The Great Escapers

Sunday

Musafir Hoon Yaaro | Aprilia Bike Ride | Gorai Beach | Global Vipassana Pagoda | Mumbai

Author April 19, 2020

Gorai is one of the most frequented beaches of Mumbai north suburb. It major attracts citizens from Suburb and also from far for a day picnic. Couples prefer this beach due to easy accessibility from Bhayandar and Borivali and also lots of resorts, cottages available too. It is one of the safest and cleanest beaches with ample space to have fun with your picnic group, ride bikes, ride camel or go inside sea for a boat ride. Hang around at full moon nights (In Group Only) is romantic and so is one of the beaches for night hangout as many resorts are available on Uttan Road for overnight stay.

#Gorai beach is known to be frequented by couples since last 3 to 4 decades as there were hardly any locations of isolation to spend quality time and get cosy with the partner, that too without parents knowing. Unlike today, those days 2 decades back, friendship dating and getting away from home for a few hours was not that easy for girls. #Gorai beach was not as much frequented and crowded like today and was so much a perfect lovers beach and still is.

Watch the complete video to experience the best beach in Mumbai and nearby places.

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Friday

Bhimashankar

Bhimashankar : The sixth Shiva Temple in Baraa Jyotirlingas

Irawen January 10, 2020

The land of Lord Shiva, Bhimashankar does not only hold religious values but is also a good spot for a weekend getaway. Situated amidst the Sahyadri Hills and in the thick rainforest, the place is at an altitude of 3000 feet (approx.) which makes it a perfect hill station for you to relax.

About the place

Bhimashankar, as stated earlier is the land of Lord Shiva. The Bhimashankar Temple is one among the twelve shrines and is of course one of the oldest and the most worshipped places by the Hindus. In case you would want to visit the temple in the Hindu Shravan month, the suggestion is to be a bit early as by 10 or 11, it gets really crowded, crowded to this extent that you might have to park your vehicle 5-6 km ahead and walk up to the temple. Apart from this period the temple does not witness much crowd. Once in the periphery of the temple, you will come across a lot of food outlets. The temple has a lot of stairs to go down so as to reach the dome where magnificent Lord Shiva resides, silver plated.

The place also because of its diverse flora n fauna is regarded and declared as a wildlife sanctuary so it would be a good spot for a nature sucker.

Weather

The not so good time to visit this place is in the month of March-May. By the second week of June this place witnesses regular showers and which leads to quite a number of beautiful waterfalls, so the drive up till the hill is worthwhile. One problem that the travellers may face is the frequent landslides during the months of June-September which may lead to change of routes to reach the place. Also, the best time to go here is not only during the showers but also on the onset of winters i.e. from October to February when the weather would a bit chilly and foggy.

How to reach Bhimashankar/Stay

Bhimashankar is approximately 110 km away from Pune and at a distance of 225 km from Mumbai. Therefore, the best option to be here is to drive down with your own or hired vehicle which will let you witness the beauty at ease and on your own terms. The early morning i.e. the time of 6-9 can give you some eye candy views. So I would suggest you to drive a bit early to witness the sunrise and the fog in the hills.

In case you like to trek or are trekking for the first time the suitable time to go would be during the winters as the monsoons make the slopes slippery and hard to climb. However, experienced trekkers will find trekking in monsoon quite pleasing because of its challenging nature and the chill weather.

In case you plan to stay in for the weekend, you will have to make an online booking with sites like Make My Trip or Trivago and so as to avoid the dynamic fare issue, make it a week prior.

Credit: Jahanvi Joshi

Monday

Kolad

KOLAD RIVER RAFTING* * ⛰️

Irawen August 26, 2019

**⛰️ **GREAT ESCAPERS KOLAD RIVER RAFTING* * ⛰️

Rafting or white water rafting is the challenging recreational outdoor activity of using an inflatable raft to navigate a river or other bodies of water. One of the world’s most captivating adventure; Kundalika Rafting is just 2.5 hrs drive from Pune. The Kundalika is a small river flowing from the Hills of Sahyadri. Rafting of grade II and III can also be experienced over a 12 Km circuit and can be enjoyed all day in the monsoon, or to coincide with the timing of the release of water from the dam during other times of the year.
If time permits we will also tale a halt in tamhini ghat,to enjoy the view and waterfalls ovr there while coming.

ANDHARBAN

ONE-DAY TREK TO ANDHARBAN* * ⛰️

Irawen August 26, 2019

**⛰️ *GREAT ESCAPERS ONE-DAY TREK TO ANDHARBAN* * ⛰️

Imagine yourself in the middle of dark jungles, finding routes, viewing valleys and crossing Ghats, sound adventurous?? Yeah!!!! You’ll be doing all this at Andharban – The Dark forest Trek. The Andharban trek is majorly based on descending from the peak. It is one of the most stunning treks and there are lots of things to explore. You will be walking on ridge that gives a scintillating view of the Kundalika Valley, Bhira dam and the various mountain ranges of Tamhini ghat.
While you’re trekking through the jungle of Andharban, there will be coverage of evergreen forests which covers you with a relaxing shade in first half of the trek (7-9kms). The trek then descends down in Konkan to reach Bhira (4 kms). The same valley is the origin of the Kundalika river famous for its white-water river rafting and other adventure activities

Devkhundwaterfall Trek

Devkund waterfall* * ⛰️

Irawen August 26, 2019

**⛰️ *GREAT ESCAPERS Devkund waterfall* * ⛰️

Devkund Waterfalls is a famous tourist attraction in Maharashtra. A popular picnic spot, the waterfalls are surrounded by lush green plains.
The highlight of the Devkund Waterfalls is that it is one of the few falls in Maharashtra that falls under the category of a plunge fall. This means that the waterfall pours down with a strong gush on the rocky surface right into the pool. This makes your experience in Devkund, a majestic one.
If you are planning a trip to the Devkund Waterfalls, you would first want to get enough information about the place. To help you, we have put together this concise guide to the Devkund Waterfalls. Read on to know more.

Visapur Fort

ONE-DAY TREK VISAPUR* * ⛰️

Irawen August 26, 2019

Visapur fort has a larger plateau than Lohgad and is famous for its scenic beauty & confusing trails. Within the fort are caves, cisterns of water, a decorated arch and old houses. These two roofless buildings surrounded by outer or veranda walls said to have once been Government offices. The ruins of a large stone-built house are known as the Peshwa's palace. In addition to a huge carving of Hanuman, there are also several temples dedicated to him scattered all over the place. There is a well which local legend says was built by the Pandavas.

A beauty in its own kind, in current times, this place has become a weekend hub for Punekars & Munbaikars.

Thursday

DEVKHUND WATERFALL

TREK TO DEVKHUND WATERFALL

Irawen June 27, 2019

*THE GREAT ESCAPERS*
*ONEDAY TREK TO DEVKHUND WATERFALL*

*About DEVKHUNDWATERFALL -*
Devkund Falls is a waterfall located near Bhira, in Raigad district, India. It is a 'plunge' waterfall pouring massive amounts of water on the rocky surface underneath. It is a popular spot for one day picnics.

TREK TO Andharban – The Dark Forest Trek

Irawen June 27, 2019

*THE GREAT ESCAPERS*

**ONEDAY TREK TO Andharban – The Dark Forest Trek*

____________________________

*When :29 JUNE *
_Assembly Point - SB ROAD PAVILION MALL
_Departure - 7.00AM
_Arrival - 8.00PM
*Level -EASY *

____________________________

*About - *Andharban The Dark Forest Trek*
* Andhar means Darkness and Ban stands for dense jungle, so the word Andharban literally means The Dense Dark Forest. The intimidating factor of this 13km long trek has to be the hardcore jungle cover over your head. A major portion of this trek route involves walking through this denseness
____________________________

*Detailed Itinerary -*
1) Meet at sb road at 7.00am sharp
2) We will travel by non ac bus
3)We will reach bhira base village around 10
4)We will start our trek we will take around 1.5hours one side
5)We will enjoy beautiful waterfall and return back to base village.

____________________________

Enjoy your weekend on this amazing trek, with some new travel buddies, also share your travel trips/treks experiences.

____________________________

*Places to visit -*

*Andharban The Dark Forest Trek*
____________________________

*Charges - Rs.1050 Only/-*

____________________________

*Inclusions :-*

1) TRANSPORT by non ac bus
2) Meal:-
- Breakfast
- Lunch veg only
3) All the entry Charges
4) First-Aid Kit
5) Expert with well-versed experience.
6) fun &game
*Exclusion:-*

Anything which is not mentioned above in the list of inclusions

____________________________

*Things To Carry :-*

1) Minimum 3 Ltrs of water
2) Personal medicine
3) Extra pair of clothes & socks in case of emergency
4) Raincoats
5) Sun Caps (Mandatory)

____________________________

*For bookings & any other details, contact -*
*Lovelesh :- 8928911147*
*Mayur :- 9970334340*
*Anurag :- 8698650010*
____________________________

Confirm your seats soon. Forward it to your friends and get discounts each for a group of 5+.

____________________________

*Mode of Payment :-*

You can pay through *Google Pay or PayTm* on 8698650010.

(or)

*Account Transfer on -*
Holder - Anurag Nimbalkar | Bank - SBI | Senapati Bapat Road, Pune | A/c - 20402291153 | IFSC - SBIN0004120

Monday

VELAS BEACH TURTLE FESTIVAL

VELAS BEACH TURTLE FESTIVAL TRIP

Irawen April 08, 2019

About Velas:

Velas beach, a village in Ratnagiri district is around 200 km from pune famous as an Olive Ridley turtle hatching site in west coast of India.

At Velas, turtle conservation movement is undertaken by the villagers. An NGO named Sahyadri Nisargmitra and the villagers committee has taken the initiative to conserve olive ridley turtles by providing protection to their eggs. Turtle lay down eggs in the month of November-December and little soul comes out in the month of feb-march each year.

Velas Turtle Festival is not just about little turtles hatching season and the beautiful beaches, there something more to it. Olive Ridley Turtles are one of the more endangered species of turtle. To protect and conserve these turtles, the Marine Conservation Society hosts this turtle festival at Velas every year to spread awareness and promote eco-tourism.

Places to visit on fort:

1) Velas Beach
2) Bankot Fort
3) Harihareshwar Temple

Location:

Velas beach, a village in Ratnagiri district (Around 200 km from Pune)

LAKE CAMPING

PAWNA LAKE CAMPING_🏕

Irawen April 08, 2019

About the Trip :-

Pawna Lake is essentially an artificial lake brought into existence due to the Pawna dam. A picturesque sight, the Pawna Lake, along with the Pawna Dam.

Offering much-needed solitude and some peace and quiet, the Pawna Lake is not a crowded place like Lonavala. Tucked away around 19 kilometers somewhere inside Kamshet, the Pawna Lake offers a soothing outing for the tired city soul. A tiny getaway in Kamshet, Pawna Lake is fast gaining popularity among the locals, most of who are looking for a quiet weekend getaway, with friends and family. A popular picnic spot, the areas around the Lake and the Dam can often be seen teeming with families out on a pleasantly sunny morning, enjoying the view and munching on the loot in the picnic basket.
If you’re looking to go beyond the Pawna Lake and wish to explore the areas in and around there, you will find the forts of Lohgad, Tikona and Tungi ostensibly visible from the Lake. Make your way to either of the forts and enjoy a piece from our country’s history, set against the backdrop of the lush Pawna Lake and the areas around it.

Location :-
Pawna lake is located about 65-70 km from pune.

Wednesday

LAKE CAMPING

PAWNA LAKE CAMPING_🏕

Irawen March 27, 2019

About the Trip :-
Pawna Lake is essentially an artificial lake brought into existence due to the Pawna dam. A picturesque sight, the Pawna Lake, along with the Pawna Dam.

Offering much-needed solitude and some peace and quiet, the Pawna Lake is not a crowded place like Lonavala. Tucked away around 19 kilometers somewhere inside Kamshet, the Pawna Lake offers a soothing outing for the tired city soul. A tiny getaway in Kamshet, Pawna Lake is fast gaining popularity among the locals, most of who are looking for a quiet weekend getaway, with friends and family. A popular picnic spot, the areas around the Lake and the Dam can often be seen teeming with families out on a pleasantly sunny morning, enjoying the view and munching on the loot in the picnic basket.
If you’re looking to go beyond the Pawna Lake and wish to explore the areas in and around there, you will find the forts of Lohgad, Tikona and Tungi ostensibly visible from the Lake. Make your way to either of the forts and enjoy a piece from our country’s history, set against the backdrop of the lush Pawna Lake and the areas around it.

Location :-
Pawna lake is located about 65-70 km from pune.

Trip To Velas Turtle Beach Festival,Bankot Fort, Harihareshwar Public · Hosted by The Great Escapers

Irawen March 19, 2019

Dates:- 22nd-24th March
Departure time: 9:00 pm on 22nd March
Arrival time: 10:00 pm on 24th March
Pick up point: Pavilion Mall, Next to Hotel JW Marriott, SB Road, Pune.

About Velas:

Velas beach, a village in Ratnagiri district is around 200 km from pune famous as an Olive Ridley turtle hatching site in west coast of India.

At Velas, turtle conservation movement is undertaken by the villagers. An NGO named Sahyadri Nisargmitra and the villagers committee has taken the initiative to conserve olive ridley turtles by providing protection to their eggs. Turtle lay down eggs in the month of November-December and little soul comes out in the month of feb-march each year.

Velas Turtle Festival is not just about little turtles hatching season and the beautiful beaches, there something more to it. Olive Ridley Turtles are one of the more endangered species of turtle. To protect and conserve these turtles, the Marine Conservation Society hosts this turtle festival at Velas every year to spread awareness and promote eco-tourism.

Places to visit on fort:
1) Velas Beach
2) Bankot Fort
3) Harihareshwar Temple

Location:

Velas beach, a village in Ratnagiri district (Around 200 km from Pune)

Day 1 - Friday

=> Depart from Pune at 9:30PM sharp for Velas Beach.

Day 2 - Saturday

05:00 am - Reach Velas
06:00 am - Freshen up & Get ready for the first visit.
06:30 am - Introduction round & Witness the hatching
08:00 am - Come back to the village for breakfast
10:00 am - Head towards Bankot fort
11:00 am - Reach Bankot fort & Explore
12:30 pm - Depart from Bankot fort
01:30 pm - Have lunch
04:00 pm - Visit the Beach for Turtle hatching & Sunset
07:30 pm - Play fun games
08:30 pm - Dinner
10:00 pm - Hit your bed & retire for the day

Day 3-Sunday06:00 am - Wake up Call
06:30 am - Leave for Velas beach for the last sighting
08:00 am - Come back to village & Have breakfast
10:00 am - Leave for Harihareshwar beach
11:30 am - Visit temple and spend some time at the beach
12:30 pm - Lunch
02:30 pm - Head back to Pune

You may expect to reach Pune by 10:30PM

Cost per person:-2200/-

Group discounts available

Inclusions :-

1) Dormitory Accommodation (Home Stay)
2) Private non ac bus transport
3) Meal:-
- 2 Breakfast
- 2 Lunch
- 1 Dinner
4) Tolls, Taxes & Parking Charges
5) Entry fees
6) First-Aid kit
7) An experienced and well-informed guide.

Exclusions :-

1) Any personal expenses (For E.g.: soft drinks etc.)
2) Camera charges at chargeable areas.
3) Anything which is not mentioned above in the list of inclusions.
4) Dinner on Friday and Sunday is not included in cost.

Things To Carry:-

1) Id cards (Valid Govt. IDs are mandatory)
2) Minimum 2 ltrs of water
3) Camera (Optional)
4) Snacks
5) Extra Pair of Clothes
6) Cap, Sunglasses
7) Sun Screen (Optional)
7) Please carry your personal medicines as prescribed by your doctor.

Contact details :-

Mitasha :- 9689948959
Lovelesh :- 8928911147
Anurag :- 8698650010

Mode of Payment :-
You can pay through Google Pay or PayTm on 8698650010/ 9689948959