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दुधवा अभयारण्यात सफर आणि व्याघ्रदर्शन

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  माझ्या पुणे ते आयोध्या (नोव्हेंबर 2024) सायकलवारीनंतर मला उत्तर भारतात असलेल्या लखनौ जवळील दुधवा नॅशनल पार्क ह्या वन्यजीव अभयारण्यात सफारी करण्याचा योग जुळून आला. तेथे आम्हाला वाघ आणि इतर वन्यजीव हिवाळ्याच्या सुंदर सॉफ्ट लाईट मध्ये फोटोग्राफी करायची छान संधी होती.   दुधवा चे जंगल हे हिमालयाच्या पायथ्याशी असल्यामुळे फार उंच आणि भव्य झाडांनी नटलेले आहे. ह्या जंगलाला तुराईचे जंगल असेही म्हणतात. या जंगलात मुख्यत्वे करून वाघ आणि हत्ती यांचे वास्तव्य आहे. हिवाळ्याच्या महिन्यांमध्ये तापमान फार कमी म्हणजे 5 ते 19 डिग्री सेंटीग्रेड पर्यंत जाते. पहाटेच्या वेळी खूप जास्त थंडी असल्यामुळे सफारी करताना हालत खराब होते.   आम्ही तीन दिवसात एकूण पाच सफारी करण्याचे ठरविले होते. त्यातील चार सफारी किशनपुर रेंज तर एक सफारी दुधवा रेंजमध्ये करायचे ठरवले होते. पहिल्या चारही सफारीमध्ये आम्ही जंगलात जिप्सी मध्ये वणवण हिंडलो पण आम्हाला वाघांनी दर्शन दिले नाही. वाघ असल्याच्या खुणा ह्या जागोजागी दिसत होत्या , जसे की पावलांचे ठसे जागोजागी दिसत होते , काही प्राण्यांचे आवाज , ज्यांना अलार्म कॉल...
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Pune to Ayodhya - Uttar Digvijay A 10 Days Epic Journey on Bicycle : Part 9 (Last)

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  Day 10 Lucknow to Ayodhya (Distance covered 143 km)   Today we woke up elated. Today is the last day of this epic ride. we all were battered, exhausted, some in pain, others battling technical issues with their bikes. But all were carrying the same enthusiasm and smile on their face. All were eager to reach Ayodhya and complete this ride.   We started early morning at 4 am and were flagged offed at Bada Immambada, in front of Rumi Darwaja.   We swiftly rode through empty streets of Lucknow and started eating away kilometers. Soon, the destination boards were in sight. Took some time to click photographs and finally we were at the gate of RamLalla's city of Holy Ayodhya. By 2:30 pm we reached Ayodhya. After quick lunch, got freshened up and all started for the Darshan of Ramlalla.   The temple is still being constructed, but the arrangements for devotees are excellent. There was hardly any rush when we took the darshan. it was satisfying to see the Shrine and R...
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Pune to Ayodhya - Uttar Digvijay A 10 Days Epic Journey on Bicycle : Part 8

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  Day 9 Kanpur to Lucknow (Distance covered 89 km)   Since we had to extend our previous ride, the stretch from Kanpur to Lucknow got shortened. This means, we will get more time to explore the City of Nawabs. We started a bit late than usual. 7 am was flag off. We started by 7:30 am. The morning traffic was light and we can see signs to Ayodhya appear within our reach. Thoughts crossed my mind to stretch till Ayodhya on 9th day itself. But foodie in me won the battle and the aroma of Shami kabab, Gilauti Kabab, Chaat and thoughts of Lucknawi Biryani dissolved my resolve and we went to Lucknow.   We reached Lucknow by 1:30 dodging the usual afternoon traffic. Quickly freshened up and started to explore the city. We were put up in the heart of the city near Bada Immambada. Everything was close by. All the famous food junctions, monuments were walking distance.   We indulged some Kababs and Biryani and did some shopping for kids and wife.   With the dream to reach...
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Pune to Ayodhya - Uttar Digvijay A 10 Days Epic Journey on Bicycle : Part 7

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  Day 8 Jhansi to Kanpur (Distance covered 224 km)   Since the organizers could not find suitable places for all the participants to stay in between the route, they had to extend the ride till Kanpur. Previously, we were not supposed to stay at Kanpur. The arrangements were made on the fly and we had to ride more than 200 km on 8th day of our tour.   The positive side was there was hardly any elevation. The road was flat and we got some tailwind too. However, in the end, the Kanpur traffic forced us to take it easy and ride with caution. The elevated highway meant we had to encounter heavy vehicle traffic. There were number of traffic jams when we entered the last few kilometers to our destination.   Forgot to mention, my bicycle suffered multiple flats due to work out tires. Some acrobatics needed to be done to find the puncture and fix them.   Finally reached the destination and took some much needed rest.   Strava Link https://www.strava.com/activities/1...
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Pune to Ayodhya - Uttar Digvijay A 10 Days Epic Journey on Bicycle : Part 6

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  Day 7 Badarwas to Jhansi (Distance covered 146 km)   Today we started early and directly joined the highway as the stay hotel was right next to highway. The road was through some jungle patches where, you do not see any human footprint other than the road on which you are riding.   Upon reaching Jhansi, we visited the Jhansi fort and remembered the glory and bravery of Rani Laxmibai. A group photo was taken.   Strava Link https://www.strava.com/activities/13020230030 Start Pose Our Selfie man. Gang with Shrikant. The man behind all the arrangement. Gaju (Gajanan Khaire) Chairman of IAS He is one of the three who are backbone of the organization. Group photo at Jhansi Fort Elevation profile
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Pune to Ayodhya - Uttar Digvijay A 10 Days Epic Journey on Bicycle : Part 5

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  Day 5 Ujjain to Biaora (Distance covered 158 km) Day 6 Biaora to Badarwas (Distance Covered 139 km)   After Ujjain, on Day 5 we reached to a small town in MP called Biaora, there was not much to do in the town, the arrangements were excellent so, we could relax a bit. Food was good. The rooms were comfortable with hot water for bath.   Day 5 Strava link https://www.strava.com/activities/12994151728   After Biaora, the next day we went to another small town called Badarwas. Here also we did not have much to explore. We relaxed and rested for next day's ride.   Day 6 Strava link https://www.strava.com/activities/13001198960 Pose with Bike in the morning With Windcutter (Shreekant) He is an excellent fast rider. Glad to have his company during the ride. Day 5 Elevation profile Day 6 Elevation Profile
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Pune to Ayodhya - Uttar Digvijay A 10 Days Epic Journey on Bicycle : Part 4

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  Day 4 Maheshwar to Ujjain (Distance covered 142 km)   Today also we had to climb one ghat section. the half of the section was a newly built road not yet opened to public. We were the only traffic on 4 lane road. It was very serene experience. The climb and head wind through the valley section was taking our energy away. But we pedaled on and climbed the ghat.   Soon, we could see sign boards of Ujjain, land of Lord Mahakaal Shiva.   We crossed the cleanest city Indore.   Thoroughly enjoyed the Mahakaal Darshan and rested for the night. Now, legs were no longer paining. Niggles here and there were manageable.   Strava Link https://www.strava.com/activities/12986280484 Pose at the start of the day with Cycle Sunrise Selfie My Cavalo (I am identified in IAS community by this name) Pointing to the destination In the land of Mahakaal Mahakaal Darshan Elevation profile
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