Timing the Tides

We all know that moon influences the timing of tides in the ocean. In 24 hours we get 2 High Tides and 2 Low Tides but the timing keeps on changing.

Here is a very simple method to calculate the same. All you need to know is what is the phase of the moon for the day? On Poornima (Full Moon Day) and on Amavasya (No Moon Day), the High Tide is at 12 noon and 12 midnight and the Low Tide is at 6 am and 6 pm. Every day the tide is delayed by 45 mins over previous day. This means one day after Poornima/ Amavasya, we have the High Tides at 12.45 AM and 12.45 PM and the Low Tides at 6.45 AM and 6. 45 PM.

Test Question for Paanchvi Pass: What is the timing of the High Tide seven days after Amvasya? 5.15 AM and PM
So what has all this got to do with “Escape from Mumbai”? It is important to know the timing of High Tide and Low Tide while visiting some of the coastal locations like Kulaba Fort and Usranicha Pagar.

Shortcut to Raigad

Once you pass Mangaon on the Mumbai-Goa Highway, you can see to your left the flat topped mountain of Raigad... Shivaji's Capital. But a low lying mountain range blocks your path and you have to drive down further to take a detour via Mahad to see this "Durg Durgeshwar" (Lord of Forts). Earlier I had travelled on a dirt track from Mangaon to Raigad via Gharoshi. This has now been converted into a tar road that passes through some nice wooded slopes. Though I have not travelled on this road by car, others who have used this road can leave behind their comments on this post

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Waterfall wala Picnic Spot

Just sharing a "Lite Moment"

We were coming back to Badlapur Station after a lovely trek to Chanderi Fort. Suddenly, a tapori (red shirt and green pant) who has just landed from a Mumbai local asked us "Idhar kaunsa Waterfall wala Picnic Spot hai???". Datta, one of our fellow trekker, retorted nonchalantly "Kahan jana hai? 5 log mar gaye woh wala... ke 8 Log doob gaye woh wala?".

Hope the tapori finds this blog so that he lands at the right place next time!

Gulanch Wadi

Most Mumbaikars are aware of "Malshej Ghat" thanks to promotion by MTDC. People enjoy the scenic beauty of the Ghat, frolic in the many waterfalls and get drenched in the heavy rainfall. Rarely do people venture beyond this "Hill Station" in to Ahmednagar District. This district is home to many amazing sites which are crying for attention.

One such place is Gulanch Wadi a small hamlet on the Malshej Ghat - Ahmednagar Route. The claim to fame of this place is that it has a Natural Stone Bridge. Such Natual Wonders are created over millions of years when water erodes the rock. This is the only of its kind in India. Similar structures in USA are protected as Natural Heritage. But in India most locals also are unaware of its importance.

Under the bridge is a temple of Goddess Malabai, who is highly revered in this region. The river that flows under this bridge is named Malganga

Location:
Latitude: 19o 15'
Longitude: 74o 21'
Altitude: 777 Mts above MSL

How to reach there:

From Malshej ghat drive down to Ale Phata... then take the road to Ahmednagar (via Ane Ghat) Gulanch wadi is half way between Ale Phata and Ane Ghat. Half a Kilometer from Gulanch Wadi to the left of the road is the Stone Bridge.


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Places Nearby:
Shivneri Fort
Chateau Indage Vineyards
Lenyadri (Astavinayak)
Takli Dhokeshwar
Wadgaon Darya (Cave with Stalactites and Stalagmites)

Walan Kond

15 Kms northeast of Mahad, Sahyadris are at their rugged best with vertical black cliffs. Between the Raigad fort and the Sahyadri Mountains is a deep gorge through with flows the Kal River. Water flow over the millennia has cut a deep channel in the black basalt rocks. This has created deep pools all along the river. When the monsoons recede and the river dries out, these pools hold water for the wild life as well as villagers during the dry season. They are called “Kond” is a localised version of the Sanskrit word “Kund”. The largest of such konds in the valley is called Walan Kond which is considered sacred by the local people. There are hundreds of massive fish in this pool which are supposed to be protected by the goddess who resides on the bank. To reach her temple, the locals have built a cable suspension bridge 30 feet above the river. If you stand on the bridge and throw rice or bread, the fish jump to catch a bite. This is quite unlike any spectacle you have ever seen!

Some words of caution… fishing is strictly prohibited here as these fish are considered to be divine. Also do not try to enter the pool as it is quite deep.

Location:
Latitude: 18o 22’
Longitude: 73o 48’
Altitude: 120 Mts above MSL

How to reach there?
The nearest town is Mahad on the Mumbai-Goa Highway. Take the road from Mahad to Varandha ghat and take a left from Mahad MIDC (Birwadi) to reach Walan Kond.


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When to Visit?
Monsoon really brings alive the whole forest around Walan Kond… but the flow of the river is so heavy that you will not be able to spot as many fish. Best time to visit is from November to February.

Nearby Places:
Raigad Fort
Bagdoh
Shivtharghal
Lingana Fort
Singapurchi Naal

Similar Places:
River pools with large fish… Lat Kond near Pali (Ashtavinayak) and Tilsa on the Bhiwandi Wada road.