Bhogave Beach- A Hidden Gem🌴🏝

We are really blessed to have magnificent  Konkan coast in Western India. Today i read that Bhogave beach in Sindhudurg has been nominated for Blue flag certification given by  Foundation for environmental education organisation in the list of  most beautiful and cleanest beaches in the world.Among seven other beaches in india , Bhogave is only one  selected from maharashtra as a most beautiful and cleanest beach.Its really a matter of pride that we have such an amazing beaches in india which are still undiscovered and unnoticed.

Bhogave beach is a beautiful and serene beach on the Konkan coast. This beach is 22 km South of malvan and 29 km away from Tarkarli. The most special thing about this beach is, it is situated at the confluence of karli river and Arabian sea..so the view is just spectacular. Clear blue water, silver sand ,beautiful green coast with lots of coconut and betel nut trees and lot of peace. This beach is also a habitation of Dolphins, so charming tricks of Dolphins are really amazing.The moment you enter the beach you feel tranquillity and bliss.

In 2011 we were in Sindhudurg district when my husband was posted there. I feel really fortunate that we got an opportunity to visit most of the places in Sindhudurg.  There are so many virgin beaches in Sindhudurg, all are absolutely beautiful and most importantly clean unlike beaches in Goa or Mumbai.

Out of all , two beaches are really scenic and virgin....one of them is Tondavli beach in malvan and other one is Bhogave beach. If you want to enjoy being with seashore and want to have your own peaceful time then Bhogave is a place you must visit. The place can be marked very clean beach as it is not yet commercialised. If you visit it in during sunrise and sunset time, the view of colourful pink orange sky, sparkling blue waves and glittering sand will capture your heart.

We have been there so many times and every time we wonder why such a beautiful place is not famous yet like Tarkarli and other beaches in Malvan.But it is said that good things take time and finally it's been recognised and included in the list of most beautiful beaches in the world.
So if you are planning to visit Konkan coast in future don't forget to visit this Paradise for peace,tranquillity  and most importantly it's magnificent view, its really worth it!!!!

Bring your own bag!!!!!

We all are aware about serious problems which are caused by the use of plastic bags. Sometimes it's just that we take lot of time to accept it.
As we know Plastic bags are not biodegradable.These bags don’t just make our world uglier, they make it unhealthier too. As the bags deteriorate, their chemical components begin to break down, degrading soil and water quality. And if incinerated, these chemicals are similarly released into the atmosphere. Considering their harmfulness government has also banned use of plastic bags many times but still we can see many people around us are using plastic carry bags..sometimes shopkeeper or seller gives us things/food/grocery in plastic bags and unintentionally we take it but now it’s time to say No and it’s better if we carry our own bags with us. Always keep a cloth or paper bag in your car whenever u step out of your home. Carry a stainless steel bottle with you instead of plastic water bottle.

So start from yourself,start using paper bags and  reusabls cloth bags popular alternative to plastic bags . They are made from a  variety of materials, such as newspapers,cotton , recycled PET, and jute.

Make yourself a paper bag or cloth bag from available pieces of clothes at home . It will not only look trendy but also give you sense of satisfaction that you are using biogedradable thing which can be recycled. All you need is your old newspapers,used cushion covers, piece of clothes,old bedsheets,thread needles and some decorative stuffs available at home.

As we know garbage disposal has become a serious issue these days.Plastic forms huge part of this garbage which is causing harmful effects on our environment,so let’s take our first step towards clean and green environment by saying bye bye to plastic bags and bottles..let’s change ourselves to change the society around us.

Gulmohar- The flame tree 🍁🍁

Gulmohar or Delonix regia is a species of flowering plant from the Fabaceae family found in Madagascar by botanist Wensel Bojer.
It’s flame like flowers catches everyone’s attention...more than just eye-catching beauty, Gulmohar’s wide-spread branches offer shade from the scorching sun in the summer.

Whenever I look at the Gulmohar tree I feel so nostalgic,I remember my childhood days. I have fond memories of Gulmohar tree which was in my grandparents house in Jalgoun. And I remember my summer vacation time playing around Gulmohar tree with my siblings and cousins. 

It was a huge Gulmohar tree and looked beautiful bloomed with red and orange flowers during summers.I remember I used to stare at the tree every evening and it gave a sense of satisfaction and peace to me. Even now whenever I see  Gulmohar tree I feel so happy . It takes me straight to my childhood in my Granny’s house, my grandparents are no more now but I feel I m still there playing with my brothers and sister under the huge Gulmohar tree.

Calm afternoons under the tree which were spent mostly playing girly games or puzzles,Ludo,carrom with my cousins, evening bliss in picking all the Gulmohar flowers and decorating them in a vase. Cosy summer nights with family under the Gulmohar tree in the garden ....there was a swing under the Gulmohar tree and every night we all used to gather together to listen stories from our grandfather....While listening I used to look at the Gulmohar flowers lying on the grass in the night ......their smell ,colour everything is still stored in my mind with all the childhood stories.....sooo many beautiful memories are related with this tree.

After my grandparents died that house was sold,sometimes I feel like going there once again just to be a small kid again and to play under that Gulmohar tree with my siblings,hope it’s still there.

People come and go...places change but some things always remain in our heart,some memories are unforgettable.

The call of the Forest🌳🌴🍃World Forest Day!!

And into the forest I go,to lose my mind and find my soul!!!!!!

I love forests ...there is something so mesmerising and mysterious about them.
Dense huge trees, beautiful landscapes of mother earth,water bodies ,wild animals everything about forest is so wonderful . The deep you enter into the forest more you feel the calm , peace and tranquillity. Nature sounds such as a rumbling thunderstorm, wind blowing or birds chirping in a Forest are very powerful sounds to create a calm, peaceful and relaxing atmosphere.

My  love for travelling has made me travel Most of the beautiful forests. Some forest memories are unforgettable.In 2009 my spouse was posted in amravati, I remember spending most of the time in Melghat forest of Vidarbha region in Maharashtra. It's such a beautiful jungle and most importantly untouched with commercial activities. We have lot of memories of  Melghat while exploring interior forest areas like Koktu, kolkhas , Semadoha etc. And also many nights which we spent on the forest machan to catch a glimpses of wild animals. And most of the times caught wild animals unexpectedly in middle of the night. Even the Forests in Satpura ranges are very dense and beautiful. In Nandurbar district forest trekking was one of the best experiences. There are no wild animals like in Melghat but you can spot wild deers and lot of peacocks in Satpura forests .

One of the memorable forest experience was in pune, when we had gone for a moonlit forest walk with friends in the Forests of NDA. First time i experienced the beauty of forest in white moonlight. The plants and trees and whole atmosphere bathed in the cool light of the moon presented an enchanting sight. Walking in such an atmosphere was an unforgettable joy.
Forests always gives us so much,from fresh air and other life necessities to mental peace and solace.
Now its our time to save this beautiful heritage for our future generations by conservation and protection of Forests and wild animals.

Today on the world forest day I just want to say that  the earth  has music for those who listen it.
So take a quite walk with Mother nature, it will nurture your mind, body and soul .

Celebrate festivals, Celebrate life🎉 🎊

India is a very rich country culturally. We are so blessed to be born in india which  has its own cultural heritage. Each state has its own culture along with different festivals. Each religion in india has its own set of traditions and festivals.
Most of the festivals and traditions which are attached to every  festival are very scientific. We are following many things since generations but if we look at them all these things have spiritual and scientific significance too. Festivals teach us to enjoy our life in every season .it teach us how to accept the present situation and find happiness in it .

We celebrate Sankranti festival in The month of January in Maharashtra and Gujarat but in north india it’s Lohri and in south it’s Pongal. All the three festivals come in winters so the traditions and customs attached with them are suitable with the changing weather of that time . We give Tilgul in Maharashtra on Sankranthi, which is the best thing to be eaten during winters .Sesame seeds and jaggery is the good energy source in winters.Lohri and Pongal are the harvest festivals. During this time corn,groundnuts,sugarcane,mustard,jowar etc .are produced and the weather is very cold so Lohri is the time for gathering along with campfire having seasonal food like Sarson ka saag and Makai ki roti. Pongal has its own significance where god Sun is worshipped by offering milk and jaggery.

 Holi comes during spring time and hence getting drenched with colours is really soothing during this period. Thandai which is served on the day of Holi is the best drink for our body during the spring season. Gudi Padwa which we celebrated recently has its own
Home is decorated with Gudi in which fresh mango and neem leaves are used because it blooms during this season and Shrikhand is eaten which is a hung curd pudding ,very good for digestion in summer.

 So Many times festivals are so perfectly matched with the cuisines  combined with it ,and climatic conditions that it helps our body to acclimatise with the seasonal changes.

Every festival is related to the worship of particular god as we know and it makes us grow spiritually. Along with this is also makes us to grow socially and individually.

If we learn to know about each and every festival we would like to celebrate each one of them. In my family we do celebrate all the maharashtrian festivals like Gudi Padwa,Nag panchmi ,Pola ,Ganesh utsav,Vatsavitri etc along with common Indian festivals like Diwali ,Holi ,Navratri ,dashera, janmashtami,Pongal, Lohri,Vasant panchmi and with these Hindu festivals we also celebrate  Eid and Christmas.

With the celebration of all these festivals we are experiencing different colours and flavours of life. I try to make festival special cuisines on each festival , try to dress up accordingly, call friends at our place  to be part of the celebration and my kids who are five year old really enjoy being part of each festivities. They look forward for every festival. With the changing trend we have started celebrating Halloween and thanksgiving too on kids demand and I feel there is nothing bad in accepting western culture if it’s adding joy tin our life.
Life is all about spreading happiness around us, each festival brings lot of happiness with it. It makes us aware about changing climatic conditions around us, it makes us to believe in some supernatural power guiding us constantly, it makes us to look forward for something every time , it makes us to dress up differently in different festive colours, it makes us to taste various varieties of cuisines suitable to the season, it makes us feel positive and joyful.

The spirit of festival is contagious and we can feel that so enjoy all the simple joys in life .
Celebrate festivals, Celebrate life 🎉🎉!!!!!

Birds need you this summer!!!

Summer is here and it's going to be equally harsh to the animals around us.every year lot of birds collapse from dehydration during summer when water puddles dry up.

The summer months are critical for birds as they need to raise their young and eat as much as they can in order to migrate safely back home.
It's been observed that lot of birds get distressed to due increasing heat in summer.they just lose their strength by flying due to dehydration in hot summer.
Though many people , in these days , are coming up with the initiatives to help birds by leaving a bowl of water on the windowsill ,balconies and rooftops, large section of the society is still unaware about this.

All we can do is to get an earthen clay pots which are better that plastic or metal pots and place bowls of water wherever possible, like our garden, balcony or terrace. Place the water in a shady spot,away from human activity.
Birds come in search of water and sometimes even  like to take bath in a water when heat increases . We can place some food for them near water , birds do come in the morning time and in the evening. It will not only provide them food and water but it will also give you a pleasant  new feel with bunch of beautiful birds chirping in your balcony/garden. It's so soothing and wonderful.

Providing water to birds could change hundreds of lives necessary for nature. So guys start from this summer, till then happy birding !!!!

Water and food for birds in my balcony 💚

Ladies take care of your health first !!!

There is a common saying , which we are hearing since childhood is “ Heath is Wealth”. And most of the time the most important thing which we ignore in our life is our health. As a woman we have to deal with so many things everyday and we are really good in multitasking too but when it comes to health most of the women complain that they don’t get time or it’s not possible for them to go to gym or yoga everyday. Recently I met a very influential lady working on a higher level and after being asked what you do for your fitness she asked me “ Look at me ...Do you think I need to do anything “? No doubt she  is very slim but I was surprised to hear this answer from her.
Do we need to exercise only to become slim and trim? Or for zero figure?? Or to show people how maintained you are ???

First of all we need to ask ourselves How we want to keep ourselves fit and why? It’s time for self analysis. If you want to feel good about yourself physically as well as mentally start taking care of your health first. Take out time for your body it’s the place you have to live whole life.
Make and follow your own fitness regime. Whether you like to walk, gym, yoga, Zumba ,aerobics,swimming etc. start it with full dedication and be  persistent. Eat clean, learn and make healthy food.share your recipes and experience with other friends. Once you start enjoying your workouts take pictures of some of your own achievements if you feel like.Always look at these pictures of your own for motivation than others ..feel proud of your self . For that you  don’t have to look like a Bollywood celebrity. Every woman is a celebrity cause she is special in her own ways . Your workout regime is a result of your hard work so Make yourself your mentor. It will help you to be persistent and regular about your workouts.

Always give importance to yourself ..you have to take care of your family members ,so if you are not physically and mentally fit how you are going to take care of everyone ?how you will face the everyday challenges? Fitness calms our body ,mind and Soul . It’s contagious, being in good health keeps us happy and motivated, it helps us in spreading joy in family ,workplace and friends.
So when good health gives us so many benefits, I want to say it to all pretty ladies,please take care of your health

The joy of Visiting local vegetable markets!!

Since childhood I m really fond of Vegetable market. I remember in Mumbai I used to accompany my mom for vegetable shopping in Byculla sabji Mandi and I used to be very happy seeing fresh vegetables arranged in different stalls. My vegetable watching was so deep that often I used to give name of the vegetables to colours  like tomato red ,chilli red,lemon yellow, peas green colour etc. and my drawing teacher used to be really annoyed with me .
My mom is a wise shopper since beginning,she knows market rates and I remember her bargaining with vegetable seller everytime . She was a regular visitor to Mandi so everyone knew her . I could see her selecting each and every vegetable and after carefully seeing it she used to buy. She often told me small small things while buying vegetables, like White onion has medicinal significance so always buy white one ,select small organic tomatoes and avoid buying huge hybrid veggies. How to select green leafy vegetables, how to check freshness of okra/Bhindi , why small pink garlic is better than the white bigger one, how to buy some seasonal vegetables in bulk in order to stock them for rest of the year . So many such small but very important things I learnt  from her and still trying to learn.


 After  marriage when my husband was posted in Amaravati ,it was my first time to go alone to a vegetable market. So happily with my maid and driver I went to Local sabji Mandi. Amravati Mandi was huge and names of the vegetables were different from Mumbai or Nasik. In vidarbh many vegetables names are in Hindi unlike western Maharashtra. So most of the times either me or the vegetables seller used to get confused.


After Amaravati when we got transferred to Sindhudurg in Konkan the picture was so different. Vegetable market in the district headquarter Oras was on Sunday and very small. In Konkan main staple food is fish and rice so there were only selected vegetables in the market. In Sindhudurg one vegetable is very famous that’s a red leafy veg which is Amaranth leaves locally called  Lal bhaji . It’s considered very rich in iron .

Green leafy veggies were rare and even other exotic vegetables were not available there. For me it was disappointing to buy only few vegetables every week. But the best part in Konkan was visiting local Fish markets and when I started going there like vegetable market , every time I felt so nice to see different varieties of fresh sea food. It was so fresh all the time and that was the best part of staying in a coastal area.

After Konkan it was Khandesh, when we shifted to Nandurbar, which is the Tribal district vegetable market was rich in different varieties of vegetables. Nandurbar is very famous for its dry red chillies as we all know but there were many other tribal vegetables in the local Mandai like taakla, phodshi ,kartule, pokla etc.  which are rich in vitamins and very delicious in taste.

 Then we shifted to Pune.once in a week early morning I used to go to mahatma Phule mandai  in Pune which is the biggest one and reminded me of my childhood visits to byculla market. It’s amazing to see the varieties and quantities of vegetables. It’s more like a farmers market on a market day and exotic veggies and salads at very reasonable price than malls . I miss fresh Avocados and broccoli which we get in Pune along with lettuce ,celery and what not. There is a flower maket near Mandai and the beautiful varieties of exotic flowers are out of our imagination.


As we are in Aurangabad now , which is in marathvada region, there are many local vegetables available here and vegetable market is also very rich in varieties except during summers.we get all vegetables here and it’s good that most of the time they are organic straight from the farm. Farmers market is always a best option and I glad nowadays people are giving more importance to organic and   Fresh grown vegetables.
So many different experiences of different vegetable markets..till then Happy shopping!!

Camping in Shnongpeding ⛺️

It was a Saturday morning when we started for Snongpeding.  It’s a very beautiful little place uphill the Umngot River. A must visit if you are visiting Meghalaya. Has crystal clear water and you can see the river bed.  From Jowai  Snonpegding is 2 hours journey , but we decided to visit krang suri waterfalls on the way and some local Khasi villages before reaching Shnongpeding.
 When for the first time we saw the Umngot river all were speechless....the water was transparent and we could literally see river bed and fishes in the water. Never seen such a clean ...clear and beautiful river, very deep but appears shallow due to crystal clear water. It’s an excellent example of nature’s art.
Since beginning I m fond of adventures traveling  and camping and by gods grace I got a life partner with same interests...we have travelled so many places in our 9 yrs of marriage and every time we try to explore new places and new Adventures. This time we decided to stay in a tent in shnongpeding  overnight to experience the night and morning by riverside.


We reached our tent by a boat In the afternoon...it was a bright and sunny afternoon and I was really happy that I could wear normal jeans tshirt there unlike Shillong and Jowai where I could not think of removing my woollen sweaters and jackets even for a minute. It was a pleasant sunny afternoon and One person came to receive us , and took us to our tent. A small cosy and basic tent. There were two blankets and a carpet inside . My son is 5 years old and cudnt believe that we were going to spend our night there. There were around seven such tents and behind all these tents there was a jungle where they have made scariest but clean washrooms. Meghalaya is said to be one of the cleanest state in india and we experienced it when we visited each and every place. Even small small villages are so neat and clean , all the houses are beautifully decorated with plants and flowers everywhere and  no where we found roadside garbage or dirt. In Shnongpeding camps they have made washrooms inside the jungle which are very clean and maintained really well. Little bit away from this place they have made a small lovely bamboo restaurant. It’s so beautifully made considering the river view in the front and I still remember the taste of the super delicious food they serve there.

It was a beautiful evening and we decided to go for Kayaking In the beautiful serene water....me and my little one had time of our life kayaking in that crystal clear water....no body was there apart from us ,as if whole  river only belonged to us. In the evening they served tea and biscuits which we enjoyed while watching sunset. And then it started getting cold ....there was a sudden change in the weather. It started getting dark and we could feel it more because there was no electricity.t..no lights . They gave traditional lanterns which we call kandil to each tent and the light was very dim. Cold weather, Bonfire and talks , it was my kind of night. We were around 8 people in that camp all together two from Assam ,two from Shillong ,one caretaker and three of us. It was a beautiful night by the river . The sound of water and Bonfire made it more memorable for us . And the best part was food, we never thought that we could get such a delicious dinner in our camp which was on the river island ,away from the main town . First they served us Baked fish ,it was a local river fish which was  marinated with ginger,lemon and green chilies then wrapped in aluminium foil and baked in the fire . Very simple and very basic recipe but the output was amazing. The baked fish was the hit dish that night and everybody enjoyed it..after which the main course was chicken curry,rice ,tomato pickle and delicious Dal . Sometimes  we go to some place and feel as if we belong to that place ,same thing happened that night ,I felt as if belonged to that river..that camp...which was away from routine life,there was no wifi ,no light, no contact with civil world which was like a total therapy.

 It was a chilled night...with wind blowing continuously and after finishing our dinner and talks we headed towards our tent...little one was already asleep and it was really cold ...two blankets which we thought were more than enough were not at all enough...and they provided us more...the most challenging thing which I felt was going to washroom which was little bit away from our tent,that too in that darkness . They gave us small torch to carry and with gathering some courage I went up . I could not see anything around me ,it was very dark and the jungle which looked beautiful during daytime was looking really scary in the night. Finally I came back to tent and I was really happy with my tiny achievement .and we then slept ...we are so used to materialistic things in life that initially I was restless as I was missing my pillow and there was no light ... our lantern was about to go off and I was worried to face darkness after that.  But it was all in the mind , after sometime I didn’t even realise when I slept and so peacefully... wind speed was so high in the night which was shaking our tent badly but it was really Cosy and comfortable so we could sleep peacefully.

Next morning we got up very early coz we wanted to see the sunrise.what an amazing morning it was....when we saw s the sun rising and the view was breathtaking. No words ..no pictures can define it ever. I feel fortunate that I could do my daily workout and meditation there...and the experience was most memorable. Fresh air, sunlight and clear river what else i could ask for ?

Early morning tea came in a thermas and some biscuits...and then we decided to go for zip lining which we never did before..it was thrilling ,exciting and wonderful experience . And we were really surprised that my little one who is just 5 yrs also finished it successfully.

And after that the best part was breakfast with the view....I kept wondering in such a small place which they called their kitchen how could they prepare all those  wonderful things with minimum resources. There was French toast, Maggie with veggies ,boiled eggs ,corn flakes and juice . And what was in front of us was the river with blue water...while we were having our treat our eyes surely had theirs.
After spending real quality time in the wonderful camp of shnongpeding it was time to say goodbye.
With the heavy heart and countless memories of those 24 hours we left for the next destination. But the experience which we got there really tought us so much.... we have stayed in the tent many times but those were lavish comparing to the one this time. The tent in Shonongpeding was very basic and simple..but it proves that happiness can be created with minimum materialistic resources and maximum natural sources which feeds our soul ,mind and heart ❤️

Women’s day 2018

What its like to be a female lineman ??
There was a time when lineman work was men’s work. Over the years, women have been breaking down barriers and joining the ranks of the hard working trade that make sure the power stays on. The work is hard ...long days performing difficult tasks in the field are followed by Safety,drilling and scaling tall power poles !!!


It takes immense courage to take up the male dominated profession and then giving full justice to it.. these all ladies are doing a brilliant job .
As we all know it’s a technical work and hours are generally not fixed ...no holidays except a week off . But these women  are working day and night without any complains and trying to give us quality power supply .

 This year so happy to Celebrate this women’s day with this female lineworkers of MSEDCL. We women are far superior than males in each and every field and this is proved once again with the perfection and hard work which these women put in for the electricity department and common citizens.
Will always cherish this women’s day with these special women in our society. Cheers to Womanhood !!!!

Take a break girl 💕

Have you ever noticed the beautiful flower bloomed in your garden ,which is smiling happily at you ?  Have you ever noticed how fresh is your bread and vegetables before you use them for making your breakfast? Have you ever noticed your spouse’s special smile after coming home from work ??
I am sure we all must have noticed these things but what makes them unnoticed is that we generally don’t appreciate all these things...it becomes a daily chore for us instead of being grateful for these simple joys of life !!!
Happiness is an inside job ,we cannot depend on particular person  or situation to be happy.ofcorse our loved ones make us feel delighted and special occasions bring joy in our life. But being happy is a continuous journey. Learn to do whatever makes you happy,take out time for that.it can be anything,whatever lifts your soul just do it without any guilt .
I have seen many girls /women who really work hard day and night , it’s really good to be passionate about work but end of the day they miss simple joys of life...which hold very important place in our lives. They feel lonely and insecure after a long tiring day at work about which they are passionate about. Same in case of homemakers they take care of everyone in their families but often ignore their own health and sacrifice simple joys of life .
I feel we all need to take a break and look around us,there are so many things around us which we generally don’t notice. Go alone for walk ....watch your favourite movie ,make coffee for yourself and enjoy its every sip with your favourite book or song . Go to SPA and get a good massage.Smile and see how beautiful is everything around.
Woking hard to achieve ones goal is a most powerful thing to do but it should not be at the cost of ones health fitness and happiness. What’s the use of money when you can buy is big house but you don’t have time to spend with your loved ones. What’s the use of money when you can buy most expensive dress but you are not physically fit after wearing it. The constant stress of achieving higher scales Money or success is making us alienated from ourselves, end of the day people sleep frustrated and insecure.
I feel whether a homemaker or a working woman we all need to take a break at sometimes. It doesn’t mean we should stop doing work or stop caring for our family ,it simply means take a break to make yourself happy,take a break to do something which makes you smile,take a break to do something which feeds ur soul...even if it’s crazy go for it,because it’s your life , your choice !!!!