Phansad Sanctuary, Murud

Captains Log; 0105.2015

Phansad Sanctuary is located on the Murud-Roha road. The road is decent with some curvy and patchy sections and sparse traffic. A night drive was fun with the high beam pointing out the narrow road through the darkness.

The Forest Dept. has set up basic infrastructure – tents and a canteen near Village Supegaon, about 8 km from the turnoff from the Kashid-Murud road. GPS co-ordinates N18.42444, E72.94849. They allow you to pitch your own tent within the compound (cost Rs. 500/person).

The sanctuary is pretty heavily vegetated and that means sightings are difficult. There were lots of calls but I just about got a glimpse of a White Rumped Shama.

Enjoyed the long walk in the forest and the poha and chai at the Forest Dept. canteen.

Kashid beach was super active with water sports.

On the way back from Kashid, turned for a look-see of Korlai on a whim. Came amazed with the fishing village with boats coming in, fish being dried and the Korlai lighthouse. The drive along the kucha road leading to the lighthouse was super.

Solo Run - Alibaug-Kashid-Murud

Captain's log; star date 290506.

Ok, so a 3 day holiday looming up and I am itching to ride. Do some research over the week. Get some tips and directions from fellow bikers.

Started rolling Saturday morning 800 hrs. The Bombay-Goa NH17 is super smooth, and on a bike moderate traffic is fun - weave.

The stretch between Wadakal Naka and Poynad is bumpy. Poynad to Alibaug is heaven. Alibaug-Revdanda is what really wears you down, the road isn't a road it's a rattler. Put Revdanda behind you and you have another heaven waiting for you. Ridding on the smooth asphalt with a beach along side is an experience you have to ride to believe.

A Nizam's palace just short of Murud is a decent place for a stop. The hill top location affords a nice view of the beach below.



The Janjira Fort shows up pretty abruptly as soon as you take that curve on the hill. The sight makes all the tiredness drain away.

Kashid is a nice place to put up for the night. After sun set this place is pitch dark. 1930 hrs, pitch dark, no moon but an amazing number of stars, not a soul in front and nothing in the RVM. Rolly Polly's headlights did its job well and thank-fully no incidents.



Sunday morning 600 hrs. I had Kashid beach all to myself for a nice long walk.



700 hrs I packed up and moved. Nice cool breeze and empty roads for company. Stoped at the Vikram Ispat temple on the way back.

930 hrs I was back home - road ripping speed.]

Total run - 336 Kms.