From City to Hills: Kalyan to Saptashrungi Gad Weekend Bike Journey
Date: 10th-11th February 2024
Total Distance: 400 Km (Round Trip)
Route: Kalyan → Nashik → Dindori → Vani → Nanduri → Saptashrungi
Road Conditions: Good
Bike: Splendor Xtec (Mileage: 55 km/l)
Fuel Cost: ₹800 approx
Parking Cost: ₹30
Tolls: 2, Padgha toll and Ghoti toll.
Toll fees: 0
Travel time one way: 7 Hours approx
Traffic Patrolling: Present both ways (ensure valid documents and helmets)
Road condition: Good
Roadside attractions: Dharna River, Aund Vahal, Godavari River, Kolavan River, Kadwa River, Unanda River, Ozarkhed Dam, Bhavani Pond.
Kalyan to Saptashrungi Gad Weekend Bike Journey
Day 1: The Journey Begins
At 9:00 AM on a bright Saturday morning, My wife and I kick-started our trip from Kalyan West Gandhare Gaon, all set for a thrilling weekend adventure. The weather was a bit nippy in the morning. Our destination? The sacred Saptashrungi Gad, tucked away in the mountains near Vani village. With a total distance of 400 km to cover, this was going to be an exhilarating journey.
We took the Kalyan - Padgha road and made our first stop at the Vashere Gaon petrol station to fuel up around 9:30 am, Further, we took Mumbai - Agra Rd/Mumbai - Nashik Expressway, and by 11:00 AM, we reached the foothills of the Kasara Ghat. We paused to savor a hearty breakfast of Kanda bhaji, vada pav, and chai—classic road trip fuel in Maharashtra. After a break of 45 minutes, we headed towards Nashik following the ghat. The ride through the ghat was thrilling, with stunning sights of lush greenery and steep cliffs with heavily loaded trucks running by side.
Kasara Ghat to Nashik
The smooth ride continued as we wound our way toward Nashik, arriving around 2:00 PM. The road conditions were surprisingly good, making the trip both scenic and enjoyable. We took the Igatpuri-Nashik-Saptashrungi road via Dindori, where we passed serene water bodies like the Dharna and Godavari rivers. These natural spots provided the perfect backdrop for a peaceful, reflective ride.
A quick stop at Vani village for some refreshing lassi rejuvenated us before we continued toward the base village, Nanduri.
Reaching Saptashrungi Gad
The last stretch from Nanduri to Saptashrungi was amazing. The road was smooth, and the anticipation of reaching the temple added excitement. We arrived around 4:00 PM, parked our bike near the ropeway parking lot (₹30 parking fee), and took the ropeway to the top of the hill. The ropeway ride itself was a highlight, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding valleys.
At the temple, we were pleasantly surprised by the short wait for darshan—it took only 45 minutes, even on a Saturday. Saptashrungi Gad, one of the 51 Shakti Peethas, is a sacred site, and the experience of visiting the temple after a long bike ride felt immensely fulfilling.
Overnight Stay at Nanduri
After the darshan, we decided to stay overnight at Hotel Green Land in Nanduri village, just a short ride from the temple. By 7:00 PM, we had checked in, exhausted but happy. The hotel was a simple, comfortable place with a homely feel.
Day 2: A Fresh Start and the Ride Home
Sunday morning greeted us with a pleasant surprise—a strawberry farm right in front of the hotel! We couldn’t resist indulging in some fresh strawberries, which were a perfect way to start the day.
At around 10:00 AM, we started our journey back, retracing the same scenic route. The ride back was smooth, and we enjoyed revisiting the familiar sights, from rivers like the Kadwa and Kolavan to the majestic hills. We reached home by 9:00 PM, marking the end of a memorable weekend.
Final Thoughts
This bike ride to Saptashrungi Gad was an unforgettable experience. From the thrill of riding through Kasara Ghat to the serenity of the temple, it was a perfect blend of adventure and spirituality. The well-maintained roads, good weather, and scenic beauty made it all the more enjoyable.
Whether you're a biking enthusiast or just someone seeking a spiritual retreat, this route is worth exploring. Just remember to carry all valid documents, wear your helmet, and be prepared for traffic police checks along the way.
Until the next adventure, ride safe and explore more!
This journey reminded me of the beauty that lies in the simple joys of travel. Follow my blog for more travel stories, biking adventures, and tips on making the most of your weekend getaways!
#Thrillway
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