What’s your all time favourite travel song?
Pictures of My Visit to Tungareshwar Temple
Government of Heaven (स्वर्ग-की-सरकार)
Government of Heaven (स्वर्ग-की-सरकार) – This photo was taken near Tungareshwar Temple, Vasai East, Palghar District (Maharashtra).
Day 2: My Train Journey from Andheri for Tungareshwar Trek
On day 2, it was Sunday (less crowded train expected), I with a friend was visiting Tungareshwar Temple at Vasai East but this time not via my Royal Enfield Thunderbird Twinspark 350 motorbike but via Mumbai’s local train.
As said earlier, due to COVID-19, for the general public local trains are available in three time slots only:
- From the start of the day’s services till 7 am
- 12:00 Noon till 4:00 pm
- 9:00 pm till the end of the day’s services
I was at Andheri Railway Station a little before 12 noon (for the general public ticket counter opens 15 minutes before 12 noon).
IInd ordinary ticket purchased from Andheri till Vasai Road (to and fro) for Rs. 20 only/per person.
The local train (Slow) was on time and less crowded (You may take Fast also).
I suggest: download M-Indicator – an award-winning Public Transport App of India for up-to-date information.
Andheri Railway Station till Vasai Road local train journey time approx. 45 minutes.
We walk towards the East side.
There were autos lined up outside Vasai Road (East).
I enquire with an auto – How much for Tungareshwar?
Rs. 150 – He said.
I walk further and ask another auto.
Rs. 50 per person – He said.
Finally, I found an auto for a lesser amount.
Vasai Road till Tungar Phata (Tungareshwar temple gate) – Rs. 40 per person.
15 minutes/8 km journey approx., we reach Tungar Phata (below National Highway bridge).
Rs. 80 paid. Road-condition from Vasai Road to Tungar Phata was excellent.
Tungar Phata (Tungareshwar temple gate – below National Highway) till Tungareshwar temple is a 3.5 km journey.
Autos coming from Vasai Road are allowed only till Tungar Phata (Tungareshwar temple gate).
Tungareshwar temple gate, to reach little before Tungareshwar forest gate, you may hire another auto for Rs. 10 per person.
We decided to walk 3.5 km.
Tungareshwar forest gate, you may hire another auto till Tungareshwar temple for Rs. 50 per person.
Again we decided to trek 2 km from Tungareshwar forest gate till Tungareshwar temple.
What I like the most about Tungareshwar temple trek is the untouched natural surroundings.
I like the dusty road and the jungle all around. Reminds of Ranthambore National Park (Rajasthan).
The entry Fee counter was closed. I was told – Sunday, Monday and National Holidays such as 26 January, and 15 August – entry to the park is free.
As I walk further I saw Udasin Math on the left-hand side. Will visit for blessings while returning – I said to my friend.
Tungareshwar temple trek is an easy trek but as I gained weight during lockdown I was tired of walking.
Though the distance was approx. 500 meters left, I thought of a lift.
A scooty was coming – I requested for lift.
I was riding as a pillion at Pawan’s scooty. Thanks – said I.
Soon I was at temple-area parking.
Sorry to my friend, who was trekking to reach the temple.
Total trekking time from Tungar Phata (Tungareshwar temple gate) till Tungareshwar temple is approx. 1 hour (3.5 km) but if you are super fit, I guess maximum you will take 40 minutes.
At temple-area parking, I saw two paths.
One downwards towards Tungareshwar temple and another towards Balyogi Sadanand Maharaj Ashram – 6.2 km further.
Today, I decided to visit Tungareshwar temple only and maybe some other day 6.2 kms trek.
I was told by locals that motorcycles and autos can go up to Balyogi Sadanand Maharaj Ashram but at the rider’s risk as the road condition is not good.
I enquired with an auto present – How much fare till Balyogi Sadanand Maharaj Ashram (to and fro)?
Rs. 700 – He said from Tungareshwar temple till Balyogi Sadanand Maharaj Ashram (to and fro).
Too costly. Anyway, I walk towards Tungareshwar temple.
Had blessings from Lord Shiva and visit few more temples around.
After spending approx. one hour at temple area, I walk towards the makeshift shop to have snacks.
Mineral Water (Rs. 20), Limca 1/2 liter (Rs. 50), 3 Tea (Rs. 30), 4 Bread Pakoda (Rs. 60) – We had at Hari Om Sena Hotel.
Tungareshwar temple visit/trek finally was successful. I was happy.
I enquired with Hari Om Sena Hotel about Tungareshwar temple timings.
6 am till 6 pm (7 days open) – He said.
9:00 am and 6:00 pm is the Aarti time.
Maha Shivratri and the holy month of Sawan – the temple is crowded with devotees visit.
Thank you – said I.
The best Time for Tungareshwar trek I believe would be – October month after the rainy season.
Near parking-area I saw Mahant Bajrang Das Udasin Ashram. I paid a visit to have blessings.
Donated a few rupees and finally with a smile downwards trek to reach home.
Day 1: My Motorbike Journey from Andheri East to Tungareshwar Temple via Western Express Highway
Tungareshwar Temple at Vasai East – the visit has been pending for a few years.
Finally, it was Maha Shivratri festival day and I decided to visit.
Though there is Mumbai’s local train from Andheri station to Vasai Road station but currently due to COVID-19, for the general public local trains are available in three time slots only:
- From the start of the day’s services till 7 am
- 12:00 Noon till 4:00 pm
- 9:00 pm till the end of the day’s services
I decided to visit the Tungareshwar temple at Vasai East via my Royal Enfield Thunderbird Twinspark 350.
I started my journey from Andheri East (via Western Express Highway) at 9:15 am
By 9:40 am I reach Dahisar Toll Plaza covering 17 km in 25 minutes.
Yes, I drive slow. Mostly 40 km per hour.
The journey from Andheri East, Western Express Highway to Dahisar Toll Plaza was good because of the brilliant road conditions and not much traffic on road but once I crossed Dahisar Toll Plaza, the journey was different – heavy traffic.
10 am I was at Vasai Creek Bridge.
Though the distance from Dahisar Toll Plaza to Vasai Creek Bridge is only 6 km but due to heavy traffic on road, it took 20 minutes to cover 6 km. And too much dirt too in the air because of heavy vehicles.
After crossing Vasai Creek Bridge, after a few km, I saw McDonald’s outlet on the left-hand side.
I was hungry because yet to have breakfast but I continue my journey.
Will have breakfast while returning – I said to myself.
At 10:40 am after covering 16 km journey in 40 minutes from Vasai Creek Bridge, I reached Tungar Phata (below the highway bridge) that connects to Tungareshwar road to reach Tungareshwar temple.
But I was disappointed.
There was police deployment at the Tungareshwar temple gate and a notice was displayed.
I asked one policeman – is the temple closed?
He said – Yes, today only.
Anyway, what to do? – I have to return. Maybe another day will visit for sure but not via my motorbike.
The motorbike journey from Andheri East to Tungar Phata (Vasai East) was 39 km only but it took 1 hour and 25 minutes.
U-turn and I towards McDonald’s outlet.
After covering 12 km on the highway again, I reached McDonald’s outlet (right-side) at 11:10 am
Had breakfast with Cappuccino Coffee – Rs. 99/- only (combo offer).
Though the journey was not completed but a wish exists to visit the Tungareshwar temple again.
Motivational Quote (in Hindi) by Abdul Kalam
Look at the sky, We are not alone, The whole universe is with us. The whole universe helps dreamers and hardworking people to fulfill their dreams. – Abdul Kalam
Motivational Quote (in Hindi) by Abdul Kalam – This photo was taken at Tungareshwar Road, Vasai East (Palghar District), Maharashtra.
Pancham Puriwala – The Oldest (probably) Vegetarian Restaurant in Mumbai Since 1848
The above newspaper articles are good enough for anyone to visit Pancham Puriwala (since 1848) situated at Fortcha Raja Chowk, Fort near to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT – earlier known as Victoria Terminus – VT).
Once you reach CSMT station, walk towards the exist gate near to platform no. 7.
Exit and walk straight till you reach traffic lights.
Cross the road and enter the lane. You will see Pancham Puriwala on the right-hand side next to Hotel Sheetal Inn.
I visited too and requested Mahendar Kushwaha (working since 49 years) for their most famous – Mix. Puri + Aalu bhaji and a glass of Chaas.
5 types of Puri were served such as Paneer Puri, Beatroot Puri, Palak Puri, Masala Puri, and Sada Puri along with Aalu bhaji.
Puri and Aalu Bhaji was Hot, Delicious and Mouth-Watering.
I requested for one more glass of Chaas.
After having Puri, Aalu Bhaji, and Chaas, I requested for Dal Rice (1/2 plate) which was an average in taste.
And after that, I requested for Aamras – season’s first mango-made sweet dish. It was nice.
And how much do I pay?
Rs. 200 something only.
In short: Not expensive restaurant with basic facilities which I like the most about them and Puri Bhaji – extraordinary, almost homemade.
Timings: Pancham Puriwala opens at 8:30 am and closes at 11:00 pm (7 days open).
Closed only on Holi and Diwali (open till 4 pm).
I rarely visit any place/restaurant twice but Pancham Puriwala I may visit again.
About: Bandra Railway Station – Built in 1888
Click to learn more about ‘Bandra Railway Station’.
Mail/Passenger Trains – Halt at Andheri Station
DOWN TRAIN
Train Number – Train Name – Time – Platform
12935 – Intercity Express – 07.08 – 8
59045 – Vapi Passenger – 09.42 – 8/6
12935 – Paschim Express – 12.17 – 8
59439 – Ahmedabad Passenger – 13.08 – 6
12979 – Jaipur Express – 16.32 – 8
12953 – August Kranti – 18.03 – 6
12921 – Flying Ranee – 18.19 – 6
22927 – Lokshakti Express – 19.58 – 8
19707 – Aravali Express – 21.12 – 8
12971 – BHAVNAGAR Express – 21.47 – 8
19037/39 – Avadh Express – 22.58 – 8
UP TRAIN
Train Number – Train Name – Time – Platform
19038/40 – Avadh Express – 04.04 – 8
19218 – Saurashtra Janta Express – 05.11 – 8
22928 – Lokshakti Express – 05.26 – 8
19708 – Aravali Express – 06.07 – 8
12972 – BHAVNAGAR Express – 08.13 – 8
12954 – August Kranti – 09.10 – 8/7
12922 – Flying Ranee – 09.33 – 8
12980 – Jaipur Express – 13.52 – 8
12926 – Paschim Express – 14.19 – 8
12936 – Intercity Express – 19.54 – 8
59046 – Vapi Passenger – 20.43 – 8