My Journey to Destination: photography

beach

Solo Ride to DhaulaGiri & Konark Beach

By Amrit Mishra - November 29, 2020

0 Comments

8moto

Beauty of Life - by Sun

By Amrit Mishra - September 05, 2020

0 Comments

beach

Holi2019 Road Trip to Shreevardhan Beach

By Amrit Mishra - March 27, 2019

“Travel makes one modest. You see what a tiny place you occupy in the world.” -Gustav Flaubert

What is your way to celebrate Holi?

Yes, I obviously like colors and to play with friends dipping in water and the gulal chasing all to put colors. But this time I opted to play a different way.

No colors no music no shouting no water. Only me and a solo road trip to explore me.

The day started 7am when I packed my camera and kicked my bike filled it with lots of fuel for the day, while everyone started preparing to play colors, I was already cruising on the roads of MULSHI. Crossing mulshi lake entered the tamini ghat section. Even though the roads were under construction and major part of the road was full of dust and trucks overtaking each other, nothing could take away the enjoyment of riding alone after a long time.

This was the most amazing feeling ever, being on my bike again, enjoying the wind and the beautiful mountains. Its been already more than 2 years I did any ride like this. And I realized that was the thing I was missing actually.

I am actually a slow rider, but riding for me holds a different meaning. I am scared a lot of riding fast, but I love to enjoy being with nature and explore different locations. And my bike helps me in this a lot.

Many time I get question doesn't I get bored of riding alone. Actually, it doesn't feel as if I am alone. I keep on clicking lots of pictures, I keep on enjoying the beauty of rivers, mountains, and forest. I enjoy the hot sun while crossing the patches of forest. I enjoy the birds while sitting alone and looking above the valley. I enjoy bathing in rivers and lakes. And many times I get travelers on the way also, who shares his journey and all the exciting rides to offbeat locations.

This Holi Ride was also not planned it just came promptly, I decided one night before and started for the ride not knowing where I am going. I just wanted to be alone and be myself. Around 9am I had one plate of poha in between mountains, the most delicious food you can get, there was actually no one except me and the cook who guess own that small restaurant.

While climbing down the Tamini Ghat I saw the board towards Diveghar. This was not planned at all, but I did some calculation and started towards the location. The route was again many places in construction as a major part was crossing small hills, so lots of zigzag route but it was amazing.

At one point I missed the diversion towards the diveghar and ended up in the shrivardhan beach, again this was not planned. But actually glad I ended up at this location, check the pics to understand why.

Being a weekday and holi, there was no one at all except 3 to 4 people at the beach. Till the time I reached it was already 1pm, spent some time at beach looking at the lost sea and the horizon. Then I started towards the diveghar beach crossing the coastal route. And it is one of the best beautiful locations. One side of the road was white sand beach other side trees and the wind crossing the road. It was so amazingly beautiful I was awestruck with the beauty of the location. This place I spent maximum time clicking and doing random kinds of stuff.

many times we are so much stuck with our work that we actually tend to forget the beauty and simplicity this world is holding and waiting for us to open our winds and fly. The sea, the winds felt like they are trying to say something. I was actually flying with my mind. All of my tiredness gone I was alive again to look the view lost in the winds.

“What you’ve done becomes the judge of what you’re going to do — especially in other people’s minds. When you’re traveling, you are what you are right there and then. People don’t have your past to hold against you. No yesterdays on the road.” -William Least Heat Moon

Around 3pm I started back journey via Lonavala.

This journey was kind of trip to wonder where I am going to be with me and live my life once again.

0 Comments

2015

2015 Year of Change.

By Amrit Mishra - December 31, 2015

"Life never goes the way you want. "

"It always had planned to kick your ass, no matter how careful you are. And after getting kicked, you fall, you get hurt, but you got to get up and start all over again. That's what makes us human."

2015 was no different, faced many issues, learned many things, started all over again and reached the new level. This year was lots of travelling, biking, cycling, running and lots of amazing stuff.

1. Did Pune Leh Bike trip. This I will remember, throughout my life, the experience of riding across 8 states and 8500km is thrilling and can't be explained. Where I stayed most of the trip in my tent or in dhabas. Sharing stories with people, talking to them, spending time enjoying the nature and much more.

2. Motorcycle traveller meet. One of the amazing 3days event I was part of. Riders across the world who are legends or motorbike travelling were in the event. It was amazing to listen to them, their stories and their experiences. The stories they had lived, the moments they had lived all we were able to feel and enjoy. Those 3 days were like best time of motorbiking event.

3. Did Pune Goa Cycling Solo. In monsoon rented a road bike and started to enjoy monsoon. 2 days trip from Pune riding across Kolapur and ended at Goa. On the way meet one more cyclist who was heading towards Leh from Bangalore.

4. Attended many marathons and did 35km. This was tough, but I practiced and managed to clock lots of 10km and running event with good timings and on Christmas did my 35km. I was seriously insane to participate in that, lack of practice resulted in bad timing, but I completed it somehow. It was something unexplainable.

5. Joined Herbalife. One of the best thing which happened, being part of world best nutrition company. What else you need. Thanks to one of my facebook friends, due to him I was able to know about this.

6. Jammu Kashmir trip with parents. The whole week with mom and dad enjoying the serenity of Kashmir valley. The beautiful mountains of Kashmir and lovable weather. Even did Ice Skiing.

Now 2016 just few clicks away, wish it will be more amazing, thrilling, exciting, beautiful and memorable.

Cheers.

0 Comments

maharastra

Pavana Lake Camping Experience

By Amrit Mishra - April 14, 2015

Lonavala has always been one of most popular weekend destination for Mumbaikar and Puneites. Not only in rain but throughout the year this place holds its charm attracting more and more tourists every year. If you start counting there are hell lots of place in lonavala and its surrounding place, being part of Western Ghats this place is nothing less than heaven in monsoon.

Starting from Tiger point, Amby valley, lohgad fort, sunset point and the list never ends.

Last weekend I got opportunity to visit Pawna Dam near to lonavala , it's already April and this place is still full of weekender. Pavana reservoir. The dam, constructed in 1972, is 1,329 m (4,360 ft) long and 42.37 m (139.0 ft) high, with a gross storage capacity of 30,500.00 km3 (7,317.34 cu mi).
This dam causes creation of Pavana River. The Pavana River is a notable river crossing the cities of Pimpri-Chinchwad and Pune in the Indian state of Maharashtra. The river originates south of Lonavala from the Western Ghats, and flows a total of nearly 60 kilometres (37 mi) to meet the Mula river in Pune.
Pavana River originates from the Western Ghats, about 6 km (3.7 mi) south of Lonavala. Flowing eastwards initially, it becomes southbound and passes through the suburbs of Dehu, Chinchwad, Pimpri and Dapodi before its confluence with the Mula river near Sangvi.

Pavana Lake is best place for camping and it is really popular for that. Surrounded by hills and green mountains this place is where you want to be after your
hectic schedule. As this place is near, you can start on Staurday noon, camp at night and return by Sunday noon. Lake is huge, there are many places where you can camp.
In case you want some safe place, there are resturants side of the lake providing camping ground and delecious food.
So what you are waiting for pack your tent and bagpack and head for awesome camping experience.

Things to pack :

2 or 3 people tent
treaking shoes incase ur cant stop urself exploring this place.
Sleeping bag, as temp can go down to 10-15C in summers and 4-5C in winters
Snacks and tasty food in case ur camping solo.
mosquitoes repellant, hope you dnt want to come back with dengu :P
iPod
camera and battery u can do awesome landscape photography also if sky is clear u get chance to capture stars
Icard always carry to avoid any problems

Things to remember while setting up camp

there are resort who provide camping experience with all facility for people who are scared and still want to enjoy.
If you are brave set up camp at some place dry and plane, not too close to lake. as water is cause of dam, can increase anytime.
Dont even think of going to water if u dint know swimming, as this is hilly area there are chance of sudden increase of water level of mud.
And Last but not least : stay safe and enjoy

Thanks n Cheers

3 Comments

amba vilas mysore palace

Celebrating Mysore Dusherra

By Amrit Mishra - October 30, 2013

Mysore Palace Illumiated @ Night

Come October and whole

India

is in mood of festivals celebrating "navratri". This time I thought to celebrate navratri in different way, so packed my bag and went on a 3 day tour to Mysore.

Near Railway Measeum

The moment I reached Mysore, I knew this tour is going to be one of the most memorable tours. Whole Mysore city was shinning bright, celebrating & singing to the tunes of brotherhood and humanity. There was not a single place which was not decorated. I had booked hotel in advance, it was nice n decent.

Front of Palace

St. Philomena's Church, Mysore

Mysore Palace during day time

Mosque near to Mysore Palce

Decorated Mysore

There are lots of beautiful places in Mysore, which can’t be ignored; you will find many places, zoo, beautiful gardens...etc. First we went to Brindavan garden, as it is best in evening time near the Cauvery dam. It is decorated with lots of colorful flowers, n water fountains which glow during night. The garden was clean n beautiful and in was able to witness musical fountain. It started around 6.30 and continued for 30minutes. So, if you go there you can spend a quality time in the garden, and you will get some good snacks also.

Brindavan Garden Dam View

Brindavan Garden during evening

Travelling anywhere in Mysore is too easy as you will get bus anytime from Mysore palace. During dusherra lots of events keep on happening in and around the Mysore palace. You need to have a priority which events you want to attend. You can get details from Mysoredusherra website. After returning from brindan garden I went to the Mysore palace to attend evening shows. And to my astonishment I was able to watch Russian artists perform on patriotic Hindi songs. They sang, performed and made everyone dance. So finally after a long tiring day I went back to hotel.

Chamundi Hill Temple

Hawkers seeling flowers @ Chamundi Hills

Next day after long planning, we went first to Chamundi hills. As it was Dashami it was crowded, but thank god we got chance to have glimpse of lord Chamundi after standing 3hrs. The temple is really beautiful, standing on top of chamundi hills. View of Mysore from top of hill is astonishing. Then it was time for Mysorezoo which was 7km long. It was good as another zoo, with lots of animals, most important thing about zoo is you must know what is the correct timing to visit, cause if you go in wrong time most of animals will be sleeping i.e. during noon.

Mysore Zoo

Black Sawn @ Mysore Zoo

There are lots of palaces in Mysore, each with different history n culture. If you get time you must visit. But few are popular like Jagmohan palace which is a museum or you can say it’s an art gallery. Containing art n culture of Mysore n its rulers. Like these there are many other places to visit. But due to lack of time I decided to visit only these and enjoy dushera possession which was going to happen on last day of navratri n watch torch light parade in evening.

Temple Illumitaed during night

Russian Artist performing

Dance by a Russian artist

Torch light parade is one more thing which is worth watching for, this is happens in a huge Stadium, full with 1000s of people ,which happens in the evening , this time Karnataka Police organized some of the stunt shows on their bike, it was true show of bravery and patriotism. And when you watch 1000s of police officers marching while holding torch light “mashal”, you will feel proud to be an Indian, the way they march and create structures are really amazing. The show also had a huge group of dancers from all round the India, dancing in synchronization on a single song but in their own dance form. In the end there was demonstration of firecrackers making sky illuminate.