Start of the 350 Kms ride to Shetpal village from "Vaibhav Apartments" on Old Prabhadevi road to investigate the myth of " Village of snakes".
The closure of International travel as well as local travel and curiosity for the unexplored tourist path made me do this 350 Kms ride from Mumbai to Shetpal(Shetphal) and back in a span of 2 days with a day's stop-over in Pune.Strangely and bizzarely snakes have always fascinated me and their mindless persecution also troubled me as a few species could face extinction if blindly killed on sight by one and sundry.Snakes are a natural "BALANCE OF NATURAL POWER" in the wild and control the population explosion of rodents that destroy crops and granaries.Snakes attack and bite humans only when threatened or accidentally stepped upon and hence sadly the cause of numerous deaths in India and many parts of the Globe.This is the main reason that the serpent is feared and killed although majority are harmless and non-poisonous.In the 1990's while employed in the shipping Industry had visited the Romulus.Whitaker founded "Madras Crocodile Bank Trust and snake park ", a reptile zoo about 40 Kms from Chennai and witnessed the "Milking" of venom by the Irula tribesmen at the herpetology center of the zoo.Later got myself a "COBRA TATTOO"on my back during a rock music Jamborie at once upon a time Mumbai's iconic "Razzberry Rhinocerous" nightclub in Juhu.Recently browsing through the Internet stumbled upon unheard "Shetpal(Shetphal)" village that is considered the only village in India and the World where the local villagers literally live with snakes inside their house.True or False or just expansion of "INTERNET FAKE NEWS" that must have occured decades ago . Your's truly "Sherlock Holmes" decided to ride to Shetpal village and see first hand if the numerous articles of this particular village was true or mere exaggeration. On Tuesday(15/12/2020) left my house in Old Prabhadevi road at 0530 hrs for the long perilious and treacherous 350 Kms road journey.
Outside landmark "KYANI BAKERY" in Pune .
The weather was excellent and cool with Mumbai having experienced freak non-seasonal December rainfall the previous day. This route was now familiar to me although on my previous solo ride's to Goa and Mangalore had taken the bye-pass diversion "Pune - Satara" highway situated after passing Lonavala .Finally riding past the "Pune-Satara" bye-pass highway after a long ride at approximately 0900 hrs reached Pune City. Was amazed at the sight of the Pune traffic with cycles totally absent in a city that a few decades ago was the cycling capital of the State of Maharashtra. Today in 2020 motorized 2-wheelers have taken over the streets from cycles as "CYCLING LANES" are non-existant .Riding a cycle in such traffic was a invitation to a accident to happen. Change is permanent . I had last visited Pune in 2004 for the Poonawaala Million horse Race" riding my "Bajaj Wind-125 cc" bike but instead of attending the race had to get myself admitted into the "Inlaks and Budhrani hospital" at Koregaon park for a dislocated shoulder suffered during a fall while riding up the Khandala Ghats.My hat-trick of motorcycle accident's as recent as February 2020 is a study in a never say die attitude of motorcycle riders all across the Globe.Finally on entering the city and inquiring about the "Pune-Sholapur Highway" reached Pune Camp area and parked outside landmark "Kayani" bakery.Entered "Kayani" and inquired directions to the "Pune-Sholapur Highway" also purchasing a traditional "Mava Cake" as a snack.From "Kayani Bakery" it was a straight ride in heavy morning Pune traffic onto the main "Pune-Sholapur Highway". Ahoy !
Photo shoot for "MOTO GP PUNE-SHOLAPUR" ride ?
At approximately 1045 hrs entered the "Pune-Sholapur Expressway" and began my 190 Kms ride to Shetpal(Shetphal) village.Having previously ridden on the "Pune-Satara Expressway" presumed that was one of the best highway's in India until i discovered this "Pune-Sholapur Expressway" that replicated a "Moto Gp" race track.Excellent riding at times testing the 105 Km/Hr speed limit of the World's longest produced motorcycle model.What me worry ? Not when you have confidence in yourself and your mind absolutely alert as a slight mistake could mean hospitalization or at worst death in doing something you loved best.That's life.Strangely i didn't spot any "SUPER BIKES" on the highway with my "Royal Enfield - Bullet 350 Black Bs IV " being the superbike of the highway. Presume that this route was not as popular as the "Pune-Satara" route beside's it was a week day and the young biker crowd was either engrossed in employment or business deals with retiree's like your's truly keeping themselves mentally and physically employed through 2-wheeler riding. Ahoy !.
SIDHESHWAR TEMPLE in Shetpal village .
On the highway ride stopped at a road side Dhabba and inquired the direction to "Shetpal Village(Shetphal)" through "Google Map" with a local who explained me the approximate distance and location. Finally after crossing a long highway overhead bridge reached the tiny village of Shetpal(Shetphal).Parked my bike at the entrance to the village and enquired about snakes with a few locals gathered in a corner .Was saddened and shocked when told that no such village house existed where snakes had a special dwelling called "Devasthanam".In fact snakes were rescued from houses and let lose in the surrounding countryside.Another handicap with me is that beside's English , Hindi and mother tongue Konkani i am poor in speaking languages although perfectluy understand most regional Indian languages. Some people have a talent for languages which includes my house care-taker Sabina-Dias fluent in even Arabic having been employed in the Middle East country's ! In the villages of India its the local regional language that rules and hence in the State of Maharashtra its Marathi that is the numero uno language.That i had arrived at the right Shetpal village was confirmed as the landmark "Sidheshwar Temple" was located in this tiny village.Later a local guided me to the main chowk locality of the village where a local was in the hobby of catching and releasing snakes.
"PROFESSIONAL SNAKE CATCHER" Shri Pravin.Shendage
Shri Pravin.Shendage posing with his "SNAKE CATCHING STICK".If wanting to contact him his phone nos is : 9799132881.Wish tourists better luck in spotting the elusive snakes of Shetpal village.
Investigative Author Rudolph.A.Furtado of the "SHETPAL :- VILLAGE OF SNAKES IN INDIA " with a "SNAKE CATCHING STICK" for the camera akin to a actor..
A young boy rode on my pillion and guided me to the hotel "Sangmeshwar Beer bar and Permit room" situated below the main highway bridge in Shetpal Chowk.He introduced me to Shri Pravin.Shendage, a employee in this restaurant and on explaining him my purpose he was amused and told me that many foreigners also visited this place in search of the so called house dwelling poisonous snakes.This was a massive media fraud as no villager kept snakes in their house or fabricated a "Devasthanam(Snake Nest) " for the snakes to dwell in their house.He himself had the hobby of catching poisonous snakes seen inside the village dwellings and releasing them in the surrounding forest.Even a few local customers in the restaurant were confused when i tried to explain them the uniqueness of Shetpal(Shetphal) village in India. One of them told me that there were a few other villages of the same name in nearby districts but they were unaware of any of the villagers living with snakes in their midst. Finally convinced that i had solved a great media mystery scam decided to have lunch at "Sangmeshwar Beer bar and restaurant".
Excellent "Fish curry/Paratha/Rice" lunch in "Sangmeshwar Beer Bar and Permit Room"
Shri Pravin.Shendage worked as a steward at "Sangmeshwar beer bar and Permit room" and hence he guided me on the lunch menu in compensation of demonstrating snake catching or a village house having a "Snake Devasthanam".Lunch was excellent fresh water fried fish served with curry and parathas. Although totally disappointed on not seeing a snake or neither sure if Shetpal was the actual village mentioned in numerous blogs was at least thrilled with the sumptuous lunch.Checked my smartphone and thanks to "Facebook" and "Whatsapp" was surprized to receive a missed call from fellow Mazdock Alumni Marine Engineer batchmate Mr Sanjeev.Ogale a former "Chief Engineer" , now a Engineering businessman/social worker based in Pune. Mazdock Alumni Chief Engineer Mr Sreedhar Krishnan living in Pune also contacted me and i told them that before departure from Pune i would meet them the next day.After lunch thanked Shri Pravin.Shendage and rode the short distance back to Shetpal village to visit the Sidheshwar temple.
Main inner sanctum of the SIDHESHWAR TEMPLE
.Parked my motorcycle outside the temple and after removing my footwear entered the large compound of the temple inner sanctum.Reminded me of the Buddhist temples which are open air .A priest along with two other men were seated outside the main small temple complex as seen in the photo.Language was a barrier and he explained me in Marathi about the importance of this temple in the curing of snake bites.If any villager was bitten by a snake then he would have to be brought to this temple within half an hour of being bitten and made to sit on the small white limestone bench outside this small temple facing the main deity of the temple.The main idol inside the temple is a copper image of a 7 headed cobra over a Shiva idol.He told me that many villagers were cured but also admitted that he didn't know of any of the villager's keeping snakes akin to domestic pets inside their houses.How could reputed Indian media publications like "India Today" and "Times of India" be wrong about Shetpal(Shetphal) village ? I was definitely not in the wrong village.Confused i thanked the temple priest and headed out of the temple.
Nomadic Village tribals travelling with their pony's and household items including livestock.
At 1445 hrs finally decided to bid adieu to so called "VILLAGE OF SNAKES :- SHETPAL" and headed towards Pune.On the way at Chowk came across this familiar site among the hill tribes of Maharashtra.One of the pony's carried a luggage consisting of a young male child, a dog and a sheep. Unique sight for sophisticated metropolitan Indians but a common way of living to some of these nomad village tribals. Travel educates.
Refuelling at a highway petrol pump on my way to Pune.
It was a long 190 Kms ride from "Village of Snakes:- Shetpal" to Pune City and thankfully riding on the "Sholapur-Pune Expressway" compensated my disappointment of not seeing a snake in the so called "village of snakes " of India .Seems the snakes in Shetpal village were scared of my "King Cobra" tattoo on the back and hence didn't show up ,absolutely afraid of becoming a meal themselves. Ahoy ! Cruised along the highway averaging 80-90 Kms as also testing the 105 Km/hr max practicable riding limit of the oldest motorcycle in continuous production on Planet Earth .Now i realized the reason for the "Bullet 350" surviving decades of motorcycle competitors , motorcycle fashion trends and upgradation to new models within its own "Royal Enfield Motorcycle Stable" for the simple reason that it was "BUILT LIKE A BULLET". A authentic trademark advertisement that lived to its reputation. Durability on some of the worst roads in the World combined with "Old World vintage looks" was reason for the "BULLET 350" survival. Looks of a rugged work horse rather than a race horse.Along the highway there were numerous hawkers selling large guava's and at Indapur road purchased two guava's weighing a Kilo each. Total heavyweight fruits akin to the "Bullet 350" bike.Finally at 1800 hrs entered Pune city and weaved through its horrible congested and unruly city traffic.
Pune Racecourse where the "Bombay Racing season" is in progress without spectators due to "COVID-19 "social distancing regulations.Notice the DATES of the "RACING FIXTURES" at different "RACING VENUES" in India.
.On entering Pune city headed towards Camp and enroute passed alongside the "Y.M.C.A" stopping and inquiring for accomodation.Seems they have stopped accomodation and he guided me towards Pune train station, the Mecca of good lodges in Pune.Destiny couldn't be more bizarre for searching for directions to M.G road came across my home away from home upto 2016, the Pune racecourse.In fact it was in 2004 that i had last personally ridden to Pune the first time in my life to attend the "Poonawalla Million Race" and the rest as they say was hospitalization history.Saw the sign board outside the racecourse advertising the racing programmes at various racing centres in Mumbai.For the first time in India "On-LINE Racecourse" betting was allowed as punters couldn't personally attend races and i only hope the much awaited "SPORTS BETTING" of which i am a ardent canvasser is legalized soon.Finally with great difficulty and after much inquiry reached destination Pune Station.Was amazed on seeing a row of Bungalow style lodges and checked into "Central Lodge" and not "Central Prison".For a price of Rs700/night and Rs 700 deposit was allotted a single room with a common bathe and toilet.Checked into Room No 21 of the ground floor of this splendid former Bungalow named "Motilal Mansion" built in 1940, pre-independence colonial architecture.A very clean single room with two beds and a fan.I have now lost count of the hotels, lodges , hostels and camps that i have lived during my travels to 81 country's and almost entire India. The Nomad was perfectly at home in chawl style living in "Central Lodge" of Pune.Read some "WhatsApp" messages and rang up Sreedhar.Krishnan who confirmed that Mr Sanjeev .Ogale would arrange a small "Breakfast Get-together" the next morning.Dinner was 2 glasses of "Lassi(Sweet curd milkshake)" at Pune's most famous street side lassi shop " SHIV KAILASH" situated opposite the Pune railway station.The Insomniac spent a almost sleepless night.
Taste the classic "MALAI LASSI" at "Shiv Kailash" restaurant opposite Pune Station.A landmark restaurant for ice-cream and dairy products.
A view of aristocratic "CENTRAL LODGE" near Pune railway station..
Early at dawn walked out of the lodge onto the busy side-street facing Pune bus depot and had a cup of tea from the roadside tea seller. Memories of the simplicity of life and living of the average common man .After tea headed back to the lodge and had a hot water bathe, the most amazing luxury of "Central Lodge".At times the living in budget lodges makes me realize my own luxurious living at home in Mumbai which i normally take for granted. "HOT WATER" bathe in excellent "CENTRAL LODGE" was availaible only in the morning between a certain time frame that began at 0700 hrs .After the refreshing bathe checked my phone and rang up Mr Sreedhar.Krishnan who informed me that Sanjeev.Ogale was arranging a breakfast rendezvous.Finally contacting Sanjeev on the phone the rendezvous at "CAFE DIAMOND QUEEN" restaurant on "Camp Road" was arranged for 0900 hrs. At 0830 Checked out of "Central Lodge" and rode my bike in the early morning traffic stopping on the way asking directions to " Cafe Diamond Queen" on Camp road.Finally arrived at the landmark "Dr Ambedkar Statue" on Camp road from which "Cafe Diamond Queen" was just walking distance.As usual i was the earliast and after parking my bike outside "Cafe Diamond Queen" just strolled aimlessly in the vicinity.
Landmark "Cafe Diamond Queen"
Standing outside "Cafe Diamond Queen" suddenly saw a plush "Range Rover" car pass alongside with the driver calling out my name and realized that Mr Sreedhar.Krishna had arrived for the breakfast get-together. Chief Engineer Mr Sreedhar Krishna was 5 years my junior in "Mazagon Dock Ltd Marine Engineer Apprenticeship course" and hence knew him only through "WhatsApp" messages since he is a avid biker akin to childhood buddy Mr Biju.Karian.They both owned a stable of expensive "Super bikes" .He had spent a lifetime in Chembur locality before relocating permanantly in Pune along with his family.One fact about Mariners is that we are one of the most cosmopolitan tribe in the World and easily mix around with strangers, aquaintainces or friends.Employment in the "SHIPPING INDUSTRY" irrespective of rank involves working and intermingling with different nationalities and now even women of different nationalities. We quickly got to know each other went to the top floor section of the restaurant as the main ground floor was packed with customers, beside's "COVID-19" table social distancing meant less clients.Sreedhar and myself got to know each other and after a few minutes Sanjeev arrived on the scene.
"Mutton Kheema/Broon Paav/Omellette/tea" at " Diamond Queen".
Sanjeev.Ogale and myself were in the same "Marine Engineers Apprenticeship course" batch of 1978-1982 and have some wonderful "PICNIC MEMORIES" of our apprenticeship years. Sanjeev and many of my batchmates were "Naval Officer's" children staying in Navy Nagar in Colaba and "Picnics" of our group was never without the traditional armed forces canteen drink of "Old Monk Rum".Well so much for the care-free and studious living of apprenticeship years which later led to employment in the "Merchant Navy" and the rest of what we are today.Mr Sanjeev.Ogale was a pinoeer in entrepreneurship quitting sailing after reaching the rank of "Chief Engineer" and starting his own successful business ashore.Commendable for a entrepreneur from a non-business family background. Today in 2020 he is involved in a few business ventures besides being doing social work among the locals.Sanjeev's daughter is also a pioneer like her father being one of the first lady "Marine Engineers" in the profession, once a total male domain.She is sailing on board ship's as a engineer and is also a active long distance motorcycle rider.As for Mr Sreedhar.Krishnan very much junior to us is directly involved in the "Merchant Navy" presently sailing as "Chief Engineer" on ships, a elite "Marine Engineer" of the "Mazagon Dock Marine Engineers Alumni".He is also passionaite about motorcycles and rides along with his son.We "MERCHANT NAVY" folks are definitely a unique breed among the working class.Today elite "Merchant Navy Officers" in the senior ranks are in the top bracket of Indian working class in terms of emoluments as well as perks although a very tough and responsible designation.Breakfast was a lavish "Mutton Kheema/Broon Paav/Omellette/tea" .
Above Photo L-R :- Mr Sreedhar.Krishna, Mr Sanjeev.Ogale and Mr Rudolph.Furtado outside "Cafe Diamond Queen " after a lavish breakfast and reviving marine memories.
A visit to landmark "Kayani Bakery" which is famous for its "SHREWSBURY" and "GINGER" biscuits.
From "Cafe Diamond Queen" it was a short walk to another landmark eatery "Kayani Bakery" which is famous for its "SHREWSBURY" and "GINGER" biscuits .The biscuits are prepared from pure Amul butter and a trade secret with a unexplainable mystique to its popularity. A very ordinary looking Irani style bakery which was decorated in the Christmas festive decor. At 1000 hrs there was a long queue outside the bakery and seems that the day's quoto of fresh prepared biscuits are sold within a few hours.Sreedhar and myself purchased "Shresbury" and "Ginger" biscuits while Sanjeev just accompanied us .I normally never eat biscuits but would definitely not leave Pune without purchasing its trade mark biscuits that is a household name even in Mumbai. Ahoy ! After the purchase walked back to " Cafe Diamond Queen" where our vehicles were parked.Bid Sreedhar goodbye who drove away in his palatial "Range Rover". Sanjeev helped me strap my "Biscuit Package" onto the luggage carrier and the typical businessman thinker used the "Horses for courses" mode of transport showing me the way on his scooter towards the "Pune-Mumbai NH4" highway.In Pune's traffic a light vehicle two wheeler is the best mode of transport and still preferable would be a cycle which is sadly impractical in the dangerous city traffic.How bizarre and wierd life can be over the decades. A city once famed as the "CYCLE CAPITAL" of Maharashtra in the year 2020 has almost abolished leisure cycling from its main road arteries. Hope the same is reversed in the future as the advantages of cycling is realized by the common masses.
Approaching Lonavala on the ride to Mumbai.
After Sanjeev took a detour towards his home i almost lost my way in the maze of flyovers and Pune's traffic.Took directions from a traffic constable but again got confused at a flyover junction and finally with great difficulty made my way onto the main route leading to "NH4 HIGHWAY".Once on the main highway road it was a pleasant ride finally at approximately 1200 hrs reaching Lonavala .Had a rest stop at Lonavala to purchase its famed "Maganlal Chikki" and ""Choco Walnut Fudge".From Lonavala it was the normal downhill ride with a absence of the normal tourist crowd as it was a week-day .The direction indicators on the highway is confusing and almost made the mistake of driving on the main "Pune-Mumbai Expressway" along with a rickshaw with both of us realizing our mistake and reversing back to the old "NH4" highway. Ahoy !
Khandala Lake.
On riding towards Khadala stopped at Khandala lake and refreshed myself with fresh sugarcane juice.A few tourists were boating on the lake refreshing memories of sailing on the high and low seas in a Merchant Navy career spanning 23 years.
A stop at landmark "SHINGROBA MANDIR" .
My last stop on the Old "Khandala NH4 Ghat" highway was at the landmark "SHINGROBA MANDIR". The "Shingroba Temple" was built in 1929 and is on the main highway route between Khandala and Khopoli.Shingroba was a shepherd who helped travellers cross the Bhor Ghat and became a legend with this temple dedicated to him.Most vehicle drivers that begin their ascent or descent through the Bhor Ghat stop for a second to pay homage and offer alms at the temple for a safe journey in negotiating the treacherous winding curves of the Old "NH4 Highway".For the first time in my life stopped at this iconic landmark temple , myself ,a unbelievable survivor of 3 motorcycle accidents and the partial eyesight loss of the left eye in another freak accident.In hindsight destiny had been kind to me in allowing me to reach the official retirement age of 60 years.
Ahoy !
"SAI TRAVELS BUS" ACCIDENT .
Finally reached the base of the "Bhor Ghat" which is Khopoli.From Khopoli it was a nice long drive on a short World class "Moto GP" highway towards Panvel.Later was onto the "Panvel-Kalamboli-Sion Expressway" which was another excellent ride.While passing through Kharghar saw this "SAI TRAVELS BUS" in the ditch below. Took a few photographs and proceeded home hoping that no one was seriously injured in this accident.Finally reached home at 1530 hrs .Had ridden 700 Kms + in a span of 2 day's that made me feel mentally and physically younger.Read the next day's "Times of India(Thursday 17/12/2020)" news and was not surprized to find the accident photograph in the news. Seems the tyre of the bus carrying 30 passengers from Pune to Mumbai had burst and hence the bus veered off the highway onto the ditch injuring 4 passengers. A miraculous escape having witnessed the crash site personally.Ahoy.
I begin this motorcycle travelogue with a thought provoking quote by Albert.Einstein which in 2020 would include the "MOTORCYCLE" as a sane way to keep your balance while moving on in life.In 2020 Covid-19 Pandemic has created havoc globally ,claiming lives and creating job losses and poverty.When would a vaccine akin to the "Atom Bomb" but for human preservation and not destruction be discovered to rid Planet Earth from this pandemic of a century.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF MY ADVENTURE BIKE RIDE" :- On Wednesday(25/11/2020) left my house in Old Prabhadevi road in Mumbai at 0630 hrs for destination "JAWHAR HILL STATION" in Palghar district of Maharashtra and returned back home at 1645 hrs having travelled over 320 Kms in a single day. Non stop motorcycling on the oldest bike in continuous production "RE Standard 350".After my near fatal motorcycle accident on Sunday 16 February this was my first long distance ride and realized that the old race horse has not lost much of class or form .Ahoy ! Enjoyed a excellent pure vegetarian Thali local lunch in Jawhar Hill Station costing only Rs 200.One of my best motorcycle rides as akin to Geographical climatic topography changes the roads, highways and village tracks from Mumbai to Jawhar city and back home changed from "Moto Gp" circuit highways, to potholes and gravel dirt tracks that only a "Royal Enfield" or other heavy bikes breeds can navigate. Excellent palatial Jai Vilas Palace and the Perennial Dhabhosa waterfalls are the main attractions of this small one horse town.On my return journey from Jawhar Hill station came across nomadic tribes on their way to another location, a rare sight even in remote villages of India.A adventurous motorcycling travel tour day to remember.
MOTORCYCLE TRAVELOGUE OF JAWHAR HILL STATION. .
I now describe the motorcycle travelogue in a pictorial essay for benifit of other riders or tourists.
Exit from DAHISAR and onto the main highway.
At 0700hrs riding along the Western Express highway passed the boundary of Mumbai crossing the landmark "Dahisar Checkpost Naka" in Dahisar (East) which marks the end of Mumbai on the Western Express highway.Advantage of 2 wheelers is that irrespective of the cost of the two wheeler be it owning a Rs 5 Lakh ++ bike or a Rs 5 lakh ++ racing cycle you are exempt of paying toll charges unlike 4 wheelers.Felt the winter morning cold riding early morning on NH8 highway and fortunately was wearing my winter jacket which gave warmth against the cold morning breeze rushing past the bike.My destination was Manor in Palghar district located 88 Kms from Mumbai .At 0740 hrs passed "Khaniwade Toll Plaza" after which the highway was as smooth as a "MOTO GP" race circuit and tested my bike at 100 + kms.On nearing Manor asked for directions to the Manor-Vikramgad-Jawhar road and confused i overshot my target by at least 5 kms realizing my error as i had ridden down this route before on a solo ride to Udvada- Silvassa . Finally stopped at a highway petrol pump and inquired with a traveller. The gentleman told me to ride back in the reverse direction and thanking him began my reverse ride stopping at landmark "Hotel Mountain" on Manor Highway where the owner assisted me on the right road. At 0830 after a refreshing cup of tea at "Hotel Mountain" rode a further distance along the highway and was relieved on spotting the road to the left of the main NH8 highway with a signpost indicating the route to Vikramgad and finally Jawhar. Ahoy !
Breakfast at "Hotel Mountain" near Manor.
The "Manor -Vikramgad-Jawhar" route is a single road . The approximately 22 Kms ride from Manor to Vikramgad was through a rough patch of road having a few potholes which tested my reflexes and presence of mind.Want to stay young in mind as well as experience dare devil adventure then invest in a bike and go on long rides.This advice coming from a survivor of a hat-trick of motorcyle hospitalizations and still riding a motorcycle as well as a cycle at the young age of 60 +. Definitely not insane. Ahoy ! There was greenery on both sides of the narrow road with a few fields being cultivated, a relief to strained eyes accustomed to concrete jungle Mumbai.Finally at 0910 hrs recharged my petrol tank at a petrol pump just on the outskirts of Vikramgad Town. Seems "Coronavirus(Covid-19)" was non existant in these villages as i didn't come across villagers wearing masks akin to concrete jungle Mumbai.Countryside weather and lifestyle is the best form of a healthy living and natural immunity against "COVID-19".
Jawar hill station discovered in 1343 was a part of the Bombay presidency during the British Colonial rule and given a 9 gun salute status by the British rulers.The Munke dynasty ruled over Jawhar with the last king being Shrimant Yashwantrao Martandrao Mukne.It is situated at a altitude of 447 meters (1466 ft) and hence the final 27 kms road after Vikramgad Town was a gradual incline and horrible in some stages akin to dirt bike riding. Beware of cattle and dogs while driving and i almost ran over a Cockfowl that crossed my path .Why did the chicken run across the road ?The final route towards Jawahar was excellent akin to a Moto Gp track which surprized me and a rider should be careful of sharp curves on the inclines.Finally at 1000 hrs reached the entrance barricade of the police check post of Jawhar city.At the checkpost inquired with the local policeman about the local tourist spots within the vicinity and as the nearest was Jaivilas Palace decided to visit the same.
Front view of Jai Vilas Palace facing the valley 447 meters(1466 ft) below.
The main narrow dusty untarred village pathway road leading to the Jaivilas Palace bifurcating from the main road of the Police check Naka near a landmark local dhabba was closed and hence tested my skills at "Dirt Bike " riding.Took a narrow dirt road that even a cyclist would think twice before testing let alone a 190 Kg "Royal Enfield" bike.With great caution and gamblers instinct maneuvered my way through the narrow forest pathway which led into a open maidan with scattered trees and scrubland. The palace is easily visible from the scrubland and finally with great riding suspense reached the edge of the palace estate.Below is the photo that gives a glimpse of the pathway drive to Jaivilas Palace.
Absolutely bad road leading to Jaivilas Palace..A motorcyclists nightmare to avoid slipping on the loose gravel.
Two young men on a motorcycle arrived before me on the Palace grounds and we three were the only tourists besides a few workers employed for renovation of this magnificent Palace.A small village style care-takers bungalow that also operates as a canteen is situated at the edge of the entrance to the palace courtyard.The palace was closed to tourists and hence we three toured the estate of this beautiful edifice that sits at the peak of Jawhar hill station.
The neoclassical style Jaivilas Palace erected in Syenite stone was built in 1940 by Raja Yashwant Rao Mukne. This palace is also known as Raj Bari is a master piece of architecture with blend of Western and Indian styles of architecture in majestic pink stones. The interiors of this palace which i could not visit display the rich culture and lifestyle of tribal kings of Mukne family. The palace is surrounded by a garden with a dense forest like foliage consisting mostly of Cashew trees.The Syenite stone to build this majestic palace was brought from a quarry at Sakhara, which is 12 km from its location. It is said that when the work of the palace was completed, the quarry from, which the stones were extracted was broken down and covered and hence the exact location of the quarry is lost in time. The Geological Department, of Government of India has now taken up a task to locate the lost quarry. Due to its architecture style location and haunting beauty this palace has featured in several films in Marathi and Hindi.
In front of Jaivilas Palace that faces the valley deep below and offers a excellent bird's eye view .
From Jaivilas Palace it was a treacherous motorcycle ride on gravel forest road and lost my direction riding along the narrow visible forest trail luckily spotting a group of young boy's playing near the actual main gate pathway where my vehicle came to a dead end that was locked for vehicle transport. Requested a young boy to guide me and riding piggy back on my motorcycle he guided me through the thorn bush onto the main Jawhar road.Marathi is the main spoken language among the villagers and thanking the young kid next asked directions to Hanuman point.It was a short motorcycle ride along the main road of the east side of the city with a left curve on the road leading to Hanuman hill.A small temple called Katya Maruti Mandir stands prominently on Hanuman hill overlooking the valley below and the surrounding area has a large number of Cactus trees.A viewer gets a beautiful view of Jaivilas Palace situated on the adjacent plateau.
"Katya Maruti Mandir" on Hanuman hill.
View of "Jaivilas Palace" as seen from "Hanuman hill". Notice the pristine beauty of the Sahyadri(Western Ghats) mountain range which is a green carpet during the monsoon season.
From "Hanuman Hill" my next destination was "Dabhosa Waterfalls" which is situated 14 kms from Jawhar main market on the main "Jawhar-Silvassa" highway.It was a long ride on a well paved road through beautiful countryside cultivated as well as dry fields.Its a birdwatcher's paradise during monsoons and the migratory season of birds and spotted a few aquatic birds along the patches of small pond formations amid the fields.Passed alongside a beautiful large lake seen in the distance and the final road journey was amidst wetlands with sign board postings of various different bird species along the road. On arrival at Dabhosa waterfall viewpoint realized again that i was the lone tourist and the feeling of isolation amidst nature was spell binding.Was i living in the second most populated Country on Planet Earth ? From the viewpoint the view of the gushing waterfalls was beautiful although a long distance away amidst a canopy of forest cover. The perennial Dabhosa Waterfalls is formed over Lendi River and cascades down from a height of about 300 feet and most beautiful in the rainy season with full flow and greenery around. It is a superb adventure spot with Kayaking, Valley Crossing, Zip Line, Rappelling and laddering, Trekking and fishing being the adventure sports offered by a few resorts in the vicinity.On this day seemed i was the lone tourist and the empty kayaks could be seen being tethered at a corner of the natural swimming pool type lake into which the water flowed.There are steps to go down the hill from the viewpoint and swimming in this natural swimming pool is a free attraction of this waterfall nicknamed the "Niagara Falls of Maharashtra".
A view of Dabhosa Waterfall.
Seafarer/Blogger/Traveller Rudolph.A.Furtado at "Dabhosa Waterfalls Viewpoint" with the waterfalls seen in the distance below." The Niagara Falls of Maharashtra" during peak monsoon season.
On my return ride towards Jawhar Hill station passed through the tribal village and got a external glimpse of the village lifestyle.Jawhar is famous for its "WARLI TRIBAL PAINTINGS" and is home to several indigenous tribes like the Warli, Kolcha, Kukana, Thakur, Mahadev, Koli and Katkaris. In fact the "MUKNE FAMILY" that ruled over Jawhar Hill station belonged to the Koli tribe."WARLI ART" is now famous across the Globe let alone India but its origins stem from the surroundings of Jawhar hill station.Warli is the vivid expression of daily and social events of the Warli tribe used by them to embellish the walls of village houses.Now it is more commercialized.
Finally at 1200 hrs reached Jawhar Hill station town centre which has a landmark clock tower but non functional as a clock time indicator.This clock tower is called "VIJAYSTAMBH" and this locality situated on the edge of the city on top of the hill is the best locality for tourists.Below is a photo of the landmark "CLOCK TOWER".
Landmark "Vijaystambh(Clocktower)
I had last eaten breakfast at 0530 hrs at home in Mumbai and my stomach was rumbling for lunch.Spotted "Hotel MH-10" situated on the road opposite the landmark "Vijaystambh(Clocktower)" and on entering the well maintained hotel realized i was the only customer.Was given V.I.P treatment being the only customer and realize the devastation that "Covid-19" has caused to the economy beginning from Megapolis city's to Hill station tourist resorts.
Lunch at "Hotel MH-10"
Lunch was a excellent freshly served "Special Vegetarian Thali" washed down with a Pepsi bottle and not beer bottle while costing only Rs 200.One of the best vegetarian thali's i had eaten in ages considering the modest cost of the meal.If served such meals daily this hard core non-vegetarian carnivore could adapt and transform into a hardcore vegetarian herbivore . Ahoy !
Excellent and moderately priced "Vegetarian Thali".
I was surprised that "Reliance JIO" internet network was non-operable in Jawhar city. Very strange and hope Reliance officials install a "JIO NETWORK" in Jawhar city , definitely a tourist destination.After the sumptuous "VEGETARIAN THALI" meal asked directions with the hotel manager to my final destination "Sunset Point"and from there the highway back to Mumbai.It was a short ride along the narrow road towards "Sunset Point" situated on the west side of the tiny city and on the way came across young village kid's attempting to fly kites. Nostalgia of my own childhood era flooded my memory bank .Came across a huge garbage dumping ground that was smoking fumes of burnt garbage, a ghastly sight in the pristine hill region of the Sahyadri mountains.Below is a photo of the massive "GARBAGE DUMP" of Jawhar Hill Station City.
"Garbage Dump" near "Sunset Point".
I was now riding on the west side of Jawhar city and at 1300 hrs shortly after passing the landmark "Garbage Dump" reached the entrance gate to "SUNSET POINT".Had to park my motorcycle outside the gate as the broad "RE Bike" could not squeeze in through the wide gaps between the pillored iron gates.Slimmer, lighter vehicles could pass through the gate gaps and it was a simple case of "Horses for Courses"usage where a cyclist or my previous "Bajaj wind-125cc" bike could have squeezed through the gate gaps. Ahoy!Walked through the gate onto the hill Top plateau of "SUNSET POINT" which is also a lovers rendezvous with observation stands erected around the hill plateau.The shape of the valley around Sunset point is like Bow hence earlier it was known as Dhanukamal. During sunset, one can see the mountain of Mahalaxmi near Dahanu, which is nearly 60 km from Jawhar but at 1315 hrs i was a long way from observing the sun set at sunset point of Jawhar.Having travelled through 81 Country's across the Globe and almost entire India it was "MOTORCYCLING CRUISING" and the "JAIVILAS PALACE" that made me undertake this solo travel ride to Jawhar.Royalty history fascinates me as does stretching my adventure skills and luck across different country's and my own India.
SUNSET POINT
View from "SUNSET POINT"
Finally at approximately 1320 hrs i bid adieu to Jawhar Hill station city beginning my downhill ride from "Sunset Point" towards Vikramgad-Manor road. As mentioned motorists should drive slowly as occasionally cattle or dog's stray onto the road.Sadly did spot a dead dog at the side of the road, definitely a hit and run victim. Came across a villager herding her cows along the road.
Beware of cattle while driving.
Riding along the highway at approximately 1415 hrs came across a nomadic tribal family migrating to some other locale along with their pony's, cattle, guard dogs and children.A lady matriarch was the leader of this caravan that walked in a single file along the road. Straight out of a "NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC" postcard documentary and i requested the lady for a photo shoot to which she obliged.one of the two dog's resembled a "Irish Wolfhound" while the other a giant country dog.
Nomadic Tribal family.on the move.
The two guard dogs tied to the pony's and walking alongside the caravan were absolutely fierce ,barking at my presence with the lady warning me not to get too close to the dogs.These two dog's could give pedigreed "German Shepherds", "Dobermann's" or "Rottweilers" a run for their pedigree value in terms of ferocity.The photo below is of young lambs saddled onto the pony with the guard dog walking alongside.The discipline and obedience of human's and the companion animals of this nomadic village tribe was a lesson in discipline management.
I was lucky to witness and photograph a authentic Maharashtrian Nomadic tribe on the move to some other village or locale.My adventure travel of Mahableshwar/Panchgani in 2016 was the first instance that i came across these nomadic tribals and here in Jawhar was the second time and wonder how long these tribes would continue this way of nomadic living akin to my own nomadic travels.Travel educates. It was finally a nice long return ride across the same now familiar single road back to Manor junction.
Finally at 1430 hrs reached the main NH8 Mumbai-Ahmedabad highway.
Familiar "Name posts" on ride back to Mumbai.
From the main highway it was a excellent ride at times touching 100 Kms/Hr + and later got into a half hour traffic jam at the entrance to Vasai creek bridge. Got into conversation with a Medical student of "Grant Medical College(J.J.Hospital)" who co-incidentally was next to me with his monster "Kawasaki 1000 cc" motorcycle.The bike cost only Rs 15 lakhs and he also had a "Triumph Tiger Bike" as well as a "Harley Davidson bike " back home in Vasai.He and his twin brother used the bikes and he commuted daily between Vasai and J.J. hospital in Mumbai on his collection of bikes.I remember watching a crime programme on T.V where the narrator talked about "TWO INDIA"s" that we Indians live in which is very true as far as wealth disparity and living conditions are concerned.I myself belong to the elite class of educated and comfortable "First World Indians" living in India and while collecting expensive bikes is not my passion its travel that is my expensive indulgence.Travel educates. Ahoy !.The traffic finally cleared and approaching "Dahisar Check Naka" was a horror traffic story finally reaching home at 1645 hrs.Jawhar Hill Station was finally no more a history book mystery.
ROYAL ENFIELD RIDERS AT THE "MAHADARWAJA" OF SHIVNERI FORT IN JUNNAR .
"Royal Enfield" ride to Junnar
On Monday(10/2/2020) had ridden to "Royal Enfield Service centre (Worli)" to rectify my bike's year old "Kick-Start" defect.Since the time i purchased my "Standard Bullet 350" it has had a constant manufacturing defect of not kick-starting after stopping and restarting over a long distance ride . At the Service center met Mr Sunil.Pawar who was conducting the "Royal Enfield Shivneri Fort/Junnar-Worli" ride on Saturday(15/2/2020) and decided to experience "Group Riding" for the first time in my riding hobby.Till date was a loner SOLO rider akin to my "SOLO GLOBE TRAVELS" and it was time to experience the format and brotherhood of "Motorcycle Group Riding" that i had read and seen in familiar "Harley Davidson" and "Royal Enfield" media.My School classmate and Mariner friend Mr Biju.J.Karian who owns a stable of Motorcycles at home in Bangalore which includes Harley Davidson is a regular group cruiser rider during office vacations from the Shipping Industry. He has even motorcycled to the annual "Sturgis Motorcycle Rally" in U.S.A with his group of "Harley Davidson " riders. Didn't have to look any further for group motorcycle cruising inspiration than childhood buddy Mr Biju.Karian to whom i also owe my entry into the "Marine Engineering profession" as a "Marine Apprentice( No 12049) " way back in 1978 at Mazagaon Dock Ltd in Mumbai.Paid the Group riding charges of Rs 2400 to Mr Sunil.Pawar and rode back home on a high note of finally experiencing my first "Motorcycle Group Ride" at the young age of 59 years.Mick.Jagger are you reading my blog !
ROYAL ENFIELD "Worli Showroom Mumbai to Junnar " riders on the road.We were a total of 12 riders on "ROYAL ENFIELD" motorcycles .All were dressed in full "MOTORCYCLE RIDING GEAR" akin to "MOTO GP RIDERS" with your's truly being the odd rider in the pack with just a helmet as security. Our Group leader Mr Sunil.Pawar had a camera fitted to his helmet for videographying parts of our cruising.Mr Abdul.Aziz also used a similar camera while riding. These waterproof camera's are also used for underwater photography as i had done during my Maldives underwater explorations.
Royal Enfield rider Mr Sunil.Pawar briefing us riders.
Saturday( 15/2/2020) Departure Royal Enfield Showroom Worli and arrival Junnar :- Reported early at 0600 hrs at the Worli Showroom meeting co-riders Mr Abhishek.Jathar,Mr Bhanudas.Jadhav,Mr Avinash.Sawant ,Mr Dipesh.Mody and Mr Sunil.Pawar, the leader of the group ride.It's a small world and total Motorcycle riders became acquaintances with Mr Abhishek.Jathar being the youngest rider among us and me the "Daddy Cool(Over Age !)" as usual. In the course of conversation Mr Avinash.Sawant living in Lalbaug knew the family of my late Marine Engineering colleague Mr Anil.Sawant who died under tragic circumstances over a decade ago which shocked my senses.Some people put a deep dent in your psyche and the death of Mr Anil.Sawant was one such event. Over the decades as i myself defy "Father Time" living a dangerous lifestyle and having lost numerous relatives,acquaintances and friends realize destiny plays a important role in every individual's life and lifestyle.
With Avinash.Sawant.
Finally after a brief description of the format of "Group convoy riding" by Leader Mr Sunil.Pawar we got onto our bikes and at approximately 0730 hrs began our marathon ride to Junnar. The total road distance from Mumbai to Junnar is approximately 163 Kms depending on the route taken as well as road and traffic conditions.At times detours have to be taken to avoid bad roads. The laid out route as per plans was as follows :- Panvel-Karjat--Neral-Mhasa- Vaishakhare-Malshej Ghat and finally destination Junnar.
NOTE :- The 2 ' RIDING VIDEO's" have been shot by co-rider Mr Abdul.Aziz, the camera fitted to his riding gear helmet. At Panvel we stopped at a roadside restaurant for snacks where the next batch of riders Mr Manish.Sharma,Mr Abdul.Aziz, Mr Sachin.Kelshikar and Mr Sameer.Nilatkar joined us for the "Royal Enfield Motorcycle Odyssey" to Junnar. We proceeded on the usual route and on passing along Karjat reminisced my previous ride through this route on a visit to the "Probable Paradise Shelter" run and managed by animal philanthropist Ms Roxanne. Davur. Further down the Karjat-Murbad Highway we came at the main route diversion where we stopped for tea at a local highway Dhabba. There were 3 routes from this spot with one road leading to Neral, the other to Poshir and the last to Murbad. In the modern age of mobile telecommunication and Internet our team leader decided to take the Murbad road and here is a pictorial essay of the ride until arrival in Junnar..
Ready-Set -Go :- Departure from "Royal Enfield Worli Showroom" at approximately 0730 hrs.Among the entire group of riders my kick-start "Royal Enfield Bullet 350" was the lowest base bike of the "Royal Enfield Stable" as also the oldest original "BULLET" model in continuous manufacture by "ROYAL ENFIELD" .In 1955 after bankruptcy of its parent company "Royal Enfield, England " the licensee rights of "Royal Enfield " was taken over by" Madras Motors" of India later producing "Royal Enfield " motorcycles for the Indian armed forces which brought it into the limelight. In 1994 "Madras Motors" was merged with "Eicher Motors Ltd" which also manufactures tractors and has a collaboration with Volvo of Sweden."Royal Enfield(Worli)" is the first showroom of the company in plush SoBo(South Mumbai). Unashamedly in the department of safety i was the most poorly attired "Royal Enfield" rider in the entire group.As a member of "BRAGGERS RIGHTS CLUB" had done 2000 Kms of solo riding in 11 days on this very same bike without any "SAFETY GEAR" barring the mandatory helmet. Hence the "Miser" in me decided not to invest in "Professional Motorcycle Sportswear" since i would rarely use the same and as they say "OVERCONFIDENCE" is the recipe to disaster.All the riders wore knee caps, shoulder pads ,padded jackets and bike boots along with the mandatory helmets.As for me it was only the "HELMET" and otherwise casual jeans and a thin leather jacket. NOTE :- PLEASE ALWAYS RIDE IN FULL MOTORCYCLE SAFETY GEAR IF VENTURING ON LONG CROSS COUNTRY RIDES. DON'T BE PENNY WISE AND POUND FOOLISH LIKE ME AS HINDSIGHT OF THIS ENTIRE RIDE WOULD REVEAL .NEVER KNOW WHEN YOU MIGHT MEET WITH A BAD FALL OR A NEAR FATAL ACCIDENT. AKIN TO A MANDATORY SAFETY HELMET ,KNEE CAPS,SHOULDER/ELBOW GUARDS AND BACK PROTECTION MIGHT SAVE YOUR LIFE IN CASE OF A ACCIDENT.DRESS UP LIKE MY MOTOGP HERO VALENTINO ROSSI( THE DR ? ) NOT AS A FASHION STATEMENT TO IMPRESS THE OPPOSITE SEX BUT FOR YOUR OWN SAFETY TO KEEP YOURSELF ALIVE . ALWAYS REMEMBER, YOU ONLY LIVE ONCE AND NOT TWICE !
Arrival at "Shree Sai Snacks" restaurant in Panvel where the other riders joined us thus completing the total group contingent ride to Junnar.
At 1300 hrs we reached "MALSHEJ GHAT" situated at a altitude of 700 meters (2,300 ft) where we had a brief rest stop. The ride on the Malshej Ghat roads was akin to riding on a "Formula 1 " race track and i did clock 90 Kms ++ .At the viewpoint on the Ghats which should be visited during the Monsoon season when the entire Ghats hill sides are transformed into temporary waterfalls.A awesome sight. In Spring it is totally dry as can be seen in this photo.From Malshej Ghats the ride to Junnar City was another 40 Kms with very bad intermittent roads .Got stuck in a dirt gravel and fellow bikers hauled me out of the gravel by pulling the bike backwards onto firm ground. Realized i was bad at "DIRT TRACK" riding having observed the same at the "Royal Enfield Riders Mania" in Goa. On straight roads i could give Valentino Rossi a run for his million dollar mega-bucks status as a bike rider but definitely a bad rider on narrow curves and dirt roads. NOTE :- PLEASE KNOW YOUR POSITIVE AND NEGATIVE POINTS IN MOTORCYCLE CRUISING BEFORE VENTURING ON LONG RIDES. PREVENTION OF A ACCIDENT IS BETTER THAN THE CURE.
At approximately 1415 hrs we arrived into Junnar city situated at a elevation of 689 meters(2260 Ft) above sea level . SHIVNERI FORT can be seen in the background atop Shivneri hill behind the statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Bhosle. Shivneri is the birthplace of Chhatrapati Shivaji.Bhosle.
We had checked into "Hotel Platinum"where we were put up in A/C rooms with 2 riders sharing a room. Mr Sameer.S.Nilatkar, a hotelier by profession and myself shared a room on the 2nd floor and after a brief rest got down to the restaurant dining saloon.The "Royal Enfield" motorcycle technician Mr Rajesh.Patel who was to be accompanying us during the entire ride in case of a "Motorcycle Breakdown" arrived at the hotel after our arrival. Lunch was chicken in different culinary style for Non-Veg riders with myself seeing a large "Chicken Kebbab Platter" dish for the first time in my life.The "Chakna" was "Szechuan Pappad" which was guzzled with beer and after our late lunch decided not to ride on our motorcycles to the base of "SHIVNERI FORT". Hence walking down the main road in search of taxi's or rickshaws hired this tempo which drove us at a snails pace and honestly i could have walked faster.The fun was in the travel and not the destination ! The entire road leading to the base of Shivneri hill was excellent in comparison to the surroundings of Junnar City which was definitely lacking many basic infrastructure facilities.Having travelled most corners of the Globe always wondered the reason for the Hill Forts of Maharashtra receiving few foreign tourists and the reasons could be basic infrastructure deficiencies. "Shivneri Fort" attracts mostly only Indian tourists .
A little rest at the "MAHADARWAJA(MAIN GATE) of Shivneri hill that leads to Shivneri fort."SHIVNERI FORT " is situated at a altitude of 1067 meters( 3500 ft) above sea level. There are a total of 7 such doors that guard entry to the Fort and a total of 400 steps on this long spiral staircase that finally leads to the Fort. . Notice the Iron spikes on the wooden door. We arrived late at the Fort stairway entrance and entry into the Fort was stopped after 1700 hrs as a leopard had been sighted in the precincts of the fort. Junnar is noted for the presence of wild leopards living in close proximity to human habitation in the sugarcane fields .The iconic radio collared leopard "Ajoba" which helped naturalist scientists track its 120 Kms journey during its brief "Radio Collared lifespan" was captured from a well in Junnar . Later a Marathi film was also produced on this leopard named "Ajoba(Grandfather)".We were just allowed to walk up to the first gate of the Fort
A view of the birthplace of Chhatrapati Shivaji in"SHIVNERI FORT" . The next day on Sunday(16/2/2020) Co-Rider Mr Avinash.Sawant and the rest of the group riders trekked to the top of the Fort and did some cleaning of the Fort premises.This is a picture taken by Mr Avinash.Sawant.A history of this Fort can be researched on the Internet or history books .A Non-Indian tourist visiting the State of Maharashtra would instantly realize that Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is the most venerated historical leader in the State with important landmark Institutions and buildings named after him with the most prominent being the Iconic Chhatrapati Shivaji railway terminus and Chhatrapati Shivaji Airport in India's commercial capital Mumbai.
As mentioned the main motive of the "ROYAL ENFIELD SHIVNERI FORT-JUNNAR RIDE" was to ride to Junnar and trek up the 400 steps of Shivneri hill and visit "SHIVNERI FORT" . "SHIVNERI FORT" is the birthplace of the founder of the Maratha Dynasty of India Chhatrapati Shivaji Bhosle who is also acknowledged as one of the World's historic guerrilla warfare leader's. We were late on reaching Shivneri hill entrance gate and the additional menace of a leopards presence on the hill fort premises left us disappointed as the security had stopped the entrance of visitors into the Fort.For a "Been Here , done that and seen that" could say that at least i visited the foot-steps of Shivneri Fort.I have visited all the prominent Maratha Forts in the State of Maharashtra including Raigad, the Capital of Chhatrapati Shivaji's Maratha Empire ."Shivneri Fort" was the only missing link in completing my triology of seeing the most prominent Maratha Forts and ironically remains a "Missing Link" as i couldn't visit the Fort. 4 of us left for Mumbai early the next morning on Sunday(16/2/2020) while the rest of the 8 riders trekked to the Shivneri hill summit and visited the Fort doing some civic social work of cleaning the historic premises.
A Grand dinner at "Hotel Platinum" with beer , "Cheese Kebab's assorted platter" and "La Peta Chicken Kebab's". Although i must have been the most travelled rider in the group my knowledge of exotic food was minuscule, although a foodie and honestly this display of exotic food names baffled my vocabulary.During dinner we had a discussion of our personal motorcycling experiences with "Daddy Cool" having the unique distinction of surviving 2 motorcycle hospitalizations .The "Joker" of "CRUISER MOTORCYCLING". Ahoy ! The most competent and veteran riding member of this group was Mr Manish.Sharma who had narrowly missed putting his name into the "Limca Book of Records" for the longest motorcycle distance covered within a specified time-frame.He gave us a few tips on "SAFE RIDING".Mr Abdul Aziz was a veteran rider with long rides under his belt and a habitual week-end holiday rider .Mr Sachin. Kelshikar had some of the most expensive accessories fitted onto his Himalayan bike.Mr Dipesh.Mody although a first time group rider akin to me had a sophisticated helmet fitted with "Blue tooth" technology.I felt like a villager from Timbuktu in the midst of a High society reception among this elite group of "Royal Enfield" riders discussing motorcycles and motorcycle experiences. As for me realized that beside's travel it's " Group Bike Cruising" that also educates.
Early in the morning on Sunday(16-2-2020) Mr Abdul.Aziz, Mr Sameer.Nilatkar, Mr Dipesh.Mody and myself decided to ride back 163 Kms to Mumbai. A view of "Hotel Platinum" which also has a 100 seat theatre adjacent to the main hotel building screening Hindi and Marathi films with the Marathi film " Makeup" playing during our stay at the hotel.. There are only 2 theatres in Junnar city and "Platinum Theatre" was one among the two. At approximately 0730 hrs we began our marathon ride from "Hotel Platinum " in Junnar to Mumbai. Mr Abdul.Aziz was our group leader and guide.We took a different route passing alongside the beautiful fields of Sugarcane plantations also notorious for being the home of resident leopards that have put Junnar in the news in recent years.
After crossing the "MALSHEJ GHATS" at approximately 0900 hrs we stopped at Hotel Rakshavalli" for a breakfast of "Missal/Paav" and Bhajia's. Bizarrely it was a bad start to the day's riding as i fell with the bike while descending a Ghat section and the rest of the three riders stopped and put my bike upright with me receiving no injuries. PHOTO( L-R) :- Mr Sameer. Nilatkar, Self, Mr Dipesh.Mody(Standing) and Mr Abdul.Aziz our group leader and guide.
MONA LISA SMILE AFTER 163 KMS RIDE FROM JUNNAR ON ARRIVAL AT HOME IN VAIBHAV APARTMENTS AT OLD PRABHADEVI ROAD IN MUMBAI ? :- After breakfast we rode without any stoppage and did clock 100 Km/hr at a empty road stretch with Mr Abdul.Aziz being the main ride leader and guide.As mentioned this was a different route and for the first time in my life got to view Kalyan city in the district of Thane.Once upon a time Kalyan was a distant undeveloped city but in 2020 was amazed at the building construction and housing complexes in this city. From Kalyan via the bypass road entered Thane city which in parts seemed like plush locales of South Mumbai.I felt like Rip Van Winkle getting out of a slumber and suddenly realizing that the city in which he resided for decades has transformed itself overnight during his sleep ! From Thane it was a beautiful ride on the Eastern Express Highway and finally at approximately 1200 hrs at the end of the expressway got confused on the diversions of 2 flyovers heading towards Mumbai city taking the wrong flyover.On riding on the flyover and looking down suddenly realized my error and in that instant met with a death defying crash against the railing of the flyover.My bike had grazed the flyover railing and crashed throwing me over onto the road.Fell flat on my face with the helmet taking the brunt of the force but also felt a numbness in my left hand.A few men immediately came to me and helped me get off the ground. There was glass pieces around with the motorcycle headlight broken and side leg stand bent due to the impact of the crash. Seems neither Heaven or Hell wanted to accept me today and it was a miracle that i was conscious and standing upright after such a horrible accident.My bike was put upright and then the few men who helped me went their own way's as is life in hectic Mumbai. Realized i must have dislocated my left shoulder as i couldn't lift my left arm. It was blazing hot on the "Flyover Highway" with cars just whizzing past me and myself stranded on the highway thirsting for water akin to being in a Desert. Not a single vehicle stopped to help me and finally a taxi stopped and the driver helped me start the bike whose engine akin to me was "ALIVE" and not "DEAD". Realized the the "STANDARD BULLET " brand bike of "Royal Enfield" had survived competition and motorcycle brand longevity for the simple reason that it was built like a "Battle Tank", as indestructible as the "Unsinkable Molly Brown" of the Titanic in 1912.Ahoy ! Put the bike on its double-stand and the taxi driver kick-started my indestructible "Standard Bullet -350". Got onto the bike after paying the taxi driver Rs 600 for his invaluable service and rode back home at a slow speed in 2nd gear. Ahoy ! Finally reached my building where i took this candid photograph .SMILING like MONA LISA after HEAVEN or HELL rejected my presence saying i am better off living on Planet Earth until further notice.As for me this was definitely my first and last long distance motorcycle cruising . From today onwards it would only be riding within Mumbai city since as a "PROFESSIONAL GAMBLER/INVESTOR" realize that the odds are stacked heavily against me in long distance motorcycle cruising. Ahoy !
