...I have always been a silent member of xBHP ever since I joined. Just observing and learning from fellow bikers the vastness of our country that can be explored on two-wheels...

Everyday after reading/ viewing so many threads, there is always one set which bowls me over. You guys from the North. The photos you guys share of Himalayas just made me envy you all. I even started to question myself, what the hell am I doing here in the Western parts of India (Mumbai)!

Many of my Himalayan trips are inspired after viewing their threads. And they have guided the newbie enthusiast well to make the trip successful.

I was having a conversation through Facebook with one of them and it happen so that I said 'Man I envy you guys in the north... Hop and you are in the mountains in just few hours..'

The reply I got was, 'Man I envy you riding in the west...'

I was surprised by his reply and suggestion. "You have something in the west that we don't have in the North... Its your journey to find it..and show it to the world.."

And so began my mission of 'Scouting Maharashtra'. Trying to find the Jewel of the Konkan.

Here I share the photos from my rides done in the first quarter of 2013. Let me introduce you to Maharashtra from a seeker's eye.


For those who think Maharashtra State Highway are in poor condition, you might have to change your view now. One of the many curves of the Konkan. Location: Varandha Ghat, very close to Pune.


Rivers cut through even the deepest area of the terrain. Location: First sight when you get down from Bhor Ghat towards West.


I always carry my trekpod and remote when riding solo. One of the facebook status update moments. Location: Taken near Lavasa when I was in Pune to test ride the Ninja 300 for review.


And here is my very own Ninja 250R. The Beast as some of my friends call it. Location: Entering Maharashtra border from the South.


The great walls of the Majestic Konkan range. Location: At the top of Varandh ghat on a clear and colourful day.


If only it had a powerful engine.. it would have been an ideal machine for touring the unknown. Location: I don't know. Went offtrack from some ghat and came out on NH-4 after 15kms.


I call this point the queen's necklace. Location: Taken from a view point near Devghar Dam.


Have you ever seen the water so blue on an afternoon! Location: Cool waters of Deoghar Dam


Offroading in the drying woods. Location: Somewhere outside Mahad.


When vehicles take the bridge, I go to see what lies beneath... Location: Somewhere off the main route near Maharashtra - Goa border.


And one day I get my hands on the orange fruit and squash the juice out of it. Location. Bhandardara - Malshej ghat connecting route.


Going offroad again into the ruins. Location: Between Sula and Ghoti, off NH-3.


Clean waters of Upper Vaitarna Lake. Location: Vaitarna dam near trimbakeshwar.


Far end side of Vaitarna lake. This area becomes dry the fastest after winter. Location: Vaitarna Dam, wall area.


And you think you have been carrying alot of luggage. Think again! Location: Somewhere on Mahuli Fort road near Vasind.


The most hidden dam of Maharashtra. I don't even know the name. Location: Can be seen only from the edge of Ghatgarh (Bhandardara side one. There's also a ghatgarh near Junnar side.)


There are some farmers I know who have gone ahead and bough a Duke 200 instead of their favourite Hero MotoCorp Splendour. Location: Shendi village.


My riding companion. The only girl I know who have sat on a Ninja 250R, Mumbai - Spiti - Mumbai. Location: On the trail to white water rafting site of Maharashtra.


A Hero Arrives Location: Karla Caves, near Lonavala.


The Vast Konkan seen from Amboli Ghat. Location: Amboli - Nivali phata road


Khiladiyo ka Khiladi... Location: Wilson Dam


A man-made pond near an adivasi village. Location: Somewhere near Sangamner.


There is always someone eying on the beast. Location: Off the Bhatsa River Basin


A perfect dive into the Wilson lake. Location: Wilson Dam deep end.


Sunset at a famous location in Lonavala. Location: The Lion's point.


Twinkle twinkle little star, how I wonder down you are.. Location: Khopoli after dark.


Boing 747 preparing to take off on NH-4. Location: Just before Kolhapur. South side.


Rise of the Phoenix. Location: Off the Naneghat Trail.


Where Swades was shot. Location: Wai, near Panchgani


This bike has potential. Hero MotoCorp needs to take giant steps now. Location: Going off the route before Malshej ghat.


Hungry for more?

>>>Scouting Maharashtra - Q2 - 2013<<< is up...