This birthday I decided to do something different, neither went to a new fancy 5-star restaurant nor splurged in shopping. I love nature & its elements; it gives you a sense of peace that no materialistic possession can satiate. It connects you to human virtues, just as birds wake up early enhancing the entire nature with their melodies. Nature is always alerted to help other beings in their community.
Finding this inner feeling in Mumbai was quite difficult, but I went ahead with one of my friend’s suggestions to go to Vasai fort and beach. Long drive, view of dhabas on highway & mountain areas ahead was worth it. Vasai fort also called Bassein fort formerly, as Peshwa Bajirao signed the “Treaty of Bassein” here which led to the dissolution of the Maratha empire.
It is a ruined fort but well maintained. Every part of the fort is worth a click. As you head inside there is a Church with an empty altar and a shooting location where Bollywood movies and songs and an English song “Hymn for the Weekend” by Coldplay was shot.
I walked on the dry grass, analyzing each tall structure and carved stone. Climbed the staircases to enjoy the panoramic view. Enjoyed the Kerala vibes with palm and coconut trees around. Hogged a Vada pav which was hot and spicy, sold at the entrance of the fort.
Moving ahead at 1 km there was a jetty with innumerable large boats docked. You can just stand staring at the still water, so clean and well maintained. It was a treat to my urban eyes, which are used to seeing the polluted Juhu beach.
On my way back home, we took a stop at Suvi Palace, a hotel on the national highway. We enjoyed the outdoor seating with old Bollywood numbers which was a feast to my ears. And then the actual feast added to the enriching experience.
This desi feeling which I longed for in my heart and entertaining myself with the small things in life which can just be visiting a fort in a secluded area was a heartening experience.
