[kaustubh_vaze]

Hi Mayur,
Nice travellogue.
Are you from Mithbav or from some other place down south like Malvan for example?

I am from a place called Bilwas close to Malvan and there are a lot of "Palavs" in this village. It is also the same place where the actor Bhagwan (Palav) of Albela fame originated.

Keep it up dude. The last few pictures are not visible. What are you riding BTW?

Edit: Blame my net connection for the pictures not appearing. I see you are riding a Pulsar.

Regards,
Kaustubh

[mayurpalav]

@Vaze Buva - My native place is Poip, near Kankavli.
I was visiting my maternal relatives in Mithbav,
Yes, there are quite a few Palav's around in that part & Kudal as well.

[mayurpalav]

By now, everyone must have realised that I was reliving my trip back from Mithbav to Mumbai via the MSH4, although the pictures do not do justice to what I have encountered. I would strongly recommend a trip down this highway mainly for 2 things, the views and the drive. There is never a wrong time to do this drive however the heavy monsoon season can be avoided, primarily if any ferry crossings need to be undertaken. It is very much possible to get off the MSH 4 and explore new places around. The roads are a dream to ride/drive on, however are a single carriageway throughout just like NH17.

I had started journey on Thursday, Dec 9 at 0730 from Andheri, Mumbai and travelled using the NH17. Had reached Mithbav just as the sun was setting at the horizon, time was around 1830 hrs. 506 kms on the trip meter exactly 50 kms/litre aprrox with sedate riding and numerous stops in between. My weapon of choice was my Pulsar 220 Dtsi 2010, 6000 kms till this trip started, with Motul fully synthetic running since 3000kms and no other mods.

[mayurpalav]

The reason for the quick visit was to check a piece of land which was on sale. I could have travelled by bus or train however this seemed to be the best time to do the long awaited solo bike ride. As I discussed about the idea of the ride with my friends and family, the favourite retort for the query was "Pagal ho gaya hai kya !!!".

It was rather a statement not a question, and that is what made me more determined to accomplish this on my own. This travelogue is dedicated to all those who thought I would never make it or atleast not alone, your comments and statements only made my resolve stronger.

Special thanks to HV sir and AP sir. A very mention of Alankar Mishra from XBHP, The Leh Diairies was the inspiration.

[ASHISHPALLOD]

@Mayur,
This is the only travelogue in which we can get route condition of coastal road i.e. sh4.

Will you please post the condition of road from start to end, section by section, creeks to cross, ferry timing etc.

Though you had posted it, it will be helpful if all info is in single post.

[mayurpalav]

Originally Posted by ASHISHPALLOD

@Mayur,
This is the only travelogue in which we can get route condition of coastal road i.e. sh4.

Will you please post the condition of road from start to end, section by section, creeks to cross, ferry timing etc.

Though you had posted it, it will be helpful if all info is in single post.

@AP - The route as I said earlier is very scenic and the roads are very good, 90% of all the roads are very good to drive on especially the ghat roads. Some parts of the MSH 4 are being widened, but nothing to worry about. In all I crossed 4 ferries, namely Dhopve-Dabhol, Bankot-Harihareshwar, Dighi-Agardanda and Revas-Dhaman. There could have been 3 more (I think but I am not sure). 1. From Vijaydurg 2. From Jaigadh & 3. From Kelshi. The ferries for Dhopve - Dabhol and Bankot - Harihareshwar are barges and carry 4 wheelers including buses as well, the travel time is not more than 10 minutes & the ferries are spaced out by 30 minutes on each side. Dighi-Agardanda and Revas-Dhaman are smaller ferries and only take 2 wheelers across, the travel time is 20-25 minutes & the ferries are spaced out by 60 minutes on each side. All the above ferries are run during the day hours and finding one after dark is next to impossible.

Will soon be doing the same stretch again soon.

If you look at the maps, stage Dabhol-Mandangad-Bankot was off the MSH4, since I was directed there. The roads from Mandangad to Bankot were the worst that I encountered. The maps also have the NH17 for company just in case.

AM trying but can't have the maps in chronological order........

[mayurpalav]

A small update - The place to cross over from Uran to Revas is called Karanja. Small ferry boats operate every hour till dusk. Service to Revas from Ferry wharf AKA Bhau cha Dhakka has been resumed, bikes are allowed onboard. Ferry timings from Agar Danda to Dighi are seperated by 2 hours, If one misses the 10.30 am ferry, he has to wait till 12.30 am to cross over. Road conditions on MSH 4 are still the same that means they are good. Happy travelling.

[ambivalent_98]

Nice photos. Thanks for sharing Mayur.
THe ferry ride between Dabhol and Dapoli is exciting. I had loaded my car on the ferry but had to wait for it. Anyway an exciting ferry ride it was. But waiting on the jetty and sitting in my car right next to the sea was exciting and scary. That ferry can take mini trucks as well.