Glimpses of Maharashtra in Seven Steps

From 3rd to 9th June 2011, I did a thousand kilometers solo ride  on motorcycle for seven days, to see the glimpses of Maharashtra. This ride was part of a competition – Wrangler True Wanderers. The blog can be read here: Introduction Day 1 – Taking the first leap towards exploring Day 2 Part I…

Afterthoughts

When I came to know I am one of the ten finalists of the Wrangler True Wanderer contest, it was a moment of mixed reactions. There was joy of course, of being selected from all India, and having a chance of winning the prize as well as the honor of the best travelogue. But there…

35 years later….

‘Grandpa, look! Daddy gave me a bicycle! I am going to explore all the of neighbourhood now!’ ‘That’s good, kid. Did your daddy give you a helmet too? I will gift you one today evening.’ ‘Great! Grandpa, Daddy was telling that you were a motorcyclist in your days?’ ‘Why, he is lying! I was a…

Day 7 – Homeward bound

‘Please God, please God… let it be visible… please God.’ Climbing huffing and puffing over those steep stairs, I was praying to all Gods I could remember, may it be visible. Climbing up in that downpour with all the rain gear, a heavy backpack and a helmet was not easy, and I was particularly a…

Day 6 – To the last color in rainbow

‘Welcome to Mahabaleshwar, Sir! Need a hotel?’ ‘Sure.’ ‘How many people?’ ‘Just myself.’ ‘Just one? But here we give rooms only to couples.’ ‘Oh, come on! Where will I find a girl at this time now?’ ‘No Sir! It’s not like that! There have been incidences here, that a single man comes, and commits suicide!’…

Day 5 – Exploring the forgotten past

‘These wells are not just architectural wonders. They are in this particular shape not because they look good in the landscaping of the village.’ The learned sage was telling the spellbound audience, listening intently, myself included. ‘These are “Jalayantras”, the ancient machineries s that can be used for a specific purpose. If one has the…

Day 4 – The Man-made God

After getting directed from this road to that lane many times, finally I was there, staring at them with wide eyes. This is where they are made! The Gods I am seeing from childhood, the brand name that is ruling the market for past many years. They were peeking from every window, every doorstep, no…

Day 3 – King of the forts, fort of the Kings

The English general couldn’t believe his eyes. He had just come up Raigad for King Shivaji’s enthronement ceremony, and was now staring at two huge elephants at the entrance – Mena Darwaja – decorated beautifully. ‘How did these beasts come up all the way? Elephants don’t climb stairs, not of this size.’ he inquired. ‘The…

Day 2 – Part II – The impossible friendship

I couldn’t help but smile, for I have just shaken hands with King Shivaji and Afzal Khan. After all, how many people would have seen them in friendship? The next halt was at Raigad. I rode back to Vile, and took the newly constructed MIDC road. After travelling on bumpy roads, this smooth road comes…