Farmhouse experience at Camp Temgarh Mulshi near Lavasa

If you would like to visit a nature's place like Lavasa, Mahabaleshwar, Panchgani or Matheran but not as crowded, Camp Temgarh could be right destination near Mulshi. Prior to visit I did not have a high expectation from this place. Camp Temgarh is truly an experience amidst the nature with overwhelming hospitality which is as par with Taj Group of hotels (like my last Kumarakom Kerala trip). I had an awesome outing with Chanchal, Dilip, Sanjay, Satyajit and Sunil. We all friends enjoyed each other's company like we used to enjoy during our engineering days. It was a nice decision that we chose Camp Temgarh for one day stay. 

CAMP TEMGARH: Lavasa Road, Mulshi Taluka, Pune Maharashtra - 411032

Directions to Camp Temgarh - The best thing is that the place is not far from Pune. From Chandni Chowk on your way to Lavasa, cross Mutha Gaon and then Kharawade gaon. 1.5kms from Kharawade on the right is a blue bus stop with Ananda Ashram board. Turn left from the bus stop, go straight for 600 mtrs and turn right. Exactly 800mtrs from here on the right is Camp Temgarh.

We booked bungalow (Rajan's bungalow), for which Camp Temgarh is known among nearby villagers. Though there are cottages and Swiss tents for stay as well. This farmhouse is spread across huge resort campus. We reached there in the evening. Though high-tea time was over, but on request we get ginger tea (adarak vali chai). There is a gazebo which has unique experience during the day as well as night. Evenings are for old movies – hook up the projector in the gazebo. 

This farmhouse is perfect place for celebrating a relaxed bonfire, food, antakshari and dance. Guess what, we had all together under clear sky, and on a full moon night. Chanchal did great job bringing speaker. We had full house game and Teen Patti all night. At this moment, none win or lose as all 500 & 1000 notes were ban through out. In the morning, Beautiful views and surroundings overwhelmed us. We also had small trek to riverside, and loved the morning dew and soothing breeze. We observed many holes (could be of snakes, rats or any other animal) on our trek, so be in shoes and don't leave children alone. I captured the sunrise and many other pictures during my stay. 

We met many friendly people with high quality service, food and atmosphere at CT. All our requests were fulfilled within time. Mahavir and his team are just amazing, they make sure that our stay be comfortable and memorable. I would say - Rajan! keep them, these friendly people are your strength. Tasty fresh food is big big plus at CT. They also have mineral water all the time freely available. They also have refrigerator in the Gazebo to chill beverages. It was surprising to see over-friendly dogs, with whom we play for few time (specially Satya & Sanjay). CT also have facility for multiple options of games as soccer/basketball/volleyball/TT/snooker/badminton, and trampoline for children. We also played as per our choice as we had few in our own kit as well. Biking, Fishing and bird-watching can also be enjoyed here. Good to see dustbins around the farmhouse to dump all the waste. If you are visiting this place during monsoon, don't forget to carry raincoats, umbrellas, good quality shoes, and lights/torch for night. What I feel that rooms can be managed in a better way in bungalow. 

The place is very well maintained and truly fit for family and friends of all age and groups. Great place to celebrate small team events. Only note, this could feel like a haunted place, if visiting on weekday alone or as a couple, unless someone has craze to explore haunted place. But place is quite safe, clean, and surrounded by nature at its best. We will love to visit it again.

After checkout we spent few time at Temghar Dam and then back to Pune. 

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An evening at Ganpatipule Beach

In our endeavor to explore the coastal belt of Arabian Sea, we travelled Mumbai - Alibag - Kashid - Murud - Shrivardhan - Harihareshwar - Harnai - Dapoli - Velneshwar - Jaigad - Ganpatipule - Ratnagiri - Tarkarli (Malvan, Sindhudurg) - Devbag (Devbaug) and many other nearby places, but we didn't mind visiting Ganpatipule once again.

We started from Devrukh, and reached Ganpatipule within 2 hours. The route was full of fields of Rice, Cashew and Alphanso (Hapus) Mangoes. After that we visited Ganpatipule temple. We were lucky to get the darshan quite fast, surprisingly there were no queues! And then it was the time for our Pet-pooja (Lunch) Nearest best place for food is MTDC and there we were, for all our meals.

Ganpatipule beach is one of the most beautiful white sand beaches amongst the Konkan beaches. With the Ganapati temple on the shores rendering a peaceful atmosphere, Ganpatipule is as close as you can get to a perfect holiday destination in Konkan. Meenal and Smrati went for jet skiing at Ganpatipule beach. An evening spent at the beach gives a feel of Chowpati, a little too crowded over weekends and vendors lining the shore. The day was little hot and the best thing to beat the heat was coconut water!

Sunset at Ganpatipule: If you love watching sunset, This is one of the best place. This time we relaxed at this clean beach till sunset. The water and beach is so clean that we could take few reflection photographs as well. When the sun was about to set, I setup my tripod, and could manage a few beautiful clicks. You can explore this beach quite long by walk both sides from the temple.

Aare Ware Beach (Arey Warey Beach): We have been to this place during our last visit to Ratnagiri. The views across seaside is amazing, and you will love the drive following the seashore all the times. This route is highly recommended. Seaside Ratnagiri - Ganpatipule route passes through the twin beaches of Aare and Waare and the Aare sunset point. It is the best place to enjoy splendid sunsets, pulsating palms and wonderful waves in Ratnagiri ranges. We followed the same majestic views along-with sunset at Aare in our last visit. Many celebrities own land properties near to this beach. Certainly this beach will be a star attraction for tourist in near future.

Don't forget to visit Prachin Konkan Museum, if you are with kids or family or interested in conch. We also get to see India's biggest conch (Shankh).

Few other beaches/places to visit nearby Ganpatipule:
Malgund Beach
Nandivade Beach
Kunbiwadi Beach
Jaigarh (Jaigad) Fort and Lighthouse

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Trip To Tarkarli - Malvan

Quote of the Post: "Trip to Tarkarli is not complete without visiting Sindhudurg Fort and deep dive in the sea. " - Quote about 'Tarkarli' in Malvan, Maharashtra - Sachin Kumar Gupta

It was a nice trip to remember with Meenal, Pooja and Pankaj. We saw many bikers and groups travelling to Goa and other travel destinations over the long weekend. We travelled Mumbai - Alibag - Kashid - Murud - Shrivardhan - Harihareshwar - Harnai - Dapoli - Velneshwar - Jaigad - Ganpatipule - Ratnagiri, and now was the time to move to the next destination --- Tarkarli in Sindhudurg district.

Tarkarli: If you are coming from Pune or Mumbai, you have to reach Kankavli. Below map will help you reaching from Mumbai and Pune. 

Mumbai - Pune - Satara - Kolhapur - Radhanagari - Phonda - Kankavali - Kasal - (Malvan - Kasal Road) - Tarkarli Road - Turn to Tarkarli Beach.

Tarkarli - Rock Garden - Chiwla - Malvan Map

We paused at a bridge near Phonda, where many birds were flocking together. It was nice photography point to stop by. As soon as we reached Tarkarli, Kingfisher bird welcomed us, and let me click some photographs quickly.

Things to do at Tarkarli, Malvan: Magnificent Tarkarli is well known for its natural beauty, and there are many prime places to visit in and around Tarkarli that attracts visitors:

Here, It is an experience to see the auction of fish catch in the evening when all the trawlers return after day’s fishing. The catch is then sold to the highest bidder. You will love to see many colorful fish. 

Go Snorkling and Scuba near Sindhudurg Fort - 05 KM 

Sindhudurg Fort - 05 KM

Devbag Sangam - 06 KM

Rock Garden, Malvan - 06 KM

Chiwala Beach - 07 KM

Kunkeshwar Temple - 40 KM

Goa - 75 KM

Tarkarli Beach: On a fairly sunny day, one can see the sea-bed up to a depth of 20 feet, This place has gained prominence because of its transparently clear seas. At Tarkarli beach, we also saw some sea-birds flocking around. We found the birds flying at the seashores at many places at Tarkarli. There are newly built M.T.D.C. cottages with accommodation and recreation facilities nearby, which you'll have to book well in advance. Now a days, MTDC also has luxury houseboat facility available at Tarkarli. There are 2 famous houseboats, named- Hiranyakeshi (a deluxe houseboat) and Karli (a standard houseboat). We will plan for the same sometime later in Jan or Feb.  

Sunset at Rock Garden: This is no doubt to enjoy the sunset at Rock Garden point, if you are at Tarkarli. The Rock garden is situated near the Arase Mahal and on the Rocky Shore of Malvan. As soon as sun goes down, you will see the crowd increasing to enjoy the sunset glimpse. Many couples pick-up their rock stones to enjoy their loving moments. There is also a toy train, which runs till 7 pm. It is kind of 16 seaters which takes small round charging 10 INR per person. 

Chiwla Beach (Chivla Beach): If you really want to enjoy more cleaner beach, move Chiwla beach, which is just 1 KM away from Rock Garden. You will feel like being at cleaner Marine Drive of Mumbai. There are many cone shaped stones are being placed at the beach side for longer stretch. Sea and sand blending in enchanting natural harmony, gracefully cruising boats in calm and cool waters add to the beauty of this beach. 

The best time to visit Tarkarli is Dec and Jan, Though it is magnificent most of the months other than monsoon season. It is also a seafood lovers place. Coconut, Rice and Fish assume prime significance in the Malavani cuisine. Seafood containing fish, especially Bangada (Soloman) Paplet (Pomfret), Prawns, Bombil (Bombay Duck) and Tisrya (Mussels) is very popular. Sol Kadhi (A preparation made of Sol (Kokum) and coconut milk) is famous drink, We enjoyed it many times. Varieties of Alphonso Mango (Hapus Aam) are particularly popular here. We took approx 2 boxes (5 KG) of Hapus mangoes in quite reasonable rates while returning back to Pune. 

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Destination Beaches near Devbag Mobar Sangam in Malvan

Quote of the Post: "Friends Together..Check! Lovely Drive..Check! Awesome Beaches..Check! Tasty Food..Check! Fun filled trip..Check! Rejuvenated..Check! - What else can u ask for!!!" - Quote about 'Devbag' in Malvan, Maharashtra - Sachin Kumar Gupta 

In our endeavor to explore the coastal belt of Arabian Sea, We travelled Mumbai - Alibag - Kashid - Murud - Shrivardhan - Harihareshwar - Harnai - Dapoli - Velneshwar - Jaigad - Ganpatipule - Ratnagiri, and now was the time to move to the next destination --- Devbag (Devbaug) in Sindhudurg district.

Tip: If you are planning to visit Tarkarli or Malvan, Book hotel at Devbag area, you will feel like enjoying private beach. Much awaited trip to Tarkarli, finally came our way and here we scoot for our weekend get-away. After much of hastles and multiple discussions, we finalized our stay at 'Sea Pearl Beach Resort' at Devbag, which is considered to be one of best region in Malvan (Dist. Sindhudurg). 

Don't confuse with Devbagh in Karnataka. If you are coming from Pune or Mumbai, you have to reach Kanakavli (Pronounced as Kan-Kavli). Below map shows the route to Devbag from Mumbai and Pune. 

Mumbai - Pune - Satara - Kolhapur - Radhanagari - Phonda - Kankavali - Kasal - (Malvan - Kasal Road) - Turn to Tarkarli - Devbag Mobar Road. 

Devbag - Malvan Map

Devbag Mobar Sangam: This famous place is surrounded by water mostly and is at the confluence of river Karli and Arabian Sea. While driving from Tarkarli, you will enjoy the beautiful scenary of Arabian sea at one side, while tranquil backwaters of Karli river at the other side. It was just 5 minutes drive from our hotel, however we chose to explore this place on foot. Some of the major points can be easily seen from here. 

Mobareshwar Temple: This small temple is located at the tip of this Sangam. There is a boating point nearby named - Mobareshwar Boating Centre. You can book the boat and traverse multiple points with 6-8 people. To your luxury, Houseboats are also available in backwaters! There are so many colorful boats, your eyes will simply love those, and capture the moments. 

The same place is also the origin for the outset of boat rides covering below places. 

1. Sangam Point 

2. Island Bed (Seagull Island) 

3. Tsunami Bed: You can enjoy many water sports here.  

4. Bhogwe Beach [700 INR for 1-4 points]

5. Dolphin Point --- Must see, if you are getting up early in the morning.

6. Sea Travel [1000 INR for 1-6 points]

7. Nivati Beach 

8. Nivati Fort [1700 INR for 1-8 points]

9. Lighthouse [3500 INR for 1-9 points]

Sunrise and Sunset at Devbag Beach: It was a treat to eyes...to adore magnificient sunrise from the Karli river and eye-catching sunset at Arabian sea. Fishermen carrying their traditional boats & nets daily into the sea, is an interesting feature to watch on this beach. The first morning, we saw many colorful fishes and crabs being captured in the nets by local fishermen. Next day, I wokeup early in the morning and captured many pics with Sun rising from the horizon. Some sunrise pics taken from the hotel top. Evening was funfilled with tea/snakcs at beachside of the hotel, and later beach bath and sunset. We spend some time together in beach-swing. 

Devbag is an ideal spot for refreshing the mind and soul. The best time to visit Devbag is Dec and Jan, Though it is magnificent most of the months other than monsoon season. Magnificent Devbag is well known for its natural beauty, and there are many prime places to visit in and around Devbag that attracts visitors: 

Go Snorkling and Scuba at Tarkarli - 10 KM

Sindhudurg Fort - 10 KM

Chiwala Beach - 12 KM

Rock Garden, Malvan - 11 KM

Kunkeshwar Temple - 45 KM

Goa - 80 KM
Ratnagiri - 150 KM

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Velneshwar Temple and Beach in Konkan

Quote of the Post: "If you are crazy sea side lover then Velneshwar is the destination. It has all that you can expect, the views will take you to heaven with shimmering water, coconut trees swaying madly in the breeze on the bank of the sun kissed beaches." - Quote about 'Velneshwar' by Sachin Kumar Gupta 

If you are looking to enjoy best sea views in Konkan area, you've reached the right place. It is highly recommended to follow below map for best time utilization and for viewing most amazing sea-side views of Konkan. Just keep following seaside roads. The narrow winding roads show you the glimpses of what is in store at the end of the journey. 

Velneshwar - Konkan Map

We have traveled many places across west-side of India - Arabian Sea cost from Mumbai to Goa: Mumbai - Alibag - Kashid - Murud - Shrivardhan - Harihareshwar - Harnai - Dapoli. Now it was time to explore Velneshwar - Jaigad - Ganpatipule - Ratnagiri range. After visiting some of the fascinating places in Ratnagiri and Ganpatipule, We started for Velneshwar next morning following Jaigad - Tasval Ferry Boat route. 

Jaigad fort is approx 15 kms further ahead of Ganpatipule. We couldn't visit the fort as we had to reach Velneshwar, so we took ferry route further. 

Jaigad - Tasval Ferry Boat: It is a short 15 minutes journey. The ferry also carry 6-10 four wheeler along-with some 2-wheeler. If you are coming from Ganpatipule, a ferry across the Jaigad creek gets you to Tavsal from where you could visit Hedvi and Velneshwar. This ferry journey gives a feel of Kerela region at times. 

On the way to Velneshwar, Our driver stopped at Hedvi. There is a famous temple of Dashbhuj Laxmi Ganesh Prasanna. This Laxmi Ganesh Temple is not only ancient but also rare. The 3 feet high idol is carved in white stone with ten hands, hence the name 'Dashabhuja Ganapati'. A grand ceremony along with a grand procession held between Shukla Chaturthi to Shashthi in Magh (Hindi month) every year to celebrate the birth of Ganpati. We spent 15-20 minutes at this place and was quite pleasant. 

Velneshwar - Shree Dev Maha Vishnu Devshthan: We kept following the mesmerizing seaside route of Arabian sea views, and reached Velneshwar. We parked ourselves at the temple of Shree Dev Maha Vishnu. The temple is quite colorful, you will love to see this. There is a "well" inside the temple, where one can try drawing some water. The whole temple area is surrounded by walls and coconut trees shadowing in the back. There is an old Shiva temple near Velneshwar which is frequently visited by pilgrims.  

After visiting the temple, we had our much needed tea for the day near sea-side. Its adjoining beach is calm, clean and is ornamented with a row of coconut trees at its beach side. It is possible to swim there as the beach is free from rocks. A small stretch of beach with very few tourists at Velneshwar, is the beach destination in Konkan that you need to head to if you are looking for some time away from everything.

Sunset at Velneshwar: There are quite different rocks if you just walk 200 meters beach-side, this could be an unique place to enjoy sunset. We stayed at this place for long and had my tripod installed first time. We took some wonderful sunset snaps.

A small cove with a pristine stretch of soft white sand beach laced with lush green coconut trees, Velneshwar is yet to feature in the tourist map of Maharashtra. Velneshwar is just emerging as promising tourist destination in the long stretch of Konkan beaches. 

Enjoy other nearby places in Konkan Maharashtra: Ratnagiri, Ganpatipule, Dapoli, Harihareshwar, Shrivardhan.

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Ganpatipule - Share the beach with Ganpati

Quote of the Post: "The beautiful beach alongwith famous Ganpati temple and the tiny hamlet kissing seaside, add to the picturesque beauty of Ganpatipule." - Quote about 'Ganpatipule' by Sachin Kumar Gupta

We have traveled many places across westside of India - Arabian Sea cost from Mumbai to Goa: Mumbai - Alibag - Kashid - Murud - Shrivardhan - Harihareshwar - Harnai - Dapoli. Now it was time to explore further, Velneshwar - Jaigad - Ganpatipule - Ratnagiri. 

After visiting some of the fascinating places in Ratnagiri, We reached Ganpatipule following Aare Ware seaside views route. This was our base place to stay throughout weekend trip and recommend to book the hotel in advance. It is highly recommended to follow below path to enjoy most amazing sea-side views of Konkan.

Ganpatipule Konkan Map

Tasval - Jaigad Ferry Boat: If you are coming from Velneshwar, A ferry across the Tasval creek gets you to Jaigad from where you could visit Ganpatipule. While on ferry you may feel like you are in Kerala at some places. It is nice to enjoy this ferry ride. 

Ganapatipule is laced with the evergreen ranges of Sahyadri and an endless stretch of unpolluted silver sand, lined with innumerable trees of mango, cashew, coconut and casurinas at the coastal side of Konkan. This holy place of Lord Ganpati - Ganapatipule derived its name from “Ganapati" or the Lord of Ganas (army) and Pule (sand dune). This place has gained prominence because of its famous Ganpati temple and it is a tourist destination and offers an attractive beach.

MTDC Resort Ganpatipule: We just loved the food here. Whenever we felt hungry, we visited this place. Must say, the best tea of Ganapatipule is available here. We stayed at "Hotel Shree Ganesh Krupa" for 2 days during our visit. 

The narrow streets of Ganpatipule lined with Konkani style cottage, with sloping red-tile roofs immediately transport you to another time. This place is developed and managed in a one-way route so that there shouldn't be any problem of traffic jam like in any other part of India.

Temple: The Swayambhu Ganpati Temple, on the Ganapatipule beach in itself is the primary attraction in Ganapatipule. At the entrance of the temple, there is "Make a wish mouse", you can whisper in the ears and make a wish. There is also a parikarma marg, which devotees use to take a round around the hill. 

Beach: Ganpatipule beach is one of the best beaches in Maharashtra, which is 25 kms from Ratnagiri. It is all a breath-taking view! Ganpatipule beach has a picnic vibe about it with numerous chat stalls, camel rides and horse carts near the beach. One can walk long and narrow stretch of beach with pristine waters and water sports. There are also options like camel ride and horse ride at the beach. We also enjoyed this place a lot. It was amazing to see many flying birds to play with waves.

Next day we visited another less traveled road to Velneshwar. 

Prachin Konkan Museum: One the last day while returing back to Pune, We visited this place. It is approx 1 KM from Ganpatipule temple area named "Manewadi". Ask locals about this place, if your driver is new to this area. Prachin Konkan, is the brain child of Mr. Sardesai. A guided tour walked us through various aspects of life in Konkan in the yester years.  It has many things to explore, which depict life in past in Konkan. Guide informed about Konkan's society-structure, occupation, custom, tradition and history in last 500 years. For different exhibitions they charge differently. There are additional charges for camera though charges are quite normal. Some of the attractions in this Prachin Konkan Museum are:

Konkankanya small toy train engine at the entrace near ticket window. 

Nakshatra Garden: There is a small garden with trees worshiped depending on a persons sunsign in the garden.

Prachin Konkani Gram Jeevan

Hastkala Vikri Kendra (Handcraft Selling Point): The costs of the items are quite reasonable.

Sea Fort Exhibition

Bird Watching

Sea Fish Exhibition: We also get to see India's biggest conch (Shankh). It was unique to watch and adore for every visitor. They have different kind of conches (Shankh) found in the sea. We shop some of the unique conch made items. 

Enjoy other nearby places in Konkan: Ratnagiri, Velneshwar, Dapoli, Harihareshwar, Shrivardhan.

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