Monday, December 07, 2015
Visit to Prati Shirdi near Pune
The original plan was to go to Shirdi and thank Baba for all the good he has done for us. However, due to paucity of time we decided to go to Prati Shirdi which is an exact replica of Shirdi.
The day decided was November 11th 2015 which was Diwali. Being from Tamilnadu we celebrated Diwali a day earlier i.e. 10th November. On my cousins request we also added Dagdu Sheth and Saras Baug Ganpati temples on our itinerary. All this was finalized on the 8th and rail was the mode of transport opted. Luckily tickets for Pune were available for the 11th.
On the D-day we took the Indrayani Express from Kalyan at around 6.30am reaching Lonavala at 8 am right in time to catch the 8.20 Lonavala - Pune local train. The plan was to get down at Talegaon and from there take a bus to Somatane Phata which is on old Mumbai - Pune road.
Reached Talegaon at 8.50 am and boarded the waiting state transport bus which dropped us at Somatane Phata. From there we boarded a Sumo which took us to the temple charging Rs.10 per person.
One look at the temple entrance made us feel as if we are in Shirdi. Once inside everything is same as Shirdi. There is also a Dwarkamai and Chavadi here. The interiors of the temple completely resemble Shirdi temple. We finished our darshan with 15 minutes.
This place also has a prasadalya where food is served at selective times.
Next halt was the Birla Ganpati temple which near Somatane Phata. The Lord Ganesh idol is 72 feet long and kept in the open. We felt quite blessed.
From here we were to go to Pune to visit the famous Dagdu Sheth Ganpati temple. But how to go was a question. One of the tam tam (big rickshaw) drivers suggested we get down at Begdewadi railway station and catch a train to Pune. We followed his advice and landed at Begdewadi to catch the 12.20 Pune local which had a sizable crowd mostly on the door. The ticket issuing clerk had advised to get down at Shivajinagar which is the nearest station.
The temple was not much crowded being Diwali and we finished our darshan in 15 mins. From there it was Saras Baug Ganpati temple. Once done we decide to some shopping (of the food kind) so our next halt was Kayani Bakery to buy the best shrewsberry cookies, cheese papdi and mawa cake. Once done we reached Pune station in time to catch the 6.30 pm Indrayani Express.
We had booked tickets in the AC chair and boarded the train on time. As the train started to move we noticed that barring 6 of us there were only 3 others in the compartment. We thought maybe people will board in the subsequent stations. The TC on duty said that there were no passengers boarding from other stations. So an entire coach almost without passengers surprised us.
Reached Kalyan time and back to our homes to carry on with our routine lives.
Till another journey....
The day decided was November 11th 2015 which was Diwali. Being from Tamilnadu we celebrated Diwali a day earlier i.e. 10th November. On my cousins request we also added Dagdu Sheth and Saras Baug Ganpati temples on our itinerary. All this was finalized on the 8th and rail was the mode of transport opted. Luckily tickets for Pune were available for the 11th.
 |
| Prasadalaya |
 |
| Empty Indrayani Express |
 |
| Dagdu |Sheth Ganpati |
On the D-day we took the Indrayani Express from Kalyan at around 6.30am reaching Lonavala at 8 am right in time to catch the 8.20 Lonavala - Pune local train. The plan was to get down at Talegaon and from there take a bus to Somatane Phata which is on old Mumbai - Pune road.
Reached Talegaon at 8.50 am and boarded the waiting state transport bus which dropped us at Somatane Phata. From there we boarded a Sumo which took us to the temple charging Rs.10 per person.
One look at the temple entrance made us feel as if we are in Shirdi. Once inside everything is same as Shirdi. There is also a Dwarkamai and Chavadi here. The interiors of the temple completely resemble Shirdi temple. We finished our darshan with 15 minutes.
This place also has a prasadalya where food is served at selective times.
Next halt was the Birla Ganpati temple which near Somatane Phata. The Lord Ganesh idol is 72 feet long and kept in the open. We felt quite blessed.
From here we were to go to Pune to visit the famous Dagdu Sheth Ganpati temple. But how to go was a question. One of the tam tam (big rickshaw) drivers suggested we get down at Begdewadi railway station and catch a train to Pune. We followed his advice and landed at Begdewadi to catch the 12.20 Pune local which had a sizable crowd mostly on the door. The ticket issuing clerk had advised to get down at Shivajinagar which is the nearest station.
The temple was not much crowded being Diwali and we finished our darshan in 15 mins. From there it was Saras Baug Ganpati temple. Once done we decide to some shopping (of the food kind) so our next halt was Kayani Bakery to buy the best shrewsberry cookies, cheese papdi and mawa cake. Once done we reached Pune station in time to catch the 6.30 pm Indrayani Express.
We had booked tickets in the AC chair and boarded the train on time. As the train started to move we noticed that barring 6 of us there were only 3 others in the compartment. We thought maybe people will board in the subsequent stations. The TC on duty said that there were no passengers boarding from other stations. So an entire coach almost without passengers surprised us.
Reached Kalyan time and back to our homes to carry on with our routine lives.
Till another journey....
Tuesday, April 08, 2014
Trip to Kondana Caves, Karjat
 |
| Lake near the eatery |
 |
| Waiting for visitors |
 |
| Trek downhill |
 |
| The path created by the water |
So Sunday the 10th of March, we left our abode at Ambernath with the entire team (my family of 4 and my 3 cousins) to catch the 6.28 karjat train. We were at the platform by 6.10 and ready for our journey. Though I had packed some sandwiches for the trek we did not have a good breakfast. The sight of idli sellers on the platform set alarm bells ringing in my stomach. The same was experienced by one of my cousins who shares my fetish for food. We had two plates of idlis & vadas and felt fully recharged. Finally we boarded the train which was 10 mins late and after 45 minutes reached Karjat around 7.30. Took some snaps at the station and proceeded towards the auto rickshaw stand. We hired a the big rickshaw or tumtum as we call it for Rs.400 and the driver assured that he would take us as close as possible to the mountain. He also arranged us an auto for our return journey at Rs.350. Lucky Day.
He dropped us at a house ( reached there around 8.30) which doubles as a eatery which can serve breakfast and lunch on request. We ordered for poha (puffed rice cooked with onions, potato and chillies) with tea. The kids and my cousins started sniffing around the courtyard. They have well where there are two tortoises. The kids were most delighted to see it. My cousin enterprising cousin entered the well and tried touching them. He was happy to do that. We finished the poha which was very tasty and gulped the tea. The kids had the sandwiches. Later we enjoyed playing in the river which is just opposite the eatery.
Started walking towards the spot where we would begin the trek. This place is a 20 minutes walk and can be stressful in summers. Since it was just around 10 am it was not very hot. After a short break at the foot of the mountain and some snaps we started the climb. The trek is an simple one or two with minor difficulties. Our youngest member who is 7 led us. There are markings at various places to show us the right direction. I was the last as my weight made things difficult. We finally made to the summit with many breaks. It took us about 90 minutes and was tiring.
The sight at the summit took us to a different era. Though there were few caves, it was enough for our nature starved eyes. We were later joined by another group (with a guide) of around 30 people. This place also has fort which the guide said would take another 2 hours. But with the rising heat (it was around 11.30)and depleting water stock we were not in a position for anymore treks.
We had grapes and biscuits which gave us some strength. But water was an issue. We had only 2 bottles of water for the return journey. The return journey was adventurous as we took the path made by the gushing water in monsoon. This path is full of rocks small and big but it was great fun. Here too it was the youngsters who led us and I had to follow slowly. It took us about 2 hrs to come down. We all realised the importance of a single drop of water when we exhausted our stock before reaching down. The walk upto the eatery seemed like a walk in the desert for my eldest kid. But like a oasis in the desert, we found a vendor selling ice candy or golas. That was great solace for our parched throats.
We don't what we had and how much we had but we ended up with a bill of Rs.160. Amazing isn't.
On reaching the eatery we called the auto driver who took us back to Karjat station. The station was crowded due to the arrival of the pune - karjat passenger. The train to ambernath came on time and we managed to grab seats. Reached home around 6 p.m. Dead tired. But fully charged. We will be going back in the monsoons with water everywhere.
A friendly advice do not attempt this trek in summers.
Thursday, January 16, 2014
Believe and Accomplish
Another day another outing. This time we (me, wife & two kids) decided to complete a
long outstanding trip. The location was Shegaon which is famous for the samadhi of Shri
Gajanan Maharaj.
The trip was planned for the last week of the year. i.e. from 28 to 30th Dec. We had
booked tickets on the Mumbai Amravati Exp for the 27th night and the waiting list was
85. This was on 25th Nov 2013. For the return journey we got confirmed tickets on the
Bhusaval Pune Express which leaves Bhusaval at 00.25 hrs.
Our daily task from the date of booking was to check the status.Erail.in was the regularly
visited site both on the pc and the phone. The waitlist was reducing at a very slow pace,
but we believed it would either end at RAC or confirm since we had booked Sleeper
tickets.
On D-day we checked the status almost every hour. Alas at 7 pm the status was
waitlisted. Our e-ticket would be automatically cancelled. We were browsing erail.in for
various other combinations and were prepared to do the journey by bus even if meant
changing buses.
Eureka! We managed to get tatkal tickets (the last 4 left) in 3AC on LTT-
Bhubhaneshwar exp till Bhusaval. That meant 80% of the journey comfortably. As for
the leg between Bhusaval and Shegaon we managed to get tickets in the Maharastra Exp.
Gan Gan Ganaat Bothe. It was definitely divine intervention/assistance whatever one
may say.
We left Kalyan at 1 am and reached Bhusaval by 8 am.Our connecting train was at 9.45
am. So with more than an hour to go we moved on the platform 4 for our next train.
One thing would like to share here, Bhusaval station does not have any variety in terms
of food. The dosa we ate was bland no salt and the chutney had a strange taste.
The wait for the Maharashtra Express was long than expected. The train arrived about an
hour late and we had to fight with the regulars to sit on our confirmed seats.
Reached Shegaon in about 2 hours. From there took a autorickshaw to the Shri Gajanan
Maharaj Sansthan office. Since we landed on Saturday there was a large number of people
and the prospect of getting a room was very difficult. The staff at the Sansthan Bldg No.
5 (that's the place to enquire about rooms) were very cooperative and directed us to go to
the Anand Vihar complex (2 km from Station) where the possibility of getting a room was
better.
So we waited for the sansthan bus which would take us to the complex. This is a free bus
so there was a long queue and people were hoarded in each bus to accomodate as much
as possible.
Here would like to mention, contrary to the fear we had about the climate in these parts
it was warm at Bhusaval as well as Shegaon.
So at 1 pm when we reached the Anand Vihar Complex we were welcomed by a queue of
around 50 people all waiting for the accomodation. I got into the queue and asked the
wife kids to have lunch at the Sansthan Canteen where lunch was served till 2.30.
They finished their lunch, followed by me doing the same but the queue had just moved
by some inches. The afternoon sun coupled with lack of space to sit was tough. But there
was a belief that HE would take care. That's what happened after 5 hours in the queue
we finally got a four bed room. The rate was Rs.800/ day. The good thing here is the
checkout time is 24 hrs.
Anand vihar is a huge complex with over 20 buildings. The room alloted was spacious
and most important very clean. Wife and one kid were down with severe headache which
left me and the elder one to do some exploring in and around the complex.
The food at the Sansthan canteen was wholesome but very spicy or maybe I found it very
spicy. Hence for dinner we went to restaurant outside the complex. There is another
sansthan complex by the name Anandvihar Visava which also has many rooms.
On Sunday early we went to Anand Sagar which has lot of green lawns, amusement park,
train rides etc. Also there canteens at many places in the park for the hungry. We were
there till 4 p.m and then went for the darshan of SHREE assuming that on Sunday
evening the crowd would be less.
It took us about an hour and half to finish the darshan and God's grace the queue was
continouslly moving which was helpful.
All are fatigue faded after the darshan of Shree Gajanan Maharaj. Blessed we were
indeed.
Back at our rooms, had quick dinner and off to sleep to end a hectic day.
Monday morning had breakfast at the Sansthan canteen. The menu is fixed, Upma, Poha,
Sabudhana Khichdi (Which they call sabudhana usal), idli and vada sambar. Roamed
around the complex. The saying "Cleanliness is next to Godliness" is strictly followed
here. The number of volunteers or sevaks as they are called cleaning the complex was
large and they were doing a very good job.
Checked out of rooms at around 4.30 p.m. What stunned me was the sight at the office
where two days ago I had a long wait. Today, one could walk-in directly to the counter to
get a room. This was the scenario on all week days, as confirmed by one of the staff
members. Saturdays and Sundays were the busiest days for the staff.
We put our luggage in the cloak room and headed off to Anand Sagar which just a km
from this place for the musical fountain show.
They have three shows daily which start at around 6.30. This was a well sychronised
show. It looked as if the water fountains were dancing to the music. They have an amphi
theatre where the show is held. Returned to the complex to collect our luggage after
thoroughly enjoying the show.
Time to leave. We had confirmed tickets upto Bhusaval on the Amravati Mumbai
Express. It took us to Bhusaval at round 10.30 from then it was a wait of an hour and
half for the Bhusaval Pune Express. Our AC chair coach was an old one but we were too
tired to complain. Reached Kalyan half sleepy half awake at 8 am.
A pleasant and spiritual experience to end the year. Thank God again for the fantastic
experience.
Would sum up saying "If you take a step towards HIM he takes four towards us"
Keep believing and be blessed.
long outstanding trip. The location was Shegaon which is famous for the samadhi of Shri
Gajanan Maharaj.
The trip was planned for the last week of the year. i.e. from 28 to 30th Dec. We had
booked tickets on the Mumbai Amravati Exp for the 27th night and the waiting list was
85. This was on 25th Nov 2013. For the return journey we got confirmed tickets on the
Bhusaval Pune Express which leaves Bhusaval at 00.25 hrs.
Our daily task from the date of booking was to check the status.Erail.in was the regularly
visited site both on the pc and the phone. The waitlist was reducing at a very slow pace,
but we believed it would either end at RAC or confirm since we had booked Sleeper
tickets.
On D-day we checked the status almost every hour. Alas at 7 pm the status was
waitlisted. Our e-ticket would be automatically cancelled. We were browsing erail.in for
various other combinations and were prepared to do the journey by bus even if meant
changing buses.
Eureka! We managed to get tatkal tickets (the last 4 left) in 3AC on LTT-
Bhubhaneshwar exp till Bhusaval. That meant 80% of the journey comfortably. As for
the leg between Bhusaval and Shegaon we managed to get tickets in the Maharastra Exp.
Gan Gan Ganaat Bothe. It was definitely divine intervention/assistance whatever one
may say.
We left Kalyan at 1 am and reached Bhusaval by 8 am.Our connecting train was at 9.45
am. So with more than an hour to go we moved on the platform 4 for our next train.
One thing would like to share here, Bhusaval station does not have any variety in terms
of food. The dosa we ate was bland no salt and the chutney had a strange taste.
The wait for the Maharashtra Express was long than expected. The train arrived about an
hour late and we had to fight with the regulars to sit on our confirmed seats.
Reached Shegaon in about 2 hours. From there took a autorickshaw to the Shri Gajanan
Maharaj Sansthan office. Since we landed on Saturday there was a large number of people
and the prospect of getting a room was very difficult. The staff at the Sansthan Bldg No.
5 (that's the place to enquire about rooms) were very cooperative and directed us to go to
the Anand Vihar complex (2 km from Station) where the possibility of getting a room was
better.
So we waited for the sansthan bus which would take us to the complex. This is a free bus
so there was a long queue and people were hoarded in each bus to accomodate as much
as possible.
Here would like to mention, contrary to the fear we had about the climate in these parts
it was warm at Bhusaval as well as Shegaon.
So at 1 pm when we reached the Anand Vihar Complex we were welcomed by a queue of
around 50 people all waiting for the accomodation. I got into the queue and asked the
wife kids to have lunch at the Sansthan Canteen where lunch was served till 2.30.
They finished their lunch, followed by me doing the same but the queue had just moved
by some inches. The afternoon sun coupled with lack of space to sit was tough. But there
was a belief that HE would take care. That's what happened after 5 hours in the queue
we finally got a four bed room. The rate was Rs.800/ day. The good thing here is the
checkout time is 24 hrs.
Anand vihar is a huge complex with over 20 buildings. The room alloted was spacious
and most important very clean. Wife and one kid were down with severe headache which
left me and the elder one to do some exploring in and around the complex.
The food at the Sansthan canteen was wholesome but very spicy or maybe I found it very
spicy. Hence for dinner we went to restaurant outside the complex. There is another
sansthan complex by the name Anandvihar Visava which also has many rooms.
On Sunday early we went to Anand Sagar which has lot of green lawns, amusement park,
train rides etc. Also there canteens at many places in the park for the hungry. We were
there till 4 p.m and then went for the darshan of SHREE assuming that on Sunday
evening the crowd would be less.
It took us about an hour and half to finish the darshan and God's grace the queue was
continouslly moving which was helpful.
All are fatigue faded after the darshan of Shree Gajanan Maharaj. Blessed we were
indeed.
Back at our rooms, had quick dinner and off to sleep to end a hectic day.
Monday morning had breakfast at the Sansthan canteen. The menu is fixed, Upma, Poha,
Sabudhana Khichdi (Which they call sabudhana usal), idli and vada sambar. Roamed
around the complex. The saying "Cleanliness is next to Godliness" is strictly followed
here. The number of volunteers or sevaks as they are called cleaning the complex was
large and they were doing a very good job.
Checked out of rooms at around 4.30 p.m. What stunned me was the sight at the office
where two days ago I had a long wait. Today, one could walk-in directly to the counter to
get a room. This was the scenario on all week days, as confirmed by one of the staff
members. Saturdays and Sundays were the busiest days for the staff.
We put our luggage in the cloak room and headed off to Anand Sagar which just a km
from this place for the musical fountain show.
They have three shows daily which start at around 6.30. This was a well sychronised
show. It looked as if the water fountains were dancing to the music. They have an amphi
theatre where the show is held. Returned to the complex to collect our luggage after
thoroughly enjoying the show.
Time to leave. We had confirmed tickets upto Bhusaval on the Amravati Mumbai
Express. It took us to Bhusaval at round 10.30 from then it was a wait of an hour and
half for the Bhusaval Pune Express. Our AC chair coach was an old one but we were too
tired to complain. Reached Kalyan half sleepy half awake at 8 am.
A pleasant and spiritual experience to end the year. Thank God again for the fantastic
experience.
Would sum up saying "If you take a step towards HIM he takes four towards us"
Keep believing and be blessed.
Monday, January 28, 2013
Bhivpuri Saibaba Temple
Hello Everybody,
It's time again to write about our travel tales.The day was important for me and wife being our 11th Wedding anniversary.
It's time again to write about our travel tales.The day was important for me and wife being our 11th Wedding anniversary.
Contrary to what everyone thought we were in no mood for
great celebrations. So we decided to
visit a temple first thing in the morning and pray for
everyone's well being. We planned to
visit two temples that day.
The first one was a Saibaba temple in Bhivpuri, which is a
small village near Karjat (An
important railway station on he Mumbai Pune sector). It also
has a railway station called
Bhivpuri road which is before Karjat. We got up early to
catch the 7.15 train from Ambernath .
The train though crowded was on time. We (me, wife and two
kids) managed to get in. The crowd
inside the train consisted of daily officgoers, students and
groups going for a vacation. Neral
which is the nearest railhead for Matheran saw the maximum
number of people getting down.
Wr reached Bhivpuri by 8 amThe temple is around 1km from the
railway station on the western
side. The temple is built by a devotee of Saibaba who was
told by Baba to do so. In fact, Baba
had given him his (Baba's) photo and instructed never come
to Shirdi worship me at your home.
The photo is still there in the sanctum sanctorum.
The ardent devotee constructed a temple alongwith, a baug
(garden), dhuni (holy fire) and tulsi
vrindavan and devoted his life in service of Baba. It is
said that he had seen Baba personally
come to the temple one night.
This was our second visit and we contine to find the place
divine. Do visit in case you are
nearby.
The second temple on our agenda was of Akkalkot Swami
Samarth another great saint of
Maharashtra. This temple is situated at Palasdhari which the
station after Karjat on the Karjat
khopoli train. We reached Bhivpuri station byh 9 am for the
9.30 Khopoli train.
The station was swarming with students with books in their
hands. They were busy studying for
the exams. Bhivpuri has an engineering and management
college near the station.
After watching their antics we still had time, so we decided
to fill our stomachs. There is a
stall near the station which sells hot bhajis and vada pav.
We gobbled some and finished with a
glass of hot tea.
We reached the station in time for the train and started our
journey to Palasdhari. The train
was fairly empty after Karjat. It took us about 15 mins to
reach Palasdhari.
On alighting at Palasdhari we started our walk towards the
temple. The short path starts from
the railway tracks, takes us through narrow lanes, small
houses smeared with cowdung, a village
well before reaching the temple.
The temple has calm and serene atmosphere. There was no one
that day so we could leisurely pray
to the lord. There is also a medidation room which caters to
all those who want to strike a
silent chord with the Lord.
We started our journey back to the railway station. It was
11.15 am and we thought we would make in time for the 11.30 Karjat shuttle. But
fate had something else in store for us.
When we came out we were surrounded by some dogs. We managed
to shoo all of them barring one who had decided that he wanted something from
us. When we could scare him we decided to share some biscuits with him. We were
carrying Parle Hide N Seek and Pickwick biscuit wafers but were reluctant to
part with it as the kids love them. That's when the kids surprised us saying
they can share their entire food with the dog and started feeding.
Later more dogs joined and we also parted with our packed of
wafers. Suddenly wife realized that we will be late. So we all dashed out of
the temple on the way to the station. We were just about 50 metres from the
station when we saw our train pass us as if saying "Sorry you are
late."
The next train was an hour and half later. Great. We had to
spend 90 minutes at a station which had no one barring the rail cabin staff. My
kids decided to pay homage to our ancestors (all human beings have common
ancestors you know who) and started behaving like them. My sure acts like
climbing on trees, pushing each other, jumping of benches would have made our
ancestors proud.
The rail cabin which drew our attention was a small one with
few people who were adept in multitasking managing it. The cabin also
functioned as a ticket counter.
Finally after a long wait and exhausting all our patience
the train arrived on time to take us to Karjat from where we would take another
train to Ambernath.
An interesting trip on the whole barring all the incidents.
An outing with the family is always a cherished one for me.
That's it for now.
Labels: bhivpuri saibaba temple, karjat, palasdhari
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Lesson to learn
Another trip something to write about.
This time we visited Shirdi. The visit was long due and this time it was special as we wanted Baba to grant us a special favour, one which meant a lot to us.
The D-day was Saturday wife had a holiday and I decided to take a half day. We had reserved seats on the Aurangabad Janshatabdi leaving CST at 1350. Wife and kids joined me at CST at around 1 pm. We had lunch at the new cafeteria at the local concourse and then proceeded to the train. The journey was comfortable and we reached Nasik around 1710. We got a bus to Shirdi and arrived there at around 1930. It took about an hour and half for us to finish the darshan. Then wife decided she had visit the other shrines around and also do some shopping (the religious kind of course). We managed to wind up by 22.30 and had our dinner at Woodlands near the main road. The food was good and we managed to finish in half an hour. Once done we decided to proceed home. I had planned to take the 2330 Asiad bus to Parel and get down at Thane, hence did not force wife to rush through our chores. But my calculations were wrong. The last bus left at 2300. We waited till 12 am to enquire about alternative sources of transport. But none were available. It was 12.30 am by the time we came back to the bus stand. The kids had slept by this time. We then took a bus to Manmad stn which is two hours from Shirdi and planned to catch the 0435 Manmad - Pune express. It reached Kopargaon at around 2 am. Our troubles were not over yet. The driver had some issues with the brakes and hence wanted the passengers to take another bus. We got down and took another bus which came after an hour. My family of four participated in a blood donation drive in that one hour. The beneficiaries were the mosquitoes.
Finally we reached Manmad around 3.30 am and got a seat in the nearly empty train and deserted platform. We reached Kalyan around 8 am and took a local to Ambernath.
We would like to thank Baba for helping us reach home safely. However, I have decided never ever to leave on any journey without a plan. This would not only save us from discomfort but also avoid situations which could be dangerous.
OM SAI RAM
This time we visited Shirdi. The visit was long due and this time it was special as we wanted Baba to grant us a special favour, one which meant a lot to us.
The D-day was Saturday wife had a holiday and I decided to take a half day. We had reserved seats on the Aurangabad Janshatabdi leaving CST at 1350. Wife and kids joined me at CST at around 1 pm. We had lunch at the new cafeteria at the local concourse and then proceeded to the train. The journey was comfortable and we reached Nasik around 1710. We got a bus to Shirdi and arrived there at around 1930. It took about an hour and half for us to finish the darshan. Then wife decided she had visit the other shrines around and also do some shopping (the religious kind of course). We managed to wind up by 22.30 and had our dinner at Woodlands near the main road. The food was good and we managed to finish in half an hour. Once done we decided to proceed home. I had planned to take the 2330 Asiad bus to Parel and get down at Thane, hence did not force wife to rush through our chores. But my calculations were wrong. The last bus left at 2300. We waited till 12 am to enquire about alternative sources of transport. But none were available. It was 12.30 am by the time we came back to the bus stand. The kids had slept by this time. We then took a bus to Manmad stn which is two hours from Shirdi and planned to catch the 0435 Manmad - Pune express. It reached Kopargaon at around 2 am. Our troubles were not over yet. The driver had some issues with the brakes and hence wanted the passengers to take another bus. We got down and took another bus which came after an hour. My family of four participated in a blood donation drive in that one hour. The beneficiaries were the mosquitoes.
Finally we reached Manmad around 3.30 am and got a seat in the nearly empty train and deserted platform. We reached Kalyan around 8 am and took a local to Ambernath.
We would like to thank Baba for helping us reach home safely. However, I have decided never ever to leave on any journey without a plan. This would not only save us from discomfort but also avoid situations which could be dangerous.
OM SAI RAM
Labels: 2330 Asiad bus, Aurangabad Janshatbdi, Manmad- Pune express
Monday, May 21, 2007
Most Memorable Trip
We had planned to visit Mussourie for post marriage trip. The trip was well planned and the railfan in me had taken all efforts to select the best route. We were leaving by Mangala Exp to H.Nizamuddin from Kalyan (arrival 14.20). Being the only son I had to leave my mom all alone for the trip. Hence I had to ensure all was perfect at home. There were some last minute purchases made such as medicines etc. It was around 14.00 when we left Ambernath. We hired a direct rickshaw assuming we would reach Kalyan in 20 mins. But lady luck had other ideas. We reached at 14.30 and found that the train had already left. Imagine our plight. What would everyone say. We were being warned by everyone that we should leave early.
The traveller in me took control of the situation and we decided to head for Kasara by bus. This later changed to Nasik. We reached Nasik Rd station around 6 p.m. and came to know that the train had just left. At the same time got a call from my sister enquiring how far had we reached. Our reply was we just crossed Nasik.
We decided to travel by bus to Delhi, not knowing whether there was such a service. Since there was none, the next best was going up north. So we took a bus to Indore. Reaching there first thing we did was book a ticket to Delhi or Dehradun. I don't remember the no. but it was a night train to H.Nizammudin. From there on we booked the New Delhi Dehradun Shatabdi exp at 7 a.m. We left Indore on time but due to some signal issues entered Nizammudin only around 6.30 am. We rushed to the prepaid auto stand and paid for New Delhi station. But noone was ready to come so we requested one of them after explaining our situation. He agreed for a higher fare. All this ended around 6.45. After that we were flying. The roads were empty which helped to ease our worries. Reached the station around 7 a.m. The train was on platform no 11 the last one. In fact there were two on the platform. One was Swarna Shatbdi (not sure about the name) leaving for Amritsar and the second one was Dehradun. A last minute jump helped us to get into our compartments and we thanked the Almighty for every help.
This incident was kept a secret and revealed only on our 5th wedding anniversary.
Have to appreciate my wife for her complete participation in the adventure. We definitely have a interesting tale for our kids.
Regards,N.Subramanian
The traveller in me took control of the situation and we decided to head for Kasara by bus. This later changed to Nasik. We reached Nasik Rd station around 6 p.m. and came to know that the train had just left. At the same time got a call from my sister enquiring how far had we reached. Our reply was we just crossed Nasik.
We decided to travel by bus to Delhi, not knowing whether there was such a service. Since there was none, the next best was going up north. So we took a bus to Indore. Reaching there first thing we did was book a ticket to Delhi or Dehradun. I don't remember the no. but it was a night train to H.Nizammudin. From there on we booked the New Delhi Dehradun Shatabdi exp at 7 a.m. We left Indore on time but due to some signal issues entered Nizammudin only around 6.30 am. We rushed to the prepaid auto stand and paid for New Delhi station. But noone was ready to come so we requested one of them after explaining our situation. He agreed for a higher fare. All this ended around 6.45. After that we were flying. The roads were empty which helped to ease our worries. Reached the station around 7 a.m. The train was on platform no 11 the last one. In fact there were two on the platform. One was Swarna Shatbdi (not sure about the name) leaving for Amritsar and the second one was Dehradun. A last minute jump helped us to get into our compartments and we thanked the Almighty for every help.
This incident was kept a secret and revealed only on our 5th wedding anniversary.
Have to appreciate my wife for her complete participation in the adventure. We definitely have a interesting tale for our kids.
Regards,N.Subramanian
Labels: Ambernath to Mussourie, eventful honeymoon, hotel filigree
Monday, February 12, 2007
Unforgettable journey Madurai to Kalyan
The story dates back to about 2000 Sept. That was a time when I had to make frequent trips to Tamilnadu to finalise my sister's wedding.
The marriage was on May and it was March when I was returning all alone by the 6340 Nagercoil Mumbai Express. Since it was not the peak season procuring tickets was not difficult. Boarded from Madurai after bidding adieu to my Mausi and her husband. I was travelling in Sleeper class (the luxury of AC travel was not affordable to me then). Of the six berths, three were already occupied by an old lady, her son and his wife. I got a window seat and said a small prayer for a comfortable journey.
Kodaikanal road was the next station and hear boarded an elderly gentleman who looked very grumpy. He asked the trio to vacate his berth as he had the window seat. I was upset that it would be a boring journey with no one to talk to . So five us travelled together with the old man and me reading books and the trio either looking at us or talking among themselves.
Slowly the train entered Karur from where all the action began. Here boarded an army man who was full of energy with word go. He came in with lots of luggage was trying to make space below the seat by pushing our luggage. I made a feeble complain but he was already gone to get his next lot. The side berths had two youngsters who were going to Bombay in search of employment. With all the berths occupied the train started off from Karur. It was nearing dinner time when everyone started opening their tiffin boxes. My mausi (aunt) had packed idlis with mulagai poodi which I was hogging without paying attention to the surroundings. Suddenly, the tough army man said " Why don't you try my tomato chutney it will taste great with idlis" Not ready for this, I was reluctant but he insisted and I did what he wanted. The chutney was amazing and the idlis did taste great. This prompted me to share my idlis with everyone including the old man who had not spoken till now. He said he was a light eater, to this the army man took out a pack of chips saying they are homemade. The old man too fell for it and thus we ended up sharing our food.
Once we finished dinner, the army man took over. He regaled us with his anecdotes. He was talking about his daughter who was about 10 yrs and how she disciplined him. His wife and kids lived in Karur and he was in Solapur. His daughter used to scold him if wore shorts in the village saying they are not our culture. The daughter was very active and took part in school cultural programmes. Once she was performing a group dance and her partner a boy of the same class forget his steps and was standing like a zombie. She hold him and started showing him his steps much to the amusement of the gathered audience. She showed us a snap of the girl and she was cute. She was equally brilliant in her studies. I could see his face lit up whenever he talked about her. The audience that is me, the old man, the old lady her son, his wife and the two youngsters had their ears glued to him.
Suddenly, his face fell down and what he said shocked and pained us. The daughter had a hole in her heart and had to visit a hospital every month. But the next moment he was back at it again and confidently said that she would be cured very soon. Everyone wished the same.
Soon it was time to sleep and we all slept well. I did sleep but the thought about the girl and her family disturbed me.
Next morning it was time for him to alight as we were nearing Solapur. I can still remember that scene. Everyone was sad to see him go. The old lady asked to him stay on till the end. I could see her eyes were moist. But the call of duty cannot be avoided and he got down at Solapur.
Then on we all talked to each other as if we all were acquaintances. We arrived at Pune on time. That's when the old man who till then was talking in monosyllables and a occasional word or two suddenly got up and told us that Pune station has the best bhelpuri and everyone should try it. He got down and got 4 packets of bhelpuri for us. Everyone enjoyed it and thanked him. Then on it was his call. He too had many tales for us. He said that he had gone to Rameswaram to complete the annual rites of his deceased father. After a spiritual tour he came to Madurai and then Kodaikanal. He had travelled all alone. Here I must mention that he must be about 70 or nearby. He had visited many places in India and loved to travel. The journey from Pune to Kalyan was filled with his tales and some occasional questions by the trio who were amused at his energy. I was a spectator with few questions.
The train came to halt at Vithalwadi a station before Kalyan and found it perfect to jump off to catch an Ambernath local. Started getting up wishing everyone all the best and thanking them for a wonderful journey, when the old lady asked why don't I come with them as they were new to the city and would love to have me for company. I was touched , but expressed my inability due to work commitments. Got down at Vithalwadi for my onward journey with sweet memories of a never to forget trip. This journey was more significant as my trip to Madurai was boring with noone to talk to.
What I learnt here is do not judge people by looks. The old man who seem to be grumpy when he entered the compartment or the army man who looked to be bossy were never what they seemed to be. I remember my school principal often saying "Looks are deceptive." How true.
The marriage was on May and it was March when I was returning all alone by the 6340 Nagercoil Mumbai Express. Since it was not the peak season procuring tickets was not difficult. Boarded from Madurai after bidding adieu to my Mausi and her husband. I was travelling in Sleeper class (the luxury of AC travel was not affordable to me then). Of the six berths, three were already occupied by an old lady, her son and his wife. I got a window seat and said a small prayer for a comfortable journey.
Kodaikanal road was the next station and hear boarded an elderly gentleman who looked very grumpy. He asked the trio to vacate his berth as he had the window seat. I was upset that it would be a boring journey with no one to talk to . So five us travelled together with the old man and me reading books and the trio either looking at us or talking among themselves.
Slowly the train entered Karur from where all the action began. Here boarded an army man who was full of energy with word go. He came in with lots of luggage was trying to make space below the seat by pushing our luggage. I made a feeble complain but he was already gone to get his next lot. The side berths had two youngsters who were going to Bombay in search of employment. With all the berths occupied the train started off from Karur. It was nearing dinner time when everyone started opening their tiffin boxes. My mausi (aunt) had packed idlis with mulagai poodi which I was hogging without paying attention to the surroundings. Suddenly, the tough army man said " Why don't you try my tomato chutney it will taste great with idlis" Not ready for this, I was reluctant but he insisted and I did what he wanted. The chutney was amazing and the idlis did taste great. This prompted me to share my idlis with everyone including the old man who had not spoken till now. He said he was a light eater, to this the army man took out a pack of chips saying they are homemade. The old man too fell for it and thus we ended up sharing our food.
Once we finished dinner, the army man took over. He regaled us with his anecdotes. He was talking about his daughter who was about 10 yrs and how she disciplined him. His wife and kids lived in Karur and he was in Solapur. His daughter used to scold him if wore shorts in the village saying they are not our culture. The daughter was very active and took part in school cultural programmes. Once she was performing a group dance and her partner a boy of the same class forget his steps and was standing like a zombie. She hold him and started showing him his steps much to the amusement of the gathered audience. She showed us a snap of the girl and she was cute. She was equally brilliant in her studies. I could see his face lit up whenever he talked about her. The audience that is me, the old man, the old lady her son, his wife and the two youngsters had their ears glued to him.
Suddenly, his face fell down and what he said shocked and pained us. The daughter had a hole in her heart and had to visit a hospital every month. But the next moment he was back at it again and confidently said that she would be cured very soon. Everyone wished the same.
Soon it was time to sleep and we all slept well. I did sleep but the thought about the girl and her family disturbed me.
Next morning it was time for him to alight as we were nearing Solapur. I can still remember that scene. Everyone was sad to see him go. The old lady asked to him stay on till the end. I could see her eyes were moist. But the call of duty cannot be avoided and he got down at Solapur.
Then on we all talked to each other as if we all were acquaintances. We arrived at Pune on time. That's when the old man who till then was talking in monosyllables and a occasional word or two suddenly got up and told us that Pune station has the best bhelpuri and everyone should try it. He got down and got 4 packets of bhelpuri for us. Everyone enjoyed it and thanked him. Then on it was his call. He too had many tales for us. He said that he had gone to Rameswaram to complete the annual rites of his deceased father. After a spiritual tour he came to Madurai and then Kodaikanal. He had travelled all alone. Here I must mention that he must be about 70 or nearby. He had visited many places in India and loved to travel. The journey from Pune to Kalyan was filled with his tales and some occasional questions by the trio who were amused at his energy. I was a spectator with few questions.
The train came to halt at Vithalwadi a station before Kalyan and found it perfect to jump off to catch an Ambernath local. Started getting up wishing everyone all the best and thanking them for a wonderful journey, when the old lady asked why don't I come with them as they were new to the city and would love to have me for company. I was touched , but expressed my inability due to work commitments. Got down at Vithalwadi for my onward journey with sweet memories of a never to forget trip. This journey was more significant as my trip to Madurai was boring with noone to talk to.
What I learnt here is do not judge people by looks. The old man who seem to be grumpy when he entered the compartment or the army man who looked to be bossy were never what they seemed to be. I remember my school principal often saying "Looks are deceptive." How true.
Labels: karur, Madurai junction, tomato chutney, vithalwadi
