KP On The Go!

Introduction Alandi is well known as the residence and final resting place of Sant Dnyaneshwar - one of the most important figures of the Warkari sect and one of the principle saints of Maharashtra. The town is thus a major place of pilgrimage in the state. The town lies just to the north of Pune city, on the banks of the Indrayani river which it straddles with immense bathing ghats. Alandi - under lights I have been meaning to visit Alandi for a long time, but for one reason or the other, that never happened. Until this time. -x-x-x- An Accidental Visit On a midnight drive to a place further north from Pune, we passed through the town of Alandi. While crossing the bridge over the Indrayani we were caught by the sight of the sprawling and empty ghats and decided to halt for a while. The illuminated ghats of Alandi -x-x-x- The Sounds Under Lights The visual delight of the ghats under lights quickly transformed to a more musical one with each step we took - for...

Introduction Malhargad is one of the youngest forts in India. It was built by the Marathas in the latter half of the 18th century to guard the Dive Ghat route connecting Saswad to Pune. The fort can be accessed by a short climb of 20 minutes after a short detour from the Dive Ghat road, thus making it a quick getaway from Pune on any day. The Sun Also Rises -x-x-x- Getting (Climbing) In One has to take the Dive Ghat route from Pune on the way to Saswad. After the ghat climb, one should take the road to the left at the next to Shakuntala Misal leading towards Zendewadi. The road deteriorates after a while, but leads on the the base of Malhargad where one can park the vehicle. Two paths from this point can be used to climb to the fort - the straight rough path or the gentle switch-back route on the right.     The fort seen from the parking lot The stairs leading to the 'Chor Darwaza' The gentle switch-backs The main road of the Dive Ghat is s...

Introduction The Konkan region offers some impeccable and quick getaways from Mumbai and Pune. Most of the destinations within a 4-5 hour driving distance are getting increasingly crowded and seldom offer the tranquil solitude that one expects from a weekend. But then if you can travel overnight, then some quirky gems await you.  The natural tidal gorge Take the Guhagar section for instance - you have the empty beaches, weird coastlines, histoic temples, forts, a light house, a jetty, a power plant and crocodiles! Add to that a dash of the laid back lifestyle and you have an idyllic break that will bring you back here again.   Beckoning - at Guhagar Beach This post is aimed to be a starting point on spending a quick weekend around Guhagar for a solo backpacker. The effective area is the one that lies between the creeks of Dabhol in the north and Jaigad in the south. -x-x-x- Getting In and Around Guhagar - for a weekender - is best approached by an ove...