July 19, 2009

Roadtripping Sahyadris: Part 6

Mumbai - Andheri - Varsova - Thane - Shahpur -
Kasara Ghats - Nasik - Sinnar - Shirdi

and return

Map borrowed and modified

Day 2:
Sinnar - Shirdi - Sinnar - Ghoti - Igatpuri
Distance: Approx. 200 kms

Day 2 started early morning travelling from Sinnar to Shirdi and returning thus covering an initial distance of 100 kms on Maharashtra State Highway 10. Following that, for the day, it was a distance of another 100 kms or so from Sinnar to Ghoti to reach Igatpuri.

On the way back to Sinnar to reach in time for lunch, I stopped at a roadside kiosk for some freshly pressed sugarcane juice. Has anyone tried having sugarcane juice with black salt for seasoning? It is yummy!

For the return journey towards Mumbai from Sinnar, I took a detour off NH3 to reach Ghoti directly instead of passing again through Nasik, the wine capital of India. It was a peaceful ride with very little traffic and views of rolling vineyards along the way.

I came across interesting sights of rustic village life. Bullock carts were used as a means of conveyance. I could see fresh farm produce and simple village folks wearing traditional clothing – men with their white clothing consisting of a cap, shirt, and dhoti, and women with their bordered blouses and unique way of draping the nine-yard sari.

In most instances, the woman was seen walking, as their custom probably demands, a couple of steps behind the man. I do not think they would be interested to hear about women’s lib movement. Not really meaning to joke, for all I know, these very women may be honoured more by their spouses than by their urban counterparts.

As to weather, strangely it kept changing from foggy to sunny. The morning was pleasant with mist, but by afternoon it was dry, hot and sunny. As the evening approached it was again foggy and hence, you may find some shots here hazy.

From Ghoti it was a short journey and it was almost time for the sun to set when I reached Igatpuri. After an attempt to visit the Bhandardara dam area, I could only manage to view from a distance the Vipasana Centre, famous for its architectural beauty and Meditation courses.

The sunset that evening was a beautiful sight.
~~~
Chaos on the road at Sinnar market area...
On the way from Sinnar to Ghoti...
Windmills...
Bullock cart and the Sahyadri hills through thin fog...
A buffalo led by the locals...
On top of the lorry to follow the tractor...
Ghoti market place...
Vipasana Centre...
Sunset at Igatpuri...
....... to be continued

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10 comments:

Mridula said...

Picture 2, what beautiful trees! Gulmohar?

indicaspecies said...

Mridula,
Yes. And picture 5 and 7 too. Have more pictures of them shot this time. Would you like to see some more?
I love Gulmohar trees as they rekindle memories of my happy childhood since we had a tree in our backyard.

Final_Transit said...

Ah, fresh sugarcane juice with black salt... oowie! Its also nice with red salt. Hope you accumulated lots of blessings on the way! :)

indicaspecies said...

Priyank,
I must try it out with red salt next time.
As to blessings, I don't know if I have accumulated lots. You tell me if you know.;)

SandyCarlson said...

Such an interesting and beautiful world.

indicaspecies said...

SandyCarlson,
I'm delighted you feel so.:)

GMG said...

What a trip! I'm feeling the hit just seated here on my computer...

indicaspecies said...

Gil,

Hehehe..you do?;)

R. Ramesh said...

thank friend, cheers and best wishes..from sharjah

indicaspecies said...

Ramesh,

Cheers!