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A royal start to our travel itinerary – X’ploring Rajasthan

By
Namita Walia Sawant
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Bags packed, high vigor… it was time to embark on our first trip of this year… a land of palaces, deserts, forts and a multitude of historical mystique – Rajasthan!
Officially known as “The land of kings”, everything related to this state emphatically accompanies a royal, rich and luxurious flavor.
 
The travel itinerary for Rajasthan was as follows:
 
Time of travel – Jan 17-27, 2013
 
Places to visit:
  •          Udaipur– The city of Lakes, and romance capital of Rajasthan
  •         Jodhupur–  The princely state, officially known as the  “Sun City” of India
  •         Jaisalmer–  “The Golden City” of India, situated in the heart of the Thar Desert

Well researched and well equipped with a laptop in our bag and a lonely planet book by our side, we embarked on one of my most memorable journeys.
 
The next ten days were full of fun, romance, ruggedness, mystical royal beauty, aesthetically picturesque forts and palaces and wonderful food, to say the least.  There were a few glitches and road bumps along the way, which made the journey more unforgettable. Stay tuned for our travel tales to Rajasthan!

Day 5 – My tale of tyranny and struggles to Dudhsagar waterfalls…

By
Namita Walia Sawant
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0

Dudhsagar waterfalls, a famous waterfall largely featured in many movies, this waterfall meets in the Mandovi River in Goa.

Dudhsagar Falls

 

The stage was set, the actors were ready, and it was time to give the shot. Action!

All geared up on our Activas, we left our hotel by 8 am to get smitten by the mesmerizing tiered waterfalls called Dudhsagar Falls. We didn’t have much information on how to reach there, but we had the two so-called guides in our group who boasted of their preparations. After an hour and a half travel, we reached Collem in South Goa, a place defined to be close-by the cascading waterfalls.
 
As we moved on the trail, leading up to Dudhsagar something unimaginable happened. Some young guys, dressed up like goons, approached and demanded us to stop venturing further.  Filled with enthusiasm, we ignored them and kept driving. Hardly two minutes ahead and we had to stop since there was a railway crossing. The goons caught us there and gave us warnings to stop going further as Activas are not meant to venture in those areas. Since we were not listening to their warnings, they intimidated us by yelling that the native people over there will break our scooters and there are no garages over there.   
Railway crossing – Trail to Dudhsagar
 
The guys with their wives took notice of this and decided to stop there and return. But two guys in our group were unstoppable and decided to play a hero and venture further no matter what. After a brief moment of tussle within the group, the two guys blazed off on an Activa like the heroes going to rescue their heroines, with a bandana on their head and spirit in their heart.
 
In the meanwhile, the four of us waited to discuss about the plan.
 

What happened next! Did the two jawans conquered Dudhsagar waterfalls?

 
Of course not. The trail indeed was not meant to be covered on scooters. The best way to reach the waterfall is via train, which leaves on time. So, please check the railway website and book your tickets. Don’t venture out like we did. We didn’t get to visit these amazing waterfalls. Hopefully, next time we will plan and not miss the early morning train. 

Letsssss go! Dudhsagar waterfalls…

By
Namita Walia Sawant
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1

RIP the most passionate romantic filmmaker of all times…Yash Chopra…with you ends an era of passionate love stories on the silver screen …will miss you deeplyyy!

Before I could start, this is my tribute to the King of Romance <3…you truly touched our hearts with your passion for romantic film-making.

Dudhsagar Waterfalls @ GOA

Day five was reserved for Dudhsagar waterfalls!!!

Located on the Mandovi River, in the state of Goa, it is aptly named Dudhsagar as the water tiers down like milk. This was the reason why we have chosen Margao as our halt as the waterfalls lies on the Londa – Margaon railway route. The planning to this God’s beautiful cascades was of two masterminds in our group (Mr. Z and Mr. R). The two dudes of our gang had all the information on how to reach there or as they claimed :P.

Nevertheless, the story goes like when you get down at Margao, you will be flooded by jerks in the facade of travel agents wanting to take you to Colva Beach, South Goa. We saved ourselves from their cheap gimmicks to be arrested in other mud slinging place aka  the government prepaid counter. They were no respite, lawfully appointed jerks all around. They told us Colva beach is at a distance of 11 kms and we have to pay 300 in total, while their illegal counterparts were ready to take at as low as 150. Being law abiding citizens of India, we went with the prepaid taxi. He robbed us of RS. 300 for just five odd kilometers. So, now you know, you cannot trust anybody in GOA, a land of money hungry travel agents and frivolous government appointees meddling for their own pocket.

Somehow, at the end of fourth day, we reached Colva beach and parked ourselves in a good hotel or so the hotel claimed. The story ahead is too unpredictable and Topsy-turvy.

Did we reach Dudhsagar waterfalls on Day 5? Wait until I compose my next blog….

Day 4 Bye-bye Tarkarli, Welcome to Madgaon

By
Namita Walia Sawant
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1

 

Beach is our backyard @Tarkarli
 
Tarkarli! What a see off by dolphins 🙂
 
Alas, our stay at Tarkarli was about to finish. At the end of fourth day, we had enjoyed more than what we could imagine.
  • Savored mouthwatering fresh seafood (Pomfret, surmai, bangda etc) and sol kadi.
Authentic Konkan Cuisine @TARKARLI
  • Strolled the Arabian Sea at midnight to catch the moon’s light on the subtle waves of sea.
  • Walked the white sands hand in hand.
white sands at Tarkarli
Natural white stands…blissful!!
  • Saw a live shooting star
A shooting star
  • Enjoyed the adventurous and adrenaline pumping water sports.
  •  Sat across the sea gazing to infinity, and;
  •  Last but not the least watched a dolphin play on a sunrise of a beautiful morning.

dolphin spotted at Tarkarli
dolphin spotted at Tarkarli
Finally, we could spot Dolphins!
 

Yes, we were relaxed and rejuvenated to the core. No, we weren’t in any mood to leave this beautiful place. With a heavy heart, we packed our bags to go for the next location – Madgaon. Before departing, we had our last breakfast in the resort – Kanda poha and tea. It was delicious and in my friend’s words – authentic Maharashtrian cuisine.

 
Yummy Kanda Poha @Tarkarli Beach
With all the bag and baggage ready and we all set to check out, I took the seat next to the shore for the one last time in the hope to catch a glimpse of a dolphin. Fortunately or you can call it a luck, we saw dolphins in September which is an off-season and rarely any dolphin is seen during this time.
 
Sailing with the Dolphins @Tarkarli Beach
A local boy sitting on the rocks shouted in excitement – DOLPHIN, my vision instantly moved toward his pointed finger and I could see a bunch of them sailing and playing merrily in water. Elated, I screamed to my friends who left all their bags down to catch the glimpse and our trip to Tarkarli was announced a BLOCKBUSTER thanks to the parting shot.
 
Dancing Dolphin
With happiness in heart and smile on our face, we happily paid the check out amount, which was obviously not a subject to cheer. We moved to catch the ST bus to Malvan. The road from Devbaug to Malvan is carpeted with greenery all along. Fresh dew and chirping birds accompanied us as we reached Malvan bus depot from where we took a bus to Kudal station. By afternoon, we reached Kudal to catch a train to Margao.
 
Green carpets along Malvan
 
We didn’t had any train reservations but easily got the ticket. Luckily, the train was empty that day! We reached our destination before 5 pm. From there started the vicious money looting circus called GOA!!!
 
Look for this space to get authentic ways on how to save money while in the so-called glam GOA.

 

Day 3 Water sports @Tsunami Island, Tarkarli Maharashtra

By
Namita Walia Sawant
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0

Tarkarli Maharashtra brings out the poet in me…

Like a bird in the sky, let me fly high!!!
 
On the way to TSUNAMI ISLAND, Tarkarli Maharashtra
After chilling for days at the shore, we decided to pay heed to our adrenaline. Day three was reserved for water sports and we were all ready to ride high. Excitement, thrill, fear, and rush, we were experiencing all at once. I was so thrilled to enjoy no holds barred.
 
Dressed up for the occasion, we were guided by a bunch of young, enthusiastic kids to the location of the action. Our heart beats fast imagining the excitement that holds ahead, we hopped on a ferry to be rowed to the Tsunami Island, Tarkarli. 

Tsunami Island, Tarkarli Maharashtra 

 
tsunami island, tarkarli maharashtra
Tsunami Island, Tarkarli Maharashtra
A calm oasis claimed to be a remnant of Tsunami, this place presents quite a contrasting picture to the turbulent waves of the Arabian Sea.  Away from the mainland, it feels like your own private island.  Perfect for watersports, the still and clear waters welcome you warmly for the most adventurous time of your life. Water sports in Tarkarli Maharashtra offers many opportunities to indulge and enjoy the thrill in all sorts of aquatics. We had signed up for a water sports package with our resort and hence could enjoy the adventurous seesaw to the hilt.

Bumper ride @Tsunami Island, Tarkarli Maharashtra

bumper rides at tarkarli maharashtra
Bumper ride at Tsunami Island, Tarkarli Maharashtra
The first ride was the bumper ride. We all sat together on a 4-seater bumper boat, which was attached to a high-speed water boat with a rope. We were swayed from one end to another in a matter of few seconds. The high impact bumps and swaying, all made it a fun ride to enjoy.

Jet skiing @Tsunami Island

water rides at tarkarli maharashtra
Jet skiing @Tarkarli Maharashtra

 

The next was jet skiing. With a life jacket on, I was ready to take control over the Jet Ski and ride it wild in the stretched Tsunami Island. The rush and the excitement of riding a jet ski are beyond words.  Then came along the water scooter. This ride was a toned one of the previous ride. The last and my favorite one was the banana ride.
Riding water scooter

Banana ride @Tsunami Island, Tarkarli Maharashtra

On a narrow banana shaped inflated tube, we all sat with patience to hear the instructions.  The exciting part of this ride was that the instructor would continue to clash us in the water until we surrender to the blue lagoons. Oh my god! I shouted in fear. You plan to throw us in the water. That is what makes this ride the most adventurous and exciting one. Before you realize, you would find yourself gushing with water, gasping for breath, trying to stay afloat. This ride was the highlight of the day -3.
 
I felt so relaxed and at peace as I float there in the calm sea. It felt like Nirvana. The whole adventurous escapade made my trip to Tarkarli Maharashtra the most memorable one of my life.
 
Let me gaze the sky up to infinity as I float in my comfortable waterbed, of course with a life jacket on 😀
Floating in peace @Tsunami Island, Tarkarli Maharashtra

Sindhudurg Fort and Rock Garden, Malvan -Day 2

By
Namita Sawant
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0

 

Enjoying the sea waves at Tarkarli

All I could see is water all around,
All I could hear is the soft buzz of wind and waves,
All I could feel is the cold, subtle breeze caressing my body…
This is it – I call it a heaven!!!

 This was I felt when I woke up in the paradise of Konkan. In the soft laps of nature as I sat on a rock at the beach, I could experience a certain warmth and peace within. Situated in the south of Malvan, this place is rightly named Devbagh. God itself seems to have painted this place beautifully and magically with tall coconut trees and blue lagoons all around. As my friends and I sat at the shores watching the ebb and flow of the waves, we considered ourselves fortunate to wake up to the beautiful Arabian Sea and enjoy the subtlety of life. Time stopped as we sat there for hours marveling the beauty of water.

Malvan – Places to see 

Sindhudurg fort

Soon, we were on our way to explore Sindhudurg quite famous as the land of Shivaji. Our first stop was the Sindhudurg fort, which is approachable via a boat from the Malvan pier. The stillness of water that you see in this area, which occupies an islet in the Arabian Sea, is unimaginable. While we stood there to be rowed by a boat, we were in for a disappointment. It was an off-season and the boat would advance only after 20 people are accumulated. While we waited there in patience for our turn, the sun put us off on our way back. Although, we took great pictures of the fort from the bank and capturing it was equally amazing.

Rock Garden

We moved ahead to our second stop, which was Rock Garden. A wonderful place to be in on a sunny day, we got elated once we reached here.

Capturing the waves at Rock Garden, Malvan


Waiting on the rocks to capture that one image when the waves go up high was a difficult task, but we did manage to get our picture-perfect snap. The whole experience was chilling. We had good shots of Rock Garden and the adjacent sea.

Delicious Pomfret Fry…mmmmm


The whole Malvan expedition left us hungry and fortunately, we came across the best eating outlet of our eight-day journey. Seafood in all variety and types, Malvan is a home for seafood junkies. Filling our taste buds to the hilt, we moved back to our resort to enjoy the view of the Arabian Sea.

Picturesque sunset at Tarkarli Beach

The day ended on a beautiful and cheerful note with us capturing the sunset on the ocean. Walking hand-in-hand with my partner on the white sands in the twilight of moon was the icing on the cake. Day – 2 was a mélange of fun, peace, romance and lip-smacking food.

Exploring the beach paradise of the Konkan Coast – Tarkarli

By
Namita Walia Sawant
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2
Tarkarli is like that warm beverage on a chilly night, like soul food on a not so wonderful day, like the cool breeze on a sunny day.

Tarkarli beach
Tarkarli beach
Beautiful sunset at the Arabian Sea
(Visible from our rooms)
Tarkarli is my favorite place in Maharashtra. We are a group of ardent travelers on a mission to explore India (raw and rugged). We swear by our backpacks and are always ready to holiday, trek, and camp or go on an adventure escapade. Our adrenaline is never satisfied no matter how much we travel or explore. You can join in our journey of chill and excitement here. This is our travel tales page and here is our first blog – Best of Konkan! 
This time our motto was to chiiiiiillllllllll and what better place than the Konkan belt. I (Namita Sawant) am a true Mumbaite who has traveled to faraway places in India, even to Wagah Border, the sole road border crossing between Pakistan and India, but have not explored much of the state I live in.

So here we were, a group of four, at Dadar station to catch our train – Dadar to Sawantwadi Road Rajya Rani Express– at 11.55 pm. Along with my hubby, his two nasty friends were all set to chiilllllll along the picturesque beaches of Tarkarli along the Konkan coastline.

Travel tip– If you are not on a budget trip, kindly book your tickets in 3AC, sleeper class is crowded like hell, and you may not be able to even crawl to the loo…(seriously!) So, hold on the entire night or go AC.

Day 1 – Kudal station – 10:36 am


The prime mode of transport in this part is our very own ST buses and rickshaw of course. Fortunately, one of the nasty friends has booked for a XYLO (the one good thing he did on the journey) for us. Our trip to Devbaug, Tarkarli was convenient. 

Strong waves gushing the shores @Tarkarli
Strong waves gushing the shores @Tarkarli beach
Lush greenery and infinitely stretched coastal line is what you will enjoy thoroughly when traveling by road in any part of the Konkan region. Our halt for Tarkarli was Siddhivinayak Beach Resort in Devbaug.

Resort at Tarkarli

Rooms at the resort!
We have decided on Tarkarli as we wanted to chill along the beaches and enjoy some adrenaline rush via water sports. Thankfully, we could accomplish both the target at Tarkarli. It would not have been possible without this resort.
Beautiful morning at the Tarkarli Beach…
Wake up and you will be welcomed by the Arabian Sea, extending until infinity. Sleep and you will be caressed by the soft and subtle noise of wind and water. The beauty of this place cannot be explained in words. Beyond boundaries and beyond the worldly noise, we enjoyed to sip our drinks along the coast and not to forget the fish dishes you get to eat over here are lip smacking.

 

Our first day over had already set the mood for a relaxing yet adventurous holiday ahead!
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