Navlakha Kothar : Hidden Gem of Pawagadh

Navlakha Kothar : Hidden Gem of Pawagadh 

                             

              Life is busy. “Ha Baka sure”, “Jane de na yaar time hi Nahi hai”, “Ok, let’s catch up one weekend”,  " I’ll call you next week". We are juggling between these phrases. These are our usual phrases when we want to do something and we don’t. We ‘get busy’. Our routine has restrained us in such a bond that we can’t break. 

                                     

                             

                         

          Have we asked ourselves question- what are we leading to? Are we really happy? Do we need things we want? we need to. We need to ask. We need to unplug. We need to disconnect. We need to detox. From our daily routine. Life begins when we take our first breath and it ends with our last. But whatever happens in between, sometimes we just take all for granted. So for a change just slow down. Just let yourself Free. Free to breathe fresh air. Free to give some time to be yourself. Free to recharge your soul and rejuvenate your mind.  Free for your loved ones, for your friends, and for your family. Free for yourself. 

“We have two lives, and the second begins when we realise we only have one.”- Confucius 

                               

                               

            And what is the best place for this? Yes, our dearest mighty Pawagadh. It amazes me how can a place has so much to offer? Every time we get a different vibe from it. And when we talk about peace we have a perfect hidden corner for you on the top of Pawagadh. Who would have thought that among the Bhid and chaos of Pawagadh there is one such secluded place? So serene.. so peaceful...

 

                          

                          

        At the highest peak of the Pawagadh mountain on the Northside, there is a heritage building with large dome-shaped roofs. The building is called Navlakha Kothar because it is situated on the edge of the Navlakhi valley. It is a great example of Mughal architecture. This building was believed to be used as a store of grains and extra food. 

                                    

                                    
         While climbing stairs you have to go right from the Jain temple to go to Navlakha Kothar. But if you are going via ropeway then you have come down a little. One small lake is also there just beside the building. The place is heaven in monsoon and winter.
      

                             

                                  

             If you are going with kids please be careful because the place is just at the edge of the cliff. One step ahead and there is a deep valley, straight 90 degrees. Don’t let your kids go away. Keep them with you constantly. 

      

    

                              

       

      

          Take a picnic basket and a few mats with you… what more can we ask for.. a good cup of tea.. company of friends and family and such a beautiful place…Life is sorted…
      

      So that’s it from Safar with SaSha. See you next week . 

      

Location: https://goo.gl/maps/vjWpdePrG8XQMdf47

 

Lakes near Vadodara: Paradise for bird lovers

Lakes near Vadodara: Paradise for bird lovers 

Hello all,

                                         

“Feet, what do I need them for

If I have wings to fly.”

― Frida Kahlo

           Thousands of birds flapping their wings together causing amazing murmuration with changing patterns in such synchronization that requires months and months of practice for us humans.  This is one of the most amazing wonders of Mother Earth. Yes! We have witnessed it. We have beheld this amazing phenomenon with thousands of birds flying high in the sky flapping their wings synchronously creating a harmony that mesmerized us and left us spellbound. If you want to teach your kids about migration come to this place as soon as the winter chill sets in the atmosphere and nights start getting longer. You might want to stay that extra 15 minutes in your bed... But, No!. wake up early one weekend, and go to this place before or at the time of sunrise...you won't be disappointed. 

         Yes! This is the unique wetland in our Gujarat which attracts thousands and thousands of migratory birds every winter. You all must be thinking why am I telling you winter destination in the oppressing summer heat? The reason is, that this Saturday (14th May 2022) is 'World Migratory Bird Day'. Every year the day is celebrated bi-annually in May and in October. It is an awareness program to make people understand the threats to migratory birds and their importance in the ecosystem. It makes us understand that what can we do to preserve them,  what can we to do prevent threat to their existence. The theme of this year is "Dim the Lights for Birds at Night!", to make us realize about harmful effects of light pollution on birds. 

         I don't know why I was postponing writing about these two lakes. May be because they were famous and most of us know about them.  But the blog will be incomplete without these two. By this time most of you have guessed the locations. Yes! You guessed them right.  These are Timbi lake and Wadhavana lake. 

Timbi lake: 

                                     

                                                 

                                                 

              This lake is near Waghodia and in the Timbi village. Before a few years back the place was relatively less explored but nowadays we feel disheartened to witness the condition of the lake. It needs regular cleaning and proper maintenance. 

                                                        

                                             

                                            

          The beauty of the lake enhances more at the time of sunrise and sunset. There is a wide variety of insects and birds you can find at the lake. though the lake is in the village with many complexes and societies now being built in the area, it still has its own charm and aura where you can find peace and calm.  we took our cycles there. You can also go. by bicycle from Vadodara. It is that near. 

Wadhwana lake and Bird Sanctuary: 

                                      

            This is one of the largest wetlands in Gujarat and it is located near Dabhoi. It is appx 40 k. from Vadodara.   It is really a paradise for photographers and bird lovers as many migratory birds come here in winter. So the best time to visit this place is between October to March.  Just make sure you reach there before Sunrise or Sunset.

        There is one eco campsite just besides the lake and they also have few rooms and canteen. They provide basic snacks with some packages food at canteen. There is trail all around the lake with appx total distance of 5-6 km. Along the trail they have kept few benches also. Just don’t go too near the lake as there are crocodiles. Many paddy fields are there beside the lake which enhances lake’s beauty. You name the rare bird and you will find them here. 

    These are the pictures of some birds we have seen at Wadhwana:

LET ME FLY...

a little bird 

peeking from the nest

waiting for her mother 

ready to fly

Shh! don't you dare!

Shh!! be careful!

predators are everywhere 

waiting for the right moment

a little bird

it grinned 

i have wings

wings to fly

why should i bother 

they are just like 

you and me 

children of mother earth 

came mother bird

"Oh dear, munchkin,

don't you trust easily

some will judge harshly

will deceive knowingly 

so, listen dear 

let me take care for a while 

yet the little on flew

flew higher in the sky

spreading its wings 

fluttering them gently

and sometimes 

flapping them loudly 

proclaiming 

asserting 

declaring 

i am free

i am independent

accidents can happen 

predators may come

but "oh dear mother'

you have given me power

power of freedom 

power of liberty

this privilege 

don't take it from me

let me fly

let me fly 

till i reach the sky...

                   - kaajal

That's it from our side this week.

See you soon. 

Dabka Camp Bungalow: Majestic Heritage Chalet with river view

Dabka Camp Bungalow: Majestic Heritage Chalet with river view

          

 

Hello all, 

“I Love Places That Remind Me How Small Me And My Problems Actually Are.”

                I feel rivers and mountains are these places. Their heights and their depths made us feel so infinitesimal under the vastness of the sky.  It was that type of Sunday morning for us. Kids didn't want to join us as they were super tired on Saturday night. And for the first time, Sheel and I went together for our Sunday fun!

                       

                       

                           

          And we have selected a place that is nearby and yet peaceful - Camp Bungalow in Dabka. It is an old camping heritage property for the Royal Gaekwad family. It is said that the king used to come here for hunting on his birthday. The heritage bungalow is not maintained properly apart from just daily cleaning by the staff of the royal family. Still, the place is very scenic and open to all. 

                       

                     

        The bungalow has unique verandah with amazingly carved wooden brackets on both sides. And what can I say about the river! The river is so calm and serene with a gentle wind hugging you tightly and surroundings engulfing you in their serenity. There are small adjacent trails that can take you down up to the river. Who wants to dwell in routine life hustle-bustle when they can meditate in places like this? 

                      

                      

                     

 Lost 

In the vastness of the deep blue sky

I felt lost 

In the dense green forest 

I felt lost 

On the magnificent mountain peak

I felt the same

Deep dives into the ocean also

Couldn’t shake that feeling

But still

These are the places where 

I have found myself

Lost but still me

Confused and perplexed 

But still me

and these are the places 

where I have accepted 

me as me...

Sitting on a chair writing this 

Viewing outside from a window 

Birds drinking water from the pot

Splashing themselves 

fluttering their wings

Constantly on the guard 

Waiting to fly 

Splattering water droplets 

What's there in their minds?

Are they self-conscious like me?

Are they worried about the future?

Are they dwelling in the past?

Or lost just like me?

And suddenly, 

I want to be that water droplet 

Which fell upon the ground 

Calming the bird 

In scorching heat

Satisfying its burning throat 

Insignificant 

Yet significant 

In a magnificent way…

                      - Kaajal

thank you all,

with lots of love 

SaSha

Location of the Bungalow.

 : https://goo.gl/maps/2ccLH7W1NdcaLXKS6