There is many a small pocket along the Mumbai-Pune highway that serve as a perfect destination for a night’s stop over or a weekend’s worth of getting far from the madding crowd. You can either stop en route to a holiday or make a small vacation of this. Two such scenic spots we discovered were the Raigad Fort and the hills surrounding Chiplun. Most people have heard of the historic significance of the fort and the scenic beauty of the hills that wind around Chiplun. But not many have had the opportunity to visit. Since they say, “It’s about the journey, not just the destination”, we do just that.
From Mumbai, stick to NH17 – a busy, narrow and undivided, but well-metalled highway. Start early as the Vashi tollgate is choc-a-block with buses, pick-ups and trucks anytime after 7am. Next stop is Vadhkal Naka. You’ll know you’ve arrived here when you spot rows upon rows of white onions hanging in bunches. These slightly sweet onions are known for their medicinal properties. You’ll see a line of eateries on your left too.
Take the left towards Goa and head for Raigad Fort, about 90km ahead. Here, the stretch up to the Savitri River bridge toll is a busy one, with patches of construction work. But after that, it’s a motoring enthusiast’s dream come true. The road is a pleasure, winding smoothly through fields, brick kilns, ghats and plains.
Rishaad Sam Mehta
