A short ride to Kondane caves

This time it was a combined Trek and Ride experience.

Motorcycle ride for 3 hrs. from Pune to Kondane caves base, Mini-trek of 45 min. to Kondane caves and ride back home. 

My younger son Chinmay was my partner. He likes to ride with me once in a while, and definitely likes to trek :-)

Started at 6:45 AM from Pune towards Karjat. As usual, riding thru old Pune Mumbai highway, took a tiny break after Khandala to view Nagphani (a.k.a. Duke's nose) protruding through cloud blanket. This view is no doubt a refresher! It definitely starts the day on fresh note.

Reached Khopoli, only to find that 'Ramakant' was not opened yet :-(.  Missed vadapav and rode towards Karjat. Had a breakfast and went towards Kondana caves. 

The caves are nicely hidden in the forestation.- a truly quiet place for meditation. Not much rush. very beautiful, serene and secluded. (It felt very safe even if secluded.

Caves by themselves are a topic for another write-up! This is rather small cave complex, very beautifully carved. Unfortunately it is getting ruined by constant water seepage over centuries. That's nature :-(

Climbed down back to the base. A limbu-paani refresher and ride back home. Don't miss the view of Kalakray pinnacle of 'Dhakcha Bahiri' on your right on return route.

Lunch break at Lonavala, and started back home. Rain gods caught us on the plain open highway!!! We were prepared. Had to ride thru wet roads and muddy side strips and inevitable traffic jams at Talegaon and Somatne phata.

Reached home safe and sound; wet and dirty; happy and tired-yet-refreshed.

My M350 was more mud-clad than us. Bikes remain clean in the Garage, but that's not what they are made for :-)