attracting more and more visitors and hence it has become a popular beach providing entertainment and luxury. It is stretched 20 km on the Western Coast.

Colva Beach Colva beach Image Courtesy:Prajna LS

If we move towards the south of Colva, we find the Benaulim Beach. You can locate the Church of St John the Baptist here on a hill top. This is basically a fishing village. You can buy wooden crafts and furniture here. 

Cavelossium Beach is just half an hour drive from Madgaon. This beach, along with Varca and Mobor beaches, is known to be the most non-commercialized beaches of Goa. A Less crowded beach of course. You may find huts converted as restaurants here and there.

Cavelossium Beach Image Courtesy:Prajna LS

 Goa is stretched up to Sadashivghad, but Sadashivghad belongs to Karwar district in Karnataka. Sadashivghad is the place where Kali River merges into Arabian Sea. As we move on to further southwards, we find two most important beaches on the western coast situated in Goa. One is Agonda Beach and other one is the Palolem Beach.

Agonda Beach Image Courtesy:Prajna LS

Palolem Beach Image Courtesy:Prajna LS

 Agonda is situated at about 35 km from Madgaon. This is for those who would love lonely beaches. Agonda beach is completely untouched by commercialization and less crowded compare to other beaches in South Goa. You would not find any snacks stalls or accommodation here. It is a lonely white sand beach good for photographers who would like to explore wild and raw nature. 

Try to imagine a person fixed on to his laptop in a cubicle all through the day, comes home and again works till late night. Finds no time for kids except on Sundays. Wrapped up in business meetings, mails and calls. He, who craves for a week long vacation with his family and kids finds no time for making arrangements. Where to go, for how many days, how to go, where to stay…will that be fruitful…he just can’t decide.

We know money is not the only solution for all. Your dreams of having a pleasant vacation may turn upside down by making wrong decisions. Think of a safe, fun filled, refreshing vacation and yet loading no extra burden on your pocket. We, at Clear Car Rentals, make that possible. We think for you and you make a trip.

Clear Car Rental Company, an Online Cab Booking service provider, arranges vacation packages for its premium customers. Wish for Weekend getaways, Romantic getaways, Summer Special, Winter Special, Beach trails or pilgrimages. We arrange cabs of your preference.

Suppose you choose to visit Jaipur and nearby cities, Clear Car Rental offers cheap vacation packages such as Jaipur city tour, Ajmer city tour, Pushkar city tour. You can give your wish list and we make a vacation package including important nearby cities. These packages can be booked for one day and one night or for more number of days and nights.

We suggest you to book a SUV for these long trips comprising more than a day and night. These Sports Utility Vehicles (SUVs) come in different models providing seating arrangements for 4 to 8 passengers.

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Consider SUV rentals for long vacations. It would work out cheaply and it is hassle free. Imagine you have to cover 3-4 sites in a day and the vehicle gets struck in the middle for some technical errors. You would keep cursing the very plan of your entire vacation! Book SUVs for luxury and comfort.

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Matheran is declared Eco-Sensitive hill station. Motored vehicles are not allowed within 10/20 km circuit. Even if you go by your own vehicle you will have to park your car at Neral and from Neral a Toy Train takes you to the hill top. Make prior reservation for the train. You can decide to walk along the railway track by enjoying the scenic beauty around.

Situated at about 800 meters above the sea level, the hill station provides many viewpoints. You can even watch Bombay city from one point. MTDC self contained rooms are available here. There are private hotels also. Restaurants provide thali (plate) meals.

This place is for complete relaxation. Enjoy vehicle free zone, go for early morning walks to refresh yourself and you would be ready for a new week.

Malshej Ghat

Malshej Ghat is famous for Flamingos, and it is near the Shivaneri Fort. Shivaneri Fort is the birth place of Shivaji, the great warrior. This hill station also houses Buddhist caves dating back to 3^rd century.

You can approach this place via Mumbai or Pune. The hill station is located near Thane and Ahmednagar borders. But you can reach the destination by road only.

MTDC Flamingo Hill resort is the best option for staying overnight. Best time to visit is Monsoon season when the Flamingos start migrating to Malshej Ghat. Not only Flamingos migratory birds of other kinds also come here during monsoon.

You can visit Harischandraghad and Shivaneri fort along with Malshej Ghat.  

Lake Manas Sarovar is widely known as Mapam Yumco in the Tibetan region. It is a precious site of visit for Hindu, Jain and Buddhist pilgrims. It is a freshwater lake situated on an elevation of about 15,000 ft above the sea level. The lake signifies purity of mind and heart. Devotees believe that a ritual bath in the lake would cleanse off all the sins committed so far.

The Lake is located near the Mount Kailas and the Meru Mountain ranges. This beautiful lake looks like a heavenly abode in a clear daylight. In fact, it is said that the ‘Devatas’ (gods) come here every morning to take bath in the lake. Keeping the Mount Kailash in the centre, two lakes are situated in that place, actually. One is the well known Lake Manas sarovar and the other one is Lake Rakshas Sarovar. Lake Rakshas is a saline water lake.

For Buddhists, Bon Buddhists in particular, Manas sarovar basin is a holy site of meditation. Guru Rinpoche is said to have stayed in this place and we can see Buddhist Gompas around the lake. We visited the Chiu Gompa situated on top a steep hill.

We had arrived there at about 1.30 pm. It was a clear sky. We were bewildered by the serene lake and its beauty. White clouds had gathered over the lake like a white embroidered lace. Sun beams crisscrossed over the crystal clear water that reflected the color of the sky, which was blue at that time.

The place is well maintained by the Chinese authorities. A station has been built for the tourists accommodating a huge hall. There is enough space for a helipad around the building, in the forthcoming days one may get helicopter service upto Manas sarovar. The bus that we travelled dropped us there and it will come again to pick us on the last day of our Parikraman. Pilgrims do get special bus service meant for Manasarovar Lake (for pick and drop to nearby places).

Luckily, we got to have a dip in the lake. After that, we reached our base camp near another side of the lake. That night it rained like anything. We were speculating that the Kailas Parikraman would be cancelled if it continues to rain. We woke up to a clear, but a misty morning.

That day, in the afternoon, we were supposed to reach the base destination for the 3 day Kailas Circumambulation. Till then, we were allowed to take rest. Some devotees were performing rituals (Puja and havan), though it was not compulsory. In fact, the place does not have any Hindu temples, except some Gompas. Some were taking rest at the dormitory cells. We decided to explore the place. We visited the Chiu Gompa which was nearby.

The place where we had stayed is a small campus consisting rows of dormitory cells specially meant for the pilgrims. These dormitories will be booked in advance by the travel agencies. Rooms are equipped with solar electricity providing beds for 4-5 members. You can charge your camera cells and mobile phones. This is common during all three days of Kailas Parikrama. Earlier there used to be tents, now, tents have been replaced by tin sheds providing bare minimum amenities. Hot water will be provided for drinking and basic utility purpose. Common latrines were highly dirty. However, one must be prepared for extreme conditions.

In the afternoon, we left for Darchen located at about 8 km from the camp. The 3 day trekking will start and will end up in Darchen. On the first day, we walked from Darchen to Dirapuk (12km), on the second day, from Dirapuk to Zutulpuk (32km) and on the third day, we reached Darchen (8km) from Zutulpuk. Darchen is good for buying walking sticks, bead and Tibetan jewellery. As we walked back to our dormitory from the market place, a face of Mount Kailas was visible from a far distance. We were amazed at the sight of Kailas like that all of a sudden! Within a few minutes, the peak was covered behind a veil of clouds.

We stayed that night in Darchen. Our Parikraman began the next day morning. It is an experience for lifetime. Wait for the next episode!!

[To be continued]

Life in a city sucks sometimes. It appears as though we are struck inside a fixed frame, lost in the mundane activities, and feel like coming out of the congestion. Congestion created by work related stress, family oriented pressures….After all we are poor human beings who need a break to re-charge our energy. We need a peaceful place that keeps you away from all worries, makes you forget the world and helps you to rejuvenate yourself. If you are in need of such a retreat, then, you must visit Ganaptipule.

Ganapatipule is a small village in the Ratnagiri district of Maharashtra, India. The region of Ratnagiri lies in the Konkan Maharashtra along the western coastline. Ganapatipule provides a serene sea shore of a recreational kind. The village is also known for an ancient Ganapati Temple that lies near the seashore. It is located at 30 km away from Ratnagiri city.

It was in the last summer that we had planned for a weekend trip to Ganapatipule. We had planned to reach the place via Kolhapur. Kolhapur (140 km) is the nearest transport hub to reach Ratnagiri and Ganapatipule. Ratnagiri is connected by Konkan rail to Mumbai. We had hired a taxi from Kolhapur to Ganapatipule.

You can’t call Ganapatipule a town. Due to increased number tourists this remote Konkan village is expanding. Most interesting part of the village is the MTDC beach resort facing the calm and quiet sea shore. It is a huge campus comprising rooms and cottages facing the shore. Book the room in advance during peak seasons. You may get private hotels also, but, MTDC rooms provide direct sea view.

We had booked a sea view cottage. Our aim was to spend leisurely hours on the sea shore just like that idly. We had gone there to drench ourselves in the lap of nature. The beach was less crowded and it is one of the most untouched beaches of Maharashtra, one can say. We were blessed to have refreshing morning and evening walks on the shore. In fact, we were left to have our own time in the sea. I should say, I am enamoured by the profound serenity of the place, would love to go there again.

The MTDC resort has a restaurant that provides good meals. There are restaurants outside the MTDC compound if you want to try out. Remember to taste the ‘Sol-khadi’ a local drink. It tastes like flavoured buttermilk that is made up of Kokam fruits.

What to do:

The place is less modernised and it is solely for leisure trips. The beach is the main attraction, but it is not a commercialised beach. We enjoyed drenching ourselves in the unruffled seas reflecting the clear blue sky in the noon. We just sat there for hours together watching the playful waves. We gazed at the vast sea that turned crimson as the sun made his way for another evening. It was heavenly sight!

After the sunset, we visited the Ganapati temple which was situated on the other end of the same seashore. During high tide, the sea waves touch the entrance of the temple it seems. It’s a beautiful temple in a beautiful location providing a pious ambience to the place.

If you have time, you can take a round of nearby locations. There is an open air museum in Ganapatipule displaying the local Konkani lifestyle. There is a small shop inside the museum if you want to buy local products like Kokum, honey, pickles and snacks.

We visited Malgund, the hometown of Keshavsut - the much revered poet of Maharashtra. Malgund is just 10 minutes journey from Ganapatipule. Poet Keshavsut’s residence has been converted into a memorial now.

In brief:

Ganapatipule provides best recreation for those who love tranquillity. MTDC is the best available resort there. Autos are available for sightseeing. Main attraction is the beach. Best for a weekend getaway from Mumbai, Pune and Aurangabad. Good for all seasons except Monsoon. December is the peak season, so book rooms three months before if you are planning for December. Kolhapur is the nearest transportation hub. Ratnagiri is the nearest railhead.

Mumbai- 326 km, Pune-308 km , Kolhapur -140 km, Ratnagiri -30 km  

 Travel and hospitality sector in the Indian scenario is rapidly growing. It has become more organized, approachable and trendy than before. Especially, the hospitality sector had never been so versatile. Accommodations are available in various forms to suit the travelers coming from diverse backgrounds and having diverse tastes.
 

Cozy resorts providing spiritual healing centers, palaces converted into luxury hotels providing royal treatment, houseboats for a romantic holiday, a night at some remote jungle resort and huts on trees for a meditative mind…you can think of countless combinations like these. Backwater stays, rural home stays and village stays are gaining global recognition.  You will be surprised to find the one in some or the other corners of India.
 

As a major breakthrough, Eco Tourism has gained widespread popularity. As per the definition, Eco Tourism provides a unique traveling experience for nature lovers. It is another name for responsible traveling to save natural environment and to create awareness regarding the preservation of natural environment.
 

Eco friendly accommodation (Eco Resorts) is a part of that project. This is an effort to re-connect with the lifestyle that has gone into oblivion. In village stays, you would be offered to stay in the traditional style houses so that you can have a firsthand experience an Indian village lifestyle. You get village home stays in Coorg, Kerala, and the North-Eastern states of India especially.

Features:
Eco resorts will be built without harming the local environment by utilizing what is available at local sites. Basic amenities will be provided along with hot water and internet facilities. Housekeeping department will ensure that there will be eco-friendly/organic products kept inside each room. If it is located in any sanctuary area there will be a guided tour or wildlife safari attached to that. Trekking, hiking, and camps will be arranged by the local guides. At present, you would get cottages, bamboo and wooden huts, houseboats, tree top huts and village home stays in India.

Location of some major Eco Resorts:    
‘God’s Own country’ Kerala has the highest number of eco lodges and resorts in India. ‘Tourindia’ group of enthusiast were the pioneers in the field of backwater tourism in India. Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary is the most visited destination.  You would get houseboats, tree houses, Tiger Trails, eco-lodges and cave-houses for nature lovers.
Karnataka state is renowned for Bandipur resorts, Nagarhole jungle Inns, home stays in Coorg, Dandeli resorts, Kabini reservoir lodges, cottages at B.R.project. You can enjoy wildlife safaris, joy fishing, trekking, bird watching, elephant rides, and many more attraction in these resorts.

Some of the famous Eco- Lodges: