Ghats of Konkan

    Konkan is perhaps the greenest belt of Maharashtra.. This narrow strip called Konkan is between Arabian sea & Mountain range of Sahyadri. Sahyadri Mountain range runs parallel to coast of Konkan.. One has to cross the Sahyadri to reach Deccan plateau.
   There are many ghats connecting Konkan to the Deccan plateau. These all ghats are true paradise for riders & drivers. Especially from July to February travelling through these ghats is real treat to your eyes.

   National Highway 17 runs through entire length of Konkan starting from Mumbai & National Highway 4 runs parallel to the prior but is on the other side of Sahyadri. If you travel from Mumbai to Goa.. You will come across many ghats Khandala Ghat, Bhor Ghat, Tamhini Ghat, Par Ghat, Ambenali Ghat, Kumbharli Ghat, Amba Ghat, Karul Ghat, Amboli Ghat, Fonda Ghat. Apart from these ghats connecting NH17 & NH4 you have to cross Kashedi Ghat & Parshuram Ghat. If you are travelling north of Mumbai thats in Thane district, you will come across Malshej Ghat & Thull Ghat. In this post I am not going in depth, but will limit the contents just to 2-3 line introduction of these Ghats.. In fact separate article on each ghat can be written as these ghats host many tourist attractions, dams, forts, sancturies & beauty of nature..

Khadala Ghat:
  This is between Khopoli & Lonavala, this is very famous ghat. After construction of express way, it doesn't look like ghat though. Many tourists visit hill stations of Khandala & Lonavla. One can see Lohgad & Visapur forts guarding the ghat.

Tamhini Ghat

Tamhini Ghat:
  This ghat connects Kolad & Mangaon with Pune. A very beautiful & green strip especially from august to november. Mulshi dam on this route is becoming popular tourist destination.

Bhor Ghat:
  Historically important ghat connects Mahad with Shirwal. This route is surrounded by many dams namely nira-deoghar, bhatghar and Veer.



Parghat & Ambenali Ghat:
  Again a very famous strip. Konkan side till pargaon of this ghat is usually called Parghat whereas the road in after that is called Ambenali ghat. This ghat connects Poladpur in konkan with Wai in satara district. Many places of interest like Pratapgad fort, tapola sanctury & hill station mahabaleshwar.

Kumbharli Ghat

Kumbharli Ghat:
  After entering Ratnagiri district, this is the first ghat that will connect you to NH4. This ghat is between Chiplun & Karad. Huge Koynanagar dam is in close proximity of this dam.

Amba Ghat:
  This very prominent ghat, is a national highway NH204. Connector of two important cities Ratnagiri & Kolhapur. This ghat starts from village called Pali on NH17.

Phonda Ghat:
  This ghat runs between Kankavli & Kolhapur.

Amboli Ghat:
  This is perhaps the southernmost ghat in Maharashtra. It connects Sawantwadi with Belgaum. A beautiful hill station Amboli is nestled on this route.

Parshuram Ghat:
  This Ghat is beween Khed & Chiplun. Famous temple Of lord Parshuram is atop this route. One can have amazing view of Vasishthi river.

Malshej Ghat

Malshej Ghat:
  Again one more very famous picnic spot. This route is famous for Flamingos which come here during rains. There is also a wonderful resort called "Flamingo resort" atop this ghat. One can do Harishchandragad trek from here.

Thull Ghat:
   This route connects Kasara & Igatpuri..




So, Here is the brief introduction of all important ghats in Konkan. All my driving/ riding lovers friends.. take out ur machines & conquer them all.. & dont forget to write ur experiences..

Weekend in Pune

Pune, the upcoming IT hub in Maharashtra is also a cultural capital of Maharashtra. This city is worth experiencing as a traveller. The city that has huge history & was center of Indian politics in 17-18th centuries, offers many places worth visiting.. This post is mostly covering places of historical importance:

Shanivarwada:
   Built by first Peshwa Bajirao First, at the heart of Pune this palace is really huge & as strong as Maratha regim at the time of Bajirao. When built this palace of Peshwa's had 6 floors. Today only bastions & protecting wall of palace exists, but the laser show in the evening is really worth watching.

Sinhagad:
  Few Kms away from Pune, this fort has great historic importance due to gallant attack of Tanaji Mallusure to conquer it from Mughals. This fort has become more of picnic spot & is usually crowded in rains.. The view of Pune city from the fort is amazing

Kelkar Museum
  Fabulous collection of many artifacts from indian history. It also has a place called Mastani mahal which will certainly take you back to 18th century.

Lal Mahal:
  Shivaji maharaj spent his childhood in this palace, but this palace is more famous for the attack on Shaistekhan executed with great finess by Shivaji maharaj & his selective maratha troops.

Kasba Peth Ganpati:
  Idol of Lord Ganesh in this temple was found in 17th Century. This Idol was then placed by Shivaji maharaj in Kasba Peth as Gram Daivat of Pune. This temple is very close to Shanivarwada.

Parvati:
  Small hillock very close to Pune city. Parvati hosts temple built by Peshwa & a museum displaying artifacts & weapons used by Peshwas of Pune.

Dehu:
  Known for great sant Tukaram maharaj. This place has very high imporatnce in Warkari community. Sant Tukaram maharaj is still worshiped as a great sant by entire maharashtra.

Army Tank Museum:
 Pune is important place for western command of Indian Army. There is a tank museum developed by Indian Army & artillary department in Pune, showcasing many models of tanks, guns, shells etc. One can see pattern, arjun & many more well known tanks here.

Sarasbaug:
 This is a huge garden developed by Peshwa's. Situated near Swargate ST stand. Sarasbaug hosts beautiful Ganpati temple built in a small pond.

There are many more places in & around Pune like Vrundavan, Shinde Chhatri, Alandi, Chaturshrungi, Peshwe Udyan, Theur, Ranjangaon, Chakan Fort etc.. but this I will cover in some other posts. Apart from Places of historical & cultural importance, there are many other attractions near Pune.. but those we will see on some other weekend..