Malshej Ghat

This was one of the most awaited rides of the season. There were lots of reasons behind the anticipation. First the rain gods after just smirking on each of our previous trips have started laughing out loudly. Second, since the inception of this rainy season, we have been getting one of the most tempting and inviting mails of Malshej Ghat and last Swap’s new P150 needed to be tested and also welcomed and introduced in the group(which although did not happened as planned).


Swap and the new Bike.

As this was supposed to be a long drive a real early start was most needed but we also had Loki and Manish joining the group for this ride. I have always believed that the driving duration in trip is always inversely proportional to the number of riders involved but still we were hoping to get back before 4-5 in the evening (Though I still wonder by what calculation Swap had informed his rommie that he will be back by 12…. 280-300 kms in 4 hrs.....All HAIL).
We started our journey from a common meeting point Near Shopper’s Stop and headed straight to old Pune Mumbai Highway and took a turn towards Nasik from the Nasik Phata.The 60 degrees inclined trees on railway track at the start on Nasik Highway is always a treat to watch. It was raining heavily in patches and wearing a helmet with no visor was considerably slowing me down. After taking a short wada pav break we took a pit stop at narayangaon to ask for directions. Soon we were on our way towards the famous Shivenri fort where Veer Shivaji was born. As always Sharma ji was again quite tempted to also cover the fort before going ahead and I have to coarse him on a promise that we will cover it on our return leg of journey (trekking a fort on return leg of journey is never possible I knew).




We soon reached a point on the hill which had this entrance being cut out of a huge rock which made it looked like The Two Towers from LOTR. To add to the beauty there was a small Ganesh temple adjacent to the entrance. We spent some time clicking pics there and as it was all the pay down from there I switched off my engine and started gliding smoothly downhill which Swap and Sharma Ji followed. This is actually something which is never recommended. The speeds might touch to 80 at points and as no braking power from the engine is involved in it, if not taken carefully one might skid at a sharp turning point while applying sudden brakes. We all knew this theory but still I am never able to resist it, though this was supposed to be a bit different this time.


Me and Sharma ji were enjoying our petrol less descend on the hill and continued this for about 8-10 kms.At that point we realized that Swap, Loki and Manish were no where to been seen in the rear view for quite some time now. We decided to halt and wait for them. We were enjoying watching a farmer working on paddy field when a couple on a silver colored Unicorn stopped and informed us that one of us had an accident and we need to go back. As phones were out of range Loki had asked them to convey this message to us. We immediately turned and after going for about 5 kms found Swap Manish and Loki.

Place where Swap's bike fell
What happened was another Disc Brake Syndrome. While coming down the hill with engines off, Swap had suddenly applied the front disc brake which resulted in skidding of the bike off the road and dragging and injuring him. We were lucky though that neither the bike nor the rider got any severe damage except some cuts, bruises and scratches. After having a hot tea at a restaurant and taking approval from Swap we finally decided to move on with our journey.



In no time we reached the Malshej Ghat.It was an awesome view having numerous waterfalls amidst heavy rain and fog. It was practically impossible to take out the camera in the heavy rain and even if we would have ,I am sure the beauty can just not be captured in some pics.In a stretch of just 2-3 kms there were around 10-15 waterfalls and all of them were falling right on the busy Nasik-Kalyan highway. We could even ride our bikes under some of the waterfalls. We enjoyed getting wet and drenched under the waterfalls for quite some time and then decided to head back.
Sharma Ji’s bike gave a few hiccups on our way back which made us stop at regular intervals thus slowing us down. I had a perfect excuse for not going to Shivneri as Swap was injured and Sharma Ji’s bike was creating problems. We stopped at some of the pre identified spots and then finally it was straight Pune-Nasik highway. Cruising comfortably on this all so familiar road we finally reached the Nasik Phata and called it a day to a beautiful ride filled with mixed adventures.

Kund Mala(The hidden paradise)

This was one of the most awaited trips of this season. Not only were we scheduling to wrap multiple destinations but also discover a virgin terrain which was not spoken of much. The plan scheduled was like this Pune-->Dehu-->Bhandara Hill-->KundMala-->Bedse Caves-->Pawana Dam-->Pune (via Paud).
We started early and as always there had to be a 30min holdup when we were waiting for Sharma ji and having hot tea. The first pit stop we took was in Dehu, Birthplace of Sant Tukaram. Had a brief photo session on a bridge where the famous Sant Tukaram temple was in the background. The weather was motivating enough and was not letting us take a long break. Packed up soon and started for Bhandara Hill. It wasn’t far from Dehu and the steep climb reminded me of Lavasa where although the roads are way to smooth than these but had similar incline and loops.

Bhandara Hill has a temple on top where Sant Tukaram used to meditate. It was a very peaceful and relaxing place away from all the usual hustle of the city life. We then had a Wada pav break on the foot of Bhandara hill. After several plates of Wada pavs and awesome tea and started our expedition towards Kundmala.

Kundmala is around 10 kms from Dehu.There wasn’t much information available on internet about Kundmala and we had planned to make it our own discovery. We had to take directions several times from different local people and then finally we came to know that we have to reach the Cadbury India Induri factory in Talegoan and then move all along the factory’s compound wall. It was a well isolated, concealed and unheard of heaven when we reached Kundmala at last.

The water falls reminded me of famous bedaghat where Asoka movie was shot. There was no one else on the spot apart from some local women washing clothes in the waterfall and some local men fishing.

We spent a good 2 hours in that paradise and every second spent there made us desire to spend some time more. But as we had planned to visit more places on this trip, reluctantly we had to move on .Took a road adjoining to the river and in no time we were on the Mumbai Pune highway right across the famous Shankarwadi temple. I promised myself that I will be coming back here again sometime this season to spend a full day here (I am now consistently making this pledge every time  )
Now we headed towards Bedse caves. The last 1 km had non existent roads only made of gravel and large stones placed by the local villagers. Swap and Pathak had a tuff time maneuvering the bike on those mud and gravel roads but finally we were on the tip of the Bedse Caves. It had 450 steps and there was nothing on top which was worth climbing all these steps. We again regretted our judgment of not spending some more time at Kund Mala. We were accompanied all along the steps by a group of 4 local kids. I was amazed by witnessing the amount of zeal and energy they carried with us. Not only were they climbing with ease but also entertaining us by giving us all the gyan about the caves.

It started drizzling on our return for which they provided us with a desi umbrella made up of a big Banana type leaf.
We had a split opinions after this.Pathak wanted to head to home, Swap was eager to go home via Pawana Dam while Sharma ji (like a stud always) wanted to go for Lonavala, I on the other hand was neutral to all these ideas except Lonavala (I personally dislike the place because of the meddling crowd and rush there) so we finally decided to take Swap’s proposal as Pawana was hardly 2 kms from there.
It was a short pit stop at Pawana and we then took the Paud road which was serene and also the rain had made it more lush and green. It was only a 30 ft wide road and we had to wait and honk several times to overtake every single vehicle but still it was fun to ride.


We took some more stops to click photos and give our bikes some rest and then reached the Pirangut Ghat Road. Having accustomed myself a lot on this road I was tempted to cover this road in speeds way above 85-90.Soon reached Chandini Chauk and thus another ride filled with adventure and discovery had ended.

Sinhgad Fort

As decided earlier we had a very early start which meant that the roads were deserted and it was such a relief from the daily schedule of driving in traffic where the fingers gets crammed by continuously pressing the front brake lever. Sinhgad was decided as we wanted to be back by afternoon as I had to attend office after that and also because of the awesome food served there. We spent some minutes at Khadakwasla Dam which wore a very deserted look in early morning.


The road was not very wide and was neither very good. It was a wise decision for us that we took it at this time of the year cause the condition of the road made us wonder how would someone face it during rains. It was a narrow single lane road all the way to the fort and the real pain was at points where people have parked there vehicles and have made pit stop for clicking pictures. We made sure that wherever we stopped our bikes stood in a single line rather than haphazardly jamming the road. There were scenes were we saw bikes toppling backwards at ascend just because of the inexperience and inability of the riders. What always amazes me whenever I go to a hilly road is the ease with which the Activas and Rodeos scale the ascend. May be cause of the automatic gear but those vehicles seems to be really enjoying climbing up the hills. We reached at the fort at around 7:30 and that was time to give the bikes some rest and continue on foot. The beauty of the fort was worth all the time and petrol spent .The foggy and drizzly weather welcomed us on the fort.



The first thing which tendla grabbed was Shengdana and then there were numerous rounds of it.



I got to know more about Shivaji Maharaj and also about the legendary Narveer Tanaji.We then did what we came for, feasted on Dahi,Kanda Bhajji and Pitle Bhakri.Was it the weather or the revitalizing water from the Devashi Take that made the food there so tasty is still unknown but I am sure you just cant have one.

We had 10 matkas of Dahi and 6 plates bhajji.Stomach full we decided to start our descend. The sun had come out and dispersed the fog which made us thank our luck that we made it during early morning. While descending we also met some more of our friends who were just starting the climb(really felt pity as the sun was making it harder for them).Overall it was a sweet, short and rejuvenating ride. Hoping for lots more rides to come.


Tendla and Sharma ji immitating Narveer Tanaji

Road To Lavasa

This trip had many encouraging reasons: - The time was ripe, the rain gods were happy; Bike was in good form, the rear Michelin M45 was up roaring to be tested. I was dying to get a break from the custom life and nothing more revitalizes me as a bike ride during rainy season.

As planned we started from our places at 6 am. I have always considered that the road to lavasa is always a dream come true for bikers so when it came to start the biking calendar of this year the inaugural ride was bound to be to Lavasa.

I always try and induce people that I am quite an outdoor person, when deep down inside I have always known that am not much in visiting places I only like reaching to places (using my bike of course) and once reached I just cant wait to start my return journey. Whatever goes in between is a real pain to me.


It was not the first time I was covering the road to Lavasa (though had done it solo earlier) but I felt I was a bit swifter this time. The roads were heaven and an early start meant less traffic and we were easily touching 80-85 on quite a few times. There was a drizzle which was even more lavishing than the entry loops of the Lavasa road. There were some small villages along the road which made the road even more beautiful. The locals of the villages were a little too eager and loved being clicked.


Sharma ji posing with one of the local villager


Hot Wada pav in mystic and foggy whether at the gates of lavasa made me much more determined to come and cover this road at least one more time this season. The mood is set, just hoping to cover a lot more trips this rainy season.