MONSOON MAGIC : MAHARASHTRA

During our stay in Maharashtra, we explored the best of Maharashtra mostly unplanned and unscheduled. During such a visit during last monsoon, when we had planned to visit Igatpuri and Nasik, we chanced upon an unscheduled spot when we decided to go to Bhandhardhara instead of staying back at Igatpuri. Enroute to Bhandhardhara, we spotted this small beautiful town Bari which appeared as if it has descended directly from heavens. We decided to visit Bhandhardhara and be back for a night halt at Bari. But before proceeding, I sighted a small signboard indicating presence of a small isolated Govt guesthouse in the vicinity. The keeper was generous enough and agreed to allow us a night stay there. Bhandhardara was simply majestic. With all the clouds coming down to water level, it was simply a wonderful sight. After a heartful of fun at Bhandhardhara, we came to the nearby market and picked up ration for our night halt at Bari. I had predicted well as later after reaching Bari, we realized that Bari didn’t have any nearby facility for dining or buying stuff. We headed back to Bari and the wonderful time that we had there in the mid of greenery and clouds is evident from these photographs. The place had all that one could imagine for a memorable stay. A beautiful, quaint Maharashtrian village setup nearby. Lovely and adorable people. A nearby waterfall flowing quietly, lush fields receiving heavenly drizzle, thick forest adding to the mystery, serenity, peace and tranquility providing for a quite and desired weekend. The ration that we procured was handed over to the caretaker who didn’t speak or understand Hindi and I couldn’t understand what he spoke but we communicated nicely through sign language. The guesthouse was not frequented by visitors so it did not have any beds but mattresses were arranged by the caretaker. We were fortunate that we had carried our four men portable tent that we generally carry with us on unscheduled visits as it saved us from unwanted insects and mosquitoes that were around in plenty.
Our caretaker was an excellent host. He not only cooked a delicious vegetarian meal from the ration that we provided but also arranged dry firewood for a memorable campfire. The Jungle around was glowing with insects who had fire under their belly and the quietness was to some extent broken by squeaky insects. With mist and fog around, the night was full of mystery and the kids wanted to listen to ghost stories to get Goosebumps. The water was drawn from a nearby well and after an exciting and fun filled evening with nobody around, we had a wonderful sleep in the tent that was pitched within the guesthouse premises. The morning was even more beautiful and a cup of tea prepared with the goat’s milk along with Poha made in typical local style was good enough to refresh us for a drive back to Mumbai.