A JOURNEY THROUGH HILLS
Mumbai — Pune- Mahabaleshwar
Family Picture
A JOURNEY THOUGH HILLS- MUMBAI- PUNE — MAHABALESHWAR
In India, travelling is rarely a solitary affair. Most of us prefer journeys shared with family or friends, where conversations, laughter, and small surprises make the trip more memorable. For a long time, we had been planning a visit to Pune, but somehow the plan never materialized.
In 2009, a family friend came to Mumbai on official work and was to stay here for six months. Rinkudi arrived with her mother, Moulick Jethima. Both were keen to use this time to explore some tourist destinations around Mumbai. For my mother and me, this turned out to be a golden opportunity.
We had some friends living in Pune. When we contacted them and mentioned our wish to visit Mahabaleshwar, they immediately agreed to help and arranged a car for us. They also decided to join the trip. Finally, on the appointed day, the four of us set off from Mumbai towards Pune, filled with excitement about the journey ahead.
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We travelled along the Mumbai–Pune Expressway, which had been completed only a short while earlier. Driving on this modern highway was an experience in itself. As the car sped forward, the landscape unfolded in shades of green. Rolling hills, rocky slopes, and stretches of trees lined both sides of the road. The occasional tunnel and sweeping curves of the expressway added to the thrill of the drive. The journey itself felt like a scenic introduction to the Western Ghats.
Another member of our extended circle was waiting for us in Pune — Chotoda. We first went to his house, where a warm lunch awaited us. Afterwards, he dropped us at Rita Auntie’s place, where we were to stay. In the evening, Uncle took us on a short tour of the city. We visited the Chaturshringi Temple, saw the beautiful campus of Savitribai Phule Pune University, and also stopped at the peaceful premises of the Ramakrishna Mission. After returning home, we had dinner and retired early, excited about our trip to Mahabaleshwar the next day.
The following morning began with a charming sight. The grandmother of the house carefully draped her sari, took her walking stick, and slowly made her way to the vehicle. Despite her age, she was determined to join us on the trip. Her quiet enthusiasm added a special warmth to the beginning of our journey.
Breakfast that day was simple but enjoyable — bread, butter, and jam eaten inside the moving car as we drove through the countryside. As we moved closer to Mahabaleshwar, the scenery began to change. Small hills gradually appeared on the horizon, growing taller and more numerous as we approached the hill station. Soon the road began winding upward through the mountains. The air felt fresher, the greenery deeper, and everyone in the car grew more animated with excitement.
Our driver knew the area very well and took us to several well-known viewpoints. From Monkey Point and Elephant’s Head Point, we could see vast valleys stretching into the distance. The view of layered hills fading into the mist created a breathtaking panorama. We also stopped at a temple along the way. While the others went inside to offer prayers, Granny and I remained comfortably seated in the car, enjoying the cool breeze and the peaceful surroundings.
One of the most enjoyable stops of the day was Mapro Garden. The place was bustling with tourists and filled with the fragrance of fresh strawberries. Stalls displayed a tempting variety of strawberry products — jams, syrups, juices, and desserts. We treated ourselves to their famous strawberry cream and sandwiches, which tasted wonderfully fresh. Sitting amidst the greenery, savouring these sweet delights, we felt the perfect blend of nature and indulgence.
Finally, we reached the last destination of our trip — Table Land. By then it was evening. The vast plateau stretched before us, offering an uninterrupted view of the horizon. As the sun slowly descended, the sky transformed into shades of gold and orange. Many visitors had gathered there, quietly watching the sunset. We too stood silently, absorbing the beauty of the moment until the sun disappeared completely beyond the hills.
The return journey to Pune was filled with contentment. By the time we reached the flat, it was around nine at night. Before heading indoors, however, we made a short detour to a Bengali restaurant. After all, Bengalis rarely feel satisfied without a comforting meal of fish and rice!
The next day we bid farewell to our generous hosts and started our journey back to Mumbai. It had been a short trip, but one filled with laughter, companionship, and beautiful memories — exactly the kind of journey that stays with you long after the road has ended.
