I live in India and love to study its cultural diversity. Particularly Mumbai, being a cosmopolitan city offers a variety of experiences both good and bad. I focus on the good ones.
I was driving back from CST station after dropping off my son Rohan for his football camp and when I reached the Jogeshwari Vikhroli Link Road (JVLR) I saw ahead of me, 3-4 cyclists – not our normal cyclists these … Read more →
During my visit to Bangalore in September to speak at a big data conference, I took the opportunity to do some cycling on the following day, as it happened to be a Saturday. I did a bit of research to … Read more →
After a day spent in the hills checking out the route for our OxFam trail, while driving back to Mumbai I got a call from good friend Rakesh Bakshi asking if I was interested in cycling to the docks early … Read more →
This weekend three of the “Walking Souls” team – myself, Gautam and Swati – went to recce the trail that we are to follow during the 100km OxFam walkathon in November. We drove down to the starting point via Kolad, … Read more →
While walking through Mumbai during my practice for OxFam Trailwalker 100 km walkathon next month, I saw Mumbai in a different light – at the pace of walking, you get to see many things that are normally not visible when … Read more →
I am thrilled to be part of the “Walking Souls” team of four, and we are participating in this 100 km walktathon organized by OxFam India. To be able to qualify for the participation, we need to raise at least … Read more →
4,691 feet above sea-level, with ruined fortifications and ancient caves tracing back to the Microlithic age, Harishchandragad fort is a perfect trekking destination in the Sahyadris. There are several different paths up to the fort. There two routes to reach … Read more →
After visiting Sewri Fort on the east coast and Sion Fort to the north or the erstwhile Bombay Island, I wanted to visit the other three forts on the west coast. Worli Fort and Mahim Fort were on the British … Read more →
Sion Fort is situated on a hill within a non-descript garden in the middle of the bustling suburb of Sion, that you would normally pass by without noticing. But in the 18th century, Sion Fort was one of the most … Read more →
Mandapeshwar Caves is cut out of a hill in the quiet suburb of Borivali, hidden in a nook behind an open plot of ground just behind the “Our Lady of Immaculate Conception Church”. It was built around 550 AD, around the … Read more →
Twelve teams of 6 cyclists each – all amateurs – participated in a race with a beautiful route with a total distance of 180 km. Starting from Thane, the route goes along the Mumbai Nashik highway till Atgaon, then branches … Read more →
On the occasion of India’s Independence Day 2013, over 300 cyclists rode their cycles peacefully from various places in Mumbai to Prabhadevi, hoisted the national flag, then rode to Worli Sea Face and Bandra. No agenda, no fuss, just riding … Read more →
In the heart of the city at the junction of the Western Express Highway and the Jogeshwari Vikhroli Link Road (JVLR), among the shanties of Prabhat Nagar lies an ancient and forgotten cave. This is one of the oldest known … Read more →
Last week, I had a business visit to Bangalore for a day and it happened to be a Friday. I took the opportunity to stay back for an extra half day and used it to cycle to Nandi Hills, the … Read more →
Last month, some cyclists had visited Lonad to do tree planting, and I could not join them. But ever since, Lonad was on my mind due to the caves that are found there. This weekend, I got a chance to … Read more →
After a break of three weeks with no trekking or cycling, I was really looking forward to a nice trek. When Sameer proposed a trek to Kangorigad, I jumped at the opportunity! Kangorigad, also known as Mangaldad, is one of … Read more →
As part of the Mumbai Historical Sites Cycling Association project to promote cycling to historical sites in and around Mumbai, it was evident that many of the historical sites – especially forts – are in a bad shape, with no conservation … Read more →
Located just next to JVLR near SEEPZ, Mahakali or Kondivite caves are a set of 19 Buddhist caves around the top of the Mahakali hill. Great for a cycling visit! Read more →
What happens when a bunch of 50 year olds (or thereabout) who have known each other for over half their lives, get together at a beautiful place in the mountains? They magically transform into their 25 year old versions! That’s … Read more →
With a trek planned on Sunday, I still wanted to do a cycling trip somewhere so as to not lose steam in my quest to cover all the forts in Mumbai and Thane region. Also, with a knee that I … Read more →
After spending my last weekend mountain biking in Germany, I wanted to get on my cycle and experience the rains in Mumbai. My original plan was to join a gang of cyclists who were heading to Lonad, and was planning … Read more →
After a 2 week break from cycling, I was keen to ride again this weekend. Just then on Saturday, I was excited to read a post on FB by fellow cyclists, Kaushik Panchal and Darren Pinto and see their photographs of a new off-road … Read more →
When it gets to Saturday evening, I usually start feeling the itch to figure out a route to ride on Sunday. Last night was no different, and with the current theme of riding to all the forts in and around … Read more →
For a change, this was a planned expedition as an extension of this year’s project of visiting all the forts in and around Mumbai. Having already visited Vasai fort and Arnala fort, I was itching to go further north in … Read more →