The Trip

Adventurous, Brilliant, Courageous...Photographer

This is what would suffice, to be in the midst of an action packed weekend, from the dominating Sahayadri ranges, to the choppy waters of the Arabian, to the jungles – come face to face with some of the fiercest of the wild cats, to the python and its cousins, and of course, butterflies with tons and tons of colour in them. Apart from these, the place also boasts of ruins, a sea-fort, temples, beaches, picturesque villages and a lot more...

What we will do @ Coastline Chaul

1. Quilla: A bit of adventurous driving later, we come across the vast expanses of the Arabian Sea, and right within it are two blots, one in ruins, the other as magnificent as ever, waiting to be conquered, or at least captured (in our snaps of course!). Reaching it is a treat too. A boat that considers wind power as its primary machinery, takes you to a hidden entrance of the quilla. Now, roam the towers, survey the landscape, capture unforgettable memories or just listen to a thrilling tale that has taken place around the quilla...

2. Beaches: These are sure to rival those shown on film as paradise islands, for here, we see tall coconut palm fringed roads give way to white sands that in turn are lapped by the blue sea. These beaches unknown to the larger masses, sure makes you soak in the atmosphere, make sand castles, frolic in the sea, play games or just relax. Sipping coconut water on those dangling jhulas is also something that we would recommend, a truly heavenly experience...


3. Cast a line: We take you on an adventurous ride into the Arabian, go fish! With us on the high seas, see how the ‘kolis’ go on about their job, capture the occasional dolphins popping out of the sea on your film, scan the landscape or just relax and enjoy the ride...

4. Devotion: Visit the local deities and the very famous Birla temples; after all, no trip in India is complete without a visit to a place of religious importance. These visits shall be made during evening hours, and one may come at their own will, as it would be a 5 min walk from where we would be lodged. The place is amazingly lit, and if lucky enough one may catch up with the aarti...


5. Industries: We shall pass across two industries of gigantic proportions, considered amongst Maharashtra’s biggest, it sure would make up for a good photograph, as very few people actually take pains to freeze an industry into their lenses. One can see the whole process, right from the barges unloading, to the slithery conveyors to huge masts and chimney spewing flames, a sure treat to watch...

6. Gaothans: Situated in densely forested coconut palms, these areas with ancient wells, palm thatched roofs, and the humbleness of the folk is sure to make a picture perfect moment. Here, you may also see lots and lots of birds swaying by, and understand how the people here have survived so long and how they tackle the recent onslaught of vacations homes, hotels, MNC’s and much more...


7. Ruins: Plentiful, form circular domes, to forts destroyed in action, to sunk or abandoned boats, palaces, this place has it all... We shall come through many such things, we consider it of little importance and would not be stopping at any of these places.

8. Wild!: As the sun rises, so shall we step into the wilderness, camera at the ready, courageously walk into leopard country, water holes, to capture those magnificent animals (on film, is what we meant), on peak alert (just in case) , as leopards are known to be very cunning. Scared? We have yet not mentioned the deadly pythons that may cross your path, or some other breed that slithers under the dried leaves, deers that bark, spiders that sting, or eagles that may mistake your camera for a mouse (just kidding!), you shall see. One may also enjoy these majestic views from lookout towers or just opt out of this adventure (though our guess is no one would!). On the lighter side, you all may enjoy colourful butterflies, flying squirrels...