Clement DsouzaIs the idea of exploring a new place ruling your imagination? Want to turn your weekend break into an unforgettable experience?
Explore the once upon a time tribal kingdom of Jawhar. At a driving distance from Mumbai, Nashik & Thane, Jawhar in Palghar district, surrounded by deciduous forest at an elevation of 1500 feet makes for a perfect holiday. Emerging as a small hill-station, Jawhar is known for its tribal culture. The people here belong to the Warli tribe and are famous for its very lively Warli paintings, depicting everyday scenes of village life.
The landscape here is composed of several small hills. It does not have deep valleys or breathtaking cliffs but being untouched and unexplored it has much to offer owing to its beautiful natural surroundings like historical places, grand temples, serene lakes and dams, enchanting tourist spots and all year round pleasant climate.
During monsoon Jawhar becomes an extremely verdant region with small waterfalls dotting the roadside. Along the winding roads that come alive with the initial monsoon showers, small rivers flow below several bridges creating several picnic spots.
Jawhar is a place with abundant nature’s beauty and several man made marvels. Preserving numerous picturesque views, this hill town is loaded with tourist attractions and exotic beauty of flora and dense cover of forest.
There are man made grandeurs in the form of Jai Vilas Palace and Shirpamal displaying architectural relics. Khad Khad Dam is the one of the biggest in Jawhar and the unexplored region surrounding its waters has gained boost in tourism. Waterfalls like Dabhosa and Kalmandvi are very popular. For avid trekkers, Bhupatgad Fort is of special interest which is 16 kilometers from Jawhar. It is a mere one hour climb from the village of Zaap nestling in the foothills. Other tourist places include Jaisagar Dam, Sunset Point & Hanuman Point.
Tourist attractions apart, Jawhar’s magic is in it’s unhurried pace, laidback life and exquisite natural beauty which provide the ideal backdrop for all such indulgences.
Many roads lead to scenic locations of tribal hamlets nestled in the lap of hills and blessed with the waters of the dam. The villages are a living landscape. A place to take a break and experience peacefulness. Simplicity simply thrives, no noise, no pollution. A place that brings time to halt and will get you immersed in the soft and sweet smelling arms of nature.
EXPERIENCES TO INDULGE IN
CAMP ON THE LAKESIDE
Some of the best memories are made camping. Stare at the fire. Listen to the birds and stillness of the lake. Read a book. Take a nap. Relax. Watch the sunset. Cook over the fire. Breathe the fresh air. Come close to nature. A time to relax, escape the city chaos and unburden your mind from unwanted thoughts. Play your favourite music and warm yourself amidst the campfire. Cool breeze, dark night, warm fire, bright stars…what else is required to spend a night out.
GET YOUR HANDS AT THE ANCIENT INDIAN ART – THE WARLI PAINTING
Be a part of tribal’s oldest art form and get an experience of doing the traditional Warli painting. These paintings depict the social life of the villagers. Images of human beings and animals, along with scenes from daily life are created in a very beautiful pattern. These paintings have special characteristics representing the humble life of the Warli tribe.
SET TO THE RHYTHM OF THE TRIBAL BEAT
Listen to their music. Experience the traditional dance form of the Warli tribe- The Tarpa Dance. The Tarpa is a trumpet-like wind instrument unique to the Warlis. It is played in turns by different men. Men and women entwine their hands and move in a circle around the tarpa player, turning and moving as he turns, never turning their back to the tarpa. Be a part of this age old tarpa dance which was the only source of entertainment for the community.
FEEL THE EARTH
Come feel the earth, you will forget you’ve ever heard about heaven. Dirty your feet and muddy your hands. Learn about the plantation the community grows. Explore the green meadows and look for the wild vegetables. Become a farmer and go back to your roots. Experience farming the humblest of all occupations in the world.
EXPLORE THE HIDDEN POOLS
Densely wooded and uninhabited, there are streams and waterfalls waiting to be explored. These pools offer a peaceful retreat in the calming silence of nature. Walking on the terrain to reach the waterfalls is a pleasure in itself, as you cross river streams, and walk through the various fields of plantations.
BE ONE WITH NATURE
Leave those earplugs at home and listen to the leaves ruffling, birds squeaking and insects buzzing, far from the chaos of the city. Smell the flowers, flavours and fumes. Sit under a tree similar to the one you were friends with, at your grandmother’s place.
HOW TO REACH JAWHAR
Jawhar is within driving distance from Mumbai (160 kms). State transport buses are available from Thane, Vasai, Palghar & Dahanu. Self drive is the best option.
By Road from Mumbai:-
- Take the Eastern Express Highway to reach Thane. From Thane head towards Bhiwandi~Yewai~Murhe~Ambadi~Kudus and reach Wada. From Wada, turn left towards Pali~Onde~Vikramgad~Sakhare and reach Jawhar.
- Take the Western Express Highway to reach Mastan Naka (Manor). Turn right onto Vikramgad-Jawhar road. Continue straight to reach Jawhar.
- Take the Western Express Highway to reach Charoti Naka. Turn right onto Dahanu-Jawhar road. Continue straight to reach Jawhar.
By Rail:-
Nearest railway station is Igatpuri, 61 kms on central railway but Nashik is a more convenient railhead. On western railway, the nearest railhead is Dahanu, 65 kms.
NOTE
If you require any guidance regarding camping experiences in Jawhar, please drop us an email at roamingwithroads@gmail.com. Happy to guide!
