Rafting Destination - 1 : Wet-n-Wild Weekend On The River Kundalika – 3 hours Away From Mumbai!

If you love the monsoon and figure high on the adventure barometer, white water river-rafting is a must try!

The Western Ghats are full of short and swift flowing rivers. However due to uneven terrain, there are not many river rafting location in Maharashtra. However Kundalika river which lies hardly 100 kms from Mumbai and Pune provides excellent opportunity for river rafting. It is preferred one day weekend getaway adventure destination near Mumbai and Pune.




River Kundalika is fed by waters released from Mulshi Dam and Bhira dam and provides 9 km rafting location with class 3 and class 4 rapids.
The best time to visit here is the monsoon, when the water levels are good for rafting. However, depending on levels of water, rafting can be done rest of the year as well.
Rafting is done over an 8 kms stretch, a journey filled with high thrills over rapids lasting almost three hours. Apart from rafting, there are other activities like river-crossing, jungle treks, rock-climbing (post-monsoon) and boating.

A number of Mumbai and Pune based adventure clubs organize white river rafting camps during monsoon near Kolad. The daily rafting charges are around USD 50-75.
Some of the clubs are:

Camp River Wild
Mercury Himalayan Explorations (MHE)
Kamath Resorts
Empower activity camps


How to reach Kolad:

Kolad lies on the Mumbai - Goa national highway. It is about 98 kms from Mumbai. The river rafting site is located at Saje village, 97 km west of Pune on the Mulshi-Kholad Road. Mumbai and Pune are the nearest international airports. Kolad or Roha railway station on the Konkan railway is the nearest railway station.

Sight seeing near Kolad

Kansai Waterfall (about 7 kms)
Hot Springs at Uddhar (9 kms)
Pali Ganesh Mandir (13 kms)
Trek to Sarasgad, Sudhagad
Alibaug Seaface (35 Kms)
Birla Salao Temple (52 Kms)
Bhira Dam (46 Kms)
Raigad Ropeway.(70 Kms)
Murud Jangira(93 kms)
Tamaani Ghats(Waterfalls)(48 Kms)
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Meet Nachhatar Singh Johal - India's Lone Sailor At The Olympics 2008

Indian Finn sailor Nachhatar Singh Johal was so determined to enjoy his first Olympics he risked missing the start of the regatta to be at the opening ceremony.

The 29-year-old, India's lone sailor at these Games, flew to Beijing to be at the opening ceremony on Friday, a day before the Finn class got started 690-kilometres away in Qingdao.

While his rivals finalized their preparations, fiddled with the set up on their boats and took some rest ahead of the exertions ahead, Nachhatar returned from the Chinese capital on an early morning flight just hours before the start of the race.

When the race began at 1300, Nachhatar was ready to go.

"I was back at 1030. If somebody says you can't go to the opening ceremony because you will get tired, it doesn't make sense," Nachhatar told Reuters on Sunday.

"I slept for six hours before my race. That is fair enough."

"This is my first Olympics. Performance wise I am not expecting much, because I am inexperienced and have to learn so many things from the top guys.

"So I thought maybe I should enjoy this Olympics and maybe I can miss the opening ceremony of the London Olympics (in 2012)."

Mumbai-based Nachhatar, a major in the Indian army, won a two-man selection battle to race in Qingdao after India were handed a berth when Germany turned down their place.

His campaign was funded by the army, and despite only taking up sailing at the age of 22 and Finn sailing early last year, Nachhatar has already made an impression at the regatta.

He took fourth place in the opening race on Saturday, but has now slipped to 22nd overall in the 26-strong fleet after four races.

Despite enjoying the whole Olympic experience, Nachhatar conceded he wished he had some team mates in Qingdao.

"I would love to have three or four more teams here," he said. "I would prefer to be part of a team."
- QINGDAO, China (Reuters)

Lets hope we have our first Indian team at the 2012 Olympics! Now wouldn’t that be something?

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Bollywood Chahta Hai Goa- India’s Mini Europe !

Whether it’s water-sports, leisure sailing or luxury cruising- Goa emerges as the best loved destination amongst Bollywood’s celebrities at any given time of the year.

From Esha Deol and Arshad Warsi to Imtiaz Ali and Malaika Arora Khan - they all prefer to hit the golden beaches to unwind.

Esha Deol: Since I'm a total beach bum, Goa is one of the best spots India has to offer me. Lately, however, it's become too commercialized and not so safe. But I'll always have fond memories of my Goan holidays.

Chitrangda Singh: Goa is the Indian Europe. It has great energy

Raima Sen: I go at least four times a year. I love the seafood, beaches and shacks. I love the chilled-out life there and the friendly vibes of the place. I can comfortably let my hair down.


Minissha Lamba:Goa is among the most easily accessible holiday spots, and one of those places where the beaches are swimmable.

Arbaaz Khan: Goa is definitely my favourite holiday spot. It's chilled out, not much hustle bustle. I love the place, people and food. Being close to Mumbai, it is an ideal vacation spot.

Tusshar Kapoor: I've only been to Goa for shootings. I love the place. The ambience is excellent. I love the water and the warmth of the people. It's the ultimate place to get out of the rat race.

Imtiaz Ali: Goa is big in my life. I go there very often, but still not as often as I'd like. I'd like to live the life of a hippy or a nomad on one of the beaches there. I'd like to just travel around the beaches and villages. Life is not possible for me without Goa. It takes the traffic and the noise out of my blood system.

Rohit Roy: Goa has been my favorite Indian holiday destination from the time I was in college. Earlier I'd go with a bunch of friends. But now it's become a hotspot for family holidays. My wife Manasi and daughter Kiara are as much beach persons as I am! I absolutely adore its chilled-out pace. I love Goan food, prawn curry and rice being my favorites. Oh I love everything about Goa!

Arshad Warsi:I love Goa. The place slows me down. I go there as often as I can.

Malaika Arora: I don't think there's any better place to holiday than Goa. I love it! My husband Arbaaz and I always dreamt of owning a home there. And now our dream is coming true.Sammir Dattani: Since I am total water person, Goa is the place for me. At least twice a year I take off with a bunch of friends and we never get out of the water.

Tanushree Dutta: Goa is a favourite holiday spot. I manage to go twice a year. What I like best are the little shacks by the beaches and the old-world charm about the place.

Koena Mitra:"Goa is one of my favourite holiday spots. You just can't get bored of Goa. I'm a beach girl and I love Goan seafood. I also love their music and their parties are high-energy. Winter is the right time to go to Goa.
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International Yacht Paint WorkShop - NUMERO UNO !

...Not only Number 1 in terms of usage...but also in terms of showing their ever-lasting commitment to the Indian yachting industry!

With almost all the yachts in the harbours of India using their superior products, West Coast Marine, the all India distributor for International Yacht Paints is organising a One-day Interactive Workshop in Mumbai.


Keeping in mind the highly sensitive nature of selection and application of paints for boats and yachts, this Workshop would lay the foundation to benefit the entire Indian yachting industry.

Another FIRST-OF-ITS-KIND in West Coast Marine's cap...it's an effort to provide complete customer satisfaction at the same time showing a good understanding of the market.

INTERNATIONAL YACHT PAINT

International is the world's largest manufacturer of yacht paints for the pleasure boat market. West Coast Marine has been providing the best products for boat owners in India since 15 years.


The success of International Yacht Paints' business has been built on two things; a commitment to research, and to consistently provide the highest quality products and services for the boat owner anywhere in the world.

Advanced technology is the heart of their business. To this end, International invests more in research than any other yacht paint manufacturer in the world.

THE WORKSHOP

The main aim of the workshop is to educate the product user on correct selection of products, application method and advantages of using International Yacht Paint Products on boats and yachts.

The monsoons being the off-season in India are the prime-time for activities related to maintenance, dry-docking, repairs and reworks, technical reviews...and of course painting.

With a market share of more than 95%, the need for such an Interactive Workshop Session could not have been better timed.

It will be conducted by none other than Mr. Alan Koh, Sr. Project Manager, International Yacht Paint, who would be specially flying in from Singapore. Mr. Koh has been with the company since many years, and amongst other things, keeps his Yacht Paint Application Guide always at an arm's length - and advises all his distributors to do so too.


Information on AwlGrip Products (another leader from the International Group), which are manufacturers of technically advanced urethane, epoxy, high solids and antifouling coatings products for a wide variety of applications.

WORKSHOP ITINERARY

Apart from spreading awareness about International Yacht Paint Products, the Workshop is meant mainly to educate representatives of many yacht management company based at Mumbai, Goa and also private yacht owners/their representatives.

They will gain correct product details and knowledge on selection and application of the products. During the course of this Interactive Session, the attendees would get a clear idea about the advantages of International Yacht Paint Products.

PROBLEM?...SOLUTION!

The highlight of this workshop (apart from the fact that it is to be held at the glorious Royal Bombay Yacht Club) is that Mr. Koh would be pleased to answer all the queries with regards to all aspects of International Yacht Paints.

Considering that the yachting industry is yet at its nascent stages, there would be many queries from all attending, and this would help to make this Workshop informative and special.

International is dedicated to providing proven solutions that protect, beautify and reduce boat maintenance...just as West Coast Marine is dedicated to providing the best services for yachts in the Indian harbours.

This August keep yourself posted as you will get the latest and elaborate information of this WorkShop on our blog...
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Kashmir Tops Popularity List For White Water River-Rafting !

White water river-rafting is famous in India and has seen the likes of Brad Pitt drop in secretly at Rishikesh, have that adrenalin rush and leave.. as quietly as he came!

But besides the Ganges, Kashmir’s valley is the next best destination if you love the waters sparkling with danger and a rush for adventure! Kashmir is known the world over for its enchanting picturesque lakes, streams and rivers. River water rafting is a relatively recent introduction in the Kashmir valley.



In Kashmirs Pahalgam region, in particular, white water river rafting has gained immense popularity. Located in the south-east of Kashmir, Pahalgam is surrounded by lofty mountain ranges and is washed by gushing streams and rivulets which provide abundant opportunities for adventure sports like river water rafting.

The aquatic adventure sport is attracting a lot of domestic as well as international tourists. And, this is a good news for the local residents related to tourism sector.
In fact, the white water river rafting destinations in India are comparable to the best in the world and among these the ones in Kashmir render utmost thrills to the participants.
Adventure-loving tourists visiting Kashmir include Pahalgam as their prime destination to enjoy thrills of white water rafting here.

Earlier, Pahalgam used to have only 10-13 boats sailing along the ice-cold white waters of Lidder Nallah (stream). But now their number has touched 40-45 to cater to the needs of the ever growing enthusiasts of this adventure sport here. The growing charm among tourists has proved a boon for local residents here.
“The tourists response is very good. Out of the total tourists coming to Pahalgam, 90 per cent are doing rafting. We know about it because we are into this business. Even the locals are into rafting and it’’s getting very popular.” said Mohammed Ibrahim Raina, owner of a rafting boat.

The Jammu and Kashmir Government after watching the potential of this sport is keen to capitalise on river rafting as an employment generation medium in the region.
“It is our effort to promote white river rafting because we have streams and beautiful rivers here which are perfect for it. There is a lot of potential and opportunity for white water rafting so we want to fully exploit it and create this facility for the tourists. The effort is to promote white river rafting to benefit local residents because the government is not interested in running this rafting programme and we are only overseeing this. We are laying down the terms and conditions for conducting this programme and only want the locals to benefit from this,” said Sarmad Hafeez, Joint Director for Tourism in Kashmir.

Lets hope the government takes keen interest in developing all kinds of water sports as India is truly emerging as a hotspot for sailing and yachting for water-babies all over the world. Read more...

Home To India’s First National Sailing Club: Bhopal, The City Of Lakes!

Bhopal, the capital of Madhya Pradesh, is a fascinating amalgam of scenic beauty, old historic culture and modern urban planning.

Famous for its lakes, in-fact christened as "Lake City", it has a number of lakes but is basically famous for its lower lake and upper lake. The two lakes of Bhopal still dominate the city, and are indeed its nucleus.


Bordered along their shores stand silent sentinels that testify to the growth of the city. Bhopal today presents a multi-faceted profile; the old city with its marketplaces and fine old mosques and palaces still bears the aristocratic imprint of its former rulers, among them the succession of powerful Begums who ruled Bhopal from 1819 to 1926.

Equally impressive is the new city with its verdant, exquisitely laid out parks and gardens, broad avenues and streamlined modern edifices. It is greener and cleaner than most cities in the country.

Having so many lakes, Bhopal naturally posses one of the best boating facilities in the country, Boat Clubs at both lower and upper lake are the centre of attraction and one can easily take a pleasure ride in cool cozy environs. In the vicinity of the Upper Lake, is the boat club run by MP Tourism with a large fleet of boats –Cruise Boats, rowboats, pedal boats, sailboats and motorboats. So take your pick and spend a while boating on the placid waters of the lake.

Bhopal is also coming up as a center of adventure sports. Trekking camps are being organized by Youth Hostels and other private. The government has also established India's first National Sailing Club at the Boat Club, in the Upper Lake. This club offers various water sports such as kayaking, canoeing, rafting, water skiing, parasailing etc. Since its inception, it has hosted Canoeing and Kayaking Championships at national as well as international levels. Other adventure sports include parasailing, paragliding, hot air ballooning etc.

June, July and August are the best months to visit Bhopal. With the monsoons setting in, the light drizzles and the greenery make for a perfect scenic journey.

If you are exploring boating destinations within the country, make sure you hit bullseye Bhopal! Read more...

Pack Your Boats Folks For A Weekend Out Of Mumbai!

Road trips are passe! Pack your bags and hop onto a boat as we take you on an escapade along the coastline of Maharashtra!
Alibag is surrounded by sea from three sides is known as Goa of Maharastra. Alibag is located in an area of approximately 4 sq KM and is sourended by green belt of coconut and betelnuts trees. Alibag beach is located at a distance of 1.5 Km from the bus stand and is connected by road from Mandwa beach.

The best way to reach Alibag is to go by a Ferry from Gateway of India to Mandwa and from Mandwa to Alibag by bus. Ticket ratse in a normal Ferry is Rupees 60 and is free for kids below the age of 5 years. Ticket includes Launch journey from Gateway to Mandwa and bus journey from Mandwa to Alibag bus stop. Bandar is 22 KM from Mandwa Jetty. Twelve miles north of Alibag on the north coast and easily accessible from Mumbai, Mandwa is a beautiful, untrodden beach.

On a clear day one can enjoy a long, breathtaking view right up to the Gateway of India. Mandwa village too has a charm of its own- with its beautiful groves of coconut palms. For an unusual tent holiday, is the nearby Kihim beach.

Unspoilt and isolated, this beautiful place has a soothing effect on all city dwellers. For the nature lover Kihim has a lot of offer ; woods brimming with wild flowers, rare butterflies and birds …

15 kms. from Alibag is Chaul, a historic place where one can spot Portuguese ruins, Buddhist caves, the Hamam Khana, a church, a temple and even a synagogue.

Getting there: The nearest railhead is Pen, 85 kms. by road, Kihim is 136 kms. from Mumbai. The distance by sea between Gateway of India and Mandwa (Rewas) is 10 nautical miles.

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Sailing On Lazybones To The Mystical Island Of Diu

A 60 foot Luxury yacht, warm people, chilled beer, avionics of Jonathon Livingston Seagull, Black Panther with a Machine Gun… a little bit of trouble… and a whole lot of fun!
Thank you Mr. Mahesh Walke, for sharing your one-of-a-kind adventure with us.

Thy sea route to Diu

“Dawn on a cold Mumbai morning and we were on an adventure. We were sailing on lazybones a 60 foot luxury yacht, to the mystical island of Diu Once a Portuguese colony.
The Yacht owners Bob and Ray were Australians. Bob was a retired Australian army officer and he and his wife Ray had sold their house and were on a sailing vacation. They had no real destination. They would like to go around the world they said bur you know would say Bob we will stay where the beers are cold and the people warm not the other way around like some islands…


They stayed for a year on their yacht in Mumbai harbor (of course the yacht was moved to the docks during the monsoons)

Well to make a long story short we that's a friend of mine and me managed to wrangle an invitation to sail with them from Mumbai to Due. They would then sail on to Salala in Oman. We veer excited both Rio and me had been on some long sails but in small open boats called seabirds. Never in a fancy yacht like Lazy bones.

The day of becoming dawned. It was Jan, there was a nip in the air, and we rowed from the Slip way at the Gateway of India to the boat.
Let me describe the boat. You climbed up on a ladder about four feet high from the stern that's what the backside of a boat is called on to the deck. There before you were an open area that could seat about 15 people. On the right jutting out over the boat was a barbeque. On the left were a basin and a very important requirement on any boat a small ice box and refrigerator.

In the center was the raised roof of the dining room and the master's cabin. You walked around it and in the center was the bridge no Nat a table to play cards on but the main control for the boat or where one sailed or drove the boat from.
The bridge was spacious with broad sofas that could seat 5 or so.

A small staircase led down from the bridge to the main salon. This was like any small sitting room. A few steps at the back and you were in the dining and cooking area the galley as they called it.
At the back was a big bedroom with a double bed and a attached toilet the master cabin.

If you walked towards the front from the salon you again had to negotiate a few steps. And on your left was a small cabin with a double bed. Pop that was a shower and toilet and a washing machine. And right in front was a cabin with four bunk beds.

Bob and ray greeted us with a warm good morning and a steaming mug of coffee.
We stowed our gears in our cabins and were all set to sail bob started the engine and moved the boat forward slowly as Ray started the electric winch witch pulled up the anchor chain. Stop engines bob shouted ray as ray killed the engines and came forward. We looked as ray pointed at the chain that had come up and you what a sight it was covered by a slimy layer of much and looked more like a rope than a steel chain.

Okay Mates we have a bit of work on our hand don't we said Bob. Out came the buckets and steel brushes and we all joined hands at getting the slime off and believe me it smelt foul and it felt worse.

This is how our dream luxurious champagne holiday started. We stood there sweaty smelly when a piercing sound almost as if a 100 hyenas had suddenly appeared or was it wailing banshees shattered the silence I was in shock. What was that I wondered?

Now you hear what we have to go through every morning said Bob that's your bloody laughing club at the BPT gardens.

Bob then rigged up a shower on deck after using lots of soup we felt like humans again.

Finally at 11 am with our ear drums almost shattered we filially got underway.

We jibed out of Bombay harbor and up went the sails. Now when sailed we had to pulla lot of ropes and tye them and hod the tiller and sail thhe boat.

This was high tech We had to pull up the3 sails but once they were up. Volla bob set the boat on auto pilot and that's it the boat was sailing herself.

This is how it worked.

Bob punched in the map co ordinates of where we wanted to go. Th auto pilot compaired that coordinate with the reading it received from a in built Goss witch told u where we were our speed and how long it would take us to reach our destination.

Now the marvel did not stop here the pilot was also connected to the radar. So if it saw any obstacle the pilot would automatically navigate the boat around it. In fact we did not touch the wheel even once until we reached Diu.

The ski was clear and we watched the marine drive fade into the distance. We had hoped to be able to see more of Mumbai from the sea but alas there is a reef that makes it necessary for boats to sail out into the blue sea also our destination was north west of Mumbai and we were crossing the Arabian sea,
Rio pulled out cold cans of beer. And we were on our way. We watched as a flock of sea gulls came over to investigate us. For the next half an hour we were entertained to the best avionics show I have ever seen to me they all looked like Jonathon Livingston Seagull.

Alas a fishing boat approached and the gulls I think found the smell of fish more exiting and off they were surrounding the fishing boat leaving us to lament.

We had a cold lunch so smoked chicken ham salami and French bread alson with a tossed salad, followed by some after 8 mint chocolates.

Bob then set up a fishing line on th port side of the boat and We shared stories about sea experiences and occur fishing stories about the big one that got away.

Bob and ray decided to rest Me and Rio had the first watch. Even though every thing is automatic one has to watch out for fishing vessels as they do not shout on a radar.

We sat in the wheel house enjoying the feeling of power web were in command of a 60 footer super yacht that was worth half a million dollars.

The sun was about to set a lovely orangey golden color seemed to spread across the horizon I was standing on the bikini deck lost in thought suddenly I heard this loud magnified in my ears This is Black panther This is black Panther hold course and reduce speed I jumped out of my skin and my face the sight that I say took my breath away. A machine gun was pointed at me barely 10 feet away from the deck of a mean looking black and white boat. My neck and back shuddered I could feel all my hair standing and there were goose pimples I could feel that knot in my stomach Pirates My body trembled in excitement and fear.

What happened next was a let down the voice on the hailer continued. This is a Navigation hazard warning. It seemed that there was a ship toeing a 4 mile cable 20 miles east of our position and we were being told to stay away from that area.

Why any one wanted to tow a cable was beyond me.
Bob and Ray hearing the commotion had joined us and booth immediately said sundowner time now mates.

Well fed and happy me and Rio had the first watch as darkness enveloped the sea the sight was breath taking the sea seemed to be covered with floating candles it regimented me of arti at the ghats in Haridwar when people set out floating dias on the Ganges.

Then suddenly in the distance on our port side we saw small Christmas trees we wanted to go closer but Bob said we weren't allowed those were the oil rigs at Bombay high.

Though it was the end of our watch at 12 pm I stayed awake until 3 am.

I woke up the next morning at noon..

The rest of the afternoon got a little monotones just the boat sailing itself Even the gods had disappointed us we hadn't caught a single fish.

An then at about 8.30 rio shouted land ahoy. Sure enough we could see flashing sights of Due Light house. We were there well almost.

At 10.45 we entered due bay and what a sight it was the coastline completely lit uh like a neck less and a band playing.

The moon was bright, the waters calm, no boats around us, just the lights and the band.

We almost convinced our hosts that the band was in their honor. We put down our anchor. WE had arrived!”

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Sail Away To Elephanta: The Epitome of Hindu Cave Culture

The Elephanta Caves are a great tourist attraction in the vicinity of the large Mumbai meteropolis. The Elephanta island is located 10 km away from the Gateway of India at Mumbai. These caves house rock cut temples dating back to the 5th century CE.

The Elephanta island was so named by the Portuguese, after the statue of an elephant near the landing area of the island. These rock cut temples dedicated to Shiva Mahadeva are rich in sculptural content. Motorboats take passengers from Appollo Bunder near the Gateway of India.

An epitome of Hindu cave culture, Elephanta consists of seven caves of which the most notable is the Mahesa-murti cave. These rock cut temples were created by carving out rock, and creating the columns, the internal spaces and the images. The entire temple is akin to a huge sculpture, through whose corridors and chambers one can walk. The entire complex was created through a process of rock removal. Some of the rock surfaces are highly finished while some are untreated bare rock.
The entire cave temple complex covers an area of about 60000 squrare feet and it consists a main chamber and two lateral ones , courtyards and several subsidary shrines. Above the temple is the mass of natural rock.
There are three entrances to this temple. The ones on the east and the west marking the axis of the temple. A 20 pillared hall lines the axis, and on its western end is the cellar in which is enshrined a Shivalingam. The pillars consist of fluted columns standing on square bases, and are crowned with fluted cushion capitals.

The enigmatic image of Trimurthi Sadasiva: The Sadasiva manifestation of Shiva is carved in relief at the end of the north south axis. This collossal 20 feet high image of the three headed Shiva, Trimurthy is a magnificient one, considered to be a masterpiece of Indian art. This colossal image represents Panchamukha Shiva, only three faces of whom are carved into the wall and it demands immediate attention upon entering the temple through the northern entrance.

Best time to visit Elepanta :
November to March is the ideal time to visit the island.

Access:
Located on a small island of Mumbai in Maharashtra, Elephanta can be reached by regular ferries that leave from Mumbai's Gateway of India harbour throughout the year, except during the monsoon season.

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Boating Along Maharashtra: Towards The Invincible Fort!

Besides its magnificent beaches, the picturesque Konkan coast from Mumbai to Goa is studded with forts which have survived in their solid majesty for more than three centuries. The forts and fortresses on the coast of western India built between the 14th and 17th century are testimony to the raging battles between the Sultans and the Hindu Kingdoms. Later, these forts were also the sites of wars with foreign powers that had reached Indian shores - first the Portuguese and later the British and the French.

The Fort of Janjira on the sea is the only one of its kind. It was built at the end of the 17th Century, is almost entirely intact even today, despite the ravages of wind and tide, a testimony to the marvels of ancient engineering.



According to all accounts, the sea fort of Janjira could not be conquered by any of the kings ruling the neighbouring territories. Surprisingly, not even Shivaji could acquire it despite 13 expeditions to conquer the fort. His son, Sambhaji, tried a unique approach to capture the fort: digging an underwater tunnel to enter. But he too failed in his attempt. Not to be deterred, Sambhaji constructed another fort just across the bay, called Kansa. Most of the earth that was dug up to build the tunnel was used in the making of this second fort, which was to be the base for future attacks on the sea fort of Janjira. This fort took 22 years to build and is constructed on 22 acres of land.

In a journey back in history, visitors can gain access to the Janjira fort from Rajapuri, a small village on the coast. After a short ride in a small boat, one can enter the fort through the main entrance. The fort is oval shaped instead of the usual oblong or square shape. The fort wall is about 40 feet high and has 19 rounded porches or arches, some of which still have cannons mounted on them, including the famous cannon 'Katlal Bhankari'. Inside the fort walls, the ruins of a mosque, a palace and bath with water channeled from streams, tell of ancient times when royal ladies occupied the quarters. The deep well with cold and sweet water - a wonder of nature in the midst of the saline sea, still provides water to quench the thirst of the weary visitor.

Gazing into the horizon from the ramparts of this magnificent fort overlooking the sea, one cannot but acknowledge its great strength that withstood a number of invasions. This invincible fort remained unconquered until it became part of Indian territory after Independence from the British in 1947.

Other attractions for history buffs include the Palace of the Nawab. This luxurious cliff-top mansion built by the former Nawab of Janjira commands a panoramic view of the Arabian sea and the Janjira sea fort.

Then there are the Janjira Caves, while nature lovers will enjoy Murud, the erstwhile capital of the state of Janjira. Murud is actually a tiny fishing village atop a small hillock with a heart-stopping view of the coast, with mile after mile of soft silvery sand. The beaches of Kashid and Nandgaon with their whispering casuarina, coconut and betel palms are a balm for the weary city dweller.
In short, a perfect getaway.

Rail: The nearest station is Roha on the Konkan railway.
Road: About five hours from Mumbai.
Sea: 2.5 hours from Mumbai
Where to stay: There are few private beach resorts and one Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation holiday resort.

If you are a regular at exploring the Konkan Coast, do mail us your experiences and pictures! we would love to share it with our readers.

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The Green Boat Effect: Teak, India And The Rise Of Boating

Teak is one of the strongest and most durable hardwoods in the world. Known as the “King of Woods”, Teak is one of the most desirable and endangered woods. Considered by mariners to be the most valuable and versatile hardwood, its rare beauty, its rich golden brown luster, its decorative grain and its unique properties of strength, stability, and resistance to wear have made it the most demanded wood for marine use.






Teak is found naturally in only four countries in the entire world. Burma, Thailand, Laos and India each have varying amounts of natural teak forests. Because of its strong demand and limited supply, Teak is in desperate need of reforestation projects worldwide.

Investment possibilities with Teak plantations

Many companies are anxious to invest in Teak plantations and reforestation projects because potential returns are enormous. As the worldwide supply of Teak dwindles, the prices of this exotic wood will continue to rise. As the prices rise, the investment opportunities in Teak plantations will continue to be available. The time for these opportunities is now; because of the time involved to establish new Teak plantations, it is important start now.

Consider this example of a reforestation project. During the lifespan of a tree in a Teak plantation, the first harvest occurs at 12 years, and is cut in rotating cycles as the tree, once cut, re-grows up to 3 times. If the trees are planted in a 3 meter X 3 meter quadrant, thinned, and maintained properly, a hectare of Teak trees in a reforestation project at the current market prices will yield gross income of over $475,000 in 20 years. It is projected that plantation set-up and maintenance costs would be approximately $17,000 per hectare the same 20-year plantation, with the figure adjusted for inflation.

The Green Boat Effect:

Imagine this. The yachting trend in India is picking up. So is the Boat-building industry. If mergers with advanced technologies of the international world are projected, India can become the future world boating destination. Right from Material to Manpower and Manufacture to Maintenance.
With an opportunity like teak reforestation, some carbon credits would definitely speed things up! What do you say?

Share Your Thoughts Please.

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LobsterBoat Tours: Exploring Maine !

Maine is famous for its Lobster Boat Cruise! It would be so great to have something on similar lines along the coasts of India!

The 3 hour educational and scenic boat trip is everyone's favorite. It gets you out on the water to see a large part of the archipelago including the following landmarks: Stonington Harbor; Crotch Island, an active granite quarry (one of the few left in Maine); Mark Island Light House; and the seals on Twin Ledges.

During the boat tour you stop on an island and go for a swim in a freshwater granite swim quarry. After that, on the way back in you haul several lobster traps (you can purchase the catch right on the boat)!. The Captain has lobstered for many years and can answer all your questions about lobstering!

All along the boat tour you are watching for sea life that is often times quite abundant. Also during the trip educational subjects are talked about including natural history subjects like: Native North Americans; the European settlement of the area; history of the local economy including farming, fishing, boat building, granite, and tourism.

Also history regarding lighthouses, transportation, island living, and the waterways are given. Geology, marine biology, the local flora and fauna, and ecology are touched upon as well.
For most of the trip the kids can steer the boat. They really love this and it is a great photo op for parents!

Talking about India, there are similar boat trips organised by the government at destinations like Jaigadh for example, 3-4 hours away from Mumbai. Stay tuned as we bring you the scene in India where boat tours are concerned.

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