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Gondeshwar Temple – A 12th-Century Marvel

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We were in Nashik when my sister brought up the idea of a trip to Bhimashankar. She was keen on visiting a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, also known as Lord Mahadev. Bhimashankar, though beautiful, felt a bit hectic for a short trip. That’s when I remembered hearing about the Gondeshwar Temple near Sinnar — just about 35 km from Nashik. Being a Mahadev temple, it seemed like the perfect choice for our little getaway. The Gondeshwar Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is located in Sinnar, in the Nashik district. It dates back to the 11th or 12th century and is believed to have been built during the rule of the Seuna (Yadava) dynasty. Sinnar was once a stronghold of this dynasty in its early days, and historians identify it with Seunapura — a town established by King Seuna Chandra of the Yadava lineage. According to local legend, the town of Sinnar was founded by the Gavali (Yadava) chief Rav Singhuni, and the Gondeshwar Temple was commissioned by his son, Rav Govinda. Architectural...
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20,000 km Milestone: A Travelogue across Sanctuaries, Shrines, and Shores in the Tata Safari

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Ever since the Safari became part of our family in 2021, a road trip has been on the cards. Although a few short excursions in and around Mumbai had taken place, a full-fledged journey was yet to materialise. In the year 2023, a last-minute holiday plan at Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary (BWS) provided the perfect opportunity. We began planning how to maximise the experience and transform it into a proper road trip. This involved shortlisting places to visit, determining the route, arranging night halts en route, and allocating the number of days to be spent at specific locations. After much deliberation and consideration, a week-long itinerary was finalised: Thane – Hubballi (night halt) – Bhadra (BWS) – Baindur (night halt) – Murdeshwar – Karwar – Ganeshgudi (OMH) – Gondawale – Thane. The plan included wildlife observation, birding, visits to temples, and a meeting with an old family friend. The next task was to prepare a detailed list of items to be carried with us. There was consider...
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Three Red Pandas, One Magical Morning

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The Red Panda, also known as the lesser panda, is native to the eastern Himalayas and southwestern China. With its soft reddish-brown fur, ringed tail, and gentle demeanour, this shy creature captures hearts instantly. But behind its charm lies a worrying reality. Red pandas are under severe threat from habitat loss, poaching, and fragmentation of their forest homes. Fewer than 10,000 are believed to remain in the wild, making conservation efforts more critical than ever. Every year, the third Saturday of September is marked as International Red Panda Day. In the year 2025, it was September 20 - a reminder that these gentle, tree-dwelling mammals need our protection more than ever. But for me, the chance to actually see them in the wild was something unforgettable. It was the winter of 2023 when we went on an excursion with Nature Explorers to Singalila National Park in West Bengal, to see these little angels in the wild. We were a group of 10, travelled from Mumbai to Siliguri by flig...
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01/01/2012 : Ovalekarwadi – Butterfly Garden This place is located on outskirts of Thane(a suburb to the north of Mumbai), at Owla village, off Ghodbunder road. In the midst of concrete jungle, it is the relentless effort of Mr. Rajendra Ovalekar, to convert his approximately two acres land in a butterfly park. Unlike well-known butterfly gardens in the world, here butterflies are not bred under artificial conditions. Here plants are grown that would provide food, shelter and favorable breeding grounds to the butterflies and compel them to stay. This Garden is open for public only on Sunday’s from 8:30am to 12:30 pm. A very nominal fee of Rs. 50 is charged per person. The day, we had heard about this place, we could not resist ourselves from planning to visit this place. 01/01/2012, first day of the year 2012, could not find a better day than this. I called up Mr. Rajendra, and secured our visit in case it should not get overbooked. An early morning visit is recommended a...
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Club Mahindra Kumbhalgarh

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On reaching Rajasthan, to my surprise it was greenery everywhere which otherwise is famous for desert and desert festivals. Actually part of Rajasthan around Aravalli ranges is green. We had been to Kumbhalgarh in September 2010. Our stay was at Club Mahindra Resort Kumbhalgarh . We travelled by train from Bandra(Mumbai) to Falnaa. By cab it is approximately 80 kms from Falnaa to Kumbhalgarh. This 2½ hour drive is through green fields, mountains and along water streams. On reaching the Resort, Club Mahindra Fort Kumbhalgarh a warm welcome was given. Weather was pleasant. Rains were just over and it was green everywhere. Resort has variety of accommodations including tents. The hospitality made us feel, as if we were staying with our extended family. Resort provide various recreations like games, pottery making, puppet making etc. There are many places around resort Kumbhalgarh to see. a) Kumbhalgarh Fort is just 5 kms from the resort. Kumbhalgarh Fort is the highest and considered as ...
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Today I created my own blog. I always wondered what this blog means, so I thought of giving it a try and created one.
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