Australia Travelogue - Day 7, Day 8 & Day 9

Day 7 - Marathi Traditional Way of Haldi

We were back from Canberra late night and the next day was a off for any travel or activity. We had a small family function planned which was the traditional Haldi making ceremony.

So in our traditional way we set-up the night with some songs singing and creating memories for life atleast for us and the couple who was getting married.

The entire family had come together, we further had families come in from Melbourne, they had driven all the way. The travel is around 900 kms but they were all cheers even after the long journey. When you have immigrated from India, the extended and the Indian families with whom you make friends with remain your life-long friends for ever.

Finally some portion of the haldi (turmeric) was ready which was to be used a couple of days later. We then began taking Ukhanaas. Ukhana is a way of telling a riddle of your partner with a twist at the end. Usually a Ukhana is not more than a few lines and is funny and unique most of the times.

Bride was enjoying the entire attention and the fulfilled activities. I was able to record a few Ukhanas. Well this one is taken by me hence uploading the same.

It was a long night and everyone after the program were fast asleep as we had a travel day the next day. We were to visit the Blue Mountains and the Jenolan Caves. These scenic places were far away from Sydney and from each other as well and we had to make a run for them

Day 8 - Blue Mountains and Jenolan Caves

The journey to Blue Mountain via the Great Western and A32 highway was awesome and fun filled. Mamaji's friend had volunteered to drive us to Blue Mountain and Jenolan Caves as we had booked a 14 seater. Not all from the extended family came along. The ones who were here on their first trip went on this journey.

We started our day at 5am in the morning. As this is a tourist and scenic destination, we also have a lot of people visit from various countries and that too in large numbers. It is important for everyone to be on schedule. We reached Blue Mountains at around 6.15am in the morning. The Blue Mountains National Park is located in a town called Katoomba. The name of the town is aboriginal in nature. We quickly parked the car and were off to the lookout.

Blue Mountains

The view from the lookout is mesmerizing. The mountain structures that you see first is known as the Three Sisters. This too has a aboriginal meaning as the aboriginals were the first people of the land.

The castle at a distance from the 3 Sisters. Usually this is also considered a trekkers trail where people travel from the 3 Sisters into the wild. The Blue Mountains are also called so because of the abundance of trees, especially Eucalyptus trees and when the sunlight reflects, it creates a Blue hue across the region.

The rock structure too is very different. In India where I stay, the rock formation is mostly Igneous rock, but in Australia the formation is very interesting. This is evident in some of the views across Blue Mountain Ranges.

Post viewing some of the scenic lookouts we were off to the cable cart ride, this takes you from one end of the Blue mountains and back and you can hop on to any that goes to and fro. You can also walk from between the 2 sides of the cable cart but the endurance needed is more than the effort needed by the cable cart.

The cable cart with the breath taking view of the nature all around

View of the cable cart in the middle of the mountains

A similar scene showcased in Avatar movie where the team goes to the floating mountains and this is what they see there.

Birds flying across the Blue Mountains

The Upper Wentworth Falls  at the Blue Mountains

Post enjoying the cable cart view we were in for a surprise as well further. When the blue mountains were explored and further were mined for minerals, there was a coal mine train tracks which were used to ferry the minerals out of the mines. Since mining has stopped, the rail lines are used as adventure attraction for the tourist. It takes the tourist around 600 meters below the mountains at a angle of 53 degrees incline. The rush is awesome way to experience what the miners would have experienced on a daily basis. 

That was all about the Scenic Blue Mountains, time was short and we had to yet to travel to Jenolan Caves. Off we went to our car and drove off.

Jenolan Caves

We started for the Jenolan Caves at 3.30pm and reached the caves at 5pm, the Jenolan Caves usually closes at 4.30pm when the guide takes the last tour to close everything by 5.30pm. We requested the tour guide to take them with us and we would pay the fee once the tour is over to which they agreed considering that we had come a long way and had a rough ride on the way to Jenolan Caves. The tour guide was sweet enough to allow us through the experience.

Caves with their names

The road that goes through the mountains in Jenolan Cave

The rock structure at the entrance of the tour

Before we entered the caves

The caves are a prime example of preservation of stalactites and stalagmites that have been formed naturally over a long period of years. The caves are made of minerals like sand, lava, mud, peat, pitch amberat and sinter etc. Entering the cave reminded me of the movie "Sanctum". It was difficult to fin you if you were to be lost in the trails of the caves.

And with that we ended the Jenolan Cave tour. We some how made it and our request to consider paved way. We were to return to Glenfield from there as the next day was power packed again with Haldi celebration planned for the next day. On our way back we saw a few Kangaroos on the way which made the memory of this day even more sweeter.

Day 9 - The Mehndi Day

It was Mehndi time and the preparations had began, we were all running around as we woke up late due to the previous day chaos of travel as well as we had to set-up a few decorative lights for the Mehndi celebration. We helped Mamaji set-up the backyard. 

The House during the night

The Digital Lights

The Set-up for Mehndi

Bride getting the Mehndi Done

The Barati's helping around - Mom, Maasi, Sister & Daadi

Groom, father-in-laws going through the seating arrangements for wedding day

Intrinsic Detailing on the seating arrangements

Getting fed by Mom the bride

Enjoying the traditional Indian Vada

The Couple

Getting Fed by Papa

From morning to early evening we were all getting ready for the guests who were to come visit and be part of the Mehndi celebrations.

That's all folks for the Day 7-8-9 which were filled with travel as well as family celebration. Until next blog ciao.

Sandhan Valley -The Grand Canyon of the East - Ek Bhatkanti

A Scene from Sandhan Valley

"I have a holiday on Saturday 24th November, lets plan an outing" I was delighted at this statement made my wife. After a long time, we both had some free-time over the weekend. I asked her if she would be interested to do a trek. She replied, if it involves lot of climbing, then I am not interested. I replied with the Sandhan Valley answer and voila, she was ready. It would be my fourth trip to Sandhan as I had done this prior with my trek buddies. She had heard and also seen some of my previous clicks of this trek and wanted to visit.

The Plan

We planned to travel to Sandhan on the weekend of 24th-25th November. It was a week just after the Diwali holidays and considering the travel route, we expected less crowd. I had a contact in Sandhan Valley which was made over my previous visits. The contact made arrangements for a two person tent near his house. We were to spend our entire day at Sandhan Valley and then travel to Nashik. The plan on 25th was to visit Sneha's friend roam around Nashik and then travel back to Pune. The total distance for these two days was close to six hundred kilometers with me being the only one to drive. We traveled in our dependable and ever ready for adventure vehicle Maruti Suzuki Ritz. Backpacks were packed, locked and loaded and vroom...we drove towards Nashik starting on Friday 23rd Novemeber around 8 pm.

The Night Drive and Tent Stay

We were to reach Sandhan late night. For dinner we halted near Hotel Purohit just after Rajgurunagar and then drove non-stop towards Sandan Valley. We drove via the Sangamner-Akole-Nimbral-Rajur-Bhandhardhara-Ratanwadi route, towards Sandhan. There is another route option which is via Ozar-Ottur-Bramhanwada-Kotul-Rajur, this saves around sixty kilometer. If you are going with a large group and are traveling via a bus, traveler etc. You can choose the second route, if you are traveling via private vehicle, then the NH60 is a better option till Sangamner. Post that one can take SH44 and SH21 route. 

The drive was very lonely indeed, less traffic and less vehicles all the way. At certain sections on the SH44 you wont have any vehicle coming from opposite direction. Its a drivers road, the ones that love late night drive will love this route. We reached the Bandhardhara pass at 1 am in the night. Near this pass lies Lake Arthur or also known as the Bhandhardhara Dam Reservoir. A lot of small lakeside camps have sprung up in this area. There is a entry fee for using the Bhandhardhara reserve road, but we missed this as we traveled at night.

Break for me at Arthur Lake

Earlier when I had traveled the Bhandhardhara-Ratanwadi road towards Sandhan, it was a very good road to drive, but this time round I was disappointed. The road was filled with crater size potholes. The drive from Bhandhardhara to Sadhan is not more than 35 kms, but the drive made it look like its 60 kms. I spent two hours driving in the potholes. The terrain is hilly and narrow and even though I was an experienced driver found it difficult and frustrating. Sneha was my co-driver like the rally drivers, but she was tired and slept. I had to drive alone with the radio music. You will not have any telephone range between Bhandhardhara and Sandhan as its a Sanctuary. So please download the map before hand to avoid route issues later. We reached the base village of Sandhan Valley which is Samrad at 2.30 am. The place we were put up was two kilometers ahead of Samrad.

The two person tent in which we were put up

Seeing the size of the tent, Sneha was apprehensive whether we both, large souls would fit in it. We did fit into the tent perfectly with room to spare. Sneha was fast asleep, so before me calling it nights, clicked a few pics.

Me in the tent

Funny me

Morning at Sandhan

Woke up at 8 am a little early for a late night drive. Sneha was tired and wanted to take some more rest. In the meanwhile I started clicking pics of the beautiful surroundings. Since we were the only couple, our village contact Namdeo had accommodated us in his old home.

Neatly arranged kitchen

For the door that matter - Imagine this being a toilet door :D

The Surya Resha like the Laxman Resha

The view behind the house was that of Alang-Madan-Kulang and Bhandardhara Dam.

Alang-Madan-Kulang in the background

We asked Namdeo to help use with some breakfast of Pohe and Tea and after freshening up we made our way to the base village Samrad.

Sandhan all the way

On the way we could see the mighty Rantangad.

Ratangad at a distance

Samrad was once a very sleepy not so disturbed village. Four years ago when I had made the trip for the first time, the villagers had a look at us as aliens from the towns, but now the place was buzzing with people. We parked our car and headed straight to the Sadhan Valley entrance.

Selfie before we begin the Sandhan Trek

The route leading into Sandhan Valley is marked and you can easily find this.

Ratangad from Sandhan Trail

As you walk ahead you come across a small jungle trail at the end of which is the Sandhan Valley.

At the Jungle Trail leading to Sandhan Valley

Steadily we came near the opening of the valley which is small at first but then shares its surprise.

Stream of natural water, the real mineral water

You come across a sudden drop to the narrow stream of water and witness the huge bolder lined-up one after the other.

Bolder as the way !!!

The first part of Sandhan is easy as you make your way through a lot of bolders. They are unending. You need to have good shoes that can survive. Also one thing that we should be aware off is not to jump at such locations, because if you injure yourself, there is no easy way out and medical help is not near.

Bolders and their size. The way is between them

The Water Passes

After the first drop, there are three water passes that you have to go through. The first two are easy and the water level thankfully is manageable, but the third water pass is deep and the water is chest high.

Sneha making her way through the first water pass - Water is deep in places but passable

At the second water pass you need to take off your shoes, the water is knee deep. If you are fine with wet shoes, then just walk into the water. Always remember that wet shoes take time to grip on rocks and they are slippery, so thread carefully if your shoes get wet.

Sneha at the second water pass

As you move ahead, the valley slowly opens up and narrows down, you keep dropping deeper from the place you started. The bolders get bigger and bigger.

The drop and the now narrower and tighter route

You need to remember one thing when you are in Sandhan Valley, there is no place to take a bio break, so if you need to go, go in the before you begin the trek.

Me and Sneha at one of the many drop

The narrower pass and also the place for the third water pass

At the third water pass

The third water pass is about fifty meters long with water reaching chest high.

Some other groups making their way

One has to carry all his belonging in a backpack and carry it over ones head. Remember that you are going to get wet two times. Your clothes dry off by the time you make it to the end of the Valley.

Me making my way across the third water pass

The long walk into the Valley of Shadows

After crossing the water pass, you come across a long walk-way. At this point you are in the absolute middle of two mountains which are now running parallel to each other.

The walkway and the two mountains running parallely

The view of Valley of Shadows

The walk is peaceful and the sunlight plays the game of hide and seek which is mesmerizing to witness. At one point of the walk, the valley is at its narrowest. The sun rays coming through it are a view to be seen. This walk-way and route is a paradise for photographers.

The game of shadows

The narrowest place in Sandhan Valley

View when you are going through the narrowest section

There are unending bolders all the way.

The view of the Bolders

We take very few selfies, but this was one location where we took a selfie :)

Selfie with Wife

After a walk of about 30 mins, the valley opens up completely and there is drop of more than thousand feet at the end. One can walk down this valley. There are three rappelling points further which need expertise. 

The open view of Sadhan Valley

When you look beyond this point, you get to see bolders of the size of a small goods carrier vehicle :) We decided to take rest at this point and munched on our snacks. We had carried dry fruits, groundnut chikki (bar) and some fresh fruits.

Selfie time

The view of the Valley one last time before we return

During the monsoons, this place is unreachable. There are large water rapids  and eventually form long waterfalls. After spending three hours within the valley we returned to the base village.

The water pass video

The end of our trek

After returning to the base village, we had a simple yet delicious lunch, freshened up and moved on to Nashik.

Our Delicious Lunch - Homemade

We traveled via the Igatpuri-Goti road towards Nashik. We had plans to visit Sita Guha (Sita Caves), Pandav Leni (Pandav Caves) the next day and enjoy some local Nashik cuisine and return with souvenirs and we did that.

The Nashik Misal a local fast food cuisine

It was a very satisfying trek of sorts. I wont be returning soon to this place now. The memories and the moments will remain with me forever. Travel whenever you have time and invest in journeys which will remain with you. Yes click pictures, but i would recommend you enjoy the moment of being there, because in the noise of our social media lives we have forgotten that :)

Hope you enjoyed the trek and the images. Please leave your comments and feedback. Ciao

Some points to remember:

1) Do not litter Sandhan Valley with your snacks packets and water bottles. Nature has not asked for them. Please take them back and dispose correctly.

2) Wear easy going clothes that can take the stress and strain of stretching.

3) Please carry enough water to drink and some fresh snacks as you do have anything available in between the valley walk.

4) Rappelling is a available in the base village, if one is interested.

5) Carry good water-proof backpacks, first-aid kit and extra waterproof gears, extra clothes, good sun caps and goggles etc.

6) Take selfies and photos carefully. Watch-out for minor rocks falling from the top of the valley, hence walk in the center.

7) Do not drink and avoid smoking at such locations.

8) Carry some old clothes, utensils and things that you do not use, the villagers may make some good use of it.

Contact in Sandhan

Name: Namdeo Bhande

Contact: +919689579281 (Preferable way to contact is phone call or SMS as there is communication range issue. Also let him know you got the contact from me)

Can help with: Accommodation for groups, couples etc, Rappelling activities, trek guide.