Head in the clouds - Majestic Kalsubai

Kalsubai, at approx 5,400 ft, is Maharashtra's highest peak and keeps a watchful eye over Bhandardara. Kalsubai is also a trekker's delight. There is a temple at the peak (dedicated to a lady Kalsu who died at the spot) and on the day we passed by it a number of villagers were on their way up and appeared like an army of white ants from below.

A Bollywood locale

One cannot help but wonder in how many Bollywood films one would have seen such fields. However, these are sunflower fields and not mustard fields (rather sarson ke khet) and the place is our very own Maharashtra and not Punjab. The road from Igatpuri to Bhandardara (about 40 Kms) abounds with such fields and keeping them company are the majestic Sahyadris in the background. Monsoons are the best time to enjoy this scenic drive.

Dog's day

I saw this faithful animal cooling himself in a small pond while we had halted for tea n snacks en route to Bhandardara. With rains having shortchanged us this time around, it was indeed getting quite hot under the collar! Never thought a dog could be the subject of my envy!

A journey to remember

Igatpuri, which is about 130 odd Kms from Mumbai and 40 Kms from Nasik, is largely known as an industrial hub and home to the famous Buddhist Vipassana center. It, however, is also a scenic location surrounded by rugged mountains and deep valleys (Bhatsa valley, Camel valley). During monsoons the place is verdant and replete with waterfalls (small and big). The best way to enjoy the delightful sights is to travel by train as it passes numerous tunnels and bridges (such as this one).

Bird Watching in Mulund 2

Mynas  - love these birds cause they give me company all day through...perched on the cables outside my room, which also houses my office, their sound dissipates a lot of the tension of trading financial markets!

Time off

 

Cops take a breather while on duty.

Bird Watching in Mulund 1

One gets to spot a number of colourful birds in Mulund (suburb in the North-East of Mumbai), which borders the Sanjay Gandhi National Park on the west and mangrove lined creek on the east. I spotted this one (excuse me for my poor avian knowledge) while peering out of my bedroom window whilst I was still brushing my teeth early this morning. Will keep posting more pictures as I spot them...photogrpahing them is a challenge since they are usually perched on some far away cable and appear at rather odd hours and circumstances like this one...while I scramble to get my camera out, they are gone! Poor illumination is owing to overcast skies.