The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step

Damdi aka Damadi Masjid (Mukundnagar), is located very near to the Ahmednagar Fort. One has to travel by the Burhan Nagar Road to reach it. Directions to reach it are available on Google Maps. It is looked after by the Damdi Masjid Kabrastan (Trust).

Damdi aka Damadi Masjid near Ahmednagar Fort in Ahmednagar

Apart from the Masjid are many old tombs in its premises. Not sure to whom these tombs belong as there are no signboards around them. The Masjidwas built around in 1567.

Damdi aka Damadi Masjid near Ahmednagar Fort in Ahmednagar

The Masjid is very small in size but is very beautiful. Art work is very clearly visible on the Masjid walls. The stone engraving, the arches, the minar atop are beautifully done. I have seen many Masjid's but nothing like this one.

Tombs in Damdi aka Damadi Masjid near Ahmednagar Fort in Ahmednagar

Not sure if the Masjid is still operational, as the entry gates are locked so we couldn't see it from the inside. but there is a family that stays near its premises. The cemetery is operational.

Entrance to Damdi aka Damadi Masjid near Ahmednagar Fort in Ahmednagar

We then headed over to see the Calvary Tank Museum.

Calvary Tank Museum is located in the premises of the Faria Bhag Palace. It is located in Iwale Nagar in the Ahmednagar It can be reached via the Solapur -Dhule National Highway.

After visiting theDamadi Masjid we headed over to see the Calvary Tank Museum.

It is the only tank museum in Asia, it houses around 50 vintage tanks which have fought various battles across the years. The collection of the tanks is just amazing. The different types of tanks used in battle are all placed here. The tanks and its history is placed on yellow colored signboards next to it. The museum is open from 9 AM to 5 PM on all days. There is a entry fee of Rs. 10 to enter the museum. The museum was started in 1994 by the Armored Corps Centre and School.

Apart from the tanks there is also a museum dedicated to our heroes who fort various wars. There is a small replica of Arjun the tank and the fighter plane Tejas both of which are Made in India.

Here is a video of the tanks on display.

We then headed over to see the Faria Bhag Palace.

Faria Bhag Palace is located in the premises of the Cavalry Tank Museum. It is located in Iwale Nagar in the Ahmednagar It can be reached via the Solapur -Dhule National Highway.

Faria Bhag Palace near the Calvary Tank Museum in Iwale Nagar in Ahmednagar

Though this palace is currently in ruins, it might have looked amazing in its glory days. It was built by the Ahmed Nizam Shah of the Nizami Sultanate around 1583 for his son Burhan Shah.

Interiors of Faria Bhag Palace near the Calvary Tank Museum in Iwale Nagar in Ahmednagar

The palace is two storey's tall. It has a small pond outside the palace and a similar one inside. The corridors are very much identical but they have been spoilt due to graffiti. Works of idiots who want to let people know that they were there. On the side the ceiling is beautifully carved. The niche in the walls to hold the lamps is also beautifully done. This structure has got lots of doors and windows so that there is plenty of light in its premises.

Interiors of Faria Bhag Palace near the Calvary Tank Museum in Iwale Nagar in Ahmednagar

Though the weather was hot outside, it was very much cool on the inside. We felt nice walking through the corridors.

Ceiling of Faria Bhag Palace near the Calvary Tank Museum in Iwale Nagar in Ahmednagar

Interiors of Faria Bhag Palace near the Calvary Tank Museum in Iwale Nagar in Ahmednagar

Like all good trips come to an end so did this one. we then headed over the Swastik ST bus stand to board the 1:10 PM bus to Mumbai (Mumbai Central) The bus journey takes its toll on our legs as you have to sit in one position for long time, but the good time we had exploring the history in Ahmednagar overwrote it.

Hatgadh Fort is located on the Saputara Nasik Road. It is located very near to the hill station of Saputara in Gujarat near the Maharashtra Gujarat border.

Hatgadh Fort in Maharashtra near Saputara Hill Station in Gujarat

We were able to see the fort in a distance, high on the hill top while traveling on the Saputara Nasik Road. One needs to get off the Saputara Nasik Road, There are no boards put up here, and the route is not tagged on google maps, so one has to rely on the locals for directions, there is a entry fee to visit the fort. both for humans and vehicles.

The entry fee was Rs.40 inclusive of all. The guy will also give you a challan (receipt) for the same. The road from here till the top, is a single lane rocky patch, maybe in a couple of months it will be replaced with a tar road. The rocky patch is complemented by the hill on one side and the valley on the other, the zig zag road stops at the main entrance of the fort. This road will test your vehicle suspension.

The fort fortification is not intact but much better than some forts I have visited, It has a small Darwaza to reach the top. There are a couple of caves near the fort entrance. A couple of carvings on the fort walls can also be seen here.

I noticed that certain portions of the fort are being restored. It is a good thing, that someone is working on the restoration of the fort, else in the coming years it might just vanish from the face of the earth.

Hatgadh Fort in Maharashtra near Saputara Hill Station in Gujarat

There are a couple of houses made of stone atop the fort premises, a couple of water tanks, which still had water stored in them and a tomb. The view from some of the bastion, though they are not intact is breath taking.

The fort offers a breath taking view of the surrounding, the Saputara hill station in a distance.

Was unable to find the history of this fort on the internet. If you know the history then do share it with me.

It took us around 30 minutes to explore the fort in entirety, we then headed back to the car to head back to Mumbai.

Unhere Hot Water Springs aka Unhere Garam Pani aka Unhere Kund are located very close to Pali Ganpati Temple in Raigad District of Maharashtra. The Sarasgad fort overlooks the springs from a distance.

It had been a long time since we, i.e (Manohar and me) had been on a roadtrip, so we decided to do a small roadtrip to Malvan. On the way we decided to visit Unhere Hot Water Springs.

Signboard new the Unhere Hot Water Springs

As decided we left from Ghatkopar Railway station at 5:15 AM to Unhere Hot Water Springs. The springs are located around 105 KM away. The directions to the springs are tagged on Google Maps and we referred to the same.

Entry to the Unhere Hot Water Springs

We were at Unhere Hot Water Springs at around 8:30 AM. The springs premises are located near a temple and are enclosed with walls around them and a roof atop. There are two hot water pools here, one for the men and other for the women.

Unhere Hot Water Springs

I had been to VajreshwariHot Water Springs in the past. We decided to take a dip in the water. The water was hot. Manohar confirmed, that the temperature should be around 40 to 60 degrees Celsius. I felt really nice and relaxed in the water after the car ride.

Unhere Hot Water Springs

It is recommended to have a dip in the water, but bathing (with a soap) is not allowed, as it, is a pool similar to a swimming pool but the water is not changed. After feeling refreshed here, we headed over to Sav Hot Water Springs located near to Gandharpale Caves near Mahad.

Sav Hot Water Springs are located at Sav village in Mahad Taluka of Raigad District in Maharashtra. They can be accessed by the Mumbai Goa Highway NH17. There are located across Savitri River. Gandharpale Buddhist Caves are closest to them and the nearest town is Mahad.

View of River Savitri

After visiting Unhere Hot Water Springs we headed off on the Mumbai Goa Highway NH17 to visit the Sav Hot water Springs which are around 70 KM away. Again we referred to Google Maps for directions and they were accurate.

On the right hand side is located Hotel Neelkamal, next to it is the jetty. Yes you heard it right, one had to cross the Savitri River to reach the Sav Hot Water Springs. Mohammad Bhai (Boat Wale) can be contacted on 9552552961.He will take you across at a cost of Rs.20 for return journey.

The jetty near River Savtri

I called Mohammad Bhai and he said that he would be there with the boat in 5 minutes. 15 minutes passed and there was no sign of him. I called him again and he said that he is about to reach. On the other side of the river we saw a young man park a yellow colored Pulsar. We were nor sure if he is was the boatman, he was the boatman.

That's me rowing the boat

The view of Savitri River is amazing.

The boatman and his boat

In 10 minutes the boatman arrived with his boat. The boat is really small and can accommodate a maximum of 5 to 6 people. The boatman rode a pulsar to reach the jetty and rowed his boat to reach us.

We sat on the boat and headed on the other side. I too helped him row the boat. The boat ride was similar to the one I had at Arnala. The boatman informed us that the river is around 65 feet deep.

Sav Hot Water Spring

We then walked towards the hot water springs located near Sav Village. In 10 minutes we were there. It was around 11;30 AM on my watch now.

There are three hot water springs. The water appeared grayish in color from a distance, but when we took it in our palms it was transparent. Maybe grey is the base color of the pool.

Sav Hot Water Spring

We took a dip here. The temperature of the water was around 40 to 50 degrees, roughly. The heat of the sun added to the fury. We then headed over to the jetty to board a ferry to NH17.

Sav Hot Water Spring

Our next stop was the Gandharpale Buddhist Caves located on NH17 before Mahad.

After visting the SavHot Water Springs we headed over the NH17 to reach the Gandharpale Caves just before Mahad. Again they are located in the Mahad Taluka of the Raigad district of Maharashtra. The caves are located on the left hand side and can be easily seen from a distance while travelling on NH17 aka NH66. The caves are around 5 KM away from Hotel Neelkamal (Jetty for Sav Hot Water Springs).

Gandharpale Buddhist Caves high up on the hills

A series of steps leads to the caves. There is a tiny hut near the start of the steps, that serves cold drinks and packed snacks. These steps are newly built. But not that new either. I recollect, 2 decades ago, when I was schooling, I used to travel to Goa by bus for summer vacation, I used to see these caves then, but was not sure as to what their names were.

Gandharpale Buddhist Caves

The caves structure are similar in nature to the ones I have seen at Kanheri Caves. A narrow stone staircase similar to the one at Bedse Caves leads to the caves at large. There should be around 24 caves here.

Stairs leading to Gandharpale Buddhist Caves and NH17

The cave premises are neat and tidy, I am sure they are looked after. The caves are not in very good condition though and they have graffiti on some of the cave walls. A stupa and certain carvings are still visible on certain caves. All the caves are carved on a single hill, similar to Ajanta and Aurangabad Caves near Aurangabad.

Gandharpale Buddhist Caves

We visited all the caves and then rested in one of them. The caves offer a wonderful view of the the NH17 and the tiny villages, farms and hills in a distance.

Stu[pa and Carvings at Gandharpale Buddhist Caves

We then headed to Khed Caves near the Khed ST Bus Stand.

Khed Caves aka Bouddh Caves are located on a hillock very near to the Khed ST bus stand. The lane opposite the ST bus stand leads to the caves. There are no signboards near the caves, so one has ask people about the same.

Khed Caves aka Bouddh Caves

After visiting the Gandharpale Caves we headed over NH17 to reach Panhalekaji Caves near Dapoli. Just when we were about to reach Khed, Manohar spotted a signboard which read Khed Caves. I immediately started researching on the internet about the whereabouts and photos of these caves. Though these caves were not on our itinerary, they were now added to our itinerary.

Khed Caves aka Bouddh Caves

As not much information is available about the caves on the internet. We decided to ask a couple of locals about them. We approached a rickshaw driver and he gave us directions to the caves. He also informed us that they are neglected and that there is nothing much to see there. These caves are not tagged on Google Maps.

Signboard

I finally managed to reach the caves. There are houses built all around the caves on the hillock. Something similar to Jogeshwari Caves in Mumbai. There are five caves here. There are neglected and not in good condition, there is dry grass growing all over them. The cave structure are similar looking to the ones at Gandharpale Caves. Though the first cave has got a gate and grills around it as there is a statue of Buddha in its premises.

Khed Caves aka Bouddh Caves with Buddha statue in its premises

The time on my watch was around 4 PM and we had still to cover Panhalekaji Caves and Unhavare Hot Water Springs near Dapoli.

Panhalekaji Caves are located around 30 KM away from Khed. There are not on NH17 aka NH66, but one has to travel on the Vakavli Karanjali Road from Khed to access these caves. At the village Fanasu. The right takes us to Panhalekaji Caves and the left to Unhavare Hot Water Springs.

Panhalekaji Caves

After visiting the Khed caves we traveled for around 30 KM to reach the Panhalekaji Caves. The roads are very narrow and to top it, they are not in very good condition, so one has to drive slow which consumes a lot of time. The road will also test the car suspension. Directions to the caves are available on google maps. There are signboards at irregular intervals.

Panhalekaji Caves

Finally at 5PM we were at the Cave premises. There was just one cave and a couple standing there. I asked the couple, " Is this the only Cave?" to which he replied, "Yes". "Did we travel for a hour's time just to see this one cave, not worth the time" I said to Manohar.

Panhalekaji Caves

We met a local, who was trying to sell us some home grown bottle gourd, he was selling at a cheap price. But as cooking was not on our bucket list for the day, we didn't buy any from him. We asked him if this is the only cave here, to which he replied that there are more.

Panhalekaji Caves

He became our guide, he showed us around the caves. The caves were beautifully carved and had carvings of Ganpati, Saraswati and even Buddha in its premises. Manohar told me that these Caves are a mix of Buddhist and Hindu influences. Manohar offered him Rs.50 for his services, without him, we would have not seen the rest of the caves.

Panhalekaji Caves

The caves are located very near to the forest premises, there is a small rivulet near the caves. There are trees (mango trees) near the caves. But no mangoes. It was nice and calm here.

Panhalekaji Caves

Not sure if the rivulet had any fish in it, else one could make it a picnic destination. Camping in the shade of the trees and fish for food. This place looks un inhabited, as there was no human footprint here.

Panhalekaji Caves

Not sure if ST buses or shared rickshaws ply on this route from Dapoli or Khed. We were not able to spot any. There were hardly any people on the road to ask for directions. Private transport is the only mode of transportation.

Panhalekaji Caves

There is no provision for food and water.

Panhalekaji Caves

The time was now 6PM, we had Unhavare Hot Water Springs next on the agenda for the day.

Unhavare Hot Water Springs near to Unhavare Village which is around 33 KM away from Khed ST bus stand in Khed. There are not on NH17 aka NH66, but one has to travel on the Vakavli Karanjali Road from Khed to access these caves. At the village Fanasu. The right takes us to Panhalekaji Caves and the left to Unhavare Hot Water Springs.

Unhavare Hot Water Springs

After visiting the Panhalekaji Caves we headed over to see the Unhavare Hot Water Springs. The narrow bumpy roads took a lot of our time. Again these roads will test your car/bike suspension. The directions to the springs are available on google maps. The roads are deserted.

Finally at around 7PM we were at Unhavare Village, the hot water springs are located very near to the village. There is provision for refreshments available here. But again the shops close at sundown.

I managed to take some snaps in the low light at the spring premises. There was a group of boys who were in the water.

Unhavare Hot Water Springs

We dipped our feet in the water. The temperature of the water was the hottest amongst all the hot water springs we covered on our itinerary as of today. Even at this time the temperature was roughly around 40 - 50 degrees.

We chatted with the boys who were bathing in the spring premises. Two of them had come from Mumbai, for a marriage in their family.

They informed us that there are two pools, this one is for the men, and the one enclosed is for the women and children. The spring premises is not lit at night. But we could still see around thanks to the moonlight.

We then headed over to the shop to have some Falooda, which was very refreshing after hot water dip.

Unhavare Hot Water Springs

The time was now 7:30 PM on my watch. We had to head back to Khed, as there is no lodging facility available here.

Not sure if ST buses ply from Khed bus stand or Dapoli to reach this village, as it is totally isolated. But we did see a rickshaw or two on the way. Meaning shared rickshaw are available.

We had to follow the same track back, to reach Khed, there is no street light so one has to rely on the car headlight. With continous dropouts in the phone signal, there were times when we were lost on the dark roads, nevertheless we still managed to ask locals and head back to Khed.

That night we stayed in Khed itself. Next morning we had Malvan on our itinerary.

Aaravali Hot Water Springs are located in village called Aaravali in the Ratnagiri district of Maharashtra. They can be easily accessed by the Mumbai Goa Highway (NH17). By train the Aaravali railway station is the closest stop.

Aaravali Hot Water springs signboard in NH17 aka NH66

We left from Khed to travel to Malvan the next day, we had halted for the night at a hotel near the Khed ST bus stand. We were traveling via the Mumbai Goa Highway. As the journey was long and as I was not driving, I decided to take a short nap. Manohar spotted a signboard, stating Aaravali Hot Water Springs. Now this was not on our itinerary, I immediately started my research on the internet, to gather more information and to see the photos of these hot water springs.

Aaravali Hot Water springs from NH17 aka NH66

Not much information was available on the internet, so I decided to ask some locals about the whereabouts about this place, so that we could visit them. The locals informed us that they are just 5 minutes away. By the way Aaravali Hot Water Springs are around 64 KM away from Khed.

Aaravali Hot Water springs

The springs can be seen from NH17. We walked down to visit them after parking the car on the side.

Inscription on stone near Aaravali Hot Water springs

There are just two spring pools here, the one enclosed is for the women and the other for the men. Dipping our legs in the hot waters was relaxing but the sun was draining us out. Next to the pool are two stones with inscription in Marathi/ Sanskrit. I was not able to understand what it was written on them.

Food and water is easily available here.

We then headed over NH17 aka NH66. Tural Hot water spring was the next pitstop.

Tural Hot Water Springs are located a couple of KM away from Tural Village in Ratnagiri District of Maharashtra. They can be easily reached while traveling on NH17 aka NH66.

Tural Hot Water Springs in Tural village in Ratnagiri District in Maharashtra

Watchout for this signboard, Tural Hot Water Springs

After visiting, the Aaravali Hot Water Springs we headed over the Mumbai Goa Highway (NH17) aka NH66 to Malvan. It was not even 6 KM when we saw another board, stating Tural. Now I had done some research and I informed Manohar that there are hot water springs here. I kept an eye to watch out for a signboard to spot the same.

Watchout for this signboard, Tural

Old temple near Sri Kedarnath Gramdevta Mandir and Tural Hot Water Springs

We finally spotted the board, asked some locals and they informed us that the springs are located behind the Sri Kedarnath Gramdevta Mandir, which can be seen from the highway. Parked our car aside the road and walked towards the temple. The temple is newly constructed, but near the temple are places several stone carvings of various Gods. There is also a old temple near it, there is a shiv ling and a nandi statue in it. I guess this temple is still in use.

Sri Kedarnath Gramdevta Mandir

We then saw the hot water springs, this spring is not in use, as there is dirt accumulated on one side of it, but I could see the water bubbles. So if the villagers clean it, it can be used to take a dip. Felt sad, as Icouldn't dip my feet in it, we then visited the old stone temple, or should I say, what remains of it.

Stone carvings near Sri Kedarnath Gramdevta Mandir and Tural Hot Water Springs

We then headed over the Mumbai Goa Highway to visit Malvan.

Rajapur Hot Water Springs aka Unhale Hot Water Springs are located in 3 KM away from Rajapur village in Ratnagiri District of Maharashtra. They are off the the Mumbai Goa Highway (NH17 aka NH66) on the road leading to Rajapur Road Railway station.

Watch out for this signboard on NH17 aka NH66

After visiting the Tural Hot Water Springs, we headed over the NH66 to Rajapur. We traveled for around 100 plus KM to reach the village of Rajapur. We inquired with the locals and they informed us that the springs are not in the village of Rajapur but in Unhale which is a couple of KM away from here. They informed to travel on the NH66 till we see signboard on the left, Which states Unhale Hot Water Springs, and we did as instructed.

Watch out for this signboard, Unhale Hot Water Springs in Rajapur in Ratnagiri District in Maharashtra

The Unhale Hot Water Springs are located in the Unhale village on the way to the Rajapur Railway station. There is a signboard put up on the left hand side of the road,

This spring is different from the ones I have visited, there is a continuous flowing hot water here. As in it is not a pool. There are two of these, one for the men and other for the women. I cleansed by face, hands and legs in the water. How I wished I had a soap so that I could take a bath in the flowing water. Never the less, the cleansing was quite refreshing on the hot summer afternoon.

Rajapur Hot Water Springs aka Unhale Hot Water Springs in Rajapur in Ratnagiri District in Maharashtra

There is no provision for food and water here. Not sure if there is any means of public transport to reach this village as we couldn't see any shared autos nor any ST buses plying on this road.

We then sat in the car and headed over to Rajapur village on NH66 aka NH17 to have lunch. There are plenty of hotels in Rajapur Village. We had lunch at Hotel Saraswati. I had a fish thali and Manohar had a chicken thali (malwani style) to finish with solkadi. The food was finger licking good. Didn't expect such food from a place like this.

Fish Thali at Hotel Saraswati in Rajapur

The time was now 3 PM on my watch and we had to make a choice, should we go to Malvan or head back home. Even if we decided to go to Malvan, we would not have finished it in a day's time, so we decided to head back to Mumbai.

Chicken Thali at Hotel Saraswati in Rajapur

The entire journey starting from Ghatkopar Railway station, covering Unhere Hot Water Springs, Sav Hot Water Springs, Gandharpale Caves, Khed Caves, Panhalekaji Caves, Unhavare Hot Water Springs, Aaravali Hot Water Springs, Tural Hot Water Springs and Rajapur Hot Water Springs, inclusive of food and refreshments and overnight stay at a hotel in Khed and back to Ghatkopar Railway station cost us just Rs. 3500 per head.

Vajreshwari Hot Water Spring and Akloli Hot Water Springs are located in Bhiwandi Taluka, in Thane district of Maharashtra. The closest railway station being Vasai and Virar. ST buses ply to Vajreshwari ST bus stand. It can also be reached via a private vehicle apart from rickshaw.

Sri Rameshwar Mahadev Mandir Akloli Ram Kund aka Akloli Hot Water Springs

I had visited Vajreshwari in the past with Milind for company. This my second visit to this place. I should say a lot has changed since my last visit, Read on to know more.

Manohar and Neha joined me on this trip to Vajreshwari Hot Water Springs aka Akloli Hot Water Springs. We had the hot water springs at Ganeshpuri, Nimboli, Banganga and finally Varai Sativali on our itinerary too.

Vajreshwari Hot Water Springs

I stopped at one of the hotels opposite, the Vajreshwari ST bus stand for breakfast. We had vada, kanda bhaji and omlette for breakfast and gulped it all down with a cola drink. I was under the impression that Vajreshwari and Akloli are two different hot water springs. The hotel owner, informed me that they are the same.

There are two hot water springs pool in front of the Sri Rameshwar Mahadev Mandir Akloli Ram Kund. Both the pools were full of people, so much so that I could see more people and less of the pool water. There were people waiting outside the pool to get into the water. I was informed by one of the locals, that it is feast time, hence the crowd has increased there.

Vajreshwari ST bus stand

There are separate changing rooms for both men and women near it. Hoping, though the pool is shared by both men and women, the changing room is not.

We then walked a little bit and reached Vajreshwari hot water springs. There were around 4 to 5 pools here, again they were packed with people. Some were having bath with soap too. The Tansa river flows near the spring pool. there are hot water springs in the river bed too, along with people even auto rickshaw's were bathing in it. Maybe the rickshaw wanted to cleanse themselves of the skin deceases they had. LOL.

Entrance to Vajreshwari Hot Water Springs

Due to too many people here, the place is become very un hygienic. I guess it is due to the feast (jatra), Once the jatra is over, the people should also reduce. There are a lot of hotels for overnight stay purposes. In case you plan to do a overnight trip here. Not to mention a liquor bar too for all the liquor lovers.

We then asked for directions and headed over to Nimboli Hot Water Springs.

Nimboli Hot Water Spring is located a couple of KM away from Vajreshwari Hot Water Springs and also the Nimboli village in Bhiwandi Taluka, Thane district of Maharashtra.

Nimboli Hot Water Springs

After visiting the Vajreshwari Hot Water Springs, we headed over to see the Nimboli Hot Water Springs, now point to remember here, is that there are no signboards, plus this place is not tagged on google maps, so one has to rely on the locals on the road, which are hard to find. LOL. The locals give correct directions. There are no ST buses plying on this route, so either you travel by your own mode of transport or hire a rickshaw, not sure of the rickshaw rates, but I am sure he will charge a bomb.

Nimboli Hot Water Springs

After traveling on the narrow, winding roads in the fields and villages we finally reached the Nimboli Hot Water Springs, there is no signboard here. The roads are in good condition. So how did I know the spring is here. There we devotees who had come to take a dip in the water. All thanks to the feast (jatra) we were able to locate the spring.

Om Shivanusaya Mandir, Nimboli is located very near to the springs. You can take it as a landmark. There are three pools here, One for all, One enclosed only for women and the third for men. The water was boiling hot here. I dipped my feet in the water, while some of the devotees bathed themselves, after drawing water from the spring in jugs.

Om Shivanusaya Mandir near Nimboli Hot Water Spring

We then crossed the road, and walked down the rocks to reach the water body there, I asked one of the elderly gentlemen who had bathed there, he informed me that the water was hot, nevertheless, I should bathe in it as it will cleanse me of any skin ailments. There was just the two of us here. I guess this place is not as famous as the Vajreshwari Hot Water Springs. There are no hotels here.

Hot water body near Nimboli Hot Water Springs

We then asked the locals again as they were the only source of direction and headed over to see the Ganeshpuri Hot Water springs.

Ganeshpuri Hot Water Springs are located a couple of KM away from Nimboli Village near the Nimboli Hot Water Springs, Bhiwandi Taluka, Thane district in Maharashtra.

Ganeshpuri Hot Water Springs

After visiting the Nimboli Hot Water Springs, we sat in the car, asked the locals for directions and started driving. The road develops a T shape here, take left for Ganeshpuri Hot Water Springs and right for Banganga Cold Water Springs. Nimboli village is on he way to Ganeshpuri Hot Water Springs.

After crossing the bridge, we reached Ganeshpuri. There are so many peoples here. The list of temples goes on and on. We parked the car at the car park at a cost of Rs.10 and then headed to the Pujya Baba Holy Hot Water Springs. Again there is no pool here, but the water flows continuously. The flow of the water was not as strong as the one at Unhale Hot Water Springs in Rajapur on NH66.

There are changing rooms available for both men and women near the spring premises. Photography (film and video) is banned, but that didn't stop me from clicking photos, there is no moral policing here.

Pujya Baba Holy Hot Water Springs

We then inquired with the locals again for directions to Banganga, located near Nandi and Gaygotha villages. The locals informed us that it is not a hot water spring but a cold one. Irrespective we still wanted to visit it.

Chinchoti Waterfall is located in Vasai East on the Chinchoti Hill Range. The closest hill range being the Tungareshwar. I had a great time shooting lifeforms in Tungareshwar. Chinchoti Waterfall can reached both from Vasai and Naigaon Railway station on the Western line.

I had been to Chinchoti a couple of years ago, we lost the jungle trail and hence could not reach the waterfall so we had to settle down in the moving waters and then head back home. I didn't want history to repeat itself once again.

Fathima who had joined me to my trips to Diu and Junagadh, joined me. Two's co.

Fathima and Me

We metup at Naigaon Railway Station at 8:15 AM. Headed to the sharing rickshaw stand outside the station in the east. It cost us Rs. 20 each for a ride. Four people sit in the backseat and two next to the driver. No wonder it is so cheap. Congested ride, I should say. LOL.

The ride was a bumpy one till the highway. Finally in around 25 minutes we reached the Chinchoti Rickshaw Stand. Alighted there and asked for directions. The locals told us the follow the tar road till it meets the muddy path. We did just the same. Here comes the Rain. I was hoping the rain continues as it would be much cooler while we were climbing uphill.

Chinchoti Waterfall

We walked on the narrow tar road, checking with locals at various intervals, just that we were on the right path. Finally we reached the muddy path. It took us around 25 minutes to reach here.
We were surrounded by dogs on all sides, who wanted us to feed them biscuits. As they were fed biscuits by the people who come to visit the waterfalls. They refused to let us to, till they were fed biscuits. We fed them biscuits. Post that they accompanied us.

We asked the locals for directions, as there were no signboards in the jungle. They asked us to follow the broad path as it would take us to the waterfall. No right and no left turn. We did just the same.

In the trail, we had to cross ankle length and calf length water at various intervals. It is advisable not to wear shoes, as they are bound to soak in the water. It is good to wear sandals / floaters, but again there is a high possibility that the strap might break. We saw shoe sole, sandal straps, wafer wrappers along the way. So we knew that we were not lost. We also saw arrow marks on the stones though not at regular intervals, it was a sign to follow the path to reach the waterfall.

After a walk in the jungle for almost a hour we were finally at the waterfall. We couldn't take much photos as it was raining throughout the journey.

Chinchoti Waterfall

Apart from us, there were just three others there. The waterfall was amazing, different from the ones I have been so far.

The water was ice cold, so we decided not to get wet in it, but we were soaked in water due to the spray that comes along with the waterfall. It was getting colder by the minute. The sound of the water was all that I could hear. The water falling from the hills, looked like God was pouring milk down the hills.

We sat there and enjoyed the view of the hills and the greenery around. Had refreshments and then decided to head back.The time was now 12 PM. We had to cross the waist length water to reach the trail. Due to the strong flow of the water, Fathima fell a couple of times in the water. I too was drenched in the ice cold water. Finally we reached the trail again.

By this time there were many who had come to see the waterfall. Thank God since we came early, we could enjoy the waterfall without any disturbance.

Chinchoti Waterfall

We then started our return journey back to the Chinchoti sharing rickshaw stand. It took us around 2 hours to reach the stand.

Instead of heading back to Naigaon station, we decided to go to Vasai station. The sharing fare is Rs.30 a seat. Maximum 5 passengers. Finally we reached Vasai station and from there headed back home.

Finally I managed to explore Chinchoti, which I was not able to do earlier. I had loads of fun too. Looking forward to more waterfalls.

Thanks for reading my blogs. The words highlighted in red are hyperlinks to other posts on my blogs.

Banganga Cold Water Spring is located near the villages of Nandi and Gaygotha which are a couple of KM away from Nimboli village near Nimboli Hot Water springs, Bhiwandi Taluka, Thane District in Maharashtra.

Banganga near Nandi Gaygotha villages

After visiting the Ganeshpuri Hot Water Spring, we headed over to Banganga. The roads are in very bad shape, it will surely test the suspension of your car and bike. Again car and bike is the only way of reaching it as there is no ST bus that ply on this road, but share rickshaw is available, reason I am saying this, is because I saw a share rickshaw. not sure of the origination or destination point of it.

After driving at a snail's speed, crossing the Nandi and Gaygotha village we finally saw a signboard on the left hand side of the road, leading to Banganga.

View of the waterbody along with the Banganga near Nandi Gaygotha

I have been to Banganga tank near Walkeshwar in Mumbai, though that experience was not good as the place had weird stink. But things have improvement there of lately, as confirmed by my friend.

Legend states that Banganga means, that a arrow was shot in the ground and water from the Ganga got accumulated there.

Signboard to watchout for

We finally reached Banganga. It is a well like structure. Though I could see bubbles in the water, the ladies washing clothes near it confirmed that the water is cold. It is a cold water spring. The ladies used the water to wash clothes. Meaning, water is not fit for consumption purposes. There is also a water body near the spring premises. cattle come here to bathe in the water. But I should say that the view is scenic here.

The villagers in Gaygotha informed that there is a hot water spring in the village of Pimplas in Wada and that this road led to it, but the road is in very bad shape and that it will take around 2 hours to reach. We the gave up on Pimplas and headed over to the Mumbai Ahmedabad Highway as we had to visit Varai Sativali Hot Water Springs.

Varai Sativali is a hot water spring located off the Mumbai Ahmedabad Highway in the Palghar district of Maharashtra. Virar Railway station is located around 20 KM away.

Varai Sativali Hot Water Springs

Initially we were under the impression that the hot water springs are at Sativali, a industrial estate near Vasai. So after exploring Banganga near Nimboli Hot Water Springs, we headed over to Sativali. We asked a couple of rickshaw drivers, but they all told us that there are no hot water springs here. I was like, 'How can that be' as it is put up on internet. No directions on Google Maps. Finally some ray of hope. A rickshaw driver informed us that there is a place called 'Varai Sativali, beyond Virar on the Mumbai Ahmedabad Highway, there are hot water springs there'

We headed off the Mumbai Ahmedabad Highway, keeping an eye for any signboard in regards to the hot water springs, finally we did see a signboard. we took a left and the road led to the springs.

Varai Sativali Hot Water Springs

The hot water springs are located in the premises of Sri Shankar Mandir. There is a single pool for the ladies. Three pools for the men. The surface near the pool was hot as hell, we couldn't walk there on naked feet. So Manohar got some old newspapers so that we could sit near the pool premises and dip our legs in the water. Finally after some convincing by Manohar, I got into the water after rolling up my pants. The pool was thigh deep. The hot water was refreshing for my legs. I cleansed by legs, hands and face with the water. The temperature of water differed in all the pools. The first one being the hottest of the lot. My skin color is brown, but as soon as I got out of the water, it had turned red. You can now imagine how hot the water was.

Signboard to watchout for on the Mumbai Ahmedabad Highway

This place was the last on our itinerary of Hot Water Springs around the western suburbs of Mumbai. We saw Vajreshwari, Nimboli, Ganeshpuri and Banganga. But experience here was the best, as there was no crowd here. Not sure if it was the hot summer afternoon or if too many people don't know about this place. We then headed over to Mumbai.

I will be exploring Peshwa Kalin Stepwell at Badlapur and the hot water spring at Shahapur, in my next trip, so stay tuned.

There are around 200 Buddhist caves in the hills of Junnar. The largest collection of caves at a single place in the whole of India. These caves belong to the Hinayana (Theravada) phase of Buddhism. They were built between 3rd century BC to 3rd century AD. The Junnar Caves are further divided on the hill ranges. The Tulja Caves, The Shivneri Caves are located on the Shivneri Fort, The Manmodi Hills (comprising of Amba Ambika Caves, Bhimashankar Caves and Bhutalinga Caves) and Lenyadri Caves aka Ganesh Caves.

Amba Ambika Caves

Junnar is around 200 KM away from Mumbai. That is roughly around a 5 hour drive after taking into consideration the traffic and breaks). As we were not sure as to how much time it would take to visit the 200 caves we decided to make it a 2 day trip.

Aashish, Neha and Manohar joined me in exploring the Junnar Caves.

Stupa at Amba Ambika Caves

We decided to meet at 5 AM at Ghatkopar Railway station (E). Due to a little delay we kick started the road trip at 5:15 AM. We were greeted by early morning rains. I was hoping to have clear skies else l would get dull photos. Junnar is tagged on google maps, we decided to take the Mumbai Pune Expressway,exit at Talegaon, head over to Chakan to refill the CNG and then head to Junnar via Rajgurunagar, Manchar and Narayangaon.

The caves are located around the Junnar ST bus depot.

Vihara at Amba Ambika Caves

As we were approaching Junnar, I noticed a set of caves in the hills. I quickly informed Aashish about the same. We decided to visit the caves first. I checked google maps, these were the Amba Ambika Caves. We quickly exited the Narayangaon-Junnar Road and traveled on the Junnar-Vadaj Road. There are no signboards on this road. So one has to rely on the locals for directions to visit the caves. We asked a couple of locals and they guided us via a small muddy road which goes uphill and leads straight to Amba Ambika Caves.

Vihara at Amba Ambika Caves

We trekked up the jungle for around 20 minutes to reach the Amba Ambika Caves. A couple of caves have been converted into a temple dedicated to Amba Ambika (painted white). A couple of people were reciting kirtans there, so we didn't want to disturb them. We decided to go explore the remaining caves. As per Manohar the Amba Ambika comprised of around 40 caves. The caves on the top were not accessible to us. Maybe in the past there was way to reach them. The caves are not in very good condition, except for the temple.

Inscription at Amba Ambika Caves

One of the caves had nicely carved pillars on them, We didn't go in the cave premises as the floor was covered in moss. There was a Stupa too in it. There is also a inscription on one of the cave walls. Not sure what it meant, as we didn't know the language it was written in.

Amba Ambika Caves

It took us around 15 minutes to explore the caves. We then asked the priest who had just arrived about the other caves. He informed us that the caves to the left of Amba Ambika are the Bhutalinga Caves and the once in far right are the Bhimashankar Caves.

Damdi aka Damadi Masjid (Mukundnagar) near Ahmednagar Fort in Ahmednagar

Calvary Tank Museum in Iwale Nagar in Ahmednagar (Maharashtra)

Faria Bhag Palace near the Cavalry Tank Museum in Iwale Nagar in Ahmednagar (Maharashtra)

Hatgadh Fort in Maharashtra near Saputara Hill Station in Gujarat

Unhere Hot Water Springs near Sarasgad Fort near Pali in Maharashtra (India)

Sav Hot Water Springs across Savitri River on NH66 aka NH17 near Mahad in Maharashtra (India)

Gandharpale Buddhist Caves on NH66 aka NH17 near Mahad in Maharashtra (India)

Khed Caves aka Bouddh Caves near Khed ST bus stand in Khed in Maharashtra (India)

Panhalekaji Caves near Unhavare Hot Water Springs near Dapoli in Maharashtra (India)

Unhavare Hot Water Springs near Panhalekaji Caves near Dapoli in Maharashtra (India)

Aaravali Hot Water springs in Aaravali near NH66 aka NH17 in Ratnagiri District of Maharashtra

Tural Hot Water Springs in Tural village near NH66 aka NH17 in Ratnagiri District in Maharashtra

Rajapur Hot Water Springs aka Unhale Hot Water Springs in Rajapur in Ratnagiri District in Maharashtra

Vajreshwari Hot Water Spring and Akloli Hot Water Springs in Bhiwandi Taluka, Thane district of Maharashtra (India)

Nimboli Hot Water Spring near Vajreshwari Hot Water Spring in Bhiwandi Taluka, Thane district of Maharashtra

Ganeshpuri Hot Water Springs near Nimboli Hot Water Springs, Bhiwandi Taluka, Thane district in Maharashtra

Chinchoti Waterfall in Vasai, near Tungareshwar in Thane district of Maharashtra

Banganga near Nandi Gaygotha near Nimboli Hot Water springs, Bhiwandi Taluka, Thane District in Maharashtra

Varai Sativali Hot Water Springs on the Mumbai Ahmedabad Highway, Palghar district in Maharashtra

Junnar Caves : Amba Ambika Caves in Junnar in Maharashtra