Presented with a super long weekend, had no choice but to head out of Mumbai. My mom and me decided to go and spend a day at Vajreshwari. She had been to this place some 40 years back and is a big fan of Swami Nityanand of Ganeshpuri. I had never been to this place, but had heard a lot about its famous hot water springs.so, worth checking out!
Its about 75 km from Borivali, and thus just a 1.5 hour car ride. You take a right on the Western Express highway at Shirshad and you’re on your way to Vajreshwari. The action, however, is in Ganeshpuri, where the temple and ashram of Swami Nityanand Baba exists and is the hub of activity. Link to route map https://mustseeindia.com/Vajreshwari-map/map
We started off at 7:30am and reached Ganeshpuri by 9:00am. Had some chai and misal pav at the local joint and visited the temple there. Then during the course of meandering in the neighbourhood found ourselves exploring Dr. Kothavala’s Baths and Health Resort. Quaint place and good facilities, incl your own supply of hot spring water! Quite a pleasant surprise. Decided to take a room there(Rs. 650/head deluxe room) for the night stay.
Spent some time at Kailash Vilas(where Swami Nityanand Baba used to live). Went to the temple again for the arti at 12:00 and then lunch at the Annapoorna canteen(Rs. 20 per head). Lunch was good, though the place a bit crowded.
In the evening, we headed out for Vajreshwari, visited the temple there and then on to Akloli, which has a few hot water springs as well. Caught the sunset on the Tansa river, which was awesome!
Lip smacking veg dinner at Khotavala(Rs. 200, good for two) and lights out!
Next morning, we went to Agni Kund, another hot water spring near the resort. Good photo opportunities en route. Came back and soaked in a private bath filled with hot spring water.very good!(not to mention, very clean), and felt complete.
Had darshan again at the temple, spent some time in Kailash Vilas(not to be missed) and then bid adieu to this unbelievably great place, so close to Mumbai. Looks like i’ll go there again!
PS: My first post, and I think I posted it under Aurangabad instead of Maharashtra. Will get better with practice I guess.;-)