Bhimashankar 27/12/2006 Meeting the heavens above.

Bhimashankar 27122006

Meeting the heavens above.

We were all 12 peoples, but ended up to be only 3 at the railway station. All we 3 had different reasons of being there one with a picnic, other with excursion and one with adventure. 3 lies, 2 of them did not agree on trek while the parents did not allow. We when by train to Kalyan.

Kalyan station we arrived one mind saying lets go for the adventure and the other going by a safe route. On arriving at Kalyan ST station a drunken driver offered us lift, we denied could not risk. We looked for the ST bus. ST bus to Junnar wanted a refill at Murbad. Malshejghat breathe taking beauty. We three had back seats. Umesh slept on the whole seat. Reached Junnar and saw Shivneri. Jai Shivaji.

No bus for next four hours to Bhimashankar at Junnar. So we took the local jeep. Sitting at the back seat with jeep full of folks. View of Leynaidri Jai Ganapati. A journey we remembered for the next 1-1/2 hours. We reached Ghodegav where we could get our next vehicle to Bhimashankar. Ghodegav a small village we walked the street where we did not found any horses but only donkeys. For a while we thought of changing the name to Gadhavgav.

The ST bus to Bhimashankar were going full no place to enter it. We got a local jeep again. Bhimashankar Ghat was awesome, I don’t know why these Ghat’s look awesome as well as threatening. On the way we saw one of the biggest dams. The driver was young and was running the jeep. On the way I remembered one sentence I said and that was it, it became history, “We are young then why are we traveling like old and normal people, as long as we are young why not an adventure?” That was it those words became history to be remembered not only by me or by my friends, but the people who got to know the story.

Finally we reached Bhimashankar a pretty site, so many peoples around, we wondered if everyone had just dropped at this spot, but with so many peoples there were more girls. My stats told me that number of girls travel more to such places. Something clicked in Umesh’s mind that he was feeling hungry, we had our stomach to be filled. Home Tiffin to be finished. We saw hotel and filled out tummy.

Usually steps lead up to the temple, but this place steps lead down to the temple. Our meeting with Lord Bhima. Supreme Mahadeo, Swap told he was first time visiting this place that too among the Jyotrilinga.

Our next aim to find shelter for the night which Umesh did very well and settled us down to ShivShakti Hotel right in front of the temple. The room keeper looked serious female and old too much strict.

We rested in the room for an hour when I only complained about our old fashion way of coming here, like old people we all cursed those all asshole who did not turned up at the station. We all came down for tea then we when around the place to the Bhima Pragath or Ugam Stanh. This could be ideally a place where Bhima river originates. Bhimashankar River which was that small will further become a huge river.

Then we went off to the spot where we could spot Mumbai. The walk was through woods nearby was a old looking house not used four at least years. The Nagphani peak gave us the glare. We saw sunset at the western end, our prediction of Mumbai could be right. The sun said good bye and went. We all three sat near a cliff enjoying.

Then we when in a hotel to have good garam bhaji and a sip of tea. When we walked down back it was complete darkness around. We saw something huge white run pass into the bush, our prediction some Langur.

Then we rested a bit around 8 to 8.30. We had our dinner with our neighbor whose name was also Bhimashankar. He accompanied us to eat. After that we ate and sat outside in cold near the temple watching the young pujary boys play cricket and thought we could have played but we where too tired and it was too cold to try. Around 10 we decided to sleep. Talking of our rolacosta rides in life and twist and turns in life we fall asleep

.

Our early morning alarm was from gods mantra and puja. Since we were sleeping near the temple that sound just woke us up. When I came out I just could only see darkness and total darkness with just one dim light looking like a star. That light was right on the top of the temple. The cold weather got into us and decided to go back in room and sleep.

Finally we decided to wake up around 7 or 8. One by one we freshen up and took bath. Then we went to take Bhimashankar darshan in morning.

Our task began after our breakfast in the hotel. Our task to find Gupth Bhima, the local pujary offered us he will take us but we have to pay sum of 100 RS, which was out of our thought.

Bhimashankar decided to join us in our stupid ventures. First we went to a temple nearby of ganpati and hanuman. Our explorations were welcomed by a notice board which had information and restrictions about the place. Our impression kicks the ass and breaks the rule. Then we took a path going up, living a river path behind. Walking upwards there were many things to be noticed but as we walked we learned that this path only went upwards and out of the forest. Our first mistake of the day. Then we turned back and took the other way possibly the river pathway.

The river pathway soon leads us down into the woods, no sounds of people, only dense forest. Walking down and deep only thing we could not see was sunlight it was around 9 in morning and we could not spot a full-fledged sunlight. I remembered scenes in Dracula and horror movies. Huge trees. Spooky looks. No one to guide us. We reached at the edge of a place which would have been a waterfall. There was this strange looking tree which was unlike different from the others. Here we clicked lots of pictures played around and had spend lot of time. We then returned to our hotel. Bhimashankar the guy off course said bye, bye to us he had a bus to catch and travel all the way to Gulburg.

Umesh repeated my saying “We are young then why are we traveling like old and normal people, as long as we are young why not an adventure?” and said lets climb down to Mumbai, Swapneel was hesitant but he agreed. Among them I was excited, they asked me whether I knew the way and I said yes I know the way it goes to Khandas n from there it goes to Karjat. Not knowing exactly how.

We took directions from the owner the old lady who stayed it sounded at ease. We then went atop plateau and purchased garm garm bhaje, again we enquired about the route with the shopkeeper and he showed us the direction and told it would take about 2 to 3 hours to reach. Now we decided to take off, this was our journey to remember lifetime a huge story to come up.

After passing the board of forest department we entered a small section of trees and came to a flat place. After walking a little ahead we came across a old guest house which looked useless there we came across few people and we asked them Mumbai way they replied take left (our mistake) we took that way and walked on that way. Now walking on that way for about more then hour we were climbing flat and then uphill. We came across sadhu place, we avoided taking directions from them cause they were meditating and we were afraid. We followed that route took Hanuman darshan and then first time saw Mata Anjarni Temple and took her blessing.

We followed that route and route got uphill steep. I remember Swapneel asking we are supposed to go downhill to Mumbai are you sure we are on the right path. Nagphani point . We reached uphill and had jaw opening scene. A open place and down below hills. We asked few people around direction for Mumbai and they said that is Mumbai the only way getting down they know is to fly.

The sun was burning here, I had lost my thinking sense, Mumbai looked near but impossible to reach my moral was lost. Umesh and Swapneel got me going took me down to that sadhu place and enquired, yes there was a way we have to walk back to that old bungalow and take right instead. This gave us hope we got back walking. We reached this place in hurry. Swapneel and Umesh can only tell how low my moral was, how lost I was, I cannot explain it. I was lost.

It was past 1 pm now we reached this place and took the right turn reached a small pond where a female was washing clothes we confirmed our direction. She gave us a shortcut towards the route. This definitely was a shortcut but it was steep waterfall kind of way we got on it and within minutes we were on actual route. We got on the route and got going Umesh and Swapneel were fast, Umesh lead the way and this was the scene for our treks to come. Umesh was fast we was moving swiftly. We were walking for almost an hour now no one at site. But then we hit a patch a deep jungle patch sunrays wont fall here even afternoon time this place was soothing cool. We came across two people among them was a local guide we told us about the route and we moved on. Now we had hopes we were on right route. After a while we reached this EKAPAYACHI VAAT, we came across more than 30 to 40 people mostly females and foreigners they were NCC and SCC people who were trekking. I remember one old guy saying to us “YOU KNOW TREKKING UP THOUGH BREATH TAKING IS EASY, TREKKING DOWN IS DIFFICULT WITH ALL BALANCE AND THEN FEAR.” I even remember a girl saying to me sit here your shoe laces are open that gave me a opening chance to sit beside and take a breather cause these two were just running like hell, but we got going.

One female even asked Swapneel how much more to go and he replied 15 minutes, at this pace more then that and got her going. We climbed down and reached this plateau here we all started laughing at each other and celebrating that we reached down. Umesh and Swapneel were dancing saying this was so easy, when I turned around and said why is that the sky is still looking further down to me. And that was a false celebration we were not down infact we had just completed one plateau now. We decided to rest though underneath a tree. Pindrop silent nothing could be heard just nature and out of odd there was this noise of something falling down everytime. Swapneel showed us SHEKRU the INDIAN GIANT SQUIRREL, and it was a beauty just above our head watching us and having food. We clicked few pics but then we were just carrying a mobile camera which could not get any better.

We took right now (mistake) and walked a path for few minutes when a farmer stopped us and said you people are going wrong way he said you should take left this way is dead end though has a shortcut which goes straight down but is quite difficult. He explained to us we have more 2 3 hours to reach Kandas. We took off Umesh was nonstop now he just moved on and on to brakes we were going through encircled Padargad and we like running. We were out of water but then Kandas was our hope of water we now continuously walked for more then an hour and reached Ganpati Ghat Ganesh temple. Here we declared we need a break and we took. We prayed to lord and while taking pradakshana (circling the lord) discovered bisleri water in this jungle. First we were hesitant but we drank it. We had this water after more then 2 to 3 hours we three shared it and moved on. God miracle giving us water bottle.

Now we moved down it was like a ghat going down we hit on and within next hour we reached a stream. I remember we all jumped in it with getting ourself cool. Now we went towards the village hoping we get a ST bus it was past 5 pm now. We reached the village just at the outskirt we were welcomed by HariBHAU guide who welcomed us with a nice water bottle to drink and said what you three have done is not that easy. Yes we had walked about last 4 hours from Bhimashankar without guide losing way as many times but we made it down. He said to us hurry up and reach the stand before the bus goes or the tumtum. We run to this place but our badluck nothing was there to take us to Karjat. We waited there for more then hour it was past 6 pm now no ride to home. We were accompanied by a dog who was busy playing with us and giving company.

Then we decided lets walk to Karjat what it would be 10 kms from here and started walking. I remember both of them asking me how far Karjat would be and I said 10 may be and they said now that we walked so much 10 km aint that bad and we started walking. We walked and walked it was now past 9 pm totally dark all of us three on totally backout road and yes a dog giving us company. Just then first vehicle went past us but that was jeep going towards Kandas I guess no use for us.

We came to a gate luckily a man was at the gates we went to enquire and ask water. He gave us water and told us Karjat that is 40 Km from here what are your folks trying to do, this is not a safe place to walk go back to village and find shelter. Just then we lost hope decided what to do, and out of blue that jeep came back and was going another directions went past and stopped ahead a bit and came back. They asked us where are you people going we answered Karjat they agitated first then said come in we will drop you.

This people gave us lift to Karjat it was past 9 o’clock now, there were around 3 people in jeep they were road construction people actually one of them was the officer of the site. These government people came for site inspection or something. They asked us where we came from we told them the whole story. They were slightly proud of us, but were angry too they said that you guys are going to walk 40 kms for Karjat or what that too alone you don’t know whether this road might have loot or animals, etc. In all this chaos we forgot about the dog who accompanied us for the past 3 hours from Kandas to this unknown place and we so much selfish go the lift and hoped in forgetting about our faithful friend.

Then we were dropped at Karjat outside the government office around 10:30 pm we took a train and got back home midnight.

This journey was amazing for us. We three, Swapneel, Umesh and Kunal. This was make and break kind of trek.

Umesh, who till date treks with me and always been my leader and organizer of treks. If someone asked me who would come to the end of the world or hell with you, no doubt Umesh would be there with me.

Swapneel, this was his last trek till date with me though he wanted to come for treks but he actually never came after this trek. Why would he, I never had plan, no proper information, disorganized, we were lost. Swapneel likes to play safe unlike me and Umesh who are into adventures.

God truly was with us. Who would forget meeting Bhimashankar in Bhimashankar. That magnificent picture of the tree next to dry tree which went on to become our college magazine cover page and still not discovering GUPT BHIMA. Who would forget that Nagphani point were we say shortcut to Mumbai. We made foreigners on the trek that too 30 pretty looking FEMALES. Of course the SHEKRU out of wild. And thirst us got water in wild in GANPATI GHAT TEMPLE and HARIBHAU GUIDE. Not to forget that faithful DOG friend who walked with us for 3 hours we didn’t even care about when we got in jeep. AND the magic jeep out of no where to take us to KARJAT.

Harishchandragad Trek

Harishchandragad Trek DE Konkankada December 4, 2009, December 5, 2009, December 6, 2009

Thoroughly anticipating this trek to happen for past eight years, but due to many problems such as overnight, the distance it has to travel, not willing companions the trek was going on postponed. But finally Harishchandragad arrived the view to Konkankada was dream which came true. The usual story many said yes and many did not turn up, people till the last moment kept us guessing who all would joining. Literally Feroze opted out at the very old last moment reasoning that he was not feeling well, his bad luck coz he just missed one heck of the trek, which would always remain immortal.

Among all the friend Manohar was the most enthusiastic creature for the trek, he was the most excited one. Swapnil turned on time, as he was on a long vacation merchant navy fellow. Okay at the very last moment the circle of three was broken up and Jayant, Swapnil’s friend joined us at the station. Finally more than three for a trek. Me, Manohar, Swapnil and Jayant hopped into the local train for Kalyan.

We were damn lucky we reached Kalyan around 00.15 right on time for the ST Bus of 00.30 going to Nagar Alephata. The ticket cost us Rs. 80 per head to Khubi Phata not bad, well Swapnil on his usual was fast asleep, Jayant was watching things, Manohar as soon as the bus left took out a scarf and tied his head to deal with the cold, he looked more girlish of the team. I was fixed on the road as the ghat started as I knew after the tunnel ends and the ghats end we would reach Khubi Phata and indeed it did, Jayant of course crosschecked with the conductor and driver.

It was around 02.30 so we decided first to have some tea at the dhaba, well time did not click so after finishing tea and enquiring we decided to walk to Kireshwar which was about 4 km from this place.

Moonwalk what we called it, we never until then tried it but it was a great experience to do indeed. Under the moon walking on a highway we reached a dam Pimpalgaon Dam. Here we had to turn left and walk adjacent to the dam, but we stopped by the bank and decided to take break. Underneath the moon sky we made our bed, not of course a usual bed just a mat for sitting and taking a nap. Well we were suppose to keep a watch and two of would sleep. When Manu and Swaps turn came, instead of keeping watch these people went for a walk. Incredibly we all where watching sky when we observed a celestial movement happening above. The moon had a far away circumferential circle encircling it and then a diagonal slowly by slowly passed the moon circumference with Saptarshi star near to it. Well Swaps explained to us that this is a heavenly sign of something good going to happen, he said that this is gate of heavens and the time when this is occurring is 03.30 to 04.30 are times of Gods. Well that was wonderful to see for us, never we had experienced such a thing. Well my theory would be different.

Then around past 04.45 we decided lets walk to Kireshwar enough we had rested, as few trekkers had already gone past us. Well the 4 km right along the dam, was pleasant coz it was early in morning before sun god had arrived, with moist breeze blowing from the dam, and fog formation it was still a wonderful experience. We reached at Kireshwar around 05.40 or something past few houses and huts we went on till the last one right before the trek starts coz this was the house where people in were already up from the sleep. So around 06.00 we stopped at that hut and had a round of tea, and watched the sky where again the tricks were played by the colors dark, blue, pink, amber, god how many colors just out of number for our cameras. Sipping the cups around 06.30 we moved on with the trek after gathering some information about it from the local villager.

Walking towards Tolar Khind about 07.20 or something we had stopped for our breakfast and again started reaching the Khind by 08.40 or something. At the Khind we had some sore curd for a drink. Pass Tolar Khind was a tough rocky patch almost for about 1 hour, which was really tough for Manohar especially for Jayant. It’s getting heavier. Jayant was a newbie for the trek as he had only trekked Sinhagad before and had not much clue about this. But this newbie did well handling it slow and steady. We reached atop the Khind around 09.45 or something and there was our Grandview of Kireshwar from this place.

From there we had to cross seven hills to reach the temple so we started fast, and as one by one hills went we were tiring as we had no idea of how far this place is. The one place in Middle-earth we don’t want to see any closer, and the one place we’re trying to get to. It’s just where we can’t get. Let’s face it, we’re lost. I don’t think meant for us to come this way. Well for our luck we spotted an eagle in sky. This eagle more of was a replica of Garuda, slivery wings and little brown feathers. A little ahead of the place, we diverted ourselves from the usual path, (try this sometime, but could be risky) and lucky enough we spotted a snake in the water and bad luck enough when I yelled it ran away.

After crossing those seven hills adjacent to Balakilla and Taramati we finally reached the temples around 11.30. Wow this placed looked awesome right of nowhere temple, as we had seen.

Saptatirth was the place where we had to bath. Bathing is dangerous here, as the depth of this place is not known. Swap was the only one who swims in the water, as he knows proper swimming while I bathed on the banks, Manohar decided just a mouthwash as the water was icy cold. Well this guy also discovered a snakeskin right among the temples near this bathing pond, which we bought back home.

Well after that we looked around the temple and wow, wow, and wow are the word to describe this place, as its simply too beautiful to see. After the temple we moved on towards the caves as we have a catch one before someone else does, and lucky enough he found a big one for us, actually a lot bigger. We cleaned this place up, removed all dirt, had our foodstuff, a light lunch and decided to take a nap, and within minutes we were fast asleep. I don’t remember when the clock ticked and from 14.00 it quickly became 13.30 when I amazingly was awakened up by the sound of a squirrel who had entered our shelter sneaking for some food.

After a while Jayant had also awakened so too Manu, we decided in order to save this place we would divide our team into two and visit Konkankada or Taramati. So I and Manu left toward the Konkankada. Well we two were on the right track, but must have miss calculated and were lost for a while. Then our simple rule if we see a walkable track anywhere just plough the way and reach it and which better team would do it.

Well after almost about 45 minutes walking we reached Konkankada. Manu’s jaw where just open on seeing this place, and initially he was frightened with this magnificent beauty. My wish to reach this place finally came true I was all around it catching with my eyes, breathing it, taking snaps, calling our friends, etc. This place is must see, especially for trekkers, if you are a Sahyadri Trekker and you have not see this place believe me you have not seen anything.

A mesmerizing C cliff, vertical limit, falling straight down for about 2500 feet. When you stand on the edge when of course you have the guts you see you are standing on a hollow ground nothing beneath you. Far far you see just beauty nothing else never ending beauty. This place must be nominated for the Natural Wonders of India. Putting in words I guess is not enough to explain about this place.

Well after walking all around the place from one edge to the other for about 45 minutes we covered all the possibly angle and reached this place where Naalichivat would begin. Here we discovered shit, shit of carnivores animals, well Manu and I are experts in this coz after all we lead all our college excursions in jungle. Then we decided to head back as it was nearing sunset and the other two have to be relieved.

On our we came across a lots of people who were heading toward Konkankada for the sunset, coz this place becomes out of the world to see, though we missed it. We quickly paced up and ran toward them. Both of them had already left the cave and met us on the hill to reach this place, as both were eager to see the kada. When we reached the cave they had already ensured lots of wood for the night, which cost them 35 Rs. We two on reaching took a minor nap. After finishing our nap we started our night preparation. Lots of trekking groups came towards our cave enquiring how many of us are in it. We said four more, and blah blah…..

Our first preparation for the night was making a lamp for light, which Manu was expertise. He had already brought a bottle empty alcohol bottle perhaps his or his dads, with kerosene, a small twin rope was made which he dipped in it. This lamp was superb as it ignited the whole night till the morning. Next we started with our foodstuff, as it was me who as fastening so required something fast. So I was pealing off the potatoes while Manu was choking the onions. It was past 19.30 when somebody from the far hill torched our cave and our guess was those two might have arrived so we signaled them back.

Both of them arrived with satisfactory motion of watching Konkankada, Swapnil told me that he loved this place so much that he would jump into the valley. My love death is not everything, I would say lets go back home show pictures to many of our friend and bring them here to see this beauty, let them enjoy this place instead of shading tear for you at this place. Well we all then got our duties, first thing we had to do is night preparation. Manu and Swap knew how to make bonfire so they got into that, Jayant went to fill our bottle as this place was not far, then he and I joined together to break the wood sticks for the bonfire.

Bonfire was ready and burning we made two of them one for cooking and the other one on our open gate incase of a robber or animal turns up to be prepare. Our first dish for the night was potatoes bhaji and bread making a sandwich and wow it tasted great both Manu and Swap were great at cooking. After that we had few other food stuff as our bags were carrying food that would make us survive in jungle for the next two to three days. After that we had talks, pictures, stories, etc. Our Bakasur was still hungry I mean Manu was still hungry so he fixed up Maggie for us again with extra cheese. The night was not passing by we made shifts but no one followed the shifts. One remaining awake alone was bad idea so two to be kept awake, but nothing worked. Past 10 o'clock Swap was snoring, Manohar with his malnutrition of eye half opened looked awake but was not, Jayant among as was the most person who did not slept we was watchful. I too was fast asleep after the smoke created by bonfire and the day event.

Things were rattled messed up by a family of rats who turned up for our wastes things disturbing our sleep whenever fire went low. It was past 11 o'clock when I and Jayant decided to stay up with our torches on the gate, but then Manu woke up as he was shivering and started with his fire burning duty. He was the tedious on the job as he does he nightshift and is experienced staying awake at nights. Then I decided to fall asleep. But after a half an hour or so I was awaken by Jayant as they had heard a fox or a wild animal cry outside. When I woke up Jayant was with the food cutting knife and Manu with a big wood burning. Both the fireplaces were burning hard. He even from somewhere bought plywood of the shopkeeper unaware I say stealing to burn. After that we three were all together watchful watching outside behavior. When we thought of waking up Swapnil, saying there is a wild animal or fox outside, this guy got up and started searching something, we first thought he might be searching a weapon, but he was searching for a camera and asked us where’s the wild animal.

He did not stay awake for long and was asleep again. Manu and I relieved Jayant to sleep, but he was not that sleepy, I too took here and there nap, Manu was on full flow to keep up burning the woods. As it past 3 o'clock in the morning Manu decided he will sleep now, long he was awake and needed a rest. From 3 to 5 I and Jayant were not sound asleep with our torches all focused on the gate coz the cave had a small waterfall where water was trickling and making a sound as if someone is coming. Past 5 Swapnil got up and was a good time now for me and Jayant to sleep, that we need. The place by then was freezing coz our fire had become slow, which Swapnil on awakening restarted and again the warm feeling came back.

Good morning it was past 6 or something all were up and ready, nature call etc everything happening. We even went out to find who where our neighbors that night where we spotted few chicks. Then after preparations we had our breakfast royal style. Then half packed around 7.30 we decided to visit Taramati. Asking our way to few trekkers and the villager we went towards Taramati which was fairly around 30 minutes or more at the height though strenuous to reach coz we took the long around way. Finally Taramati the second highest peak of Maharashtra, this place stands out with the height. We could literally see everything. We even called up Shruti my nephew and Swapnil’s sister, and waved her from here funny right. Well we made few calls from here and spent few minutes soaking up the beauty. We all had polo on the top as to make record to enter the book. Went we trekked back down we came across few trekkers, nice to know we where the first at least for that day. Coming back down we decided to go straight down way, which was risky though time cutting.

On reaching down we packed our stuff loaded our bag and headed out. We first revisited the temple and then we went towards Kedareshwar. This place is another awesome place. A huge cave inside the hill, a big, biggest shivling I have seen right in middle of the cave with chest high height water, and the water is freezing and I mean it way too freezy for your nerves and body. People just jumping in it would catch shock of the cold. A group of trekkers were already in it, and one of us shouted 5 rounds around the shivling and two of those people had managed to do that which we were amazed to see. Their group was accompanied by a lady so we thought better we would stay till she left the place. Well we took dips in the water and swim around it, we did put pradakshana to the shivling as we are thought in are childhood that we should not go around the shivling.

Manu found this water way too cold, but he lived it swim towards the ling prayed and came back. I was already in the water way before he entered and I and Swap even put water on the ling and bathed the Shivling. We prayed around and went we came out group arrived to take the darshan but none of them matched up to what Manu had even done. I was later in a shock coz when I took dip in the water I lost my rudraksha, I searched for it, but could not find it. Jayant said this is a holy place and shivling, god took it away from you, as it went away.

After the holy bath we started our return journey, our return way was not decided which route to take, as walking back to Kireshwar was long and had that 1 hour rocky patch which Jayant and Manu did not like. Our other option was Panchai and Rajur simple 2 hour walk to reach but transport system reaching there was not good at all. So after thinking a lot we decided to go back to Kireshwar. Our return journey went fast as we knew how far we have to go and at what pace we have to go. We crossed the seven hills in less then an hour. The rocky patch, which was one hour first time, took us only half or less to well negotiate and I must be grateful toward Jayant who took it well. Then Kireshwar took us around 1 more hour or less to reach. We reached down and rested eat a little and headed towards the Khubi Phata.

We reached Khubi Phata again by the dam road resting playing which took us there by 18.00, reaching there we came across a group which never crossed us and reached before us, they told us they took the way through the farms, how stupid of us. We took a lift from a truck driver who was carrying onions and reached Kalyan around 22.00 and caught a local of CST to reach home.
All together a great trek, I would love to do it one more time infact more than that. Now I know why trekker have trek this place more then five, six, or more times. Konkankada is one place I would like to make a house and stay watching the beauty. Taramati the second highest peak of Maharashtra was wonderful to see. Then who would forget Kedareshwar a holy dip in the freezy water. Beauty of Harishchandragad temple. Celestial behavior of the moon and chords. Moonwalk under the sky next to the dams. Bonfire overnight in the cave. Tremendous experience. And least to thank Manohar the whole night effort of keeping the place with fire on, enthusiasm of the overnight trek, etc. Swapnil the hungry man of trek, perfect shutterbug, sleeps well, risk taker. Jayant, a newbie but perfect for trek, not too risky always defensive, and right person to stay awake at nights. I hope I did not miss anything. A perfect trek.

Rajmachi October 24, 2009

Rajmachi October 24, 2009

A lot awaited trek was brought forward and again plenty poured in and poured out. Interestingly in the trek three people turned up and the DIL CHAHTA HAI scenario continued. As always Manohar without hesitancy opted in and his parents checking him up every moment. To my surprise Anil showed up at the last moment at the station completing us for the three. The plan was to catch the last local, poor Anil was already at the station around 2200 on Saturday without knowing much of the plan. Manohar and I where on time as we where supposed to meet up around 2300.

Locals that day were late, way, way late coz a pipeline bridge had fallen near Mulund Thane area causing a malfunction in the lifeline of Mumbai. Our local was of 0035 Karjat which was at least way late and came around 0130 which we had no problem. We reached Karjat around 0330 in the morning and saw the first local living for CST from there filled with people. Our option was to spent night in train itself, but we were asked to vacant the train. So we slept at Karjat Station and for the first time Manohar had bought a mat, the debut of a mat, which of course was not used by Manohar coz he does not feel sleepy and was used by Anil. Well Manohar for the time being was jogging all around the platform keeping himself warm as the night was cold. We later around 0500 moved towards Karjat ST station where we found place more good to sleep, well the bus was around 0530 so I decided to sleep while Manohar and Anil had a nice kadak chai at a stall early up.

The bus to Sandshi was on time 0545 and it dropped us at Khandpe where we had to walk about 2 to 3 km for Kondivade village. The walk was a pleasant one before the sun could have rise. There was even a nice river beside our route with early morning fumes coming out. Well we did a mistake we kept walking and walking into the village instead of taking a left, but then the villagers showed us a shortcut. Early morning trek was way pleasant we must had walked about 1-1/2 hour, awaiting for Kondana caves to show up, but we missed it. It was only when a old villager bring a huge pile of wood showed up and trekked us down to show that place.

We almost had to trek 45 minutes down the hill and then he showed us a left turn, which we had to take towards the cave. I was frustrated to return down as it would harm our further program, but this place was worth to see. Just a flat walk around this plateau for next 20 to 30 minute took us to this place. Out of nowhere in this jungle a huge carved cave showed up of Buddha with well architecture and design though it was dirty with all our human plastic but a wonderful site to see. This was not a monsoon season but our guess that during monsoon this place must be hidden behind the falls. Having a little breakfast out near a monsoon fall we moved ahead.

We trekked for the next 2 hours, we could see trains in the ghat probably Indrayani, Intercity, Deccan, Udyan, and Koyna had all showed up by that time. Anil was below pace with Manohar just driving freely, poor Anil was his first time for such one though he lived up to the promise. We reached I guess crossing at most 6 plateau as mentioned by the markings on the place. Finally around 1030 or 1100 something we reached up near a hut from where we could see the fort.

After resting in the hut we moved ahead when we crossed few trekkers who where going towards table mountain for valley crossing. Within 10 minutes we were in Rajmachi village were we picked out a house. Note all houses over here accommodate trekkers and if ordered serve food too. We had our khandapavah and tea and moved towards the fort.

On the way a small cave was found. Furthermore the fort was divided into two by a col separating them. These are two forts Shreevardhan and Manoranjan, I call them Twin Watchtower of Rajmachi. Between the col there is Bhairav’s temple whom the locals worship. We walked towards the tallest one and one which had an access a little steep kinda.

Manohar led us to the fort, but it was me who discovered a secret passage and decided to have rest over here as there was a marvelous view, shadow, cool breeze, combining combinations over here. After an half hour or more we left this place and walked towards the highest peak around the place. And thoroughly this one gives a magnificent view Karjat, Lonavala, Khandala, Dukes Nose, Thakurwadi Ghat, valley, etc. too good.

As the sun was over our head we came down from this place and with hunger striking us decided to go to that house for food. We had a homely food comprising of dal, roti, bhaaji, rice, a perfect food, and for that Manohar ordered us to pay more as he has this nagging habit of paying extra towards the chef and waiter in restaurants.

After finding out the route going from here to Lonavala which is fairly a flat trek though about 3 to 3-1/2 hour long, and Anil scarred to go back the way we came from we opted to go to Lonavala. It was fairly a flat, U turned kinda encircling the plateau long, long walk. We walked for almost 3 hours but looking behind the fort was hard far from us, coz we had to walk in a U shape manner with a beauty valley between the place. Walking right below the hills was a sensational and thrilling experience with sun dawning down picturesque Khandala and Ulhas valley was mind-blowing though our body was tiring we kept on and on and special thanks to Anil who kept up to our pace.

Finally after 4 hours on long walk we made it to Lonavala and further more 45 minutes to the station. Train was not our option as they would be full and it was too late to opt for them. Buses were all full and not going to our destination. Sunday plenty of people travel. We spent at most 2 hours at the station and then decided to get into the Jeep, which were around 200 rs. This was expensive but no option.

Our pockets were all emptied we not more then 1 rs also left. On the way Manohar and Anil went fast asleep. I was kept awake and a fellow uncle sitting opposite me was just thrilled up hearing how long we walked and from where we came. Sion arrived and I got down, those two got down at Bandra as they had passes.
In all we saw Kondana Caves, Rajmachi, Shreevardhan, Manoranjan, TwinTowers, Ulhas Valley, walked almost 32 km, for about 14 hour trek…..great experience.

Raigad fort October 4, 2009 Meeting our King

Trek to Raigad Fort the Gibraltar of the Sahyadri is perhaps one of the most awaited treks we had decided. Not only this fort is the palace of the king, but also one of the best we had ever seen with the weather favoring us. It was five years ago when he had decided to trek this fort, but unfortunately and fortunately the date never arrived until October 4, 2009. There were lot of people who had volunteered as always for this fort but only three turned up.

With the monsoon gone we thought this trek would be under the bearing sun, but when a postmonsoon season arrived the weather had turned bizarre. I even remember Mano’s mom and dad calling me up and asking me to change the spot, which I blind fully did. Even in the office when I was working my frequently site visit that day was the Indian Weather Forecast. It was 2130 hours on Saturday when I left my home at Sion to reach Mumbai Central by train where Manohar had already reached. At last minute Swapnil my Bhanja also opted into this program. It was Kojagiri Pornima and their society was conducting some program, which fortunately was stopped by Police mama late hours. Swapneel joined us at the MC railway station around 2230 with Manohar friend who had lift from Kandivali opting out as he was late.

At MC ST station Swapnil found a mama who he always finds one who would help and he too was going towards Mahad. From MC ST station there are lots of buses plying towards Mahad and we got one around 2300. Ganpati Bapa Morya and the bus took off, these guys had opted to sit at the last seat and as always the buses were bumpy. Swapnil though went fast asleep once we crossed Vashi, but Manohar was busy with his girlfriend on the cell as she like him does the nightshift, for the matter of fact Manohar after doing yesterday’s nightshift had done Saturday’s dayshift too and was joining, he just was a person who could control sleep wonder how his immune system worked. While driving I remember Manohar was on the cell when the bus bounced of and his cell fell down with his girlfriend on the other side wondering what happened. The bus in midnight had stopped to at Indapur station where these two had some tea and me joining them for misal pav our local favorite. I also remember we three were sitting at the back seat and there was one more guy next to me though there was a gap he was at the window side had shifted towards me coz feeling cold.

Right around 0430 our bus arrived at Mahad, from enquiry we found first bus from Mahad to Raigad is around 0530 so we had a sip of tea again with a slight drizzle around. 0530 the bus was on time and there were few groups going to the fort, our journey still in darkness when first stroke of light arrived when we where amaze to see out of our window watching all fog and fog with us traveling ghats, I wished I had my Sau’s camera Sony Cybershot HC50 which is more magnificent in capture. Before the sunrise we where at the base, the bus actually lift us at the trolley center which goes upto the fort, but that would start at 10.00 and price was 120 or 140 rs. We had already opted to walk, but before that some peethpooja at the local restaurant we had some khandapavah and misal pav again. The trek base from here was actually 2 km away, which we had to walk back on a tar road.

This trek started right where Omkar hotel is present with steps though steep with steps with 2 to 2-1/2 hour of climb the weather favored us completely. Following with us where two dogs husband and wife I guess who acted as our local guide. There were plenty of picturesque scenes while going up there, plenty of waterfall, plenty of rain and ha plenty of dead earthworms and frogs, people coming down told us that they had heavy rainfall yesterday and even landslide, fortunately we did not get to see that though there were few rocks misplaced on our path. Finally after two hours or less, we all reached the gates where we had to purchase tickets to enter and this was a very big gate as one we had in Lohagad. After the gate there were few cannons also around. The main fort still far from here took us another half hour or so to reach.

Finally we were at the fort and the way here was slightly confusing because of few restaurant the dog guided us well and when we did not follow the dog we where lost. I guess we had named the dog Vithal. Finally Gangasagar the pond where Shivaji had brought River Ganga water to be stored and behind it the forts. Swapnil wanted to bath in it but was advised not to as the water was used for drinking. There were beautiful Minar and fortress, the queens palace, the king palace and then the storeroom. We even found the place where MTDC and trolley reached top. By this time there were lot of people on top as the trolley had started and peoples with guide where all around us. We opted not to use a guide and discover things, but my advise do use guide as they have par knowledge than us and we only assume things they inform us about it.

Finally we reached the Court Of The King and the King’s Thrown where our King, the King of Maratha Warrior, a King not by blood but by his own Right’s his own way of doing was sitting. This place is marvelous to see a courtier sitting 100 meters away also could be clearly seen that well was the architecture of this place. On the gates there was one tiger and four elephants which were symbols of Adilshah, Nizamshah, Aurangzeb, etc. Walking further away we found the statue of the King that haunted all of us for years, yes this place was the place where all Marathas must meet with the King watching far, far beyond the horizons. This place was thoroughly special for all of us. A walk from there was the market and this market was almost 3 to 4 km in length built on top of a steep fort. Further from there we visited Jagdishwar Temple and then the place of Shivaji Samadhi. Behind it was Waghya the loyal dog’s Samadhi who died for Shivaji. And truly we thought the legend of Waghya is alive around in form of Vithal dog who followed us.

From here we walked toward Takmak Tok and this is a place where Shivaji punishes the culprit by making them jump into the cliff and believe me this cliff was vertical limit. When we reached this place it started raining and the place was full with clouds. We stood at this place for a while, our ears and most facial parts where all anesthetized we did not have any feeling we where completely froze by simply the raindrops hitting one part of the face. Later we decided to get few snaps for Takmak Tok where I bravely sat on the rock, as the cloud cleared I saw the vertical limit of the cliff and for a while me too had a vertigo and decided better to get out of this rock. We watched this place this probably must be the highest place around with all four sides steep to the steepest and Shivaji had also summed a high amount for people finding different ways of coming up but undetected.

Further walking ahead the rain drizzled heavily and we had to rush, we reached JunaBai a locals hut for food, which was okay sort. After food the rain was still heavy and heavy and our way back down was toughed up with us shivering. Swapnil suggested we bathed beneath the waterfall though bad idea though worked very well for us to stop shivering. Just on the way we where fortunate to find a Green Viper in front of us, I wanted to click a pic, but the rain forbidden us. We reached the base within an hour or so with these two hungry we had omelet pav and snacks. The hotel guy had already fixed up our transport jeep to Mahad.

On the way all of us slept very well in deep, deep sleep. We reached Mahad and realized we have not changed of yet right in middle of the station we stood and changed that was embarrassing. Later we found a bus going towards Borivali, and got in it, but took a ticket till Panvel, got down at Panvel and changed into the train and reached home. All in together one of the perfectionist trek we had on time, perfect travels, everything from start till end.

Which is our color?

Whenever I wear green color my friends always criticize me that I am a Pakistani coz of green color. How many of us have really forgotten that the Indian national flag also has green color in it. Young people think that blue color is ours patriotic color coz lets see the Indian cricket team, sports team carry the color blue that is why if we have to show patriotism towards our nation carry blue color. So please which is our color?

Saffron Flag over Shivaji Fort

Once while climbing a Shivaji fort a fellow trekker asked me, is that a ShivSena flag on top of the fort. I was astonished to hear that coz simply he did not knew the history…..that Saffron flag was simple of Maratha Warriors given to Shivaji by a great Saint Ramdas Swami. ShivSena was far from the time history…. Today that Flag is used by ShivSena as their symbol for their political needs, but please don’t forget that the Saffron flag belongs to Maratha Warriors of Shivaji and a symbol of Ramdas Swami.

By making such blog I don’t want to criticize ShivSena its only to make the other Indians aware about the Saffron Flag.

Jai Shivaji and Jai Bhavani