A Solo Motorcycle expedition ride to Nashik and "Lonar Lake sanctuary " .

Route map to  Nashik and  "LONAR CRATER" lake .

Bike breakdown at Majiwada 

Was supposed to tour Lonar lake with "Mumbai Travellers Group" years ago in April 2015 but the same got cancelled and hence finally  in February 2022 post relaxation of  "Covid 19" travel restrictions and having travelled almost across entire India decided to do a solo tour to Lonar Lake.The cheapest and most common method of travel for the budget tourist  is to board the 2130 hrs night  train "Devagiri Express" from Chhatrapati Shivaji terminus in Mumbai and alight the next morning at 0515 hrs at"Jalna Station" .From "Jalna Station" its a 84 Kms bus ride to Lonar.Would have taken this method of transport had there not been a "M .S.R.T.C " bus strike since October 2021 which brought public state transport buses to a standstill. Hence the "Adrenalin Junkie" in my psyche decided  to do a motorcycle cruise all the way from Mumbai to Lonar Lake sanctuary  with a stoppage at Nashik .

Mechanic Nizam.Sheikh. 

A brief account of my motorcycle travel  that was almost jinxed at the start but later progressed to a unbelievable excellent solo adventure of extreme motorcycle riding while  simultaneously sightseeing Nashik  and the one and only  Lonar Lake Crater sanctuary(Lonar Sarovar).  

Garage that salvaged my bike ride

At 0630 hrs on  Wednesday(23/2/2022) morning began my ride from Old Prabhadevi Rd to Nashik, a total distance of approximately 170 Kms. The early morning ride was excellent in the cool darkness of dawn with negligible city traffic and at 0700 hrs in  daylight was cruising on the eastern express highway when i came across the Nashik/Thane flyover and happened to take the wrong direction on the flyover that led to Thane city.

Breakdown &Sunrise at Majiwada.

Realizing my mistake on alighting the foot of the flyover asked for directions with a local  and correcting myself turned my bike towards  the Agra highway on the  bypass road at Majiwada.

At Entrance of " SULA VINEYARD"

Travelling a few meters on the highway road the motorcycle engine suddenly stopped, absolutely dead and luckily this stoppage happened on the road and not the flyover highway if i was heading in the right direction.Taking a wrong turn on the Thane-Agra Highway  was a blessing in disguise saving me from a much worse engine breakdown catastrophe..

A few lorry's were parked alongside Majiwada highway road akin to a "Truck Depot"  and a truck employee came to my assistance and detected a burnt out wire .To my greatest relief  there was a motorcycle repair shop in the by-lane next to the highway, "Nizam Motor Garage" which was closed but told that it would open at 0900 hrs.

Classic entrance of Sula Vineyard

Decided to get my bike repaired and head back home to Mumbai, absolutely dejected but being the eternal optimist  happy that things could have been worse had this bike stalled in the middle of "No Motorcycle  Mechanics land" on the "Mumbai-Agra Highway". Luckily the mechanic  came early at 0800 hrs and requested him to attend to my bike.

Wine tasting & Restaurant lobby

Young Motorcycle mechanic Mr Nizam.Sheikh first tried dragging the heavy "Standard Bullet 350CC" bike to his garage until i suggested that being a simple blown out "Fuse" and "Cut-out wire" he could do a Insitu repair as his workshop was just a few meters from the non-functional heavyweight bike.He realized i was not a motorcycle illiterate and disconnected the burnt emergency stop  cut- out cable and  replaced the blown fuse. Eureka ! Everything was functional and thanks to common mechanic  Mr Nizam.Sheikh and my own technical suggestions that i did not abort my biking trip and head back home but instead at 0830 hrs again hit the highway towards Nashik.Providence had favoured me.

View of the vineyard from the rooftop restaurant.

This is life and the adventure of " SOLO BIKING " where the ride to the destination is unpredictable akin to the vagaries of life. The highway ride was excellent except for facing some heavy vehicular traffic on Kasara Ghats akin to a mini traffic jam.

A photo-shoot in Picturesque Sula Vineyard founded by Mr Rajeev.Samant in 1999 and now India's largest and most awarded wine brand.

We sailors since the era of pioneer navigator's and  pirates are traditionally  a tough breed of men and with the entry of women in the  profession in recent decades  should be politically correct in saying that  seafarers are also tough women . The ocean's and weather on a sailing ship are unforgiving irrespective of modern navigational , engineering technology or cerebral brilliance of a ship's crew. After crossing the treacherous "Kasara Ghats" it was smooth riding past Igatpuri and finally on the outskirts of Nashik.

"Wine Tasting" explanation and demonstration in "Sula Vineyard" .

First stop on entering Nashik was to the "Sula Vineyards", situated in absolute scenic surroundings with a part of its boundary being the Gangapur Dam and  the flow of the Godavari River.

Lunch of "PERI PERI PRAWN PESTO PIZZA" with a glass of water at the classic roof top restaurant of  Sula vineyards having  a beautiful view of the vineyard estate.While riding i avoid alcoholic drinks. 

The final road along the countryside to Sula Vineyards was bad. absolute dirt track riding that tested my riding skills.

From a "Standard Bullet 350" motorcycle from Mumbai to Nashik onto a 3-wheeler wine transport vehicle on Sula Vineyards for a picture. Yes i have travelled across 81 country's and almost entire India ! Excellent natural vineyard decor for tourists to take memorable photograph's..

Finally after asking local's for direction at approximately 1145 hrs managed to arrive at the large sprawling estate of "Sula Vineyards".

Entrance to "Shrine of Infant Jesus"

Sula is open all round the year from Monday to  Friday between 1130-1830 hrs and on weekend's Saturday to Sunday between 1130-1930 hrs..Before "Covid 19" put a stop to travel and all entertainment activities the "Sula Fest" used to be conducted every year in the month of February. Entrance fee was Rs 600 with a complimentary wine tour and wine tasting or if a tee-totaller then  snacks included in the ticket price.Dining is between 1100-2100 hrs and lunch was " PERI PERI PRAWN PESTO PIZZA" on the classic roof top garden of Sula Vineyards .While riding I am a temporary  teetotaller . Ahoy ! After lunch decided to visit "Shrine of Infant Jesus" church  ,one of the holiest Catholic Christian pilgrimage church's in India.

A view inside "SHRINE OF INFANT JESUS" church in Nashik.

The feast of the "Shrine of Infant Jesus" is held annually on the second Saturday and Sunday of the month of February.

"Nashik Road", my residence locale.

As a school going teenager had visited this church with my mother in the early 1970's  for the annual feast along with our chawl  neighbour's, the unforgettable Melford family.

"Happy Guest House", my residence.

The Melford family were the first to own a television in our iconic  Haji Ismail Gani building chawl in Byculla where a cricket match ,"Chaya Geet" or a " Sunday movie" had the entire building queuing outside their room to get a peep at the T.V Screen, with "V.I.P" seating inside the tiny room reserved for special guests.

"Royal Leaf" family pan parlour

Memories of 1970's Byculla Chawl style living revived in 2022 , a distant memory of innocence, mischief and sports.

Today living isolated as a well travelled and still travelling reasonably wealthy bachelor in my small studio style flat its the simple memories of  carefree and uninhibited "Chawl Lifestyle" combined with plush schooling  that makes me stay level headed with my feet planted  firmly on the ground. Yes i have travelled a long way in life .

Carrot plucked from farm at Shivare Phata.

"Zindagi Mein Kuch Paane Ke Liye Kuch Khona Padta Hain( In Life to gain something you have to lose something) " is the popular  proverb, better quoted in the Hindi language. Ahoy ! I was put onto a wild goose chase ride and first arrived at the Protestant "St Andrew's Church" situated on Sharanpur Rd where the local church gatekeeper roughly gave me the directions through "Google Map".

Missal/Pav breakfast at Shivare Phata

Riding ahead  and stopping for directions thankfully a local Christian  guided me in the right direction.Finally ,with great difficulty after riding at least 20 Kms from "Sula Vineyards" found the church situated on Deolali road  next to St Xaviers school opposite Nehru Nagar  .In Nashik it's total Marathi language and even the Christian local's didn't know what I meant as they use the Marathi translation of the Church name and besides there are many churches in Nashik belonging to different branches of Christianity.

"MISAL/PAV" at Handore's restaurant.

Visited the church which was absolutely empty with me being the only pilgrim. Brought back memories of being all alone in a ancient church in Krakow in Poland, only difference being this was a modern small church in comparison to the palatial palace museum  like structure's  of  most church's in Europe.

"Gitam Lodge" on Mehkar road in Lonar

Couldn't believe that this same small church would be full of pilgrims during normal times ."Covid 19" has created havoc across the Globe including places of worship , the last solace  for the believers in their respective faith.

Buffalo stable next to "Gitam Lodge".

The church has a large ground and also a canteen for pilgrims. From the church rode my bike down Nashik road and checked into a small 3 storey hotel named " Happy Guest House".Nashik Road  locality has the maximum number of moderately priced lodges and guesthouse's.

Classic village restaurant using jungle wood fuel 

As  tourists were less due to "Covid 19" restrictions so also was the drop in lodge/hotel  rentals and at a rental of Rs 600/Night was allotted a double room  on the second floor of this tiny hotel, neat and clean.

In Lonar tasting "MOONGWADA" is mandatory.

After a cold water bathe it was refreshing to change into normal clothing and headed out into the street.Very crowded akin to Mumbai and came across two lottery shops and a country liquor shop situated next to each other making me wonder as to what reforms are required to legalize "SPORTS BETTING" in India while pure gambolling is legalized.

"GOMOKH TEMPLE" complex is situated on the rim of the top of the crater and is the first temple the visitor sights after entering the main gate of "Lonar wildlife sanctuary ". There is a eternal water stream(Dhar) in one of the tanks(Kunda) and hence this temple is also called  "Dhar Kunda" in local Marathi language. The Dhar(Stream)  is considered holy and devotees bathe in it. The 220 Steps leading down to the base of Lonar Lake bank begins from this temple site.

Life and legalized rules are bizarre at times. Ahoy ! Discovered  a classic pan shop named " Royal Leaf " family pan selling various types of pan's which included Ayurvedic pan's,"Ice pan"and "Fire pan" which I was seeing for the first time in my life.

"DHAR KUNDA" of Gomukh Temple.

Tasted their unique "FIRE Pan" costing Rs 40 prepared by the salesman Mr Rahul.Patil  and understood how "Fire Eaters"swallowed their "Fire".They also had special pan's served during marriages with a"Combo 30 pack pan" set costing Rs 3000 and a special pair of pan meant for the bridal couple night  costing Rs 1000.What could be the secret aphrodisiac in the Rs 1000 pan for the "Bridal Couple" and on whom it would be more effective is the "Kaun Banega Crorepati " question ? It was a crash course in the art of "Pan tasting".                     

The 220 Steps that begin from Gomukh Temple and lead down to the banks of Lonar Lake sanctuary. Have to be reasonably physically fit  to walk down these stairs and back to the top akin to a strenuous trek.These steps were carved into the hillside just over a decade ago and previously it was a sheer tough trek down the loose gravel pathway of the forested  crater hill  to the banks of the lake .

                                                               

Another "Kunda(Tank)" next to main Gomukh Kunda.

Thursday(24/2/2022):- Bid goodbye to "Happy Guest House" in Nashik and at 0730 hrs began my marathon bike ride to Lonar Town a distance of approximately 340 Kms.Breakfast was on a highway road dhaba at "Handore's Sweets and Dryfruits"  on Shivare Phata in Nishad zilla of Nashik.Although a Maharashtrian first time in my life  tasted  authentic rustic  " MISSAL/ PAV" at this popular  farm house dhaba .

"Sita Nahani" spring water.

I was their "Bonny (First)customer "opening their morning business .One of the restaurant employee showed me their backyard farm from which i plucked a carrot from the field and ate it directly spending over a hour at this highway farmhouse restaurant awaiting my breakfast. Excellent Missal and just for  Rs 90 including tea. Most car's stop here and today I was their first customer. Ahoy !

Ruins of Kumareshwar Temple.

After the lavish breakfast it was a horror road ride all the way to Lonar,a total distance of 340 Kms. Bad roads along with excellent highways and felt I was in audition for the Dakar  rally.First it was a ride along the Nashik -Aurangabad  highway and 

Pillars of temple fitted by "LOCK SYSTEM"

about 60 Kms to Aurangabad the highway suddenly turned to a dirt track with crater holes. Later riding  the Aurangabad-Jalna highway on reaching the outskirts of  Jalna passed across a broad cross connecting highway leading to Nagpur  and hence stopped my bike a little ahead   and entered "Hotel Merit" situated on the main Jalna highway leading to Jalna city.

Leopard Pug marks near "Sita Nahani"

Had a brief rest and a glass of Lassi also inquiring with the steward for directions to "Lonar Lake(Lonar Sarovar)".After the brief rest rode the bike about 100 meters back from the main road and  onto the broad adjacent  main highway leading to Nagpur.Absolutely confusing change of roads and thanks to local's managed my route. On reaching Sindkhed Raja Town took a right turn as advised  and my journey seemed never ending.

Witnessed "Gang Fight" between 2 groups of Langurs.

Finally at a turn as advised by a local was relieved to find the name "LONAR"  written on the distance indicator. Bizarrely a massive Hanuman Langur crossed the highway just in front of me and realized the reason for a lot of wildlife falling prey to road accidents.

Ruins of "Bagicha Temple" near the lake.

If i had to hit the langur we both would have been casualties as the bike would definitely have skidded due to the impact. First time experienced a wild life animal crossing my path on a highway.

The clearest "LEOPARD FOOT PRINT" next to the banks of Lonar lake near  the ruins of Bagicha temple. Guide Amol placed a coin to signify the size and clarity of the foot print. For daily guide's this is almost a regular sight as there are 7-9 leopards living within this enclosed "Lonar lake sanctuary".Hyena, Sloth bear, Nilgai, Wolf, Chital, Barking Deer are also a few of the other animal species in this small 3.8 Sq Km wildlife sanctuary that surrounds Lonar lake..Monitor lizard and snakes are the most common reptiles found in this lake forest.

Travel educates. With great difficulty finally made it to Lonar Town and bizarrely the final home run of approximately 25 kms to Lonar Town was akin to riding on a MOTO GP circuit with the breath taking view of Lonar Crater lake visible from the road on approaching the town .

Guide Mr Amol.Sardar

At approximately 1600 hrs at a rental of Rs 600/night checked into "Gitam Lodge" situated on Mehkar road , Wadgaon in Lonar town . After the check-in formalities immediately rode to "Lonar Lake sanctuary" as entrance closes at 1800 hrs.Lonar is named after the demon "Lonasura" and is the third largest salt water  meteorite lake in the World.

On the banks of "LONAR LAKE" :-  There are two distinct water regions in the lake that don’t mix with each other. The outer region of the lake is neutral region that has a pH level of 7. The lake’s inner region is the alkaline part that has a pH level of 11. Both the regions are unique and house diverse flora and fauna.A feature of this lake is the non-symbiotic nitrogen fixing microbes, such as Klebsiella sp. Slackia sp. Paracoccus sp. Actinopolyspora sp., and Halomonas sp. It has been revealed that all these microbes are able to live only in alkaline conditions and that too with a pH level of 11. NASA  scientists have conducted tests on Lonar lake and its soil. Strangest fact is that the lake is only replenished by rain water but is salty. 

The Lonar crater is oval in shape  sits on the Deccan plateau consisting of basalt rock and  was formed 52,000 years ago when a meteor crashed into the Earth and gauged a hole 1.8Km wide and maximum 150 meters(490 Ft) deep, as deep as a ocean ravine and much deeper than the depth for scuba diving.

Numerous aquatic birds:- Black winged stilt.

Every year on a average about  30,000 to 1,50,00 meteors plummet to Earth causing negligible  topographical destruction  unlike  this meteorite 52,000 years ago that created the "Lonar lake crater".

Most temples dedicated to Lord Shiva.

The water is both saline and alkaline and  saltiest in the centre of the lake. In 2020 the Lonar lake was declared as a RAMSAR SITE. Got a sight of this lake that was the last on my list of tourist sites to be explored within India and spotted a few Grey hornbills .Tomorrow would spend the entire morning exploring the crater jungle as today i was haggard riding 340 Kms + non-stop at my young age.

Lord Ram statue in "Ramgaya" temple 

Had a drink of Sugar cane juice and was surprised to know that the juice vendor Mr Rameshwar.Dhandare was a educated qualified guide employed  as a sales officer with a reputed bank."Covid-19" had  literally killed the tourism industry all over the Globe including  Lonar and selling sugar cane juice was a means of additional income.

Ruins of unique Ramgaya temple .

He gave me his visiting card offering his guide services but  i had already done my tour homework and had a particular guide on my mind. In Lonar there are numerous guides providing guide service for a fee but majority were unemployed due to "Covid 19" travel restrictions for tourists.

Carvings on temple

Rode  back to the lodge and on switching the T V in my lodge room was horrified of the News of the Russian invasion of Ukraine  and still worse the financial crisis in the Indian Stock market  that affects my livelihood.

Lonar Lake Forest office & resthouse.

As for me fulfilled my dream of seeing Lonar Lake sanctuary and few would bike it "SOLO" to this awesome remote locale of Maharashtra. "BIKER GANGS ",Lonar crater lake sanctuary  is beckoning for you all extreme sports  adventurer's. Thanks to "Trip Advisor" of which I am a major travel contributor got to know of a reputable guide named Mr Amol.Sardar ( Mob :- 9975447088) .Contacted him on the phone and he visited my room and  agreed to.be my guide at a reasonable fee.         

                                                                             

Ruins of "YAJANESHWAR TEMPLE" situated near the top rim of Lonar Crater is a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva  and is the most decorated temple among all the 15 temples inside Lonar Lake Sanctuary.There is a spring flowing in front of this temple .

 

Ruins of Yajaneshwar Temple complex

Friday(25/2/2022) :- As usual the insomniac was awake at dawn and on venturing out of the hotel  was surprised to see a small village dairy farm next to the hotel.Eight  buffaloes were tethered in a single line and being milked and it was akin to living in a village farmhouse. At 0715 hrs Mr Amol.Sardar arrived at my hotel and together we had breakfast at  "New Chaya restaurant" situated  next to" Gitam Lodge" where the buffaloes were milked.

Royal Enfield "Bullet 350 Black BS 1V" on Lonar crater

What political turmoil and Sensex çrash has happened ? Village lifestyle is so simple and naive.Breakfast was local Lonar cuisine " MOONGWADA" served on a piece of newspaper along  with tea.

Excellent tea and the milk used was from the same Buffalo stable next to this restaurant.. After breakfast we mounted our bikes and rode to the main entrance gate of "Lonar Lake(Sarovar)".

Entrance to the 3.8 Sq Km "Lonar Lake Sanctuary" is free and at the entrance gate the forest guards write  down your name and mobile number.This morning we were the first tourists entering  the wild life forest sanctuary of the crater lake.At the entrance is the "Gomokh Temple" with its perennial spring waterflow which i had seen yesterday on my arrival from Nashik..

Guide Mr Amol.Sardar is also a professional photographer and a "SELFIE" on the crater rim. It's not daily that "BIKERS" travel a distance of  approx 500 Kms from Mumbai  to reach this unique lake.

Next to the Gomokh Spring lake is another small lake situated on the opposite side and having a lesser flow of water.

Panoramic view of 3.8 Sq Km  " Lonar Wildlife Sanctuary"  that surrounds " LONAR LAKE" from the rim of the crater.This crater lake was officially discovered in 1823 by British officer Mr J.E.Alexander. Seasonal temperatures are extreme with Summer temperature being in the range of 30-40*C and Winter temperature upto 10*c.It's not everyday that a motorcyclist gets the opportunity to ride along the rim of this crater on the narrow  dirt road. 

Next we began our descent down 220 man made steps to reach the banks of the crater lake.

"VIEWING TOWER" on  Top rim of Crater

Just a few steps down from " Gomokh Temple" came across a tiny spring flow called "Sita Nahani springs" and just next to " Sita Nahani Springs" is the Kumareshwar temple where we came across the pug marks of a leopard

.Leopard's come to drink water from the spring at night and these pug marks were absolutely fresh.

Lunch at Gulmohur restaurant in Lonar

The Langur's also seemed agitated and Amol told me that we had a leopard in the vicinity. He carried a whistle which he blew to frighten the leopard of our human presence. The langur's were absolutely agitated and came across two groups of Langur's at war with each other for hierarchy of territorial rights. Honestly it was scary and Amol told me to be careful and not stare or approach the langur leaders who were sitting boldly and very human like in posture.

"DAITYA SUDAN TEMPLE " situated next to the Jain temple  in Lonar village outside the Lonar lake sanctuary. The temple was built during the rule of the Chalukya dynasty that ruled central and Sothern India between 6th and 12 Century A.D.There are three chambers inside the temple and in the last dark chamber is a four foot idol of Lord Vishnu. This temple is built in the form of a asymmetrical star and has carvings on its exterior .

Unbelievable and as a city dweller although a theoretical professor in wildlife through reading and  T.V as also visiting numerous wildlife parks saw this aggressive behaviour of monkey's for the first time.

Idol outside Daitya Sudan Temple.

Had read about cannibalism among Chimpanzee's in Africa during territorial fights and these warring Langur's were least bothered of our presence and although I carried a bag didn't attempt to grab it as once happened in Chittor Fort in Rajasthan. These were genuine totally wild langurs not accustomed to human feeding or food snatching. .Finally we walked down the 220 steps and reached the banks of the crater lake where Amol discovered the best leopard footprint I have seen in my lifetime of trying to sight the elusive leopard.

Plush rental cottage rooms at "M.T.D.C Resort" 

There was the ruins of the "Bagicha temple" situated near the edge of the lake and the pug marks led towards the entrance of the temple.It was a bird watcher's paradise on the banks of Lonar lake next to Bagicha temple.

Sunset over "Lonar lake sanctuary"

There are a total of approximately 15 temple ruins along the periphery of  Lonar lake bank .The fifteen temples are named as follows, 1) Papahareshwar Temple 2) Kumareshwar Temple 3) Yajaneshwar Temple, 4) Ramgaya Temple, 5) Mahadev Temple, 6) Bagicha Temple, 7) Wagh Temple, 8) Mor Temple ,9) Kamalja Devi Temple, 10) Mahadev Temple near Kamaljadevi Temple, 11) Amberkhana Temple 12) Mungla Mahadev Temple 13) Deshmukh Temple, 14) Chopda Mahadev Temples and 15) Peer ki Chattri. On the opposite side of Bagicha temple  diagonally opposite the lake was the most prominent temple  among the 12 temples on Lonar Lake bank, the "Kamlaji Devi temple".Spotted the Black winged stilt,  kingfisher's, lapwings, terns and the rare Ruddy Shelduck (Brahminy duck) that is a migratory bird from Siberia.

Lonar Lake Sanctuary wildlife poster.

Young guide Amol.Sardar demonstrated the testing of the Ph value of the lake water which was 11.5 and beyond human usage.The birds feed on the algae found in this lake, the only living organism in a totally alkaline saline water lake.Later he also demonstrated the magnetic effect of the soil of Lonar Crater.

Lunch at "Saloji Mutton" in Yewla

We were the first tourists to enter the forest and later a few tourists arrived and were shown the leopard footprints discovered by Amol.After some rest near the temple we made our way back towards the stairs for the return trek back to the top of the crater.Passed alongside the "Forest Official resthouse" which during the day was inhabited by forest officials but abandoned at night.

Ramkund in Nashik:-  Ramkund  which means "Pond of Ram" is situated on the bank of the  Godavari river and is  supposed to be the place where Hindu God Lord Ram would have his daily bathe and hence considered one of the holiest pilgrimage sites in Hinduism. This pond is used to immerse the ashes of the dead  which is said to be immediately absorbed by the waters. Both the poorest  and anonymous as well as the wealthiest and celebrity  Hindu's have their ashes immersed in this pond . Death is a great equalizer .A part of the ashes of Mahatma Gandhi was immersed in Ramkund after his assassination in 1948.Pilgrims also come to this pond to immerse themselves and wash away their sins by this holy dip.The "KUMBH MELA" is held every 12 years at the Ramkund and the next Kumbh Mela  is in 2027.

Scary.Most of the temple ruins in Lonar Crater are dedicated to the Hindu God Lord Shiva with almost every temple  having a Shivling within the ruins of the temple precincts.On our return climb up the stairs visited the ruins of " Ram Gaya Temple" where Amol demonstrated the compass magnetic effect on Lonar Crater soil.

Innocent Kid's using Ramkund as a pool.

Also  visited  the " Shankar Ganesh Temple" whose Shivling is identical to the Shivling in the Rameshwar temple. Amol purchased a ticket costing Rs 30 for a ride along the periphery of the crater which is also a part of the Lonar wildlife sanctuary affiliated to the Akola wildlife division .

On the bank of the Ramkund  in Nashik.As we age we lose acquaintances and friends along our voyage in life  and paid homage to my Hindu friends who are no more on this Earthly World.In fact a visit to Varanasi in November 2011 where i had a visual interaction with the cremation of dead bodies made me totally philosophical about death and i quote a saying from the Bhagwad Gita, quote, "When someone dies pretend that nothing has happened".

It was a unbelievable dangerous ride for any 2 wheeler along this narrow forest road along the rim of the crater.With great difficulty a single car can manoeuvre through this pathway and unless a extreme sport adrenalin adventurist junkie don't attempt this ride with any 2 wheeler.

Hotel Darshan Bar & Restaurant in Nashik

After the ride had some excellent photography as Amol is also a professional wedding photographer besides being one of the most recommended guide in Lonar.After the view of the crater from its periphery viewpoint made our exit and headed for lunch to "Gulmohor Family Restaurant". Lunch was desi chicken curry/ Chapati's with thumbs up drink , excellent. Finally bid adieu to excellent guide Amol.Sardar and rode back to " Gitam Lodge" and had some good rest as also relieved that there was a drop in the nose dive of the Sensex. Ahoy !

"Chicken Dum Biryani" at Vaishali

Later in the evening decided to visit the most prominent temple complex in  Lonar Town called the "Daitya Sudan Temple".The temple is situated within a small village in Lonar Town and after asking locals for direction finally managed to find my way to the ancient " Daitya Sudan Temple" dedicated to Lord Vishnu and built between  6 to 12 century A.D.

Lottery shops & Country Liquor bar near my lodge.

The carvings on the exterior of the temple partly resemble the Khajuraho temple and it is built in the Hoysala form of architecture. Last on my discovery list of Lonar was to view the Sunset and hence visited the iconic " M.T.D.C" hotel that lies just outside the Lonar Crater boundary and has a excellent view from its terrace restaurant. This is the most luxurious accommodation in Lonar and close to the main gate entrance to the lake sanctuary. They have beautiful cottage style rooms on rent costing Rs 2000/day and worth the money if touring with a family or more than one person.

"ROYAL LEAF" Family Pan Parlour on Nashik road near Darshan hotel.I first mistook the exotic pans kept in the display showcase as cakes also sold in a plush pan shop.Was floored when told by owner/salesman Mr Rahul.Patil(Photo) that this entire shop sold nothing but a variety of pan's.The only time i usually have a pan is during my visits to "Prithvi Theatre" in Mumbai for watching drama.Tasted "Fire Pan" and "Chocolate pan" at this classic one off shop and at Rs 40 each it was cheap and deliscious.After eating the "Fire Pan" got idea's of learning "FIRE EATING".Travel Educates.If visiting Nashik  pay a mandatory visit to "Royal Leaf " family pan parlour.

Saturday(26/2/2022):- A harrowing ride from Lonar to Nashik through some of the World's worst roads as well as a few World class highways. As usual found my way stopping at places and  clarifying the authenticity of route directions.

"Chocolate Pan"for Dessert.Try It

Lunch was " Mutton curry/ Chapatti's at " Saloji Mutton" restaurant in Yewla district and definitely did at least 30 to 40 Kms extra due to missing the shortest route and at approximately 1600 hrs  reached Nashik safely .Visited the holy site of  Ramkund and having also visited Varanasi was saddened at the pollution of the Godavari River.

"Vinayak Damodar Savarkar" flyover landmark

Checked into my lodge and decided to have my first alcoholic drink of " Kingfisher Beer" at plush " Hotel Darshan bar and restaurant" situated just opposite my lodge. After beer walked across the road for a " Chicken Dum Biryani" at " Vaishali Family restaurant", a popular non-vegetarian restaurant in the locality. Today it was a night of solo  food "Hungama (food fest)" after a day of  hectic solo riding. Finally a end to the food excess with a " Chocolate Pan" at " Royal Leaf " family pan parlour. Try this the next time you bike ride,  visit or staying at Nashik. What me worry ?

Attended 0800 hrs Sunday Mass at the "Shrine of Infant Jesus" in Nashik.

Sunday(27/2/2022) :-  Went out into the street at 0600 hrs and crossed the main road across the landmark " Damodar Vinayak" flyover   to visit the only open restaurant for tea.After tea walked across the road back to the guesthouse and packed up my luggage onto the bike  .

Pilgrim house of Shrine of Infant Jesus 

A large posse of young men,two on bikes and the rest in a car belonging to a "N.G.O'  also checked out from "Happy Guest House" on their way back home to Nallasapora in Mumbai. Finally after dressing mounted  my bike and headed straight down  the opposite side towards "Shrine of Infant Jesus Church". Attended the  Sunday Mass at 0800 hrs ,the church now filled with worshippers. Its akin to a miracle that I undertook this long ride venture with a major breakdown at the start of my travel  exploration on Wednesday in Mumbai itself proving that life is so unpredictable.

Last breakfast on the motorcycle ride:- "Missal/Pav"

After 4 near death motorcycle road accidents this ageing rider and his metal horse refuse to quit. The show goes on and hope I am a model for all 60+  age men that life doesn't end after official retirement but is the start of a new career or vocation. Indulge in your passions and hobby's once you have no official work post 60+ age group.at 0915 after mass headed towards the main "Agra-Mumbai" highway asking for directions along the way .

Ahoy ! Start of the 170 Kms non stop  ride to Mumbai from "Jai Gajanan Food Corner" in Nashik.

Was hungry and stopped at the first restaurant on the road leading to the highway and it was a heavy breakfast of "Missal pav" at  "Jai Gajanan Misal" restaurant before the long ride back home to Mumbai. It was a nice smooth ride along the "Agra-Mumbai" highway passing Igatpuri and the Kasara Ghats which had less vehicle traffic .On nearing Mumbai got into a massive traffic jam approaching Thane.Finally thanks to riding a motorcycle managed to squeeze my way out of the traffic  hitting the broad flyover's and Eastern Express Highway. At 1345 hrs was on  Old Prabhadevi road for lunch at home.Breakfast in Nashik and lunch at home in Mumbai. Ahoy !

NOTE :- A big thanks to the local's who guided me in the right direction during my motorcycle ride from Mumbai to Lonar Lake sanctuary and back to Mumbai.All opinions are my own.Researched historical and geographical facts have been sourced through various articles and journals on the Internet.