Birthday Blast at Vihi (July 30, 2011)

I was one more year older on this day- 30^th July, which added one more feather in my life. We decided to go for Waterfall Rappelling at Vihi, thrilling and exciting and out of the world experience. We realised the meaning of fear, meaning of life.

Waterfall Rappelling is an activity in which one descends by rope depending on the flow of waterfall. Full force of water and slippery wall gives you tough challenges when you rappel down.

We joined offbeat Sahyadri group at 6.00 a.m. near Dadar station. Entire team took lot of efforts to make this event safe and enjoyable. We reached Vihi at around 11 a.m.  The first view of lush green Vihi was amazing.

It started drizzling. When we reached the top of waterfall, two other groups had already started rappelling. We were all set and we were allotted serial numbers, we were almost in second last batch. Till that time we were free to roam around. We got enough time to capture Vihi village in our mini camera. We enjoyed in small waterfall, got drenched in water.

Now the time had arrived, it was our turn, we were excited but now we felt butterflies in stomach and wobbling knees. We were asked to tie ourselves with two ropes, wear harness, helmet and hand gloves and two people were supporting us, one from top of waterfall and other from base. We waited to see few people rappelling down, many were scarred like us, few got minor injuries as well on knee and elbow. One of our new friend who was almost last (rappelling under heavy flow of water) rappelled very nicely. Actually you need to develop few techniques for rappelling down smoothly. You actually need to balance your body while coming down. We all knew this, but fear plays its role and we invite pain.

With the first step, I realised the meaning of strength, strength of water, water was in great force, it was difficult to maintain balance, we managed to stand for few seconds and after that we were lost in water and here we understood importance of our life. Volunteers really helped us to get out of this situation.

After that we went down to see waterfall through which we did rappelling, it was a giant waterfall with height of apprx 120 ft. We made an attempt to rappel this waterfall!!!!

It was overall thrilling experience and enjoyed and had a blast.

Romance at Rajmachi (February, 2011)

We decided to celebrate Valentine’s Day at some secluded place called Rajmachi. Rajmachi is a small village in the rugged mountains of Sahyadri. It has a very famous fort located near two famous hills Lonavala and Khanadala. It is about 15 km from Lonavala.

 

We travelled from Mumbai to Lonavala by Volvo bus. From Lonavala we were picked by jeep provided by Captan’s Resort, place where we wanted to celebrate our Valentine day. After a short ride, we reached at the Resort, It was really exciting.

 

After refreshment, we took a short walk within the Resort and found unknown and exciting things. Pictures speak more than words, have a look.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

After having lunch, we decided to take a trail towards Walvan Lake, right in the backyard of the Resort. Soon reaching the backyard we were surrounded by the most amazing vistas and nestled away in a nook of the hillside offering us total privacy from the rest of the world. We experienced a whole of new world. It’s a nature lovers dream.

 

 

 

Canvas of Nature

 

 

Walvan Lake

 

 

 

 

We managed to return almost when nature was dark, filled our stomach with delicious food and had some fun with our camera:

 

Next day morning welcomed us with heavy breakfast accompanied with glance of outbound training of one corporate group. After checkout in morning we started moving towards Rajmachi Fort and captured sunny views of beautiful surroundings.

In the afternoon we were back in Lonavala and spent some time in Ryewood Park, located very close to lonavala market, The Park is blessed with many varieties of trees which are decades old.

 

Finally we headed towards our home in the evening, with one of the fondest memory, which will remind us beautiful and priceless time shared together.

Karnala Forest Trail (November 20, 2011)

On a fresh Sunday morning of 20^th November, 2011, Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) organised an enjoyable trail through the moist deciduous base forest of Karnala. Meeting point was Dadar near chandu halwai at 6.30 a.m. and charges were Rs. 570 per person. We carried water and packed breakfast with us.

Karnala is about 10-12 km from Panvel. The Bird sanctuary is actually small and most people come here for a trek to Karnala Fort. Actual bird lovers are very few at the sanctuary. We saw some people with binoculars waiting to get a glimse of the birds. The lovely morning walk in forest has its own flavour. 

We spotted birds like owl, egrets, herons etc. We also spotted monkeys, giant spiders, squirrels and so many beautiful butterflies. Among the caged one we saw white peacock, parrots, owl, rabbits and other colourful birds. November is the perfect time to see both resident and winter migrant birds.

We were amazed to see twisted trees and vines. We also took some good pictures of thumb shaped Karnala fort from base.

We returned back at home around 2.30 p.m.

 

Brief History of Karnala:

Its exact date of formation is not know but likely it predates 1400 CE as under the Devagiri Yadavs(1248–1318) and under the Tughlaq rulers (1318–1347), Shivaji conquered it from the Portuguese in 1670 by building breastworks as he advanced. After his death in 1680 it was taken over by Aurangzeb After this the Mughals occupied it for some time after which it in 1740 with the rise of the Peshwas of Pune it went to them. It remained under the command of killedar (garrison commander) Anantrao until a colonel Prother won the fort and established the rule of the British East India Company there in 1818.

Chokhi Dhani (December 27, 2009)

It feels like a lifetime ago, I think I even look like a different person, The Most memorable first outing of ‘Bhavikartik’s’ is Chokhi Dhani, Kalyan.

Chokhi Dhani Village has been the mirror of Rajasthani culture since 14th January, 2009. Started as part of ambiance for a restaurant, as a franchise in surat, over the year it has evolved as a tasteful and authentic symbol of ethnic village life of this most colorful state in the country. Today, the name of Chokhi Dhani is synonymous with Rajasthani culture throughout the country. The display of traditional huts and workmanship will take you back to the times when splendor was unpretentious. Experience the rich warmth and rustic charm of a typical Rajasthani Village at Chokhi Dhani- the festivities never end here.

Resort Timings: 5 PM to 11 PM

We visited Chokhi Dhani on 27^th December, 2009, it was Sunday, and to my amazement it was not at all crowded, we were one of the first visitors to enter the village.

Welcome was grand with Dhol and dancing by person wearing Horse dress in Rajasthani style at the entrance. Soon we entered the reception area; it was like one of house of Rajasthan, with a painted decoration around the walls and statues. We actually felt that we were in Rajasthan. Entry fees are Rs. 500 per person which includes welcome drink, yummy snacks and Dinner (too much). We have to give a preference of the time we would like to have dinner at. This doesn’t make the dining room chaotic at all.

We were offered welcome drink-Jal jeera, which was nice and cold. Then we went on to get ourselves entertained which included Folk Dance like Ghoomar, Potter Dance and Bhopa and Bhopi dance. We also enjoyed acrobatics on bamboo; the brave artist balances himself on a bamboo without protection of safety net. The colourful puppet show of King, princess and snake was lovely. At few steps walk we found one magician, who performed some hand tricks and puzzled our mind. There were Bullock cart ride and camel ride as well with huge queue.

In between you can please your tong with masala tea and dahi kachori (unlimited). You can also enjoy Bajri Roti with gur and lasun chatni. It was so tempting that for the first time in my life I had Bajri Roti.

Around 8 p.m. we entered the dining hall, where mouth-watering and typical Rajasthani food was served. My taste buds still remember the food and warm service is still in my heart. We had the most famous Rajasthani dishes Dal-bati and churma, Dalia (Lapsi with lots and lots of ghee), roti, salad, Malpuaa, gatta sag, Lassi, Papad, Jalebi, Rajashani Meethai and mukhwas. Dinner was really sumptuous, amazing, and awesome.

The dining hall - Sangri is renowned for the mouth watering and typical Rajasthani food, served to you on a leaf platter in the tradition of Manuhaar. Your taste buds will remember this treat for a long time, while the warmth of service will stay in your heart forever.

Here also you will find Rajasthani dishes and Rajasthani curries famous all over the world for its delicious taste. Generally, Rajasthani curries are a brilliant red but they are not as spicy as they look. Most Rajasthani cuisine uses pure ghee (clarified butter) as the medium of cooking. A favourite sweet dish called lapsi is prepared with broken wheat (dalia) sautéed in ghee and sweetened. Perhaps the best-known Rajasthani food is the combination of dal, bati and churma(dal is lentils; bati is baked wheat ball; and churma is powdered sweetened cereal), but for the adventurous traveller, willing to experiment, there is a lot of variety available. The ancient princely state of Rajasthan gave rise to a royal cuisine. Even today, Rajasthani princely feasts flaunt royal cuisines that are incomparable. Their food cooked in desi ghee is famous for it's mouth- watering aroma. Rajasthan's tastiest curries are based on the use of pulses or gram flour. Dry fruits, spices and yogurt are used in many delicacies. Rajasthan can also boast of a vast array of savouries and sun-dried snacks. Be it dal baati and churma or missi roti , one always ends up licking his fingers. Your tummy will scream "No more !" But you won't stop !!!

The dining hall - Sangri is renowned for the mouth watering and typical Rajasthani food, served to you on a leaf platter in the tradition of Manuhaar. Your taste buds will remember this treat for a long time, while the warmth of service will stay in your heart forever.

Here also you will find Rajasthani dishes and Rajasthani curries famous all over the world for its delicious taste. Generally, Rajasthani curries are a brilliant red but they are not as spicy as they look. Most Rajasthani cuisine uses pure ghee (clarified butter) as the medium of cooking. A favourite sweet dish called lapsi is prepared with broken wheat (dalia) sautéed in ghee and sweetened. Perhaps the best-known Rajasthani food is the combination of dal, bati and churma(dal is lentils; bati is baked wheat ball; and churma is powdered sweetened cereal), but for the adventurous traveller, willing to experiment, there is a lot of variety available. The ancient princely state of Rajasthan gave rise to a royal cuisine. Even today, Rajasthani princely feasts flaunt royal cuisines that are incomparable. Their food cooked in desi ghee is famous for it's mouth- watering aroma. Rajasthan's tastiest curries are based on the use of pulses or gram flour. Dry fruits, spices and yogurt are used in many delicacies. Rajasthan can also boast of a vast array of savouries and sun-dried snacks. Be it dal baati and churma or missi roti , one always ends up licking his fingers. Your tummy will scream "No more !" But you won't stop !!!

The dining hall - Sangri is renowned for the mouth watering and typical Rajasthani food, served to you on a leaf platter in the tradition of Manuhaar. Your taste buds will remember this treat for a long time, while the warmth of service will stay in your heart forever.

Here also you will find Rajasthani dishes and Rajasthani curries famous all over the world for its delicious taste. Generally, Rajasthani curries are a brilliant red but they are not as spicy as they look. Most Rajasthani cuisine uses pure ghee (clarified butter) as the medium of cooking. A favourite sweet dish called lapsi is prepared with broken wheat (dalia) sautéed in ghee and sweetened. Perhaps the best-known Rajasthani food is the combination of dal, bati and churma(dal is lentils; bati is baked wheat ball; and churma is powdered sweetened cereal), but for the adventurous traveller, willing to experiment, there is a lot of variety available. The ancient princely state of Rajasthan gave rise to a royal cuisine. Even today, Rajasthani princely feasts flaunt royal cuisines that are incomparable. Their food cooked in desi ghee is famous for it's mouth- watering aroma. Rajasthan's tastiest curries are based on the use of pulses or gram flour. Dry fruits, spices and yogurt are used in many delicacies. Rajasthan can also boast of a vast array of savouries and sun-dried snacks. Be it dal baati and churma or missi roti , one always ends up licking his fingers. Your tummy will scream "No more !" But you won't stop !!!

We were back to the ground, but this time we were at the section where there are few games. Each game gives you 5 chances at a cost of Rs. 10 per coupon, which included Archery, Bowling, Darts, Rifle shooting etc.

Enjoyed full heartedly.

They give their heart out to each and every customer and make sure that we are satisfied. Have not seen so nice people anywhere yet.

Naneghat Trek (August 5, 2012)

We joined the group known as the Yashwanti Adventures on 5th August, 2012 from Dadar. They published their event on the 'Mumbai Hikers' blog. We were all set to go for adventure trek to Naneghat around 7.15 a.m.

The route to the Naneghat is via Eastern Express Highway. We reached around 10.15 a.m. at base village. The group offered us good breakfast of Poha. The leader introduced themselves and each one of us introduced ourselves as well. The plan was to have one group leader in the front and the other at the end, with a plan in place we all were ready to scale the Naneghat. (Nane is also another name for Coin)  So far a good start.

 

Soon we reach the base there was a clear board pointing towards Naneghat and arrows marked on the stone till top. The Trek started on lush green plains, with a usual photography sessions. Soon the trek moved in the forest. It was a narrow trail in the jungle, it was an easy route to follow, which was slowly ascending towards the peak. It was a slippery and muddy path with light streams of water.

 

As the ascent finally started, it was rocky path and seemed to be the same till the end. Climbing all this was tiring, there was water flowing at every edges. After almost three hours trekking, we reached the top. Heavy wind with bit of rain greeted us.

 

When we reached at the caves of Naneghat, we saw a narrow ascending rocky patch between two hillocks. There was one cave at the top. All of us opted to take rest and fill our hungry stomach with our packed lunch. There were locals selling masala tea. When we were climbing up, I really wondered, what this place was used for and what is the significant. With bit search on Google engine I found that these caves were built in the rule of Satvahana (Empire after Mauryas- one of which character named Chanakya, really inspired me to start reading books) In those days Junnar was town of trade and political importance. Goods from city Kalyan and Nalasopara were taken to Junnar for sale. This pass was built by the King to cut the time taken for reaching Junnar from other cities. There is one huge pot, which was built from stone to collect toll or tax, travellers used to put gold coins as tax. We also found a Motorable road at the top.

The trek was so tiring that we felt that our vehicle would be at top and we don’t have to climb down, but that was not the case. After spending around an hour, we were back on our way to the base. Climbing down was also as difficult as climbing up. Due to rain rocks were muddy and slippery. We had couple of falls too but nothing serious. We reached back to the base in around two hours. We washed ourselves in a base river.

 

The trek was moderate difficult for fresh trekkers like us with History, monsoon shower, tryst with nature, few falls and stretches of legs. It was well managed by Yashwanti Adventure.

Lohagadh Fort trek (July 15, 2012)

We joined the group known as the Skyonars on 15th June, 2012 from Mira road. It was new group to us run by college students in Mira road. They published their event on the 'Mumbai Hikers' blog. Mumbai hikers, obviously is the central blog portal where most of Mumbai trekking groups post their upcoming events. A trek to Lohagadh Fort was a one-day event, with the return journey planned for the evening. Some of the group members had been to the Lohagadh Fort before. They had suggested it was an easy trek. 'Easy' that's what attracted me to this trek. This was going to be bhavikartik's first "real" trek. Lohagadh, here we come..!!! :)

The Lohagadh Fort is situated at 52 km from Pune. Lohagadh is at an elevation of 3,450 feet (1,052 m) and is situated on a side range of the Sahyadris.

Pickups were planned at Mira road and Thane. After picking up enthusiasts along the way, our numbers rose to 50. All towards our destination - Lohagadh. We had a nice sumptuous breakfast of Poha served with extra sev and Dhokla on our way in the bus. The way to Lohagadh was through a place Malawni - Base Village. After parking our vehicle there, we were all set to start our trek.

The trek to Lohagadh is quite an easy one. You just need to follow the straight road ahead. It’s not a motorable road by any means. The route goes spirally upwards. Almost like a zigzag. Some people were climbing up by the small ravines. As you climb up, you would find two peaks - the one straight ahead and the other to the right. The one straight ahead is Visapur Fort and the one to the right is Lohagadh. The journey so far was good one. Since, most of the route was a rather straight one; it was quite easy even for first timers like us. And soon, after almost 2 hrs we were at Lohgadhwadi, base village of our destination. You can reach here by a proper motorable route as well, I guess from Malawni. There were lot of people there. It was almost like a trek mela. People turning up from everywhere. There were lot of trekking groups like ours everywhere. After this point, we were at the footsteps of the Fort. We just needed to climb those.

As we climb up, we found the majestic Pawna lake behind i.e to the right, the village Lohagadwadi in the center and the Visapur Fort to the left. The steps were quite high in terms of height. Making it even tougher to climb. But soon in 20 minutes or so, we were at the Ganesh Darwaja - the main entrance to the Fort. I found one of my office colleague with her friends climbing down. They went to Bhaje caves, 2nd century BC Buddhist caves. They are a set of 18 caves, cut straight out of rocks. Amazing bit of ancient architecture. Unfortunately, the tight schedule wasn't allowing us to explore the "Bhaje caves". So, after a few pictures with our zooming camera, we turned our heads to Lohagadh.

Lohagad Fort has 4 doors called "darwajas" - Ganesh Darwaja, Nayaran Darwaja, Hanuman Darwaja and Maha Darwaja. Having full of sharp structures protruding out, these are tall doors atleast 10 feet in height. Each darwaja comes up as we climbed up the stairs introducing to a new section of the Fort. This section or open space gives a panoramic view. we saw there were small openings in the walls of the Fort, imagine these openings to be used for cannons on other warring provinces and Mughals. We found small cannon, it was way too heavy for any of us to lift. The final Maha Darwaja opens up to a vast open courtyard. It’s more like a peak of the mountain rather than a Fort. Its wide and huge and houses a temple, a few ponds including Giant Hatti Talab, Dargah and the famous Vinchukatta. Most of the time spent up was exploring the different parts, taking pictures.

The Best part was the famous "Vinchukata" - Scorpion’s Sting, a long and narrow Fortified structure. This is a finger styled projection of fissure of Lava and the name scorpion’s sting due to its natural shape. The attractive beauty of the pinnacle of this hilly terrain is worth visiting. Since, we were running late due to morning traffic, we started our trip downwards.

While returning we had nice masala tea, it cost us Rs. 7 only. Many group members enjoyed bathing in waterfall as well; we were tired to go to waterfall at the base. The journey back was a quick one. We clocked a mere an hour on the way down. i.e to Malawni village. And then we started our journey back to Mumbai with filling our hungry stomach with Jam and Cheese Sandwiches.

Overall it was well organized trip by the Skyonars- there was bit of history, hard work, good food, some adventure, serene breath taking scenes and lots and lots of pictures-The best memory of your good time, which makes you smile anytime.

The brief History of Lohagadh: the place dates around 2000 to 2500 years back. At that time, Lohagadh was one of the major Forts of the Satwaahan dynasty. The Fort owes its name to the sage Lomesh who was meditating on Lohagadh. It was mainly built to keep Nana Maval, Andhra Maval and Korbaarse Maval in check. But after the collapse of the Bahamani kingdom, the Fort Lohagadh in Pune was captured by Nizamshahi in 1489. Thereafter, the Fort passed into different hands. The seventh brother of the Nizam who ruled from1590 to 1594 was imprisoned here. In 1630, the Fort was captured by Adilshah, and Shivaji Maharaj took it under his control in 1648. In the year 1665, the Fort was successively attacked by Mirza Raja Jaysingh who invaded Purandhar and by Kutubuddin, who looted the villages surrounding the Fort Lohagadh in Pune. Shivaji Maharaj captured it again in 1670, Aurangzeb, in 1700 and Balaji Vishwanath in 1720. Bajirao II ruled the Fort in 1802 until it went finally to the British hands under Colonel Prother in 1818.