European Blue Circuits: Enjoy the Cultures.

Epilogue:
We usually travel to know and enjoy different cultures and places ,to enjoy something varied from our routine surroundings. So, here is the Blue Circuit which would take you to the tour of Colourful and Jolly cultures of Europe. Somewhere close to Asian cultural styles who enjoy living happily and not disciplinary.

Just to brief you again:

Blue Circuit:

Enjoy Cultures.

• Option1: Spain - Portugal
• Option2:  Italy – Vatican City

No. Of Days:  8 Nights 7 days / Circuit

Highlight:

Enjoy the best of the cultures and spicy food. Authentically cocooned religiously inclined cultures with wonderful coast lines and happening music+food tossed well with Football. :)

Food:
PARTY PARTY!!!! No doubt about it. Try visit during festival seasons , so that you can see people on the street and have the real pleasant experience.

OPTION 1 :: Spain -Portugal

The countries together would make your trip a wonderful experience with historical palaces , Religious churches and supper modern day museums. One can definitely extend the Trip for both the circuits from my suggestions but this one is for 7 days trip to get the major essence of the Holidays!!

Suggestion:: 
There are several recommended trip over internet. But I would suggest the below circuit to enjoy Spain & Portugal together. Entry-Exit point are different and prefer a mix of Bus and Train Travel.

Madrid - Barcelona - Valencia/Zaragoza - Granada/Andalusia - Seville -Lisbon - Porto - Bilbao.

Or

Bilbao - Madrid - Barcelona - Granada/Andalusia - Seville - Lisbon -Porto.


Travelling Tickets: 
-> One can opt for the trains or buses as per budget to travel along the cost of Spain and Portugal.

Places to Visit:
This European circuit has a nature hidden wonderful coastal culture with great architectures and historical stories.
One can opt to see the nature or historical places or to it alternative in the stops mentioned.

USP's:
Madrid and Barcelona: Historical monuments - Food- Culture of city

Valencia : Nature, beach and historical place.

Granda.Andalusia :Monuments with Nature

Seville : Culture,Spanish dance and party

Lisbon: Portugal side of culture

Porto: Beaches

Visit Site for clearing the priority to see on your mood:
https://www.visitportugal.com/en/
https://www.esmadrid.com/en
https://www.barcelonaturisme.com/wv3/en/
https://www.visitvalencia.com/en
https://www.andalucia.org/en/

-- End of Trip Spain-Portugal --

OPTION 2 :: Italy - Vatican City

The culture which has the Roman history and which has the Catholic country inside it.
It is one shot visit to 2 countries which really has lots to tell about how the evolution occurs on rise and fall of a complete empire. One of the example of how people through traditions can maintain an empire although there are not many proofs.

When we talk about tradition art and food play an important role. So, do not miss the love of eating and enjoying the hospitality with fun. Italy is also famous for the trades in Europe, so please discover the shopping fest or markets in the town and remember to Bargain!! $ !!

Below is the Travel Map for Italy for you which are my favroite from google and the related websites:

Suggestion:: 
Walk along the roads and enjoy food along with colors in Europe.
The country which is full of great artworks, food, engineering, music, movies, dance and trade!!!

There cannot be limited plan to explore culture but when we want to touch and learn something. two versions for the trip can be planned as below:

Limited Time and Slow pace:
ROME(2 days) - FLORENCE(2 days) - VENICE(1 day)
Enough time and Medium pace:
ROME(2 days) - SICILY(1 day) - FLORENCE(2 days) - VENICE(1 day) - MILAN(1 day)

USP's:

ROME: Colosseum and Vatican City
https://romesite.com/
Do not miss on Vatican City church and Colosseum along with 1 night walk along the main streets in the Capital.

FLORENCE : 
1. Tuscany and Leaning Tower of Pizza.
Art Gallery and Museum visit in case you want to spent hours just seeing the magnificent art work from painters who's work is known since ages.
https://www.tripadvisor.in/Attractions-g187895-Activities-Florence_Tuscany.html



2. Cinque Terre
For lovers of see and narrow streets with colors loaded with sweet loving place.
https://www.tripadvisor.in/AttractionProductReview-g644284-d11460955-Cinque_Terre_Day_Trip_from_Florence-Scandicci_Tuscany.html

Venice : 
Canals / Dance Bar/ Shops for antique/ Buildings presented with Love.
https://www.tripadvisor.in/Attractions-g187870-Activities-Venice_Veneto.html

MILAN:
Shop and go to Bellagio and lake Como with your last supper.
For shoppoholics: "Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II"
https://www.tripadvisor.in/AttractionProductReview-g187849-d11447984-Lake_Como_and_Bellagio_Day_Trip_from_Milan-Milan_Lombardy.html

SICILY:
Touch the temple connection of Romanian history along with adventure with volcano.
https://www.tripadvisor.in/Attractions-g187886-Activities-c42-Sicily.html

Trains and car hiring is easy in Italy but beware of frauds too. 
Advice to go by authentic sources for vehicle ,trips and bars so that you enjoy the good side of the place and real people of the nation.


-- End of Trip Italy, Mediterranean country of Europe --

European RED Circuit - Paris - Strasbourg - Lugano - Zurich

Epilogue:
This is extension of the European Discoveries and details about the part of the continent where romance is in the air. By romance please note it meant all kinds of love .. whether it is food, art, nature ,shopping , perfumes, cloth, music and people.

Just to brief you again:

Red Circuit:

Romance -Shopping - Nature.

No. Of Days:  4 Nights 5 days

** You can spend more time in Paris and make it 6 days and 5 nights trip.

** If you want to enjoy the Sea shores , Include Nice and make it 8days trip but it is off roads , so it is your choice.

City Travels: Paris(1.5 days- 1 Night) - Strasbourg(0.5 days - 1 Night)  - Lugano (1 day) - Zurich (2 Days - 2 Nights)

Highlight:

French Delicacies, perfumes, monuments, shoes and what not.. Second most colorful culture of Europe with a bit English touch. Enjoy tracking on snow clad mountains and lakes. The black forest are an attraction on its own.Visit Disney land in Paris and shop along the streets. Be yourself in the valleys of Switzerland with a dark chocolate in hand. Choices are yours. Select your day as per your mood.

Food:
From vegan to wines and champagne. From breads to chocolates and cakes via Coffees. Choices are yours.

PARIS: (FRANCE)

The city does not only serve as the capital of France but also the hub of  Fashion & Art. It is a city which has space for poor and rich. It can fulfill the wishes of everyone and give the bread and butter for several people. You know it and you will find it in Paris!!. Disney land, Garden, sports club, Night clubs, River cruise, Eiffel tower, Night outs, Parties, Clothes, and everything you know.. 

People have a fantasy to marry in Europe and it is no surprise to me why they want it. 

Suggestion:: 
Paris like other European city have the Hop-Hoff buses as per several routes to view in the city.
It has 2 day trips variant also. The center to connect is Gard-le-East train station. This is the place from where you will get all the sight seeing buses or connections to main places of Paris.

I would suggest to avoid shopping if you are going for the first time and have limited time. In case you have a inclination for shopping than most of the train station have good street shopping. There are also malls which can be visited to do brand shopping.

1st Option:
One day Hop-Hoff Bus.
-> The street foods can be taken and have a lavish great dinner at night at clubs.
-> Please note to save your pockets from pick-picketers and street vendors. and carry your own water.

Morning: Take the city tour Bus and see all the big monuments and surrounding area of Paris.This is 1 hour ride.

Mid Day: Go to Louvre Museum to see the splendid paintings by various European artists, including Monalisa and the DaVince Code Traingle structures on the top of the museum. Frankly, if you are art fan even 2 days are less to explore the whole museum. Take a walk near the Museum at the Central garden and streets to see or get the most expensive European goods and a look at the old architectures.
**If you are a student , you can carry your pass and get discounts.
**You can book the online tickets in advance.

Evening: Visit the EIFFEL tower to see the view of the city from the TOP and enjoy a glass of wine the loved ones on the top of the tower. Enjoy the inclined elevators to reach different levels:) The night light show at the tower is a MUST watch at PARIS. The central garden also gives you the Entertainment which music.

Nights: Enjoy the night clubs with Moulin Rouge or a river cruise.

2cnd Option:

• Option1 + Disney World 
• Option1 + Church

Disney World:
The whole day is required to enjoy the Paris Disney land. For kids it is must. As per the season the ticket price is from 49$ to 70$ per person and rides. There are expensive ones too. The train for Disney land are exclusive so do not forget to book your tickets in advance and reach in early morning.

Church:

The Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Paris, is one of the worth seeing place if you want to enjoy peace in the hassle of one of the most busiest city in the world. Morning visits are nice and than enjoy the evening shopping and having wonderful food.

STRASBOURG: (FRANCE)

The small city of Strasbourg is like mini Paris and one of the must visit city in France. It has windy Church and a wonderful market. You would see the peaceful city life around Strasbourg. This would be your Pit-stop while moving out of Paris and entering Switzerland. Leave by evening from Paris and have a night stay at Strasbourg to enjoy the real winds of black forest.

Suggestion:: 

The Cathedral "Cathedrale Notre Dame de Strasbourg" is the center area of Strasbourg which is a must visit. The market place and big malls are all around the cathedral. You can enjoy shopping and have a street walk and know the wonderful history and folk tales of the cathedral. 

Cathedral:

LUGANO - ZURICH : (SWITZERLAND)

After Strasbourg ride we would end the colorful France and enter the natural green yet romantic black forest covered Switzerland. Natural yet one of the modern country whose tourists visits is the highest in the world. Your choice of the city to enter from Strasbourg should be Lugano and end of the trip should be Zurich. Lugano is one day trip and Zurich offers you as cherry of Switzerland and offers several places to visit.

Suggestion:: 
Lugano: 
Lugano is a natural place. The must visit is Lake Lugano and Cable car trip to Mountain San Salvatore. This is close to the Italian border. The rejuvenation process whilst enjoying the landscapes is a tale on its own.

Lake of Lugano:

Zurich:
After the rejuvenation of the nature lets end the trip with the mix of all European essence. Food - drinks- Nature- Dairy. I recommend you to reach here by the night after a short day trip at Zurich and enjoy the nights on the street of Zurich. Mind it , It is THE Expensive place of Europe. Places to visit are as below and enjoy each and every walk through.

• Mt. Titlis (almost a day trip)
• Old Town
• Seilbahn Rigiblick
• Lake Zurich
• Cable car rides
• St. Peters Church
• Shopping near Bahnhoff(Train station.

Mt. Titlis:

-- End Of the Romantic Trip--

European Green Circuit - North-West of Germany – Netherlands – Brussels – Luxembourg

Epilogue:
This is in continuation with my previous blog about the various European circuits. This is the detailed view on the Green circuit where history and culture are mixed well with the modern method of living and natural beauty. Enjoy the Green Europe!!

Just to brief you again:

Green Circuit:

The Happening & Nature Loving Trip.

City Travels: Frankfurt – Bonn – Cologne –Amsterdam– Antwerp - Bruges – Luxembourg – Brussels

No. Of Days: 8 days, 7 Nights.

Highlight: Frankfurt and Brussels have major international and cheaper airlines. This is a combination of seaside, city, nature, mountains, culture, architecture, romantic scenery and happening environment.

Food: Carry water. For Vegans, one can survive on French fries in Belgium else carry your own bread. MacDonalds and Starbucks are available in all the cities so cheap and easy way to surviveJ.

North-West Germany:

Cologne, Bonn & Frankfurt are one of the big cities of Germany. They are not only business hub but also leads the educational sector. They have amalgamation of the old and new architectures as well as cultures. Enjoy this cities across River Rhine which is one of the biggest river of Germany.

Suggestion:: Travel to Frankfurt Main Hbf (Main Railway station) visit travel desk and get the information about the city and travel options. It would be same for Bonn and Cologne. Download the travel maps from google to enjoy your walk at nearby places. Bonn would be one day trip to see overview and so is Cologne if you plan properly. 1 day and 1 night and Cologne. 1 day at Frankfurt. ½ day or skip Bonn if you want.

Pictures:

Cologne.

Bonn:
 

Frankfurt:

Netherlands:

I don’t know any bachelor in the world who does not know Amsterdam. Being Indian, I call it Goa of Europe. Beautiful Canals, happening streets and of course Windmills & cycles are the highlights of Netherlands. Zaandam which is an hour away from the Amsterdam is famous for cheese market, flower market and windmills. You can see the old traditional markets and methods of business in Zaandam. Amsterdam has wonderful streets, canal cruise, art gallery, breweries and museum. Night life is must to enjoy in Amsterdam.

Suggestion:: Travel to Amsterdam Hbf (Main Railway station) visit travel desk and get the information about the city and travel options. 2 days and 1 day at Netherland to enjoy Amsterdam and Zaandam.

Pictures:

 Amsterdam:

Belgium - Luxembourg:

Brussel is the business hub for Europe which has the most integrated and diverse population. It is a country blessed with modern architecture and ancient monuments. Preserved with old cultural habits and textile, art and jewelry craftsmanship. Bruges is a town which is around 1hr by train from Brussels. It is also known as the mini Venice of Europe. Romantic canals lead to a wonderful sweet town. Once can shop traditional handmade soaps, paintings, art work, embroideries etc. enjoying the wonderful food around the streets. If you have a little more than 4 hours, do visit Zeebrugge which is an amazing sea cost of Belgium. Antwerp is the Diamond hub of the world. Major diamond selling is done @ Antwerp. If you are jewelry fan, do not miss visiting Antwerp.

Luxembourg on other hand is a small country and would interest the trek loving people. There are several cycling and walking treks arranged in Luxembourg of which one can get knowledge on internet.

Suggestion:: Travel to Brussel Central Hbf (Main Railway station) visit travel desk and get the information about the city and travel options. Bruges and Antwerp are small towns which you can completely see whilst walking. I would suggest a day trip to Antwerp. 1 Night and 1 Day at Bruggee and 1 Night and 1 day and Brussels J that would be enough. You can skip Luxembourg if you are not much of Trek freak or else skip Antwerp, all your choice.

 Pictures:

Brussels:

Bruggee:

Luxembourg:

European Discoveries

European Discoveries 

I have been always travelling for the Work to Europe mostly and came to know that Europe has each and every corner filled with some gifts. No doubt why it is called a traveler’s paradise.

Europe actually is derived from Greek language. It means the Dark place in West where the Sun sets. The history, nature and cultural integrity is amazing. Europe is indeed a place where an artist can discover his best as you can connect to yourself quickly. I do not have much words to describe Europe, but believe me it is a must visit for nature and life loving people.

Most of my trips where to Germany as the Launch Pad of my travelling destinations. Germany being in the center, it has a great connectivity across the land. It will be the best place to start your several circuits in Europe. I would suggest to take European trips in bits and pieces J .

Taking this platform to share my journey in Europe. Mind it!! There are major undiscovered places.

Different circuits can be considered while travelling Europe, The Continent with Countries of the size of states with different and amazing exclusive landscapes.

The best part of Europe is:: Follow the sign boards and you will have all knowledge about the places you want to visit. Each and every main Railway station has got a Travelers desk, which would help you with city maps and site details. Few frequent liked places would also provide you with discounted deal coupons to see the sites and meals in your budget. City tours are very common in the countries that too with hop-on-off i.e. ride different places of the city with same pass and enjoy the destination of your liking and then move to another favorite destination. J Cool!! Let’s have an overview. The coming blogs would have more details on the circuits and cost effective travel plans.

Most important Notes while you are in Europe:

** Carry your eyes as Camera and Mind as Photo rolls as you will cherish each and every spot with different experiences.

** Use Public transports as it is very well connected to almost all the interesting places.

** Group travel and stay are usually cheaper.

** Carry your passports.

** Make a mix of happening and natural places on each trip.

** Carry the travel maps from the Station of the main cities to see the most wonderful things around the city.

Circuits I would prefer:

I have divided my journeys in different circuits. Below is the map which can be considered.

**The circuits are designed such that you would have mix of fun-heritage-nature-culture. Traveling Europe in circuits would not bore you at a time seeing the same type of monuments or landscapes.If you are from Asian or American nations , it could also be a question of too much peace and order.Try to have a mix of everything, so that it would be a wholesome package and not just like the museum/sanctuary visits.

Green Circuit:

The Happening & Nature Loving Trip: North-West of Germany – Netherlands – Brussels – Luxembourg

City Travels: Frankfurt – Bonn – Cologne –Amsterdam– Antwerp - Bruges – Luxembourg – Brussels

No. Of Days: 8 days, 7 Nights.

Highlight: Frankfurt and Brussels have major international and cheaper airlines. This is a combination of seaside, city, nature, mountains, culture, architecture, romantic scenery and happening environment.

Food: Carry water. For Vegans, one can survive on French fries in Belgium else carry your own bread. MacDonalds and Starbucks are available in all the cities so cheap and easy way to surviveJ.

Pink Circuits:

Mix of Romance , UNESCO sites & Nature:

Option1: Prague-Berlin-Hamburg-Hannover

Option2:  Munich- Neuschweistein – Vienna – Salzburg – Slovenia – Croatia

Option3: Hungary – Poland - Slovakia

Option4: Romania – Greece - Bulgaria

No.Of Days:  Each option can be divided for a week trip.

Highlight:

Option1: You would find a mix of architecture, historical monuments and new cities which are now technological centers.

Option2: From the automotive city of Munich with peaceful and historical ride to Vienna and Salzburg and ending with the small adventures at Slovenia and Croatia.
Option3: Have a look at the mix of European and Russian culture. Several old town visits along the
Danube river would explain some of the old cultures and histories in Europe.
Option4: Beautiful people with ancient monuments and collection for world conquerors. The gateway of Europe and mythological centers for European history.

Food: Carry water. For Vegans, one can survive on Sandwiches and chocolates else carry your own bread. MacDonalds and Starbucks are available in all the cities so cheap and easy way to survive J. Don't miss some of the greek delicacies of salads and drinks :)

Blue Circuits:

Enjoy the Cultures.

Option1: Spain - Portugal

Option2:  Italy – Vatican City

No. Of Days:  Each option can be divided for a week trip.

City Travels: 

Option1: Rome - Naples - Pompeii - Sicily - Assisi - Florence - Milan - Venice

Option2: Barcelona - Madrid - Lisbon - Seville - Costa Del Sol - Granada - Toledo

Highlight:

Option1: The rustic weather and cultures of Spain and Portugal. Immense mix of culture, tradition, colors and natural beauty. Markets and shopping. From beaches to football grounds, you will enjoy each and every element the land has to offer.

Option2: The country in itself has wonderful locations and foodie people. Being from India I would say it is a small India of Europe, where people live with full hearts and nature is blessed. Markets and shopping. From the divine place of Christianity to joyful & romantic lands of Italy, it would be a complete packaged world for you.s

Food:

Italy:Pizzas and Wines and Soda and Pasta….You really want to know it from me, explore on your ownJ.

Spain/Portugal: Tortilla, Croquettes , Fried Milk,Paella, Salads,Spanish ratatouille, fried milk etc..

Red Circuit:

Romance -Shopping - Nature.

No. Of Days:  A week Trip. (can make it more if you want to visit the sea coast (Nice) of France)

City Travels: Paris - Strasbourg - Lugano - Zurich 

Highlight:

French Delicacies, perfumes, monuments, shoes and what not.. Second most colorful culture of Europe with a bit English touch. Enjoy tracking and snow clad mountains and lakes. The black forest are an attraction on its own.Visit Disney land in Paris and shop along the streets. Be yourself in the valleys of Switzerland with a dark chocolate in hand. Choices are yours. Select your day as per your mood.

Food:
From vegan to wines and champagne. From breads to chocolates and cakes via Coffees. Choices are yours.




Hope this would help you select your destinations and an overall package of holiday planning to Europe.

Bis später Amigo!! à bientôt !! Espera mi próximo blog de continuación!!

(See you soon Friend!!) (Good bye) (wait for my next blog for continuation..)

Central Konkan Beach Ride -Harihareshwar-Shrivardhan-Diveagar

India is blessed with amazing long sea coast. Each cost has its own story. Today I would like to share with you an amazing drive by the Konkan Sea Coast of Maharashtra. It is known not only for its tasty fish & sea food gourmet, but also for the less discovered scenic beaches. This coastal line starts from Mumbai in Maharashatra and ends at Manglore in Karnataka enclosing the one of the most happening coastal place of the world, Goa. This trip would cover the central Konkan area of Harihareshwar, Diveagar and Shrivardhan beach. Well below are the coastal area which I discovered. You can also start your car from Mumbai - Alibuag -Kashid -Murud/Janjira - Dighi - Diveagar - Shrivardhan - Harihareshwar -Dapodi-Velneshwar-Guhagar - Ganpati Phule - Sindhudurg - Goa - Udupi -and ends up at Manglore to discover the whole amazing Konkan Coast.

Places of my Trip:

Harihareshwar beach is famous for the Krishna temple and the astonishing parikrama(Circular surrounding of the temple).

Shrivardhan beach is a great picnic spot with several traditional resorts and one of the towns of this beach area.

Diveagar beach is the tourist spot which has several water sport activity and serene beach to relax at, of course when there are less tourist .

Transport Details:

My suggestion for this area of Konkan beach would to go by private hired Car or Self drive. This would be not only to enjoy @ the spots that you like but also the convenience as this is the place where when travelling with family, it would be safer to go by car.

State Transport:

Bus to Ratnagiri or Raigad directly from Pune to Mumbai bus stop.

One needs to check the route of the bus before boarding.

Less frequency.

Train route:

      

     The Indian government has the Konkan rail route which allows you to connect to several destination along the Konkan Region

     Select the boarding & destination which suits you and enjoy the pleasure of the train and scenic ride. Below map would guide you through the Konkan rail route. One might need to rent a car or go by local buses once you arrive at the main destination.

     Private Transport:

Unfortunately no private transport is available. Except one which can take you to Ratanagiri via this route.

Car:

Total distance to Diveagar is approx 150km approx via Mulshi (Tamhini Ghat) from Pune.

Best time for the Holiday:

The best time to visit is Winter, but I would also suggest going in summer to enjoy the early morning and evening serenity by the sea. It is always cooler near water. I would not suggest monsoon season for the first timers who would also like to enjoy some water sports around the beaches. May be for your revisit , one can select this season for the splendid road drive with sea on one side and lush green ghats on the other.

If you are foodie, try visiting in late summer around May to enjoy the local mangoes and some amazing food. For those who would like to see the Dolphins, the locals suggest to go during Diwali i.e. October-November to explore some wonderful sea life around the beaches.

This is another blog where my suggestion would be, travel during the day time to enjoy the beauty of early morning, evening and the clear sky at night where you can count tremendous amount of stars or sit by the camp fire and relax with some music or gossips.

Hotel or Home stay:

Just like several famous destination for holiday in Maharashtra, this would also be a little expensive because of limited hotels. But the thumb rule for here is , bigger the group cheaper is your stay. One can rent a home for a group and enjoy the holiday. Even the resorts have cottage system and if the group is OK sharing it, than one can share a cottage starting from 2 persons up to 8 persons.

The room price for the family of two with kids starts from 1000INR(homestay/MSRTC hotel) to 7000INR(resort). One can opt for AC or Non-AC rooms. I would rather prefer ac cottages to stay here because of extreme humidity.

There are several MSRTC resorts, but most of them are away from beaches and those which are near are dam expensive. I would suggest you to tighten up your pants for bargaining specially if you are travelling in weekends or peak season due to fewer resorts & more people.

My Trip:

Day 1: Pune – Harihareshwar Road Trip.

     As per the suggestion we started at 11am in the morning from Pune so that we can enjoy the right place at right time. We stopped by @ local hotel to enjoy the Kothambir wadi and Gavran cuisine. We geared up our car to Harihareshwar post lunch and by the sunset we were @ Harihareshwar.

     There are no water sports here and not many sea side resort accept “Harihareshwar Resort” and few home stays. So if you are planning to stay here, than book in advance else compromise on type of room.

    The sunset @ beach side and sunrise of Parikrama/Pradakshina is the forte of this place so , do not miss either of them. Fewer tourists are here as this is a devotional place along with the tourist place. You can enjoy the best here. The sea view and the huge waves give you a refreshing splash of energy.

     I would highly recommend you to carry some food items with you just for safety in case you are not willing to dine out at one and only restaurant available late night. Of course the hotel and home stays provide you food but this is just a matter of double check.

Day 2: Harishareshwar – Diveagar Road Trip

   We started the day early by 6:00am towards the pradkshina of the temple. After offering our prayers at the temple we headed towards the pradakshina of the temple. One has to go down by the narrow staircase and it gives you a small track kind of feeling. The waves and the sunrise is amazing by the narrow creep created by the small hill by the sea side. There are few spots which have mythological importance by the pradakshina. One of the stories is that Shri Krishna once came down there for meditation. There is spot which shows Vishnu chakra on the stone. Than we headed for the beach enjoyed to cool water of the morning and after breakfast we started for Diveagar.

PS:Do not forget to take Farm fresh Mangoes if you are visiting in Summer Season.

   Towards our journey to Diveagar, we first stopped by Shrivardhan beach. The beach did not attract us more as it is a family destination or for those who would like to enjoy picnic. After a while gazing at the beach, we thought it would be best to leave for Diveagar.

We reached Diveagar by 2:00 pm and settled down for our lunch @ home cooked savory near the famous Ganesh mandir of diveagar. We were lucky enough to get a cottage near the beach named Sai resort , trust me it is really good. Enjoying the warm tea and crispy pakoda by the sea side was never so beautiful than that day!! The beach is long and scenic and one can realize it only once you are present there.

   I should never forget to mention about wonderful path that take you from Shrivardhan to Diveagar. For the long drive lovers it would be one of the road trip where you would enjoy sea on one side and greenery on the other. Amazing drive!!!!

Day 3: Diveagar-Aarvi Road Trip

   Well the water sport here is pretty cheap compared to Goa, so we enjoyed the water sport early in the morning. We took a long walk of the beach and enjoyed our self splashing water over each other. This was kind of rest day for us.

   In the evening we went to Aarvi beach which is on the way to Shrivardhan beach to enjoy the sunset and trust me it is amazing. For those who like a little wavy sea, this is the right place to be. One can be with own looking at the water till your vision limits you.

Day 4: Back Home (Pune)

   We started early after the breakfast. This was to avoid the traffic to return back home. Well for shopping lover sorry but you would not have much to shop except some banana or fannas(jack fruit) chips, although I do not recommend it as it is same as you might get in the Kerala store in your town. After having our lunch @ Mulshi, we reached Pune by 3:30 pm and ended our trip.

Place to cover in Between:

Let us start from the foot after you pass the Mulshi area and enter the Raigad district of Maharashtra. On this trip, I was travelling through the Tamhini Ghat via Mulshi & Mangaon with Harihareshwar as my first destination.

Places to visit on the way to Harihareshwar from Pune:

Mulshi Dam

Raigad Fort

Krishna Mandir (Harihareshwar)

Places to visit on the way to Diveagar from Harihareshwar

Aarvi Beach

Kondvil Beach

Velas Agar

Adgaon Beach(Ahead of Diveagar)

Ganpati Mandir (Diveagar)

Trip Cost:

Coverage: Pune – Harihareshwar – Shrivardhan – Diveagar – Pune.

Fuel Charge:                                    2500 INR

Harishareshwar Resort Stay:           2700 INR (Harishareshwar Cottage for 5 people)

Mangoes:                                         1200 INR (6 dozens)

Water sports:                                    2000 INR (3 people 3 rides)

Sai Resort Stay:                               7000 (Diveagar Cottage for 5 people for 2 days)

Shopping:                                         150 INR (Few jackfruit chips)

Food:                                                3000INR (incl lunch,breakfast,dinner&water for 5 px)

** We save more on food & water as we carried home items.

Total Trip Cost:                              18500 INR (5 Px ->  3 Nights 4 days)