My Way On Highway: Day 21, Maharashtra:Check, See You Goa

The Road Less Travelled

For our next stop from Alibag to Ganpatipule, we chose the less trodden path via Mangaon instead of the National Highway. You wonder why? Following the road, laced with banyan trees, mangroves and fishing spots, snaking through Konkan villages and rivers like the Kundalika made for a delightful drive.

Manna For The Soul

Our preferred road did not have that many eating joints. So, Parnakuti was like an oasis in the desert. A small but extremely popular pit stop in Deshmukh run by a very friendly father-son duo, it serves a range of refreshing sorbets made from local fruits like kokam, amla and karvand. We tried almost every drinking option for lunch. Trip Stopped!

Bridge The Gap

Well, we were in for a pleasant surprise. Upon reaching Dabhol, we had to load Gulabo (the car) on to a ferry called ‘The Sonia’ to make it to the other side. Her ticket cost us just 120 bucks and she was very happy as the Arabian Sea welcomed us with its gentle, lapping waters.

Lighten Up

We made way for Anwel to experience the stunning Lighthouse we had been reading about. But were soon to discover that the timings mentioned online were not 4 pm to 5:30 pm but 3 pm to 5 pm! Despite getting there by 4:55 pm, the rude in-charge denied us entry. Thankfully, the awe-inspiring views of the Arabia Sea from the top of the hill were enough balm for our tired selves.

Meeting The Natkhat God

A second ferry ride from Tanvel to Jaigadh aboard ‘The Priyanka’ (too much of a coincidence…LOL) and some 30 kilometres on the road later, we arrived at the famous Ganpatipule Ganesh Temple. The guards here were nice to allow us inside even as they were closing the temple premises at 9 pm. A vibrant setting reflective of Maharashtrian culture, the beautiful place of worship overlooks the Arabian Sea and also houses a mushik (Lord Ganesha’s carrier rat) statue that listens to your wishes only if you whisper them in its ears.

By this time, we have been on the road for almost 12 hours. Can’t wait to get some much needed sleep!

[button path="my-way-on-highway-day-20/" color="theme" size="medium" padding:"14px" target="_blank"]DAY 20[/button][button path="way-highway-day-22-go-goa-gone/" color="theme" size="medium" padding:"14px" target="_blank"]DAY 22[/button]