Monsoon Travel: Spend a night in a cave with a scenic view of Pali

Thanale caves near Pali in Raigad district

Come the monsoon, and the Mumbaikar is magically transformed into a travel and adrenaline junkie. But not everyone is bestowed with the fortune of heading off to the destination they wish. But even for the time-strapped urban animal there are destinations that offer breaks with opportunity for activities the trekkers, hikers and cavers.

Thanale Caves offer a picturesque view of the Sahyadris. Pics/Kiran J Rao

One such destination is Thanale caves near Pali in Raigad district. This place has over 2,200 years old Buddhist caves where freedom fighter Vasudev Balwant Phadke had sought refuge when being hunted by the British police. The route to these caves passes through forest, streams and waterfalls.

The landscape near the caves is rich with vegetation, especially during the monsoon

Jumpstart, a Mumbai-based travel company, has organized a journey to this intriguing and breathtakingly beautiful site. Dhiren Talpade from jumpstart says that they discovered the caves by chance and it has been a favourite since then. "We had a trip planned for Phansad Wildlife Reserve way back in 2011 when the Forest Department called us to inform us that we did not have sufficient permissions to carry out the trip. Since it was too late to get that sorted, we decided to look at another venue. A close friend and ex-colleague suggested that we try out Thanale. We reached the village in the evening as we had to search for it without much online help. A villager, Shankar Phate and his family heard our story and decided to help us out. The experience was so good that we kept coming back year after year," he says.

A view of the hills at sunset

Talpade says that the beauty of the area is heightened during the rains with rich and fresh vegetation. "We trek to the caves at night and break of dawn after that is a sight to behold," he says. He informs that though there are other caves like Kanheri, Kondana and the popular Ajanta and Ellora caves, the Thanala caves have no restrictions and hence one can spend a night there. The trip involves local vegetarian food from the village and breakfast prepared at the cave.

Thanale Caves
From Mumbai 116 km

Dos
>> Wear shoes with a good grip
>> Carry drinking water and food. You should have at least two-litres of water
>> Carry your cell phones, wallets and other important and expensive articles in waterproof coverings.
>> A dry towel and a change of clothes may come in handy on longer treks.
>> Carry a cap; it helps even while it's raining.
>> Carry two bed sheets or a sleeping bag for overnight treks
>> Learn first aid and outdoor skills.
>> Remember to carry all your garbage back with you in your pockets or bags.

Don'ts
>> Avoid deodorants, perfumes, etc as these attract insects
>> Black, white, flower prints and bright coloured clothes, attract insects too.
>> Jeans get heavy and soggy after they get wet. Avoid wearing jeans.

ON July 30
CALL 9619793983
LOG ON TO www.jumpstartoutdoors.com