The new decade was begun with grand plans for exploring the world. But alas!! The universe had different plans for travelers. Now most of us are left exploring the four corners of the house and travelling virtually. However, some of us were lucky to have been able to squeeze in a few day-trips before the #Lockdown - pictures and memories of which will have to suffice till we are out and about once more.
When: January 25, 2020
Where: Bhimashankar high up in the Western Ghats, is a well known destination in Maharashtra for 3 reasons: The Bhimashankar Jyotirling, the Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary - home to the state animal of Maharashtra - the Indian giant squirrel and lastly as one of the most popular monsoon treks when the Sahyadri mountains are in their full splendor. While we were apprehensive of visiting it in end-January which is the off-season given the heat which already starts building up and the lack of the monsoon greenery, it turned out to be a great choice for a tranquil break.
Route: Driving from Mumbai, Google maps shows 3 options to reach the place from the Talegaon exit of the Mumbai-Pune Expressway of which the shortest route is for the adventurous with good driving skills.
The shortest route as per Google maps through Bhorgiri takes one up and down several hills over roads in pitiable condition which were left half done in most places resulting in a 4 hour bumpy journey. However, one can get a feel of the mighty mountains only on this route. It passes through sleepy villages, vast open spaces when your vehicle is the only one as far as you can see on either sides and awesome views of the valley and rivers from the top under the shadow of huge windmills looming above. For large points in time there is no network or any modern disturbance. Looking for and asking villagers for directions adds to the adventure (though advisable only at day time). All through one gets the feeling of being on a road less traveled.
What to See: The sanctuary closes in the early evening and most of the waterfalls dry up within months of the monsoons. However, the evening is the best time to go the temple as most of the visiting pilgrims have left by then and one can sit peacefully in the main temple where a few hours before it is difficult to stand without being pushed and shoved. There are no queues either in the evenings. People staying over can also go for the pre-dawn aartis which also have no crowds.
This is one of the best places to view sunrises and sunsets. Visiting on a clear new moon night we could see an army of stars in the inky black sky which is a treat for city dwellers. The air was pristine despite the high temperatures. The chirping of crickets is the only outside noise.
Stay: We opted for the Blue Mormon Jungle Resort which was the most recommended hotel for big group. The hotel has a big property and the rooms have all been recently renovated. The rooms are very basic (but very clean) and food options are extremely limited for the prices charged (on per person basis). The hotel gets the pricing power given the limited staying options and amenities around the place in the evening. However, it was a peaceful stay for us on the whole. Across the road from the hotel is a pond with a small temple in the vicinity that reminds one of the setting in the film Swades.
Route 2: While returning we took the route through Manchar, which though a longer drive, is basically climbing down one hill and then joining the Nashik-Pune highway. While nature and silence had given us company the first day, the noise of traffic accompanied us on the return trip.
While the travel seems bit strenuous and stay expensive for an overnight trip, the rejuvenation given by the break from the routine makes the trouble worth it.