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Day 2 > Leg 1 :: Shrivardhan - Harihareshwar - Shrivardhan
Despite promises made last night to get up early in the morning, we got up a bit late and could start our ride to Harihareshwar only by 8:30am. After completing our morning chores and having refreshing tea prepared by Anna, we got geared up and were soon on our bike's saddle. The morning was perfect for a long ride. Although Harihareshwar is only some 30 odd km from Shrivardhan but the road leading to it is twisty and smooth with changing landscapes every few kilometers.
Pumped up for a great day ahead, we rode with full enthusiasm. I wanted the ride to be uninterrupted so, barring 2-3 stops for asking direction, we rode continuously. I even sacrificed taking pictures by my camera as I was so much involved in this mesmerizing morning ride. As we approached Harihareshwar, the road started gaining elevation and for a small stretch we had cliff of a big mountain on one side of the road. There immediately after a steep turn, I spotted a beautiful wild peacock on the edge of the road. It was pretty big in size. I immediately slowed down and Ameya with Rishi soon reached the spot. Disturbed by our presence, the peacock got on the cliff and started moving upwards. Soon it disappeared in the woods. It was really wonderful citing a peacock out of nowhere on this beautiful road. (BTW I never knew that peacocks are found in Maharashtra also)
Soon we reached a T-junction with a road leading to Harihareshwar Temple on the right and MTDC resort to our left. We first headed towards the famous MTDC resort. It is situated just next to the shore and has lots of trees around it. We parked our bikes in the parking lot which has ample of shade thanks to the tree cover. The ambiance of this place was very clam and the nature's beauty was adding flavor to it. We took a walk towards the shore and found a nice place to sit and enjoy the view. Suddenly Ameya spotted a chameleon on one of the stones. I decided to kick start my day's photography session by first capturing this amazing lizard. I slowly approached it and started taking the pictures in all possible angles. The lizard at first didn't mind me taking its pictures but later when I started getting closer it felt threatened and quickly disappeared into the stones.
Meanwhile, Ameya and Rishi were enjoying the view
Tent Accommodation provided by MTDC
After spending half an hour enjoying the view, we had soft drinks to quench our thirst and then headed back to our steeds. Ameya was busy on his cell phone as usual. There was a small playground next to the parking lot. We decided to hang around for some time as the shade from tree cover was very soothing. I took some pictures to kill the time. Later I decided to take a test ride of Ameya's P220 and feel the fastest Indian in motion.
It was a nice experience to ride Ameya's beast. It was about 10am now and the heat was slowly intensifying. We decided to leave the place and head towards Harihareshwar Temple. The temple is just 10 minutes away from MTDC resort. There is ample parking space in front of the temple entrance but you have pay for it. The person in-charge of Pay-&-Park was gracious enough to allow us dump all our riding gears including helmets in his room. It was too hot by now and we quickly got into the temple. Being Sunday the temple premises was buzzing with activity. We first paid our visit to Shiv-Linga temple and later to Kal-Bhairav temple, both located at the base of Harihareshwar Mountain next to the beach.
It was a divine experience to visit these temples especially the Kalbhairav temple as not many are present in India. Just next to the temple, there are stairs which lead you towards the ‘Pradakshina’ route. We took this route and were amazed by the view we got from up above. The entire beach is visible as seen in photographs below. The route circumnavigates the temple passing through the three divine mountains each representing one form of the holy hindu trinity (Bramha-Vishnu-Mahesh). After half-way, the stairs go down towards the sea where an alien landscape awaits to fascinate you. The mountain cliff facing the sea has been exposed to lashing waves for over a period of million years creating those artistic designs naturally. We totally enjoyed being here. I will now let my pics do the talking ...
The Crabs
The Holy River Saraswati appearing mysteriously from the rocks
It took us about an hour to come back from where we started, at the temple base. The heat was now getting on our nerves despite having kokam sherbat and coconut water. It was half passed 11 am and we were desperate to hit back the road. We got back to the parking lot and collected our gears. I decided to take a small video of the beautiful road towards Shrivardhan which I will share soon. The ride back to the resort was fun despite the noon sun shinning brightly over our heads.
Despite promises made last night to get up early in the morning, we got up a bit late and could start our ride to Harihareshwar only by 8:30am. After completing our morning chores and having refreshing tea prepared by Anna, we got geared up and were soon on our bike's saddle. The morning was perfect for a long ride. Although Harihareshwar is only some 30 odd km from Shrivardhan but the road leading to it is twisty and smooth with changing landscapes every few kilometers.
Pumped up for a great day ahead, we rode with full enthusiasm. I wanted the ride to be uninterrupted so, barring 2-3 stops for asking direction, we rode continuously. I even sacrificed taking pictures by my camera as I was so much involved in this mesmerizing morning ride. As we approached Harihareshwar, the road started gaining elevation and for a small stretch we had cliff of a big mountain on one side of the road. There immediately after a steep turn, I spotted a beautiful wild peacock on the edge of the road. It was pretty big in size. I immediately slowed down and Ameya with Rishi soon reached the spot. Disturbed by our presence, the peacock got on the cliff and started moving upwards. Soon it disappeared in the woods. It was really wonderful citing a peacock out of nowhere on this beautiful road. (BTW I never knew that peacocks are found in Maharashtra also)
Soon we reached a T-junction with a road leading to Harihareshwar Temple on the right and MTDC resort to our left. We first headed towards the famous MTDC resort. It is situated just next to the shore and has lots of trees around it. We parked our bikes in the parking lot which has ample of shade thanks to the tree cover. The ambiance of this place was very clam and the nature's beauty was adding flavor to it. We took a walk towards the shore and found a nice place to sit and enjoy the view. Suddenly Ameya spotted a chameleon on one of the stones. I decided to kick start my day's photography session by first capturing this amazing lizard. I slowly approached it and started taking the pictures in all possible angles. The lizard at first didn't mind me taking its pictures but later when I started getting closer it felt threatened and quickly disappeared into the stones.
Meanwhile, Ameya and Rishi were enjoying the view
Tent Accommodation provided by MTDC
After spending half an hour enjoying the view, we had soft drinks to quench our thirst and then headed back to our steeds. Ameya was busy on his cell phone as usual. There was a small playground next to the parking lot. We decided to hang around for some time as the shade from tree cover was very soothing. I took some pictures to kill the time. Later I decided to take a test ride of Ameya's P220 and feel the fastest Indian in motion.
It was a nice experience to ride Ameya's beast. It was about 10am now and the heat was slowly intensifying. We decided to leave the place and head towards Harihareshwar Temple. The temple is just 10 minutes away from MTDC resort. There is ample parking space in front of the temple entrance but you have pay for it. The person in-charge of Pay-&-Park was gracious enough to allow us dump all our riding gears including helmets in his room. It was too hot by now and we quickly got into the temple. Being Sunday the temple premises was buzzing with activity. We first paid our visit to Shiv-Linga temple and later to Kal-Bhairav temple, both located at the base of Harihareshwar Mountain next to the beach.
About Harihareshwar
Harihareshwar is famous for a temple on the seashore. It is through this temple that Harihareshwar came to be known as a tourist destination. Popularly, Harihareshwar is known as ‘Kashi’ of Southern India. The place invites religious people as well as the adventure seekers. There are many hotels and resorts in Harihareshwar that offer comfortable stay. The place here in Harihareshwar is surrounded by four holy hills named as Harihareshwar, Harshinachal, Bramhadri and Pushpadri. The temple is situated near these hills and it consists of idols of Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu, and Lord Maheshwara.
It was in the 16th century that these temples were constructed. It also consists of idol of Devi Parvati. There are other temples that tourist visit along with the temple of Harihareshwar. These temples are of Shri Kalbhairav and Shri Yogeshwari. Kalabhairava, a lord of all manthrasastras, is also placed as one of the idols. Legends associated with the temple say that Lord Shiva created Kalabhairava and blessed him with all manthras. The architectural style of the temple is attractive. Temple Yogeshwari known as Dakshin Kashi is located in the premises. In most of the special occasions like Mahashivarathri, one can view long queues for Darshan. Cool breeze from the Harihareshwar beach makes the temple premises a nice place to relax as well.
The temple is extremely calm and silent and is indeed a great place for prayer and meditation and remembering the creator of the nature. People come up here and offer ‘Pradakshina’ (prayers and rituals). The beach view from the temple is breathtaking. Harihareshwar is often referred to as Devghar or house of God because towards the north is the temple of Harihareshwar which is said to have been blessed by Lord Vishnu. Even the sacred river Savitri enters the sea from the town of Harihareshwar. In fact the whole town of Harihareshwar is known for its tranquility, silent winds and picturesque images. Devotees from all around the country come here to experience God and offer their prayers to the almighty.
Harihareshwar is famous for a temple on the seashore. It is through this temple that Harihareshwar came to be known as a tourist destination. Popularly, Harihareshwar is known as ‘Kashi’ of Southern India. The place invites religious people as well as the adventure seekers. There are many hotels and resorts in Harihareshwar that offer comfortable stay. The place here in Harihareshwar is surrounded by four holy hills named as Harihareshwar, Harshinachal, Bramhadri and Pushpadri. The temple is situated near these hills and it consists of idols of Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu, and Lord Maheshwara.
It was in the 16th century that these temples were constructed. It also consists of idol of Devi Parvati. There are other temples that tourist visit along with the temple of Harihareshwar. These temples are of Shri Kalbhairav and Shri Yogeshwari. Kalabhairava, a lord of all manthrasastras, is also placed as one of the idols. Legends associated with the temple say that Lord Shiva created Kalabhairava and blessed him with all manthras. The architectural style of the temple is attractive. Temple Yogeshwari known as Dakshin Kashi is located in the premises. In most of the special occasions like Mahashivarathri, one can view long queues for Darshan. Cool breeze from the Harihareshwar beach makes the temple premises a nice place to relax as well.
The temple is extremely calm and silent and is indeed a great place for prayer and meditation and remembering the creator of the nature. People come up here and offer ‘Pradakshina’ (prayers and rituals). The beach view from the temple is breathtaking. Harihareshwar is often referred to as Devghar or house of God because towards the north is the temple of Harihareshwar which is said to have been blessed by Lord Vishnu. Even the sacred river Savitri enters the sea from the town of Harihareshwar. In fact the whole town of Harihareshwar is known for its tranquility, silent winds and picturesque images. Devotees from all around the country come here to experience God and offer their prayers to the almighty.
It was a divine experience to visit these temples especially the Kalbhairav temple as not many are present in India. Just next to the temple, there are stairs which lead you towards the ‘Pradakshina’ route. We took this route and were amazed by the view we got from up above. The entire beach is visible as seen in photographs below. The route circumnavigates the temple passing through the three divine mountains each representing one form of the holy hindu trinity (Bramha-Vishnu-Mahesh). After half-way, the stairs go down towards the sea where an alien landscape awaits to fascinate you. The mountain cliff facing the sea has been exposed to lashing waves for over a period of million years creating those artistic designs naturally. We totally enjoyed being here. I will now let my pics do the talking ...
The Crabs
The Holy River Saraswati appearing mysteriously from the rocks
It took us about an hour to come back from where we started, at the temple base. The heat was now getting on our nerves despite having kokam sherbat and coconut water. It was half passed 11 am and we were desperate to hit back the road. We got back to the parking lot and collected our gears. I decided to take a small video of the beautiful road towards Shrivardhan which I will share soon. The ride back to the resort was fun despite the noon sun shinning brightly over our heads.
. its juss like that he clicked loads of pics of mine.
. Anyways dude where r u these days..planning a ride in nov or in diwALI...hope u will join in
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