Malshej Ghat - Best Monsoon Weekend Gateway from Mumbai

Monsoon is the time which brings fresh lease of life for every creature, human being and everyone on this earth. We Mumbaikar's too indulge in visiting waterfalls in and around Mumbai from June - August when rains are at their peak. One such picnic spot is Majshej Ghat - a mountain pass in the western ghats coming under Pune District.

I visited the ghats for our weekend entertainment with my friends. We took the Kalyan - Shahapur - Malshej route. As we were traveling in my car, it was easy to take few brakes in short intervals, sometimes to click nature, sometimes of my friends. We enjoyed the drive owing to good roads with few vehicles. We reached the foothills in 2 hours.

We indulged ourselves in dancing and few drinks at couple of waterfalls, enjoying ourselves to the maximum. 

Then we moved to the birthplace of Shivaji Maharaj - the Shivneri Fort. Few remaining structures though made us sad, though the boundary walls of the fort still look intact and maintained.

After lunch we visited the Lenaydri Caves - atop a hill. The steep slope from the hill top make it a splendid photography opportunity.

Tarkarli Beach - Best Beach in Maharashtra

 Tarkarli Beach

  

Tarkarli Beach, situated along the western coast of India is one of the most clean and marvelous beaches in the state of Maharashtra.  I went there with my friends last year on my way to Goa. Tarkarli is situated 5 kms away from small town called ‘Malvan’ from where you can drive down to the MTDC’s resort.

There are many big, small hotels situated along the approach road to the MTDC’s resort and one can easily find locals approaching tourists for lunch and stay arrangements. You can choose between any of those local hotels as most are famous for their Fish delicacies. The most preferred is the Fish Thali. The one which we opted for cost us around Rs 180/- per Thali (Fish). The hotel at the MTDC resort is bit expensive though but very near to the beach, so you can give it a try.

Upon entering the MTDC’s resort you come across the office from where you can book the House boat, water sports activities such as Scuba Diving, Snorkeling. The operators charge between Rs 250/- Rs 500/- for a session of around 15-20 minutes. No initial training is required to try these water sports. Many couples opt for 1 day-night House boat packages which cost around Rs 8000/- for 24 hrs. 

One can hire a boat to see the Dolphins, which are large in numbers are a sure shot sighting. The Sindhudurg Fort is a nearby tourist spot. This fort was once a strategic and very important fort of the great Maratha warrior Shivaji Maharaj.    

 

Tarkarli Attractions:-

• Tarkarli Beach
• Fish Thalis
• Snorkelling
• House Boat
• Scuba Diving
• Dolphin Sightseeing

Nearby Attractions:-

• Sindhudurg Fort

Best Time to Visit:-

• October - May 

It is no doubt the best beach in Maharashtra, very clean water to enjoy a splash!

Alappuzha

                  

Referred to as the Venice of India, Alappuzha has always enjoyed an important place in the tourism history of Kerala. Today, it is famous for its boat races, backwater holidays, beaches, marine products and coir industry. Alappuzha beach is a popular picnic spot in Kerala. The pier, which extends into the sea here, is over 137 years old. Entertainment facilities at the Vijaya Beach Park add to the attraction of the beach. There is also an old lighthouse nearby which is greatly fascinating to visitors.

Another delightful experience while in Alappuzha is a houseboat cruise. The ones you find in the backwaters of Alappuzha are in fact reworked version of kettuvallams of olden times. The original kettuvallams or rice barges used to carry tons of rice and spices. The kettuvallam or 'boat with knots' was so called because the entire boat was held together with coir knots only.

Of late, houseboats come with all creature comforts of a good hotel including furnished bedrooms, modern toilets, cozy living rooms, a kitchen and even a balcony for angling. And one can always enjoy uninterrupted views of backwater life while staying in a houseboat.