Cycling tour to Chikhaldongri near Vaitarna

Cycling to Chikhaldongri near Vaitarna..

Tour: Agashi to Chikhaldongri 

Cyclists: Irish Pereira, Sunil Dmello, Alwyn Rodrigues, Simpson Dmello

Date: October 2017

It was lazy sunday morning and we had planned to spend on cycling tour to Chikhaldongri jetty on Vaitarna River near Virar.

As planned we cyclist were to gather at spot near Agashi police station at 5:30 Am. But due to some misunderstanding in time schedule of fellow cyclist we gatherd at the spot at 6:15 Am. As saying goes 

"Better late than never".

So we 4 cyclists started from Agashi from near the famous lake. There riding northward for a kilometer was end of tar road. So we enquired a local person about route to Chikhaldongri. He pointed towards a small 4 -5 feet cement road big enough for a two wheeler to ride on. There the village ends. So here we took this serpentine route in northward direction.

The route is flanked by dense mangroves on both sides. The route was devoid of any humans or traffic as it was early morning. There are few canal passing beneath the road as this mangrove covered area is actually filled with backwaters from Vaitarna creek. It was all green cover surrounding us. It was very pleasant and tranquil without any human interference. Cool breeze blowing in between was very refreshing. We had good time riding leisurely on discussing latest political happening in the country.

Route through Mangrooves.. PC. Simpson Dmello

The small cement road is cracked in many places offering us a bumpy ride at few spots. Some spots were so bumpy so much so that they got us worried of our cycles as to whether we can make out of the place without any breakdown or tyre puncture.

So after around half an hour of ride came across we came across a wooden bridge on one of the canals joining Vaitarna creek. There were fishing boats parked on this canal. By now the it was time for sun rise. There after clicking few snaps we continued on regular motorable road with paddy fields on both sides. The road was in good shape and there was no traffic on this road. 

Wooden Bridge

There we enquired a fisherman about route to Chikhaldongri. He directed us to continue on the same route northward.  Then after riding for another 20 minutes we came across a small waiting structure and besides it was jetty all surrounded by mangroves. There was low tide on Vaitarna creek.

Mangrooves - Only safe haven for birds

We reached the on jetty with our cycles.

It was so pleasant sight with sun just risen. The view was one worth the ride.

Sunrise

There were no ferry boats at the jetty only few small fishing boats parked near jetty. There were mud crawlers along with variety of small crabs in the quick sand surrounding Jetty. There after refreshing ourselves and clicking few snaps we started of our return journey.

Quick Sands 

Mud Crawlers in the quick sand

Our team at Chikhaldongri Jetty

We decided to avoid the small cement route again with fear of cycle breakdown and followed route towards east which gets besides Viva college on the bypass road near Narangi village. So after another 20 minutes of ride passing through Virar we reached Bolinj at 8:15 Am. So here my fellow cyclist decided to have quick breakfast. So here i bid adieu to our team.

To sum up it was very pleasant time cycling early morning, exploring new places with cheerful fellows in tow; It was is one of refreshing moments to cherish.

Happy Cycling, Keep Exploring!!!!