My Exploritales: March 2015

Bindaas Travellers,the name itself gave the feeling of fun and travel with a group of like-minded people so I was quick to register myself for this groups photo walk to the Global Vipassana Pagoda.Thanks to my FB pals Shrikant and Bibhas I was a member of their group.Another reason for joining this walk was there had been a similar walk to this place with another group and I had regretted missing it.Here was a chance to make amends and visit this place I had only heard about and seen in posts.
So there we were,a group of twelve old and new mates,meeting at Borivali railway station on a Sunday evening.We took autos to the ferry jetty(approximately paid Rs 42 for the ride)Once we reached the jetty it was time for naariyal paani and snacks.We boarded the small ferry and after a few minutes we could see the pagoda shining in the distance.We took many pictures in the ferry and many more on the way to the pagoda after we reached the other side.All were eager to have a click with our guest of honour ,little Swara(five month old only) who joined us with her parents.We had the introduction round and here we could see many people make their way towards the Esselworld Water Kingdom which has an entry point here too.There are no tickets to visit this place,you only pay for the ferry ride which lasts for about twelve minutes.
We are at the entrance and we see a huge reservoir like place which is filled with water nearby but it is out of bounds for all visitors.there is some renovation going on all around the place so we can see poles,ladders and workers at work there.At the entrance itself we can see the map of the place and information about the pagoda.The huge,and I mean huge animal with its mouth wide open and the dome is seen at the entrance.We move ahead and there is a huge bell which is rung by visitors and it is said that the vibrations of the bell spreads positivity all around.many are seen posing near the bell and ringing it with the help of the huge metal handle like thing that is hanging from the ceiling of the structure.there are security personnel all around who are really alert and vigilant and come quickly with their whistles if they notice people trying to disrupt the peace and/or sanctity of the place.they re doing a good job as I see them reprimanding some couples who are trying to get cosy near the bell and some who have climbed up the structure in their footwear.We were all having a great time chatting,taking pictures and all of a sudden there were strong winds blowing and heavy rainfall lashed out.I can understand a slight drizzle,but heavy rains like these in the month of March!!!We all took shelter wherever we could and waited for the rains to subside and came out of our places once it did.Time for more pics and this time we saw the dome where the main meditation hall was housed.There was a smaller hall where the other patrons and visitors like us could go and meditate for about ten minutes.The door of the meditation hall was huge ,wooden and nicely carved.There were huge ornate red and golden pillars surrounding the meditation hall.
Next, we went to the nearby park for kids where there were slides,see-saws,swings and a beautiful fountain.Many more photographs followed.The security was against the use of the tripod even after we explained that we were not making any movie but only taking pictures.This is the same at many places,I wonder why.So,here we were on the last leg of our walk when three more friends joined us.It was really nice to meet up with old and new pals at this photo walk.On our way back to the ferry we witnessed the beautiful sunset.I was glad that though it rained we could manage to click many pictures after the rains subsided as otherwise I am sure I would have really lost my mood.We went to the ferry but not before I saw the meditation hall which was a huge glass-enclosed hall.It was inside the main dome structure and looked really huge.Maybe hundreds could meditate inside at a time.It seemed so calm and serene a place to be in!So back in the little ferry as it grew darker.saw the gleaming pagoda dome in the night sky with a view of the full moon.From the ferry ,we saw the pagoda all lit up ,it was a wonderful sight!!!Too bad my photography skills could not do justice to the beauty of the place when it was all lit up.The ferry ride was masti bhara with loud singing and the demand for popcorn and pole dance.Once on the other side,we took a BEST bus to Borivali station and some took the train while others took the bus back home.Our small group travelling on the western line had a good time chatting up and knowing more about each other.We also had sukha bhel and bhakerwadi to munch on.I reached home at ten pm.it had been an exciting and memorable photowalk thanks to the great company and even the untimely rains.Waiting for more fun times with my buddies at Bindaas Travellers.So those looking out for some fun travelling you know whom to contact.Thanks to Shrikant and Bibhas,we all had a great time!Till we meet again......sayonara!

Here are some snapshots of the memorable photo walk.