A day trip to Dhom-Balkawadi dam, Wai during Diwali holidays

My sister in law was asking to have a quick morning trek to Sinhgad on Sunday, 15^th November, as there was no ritual for Diwali that day. But we were not sure whether Sinhgad is open for tourists or not, so decided to visit Dhom-Balkavadi dam in the early morning.  

We were planning to leave Pune at 5am but were 30 minutes late. After picking up my sister-in-law, her husband and my nephew from Sinhgad road started our journey towards Wai. We wanted to reach there around 7am to watch a beautiful sunrise, to watch sunlight reflections in dam water and the mountain ranges is a visual treat and never miss from there. Reached the farm without any pit stop though missed sunrise and reached there around 8am. A selfie was the first thing we did as soon as we got down of the car.

Immediately after reaching there, 4-5 peahens come on our way that came in the search of food and then returning home.  We roamed here and there which increased Vitamin D and eating a few amla fruits had increased vitamin C intake in our body. Indeed a healthy trip after COVID-19 lockdowns!!  

Climate was very pleasant, we could see gems of the morning i.e. dew drops on the grass. There is a banyan tree, so hanging to the strong roots of the tree is a must and enjoyable too. 

We went to the farm and spent some quality time there, a view of mountains and the dam is completely mesmerizing, one can just sit and watch it for a whole day. You can see various birds, flowers, fishes there. The place is not at all polluted; it is free from air-sound-water pollution, completely natural. Dam water is also crystal clear and very clean, could see the bottom and spot fishes. 

We sat down at the katta which is made around a tree. Once the dam is full; you can easily put your feet in the water by just sitting on the katta, small fish will give a good pedicure to your feet. We had brought Diwali faral, fruits and salad made by Parth(my nephew), which all finished while discussing our previous visits to the place.  Every time I could discover a new thing there; this time spotting rabbits and monkeys was a surprise, but could not capture them in the photograph. 

Dam and mountains view from the katta is a delight that anyone can see for a long time. 

Picturesque view of the Balkawadi Dam

After spending almost 3 hours we decided to leave because we had to go to a relative on the way. Our plan was to reach home by 5pm to make some arrangements for the next day Padva and Bhaubeej celebration.

A selfie is mandatory before leaving the place J J

While returning we enjoyed misal at Bhairavnath Hotel, Khambataki ghat; misal and buttermilk were awesome. They served plenty of onion and lemon along with misal, usually, it is served in less quantity in most of the hotels.

After Ambegaon we went to Dhankavadi to visit the in-laws of my sister-in-law and reached home around 7 pm.  It was much much-needed trip as for the last few months no travel due to COVID-19. It was really an amazing break from the daily routine.  

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Much needed break after COVID-19 lockdowns to my hometown-Tisgaon

Tisgaon is a village in Ahmednagar district which is my birthplace and where I spent my childhood. Since the last 15 years, I have been not there due to education and then a job. But whenever there is a chance to visit the place I never miss it. Love my village very much. 

 

Historical gate(Vesh)

The village is known for its 30 historical gates. Places of religious importance in the area include Mohata Devi temple, 24 km distance; Vriddheshwar Temple, 15km distance; and Chaitanya Kanifnath temple in Madhi, 4 km distance. 

We had a traditional house (Wada) built from soil & stones and was having a chowk in the centre of the house. But recently my parents and uncle built houses; we still miss our Wada, though were not liked it very much when we were living in it. But now after realizing the importance of the way how the traditional house was built. I love a peaceful life there; especially after spending 10+ years in Pune. Unfortunately, I don't have a photo of our WADA. 

It feels great when you meet the people there who adore you and greet you proudly.

Our house

We have a big farm there; we(me, my brother & cousin)used to go to the farm almost every day when we were young. Playing water, climbing trees and eating tiffins on the farm were our favourite things to do. There are lots of Tamarind, Custard apple, Jujube(bor) and a few of Wood apple and Amla trees. We enjoyed corn and sugar cane from the farm. Earlier there was a bullock cart and we used to enjoy the ride every day. 

In the summers we used to sleep at the terrace and count stars, those days were awesome. I miss those days badly.

Post COVID-19,  I was really seeking a break from the daily routine. I got bored as for the last 9 months have not visited any of the places and are at home. Hard to believe!! It was a quick plan to visit my native place for 4 days on the upcoming weekend (29th Oct to 1st Nov) and we all were very excited and immediately started packing our bags. 

Our journey starts at 7am in the morning and reached there by 11am. It takes 4 hours from Pune to reach Tisgaon via Ahmednagar. It really felt good as I was there after 2 years, all were very happy to see us there. I had enjoyed lunch as it was all as my choice, bharali vangi, bhakri, varan bhat, green chilli thecha, peanut chutney, pickle, papad and curd. Ahh hh ha...Too good!! Food made by Aai is like heaven. I ate too much, my stomach was full and asleep was must :P

In the evening, we visited our farm and a few temples in that way. After returning from the farm all sat in the porch and had discussions on various topics. 

Next day, we again went to the farm for morning walk, our farm is just 0.5km from home, so we used to go 2-3 times a day there.  When we went to the farm my uncle was there and some farming related activity was going on, so a bullock cart was also there and My Son - Aaravya did not miss a chance to get a quick ride. He had a lot of fun and enjoyed playing in the water, soil and of course a ride. We came back home after spending 2 hours there. 

Sarja- Raja Jodi

Next day we decided to visit Vriddheshwar, Madhi and Mohata temples, but the temples are still closed for devotees. We tried to call and check the trustees who are our family friends if it is possible to take darshan from outside or not; they said you can come and take the darshan from the entrance. it was decided to go & try and managed the darshan at Vriddheshwar and Madhi from the main entrance but could not make it at Mohata.

Vriddheshwar is a holy place of Lord Shiva in the beautiful deep valley. Temple is maintained very well and it's clean as well. It's like must visit to spend some good time. The place is famous for various Ayurveda plants as there is a small jungle around the temple. And hence you will find lots of monkeys there. There is a huge rush in the month of Shravan; especially on Mondays, there is a fair on 3rd Shravan Monday. You can avoid visiting the place in Shravan but the surroundings are very beautiful at that time due to monsoon and it would be a visual treat to eyes, so a choice is yours!!

Vriddheshwar Temple

Village Madhi is famous for a samadhi place of Kanifnath. Kanifnath is one of the nine mahayogis of navnath sampradaya. The Kanifnath fair(yatra) is held on holi till Gudhi Padva. More than 7 lakhs bhakt visit the place on rangpanchami. 

Kanifnath Temple, Madhi

Mohata is famous for a temple of Renuka Mata. The temple is at height and earlier there are almost 500 stairs to climb on to reach the goddess, but the temple is recently constructed and the car can go till the temple bypassing the stairs. One must-visit for a divine experience. Navratri is a major festival there. There are few options available for a stay in Mohata but you can stay in Pathardi, a tehshil place, you will get good options there.

Mohata Devi Temple

Please note the photos of Vriddheshwar, Madhi and Mohata are old as temples are closed due to COVID-19 spread. 

There are a few more tourists places such as Paithan or Jayakwadi dam on Godawari River, Bhagwan Gad, Hanuman Takali nearby my village but could not visit all these due to the time and all the places were not opened due to COVID-19. I will try to visit these places in my next visit and offer you an interesting blog to read. 

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