Walk, Hike, Sail, or Drive – Just Say, ‘Hello Outdoors!’

Walk, Hike, Sail, or Drive – Just Say, ‘Hello Outdoors!’

We know every day in life is a roller coaster. But 2020 was the craziest of them all. It kept most residents across the globe indoors, for the better part of the year. But now we are in 2021. While the world may not have opened up the way we knew it, deprivation of 2020 is tempting all to take those baby steps that authorities now allow. 

This post is to provide exhilarating, yet accessible ideas for Mumbaikars and Pune-ites to get outdoors. And the mix of these ideas is such that you will find at least a couple of them that hold appeal for you. So, read on, and say, ‘Hello Outdoors!’

Vasai Fort

The northernmost Portuguese fortification, the Vasai Fort, was first built and occupied by Yadavas, but later built upon by the Portuguese. This settlement was the precursor to Mumbai. The megapolis came about later as an outgrowth of Vasai.

Owing to the construction style of the 16th and 17th centuries, most structures had wooden ceilings. As a result, the elements have devoured those wooden shelters, and what remains are moss-covered splendid facades, ramparts, and columns that tell a silent story of the Portuguese era. Spread over a large area, the fort comprises ruins of churches, captain’s house, garrison barracks, the fort gates, the bulwark around the freshwater reservoirs, and more. 

Most readers will remember the lilting ‘Kambakht Ishq’ song (Pyar Tune Kya Kiya) filmed on the 90s heartthrob Urmila Matondkar. Head over and discover the origin of Mumbai. And while at it, find out for yourself why Goa is an overrated destination! Vasai is your own neighbourhood Goa!

Lonavala

This tiny ghats town has always held a special place in Mumbaikars’ hearts. It is time you revisit this gem. In the new normal today, the traffic chaos in the town is much lesser than earlier. And the multiple viewpoints offering superlative sunrise and sunset paintings by gods abound. 

And then, there is Lonavala Lake, Bhushi Dam, and its neighbourhood flea market! While Bollywood has shot many movies here, the dam is most remembered for the all-time classic Bollywood ditty ‘Jo Haal Dil Ka’ filmed on Amir Khan and Raveena Tandon from the movie ‘Sarfarosh’. So, travellers, get out there before the entire Mumbai makes a beeline for Lonavala. And while there, buy some famous Lonavala Chikki!

Sinhagad Fort

Just 33 km from Pune, the ruins of Sinhagad Fort (earlier called Kondana or Kondhana) hold attraction both for the adventurous outdoorsy types, and for the couples in love. While Ajay Devgn-Saif Ali Khan starrer ‘Tanhaji’ brings this historic fort’s glory alive through computer graphics, all you get to see today are remains of the walls, a tiny temple, and a couple of gates. 

So, why does it hold an attraction for anyone? For hikers and climbers, the fort provides a climb of almost 2000 ft in a short 2.7-km. trek! And every turn during the climb offers a stunning vista of the undulating landscape. Even from the top, there is no shortage of breathtaking views of nature all around. Before summers hit us in the right earnest, just step out and take in nature’s splendour on offer at Sinhagad!

Get Outdoors. Charter a sailboat!

Raise your hand if a boat ride does not excite you. I am sure I won’t see many hands. There may be a few of you who have an exaggerated fear of seasickness. But to them I’ll say try chartering a sailboat from the Gateway of India jetty, settle into the comfort of a yacht, hold the tiller in one hand to cut through the clutter of sailboats, and wrap the fingers of your other hand around a can of beer, and just chill. Unless you love the rough and tumble and choose to head out to high seas, the sailboat ride around the Gateway is almost a walk in the park.

There are many agencies that charter out the sailboats. The typical rentals for a three-hour slot start at Rs.3,000, but can go up to a couple of lacs. That is, if you are a large group seeking luxury. This outdoor experience is both fun and filled with nostalgia as it will remind you of many movies that introduced Mumbai through a shot filmed off the Gateway, showing the landmark, the old and the new Taj, and the Yacht Club. If you have not taken a spin in the sea in a yacht earlier, it is a great time to do so now, before the queues stretch!

Get Outdoors to Alibag and around

Here’s an option that holds interest for a large cross section of humanity. Nature lovers, adrenaline junkies, heritage hunters, hikers, the just-chill gang, water babies, Alibag has an offer for each of you. From the Mandwa jetty, to Kihim Beach to Kolaba Sea Fortress on Alibag beach, Revdanda and Korlai forts on the two banks of Kundalini River, the popular heartthrob Kashid Beach, or the island fortress of Murud Janjira – take your pick!

The typical Konkan terrain and vegetation dotted with ponds and lakes gladden the hearts of the ecofreaks. A long, yet varied, coastline accords a perfect stage for water activities and sports. Shacks on the beach for a relaxed day, inviting ghats criss-crossing through the region for exploring, and to top it all, more than a sprinkling of heritage and history spanning the valour of Marathas, and the guile and glory of the Portuguese.

Even the way you get to Alibag is a vast and varied menu of choices. Just drive straight from Mumbai to Alibag in 3-hours? Or drive from home on to a RORO service to ride off at Alibag? Take a backpacker’s ferry for just Rs.135? Choose from the luxury of an air-conditioned ferry, or a slither over the sea in a speedboat?

I took the air-conditioned ferry and came back on a speedboat as I wanted to do a quick spin to shoot some scenic Alibag vistas. I chose to travel light carrying just a Wildcraft backpack that had my camera gear and some snacks. And I must say it was the right choice for this trip.  You can’t go wrong with Wildcraft backpacks or other outdoor stuff! So, make your choice of travel gear and mode of travel, and get to Alibag. It is coming alive all over again. Go, before the gentle bustle becomes a throng!

Ready to say ‘Hello, Outdoors?’ Pin your own favoured choice!

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