Hyderabad to Mulshi ghat and Tamhini ghat

[Omik]

Hyderabad to Mulshi ghat, Tamhini ghat & Pawna lake; Maharashtra - Monsoon drive meet up - August 24th - 27th 17'

 

Start point - Gachibowli (ORR)

End point - Pune (Western ghats)

Start time - 4:00 a.m.

Total Distance - ~580 kms (one way)

Objective - A long drive to explore the uncharted territories of the Western ghats and thank the monsoon showers.

 

 

Participants:

1) Maruthi Suzuki Alto 800

2) Volks Wagen Polo (Red)

3) Volks Wagen Polo (Red)

4) Maruthi Suzuki Baleno

5) Ford Figo Aspire

6) Ford Ecosport

7) Hyundai Creta (Red)

8) Hyundai Creta (White)

9) Renault Duster

 

Route Taken:

Hyderabad (Gachibowli) ---Kalaburgai (Gulbarga) --- Solapur --- Pune

 

Places covered:

1) Mulshi

2) Tamhini

3) Pawna lake and dam 

4) Tikona fort

5) Kundalika water rafting

 

Plan:

Day 1 (August 24th - 2017):

 

4:00 AM - We start from off from the meet-up point (Gachibowli) towards Pune. 

8:00 AM - Stop by for breakfast at Kalaburgai. 

1:00 PM - We stop by for lunch after crossing Solapur.

7:00 PM - We reach Pune to break down for the day.

 

Day 2 (August 25th - 2017):

Kundalika White water rafting, followed by Western Ghats exploration drive

 

5:30 AM - We start from off from the Pune accommodation towards Kundalika water rafting. 

8:30 AM - Have breakfast en-route and reach water rafting  point.

12:00 PM - We will complete the rafting, start exploring the Western Ghats till evening.  

7:00 PM - We reach Pune to break down for the day.

 

Day 3 (August 26th - 2017):

Western Ghats exploration drive, followed by Tikona fort trek.

 

Day 4 (August 27th - 2017):

4:00 AM: We start early to escape the Pune city traffic and proceed towards Hyderabad.

 

Things to carry: 

• Please do carry your own water bottles and snacks which could be sufficient for 4 days and 3 nights.
• Trekking shoes, track pants, T-shirts, winter wear and a rain coat.
• Toiletries, Sunscreen, Sunglasses, Mosquito repellent cream and Glucose / Electrol (personal medical kit)
• Camera kits and Telescopes if any star gazing enthusiasts or night photography enthusiasts.
• Most importantly loads of energy and positive attitude.

 

Water rafting booking link.

 

http://kundalikarafting.org/?gclid=CjwKCAjwhqXbBRAREiwAucoo-7gE3xwJAaP-kSxrUcH83u63UQPC7DGR8lor0ook0t_RhhfrhxlklBoCJy0QAvD_BwE

[Omik]

Day - 01:

 

All the members attending the drive have gathered at the start point by 4:00 a.m. and the drive commenced by 4:15 a.m.

 

Around 6 30 a.m. we took a short tea break to stretch ourselves and breathe in some fresh air.

 

We headed towards Kalaburagi after the Tea break for our breakfast

 

The road towards Karaburagi is a 2 lane road in pretty good condition with no potholes.

 

We passed across various sunflower fields en-route Kalaburagi which was a treat to eyes as they faced the sun during its rise.

 

A wannabe aerial capture of the Sunflower fields resting on either side of the highway.

 

 

 

We stopped by the Lumbini grand hotel in Kalaburagi for breakfast around 8 30 a.m.

 

All the cars gathered at a regroup point post breakfast before they got onto the highway towards Solapur.

 

We got on to the Solapur - Pune 4 lane highway by 12 p.m. which was quite relaxing.

 

Post lunch on the Solapur highway, we took another break at a coffee place as we got closer to Pune.

 

One of our Admins tried his hands on a Japan made Kubota 4WD at the coffee place.

 

After an eventful drive during the Day-01, we reached the Hinjewadi around 7 p.m. to get set for our water rafting session lined up for the next morning.

 

[Omik]

Day - 02:

 

Our first destination for the day was to be there at the Kundalika water rafting point by 9 a.m. which was distanced about 100 kms in Mulshi and so we started from our night stay around 5 30 a.m.

 

As we moved towards the ghat away from the Pune urban zone, our excitement towards experiencing the monsoon in this part of India started to seep in and the weather started to change as moved ahead.

 

A view of the Mulshi lake enroute.

 

All the place along the road was completely filled with dense fog as it started to pour in heavily throughout the drive not letting us to get down the car enroute Kundalika.

 

 

We could spot a lot of waterfalls throughout the drive hovered by this dense fog which was blocking our sight at it.

 

Managed to capture a few of them while the fog cleared up. Every sight that we had experienced during this drive has become a moment to be cherished for long. Sheer beauty of nature.

 

We drove continuously with no stop for a break because of the heavy rain. This has probably defined the term 'Monsoon madness' to my head at a point of time.

 

Lush green carpet of grass was spread on either side of the road throughout the drive which seemed ever pleasing to our eyes.

 

The road condition towards Kundalika has a lot of potholes filled with rain water. We paced at a moderate speed so as to not miss out on any of the cars in the group.

 

By 9 a.m., we had reached the Kundalika water rafting end point to park our cars so as to keep them in reach post rafting. 

 

We took an auto down to the start point for the rafting session. We were charged 100 INR/head for the auto ride.

 

Around 9 45 a.m., our water rafting has started after a brief introduction of the raft site and the tips & precautions to be taken while rafting. We have got accommodated into 4 rafts in total on a basis of 7+1 per raft.

 

It was pouring quite heavily throughout the session which added more fun to the 14 kms raft scene.

 

The instructions, co-ordination and the control provided by the raft guide throughout has been fabulous and we had enjoyed thoroughly.

 

We reached the parking spot by 1 p.m. at the end point and refreshed ourselves to move ahead for lunch. We regrouped to stop by a waterfall enroute which had offered us a beautiful view.

 

We spent some good amount of time at the place, waited for the fog and clouds to clear up in order to enjoy the beauty nature was offering us.

 

All the members clicked some good pictures to bag in some beautiful memories down their sac.

 

 

And all the members pose for a click at the falls.

 

 

We drove down further to and stopped by the Vithal Kamat food court en-route to have our lunch.

 

We moved ahead towards the Mulshi dam but, the access was restricted due to the heavy flow of water. Having spent a fun filled, eventful and a tiring day, we drove back to Hinjewadi to call it a day off.

[Omik]

Day - 03

 

We started our day late around 9 a.m. the next day. It was 'Vinayaka Chaturthi'. Felt lucky to have spotted this huge Ganesh statue on our way and I have done my prayers in a means time.

 

After a sumptuous breakfast at the 'Vithal Kamat' food court on the Mumbai-Pune expressway, we bifurcated from towards the Mulshi road to reach the foot of the Tikona fort.

 

We had stopped by for a small picture on our way when the road got a little wider.

 

 

The drive continued through the lush green fields and the deserted narrow bridges which was in fact very scenic.

 

Having spotted a beautiful site at the Pawna dam, we drove down into the narrow fields to explore more and get a better panoramic view of the beautiful site. 

 

Finally, this was the picture we had been wanting to get and mission accomplished.

 

All the members cheered up for a fabulous capture at the site.

 

We continued our drive further towards the Tikona fort.

 

As we climbed up the ghat, we were enjoying the beautiful scenic view of the Pawna lake in the background.

 

We reached the base of the Tikona fort by 11 a.m., parked our cars and the trek up the fort was all set as the showers had taken no break to pour on us.

 

All the cheerful team who had been energetic throughout the trek up and down.

 

 

We got drenched thoroughly by the time we had reached the top of the fort and a group snap. Cheers!

 

We spent there for about 30 mins on the top of the fort and waited for the clouds to get cleared. Hence, is the view from the top.

 

 

Getting down the fort, the drive was all set to reach the 'Pawna dam'

 

We felt glad to have experienced this place when all the gates were opened. Thanks to those heavy showers throughout the drive.

 

 

Getting done for the day, we moved back to our hotel as it got dark.

[Omik]

Day - 04:

 

Giving an end towards experiencing the best of the monsoon in the Sahayadris, we started off the next morning towards Hyderabad. Notice the change in the climate  

 

We had stopped by 'Shree Veg' restaurant on the highway after exiting the Pune city for breakfast and at the Lumbini's grand restaurant at Kalaburagi for Lunch.

 

Being thirsty towards exploring more, we decided to explore the land of windmills around Parigi as we got closer to Hyderabad.

 

 

And finally, this crazy monsoon drive has reached to an end "SOON"er. I wish I could stop time to get more out of it, but nevertheless all good experiences come to an end.

You become one with nature when it keeps pouring from above and you feel an eerie bit of cold all through the day.

 

I would thank the admins SAGAR and GOWTHAM for drenching us with a unique experience all along this trip. My sincere thanks to VARUN and SHREYA for hosting me in their car very generously. I hope I didn't annoy them with my continuous rant. The Ecosport "the black mamba" has given a truly wonderful ride. Next stop is ASHWIN's Polo (I can imagine your face now @Asher) Just Kidding!  

 

Though Monsoons discomfort you on what to wear, the memories it makes are truly rare. I have had my Lionshare of those memories in this drive.  East or North, South-West monsoons are the best! Please do share your review on the drive and the report. Drive safe and Stay safe!

 

 

 

[sagar]

Those pictures <3   .. And your story of how you have skimmed through every detail of how the drive had happened in just tremendous. Going through your story and lovely have pictures made me re-wind the whole trip at once. Way to go @Omik . Cheers!

[Gowtham]

You just revived some memories on a boring Tuesday. Shades of greenery are still flashing in my head.

Those pictures are eye feast, excellent write-up. I love the duster picture from your collection. 

It was pleasure meeting all the members. It was pure fun.

Rain through out the drive is a special gift for us.

Sharing few pictures from the Creta group.

 

Day1

 

 

 

Day-2

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Gowtham]

Day 3

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Sridhar Tandra]

Absolutely Beautiful.. Thanks for taking off my Frustration on this week's Tuesday @Omik I too wish I can reverse the time until the day before we started, so much excitement, so many wonderful people around, Monsoon Madness, Thanks to Rain God and Special to each of them, Beautiful Cars!!! 

 

Special thanks to Dr. Sudhir and @Vinith for accomodating and bearing me all throughout..!! It was wonderful teaming with you folks, everyone in the drive will acknowledge. That's the craze that we have bought to Vinit bhayya's Duster..

 

Thanks again for this wonderful drive and absolutely no rush in Schedule to Admins @sagar & @Ranger

 

Can't wait for the next drive!!!

 

Cheers

ST

[prabhum]

A beautiful journey to travel back with your post @Omik  thank you for the amazing post. As @Sridhar Tandra said you induced the energy in to the lazy Tuesday.

[Saran]

Wah! What a write up!!! Kudos [emoji122][emoji122]@omik bhai.... Brilliant pictures [emoji7][emoji7][emoji7]
 

[shiva]

Pictures are too good.
I missed all the action.

 

How are the internal roads from Pune to Mulshi/Tamshini?

 

This picture below picture is excellent, did justice to the title! 

That driver of duster is enjoying his car 

[vinz]

Awesome pics! Loved the view of sun flower fields, its so eye pleasing..

[balag]

Looks like an awesome drive meet. Your pictures give me a feel of the real monsoon happening out there. Fabulous write up and pictures guys.

[Gowtham]

17 hours ago, shiva said:

How are the internal roads from Pune to Mulshi/Tamshini?

Roads are average but the views are amazing through out the drive.

Single lane roads filled with potholes.

 

A post shared by India-Drive (@indiadrive) on Aug 28, 2017 at 3:43am PDT

[mansur]

Amazing pictures.. amazing story.. and amazing people... I love this group. I wish I could attend atleast one among the upcoming drives

[Sridhar Tandra]

On 9/13/2017 at 4:51 PM, shiva said:

That driver of duster is enjoying his car 

 

Its me, I enjoyed the drive 

[veeran]

On 9/12/2017 at 2:38 PM, Ranger said:

Day 3

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

wonderful pics and write up 

[sahil]

amazing pictures!!!!!

Can't wait any more for next monsoon drive!

[mansur]

Is the next monsoon drive planned yet? I am eagerly waiting to join the drive meet saving my leaves for it. Please do keep me updated

[sahil]

13 hours ago, mansur said:

Is the next monsoon drive planned yet? I am eagerly waiting to join the drive meet saving my leaves for it. Please do keep me updated

Lets all pray to god that we should have only mansoon and Winter. No summers!

[Sridhar Tandra]

2 minutes ago, sahil said:

Lets all pray to god that we should have only mansoon and Winter. No summers!

Winters ke bina North India Drive kaha hoga, Summers ke bina Tiger Reserve drives kaha honge!! It is all required...

[mansur]

Monsoon brings magic to the western ghats. I am seriously waiting to join a drive meet during this monsoon with you guys

[Sridhar Tandra]

I did not realize that I have not added the pictures that I have taken in my OP5 here to the thread  Felt it is injustice, here you go!!! I know I realized it late, but better late than never!

 

Not uploaded lot of other personal / individual pictures!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[sagar]

Wonderful pictures @Sridhar Tandra.. Refreshed through a lot of memories of last year's monsoon drive. Thanks for sharing them  

We wish repeat one such drive this monsoon too  

[Gowtham]

22 hours ago, Sridhar Tandra said:

I did not realize that I have not added the pictures that I have taken in my OP5 here to the thread  Felt it is injustice, here you go!!! I know I realized it late, but better late than never!

After an year ?
Pictures are very refreshing to look.
 

[Sridhar Tandra]

2 hours ago, sagar said:

one such drive this monsoon too

can't wait for it! 

 

31 minutes ago, Sridhar Tandra said:

can't wait for it! 

Let's talk about it a bit in our Pre-Monsoon drive