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.
