Panvel to Goa by NH 17 and NH4

• • Goa, Maharashtra, North Goa, Pune, Raigad, Satara, Sindhudurg • Tags: , , , , , , , , ,
Palaspe Phata, Mumbai Pune Highway, Panvel (Raigad, Maharashtra, India)

I selected to drive the Royal Enfield Thunderbird Twinspark motorbike through the National Highway. Kalambali Chowk is almost the starting point of the Mumbai – Pune Expressway. The expressway runs above the Chowk.

As I was driving from Mumbai I turned the motorbike left-hand side below the Mumbai – Pune Expressway towards Kalambali Chowk.

Kalambali chowk > Palaspa Fata, Panvel (7 km)

At Palaspa Fata, Panvel, there are two options:

  1. National Highway 17 (Mumbai – Goa Highway)
  2. National Highway 4 (Mumbai – Bangalore Highway via Pune city)
  • Palaspa Phata, Panvel to Goa via NH 17 Distance by Road and Driving Directions

Palaspa Phata, Panvel to Goa via National Highway 17 is 495.5 km approx.

Palaspa Phata > Karnala bird sanctuary (16.5 km)

Karnala bird sanctuary > Shri Parshuram Temple (199 km)

Shri Parshuram temple > Sangameshwar (60 km)

Sangameshwar > Lanja (61 km)

Lanja > Kankavli (88 km)

Kankavli > Banda (66.5 km)

Banda > Maharashtra – Goa border (4.5 km)

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

  • Palaspa Phata, Panvel to Goa via NH4 Distance by Road and Driving Directions

Palaspa Phata, Panvel to Goa via NH4 is 540.6 km approx.

20 km smooth drive, a board indicating Matheran – Hill Station turn left. Maybe someday. Continue driving straight…

Palaspa Fata, Panvel > Khopoli (34 km)

Khopoli > Shingroba Mandir (6 km)

Shingroba Mandir > Mumbai – Pune Expressway (2 km)

Mumbai – Pune Expressway > Lonavala city turn left (5.5 km)

Bikers had a few km of driving experience at Expressway but only a few km. Traffic police post after a few km direct you to turn motorbike towards Lonavala city. Bikers are not allowed at Expressway further.

13.5 km drive (via Lonavala city) left-hand side road towards Karla Caves. I remember I visited with my mother. Continue driving straight…

Lonavala city left turn > Somati Phata (38.5 km)
A huge Ganpati statue on top of the hill.

Somati Phata > Nabard building, Pune turn right (28.5 km)

Nabarad building is on the right-hand side.

Nabard building right turn > Swargate chowk (4 km)

Turn right, cross the bridge, 2nd traffic red light – turn left.

Cross Swargate chowk (roundabout). Drive straight towards Satara.

Swargate chowk > National Highway 4 (13.5 km)
I am driving through Katraj Ghat i.e., Katraj valley. Once again meeting National Highway 4.

National Highway 4 >  Satara College Of Engineering & Management, Limb(83 km)

10 km drive another board indicating a right turn towards Mahabaleshwar – Hill Station. Continue driving straight…

Satara College Of Engineering & Management, Limb > Satara (14 km)

Satara > Siye Phata turn right (112 km)
Siye Phata is below the bridge very close to the Lokmat Newspaper office (right side of the Highway). Few more km further if driving will reach Kolhapur for sure.

Siye Phata right turn > Vading chowk turn left (11.5)
11.5 km is a beautiful village route. Road condition Ok. It is the shortest route as guided by a villager.

Vading chowk left turn > Vading Phata turn left (3 km)

Vading Phata left turn > Shivaji pul turn right (.5 km)

Cross the bridge. Take the right turn from the chowk.

Shivaji pul right turn > Gangawish chowk turn right (1.3 km)
We are passing through Kolhapur city-area

Gangawish chowk right turn > Rankalavesha chowk turn right (.3 km)

Rankalavesha chowk right turn > Gaganpawda turn left (56 km)
I am driving through a silent road, with less traffic, a mini jungle, and in the end, clouds. Visibility is very less. Rainy season.

Gaganpawda ghat is a hilly green valley connecting National Highway 4 with National Highway 17 or one can say one of the road routes connecting Mumbai – Kolhapur – Goa.

It was a rainy season, I was driving a solo Royal Enfield Thunderbird Twinsprak motorbike passing through clouds downwards towards National Highway 17. The route was almost empty, and the clouds thunder a little scary, but the drive was scenic. In a few places, due to dense clouds, and fog it was impossible to see further than 10 meters. I guess after the rainy season it is one of the best to drive, though I enjoyed it during the rainy season.

Gaganpawda left turn > Vaibhav Vadi chowk right turn (19 km)

Vaibhav Vadi Chowk right turn > Talere turn left (14.5)
Talere left turn is National Highway 17 (Mumbai – Goa).

Talere left turn > Kankavli (23 km)

Kankavli > Savantwadi (53 km)

Savantwadi > Goa border (17.5)

Note: Shri Datta Snacks Corner and Shri Dattaguru Snacks at Palaspe Phata, Panvel are famous for mouth-watering snacks.

Goa to Mumbai Driving Directions via NH17

• • Goa, Maharashtra, Mumbai, North Goa, Raigad, Ratnagiri, Sindhudurg, South Goa • Tags: , , , , , , , ,

Goa to Mumbai via National Highway 17 distance is 522 km approx.

Madgaon > Panjim(31 km)

Panjim > Goa-Maharashtra border (43 km)

Panjim to Pernem Railway Station (right side of NH 17) – 27 km. Continue driving straight…

Goa-Maharashtra border > Sawantwadi (14 km)

Sawantwadi > Sindhudurg (33 km)

Sindhudurg > Kankavli (22 km)

Kankavli > Lanja (89 km)

Lanja > Hatkhamba (29.5 km)

Hatkhamba > Sangameshwar (31.5 km)

Hatkhamba to left side of NH 17 road towards Ganpatipule (tourist place) – 5.5 km. Continue driving straight…

Sangameshwar > Chiplun (47 km)

(Note: Mapusa, Goa > Chiplun – 300 km)

(Hotel Abhishek is one of Chiplun’s famous hotels/restaurants. I stop for Lunch)

Chiplun > Poladpur (76 km)

Poladpur > Vadkhal (112 km)

Vadkhal > Panvel (33 km)

Panvel > Mumbai (35 km)

Shree Saptakoteshwar Temple (Narve) – One of the Six Temples of Lord Shiva in the Konkan Region

• • Goa, North Goa • Tags:
Shree Saptakoteshwar Temple, Narve (Bicholim, Goa, India)

Shree Saptakoteshwar Temple (Narve) is in Bicholim taluka of North Goa.

Since weeks wish was to visit it though it is far by road and thought within – maybe the shortest route possible. I inquired at a restaurant close to Gandhi Circle, Old Goa, and, finally, on the way towards the Mandovi River (Viceroy’s Arch – landmark) to catch the ferry.

Gandhi Circle, Old Goa > Old Goa Ferry Terminal (.5 km)

Ferry ready – I along with motorbike crossing. Beautiful it is.

(Ferrys are free within Goa – truck/motorbike/car and to carry people)

5/7 minutes journey

The first time in life within an island – WoW – said I. Few seconds/minutes for self-talk and to believe and towards the Narve jetty which is on the other side of Divar island.

The motorbike – The start – The wide green fields and I riding in-between.

2 km ride and a shop. Narve jetty?

Right-turn – go straight – follow the road – said the shopkeeper.

Ok – (thumbs-up).

Lions Club of Divar, the Bus-stop – A landmark (500 meters of drive) and straight drive again.

Finally, after 5.5 km of total driving within almost no man-visible land/old Portuguese home, I was at Narve jetty.

The ferry was on the way – I have to wait. Few head-turns to watch the beauty around…fantastic.

Mandovi river again. 5-7 minutes journey and I at Narve. A small shop was present and The query: Saptakoteshwar temple?

Follow the road – follow the display board.

Thank you – The drive continues…

4 km drive (Archeological display-board displaying direction) and Shri Saptakoteshwar temple – Lord Shiva temple. The motorbike parked and I walked towards the temple. Golden silence exists. For a few minutes had talks with God – immense peace within. After weeks of wish to visit finally fulfilled. They say: God’s wish and We visit. Prayers!!!

On the way back. Crossing Mandovi river from Narve- riding within the Divar island and Divar jetty and Old Goa again.

If you are within Goa or have plans to visit you should follow this shortest scenic route. While returning from Divar island I can watch Old Goa churches. Beautiful to watch. Divar island itself is very memorable for a drive.

Note: The shortest route to reach the temple is if a person is having a vehicle.

Jake The Snake Boat Trips – Watch Crocodiles in Natural Habitat

• • Goa, North Goa • Tags:
Jake The Snake Boat Trips, Cross Farm, St Estevam Village (Tiswadi, Goa, India)

During the Goa tour, I read somewhere a brochure talking about Jake The Snake Boat Trips, Backwater Crocodile Dundee, and I riding solo Royal Enfield Thunderbird Twinspark to find out the location – Cumbarjua village somewhere near Old Goa – not sure but the only location to watch crocodiles and the ride continues…

Landmark: Karmali Railway station if coming from NH 17

Karmali Railway station > Gandhi Circle, Old Goa (2 km)

(A right-turn from Gandhi Circle, Old Goa towards National Highway 4A. Cross a Bridge and a left turn towards Cumbarjua village – I was guided by a local)

Gandhi Circle > Bridge (4.5 km)

Bridge > left-turn(.5 km)

left-turn > Cumbarjua village (5.5 km)

Cumbarjua canal flowing and I was on top of a bridge. There were no signs of any crocodile watching or location to hire boats. I decided to ask a carpenter working in his shop close to the canal.

St. Estevam village – The correct location – said He. Take a U-turn drive to Tonca and ask for St. Estevam village.

Ok – said I and the ride continues…

Cumbarjua village > Tonca turn left (3.5 km)

Tonca turn left > St. Estevam village (1 km)

And query about Crocodile watching, Cumbarjua canal. I riding again.

2.5 km journey passing through St. Estevam church (right-side) I again stopped to know about the ferry and luckily I was welcomed by a person conducting/organizing boat trips for watching crocodiles and his name is – Jake. I was welcome within his home. Jake’s home is very close to St. Estevam Ferry Jetty. Upon query, Jake shared information about boat trips and about the area.

The path I followed to visit St. Estevam village was 15 plus km but the shortest route is from Gandhi Circle, Old Goa only 3.5 km approx. – said, Jake.

Really??? – said I and we went to watch the shortest distance. During the walk, he narrated answers as per queries.

Cambarjua canal starts from the Mandovi River and reaches the Zuari River finally merging into the Arabian Sea. Daujee ferry – The correct location (3.5 km from Gandhi Circle, Old Goa) one has to ask once within Old Goa. Once you are at Daujee ferry you can see this location i.e., St. Estevam ferry where we are standing currently.

And you said you organize trips too?

Yes – said He. For the last 25 years since my father’s days and then for the last 12 years I – Jake organizing boat trips (Government approved) to watch crocodiles in their natural habitat within the Cumbarjua canal. Crocodiles in these areas are known as saltwater crocodiles/marsh crocodiles. Two wooden boats having a capacity of 40 passengers each equipped with all safety equipment along with a western toilet start at 9:30 morning hours for 2-3 hours depending upon the visibility of crocodiles. The guest should reach by 9:00 morning at the Daujee ferry location. Only one trip is organized in a day but Yes, if 15-20 more guests are present another trip can be arranged. Snacks/Drinks are provided as refreshments during the tour and narration during the tour is given by Jake himself. It is always good to talk one day in advance via mobile phone or personal visit especially if you touring Old Goa.

How many crocodiles one can watch in a day’s trip? – I question.

It depends. 10 years back I saw 38 crocodiles in a single day. Watching crocodiles is a guarantee – said Jake.

Not only crocodiles one can also watch different types of birds such as Heron, Grey Heron, Purple Heron, Egret, Little Egret, Great Egret, Sandpiper, Kingfisher, etc., etc.

And a brochure describing his job.

Rs. 1200 per person for the trip but if you want a special trip then Rs. 15,000 – The cost.

Thank you – said I.

Tour will start only from 21/22 October 2010 and continue till the end of April.

Ok. I will visit for sure.

Welcome – said He.

And he showed his land full of backwaters.

Jake – How do you decide where your lands end?

And we both had a laugh.

It was time to cross the Cambarjua canal. Ferry was on the other side. After a few minutes, it was within our side i.e., St. Estevam village. Thank you Jake for saving the next long ride.

5-7 minutes journey and I am on the other side i.e., Daujee, Old Goa.

Daujee ferry, Old Goa > Gandhi Circle, Old Goa (3.5 km)

Shortest very shortest isn’t it? Thanks to Jake for the guidance.

Will visit again for sure once the tour starts – said I.

In short: There are two routes to reach the Daujee ferry or St. Estevam ferry but the shortest route:

Reach Gandhi Circle, Old Goa, and ask for the Daujee ferry – That’s it. Cross via a jetty to reach St. Estevam village where Jake lives.

St. Estevam village is in Tiswadi taluka of North Goa district.

Mobile (Jake) : 0 – 9822 15 9344 Phone: 0832-2399463

Shri Vijayadurga Temple (Keri) – Built in 1560

• • Goa, North Goa • Tags:
Shri Vijayadurga Temple, Keri (Ponda, Goa, India)

Shri Vijayadurga Temple is at Keri village in Ponda taluka of North Goa district.

If coming via Ponda town turn left once you reach Haveli Chowk, Belgaum National Highway 4A.

Landmark: a) Arya Cashew Products Pvt. Ltd., Appevel village is 3.5 km from Haveli Chowk. b) Hanuman mandir is 4.5 km from Arya Cashew Products Pvt. Ltd. and c) Shree Vijaydurga temple is one km from Hanuman mandir. At Hanuman mandir, if you turn right you can visit Shree Ananta Temple – 4 km. Keri village I find one of the best in Goa. Immense silence and scenic. One should visit.

A Visit to Cashew Nut Processing Plant (Arya Cashew Products Pvt. Ltd.) in Goa

• • Goa, North Goa • Tags:
Arya Cashew Products Pvt. Ltd., Appevel Village, Sarvorvare Road, Ponda, Goa

Arya Cashew Products Pvt. Ltd. – a sister concern of Sahakari Spice Farm read somewhere – places to visit within Goa and, finally, on the way for a visit to know more about the product tasted since childhood and favorite.

A.M. Sahakari – Managing Director was present. Within minutes, Dina Bandekar was present too. He – The Guide and was requested to show the factory, the process of cashew nut. And we were on the way.

Dina Bandekar has 30 years of experience within the cashew nut industry as narrated during talks while proceeding toward the factory. March/April/May – The season – said He.

And in-short the major steps below as narrated by him while showing the processing area:

  • The raw nut is purchased from the market at the rate of Rs. 60 approx. per kg. Most purchases are done locally as the cashew crop is one of the major ones. Other than Sindhudurgh (Maharashtra) is another source, and Yes, Sahakari are having their own crop.
  • For 2 days raw cashew is kept under sun rays. If not, it will be of no use.
  • The boiling plant is within the factory having a storage capacity of 320 kg. 4 bags consisting of 80 kg cashew are added inside. Fire is present that converts water into steam to reach the product. 40 minutes of boiling process and cashew is take-out and again one day to get it cool as during boiling it is hot.
  •  Manual machines are handled by ladies. Now cashews are there to be broken for cashew nuts to be taken out.

(The outer hard shell is taken by paint manufacturers as it is used to make wooden paint)

  • Drying chambers are within the factory. There is one brownish outer layer present on top of the cashew nut. Nuts are now placed within drying chambers for 8 hours
  • Once all this is done peeling process starts. As cashew nut is having brownish outer layer removed manually, which is called polishing, which turns cashew nut into the white color product.

(This outer brownish layer kept aside is used by boot polish manufacturers)

  • Once all the above process is done Cashew nut is almost ready but is in different sizes. Manual sorting is done. There are a few broken ones too during the process which are used by ice-cream makers.

And thus the whole process is complete. Cashew nut i.e., Kaju is ready for sale. The whole process started with Rs. 60 per kg is now between 320-600 per kg depending upon the quality of the cashew nut. The process seems to be an easy one but is not that easy because most of the job is done manually.

The factory operates for 10 months only. January-February it is closed as there is no work during those months but Yes, half salary is provided to the workers. Currently, 80 employees work for the plant, and out of 80, 75 are females. Only 5 men.

The reason?

Females are better at work associated with sitting in one place – said the MD.

Since 2004 this factory was owned by the Sahakari brothers. Any tourist is welcome to watch the process of cashew without any charges.

But Yes, I with a smile gave a small donation to Dina Bandekar.

Arya Cashew Nuts is approx. 3.5 km from Haveli Chowk, Belgaum National Highway 4A. Turn left (if coming via Ponda town) once you reach Haveli chowk.

Address: Arya Cashew Products Pvt. Ltd., Appevel village, Sarvorvare road, Ponda, Goa

Phone: 0832-2312423 Mobile: 0-9423837096

Visiting Hours: 8:30 morning – 5:30 evening (All days)

And will say: Yes, you should visit if visiting Goa.

FYI: What we eat (cashew nut) is a seed of a fruit.