Shootout at Khandala...

Sticking to our agenda of weekend excursions, this weekend we had planned to shoot off to Lonavala and Khandala. Before coming to pune, many have talked volumes about this place, specially the Express Highway that connects Mumbai and Pune and I had to concur that they were being reticent. On a day when weather is on your side, the whole trip could be lot more worth than the effort you'd put. The entire sight of the highway right from pune to lonavala makes you doubt if you're actually in India. Yeah, specially in India where the word 'express' is abused so much that it has lost its actual meaning, the express-highway was true to its name and you can see cars zooming by at a breathtaking speeds of more than 120kmph.(the pic above was shot at that speed)After reaching Lonavala, we realized that there weren’t enough spots to watch.
Lonavala is such a place where nature is present in all its splendor. Lonavala has become famous because of nature's gift. Lonavala has been blessed with valleys, hills, Milky Waterfalls, Lush Greenery and pleasant cool winds. This region full of natural beauty. Words are not enough to describe the beauty for this place. Lonavala is an epic poem created by God. Beautiful mountain ranges trying to reach the sky are sites that please the human mind and give an experience of heavenly pleasure. The morning sun rising over here appears as if it is sprinkling rose water all over. Chirping birds gently awaken oneself and all of this makes it a really Good Morning. The whole place is covered with a thick blanket of fog early in the morning; this is how the day begins here.
Khandala
Khandala neighbors Lonavala. Although is comparatively small, it is equally blessed with natural beauty and bounty. Deep valley on one side and high hills on the other side divide Khandala and Lonavala. Luckily, modern industrialization has not adversely affected Khandala. Whenever a tourist visits Lonavala he also wishes to visit Khandala. While traveling on Mumbai Bangalore National Highway, one has to cross the arduous Khopoli - Khandala Ghat. This is the famous Borghat. In a short distance of 8 Kms one has to climb a height of 369 meters. This is a difficult Ghat to climb. But once you reach here, you feel that this climb has been worth the trouble. Khandala is One place where you will fall in love at First Site. In fact this is exactly the reason that we feel must have inspired the makers of the movie "GHULAM" to include a song "AATI KYA KHANDALA" in their movie which has created huge waves throughout India. Also, Lonavala and Khandala are full of tourist practically for the whole year. Main reasons for this is the fact that it is very close to Mumbai, so people from Mumbai find it very convenient, other reason is that the passengers traveling to south India or returning from there also pass through, making this place a busy spot. And the natural beauty of Lonavala & Khandala makes one forget the fatigue of the journey. Being at a considerable height from sea level, these two places enjoy a cool climate
Bhairavnath Deva Sthan at DhakThis is a temple close to Lonavala situated on a mountain, which is difficult to climb. Nature has showered this place with its bounty. But this place only for walking on foot. Vehicles cannot be brought here. Thick forests, deep valleys, strange noises made by Peacocks and Monkeys, smooth stones run over by speedy streams.... This place offers a fascinating variety. The approach to the road is by small zigzag path that is only a hand wide. From here there is a 50 feet cliff upto the temple. There are slippery steps carved out of a rock and a creeper to reach the temple.
Antar Bharatiya BalgramThis institute was founded in 1966. It was founded with the purpose of giving equal opportunity for education to intelligent but economically backward children.
That left us quite disappointed, particularly when we had no intentions returning back before late in the night. Anyway tried to make the most of what we had and we spent quite some time at the Bhushi dam, where we trekked all the way up to the waterfall point and in the process, I did manage to escape a serious downfall with minor bruises on the palm, an injured ankle and an aching rib. Photography can be dangerous and had learnt it the hard way :(.Then we shot off to another hilltop point where we could get a clear view of the nearby places through a telescope. This was where a tattoo artist convinced me that I'd look hip with a tattoo and I thought it was worth a shot specially when it wasnt a permanent one ;). So finally ended up with this one. Seems to be quite mystic but i guess the only time that is seen when i take my bath as I go to office with full sleeves and there's no way anyone can watch it. Anyway ...at least I could fulfill one of my very desires.Then off we went to Khandala, which was pretty close to Lonavala. There is this spot, popularly called as "Shooting spot" and the sight was astounding. Suddenly I felt some strange connection with the nature and many thoughts mocking our daily lives filled my mind which almost took over me. During all this, I had to sedulously avoid the desire to wander near the cliff, coz all it needed was one step to reach heaven ( yeah..I'm pretty much sure about that destination ;) ).We spent some time sitting and playing "Who can throw the farthest" till rain forced us to get back into the car.Strictly in confidence, with every jaunt, life seems to be more than worth living and a sense of gratitude arises for the almighty, for his wonderful creation and for having given me an opportunity to explore it.This is one hobby, I would want to keep it for my lifetime.