A Boat Trip at Mini Kashmir - Tapola

Quote of the Post: "Tapola truely deserves the appreciation and definitely lives upto the tag of 'Mini Kashmir'. If you haven't visited Tapola, you haven't visited Maharashtra." - Quote about Tapola near Mahabaleshwar by Sachin Kumar Gupta

After visiting Thoseghar waterfall and Kaas Plateau of seasonal flowers near Satara, we stayed at Hotel Shivneri near Shiv-Sagar Boat club. If you want to feel the calmness and beauty of Tapola, just stay here for two days, and you'll wish to be here forever. We headed to Shiv-Sagar Boat Club post our breakfast. Our hotel was just near to Shiv Sagar Boat Club, so we reached there in no time.

Tapola can be visited throughout the year, however the best time to visit is from September to February, when you can enjoy clean and clear water. The place attracts heavy rains during monsoon. Tapola is a perfect holiday destination, only 25 km away from Mahabaleshwar, but it never got the fame as it should. The journey of 1- 1/12 hr from Satara or Mahabaleshwar, is a destination in itself. You can enjoy the route between the high Sahyadri hill ranges and the dark woods. Below is the map to Tapola (D):

Tapola - Mini Kashmir Map

Tapola sits at the convergence of the Koyana and Solshi rivers, and is a complete blend of natural beauty, seasonal waterfalls, mountains, tranquility, greenery, invigorating air and pristine ambience. The view of Koyana river on one side and Solshi river on the other, is really beautiful. 6 hours driving distance from Mumbai (290 km) or 5 hours from Kolhapur (200 km) or 4 hours from Pune (150 km) make it ideal for longer stay.

The dam is the biggest in Maharashtra - known as 'Shivsagar' which stretches 90 km long and serves as a water reservoir to the Koyana Dam. Shivsagar Lake and river camps are major tourist attractions here. Shivsagar dam is very popular for motor boats, which are available with nominal charges. Motorboats, Speed boats and scooter rides are the popular boating means; others enjoy kayaking and swimming. There are many unknown forts in deep forests around the lake.

Tapola Sightseeing: Tapola is full of attractions – From Shivsagar Boat club, you can see and reach differnt points, including a few islands and return to boat in following order and timings:

- Shivsagar Darshan (45 mins - 6 km)

- Triveni Sangam (1 hr 30 mins - 12 km)

- Datta Mandir (2 hrs - 20 km)

- Vasota Fort (3 hrs 30 mins - 30 km)

- Koyana Abhayaranya (4 hrs - 40 km)

Tapola is the base camp for one of the most exhilarating treks that one can go for in Maharashtra. Places mentioned above are completely cut off from civilization and can be reached only by a boat. The weather is exhilarating even in the peak of summer. So, if you are up for a challenge, take the forest authority permission in advance and be early in the morning to go to conquer Vasota Fort or Koyana Abhayaranya. One can find various animals in the dark forests such as tigers, bears and wild fox. The starting point of all these points is Shivsagar Boat club. We opted till Datta Mandir as that day, authorities didn't allow the trip till last point. After booking we got our turn soon, and ride in the boat with Meenal, Anmol, Priyanshu, Piyush and Monika.

While to the Shivsagar Darshan by boat journey, The surrounding views of the river were breathtaking and pleasant. Triveni Sangam is small island at the junction of three rivers. Our first stoppage was famous Datta Mandir, where we stepped out and roamed around for about an hour. The famous Shiv Temple, located below the lake level on this island, is the major attraction. We just wanted to be here as long as we could stay. 

We also enjoyed the vistas of a small beautiful village Bamnoli, located on the shores of Shivsagar lake. It was surprising and certainly unbelievable for us, to see the villagers carrying their home-luggage and other daily necessities by boats, loaded with more than 20 people at once. At one hand we could never imagine leading such a difficult life, on the other we see these people leading their lives happily.

Tapola is popular with nature and adventure lovers and photographers for trek and relish the scenic beauty. If you are a water sports enthusiast, Tapola is the best place to head to. It pleases mind by its nature and makes you forget all your urban woes. It was a action packed and rejuvenating weekend for us, after that we approached towards Mahabaleshwar following Lingmala waterfall during evening on our way back to Pune.

Next time I am planning to pay a visit, for a 'River Camp at Tapola'. Other nearby places to visit:

Kaas valley of flowers near Satara.
Thoseghar waterfall near Satara during monsoon.
A day at 'Grand Canyon of India - Mahabaleshwar'
A day trip to Panchgani - 'Five hills of Sahyadri'
Visit to Lingmala waterfall near Mahabaleshwar during monsoon

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8 musketeers at Panchgani

If Mahabaleshwar is known as 'The Grand Canyon of India', then No doubt Panchgani is 'The Switzerland of India'. Panchgani refers to 'Five hills of Sahyadri' which are 'Larger extension of table land'. Another explanation to it - five villages around the Pachgani named as, Dandeghar, Khingar, Godwali, Amral and Taighat. The magnificent views of the backwaters of Dhom Dam can be adored along the whole nothern ridge of the mountains. Other than that picturesque scenary of Krishna valley with cultivated green fields, numerous hamlets over the mountain make this more special. Panchgani is also well known for its number of schools, and sanitariums. 

Panchgani can be visited throughout the year, however it rains heavily during the monsoons. The best time to visit is from September to March. Our curvaceous route for the day from Pune was: Magarpatta - Katraj (Snake Park, Pune) - Pune Banglore Highway (NH4) - Wai - Panchgani - Mahabaleshwar - Tapola [Reverse in return while boating at Venna lake] 

This time, In our group we had Tarachand, Komal, Sonal, Rajesh, Mausmi, Gyan, Meenal and not to mention me. We enjoyed the sunrise in the early morning with breakfast. Everyone had got some or the other yummy stuff with them.

Tourist Points at Panchgani:

Harrison Folly: We had our first break of the day at this point. It was a very large table land, where your shadow will follow you in different directions. We enjoyed good view point with Panchgani on one side and Wai on the other. This point wouldn't disappoint you. Sometimes Paragliding activity also organised from here by private enthusiasts.

Sydney Point: One funny incident happen as we took wrong turn, and reached a 'Flies point - Makkhi point' 'The garbage point', :P where none of us was able to breathe. All of a sudden many flies were inside the Tavera as someone kept the window open for a few seconds. At this point, entry fee is charged for entering Panchgani [Per person and for the vehicle] Once at the top of the Sydney point, one can see blue shiny water of the Dhom dam. It is situated on a hilltop facing the Krishna valley. We had some quick clicks at this point. 

Parsi Point: We passed through the scenic point situated on the way to Mahabaleshwar, and overviewed the Krishna valley and glittering water of the Dhom Dam. This point is good to visit during monsoon, but still, good to relax and have snacks. 

Table Top Point: Panchgani is topped by a volcanic plateau, 'The Table Land' which is the second highest in Asia after the Tibetan plateau. This is the most famous and most visited point in Panchgani. We spent 2-3 hours admiring the beauty of this place. For entertainment one can go for horse riding, Merry-go-round, mini train etc and for food lovers there are quite a few food/chaat stalls. With a couple of games counters, the place took us back to our childhood days of being at Fun-Fairs.

Pandav Feet at Panchgani Table Land.

We opted for horse-cart as sun was at top of us. It charged 300 for 4 sitters that included below points:

• Pandav Feet: As per belief, Five heros of the great epic 'The Mahabharat', had cooked here, and left their feet marks. 
• One Tree Point: Famous shooting point for Indian Movie Songs - precisely the love songs.
• Shutting Point: This is the point where you have most panoramic views. 
• Ganesh Visargen Point: There is small water place at the table top point. This point in major utilised for horse bath. 
• Pandav Cave (Drop Point): Also known as 'Devil's Kitchen', has a mythology associated with it. It is believed that the Pandavas of the Mahabharat epic had stayed here for a while. 

Pandav Cave at Panchgani Table Point

The place had been an important part of many Indian movies - 'Gadar', 'Swadesh', 'Taare Zameen Par', Agent Vinod' to name a few. We also paid a long distant visit to Palankhet, Sydney point, Gliding Point, Five Table land during our horse-cart ride. (If you have ample time, just roam on your own, rather than opting for horse-cart or horse-riding)

Tapola, The mini Kashmir: 

The road trip to Tapola was amazing with couple of yards covered by umbrellas of Banyan Trees. The blue water bodies on both sides - Koyna and Solshi rivers made it even more pleasant. The hot Sun didn't let us spend too much of time here and we moved ahead to the next stop...We'll definitely come back sometime again in monsoon.

On our return trip, We covered Lodwick and Elephant head point at Mahabaleshwar. One hour walk in dense forest was awesome. (For info on Mahabaleshwar during monsoon, please visit "Trip to Mahabaleshwar)

An eve at Venna Lake: This was the most entertaining part of the day. All of us were ready to row the boat on our own. We decided not to rent a driver and started rowing ourselves. The naive drivers (i.e. we) were floating it to the un-intensional directions. :P  While two were enjoying the driving lessons, others were busy in admiring the beautiful sunset. We struggled for parking the boat back on the shore and took a sigh of relief when were off the boat. We yelled "Bach gayee!!!" 

Sunset at Venna Lake

Mapro Garden: The Panchgani, Mahabaleshwar belt is known for its Strawberry Gardens. Situated on the curvaceous roads between Panchgani and Mahabaleshwar, it is easily accessible by buses originating both from Panchgani and Mahabaleshwar. A heaven for tourists hungry for strawberry delicacies as well as factory fresh items like jams, syrups, mock-tails, squashes and confectionery items by Mapro Foods Pvt Ltd. At the tasting counter, you can actually taste the squash of your choice before purchasing it for free. We picked up 'Kesar' flavoured squash, some chocolates and Kachchi kerry. 

Oops, how did I forget to mention about the astrologers roaming around. I was always caught up by them as target and got a new name "CHAPTER".  

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