Hidden gem near Mumbai

Lazy arse Saturday's are rare occurrence for me, and this Saturday was turning out to be one. Had watched back to back movies on Friday (eventful day) and that lead to an unusual sleep pattern on Saturday ☺️

I am an early to rise person and owing to my exploits the previous day, I ended up waking up at 10:00 in the morning. Mom was kind enough to give me a late breakfast which I relished upon, post which I slept again 😬

With nothing to do and time to kill, I did watch the usual "Crime Patrol" on television and killed my time. As someone from the building called me, I did noticed the sky and immediately the photographer snoozed to active mode from long hibernate of almost two days. I could have gone to my usual spot to click sunset pictures, but decided to explore a new place and found this hidden gem tucked so close to the city and still within nature's lap.

Not many people know about the place and the signboard which should ideally notify oncoming traffic about the place is in shambles.

The location is a hike of approximately 35 minutes and is very close to Panvel city. Easy but steep hike on a tar road takes you to the hilltop. View from below when you start the hike itself inspires you to complete the course.

There is a local eatery beside the JNPT road which is for quick bite, but mostly frequented by truckers. You can park your vehicle at the starting point of the hike or if you are an experienced driver / rider you can take your vehicle right up the hilltop. Mind you the drive / rider is also worth the efforts

As you go up you start to realize how peaceful the hike is and how much you feel connected to nature.

The road leads up (it's a strap climb) through greenery on both sides and the more gou go up, better the view. The road is narrow and hence one has to drive / ride carefully and make sure horns are honked on blind turns

In rains you can see a waterfall as well. The first stop you will get is a Lord Shiva temple which is managed by the local panchayat. There is enough parking available here.

Once the temple visit was over with, I continued ahead (drive / ride) a further ahead, will lead you though hill road which is not laid till a majisd. There is lot of open space here and one can walk till the edge of the hill and get breathtaking views.

You can see Belapur on extreme left, Kharghar in centre and Panvel on the right. The newly laid JNPT road is also visible. In future one could see international flights taking off and landing on the newly built airport

There is nothing one can get at the hillock and I would strongly suggest people to carry water and something to munch on. You can Easily spend quality time with your family and friends. Even solo traveler like me this hike makes sense.

Adding pictures to help you understand the place. Trip cost less for me since its very close to my place. But for people staying in Mumbai, Thane, Panvel the only cost I feel would be incurred is toll, fuel and quick bites. Should not be hard on pockets.

Please keep the hillock clean and make sure you take your litter with you and dispose off at the right place.