The Lonely Konkan Coast - Prelogue!

This boat wreck was seen at Guhagar Beach,a desolate stretch of white sands sandwiched between the western ghats.

Guhagar lies about 280 Kms from Mumbai on route to Goa.This beach really offers all sanctity one looks in a serene and secluded beach. The invasions of modern concrete buildings are scanty in this beach. The beach offers a perfect place for sunbath, relaxation and meditation, all far far away from the madding crowds.

The town of Guhagar bustles with quiet energy,people going about their jobs without much worry.Although the town seems held back in town due to the serenity,there are stores and shops with most of the latest products.

One unique feature of the place are the countless "Supari Trees" (Betel Nut).Going by the way they spread these Betel Nuts to dry of every rooftop,these villagers must be taking their "Betel Nut Harvesting" seriously.

Also while you are there,please eat the "Pomphret Fry Thali" or the "Mutton Kolhapuri"(Very Spicy...but worth it) at Hotel Annapurna.The hotel is clean,service is prompt and sharp and the owner looks genuinely happy.

To sum it up,Guhagar is a great destination to chill off during a weekend without any stress given to you bosses,as you can be back before Monday.It's a place that also has other adjoining locales worth seeing.Will talk about them in my next post.

Bulls Eye @ Pindari!

After Phurkhiya literally takes your breath away,thankfully the trek to Pindari is not very steep,but more or less up and down.Some guys may have slight trouble in breathing(Smokers beware) because of the height.One climbs from Phurkhiya (12000 Ft) top Pindari(14000 Ft).The route is just magical and makes you forget the pain,troubles,anticipations of the last six days.I had to wrap my T- Shirt on my head as my ears were paining due to cold air.

Vegetation starts to slowly disappear as you go higher and higher.More you start seeing barren rocks,with flakes of snow on them.A little away beckons the Pindari Glacier...standing Majestic in all its glory.I must tell you all here that in the hills,whatever looks near can be miles away.I remember that Pindari was still 3 Kms away when I took the photo above.Moreover,don't ask you guides how far...ever...coz they will only sat - "Thoda Door" ...i.e...just a little far away.They always say this in order to motivate people to trek happily and not grumpy faced...and gloomy...about the tough prospects ahead.

The sight of the "Valley Of Dreams" will be imprinted in my mind forever.The ecstasy and joy of reaching your destination after 6 days of toiling and hiking through the terrains...is indescribable.Maybe the picture above can only sum up my feelings.

The small hutment that you can see in the picture is Pindari Baba's camp.Swami Dharmananda,is truly a unique character.He stays in Pindari Glacier almost 8 months and moves back to Khati during the peak snowfall.

Guarded by his two trusted pahari dogs,Swami Dharmananda helps you to free filling of Tea,Biscuits(Unlimited) and even lunch.An extremely friendly guy,he does sometime border of discussions that sometimes sound TRULY COSMIC:-).For example he told us that he can do the six day trek that we did within 1 day and that too till Almora(The main town).Well,I don't blame him,as he stays all alone there,and besides the occasional hiccup...Pindari Baba is a pretty great guy and an attraction in himself.

I remember after the Tea and Biscuits how we sat and seeped in the surroundings.The surrounding peaks,the humming and groaning air...they all seemed magical.

The ending shot has to be the two musketeers and a word of loving praise from my side for Mr Badru.I can bestow a true compliment on him by saying that he till date was my most compatible travel companion - No Complaints...No Issues...all cool.

God bless the terrains of India...God bless terrainspotter...I shall be back for more!

Phurkhiya - At the edge of the mighty Himalayas!

It is said that Pictures speak a thousand words.This is my 100th post on www.terrainspotter.com and I won't write anything about Phurkhiya.About 5 Kms uphill from Dwali(And really uphill)...Phurkhiya is the last junction with houses before Pindari Glacier,Kafni Glacier and Sunderdungha Glacier.

From Purkhiya,the peaks can be seen with amazing clarity,and the Pindari Glacier just seems a stones throw away.There is a KMVN(Kumaon Mandal Vikas Nigam) rest house here too,but bookings have to be done way way in advance.Thus it is advisable to bring your own tent.Eat properly before starting for Pindari the next day,as there are no dhabas or even tea stalls between Phurkhiya and Pindari.

Cheers to my 100th post.It took one and a half years to reach here:-).