Daman

On the 31st night, 2008 we decided to make our new year a more memorable experience. Tickets for Vapi were available. The plan was, 6 of my colleagues, and 2 of my MBA friends, were supposed to meet up at Borivali station at 6. My doctor friend, a Manager with a Pharma company. The other one is with an MNC bank. In the Mumbai khitpit, my doctor friend who was supposed to board the train at Bandra at 5.40PM missed it. So, we were 7 now. We all boarded the train. But Praveen never left hope. He intended to come to Daman at any cost. He booked the next train, the Flying Ranee – though he only had 170 bucks – why? That’s a long story. Later he told us how he got into the AC comp and bribed the TT with 150. Anyhow, we reached Vapi at 8.30. Doctor finally reached 8.40. Fighter Jet!!! Vapi is apparently the world's 4th most polluted city, thanks to the industrialization. Daman - our destination is around 12 kms from Vapi. Taxi service is available 24x7 to n fro.
Taxi will cost you 120 per trip. So, the more people you can push inside, the cheaper it gets. We hired 2. Reached Daman around 9.15.The city of booze. A whisky peg is cheaper than chai. We had a light dinner, bought some snacks for the New Year booze party. Also managed to get our hands on some high end premier liquor. Most in the group were non-drinkers. Yet we had bought over 2 ltrs of alcohol. We reached the most famous beach of Daman - Devka. Low tide had taken the sea out of sight on that bright night. It’s a rocky beach. All of us settle down on a set of huge rocks. There were multiple resorts in the backdrop. Each one was having its own New Year bash. In spite of this, the atmosphere was good and surroundings peaceful. We boozed like there was no tomorrow.
At 12, our New Year celebrations started with answering and making few phone calls and ended with kicks on backs and friendly human rides. Party was over around 2. We were feeling kinda sleepy. Mr D however had different plans. As the night passed by, the water level came closer and closer. D was so drunk that he wanted to check the water level at the farthest visible rock at low tide. In short, he wanted to commit suicide. Even Mr P went to give him company. P and D are roommates and Jai-Viru type dost. Anyhow, we managed to save both of em, however D’s cellphone died that night.

Luckily, the still-in-senses-guys managed to get hold of an auto. Miraculously, all 8, managed to squeeze into that thing. We reached Vapi at around 3.30 AM which left us with only 3 odd hours to sleep. Our return journey was at 7 – Flying Ranee. We reached Borivali at 9.30 and attended work on that day.

Bheemli, Andhra Pradesh

On 9th March, 2009, me and a friend of mine working as an asst editor in a reputed publications planned to explore the red mud hills of Bhimli – also called as Bhimunipatnam. Had seen the same in multiple telugu movies. We had just heard about the place and were not aware of the exact location where to find the hills. Bhimli is famous for fishing – it’s the main profession of majority of villagers. You can get variety of sea food here. You wont find any good restaurant but you are advised to buy the same an cook at your home as per your choice.
As the southern coast gets hot very soon on summer days, we left at 7 AM in the morning. Through out the ways we asked multiple villagers who were less interested in showing us the place and more in getting a free lift. Any how, finally we transported multiple people to finally get to the hyped natural wonder.
To out surprise, or rather shock, the entry was closed for some stupid reason. We later fond out that there was a movie shooting which was taking place nearby and apparently the stupid southie star dint want any interruption. Dint know whether they had taken any kind of approval to stop people from visiting public places. We finally got into out exploration mode. We made out own way, had to climb few trees and squeeze into spine bushes. After 40 minutes of rigorous roadies stuff, we finally got to the place.
It was a sight, never experienced, never imagined. There were these red mud hills everywhere. Actually, the region is full of red hills. The rain water flowing from the top had first created cracks in the hills and which have slowly created channels for the water to flow into the sea. After hundreds of years, when the rainy season is long gone, you can see the empty passages filled with sand and surrounded by monstrous hills. The sight of the hills from the duct is equally breath taking as it is of the passage from atop. We clicked some really nice pics and came back completely satisfied. Full Paisa Vasool boss!!
On the way back, one should also check out the black sand beach near Bhimli. There is an entire stretch of half kilometer where you will find black sand. Even if you dig deep into the sand, the color prevails. Even the water looks black and No, that’s not drainage water directed into the sea.

PS: Through out the marine drive stretch, you can get the local alcoholic coolant – “Kallu”. You can have a sip or two – as long as its not fake – its good for your body and mood.