tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23559191892409673102023-12-15T03:09:15.916-08:00Famous Trekking Spots In Maharashtrarandolph pereirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18263878917925072262noreply@blogger.comBlogger72125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2355919189240967310.post-44292260906368136842016-07-19T20:16:00.000-07:002016-07-19T20:16:13.002-07:00Bhimashankar Trek via Ganesh Ghat : A picture perfect trek<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Waterfalls in the distance</td></tr>
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After trekking Gorakhghad a couple of weeks before i was ready for another trek. As my colleagues were interested on going a trek we decided to do one and zeroed in on Bhimashankar. We were 6 people in total my 2 colleagues Krishna and Vikram , one of Vikram's friend Shailendra and my 2 childhood friends Rohit and Aditya.<br />
We had decided to catch the 5.16 am Karjat Train from Kurla . I Rohit and Aditya Reached Kurla and were waiting for the train when Krishna phoned and told us he would be late and come by the next train which would reach 1/2 hour later .So as he was going to get in at Thane along with Vikram and his friend , Vikram decided to wait for him and come by the next train in the mean while i along with my 2 friends would reach Karjat earlier and find a transport to Khandas which is the base village. So as planned I , Rohit And Aditya Boarded the 5.16 am train from Kurla and after clicking some pics and talking we reached Karjat at around 7.15 am.There was a food stall outside were we decided to have some breakfast .After we had out breakfast we went on to the find out the place where we would get the Tum-Tum or ST Bus. In the mean while krishna ,Vikram and Shailendra had also arrived so we all started to walk towards the ST stand which also happens the same place we would get the Tum-Tum which was a good 15 mins walk from the station.After getting there we enquired and found out the bus was unreliable so we decided to go with a Tum-Tum so we started bargaining but the tum-tum guys were not ready to come down on the price of Rs 800. So we decided to ask a Rickshaw Guy and he agreed at Rs 600 but with the catch we all fit in his richshaw . After Some 5 mins we all anyhow adjusted ourselfs in the rickshaw and the journey began at around 8.15 am .<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A break in-route khandas</td></tr>
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At around 9.30 am we reached Khandas ,as we had to take the Ganesh Ghat route which is easier but long we had to go more 2 Km ahead of the village,at the village i enquired for the return journey and i was told it would cost Rs800 to Neral and Rs 1000 to Karjat for a tum-tum, I took the Tum-Tum guys mobile number and was told to just give a call before reaching down and he would come to pick us up.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of Bhimashakar From the Starting Point</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ganesh Temple</td></tr>
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After reaching the Start of the Ganesh Ghat we clicked some photos and started our trek, after climbing for some 20 mins we reached a Ganesh Mandir after taking a small break there we carried on the trek, as we were trekking we came across some stalls which the locals had set up selling everything from Tea to Lunch , at one of the stalls we had some Tea and took another picture break.We soon reached the first flat stretch of land.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the forts in the background</td></tr>
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The Surrounding were beautiful with multiple waterfalls and some awesome climate.As we were trekking we came crossed multiple streams of water and some waterfalls .I would describe the route as having three plateaus (a climb followed by a flat land).Clicking pictures and admiring the beautiful nature we reached bhimashankar at around 1.15 pm . As soon as we reached there we went to the temple but there was huge line so decide not to go for darshan. After buying some peddas as prasad we moved towards a small restaurant to have some food , after which we explored the place and again clicked some pictures.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bhimashankar temple in the background</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful weather at the top</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Random pic taken at the top</td></tr>
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It was 3.40 pm when we decide to start the descent , after 2 hours we reached the Ganesh Mandir where we decide to phone the tum-tum driver to reach as we would be down in another 15 mins.As we reached down at around 6.10 pm there was a small stream of water were we all took a wash while waiting for the tum-tum driver .As soon as the tum-tum arrived we got into it and started our journey to Neral railway station.It was 7.15 when we reached Neral as the next train was a 8.00 pm CST fast we waited and reflected back on the trek , as the train arrived we got into it were left with memories to be cherished and as usual looking out for the next trekking destination. </div>
randolph pereirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18263878917925072262noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2355919189240967310.post-66850210115602564092016-06-19T23:08:00.000-07:002016-06-19T23:09:00.015-07:00Gorakhgad Trek : Awesome first trek of the season <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful View of the Surrounding Mountains</td></tr>
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It was a last minute plan to Gorakhgad which I along with Aditya and Leander Decided.It was 19th June 2016 and the rainy season was just going to arrive here in Mumbai, with the hope of getting blessed by the rain Gods we started on the morning of 19th June 2016 which was a Sunday. I and Aditya Caught the 5.28 Am Kasara Slow from Kurla while Leander had already Boarded The same Train from Dadar. Chitchatting and reflecting on various treks we had in our past we reached Kalyan Junction at around 6.30 Am and moved towards the ST Bus Stand and started Enquiring for a Bus which would take us to Murbhad. We were then told that the Bus to Shirdi was going to leave at 6.45 Am which has a stop over at Murbhad, so we got into the bus with other trekkers as well which were going to Siddhagad .<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bus To Murbhad</td></tr>
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With the usual in-between talking and staring outside just socking in the beautiful weather it was 7.30Am when our Bus Reached Murbhad. We then went and enquired about the Bus to Dehri . We were told that the Bus was at 9.15 Am and were also informed that since the Bus to Niravali was at 8.00 Am from where we would have to take a Tum-Tum to dehri,so since we had some time in hand we had some breakfast outside Murbhad ST Stand.As we were sipping our Tea the Group which we had meet in the Bus were enquiring for Tum-Tum to Dehri since the trek to siddhagad also starts from there, we over heared them talking to the driver that he would charge Rs 30 per seat, so we too went and asked the same jeep driver and he was like Rs 30 per seat and we were like Chalo!!!. So at around 7.50 am we started our Tum-Tum Journey to Dehri with a stopover to refuel our vehicle, we reached Dehri at around 8.30 Am. As I had not done breakfast at Murbhad as i usually like to eat authentic homemade food at Base villages when I go for a trek, i enquired for the same but for some reason couldn't find any.So we started our trek at around 9.00 Am <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gorakhgad From The Base "Dehri"</td></tr>
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The Trail Starts from behind a temple, it goes up and down and finally you reach the base of the mountain which you actually have to scale. With usual breaks for Some photos we reached there at around 10.00 Am. After Admiring the Nature surrounding us we started to move forward and reached a temple where there is a board from where you have to take a right after a few minutes of ascending you will come across the first Rock patch which are mostly Steps cut into the rock face.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First Rock Patch</td></tr>
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When we reached we seen a group already climbing the stairs so we decided to wait until they pass by. As soon they were done we started climbing in about 5 minutes we completed a climb and reached a rock cut door painted in orange .There are steps which go towards the top and soon we were at the second rock cut stairs, these ones are fairly easy with just one step in the between which was tricky.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-TtU6o8J6ah96DP9D9h_zKpeKERt0mmrMqOzIyb0zfCRWxGexrGgJNfUM_zrg1-ABPI5Cf8zFY6FBuZOG8GA1OzfoTYZyljoC5VQAEmI7iArbww1ylBWO7PUIQtEqpj1MxtMXecnThyJ0/s1600/IMG_20160619_112305.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-TtU6o8J6ah96DP9D9h_zKpeKERt0mmrMqOzIyb0zfCRWxGexrGgJNfUM_zrg1-ABPI5Cf8zFY6FBuZOG8GA1OzfoTYZyljoC5VQAEmI7iArbww1ylBWO7PUIQtEqpj1MxtMXecnThyJ0/s400/IMG_20160619_112305.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Caves</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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In the next 10 minutes we reached the Caves and rested before our final climb to the pinnacle,to our bad luck still no rain.At around 11.10 Am.we started to climb the final rock phase this one is little difficult for the first 10 feet but once after that there are stairs with rock cuts in which you can stick your hand in and get some support.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuoHR7WeaPs61Q4GaJjjSQHKx3tAhiETPu7xgIDs95zUI9gta9MNA-uhSIQEM3RGiy6UMRe47vTqJAepjorJNu_FiPpO8_53MZLW9tyRfJV_hE7WijWfcMJaX09nX0Sh9qxcmWL6rza6Sv/s1600/IMG_20160619_102317.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuoHR7WeaPs61Q4GaJjjSQHKx3tAhiETPu7xgIDs95zUI9gta9MNA-uhSIQEM3RGiy6UMRe47vTqJAepjorJNu_FiPpO8_53MZLW9tyRfJV_hE7WijWfcMJaX09nX0Sh9qxcmWL6rza6Sv/s320/IMG_20160619_102317.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Last Rock Phase</td></tr>
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By 11.30 Am we reached the top which had a Temple , after having some snacks we started our descent at around 12.00 pm we reached down by 12.45 and just in the right time for the bus to Murbhad which was at 1.00 pm we boarded the bus and by 1.45 pm we were at Murbhad were there was already a bus waiting to leave to kalyan ,we got in the bus and reached kalyan railway station at around 2.30pm. As there was a mega block no trains were scheduled but our luck was so good that soon the first train to CST was announced which was at 2.41 pm .As the train started we were left with some great memories and as always i say in the hunt for our next destination cheers!!! Yes and ii did rain that day ,Just minutes before i could step in my house<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm_2OpCJ-w_VHD6G1Fa-3XI2rOFILeJX4lWagFonuhvIPzxCXKdJaN-KKk28SLolA8K5ZnIxn688Lo84ZJoRKJzp3i6JbEws34CBGM7r1FEBdGTzIZwKi4efU88P-d8FxijPWqmDC3cbTZ/s1600/IMG_20160619_105748.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm_2OpCJ-w_VHD6G1Fa-3XI2rOFILeJX4lWagFonuhvIPzxCXKdJaN-KKk28SLolA8K5ZnIxn688Lo84ZJoRKJzp3i6JbEws34CBGM7r1FEBdGTzIZwKi4efU88P-d8FxijPWqmDC3cbTZ/s320/IMG_20160619_105748.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At the Top "Temple In the Background"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Note:-<br />
Bus Kalyan To Murbhad : Cost Rs 30 per person<br />
Tum-Tum Murbhad To Dehri :Cost Rs 30 per person<br />
Bus Dehri To Murbhad: Cost Rs 26 per person<br />
Bus Murbhad to Dehri: Cost Rs 30 per person<br />
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randolph pereirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18263878917925072262noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2355919189240967310.post-50634426708641134042016-03-27T02:18:00.001-07:002016-04-07T13:14:29.160-07:00Ratangad trek Experience <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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On the Night of 18<sup>th</sup> March 2016, Friday. I
started from my house which is in the western suburbs of Mumbai to reach the
village of Ratanwadi from where I along with my four friends would trek
Ratangad Fort.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Ratangad Fort - It’s a Fort which lies 65Km from Igatpuri,
It was conquered By Shivaji Maharaj from the Mughals. One can see Many Trekking
spot in the distance like kalsubai, Alang, Madan and Kulang .The main
attraction of the fort apart from the fort itself is a natural hole in the rock
which is referred to as the “Needhi”.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I along with one of my friend boarded the Mahanagari express
at 12.28 am from Dadar T.T which would take us to Igatpuri on 19th March 2016.
Cost of the ticket was Rs 75 from Dadar to Igatpuri. Remaining three of my
friends boarded the train from Thane, after some chit chat we were asleep .The
next time we would be woken up was to the noise of people selling wadapav’s at
Kasara railway station which was like an alarm that Igatpuri was the next
station ,At around 3.30 we got off the train at Igatpuri Railway station . We
got refreshed and started to walk towards the ST bus stand which was like 10
mins from the railway station, just ask anyone at the railway station where is
the ST bus stand. As the first bus which would drop us off at Shendi was at
5.00 am we took some pics and just went for an early morning walk. With a delay
of 15 mins the bus started, cost of the ticket was Rs 38. At around 6.30 we
reached Shendi and were greeted by Mr. Shanjay who has a small tea shop in
Shendi where the bus dropped us off, I had spoken to him the earlier day over
the phone to ask him which would be a feasible option i.e. Coming to Shendi
from Kasara or from Igatpuri and he was the one who suggested to come from
Igatpuri. From here we were supposed to take a jeep to Ratanwadi which would be
the starting point of our trek. After some bargaining and with the help of Mr.
Shanjay we made a Deal for Rs 1500 roundtrip, you can get jeeps to Ratanwadi
from the very place the bus will leave you. After that we had some tea at Mr.
Shanjay’s Tea stall and started towards Ratanwadi at around 6.45, the journey
is very scenic and I was just imagining how beautiful this place would be in
the rainy season. Our jeep driver Mr. Raju made the journey even more interesting, we spoke on a range of topics
and it was fun. At around 7.30 we reached Ratanwadi, we asked Mr. Raju Were we
would get some breakfast, and he pointed out to a house. He told us that the
last bus from Shendi to Kasara is at 5.00 pm and he would come and pick us up
at 4.00 pm from Ratanwadi, he wished us luck and he left. We all were in a mood
of having some missal Pav but we were informed that only kandha bhaji would be
possible. We agreed for the bhaji, after eating our breakfast and some of us
answering natures call we started our trek at around 8.10 am, the person whose
house we had our breakfast showed us the area from where we would start the
trek. 15 mins into the trek you will see a small dam that is built, we took a
right and went on the other side of the DAM and followed the path made by
people continuously walking on it (Paulvat). The route is marked at some places
which is just enough to be on the right path. Other 30 mins into the trek we
reached a small plateau from where again moved to the right, from here on after
30 mins you will see a board, you will have to go from the path going from side
of it, as you continue the trek you will encounter 4 ladders after 20 mins
which are put to make the trek easy, once you climb these ladders you will see
a cave to the right and the fort Door towards your right, The view from the top
is wonderful. We explored the fort and moved towards the Needhi which one can
reach traversing along the path at the edge of the mountain and once you reach
the other side of the mountain just look up you will see a whole in the rocks
which is your next destination. It took us around 20 mins to reach the Needhi
once we reached the fort. The view from top here is heaven for trekkers. We
reached here at around 11 am and stayed here and just chilled out for another 2
hours and started our descent at around 1 pm as we descended we phoned the
place we just had breakfast and told to make some lunch for us as well as
phoned the jeep driver to come and pick us up at around 4 pm .</div>
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The descent was
quick and we were down at around 2.30pm. As soon as we reached the place where
we would have our food we drank lots of water and sat to eat, the food was
amazing though we were limited on options. We rested for some time and then got
in the jeep at 4 pm which reached at Shendi at 4.50 pm, we then realized that
the bus to Kasara is at 5.30 pm .The jeep driver must have intentionally
informed us that the bus is at 5.00pm so we would not miss it. We had lots of
tea at the same place we had in the morning as we waited for the bus. The bus
was on time, we sat down and after paying Rs 68 per person till Kasara we dozed
off. We reached Kasara at 7.40 pm and were in time for the 8.15pm local to CST,
as the train started we were left with beautiful memories of the place and in
the search for our next trekking destination. I will be adding contact details
of the jeep driver Mr. Sanjay and Hotel Rijuta.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Note: - <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->1)<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span><!--[endif]-->The locals informed us that there was water available
on the top, so we didn’t carry enough water to our dismay the water that was
available on the fort was not drinkable. We survived on Oranges which were like
our savior. Please carry adequate water before you start the trek.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]-->2)<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->This trek would be more enjoyable and beautiful
during the rainy season.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]-->3)<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->There is camping available at Bhandardara Dam
and also an MTDC resort.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->4)<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span><!--[endif]-->An alternative route would be to reach Kasara on
the central railway line and then catch the first bus which will drop you off
at Shendi at 7.00 am, In case you miss the bus to Shendi another option would
be to go to Goti phata and there are jeeps available at Rs 60 per seat to
Shendi or ST buses. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Contacts:-<o:p></o:p></div>
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Mr. Raju (Jeep Driver) – 7875956988<o:p></o:p></div>
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Mr. Shanjay (Tea stall at Shendi) -9423749953<o:p></o:p></div>
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Hotel Rijuta (Breakfast and lunch) – 9325062353, 7798912748,
9370358385<o:p></o:p></div>
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randolph pereirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18263878917925072262noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2355919189240967310.post-66751086369923645362013-01-06T00:28:00.001-08:002013-01-06T00:34:02.256-08:00Tikona Fort Trek Experience<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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It all started on an cold Saturday morning of 5th January 2013 , It was my 4th trek and the first of the new year with a group called the JunnarBoyz which we created about 2 years ago ,this time it was Simon who was a new addition in the group .We where 10 of us (me(Randolph),Preshit,Ambrose,Paulson,Tanny, Clinton , Kevin, Kartik , Nitesh ,Simon). Most of us meet at Dadar to board the 5.51 am Indrayani Express which leaves CST at 5.40 am .All of us boarded the General compartment of the Train Except Clintion who missed the train and Nitesh who had to catch the train at kalyan however boarded another train .Both of them then decided to meet us directly at Lonavala station . We continued our journey ,the train was crowded which had become full from CST itself as Indrayani and Intercity are considered as Trains which are usually boarded by people who commute daily between Mumbai and Pune .<br />
Standing the Whole Journey we reached Lonavala at about 8.30 am took tickets for Kamshet in the meanwhile Nitesh and Clinton arrived . At about 9.30 am we got an local train to Kamshet ,we reached Kamshet in about 15 mins . we decided to hire an vehicle to TikonaPeth Village ,it takes about 30 mins to reached the village from kamsheet station ,we took the drivers number and told him to come back when we give him a call. we started the trek at about 11.15am ,the first 20 mins were slightly exhausting as some of us where out of action for along time gradually we eased-out we first came across an small cave later on followed by an Hanuman Statue<br />
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Then after sometime we reached an other temple and then the last part of the trek which are the steep stairs</div>
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with taking a lot of stops for photo sessions and deciding to have our lunch at the half way with scinic nature surrounding us we managed to reach the summit at about 1.30 pm (normally it would take 1 hr 30 min)<br />
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After playing cards and some games we started our decent at about 2.45pm and reached the base at about 3.30pm ,we got in the jeep which we had told to pick us up after an while and reached Kamshet station at 5.20 Pm ,we took an local train to lonavala and caught the 6.48 pm Intercity express and with no room to enter the general compartment we all entered the reserved compartments the TC passed by us an number of times but did not check our tickets as he knew the general compartment was over crowded. Some got down at Thane while some of us at Dadar station at about 9.00pm .Altogether it was a easy and an beautiful trek which we all required before our college started.</div>
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Ticket price from Dadar to Lonaval Rs 47</div>
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Ticket price from Lonavala to Kamsheet Rs 6</div>
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Ticket price from Lonavala to Andheri Rs 53</div>
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Private jeep to Tikona Peth village both ways Rs 700 </div>
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randolph pereirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18263878917925072262noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2355919189240967310.post-21034190427393874612012-07-04T04:27:00.000-07:002012-08-11T07:20:33.140-07:00KARNALA FORT TREK EXPERIENCE<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
This time we were doing a relatively easy trek as compared to many other done before only 1410ft approx. We where 11 of us with the usual 7 of us adish , kevin, kartik ,preshit ,tanny,clinton and me and ere further joined by 4 new members Paulson ,ambrose ,Shannon and nitesh .As planned we all meet at kurla station boarded a train to panvel at around 6.45am and reached pavel at around 7.45 am and waited for the remaining ones .Once all arrived we asked the rickshaw fellows about the price to reach us to karnal base they said Rs 200/per rick .Hearing at the price we asked the locals about the busses who suggested we walk ahead and catch any bus that went to ratanagiri or pen .As we were waiting for the bus we must some students from and other Engineering college from Mumbai and then requested the driver to take us all there ,we all sat in the bus the price of the ticket was Rs28 and we reached the base village in about 20 mins.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhu3WwxmOodffZxhcM_k9XCHhGZccRdr2nwuXRcvhbRSJfuT3euMSsKppVLuW0Sp_jDVaBHjBuoJetx5OqmH40T07Tp1z5OH-jUWS_JBEV5w6y17D620GjH_7s35D6bxED7chFdBfGi8FW/s1600/IMG_20120629_093152.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhu3WwxmOodffZxhcM_k9XCHhGZccRdr2nwuXRcvhbRSJfuT3euMSsKppVLuW0Sp_jDVaBHjBuoJetx5OqmH40T07Tp1z5OH-jUWS_JBEV5w6y17D620GjH_7s35D6bxED7chFdBfGi8FW/s320/IMG_20120629_093152.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
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Once at the base we had to pay Rs20 each to take entry in the Wildlife Sanctuary and they pay an additional Rs210 as a deposit which we would get back if we brought all the plastics, silver foils, bottles back wile coming failing to brining even one item would result in the money going and even an additional fine .As we started our trek few of us where ahead , few of us where seeing the map and realised there was a hard and steep way and a long and easy way so we decided to go by the steep way for that to there were to ways to reach soon keven and kartik shouted" dude we will all take the route from the jungle instead of walking the road come back". Listening to him all started the trek we walked for 20 min and all fell we were on the wrong route soon we seen a sign named transit end but all 11 of us ignored it and moved ahead. Now we reached a spot whose only way to move forwarded was through the waterfall which was dry as it had not yet rained we all begin climbing the waterfall and after 45 mins we reached a spot where we got a trail named moor taka trail which was going towards the left .After looking at the map we thought it would be better going ahead straight .So after a break of 10 mins we had again ignored the path and moved ahead in the direction of the waterfall .Again after 30 mins we where literally losted in the jungle all of us removed our mobiles to get gps co-ordinates(so funny) and soon decided instead of going back we make our own way towards the top.<br />
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As we were climbing it became evident that if we would not get a path above it would be a difficult decent still we continued our climb which went through cliffs and rocky patches .After an hour we had reached the fort but there is always an but instead of reaching the forts<br />
entrance we reached behind the fort and the only way was to climb a 6 feet wall .With the rick of something happening we all decided it would be better to descend and catch the correct route .The descent at the top was little scary but our past experience made it easy as it took us an other 1and half hour to reach again at the bottom we realised we missed that left turn that we had got early and we had ignored so we all decided to go north and after 10 mins we got that turn .we all moved along the trail and after 20 mins got the steep route to the fort we all got ready to begin the trak agin at about <br />
12.45 pm we begin our trek it was quite simple and we were at the fort in 1hr and 30 mins .After spening an hour we begin our descent and where down by 4.30 pm .We rested clicked some photos of the birds in the cages took our deposite and waited for a bus. As we where waiting for the bus we got a tuktuk which took all 11 of us to the station .Some of us boarded the andheri and some the CST train and left towards home .It was a good trek which was easy but because of our stupidity we had to trek twice and not to forget our group called Junnar Boyz is extending day by day so happing Treking ...</div>randolph pereirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18263878917925072262noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2355919189240967310.post-72253192714530748252012-02-24T08:38:00.007-08:002012-02-24T09:04:10.936-08:00MAHULI FORT TREK EXPERIENCE<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOyGXVNcgtbM7bEihN4LIF1bG1u1FDEs9c0o1mTuGWhIdP8nTnatuqj_XfL2QPHW68WvaXgeOze39t_iBayvzvgriwgvMtYtqMg2DxCPWEGOaW-5EdMhG25QKyF_KnxyC_52F-Fqti8bOt/s1600/IMG_20120220_101243.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOyGXVNcgtbM7bEihN4LIF1bG1u1FDEs9c0o1mTuGWhIdP8nTnatuqj_XfL2QPHW68WvaXgeOze39t_iBayvzvgriwgvMtYtqMg2DxCPWEGOaW-5EdMhG25QKyF_KnxyC_52F-Fqti8bOt/s1600/IMG_20120220_101243.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br />
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It was 20 th Feb and a holiday due to Mahashivrati so we decide to go for a trek which was cancelled before for some reason .It was a very a pleasant morning we all where excited, Kevin was excited to such an extent that he woke up 2.30 am instead of 4.30 am and called Adish and Akash . We were supposed to meet at Vidhyavihar station at about 5.30 am . Preshit was the first one to reach the sation followed by me ,Akash ,Adish ,Kevin ,clinton and then Kartik who for some reason could not compile what we said and didn't by his ticket for Asangoan . It was 5.45 am and the train to Asangoan was just going to arrive and Tany had still not reached Vidhyavihar so we decided to board the train and wait for Tany at Asangoan and ya about that Kartik's ticket we told Rahul who was boarding the train from Thane to get one for Kartik.The journey to Asangoan was a long -chilly one and we praised Yashbeer a many times who would travel to Vidhyavihar to college everyday .At last at about 7.30 am we reached Asangoan as we had to wait for Tany we decided to have some breakfast ,having some vadapv,bread pakoda ,mesal pav ,tea and not to forget Adish's half hour of jokes it was 8.00 am when finally Tany arrived at Asangoan .<br />
We went to catch rickshaws to the base which would cost us Rs 180 a rick so we decided to just go half the way from where the actual trek started .After 20 minutes we where there and soon we got a truck in which every one climbed after 15 mins we reached the base village of Mahuli Fort after some time we asked people how to get to the top and at 9.30 am began our journey after half hour we decided to take a break we took some pics and videos and began our journey . 1 hour 30 min into the trek we decided to take an second brake before we started to climb a little difficulty part . After half hour of walking we were at such a point that we thought we have lost our way after a little bit of calling to my friend Pradeep and the man who we meet below we found that we are on the correct path and again began our climb soon on the way up we meet an independent trekker who told it would take us 20 minutes to reach top soon we reached the final part of the climb that is the ladder and walked further and then again descended a little distance to get to Mahuli fort at 12.30 pm we reached the Fort which has merely a cave and a door .Then after taking some videos ,eating and refilling our water bottles from the tank above we decided to descend at about 1.45 pm .The descend at certain points were difficult .I , Akash and Preshit were in the front we waited for the others at a point but due to some reason they were taking time so we decided to move on and wait for them at the Mahuli tea stall at the base village .We reached the village at 3.45 pm and after having some tea and cold- drinks the rest of them arrived at about 4.30 pm then we all organised for van who would take us Asangoan station ,at 5.45 pm the van arrived we sang some songs and arrived at the station by 6.05 pm, boarded the 6.17 CST train and were on our way towards home in the train we played some games .I due to motion sickness vomited a little ,Rahul was the first one to get off the train at Thane and then i ,Kevin and Kartik got down at Ghatkopar and headed home ,over all it was a good trek with one more member added Akash to the group we called JUNNAR BOYZ. </div>randolph pereirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18263878917925072262noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2355919189240967310.post-57398584400335211262011-07-22T23:15:00.000-07:002011-07-22T23:15:45.747-07:00YESHWANTGAD FORT<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 17px;"></span><br />
<h2 id="section-Yeshwantgad-AtAGlance" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 1em; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">OVERVIEW</span></i></h2><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">District : Ratnagiri<br />
Height above sea level : 236 feet<br />
Difficulty rating : Simple - Coastal fort<br />
Base village : Rajapur<br />
Approx. time to reach the top : It's a coastal fort hence there is no trekking involved.<br />
Best Season to visit : October to January<br />
Duration: 1 day<br />
Google Map coordinate: 16.67°N 73.52°E </span></b></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm8wd3A4WwNcXYQd_-kVVJyzlOnGvCprMr71so93ab6QJqV62Mk7_UAEpaswTrDy-boCA_tfT0khfw8OZnN4e5hkQNNDBVZz5tAGJU2sT8d5wWvV_c5V8DqQibDPzE9yEq7Ex43eQuPY5u/s1600/Gopalgad03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm8wd3A4WwNcXYQd_-kVVJyzlOnGvCprMr71so93ab6QJqV62Mk7_UAEpaswTrDy-boCA_tfT0khfw8OZnN4e5hkQNNDBVZz5tAGJU2sT8d5wWvV_c5V8DqQibDPzE9yEq7Ex43eQuPY5u/s400/Gopalgad03.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></b></i></div><h2 id="section-Yeshwantgad-About" style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 1.6em; font-weight: bold; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 1em; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><br />
</h2><h2 id="section-Yeshwantgad-HowToReach" style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 1.6em; font-weight: bold; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 1em; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">How To Reach</h2><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 12px;">Rajpur is well connected to Mumbai and Goa by Konkan Railway as well as by Road. Local sightseeing can be by auto or car. Visitors should be ready to enjoy local cuisine as there are no starred hotels.</span><h2 id="section-Yeshwantgad-PlaceToStayEat" style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 1.6em; font-weight: bold; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 1em; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Place to Stay / Eat</h2><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 12px;">There are hotels and lodges to stay. One can enjoy local cuisine.</span></div>randolph pereirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18263878917925072262noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2355919189240967310.post-33897801946823299432011-07-22T23:13:00.001-07:002011-07-23T10:03:00.500-07:00YAVAL<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 17px;"></span><br />
<h2 id="section-Yaval-AtAGlance" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 1em; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><i>OVERVIEW</i></span></h2><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><b>District : Jalgaon<br />
Height above sea level :<br />
Difficulty rating : Simple City Fort<br />
Base village : Yawal<br />
Approx. time to reach the top : City fort hence no trekking<br />
Duration: 1 day</b></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqBZAHSTj6Wa3O4d78Ic5tG55ZyLB4BKOX16FoctdUo-_Z6pQy-9NZIPGPWjO3gaPYt-QOQlWhzIxCr9JJSh5EKuUqxsMMWcyBDRB6fEnXgBio4kFfuTRhf0dKlSueiWROvqqBjwZqZAP8/s1600/pal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqBZAHSTj6Wa3O4d78Ic5tG55ZyLB4BKOX16FoctdUo-_Z6pQy-9NZIPGPWjO3gaPYt-QOQlWhzIxCr9JJSh5EKuUqxsMMWcyBDRB6fEnXgBio4kFfuTRhf0dKlSueiWROvqqBjwZqZAP8/s1600/pal.jpg" /></a></div><h2 id="section-Yaval-AboutAndHistory" style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 1.6em; font-weight: bold; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 1em; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><br />
</h2><h2 id="section-Yaval-HowToReach" style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 1.6em; font-weight: bold; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 1em; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">How To Reach</h2><h2 id="section-Yaval-PlaceToStayEat" style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 1.6em; font-weight: bold; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 1em; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Place to Stay / Eat</h2><div style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Yaval is a city hence one can easily find place to stay and eat.</div><h2 id="section-Yaval-PlacesOfInterest" style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 1.6em; font-weight: bold; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 1em; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Places of Interest</h2><div style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Fairly preserved fort is 252 feet long by 228 broad and fifty high. It was built by Appajirao son of Goba Dada Nimbalkar. At present it is used as the mahalkari's office. Inside are two buildings, the old office, and a two-storied structure, known as the Nim Kacheri, formerly part of the Nimbalkar's residence. From the top of the Nim Kacheri, and from the windows of the lower courts, the view up the river to the hills is one of the finest in Khandesh. Near the town is a mosque, and, opposite the fort, on the other side of the stream, a saint's tomb of some renown. Outside the east gate, on the road to Savda, are the clearly marked traces of large</div><div style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 12px;"><br />
</div></div>randolph pereirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18263878917925072262noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2355919189240967310.post-46795572681823243402011-07-22T23:12:00.000-07:002011-07-22T23:12:28.089-07:00VISAPUR FORT<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 17px;"></span><br />
<h2 id="section-Visapur-AtAGlance" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 1em; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><i>OVERVIEW</i></span></h2><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><b>District : Pune<br />
Height above sea level : 1084 Meters (Approx 3500 ft)<br />
Difficulty rating : Medium<br />
Base village : Patangaon<br />
Approx. time to reach the top : 2 - 3 hours from base Village<br />
Best Season to visit : Anytime except summers<br />
Duration: 1 day to 2 day</b></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRgFApWZKHLyt-emRqc3D70YO0cbFCZq93tqJf_btvlIurxXhbYuiuHmTG-0pokXv5DbDZwX7C7qkSh9K8J11WScLUQZs1rR_7rECj4IgoY7btwhJvt0UJpxitj_iWEJ_BgPZNcuEvzvGC/s1600/visapur_fort.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRgFApWZKHLyt-emRqc3D70YO0cbFCZq93tqJf_btvlIurxXhbYuiuHmTG-0pokXv5DbDZwX7C7qkSh9K8J11WScLUQZs1rR_7rECj4IgoY7btwhJvt0UJpxitj_iWEJ_BgPZNcuEvzvGC/s400/visapur_fort.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><b><br />
</b></i></span></div><h2 id="section-Visapur-AboutAndHistory" style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 1.6em; font-weight: bold; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 1em; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><br />
</h2><h2 id="section-Visapur-HowToReach" style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 1.6em; font-weight: bold; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 1em; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">How To Reach</h2><div style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">There are three to four known ways to reach the fort of Visapur. We have to reach at Malavali station. From there we can reach top by following ways</div><div style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">From village Malavali : First route is quite confusing and we may need guide to reach the fort from the village itself. When the Bhaje caves come to our sight we leave stairways & go towards right. For walking upto15 to 20 min we come across small huts. From here the way through jungle takes us to the broken stairs. When we start climbing these stairs there is a small temple & two big caves which can accommodate about 40 people. These stairs straightway take us to the fort of Visapur.</div><div style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">From Lohgaon : The second route is from just before Lohgaon. From here after reaching Gaimukh Khind we go towards left, which takes us to Visapur fort. This way also takes us through jungle and is much better. This must have been the main entrance, as it is in front of the main door to Lohgad. Moreover well-cut steps are seen here.</div><div style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">From Base Village Paatangaon : The third route is from the base village named Paatangaon on the western side. Here the way is less confusing, and this joins the way on the first route. This was the way towards the trade route, and some cisterns are on this way. Also two caves and carved idol of Lord Hanuman is seen here. This way is very pleasant.</div><h2 id="section-Visapur-PlaceToStayEat" style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 1.6em; font-weight: bold; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 1em; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Place to Stay / Eat</h2><div style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">There are two caves, which can accommodate 40 to 50 persons.</div><div style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">We have to carry our own food. Also available in base village</div><div style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">The lake water on the fort is suitable for drinking but one should carry enough water with them</div><h2 id="section-Visapur-PlacesOfInterest" style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 1.6em; font-weight: bold; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 1em; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Places of Interest</h2><div style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Visapur Fort is larger and at a higher elevation than its twin fort- Lohagad.Within the fort are caves, cisterns of water, a decorated arch and old houses. These two roofless buildings surrounded by outer or veranda walls said to have once been Government offices. The ruins of a large stone-built house are known as the Peshwa's palace. In addition to a huge carving of Hanuman, there are also several temple dedicated to him scattered all over the place. Hanuman (or Maruti) was likely the patron deity of Visapur fort.</div><div style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">There is a well which local legend says was built by the Pandavas. In 1885, near the north wall there was an iron gun ten feet long and of four-inch bore, marked with the Tudor Rose and Crown, flanked by the letters E. R. This is probably a gun of Queen Elizabeth's reign probably taken as bounty from an English ship and presented to the Peshwa by Kanhoji Angre or some other commander of the Maratha navy. Like other guns on the fort it has been disabled by breaking off its trunnions. Close to it are the remains of an old Mahadev shrine.</div><div style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Unlike the inner structure, majority of its wall is still intact. At a moderate pace, it takes two hours to walk along the winding Visapoor walls. It is high and strengthened by towers along the west face. In other parts, the wall varies from 3 feet thick fortification, backed by masonry platforms where the slope of the hill is easy, to a mere parapet of dry stone where the plateau ends in a precipice. Two massive bastions still flank the ruined central gate.</div><div style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">The main characteristic of this fort is the strong fortification built on a large plateau, to make it one of the strongest forts. A large plateau of this size is found on many less forts. It is difficult to fire cannons on the fort due to its position. We can see the injuries of destruction caused by Mughals and British on Bhaje caves, but this has not affected Visapur much. The long stretched ramparts fascinate us. On this same plateau we can see a huge stone wheel. It was used for grinding the mixture of lime, jaggery & lead. This mixture was used as cementing material for building purposes. The wheel was driven by bulls, and is the big one of its kind.</div><div style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Other things that add to the uniqueness of the fort are constructions like the bastion on the western side of the fort. This bastion, unlike others is completely within the main ramparts. Such a construction is rarely seen on other forts. The other remnants include old residential places. There is a fountain on the northwestern side.</div><div style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 12px;"><br />
</div></div>randolph pereirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18263878917925072262noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2355919189240967310.post-68920633465142579162011-07-22T23:10:00.000-07:002011-07-22T23:10:36.531-07:00VAIRATGAD FORT<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 17px;"></span><br />
<h2 id="section-Viratgad-AtAGlance" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 1em; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><i>OVERVIEW</i></span></h2><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><b>District : Satara<br />
Height above sea level : 3340 ft<br />
Difficulty rating : Medium<br />
Base village : Vyajvadi<br />
Approx. time to reach the top : 2 - 3 hrs from base village<br />
Best Season to visit : Peak of Monsoon and Summer time can be avoided. Usually it can be ascended any time.<br />
Duration: 1 day </b></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1IoSDth9ESuWL0Tj-lfo7iVCvr_CUbKPzefQTppYQzVhyqkaApgZCfDXQJ2ztOhHdH8ueX-y0sosFhgBeRxD7Pcxcc4wqqeWOudkBGsED-fw6QfbeUoop-tn6s52D8oBZPzmL6n2S4Rdp/s1600/vairatgad2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1IoSDth9ESuWL0Tj-lfo7iVCvr_CUbKPzefQTppYQzVhyqkaApgZCfDXQJ2ztOhHdH8ueX-y0sosFhgBeRxD7Pcxcc4wqqeWOudkBGsED-fw6QfbeUoop-tn6s52D8oBZPzmL6n2S4Rdp/s400/vairatgad2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><b><br />
</b></i></span></div><h2 id="section-Viratgad-AboutAndHistory" style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 1.6em; font-weight: bold; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 1em; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><br />
</h2><h2 id="section-Viratgad-HowToReach" style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 1.6em; font-weight: bold; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 1em; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">How To Reach</h2><div style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">One should alight down at Kadegaon bridge, 4 km away on Wai-Satara road. From Kadegaon bridge come to village Vyajvadi. The easiest way is to climb by the gorge separating Mhasve and Bavdhan up the west phase of the hill, along the northern ridge of the Jambulne village till the hamlet of Vyajvadi is reached lying close beneath the fort gate. There are two ways to reach to the fort from the village of Vyajvadi. The way frequently used takes more time. The other one goes from the left side. It takes half an hour to reach the fort by the latter way while the first one takes one hour. Both ways meet after some distance, from where it takes only 10 minutes to reach the top of the fort. The last part in this path is quite slippery. To the opposite side of Vyajvadi, there is a village by name ‘Mhasava’. There is away from here, but very slippery.</div><div style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><h2 id="section-Viratgad-PlaceToStayEat" style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 1.6em; font-weight: bold; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 1em; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Place to Stay / Eat</h2><div style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">8 to 10 people can live in the Hanuman temple. Disciples of Gagangiri Maharaj reside on the fort and can make food for two to three people. It is best to carry your own food and water.</div><h2 id="section-Viratgad-PlacesOfInterest" style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 1.6em; font-weight: bold; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 1em; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Places of Interest</h2><div style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Top of the fort is actually very small. There are remnants of old buildings. The bastion at the entrance is dilapidated. One can see 5-6 cisterns to the left of the main gate, on the lower side of the cliff. There is a small cave to the right. Climbing up 20-25 steps further, we reach the top. To the left there is Hanuman temple. Even outside the temple there is an idol of Hanuman. Plinths can be seen in surrounding area. The rampart is still in a good condition. One can climb down to the village Mhasava from a gap in the cliff opposite to the main entrance. There is a hillock near it & on a stone there are some indecipherable writings. Further search might reveal some more interesting discoveries. It takes approximately one hour to see the fort.</div><div style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 12px;"><br />
</div></div>randolph pereirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18263878917925072262noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2355919189240967310.post-38964315786080086412011-07-22T23:07:00.001-07:002011-07-22T23:07:49.936-07:00VASOTA FORT<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 17px;"></span><br />
<h2 id="section-Vasota-AtAGlance" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 1em; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><i>OVERVIEW</i></span></h2><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><b>District : Satara<br />
Hill Range: Mahabaleshwar<br />
Height above sea level : 3800 feet<br />
Difficulty rating : Medium<br />
Base village : Kusapur, Met Indavali<br />
Approx. time to reach the top : 3-4 hrs from base village<br />
Best Season to visit : Vasota should be a great trek in any season. Vasota offers different things to unfold in different seasons though Peak monsoon should be avoided<br />
Duration: 2 days<br />
Bamnoli Boat club number:09403348944, 09421119770, 09421216232</b></i></span></div><h2 id="section-Vasota-AboutAndHistory" style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 1.6em; font-weight: bold; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 1em; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><br />
</h2><div style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><table border="0" class="imageplugin" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px; border-collapse: collapse; clear: both; color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 12px;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><img height="266" src="http://trailingfeet.com/c/wiki/get_page_attachment?p_l_id=14114&nodeId=14160&title=Vasota&fileName=Vasota%2FVasota_20091206_1164.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px;" width="400" /></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 19px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 17px;">How To Reach</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 17px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Proper forest permission needs to be seeked before entering forest of Vasota region. Permission can be seeked from Forest office at Bamnoli. Not sure how it happens from Chorvan side.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">There are 2 main ways to reach the fort, one via Nageshwar and the one directly to Vasota.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><b style="font-weight: bold;">Via Nageshwar :</b><br />
It can be said that a visit to Vasota is incomplete without visiting Nageshwar. On our way to Vasota a distinct pinnacle catches our attention. This pinnacle is named Nageshwar. A cave is carved in this pinnacle with a Mahadeo temple inside it. Thousands of devotees crowd this place on Shivratri. Water droplets fall on the Shivling from the rooftop of the cave throughout the year. Most of the trekkers generally visit Nageshwar on their way to Vasota; the only constraint being a walk for a few miles.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><b style="font-weight: bold;">Directly to Vasota :</b><br />
<b style="font-weight: bold;">a)From Satara: </b>One can reach Vasota from Satara by three different routes.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><b style="font-weight: bold;">i)Via Kusapur:</b> Board a bus at 9 a.m. from Satara and reach Bamnoli. From here one should come to Kusapur by launch. From Kusapur 2 ways go through dense forest, the left towards Vasota and the one on the right towards Nageshwar.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><b style="font-weight: bold;">ii)Via Met Indavli: </b>Catch a bus from Satara and reach village "Bamnoli". You can arrange Boats from Shivsagar Boat Club (Max 12 ppl allowed in each boat. Per boat charges - Rs 600 \ boat). Then crossing the Shiv sagar lake (1pprox 1hr 20 min) by launch take you to village Met Indavili. From Met indavili tracks can be identified to reach Vasota Fort. There comes a junction in between, Left side take you to Fort Vasota and right side take you to Nageshwar Caves. The journey from Satara to Bamnoli is around 1 hr 15 min. Bamnoli to Met Indavili - 1hr 20 min. You can reach the fort of Vasota from this village after a climb of 4 hours approx.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><b style="font-weight: bold;">iii)From Mahabaleshwar: </b>From Mahabaleshwar get to Tapole village and then further arrive at Kusapur by launch. From Kusapur one can reach Vasota as described above.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><b style="font-weight: bold;">b)From Chiplun \ Chorvan:</b><br />
i)Board a bus from Chiplun at 8.30 a.m. and alight at village Choravane. It takes 5-6 hours to reach Vasota from this village. It is to be noted that there is no water on the way and one has to carry his own supply. After climbing for some time one comes across a plateau from where the path on the left goes to Nageshwar and the one on the right to Vasota. As we move ahead along the way to Nageshwar we see another path below that goes to a well through dense forest. We can cut short the total time to Vasota to just 2 hours if we take this path.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">ii) Arrive at Tivre village from Chiplun. From here we can reach Vasota via the Rede Ghat.</div><h2 id="section-Vasota-PlaceToStayEat" style="font-size: 1.6em; font-weight: bold; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 1em; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Place to Stay / Eat</h2><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Mahadeo Mandir can accommodate 2-3 people.<br />
A plateau near the joint water cisterns can also be used as camping ground.<br />
Nageshwar cave can accommodate 20-25 people easily.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Trekkers need to make arrangement for food themself.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">There are proper toilet facility in village Met Indavli @ forest Base Camp.<br />
There is proper toilet facility at Village Bamnoli.</div><h2 id="section-Vasota-PlacesOfInterest" style="font-size: 1.6em; font-weight: bold; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 1em; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Places of Interest</h2><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">There are two entrances to the fort Vasota. The first one lies in a dilapidated state. On entering the fort we see a Hanuman temple, now devoid of a roof. Three ways go ahead this temple. The path straight ahead takes to the remnants of the fort. The one on the left takes to 'Kalkaiche Thane'. On the way is a Mahadeo temple which can accommodate 2-3 people. Moving along the path you will reach 'Machi'. The view of the surrounding region is simply spectacular.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">The path on the left of the Maruti temple takes to the joint water cisterns. Water in these cisterns was not potable in December 1st week. The way proceeds to a fascinating cliff named Babukada, shaped like the letter 'U' that reminds us of Konkan Kada of Harishchandragad. From Babukad one can see Old Vasota towards south. No way exists now that takes us to this fort. In addition there is an acute shortage of water. Also presence of wild animals(especially Bears) in the area keeps the trekkers away from this fort.</div></span></div>randolph pereirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18263878917925072262noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2355919189240967310.post-51325930637124633222011-07-22T23:06:00.000-07:002011-07-22T23:06:24.333-07:00VASAI FORT<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 17px;"></span><br />
<h2 id="section-Vasai-AtAGlance" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 1em; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><i>OVERVIEW</i></span></h2><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><b>District : Thane<br />
Height above sea level :<br />
Difficulty rating : Simple - city Fort<br />
Base village : Vasai<br />
Approx. time to reach : 15 min from Vasai<br />
Best Season to visit : Any time<br />
Duration: 1\2 day</b></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhVAtMNxyHWJAjPh98lVob3OVxmaDpeIuMZRI6pGyaonzjxHBQZrvUw_vSaIAp4ZZS_3qG3whUqTnw5pIZ09rXkDrOGXJ_u5VWZfU7S4-atLEWfSwBg7M4UEPbyhaFB5GF2sS1RnCPTP_r/s1600/Dscn0405.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhVAtMNxyHWJAjPh98lVob3OVxmaDpeIuMZRI6pGyaonzjxHBQZrvUw_vSaIAp4ZZS_3qG3whUqTnw5pIZ09rXkDrOGXJ_u5VWZfU7S4-atLEWfSwBg7M4UEPbyhaFB5GF2sS1RnCPTP_r/s400/Dscn0405.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><h2 id="section-Vasai-AboutAndHistory" style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 1.6em; font-weight: bold; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 1em; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><br />
</h2><h2 id="section-Vasai-HowToReach" style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 1.6em; font-weight: bold; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 1em; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">How To Reach</h2><div style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">One needs to take a train bound to Virar from Churchgate and get off at Vasai Road . The Churchgate - Virar falls in the Western Railway. If someone is coming from the central railway or harbour line then they have to board the train from Dadar. The bus depot is quite adjacent to the railway station. The buses going to fort are Killabandar buses. There are buses every half hour. Ticket costs you Rs.7.00 and you can get off at the last stop and start walking around. Auto Rickshaws are also available which can be hired from the main road outside the station but it would cost you around Rs.10.00 per head.</div><h2 id="section-Vasai-PlaceToStayEat" style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 1.6em; font-weight: bold; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 1em; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Place to Stay / Eat</h2><div style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">No Place to Stay or eat. Its a city fort and one can visit the fort and complete it in a 1\2 day.</div><h2 id="section-Vasai-PlacesOfInterest" style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 1.6em; font-weight: bold; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 1em; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Places of Interest</h2><div style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">It takes 15 minutes from the base village to the fort. Main entrance to the fort is to the right side. After entering we see the steps towards rampart from where we can get the idea of the construction of the fort. The height of the rampart is 30 to 35 feet. Here we can see ten bastions. There names are Nossa Sonora, Doremidea, Rais Mago, St. Gonsolay, the fourth one being Madre the Diy. We can see secret passages in rampart near the 4th bastion. Fifth bastion is St. John, fom where there is the way to neighbouring harbour. The sixth one is Elephant; seventh one is St. Pedro, eight one St. Paul, ninth one St. Sebastian and tenth one is St. Sebastian Cavlero.</div><div style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">On the way to the citadel we see three churches. When we reach near the Citadel we see a court building on the left side, then a hospital and a town hall with two arches. Next to this there is a jail and a temple of Vajreshwari Devi. We also see a memorial of victory of Chimajiappa over Vasai. Then we return back and go to the Citadel. Here we see storeroom of ammunition, residence of soldiers and the remnants of the palaces. We also find a lithograph here. It takes 2 hours to seethe fort completely.</div><div style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 12px;"><br />
</div></div>randolph pereirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18263878917925072262noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2355919189240967310.post-73727215612090305482011-07-22T23:04:00.000-07:002011-07-22T23:04:13.355-07:00VAJRAGAD FORT<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 17px;"></span><br />
<h2 id="section-Vajragad-AtAGlance" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 1em; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">OVERVIEW</span></i></h2><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">District : Pune<br />
Hill Range : Pune<br />
Height above sea level : 4444 ft (~1355 m)<br />
Difficulty rating : Medium<br />
Base village : Narayanpur<br />
Approx. time to reach the top : About 4 hrs from the base village<br />
Best Season to visit : November to February<br />
Duration: 1 - 2 days</span></b></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcxc7VYqV4S8S4GUW2YU0APZLPJQAudSjD6ddWq4ykho0kKJoizrta2YPt1onqWjbi6XBV0dVPD6KPnYVd5WmErDvmDJAsko57fAwDWP5vgAwheEpIUGZ4uddwfueh8gdafDZ5FGcW5Yfd/s1600/Purandar05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcxc7VYqV4S8S4GUW2YU0APZLPJQAudSjD6ddWq4ykho0kKJoizrta2YPt1onqWjbi6XBV0dVPD6KPnYVd5WmErDvmDJAsko57fAwDWP5vgAwheEpIUGZ4uddwfueh8gdafDZ5FGcW5Yfd/s400/Purandar05.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></b></i></div><h2 id="section-Vajragad-AboutAndHistory" style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 1.6em; font-weight: bold; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 1em; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">About and History</h2><div style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Vajragad was one of the 23 forts given to Mughals in Purandar treaty in 1665. It was won back in 1670. After Shivaji Maharaj’s death, it was lost to Mughal and they named it as "Ajamgad". Again in 1695, Shahu Maharaj won it and handed over the control to Peshwas. It is also called "Rudramal". It’s height from sea level is about 4444 ft (~1355 m). Vajragad and Purandar are sibling forts very near to Pune (about 30-35 Kms). Its mythological name is "Indraneel Parvat". As per Hindu mythology, when Lord Hanuman attempted to carry "Dronagiri" mountain range, a portion of it slipped off his hands and fell down to form "Indraneel Parvat". There is a Siva Temple in the base village of these forts, "Narayanpur", called"Narayaneshwar". This temple is said to be from the days of "Pandavas". Purandar and Vajragad always had a demanding place in Maratha Empire as Purandar was Capital of Peshwas for many years.</div><h2 id="section-Vajragad-HowToReach" style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 1.6em; font-weight: bold; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 1em; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">How To Reach</h2><div style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Kalyan to Pune (road/rail, 150 km)- Narayanpur (road, 40 km) (Vehicle like jeep can reach upto the level of Purandeshwar mandir now).</div><div style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><b style="font-weight: bold;">Reaching the Base</b><br />
There are two ways to reach the Narayanpur, which is base village for both Purandar and Vajragad. One is via Pune-Swargate-Hadapsar-Dive Ghat-Saswad-Narayanpur and another is via "Balaji Temple" near Kapurhol on Pune-Satara highway (Pune-Swargate-Katraj-Katraj Ghat-Kapurhol-Balaji Temple-Narayanpur). One can go either by bike or ST bus or city bus to this fort. There is continuous city bus service for Saswad from Hadapsar and ST bus service for Balaji Temple from Swargate. Once you reach Narayanpur, take the blessings from "Narayaneshwar" and "Ek Mukhi Datta" and then move towards the Narayanpeth. It is a small locality of few houses very close to Narayanpur. From here, one can either go by trek route or by road. There are two trek routes available. One take you directly to "Binni Darwaja" and another route take you through some old bungalows and few lakes. We would suggest go by this route so that you can see the view of Sinhagad, Torna and Rajgad along with some great scenes from down and moreover some of the parts of Purandar and Padmavati Lake. Choose any route from these three (bike/car, trek1 and trek2 (which we suggested)) and you will finally arrive at Binni Darwaja on Pupandar Machi.</div><h2 id="section-Vajragad-PlaceToStayEat" style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 1.6em; font-weight: bold; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 1em; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Place to Stay / Eat</h2><div style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">At top there is no arrangement for food. enroute there are some local hotels.</div><h2 id="section-Vajragad-PlacesOfInterest" style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 1.6em; font-weight: bold; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 1em; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Places of Interest</h2><div style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Once you identify and reach the footsteps of door, you can see the broken road and steps which will take you to the "Mahadarwaja". You can notice the sign (I think of it to be lotus) on the door which is not elsewhere (on other forts it is generally an elephant, horse or tiger is carved). There could be many buffalos and cows on the fort as they come here to eat the grass. Walk through the steps after door and come on the top of the fort. Here you can see a huge rock in the middle and the wall surrounding the border of the fort. You can see the bigger and complete picture of Purandar from here. There are not much places to see on this fort now but two temples and two water tanks are in good condition along with the Mahadarwaja and few ruins of fortification. Move beside that huge rock and you can see those temples of Vajra Maruti and Shiv Temple. Go though a small door cum window and see those temples and tanks. After seeing the temples you can spend some more time on fort and have a look at surrounding area.</div></div>randolph pereirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18263878917925072262noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2355919189240967310.post-24512759582120738882011-07-22T23:01:00.000-07:002011-07-22T23:01:40.234-07:00TUNG FORT<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 17px;"></span><br />
<h2 id="section-Tung-AtAGlance" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 1em; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">OVERVIEW</span></i></h2><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">District : Pune<br />
Height above sea level : Approx 3400 ft (1075m)<br />
Difficulty rating : Simple<br />
Base village : Tungwadi (Tungi)<br />
Approx. time to reach the top : 1 hr from Base village<br />
Best Season to visit : Any Time, except Summers<br />
Duration for visit: 1 Day </span></i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSaW3sNLUy34grlSoivrv9V3dz99UgWDH7PsU_2YSv2qafMHkSsrcPKDiuzVN0dBzDsOlHtolSkOTf-BISfPRHBHWIoW1hRf04CIxhBUqrY9qp28twlirU3hXlwSVodCK3dR1glRgNIpkr/s1600/44283334_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSaW3sNLUy34grlSoivrv9V3dz99UgWDH7PsU_2YSv2qafMHkSsrcPKDiuzVN0dBzDsOlHtolSkOTf-BISfPRHBHWIoW1hRf04CIxhBUqrY9qp28twlirU3hXlwSVodCK3dR1glRgNIpkr/s400/44283334_1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></i></b></div><h2 id="section-Tung-AboutAndHistory" style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 1.6em; font-weight: bold; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 1em; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><br />
</h2><h2 id="section-Tung-HowToReach" style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 1.6em; font-weight: bold; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 1em; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">How To Reach</h2><div style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">It is about 12 km from Malawli railway station and can also be approached from Lonavala. After the building of Pawna dam, it is now surrounded by water on three sides. One can ferry across in a boat from Pawna dam to its base village, Tungi.</div><div style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">All ways to the fort go from the base village Tungwadi and from Tungwadi it takes about 1 hr to reach the top. One hour is enough to see the fort. <b style="font-weight: bold;">From Lonavala :</b><br />
. Get down at Lonavala station. From here board a bus for Bhamburde or Ambavne. Alight at Ghusalkhamb. From here, after walking for 1 and 1/2 hours, we reach Tungvadi. Distance between Ghusalkhamb and Tungvadi is 8 km. <b style="font-weight: bold;">By Kamshet-Morve bus from Tikona Peth : </b><br />
One can also board Kamshet-Morve bus from Tikona Peth at 11 a.m. and get down at Tungvadi stop. After 45 minutes one reaches Tungvadi. <b style="font-weight: bold;">From Tikona Peth :</b><br />
Many people plan trek of Tung & Tikona together. Trekkers preferably visit Tikona first. From Tikona Peth (village at base of Tikona) one should go towards Kale Colony. From Bramhnoli village we can reach Kevre gaon by launch. From here we reach Tungvadi within 20 minutes.</div><h2 id="section-Tung-PlaceToStayEat" style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 1.6em; font-weight: bold; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 1em; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Place to Stay / Eat</h2><div style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">6-7 people can stay in Maruti Mandir. Around 20 people can stay in Bhairoba Mandir. One have to make arrangement of food oneself. Water is available in base village and near the temple but it is always good to carry water along.</div><h2 id="section-Tung-PlacesOfInterest" style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 1.6em; font-weight: bold; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 1em; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Places of Interest</h2><div style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Its sharp conical peak makes Tung Fort a prominent landmark even from a distance. It has an oval shape, thick walls and numerous bastions. A steep climb on grassy slopes leads to a temple. A rocky staircase leads a few feet down to a water reservoir. There are ruins of a temple at the summit. From the top of the fort Lohagad, Visapur, Tikona and Korigad forts are clearly visible.</div><div style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">As the top of the fort is very small, it takes only 1 hour to see it. Way towards the fort goes along the temple of Maruti. From here we can go further by steps. After few minutes we reach at Hanuman Mandir. Next to this is the main entrance to the fort. Through this we can go at the top. At right side we see Ganesh Mandir. At the backside, we see water trench. From here one can head towards citadel.</div><div style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Here one can see temple of Tung Devi. Opposite to it is a cave in ground. Here two or three people can be accommodated. It is a one-day trek.</div><div style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">From the pinnacle of the hillock, one can enjoy the majestic views of Laghghar and Visapur forts.</div><div style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Huge Pavana Dam can be seen very well from here and you can also see ppl doing paragliding.</div></div>randolph pereirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18263878917925072262noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2355919189240967310.post-71969402447395431422011-07-22T22:59:00.000-07:002011-07-22T22:59:47.522-07:00TRIGALWADI<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 17px;"></span><br />
<h2 id="section-Trigalwadi-AtAGlance" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 1em; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><i>OVERVIEW</i></span></h2><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><b>District : Nashik<br />
Height above sea level : 3238ft<br />
Difficulty rating : Simple<br />
Base village : Tringalwadi<br />
Nearest City: Igatpuri Approx. time to reach the top : 1 - 1.5hr from base village.<br />
Best Season to visit : June To January<br />
Duration: 1 day </b></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSaDPwEVo5QwaXsNW5qKepWRz7VHXIOFj0poNf9EKWjsnD3m73tvR5Kbwsq18KKDcuS5FJAbrkiwKxlzmkgRKIB_y6ZIrgqUFdTgdNBOQJpqPY1D6UOI-QK25mRouvtAKRPsbKP63U_Nha/s1600/3905260779_4567166803.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSaDPwEVo5QwaXsNW5qKepWRz7VHXIOFj0poNf9EKWjsnD3m73tvR5Kbwsq18KKDcuS5FJAbrkiwKxlzmkgRKIB_y6ZIrgqUFdTgdNBOQJpqPY1D6UOI-QK25mRouvtAKRPsbKP63U_Nha/s400/3905260779_4567166803.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><b><br />
</b></i></span></div><h2 id="section-Trigalwadi-AboutAndHistory" style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 1.6em; font-weight: bold; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 1em; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><br />
</h2><div style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><h2 id="section-Trigalwadi-HowToReach" style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 1.6em; font-weight: bold; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 1em; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">How To Reach</h2><div style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><b style="font-weight: bold;">Via Tringalwadi Village :</b><br />
One is expected to reach Igatpuri railway station, which is well connected by rail route from Mumbai and Nasik. After exit from the station towards the S.T. stand end, there is a junction called Ambedkar Chowk before the S.T. stand. From this junction proceed along the route towards Vagholi col which is at a 30min. of walk. After moving down the col, a left turn takes us to the Tringalwadi village within half-an-hour. Hiring jeep from Igatpuri to Tringalwadi village via Ghoti is also a good alternative to reach Tringalwadi village.</div><div style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Behind Tringalwadi village lies the Tringalwadi dam. After crossing the entire length of the dam wall a road on the right leads us to the foothills of this fort. We come across ‘Pandav leni’ as we approach the foothill of the fort. It takes about half-an-hour to reach the top of the fort.</div><h2 id="section-Trigalwadi-PlaceToStayEat" style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 1.6em; font-weight: bold; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 1em; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Place to Stay / Eat</h2><div style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">About 15 persons can be accommodated in the cave over the fort. Trekker have to make their own arrangement for food though food can be arranged from base village as well. Drinking water is available on cistern in fort throughout the year but it is advisable to carry bottle of water during the visit.</div><div style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Hotels are avilable at Nearby City - Igatputi</div><h2 id="section-Trigalwadi-PlacesOfInterest" style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 1.6em; font-weight: bold; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 1em; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Places of Interest</h2><div style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">As one approaches this fort through Tringalwadi village at the foothills of the fort, we come across ‘Pandav leni’ caves. These caves are divided into three major areas viz. an outer verandah, ‘Vihar’, the abbey and internal ‘Garbhagriha’. Its entrance door is decorated with beautiful carvings on it. A statue of Lord Gautam Buddha can be seen inside the ‘Vihar’. Below this sculpture one can see the inscriptions carved on the stone. Three of the four pillars of Verandah are collapsed.</div><div style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">As we proceed further towards the fort we come across a cave situated enroute to the fort prior to the beginning of the steps. Palatial remnants are seen in front as one climbs up these steps. Returning back from the palace, a way towards right hand side of the steps leads us to many dry cisterns. Moving further ahead from here for about 5 to 10 minutes, we arrive at a large cave near the foothills of the hillock lying on the left hand side of the road. About 20 – 25 persons can be accommodated in this cave. Again after a short walk ahead, we come across underground cisterns, the water of which is suitable for drinking. Pillars of these cisterns are carved with beautiful designs. The path ahead leads to the temple of Lord Shiva. Talgad/ Talegad and Igatpuri to the south; Kalsubai to the east; Trimbak range, Harihar and Basgad to the north may be seen from the brim of the fort in front of the temple.</div><div style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Returning back to the beginning of the steps we see the remnants of a palace in front of it. Leaving back these steps we have to move ahead and then take a right turn towards the devastated castle leads us further ahead to the secret doorway of the fort after taking a right turn from the same path, one has to climb down to reach this door. Further down step one can notice the door being carved within a single sheet of rock. On its right hand side one can see a statue of Lord Hanuman, about 6-7 feet high. A carved step on the mountain ahead leads to the top of the fort.</div></div>randolph pereirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18263878917925072262noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2355919189240967310.post-80314865502090760962011-07-22T22:57:00.000-07:002011-07-22T22:57:25.833-07:00TORNA FORT<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 17px;"></span><br />
<h2 id="section-Torna-AtAGlance" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 1em; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><i>OVERVIEW</i></span></h2><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><b>District : Pune<br />
Height above sea level : 1400m (4500 ft)<br />
Difficulty rating : Medium<br />
Base village : Velhe<br />
Nearby City : The fort is about 40 km southwest of Pune in the Sahyadri mountain range. It is the highest fort in Pune district. Pune->Khed->Shivapur->Nasrapur->Winzar->Velhe Approx. time to reach the top : 2 hrs from Base village<br />
Best Season to visit : Fort will give different mood in different time of year. Except summer's weather is pleasent throughout the year.<br />
Duration: 2 days</b></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW1Zx5GDYOyplnDr0jTcSGIDjjpvl1jgNUGguOyYp-QcAx0GKpfSs71J1_ckc2qzXCWfkeuPKEGR1Ro2WARTajTiVGsTNb-_vOqCr7cfjbKtClbgaBIc9Ywc__LkIfr6Bj-JXHsaYJlm7e/s1600/torna-fort-2759_m.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW1Zx5GDYOyplnDr0jTcSGIDjjpvl1jgNUGguOyYp-QcAx0GKpfSs71J1_ckc2qzXCWfkeuPKEGR1Ro2WARTajTiVGsTNb-_vOqCr7cfjbKtClbgaBIc9Ywc__LkIfr6Bj-JXHsaYJlm7e/s400/torna-fort-2759_m.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><b><br />
</b></i></span></div><h2 id="section-Torna-AboutAndHistory" style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 1.6em; font-weight: bold; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 1em; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><br />
</h2><h2 id="section-Torna-HowToReach" style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 1.6em; font-weight: bold; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 1em; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">How To Reach</h2><div style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><b style="font-weight: bold;">From the Village of Velhe :</b><i style="font-style: italic;"> Travellers from Pune start in the early morning from Swargate bus stand. The relevant routes go by via Khed Shivapur, Cheladi/ Nasarapur/ Baneshwar, then Winzar, to the village of Velhe. The main path to Torna starts from here, and local people can help with directions. The way to the top is moderate to difficult, with some precautions to be taken in the rainy season. It is a two or three hour climb to the "Bini Darwaaja", the main entrance to the fort. <b style="font-weight: bold;">From Rajgad to Torna :</b> he route starts from "Male Darwaaja" of Rajgad, descending along the left side of "Sanjeevni Machi" and proceeds through a few houses. It continues through the Jungle and is about 5-6 hours walk. The road ends in front of " Budhla Machi". Here one has to climb a small rock patch. A walk of 15-20 minutes eastwards leads to the temple of "Mengai Devi". This temple serves as an accommodation facility.</i></div><h2 id="section-Torna-PlaceToStayEat" style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 1.6em; font-weight: bold; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 1em; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Place to Stay / Eat</h2><div style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Trekkers can stay in MTDC accommodation near the Menghai Devi temple, or in the temple itself. Food needs to be arranged by trekker on their own.</div><h2 id="section-Torna-PlacesOfInterest" style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 1.6em; font-weight: bold; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 1em; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Places of Interest</h2><div style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><b style="font-weight: bold;">Goddess Toranjai :</b> <i style="font-style: italic;">It is a small temple where goddesses Somjai & Toranjai are worshipped. Ahead we can see the lakes called Toran & Mhasoba.</i></div><div style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><b style="font-weight: bold;">Maal & Safeli bastions :</b> <i style="font-style: italic;">On the west of Kothi Darwaaja are the bastion Maal, & the latter one is to the south of the former. Near Safeli is a construction called Lakadkhaana, where wood was stored. Here is the way to Kokan Darwaaja & to Budhla machi.</i></div><div style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><b style="font-weight: bold;">Budhla machi :</b><i style="font-style: italic;"> In Marathi "Budhla" means a vessel, & "Budhla" Machi looks like a vessel kept upside down. This diff is a breathtaking spot on the fort. From here, a cheek was kept on the western side of this fort.</i></div><div style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><b style="font-weight: bold;">Bini Darwaaja :</b><i style="font-style: italic;"> This is the main entrance to the fort from Velhe and is situated to the northwest of the fort. The bastion on the left side has collapsed. The path ahead leads to Kothi Darwaaja.</i></div><div style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><b style="font-weight: bold;">Kothi Darwaaja :</b><i style="font-style: italic;"> Ascending the steps carved in the rock, we enter the Kothi Darwaaja facing east. Here we come across some guardrooms. Way along the wall towards east takes us to the temple of goddess Toranjai.</i></div><div style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><b style="font-weight: bold;">Hanuman bastion :</b><i style="font-style: italic;"> This bastion is situated east of Kothi Darwaaja. Here we can see idol of Hanuman facing south & a flag post. Way ahead leads to the bastion Bhel. To proceed ahead a guide is required, the way being a bit difficult. Further eastwards we come to Zunjar machi.</i></div><div style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><b style="font-weight: bold;">Konkan Darwaaja :</b> Kokan Darwaaja still exhibits the constructional features that prevailed during 17th century. Here the fortification is the better condition. It lies on the way to Budhla Machi.</div><div style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><b style="font-weight: bold;">Temple of goddess Mengai :</b> This is the only place on the fort where one can stay. It has two doors & the roof is still in the need of repairs. Here the group "Pune Ventures" has put a map of Torna. In front of the temple is a Deepmala (a structure that supports oil lamps & is always found in every temple of Lord Shiva).</div><div style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><b style="font-weight: bold;">Zunjar machi :</b> It is situated on the western side & a wonderful spot to see. However, in the recent period, way here has been destroyed, & hence it cannot be reached easily.</div><div style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 12px;"><br />
</div></div>randolph pereirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18263878917925072262noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2355919189240967310.post-55661470963409171322011-07-22T22:55:00.000-07:002011-07-22T22:55:20.576-07:00TIKONA FORT<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 17px;"></span><br />
<h2 id="section-Tikona-AtAGlance" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 1em; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><i>OVERVIEW</i></span></h2><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><b>District : Pune<br />
Height above sea level : 3580 feet(~)<br />
Difficulty rating : Simple to Medium<br />
Base village : Tikona Peth<br />
Approx. time to reach : 1 - 1.5 hr from base village<br />
Best Season to visit : Monsoon can be too wet and Summers too tiring. August - January is best time to visit but like other forts of maharshtra each season shows a different mood.<br />
Duration : 1 day should be kept for the trip to Tikona</b></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTZbdrUagLPytQYAekx5NQNNSLk8Gwr7BY_sZd0lWOvV7Af7doeomAtLx6on6WvuUM_oHEqUkuqFE2eQR0D4JGbJNPUvh-TVyG7sM1I5WYxIKzzymuJSj-pUEFBjzkjwR1z41f5ZBL8Y-h/s1600/tikona-fort-2449_m.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTZbdrUagLPytQYAekx5NQNNSLk8Gwr7BY_sZd0lWOvV7Af7doeomAtLx6on6WvuUM_oHEqUkuqFE2eQR0D4JGbJNPUvh-TVyG7sM1I5WYxIKzzymuJSj-pUEFBjzkjwR1z41f5ZBL8Y-h/s400/tikona-fort-2449_m.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><b><br />
</b></i></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 19px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 17px;">How To Reach</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 17px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><b style="font-weight: bold;">From the village of Tikona Peth :</b><i style="font-style: italic;"> The main route to the fort is from the village of Tikona Peth. To reach this village, alight at Kamshet, which is two stops ahead of Lonavala on the Mumbai- Pune rail route. From Kamshet railway station, take a bus / shared private vehicle (jeep) to Kale colony. One can also get a vehicle to reach Tikona Peth from Kale colony. A bus at 08:30 a.m. at Kamshet bound for Paund or Morsay is convenient for reaching Tikona Peth. From Tikona Peth the fort can be reached in about 45 minutes. This straight route is quite simple and not at all tiring. After passing through the entrance door, a path leads towards left and takes us to the citadel in about 20 minutes. <b style="font-weight: bold;">From the Bedse caves :</b></i>A combined trek of Lohgad, Visapur, Bedse caves and Tikona can be done. On such a trek, Tikona can be reached from the Bedse caves. <b style="font-weight: bold;">From Kevre-Bramhnoli-Tikona Peth :</b> A combined trek of Tung and Tikona can also be done. For that, climb down to Tungawadi after visiting fort Tung. From here reach the village of Bramhnoli with a launch available from the village of Kevre. It takes about 30 minutes' to walk from Bramhnoli to Tikona Peth.</div><h2 id="section-Tikona-PlaceToStayEat" style="font-size: 1.6em; font-weight: bold; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 1em; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Place to Stay / Eat</h2><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Except during monsoon, about 10 to 15 persons can be accommodated in the cave. Trekkers have to make their own arrangement for food. Drinking water is available throughout year but it is always advisable to carry water along.</div><h2 id="section-Tikona-PlacesOfInterest" style="font-size: 1.6em; font-weight: bold; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 1em; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Places of Interest</h2><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">The whole fort can be seen in an hour's time, as the area is not so wide. Turn left after passing the entrance. In a short while a cistern and cave can be seen. About 10 to 15 persons can be accommodated in this cave. However, it is not suitable for a stay during monsoon. The path going uphill adjacent to the cave takes us to the entrance to the bastion. The steps in this stretch are a bit tiring. One can see cisterns on the right and fortification on the left after passing through the entrance. After taking a few steps straight ahead, a trail climbs down on our right. Here too are a few cisterns. Return back and join the main path, which takes us to a stretch of broken steps. A climb uphill brings us to a Mahadev temple, behind which is a big moat. Circumventing this moat takes us to the flag-post. From the bastion one can have a view of adjacent fort Tung, Lohgad, Visapur, Bhatrashi hill, Morse hill, Jambhuli hill, Pauna region and Fagne dam. Thus, the whole of Mawal region is visible from fort Tikona.</div></span></div>randolph pereirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18263878917925072262noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2355919189240967310.post-18808034072597755902011-07-22T22:52:00.000-07:002011-07-22T22:52:48.550-07:00TAHULI<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 17px;"></span><br />
<h2 id="section-Tahuli-AtAGlance" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 1em; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">OVERVIEW</span></i></h2><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">District : Thane<br />
Height above sea level : 3487 Feet<br />
Difficulty rating : Medium<br />
Base village : Kushivli<br />
Approx. time to reach : 3 hrs from base village<br />
Best Season to visit :<br />
Duration : 1 Day </span></b></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7-o9WTNVVtDIkC5MaeE-Nryf41kHwHUafsW4HuCo97c28ygG-lPfMGpDuBH1FUEF6-nnC9hpDoia3oVvHYscx1k68yIqrzdZaxN3h9Ga9oxcnEL_MC9vnxVieg7N7yQPgpu0aPU0R_o4H/s1600/T4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7-o9WTNVVtDIkC5MaeE-Nryf41kHwHUafsW4HuCo97c28ygG-lPfMGpDuBH1FUEF6-nnC9hpDoia3oVvHYscx1k68yIqrzdZaxN3h9Ga9oxcnEL_MC9vnxVieg7N7yQPgpu0aPU0R_o4H/s400/T4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></b></i></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 19px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 17px;">How To Reach</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 17px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Alight at Kushivli gaon stop. It is on Kalyan-Malang Gad road. The way towards Tahuli goes near the village. It goes from a gap between two mountains. Two and half hours are required to reach at the top from Kushivli village.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Another way is from Ambernath. From Ambernath one should reach Badlapur road. After crossing this road we reach at Kakuli Lake. From the lake, a trunk on the mountain takes us to the pinnacles. By this way we reach at the top after 4 hours trekking.</div><h2 id="section-Tahuli-PlaceToStayEat" style="font-size: 1.6em; font-weight: bold; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 1em; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Place to Stay / Eat</h2><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">No Place for stay. Trekkers needs to make their on arrangement for Food and Water.</div><h2 id="section-Tahuli-PlacesOfInterest" style="font-size: 1.6em; font-weight: bold; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 1em; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Places of Interest</h2><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">At the top we see an Ashram of Gaadge Baba Maharaj. Two more Ashrams are seen on this way. The uppermost part of the plateau is called as “Dadimaa Tahuli”. Here we see 5 Peer (Islamic holy place) and opposite to it, a small house. After 2 hours further, by same way, we reach at base of the pinnacles. One pinnacle is called ‘Daood’ and other ‘Baman’.</div><div><br />
</div></span></div>randolph pereirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18263878917925072262noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2355919189240967310.post-73884945375768784322011-07-22T08:49:00.001-07:002011-07-22T08:49:48.731-07:00SUMARGAD<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 17px;"></span><br />
<h2 id="section-Sumargad-AtAGlance" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 1em; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">OVERVIEW</span></i></h2><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">District : Ratnagiri<br />
Height above sea level : 2800 feet<br />
Difficulty rating : Hard (Last 15-20 feet of the trek is tough, especially for novices and should be done with extreme care.)<br />
Base village :<br />
Approx. time to reach : About 2 ½ hours via Mahipatgad. About 4 ½ hours via Rasalgad.<br />
Best Season to visit :<br />
Duration : 2 Days</span></i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5AQ0Sfv25Lty8dweB9GnC91-5enzCQo2Vbx8YQODO7QkukHIS4kuOEfTWGJdaN3OJ_uhVixpXUUa2KCdDHQzWcRyAHQaG2YaPTvAdSOaJPEV_mjcYiRaOV5qCK7mobbqc6DWtRt4fF9TW/s1600/Sumargad3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5AQ0Sfv25Lty8dweB9GnC91-5enzCQo2Vbx8YQODO7QkukHIS4kuOEfTWGJdaN3OJ_uhVixpXUUa2KCdDHQzWcRyAHQaG2YaPTvAdSOaJPEV_mjcYiRaOV5qCK7mobbqc6DWtRt4fF9TW/s1600/Sumargad3.jpg" /></a></div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></i></b></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 19px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 17px;">How To Reach</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 17px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">The fort can be approached either from Rasalgad side as also from Mahipatgad. The paths from both sides unite at a col from where fort-top can be reached. <b style="font-weight: bold;">Via Mahipatgad :</b><i style="font-style: italic;"> One has to descend from opposite side of Wadi Beldar from Mahipatgad. We come across a settlement of shepherds on this way. After crossing a stream on our way we have to climb up a hillock. Within half an hour we reach in the col. The way on the left leads us in the direction of the fort. Proceeding through this path we come near a precipice. From here the way ahead to the top is slightly difficult. Use of rope is preferable for safety reasons. About 2 ½ hours are required to Sumargad via Mahipatgad. <b style="font-weight: bold;">Via Rasalgad :</b></i> A foot-track from Rasalwadi, via a settlement of shepherds on a hillock, leads up to the col. Here we cannot miss to visit Raya’s (a helpful shepherd) hut. Moving further from here we come across a stream and a water pond which is suitable for drinking. Further moving through the ‘Karvi’ bushes we reach up to a rock which can be climbed up with the use of rope up to the fort-top. Otherwise a straight route leads us to the col from where fort-top can be reached. About 4 ½ hours are required to reach Sumargad from Rasalgad.</div><h2 id="section-Sumargad-PlaceToStayEat" style="font-size: 1.6em; font-weight: bold; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 1em; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Place to Stay / Eat</h2><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">There is no residing place (shelter) on the fort.One has to make the food arrangement on its own. Perennial source of water is available on the way to the fort.</div><h2 id="section-Sumargad-PlacesOfInterest" style="font-size: 1.6em; font-weight: bold; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 1em; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Places of Interest</h2><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Fort is very small and doesn't hold any significant structures. On reaching the fort-top, one will come across two cisterns. A cave has been carved inside these cisterns. There is a ‘Shivalinga’ and an idol of a goddess in this cave. Heading further to the right of these cisterns, one come across a cistern supported on only one column. From here, one straight way climbs up the hill, while the other stretches around the hill. While traversing around the hill, a cave is seen, which has now been clogged by rocks and soil. There are two rooms inside this cave. Water cistern lies on the fort and has good, potable water. Fort offers wonderful view of Makarandgad and Chakdev.</div><div><br />
</div></span></div>randolph pereirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18263878917925072262noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2355919189240967310.post-27680667544661924832011-07-22T08:47:00.001-07:002011-07-22T08:47:27.257-07:00SUDHAGAD FORT<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 17px;"></span><br />
<h2 id="section-Sudhagad-AtAGlance" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 1em; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">OVERVIEW</span></i></h2><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">District : Raigad<br />
Height above sea level : 2030 feet<br />
Difficulty rating : Simple<br />
Base village : Pachhapur-Thakurwadi / Dhondase<br />
Approx. time to reach : 3 hours by Pachchapur route. About 1 1/2 hrs from the base<br />
Best Season to visit :<br />
Duration : 2 Days</span></i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj88IOpk2Uo99PJUfhoy_fOPuifVq5J8ICg-VNctyXqOLhmMhU2bxttFujv7ay9NezI_m0cZ4MtBXkeXs9SpcsEtpLX9QbnkLw_iTqY81W_Hrkizv7eTyBW-nBOA_YEoE7hnvy7R8qEY0FE/s1600/sudhagad2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="299" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj88IOpk2Uo99PJUfhoy_fOPuifVq5J8ICg-VNctyXqOLhmMhU2bxttFujv7ay9NezI_m0cZ4MtBXkeXs9SpcsEtpLX9QbnkLw_iTqY81W_Hrkizv7eTyBW-nBOA_YEoE7hnvy7R8qEY0FE/s400/sudhagad2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></i></b></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 19px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 17px;">How To Reach</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 17px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">One can reach Khopoli by bus/rail from Pune/Mumbai. From Khopoli direct transport to Pali is available.1) Kalyan - Pali - Pachhapur / Dhondase or 2) Kalyan - Nagothane - Pali- Pachhapur / Dhondase or 3) Kalyan - Khopoli - Pali - Pachhapur / Dhondase.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><b style="font-weight: bold;">Savashnicha Ghat (A pass of Savashni) :</b><br />
Come straight to Dhondase village from Pali village, which is at a distance of 12 km. It takes 3 hours to reach the fort from this place and the way is quite tiring. But it is straightforward; hence there are least chances to loose the way. We reach to Dindi Darwaaja by this way.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><b style="font-weight: bold;">Nandand Ghat :</b><br />
Move to west from Akole village keeping Dhangad to the left. We reach Nandand Ghat within 45 minutes. Next to that there is Bavdhan village. Then move towards Pachhapur village to reach at Thakurwadi. From here we can reach the top within 2 hours.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><b style="font-weight: bold;">From Pachchapur :</b><br />
The distance between Pali to Pachchapur is 12 km, whereas Pali to Thakurwadi is 13 km. You can walk from Pachchapur to Thakurwadi. From Thakurwadi, one has to ascend by a ladder. This route is not only slippery, but also exhaustive. It takes two hours to reach to the fort by this route. This way takes us directly to Pachchapur Darwaaja.</div><h2 id="section-Sudhagad-PlaceToStayEat" style="font-size: 1.6em; font-weight: bold; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 1em; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Place to Stay / Eat</h2><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">1.Approximately 50 people can stay in palace of Pant Sachiv. 2.Even Bhorai Devi temple is good place for a stay on the fort.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Food needs to be arranged by trekker. There are ppl on fort who can also prepare food and serve for few ppl as they don't have big infrastructure.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">There are many cisterns, lakes and tanks on the fort. Hence drinking water is available throughout the year. Pachhapur-Thakurwadi and Sudhgad Take adequate amount of water supply from Pali itself , water supply may be obtained at Pachhappur-Thakurwadi but it is difficult to ascertain whether its potable or not especially in the monsoon. Potable water is also available at the top of Sudhagad.</div><h2 id="section-Sudhagad-PlacesOfInterest" style="font-size: 1.6em; font-weight: bold; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 1em; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Places of Interest</h2><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">The perimeter of this fort is quite big. There are many lakes on the fort. There is a palace of Pant Sachiv on the fort, where 50 people can stay comfortably. Also there is a temple of Bhorai Devi, where 25-30 persons can be accommodated. Different kind of medicinal plants and trees can be seen in the surrounding forest.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><b style="font-weight: bold;">Bhoreshwar temple :</b><br />
There is temple of 'Bhoreshwar' near the palace. If we move further, we can see a well with a secret door. There are steps from palace to the 'Bhorai Devi' temple. If we descend towards the other route, it takes us to water cisterns, which hold good drinking water. The route on the left side of these cisterns takes us towards a secret door. But this route doesn't exist now.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><b style="font-weight: bold;">Pachchapur Darwaaja :</b><br />
If we enter to the hill through this door, we come across a plateau after climbing some distance. To the left is the temple of 'Siddheshwar', storehouses of food grains, some cisterns, a lake named "Hawaldar Tale" and "Hattimaal".On the right hand side we can see natural fortification of the fort.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><b style="font-weight: bold;">Takmak Tok of Sudhagad :</b><br />
After leaving the palace come up with the steps and turn to right hand side of the route. This route goes through 'Hatti Paga' (place where elephants were tied).It directly takes us to one peak. This peak is very similar to the cliff "Takmak Tok" on Raigad. From this peak Dhangad, Korigad, Tel-Baila can be seen very clearly. Similarly river 'Amba' and the villages surrounding it can be seen from this place.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><b style="font-weight: bold;">Dindi Darwaaja :</b><br />
The way from Ghat of Sawashni takes us directly to Dindi Darwaaja. This door is exact replica of the 'Mahadarwaaja' (main entrance) on Raigad. The construction and arrangement of this door is of the type called "Gomukhi" (in shape of cow's mouth). This door is well protected since it is hidden in between two huge bastions.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">There is one secret path well on the fort at the backside of the palace.It has one tunnel in it, but now it is dumped by mud. There is also a secret path to move down from fort in case of any difficulty. There are some tombs at the backside of the Bhorai Devi temple. We can find beautiful carvings on them.</div><div><br />
</div></span></div>randolph pereirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18263878917925072262noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2355919189240967310.post-75213494569781033382011-07-22T08:45:00.001-07:002011-07-22T08:45:35.819-07:00SINHAGAD FORT<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 17px;"></span><br />
<h2 id="section-Sinhagad-AtAGlance" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 1em; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">OVERVIEW</span></i></h2><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">District : Pune<br />
Height above sea level : 4320 ft (1317 m)<br />
Difficulty rating : Simple<br />
Base village : Aatkarwadi, Kondanpur<br />
Approx. time to reach : 2 hrs from both villages<br />
Best Season to visit : One can visit the fort round the year<br />
Duration : 1 Day</span></b></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia6in1WojemjDB5r9LsdOR9cwxN0OcIsXF6ChPjDFWdN6J0HoajgmzlLSQe9zHjytNbZbH7f1FMXmugmoLpQHkr0THj982B6ibiEdkLNRg_kPqi8olffJfTd4JDlJUOs9tY3OaKGKjkyj7/s1600/sinhagad-fort.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia6in1WojemjDB5r9LsdOR9cwxN0OcIsXF6ChPjDFWdN6J0HoajgmzlLSQe9zHjytNbZbH7f1FMXmugmoLpQHkr0THj982B6ibiEdkLNRg_kPqi8olffJfTd4JDlJUOs9tY3OaKGKjkyj7/s400/sinhagad-fort.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></b></i></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 19px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 17px;">How To Reach</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 17px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">PMT buses run every hour, from Shanivarwada and Swargate to the Sinhagad foothills (and back).</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">You can trek up the fort from here---this takes between 45 mins and an hour and a half uphill and between 30 mins and an hour downhill, depending on your physical condition. There are lime juice(limbu paani) and buttermilk(chaas) stalls along the route. It makes sense to carry a bottle of water or two. Be warned that the route is slippery in the rainy season.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">For those who do not want to trek up, you can get get off the bus at Golewadi, a stop prior to Sinhagad, and take a Jeep from here to the hill top (and back). Jeeps charge Rs.30-35 per person. Jeep drivers wait till they have collected around 6-10 people. The roads are steep and the ride takes 20-25 mins.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Another popular option is drive/ride your own car or two wheeler to the hill top---the roads are steep.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><b style="font-weight: bold;">Pune-Khadakwasala-Donje-Golewadi junction-Aatka :</b><i style="font-style: italic;"> From Swargate bus stand in Pune, board S.T.bus to village of Aatkarwadi. From here, a walk of one & half hour takes us to the topmost point. The path is bit tiring; hence early morning is best time to climb. Here we enter through Pune Darwaaja.</i></div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><b style="font-weight: bold;">Pune-Kondanpur :</b><i style="font-style: italic;"> From Swargate, one have to board the bus to Kondanpur, which is about 20-25 Km. On this way one, have to walk for 1 hour, and finally we reach Kalyan Darwaaja. This is comparatively easy way.</i></div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><b style="font-weight: bold;">Trekking from Katraj Ghat to Sinhagad :</b><i style="font-style: italic;"> It is a favourite of many trekkers. Board any bus via Katraj Ghat from Pune early morning, and alight at the tunnel of the Ghat. On the top of the tunnel is the peak known as Vrindavan, from where the trek starts. It is about 6-7 hours trek and we reach the fort by evening.</i></div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><b style="font-weight: bold;">Trekking via Vitthalwadi-Khadakwasala route :</b><i style="font-style: italic;"> From Pune, reach Vitthalwadi-Khadakwasala route. Keeping Sinhagad in view, we can reach the fort by a small way from Kalvantini’s bastion.</i></div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><b style="font-weight: bold;">Trekking via Vinzher :</b><i style="font-style: italic;"> On the Nasarapur-Velhe route, board the bus to the village of the Vinzher on the route and get the way to Kalyan Darwaaja.</i></div><h2 id="section-Sinhagad-PlaceToStayEat" style="font-size: 1.6em; font-weight: bold; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 1em; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Place to Stay / Eat</h2><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">On Fort there are plenty of Locals who serve Pithale Bhakri, Kanda bhaji (Onion Fries), Zhunka Bhakri, Thecha all local famous marathi dishes and hot tea. Don't miss the opportunity to have them there. Enough Drinking water is also available on top. Though there are no place to stay on top but trekkers can find shelter from Rain and wind in fort area.</div><h2 id="section-Sinhagad-PlacesOfInterest" style="font-size: 1.6em; font-weight: bold; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 1em; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Places of Interest</h2><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><b style="font-weight: bold;">Rajaram Samadhi :</b><i style="font-style: italic;"> This monument was built in the memory of Rajaram Maharaj. So, Friends this fort, rather a magnificent museum and the caretaker of many ancient remnants and monuments, should be maintained properly.</i></div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><b style="font-weight: bold;">Pune Darwaaja :</b><i style="font-style: italic;"> From Pune, via Aatkarwadi village, we reach Pune Darwaaja we come across three consecutive entrances, of which third one was built during the era of Yadavas. We can see fine sculpture on it. On the way here, we notice an entrance through a distance, which is called Dhondse Darwaja. To reach this there is a tar road.</i></div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><b style="font-weight: bold;">Khand Kada :</b><i style="font-style: italic;"> After entering Pune Darwaaja, we come across this peak from where we can observe the region of Purandar fort and the rivers Mula and Mutha.</i></div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><b style="font-weight: bold;">Kalyan Darwaaja :</b><i style="font-style: italic;"> This is the entrance to the fort for those who come via Katraj Ghat. In older days, this door was used for communication between Sinhagad and Raigad.</i></div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><b style="font-weight: bold;">Daru Kothar :</b><i style="font-style: italic;"> On entering Pune Darwaaja, on the right we observe the building, which was ancient storage for grains.</i></div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><b style="font-weight: bold;">Kondhaneshwar :</b><i style="font-style: italic;"> When we follow the way rightwards along the Rajsadar, we reach this ancient temple of Lord Shankar.</i></div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><b style="font-weight: bold;">Amruteshwar Mandir :</b><i style="font-style: italic;"> This temple of Bhairav is located leftwards to the Konadhaneshwar temple, at a few minutes walk.</i></div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><b style="font-weight: bold;">Statue of Tanaji :</b><i style="font-style: italic;"> On the way behind Amruteshwar temple, after going upwards for few minutes, we can see this admirable monument. Every year, in his memory, one day is celebrated here.</i></div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><b style="font-weight: bold;">Zunjar Buruz :</b><i style="font-style: italic;"> This bastion lies to the left after entering Kalyan Darwaaja and comprises the westernmost point of this fort. From here, we can have a glimpse of Rajgad, Torna, Lingana and Raigad and Purandar on the west.</i></div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><b style="font-weight: bold;">Tanaji Kada :</b><i style="font-style: italic;"> This pinnacle is quite thrilling and lies beyond Zunjar Machi. It is a great attraction for hikers.</i></div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><b style="font-weight: bold;">Western point :</b><i style="font-style: italic;"> This point, as it is named, is the westernmost and is the place to keep the watch.</i></div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><b style="font-weight: bold;">Kadelot point :</b><i style="font-style: italic;"> This peak lies at a few minutes walk from the western point, and is the most suitable place to keep a watch on the extensive Pune city.</i></div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><b style="font-weight: bold;">Bungalow of Lokmanya Tilak :</b><i style="font-style: italic;"> The bungalow of Lokmanya Tilak is situated on the fort. He used to come here many a times. His works like Geetarahasya were completed here. In 1915 Gandhiji and Tilak met here. Whenever Gandhiji visited Pune, he drank only the waters of Sinhagad. Once Netaji Subhashchandra Bose had come here. He was at the second entrance of the fort, which was the main one when Shivaji ruled. He stopped here and lost into his Shivaji’s memories, while chanting Tagore’s words. This place is really very inspiring.</i></div><div><i style="font-style: italic;"><br />
</i></div></span></div>randolph pereirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18263878917925072262noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2355919189240967310.post-54731991631203707262011-07-22T08:43:00.001-07:002011-07-22T08:43:09.386-07:00SINDHUDURG FORT<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 17px;"></span><br />
<h2 id="section-Sindhudurg-AtAGlance" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 1em; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><i>OVERVIEW</i></span></h2><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><b>District : Sindhudurg<br />
Height above sea level : Sea Fort<br />
Difficulty rating : Simple - No Hiking just a simple Trail<br />
Base village : Malvan<br />
Approx. time to reach : 20 min on ferry<br />
Best Season to visit : Fort is closed during Monsoon.<br />
Duration : 1 Day</b></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwiPSpzvTKDQlytE95hvmWPSLq8ZueT52VZyUv2k8L7vMvclyqwL9aRYU1udYZd8I6fI6OKswo6SnGsyzdycc3kacOmrMGjS2zV9b37RhRsyzDhAOeaOHZ6Yoqu1eBMqftuYhx4PPXihVH/s1600/image004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwiPSpzvTKDQlytE95hvmWPSLq8ZueT52VZyUv2k8L7vMvclyqwL9aRYU1udYZd8I6fI6OKswo6SnGsyzdycc3kacOmrMGjS2zV9b37RhRsyzDhAOeaOHZ6Yoqu1eBMqftuYhx4PPXihVH/s320/image004.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><h2 id="section-Sindhudurg-AboutAndHistory" style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 1.6em; font-weight: bold; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 1em; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><br />
</h2><h2 id="section-Sindhudurg-HowToReach" style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 1.6em; font-weight: bold; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 1em; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">How To Reach</h2><div style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">One can easily reach to Sindhudurg city by bus/train from Kolhapur/Pune/Mumbai. From Sindhudurg city one can reach Malvan. From Malvan one can reach the fort by ferry/jetty.</div><h2 id="section-Sindhudurg-PlaceToStayEat" style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 1.6em; font-weight: bold; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 1em; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Place to Stay / Eat</h2><div style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Hotels and place to eat is available at Malvan and Sindhudurg city.</div><h2 id="section-Sindhudurg-PlacesOfInterest" style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 1.6em; font-weight: bold; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 1em; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Places of Interest</h2><div style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">The fort was built with the help of huge rocks on the Kurte Island which amazes people & one appreciates imaginative power of Shivaji. In 1664 shivaji erected this fort on 44 acers of land. It took 500 stone splitters & stone breakers, 200 blacksmiths , 3000 labourers & hundreds of skilled artists who toiled very hard to complete this fort in three years. This is evident from stone inscriptions. Initially 3 K.M. long outer wall (Tat) was built. Average height of wall 10 meter and 2 to 4 meter broad in which liquid lead was used in the foundation. This wall today also stands impenetrable . The trick used in the construction of entrance door seems to be mastermind work. The technique was so deceptive for the enemy that they could not even realize from where the entrance door begins. Outer zigzag wall also built in a such a way that if the enemy would come to attack it would be visible from any side so that troops inside the fort could fire their guns and cannons effectively and humble the enemy . Crores of Hones (Goldcoins) were then spent to build this wonderful fort. Maratha king Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj built this fort on island of 'kurte'. In those days Malvan was used for ship building & repairing works. Then the city developed accordingly. It was a planned city with market area, Residence Offices etc. In Sindhudurg Fort there is 'Shri Shivarajeshwar temple' of King Shivaji. Also there are temple of Hanuman & Jarimari mandir and Goddess 'Bhavani Temple'. Impressions of shivaji's fingers prints found to be preserved here on one of the wall . Also lies, inside the fort worth seeing temples of Bhavanimata, Shambhu Mahadev, Jirimiri & Mahapurush. All are in good conditions.There is one rare coconut tree inside the fort which has two branches</div></div>randolph pereirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18263878917925072262noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2355919189240967310.post-34889242505232978952011-07-22T08:40:00.001-07:002011-07-22T08:40:33.439-07:00SHIVTHARGHAL<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 17px;"></span><br />
<h2 id="section-Shivtharghal-AtAGlance" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 1em; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">OVERVIEW</span></i></h2><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">District : Raigad<br />
Height above sea level : 3000 feet<br />
Difficulty rating : Simple<br />
Base village : Shivthar<br />
Approx. time to reach : Motorable road till fort is present. 15 minutes to the cavern from tar road.<br />
Best Season to visit :<br />
Duration : 1 day</span></b></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJllq2PL8l16A8QAxJ_-6nFCQ6kJ8wbqcYkS67Ntcc2AsFRbxneJDDtLz5k5zTFFWpuVzfabXwdgXKiLtLiEzN2GAAy5Y4JLKGBlQ8Fm7uNfII3z1SPKuB0YeZPDVJ5AqpNREB75eNUfhn/s1600/3693097879_955a51b844.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJllq2PL8l16A8QAxJ_-6nFCQ6kJ8wbqcYkS67Ntcc2AsFRbxneJDDtLz5k5zTFFWpuVzfabXwdgXKiLtLiEzN2GAAy5Y4JLKGBlQ8Fm7uNfII3z1SPKuB0YeZPDVJ5AqpNREB75eNUfhn/s400/3693097879_955a51b844.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><h2 id="section-Shivtharghal-AboutAndHistory" style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 1.6em; font-weight: bold; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 1em; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><br />
</h2><div style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><h2 id="section-Shivtharghal-HowToReach" style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 1.6em; font-weight: bold; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 1em; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">How To Reach</h2><div style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">This place is situated at: 1. 30km from Mahad 2. 200km from Mumbai 3. 90km from Pune</div><div style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">S.T. buses ply regularly from Mumbai, Kalyan and Pune to Mahad. Vehicles can take us up to the foothills of Shivthar Ghal. From here we have to ascend about 100 steps to reach the cave. This is the most convenient and trodden way. The villages that we pass through are Kumbhe Shivthar, Kasbe Shivthar and Ambe Shivthar. Another way to the cavern is through Kasbe Shivthar. One has to come via Gopya Ghat from Pune and has to follow the following route; Rajgad-Bhutonde-river Belvandi-Mountain of Kumbale-Gopya Ghat-Kasbe Shivthar-Shivthar Ghal. The route is tough and time consuming.</div><h2 id="section-Shivtharghal-PlaceToStayEat" style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 1.6em; font-weight: bold; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 1em; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Place to Stay / Eat</h2><div style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Good lodging facilities by Shivthar Ghal Shree Sunder math Samiti. Food needs to be arranged by trekkers or can take raw material to be cooked on top. Water is avalable in all season but it is advisable to carry water along.</div><h2 id="section-Shivtharghal-PlacesOfInterest" style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 1.6em; font-weight: bold; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 1em; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Places of Interest</h2><div style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Ascending the steps we reach the building constructed by "Shivthar Ghal Shree Sunder math Samiti". The organization has provided many facilities to all who come to this sacred place. They have maintained the sanctity of the place and keep it clean. In the main hall we see a portrait of Ramdas Swami. A small well-built path leads to the main cavern where Ramdas Swami used to meditate. This place is beyond our imagination. No words can describe its beauty. A waterfall outside the cavern adds to the beauty of the place. We can realize why Ramdas Swami chose this place to compose Dasbodha. On the plateau above the cavern, there are remnants of the palace of Chandrarao More, the sworn enemy of Swarajya. From here we can have a glimpse of Rajgad, Raigad, Pratapgad and Torna.</div><div style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 12px;"><br />
</div></div>randolph pereirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18263878917925072262noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2355919189240967310.post-34679777023461205782011-07-22T08:37:00.001-07:002011-07-22T08:37:44.266-07:00SHIVNERI FORT<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 17px;"></span><br />
<h2 id="section-Shivneri-AtAGlance" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 1em; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><i>OVERVIEW</i></span></h2><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><b>District : Pune<br />
Height above sea level : 3500 feet<br />
Difficulty rating : Medium<br />
Base village : Junnar<br />
Approx. time to reach : 2 hrs from base village<br />
Best Season to visit : Anytime except summer.<br />
Duration : 2 days</b></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMzuvQqORvTaaD33Wp9eLwhGcSP-J80L304bAwZDVPhPyeWuAUMeVbbE2zfA7VSm0jmEQDXkKJ7Y576XgshOmqH3NNZxlp-O-WLcSHrzNS7UY6TosUdIioXYlM-MjUBPpmvsyiq-wT27Ch/s1600/shivneri-fort-2442.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMzuvQqORvTaaD33Wp9eLwhGcSP-J80L304bAwZDVPhPyeWuAUMeVbbE2zfA7VSm0jmEQDXkKJ7Y576XgshOmqH3NNZxlp-O-WLcSHrzNS7UY6TosUdIioXYlM-MjUBPpmvsyiq-wT27Ch/s400/shivneri-fort-2442.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><b><br />
</b></i></span></div><h2 id="section-Shivneri-AboutAndHistory" style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 1.6em; font-weight: bold; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 1em; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><br />
</h2><h2 id="section-Shivneri-HowToReach" style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 1.6em; font-weight: bold; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 1em; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">How To Reach</h2><div style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">To reach on fort Shivneri first we have to reach Junnar. Distance between Junnar Bus stand and Shivneri is 2 km by road.</div><div style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><b style="font-weight: bold;">Ways to reach Junnar :</b><br />
1) From Mumbai or Kalyan one can reach Junnar via Malshej Ghat or via Khandala Ghat. Route via Malshej Ghat is the preferable as it takes less time. Buses ply hourly from Kalyan towards Junnar. Distance from Mumbai is approximately 100 km.</div><div style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">2) From Pune or Shivaji Nagar one can take buses for Junnar. Buses ply hourly for Junnar from these bus stands.</div><div style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">3) On Kalyan – Nagar road there lie two diversions: a) Bangar Phata b) Aale Phata. One can also descend at any one of these diversions and use local transport to reach Junnar city.</div><div style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><b style="font-weight: bold;">Ways to reach on Shivneri :</b><br />
1) A 2 km walk from Junnar bus stand takes us to the foothills of Shivneri, right up to the steps. This route is the main one, through 7 magnificent doors. These are named as follows:</div><div style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">On this side is the temple of Goddess Shivai. Shivaji was named after the name of the deity. This is situated in the place where stands the cave carved by the Buddhists during the Satvaahan era. To the right of the temple are few more caves. On the walls of second cave is an inscription. Two more are found on the walls of neighboring caves. In all there are 64 caves carved in the walls of mountain on which Shivneri is built. Many people traverse through this route, as it is very easy.</div><div style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">2) Second route to climb this fort is to ascend from the eastern face. This route is little tiring. From this route it hardly takes 1 hour to reach at the top from the base stand. On the way there is a temple of Hanuman. One has to take a path on the right side of the temple. This small path takes us to the reserved forest. In this forest there lays the path to reach to top. One has to be careful, as there are many paths that can mislead us. Traversing upwards for 20 minutes takes us to the rock cut caves on the eastern side of the fort. On the left we can see steps running upwards. After ascending this steps we can reach top in 10 minutes.</div><h2 id="section-Shivneri-PlaceToStayEat" style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 1.6em; font-weight: bold; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 1em; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Place to Stay / Eat</h2><div style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">One can make a stay on the fort in Shiv Kunj or Ambarkhana. Shiv Kunj is a suitable option among the two because of water cisterns is available near it. Food needs to be arranged by trekker itself. Food is available till Junnar.</div><h2 id="section-Shivneri-PlacesOfInterest" style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 1.6em; font-weight: bold; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 1em; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Places of Interest</h2><div style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">The fort has a significant shape, like an arrowhead, pointing towards the north. Someone has described this as an arrow pointing towards the tyrant Moguls of north, threatening about Shivaji Maharaj. It is surrounded by about 7-8 forts in the region, and was built to guard the city of Junnar and the ancient route of Naneghat. From the top of the fort we can have a view of Lenyadri, a famous pilgrimage and the Giant Meteoric Radio Telescopes of Narayangaon. <b style="font-weight: bold;">Shiv Janmasthan: </b><i style="font-style: italic;">This is the place on the fort where the birth of Shivaji Maharaj took place. This place is named as Shiv Mandir. Ahead of Shiv Mandir there is a huge water tank.</i></div><div style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><b style="font-weight: bold;">Kadelot point :</b><i style="font-style: italic;"> This is the place where prisoners were punished by throwing them down the fort. This point is on the northern end of the fort.</i></div><div style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><b style="font-weight: bold;">Shiv Kunj :</b><i style="font-style: italic;"> Shiv Kunj is a monument constructed by the state government, in honor of Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Inside Shiv Kunj there is an idol of Bal Shivaji and Jijabai made of "Panchdhatu" (An alloy of 5 metals.)</i></div><div style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><b style="font-weight: bold;">Kamani Masjid :</b><br />
In front of Shiv Kunj on can see this Kamani Masjid. It might have been named Kamani because the top of this structure is like bow that is called as Kaman in Hindi. On the east-facing wall there is an inscription in Urdu.</div><div style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><b style="font-weight: bold;">Ganga Jamuna :</b><br />
These are the water cisterns behind the Shiv Kunj. Water in these cisterns is potable. On whole of Shivneri there are more than 10 water tanks.</div><div style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><b style="font-weight: bold;">Koli Chauthara :</b><br />
This monument is built in the place where Mughals killed thousands of Koli soldiers in the year 1650.</div><div style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><b style="font-weight: bold;">Ambarkhana :</b><br />
Every fort needs to have a warehouse for its storage of grains and food products. Ambarkhana is the place where huge amount of grain can be stored. The caretakers here keep this place very clean.</div><div style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">When descending/ascending through the way near Ambarkhana all the seven doors of the fort can be visited. These doors help us to imagine the strength this fort would have given to its defender.</div></div>randolph pereirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18263878917925072262noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2355919189240967310.post-22311441379185318072011-07-22T08:34:00.000-07:002011-07-22T08:34:20.631-07:00SHIRGOAN FORT<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 17px;"></span><br />
<h2 id="section-Shirgaon-AtAGlance" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 1em; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><i>OVERVIEW</i></span></h2><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><b>District : Thane<br />
Height above sea level : Sea Fort<br />
Difficulty rating : Simple<br />
Base village :<br />
Approx. time to reach :<br />
Best Season to visit :<br />
Duration : </b></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO2lOqoeFCsSW15ZeJC7m_SXY-aT9K8TnBKR44llsY5Mh6jdqJDo_tX-IH7BX6f-wuP91XJacSUNEhhz9ba0RO4UPkcvHjpFQW3S2GeCxj-t3axaX6es7mwkW8MvgEo6Nn2c0zXPWfvRE4/s1600/Shirgaon+fort.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO2lOqoeFCsSW15ZeJC7m_SXY-aT9K8TnBKR44llsY5Mh6jdqJDo_tX-IH7BX6f-wuP91XJacSUNEhhz9ba0RO4UPkcvHjpFQW3S2GeCxj-t3axaX6es7mwkW8MvgEo6Nn2c0zXPWfvRE4/s400/Shirgaon+fort.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><b><br />
</b></i></span></div><h2 id="section-Shirgaon-AboutAndHistory" style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 1.6em; font-weight: bold; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 1em; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><br />
</h2><h2 id="section-Shirgaon-HowToReach" style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 1.6em; font-weight: bold; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 1em; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">How To Reach</h2><div style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">From Virar, which is the last station on western railway, board either shuttle or mail to reach Palghar station. From Palghar there are buses after every half an hour running on Satpati road. Take the bus and get down at the "Masjid" stop, which takes about 15 minutes. Auto-rickshaws are also available to reach this stop from Palghar station. After a walking distance of about 10 minutes one reach base of the fort. There is a school at the base.</div><h2 id="section-Shirgaon-PlaceToStayEat" style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 1.6em; font-weight: bold; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 1em; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Place to Stay / Eat</h2><div style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Complete fort can be seen within 45 minutes hence no need to stay. If required, arrangement can be made in the school. One can find hotels in Palghar.</div><h2 id="section-Shirgaon-PlacesOfInterest" style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 1.6em; font-weight: bold; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 1em; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Places of Interest</h2><div style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">The fort of Shirgaon is about 200 feet in length and 150 feet wide. The rampart of fort is 35 feet in height and 10 feet in width. There are four bastions at the four corners of the fort and one at the entrance. Above the entrance there is a nicely built pedestal which reminds us the memorial of Shivaji Maharaj.</div><div style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">To reach the on the rampart and bastions there are steps on the outer side as well as on the inner side of the rampart. Those on the inner side are not in use today.</div><div style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">There is one more entrance at the western rampart of the fort. It is not in use nowadays. From the rampart one see the beautiful seashore.</div><div style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 12px;"><br />
</div></div>randolph pereirahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18263878917925072262noreply@blogger.com0