The one with lots of beaches, seafood & Leo

My equation with the rest of the Universe is like a Calvin and Hobbes comic strip. The Universe plays the role of Calvin and Hobbes, and I'm the strip on which they get drawn. Nonetheless the results are quite noteworthy and fun.

Me: I don't want to travel anywhere this month

Universe: Nope. You're going

Me: But I don't want to

Universe: Nuh uh. You're going. 

Me: WTF. You Suck. 

2 days Later...

Me: I LOVE THIS PLACE. IT'S AMAZ...

Universe: Hey, time to leave.

Me: What. NO.

Universe: Lulz.Get in the car, amigo.

Me: *drags feet to car*

A recent work trip had me travelling down the coast of the Konkan. Now I've heard a lot about the "Konkan Coast Road trip", but when it comes to travelling through Ghats and natural environs, nothing comes even close to travelling home. So, I wasn't really expecting much. Additionally, it was a 12 hour road trip so we took a break after the first Ghat section, and I was wondering what kind of scene awaited me.

First Stop for some Vada Pav & Medu Vada

I was born on an island. My home town is literally a few miles from the Shore. So it goes without saying than the sea is something I love. And I hate all the beaches in Mumbai, if you can even call them that. So when I found out that I was staying at some place on the beach, I had my fingers crossed. However, once we crossed Ratnagiri and then went on our way to Rajapaur, we realised that we were literally going through 20km of red, barren land with not a soul in site. Both I and Vikas (the guy driving me) were going only by one clue.

Where's the damn sea? Kuthe Samudra Ahe?

Trust me, I'm not exaggerating. To reach the actual shore, you need to go through  20km - 30km of barren abandoned land. Stuff made for horror stories where you have an intruder in your home and instead of calling the cops you run into empty, terrifying looking open spaces. That kind of red stone barren land.

Note: It takes 12 hours, not 8 hours. Google is Cray Cray.

Route Map Mumbai to Samindar Resort, Ambolgad

BUT. 

All good things come to those who wait. After a long ride, and skipped lunch we landed at the location at 5pm. Now, important to note that at this point all we had was a delicious tea break at a old outpost where there was the delicious aroma of wood stoked flame, and tea made the way granny's usually make it. Local brew, sticky sweet and served in tiny steel cups. Perfect!

Anyways, where was I?

Ah yes. The "Samindar" resort. For a while Vikas and I debated as to why this was not the "Samundar" (sea) resort, or the Zamindar (landlord) resort. Eventually we decided that it was probably a local way of saying Samundar or sea. 

This is what greeted us.

Can I buy this place? What's the legal rules on this one? 

And just a few steps around the place and I got an enthusiastic welcome from the beach loving, handsome and huge chap - Leo.

LEO AT FIRST SIGHT. (GET IT?)

And just 10 steps ahead of the end of the garden was the beach. Long, continuous and unspoiled white sand beach. I don't think I've seen anything of this kind in India, yet. Not even Goa or Pondi. 

And as I just sat there, a huge shadow just ran across me, and I realised Leo was running around like a madman, chasing birds, shadows, and the sun all at the same time. After he finished his hourly mad run, we just chilled.

Apart from this beach though, there seems to be a lot of unexplored beaches and locations all along the way. For example, this one is another beautiful vista that we couldn't visit, but did find worthwhile to snap. 

But enough of beaches. Let's talk food.

We landed up in Ratnagiri and went to this restaurant called Abhiruchi, which is by the harbour. Chances are you will not get it on Google maps, but the place is just amazing and the locals know it well. They cook fresh and the food is so delicious, I can't even tell you how amazing it felt. 

They show you the fish, the family cooks it and they are more happy when you are happy. The hospitality of the local folk is quiet heartwarming. 

Sigh. I wish I could have stayed for longer. But that being said, I think I've made up my mind that am going to go back, riding through the turns and coasts, back to Samindar and back to the delicious food! Highly recommended.

yum! 

Oh and one other thing. There was so much Marathi speaking happening, that I almost started feeling like a Maharashtrian because in my head, I was just adding all the extensions to the konani language and having a go at it. Of course I didn't say anything because obviously I'd give it away too soon.

Mala Maiti nai. (My favorite phrase)

No it doesn't mean my favorite phrase, it means I don't know. 

That being said, I might even pick up Marathi now. It's been 4 years almost, and I think its about time. And it's not the first time I picked up a language late. The last I picked up Tulu, 5 years after leaving Udupi because I found an accomplice who was just as bad as I was!

In parting, I think more than anything this trip has reminded me of the joy of biking, and I think its time to get back on the saddle. It's time to ride. 

Chala Jauya?

Cheers

M