Bizarre incident with tomato laden Bolero pickup truck in Mahara

If you as an Indian Roadie had been witness to this bizarre incident that happened with the tomatoes laden Mahindra Bolero somewhere in Maharashtra, what would you have done to normalize the situation. 

Let's not blame the driver. The incident has already happened. 

After all our motto is always LiveToHelp_HappyToDrive. 

Remember that those same number of men and women would have been there around you. You would have been the only extra person around. 

Let's discuss. 

. 

. 

. 

* Indian Roadie Case Study 

* Mishap And Calamity 

Banda, MH in Sept 2019 - Indian roads are infested with overconfident newgen drivers not at all High On Cognition

Watch the Maruti Suzuki Swift fly at an unmarked road hump, hit a car in front and land on its head in Banda, Maharashtra (near Goa). Luckily nobody was hurt.
This happened in mid September 2019.
Indian roads are infested with overconfident newgen drivers not at all 'HighOnCognition'. They kill and get killed.
We have 'zero' sympathy for such drivers.
.
.
.
* Mishap And Calamity

Water stairway to Visapur Fort - road trip and the final climb

Water stairway to Heaven

Visapur Fort is located in Lonavala around 100 kms away from Mumbai. Within the fort are caves, cisterns of water, a decorated arch and old houses.
The climb is somewhat tiring but the awesome view of Pavana Dam from the top takes the fatigue away.

Photo credit: @swapneil_7 

How NOT to ride in winding hilly terrains in India

How NOT to ride in winding hill (ghat) sections.

Irrespective of whether one is driving a car or riding solo or in a group, always remain #HighOnCognition. Please don't endanger your own life or that of other road users. Be responsible. Ensure that everybody is comfortable with your mannerisms on the road. Driving/ riding are a combination of art and science.

Video shot somewhere in the vicinity of Thal Ghat, Maharashtra.
.
.
.
* Indian Roadie Safe Driving Tips

Andharban Trek of 8 kms up to Bhira Dam, Maharashtra

Andharban trek involves trudging through dark forest trail around 120 km from Pune, Maharashtra. The name Andharban itself means "Dark Forest". Trek starts from Pimpri Village. You will be walking through dense dark forest  for 8 km, crossing water streams, soaking yourself in the innumerable waterfalls. After a descend of 4 km you will reach Bhira dam. Trek ends here. We spotted a very beautiful green venomous snake which was the best part for me in the trek in October 2019.
Video and text courtesy: Roshni Petare.
.
.
.

#IndianRoadieTrekkingStories

Motel Visava, NH66, Mahad, Maharashtra - Indian Roadie Preferred Hotel

Motel Visava, Mumbai- Goa Highway, NH 66, Mahad, Maharashtra 402301.

Mobile: 096045 82832.

Website: www.motelvisava.com

Set off National Highway 66 and across from the Savitri River, this relaxed hotel is 6 km from Gandhar Pale Buddhist Caves and 7 km from an access road to Raigad Fort Natural Reserve. 

Road trip of 51 kms (each way) to Lohagad Fort from Pune

Road trip of 51 kms (each way) to Lohagad Fort from Pune, Maharashtra, India.




Lohagad Fort or Lohagarh, literally meaning iron fort, is a historical citadel perched atop a hillock at an elevation of 3400 feet. Situated in the Sahyadri range of Lonavala, it separates the Indrayani basin from the Pawna basin.

#LohagadFort in #Maharashtra, #India is 51 kms from Pune (Balewadi Stadium) via #NH79 and is a 30 mins drive from Lonavala.
The best time to visit Lohagad is between September and March. However, a trip during monsoon has a different charm altogether.

The elaborate history of this fort associates it with the great Maratha ruler Chhatrapati Shivaji. Many other Maratha and Vidarbha rulers used this citadel, making it an important part of Maharashtra's rich history. The fort was occupied by many dynasties: Satavahanas, Chalukyas, Rashtrakutas, Yadavas, Bahamanis, Nizamshahis, Mughals and Marathas.

The fort can be reached from any of its four entrances, namely Maha Darwaja, Ganesh Darwaja, Hanuman Darwaja and Narayan Darwaja.

Exquisite sculpting can be seen on the Maha Darwaja that speaks of the art and architecture prevalent in olden times. A step well and large tank constructed during the 18th century can also be found here. Lohagad Fort was regarded as a great military marvel during pre-historic British time.

Trekkers prefer the walk up to the fort, especially in the monsoon. The simple and easy trek is suitable for people of all age-groups. The trekking route during monsoons becomes a bit mucky and trekkers may find some difficulty in walking to the fort.
The walk to Lohagad Fort is enjoyable with the epic scenic beauty, lush green grass, cool mountain air, the pleasant climate and site of the villages that can be seen along the way to the fort. A variety of birds and insects can also be spotted in the hills.

From the top of Lohagad Fort, a breathtaking view of the villages, beautiful bungalows, hotels, Pawna (Pavna) Dam and the entire hill station of Lonavala is possible.

There are plenty of options for food in nearby Lohagadwadi village. In the small dhabbas one has food options such as vada pav, onion bajiya, corn (bhutta) along with the cutting chai (tea).

With regards to accommodation, there are plenty of options available in Lonavala.
.
.
* Indian Roadie
* Global Roadie
#IncredibleIndia
* Backpacking India On Road
#BeMyCarTravelBuddyInIndia
#TravelBuddies #Routes #RoadTrips #RoadTripper #RoadTravel #LongDrive #travel #traveler #BudgetTravel #BackpackingIndia #backpacker * See In India #OnlyInIndia #ExploreIndia #Wanderlust #Volunteer #TravelPhotography #TravelBlogger #LonelyPlanet #BeautifulPlaces #MustVisit

Weekend ride to a clean and green Nandgoan village in Raigad district, Maharashtra with a beautiful beach in the vicinity

Passionate biker & roadie, Akhtar enjoying the beautiful view of sunset and a cool breeze of Arabian Sea in mid-May 2018 after a group ride to a very clean Nandgoan Beach, Raigad district, Maharashtra.
Nandgaon is a clean and green village with a beautiful beach in the vicinity.



Navi Mumbai (Panvel Rly Stn) to Nandgaon = 100+ kms (approx.)

Roadtrip to Sindhudurg Fort from Navi Mumbai and Pune via Kolhapur

Located off the coast of Maharashtra, the Sindhudurg Fort is an ancient fortress occupying an islet in the Arabian Sea. This imposing construction is spread over an area of 48 acres, with its massive walls standing tall against the crashing waves of the sea. The main entrance of the fort is hidden away in such a manner that no one can identify it from the outside. The Sindhudurg Fort is a tangible example of the Maratha foresight and resourcefulness. Not only is this mighty fort a historically significant attraction, but the natural beauty of the surrounding landscape makes it a popular tourist spot. Protruding right from the midst of the mighty Arabian Sea, this fort makes up for a delightfully charming sight. Its rich historical background only adds to the experience of this place.

Built by none other than Chhatrapati Shivaji, the construction of Sindhudurg Fort utilizes the natural protection of the surrounding rocks to their advantage. With its solid walls and conspicuous gateways, this fort is a fascinating piece of history which makes it a favourite tourist spot. Perhaps one of the reasons why this magnificent fort has managed to stand the test of time would be its unique and unyielding construction style. The foundation of the mighty building was laid down in the lead, and the natural protection provided by the surrounding rocks acted as an impregnable barrier against any enemy forces. Sindhudurg Fort also has 42 bastions, which still stand tall and is surrounded by several smaller forts such as the Padmagad, Rajkot and Sarjekot Fort. A small temple dedicated to the Chhatrapati also finds a place within the bounds of the fort.

The strength of Sindhudurg Fort lies in its unshakable engineering, which utilised indigenous materials to the best of their properties. The main material used to build the fort was sand that was brought from Gujarat, while the foundation of the fort was laid down in hundreds of kilograms of lead. The complex of the fort is spread over a massive area of 48 acres and has a 3-kilometre long boulevard.

The walls of the Sindhudurg Fort stand 30 feet high and 12 feet thick, making it practically impossible scale. The main entrance is impossible to detect from the outside, which was further a deterrent to any invaders. One of the most peculiar yet intriguing details of Sindhhudurg Fort is its zig-zag walls, which house a number of pillars and bastions. As many as 23 Hindu and Muslim families still inhabit the bounds of the fort and a unique painting of Chhatrapati Shivaji without his iconic moustache is safely kept here as well.

Since the fort is situated on an island, the only way to reach it is by the means of ferries which are quite easily available from the Malvan coast. The ferry takes about INR 50 for a round trip and 15 minuted to reach this attraction.




Indian Roadie Preferred Route, Motoring Route, Driving Route, Best Route for road trip from 

Navi Mumbai (Panvel) to Sindhudurg 

(NaviMumbai_Sindhudurg), 

Pune (Katraj bus depot) to Sindhudurg

(Pune to Sindhudurg): 

Panvel ---- Lonavla ---- Pune ---- Khed ---- Satara ---- Kasegaon ---- Peth ---- Kolhapur ---- Asgaon ---- Shenavade ---- Gaganbawda ---- Vaibhabwadi ---- Talere ---- Shirgaon ---- Salshi ---- Sindhudurg 

Distances: 

Navi Mumbai (Panvel) to Sindhudurg 

(Panvel_Sindhudurg) = 460 kms. 
Pune (Katraj Bus Depot) - Sindhudurg 

(Pune_Sindhudurg) = 340 kms. 

Ganapati Bappa Morya - Ganesh idol visarjan (immersion) in Mumbai in end-August 2017

Ganesh utsav, the largest festival for Mumbaikars in Maharashtra ended with the 'visarjan' (immersion) of the idol of Lord Ganesha in the Arabian Sea bordering Mumbai towards the end of August 2017.
The incessant rains could not mellow the mood of revellers.

Ganesh utsav is a 'must see' for all across the world.
However, on the day of the immersion almost all the major throughfares in Mumbai city are out of bounds for vehicular traffic. Be prepared for that.

Igatpuri, Maharashtra, India during monsoons

The greenery at Igatpuri, Maharashtra during monsoons can soothe many a ruffled nerves.

Driving distance from:
Mumbai to Igatpuri = 120 kms & can be driven in 2 hrs 15 mins.

Photo courtesy: Arindam Chakravarty.

Vajrai Waterfall in Kaas Plateau, Maharashtra, India

Indian Roadie, Nagul Ram had to trek for around 30 mins all alone in September 2016 to get this view of the waterfalls. He was the only one in the whole area.
He was there at the vantage point for barely 5 minutes before starting his return trek.
Driving distance from Navi Mumbai to Kaas Plateau of Flowers is 257 kms.
Driving route to Kaas: Mumbai - Lonavla - Pune - Satara - Kaas.
Location: Vajrai Waterfall in Kaas Plateau, Maharashtra, India.

'Ram Bhakt' on the move in Jalna, Maharashtra

Indian Roadie, Deep Banerjee spotted this M&M Scorpio on the outskirts of Jalna, Maharashtra while driving from Pune to Kolkata in March 2013.
The owner appears to be a great 'Ram Bhakt'!
I wonder if these 'Ram Bhakts' can get away flouting all rules laid out in the Motor Vehicles Act in India.
Be honest .... can you read the registration plate in 5 secs flat?
Jai Ram Ji Ki!

P.S: In Maharashtra, 4141 is a sought after number because it can be scripted in Marathi to look like 'DADA'!