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.
.JPG)
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…..
.jpg)
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.
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.
.JPG)
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…..
.jpg)
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.
